St Helens Edition
July 2015
Cover photo by Peter Bretherton
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Southport Flower Show
Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Garden Diary...
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Food for
thought D
riving past a well-known supermarket the other day, it caused me to remember the day it opened. The year was 1995 and my memories from that day are vivid. The reason is simple. At the time, shops and supermarkets sold regular - aka bland - fayre; bread (usually white), milk (full fat silver top) and cheese (invariably cheddar) etc. Yet when this new place opened, it had all that but more. For instance, I distinctly remember packets of funny looking (and smelling) meats, which I later learned were chorizo. And there were olives, which I’d only ever seen in Spain. Oh, and they sold croissants - finally after four years talking about them in my French class at school, I would get to taste one! We’re only talking 19 years ago but in that time, our eating habits have changed quite significantly. Take our own recipe pages in this edition. Back in 1995, gnocchi and quinoa would have only been found in specialist food shops. It’s tempting to think our tastes changed in the 1970s with the proliferation of Chinese and Indian foods, but actually it has been a gradual process. Granted, I’m not yet sold on the benefits of some (pulled pork?) but it definitely makes food shopping a whole lot more interesting!
David Sudworth - Editor
Next issue - August 2015
Advertising deadline - Friday 3 July Published - Thursday 16 July Local Life Media
@locallifemedia
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In this issue Time to face
Jack’s Tracks
facts
Wigan Flashes
31
57 Test Drive
Mercedes CLA
Fire in his
boots 40
62
Potato
Win Tickets to
gnocchi
Southport Flower Show
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60
Regulars 28 Class from the past 24 Planning Matters 44 Puzzle Corner
Telephone: 01744 649 722 52 What’s On 71 Useful numbers
Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David Sudworth editorial@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter Bretherton
design@locallife247.co.uk
Distribution: Sally Boon
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Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk
Sections
Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.
6 Local News 52 Leisure 28 Children & Education 62 Motoring 31 Health 64 Gardening 48 Food & Drink 66 Home Services
This issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Peasley Cross.
Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
The next issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Sutton Heath. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Extra Stores in Peasley Cross and Prescot.
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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Trophy comes to
town
The biggest prize in rugby union is coming to the world’s oldest club, just off the Rainford Bypass, at the end of July. The Webb Ellis Cup - won by England in 2003 - makes a special appearance at Liverpool St Helens’ Moss Lane ground on Tuesday, July 28, from 11am. The tournament is being held in England this autumn the first time since 1991 - and the trophy is touring the nation on a 56 day trek. The main supporting event for the occasion will be a Tag Rugby Festival for Under 7 and Under 8 year olds from local rugby union and rugby league clubs. There will be the opportunity for youngsters to be photographed with the cup. All welcome.
The Rainford Band proudly presents
‘The Summer Pops’ Gala concerts featuring
The Last Night of the Proms 9th, 10th, 11th July 2015
Special Appearance –Thursday 9th - Rainford Ladies Choir White House Farm, Off Higher Lane, Rainford, WA11 8NL
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Mixed views over
plan
Plans to use solar energy to power a Billinge farm have received a mixed response. Residents and the parish council have made representations about the proposal for 48 groundbased solar panels for domestic use at Crookhurst Farm, Rainford Road.
Kelly, writing on behalf of the authority, said: “The proposed development does not respect the character of this listed building and others in the area. With 48 solar panels, it is difficult to see how this can be classified as ‘domestic’ development.”
application to proceed would cause untold harm to the countryside and potentially allow other developments of this nature to happen.”
However, one resident said the scale of the application had been blown out of proportion on social media: “Sustainable energy is a necessity nowadays as fossil fuels run dry, and to have someone such as this applicant investing his money in this, as well as offering to plant trees and shrubs to screen off the farm is, in my eyes, only a good thing for the locals who walk by and live near, whom I am one.”
Billinge Chapel End Parish Council clerk Tom
A decision is due soon.
One resident told St Helens Council: “I recently moved to Billinge and was primarily drawn here by the unspoilt landscape. Allowing this
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Rob makes history A 29-year-old chartered accountant has become Rainford’s youngest ever parish council chairman. Rob Reynolds, 29, who represents Crank Ward, has taken up the position having served on the authority since early 2013.
Autumn/Winter stock now arriving
To celebrate the occasion Cllr Reynolds hosted an evening for family, friends, and colleagues along with people of Rainford who work tirelessly to make the Village a better place to live. He also used the evening to kick start his fundraising year and, with the help of local companies, Houghwood Golf Club, O2 Ormskirk, Claire and Andy Reid of Reds, George Wright Brewery and other donations, a raffle on the evening raised over £500. Another first for Rainford this year is its entry in the Northwest in Bloom competition and Cllr Reynolds has decided to donate any funds raised to support this local event.
Summer days Billinge Library’s latest exhibition of old photographs focuses on the theme of summer days. A number of pictures are now available for viewing at the Main Street venue, and people with any memories, stories or materials relating to the subject are urged to share them with library staff.
Community surgeries Merseyside Police are holding two community surgeries in Rainford in July. The first is on Monday, July 27, 5pm-6pm at the village library on Church Road. The second is on Friday, July 31, from 11amnoon at the police station on Church Road. All welcome to go along to discuss policing issues in the area.
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Works set to start
Farm festival
Works to improve Rainford village are set to start imminently. The initiative, part funded by Rainford Parish Council, involves road resurfacing, altering footways, flagging the area in the village centre between the shops and bus stop as well as replacing bollards and adding some greenery.
If you didn’t manage to get tickets for Glastonbury this year, why not try Greenslate Community Farm Summer Festival?
The move comes after Rainford Parish Council agreed to contribute ÂŁ20,000 over two years to the improvement scheme, led by St Helens Council, which requested the match funding. Business and community group Rainford Hub say they will be keeping locals updated via social media and their website. More details at www.rainfordhub.com
The event, at Tracks Lane, Billinge, on Saturday, August 1, from 11am until 11pm, will be a celebration of local talent with several bands, including Bigfoot and Chonkinfeckle, playing live at the farm and an open-mic session for budding musicians. There will be local foods and regional ales will be on sale to tempt the taste buds plus craft stalls and activities for all the family. Entry by donation. For more information, call Dawn on 07434 977 663.
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Secure your
home
More than half of all burglaries in the area were carried out because the properties were left open. That’s the finding from police in their review of incidents over the past 12 months. During this time, a man was charged following a spate of shed burglaries in Garswood, and six people are now in prison for burglaries in the Billinge, Haresfinch and Blackbrook areas. Police say that over the past year, an astonishing six out of 10 properties which were burgled were unsecured.
Overall, police say crime figures show a good picture, with the number of house burglaries remaining at 2014 levels. Shoplifting, theft and robbery showed a year-on-year reduction, and did the number of calls about anti social behaviour, which has been cut by a third in the past three years. Inspector Steve Lowe said: “We have worked hard to maintain the reductions in crime and disorder in the area. I’d like to thank all the community for providing information - we cannot do it without them.”
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New lease of
life
A school which closed almost 10 years ago is continuing to receive a new lease of life.
“Since then it has been all guns blazing. The place was in a very bad state when we moved in as no money was spent on improvements or routine maintenance in its final years as a school.
Valley Brass Band say they have sunk around £20,000 into sprucing up the old Richard Evans School building, which had served the Haydock community for 130 years.
“It has cost the band around £20,000 to start to put things right, and with new windows and toilets etc, it’s starting to look good. People in Haydock can be sure we are looking after their building.”
Members say that after a few years of inactivity, it is now ‘all guns blazing’.
Repair and improvement work within the old continues, and the band are now creating a
Committee member Tony Grimshaw said: “We pretty much had our hands tied until we signed the lease. We had lots of plans and ideas for improvements but couldn’t do anything until we had the surety of the lease.
soundproofed practice room, and hope to get more internal redecoration completed soon. If you could volunteer some time, please call 07940 509441 (leave a voicemail message if necessary) or email valleybrass@googlemail.com
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It’s
showtime!
Summer’s here - so it’s time once again to enjoy all the fun of the fair at local shows and carnivals. The 37th Moss Bank Gala is due to take place this year on Saturday, July 11, between 1pm-4 pm on Moss Bank Green. Organisers say it’s got all the best ingredients and traditions from past years: morris dancers; brass band; parade led by the Gala Queen and lady in waiting; fairground, activities, stalls, children’s craft tent and competitions for young and old alike. Competition entries need to be in the competitions tent by 1pm. Children’s competitions include home baking, making a miniature garden and pictures. Adults competitions include home-made cupcakes, home grown garden flower display and homegrown fruit and/or veg.
This year’s Newton Town Show takes place on Saturday, August 1, from 11am-5pm at Mesnes Park. There’s a free, classic bus laid on from Earlestown and free parking via St Aelred’s Drive. Attractions include steam traction engines, classic car show and local craft stalls. Locals are being encouraged to enter the show’s arts and crafts competition; the deadline for entries is Saturday, July 25. Entry forms available at www.newtonshow.com In Rainford, although there’s no Summer Festival at Rainford High this year, the Rainford Show is back on Saturday, September 5, between 1.30pm and 5.30pm at the village hall, Church Road. Along with the usual photography, confectionary, preserves and floral art competitions, there’s also the chance to compete in the village’s own Bake Off, making Paul Hollywood’s fruit-packed yummy malt loaf. More details at www.rainfordshow.co.uk
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Housing plan for
club
A social club for armed forces veterans is set to be bulldozed with the site being used for housing. Rainford Ex-Servicemen’s Club, on Cross Pit Lane, is due to close its doors for good in September. The British Legion says it is no longer commercially viable due to falling trade, and has applied to redevelop the site. In papers lodged with St Helens Council, the Legion states: “Unfortunately no interest has been received at a rental figure that would sustain the long term economic objective of the Royal British Legion. The current tenant has forfeited his lease and will vacate in September 2015. The site will be mothballed pending the outcome of this planning application.” The Legion goes on to say it has already held talks with the headteacher of the neighbouring school, Rainford Primary, as well as the parish council. “The school do not object to our proposal as long as a pedestrian link is maintained to the school gates located along the shared boundary of the school and the application site and the emergency access link is maintained across our proposed estate road.
We confirm that our proposal accommodates both of these points. “A further meeting was held with the parish council. The response was generally supportive of the principle of residential development. That did highlight a concern over the loss of the car parking overspill for the school. Although it was acknowledged by both the parish council and the school that this was an informal arrangement with no legal right or entitlement to use this third party land for a car park.” Built over 65 years ago, its believed the club has around 140 members. A final decision on the application is due soon.
Parking charges review A ‘fundamental review’ of car parking charges is due to take place next year. It comes after St Helens Council agreed to scrap the proposed 2.5% hike in an effort to boost trade for retailers. Bosses said that because projected usage of car parks and on-street pay and display was likely to be higher than original thought, those extra numbers would generate the funds needed without having to raise prices However, they have vowed to keep an eye on performance.
A report said: “Town centre retailers continue to face harsh trading conditions because of the economic climate. The council has gone to great lengths to promote the use of the town centre and it is considered that increasing the level of parking charges at this time would result in the town centre being perceived as a less attractive place to visit. “A fundamental review of car park charging should be undertaken for 2016/17.”
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Dan’s the man An ex-Rainford school pupil turned film director has won an award at a German Festival. Dan Hodgson’s sixminute Love Is Blind scooped him a trophy and 2,500 euros in prize money at the Emden-Norderney Fest. It comes after the film was shortlisted at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Dan, who attended Rainford CE and Rainford High, now lives in London and has also made content for the BBC, Channel 4, and The Brit Awards.
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Travel
Magical
Mallorca David Sudworth discovers that, for a taste of real Spanish life, Mallorca has plenty to offer...
T
Nestling in the middle of the Balearics, Mallorca has everything the independently-minded traveller would want.
Classic architecture, stunning landscapes, inviting beaches and mouthwatering food, it’s little wonder Billinge-based Marken Travel has teamed up with Classic Collection Holidays to offer you the chance to experience the island for yourself. Mallorca is renowned as a world-class destination which has, time and again, proved able to cater for a broad range of visitor. It’s the largest of the three Balearic Islands, and its diversity is evident. No other European island boasts more contrasting terrain, from the fertile plains of the centre to the almost alpine peaks of the Tramuntana Mountains in the North East. its 500 km coastline offers ample coves, sandy beaches and secluded bays, which all have protected status. Due to its geographical location at a crossroads in the Mediterranean, the islands were constantly colonised by the Greeks, Romans, Moors and Turks. In the 13th Century,
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Catalan settlers from the eastern part of Spain settled, and the language is spoken throughout the island today, alongside conventional Spanish. English is widely spoken and understood, but if you can manage a few basic words in Spanish (or better still in Catalan!), it will be very much appreciated. The capital Palma is now widely seen as an allyear-round city break destination to rival the best in Europe. As well as the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, Palma is home to a beautifully restored old town where cobbled streets are lined with designer shops, boutique hotels, trendy bars, shaded restaurants and a stunning contemporary art gallery, Es Baluard. The concentration of top, international designer names and stores in Palma make it an idea destination for those out for a bit of retail therapy. You’ll find the likes of Burberry, Versace and Cartier all available to browse, even if it is just window shopping!
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start at 10pm. Traditional island food is, like the language, heavily influenced by Catalan tastes. Pork is a staple part of the diet, whether it’s a sausage (try the delicious sobrasada) or in a hearty stew. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try rabbit or snails. Desserts in Mallorca are simply divine, particularly those based on honey, almond and figs. If, like me, you have a tendency to indulge too much, then there’s plenty of opportunity to work off the calories. On an island surrounded by so much blue sea, it’s no surprise sailing is very popular. Courses are run in sailing, scuba diving, canoeing, swimming and water-skiing in many different parts of the island, Aided by good weather, cyclists enjoy the mountain slopes while the more adventurous may prefer some paragliding. If gentler exercise is the order of the day, Mallorca boasts 19 golf courses, the largest amount of all the Balearic Islands. Distance is never an issue as Classic Collection Holiday’s hotels are never more than an hour’s drive away and some are located right beside their own courses. You can, of course, stay at any of their hotels to play golf, five-star hotels such as Castillo Hotel Son Vida, The St Regis Mardavall, Bendinat and Mon Port Hotel & Spa are highly recommended. Families are always welcome in Mallorca; indeed locals just love children and they involve them in every aspect of their lives. Whether you’ve got a toddler or a teenager, they are guaranteed to have a great time.
Mallorca Checklist Language: Catalan/Spanish Currency: Euro Time difference: +1hour Cost of a beer: £2 Cost of a cappuccino £1.30 2 Course meal: £40
Getting to Mallorca is easy, with it being just over two hours’ flying time away from the UK. And don’t feel restricted by the time of year; Mallorca enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate in high summer with top temperatures moderated by a cool sea breeze. It is warm and sunny from March to November, and only a bit cooler from December to February. Don’t forget that booking through Marken Travel means peace of mind as the money you pay for your flights and package holiday will be fully protected until ABTA and ATOL rules. So if you are looking for some Mediterranean sunshine, escapism and a touch of class, the beautiful island of Mallorca awaits you… Marken Travel, 200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE. Call 01744 893291.
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24
Stand by your
Jam
St Helens Women’s Institute members have revealed a commemorative exhibition at The World of Glass to celebrate the movement’s centenary. Stand by Your Jam features a selection of items produced by members, ranging from crochet and quilting to photography and knitting.
Planning matters Billinge 48 Beacon Road: First floor side extension (ref: P/2015/0439). The consultation deadline is July 6. Crank 341 Higher Lane: Conservatory (ref: P/2015/0440). A decision is due soon. Haydock 38 Avery Road: Single storey rear extension, conversion of garage to habitable room, and inset roof balcony with raised ridge height (ref: P/2015/0433). The consultation deadline is July 2.
In his first official engagement, Mayor Cllr Steve Glover opened the exhibition, which is on until Friday, July 17. If you’re female and aged over 18, why not see for yourself what the Women’s Institute St Helens is all about at one of the group’s monthly meetings? Visit www.wisthelens.co.uk, email wisthelens@gmail.com or call 07970 535596 for details.
85 Liverpool Road: Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and erection of part two storey, part single storey side and rear extension along with balcony and detached garage. (ref: P/2015/0346). A decision is due soon. Rainford 16 Pasture Lane: Demolition of existing outbuildings and erection of a detached rear garage to existing single storey rear extension.(ref: P/2015/0411). A decision is due soon. Rainford Dental Practice, 66 Church Road: Change of use from dental practice to residential dwelling, with first floor rear extension and new pitched roof to existing rear extension.(ref: P/2015/0416). The consultation deadline is July 9.
For more information on these applications, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk
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Traffic island
chaos
Traffic chaos at Haydock Island has prompted two local MPs into action. St Helens North’s newly-elected representative Conor McGinn and Makerfield’s Yvonne Fovargue met with Highways Agency officials on site to discuss the ongoing issues. Tailbacks about a mile long have been reported in recent weeks as redirection works take place on the well known section which links the East Lancs Road with the M6. Dubbed ‘The Magic Roundabout’, angry motorists have taken to social media to vent their frustration. The Highways Agency has blamed ‘teething problems’ with the new sensor system for the traffic jams. Andy Withington, asset delivery manager, said:
“We’d like to thank drivers for their patience while we work to get the new traffic light system up and running, and also to apologise for the congestion they may have experienced in the past few weeks. “We are doing everything we can to resolve the teething issues we’ve had with the new traffic lights so that road users can start fully benefiting from the improved layout as quickly as possible.” St Helens North MP Conor McGinn said: “I’d like to thank the Highways Agency for responding so quickly to my request and meeting myself and local councillors on site to discuss the problems being faced by constituents. I am pleased to say it was a positive meeting, and I hope the actions taken by the agency will now improve the situation and reduce the delays experienced by local residents. I shall be following progress closely.”
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College
praised
Ofsted bosses have praised St Helens College’s new provision for 14-16 year olds. The monitoring visit looked at the full-time offer for the 42 learners in this age group, which has only been going since last September. The findings, published recently, gave a glowing report of the new service. Lead inspector Sue Harrison said: “The academy is led by a well-qualified and suitably experienced headteacher, who has worked in senior positions in schools. The headteacher is also the special education coordinator and has appropriate training and experience to undertake this role. The academy
Class from the
has in place appropriately qualified and well trained staff to meet the needs of students aged 14 to 16. All students follow a structured tutorial programme, which focuses on a range of topics, including health education and social, moral and cultural values that help to prepare students for life in modern Britain. The academy places a strong emphasis on respect for each other and this is evident in the classroom and at break and lunch times. “Assessment of students’ work is good. Homework is set regularly and is marked and returned promptly. All teachers give students advice on how they can improve their work, and most follow up on whether students have acted on this.” Read the full report at www.ofsted.gov.uk
past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Rainford High. It’s believed this photo was taken in the late 1950s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?
Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing editorial@locallife247.co.uk
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Health & Fitness
Time to face
I
facts By Abi Jackson
f the eyes are a window to your soul, then the face can help identify some potential underlying health issues. Here are some of the more common issues and what you should do. Nose and cheek rash This may be a sign of lupus, a lifelong autoimmune condition which, among other things, causes joint and muscle pain and extreme fatigue. But not everybody gets the so-called ‘butterfly’ rash. Other skin changes include a widespread measleslike rash, patches of discoid lupus (inflamed sores) or small areas of bleeding into the skin. Thinning of the hair can also be seen at times of a flare of the disease. Lupus can have an impact on your quality of life, especially when multiple symptoms, such as joint pain, fatigue, mouth ulcers, headaches and many others, affect your daily life. What should I do? Lupus often goes undiagnosed for years, due to lack of awareness and because symptoms can be misleading. If you’re concerned, speak to your GP. There’s no cure, but treatments and advice on managing lupus can make a real difference.
Excessive hair Every woman has facial hair to some degree, but if this hair is excessive (known as hirsutism), most commonly affecting the upper lip/chin/sideburn area, it could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It’s characterised by multiple small cysts on the ovaries, though it’s important to note that not everybody with cysts has the syndrome and associated problems. What should I do? PCOS is linked to long-term health risks like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, so if a woman has two or more of these symptoms, we’d recommend she talks to her GP.
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There’s no cure, but it can be managed and there is a lot of great information and support available. Dark patches “There are tons of different causes of dark patches,” explains Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic “Sun exposure can give you freckles, or dark patches called melasma, and this can be made worse by birth control pills and pregnancy, then there are age and liver spots.” These are common and nothing to worry about unless they become malignant. “If a freckle starts to get bigger with irregular colours, and looks different from the others, even if it’s still flat, it could mean it’s becoming cancerous,” says Friedmann. Hyperpigmentation can also occur as a result of scarring, possibly from other skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. It’s rare for hyperpigmentation to be a sign of illness, but in some cases, it could be linked with Addison’s disease - a condition involving the adrenal glands, which also causes fatigue, weight loss, sickness, joint pain and low blood pressure. You normally notice this sort of hyperpigmentation around the mouth and possibly the tongue, and acanthosis nigricans, dark, thickened patches that usually develop in armpits, groins and necks, can be a sign of underlying illness. What should I do? If you are concerned, speak to your GP, and any unusual changes in moles and freckles should always be checked. In most cases, dark patches are not a health concern, but if they’re causing distress or affecting your self-esteem, speaking to a dermatologist for advice could be really helpful. Redness The beauty industry and lay population often refer to a flushed complexion as rosacea, but for many people, rosacea is a real skin disorder which can have a big impact. “As dermatologists, we talk about acne rosacea,” says Friedmann. Though not every case is the same, symptoms include spots, thickening of the skin, sore, dry eyes and a rash-like flushing/redness. “Over time, if left untreated, the
redness can become permanent and disfiguring. You can also get dilation of the blood vessels, and in worse cases, dilated lymphatics which is associated with reddened, facial swelling like rhinophyma - an enlarged, swollen, red nose,” explains Friedmann. “But this is thankfully rare and happens after years of not seeking treatment.” Facial redness can also occur due to long-term sun
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exposure, mild eczema, dermatitis and scarring, or spontaneously with no underlying cause/problem. What should I do? If you’re suffering from acne rosacea, speak to your GP or see a dermatologist; treatments and advice can make a big difference. If permanent redness with no underlying cause is still causing distress, there may be things, like laser treatment or camouflage products, which could help. Bulging eyes Of course, some people’s eyes are naturally more bulbous, but if your eyes have started to protrude more than usual, and are bulging out of your eye sockets, it could be a sign of illness such as Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder and the most
common form of overactive thyroid. Eyes may also become inflamed and painful, with possible double vision and increased sensitivity to light, too. Other symptoms of Graves include anxiety, weight loss, palpitations, hand tremor, frequent bowel movements and an enlarged thyroid gland, (where the front of the throat/neck bulges out. Other things that may cause eyes to bulge include injuries, infection and tumours. What should I do? Get things checked with your doctor so, if necessary, you can be referred for appropriate tests and treatment. If you’re experiencing other symptoms that may indicate thyroid imbalance, writing everything down in a diary might help build up a clearer picture.
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34
Fairfield’s added
dimension David Sudworth discovers how a local, independent hospital is using 3D printers to change people’s lives
T
im Collier is a man back on his own two feet again - and it’s all thanks to a pioneering service provided by Fairfield Independent Hospital.
The 52-year-old osteoarthritis sufferer couldn’t walk very far or stand for long periods of time. The pain restricted him doing things many take for granted. He then turned to Fairfield, based in Crank, St Helens, who is now using 3D printing technology to create and fit bespoke knee implants. The technology, designed by ConforMIS, uses a CT image to capture a patient’s individual bone structure. ConforMIS then use the information to create a bespoke implant. Bespoke implants ensure that there is no overhang as the implant is custom made for the patient’s knee. Compared with standard ‘off-the-shelf’ replacements, there is no exposed bone; where the implant is either too big or too small. Both can cause pain and discomfort, which has led to increasing demand for tailor-made solutions. For Tim, the operation has transformed his life: “Two of my sons are involved in IT and when I showed them on the website what I was going to have done they were all over it like geeks! I have been making good progress and there’s quite a lot of bend in my knee. I’ve been told to start walking again without my crutches which I wouldn’t be able to do under normal circumstances. I feel like a bit of a pioneer.”
Tim Collier with Mr Ravindra Gudena
Fairfield, just a short distance from the East Lancs Road, is one of the very few remaining charitable hospitals in the country. Established in 1979, the site was originally the Pilkington family home and was purchased by the charity. Since 1986 it has been run as an independent hospital. Fairfield Independent Hospital is now known across the region for its high standards of care and determination to, where possible, use the latest technology to benefit its patients.
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Fairfield’s ambition is to be one of the leading centres for joint replacement in the North west, as it has more ConforMIS trained knee surgeons there than anywhere else in the UK.
“For each surgery we receive a surgical plan which works like a map of your knee, providing us with information that typically we can’t see until we are in the operating room.
ConforMIS say their goal is to give patients the most natural-feeling knee they possibly can. They believe that the more an implant mimics the natural shape of a patient’s knee, the more likely it is to move more naturally and feel more natural.
“They provide up to 27% more bone preservation and therefore a thinner implant, which results in less bone being cut during surgery. The implants are also designed for single use to reduce risk of infection. It is very exciting that Fairfield Independent Hospital and Mr Gudena are leading the field in the use of this technology locally.”
Mr Ravindra Gudena, who performed the first operation on Tim, the first of this kind at Fairfield,
“Unique advantages” said: “ConforMIS Patient-specific knee replacement has its own unique advantages, including bone preservation, reduced blood loss and a quicker recovery. The patients can get to the activity levels they used to with no limitation as the ConforMIS Knee replacement has a natural knee feel.
Currently this service is only available to privately insured and self-paying patients. You will need to speak to your GP and ask for a referral to one of Fairfield’s ConforMIS trained orthopaedic consultants. For more information about booking an appointment, call 01744 746 425 or email enquiries@fairfield.org.uk
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38
Morpheus
move
A husband and wife team whose business celebrates its 10th anniversary this year are moving into the vacant Billinge Garden Centre site. Ian and Stephanie O’Brien, who run Morpheus Glass, are hoping to have completed the move by autumn. They leave their current premises at Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, at the end of July. To mark the event, they are having a moving sale over the first weekend of the month.
less than a mile down the road – so customers can still easily access our services.”
Stephanie said “We want to make it a real destination for people, with a gift shop, handmade jewellery, cards and wrapping paper, home accessories as well as our bespoke, fused glass service. It’s great we’ve found a place close to our current premises –
Ian said“It’s a very exciting move for us. There is a lot of space in the new premises, dedicated car parking and a cafe area which we will be hoping to open at some point. It’s a lot of work but we’re up for the challenge!”
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 community groups
or
performances
by
- 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 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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40
Fire in his
boots
David Sudworth meets the Carr Mill lad who went on to lift some serious silverware with Saints
P
eter Harvey remembers the moment he was told he’d got into grammar school - and he wasn’t best pleased either.
“I didn’t want to go and when the headteacher asked why I said: ‘Because I live at Carr Mill and like to play around the dam and I don’t want to do homework’. Neither she nor our teacher, Mrs Fairhurst, was amused and they told me how lucky I was to be given the chance to go to West Park Catholic Grammar. I was told that I had to go home immediately to tell my parents, and get them to sign a form, which committed them to supporting me at this new school.” The irony is that Peter would later become a teacher himself, initially as head of PE at St Bede’s Secondary in Ormskirk, which allowed him to follow his two big passions; education and rugby.
Peter with the Challenge Cup in 1966
It’s well documented what happened next. Peter went on to play for St Helens, including during the mesmerising 1965-66 season when they captured no fewer than four pieces of silverware. He’s written his autobiography, the highly-acclaimed Redhead With Fire In His Boots - My Life in Rugby, which is out now - a project which he started on almost 40 years ago. However, for all his success, Peter says his prize-winning boxer father, also called Peter, is much more famous than him. “He ran a boxing club in Carr Mill near the dam. I once went with two of my grandchildren and we found the open area, now a shady glade where the wooden structure had stood. We found the four stacks of bricks on which it had been sited and I had a strange but happy feeling that this was where my dad had grown up and learned to became a boxer. A few years ago I met someone who said they not only knew my dad, but he was considered a superstar, on a different level. That was quite emotional to hear that. “He was known in the ring as Battling Harvey. He later ran another club at Holy Cross Men’s Club and boys of eight to 16 years old gathered in the downstairs room a couple of nights a week to learn the rudiments of the noble art.
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Peter’s dad was a prize fighter from Carr Mill
“Dad was a miner who was used to ‘industrial’ language but he never swore at us. I remember an American serviceman came into a pub he later worked in and, because he swore at him, he floored him.
“He was also aspirational, he bought his house long before that became commonplace for working class people like miners, and read Charles Dickens. In the late 1950s, he went into the licensing trade and ran the likes of Parr & Hardshaw Labour Club, the Running Horses on Liverpool Road and The Rifle Corps on Duke Street.” Born on October 24, 1940, Peter actually drew his first breath in Renfrewshire. His Scots-born mother, Cathie, had gone back to her family to flee the German bombs which were targeting the St Helens area. A telegram back to Peter senior simply read: ‘It’s a boy everything alright stop.’ In fact, far from being as the missive had described, both mother and son had nearly died during the labour. Baby Peter came out blue, struggling for breath, while mother and baby were less than 200 yards away from being blown up by a Nazi bomb. They lived in Carr Mill until Peter was in his late teens, and is thoroughly proud of his roots: “I love Carr Mill. Places around there, including Billinge,
Kings Moss and Crank were our stomping ground. We’d go for long walks up to Billinge on hot days and we’d call at people’s houses, who would feed and water us. We knew Carr Mill Road as The White Road simply because it was just laid with concrete sets. We’d also go down the banking on cardboards and sometimes, especially if it had been snowing, you could end up in the middle of the East Lancs Road, which back then wasn’t a dual carriageway or half as busy as it is now. That said, there’d be cotton wagons serving the Port of Liverpool and there’d be these massive locomotives being transported from Vulcan in Newton-le-Willows to the port and then on to America. “Burkill’s Cafe stood, and still stands, on the corner of Carr Mill Road, and the A580, which we called the New Road as it only opened in 1934.” It was only when he started grammar school that Peter first became interested in rugby, playing union. Unlike his classmates from Wigan, Warrington and Widnes, he’d never played before, so was put with the Liverpool kids who were similarly inexperienced: “I was told: ‘Play in the second row, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know the rules, just push when I tell you’.” He flourished and eventually represented county and country, a rarity for a Lancastrian at the time. He went on to captain England schools at the Mecca of English rugby union, Twickenham. In September 1959, he went to St Mary’s College in the south west London borough to undertake teacher training. In 1963, having turned out for other sides including Liverpool, Loughborough and Blackheath, he switched codes and signed for Saints, although both Wigan and Castleford had shown an interest. His impact on the side was almost immediate. One of the biggest matches of that era was Saints’ thrashing of arch-rivals Wigan by 21 points to 2 in the 1966 Challenge Cup final, a day Peter remembers well: “The single thing I remember,
Peter senior and Cathie at their 50th wedding anniversary
apart from the sheer size of the stadium, is that there was a box of green sawdust ready to cover any patches which may appear on the ‘perfect
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turf’. The manager Joe Coan had given each player specific responsibilities. I was to distribute the ball quickly to the centres, mark Cliff Hill and also cut off Ray Ashby when he tried to come into the line from full back. We were all told that Eric Ashton was playing with a pain killing injection in his ribs, so he would be tentative and we had to tackle him hard. “We met up at dinner in the Russell Hotel in London afterwards. The first course was Vichyssoise, a classic ice-cold soup, but the lads didn’t know it
Peter with his autobiography so the serving was met by a chorus of ‘The soup’s bloody cold!’ I can still see the cut on Billy Boston’s mouth as he dribbled the soup down his chin.” During that meal, Peter was open about the fact he wanted to retire soon, something the suits at Knowsley Road didn’t take kindly to. He was soon put as a reserve in the ‘A’ team and when he went to Joe Coan and Steve Llewellyn, the ‘A’ team coach at the time, to ask why, they informed him that they weren’t allowed to pick him: “I went to see Basil Lowe, the club secretary, and he said the best thing I could do was to phone Brian Batty, rugby league writer for the Daily Mail, and tell him you will never play for Saints again. Nobody retires on our books.
I was told if anyone came in for me with £1,000 and 100 books of Green Shield stamps, they could have me, and I could have the stamps. I was approached by Warrington and Saints got their fee, but I didn’t get the stamps! They even took the new boots which I had just broken in.” Peter spent two seasons at Warrington, retiring in 1969, but has had plenty to keep him occupied ever since. He continued in teaching, mostly working in schools in the Knowsley borough area, until his retirement 18 years ago. He also worked for Encyclopaedia Britannica, producing crosscurricular learning materials, is a founder member of the St Helens Past Players’ Association, a treasurer of the St Helens Deafness Resource Centre, a former deputy district governor for the local Lions International branch, and now a recognised local historian. Although no longer living in Carr Mill (he’s lived in Pike Place, Eccleston, since getting married to Nutgrove girl Ruth in 1964), one of his children, Rachael, is deputy headteacher at Carr Mill School. His other daughter, Louise, is a GP in Kirkby Lonsdale, while his son Simon works as a planning manager for chemicals company Ineos in Runcorn. Peter and Ruth have nine grandchildren, Rebecca, Andrew, Christopher, Amy, Matthew, Adam, Dylan, Esme and Dominic. In many ways, his 222 page autobiography isn’t just a sports book, it’s a story of ambition, pride, passion and aspiration in a world which, in many ways, has long since gone: “Wartime and the scholarship to grammar schools allowed access to rugby union. My story opened the door for hundreds of boys from Lancashire to play for England schools. It’s a unique view of social history from coalmine to the classroom, from 1940 to the present day.” Redhead with Fire in His Boots - My Life in Rugby is published by Fonthill Media and retails at £14.99. As a special offer to Local Life readrers, it is available directly from Peter for £12.50 each or three copies for £30. Cheques payable to Peter Harvey, to 13 Pike Place, St Helens, WA10 5EB, quoting ‘Local Life’ and stating the name and address for delivery.
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44
Puzzle
corner
Guess where? Wordsearch Sudoku
Ice cream flavours
Answers are on page 71 of this magazine
Pecan Chocolate Chip Vanilla Mint Neapolitan Pistachio
Strawberry Tutti Frutti Coffee Ginger Passion Fruit Rum
Coconut Mango Raspberry Ripple
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46
Stepping up in
style
A
bbott-Wade is proud to be one of our local success stories.
Established in 1996 by close friends Mike Wade and Craig Abbott; it specialises in staircase renovations with a reputation for quality craftsmanship which stretches from Scotland to the South Coast. As family men running a family business, they value the same things as the rest of us; honesty, hard-work, quality and value for money. What’s more, because of Mike and Craig’s hands-on style of leadership, they have trained and nurtured their workforce; instilling the same values upon them which has served their business so well for almost 20 years. In addition to employing local joiners, the two talented apprentices who recently gained their qualifications are among many who have passed through their ranks over the years; learning the skills and techniques needed to achieve high standards of craftsmanship and gaining recognised qualifications along the way. Not only is this AbbottWade’s way of investing back to our community, but by employing and training their own staff, they ensure that each tradesperson they employ is capable of working to their high standards. While your staircase is a central feature of your home and usually the first thing people see when they enter, it’s very often overlooked. The good
47
news is that Abbott-Wade can transform the heart of your home for less than you think and in many cases in just one day. While a complete new flight is sometimes needed, they also offer a convenient and affordable alternative to the upheaval of having your whole staircase ripped out. By replacing your existing balustrading and cladding over other structural elements in quality veneers, they can give the impression of a complete new staircase and with minimal disruption. What’s more, regardless of whether you opt for a timber, metal spindles or glass balustrade, because their staircases are all pre-finished there is no work required by you afterwards regardless of whether you opt for hardwoods such as oak and walnut, or a painted finish.
Abbott-Wade understand the importance of trust and always provide a professional yet friendly and reliable service, never losing sight of the fact they are working in your home. There’s no hard sell and the fact that most of their business is generated through word of mouth recommendations is testament to this. So when you choose Abbott-Wade for your renovation, you’re not choosing another faceless corporation to work in your home, you’re choosing a family-run business with a genuine commitment to completing a quality staircase installation using local craftsmen who share the same values as you. If that doesn’t convince you, maybe their service will! Call Abbott-Wade on 01744 634442 or visit them online at www.AbbottWade.co.uk
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Food & Drink
Vegging
A
out
by Jeananne Craig
s challenges go, temporarily turning veggie is hardly up there with trekking the Great Wall Of China. As a lover of all things meaty, however, it’s a task that fills me with some trepidation. Adopting a meat-free diet brings plenty of benefits to animals and the environment, not to mention your bank balance, once you’ve taken costly meat and fish off the shopping list. But will veggie food give me all the nourishment and flavour I need, or will I be reaching for a Big Mac by day three? Luckily, I have a fool proof meal plan devised by online supermarket Ocado and nutritionist Anita Bean, to see me through the week and ensure I get a balanced and varied diet. I sometimes struggle to come up with exciting dishes when cooking for veggie friends, but there are a wide range of tastes and textures in Bean’s recipes, from the super-simple bean and quinoa salad to the gnocchi, pesto and roasted veg, and the goat’s cheese and tomato frittata. What’s more, they’re surprisingly filling.
It’s all about getting the balance right, according to Bean - ensuring you get enough protein, iron, vitamin B12 (from eggs, dairy products and fortified breakfast cereals), omega-3 (try chia, pumpkin and flax seeds and dark green leafy veg), and vitamin D. “Vitamin D can be a problem if you don’t get much sun exposure or consume oily fish. The best vegetarian sources are egg yolk and fortified margarine, plant milk and breakfast cereals,” says Bean. “Make vegetarian versions of your favourite meals: replace the meat in stews, curries and casseroles with tinned beans, lentils or tofu.” If you’re missing your meat fix, you might like to try meat substitutes such as seitan (a gluten used in stir fries and Chinese dishes) and Quorn meat-free chicken fillets. By the end of my week, I’m feeling great - healthy, clear-skinned and with more energy than usual. I’ve been getting about seven portions of fruit and veg a day, and from now on, I’ll definitely be more imaginative when it comes to planning meals. Want to try out some vegetarian dishes? Here are three tasty meat-free recipes to try at home from Ocado and Anita Bean.
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Potato
gnocchi
with roasted vegetables and pesto
Serves 1 Ingredients
Method
1/2 red pepper, sliced
Pre-heat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas mark 6.
1/2 courgette, sliced
Place the chopped vegetables and whole tomatoes in a
1/2 small onion, sliced 50g cherry tomatoes whole 1tbsp olive oil
large roasting tin with the garlic. Toss lightly in olive oil so that the vegetables are well coated, and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water for three minutes,
1 garlic clove, crushed
drain and return to the pan. Add the pesto and warm
200g potato gnocchi
through for a further minute.
1tbsp pesto (Ocado recommends Zest Vegan Basil Pesto)
Combine the cooked gnocchi and pesto, mix with the roasted vegetables and serve.
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Bean and quinoa
salad
Serves 1 Ingredients 125g ready to eat quinoa 1/2 tin (200g) mixed beans (drained) 4 baby plum tomatoes, halved 1/4 yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped 5cm cucumber, sliced 50g feta cheese, crumbled 1tbsp pomegranate seeds Juice of 1/2 lemon 1tbsp olive oil
Method Combine the ready to eat quinoa (or boil and simmer for around 15-20 minutes if not using ready-made), beans,
tomatoes,
pepper,
cucumber,
pomegranate seeds. Dress with a splash of olive oil and a dash of lemon juice.
feta
and
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Eating out
guide Delph Tavern Award-winning CAMRA freehouse with a fast growing reputation for excellent quality food at reasonable prices. Traditional British classics served, plus some exotic surprises too. Food served Wed-Sun only. 01695 622239 Tontine, Orrell, WN5 8UJ facebook.com/TheDelphTavern
Advertise
here £30 + VAT
Call 01744 649722
Winstons Traditional Goosnargh
British pies, tasty chicken, delicious
steak, fresh fish, Chef’s Specials, Sunday carvery and so much more. Winston’s – Award Winning Pizza. 01695 627692 190, Upholland Road, Billinge, WN5 7DJ winstonspizza.com
Advertise
here £48 + VAT
Call 01744 649722
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
Inglenook Farm An attractive farmhouse cafe that serves breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. Good selection of home-made foods. Also on site is a farm shop and other businesses. 01744 886812 Moss Nook Lane, Rainford Bypass (A570) WA11 8AE inglenook-farm.co.uk
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Events & Leisure
What’s
on
Lancs Folk Night Saturday, June 27 Held at Fir Tree Farm, Kings Moss, from 7.30pm. Features Quartz and usual resident singers Mark Dowding and Derek Gifford. Tickets £12, including hot pot supper. Call 01744 894959.
Armed Forces Day Saturday, June 27 Family Picnic in Mesnes Park, Park Road North, Newton-le-Willows, from noon. Attractions include a brass band, hot food and ice cream.
Dogs Trust Fun Day Sunday, June 28 Held from noon-4pm at the Merseyside branch at Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, Longview Drive, Huyton. Entry is £2 for adults, £1 for children.
Mary J Blige Thursday, July 2 The American singer-songwriter returns to the UK for a performance at Manchester’s O2 Apollo arena. Starting
Promote your event
here! Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in St Helens Ad prices start from £30 + VAT Call 01744 649722 for details
as a backing singer, Blige released her first album, What’s the 411?, in 1992, and has released 11 studio albums since and made over 150 guest appearances on other albums and soundtracks. Doors open at 7.30pm. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets via www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Afternoon Tea and Craft Fair Sunday, June 28 Fundraiser from 1pm–3pm at Willowbrook Hospice, Portico Lane, Prescot. Free entry.
Evening of Music and Magic Thursday, July 2 The St Helens Singers presents this event at 7.30pm. St Julie’s Church Hall, Howards Lane, St Helens.
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Tickets £5 - take your own refreshments. Tickets available via 01744 612485 or info@sthelenssingers. co.uk
High Tea Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4 Organised by Rainford Welfare & Old Folks Treat Committee, this event takes place at the village hall, Church Road, and features The Bachelors plus Carnaby Street. Doors open at 5.15pm. Early booking necessary via 01744 882533.
Brass Concert Friday, July 3 18th St Helens (St James Haydock) host a concert by Wigan Youth Brass Band, 7.30pm, at St James’ Church, Church Road, Haydock. Tickets are £8 each, which includes refreshments, and are available on 01942 724319 or Father Rodney on 01942 727956.
Summer Fair Saturday, July 4 At Prescot Parish Church from 10am to 2 pm. Music will be provided by St. Helens Concert Band, The historic church and tower will also be open. All welcome.
Attic Sale Monday, July 6 Held by Haydock Women’s Club at Haydock Cricket Club, Piele Road. Tables £6 - contact secretary Chris Martin on 01942 393925.
Pugalugs on Tour Thursday July 9 Go along to Newton-le-Willows Library, Crow Lane East, to meet author Jessica Parish and stars of a new children’s picture book. Held from 4pm-5pm. No need to book.
Wigan International Jazz Festival Thursday, July 9, to Sunday, July 12 Celebrating its 30th year, a 10-day programme packed with top artists. Most concerts take place
Brazilica Festival Friday, July 17, to Sunday, July 19 The increasingly popular annual event returns for 2015 will once again cover the city of Liverpool in colour for the eighth consecutive year. The spectacular Carnival Parade which features Samba bands from across the UK and overseas will also remain as the main festival highlight. More information at www.brazilicafestival.com
at Robin Park Sports Centre, Loire Drive. On the Saturdays there will be free music in Wigan town centre from 11am and on the Sundays there will be jazz in Mesnes Park, off Mesnes Road, from noon. Full gig guide available at www.wiganjazz.net - call 01942 828 271 for tickets or book online.
Cricket Club Open Day Friday, July 10 Winstanley Park Cricket Club, off Winstanley Road, Billinge, extends a warm welcome to everyone to go down and see the club’s facilities. It currently runs three senior teams and four junior teams at under nine, 11s, 13s, and 15. The club will be open from 5.30pm pm and the new net facility will be opened at 6pm. For more information, visit www. winstanleyparkcricketclub.co.uk
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Paul Clough Testimonial Dinner Saturday, July 11 Held at Langtree Park at 7pm. Tickets £45 or £400 for a table of 10. Dress code: lounge suits. St Helens legends will be in attendance. Live entertainment from Liquid Radio. Email paulcloughtestimonial@ gmail.com to book.
School Fair Saturday, July 11 Eccleston Mere Primary School, Saleswood Avenue, holds its family fun day at the school starting at 11.30am. Plenty for all the family including raffle, tombola, games, face painting and bouncy castles. Entry is £1 per family and includes a programme of events.
Moss Bank Gala Saturday, July 11 Held on Moss Bank Green. Events kick off at 1pm with Parr Brass Band and Mucky Mountain Morris Dancers. The Gala parade around the Green is at 1.30pm led by the Gala Queen and her entourage, children in fancy dress, Parr band and the Morris dancers. Call Christa on 07776 34827.
Race for Life Sunday, July 12 5K/10K at Haydock Racecourse Lodge Lane, Newton-le-Willows, Starts at 11am. Adult entry (16+ women-only) - £14.99. Child entry (6-15 girls and boys under 13) - £10. Under 6 entry (boys and girls) - free. Visit www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk. org/index.html
Master Of The House Thursday, July 16, and Friday, July 17 A devised melodrama by the Citadel Youth Theatre that celebrates the history of the Citadel and marks the end of their Heritage Lottery Project. Doors at The Citadel, Waterloo Street, open at 7pm and entry is £7. Book via http://www.citadel.org.uk/
The Tiger Who Came To Tea Wednesday, July 29, to Friday, July 30 Following a smash-hit West End season, the teaguzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show at Preston Guild; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! For audiences aged three and above. Performances are at 10.30am and 1.30pm on selected days. Tickets £11 via www.prestonguildhall.com
Ride 45 Sunday, July 19 Starting and finishing at Sutton Leisure Centre, Elton Head Road, the 45 mile bike ride in aid of Willowbrook Hospice goes through the St Helens and Knowsley area, taking in the scenery around Crank and Beacon Hill. Suitable for all cycling abilities from the semi-pros to the Sunday cyclists. Entry is £20. Call Mark on 01744 453798 or email markp@willowbrookhospice.org.uk
John Power Acoustic Show Thursday July 23 The former Cast and La’s singer comes to The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan. Acoustic show consisting of John’s solo rootsy set followed by all the hits from Cast. Buy your ticket £8 in advance or £10 on the door. Visit www.theoldcourts.com
Musical Memories Friday, July 24 A St Helens singing group for people with dementia.
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Learn more about agriculture and get hands on with a variety of farm yard animals in the shows petting zoo. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/wlbc.rangers or to request a stallholder application form email greenfayre@ westlancs.gov.uk
Hobbies Talk Tuesday, July 28 Talk hosted by Prescot Library’s Older Person’s Health and Wellbeing Club. Held from 2pm-3pm. Complimentary refreshments provided.
Bickerstock Saturday, August 1, & Sunday, August 2
Sentenced to Soul All-Nighter Saturday, August 29 Eight DJs and eight hours of rare, underplayed & in demand 1960s/70s northern soul, from 10pm-6am at The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan. Guest DJ team is John Poole, Ginger Taylor (pictured), Rob Smith, Tony Clarke and up-and-coming soul DJ Owen Bolton along with resident DJs Jordan Wilson, Ben Hindley, Nicolé Gordy Blacklaws. Tickets advanced purchase for £12 from http://sentencedto-soul-all-nighter.eventzilla.net/
Held from 2pm-4pm at the United Reformed Church, King Street. The session starts with a warm drink and chat in the coffee bar followed by 90 minutes of singing. Entry is £2.50 person. For more information, contact Denise on 07856 0798348 or email musicalmemoriessthelens@hotmail.co.uk
The Green Fayre Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26 Held from 11am until 5pm each day at Beacon Country Park, Beacon Lane, Up Holland. This free event is a celebration of the countryside and is the biggest event of its kind in West Lancashire. Watch Viking battles, dog display teams and birds of prey demonstrations in the show’s arena.
Organised by Paul Draper, landlord of the Junction pub on News Lane, Bickerstock is held on the Parish Field, Bickerstaffe. The free, two day event sees bands from across the area performing. For more information, visit www.bickerstock.org
Greenslate Summer Festival Saturday, August 1 This event, held from 11am-11pm at the Tracks Lane site in Billinge, is billed as a celebration of local talent with several bands confirmed Big Foot , Red Eyed Jedi and Chockinfettle to name a few with lots more to follow, playing live at the farm and an open mic session for budding musicians. Local foods and regional ales will be on sale plus craft stalls and activities for all the family. Entry is a voluntary £1 donation. All enquiries please call Dawn on 07434 977 663.
Summer Exhibition Saturday, August 1, to Saturday, August 8 Ashton Art Group artists show work in a variety of media and with a wide range of subject matter to suit every taste. Most of the work is for sale and there is no charge for admission. Held at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Warrington Road, Ashton. Opening times are 10am–6pm each day except Sunday (11am –2pm).
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Newton Town Show Saturday, August 1, Held at Mesnes Park, Park Road North, from 11am. Organisers the Newton and Earlestown Community Group say the show will be packed with attractions for all ages, various stalls and the return of the arts and crafts competition. More details at www. newtontownshow.weebly.com
Royal Lancashire Show Friday, August 7- Sunday, August 9 This historical, annual event at Salesbury Hall, Ribchester, is a fabulous celebration of our great British countryside and a brilliant family day out to boot. There’ll be magnificent livestock displays, wonderful food and drink, marvellous crafts, a huge country life area, and lots of traditional entertainment and avenues of trade stands offering a wealth of goods. For further information, visit www.royallancs.co.uk
Simon Weston: My Story Sunday, September 6 The Falklands War veteran tells his life story at Warrington’s Pyramid venue on Palmyra Square South. Tickets priced from £13-£14.50 and the event starts at 7.30pm. For more information, visit www.pyramidparrhall.com
Griffin Grind Sunday, August 9 The inaugural Isabella Rose Foundation event in association with the Griffin Inn. The five mile road race begins at The Griffin, on Church Lane, Eccleston and immediately tackles the long and winding Burrows Lane before approaching the seemingly everlasting Prescot Road, eventually reaching Dunriding Lane before the long stretch of Knowsley Road. it’s £18 to enter and those who finish get a medal and goody bag. For more information, visit http://www.griffingrind.co.uk/
Southport Flower Show Thursday, August 20, to Sunday, August 23 The UK’s largest independent flower show at Victoria Park, Rotten Row, is back and promises to be a great day out. Attracting around 70,000 visitors, the event will feature stunning show gardens, the finest flower and vegetable displays, specialist foods and books, celebrity guests and much more. Tickets from £18-£22.50 via www. southportflowershow.co.uk
Ormskirk MotorFest Sunday, August 30, From 11am-4pm. Put yourself in pole position to enjoy the North West’s premier free motoring spectacular and a fantastic day out for all the family. A fabulous array of cars and motorcycles from all eras of motoring will be on display, and many of these will join in the parade laps around Ormskirk town centre. This free event takes place around Moor Street, Aughton Street, Coronation Park, and Ormskirk town centre.
Rainford Show Saturday, September 5 From 1.30pm to 4.30pm in the village hall, Church Road. Annual competition for handicrafts, photography, confectionary, preserves, floral art, vegetables, fruit and much more. Prizegiving takes place at 4pm. For more information and entry forms, visit www.rainfordshow.co.uk
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Jack’s Tracks
Wigan
flashes by David Sudworth
T
he legacy of industrialisation looms large over the North West, none more so in the town of Wigan.
Yet the stereotypical view of rusting pit heads, derelict mills and acres of weedstrewn land is far from accurate. Most have been regenerated, providing alternative employment or even leisure facilities. Wigan Flashes are wetlands which have been constructed from past mining activity in the area, covering about 620 acres, and is now a dedicated Local Nature Reserve. In its heyday, around one millions tonnes of coal was extracted per year from the collieries. They closed in the late 1960s. A number of flashes make up the Reserve, including Scotsman’s, Pearson’s, Bryn, Turner’s and Ochra. The Flashes now play an important part in supporting species such as the skylark, which are declining nationally, and the lapwing.
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We parked up at the bottom of Carr Lane, next to Hawkley Hall High School, WN3 5NY, and proceeded to make our way into the woodland. From here, we headed eastwards towards the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, a fairly straightforward, well-marked out route. After about five minutes, we arrived at the beautiful stone bridge, which we crossed, and joined up with the towpath snaking south-eastwards. Walking down the path, it struck me just how busy it was, with cyclers, walkers and runners. It’s nice to know that more than 230 years after it was constructed, the canal still plays its part in getting people from A to B.
Soon, we got to a railway bridge, which carries the Wigan-Liverpool line. We passed under the bridge and then took a sharp left up the embankment to follow the path. On the right, we had Horrock’s Flash, which is a renowned for its fantastic wildlife. Indeed, we stopped off at a bird hide and instantly wished we’d brought our binoculars with us. Considering it’s sandwiched between two train lines, the other being the West Coast Main Line, it is remarkably peaceful. Onwards, we veered clockwise, following the West Coast line southwards until we met back up with the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. At this point, the distance we’d travelled may not have been massive on foot,
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but we’d essentially gone from one side of Wigan to the other as I could see parts of Platt Bridge in the distance. Turning right at the towpath, we started making our way back down towards the starting point. This is perhaps the most satisfying part of the walk because we not only saw a few narrow boats, but we also came across some fairly tame swans who almost expected us to take photographs of them. They lined up like pouting models on a Milan catwalk while our fearless cameraman Peter snapped away like a latter-day Lord Lichfield.
walkers, it would be advantageous to have these restored. So if anyone from the Canal & River Trust is reading this, take note! Once, we got back to the stone bridge, we simply retraced our route back to the car. On the way, we noticed a section of reed beds which apparently attract a wide cross-section of wildlife, from the broad-bodied chaser and bittern to the smooth newt and reed warbler. All in all, this 3.7 mile walk is good for those who don’t generally do much walking as it is flat and fairly easy to follow. For the more experienced walker though, it provides an interesting history lesson coupled with some decent wildlife-spotting opportunities. There’s also the opportunity to go further afield, varying the walk, although the presence of the rail lines does restrict this.
I know I said earlier that images of industrial wasteland don’t apply in this area, but there are a few minor exceptions. These mostly revolve around bridges, or rather a lack of them, as many were torn up when mining ceased in the area. What’s bizarre is that the supports (i.e. the steps) still exist but the crossings themselves have gone. Certainly for
Pearson’s Flash
38 B52
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Turner’s Flash
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Hawkley
Hawkley Hall High School
Postcode: WN3 5NY
Orchra Flash Bryn Flash
Horrock’s Flash
Hide
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.
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Win Tickets to
Southport Flower Show T
he largest independent flower show in the country returns to Southport’s Victoria Park from 20th-23rd August. Southport Flower Show is a four day celebration of the very best in garden design, arts and crafts, shopping, family entertainment and food. The theme for this year’s show is ‘China’ with oriental styles being reflected across all aspects of the event, including the floral marquees, food and entertainment.
For gardening lovers this year’s show will boast stunning show gardens and displays created by some of the best landscapers and designers in the country. There will also be a host of stalls and shops selling unique plants and flowers and advice sessions from experts in the “Garden Roadshow.” Live music will be a key element of the show with the bandstand featuring performances from male voice choirs, brass bands, swing bands and singers.
We’ve got our hands on TWELVE pairs of tickets to this year’s show, and you can win a pair of tickets by completing the crossword on the right and returning your entry to; Southport Flower Show Competition Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8 – Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB Or you can email your answers along with your name, full address and contact number to crossword@locallife247.co.uk Your entry must be with us by Friday 31st July 2015. Ray Roukin, general manager of Southport Flower Show said: “This summer’s event will be a real treat for the senses with so much to explore, it’s set to be a great day out. Visitors can experience everything from stunning floral displays and show gardens, guaranteed to inspire your creativity, to tasty treats that will tantalise your taste buds. There will also be masterclasses and demonstrations on offer, where visitors can pick up plenty of tips and advice from the experts.”
At the centre of the show ground will be a purpose built arena boasting a range spectacular entertainment including flying birds of prey, dog displays and circus acts including the world famous Vander Quad Wheel of Death. There is plenty of entertainment for the family to enjoy too from award winning clowns Sonny and Rainbow to Liverpool’s Underwater Street discovery group, which will be hosting informative and exciting science and art/craft workshops for kids. The show also hosts what has been termed the
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The Food festival will be a big feature of the show this year, where visitors will have the opportunity to try delicious delights from some of the region’s finest artisan food producers and watch live cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs including, this year, Jean-Christophe Novelli .
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“Shopping Village,” one of the biggest independent shopping experiences in the North West, with over 350 stalls offering everything from craft wares to items for the home and garden.
Across 3. Theme for this year’s show 5. Dates of show, 20th-23rd _ 6. Celebrity Chef, Jean-Christophe _
Down The nation’s favourite French chef Jean-Christophe is known for his successful career as a TV personality which took off after hosting a series of the popular Hell’s Kitchen TV show. Jean-Christophe will be touring the show on the Thursday and be performing three cookery demonstrations at the food festival. He will also be a special guest at the show’s black tie Gala Preview Evening, on the Wednesday 19 August. There will also be a host of other celebrities attending the show over the four days from TV stars to leading gardening experts including Channel 4’s ‘Landscape Man’ Mathew Wilson, Joe Swift of BBC Gardeners World, Jim Buttress, expert on BBC 2’s Big Allotment Challenge and Christine Walkden, the BBC One Show resident gardening expert and panel member on BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time. Tickets for the show can be purchased at www. southportflowershow.co.uk or call 01704 547147. Phone orders incur a £1 handling fee and children under the age of 16 go in for free.
1. Show ground attraction, Wheel of _ 2. Venue for Flower Show, _ Park 4. General Manager of Show, _ Roukin Name
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Address
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Crossword Competition Rules 1. Only one entry per household 2. Entrants must be over 16 years of age 3. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date. 4. Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for entries that are delayed or damaged in the post. 5. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition. Local Life 247 Ltd is registered under the Data Protection Act and abides by the guidelines of the act. We will never sell or pass your data to any third party company. However, we will contact you occasionally to check our magazine distribution in your area.
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Test drive
Mercedes
CLA-Class by Tim Barnes-Clay
I
t took me a while fine-tuning the seat to give me the best driving position. I then had to adjust the steering wheel several times – and then get the lumbar support right. For the first day I just couldn’t nail it and, squirming uncomfortably, I was convinced this car wasn’t for me. But, by the second day of my week with the Merc, I felt it was made with my name on it. I think the CLA’s sports seats with integral headrests simply take some getting used to. They’re sculpted in a curve-forwards position, and make you feel like your head needs to go back more – although that could have been me being fussy on the day the car was delivered.
Save £££s
Anyway, enough of the seats and my hair-splitting; let me explain why, on the whole, the CLA is an excellent piece of German machinery. Aesthetically, its proportions and dynamic design give the compact four-door saloon-cum-coupé an unmistakable appearance. The vehicle’s striking features include the bonnet embedded in the front end with power-domes and a diamond-look grille. The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create a characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime driving lights and indicators. This light signet defines the car’s energetic form and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.
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Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with numerous driving assistance systems offering support and reducing your workload behind the wheel. Standard-fit features include drowsiness detection and radar-based collision prevention assist with adaptive brake assist, which helps to protect you from collisions from a speed of 4mph.
The width-emphasising rear end exudes muscle and athleticism, featuring an interplay between convex and concave surfaces. The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window, provide the CLA 250 AMG Sport with a coupé-style character from the rear, too. The exterior’s progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the Benz. All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver shadow, resulting in a cool-tothe-touch metallic finish. The instrument panel incorporates five large round vents and there’s a prominent free-standing display screen that features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel with a flush-fitting silver frame. In the back, the seats, once again, become a sticking point. They are cramped for adults and not even the best fit for two child seats, but my eight and five year old coped without too much squabbling. On the plus side; boot space is good for this type of car.
Fast facts Max speed: 149mph
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On the road, the CLA 250’s turbocharged fourcylinder engine rocks for most situations. The car has excellent grip when pushed through corners and its seven-speed automatic transmission climbs and descends excellently under pressure. Especially noteworthy is the Mercedes’ direct steer system, which offers precise feedback in comparison to conventional power steering.
Billinge &
Offer valid on production of this voucher Any make or model welcome
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I like gardening but I’m Award Winner
rubbish by Angie Barker
W
hen visiting peoples’ gardens, the two comments I hear most often are “nothing will grow there” and “I like gardening but I’m rubbish at it”. The former comment usually relates to a shady spot in someone’s garden and because they have tried to grow something there before which has not flourished, they assume that this area is doomed to be boring and unable to support plant life when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. A shady spot in your garden is an opportunity to grow a wonderful range of plants. The first thing you need to assess is whether your shade is dry shade or moist shade as this will determine which plants you can grow successfully. For example ferns such as Polystichum munitum (Sword fern) and the Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) thrive in moist shade. Some hardy Geraniums such as Geranium nodosum do well in dry shade as well as Dicentra formosa (Bleeding Heart) and Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). Now to address the “I like gardening but I’m rubbish at it” comment. First and foremost gardening
Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants.
should be about having fun, about enjoying a healthy pursuit out in the open air. Just have a go at it and through trial and error you will be amazed at how rewarding it can be. There is a wealth of practical information out there and one of the best publications is the Gardeners World magazine. Produced in conjunction with the BBC’s Gardeners World programme aired on a Friday night during the summer months, it provides masses of useful information and tips. And if you subscribe to it, there are lots of special offers available, including some free plants – what could be better! If flowers don’t float your boat (as the young ‘uns say) get inspired and grow some veg. Potatoes, lettuce and carrots are some of the easiest to grow and there really is nothing more satisfying than eating fresh produce from your own garden. Children love getting involved too and it keeps them away from the computer screen and gets them interested in nature. Even Hubby takes an interest in the garden – although of course I am firmly in charge. So there you have it – no excuses – get gardening!
Call Angie now for your free consultation! Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk
Award Winner
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www.theksc.co.uk
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Useful numbers Billinge & Garswood Cllr D McDonnell Cllr S Murphy Cllr J Pearson Billinge Medical Practice Garswood Surgery Billinge & Garswood Police Team Billinge Parish Council Clerk Seneley Green Parish Council Clerk Billinge Library Garswood Library
01744 678 061 01942 743 098 01942 743 021 01744 892 205 01744 621 670 0151 777 6054 01744 892 355 01744 892 167 01744 677 535 01744 677 797
Blackbrook Cllr L Maloney Cllr P McQuade Cllr A Cunliffe
01744 677 036 01744 678 937 01744 677 280
Haydock Cllr Banks 01744 676 109 Cllr A Burns 01744 677 295 Haydock Med Cen. (Dr Breach & Prns) 01744 624 360 Haydock Med Cen. (Dr Roberts) 01744 22 272 Haydock Library 01744 677 801
Puzzle
Moss Bank Cllr J Fletcher Cllr J Fulham Cllr P Lynch Windermere Medical Centre Moss Bank Library
01744 884 984 01744 616 253 07986 484526 01744 739 645 01744 677 988
Rainford Cllr A Jones Cllr R Nichols Cllr L. Mussell Rainford Health Centre MacRae Medical Centre Rainford Library Rainford Parish Council
01744 893 367 01744 676 109 07740 422 764 01744 882 855 01744 882 606 01744 677 820 01744 884 709
General Medical St Helens Hospital Wigan Infirmary Whiston Hospital Minor Injuries Walk in Centre Police & Councils Merseyside Police Greater Manchester Police St. Helens Council
01744 26 633 01942 244 000 0151 426 1600 01744 627 400 0151 709 6010 0161 872 5050 01744 676 789
solutions
The photo on page 44 is of the shops on Ormskirk Road, Rainford.