LocalLife St Helens Edition
April 2018
Stars shine for
George Pages 30 - 32
First & Last - Paul Wellens Pages 18 - 19
Ashton & Bamfurlong Walk Pages 42 - 45
Win tickets to The Beatles Story Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Event2Go Health Home Services locallife247.co.uk
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The lawn
T
ranger
hey’ve done it again. Every year it happens. It’s as inevitable as the sun rising in the morning and yet they always beat me to it. I’m talking about neighbours mowing their lawns. For me, it’s a tad early but now the firing gun has been activated at Acacia Close. See, the over-wintered lawn can lull you into a false sense of security. While not looking as lush as it does in say mid July, it appears reasonably orderly until the Joneses at number 20 whip out the Flymo (disclaimer: other brands are available) and make your patch of God’s earth seem like an unkempt mess. I had considered knocking on just before Christmas in order to suggest that we may have a peace treaty until perhaps mid April. Alas, amid the melee of seasonal doings, I forgot about it and am now cursing myself. I do realise the above is what most people would file under ‘First World Problems’ but they don’t understand my pain. I want to get out there and give the lawn a good lashing but am constrained by the fact that, at this time of year, by the time I get home, it’s either teeming down or the best of the daylight is behind me. Yes, there’s the weekends but once the neighbours start cutting, they can be two or three mows ahead of me by the time I’ve retrieved the strimmer from the depths of the shed. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that this year they have, yet again, beaten me, but I shall be calling round next winter with a peace offering and a firm plan of action. Hopefully, they’ll say yes, otherwise I’ll have to drink that bottle of sherry myself...
David Sudworth, Editor
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In this issue Stars shine for
George
30 Win tickets to
The Beatles Story
Regulars 12 Puzzle Corner 34 Events2Go 24 Class From The Past 42 Jack’s Tracks 26 Planning 46 Test Drive
Sections 6 Local News 26 Health 46 Motoring
48 Gardening 50 Home Services
Next issue - May 2018
Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 17 April Published - Friday, 27 April
36 More
Carrot
39 Jack’s Tracks visits
Ashton & Bamfurlong 42 Test Drive
Skoda Octavia vRS Estate 46 locallifemagazine247
LocalLife Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01744 649 722 Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Clare sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David, Niamh sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 14,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Sutton, Eccleston Park, Windle, Grange Park, Nutgrove, New Bold and Waterside Village. The next issue is delivered to over 11,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. 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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events2go
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Pushing the boundaries A St Helens man is walking along the entire length of the borough boundary to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Ste Lingard has organised the challenging 42.5 mile walk, which starts and finishes at Haydock Park. It follows the Borough Boundary (as near as public rights of way and road safety permit) anti-clockwise, around Billinge (including Billinge Lump), Rainford, Eccleston, Rainhill, Bold, Parr, Earlestown, Newtonle-Willows and Haydock. But for such a gruelling task, the schedule isn’t kind with a 4.15am meet at Haydock Park before starting at 4.30am. Contenders will be beating the
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Ste at the finishing line of last year’s walk pavement until about 8.15pm when the walk is set to finish at Haydock Park (via Lowton entrance). Many, many years ago there was a custom known as ‘Beating the Bounds’. This took place each spring when an assortment of local officials, children and people alike would walk the boundaries of their parish. The purpose of the event was to teach participants – especially young ones – the boundaries of their parish. The ceremony also served a social purpose, helping bring the local community together in a convivial experience. Ste revived the tradition last May: “We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and raised almost £2,000 for St Helens Mind.” This year, he will be raising funds again for St Helens Mind, the local mental health charity, once more. If you’d like to donate please visit https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SteLingard or find out more about the charity at www.sthelensmind. org.uk
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Grape expectations Rainhill could soon be home to a new independent wine retail shop. The former laundrette at 3 Dane Court is currently vacant, and developers are hoping to breathe some life into the property. If planning permission is approved, the independent wine retail shop and bar, will sell wines by the glass and the bottle to take home or to drink in. The bar will have capacity of approximately 40 people. As well as a selection of beers and spirits, there will
be a small selection of tapas/cold deli plates to buy alongside wine. Wine-tasting/information evenings will take place regularly. Opening hours will be: Monday-Friday 10am to 12.30am; Saturday 9am-12.30am; Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am-12.30am. However, the early opening hours are to cover the retail side and drinking in the bar will not be encouraged until after 12pm. A decision on the planning application is due to be made soon.
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Taking care of business St Helens Business Fair 2018 is right around the corner and everyone’s invited.
There will be hundreds of visitors from the business community, a programme of free business seminars, business info and advice, and networking opportunities.
Said to be the largest business networking event in the North West, organisers say last year’s St Helens Business Fair attracted over 500 companies from Merseyside, Lancashire and beyond.
St Helens Chambers Business Fair has said exhibiting can help raise company profiles and allows businesses to showcase products and services to potential customers, generate sales leads, recruit new distributors, suppliers or partners and demonstrate new products and services.
The free event includes a Business Exhibition showcasing companies from all over the business sector.
Looking to target new customers in 2018?
The fair is on Thursday, April 26, from 10.30am-3pm, at Haydock Park Racecourse. If you’d like to take part in the event, it’s £99+VAT for St Helens Chamber Members and £149+VAT for non-members. For more information, or to book your stand call Rachel Wellens on 01744 742028 or email rachel. wellens@sthelenschamber.com.
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 Leaflets delivered from only £24.50 per 1,000 Delivered to areas throughout Wigan, Chorley, St Helens & Leigh Design, print & distribution packages also available
Call Sally on 01695 627 999 for details or email sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
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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Slash and Byrne He’s the star of BBC’s Mock The Week - and now Ed Byrne is heading to St Helens. Ed Byrne will be at the Theatre Royal this May for his Spoiler Alert show. It’s 20 years since the Dublin-born comedian burst onto the scene, and in that time he’s appeared in a diverse range of shows such as Father Ted, and All Star Mr & Mrs. His love of natural history has crossed into television with appearances on The One Show (abseiling in Snowdonia), Countryfile (climbing Sgùrr Dearg, the ‘inaccessible pinnacle’ on Skye) and presenting items on Volcano Live (BBC). As he prepares to launch himself upon St Helens with another touring show, Ed is firmly of a belief that the current breed of parents spoil their kids rotten whether it’s to do with the ever-increasing size of garden trampolines, or his own kids’ demand for elderflower cordial. “My dad wasn’t a bad dad, he was just a 1970s dad. I could never see my children ever again from this moment on, and I’ve already done more parenting then he did in my entire life. But, of course, I made a conscious decision that I was going to be an awesome dad. My wife will come back with tales from her friends of how awful their husbands are and she’ll see me smiling and say ‘alright, stop congratulating yourself just because such and such can’t be left alone with their children for two minutes’.” In his new touring show, Ed compares and contrasts the old-school child-rearing days with 21st century methods and suggests that there are different ways to learn how to be a mum or dad. “I grew up in what I would call an aspirational household in that my parents bettered themselves over the course of my childhood.”
Spoiler Alert also continues a theme that he’s tackled in previous shows, that of his gradual shift from being a working-class Dubliner to a fully paid-up rural-residing member of the middle classes. Where once he would do routines slating 4x4 owners, he is now the proud(ish) owner of such a vehicle. And in the poster for his tour, he brandishes other signifiers of social mobility: a bowtie and chainsaw. “It’s one of two I own: that one is the smaller of the two, “I use it for firewood, both for my wood burning stove and also for the barbecue. The first time I used one I was fine, though I think it worried my parents that I had bought a chainsaw.” Spoiler Alert is on at St Helens Theatre Royal on Wednesday, May 9. For details about this and more events in the St Helens area, check out our Events2go section on pages 34-38.
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Brushing up on their skills St Helens College is celebrating a series of apprenticeship successes. Six apprentices studying towards their NVQ Level 2 in Painting and Decorating and employed by Bagnalls, North West have successfully completed their level 2 apprenticeship. Adam Knowles, 18, Lewis Smith, 18 and Scotty Gresty, 18, Liam Birchall, 26, Jordan Smith, 20 and Ryan Mayers, 24 started their apprenticeship with Bagnalls and St Helens College in 2015 and completed their qualifications in 2017. Going above and beyond, Adam Knowles was crowned the Junior Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) last year.
Terry O’Keefe, Lecturer in Painting and Decorating at St Helens College said: “It’s great to see the success of the Bagnalls apprentices. I wish them all the success for the future and look forward to seeing them back at the College for their level 3 apprenticeship in the autumn.”
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Puzzle Corner
SUDOKU 2
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WORD SEARCH - Shakespeare
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Find the hidden words in the word search grid E
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MACBETH CORIOLANUS JULIET POEM VERONA
COMEDY SONNET PERICLES ANNE VENICE
WORD MIX UP - Shakespeare Unscramble the letters to make a word
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GLOBE ROMEO PLAY TRADGEDY OTHELLO
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NUMBER BLOCK
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17 9 23 6 2 16 3 4 21 13 18 22 24 26 The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.
TEARHET
The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the
TEAMHL CLANBOY TESTPEM
totals to the right.
WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: At the Start
SLUJIU CARSEN SHENAT LAWMILI FELTWHT HITGN
Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.
E H F G
B T R N
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All the puzzle solutions are on page 54 of this magazine
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A photo of a Trolleybus 387 taken in Prescot on its last day of operation in the town
Back on the (trolley) buses! A trolleybus which last served St Helens 60 years ago is making a pogniant return to the town. Trolleybus No 387 (BDJ 87) will be on display at the North West Museum of Road Transport, Hall Street, from late
May. It will be in its old depot, in the museum which was its former garage. The trolleybus system closed on June 30, 1958. To mark the occasion, on Sunday July 1, there will be many former St Helens diesel
15 buses visiting the town to give free rides to the public on former St Helens trolleybus routes. The event starts at 11 am to 3pm. In the museum will be displays of trolleybus photos taken from many collections and covering every route in the town from 1927 to 1958 Trolleybus 387 (BDJ 87) was sold to Bradford City transport in 1958 and last ran in 1971 when it was purchased for preservation by an enthusiast for the sum of ÂŁ140 It will be on loan to the museum for at least 2 years and will be on view throughout this period at weekends from 11am -3pm. For more informatrion on the North West Museum of Road Transport, visit www.nwmort.co.uk
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A hall for all? Loyola Hall could soon be the site of a brand new hotel if planning permission goes ahead. Signature Living Group (“SLG”) own Grade II Listed Loyola Hall on Warrington Road in Rainhill and hope to develop the property to create a hotel with ancillary uses. There are 47 rooms including the Bridal Suite for wedding events in the proposal, as well as two function spaces, a gym and spa, restaurant and
dining facilities and reception/waiting area and bar. Guests will be looked after by 45 full-time employees. Gillian Pinder, Clerk to Rainhill Parish Council said in documents: “The Parish Council welcomes investment in this significant building which is a valuable asset to the village, and support the principle of the proposed use. “But until further details are available to allay the concerns raised, the Parish Council cannot support the application in their current state.”
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First &
Last
Paul Wellens talks about his life and career with Niamh Ollerton
V
eteran St Helens full-back Paul Wellens describes himself as a ‘one club man’ as we sit in Starbucks at Windle Island.
I went to primary school at St Teresa’s, and to high school at De La Salle. It was a good school and it was big for rugby. “I’m very proud of where I come from. I love the town, and I love what it stands for. Working class towns and people really band together. “You talk to people in the street, and they never sugar coat anything. I find it refreshing. St Helens people tell it how it is and you know where they stand. “Growing up in St Helens, rugby was always on my doorstep. My big brother Kevin played for St Helens in the 80s and my dad was a coach. St Helens was big in the family. “Rugby League is quite parochial; there’s a real identity. St Helens is a working class town and you represent that.” First Car
Paul is a local lad through and through. He’s still a proud St Helens resident and lives with his wife Rachel, and their three children Harry, Ava and Joseph. During his career Paul made 495 appearances for St Helens, was a Great Britain and England international and won every domestic honour over a 17 year period. He made the decision to retire in 2015 at the age of 35 following a long-standing hip injury. But with a new career at St Helens as a coach, there’s still a lot more to see of Paul. “I was born here and I’ve never lived anywhere else.
My mum used to drive a brown Vauxhall Nova which was shared between me and Claire. First Home It was a mile away on Windle Grove, and a couple of years later we had our first child. It’s quite a big deal when you buy your first property. First Club Lowie’s in town. It was the place to be at the time. I was one of those lads who even at 24/25 needed to be ID’d. First St Helens Memory Probably being in the Juniors. We went on a 2/3 game tour of Ireland. That was when I thought there
19 could be something long-term for me here. First appearance for St Helens I made my debut on 18th August 1998. It all happened very quickly. I was given a chance to go for the first team. Looking back to the games before, they were my opportunity to see if I could compete at that level. Those four games were my audition and I passed it. First piece of sporting advice When I was quite young and I first got into the academy team, I’d argue my cause if I felt I needed to, and my dad said there’s a time and a place for it. He said: ‘Hear everything, see everything and say nothing. First you have to earn that respect.’ He was my moral compass at times. It was great to have that bit of guidance. First Grand Final win as Captain Winning Super League title in 2014 was unbelievable. I’ve been really lucky over the years, but winning a trophy and lifting it with friends is an incredible feeling. I played the game because I loved it, but if you don’t celebrate those moments then what’s the point. Last Game My last game was our Wigan defeat on Good Friday 2015. I was a bit 50/50 whether or not to play. I could hardly walk during the second half. When I walked off it was me done. I’m a one club man, when you start playing you hope for some success. I never imagined I’d be with the club as long as I was. I left the game knowing I had no more to give. It was a difficult decision for me to get my head around because it’s always been about rugby for me. Last thought as Captain Being Captain was a big thing. It was a real challenge and I probably didn’t know the enormity of it. It was the pinnacle point of my career. Last team memory When you play with those guys, you instantly have a bond. I’d liken it to people who’ve been in the army,
when you’ve spent that much time with each other, sometimes more than your family. Announcing retirement It was a lot bigger than I thought. A few months had passed since my last game and I announced my retirement on a Wednesday morning. I didn’t know the enormity of it. It was quite overwhelming. To the future I’m enjoying the coaching side. It took me two years to break away from Paul the player to Paul the coach. I realise I’ve got a lot to learn and I’m keen to carry on developing. Last piece of advice to rugby hopefuls Learn from your experiences and take the opportunities as they come along.
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Bike aid Buzz Hub St Helens Coalition of Disabled People has taken on a project to help those less fortunate in the Caribbean. The CDP is working with Merseyside Police and the Liverpool Commonwealth Association to service cycles to be sent to the Caribbean.
to the Port of Road Town in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
In 2017 several small Caribbean islands were left devastated in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria. And as motorised transportation on the islands have been reduced, there’s an urgent need for bicycles.
Elaine Hughes, CDP Manager said: “We’re looking for donations and volunteers who have experience in bike maintenance. If anyone could find a way to help with servicing these bikes, we’ll take any help that’s available.”
Although the project is in the early stages, a shipment is due to leave in July from Merseyside
To support the project, please email info@ sthelenscdp.co.uk call 01744 453343.
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Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Sutton National School (aka Sutton Nash). It’s believed the photograph was taken in the 1950s. Can you spot a
familar face? Do you have an old class photo you’d like to share? If so, we’d be delighted to receive it simply email it to sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk
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Planning Matters Rainhill
Eccleston
3 Dane Court: Change of use to A4-drinking establishment and will include a small outdoor seating area (ref: P/2018/0195/FUL).
Catchdale Moss House, Catchdale Moss Lane: Erection of 10no stables (8no stables for horses/ ponies, 1no stable for hay store and 1no stable for walkway area.) (ref: P/2018/0181/FUL).
Commercial Hotel, 12 Station Street: Single storey rear extension with enlargement of beer garden and boundary fencing along with a smoking shelter (ref: P/2018/0103/FUL). Loyola Hall, Warrington Road: Change of use of existing buildings and all associated works to create hotel and ancillary uses (ref: P/2018/0113/LBC).
St Helens 23-27 George Street: Change of use from Retail A1 to Restaurant A3 (ref: P/2018/0136/FUL). 71 Corporation Street: Change of use from offices (B1) to chiropractic and acupuncture clinic (D1) with associated services (ref: P/2018/0088/FUL).
For more information on these plans, visit www.chorley.gov.uk
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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
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30
Stars shine for
George Niamh Ollerton talks to the 11-year-old Eccleston lad who rallied an army of celebrities in honour of his younger brother
I
t’s safe to say not many 11-year-olds have Ben Shephard, Stevie Gerrard, John Bishop and Michael Owen on speed dial. But George Mathias from Eccleston is rubbing shoulders, or rather pounding the pavement a mile at a time with celebs up and down the country raising funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – an organisation extremely close to George’s heart. On January 1 2017, George, who attends De La Salle High School set out with a mammoth task at hand – to run a mile for every month he’d had his little brother James whose life was saved by Alder Hey when he was just five weeks old. That meant 75 miles in total. Having surpassed that target and then some, George decided his running boots weren’t ready to be hung up, and to up the ante, George decided to do a marathon for every year he’s had James – a whopping 208 miles. This brotherly love has touched the hearts of many and George’s fundraising has taken off, with many celebrities’ eager to get involved and nominating their famous pals to follow suit and #RunwithGeorge But with Pride of Britain Award, a Points of Light award, Liverpool
31 “I treat it like a hobby, it’s just the best thing ever; meeting new people, running in different places, helping others, and achieving something.” His dad Richard added: “George had been watching me and my wife Sue do things for the charity and he said he wanted to do something himself. I said ‘you’ll have to make it big’ – and we’ve never looked back since then.” George set up his own charity, the ‘Run with George Foundation’ and so far has raised over £57,000 for Alder Hey, helping many sick children get much needed care. And his efforts have not gone unnoticed. In November last year, George was presented the Pride of Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year Award. George admits: “It was pretty amazing. Meeting the people you only see on TV, like The X Factor judges, Peter Andre, Rod Stewart, and I met Prince William which was really special. I felt like I’d made my country proud.”
Pride of Merseyside award, and over £57,000 raised for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as just a few of the accolades George has under his belt it’s not over yet… But how did it all start? When James Mathias was just five weeks old, his dad Richard and mum Sue were faced with their baby being unresponsive for a feed. He was suffering from Bronchiolitis, an acute infectious disease of the lower respiratory tract which affects very young infants. He was rushed to Whiston Hospital where 12 doctors tried to wake him, and was then sent to Alder Hey Emergency and put into an induced coma for three days. You can only imagine what the family went through but dad Richard happily admits ‘He’s been fit and well ever since.’ George said: “Alder Hey saved James’ life and I thought of doing a mile for every month we’ve had James. But after we passed the 75 mile target I felt I could do more.
His dad Richard continued: “We knew he’d won but we didn’t know how much of an impression he’d made.
32 “He said he wanted to get to 100 miles at the Pride of Britain. After that I said ‘Look, you’ve done it. You’ve done what you set out to do’ and he said he didn’t want to stop.” George continues to show his dedication to the cause, and is now taking on his latest challenge of running 208 miles, which makes a marathon for every year James has been alive. And to kick off the New Year, Dermot O’Leary was the first to boot up with George. Richard said: “Dermot is the nicest guy, and that run came about because he presented George with his Pride of Britain award. “And Ben Shephard is the nicest bloke you will ever meet in your life. You know when someone just gets it? He’s a superstar.” Over the past 15 months, a lot has happened for the Mathias family as Richard admits ‘it’s been a pretty full on year.’ But the whole experience has worked wonders for George. George said: “In the beginning, when I was interviewing people I was speaking like a little robot, and this has really helped with my shyness, and I’m getting more confident about being on camera.” Richard added: “Even in that first video with Jon Wilkins, the Saints captain, who is a friend we’ve known for years, you see George’s knees knocking, but when I look at him now, it’s so nice for a parent to see how far he’s come. “This has been the making of him.” But with more miles to rack up it isn’t over yet for #RunwithGeorge Richard said: “Michael Owen is running with us next on Sunday, March 25 at his stables. “George has been invited to the running awards at the O2 in London on Thursday, April 19 and he’s won the Inspirational Figure in Running award. “We’re doing a ball on Friday, June 22 with Alder Hey. We’re just sorting out the funding but it’s going to be big and Ben is hosting it.” As a sign-off, I asked the Young Fundraiser of the Year what piece of advice he could give to people
hoping to achieve something great. George said: “Think of an idea and try your best. Don’t be scared of anything and get out there and do it. You have to put the work in and push yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Richard added “But you’ve got to keep on going.” And George agreed “Yeah I’ve got to keep on running.” If you’d like to donate or find out more about #RunwithGeorge please visit... Website runwithgeorge.com RunWithGeorgeUK RunWithGeorgeUK
33
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34
Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook
events2go
GIANT Easter Duck Hunt
Charles Chipperfield Circus
Saturday, March 24, to Sunday, April 8
Wed, Apr 4, 5pm; Wed, Apr 4, 7.30pm; Thurs, Apr, 5, 5pm; Thurs, Apr 5, 7.30pm
Dusty Duck needs your help to help him find the GIANT yellow ducks. Use your detective skills to find 25 cheeky birds to win a treat and certificate (50p entry). Go to otter talks and feeds, white stork feeds, have a muddy adventure and more. Search Martin Mere online for more info. WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 0TA. Tel: 01704 891220
There’ll be flying trapeze, wheel of death, free standing ladder, roller skating, circus clowns and much more. Tickets between £16-£40 from 07500 365231 or via www.ticketsource.co.uk Sherdley Park, WA9 3
MHA - St Helens Brew & Chat
PetsAtHome Easter Activity
Thurs, Apr 5, 1pm-2.30pm; Thurs, Apr 12, 1pm2.30pm; Thurs, Apr 19, 1pm-2.30pm
From Friday, March 30, 12pm-12.30pm to Thursday, April 12, 12pm-12.30pm (12 dates)
Mental Health Awareness support group at Mill Street Barracks. Enjoy a brew and a chat and make new friends along the way.
Kids can meet the rabbits and learn about looking after pets. Attend a free workshop for the chance to win a wild Peter Rabbit themed adventure in the Lake District! Register for the free half hour workshops at http://community.petsathome.com/ workshops/ Pets at Home St. Helens, Unit 9 Ravenhead Retail Park, St Helens, WA9 1JF. Tel: 01744 750686
Dog Mania - Liverpool Sat, March 31, 9am-5pm, & Sun, April 1, 9am-5pm Merseyside Dogs Home’s most ambitious event yet. The only indoor dog show where you can bring your own dog. Adult tickets are £10, family tickets are £30, but dogs go free! Tickets can be found at www.dog-mania.co.uk/buytickets/ Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Kings Liverpool, L3 4BX. Tel: 0151 475 8888
Dock,
St Helens Sea Cadets, Mill Street, St Helens, WA10 2BB. Tel: 01744 20193
Coffee Morning Sat, April 7; Sat, June 9; Sat, Sept 15, 10am-12pm Rainford Senior Citizens & Social Committee welcome everyone to their coffee mornings. Contact Arthur Singford on 01744 882533 for info. Rainford Church Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB. Tel: 01744 884709
Electro80s live at Windle LC Saturday, April 7, 9pm-11.59pm Electro80s pay tribute to the 80’s. There’ll be classics like “Fade to Grey” and “Just Can’t Get Enough” . Windle Labour Club, Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, WA10 2QF. Tel: 01744 23053
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Autism Awareness Day Walk
Tale & Trail
Sunday, April 8, 12pm-5pm (walk starts at 1.50pm)
Fri, April 22, 10.30am; Sun, June 24, 10.30am
A Walk for World Autism Awareness & to celebrate St Helens’ 150th anniversary, hosted by Autism & Asperger Society. You can walk with Saints players, and there’ll be a children’s fairground, info, awareness and fundraising. Email contact@ theautismark.org or call 01744 362260 for more info.
Listen to woodland tales, walk in the wood, craft with woodland resources, and eat marshmallows around the fire. Aimed at children aged 3-6. Earth Day in April and Muddy Elves Day in June. Tickets are £6.88 from www.eventbrite.co.uk
Taylor Park, Regents Rd, Saint Helens, WA10 3HX
Fir Tree Farm, Pimbo Lane, King’s Moss, North St Helens, WA11 8RG
Cheese & Wine Evening
St Helens Business Fair
Friday, April 13, 7.30pm
Thursday, April 26, 10.30am-1pm
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.
Free to attend and includes a Business Exhibition showcasing companies from a variety of sectors. A programme of free business seminars. Business information and advice. Opportunities to meet with potential buyers and suppliers. Visit www. sthelenschamber.com
Junction Pub, 102 News Lane, Rainford, WA11 7JU. Tel: 01744 882868
Haydock Park, Haydock Park Racecourse, Newtonle-Willows, WA12 0HQ. Tel: 01942 725963
Haydock Lace Fair
Oasis Tribute
Sunday, April 15, 10am-3.30pm
Friday, April 27, 7.30pm-10pm
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; Tatting & Design et al. *Celebrations* Exhibition by Preston Lacemakers. Tickets £4 on the day.
Definitely Oasis is 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 (incl. booking fee) www.citadel.org.uk
Centenary Stand, Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ.
Grease 40th Anniversary Thursday, April 19, 8pm-10pm To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Grease Cineworld St Helens is showing the classic musical film. You can now book online atwww.cineworld. co.uk or instore! Cineworld St Helens, Chalon Way West, WA10 1BF. Tel: 0333 333 4444
The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. Tel: 01744 735436
Peter Pan the Musical Fri, Apr 27, 7pm; Sat, Apr 28, 7pm; Sun, Apr 29, 5pm Top of the Hill Productions proudly presents Peter Pan the Musical – based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie. Tickets are £10 each, and can be bought from Elizabeth Hill School, or from any cast member. Dalton Theatre, Carmel College, Prescot Road, Saint Helens, WA10 3AG. Tel: 01744 452200
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Competition
T
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
37 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 Monday 30th 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
38
Charity Ghost Hunt
Memorial Service
Friday, April 27, 8pm to Saturday, April 28, 2am
Saturday, May 5, 2pm
Fourth Element Paranormal Research presents a Charity Ghost Hunt in aid of Mid Mersey Age UK. It’s £27pp and there’ll be hot/cold drinks and sandwich platter included. Prepare to be scared! Visit www. fourthelementparanormal.com for info and tickets.
A Celebration of the Cowleians who fought and died in World War 1. In this centenary year, join together to remember the brave men who lived the Cowley motto “Not for himself but for all.”
The Mansion House, Victoria Park, St Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644
The Bon Jovi Experience Saturday, April 28, 7.30pm-10pm The Bon Jovi Experience is world’s finest Bon Jovi tribute and the only tribute to have been requested by and performed live on stage with Jon Bon Jovi. Tickets are £21 for adults and £19 for concessions www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Cowley International College, Hard Lane, St Helens, WA10 6LB. Tel: 01744 678030
Beer & Gin Festival Saturday, May 5, 12pm-11.30pm Everyone’s welcome at this brilliant annual beer & gin event. It’s £3 entry, and there’ll be live entertainment and food and snacks. The Mansion House St Helens, Victoria Park, St Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000
Spoiler Alert
Twinkle Twinkle
Is life that bad or have we good reason to complain? In short, are we spoiled? Watch as Ed Byrne takes this question, turns it upside down and shakes it until the funny falls out. Go on, spoil yourself. Tickets are £26.90 available from www1.ticketmaster.co.uk
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. Twinkle Twinkle teaches us we can learn to carry the light of those we love inside ourselves, even when apart. Tickets are between £5-£7 from www.citadel.org.uk The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. Tel: 01744 735436
Classic Car Show Sunday, April 29, 10.30am-3pm If you’re mad on classic care, this event is said to be one of the Mansion House’s more popular events. The Bistro will also be open for snacks and refreshments. The Mansion House St Helens, Victoria Park, St Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644
Wednesday, May 9, 8pm-10pm
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000
Beating the Bounds 2018 Sun, May 13, 4.30am-8.15pm (4.15am meeting) This year’s Beating the Bounds will be part of St Helens’ 150th anniversary celebrations. Take part in the challenging 42.5 mile walk around the whole of the Borough boundary. No entrance fee or formal registration. It starts and finishes at Haydock Park, and goes anti-clockwise, around Billinge, Rainford, Eccleston, Rainhill, Bold, Parr, Earlestown, Newtonle-Willows and Haydock. Haydock Park, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ
39
Food & Drink
More
carrot
By Keeley Bolger
N
ick Knowles, best known for his 18 years fronting BBC One home-improvement stalwart DIY SOS, is not what many would picture when the word ‘vegan’ comes to mind. “You tend to think that most vegans are petite, small, slim people, and I’m not,” “I’m a 46-inch chest, 6ft 2in, 17-stone rugby player!” His lifestyle has been turned upside down since filming BBC Two’s The Retreat, which saw him and a diverse group of participants head to a health centre in Thailand, ditching cigarettes, caffeine, alcohol and meat and replacing them with yoga, lots of vegetables and hikes through the mountains. He lost nine kilos in three weeks, his cholesterol levels fell by a third, and his blood pressure dropped to a healthy level. Since then, Knowles has maintained a ‘flexitarian’ diet, meaning he largely eats vegetarian or vegan meals but will occasionally have meat or fish. It’s a big change for a man who used to eat a sausage, bacon and egg roll on his way to work, snack on scotch eggs, and regularly go out for steak lunches. His first cookbook, Proper Healthy Food: Hearty Vegan And Vegetarian Recipes For Meat Lovers, focuses on this huge shift. “If you could do one day a week as being veggie,
“You’re never going to encourage people if every time they fail, you batter them over the head. I’ve been saying more carrot less stick. Or you could say, more carrot less steak!” And the father-of-four feels the message is too important to be deterred.
congratulations, you should get a pat on the back,” he reasons. “You’ve reduced your meat intake, that’s fantastic. If you can do it two or three days a week, even better.
“I know the health benefits that come from eating a more plant-based diet are so important that we have to get past all of that rubbish, and encourage people to start eating meat-free once a week.
“If you could get to a point where you’re meat-free during the week and only treat yourself to meat during the weekends... when I say something like that, the Vegan Society goes, ‘What? Treat yourself to dead animals?’
Inspired? Here are two recipes from Knowles’ new book to try at home (cheese-free versions optional!). Proper Healthy Food: Hearty Vegan And Vegetarian Recipes For Meat Lovers by Nick Knowles is published by BBC Books, priced £14.99.
40
Winter Veggie Stew with Wholesome Lumpy Dumplings Serves 6 Ingredients For the dumplings: 50g butter, softened 125g self-raising flour 40g Cheddar, crumbled 1 tbsp thyme leaves For the stew: 3tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, roughly diced 2 celery sticks, roughly diced 3tbsp plain flour 1tbsp Marmite 1/2tbsp tomato puree 2L hot vegetable stock 3 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 4 parsnips, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 1/2 head swede, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 3 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 2-3 rosemary sprigs, plus extra, chopped, to sprinkle 1 bouquet garni (available from good supermarkets) 150g orzo pasta (available from good supermarkets) 80g pack of cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method Start by making the dumplings. Rub the butter into the flour and mix with the Cheddar and thyme. Add just enough cold water to bring the mixture together to a soft dough and divide into five to six small dumplings. Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 6. Heat the oil in a large casserole dish and fry the onion and celery over a low heat for 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the flour into the pan, whisking constantly to make a roux. Add in the Marmite and tomato puree followed by the stock, a glug at a time, whisking all the while to make a smooth base to the stew. Throw the carrots, parsnips, swede, sweet potatoes, rosemary and bouquet garni to the dish and bring to a boil. Cook the stew, with the lid off, for five to seven minutes. The vegetables should be cooking nicely but still have a bite to them. Rinse the orzo pasta well, in a sieve, and then pour into the casserole along with the chestnuts. Season well and place the dumplings on top of the casserole. Sprinkle over a little chopped rosemary and bake in the oven, with the lid off, for 20-30 minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and nicely cooked, and the vegetables are tender.
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Macaroni, Leek & Parsley Cheese
Method Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.
Serves 4 - 6 Ingredients 300g macaroni 500g leeks, trimmed and cut into 1-2cm crescents 50g unsalted butter 50g plain flour 600ml semi-skimmed milk 100g British mature Cheddar, grated 3tbsp roughly chopped flat leaf parsley 2tbsp golden breadcrumbs Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling water for three to four minutes before adding the leeks to the pot and continuing to cook for a further five minutes. Drain the pasta and leeks and set aside. Meanwhile, make the white sauce. Melt the butter in a medium pan and stir in the flour. Cook for one minute until thick, then, off the heat, gradually whisk in the milk, keeping the mixture smooth. Return the pan to the heat and stir constantly until thickened. Simmer for two minutes, remove from the heat, and add 75g of the Cheddar, the pasta and leeks. Stir through the parsley and season well before spooning into a 2L ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and remaining cheese over the pasta and cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden, and the sauce is gently bubbling.
42
Ashton &
Bamfurlong W
ith words being the tools of my trade, I despise clichés. Indeed, I avoid them like the plague. So that’s why this month’s walk, despite being reasonably hidden and displaying gem-like qualities, shall not be described as ‘a hidden gem’. I’m not sure what descriptive tag it deserves though. Maybe I’ll think of one later on. Anyway, to the task in hand...
by David Sudworth I know the Ashton and Bamfurlong area well, having grown up a few miles away, so wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. By the end though, I had a whole new perspective. Our starting point for this 6.6 miler was the Three Sisters Recreational Area, off Lockett Road. We took advantage of the free parking just by the pond and play area, and started our hike by going in north easterly direction towards Bryn Hall Farm. Once out of the main Three Sisters parkland, it’s a short walk before turning right. At this point really have to keep your eyes open, as the public right of way is not only unsigned, but it also has a gate which at first glance appears to be a sturdy, boundary fence from the adjacent house (see photo to the right). Thankfully, a friendly farm worker was nearby and advised us to push on it, which we did, and it sprang open. Once you’re through the gate and past the property you follow the track down and round to the right. Now the walk starts to feel a lot more rural with fields of crops and live stock. Here we got a real sense of nature when, out of the undergrowth, a young deer crossed our path. It scarpered very
43
quickly - much too rapid for our normally superagile lens man Peter - but what a treat. Of all the beautiful and rural places I’ve visited doing Jack’s Tracks, the last place I expected to see wild deer was on the fringes of Ashton! We continued until our path did a bit of a dog leg. The vast expanses of wheat crops, evident in the earlier part of our walk, continued to carpet the fields as far as the eye could see. It could have been a scene from North America rather than little ol’ Wigan. If only George Orwell could have seen it. We eventually emerged opposite Abram Bryn Gates School where there was a handy pedestrian crossing to take us over into Furlong Close, a small cul-de-sac with neat dormer bungalows. We turned right into Epsom Drive (I sensed a horse racing theme going on here) and carried on into the field
44 in front. After two minutes, we arrived at a copse, went over the footbridge and turned a sharp left. Although the vegetation in the area was extremely well developed and dense, the route was amazingly clear. By this point, the sound of Virgin trains whizzing up and down the West Coast Main Line could be heard up the steep embankment yonder.
and it’s therefore easy to take the wrong one. For our suggested route, stick to the path which is closest to this side of the embankment. From here, it’s a very straight route south on a formal path before it veers south west towards Riding Lane. While on this section, our eyes were drawn to the presence of a commemorative stone laid to the left of the path, and surrounded by loose bricks. It reads: “P. W. DAVIES. BORN EDGE GREEN 9 JULY 1889. DIED
Once you get to the bridge, which goes underneath the tracks, just be aware that there are a few paths
Bryn Hall Farm
Bry
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Bamfurlong
ate sL
ane
8-
A5
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an
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Lil
Three Sisters Recreation Area
Th re
eS
iste
rs R
oa d
Bryn Gates Start/Finish WN4 8DD
Lily Lane Farm
Lo c
ke
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Ro
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Rid
Lan
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A5 8
-B
ing
5-
20
B5
Stubshaw Cross
olt on
Ro
ad
South Lancashire Industrial Estate
Br yn Ro ad
Ashton-in-Makerfield
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.
45 CHESTER 18 NOVEMBER 1944. AT HIS REQUEST HIS ASHES WERE SCATTERED NEAR HIS BIRTHPLACE. A WORTHY SON OF LANCASHIRE. A GREAT THINKER.” There are no further details on the background of this particular gentleman, but as far as final resting places go, he chose a lovely spot. We finally went past some farm buildings and a house on the right before coming to Edge Green Road/Riding Lane. A combination of weary feet and the sight of a rural pub is hard to resist, and so the gravitational pull towards The Harrow Inn pub proved too much for our aching limbs to fight against. As it was a warm, bright day, we sat outside on one of the many benches, nursing a refreshingly cold cola and plotting our way back. We found that from here, it was a virtual straight line back; down Riding Lane, back across the A58, past Lily Lane Farm and into the formal Three Sisters Recreation Area. Look out for the bird watching area on the left hand side – some of the species indicate a twitchers’ paradise. Once back at the car park, there’s the option of feeding the ducks or letting the little ones burn off any energy they may still have stored away by letting them loose in the play area. As I said at the outset, it’s hard to believe that in an area known for its industrial past, so much countryside is still not only in place, but also actively used and harvested. As a born and bred Ashtonian, it certainly opened my eyes. Never again will I solely think of traffic jams when asked to describe my hometown. But let’s get one thing straight, despite all this I’m still not labelling the walk ‘a hidden gem.’ That would be far too trite. More like an undiscovered diamond...
Over 40 Lancashire
walks
Cronton walk We have updated our Cronton walk featured in the February edition of Local Life. This is to avoid going over private land. We ask anyone who is considering doing the walk to download the updated version from our website.
FREE to download at locallife247.co.uk LocalLife
46
Test Drive
Skoda
Octavia
v
RS is the Skoda badge that denotes the Czech firm’s most powerful and capable models. vRS means performance, and the symbol commands a lot more respect than you might realise. In the Czech Republic, Skoda vRS models are admired for their toughness and performance, and in the UK, they’ve also garnered a real fanbase. Octavia vRS owners often state there’s probably no finer all-rounder on the market at this price point, and they might well have a case. For under £30,000, you get a powerful 2.0-litre 184PS diesel engine mated to a decent automatic gearbox that helps put the power down via all-wheel drive. It handles nimbly for a larger car too, and is equally at home on a B road as it is on a motorway chewing up the miles.
vRS Estate by Tim Barnes-Clay
It’s not often you can say an estate car is handsome, but the Octavia vRS has a smart, modern, unaggressive look to it, despite being one of Skoda’s athletic models. You can notice the influence from
47
Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 7.7 secs • Combined mpg: 55.4 • Engine layout: 1968cc four-cylinder turbo diesel • Max. power (PS): 184 • CO2: 134 g/km • Price: £29,400
Skoda’s owners - Volkswagen - in the styling of its newer models. In the same way that the Golf GTI and R models aren’t too aggressive, the Skoda isn’t either. Of course, Skoda is a very modest brand, so the confident and unassuming styling works well for it. Space is abundant in the Octavia estate; there aren’t many cars you can get for under £30k that can reach 62mph in under eight seconds with a boot the size of a small cavern. There’s also room aplenty for human beings too, with the rear seats more than spacious enough for an adult to sit and relax in over a long journey. Really, if you need more car than this you probably need to consider a van or a minibus.
So, the Skoda Octavia vRS is fast, it’s good to drive, it’s safe, and it’s got more space than your attic. At under £30,000, you’ll have serious difficulties finding a better all-rounder than this Czech folk hero.
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48
Gardening JOBS FOR APRIL • Dig in a good layer of compost (5cm or more) to prepare for the growing season. • Pick off the last of your faded winter pansies to stop them setting seed which will encourage new flowers throughout spring. • Be mindful that there are still late frosts so cover any vulnerable plants. • Tie in any climbing and rambling roses to their supports. • Get rid of any weeds now - doing this early in the season should stop these being a bigger problem later on. • Start mowing your lawn now once a week with the blades at the highest setting and gradually lower them over the weeks.
HAVE A GO! Plant out some delicious sweet peas. If you haven’t grown these from seed already then get a few plants from your local garden centre and tie them with string to canes to get them going. Also try growing some peppers and aubergines this month in a polytunnel or greenhouse!
TOP TIP Terracotta pots absorb water, so a plant in a terracotta pot will dry out a lot quicker than one in a ceramic or plastic container. To stop this happening, line the pot with some plastic or an empty compost bag with holes punched in the bottom before planting. Adding gravel and small rocks at the bottom will encourage drainage and keep the soil moist for longer.
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Design & Print Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.
l Geails N 5
Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories, Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold DoorsSaving
For more information call
w£
Heat Pumps
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
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LED Lighting
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
...and general Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
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es Lash Tan y Spra ils eds Sunb & Gel Na ic Acryl
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Mossy Lea Road
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money is the clear benefit!
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0 lly £2
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and
A5209
s
Natalie
Book Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6FREE 9RS your home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a cycles CAR & detailed motorreport showing the (Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
...andreturns available
from your www.dglwindows.co.uk
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own solar panels
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Standish
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LocalLife
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Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan.
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Health FREE Car Book your Call now on
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0843 A224 9555 U rton n and Brethe 07595S 420237 of Crosto residents me!
k ChecVisit our showroom at Health
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Transform your home with a brand new driveway
Resin Driveways
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On all new orders placed before the 30th April 2018
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Established over 25 years
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01204 590 499