St Helens Edition
April 2015
Let’s hear it for
Cover photo courtesy of George Groves Archive/Stephen Wainwright
George
Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Motoring... www.locallife247.co.uk
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Spring/Summer
FaShionS
Tapestry
moments
T
he weather at this time of year can, like any gardener knows, be a cruel companion.
One day’s warmth can lull you into thinking that spring is sprung, only to find the following day that there’s still a need for the cosy jumper you packed away 24 hours previously. As an eternal optimist, I see it merely part of the complex, yet fascinating, tapestry of this sceptred isle. Here at Local Life, part of our job is to inspire you, in our own small way, to experience a few of your own tapestry moments. That’s why our new look magazine includes old favourites such as Jack’s Tracks, and new features such as the Food & Drink section, our inspirational Eating Out Guide and a new and fully comprehensive local What’s On. And if you need any more inspiration, why not take a look at our feature on George Groves, who went from being a St Helens barber’s boy to Hollywood’s first ever sound man. Although born114 years ago, when opportunities beyond the local community, let alone this country, were in short supply for ordinary folk, George’s determination led him to become one of the movie world’s most celebrated sons, working alongside greats such as Al Jolson and Marlon Brando. Enjoy!
David Sudworth - Editor editorial@locallife247.co.uk TRADITIONALLY
FASHIONABLE
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In this issue Living with
What’s
dementia
on
18
38
Let’s hear it for
Test Drive
George
Qashqai
29
43
Brownie
Jack’s Tracks visits
pudding
Hoghton
35
46
Regulars 11 Puzzle Corner 22 Planning Matters 14 Class from the past
Telephone: 01744 649 722 38 What’s On 51 Useful Numbers
Sections 4 14 18 34
Local News 38 Events & Leisure Children & Education 43 Motoring Health 49 Home Services Food & Drink
Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Sales: Chris Pearce, Nicola Gray sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David Sudworth editorial@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter Bretherton
design@locallife247.co.uk
Distribution: Sally Boon
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Sutton Heath. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Extra Stores in Peasley Cross and Prescot. The next issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Peasley Cross.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.
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Arts honour for dedicated
Enid
A long-serving director who has dedicated 70 years to the arts and theatrical scene in St Helens has been honoured.
her first role was in The Student Prince at St Helens Theatre Royal. She became director of The Unnamed Players in 1986 and is still going strong, with her next production, Friends & Neighbours. taking place at the end of May.
Former Pilkington’s typist Enid Pennington, from The Unnamed Players, was given a Long Service Medal by the National Operatic and Drama Association. She also won the the Special Achievement Award for Number Six Region for Writing, Producing, Directing and Acting. On the evening in Southport, she was surrounded by family and friends. Also there for the occasion was Nicholas Wilding, son of Lady Pilkington, who had made the journey from Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. Her name now goes forward into a grand final in Manchester this May when she will be pitted against other experienced artists.
Enid, from Orchard Close, Eccleston Park, said “I didn’t come from a big, artistic family, although my parents were in the Newtown Church Choir. I had lessons from the legendary Thomas Burke over in Leigh, and he’d spend a lot of time telling me about when he sang at Covent Garden.
Enid, who went to Higher Grade School on College Street, has been treading the boards since she turned out in panto for Pilkington Amateur Operatic Society. In 1945, she joined St Helens Operatic Society and
Friends & Neighbours, is on at The Citadel on May 28, and 29. It’s a 7.30pm start and tickets are £8. Call Enid on 0151 926 6180.
“I stopped doing the operatic side of things in the late 1970s and now concentrate on directing. I enjoy teaching people something which I have a great love for. Once I get started on the subject of drama and its related topics, it is hard to shut me up as I have such an interest in it!”
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Councillor numbers Time is running out to have your say on plans to slash the number of borough councillors representing Whiston and Prescot by 25%. A consultation is being carried out to redraw local ward boundaries. Currently, there are three councillors serving each of the Whiston North, Whiston South, Prescot East and Prescot West Wards. Under proposals from the Local Government Boundary Commission, three new wards would be created; Whiston, Prescot North and Prescot South, with three councillors serving each area. These form part of a wider review across the Knowsley Council area to reduce the total number of elected members from 63 to 45.
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reduced? Max Caller, chairman of the commission, said: “We are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations. We are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.” If passed, the changes would come into effect for next year’s local elections. The deadline for comments is Monday, April 6. For more information, visit www.lgbce.org.uk/currentreviews/north-west/merseyside/knowsley
Bogus council caller alert St Helens Council is warning residents to be on guard after a number of bogus calls have been reported. The calls, from withheld numbers, are from people claiming to work for St Helens Council, offering assistance with legal claims for car accidents or industrial injury. St Helens Council’s cabinet member for environment and neighbourhoods, Rainhill’s Cllr Seve Gomez Aspron, said: “Trading Standards’ advice is to never give personal or financial information out to anyone who cold calls you on the telephone. Genuine businesses or organisations will never telephone you and ask for this sort of information. Be cautious and if in doubt, hang up.” If you suspect you have received a bogus call, speak to family or friends or contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040506.
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Invite to police
meetings
Locals are being encouraged to work with police to ensure the area stays as safe as possible. Among the issues officers are working on at the moment are bogus callers and burglaries in the Eccleston area and anti-social Behaviour in the area of Ridgewood Drive and Leighton Drive areas of Sutton. Upcoming resident meetings, which members of the public are welcome to attend, are as follows: Rainhill – Wednesday, April 29, from 7.30pm–8.30pm
at Elm Room, Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court Eccleston – Friday, April 24, between 2pm-3pm at Eccleston Library, Broadway Bold & Four Acre – Tuesday, April 28, between 7pm– 8pm, at Millersdale Community Room 6, Millersdale, Four Acre For more information, please email officers on sthelenssouth@merseyside.pnn.police.uk or call 0151 777 6052 (Eccleston), 0151 777 6056 (Rainhill), 0151 777 6057 (Sutton) or 01744 817358 (Bold).
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Church set for
demolition
A former church could be demolished for housing as part of a wider plan for new Methodist facilities in Knowsley. Anchor Builders Ltd want permission to knock down the old Whiston Methodist Church building on Dragon Drive and build six bungalows in its place. The building closed around five years ago, with the congregation joining the newly-branded Prescot & Whiston Church on Atherton Street. The Dragon Drive site plans are now out for public consultation, with the deadline for comments being Monday, April 13. For more information, visit www.knowsley.gov.uk - the application reference is 15/00091/FUL. Church leaders say they are hoping the cash windfall
from the sale of the Dragon Drive site will help create a new fmethodist acility on Atherton Street, Prescot. Plans for these have not yet been approved. They say: “Although our worship was enhanced with the two congregations becoming one, it was felt by many that a more suitable worship area was needed. “Plans have been submitted to Knowsley Council who have rejected our proposal because we are in the conservation area. A meeting has been held to try to negotiate a compromise but, to date, we are no nearer with our demolition plans. “In the meantime we remain positive and are continuing with our fundraising. The sale of our caretaker’s house should realise between £40-45,000 and another £90-100,000 could come to us from the sale of the Whiston church. “
Prescot pub site could be turned into flats Another local landmark could be facing the wrecking ball if plans are passed by Knowsley Council. An application has been lodged to knock down the Imperial Hotel, on Bridge Road, Prescot, In its place, there are proposals for a five storey apartment block, containing 22 units in total - 16 two bedroom flats and six, one bed flats. Agents on behalf of the applicant have told the council: “At present the building is not in use due to extensive fire damage to the building. The proposed design would greatly enhance and maintain the character and appearance of the area. The maintenance and upkeep of buildings will be the responsibility of the owner who will set up as pecific management company.
“If and once approval has been granted it is envisaged that the project will commence in August 2015 and completed in December 2015.” The plans are now available for comment at www. knowsley.gov.uk - the reference is 15/00123/FUL. The deadline for comments is Wednesday, April 8.
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11
Puzzle
corner
Guess where?
Photo courtesy of Rainhill Library
Sudoku
Wordsearch Hairstyles
Answers are on page 51 of this magazine
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Dreadlocks Crew Bob Mullet Bowl Afro
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Tribute to ex-Cowley
West Lancashire
Wigan
St Helens
Call 01744 649 722 The little magazine with a big reach
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To volunteer, call Geoff’s son-in-law-, Dave, on 07917 832613 or email dave.chadwick@ctrassociates.co.uk
AC U F TU N
Ex-Cowley Grammar pupil Geoff Carr, 67, had been working at Aintree Racecourse ahead of the Grand National. He was on site as a contractor with the family firm, Rainford Plumbing & Heating, when a gang attempted to steal his van. In the events which followed, he was crushed against a tree. He died around an hour later from a heart attack. Noone has been charged with directly causing Geoff’s death, although a 19-year-old was locked up after he admitted being a passenger in the stolen vehicle. Geoff’s family is now planning an annual memorial event, the first being a charity trek from the Red Rum
statue at Aintree back to Wigan, where Geoff lived, on Saturday, August 22. They need help from people to marshal the event, as well as participants on the day.
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Volunteers are being urged to step forward in memory of a St Helens-born father who died after thugs stole his van.
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Free publicity for YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser? If so, get in touch with us today! Local Life is distributed to over 100,000 homes across Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire. Each edition is crammed with stories for local events, and your group could be appearing in our next edition. The types of events we publicise are as follows: - Charity fundraising events - Local school, church or community fairs - Amateur concerts or performances by community groups - Talks which are open to the public
- Pleas from community groups or associations for new members - We’re also on the look out for old school photographs, street scenes from yesterday and we want to hear from you if your group is celebrating a special milestone. Simply contact our Editor David Sudworth with the details - what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can provide the information, the better the job we can do. So don’t delay – contact David today by emailing him directly at editorial@locallife247.co.uk
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Foster parent
appeal
Could you foster siblings or a teenager? St Helens Council has issued a call for those who are interested in giving a loving home to a youngster to get in touch. A spokesman said: “In St Helens, there is a particular need for foster parents to look after teenagers and brothers and sisters who want to stay together. Fostering can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. “You may have children of your own or experience gained in a work environment, or you may be keen to develop a career working with young people. “We offer allowances, training, help and advice. Should you take up the opportunity you will be
Class from the
helped at every step of the way by our support team. Applications are welcomed from those who are single, in a relationship, married or divorced, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. All are assessed on their own merits and the type of care you could offer a child is the most important thing. “By becoming a foster carer you can turn around the lives of young local people helping them to achieve their true potential.” For more information, contact 01744 671199 or you can email dutyfostering@sthelens.gov.uk Alternatively you can log on to the website at www. sthelens.gov.uk/fostering
past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Prescot School. It’s believed this photo was taken in 1965. Among those pictured are Roy Mansfield, David Stove, Tommy Taylor, Philip Battle, Bobby Fairhurst, Robert Mitcheson, David Smith, Stephen Lunt, Carl Beesley, Ian Brownbill, Kenneth Beesley, John Tretherton, Harold Peet, Colin Wheelock, Stephen
Brooks, Judith Butler, Linda Byron, Janet O’Conner, Susan Langton, Carol Heaps, Hazel Holland, Janet Lockley, Rose Hennessey, Carol Lever, Janice Hindley, Jeanette Wardale, Dena Lewis, Lorraine Parr, Joan Elliot and Sue Langton. If you have a photo you’d like to share, contact David Sudworth by emailing editorial@locallife247.co.uk
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Academy demand
soars
Leaders at St Helens College say they are seeing unprecedented numbers of applications to its 14-16 Academy. Places for the academy are limited and already over half the highly contested places have been allocated. The academy provides a choice for those looking to study practical work-related courses alongside core GCSEs. Students can complete Years 10 and 11 at the academy, studying a wide range of vocational courses from engineering, health and social care, performing arts, hospitality and catering to construction and sports. Academy students Ethan and Sian
Students have the potential to graduate from the academy with a total of 10 GCSEs, or equivalent. Vocational qualifications are career and employment related and college bosses say they have a more practical focus and relate learning to the world of work.
school and the best from a college environment and created a unique culture blend focused on student progression. This takes a lot of commitment and we expect all our students to achieve great things”.
Headteacher Caron Kerr said, “Places are limited, it’s a stringent interview process as we want those students who are dedicated, driven and ambitious. We have taken the best aspects from a traditional secondary
Parents and students have a final opportunity to come along to the last open evening of the year on Wednesday, April 22, from 5pm to 7pm at the college’s Pocket Nook Campus.
School and college improvements on the cards Improvements are being planned for three St Helens schools - and the town’s college also wants to extend. Proposals currently being looked at by planners include schemes for Eccleston Mere Primary, Merton Bank Primary and St Mary & St Thomas Primary. For Eccleston Mere, on Saleswood Avenue, proposals are currently out for public consultation for ramped accesses to existing classrooms, a repositioning of playgroup fences and the erection of an external play equipment store. For Merton Bank, on Merton Bank Road, the proposals are for play equipment at the school. A decision is due
soon on this. And at St Mary & St Thomas, on Barton Close, the plan is for a new single storey extension to the existing building. Both this and the Eccleston Mere plans are currently open for public comment - have your say at www. sthelens.gov.uk Meanwhile, St Helens College’s Waterside Campus could see its dining room extended, with plans for landscaping of the existing internal courtyard. A decision on this plan is also expected soon.
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Health & Fitness
A problem we mustn’t
forget
By Lisa Salmon
T
he movie Still Alice hasn’t just scooped Julianne Moore a Best Actress Oscar, it has also put dementia in the spotlight.
The story, about a doctor who discovers she has early-onset Alzheimer’s, will no doubt resonate with millions - and for British composer Ilan Eshkeri, who wrote the film’s haunting soundtrack, it was also a chance to express his own experience of the illness. Eshkeri’s grandmother has Alzheimer’s, and he says her battle, and the fact two of his friends lost family members to the condition (director Matt Whitecross and Ash lead singer Tim Wheeler, whose fathers both had Alzheimer’s), was behind his decision to create the score for Still Alice. “The subject matter for me was very important. My grandmother has old age dementia, which has been hard for my family,” says Eshkeri, 37. “It really connected with me and I knew I had to do it. “Emotionally, I found it quite a cathartic experience,” he admits. “Some of the lines in the film really hit me, and the process did take me to some dark places.” The condition is touching more and more lives - more than 856,000 people in the UK now have it, and numbers are rising steadily, with one in every 14 people aged 65 and over affected. “People with dementia can go downhill very fast, or they can stay well for as long as possible,” explains Professor June Andrews, director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, whose new book - Dementia: The One-Stop Guide - aims to help improve the quality of life for people with dementia, and make life easier for those close to them.
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Professor Andrews’ top tips for keeping an active mind If you don’t use it, you lose it - keep thinking and doing. Meet other people and talk; gossip is good. Join a book group and read new things. Learn how to do a new dance; exercise helps your brain. Bingo, crosswords - whatever hobby you’re most likely to stick with, keep it up.
Stay well with dementia Exercise - whatever you enjoy, you will be more likely to keep up. Hydrate - people who are dry get confused, and also get infections. Socialise - it makes a real difference, make phone calls or get a pet. One glass of red wine or champagne a day is said to work but don’t ever get drunk - it destroys brain cells and you need to conserve them. Stop smoking - the sooner the better because the benefits start on day one. Make design changes in your house to increase light and avoid falls.
“Going downhill fast is expensive and unpleasant, and this book gives the information you need if you’re seriously attempting to stay as well as possible for as long as possible,” she explains. She points out that many people with dementia don’t get a proper diagnosis, and if they do, they’re often not given any useful information about how to help themselves. “This is getting a little better, but it’s a lottery,” she warns. There are many lifestyle changes that can help keep symptoms at bay a little longer, Andrews says, stressing that one of the most important of these is exercise, which appears to protect the brain. Mental stimulation is also vital for people with dementia, from simply doing crosswords to playing bingo. Other potentially worthwhile approaches include not smoking, only drinking in moderation, eating a healthy diet, taking vitamins, getting good quality sleep and socialising. Andrews warns that while some medication for Alzheimer’s can temporarily delay the disease process, other dementia treatment is for symptom control and keeping well. There is currently no cure, and if/when the dementia gets to the later stages, and the patient no longer even recognises family and friends, it can be heart-breaking.
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But, she advises: “You should always assume that they are with you right to the very end. They may not be able to communicate with you like they used to, but chances are you’re communicating with them, and they can Professor June Andrews tell from your touch or your smile or the tone of your voice that you’re there, and they’re safe.” Dementia: The One-Stop Guide by Professor June Andrews is published by Profile, priced £9.99. Available now. For more information about dementia, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk
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Planning matters Rainhill
Windle
Hard Knott, Mill Lane: Conversion from dormer bungalow to two storey dwelling (ref: P/2015/0157). The consultation deadline is April 10.
7 Rutherford Road: Erection of a two storey side and rear extension, and front porch. (ref: P/2015/0156). A decision is due soon.
25 Malhamdale Avenue: Two storey side extension and single storey extensions to the front and rear. (ref: P/2015/0169). A decision is due soon.
Prescot
Eccleston 19 Forest Mead: Single storey rear extension. (ref: P/2015/0188). The consultation deadline is April 3. Eccleston Park 62 Fairholme Avenue: Erection of two storey side/rear extension and single storey rear. (ref: P/2015/0159). The consultation deadline is April 2.
21 Huyton Lane: Single storey rear extension and single storey front infill extension to form a new entrance and ground floor WC. (ref: 15/00131/FUL). The consultation deadline is April 3. Whiston 118 Windy Arbor Road: Car parking area to the front, lowering of kerb and repositioning of any street furniture (ref: 15/00163/FUL. The consultation deadline is April 9.
For more on the Rainhill, Eccleston and Windle plans, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk. For the Prescot and Whiston plans, visit www.knowsley.gov.uk
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Let’s hear it for
George!
David Sudworth looks at how George Groves went from being a St Helens barber’s boy to Hollywood’s first ever movie sound man
A
t first glance, it looks just like any other small shop in St Helens town centre. Examine it more closely, however, and 57 Duke Street’s claim to fame becomes clearer.
On the Hamer Street side, just above head height, is a blue plaque marking it as the birthplace in 1901 of George Groves. Nowadays, it’s a printer cartridge shop. Back then, it was a barber’s, amid a parade of businesses owned by local folk. George, like many children in the street, lived above his father’s place of work, and along with his cousin Charlie earned pocket money as a lather boy, preparing men’s faces for shaving The humble surroundings gave little indication of the star-studded life he was set to lead. By the time of his death in 1976, George had sealed his place in history. Not only was he Hollywood’s first ever sound man, working on the first feature-length ‘talkie, but he also won three Oscars and feted as a true pioneer of the silver screen. He’d also rubbed shoulders with some of cinemas biggest stars, such as Bela Lugosi, Peter Sellers, Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando and Alfred Hitchcock. Of the latter, George said: “I look back on my association
After receiving his Oscar for My Fair Lady with Claudia Cardinale and Steve McQueen
with Hitchcock as one of the great privileges of my tenure of office at Warner Brothers. He’s an absolute delight. He knew what he wanted, knew how to get it and got it with the minimum of fuss and was courteous and gentlemanly to everybody concerned. I really loved Alfred Hitchcock.” Not bad for the boy from the barber’s shop. Rainford-born Stephen Wainwright is recognised as being one of the leading authorities on the works of George Groves. The 60-year-old, who has lived in Sutton since 1985, works on behalf of the Groves family as its archivist, and has created a website dedicated to George’s works.
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George Groves was born on December 13, 1901, at Duke Street but five years later the family moved to 47 Owen Street, Thatto Heath. They later went on to live in Speakman Road and then King Edward Road, Dentons Green. George studied first at Ravenhead Junior School in Nutgrove and then at Cowley Grammar School. He began working professionally aged 14 when he played the cornet in the orchestra at the Hippodrome Theatre in St Helens. “A conductor of a touring opera company did later offer him a full-time job playing on the road as a professional musician, but his father put his foot down and insisted that George continued his education,” says Stephen. Groves family archivist Stephen Wainwright “My interest began when I was a member of St Helens Film Society and alerted to a campaign begun by George’s sister Hilda Barrow to obtain recognition for his achievements. Back then, I was then a mature student on a television production course at St Helens College and chose George’s story as the subject of a documentary project. I interviewed her when she was in her 90s on several occasions at her home in Sefton Park, adjacent to a railway line. We had to do a number of retakes as the trains regularly hurtled past interrupting the sound!
George won a scholarship to Liverpool University, graduating in 1922 with an honours degree in engineering. The university placed him with the PealConner Telephone Company in Coventry, a division of General Electric, making wireless receivers. While on leave with his family in St Helens, he met and fell in love with Olga who was a Tiller Girl, a popular dancing troupe named after its manager, Blackburn-born John Tiller. She was staying with her sister in the town but when the troupe secured a lengthy stint on
“In one later interview Hilda told me she’d had a nice letter from the British Film Institute (BFI) and they agreed that George should be honoured. She’d been working on it for two years and wanted something done while she was still alive.” The BFI had been alerted after Hilda’s local MP at the time, David Alton, lobbied Prime Minister John Major. Hilda’s dream finally came true on June 22, 1996, when the plaque was unveiled at Duke Street. Stephen said: “Hilda passed away in 1998 at the age of 95. I later promised her daughter Doreen that I would create a website about George which I launched 10 years ago. It took several years to set it up. I’ve since had many requests from broadcasters, film companies and societies worldwide for photographs and other material.”
Hilda unveils the plaque at 57 Duke Street in 1996
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Broadway, New York, with top entertainer Fred Stone, George was determined to follow her. He applied for a number of positions in the US and was interviewed by Western Electric Research Laboratories’ director of research, Harold D. Arnold, who happened to be in England at the time. He was unable to offer George a job as such, but gave him his card and invited him to call into the Western Electric offices for a chat if he ever managed to get to New York. Armed with that card, George left Liverpool for the Big Apple on December 1, 1923. Fortunately, the company was sympathetic to the man who had travelled 3,000 miles on an off-chance and offered to place George within their Research Service Department. This led to a period of work within the team that were researching film sound. Experiments to bring voices to the silver screen has been in the offing for around 30 years, but cinematic purists were hostile to this new invention. Even the great Charlie Chaplin declared that: “Moving pictures need sound as much as Beethoven symphonies need lyrics”. Nevertheless, progress continued and George subsequently became the first production recordist and the first music mixer that the film industry ever had. And it’s his work on the ground-breaking 1927 production, The Jazz Singer, with Jolson, for which he’s most noted. The musical was the first featurelength motion picture with synchronised dialogue.
With Jazz Singer star Al Jolson The first words spoken were from Jolson ad-libbing: ‘Wait a minute, wait a minute, you ain’t heard nothin’ yet.” In total, there is barely two minutes of talking, much or all of it improvised for a film which cost $422,000, almost double the usual budget for that era. So close to the bone it came financially that the studio company boss, Harry Warner, stopped taking a salary, pawned his wife’s jewellery and moved into a smaller apartment. His gamble was to pay off handsomely as it grossed in excess of $2m at the box office. George made such an impression on Jolson that he insisted on George recording all his future pictures, and the appreciation was reciprocated, with George saying: “Jolie was a wonderful, wonderful man. We were very good friends and I had to do all of his shows. He was a greater entertainer off the stage than on. Any time he was off stage and relating some story or anecdote to a group of people, they would stand around absolutely spell-bound.”
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In a career with Warner Brothers that spanned almost half a century, George won three Oscars for Best Sound for his work on classics Yankee Doodle Dandy, Sayonara and My Fair Lady. He also had a hand in pioneering quadrophonic sound, which legendary producer Stanley Kubrick used in his 1971 classic A Clockwork Orange. By the 1970s, George was suffering from increasing heart problems. On September 4, 1976, he had a fatal cardiac arrest. The funeral was held at the Forest Lawn cemetery in Hollywood Hills with his coffin draped with both the British Union flag and the American Stars and Stripes.
The Scene Stealer connection George wasn’t the only Hollywood success story in the Groves family. He was distantly related to 1930s actor Herbert Mundin, who was also from St Helens and appeared alongside heart-throbs such as Clark Gable (Mutiny On The Bounty, 1935) and Errol Flynn (The Adventures of Robin Hood, 1938).
Of his death, his sister Hilda recalled: “He had numerous heart attacks and had a pacemaker and he was very proud of that pacemaker and he used to get his friends to put their hand on his chest to feel that pacemaker. But in the end he had a very severe heart attack and that was it - the end of a really marvellous life. “He’d brought sound to the silent screen and made so many people famous. Warner Bros became famous and Al Jolson became famous for all the pictures that he made.” For more information, visit www.georgegroves.org.uk
Herbert Mundin Nicknamed The Scene Stealer for his facial expressions, Herbert was born on August 21, 1898. His mother, Jane, was previously married to George Grove’s great uncle, Thomas, who she tied the knot with on New Year’s Day, 1884, at Christ Church, Eccleston. Thomas, however, was beset by mental problems and had spent time at Rainhill Asylum. He eventually killed himself by jumping out of the first floor window at 57 Duke Street - the same building where George was born in 1901. Jane went on to marry Herbert’s father, William, and they lived at 206 Windleshaw Road, although it seems the family left St Helens for St Albans within a few months of Herbert’s birth. Herbert died in a car accident in Los Angeles, aged just 40, and was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery, California. His mother and father are buried at St Helens Cemetery.
Relaxing with Pink Panther star Peter Sellers
For more information on Herbert’s life, visit www. herbertmundin.org.uk
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34
Food & Drink
Great American
bake off by Kate Whiting
I
f Mary Berry is the reigning queen of baking, then Tarek Malouf is surely next in line to the throne. The founder of the exceedingly good Hummingbird Bakery brought cupcakes back into fashion, when he opened the first of his six bakeries back in 2004, and is about to publish his fourth - and eagerly-awaited - cookbook, Life Is Sweet. It’s the result of a three-week road trip around his spiritual baking home, America, which took him from New York to Atlanta, New Orleans and Dallas. He stayed with friends and relatives, and demanded one thing: that they show him the best desserts in town. “Many of the recipes are regional or known in an area in the US, but not known here in the UK,” he says. “Because American bakery is not too familiar to British people, it’s the equivalent of me writing a book on Indian cookery or Thai cookery - you’re teaching a new audience about something that’s already in existence that’s amazing, and you want them to experience it yourself.” They all feature names that defy your mouth not to water; Gooey Butter Cake, Molasses Pecan Crumb Cake, Red Velvet Ice Cream and Alabama Little Layer Cake. “The rise is home baking is really nice to see,” adds Lebanese-born Malouf, who moved to London when he was two. “People are rediscovering the fun you can have making things yourself” For Malouf, the roots of American baking are steeped in traditional British recipes, but with added ingredients from the country’s rich melting pot of natives and immigrants. “We used to visit the US once a year, and I have a couple of aunts and cousins who live there, so we used to stay with them. “I developed a real taste for American desserts and cakes.” Fancy American-inspired cake? Here are a few of Malouf’s new recipes for inspiration. The Hummingbird Bakery: Life Is Sweet: 100 Original Recipes For Happy Home Baking by Tarek Malouf is published in hardback by Fourth Estate, priced £20.
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Brownie
pudding This baked pudding ends up with a soft brownie-like texture and is incredibly easy to make, as it doesn’t really require much in terms of assembly and mixing. Once it’s ready, the top will be firm to the touch, but the middle will still be soft and gooey, so the skewer test shouldn’t be used here.
Makes a 23 x 32cm tin Ingredients For the pudding: 245g plain flour 31/2tsp baking powder 3/4tsp salt 295g caster sugar 30g cocoa powder 250ml evaporated milk (unsweetened) 2tsp vanilla extract 50g butter, melted 200g chopped pecans For the topping: 275g soft light brown sugar 60g cocoa powder 750ml hot water (boil then let cool slightly)
Method Preheat the oven to 175C/Gas 4. Grease a 23 x 32cm tin with butter. To make the pudding, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cocoa in a bowl. Using a freestanding electric mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand-held electric whisk, beat the evaporated milk, vanilla and melted butter into the dry ingredients until smooth. Fold in the pecans by hand and spread the mixture evenly in the tin. To make the topping, mix the brown sugar and cocoa together and sprinkle over the mixture in the tin. Pour the hot water over the entire pudding. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is firm to touch. Leave to stand for five minutes before serving.
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Eating out
guide Griffin Inn The Griffin Inn in Eccleston is an excellent restaurant which has gained a well-deserved reputation in the local area for the quality of its food, service and value for money. 01744 27907 Church Lane, Eccleston WA10 5AD griffininn.co.uk
Quattro’s A family run Italian restaurant situated on the Rainford By-pass at Bickerstaffe. Being just off the slip road of the M58 makes this an ideal location for meeting friends and business lunches. 01695 720800 54 Rainford Road, Bickerstaffe, Ormskirk L39 0HF quattros.co.uk
Toast Coffee House & Cafe Soak up the atmosphere in a vintage inspired interior or dine “al fresco” in the courtyard. Serves breakfasts, lunch or afternoon tea, along with coffee and tasty cakes. 01744 730999 149 Dentons Green Lane, St Helens WA10 6RG toast-cafe.co.uk
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Colours Restaurant
Larkins
A unique fine dining experience in the heart of St Helens, cooked by the College’s catering students, in an avant-garde restaurant. Limited opening hours – see website. 01744 623155 Water Street, St Helens WA10 1PX sthelens.ac.uk
Renowned town centre restaurant serving breakfast, lunches and evening meals six days a week (closed Monday). There’ll always be something to whet your appetite. 01744 613731 110 Crab Street, St Helens WA10 2DJ larkinsrestaurant.co.uk
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Call 01695 627999
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Earl grey tea
pie
Tea in the US South is drunk often, but almost always iced and sweet. We have used Earl Grey tea to give added flavour to this recipe, but any black tea of your choice can be used. If you’re not using Earl Grey, which is flavoured with bergamot, you can omit the grated fruit zest.
Method Preheat the oven to 175C/Gas 4.
Makes a 23cm pie
If using shop-bought pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 5mm thick and line a 23cm pie
Ingredients
dish. Crimp the edges to suit your decorative style and
500g block shortcrust pastry, or 375g ready-rolled shortcrust pastry
Using a freestanding electric mixer with the paddle
225g unsalted butter, softened
chill in the fridge for one hour. attachment or a hand-held electric whisk, cream the butter and sugar together for around five minutes on a
430g caster sugar
medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
8 large egg yolks
Add the egg yolks, one at a time, on a lower speed,
175ml strong Earl Grey tea, lukewarm
scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
1tbsp fresh lemon juice
Carefully add the tea, lemon juice and mandarin zest to
1tsp grated mandarin zest (or clementine, tangerine or orange zest)
cornmeal and salt - don’t overbeat at this stage.
2tbsp plain flour 11/2tsp yellow cornmeal (polenta) 1/2tsp salt
the mixture and mix in well. On a low speed, add the flour, Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for about 45 minutes. The pie should be quite firm, but still have a little wobble when you move the dish. Cool completely before serving - it will set as it cools down.
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Events & Leisure
What’s Easter Garden
on Easter Egg Hunt
Thursday, April 2-Saturday, April 18
Saturday, April 4
Free garden themed children’s activities, including a funfair, in Church Square, St Helens town centre.
Held from noon-4pm at the North West Museum of Road Transport, Hall Street , St Helens. Free heritage bus rides, souvenir shop open and light refreshments available Family ticket £10 (2 adults 2 children), adults £3.50, concessions £3. Children £2.50. Under 5 free. Children will go home with souvenir mug and egg.
Keeping Safe Tuesday, April 7 Older Person’s Health & Wellbeing Club at Prescot Library, Aspinwall Street, from 2pm-3pm. Complimentary refreshments.
Planting Workshop Tuesday, April 7
Blue At The Apollo Friday, April 3 All rise - Blue are back! The boyband-turnedmanband will be at the O2 Apollo on Stockport Road, Manchester, as part of a 16-date UK tour. The lads, Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe, Antony Costa and Duncan James, got back together after a six year hiatus, and they’re sure to be playing all your favourite hits! Starts at 7pm and under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets from £28.95 via www. o2apollomanchester.co.uk
Activities from 11am-2pm courtesy of local garden centre Suregrow at Church Square in St Helens town centre.
Easter Holiday Club Tuesday, April 7-Thursday, April 16 Run by Paparazzi Dance Studios for five-10 year olds at Ruskin Leisure complex, Ruskin Drive, Denton’s Green. Call 07584 901842 for more details.
NAWC Meeting Tuesday, April 7 The Haydock branch of the National Association of Women’s Clubs holds an open evening at St James Parish Centre, Church Road, at 7.30pm. Refreshments provided. For further information, contact 01942 393925/0788 7560003 or email christinemartin49@ gmail .com
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Painting Workshop
Mr Bloom in St Helens
Wednesday, April 8
Saturday, April 11
A paint your own safari-themed ceramic plant pot workshop at Church Square in St Helens town centre from 11am–3pm.
Children’s TV favourite Mr Bloom will be at Church Square in St Helens town centre from noon-3pm.
Barn Dance
St Helens Choir Festival Wednesday, April 8 Held at Lowe House Church, North Road, St Helens, starting at 7pm. All proceeds raised going to Willowbrook Hospice. Admission is £3 on the door with further details available from John Beirne on 07779 240658.
History of Nursery Rhymes Thursday, April 9 Talk from J. Finney to the 89 Society at Lester Drive Centre, Eccleston, from 7.45pm. Call 01744 26813 for more information.
Saturday, April 11 Sixth annual event of its kind in aid of the Rainhill Gala. Takes place at the village hall, Dane Court, and features Two Left Feet. Tickets are £10 and available from Oakwood Pre-School and Bridge Barbers, Warrington Road.
Craft Fair & Farmers’ Market Sunday, April 12 Held at Inglenook Farm on the Rainford Bypass from 10am. Over 50 stalls selling local and regional produce. Free entry.
Easter Eggspedition
Spring Crafts Thursday, April 9 Spend an hour at Eccleston Library, Broadway, making crafts from 2pm. Free and all welcome.
Sunday, April 12 Family-friendly event held by Newton & Earlestown Community Group at the Visitor Centre, Mesnes Park, from 2pm. All welcome.
Rainhill Garrick Society presents...
A Hilariously Funny Comedy
‘IF I WERE YOU’
by Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by Lynn Aconley
Showing on Thurs 14th, Fri 15th, Sat 16th
May 2015 Ticket prices adults £6 Concessions £5 7:30pm start (Doors open at 7 o’clock)
For tickets call
0151 430 9431 or pay at the door.
Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, off Weaver Avenue, Rainhill, L35 3LU Parking FREE After 6pm
www.rainhillgarrick.co.uk
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Reef Reptiles Tuesday, April 14 Meet and greet reptiles from 11am-2pm at Church Square in St Helens town centre. All welcome.
Aliens and Monster Crafts Thursday, April 16 Go along to Eccleston Library, Broadway, and make your own scary creatures from 10.30am. Free event.
Irish Famine Talk Thursday, April 16 St Helens Family Townships History Society welcomes Ian Winstanley for a talk entitled The Great Hunger Irish Famine. Starts from 6.45pm for 7pm at St.Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square.
The Hollies Saturday, April 18 The Hollies perform their classics including The Air That I Breathe and He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. Takes place at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets from £23.50 via www.liverpoolphil.com
Motown Experience Thursday, April 16 Featuring The Formations, this ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown is back in Preston. Tickets £20 and the performance at the Charter Theatre, on Lancaster Road, Preston, starts at 7.30pm. Telephone 01772 804444.
Anecdotes of a Registrar
The Bradshaws Saturday, April 18 Takes place at St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street. Tickets cost £10 - call the box office on 01744 756000.
Get Into Golf Sunday, April 19
Carol Codd returns to the National Trust St Helens branch. Takes place at 7.30pm in the Lecture Theatre, United Reformed Church, Ormskirk Street, St Helens. Non-members will be asked for £1 donation to the National Trust.
Free taster sessions for women and girls at Grange Park Golf Club, Prescot Road, from 2pm-4pm. All ages welcome, absolute beginners to experienced golfers – all equipment provided. To reserve your space, contact Alison or Denise on 01744 26318 or email secretary@grangeparkgolfclub.co.uk
Tribute to Doug Darby
Della Robbia Pottery
Thursday, April 16
Thursday, April 16
Monday, April 20
Paul Shackcloth leads this talk at the Newton-leWillows branch meeting of the Locomotive Club of Great Britain. Takes place from 7.30pm at The Pied Bull Hotel, High Street, Newton-le-Willows. Free admission. Visit www.lcgb.org.uk for more information.
A talk from Coiln Simpson on this subject takes place at St Helens Historical Society’s meeting from 7.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Church Street, St Helens. All welcome. For details, call 01744 23141 /754962.
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Spring Online
Meet Pugalugs
Tuesday, April 21
Friday, April 24
Drop-in sessions at Rainhill Library, View Road, and Eccleston Library, Broadway, from 2pm which shows you how to use the libraries’ online catalogue.
Go along to Eccleston Library, Broadway, between 3.45pm and 4.45pm to meet the cuddy dog who inspired the book, as well as his owner Jessica Parish.
Saxophone Recital
Handel’s Messiah
Thursday, April 23
Saturday, April 25
St Helens Sinfonietta event from 2pm at Ormskirk Street United Reformed Church. Tickets cost £6 and can be ordered by calling 01744 600846 or 07914 114635.
St Helens Choral Society event at 7.30pm in St Thomas’ Church, Westfield Street. Choir and orchestra conducted by Alan Free. Tickets £10 or £1 for under 16s. Call 01695 625500, order at info@ sthelenschoralsociety.org or pay at the door.
Liverpool’s Lost Villages Thursday, April 23 Talk by Ken Pye to Prescot Historical Society’s annual meeting at Prescot Parish Church, Church Street, from 7.30pm. Cost £1.50 for non-members.
Scoutaround Thursday, April 30, - Saturday, May 2 The St Helens Scout and Guide Gang Show. Takes place at the Theatre Royal, St Helens, starting at 7.15pm. Tickets are available from Jennifer Tickle on 07742 383176 at £8 each - reductions for parties of 10 or more
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Quadrophenia Night Saturday, April 25 Featuring the a set from The Atlantics, who are playing all the hits from the film live with a big screen film show of the movie. DJ Drew Stansall, formerly of The Specials, will be spinning the Mod, Ska, 2 Tone and Soul tunes before and after the band. Takes place at The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens. Doors open at 9pm. To check availability of seated tickets, please call the box office on 01744 735 436.
Reach an estimated 70,000 readers in St Helens Ad prices start from £30 + VAT Call 01744 649 722 for details
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Al Murray Pub Landlord Thursday, May 14
Gregory Porter Wednesday, May 13 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, on The Promenade, welcomes this award winning jazz artist. Californian-born Porter won the 2014 Grammy for best jazz vocal album, Liquid Spirit. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets from £28.90 via www. atgtickets.com
Join the nation’s favourite guv’nor for a 20 year anniversary of his straight-forward approach to life, holding back a tide of bottled beer, nanny state nonsense and political correctness. Starts at 7.30pm at Parr Hall, Warrington. Tickets from £25.50 via 01925 442345.
Jewels of the Centuries Saturday, May 16 St Helens Sinfonietta event from 7.30pm at Ormskirk Street United Reformed Church. Tickets £10 from 01744 600846 or 07914 114635.
Good Neighbours Day Diabetes Meeting Wednesday, May 6 Dr Niall Furlong gives a talk to Diabetes UK’s St Helens branch on coping with diabetes alongside other medical conditions. Held from 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church, King Street, St Helens town centre. Call 0151 480 0821 for more details.
VE Day 70th Anniversary Friday, May 8 Live music from Easy Street Big Band at The Viaduct Sport & Social Club, Earlestown. Tickets £5 with light refreshments included via secretary@necg.org.uk
If I Were You Thursday, May 14-Saturday, May 16 Rainhill Garrick Society performances at Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, from 7.30pm. Tickets £6, concessions £5. Call 0151 4309431 or pay on the door.
89 Society AGM Thursday, May 14 Starts at 7.45pm at the Lester Drive Centre, Eccleston, and includes a talk from A. Cross on the Snows of Kilimanjaro. Call 01744 26813 for further details.
Saturday, May 16 Organised by the Friends of Henley Park and takes place in the Warrington Road facility, noon to 4pm.
Child Emigration Thursday, May 21 St Helens Family Townships History Society welcomes Pat McEvoy for a talk entitled Child Emigration. Starts from 6.45pm for 7pm at St.Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square.
Have Your Say Thursday, May 28 Talk by Jessica Saunders on the local NHS. Hosted by St Helens National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Takes place from 6.30pm at St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square. Call 0845 458 3969
Prescot Festival Friday, June 19-Sunday, June 28 Various locations - tickets go on sale on May 1. For more information, visit www.prescotfestival.co.uk
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Test drive
Nissan
Qashqai by Tim Barnes-Clay
T
he latest Nissan Qashqai, which went on sale in January 2014, is available in four time-honoured grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna. The model tested here comes in flagship Tekna trim. But we’ll come to that in a bit.
Firstly, here’s some background. The second generation, family oriented car is now longer, lower and wider, giving it a more imposing stance while maintaining a raised driving position. The vehicle under review is front-wheel drive, the set-up which Nissan says will account for most sales, but all-wheel drive is available too. The Qashqai’s exterior looks modern and there’s a better quality feel to the cabin - perfect for many years of hardcore family use. The rangetopping Tekna model features an array of technologies that highlight the Japanese motor manufacturer’s lead in the crossover market. But hang on, what is a crossover vehicle? Well, it’s a motor built on a car platform, combining characters of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with elements from an estate or a hatchback. The crossover mixes SUV design cues such as tall interior packaging, lofty seating, high centre of gravity and elevated ground-clearance with car-like handling and good fuel economy. Anyway, back to the Tekna trim Qashqai under review. The Nissan benefits from darkness piercing Bi-LED headlamps and it excels when it comes to kit. The car comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, part-leather seats, a large glass roof, heated seats,
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and front and rear parking sensors. There’s also a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, and smartphone connectivity.
1.2 engine emits just 129g/km of CO₂ (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), and has an average fuel consumption figure of 50.4mpg.
The Qashqai is available with a petrol or diesel engine; the review car came with turbocharged petrol power. But it turns out that the Nissan doesn’t need anything huge under the bonnet to deliver a first-rate drive.
Being a family car, you’d expect safety to be a priority for the Qashqai – and you’d be right. The Nissan features a host of innovative safety features which helped it confidently pass all Euro NCAP’s tests to
Motoring through a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.2-litre engine packs a punch, offering sharper acceleration and greater flexibility than the first generation Qashqai’s 1.6-litre unit. Despite its modest size, the engine’s low weight and more fuel-efficient operation also mean it’s cleaner and more economical than the model it replaces. The
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Max speed: 115 mph 0-62 mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4 Engine: 1197cc 4 cylinder 16 valve petrol turbo Max. power (bhp): 113 at 4500 rpm Max. torque (lb.ft): 140 at 2000 rpm CO2: 129 g/km Price: £23,800 on the road
84 Rainford Road, Billinge, WN5 7PG
01744 895 333 or 07918 138 231 19 Tatton Court, Kingsland Grange, Warrington, WA1 4RR
01925 818 180 or 07918 138 231
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record the maximum five-star rating. Engineered to offer the best possible levels of protection for children, the fresh Qashqai particularly shone in the Child Occupant tests. Based on readings from the dummies used in tests, the Qashqai scored maximum points for its protection of an 18-month old infant.
Billinge &
Rainford Service and MOT Centre
On that basis alone, I’m sold on the car – but then I do have an 18 month old and two other small children to take to school. I can definitely see the appeal – and so, it seems, do other parents. Yep, buy this car and your offspring will be safe from harm – even if it means you lose all individuality amongst the sea of Nissan Qashqais outside the school gates.
Free pick up and drop off service available
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46
Jack’s Tracks
Houghton
Bottoms by Chris Pearce
I
t’s been on our list of proposed walks at Local Life HQ for a good while now, so on the first decent weekend in March we headed north to try out a scenic trek around Hoghton. There are plenty of landmarks on this easy-to-follow route to interest all the family and at just over 4½ miles, it wasn’t too demanding either. Don’t forget to take the camera; this walk incorporates some fascinating and varied views of the rolling Lancashire countryside. Enjoy! Exit the A675 at Junction 3 of the M65 and take the first left at the roundabout following the Hoghton Tower signpost. After a 1/3 of a mile, you’ll pull into the Boat Yard Inn car park on the right (postcode PR5 0SP). There is a sign saying walkers are welcome, but do check with the pub staff first. Once you’ve parked up, exit the car park and turn right on to the main road, go over the canal bridge and then take an immediate right turn down the canal towpath. Follow the canal towpath for 1.2 miles and just before the third bridge (No.93) and the mill chimney, you’ll leave the towpath and almost double back on yourself, following a public footpath that runs downhill parallel to a green metal fence. Follow the green fence all the way downhill around the perimeter of an old paper mill. When you reach the end of the green fence, you’ll find yourself standing on a concreted area. Head over in the direction of the newish housing estate on high ground. Once you reach the stream below the houses, head left walking on the path alongside the stream for 200 yards until you reach the main road (A6061). Turn left on the main road, cross the border from Blackburn into Chorley and look out for the public footpath sign at the end of the row of terraced houses
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on the right. Turn here and head uphill up the dirt track. On your way up the hill, you’ll pass Hawthorn Cottage on your left, but you turn off to the left when you reach the 7 bar metal gate shortly before the entrance to the large farm house. Head straight on this public footpath, keeping to the right hand perimeter of the field, and look out for the wooden gate with a public footpath symbol. Once through the gate turn left and stick to the left hand perimeter, until you cross into the next field, where you’ll walk straight down the middle of the next field looking out for the wooden gate on the right hand side upon which you enter a wooded area. Once you are though this gate into the wooded area, turn left. You’ll be following this path downhill all the way through the wooded area, for approximately 300 yards, jumping over little brooks as you go as you descend to the banks of the River Darwen. Once you’ve passed through the gate at the end of the path, you’ll enter a meadow running parallel to the Darwen. Once you’ve walked through the meadow, you’ll have a choice of paths to follow; take the option to follow the path running alongside the river.
You cross a couple of wooden bridges, and then you’ll arrive at the handsome weir, and then almost directly afterwards, you’ll walk under the Hoghton Viaduct and into the delightful little enclave of Hoghton Bottoms. Keep to the left and once you arrive at the Old Counting House, fork left and head uphill along the track. Once you’ve climbed the hill, the track runs parallel to the railway line.
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Gib Lane
Chapel
Lane
Hoghton
A6061
Pleasington
Hoghton Tower
nR d
oa
B52
1
Lee d
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Mould
Liv erp
PR5 0SP
ool
Can a
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74
A6
75
A6
Look out for the opening which takes you across the railway, and once you get there, cross carefully, taking care to look both ways. Head up hill, through the old railway bridge and go straight on until you come to the walled boundary of Hoghton Tower. Bear right and follow this path, taking in some fabulous views of Preston and the Lakes, around the perimeter for just over half a mile until you reach the main driveway to the Houghton Tower. After a breather to take in the majestic view of the Tower, cross the driveway and go through the metal gate opposite. Climb uphill on the left hand perimeter of the field and hop over two wooden stiles in quick succession. Take the path straight across the field, looking over your shoulder for a farewell view of Hoghton Tower. As the hill dips, head towards the wooden stile in the distance. Once you’ve crossed this stile, head straight on down the well-defined path towards the stile in the far corner of the field next to the farmhouse.
This brings you onto a track, which you follow towards the Royal Oak pub at Riley Green in the distance. Turn right at the pub and then take the immediate left turn down Bolton Road. Follow the road for 500 yards and you’re back at The Boat Yard Inn.
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.
sey
A606
Live
rw en
lto
Riley Green
Da
Bo
59
Riv er
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The photo on page 11 is of Rainhill Road, Rainhill