Local Life - St Helens - Sep/Oct 2021 by Local Life 247 Ltd

LocalLife St Helens Edition

Sep/Oct 2021

Cash for Clutter Ideas Pages 26-27

Garswood’s Crafty Church Page 20

Jack’s Tracks to Frodsham Pages 53-56

6 of the Best NW Museums Pages 64-67

The Pioneering Beechams Pages 29-32 Image courtesy of St Helens Archive Service & St Helens Reporter

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his summer has felt more like being out on parole rather than the promised get-out-of-jailfree status.

If you ‘staycationed’, you were rewarded with quintessentially British weather which remained reliably unreliable, whilst those who went overseas faced holiday planning tasks that turned out to be as difficult as nailing jelly to the wall. Whilst I was sheltering from the rain in Northumberland, I didn’t really appreciate Facebook reminding me where I was holidaying on that date in previous years! Let’s hope that September marks a big step forward in getting back to some sort of normality, especially for the travel and hospitality sectors. As you can see in this magazine, there’s lots going on this month. Remember, if you’re part of a local community group and you want free publicity for an event, then just send details involved to editorial@locallife247.co.uk. See you next time Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

New Season Keep in touch with the LocalLife Team!

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This month’s highlights 64. Six of the Best NW Museums

Contents 12. Beauty Tailor your beauty products.

22. Health Don’t suffer in silence.

26. Finance Cash for clutter.

52. Parenting Teaching kids to be savvy with money.

29. Pioneering Beechams

44. Wooden Floors Guide

57. Food Cooking with the kids.

59. Recipe Chilli glazed salmon.

62. Puzzle Pages Try these brainteasers for size!

68. Motoring

53. Jack’s Tracks to Frodsham & Helsby

Hybrid SUV’s.

72. Home & Garden Services Find the best local traders for you.

58. Paprika Chicken

70. Garden Trends

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Book Stop Update The Book Stop will officially open on Bridge Street in October. Work on the community book shop has been ongoing all year since the group were successful in raising £45,000 through a community share issue. Trustee Brian Leyland told Local Life, “The build and fit out has taken longer than anticipated as we encountered a few problems, but we are now meeting about the final design and the fit out and furniture will begin shortly. “Everything is really coming together, and we are hoping to have a soft opening at the end of September. We are really grateful to our 300 shareholders who helped to raise the money for the project, however if people would like to further support us, they can go to our website and purchase books via our bookshop.org link and we receive 30% of the proceeds.” Comedian and broadcaster Robin Ince has been confirmed as the first writer to appear at the shop and he will kick off a series of regular events at the shop on Friday, October 8. Best known for his BBC podcast, The Infinite Monkey

Cage, his latest book, The Importance of Being Interested – Adventures in Scientific Curiosity, is sure to go down a storm. Discussing the project, Managing Director of Housing Maintenance Solutions, Paul Worthington, told Local Life, “When we were approached to complete the project, we simply couldn’t say no. It’s such a fantastic project and one that will benefit the community for years to come, creating a place people can go to learn, socialise and have fun. “The Book Stop will be a real asset to the town, and we think what they stand for is incredibly important - not just practically in terms of improving literacy levels – but socially, creating bonds and friendships across the community, which since COVID-19 has never been more important.” The Book Stop has also recently appointed a new manager, Laura Goodchild. For more information about the Book Stop, forthcoming events or to order books, please go online at www.sthelensbookstop.co.uk

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Tea Dances Resume Lovers of sequence dancing will be pleased to hear that two fortnightly tea dance events have re-opened following the lifting of restrictions. The tea dance at Our Lady’s Social Centre in Downall Green Road in Bryn, which has been running for over twenty years, re-started this month, and the next date for this event is Bank Holiday Monday 30th August and every second Monday thereafter. The event is mostly sequence dancing with a bit of line dancing, it runs from 1-4pm, and the admittance cost of £2 includes tea and biscuits. A raffle and a bingo session will also take place at this tea dance. The second tea dance takes place a short distance away at the Methodist Church Hall in Victoria Road in Garswood. This event, which offers strictly sequence dancing, resumed at the end of July and the next date for this event is Friday 10th September and every second Friday thereafter. Admittance to the tea dance, which runs from 1.30pm-4pm is again £2 and that includes tea and biscuits. For more information, call Pat Chisnall on 01942 717883.

Classic Cars The 4th Classic Car and Bike show will be taking place this Sunday (5th September) at the Lymewood Country Park on Vista Road in Newton-le-Willows. The show will run between 11am-4pm and admission is free, so if engines and bodywork are your thing be sure not to miss it! Refreshments will be available on the day. For more information, please contact Jim Collier on 07799 685583.

Grande Debut Hariana, dubbed the UK’s biggest tribute show to the U.S. songstress, Ariana Grande, will be making her debut at the Theatre Royal in St Helens on Sunday 3rd October. In an afternoon show packed with Ariana’s biggest hits, and sensational choreography performed by Hannah and her dancers - you’ll be left starstruck as the hits come to life on the Theatre Royal stage. It’s a show that’s perfect for all the family and Hannah will be meeting all the little ones in the foyer at the end of the show for photographs. To secure your tickets visit www. sthelenstheatreroyal.com

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Free Festival Citadel Arts are inviting families to St Helens Town Centre on Saturday 4th September for ‘In the Street’, a free family festival. From 10am – 4.30pm the local charity is presenting a fun filled day for all the family as they bring some of the best children’s and family shows to Church Street for a completely free outdoor theatre experience that you’ll never forget. Throughout this special event families can: help create the pinkiest pink in ‘The Lost Colour’, witness ‘The Weather Machine’ make magic out of dance and weather, celebrate classic rave music and nature in ‘Family Bird Rave Live’, go on a heroic walk about adventure in ‘There be Monsters’ and for those who love music, they’ll be able to hear songs about all topics under (and above) the Sun in ‘Now That’s What I Call A Lot Of Songs About Science’. Performances start every 30 minutes so bring chairs & blankets, pack a picnic and spend the whole day with Citadel Arts. For more information and show times head to the website www.citadel.org.uk

Chief Executive, Fay Lamb says: “At Citadel Arts we believe the magic of theatre has the power to change people’s lives. After what has been such a difficult period for everyone, we wanted to come back with a bang and provide the families of St Helens with a fantastic event with something for everybody. We can’t wait to bring the magical world of Citadel Arts back to the streets of St Helens”.

Bouncers It’s curtains up for Rainhill’s Musical Theatre Company next weekend as they stage their first performance since restrictions were lifted. One of the most celebrated plays of the 20th century, Bouncers, a play that epitomises the hedonism of Northern nightlife, is set in and around a nightclub called Mr Cinders. The action is focused on the exploits of the four doorman and the nightclub’s customers. Bouncers runs on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th September at Rainhill Village Hall on Dane Court. Tickets are £10 and you can book via www. rainhillmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk.

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Park Road Café in Parr will be hosting a Soul and Motown night in aid of the Liverpool Women’s Neonatal Unit on Saturday September 18.

One of the organisers, Phil Thomas, hailed the success of the event, “This year was very hard as COVID caused so many problems and obstacles for us, but we sold out for the first time and it ended up being our best ever event!” The Picnic in the Park team have confirmed that next year’s festival will be held on June 4th 2022.

Entertainment on the night will include music from Soul DJ, Chis Wilson, licensed bar, a raffle and a hot pot supper. Doors will open 8pm-late, and tickets are £10 per person, with all proceeds going directly to the charity. So, for an evening of great music and endless dancing all in the name of charity; please contact the Park Road Café for tickets on 01744 808440 now and don’t miss out on your chance to dance the night away!

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Rainford 10k Keen runners and charity fundraisers are warming up for one of the Rainford community’s most inspirational events – the Rainford 10K Challenge. Taking place on Sunday, October 3rd, it gives the community a chance to raise money for charity while remembering teenager George Faulkner, a Rainford High pupil who died aged just 17 in October 2008 after being hit by a car while crossing the East Lancs Road near the junction with Windle Island. The new route for this year’s race takes in scenic areas of Rainford, making best use of the Linear paths and trails as well as the roads to minimise the disruption to residents for the relatively short duration of the road race. If you’d like to enter, visit www.therainford10k.co.uk or www.beurbest.com The event is being sponsored by Andy Reid and the ‘Standing Tall Foundation’, Communications Plus of Rainford and Alpine Podiatry. The Rainford 10K’s chosen charities this year are Henshaws, TCF and Tommy’s.

The event is again being organised by BeUrBest, a local training and coaching organisation headed by Terry Bates, working closely in association with Rainford High Technology College, which is also the starting and finishing location for the race. There will be music and a carnival atmosphere to greet all finishers crossing the line, along with refreshments, stalls and activities for all the family and supporters. The winner will see their name inscribed on the George Faulkner Memorial Cup. A 1k fun run for all ages will be held within the grounds of Rainford High School before the main event (children aged under four must be accompanied by an adult). The newly formed Rainford Runners and Multi Sports (RRAMS) and St Helens Tri Club will be helping as volunteers and marshals for the Rainford 10K. If you have some time and would like to help the volunteer team, please get in touch with Terry on 07799 033 323 or Jill on 0794 684 286.

Fair Returns St Helens Chamber Business Fair returns this autumn, taking place on Wednesday 17th November at the Totally Wicked Stadium, home of the Saints. With a wide range of businesses exhibiting and attracting hundreds of visitors, this is a great networking event for all ambitious businesses who are looking to grow and prosper. Whether you’re an existing business looking to develop, a business in the early stages, or are thinking of starting your own business – you will find something of interest at this networking event. Exhibiting at the Business Fair is a great way to raise the profile of your company and allows you to meet hundreds of potential customers or suppliers, build face-to-face relationships with new and old suppliers, network with businesses from across the North West and raise your brand awareness. For more information on exhibiting at the St Helens Chamber Business Fair, contact the Events Team on 01744 742028 or email events@sthelenschamber.com.

Walk With Willowbrook Do It Your Way! Saturday 25th September – Sunday 3rd October Any time... anywhere! With our annual walk postponed, we would love you to take part in our virtual walk and help us raise vital funds for the Hospice. To register please visit

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e k o p Bes y t u a e B Seven ways to tailor your beauty products so they work for you

Get your glow back. Missing your summer tan? Add a few selftanning drops to your favourite body lotion and face moisturiser to build up a natural-looking tan over a few days. The more drops you add, the deeper the tan.

2. Become your own mixologist. Brands like The Inkey List and The Ordinary have made it easier to buy skincare ingredients without breaking the bank. You can buy everything from retinol to collagen and Q10. Do be careful what you add together though. Retinol should never be mixed with vitamin C, for example, as the pairing is likely to cause irritation. So, do your homework and then have fun!

Create your own tinted moisturiser. During the summer, I couldn’t find a decent tinted moisturiser with SPF, so I made my own. Even now it’s autumn, it’s still my daily face cream. Squeeze a little moisturiser into the palm of your hand. Add a dash of foundation and mix it together. I also add a few drops of hyaluronic acid to boost moisture. Play around with what works for you.

4. Boost your face mask. I’m a big fan of Perl Cosmetics’ British Pink Clay Mask & Illuminating Oil (£29.50 from perlcosmetics.com). Make a paste with the powdered clay and water, and then add a few drops of the oil to suit your skin type (up to ten drops for oily skin or twenty for dry skin). Unlike some clay masks I’ve tried, this one won’t dry your skin. Instead, it leaves it soft, glowing and healthy-looking.

5. Mix up your skincare routine. While brands design their products to work in harmony, that doesn’t mean you can’t pick and choose or mix things up depending on the season. For example, if your skin is dry, you might want to go for a cleaning balm, followed by a gentle toner and moisturiser – all from different brands. At the moment, I’m loving the Caring Face Toner by Studio Botanic (£35, www.

level7beautyhall.com). It’s rich in plant extracts and hyaluronic acid, very refreshing and really boosts hydration. When it’s time to put the central heating on, I’ll likely use it twice a day, rather than once, and follow with a serum.

6. Try DIY. It’s pretty easy to make your own body oil, bath salts, body scrub and other goodies. For a bath and body oil, you just need a carrier oil (like sweet almond, grapeseed or even just sunflower), along with a few drops of aromatherapy essential oil. Want to make things even easier? Check out Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Create Your Own range.

7. Or leave it to the professionals. More brands are realising that their customers want bespoke beauty products. For one, SkinCeuticals has launched Custom D.O.S.E – an in-store service where an expert blends a serum to address your own individual skin concerns. Visit www. skinceuticals.co.uk to find out more.

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Gamers Dream Rainford village now has a brand-new, state of the art gaming lounge for enthusiastic gamers, and the man behind it says that he’s only been able to launch the facility due to the support his PC business has received from the village since COVID hit. Businessman Neil Smith, who lives in Billinge, launched Tech Guys 360 Ltd back in 2018 after spending 20 years working for a blue-chip IT company. Tech Guys 360 offers a complete solution to anything IT-related, from computer problems to phone screen repairs to building PC’s, and are based in Rainford Village Hall, above the Parish Council offices and Police station. When the first lockdown happened, Tech Guys 360 quickly implemented COVID-safe working practices and carried on trading. Neil takes up the story; “With many more people working from home, the demand for our services increased. As a result, our revenue has more than doubled since COVID hit.” Earlier this year another office became available at

Rainford Village Hall, and Neil grasped the opportunity to transform the office into a brand-new gaming lounge. For £5 an hour, gamers can enjoy a wide range of computer games on state-of-the-art gaming PC’s. For someone trying out the gaming lounge for the first time, Tech Guys 360 offers a ‘buy one hour, get one hour free’. Checks are in place to ensure that all gamers only get access to age-appropriate games, and any unused time will roll over until the next visit. Neil also hopes to attract business from those looking to organise events, “A birthday party in our gaming lounge would be a fabulous experience for any gamer and it’s also an innovative option for anyone looking to organise a team building event.” The PC Gaming Lounge is open 10.30am-6.30pm Monday to Saturday and the last booking is 5.30pm. For more information or to book an event in the PC Gaming Lounge, call 01744 410554 or visit www. pcgaminglounge.co.uk

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Church for Crafts A Garswood church recently opened its latest community project, giving a welcome boost to local craftspeople. The Independent Methodist Church, located on Victoria Road in the village, has transformed a littleused part of the church building into a gift shop that showcases the work of locally based craftspeople and other small businesses. The shop complements the community café, The Orangery, which was opened three years ago at the side of the church after securing a £70,000 grant from Biffa and is now an established part of village life for Garswoodians. Lisa Green, the Minister at the church, says that last year’s lockdown sparked a chain of events that led to the shop opening; “Once the Orangery community café was complete, the rest of the church did look a bit tatty by comparison, but it was only when lockdown happened and groups weren’t allowed to use the church on a dayto-day basis that we had the time to think about the changes we wanted to make”. Volunteer Alma Cooper takes up the story, “I was made redundant from Debenhams in May 2020 so I had more time to volunteer at the church. I ran a few craft workshops last summer, and from there I came up with three ideas, one of which was to open up a space for local craftspeople to display their goods”. Transforming the room was a challenge, Alma confirms; ”I had an initial budget of zero. The room was decorated in 1970’s brown and orange, so we painted and decorated it. “I then had to look for display cases, so I visited charity shops and Facebook sites for low cost or free display cases. Once people realised what it was for, they were

very kind and helped all they could, and so too did local businesses”. The shop opened on 17th May 2021. Initially ten craftspeople agreed to supply stock to the shop and this number has now grown to fifteen, and there is a waiting list of craftspeople now eager to display their goods at the shop. Each craftsperson pays a peppercorn monthly rent to the church for their shop display and many of them volunteer to work shifts during the shop’s opening hours. Alma said, “Sales trickled in at first but now they are starting to build up, thanks to publicity on local Facebook sites such as Garswoodians. Hopefully when the rest of the church groups return in September and more people get out and about, the shop will be more popular”. The wide assortment of goods sold in the shop includes gifts and novelties such as greeting cards, wooden toys, jewellery, children’s knitwear, hand-turned wooden goods. There’s even a corner for pre-loved clothing and second-hand books. Volunteer Theresa White added ”For those who still feel uneasy about shopping in town centres or big shops, it’s a great place to pick up handcrafted gifts for Christmas or birthdays”. The Orangery Café and Gift Shop is open every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-2pm and on Saturdays from 10am12 noon.

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Don’t

Suffer in Silence

The ability to hear is one of our most important senses. Hearing enables us to connect to and make sense of the world. It’s the brain’s main connection to what’s happening around us and our hearing is always on duty, 24 hours a day, every day.

How do we hear? Hearing is complex and requires a series of actions and reactions in order to work. The process involves many parts of the ear working together to convert soundwaves into information that your brain understands and interprets as sounds. Being able to hear well enables us to enjoy life to the fullest. We’re adept at being able to quickly differentiate between myriad sounds, what they represent and how we should respond. Your sense of hearing also helps to keep you safe and alert to possible dangers.

Hearing problems Being able to hear well is something we tend to take for granted, yet ear problems can develop at any time due to blockages or infections. You might also find your balance is affected. The good news is most ear conditions can usually be treated and don’t lead to long-term problems.

Here are some of the common causes of ear discomfort. Earwax build-up Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs. This usually passes out of the ear harmlessly but sometimes too much wax can build up and lead to blocked ears. It’s a very common problem and can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops. There are several types you can use, including drops containing sodium bicarbonate, olive oil or almond oil. Some people naturally produce a lot of earwax leading to regularly blocked ears. Other factors that can increase the risk of too much wax building up include: • Producing naturally hard or dry earwax • Having narrow or hairy ear canals (this is the tube between the opening of the ear and the eardrum) • Getting older, as earwax becomes drier with age • Bony growths in the outer part of the ear canal • Frequently inserting objects into your ear canal, such as cotton buds or ear plugs If you have a build-up of earwax, you may experience symptoms such as earache, hearing loss, tinnitus,

23 itchiness, vertigo or develop an infection. Symptoms will usually improve once the excess wax has been removed but for this you may need to see a specialist. Pressure in your ears Your sinuses and ears are closely connected so when you have sinus congestion, this can lead to pressure in your ears. Having clogged sinuses can lead to pain, dizziness, and a muffled sensation in your ears. Treating the congestion in your sinuses is the first step. Try using a nasal saline decongestant spray or hold a warm, moist muslin cloth to your face – this can help to ease the pressure and discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids too, as staying hydrated can help to keep nasal mucus thin. Swimmer’s ear Despite the name, you don’t need to have been in the pool to get this! It has the medical name otitis externa and is an infection of the ear canal. Swimmer’s ear differs from common ear infections that can occur in young children after they have had a cold, such as middle-ear infections. The condition is usually caused by bacteria, although it can sometimes be brought on by a virus or fungus. Symptoms include itching in the ear, pain, and

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trouble hearing (sound may seem muffled as your ear canal swells). You might also experience fluid draining out of the ear. Prescription ear drops are the most common treatment for this condition.

Hearing loss This is a common problem that often develops gradually with age, although it can also be caused by repeated exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss affects around 12 million people in the UK. General signs of hearing loss include difficulty hearing other people clearly or misunderstanding what they say, asking people to repeat themselves or regularly watching TV with the volume turned up higher. There are a number of treatment options for hearing loss. What’s recommended will depend on the cause of your hearing problems.

Who to ask for help? A sudden change to your hearing is likely to need an appointment with your GP. But if you have ongoing problems such as regular earwax build-up, or you have gradual age-related hearing loss, then it’s worth visiting a specialist.

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Competition Winners Congratulations to the winners of the Local Life competition from our July/August issue. There was a bumper response to the competition and the winners were Susan Pritchard from Willoughby Drive in St Helens and Judith Risley (pictured) from Rainford Road in Windle.

Enjoy Singing? The Celebration Choir have recently resumed normal service and are looking to recruit keen singers of all ages to their community choir. Celebration Choir are a mixed choir that sings pop, gospel and worship songs, and perform throughout the year at various local events raising money for charity. If you’d like to try a taster session, then do pop along to their rehearsals on a Wednesday between 7-8pm at Sutton Oak Welsh Chapel on Sutton Road. There is no audition necessary, and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit the website www.celebrationchoir.co.uk.

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Cash for Clutter eBay once dominated the online selling market, but nowadays you’re spoilt for choice on where to sell your unwanted clothes, furniture and homeware. Whether you’re moving house, redecorating or just trying to live more minimally, we’ve gathered together some of the best websites and ways to rehome your clutter.

boot sale: cheap, Shpock sells itself as an online car e to get rid of plac local and full of surprises. It’s your attention on h muc those smaller items that won’t get , from cushions to bigger sites like Gumtree or eBay between. children’s clothes and everything in want to promote It’s completely free to list, unless you in the payment an item. Shpock doesn’t get involved negotiated, it’s up process either. Once a price has been ery and payment. deliv ge arran to the buyer and seller to

From sofas and desks to cars, pets and even rooms to rent, Gumtree has it all. Gumtree is used to look for items locally, so putting your postcode in the listing is paramount. If you want your ad to get some extra attention, you can put some money behind it, but other than that it’s free.

A must-download if you’re into vinta ge fashion, Depop is a great place to sell homemade or vintage clothes, shoes and accessories – the quirkier, the better. Listing your items is free, but once an item sells, Depop will charge a 10% fee on the sale price. Then there’s also a small PayPal transaction fee to be aware of. However, Depop can fetch you a high price and with over 18 million users, and it’s very pop ular right now.

Marketplace Facebook Marketplace is hot on eBay’s heels as the best place to swap your clutter for cash. The best part is there are no fees, so the profit is all yours. Like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace is used to sell locally. It’s a platform many of us are already familiar with too, which means you can keep up to date with friends and family, and clear some space in your house, all from one website.

Top tips for selling Spend time taking good pictures Photograph your items in a well-lit area of your house or garden, and from multiple angles. The more descriptive, the better Pad out your listing with as much information as you can, including dimensions, condition and your reason for selling.

tly older target Similar to Depop, but with a sligh e marketplace for audience, Vinted is a huge onlin s. Upmarket high selling clothes, with millions of user ed a popular Zara Bagg er. bett street brands tend to do can probably You ? days in handbag that sold out with d. sell it for twice the price on Vinte

selling your items There are no fees for uploading or the buyer. on Vinted, but there is a small fee to

Be honest Reviews are key to building your online selling profile, so avoid the temptation to skim over any defects in your listing. Think seasonally Certain items, like garden furniture, will fetch a higher price in the summer, while warm woolly jumpers will do better in the winter.

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The Pioneering

Beechams by Nicola Gray

If there’s one characteristic that St Helens is known for, it’s the pioneering spirit that runs through the town like a thick coal seam. What other town of a comparable size could boast of achievements such as being the birthplace of modern railways, the location of the UK’s first modern canal and the powerhub of the glass industry?

Decoration above the entrance to the factory - courtesy of St Helens Archive Service & St Helens Reporter

That pioneering spirit deserves more than just a mention in the story of the UK’s largest pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Their history runs directly back to a company that was once the biggest employers in St Helens - Beechams. Local Life looks back at the story of Beecham dynasty. The founder of the Beechams business, Thomas Beecham, was born in Oxfordshire on 3rd December 1820. It seems

Men & women in the pill making section - courtesy of GlaxoSmithKline plc

hard work was always in his blood, and when he had to leave school at the age of 8, he started work as a shepherd’s boy. As fate would have it, this is where he first learned about herbal medicines, and he quickly became adept in curing sick animals and the occasional person. By his mid-teens he had established quite a reputation as an herbalist, one who could treat all types of ailments.

By 1840 he had already developed the formula for his laxative pills but was still working as a postman and gardener. In 1847 Thomas made his way North where he married Jane Evans and the couple moved to Wigan, opening their first shop at 120 Wallgate where they sold groceries, pills and medicines. The Beecham’s services were very popular in the town, in part down to the belief held by Thomas that his pills could cure any ailment.

Women packing Beechams ‘Hot Lemon cold and flu sachets’ courtesy of St Helens Archive Service & St Helens Reporter

‘guinea’ Beecham slogan was born around this time, when a customer approached Thomas at his market stall to tell him that his pills had done her the world of good and were indeed ‘worth a guinea a box’. The business grew rapidly over the next few years and Thomas was able to give up his market stall. In 1863 the company bought premises on the corner of Westfield Street and Water Street. Thomas was a great believer in the power of advertising, and he increased spending on his advertising to take advantage of the growing interest that the public had taken in health products. Records show that by 1890 the firm was making one million pills a day and spending upwards of £100,000 a year on advertising; a massive £12 million in today’s money. Indeed, at the turn of the century, he was the largest advertiser in the country.

Going back to 1863 for a moment - this year was a momentous year for the Beechams in more ways than one; Jane and Thomas Beechams Pills advertisement separated, their son Joseph had joined the courtesy of St Helens Archive Service family enterprise and business was booming. Joseph was responsible for ramping up the The couple sold advertising and was publishing full-page adverts in their laxatives newspapers, plastering posters on billboards and popular at local markets songs were given out as sheet music to really drive home with an unrivalled the Beecham name. So effective were Joseph’s campaigns sales patter that that the father and son duo started to look at expansion. included a jar of The business had grown, and this made it possible to intestinal worms take on staff, two of the first to be employed were William as a visual aid. Moss, a teenage boy who started as a packer and an eleven-year-old boy, Tom Oldham. They both remained Disaster struck with Beechams for many years, with Moss working his in 1858 when way up to becoming Works Manager and Tom Oldham Jane allegedly became personal groom to the family. dispensed an unlabelled bottle containing opium and as a result a young boy died. The locals weren’t forgiving, and the couple had no choice but to move out of Wigan and in 1960 they set up home in St Helens. This was beneficial to the Beechams as the town had good road and rail links and a huge labour force, which suited their growing mail delivery service down to the ground. Thomas made his pills at their home, 12 Milk Street, not far from where the Citadel now stands. The famous

1876 saw Thomas buy up more property in Westfield Street and work began on his new factory. It was at this time that Thomas started to take a less active role in the business; after the death of his first wife in 1872, he remarried in 1873 to Sarah Pemberton and got married again to Mary Sewell in 1879. Thomas moved away to Buckinghamshire with Mary and left the business in the hands of Joseph, it seemed he had swapped factory life for the country, but this didn’t last long, and he moved back to the North to resume his business duties.

31 Prosperity for the Beechams soared for the next decade and by 1884, nineteen staff were employed in the business, rising to fifty-seven by August of the same year. In 1887 a new factory was built in Westfield Street costing £30,000, surmounted by the now-famous clock tower. Thomas was a world away from the boy who had a talent for herbal remedies; he had single-handedly created the first factory in the world built specifically to produce medicine and one that could turn out 3,000 boxes of pills a day. By 1894 Thomas had left his wife and had moved to Southport, within three years he had fully retired and in 1889 Thomas gave Joseph a half share in the business. He died at his home in Southport on 6th April 1907 at the age of 86 and is buried in St Helens Cemetery, Windle. Joseph continued to be an important local figure and,

Advertisement for Beechams Lung Syrup - cour

tesy of GlaxoSmithKline plc

as well as running the family business, he was Mayor of St Helens between 1889 and 1899 and again from 1910 to 1912. He died just four years later in October 1916 having outlived his father Thomas by a mere 10 years. After Joseph’s death, the firm was managed by executors

Key Beecham Dates: 1842 Thomas Beecham went into business with Beecham’s Pills. Thomas became a travelling salesman, offering his pills in different parts of the country. 1875 Beecham was exporting his remedies to Africa and Australia. 1876 Beechams opened its first factory in St. Helens – the factory was the first to be opened solely to produce medicines. 1885 The Thomas Beecham company acquired headquarters on the corner of Westfield Street and Water Street. 1887 The company’s new factory was the first in the area to have electricity. 1907 Thomas Beecham died, and his sons Joseph and William took over the running of the business. 1913 Production of Beecham’s Pills reached one million a day. 1924 The business was sold to Philip Hill 1926 Beecham’s Flu Powders were launched. 1944 The company was renamed Beecham Group Ltd.

Westfield Street looking towards the Beecham’s Factory - courtesy of St Helens Archive Service

1957 Company scientists discovered the penicillin nucleus 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA). 1959 Beecham Group Ltd signed an agreement with Bristol-Myers to market the medicines in the USA 1961 A 35-acre complex was built at Worthing to produce 6-APA and there are 14,450 people now employed in the business. 1989 The Beecham Group plc and SmithKline Beckman merged to form SmithKline Beecham plc. 1998 Production of “Beecham’s Pills” ceased. 2001 SmithKline Beecham and Glaxo Wellcome merged to form GlaxoSmithKline.

32 and in 1924 the firm was sold to entrepreneur Philip Hill.

Offices at the Beecham Pill Factory - courtesy of St Helens Archive Service

The Beechams products continued to expand both at home and overseas and the factory was further extended in 1934 and again in 1947 and 1956. Under Philip’s leadership the business began to buy up other companies acquiring products and brands such as Lucozade, Macleans and Brylcreem. Philip took the company forward by improving their research and development, after building a laboratory in Surrey the company was renamed Beecham Group Ltd. That pioneering spirit was never far away where Beechams was concerned and they hit the headlines again in 1959 when their scientists discovered a new penicillin nucleus, This discovery allowed them to focus on pharmaceutical development and eventually go on to sell antibiotics worldwide.

that GSK still uses its name for their over-the-counter cold and flu products.

In 1989 the Beecham Group and SmithKline Beckman merged to form SmithKline Beecham and in 2000 they merged again to form what we now know as GlaxoSmithKline. So embedded is the Beecham brand,

Beechams was a major employer for the people of St Helens, for well over a century and the St Helens site continued to produce pharmaceutical products until the factory finally closed its doors in 1994.

Laboratory at Beechams Pills Limited - courtesy of GlaxoSmithKline plc

With thanks to St Helens Archive Service. The Archive Service collects, preserves and provides access to unique historic materials that relate to different aspects of life across the borough of St Helens. Find out more information here www.sthelens.gov.uk/libraries/archive-service/

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Craft & Gift Fair

Ghost Hunt

Memory Lane Fairs will be bringing you their popular craft and gift fair at St Marks Gamble Hall on Sunday, September 12 from 11am-4pm.

Dare you take part in the Rainford Village Hall Ghost Hunt?

The hall, on the corner of Bishop Road and City Gardens, will be packed to the rafters with homemade and handmade goods, including a wide range of craft supplies for your own craft projects.

The Saturday 2nd October event will be hosted by Haunted Rooms UK and you can join them for a thrilling night of real ghost hunting at the 115-year-old hall. Over the years the hall has been used as a dentist, a baby clinic, a dance hall and acted as a morgue around the time of the First World War.

The fair is subject to Covid regulations, and you will be asked to wear a face mask and sanitise your hands on your way in.

If you’re feeling brave, you can join the Haunted Rooms team from 8.30pm-2am for an entire night of paranormal investigation.

There are still indoor and outdoor spaces available, so if you are interested in taking a stall, please email marissa@ memorylanefairs.com or call 07460 304327.

For more information about the event and to book your tickets, please go online at www.hauntedrooms.co.uk and search for Rainford Village Hall.

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Speak Now for 2023

Chance to Dance

If you’re involved in or enjoy arts and culture, St Helens Borough Council wants to hear your views.

Linedancers of all ages and abilities are invited along to Rainford X Sports and Social Club on Bushey Lane in Rainford Junction for fun on the dance floor. Hosted by Graham and Jean Troughton, the line dance sessions take place every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.00pm to 10.00pm.

The Borough is in line to be the Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture in 2023, and the Council have organised two events for you to share your views on how to make 2023 a successful year for arts and culture in St Helens. What would you like the arts and cultural programme to say about the Borough in 2023? Both sessions will be facilitated by St Helens Borough Council Arts and Library Services in partnership with the host venues. The first event is on Monday 13 September from 6pm to 8pm at The Citadel Theatre, and the second event is on Friday 17 September from 10am to 12 noon at The World of Glass. All are welcome to be involved. To reserve your ticket, please search ‘St Helens Borough of Culture 2023’ on www.eventbrite.co.uk. If you cannot attend either session, please register your interest with cathshea@ sthelens.gov.uk.

The club has been running for approximately ten years on a non-profit basis, and additional social nights are organised at Christmas and other times of year for members and their friends. Complete beginners can be assured that the instructors take time to teach easy dances too and there are always people in the class willing to help. Those who have danced before can expect a mixture of old and new dances but nothing too difficult. The classes are all about encouraging people to have some light-hearted and enjoyable exercise as well as meeting and making new friends. The charge per session is just £3. For further details contact Graham on 01744 883907.

40 For more information about joining the St Helens Rotary Club, visit www.rotarysthelens.org.

Autumn Quiz Rainford Heritage Society will be hoping to test your knowledge with their Autumn Quiz on Friday, September 17. The quiz is open to members and non-members and will be held at Rainford X Sports and Social Club on Bushey Lane from 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 and this will buy you entry into the quiz and a hot pot supper. There will be a raffle with lots of great prizes up for grabs. For more information about purchasing tickets, please contact Ray Waring on 01744 885547 or email rayw91141@gmail.com.

Rotary Plea The Rotary Club of St Helens are looking for new members to join their organisation. There are over 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide, with club members enjoying a varied and vibrant range of activities, from organising a local fun run to helping with global disaster relief efforts. The club meets every Monday at Grange Park Golf Club – 6pm for a 6.30pm start and you’re welcome to pop in to find out more about the organisation and its members.

Donations Needed A St Helens based charity is on the lookout for some much-needed donations to enable them to carry on their work in the community. Teardrops, based on Crab Street in the town, is a non-profitable organisation set up to support the homeless within the St Helens, Halton and other surrounding areas. Their aim is to support the homeless to give individuals the chance to move from being homeless to one where they will have the opportunity to integrate into day-today society. Staff have put the call out for donations of brand new and packaged men’s and women’s underwear and men’s trainers in sizes 7, 8 and 9. All items must be in a good, clean condition and can be dropped off at the centre Monday to Friday between 9.30am-3pm. If you would like more information about items to donate or if you would like to help further, please contact staff on 01744 733233 or go online at www. teardrops.org.uk.

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Upcycle Central One of the latest buzz words in the business world is ‘greenwashing’; a form of marketing spin where companies mislead customers by exaggerating the green credentials of their products or services. No need for any such chicanery at CASA-ANCORA Furniture, a small family run business based on Inglenook Farm off the Rainford by-pass, whose core business is centred around upcycling furniture. Upcycling is the re-use and re-imagining of discarded objects or materials to continue the life of the object, which keeps it out of landfill and adds value. The story of CASA-ANCORA Furniture began in 2018 when former teacher Rachel Hayhow started upcycling furniture at her home in Rainford as a hobby. After a few projects for friends and family were enthusiastically acclaimed, upcycling commissions started piling up and Rachel took the decision to give her business more prominence by moving CASA-ANCORA Furniture to nearby Inglenook Farm. Walk into the CASA-ANCORA Furniture studio and you’re immediately faced with a tremendous extravagance of home décor, gifts and accessories. The home décor ranges include quirky, industrial and rustic pieces to delight any discerning buyer looking to put an individual stamp on their home. Fair Trade is a theme that runs strongly through the store. A selection of products made by Indian craftsmen using traditional techniques are on show, as is a range of unique products made from recycled glass, metal and sustainably sourced wood. Rugs sold at CASA-ANCORA Furniture carry the ‘Good Weave’ certified label, testament to a product made without using child labour.

As you browse through the variety of products on offer though, your eyes will be drawn to the range of vintage and contemporary furniture on display. This is the heart of CASA-ANCORA Furniture.

Before...

Rachel takes pride in sourcing high quality furniture, often those with a dated and dark appearance, and then transforms the piece to produce furniture with a more contemporary, yet unique style. Put simply, CASA-ANCORA Furniture brings unloved furniture back to life. CASA-ANCORA also accepts commissions from prospective customers looking to transform their valued furniture by offering a furniture painting service. And for those customers looking to try their hand at upcycling their own furniture, CASA-ANCORA offers the perfect DIY solution. The store is a stockist for the much-vaunted and extremely popular Frenchic furniture paint, an environmentallyfriendly, water-based paint which has virtually no VOC’s. It is a durable paint specifically developed to transform furniture which is smooth, creamy and virtually odourless with a large palette of amazing colours and is suitable for wood, laminate, UPVC and metal. For any eco-friendly shoppers, lovers of vintage furniture or home décor enthusiasts, CASA-ANCORA is a store that will delight you again and again.

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A Guide to Wooden Floors Laminate or solid, engineered or reclaimed, timber flooring is a classic choice that works in every room of the house. It’s less cold and hard on the feet than stone or tiles, better at repelling stains than carpet and is endlessly good-looking, whether in a period property or a new home. This reclaimed teak, available in random-width planks, has been repaired and stained. Woodworks by Ted Todd Rare Finds Dark Colonial Teak, £POA, Ted Todd: 01925 284 496; tedtodd.co.uk.

Preparing for a new timber floor Timber floors can be fitted anywhere in the house, on solid or suspended floors, although – because wood expands and contracts according to humidity – they’re often not advised for bathrooms or other wet areas. In this case, it’s best to stick to high-quality engineered wood. Insulate the sub-floor before you start, and consider what effect the new flooring will have on your final floor level – which may affect thresholds and require doors to be cut across the bottom so they will open and close. When fixing the boards down, make sure to avoid any pipes and wires that run beneath the existing floor. To keep your final floorcovering pristine, avoid fitting it until all the ‘wet’ or dirty building work is complete.

What type of timber floor? Floorboards laid in a chevron pattern create a stylish base for a sophisticated room scheme. Lottie grand sofa in Isla Kingfisher with darkened oak legs, £2,425; Brompton reading floor lamp in brass, £350; Matilda armchair in Imogen Holkham Sand with pale oak legs, £795; Keswick square coffee table, £500; all Neptune: www.neptune.com.

Laminate floorboards are usually made from a resinimpregnated decorative paper surface layer (with photographs of real wood), bonded to a thin MDF or chipboard core. With cheap versions it can be easy to spot the pattern repeat , and they’re not especially durable, but more expensive brands are very tough and come with long guarantees.

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46 Solid wood is exactly that – whatever type of wood it is composed of goes all the way through the board, so it looks and feels entirely natural and can be sanded again and again. Engineered wood (sometimes called multi-layer or, confusingly, laminated) is made from layers of solid timber or a veneer of solid timber on top of MDF, plywood, chipboard or softwood, with a balancing veneer beneath. Most are made up of either three or five layers, crossbonded for greater stability. A top layer of at least 5mm allows for limited sanding if necessary. The advantage of engineered boards over solid ones is that they shouldn’t warp, gap, cup or bow. Reclaimed boards have a beautiful patina that simply can’t be replicated, and are the environmentally friendly option. They don’t come cheap, as they often require work to remedy problems such as woodworm, ingrained dirt and stains, dents and splits, variations in thickness or colour, broken tongue and groove, and lots of old nails. When buying, always ask where the wood came from and how it’s been stored since it was reclaimed – timber that has stood outside for any length of time may be useless, and would need to dry out considerably before it could be used again. As a rule of thumb, pine is cheaper than oak, and narrower boards are cheaper than wider ones.

Style and finish Most timber floors sold in the UK are made from European oak, which has a lovely grain and is very longlasting. There are, however, many other choices, including beech, maple, ash, walnut, merbau, cherry and, of course, pine. As for finishes, options include stains, waxes, oils, varnishes and limewashes, each of which can subtly change the appearance of the final floor. An important consideration is the form and laying pattern of the boards. Both solid and engineered wood flooring is available as boards (in varying widths), strips (less than 10cm wide), smallish blocks (extremely strong) and parquet (like blocks, but thinner). While boards are traditionally laid parallel to one another, designers are increasingly turning to the contemporary effect of chevron and herringbone styles, while parquet has had something of a renaissance in recent years, with intricately patterned squares that look glamorous and dramatic.

A white-oil finish creates a clean, fresh look in this bright entrance hall. Oak White oiled brushed wood flooring, £72 per square metre, The Natural Wood Floor Company: 020 8871 9771; naturalwoodfloor.co.uk.

LOOKING AFTER A WOODEN FLOOR Wood floors don’t need a great deal of special treatment. The main thing to remember is not to let them get too wet, to install a good doormat and take off stilettos, which will punch small holes everywhere. Remove dust and grit regularly by vacuuming or cleaning with a soft broom. Mop occasionally, but don’t soak the wood or leave water sitting on it – wring the mop head as much as possible, then wipe over again with a dry mop. Using a proprietary cleaning product will make your floor look better and last longer – ask your retailer for advice. And don’t forget that a new wooden floor will naturally become darker or lighter as it matures.

Give your home the

Timber treatment Wood has always been a reliable, durable and functional choice for home furnishings, and recently it has had a bit of a design rejuvenation; forget dated and drab flatpack furniture, modern timber is all about showcasing its many other features, including style and versatility. Local business, Funky Timber, based in Wharton Street in St Helens, is a perfect example of how sleek, neat, timber finishes can add a warming earthy tone to your home. And with over 50 years of trade experience under their belts, you’re in safe hands! Funky Timber is a family run business, established in July 2019 by Daniel Slater and partner Lauren Wareing. Since then, the business has continued to grow and they now employ a team of dedicated staff, including joiners and fabricators, to offer customers the finest bespoke furniture, timber cladding and home accessories. Daniel told Local Life, “We offer our clients a wide range of products from internal and external timber cladding with various colour and design options, to bespoke Funky Timber branded furniture and a fabrication unit where all aspects of steelwork can be offered. Every piece of furniture is handcrafted in house meaning each single item is individual to that customer.” Mismatched cladding may sound like a questionable style for a feature wall, but as this portfolio shows, it’s certainly effective. The selection or new timber

or reclaimed timber creates an eye-catching update, brimming with coolness and character, it even caught the eye of designers from DIY SOS and the Funky Timber team were called in to help on a recent project. Daniel has over 18 years of carpentry experience, and he prides himself on being able to offer quality products to transform any room at competitive prices. Daniel added, “We source top quality materials with wood and steel, and every item is prepared in our warehouse. We also offer a full fitting service for all our products and all our work is carried out to the highest standards. We offer all aspects of joinery for home and commercial jobs including shop fitting. “We will provide a free quote on request, all you need to do is send over your measurements, address and what colours you are thinking of, and our team will send over your quote as soon as possible.” Alternatively, customers can come to our unit and go through their designs or bespoke requests. Funky Timber is a vibrant company serving all corners of the UK with their stunning designs; so, whether you’re looking to revamp your home, garden or business premises with a stunning wooden wall or bespoke furniture, you can rest assured that Funky Timber will offer that to you and much more! Pop into the showroom and see how the team can make your designs come to life.

Main Office - 01744 747 787 Lauren - 07800 580 532 sales@funkytimber.co.uk Funky Timber, Unit 17b, Wharton St, St Helens, WA9 5AA www.funkytimber.co.uk

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AIM for flexibility in Inheritance Tax planning As Benjamin Franklin said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Inheritance tax sums this up perfectly. There is also a quote from Roy Jenkins, “Inheritance tax is a voluntary tax paid by those who distrust their heirs more than they dislike the Inland Revenue.” Inheritance tax (IHT) when first introduced was intended to affect only the very wealthy, but over recent decades more families have found themselves caught in the net, mainly due to big rises in property prices and investments. In the last six tax years, over £30bn was paid in IHT, with the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasting 30,400 estates will be liable for IHT in 2020/21. With both the Nil Rate Band and the Residential Nil Rate Band frozen for a further five years, IHT receipts are forecast to rise to £6.6bn in 2025/26. Therefore, the need for financial advice on estate planning, and inheritance tax planning, has become ever greater. Events of the past eighteen months have brought mortality fully into focus and the need to plan to avoid IHT has become more important. IHT is levied on estates more than £325,000 for an individual and £650,000 for those married or in a civil partnership. There is also a residence nil rate band of an additional £175,000 per person should they leave their property to their direct descendants. There are several well-established tax planning solutions to mitigate IHT, each with their own pros and cons. These include gifting, the use of Trusts and life assurance. Another solution, which has been growing in popularity in recent years, is the use of Business Relief by investing in the shares of companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The AIM market celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and has been a major success story for the UK, helping nearly 4,000 smaller companies raise capital to fund growth and development. Familiar names include ASOS, Boohoo, Fever Tree and Jet2. Subject to qualification rules, some AIM company shares may qualify for 100%

Business Relief. If an investor holds the shares for at least two years, and held them at death, qualifying shares will not be subject to IHT. Although as with any form of tax planning there is always the risk that tax rules may change in future. Aside from IHT planning, AIM investment also offers the prospect for capital growth over the longer term, although this represents a much higher risk investment for people nearing/in retirement. AIM investment for Business Relief offers a wide range of IHT planning options that can help clients in several ways. • In contrast to making a gift and having to survive seven years, the two-year survival requirement may be attractive to those facing the prospect of a reduced life expectancy, or who are in later life with inadequate protection from IHT. • The investor retains access to their capital. Keeping control may appeal to clients reluctant to gift assets and who wish to make capital withdrawals when required. • Most ISA investors are familiar with the benefits of taxfree income and growth, but less well known is that after death their ISA will be included in their estate. With many having accumulated substantial ISA pots over the years, the prospect of a large IHT bill may come as a shock. AIM investment is permissible in an ISA, so switching or transferring ISA holdings into an AIM IHT portfolio adds the prospect of IHT relief to the favourable tax advantages already available. Whilst it won’t be right for everyone, the versatility and flexibility of AIM investment for inheritance tax planning makes it an appropriate solution for a number of client scenarios.

Andrew Platt CFPTM Chartered MCSI

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to change in the future. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement.

Planning for your future is hard if you don’t have the necessary financial expertise. Callisto Wealth Management will work with you to help you achieve your financial freedom once you reach retirement.

Take the first step today towards enjoying the rest of your life.

Call us on 01744 881421 to arrange a no-obligation consultation at Rainford Hall. Remote consultations also available.

Call us now for your FREE Smart Money guide! Callisto Wealth Management Ltd Rainford Hall | Crank Road | St Helens | WA11 7RP 01744 881421 www.callistowealth.co.uk enquiries@callistowealth.co.uk

Money Matters TEACHING KIDS TO B E S AV V Y S AV E R S Most of us have made mistakes with money at some point. Help your children to avoid the same financial pitfalls by giving them the knowledge and skills to build on in the future.

Give them responsibility Part of appreciating the value of money is learning through mistakes. It’s tempting to step in and stop your child from spending their pocket money on things that you know they will quickly discard. Offer advice but let them make their own decisions on low-value items. They may well then think twice next time they want to buy a blind bag or an expensive T-shirt. When older children are ready, you could give them more responsibility for budgeting for the things they need by giving them an allowance for clothes, school dinners, travel expenses, toiletries, days out and so on, and helping them to work out a monthly budget. Again, they can earn more through chores if they want to save up for high-value items.

Teach them the value of money

Discuss money

Rather than buying your children sweets each week, give them pocket money, some of which they can use to buy sweets and some of which they can save for a bigger treat. It’s good for children to earn at least part of their pocket money by doing chores. They’ll learn that money doesn’t come for nothing and be less likely to waste it. To make life easier, you could use an app and debit card like RoosterMoney or Go Henry, which were created to help children get to grips with their finances and earn money through chores.

Don’t be afraid to talk about money with your children. You could share how much you’re setting aside each month for next year’s holiday for example, and talk about your own experiences with money. You can also help your child to see that, while it’s good to shop around for the best price, cheap doesn’t always mean best value. However, try not to make your child worried about family finances. It’s fine to talk about not being able to afford something or how you’re saving up for a big purchase, but you don’t want your child to lose sleep worrying that you won’t be able to pay the bills.

Help them to budget Encourage children to save up for something they really want rather than just waiting for Christmas or their birthday. You could start by explaining how much they’d need to save each week to achieve their goal. Younger children tend to need quicker results, so start with a small goal that can be achieved in a few weeks rather than months.

Learn from the experts Make the most of children’s love for online games. MyBnk is a UK charity on a mission to help children build good money habits. It has created a series of fun online courses for ages 5 to 21. You can access them for free at learning. mybnk.org/our-courses.

by Chris Pearce Distance: 6¼ Difficulty: Medium Plus

Frodsham & Helsby

Occasionally when I collate a Jack’s Tracks walk, I get a suspicion that there’s room for improvement. The Sandstone Trail in spring 2020 was a case in point; the first half of the walk was a cracker, the back half just ok, so I popped over the Mersey again recently to scratch that itch. This wellsignposted 6¼ mile walk centres around two prehistoric hilltops enclosures; Helsby Hill and Woodhouse Hill. There are lots of climbs and some sheer cliffs on this walk, so I would recommend that you leave the kids at home and make sure you wear suitable footwear. Start the walk at the car park for Frodsham’s war memorial (WA6 6BG) and take the steep road downhill. Turn left at the Belle Monte Hotel and look for a footpath on your right which plunges you into

the woods. After a few short steps, the path forks so take the left fork uphill. After a few minutes walking – follow the yellow ‘S’ sign and go up the sandstone steps and you’ll arrive at the war memorial, the first of many impressive viewpoints on the walk. Carry on in the same direction past the war memorial and ease downhill for 200 yards – then take the lower path. The track continues, hugging the side of the hill in the shadow of sandstone cliffs until you ascend once more, briefly arriving at an open area at the top and then again sinking into the woods. You’ll soon arrive at a crossroad of paths by some wooden steps, turn right here following the NCW sign and you’ll arrive at multiple flights of steep steel steps, Take the steps carefully to the bottom of the sandstone valley and you arrive at a fingerpost – turn right to Carriage Drive.

54 Continue on the path downhill until you reach a distinctive wall; turn left here and take the steps down the steep hill. When you arrive at the foot of the hill where all the ferns are, there’s two options; turn right at this point. Follow the path through the woods, close to its perimeter with farmland for just under ¾ mile until you reach an exit marked Tarvin Road. Take this exit and walk down to the road; turn left and then first right into the single-track Chestnut Lane. At its conclusion Chestnut Lane narrows to a footpath: take the bridge across the stream and head in the same direction up the concrete steps. Follow this evernarrowing footpath until you arrive out in the open by a house called Tong Dean. Go through the gate opposite and follow the clearly defined footpath until you arrive in Helsby on Bates Lane. Turn right and then turn left at the crossroads on the Old Chester Road. Look out for a footpath sign

for ‘Helsby Hill’ on your left about 50 yards up that road. Turn up the narrow footpath for a short steep climb to an opening with three paths and a fingerpost. Take the second path marked ‘Hill Top’ and take a gentle enough climb, passing a cliff top viewpoint on the way, until you reach the summit of Helsby Hill, which is marked by a trig point. The views from the top of this hillfort are pretty impressive, 360-degree views of the Mersey Estuary and Liverpool, the mountains of North Wales and also the Shropshire Hills to the south. Exit the summit via the path directly opposite the path you took to arrive at the summit and follow that path downhill for approximately 150 yards. Take a left turn at a fingerpost (partly hidden on the left) towards ‘Harmers Lake’. 350 yards later, you’ll have passed the lake on the left and arrived at the single-track lane. Turn right downhill and once you’ve passed a secondary and the primary entrance to Harmers Wood on the left, there’s a signpost on the left to Tarvin Road. Follow this path for 400 yards to Tarvin Road and then turn left for 200 yards. Look for a signpost on your right (Alvaney/Burrows Lane), which is partly hidden behind a tree and take that path. Once you’ve crossed a bridge, turn left along the field’s perimeter in the direction of Woodhouse Hill. Once you reach Burrows Lane turn left and, at the T-junction, turn right and 350 yards later, take the left fork down a footpath/bridle path. Follow this long gentle incline for just under ¾ mile, ignoring the turn offs to Snidey Moor on the right and to Woodhouse Hill on the left. Once you reach the T-junction

Ha tle yL an e

For those with the OS Maps app on your desktop, mobile or tablet, this walk is named:

Netherton

JT-Frodsham-Helsby 3

Beacon Hill

B53 9

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The Coppice

A56

Bates La

Tar v

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in R

Helsby

Woodhouse Hill

Higher Mickledale Farm

Nort

h Ch

Hawthorn Farm

Man

Lane

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oad

Bates

Helsby Hill Arboretum Foxhill Wood

Harmers Wood Foxhill Farm

Snidley Moor

Tower

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Home Farm

Elevation

Lowest 23m

100m

Highest 141m

50m 0.0km

Total ascent 425m 5.0km

10km

with bench on the right and the fingerpost on the left, turn left and then bear right at the next fork taking the path round the edge of the woodlands. Look for the path encased by a low sandstone wall on your left and follow this path to the top of Woodhouse Hill before sharply dropping down steps to a bench and an info board ‘Ice and Sea’. Turn right and follow the path gradually downhill, parallel to the golf course. Just past the tee for the 10th hole, take care when climbing down some steep sandstone steps. At the base, turn left, walk over the wooden bridge and you arrive at the fingerpost from earlier. Tackle the flights of steel stairs once again and retrace your steps for 100 yards or so until you see a turn to the right which takes you through undergrowth and onto the golf course. You need to look hard to see a slight dip running diagonally across the fairway heading to the left of the masts in the distance. As you cross the fairways, you’ll see a very apparent footpath in the distance that runs firstly through undergrowth and then runs onto a dirt track heading up to Simons Lane. Turn left when you reach Simons Lane and follow the road round a right-hand bend that runs downhill past the Forest Hills hotel back to the starting point.

Cooking with the Kids Top tips before you start

This is a great time to start teaching your child about food hygiene and safety. Even toddlers can quickly learn that they need to wash their hands before cooking and not to touch the hob when it’s on. Older children can learn how to use an oven glove and knife, why it’s important to clean surfaces and so on. Do always supervise kids when they’re cooking though. All the recipes should feed four people for lunch or dinner.

Bored of baking fairy cakes? Help your kids’ cooking skills reach the next level with our easy recipes.

Pepper and tomato pasta Ingredients • Half an onion • Three large red or yellow salad peppers • Two cloves of garlic • One tablespoon of olive oil • One carton of passata • One tin of chopped tomatoes • A pinch of dried basil • Approx. 400g of dried wholemeal spaghetti • Cheese to sprinkle on top

Method • Chop the onion, peppers and garlic. Warm the olive oil on a medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the chopped vegetables and lightly sauté for a few minutes. Add the passata, tinned tomatoes and dried basil. Pop the lid on and leave to simmer on a low heat for 15 minutes. • Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling water for 10 minutes (or as long as it says on the packet). • Blend the sauce until smooth and spoon it over the cooked pasta. Add grated cheese if required. If there’s any sauce left, freeze it for another day.

Cheesy egg muffins Ingredients • • • •

8 eggs 100ml of milk 1-2 slices of ham A handful of vegetables, e.g. sliced mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, tinned sweetcorn • Approx. 120g of cheddar cheese

Method • Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Lightly grease a muffin tin with butter.

Cheat’s pizza Ingredients • 2 part-baked baguettes • 4-5 tablespoons of passata (or just use ketchup mixed with a dollop of tomato puree) • Toppings, e.g. shredded ham, cooked sweetcorn, pineapple chunks, pepperoni • Approx. 250g of grated mozzarella or cheddar

• Whisk the eggs and milk together.

Method

• Tear the ham into small pieces. Add the vegetables and ham to each individual muffin cup. Pour in the eggs and top with grated cheese.

• Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas mark 6.

• Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. (Use a skewer or sharp knife to check they’re cooked.) • Eat hot with fries or cold with salad.

• Cut each baguette in half lengthways. Spread passata on the long cut sides. • Add your toppings, followed by cheese, and pop the pizzas in the oven for 10 minutes.

Slow-roasted Paprika Chicken with Lemon and Artichokes Serves 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook: 2 hours 30 minutes

This is such an easy recipe. Everything is simply placed in a roasting dish and slow-cooked in the oven, creating an amazing spicy lemony flavour. Serve leftovers for lunch the following day cold with salad.

Ingredients

Method

1 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tsp sumac 3 tbsp olive oil 1 organic chicken, jointed 1 bulb of garlic (separated into unpeeled cloves) Sprig of thyme 2 unwaxed lemons, cut into quarters 150 ml chicken stock Black pepper 1 x 400g can artichoke hearts

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160°C/150°C fan/gas mark 3. 2. Mix together the paprika, sumac and olive oil. Put the chicken pieces into a roasting tin and add the garlic cloves, thyme and lemon quarters. Pour over the paprika oil and rub all over the chicken pieces. 3. Drizzle over the stock and season with black pepper. Cover the dish with foil and cook in the oven for 2 hours. 4. Remove the foil from the roasting tin, add the artichoke hearts and turn the oven up to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Cook for another 30 minutes or until the chicken is golden.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: 387kcal, fat 27.8g (of which saturates 7g), carbohydrate 1.4g (of which sugars 0.6g), protein 33.2g.

Chilli Glazed Salmon with Cucumber, Herb & Lime Salad Serves 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 7 minutes

Wild Alaskan salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fats and protein. In this dish, fillets of salmon are marinated in a tangy Asian-style dressing and accompanied by a light refreshing cucumber and bean sprout salad. Accompany with some seasonal leafy greens.

Ingredients 1 pickled chilli (or ½ fresh deseeded chilli) 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp tamari soy sauce 2 tbsp xylitol or honey 2 boneless salmon fillets, skin on 2 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp xylitol or honey 1 tbsp mirin Handful of bean sprouts or sprouted seeds 1 cucumber, halved and thinly sliced Small handful fresh mint leaves, chopped Small handful of coriander leaves, chopped 2 spring onions, finely sliced 1 tbsp chopped cashews

Method 1. Place the chilli, garlic, vinegar, tamari, xylitol or honey in a food processor and process to combine. Put the salmon fillets in a shallow dish, pour over the marinade and set aside in the fridge for 30 minutes. 2. Make up the dressing by mixing the lime juice, xylitol or honey and mirin together (if using xylitol make sure it has dissolved). Put the bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, coriander, spring onions, cashews and the dressing in a bowl and toss until well combined. 3. Preheat the grill to high. Remove the salmon from the marinade. Place the salmon on a lined baking tray. Grill for 7 minutes or until the fish is golden and just cooked through. Place the remaining marinade in a small pan and simmer to form a glaze. Pour over the cooked salmon.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: calories 305kcal, protein 23.4g, carbohydrates 26.9g (of which sugars 24.4g), total fat14.9g(of which saturates 2.6g).

Newsletter KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE

Parish Council Meetings Community Liaison Committee 01.09.2021 and 06.10.2021

Health & Safety Committee 03.09.2021 and 01.10.2021

Free Friday Quiz Nights

Finance Planning & Administration Committee

All Fridays in September

Full Council meeting

1st. 8th & 22nd October

27.09.2021 and 25.10.2021.

Doors open at 7pm and the free quiz starts at 7.30pm.

All meetings take place in the Council Chamber at Rainford

08.2021 and 13.10.2021

Book a table for up to 6 team members by calling 01744

Village Hall.

884709 or email office@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk

Residents are encouraged to address members on matters

Opportunity to join the Parish Council

of concern to them are very welcome to attend meetings.

There is currently a vacancy for a member of the Parish Council to represent Muncaster Ward Rainford Parish Council is made up of 15 Councillors, 3 in each of 5 wards: Crank, Junction, Mossborough, Muncaster & Randle. Councillors attend meetings of the full council and often participate in committees that deal with specific areas of council business.

Councillors take collective decisions

that form the policy of the council. People of any political or religious persuasion are eligible to become a councillor, although their personal views should not extend into their parish council work. Good Communication and engagement are central to being an effective councillor.

Further information on the Parish Council website: www.rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk

Business Breakfast A breakfast forum for Businesses in Rainford and residents who have businesses. The next meeting is on 22.09.2021 from 8am – 9am at the Village Hall and Gary Maddock will talk about the new plans for St Helens Town Centre. To book a free place call 01744 884709 or email admin@ rainfordparishcouncil.gov uk

The Future of the Library in Rainford St Helens Council is considering the future of the library

As well as being an advocate for your local residents, you

service.

will also need to keep them informed about matters in

views about Rainford library and if you think a library

Rainford that affect them. In order to understand and

service should continue in the Village.

represent local views and priorities, you need to build

your opinion by calling 01744 884709 or emailing

strong relationships and encourage residents to make

clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk. We are particularly

their views known and engage with you and the Parish

interested in whether people use the library and if you

Council.

think a community led library would work in Rainford.

Being a Parish Councillor and serving and shaping your

The Village Hall

local community can be an interesting and rewarding experience. For further information please contact the Parish Clerk, Sally Powell. 01744 884709 clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk

Rainford Parish Council wants to hear your Let us know

Rainford Village Hall is available to hire for classes, meetings, parties, anniversaries, events and Wedding Receptions. Call 01744 884709 or email admin@ rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk to discuss your requirements.

Craft Fayre September 12th 2021 will see local crafters and businesses gathering at Rainford Village Hall for a Craft Fayre. Open between 10am and 4pm with everything from cakes, cards and candles to wood work and even books and children’s toys. Supporting local businesses has never been more important so hope to see you there!

Road Safety Parish Councillors are continuing to push for road safety initiatives and work with the Borough Councillors, local organisations, Merseyside Police and officers from St Helens Council to make our roads safer. Please do your part by observing speed limits, driving with care and consideration and parking legally. Please leave the parking spaces outside the shops for those who really need them and observe the 2-hour parking rule.

Rainford Christmas Fayre Rainford Christmas Fayre will take place this year on 4th December 2021! With Father Christmas in his grotto and a variety of exciting stalls, you’ll have your Christmas Shopping all wrapped up. You can also treat yourself to some delicious food and snacks.

Entertainment throughout the day,

will make this a very special fun-filled event for everyone. If you are interested in being a stall holder, please email admin@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk

Christmas Parties at the Village Hall Join us at the Village Hall on Friday 17.12.2021 or Saturday 18.12.2021 for a great Christmas Night Out with family, friends or colleagues. Tickets are just £35 per person, for a 3-course meal and entertainment in a beautiful setting. Call 01744 884709 or admin@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk for further information and to book tickets.

RAINFORD PARISH COUNCIL Rainford Village Hall, Church Road Rainford WA11 8HB

01744 884709 clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk @rainfordvillagehall

@rainfordparishcouncil

Puzzle Pages CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Universe seen as an ordered whole (6) 2. Vehicles from outer space (inits) (4) 3. Extract (metals) by heating (5) 4. Light, plastic disc used as a plaything (TM) (7) 5. Unit of length equal to 1760 yards (4) 6. Large case of strong fabric for sleeping on (8) 9. Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea (5) 12. Heavy, woven fabric used in rugs and

bedspreads (8)

14. Apartments (5) 15. Short preview of a film or TV programme (7) 18. Capital of Zimbabwe (6) 19. Analysis of a substance such as gold

or silver, to determine its make-up (5)

21. Chief port of Yemen (4)

23. Friar associated with Robin Hood (4)

ACROSS

1. Closed political meeting (6)

16. Tall stand with a sloping top to hold a book or notes (7)

7. Sweet almond paste used on Christmas cakes (8)

17. Ngaio ___, writer of whodunnit stories (5)

8. Black marine bivalve with a brownishblack

20. Hindu Festival of Lights (6)

22. Title given to a nun (6)

elongated oval shell (6)

10. Case for a knife or a sword (6)

24. Plant with soothing juice used to treat burns (4,4)

11. Long oar mounted at the stern of a boat (5)

25. A bet on four or more horses in different races (6)

13. Drink given to people who are ill (4,3)

WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET EXCELLENT: 8 or more words GOOD: 6 words FAIR: 4 words

B E E D

WORDSEARCH

Car Parts

SUDOKU

AIR BAG

CHILD SEAT

ROOF

AXLE

CLUTCH

SATNAV

BATTERY

DOOR

STARTER

BODY

ENGINE

TYRES

BONNET

FUSE

WHEEL RIM

BOOT

HEATER

WHEELS

BRAKE

HORN

BUMPER

INDICATOR

CAR SEAT

MIRROR

CARBURETTOR

RADIO

WORD LADDER Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

BEER

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Full of big talk but lacking action!

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

K A N D

R A E N

A L T O

B L I B

WINE All the puzzle solutions can be found on page 76 of this magazine

Six of the best

SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY MUSEUM The Science and Industry Museum is devoted to inspiring visitors through ideas that change the world, from the Industrial Revolution to today and beyond. Located on the site of the oldest surviving passenger railway station, in the heart of the world’s first industrial city – today it is alive with innovative discoveries in science and technology.

SIX

MUSEUMS

T OF H

EST

FACTS Address: Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP Opening times: 10.00 - 17.00, Monday – Sunday (school holidays), 10.00 – 17.00, Wednesday to Sunday (term time) (Please check website for details) www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk

Highlights include; the Textiles Gallery charting the history of the cotton industry that fuelled the Industrial Revolution complete with working mill machines; a working replica of the “Manchester Baby” – the world’s first stored programme computer; the Experiment Gallery where families can get handson with experiments and puzzles; temporary exhibitions featuring everything from the early years of Factory Records to the major new Cancer Revolution exhibition due to open in October; as well as events throughout the year celebrating the science around us every day. The museum is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration programme. As well as the now-complete Special Exhibitions Gallery, the much-loved Power Hall is being renovated, and improvement works are currently being made to the historic 1830s Station and Warehouse, the world’s first passenger railway station and the oldest existing railway goods warehouse respectively.

WORLD MUSEUM

Experience the wonders of life and the universe at World Museum, where millions of years of the world’s history are revealed. Find out how humans have shaped the planet we inhabit, and how human behaviour is impacting our world today. We will take you to the farthest reaches of our spectacular world, diving down into underwater life in the newly refurbished Aquarium and blasting you off into the skies in the Space Gallery and our updated Planetarium. Visit the Ancient Egypt gallery, which displays items from one of the finest ancient Egyptian and Nubian collections in Europe, and immerse yourself in Sarah Howe’s magical poetry about survival and loss in the World Cultures Gallery. Get up close to leaf cutting ants and other animals in the Bug House. Go back in time to see fossil bones and footprints of animals that inhabited the earth millions of years ago. Don’t miss AI: More than human (until 31 October), which explores the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. Bursting with interactivity through immersive artworks and scientific developments, the exhibition gives visitors a thrilling vision of the future.

FACTS Address: World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EL Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 10am–6pm www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/worldmuseum www.facebook.com/worldmuseum

THE MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL The Museum of Liverpool explores the city’s contribution to the world through its unique geography, history and culture, with more than 6,000 objects and interactives. In 2019 the Museum won a public vote in the Kids in Museums’ Family Friendly Awards in the large museum category. The Little Liverpool gallery is a hands-on fantasy world especially for children under the age of six to play and learn. Inside the gallery our youngest visitors can create their own Liverpool - a city where they are in charge. The museum opens its much-loved Wondrous Place gallery in November. The gallery explores the city’s roll call of entertainers, writers, poets, performers, musicians, visual artists, comedians and sports people through around 650 objects, interactives and immersive experiences. Visitors can also marvel at the land transport collection, which includes more than 200 vehicles ranging from Lion locomotive, built in 1838, to a Range Rover Evoque from 2011. No Liverpool museum would be complete without a nod to the Fab Four. Our collections includes material chronicling the band’s careers from the early days to solo projects after the band split up.

FACTS Address: Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 1DG Opening Times: Tuesday - Sunday 10am–6pm www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ museum-of-liverpool www.facebook.com/museumofliverpool

PEOPLE’S HISTORY MUSEUM

The People’s History Museum’s (PHM) exhibitions, galleries and collections bring together stories of those that have campaigned for change, progress and equality; these ideas worth fighting for are the lifeblood of the museum. As the national museum of democracy, it’s no coincidence that PHM’s home is in Manchester. This radical city has always been led by its progressive spirit and this is seen in its role in campaigns such the right to vote, votes for women and LGBT+ rights – just some of the stories featured. PHM combines the historic with the contemporary. Recent issues explored include Black Lives Matter, women’s rights and migration, and it is renowned for its co-curation and the way in which it supports communities to use their voices to share their experiences. The museum is suitable and, as a holder of the Family Friendly Museum Award, this includes lots of family focused content. Two permanent galleries, an active events programme and regular changing exhibitions means there is always lots to do and see. And finally, look out for the brilliant museum shop and new cafe and bar serving a delicious, ethically sourced menu.

FACTS Address: Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 2ER Opening Times: 10am-4pm Weds to Sun www.phm.org.uk www.facebook.com/PHMMcr/

MARITIME MUSEUM Maritime Museum explores Liverpool’s maritime history through the ages. Collections consist of objects and archives connected to ships, boats, life at sea, the port of Liverpool and its connection to the world. Highlights include ship models, paintings, works on paper and boats, as well as the largest object in the collection, the Edmund Gardner pilot ship, moored at the dry dock opposite the museum Explore the moving and fascinating stories of Liverpool’s seafarers and passengers, at the Life on Board gallery and discover the history behind the tragic sinkings of Lusitania and Titanic. Enter the dark and unseen world of smuggling, intrigue and danger in Seized! the Border and Customs uncovered. One of the gallery’s key themes is anti-smuggling, which includes detective work, crime fighting, patrolling frontiers and investigation. Discover the origin of Liverpool’s fortune, buried underneath Liverpool ONE on an Old Dock Tour Revealed during excavations on the site in 2001, the story of the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock is explored on this guided tour. You will discover how a brave idea and an innovative feat of engineering shaped Liverpool’s destiny forever.

FACTS Address: Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 4AQ Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am–6pm www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime www.facebook.com/merseysidemaritimemuseum

IWM NORTH

Since opening on 5 July 2002, IWM North has welcomed over 4 million visitors. It is the fifth branch of the national Imperial War Museums and the first outside SE England. IWM North tackles themes of war and conflict in innovative ways, using the sound, photography and film archives of IWM to great effect. It was the first building in the UK to be designed by Daniel Libeskind, the internationally renowned architect of the Jewish Museum, Berlin, and the masterplan for Ground Zero, New York. The Museum’s three interlocking shards are fragments of a shattered globe that signify conflict on land, water and in the air. IWM North is also a museum for the people of Manchester. The site that IWM North stands on today is where the Hovis Grain Silos once stood before they were bombed and burnt down in the Manchester Blitz during the Second World War. Objects unique to Manchester, such as a Manchester Blitz Fire Fighting Trailer Pump, are on display. The Big Picture Show “Mightier Than War” combines the powerful poetry of Mancunian Tony Walsh with poignant imagery from our collection.

T OF H

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FACTS

EST

Address: IWM North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1TZ Opening times: 10am – 5pm. Open daily from Monday 5 July – Sunday 5 September. From 6 September IWM North will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. www.iwm.org.uk www.facebook.com/iwm.north

Hybrid SUVs: what’s available? If you fancy a hybrid with more space there are plenty of options The SUV lends itself perfectly to a hybrid powertrain. With more space, it means there’s a little more wiggle room for the batteries and, as a result, it allows for a better boot. Needless to say, many manufacturers have clocked onto this, which is why there are so many hybrid SUV offerings available today. With such a congested market it can be tricky to find out which is right for you. Fortunately, we’ve picked out some of the best options available today.

Kia Sorento PHEV Kia is on a bit of a roll with its electrified powertrains, so it came as little surprise when a plug-in hybrid version of its latest Sorento SUV was announced. It uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor and batteries, and Kia claims you’ll get around 35 miles of electric-only driving. As well as a striking exterior design, the Sorento boasts a well-made cabin that is fitted with a healthy level of standard equipment.

BMW X5 xDrive45e BMW’s X5 has been a core part of the SUV segment for decades, but more recently it has been added to with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant – badged X5 xDrive45e. Where this car majors, though, is electric range; at up to 54 miles, it far exceeds the vast majority of other hybrids and allows for decent-length journeys to be completed on battery power alone. Plus, you still get the premium cabin and sharp looks that you’d associate with the standard X5.

DS 7 Crossback E-Tense As it’s part of the wider PSA Group, DS can take advantage of all manner of hybrid powertrains. It’s why the 3008 and the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense appear so similar – they’re essentially the same underneath. However, that efficient hybrid setup is contained within a slightly more dramatic, eye-catching exterior with the DS, while the interior is flamboyant too.

Mercedes-Benz GLE350de In a break from the norm, the GLE350de arrives as a dieselpowered hybrid. Mercedes has a few in its line-up, but across the wider segment, a hybrid paired with a diesel engine isn’t a regular occurrence. Mercedes claims you’ll

get up to 256.8 mpg combined, too, which will certainly help with the fuel bills. Plus, when you’ve run out of electricity – which should still give you a decent 54 miles between charges – you’re left with a smooth and refined 2.0-litre diesel engine.

70 Inside outside decor

Garden Trends WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT Passion for gardens has probably never been greater. Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions that we were all obliged to follow, outside spaces have taken on a whole new vibe. The trend for utilising even the tiniest of outdoor areas is probably here to stay – at least for the next few years. This fact is borne out by estate agents who have noticed that at least a quarter of potential property buyers are seeking more green space. Flats with gardens are now hugely popular, whereas a few years ago most people purchasing an apartment weren’t interested in owning outdoor space. Working from home has encouraged people to use every room in their house and to value their garden equally. Many will continue to use their home office rather than commute, because it makes perfect sense.

71 In line with our new appreciation for gardens, many of us have created garden ‘rooms’, where the inside flows into an outdoor kitchen and dining area. The lines between indoors and out have been blurred. It is no longer unusual for people to install outdoor fridges, cookers, storage, food-preparation surfaces and, of course, seating. The latter will probably include a dining table with chairs but also an outdoor lounge with comfortable furniture. Sometimes this can take up most of the garden, but hopefully there will be some attractive planting to provide screening, perhaps a soothing water feature and definitely a firepit so that everyone can stay outside during the evening.

Gardens need life Treating a garden as an extension to the home is a developing trend for those who can afford this impressive display of luxury. But is it good for gardens? Paving over lawns and restricting planting to very limited zones isn’t great for biodiversity. Beware of creating a desolate, cheerless space with little life to be found. Most people love the softness that plants bring to hard landscaping, therefore every opportunity should be taken for prioritising plants over paving. Aim to develop a passion for the right plants in the right places. We can all learn from the experts. The re-scheduling of RHS Chelsea Flower Show invigorated people at a time of year when interest is generally waning. We were wowed by the array of plants that look stunning, even though summer had passed. The show exemplifies the very best combination of hard and soft landscaping and this is what we should aspire to. A garden can, indeed, perform many functions and a seating place amongst the planting enables us to enjoy it to the full. Above all else we should make provision for wonderful plants that will attract pollinators, provide structure, movement, scent, colour and soak up the excesses that the sky deposits. Plants absorb pollution, they clean the air and produce oxygen. Just relax by some lush planting and see how it makes you feel – plants really are good for us.

The greatest garden trends during the last two years • Al fresco dining, often with built-in appliances and heating and even a retractable canopy. • Extending interior decor into the garden. People now decorate gardens with lanterns, ornaments, colourful accessories, rugs and cushions. Some even sacrifice kitchen dressers, sofas and throws in a bid to make a bold outdoor statement that creates a cosy space. • Grow-your-own is a growing trend. At least fourteen per cent of adults in the UK are following a meat-free diet. Almost half the population now grows fruit and vegetables at home. Not only is it fun and rewarding, but it can be completely chemical-free too. • Dry stone walling, gabion walls using wire baskets filled with stones, and rocks, boulders and pebbles are all increasing in popularity. These contemporary features combine style with function and they provide wonderful nooks and crannies that are valuable for wildlife. • Porcelain garden paving is the surface of choice for a growing number of householders. It’s a rapidly rising trend. Porcelain can look like stone but is less porous, therefore it doesn’t turn green quite so easily. It’s long-lasting, tough, slip-resistant and contemporary. • Sowing seeds and planting for wildlife. There has been a record demand for wildflower and other seeds over the last eighteen months, with sales increasing more than 600 per cent.

Allow a little rewilding in your garden and consider it a compliment when spiders and insects populate your space. Don’t be tempted to prune your hedge every time it grows beyond the picture-book rectangle. Try to change the way you see things and avoid the concept of a tidy garden. These can be hostile places in terms of nature. Immerse your seating area within planting

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0300 3030121 Dave: 07769 942218 Matt: 07969 183809 New showroom opening soon at: 2a Gathurst Lane, Shevington WN6 8HA Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk www.orrellheating.co.uk

Installations, Upgrades & Maintenance Established 30+ years emergency call outs

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Representative example: Total cash price £1164, deposit £0, amount borrowed £1164 over 12 months. 12 monthly repayments of £97. Interest rate 0%. Total repayable £1164. Credit is subject to the lenders T&C. Warmlight Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 7700524. We are a credit broker, not a lender and have a facility with one lender.

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Local Life - St Helens - Sep/Oct 2021

Articles inside

Wooden Floors Guide

Paprika Chicken

Jack’s Tracks to Frodsham & Helsby