Local Life - St Helens - Sep/Oct 2014 by Local Life 247 Ltd

St Helens Edition

Sep/Oct 2014

Down On The Farm ... in Billinge

From Saint to Church Warden Les Greenall

Photo by David Sudworth

Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks visits Bamfurlong Class From The Past Blackbrook School www.locallife247.co.uk

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Growing Pains...

In this issue

The advent of autumn always signifies a period of change, and not just in the weather. For us parents, it’s a busy and emotional time.

17 18 24 34 40 44 46 49 52 53 54 56 57 58 62

Some will be waving their child off as they head to college or university. For others, whose offspring are still in school, it’s another turn on the endless merry-go-around of new classes, new teachers and new friends. Being a parent is undoubtedly the toughest job in the world, but most rewarding. My own daughter is coming up to her seventh birthday soon, yet it seems like only five minutes ago she was being brought home from hospital for the first time. And now we’re locked in friendly, but persistent, mini battles of wills. I almost fainted the other day when she declared that for her eighth birthday (a mere 52 weeks away), she wants to go skydiving followed by swimming with sharks. “But don’t worry dad,” she assures me. “You can come too if you like.” Gee, thanks love... Regardless of their age, knowing when to either loosen the apron strings slightly or, in some cases completely, is hard to do. Maybe it’s a sense of feeling of not being ‘needed’ as much anymore. Perhaps it’s realising that you’ve done such a good job that they can actually do things for themselves now. However, when it comes to extreme leisure pursuits, I’d be quite happy for my little one to be a mere spectator... at the very least until she’s out of her booster seat.

editorial@locallife247.co.uk Next issue - October

Advertising deadline - Friday 12 September Published - Thursday 25 September Local Life Media

Class From The Past - Blackbrook School Recipe Of The Month Planning Matters Puzzle Corner Where Are They Now - Les Greenall What’s On Soil & Toil - Greenslate Farm Jack’s Tracks visits Bamfurlong Garden Diary Garden Services Test Drive - Alfa Romeo MiTo Motoring Services Puzzle Solutions Home Services Useful Numbers

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB T 01744 649 722 @ info@locallife247.co.uk W www.locallife247.co.uk

Sales: Chris Pearce, Nicola Gray Editorial: David Sudworth Design & Production: Peter Bretherton

sales@locallife247.co.uk editorial@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan

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Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. The St Helens and Prescot edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Sutton Heath. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Extra Stores in Peasley Cross and Prescot. The St Helens edition is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Laffak and selected areas of Haydock. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Peasley Cross. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

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Air Ambulance Boost

Cake Expectations

The Local Life team were out in force at the Rainford Festival to raise money for North West Air Ambulance. We attended the village extravaganza, held at Rainford High, where kind-hearted folk took part in our lucky dip, raising £330.10 in the process. A big thank you to all those who took part, as well as the companies which supplied us with competition tickets. A full list of them can be found on page 48.

There’s plenty to do at Park Farm Centre on Kentmere Avenue, Carr Mill, this September. The centre has new courses, organised by the Workers’ Educational Association, including Creative Cupcakes from Monday, September 22. It will be 11 meetings of two hours each, starting 6pm-8pm. The course will see you learn how to make the perfect cup cake, create delicious topping and how to make decorations using sugar paste. There’s also a Family First Aid course starting on Wednesday, September 17, for 10 weeks, between 12.45pm-2.45pm. This a free course which is aimed at anyone who cares for young children. If you are interested in any of these, please contact Sue on 01744 754367 or email acypcentre@ yahoo.com

Haydock Club Back

Local Life’s Nicola Gray, Sally Boon, Chris Pearce and Sam Garrahan present a cheque for £330.10 to Paramedic Pup of North West Air Ambulance

Opening Offers! £3 off Haircut (Men & Boys) £2 off Haircut (Pensioners only)

Mens rate £8.50 – rate with voucher £5.50 Boys rate £7.00 – rate with voucher £4.00 Pensioners rate £5.50 – rate with voucher £3.50 Students rate - 25% OFF - with student id

Fresh from its summer break, the Haydock branch of the National Association of Women’s Clubs’ first meeting back is on Tuesday, September 9. Club officials say there is a varied programme for the next few months, including talks on recycling food, the history of clogs and clog dancing, craft evenings, Zumba, games nights and a hospital tour. Haydock NAWC meets on Tuesdays, 8pm, at Haydock Cricket Club in Piele Road. For further information, ring Chris on 01942 393925.

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Billinge Concert

Autumn Concert

St Aidan’s Church, on Main Street, Billinge, hosts a concert by Pemberton Old Wigan (DW) Junior Band on Friday, September 5, at 7.30 pm. The band will be conducted by Mr John Don-Duncan. Tickets will be £5 and there will be refreshments available at the half-time interval. A list of those requiring tickets will be placed at the back of church and will also be available from the Church Wardens on 01744 892613 or 01744 895914. Proceeds from the concert will be split between the church and band.

The St Helens Singers, supported by Warrington Light Opera, present an autumn concert at St Helens Town Hall on Thursday, September 11, starting at 7.30pm. The concert will feature a wide variety of music from Gilbert & Sullivan to West End Musicals to religious pieces, and will include a medley of World War I songs to commemorate the centenary of the start of the Great War. Tickets are £8 and available from Marie Holden, Secretary, on 01744 612485.

Social Group

Loop Walk

Clinkham Wood Pilkington Social Group meets on the last Tuesday of every month, from 10.30am-noon, at Moss Bank Mission, on Moss Bank Road. For more information please call Tina Peel, activities co-ordinator, on 01744 457909.

A Rainford Loop walk is being held by St Helens Council’s Ranger Service on Sunday, August 31. Meet at Siding Lane Visitor Centre at 10.30am, and for more information, call 01744 678073.

Wedding Fayre Sunday 26th October 2014 12pm - 4pm

Free Admission Complimentary Parking Catwalk at 2pm

Holiday Inn Haydock M6, Jct23 Lodge Lane, WA12 0JG 01942 868 330 meetings-haydock@ihg.com www.hihaydockm6j23hotel.co.uk

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Distributors Wanted Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows: Blackbrook – Fairclough Crescent, Whiteside Road, Loweswater Crescent, Windermere Road, Gleneagles Drive and Wedge Avenue Haydock – Westminster Drive, Buckfast Avenue, Taylor Road and Moore Drive Pewfall – Slag Lane and Liverpool Road Laffak – Laffak Road, Woodlands Road, Cambourne Avenue, Truro Close, Redruth Avenue, Bosworth Road, Hinckley Road and Markfield Crescent Moss Bank Crank

New Pastor Locals are invited to attend the induction of a new Pastor at Trinity Church in Rainhill on Saturday, September 6. Dave Wilkinson (pictured) will be welcomed at a special service at 3pm on that day. David, who has a wife and two grown up children, is originally from Liverpool and is coming back to the area after a spell at Heronhill Church in Kendal.

If you are interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Craft Sessions Billinge Library on Main Street holds a craft session every fourth Thursday in the month from 10.30amnoon. All welcome to go along.

Special Cakes for Every Occasion Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Christenings, Corporate Events Just think of a theme and we’ll do the rest! Open: Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday 9-5pm Thursday 11-7pm, Saturday 10-4pm Kelly Diggle

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Garswood Art

Core Blimey!

Garswood Art Group is on the look-out for new members as it begins its 11th year. The group, which meets at the Independent Methodist Church Hall on Victoria Road, has 35 members, from complete beginners to more experienced artists, but still welcomes new members to its informal and friendly work sessions.

Fir Tree Farm, on Pimbo Road, Kings Moss, is holding a Farmers’ Market and Apple Festival on Saturday, October 18. The event celebrates everything to do with the humble fruit, including cooking and eating apple chutneys, flap jacks, tarts, turnovers, apple pies, and fruit from the farm. The farm opens at 9.30am, it’s free entry and all are welcome.

Members and visiting artists run workshops and demonstrations to enable everyone to improve their skill and learn new techniques. Day visits to exhibitions or locations to excite your artistic instincts are also arranged, and the annual exhibition provides an opportunity to display and sell your work. The group meets on Mondays from 10am-noon and on Tuesdays from 8pm-10pm. Membership is £5 per year plus £2 per session All welcome.

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Open Day

Over 60s Get Active

A sheltered housing scheme is throwing open its doors for its fifth anniversary. Heald Farm Court, on Sturgess Street, Newton-le-Willows, is having an open day on Thursday, October 16, from noon until 7pm. There’s no entry fee and among the attractions will be entertainers, choir music and a display of items made by the Heald Farm Court’s craft group.

It’s never too late to get that tracksuit back on, as men over 60 are proving at centres across St Helens! The council’s sports development team has joined with colleagues from the public health department to engage with men aged 60 plus in a range of healthy sport, recreational and social activities. The project is the first of its kind in the borough and is being supported by Helena Partnerships, ReNew Parr, the Bridgewater Health Improvement Team and local sports clubs.

For more information, ring Chris on 01925 598020.

Comet Places Newton-le-Willions Comets Under 11s football team have places available for those in Year Six. The club trains at Wargrave School Field on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6.30pm-7.30pm, and matches are on Saturday mornings. For more information, call Phil on 07732 355071 or Richard on 07807 136399.

Chill and Chat St David’s Church, on Eskdale Avenue, Moss Bank, holds free, fun activities and sports on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7pm-9pm. The sessions are run by St Helens Council’s youth service and aimed at those in Year Seven upwards. For more details, contact Barbara Walsh on 01744 675931 or email barbarawalsh@sthelens.gov.uk

Those taking part can try their hand at archery, indoor and outdoor bowls, darts, new age kurling and table tennis. More activities will be added as participant needs are identified. All activities are free. Attendees can now benefit even more from the free sessions as attending 12 weekly sessions will mean that they receive a free, six-month Go Active Gym membership, subject to certain criteria being met. There are sessions currently taking place at the Deafness Resource Centre, Leaf Centre, Park Farm ACYP Centre, Rainford Spinney Community Green, Garswood Labour Club Green, Newton-le-Willows Family & Community Centre, St Nicholas’ Church Hall, United Reform Church Hall in St Helens Town Centre and the United Reform Church Hall at Toll Barr. For more details please call Michaylo Fedyk on 01744 675402 or email sportsdevelopment@sthelens.gov.uk

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There are sessions currently taking place at the Leaf Centre, Park Farm ACYP Centre, Rainford/Spinney Community Green, Garswood Labour Club Green, Newton-le-Willows Family & Community Centre, St. Nicholas Church Hall, Sutton, Deafness Resource Centre, United Reform Church Hall Town Centre and United Reform Church Hall Toll Barr.

more people, more active, more often. For more information, please contact: Sports Development Tel: 01744 675402 Email: sportsdevelopment@sthelens.gov.uk * Terms and conditions apply, eligibility criteria needs to be met in order to get membership

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Star Students

University Challenge!

Students at Carmel College are being praised for their hard work which saw the overall A-level pass reach 99.2%. Among those whose achievements are being lauded by college bosses include former Rainford High pupils Michael Romano, who got an A-star, three A grades and a B grade, and Adam Tollitt, who got three A-stars. Also being hailed is former Haydock student Derron Ankers, who walked away with two A-stars and two A grades.

Students from Winstanley College were celebrating a string of impressive results recently. The young adults are now busy making plans to go to university after receiving their A-level results. Among those celebrating are Hannah Lyons, of Crank Hill, Crank, who will be studying psychology at Chester, and Rebecca Kells, of Alder Avenue, Billinge, who is off to University College London to study English. Winstanley College principal Louise Tipping said: “Once again, we are delighted to celebrate our students’ outstanding results. Both staff and students have worked incredibly hard so it’s lovely that all that hard work has paid off with most of our students getting into their first choice universities.”

Rebecca Kells and Hannah Lyons with fellow Winstanley students Sophie Connelly, Katie Myers and Ben Crumpton

Dance Fest Ex-Rainford High pupil Michael Romano Carmel College Principal Rob Peacock said: “This year has seen yet another tremendous set of results for our students. It has been a real privilege to be able to share in their achievements. They are incredibly talented and two years of hard work have really paid off. Their excitement as they now look forward to the next stage of their lives is infectious. I am confident that they will go on to even greater success and I wish them well for the future.”

Sherdley Park on Marshalls Cross Road, Sutton, will be the setting for a great day and night of club classics on Saturday, September 13. The Reminisce Club Classics Festival gets underway at 2pm and runs through until 11pm. Two big tops will be installed in the park to accommodate up to 3,000 people. The first – and biggest - arena will showcase some real legends of the scene, with local and national DJs. The second arena caters for all the 051, Sunrise and Wigan Pier sounds. Standard festival tickets cost £40. For more information go to www.reminiscefestival.co.uk

Outstanding results for the Class of 2014

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Carmel College is OFFICIALLY • One of the top 10 Sixth Form Colleges in the country* • The best performing college in Merseyside and Cheshire* • The top A Level provider in St Helens* *The Telegraph, % A*-B grades (15-08-2014)

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Carmel College, Prescot Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 3AG Tel: 01744 452214/452212 (Admissions) Email: info@carmel.ac.uk A Catholic College for the Community

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sizes means more focus on you as an individual, with the guidance of highly skilled and dedicated tutors. From free breakfast to subsidised fees, St Helens College also has a range of financial support packages and additional benefits accessible to students. Depending on age and circumstances, there are also a range of loans and bursaries that can be accessed to help with the cost of childcare, lunch, equipment, uniform and travel. The college has a reputation for providing outstanding vocational courses, apprenticeship programmes, higher education and professional qualifications and consistently receives the highest ratings of student satisfaction for higher education in the North West. A college spokesman said: “Choosing to study at St Helens College is a life changing experience which can open doors to new opportunities for those of any age and allow you to meet new people that could enrich your life.”

Get Cooking! If you’re considering a new hobby or want to simply enhance your cookery skills, then Colours Cookery School at St Helens College has a wide range of short courses suitable for beginners to more advanced cooks. There is selection of short evening and weekend courses aimed at building skills, techniques and to broaden awareness of a range of cuisines. Exciting new courses starting from this September includes; Cake Decoration Made Easy, Cookery for the Beginner, Gourmet Cookery and A Taste of Italy. The courses are delivered by experienced chefs and you can now book and pay for your course online www.sthelens.ac.uk/ cookeryschool

Try St Helens College Further education students considering their next step are being urged to take a look at what St Helens College has to offer. The college boasts a wide range of full or part-time courses, from beginners’ classes and leisure courses to post-graduate degrees, so whether you are thinking about a change in career, want to learn something new or want to learn more about a subject you enjoy, the College has something for everyone. College bosses say you will enjoy a friendly and supportive learning environment where smaller class

To find out more information about courses at St Helens College and how to apply just drop into enrolment, call 0800 99 66 99 or visit www.sthelens.ac.uk

Want your tills to ring this Christmas? If you’re a restaurant or a retailer and you want help planning a successful Christmas campaign for your business, call Chris today on

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Class from the Past - Blackbrook School

This month’s Class from the Past is from Blackbrook School. It’s believed this photo was taken in 1963. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?

Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing editorial@ locallife247.co.uk

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Recipe of the month

Roast Sea Bass with a Lemon & Garlic Crust Ingredients • 4 skinned fillets sea bass, washed under running water • 3 unwaxed lemons • 4 cloves garlic • Small bunch of washed fresh parsley

Perfect for a simple lunch or a dinner party with friends, this main course is an easy crowd pleaser, looks great on the plate and is a wonderful dish to serve with vegetables or salad alike.

Method

• Salt & pepper

Brush undersides with olive oil and season fish all over with salt and pepper. Zest one of the lemons and squeeze juice. Wedge the other lemon for garnish. Whizz garlic with lemon juice and zest. Once no more large pieces can be seen, add the parsley, bread and butter to the processor.

Equipment

Quite quickly you should produce a moist and very tasty breadcrumb mixture. Press this mixture firmly onto the upper side of the fillets.

Small processor or mortar and pestle

Roast for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crust is brown.

Oven

Serve with whatever takes your fancy!

• 25g butter • 30g wholemeal bread • 50ml extra virgin olive oil

Gas Mark 5, 190°c Recipe courtesy of Diane Johnson

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Rainford’s Danny Jones, Jess Best, Jack Rowlands, Elle Walker, Ryan Phillips, Jonathan Bennett, Elise O’Neale, Sam Ward, Luke Molloy, Joe Mackay, Alasdair Robertson and Fergus Powell

Rainford Riding High! Rainford High once again saw an increase in the number of students achieving the best grades in the school this year. Among those A-level students who have been singled out for excellent results include Fergus Powell, who will be reading Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. Other notable successes were Sophie Cotter who will be reading Pharmacy at Manchester University, Holly Kilshaw who is going on to do Maths and Spanish at Liverpool University, Luke Molloy who will be reading Theoretical Physics at Leeds University, Ryan Phillips, who will be studying Accounting and Finance at Leeds University, Heather Magnier Ashton who will be reading Fine Art at Leeds University, Nia Williams who will be reading Mathematics at Leeds University and Hayley Parker, who will be reading Psychology at Queens College Belfast.

Rainford principal Ian Young said: “This is as always testament to the hard work of students, parents and teachers to work together to achieve these results.”

Hall Refurbishment Rainford Village Hall is set to undergo a refurbishment. Rainford Parish Council says it intends to borrow £9,000 from the Public Works Loan Board, repayable over five years, to replace single-glazed windows in the front ground floor offices within the hall with double-glazed units. The windows to the front of the Church Road building will be in hardwood and therefore match the other replaced windows to the front of the building. The windows to the side of the building will be PVCu. Additionally, funds will be used to refurbish the first floor toilets and incorporate a kitchenette for the use of the tenants renting office space within the village hall.

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An inspirational former soldier who was badly injured in Afghanistan has been confirmed as the guest speaker at Rainford Hub’s annual general meeting. Andy Reid will address the meeting - which is open to all local businesses - on Monday, September 15, at 7pm at the Star Inn, Church Road. Andy lost both his legs and his right arm after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) plate while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. However, he doesn’t let the severity of his injuries stop him from going forward with a positive attitude. Andy has been skydiving and took part in a 10K Run and has won The Sun’s Millie Award for Overcoming Adversity in 2010. Rainford Hub is a voluntary, non-political group of local business people working together to help make Rainford a thriving, more sustainable community and a better place for everyone to live and work.

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Brushing Up New recruits are being offered a free session at Billinge Art Club as it looks forward to a new season. The organisation, which has been going for over 25 years now, meets every Friday from September to July from 7pm to 9pm at The John Eddleston Centre off Main Street. Its first meeting of the new season is on Friday, September 5. All skill levels are welcome – simply take your own materials to work in your chosen medium or subject. There is a joining fee and annual membership of £5 plus £2.50 per meeting, although those attending their first meeting go free. For more information, simply turn up on September 5 or call Marie Hamilton on 07814 017533 or Lindsay Bradshaw on 07847 716311.

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Fairfield Plans Scaled-back plans have been unveiled for new parking spaces at Fairfield Hospital in Crank. An application for 21 places has been submitted to St Helens Council planners after a previous bid for 42 spaces was withdrawn following concerns raised by Mike Roberts, the council’s trees and woodlands officer. The new application is currently out for public consultation until Wednesday, September 3. The application, and supporting documentation, can be found at www.sthelens.gov.uk using the application reference number P/2014/0629.

Planning Ahead Billinge 138 Main Street: Erection of one dwelling (ref: P/2014 /0637). The consultation deadline is September 4.

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Blackbrook Blackbrook St Mary’s Primary School, Chain Lane: Erection of single storey classroom extension, canopy with roller shutter and external works (ref: P/2014/ 0632). The consultation deadline is September 4.

Crank Fairfield Hospital, Crank Road: Installation of new ultra clean ventilation canopy and HVAC plant to existing operating theatre 2 and adjacent anaesthetic rooms (ref: P/2014/0636). The consultation deadline is September 3.

Rainford 2 Carter Avenue: Single storey rear extension (ref: P/2014/0618). 36 Higher Lane: Demolition of existing detached outbuilding and erection of replacement single storey detached outbuilding (ref: P/2014/0630). The consultation deadline is September 2. 101 Kendal Drive: Demolition of existing garage and erection of a single storey side and single storey rear extensions (ref: P/2014/0631). The consultation deadline is September 2. For more on these applications, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk

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Robin Hood Talk St Helens Historical Society’s next meet will be held on Monday, September 15. The speaker will be Mark Olly who is giving a talk on Robin Hood. The talk takes place at the Friends’ Meeting House, Church Street, St Helens, starting at 7.30pm. For more information, please call Mary Presland on 01744 23141 or Norma Cresswell on 01744 754962.

Further details are available from www.rainfordshow. co.uk For all enquiries regarding the show, contact the chairman, Kevin Leigh, on 01744 883078, or Peter and Toni Reddington on 01744 883497.

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Village Show This year’s Rainford Village Show is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 30. Held at the village hall on Church Road, the doors are open to the public from 1:30pm-4.30pm, and the prize-giving will be at 4pm. There will be a number of competition classes for handicrafts, photography, confectionery, preserves,

floral art, vegetables, fruit and flowers. There are also special classes for Rainford residents and members of the Rainford Horticultural Society, as well as for junior exhibitors and for beginners.

Card craft classes will be starting up once again as of September at Downall Green Independent Methodist Church, on Victoria Road, Garswood. It is held every fortnight on Thursdays, from 10am-noon, and costs £2, including refreshments. For more information, call Lisa on 01942 712106.

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Snap Happy

Pat On The Back

Do you have an eye for what makes a good photograph? Local business group Rainford Hub is producing a village calendar in support of the Rainford Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 6. The theme for this year will be ‘Rainford through the seasons.’ The competition is open to all, the photographs must have a seasonal theme and be taken within five miles of the village centre.

Congratulations to Pat Shaw, of Stanley Avenue, Rainford, who was among the lucky winners of our recent competition to win tickets to Southport Flower Show. Other winners were Mildred Murray, of Ormskirk Road, Up Holland; Karen Nixon, of Lawns Avenue, Tontine; Mrs M. Grady, of Main Street, Buckshaw, and Sheila Singleton, of Ruskin Close, Tarleton.

All entries must have the photographer’s name, contact details and the title of the photograph displayed on the back. All photographs should be landscape format and may be taken on digital or film medium but must be sourced from your original work. The judges will select 12 photographs - one for each month. The best photo will not only win a prize, but appear on the calendar cover. Closing date for entries is 5pm on Monday, September 15, and they must be delivered to Alpine Podiatry, Alpine House, 28 Church Street, Rainford, WA11 8HE. For further details, contact info@rainfordhub.com

Remember, for more fabulous competitions, keep your eyes peeled on future editions of Local Life!

Indoor League Rainhill and Prescot Indoor Bowling League is holding its annual meeting on Friday, September 19, at Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, L35 4LU. Resolutions must be received in writing to later than Saturday, September 13, to the bowling league, care of the Village Hall, and marked for the attention of the Chairman. New players are welcome to contact 0151 430 9338 for more information.

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Running for George Locals are being urged to put their best feet forward once again this year in memory of a youngster who was killed crossing the East Lancs Road. Registration is now open for the second Rainford 10k, which takes place on Sunday, October 5, and early booking is advised. Participants will be running for the George Faulkner Memorial Trophy. George, 17, from Rainford, died six years ago while crossing the A580. Around 350 people took part last year, including George’s parents, Sue and John, and brother Bob. Another 140 runners took part in a one kilometre run on the same day. More than £3,000 was raised in total for Help For Heroes and road charity Brake.

Runners at last year’s Rainford 10k This year’s charities are the Oliver King Foundation to get defibrillators in schools; the Compassionate Friends, which supports bereaved parents and families, and Sands, a stillborn and neo-natal charity. It starts from Rainford High on Higher Lane from 9.45am. Until August 31, the cost to enter is £16 for adults, £14 for affiliated club runners, £2 for child 1k fun run entrants and £7 for adult 1k run entrants. From September 1, the cost for adults rises to £20 and £18 for affiliated runners. For those wanting some training guidance for running or endurance events, you are invited to go along to the Rainford Run sessions on Wednesdays from 6.30pm at the Golden Lion, Church Road.

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C L A S S R O OM S F N R W T

Cheesecake was her favourite So guess what we had at her funeral

At GreenAcres we help you take care of the little details for a perfect final goodbye. We also make sure that planning your last requests is easy, simple and affordable. So when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your time, your family has the comfort of knowing that things are just as you wanted them to be. Your Goodbye, Your Way.

To make sure your final goodbye is what you would have wanted, contact us for a copy of our Planning Ahead Brochure. www.greenacreswoodlandburials.co.uk/rainford Tel: 01744 649189 Email: info.rainford@greenacreswb.co.uk Want to advertise in Local Life?

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The Personal Touch Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to deal with in life. Just when you’re enveloped in grief at your loss and you think you can’t take any more, you realise that you have to plan a funeral, and that brings another level of pressure. You only get one chance to get the funeral right. It’s your last chance to say goodbye, and you’ll want to create a funeral that reflects the life and character of the person you loved. Create the ideal send off for your loved one, and it will help you and your family to come to terms with your loss. But when you’re feeling overwhelmed with grief, arranging a memorable send-off is not an easy task. Fortunately though, there are good people at hand who can provide sensitive guidance to help you arrange a funeral. F.W. Marsh are the longest established family funeral directors in the St Helens area, and have been serving the local community for more than a century.

Established in 1907 by Frederick William Marsh at Alder Hey Road in Eccleston, F.W. Marsh have premises in Parr, Billinge, Newton-le-Willows and Whiston, and have just opened their new offices on Ormskirk Road in Rainford (formally the Bridge Inn).

Beat Spiralling Funeral Costs

According to research, funeral prices have risen by an eye-watering 80% in the past 10 years. For those who haven’t made sufficient financial provision, the final bill has, in many cases, been passed on to their loved ones. The Serenity pre-payment funeral plan, organised by F.W. Marsh can help stop that happening to you and your family. Once a plan is taken out, it will remain at 2014 prices, regardless of how long you live. Starting from just £2,707, they include attending to all arrangements, transportation from place of death (within 10 miles) to the Chapel of Rest, a silk-interior coffin, a hearse and one limousine. The plan also includes associated medical and crematoria fees. Serenity is unique as it is the only plan based within St Helens and run by a local, independent family company. All monies are set aside in a dedicated prepayment fund. Unfortunately, death cannot be avoided, but by taking out a Serenity plan now, you can give comfort and peace of mind to both you and your loved ones, knowing that your final wishes will be taken care of. For more details on the Serenity funeral plan, please call F.W. Marsh on; Billinge 01744 892260

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Whilst many of today’s funeral directors are owned by multinational companies, F.W. Marsh remain steadfastly independent, and this is underlined by the number of family members still involved in the business. Amazingly, the company has four generations still actively involved in the family business. Matriarch Elsie Marsh, is joined by daughter Susan, grandsons Ian and Mark, granddaughter-in-law Stephanie and, the firm’s latest recruit, great granddaughter Leanne. Ian, the Managing Director, describes why the company has been so successful in becoming a household name in the St Helens area: “We get a huge amount of satisfaction from helping people

to plan the perfect send-off. Because we have been in business so long, we know many local families well, and they trust us to look after their loved ones. We look to their needs first and we don’t charge extortionate prices like some other funeral directors do”.

much more accessible for viewing, and it can be more convenient for the family to plan the funeral with an advisor who is based locally. Just like our other offices, the new Rainford office is modern, clean and spacious with a private Chapel of Rest”.

F.W. Marsh can organise a wide variety of different types and styles of funerals to suit your needs and your budget. In addition to traditional funerals, the company can provide horse drawn funerals, environmentallyfriendly funerals or woodland burials. Your contact at the local office will also be able to arrange floral tributes, obituaries, catering and memorial masonry.

The Rainford branch of F.W. Marsh is now open at 177 Ormskirk Road in the village. If you would like to discuss any aspects of funeral arrangements or funeral plans please call into our offices – we’re open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. You can call us on 01744 882645 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Ian explains why the company is opening a branch in Rainford: “Our policy of opening local offices throughout St Helens means that your loved one is

For more information about F.W. Marsh and our services, please visit our website www.fwmarshfunerals.co.uk

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Join Marken Travel at 6.30pm on Tuesday, September 9 and learn how to make your Disney experience run smoothly; all you need to know from pre trip planning to the new and enhanced changes Disney have introduced this year. We will talk about the new Magic Bands, chip-enabled park tickets, pre-bookable Fastpass plus (enabling you to book times in advance, saving time waiting in lines on the popular rides throughout the park and also enabling you to reserve viewing spots for park favourites like the Magic Kingdom fireworks and slow-moving character meet ‘n’ greets) and much more!

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Do you want to see what happens behind the scenes at SeaWorld? Join the behind the scenes tour and discover how SeaWorld animal experts care for manatees and sea turtles. Then interact with a small shark, explore one of the hidden polar bear dens and touch a penguin. Here is your chance to dine with Walt Disney World’s biggest stars! A 5-star stretched limousine will pick you up from your hotel and whisk you Chef Mickey’s Restaurant where you will be joined by Mickey Mouse and the gang as you sit down for a mouthwatering buffet dinner.

Busch Gardens ® Serengeti Safari Tour

Take a 30-minute open-air safari truck expedition out onto the Serengeti to feed giraffes from your hand, plus meet zebras and antelopes right in their own habitat.

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Outrageous comedy, exciting music and dazzling multimedia theatrics are combined to create visually stunning and hysterically funny show. Loved and renowned all over the world for their live stage shows, the Blue Man Group has now brought its unique and spontaneous performances to Orlando.

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Experience the only place on Earth where you can tour real life rocket launch areas, explore the space shuttle, meet an Astronaut, see giant rockets, train in space flight simulators and even experience a launch into space!

Clearwater Beach Trip from Orlando

Escape the frenetic pace of Orlando’s theme parks- and head for the white sands and turquoise waters of Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Everglades and Miami Tour from Orlando

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Where Are They Now? - by David Sudworth

Les Greenall (St Helens Rugby, 1963-1965, 1969-1973) Playing at Wembley for his home town was a boyhood dream for Haydock granddad-of-six Les Greenall. As a youngster at school, he’d dream of emulating his heroes. Yet when the hand of fate delivered him a golden opportunity to realise that ambition, he very nearly blew it. “Thankfully my wife Maureen brought me to my senses. She told me not to be so silly, to get out there and play. So I did and, as they say, the rest is history.” By his own admission, Les is a very different person these days to the hot-headed 28-year-old who, just a week before the Challenge Cup final in 1972, walked out on the club and vowed never to play for them again. The son of James, a coalminer at Sutton Manor, and Ellen, Les, who now lives on Clipsley Crescent, was born on April 11, 1944, and grew up at 36 Ramford Street in Parr with siblings William, David and Rita. Having been to Allanson Street Primary and Parr Central, he left school at 15 for a career in pit work with his dad. However, a broken wrist meant that he wasn’t much use as a miner so he ended up working with the Water Board. He had an office at the old depot at the bottom of Smithy Brew and then at Hardshaw Depot before spending the majority of his career at the bustling Stephens Way unit in Newtown, Wigan.

He eventually signed for Saints but found himself in the reserves, playing just two first team games. In 1966, the former St Helens legend, Eric Ashton, was by that time the manager at Wigan, and signed Les as a replacement for the injured Colin Clarke.

Rugby had been his passion since the age of 11, when it had been part of the curriculum at Parr Central: “I played as an amateur for Lancashire Schoolboys as well as Blackbrook under-17s and England under-19s. I really loved playing rugby, it’s just something which seemed to come naturally to me.”

Les recalls: “Colin had got a bad injury so Eric asked me if I wanted to go. Granted, being a St Helens lad through and through, I’d always wanted to play for Saints, and it was hard going to Wigan for obvious reasons, but there was a need there so I went. It wasn’t as bad as you may think, Eric was the perfect gent and when Colin

With the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 1972

got fit again, I went to Rochdale. That was tough going because we’d train on Tuesdays and Thursdays which meant I’d be getting up at 7am, working during the day and then getting back from training at midnight.”

Eventually, Les did make the trip south and, while at their base in Selsdon Park near Croydon, Karalius failed his fitness test. Les could now realise the chance of a lifetime.

In 1969, Les got an unexpected phone call from Saints director Basil Lowe: “He simply asked me if I wanted to go back. To be honest, I was a bit flattered. I thought ‘well, I must mean something to them’ so jumped at the chance.”

“I was sorry for Tony but of course also delighted to be playing especially as I’d not had an honour in 10 years of playing. The match went by in a flash. Maureen was at home with our one week old son, Barrie, on her knee and watching me play.”

“I told them to get lost” That call, plus a last-minute injury to regular Saints hooker Tony Karalius, gave Les his chance to turn out for the first team at Wembley: “In 1972, we’d got to the Challenge Cup Final and were playing Leeds. It was touch and go whether Tony would be playing and he’d have a fitness test when we got down south. At first, they promised me I’d be playing and then they said they’d take me as back up. I was angry when I thought I was going to be left out so I told them to get lost. I also put in a transfer request and threatened to leave the club. It was very controversial at the time. My first son had just been born the Sunday before so I was undecided about whether to go down. Jim Challinor was the coach at the time and he actually came to Blackbrook Working Men’s Club to persuade me to join the squad. I suppose my pride had been hurt but that’s how rugby went in those days.”

Les with wife Maureen and baby Barrie The Knowsley Road side ran out 16-13 winners in front of 89,495 spectators: “It was a fantastic feeling. There have been many great players who never got the chance to even play at Wembley, let alone get a winner’s medal. We had a teddy which was a lucky mascot and afterwards the lads gave it to me for Barrie. I’ve still got it as well!” The following year, Les hung up his boots at the relatively young age of 29: “I was playing in the A-team and the money wasn’t fantastic - well to be honest it was rubbish!” laughs Les. “I had a mortgage to pay and if you got injured that could affect your job so I thought that enough’s enough and retired from the game.”

The Saints squad with their lucky mascot teddy

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Since then, Les has kept busy at work. Following the privatisation of utility companies in the 1990s,

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Les retired from the Water Board aged 50 but then continued in casual, short-term roles including at AMEC, one of the world’s leading engineering, project management and consultancy companies. Two years ago, he finished working altogether due to a slight stroke. Now aged 70, he’s heavily involved in St Mark’s Church on West End Road, Haydock, where he is a church warden. “When I was playing, I was a man’s man. I liked going for a drink, a bet, going fishing and thought that church wasn’t for me. Maureen went with our boys Barrie, who is now 42, and Darren, who is now 39. So to me, the church was for women and children. But a good few years ago I had an upsetting time due to the Water Board being privatised and the possibility of having to reapply for my own job. I eventually became a Christian and got into teaching the lads about rugby. “I remember not long after we had a church procession which went past The Huntsman pub, which I’d drink in. I don’t know if it was deliberate but I was given the biggest Christian banner to hold, and as we went past some of my mates were taking the mick, but in a goodhumoured way!”

Les today at home in Clipsley Crescent, Haydock

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What’s On in the North West Friday, August 29 to Sunday, November 9 Blackpool Illuminations Bolton funnyman Peter Kay will be switching on the 2014 Illuminations on Friday 29th August, joined by Little Mix and rock band Texas. Chart stars Pixie Lott, Union J, Neon Jungle and George Ezra will also be performing. The switch on event in 2014 will encompass a whole 3 days of entertainment. The Friday Concert will be FREE and tickets can be purchased for the Saturday and Sunday evenings. Illuminations run until Sunday, November 9. Tickets are availble from £16.50 via www.blackpool-illuminations.net or by calling Ticketmaster on 0800 988 4440 Sunday, September 7 Lancashire Classic Car and Motorcycle Show Classic Shows are proud to present the 32nd Classic Car and Motorcycle Show at Hoghton Tower. Admission is adults £7, children (7-14) £3, under 7s free. Free parking. If you wish to take a classic car or motorcycle and take part in the show, please contact Andrew Greenwood on 01484 667776. House and gardens open for tours - separate admission charge applies. Starts at 10am. Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, PR5 0SH.

Wednesday, September 10 Ant & Dec’s Takeaway on Tour The cheeky Geordie chappies take their popular ITV show on the road. As viewers of Saturday Night Takeaway will know, no audience member will be safe whether you’re sat in the front row or at the back, so Ant and Dec could be taking you up on stage - so you’ve been warned! Liverpool Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool waterfront, L3 4FP. Tickets from £28 via www. echoarena.com

Monday, September 8, to Saturday, September 13 Talking Heads Written by Alan Bennett and directed by Zoe Jones, this series of monologues sees four very different women tell their stories. Meet Lesley, an aspiring actress hoping for her big break; vicar’s wife Susan, secretly conducting an affair; lady of letters Irene - not afraid to speak her mind; and elderly Doris who comes to re-evaluate her life after spotting a cream cracker under the settee. 7.30pm-10pm at Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, PR7 2RL. Monday-Wednesday £6, Thursday-Saturday £8. Groups of 10 or more: deduct £1 per ticket (Monday-Friday). Buy 10, Get 11th free. On sale now from Malcolm’s Musicland on 01257 264362. Thursday, September 11 BBC Antiques Roadshow BBC ONE’s ever popular Sunday evening programme ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will be filming for its 37th series at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. 9.30am to 4.30pm, entry is free, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5TQ Contact telephone 0117 974 2395 - to check latest times or cancellations or visit www.bbc.co.uk/ antiquesroadshow Wednesday, September 17, to Sunday, September 21 Turbo Time From the world renowned circus producer, Gerry Cottle, comes a fast, fun and totally immersive new show combining death defying stunts, rock n roll skaters, illusionists, acrobats, jugglers and sensational comedy performers. You will be witness to 50 spectacular circus acts in just 100 minutes as you experience sky high daredevils swinging from the roof of the dome, international illusionists disappearing before your very eyes and a new wave of world class performers. Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN. For more information, call 01625 374416 or visit www. tattonpark.org.uk Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21 Southport Air Show If you’re looking for a fun and exhilarating day out with the kids then look no further than the Southport Air Show. Arrive by 10am and you will see light aircraft landing, a spectacle unique to Southport Air Show which has a purpose built runway on the beach. Don’t forget to check out the ‘life in the trenches’ display, the climbing walls, the assault courses and make sure you experience the flight simulators. Then the flying begins...the Red Arrows, a Typhoon Fighter Jet and the world’s last two Lancaster bombers are scheduled to appear. 9am -5.30pm Southport Seafront, tickets from £7.32 (under 5’s are free), advance tickets can be purchased via www.visitsouthport.com or call 01704 533333

Thursday, September 25 We Shall Remember Them: Rugby Footballers in Khaki A look back at the rugby players of the Wigan and Leigh area who gave their lives during World War I. The casualty list included 10 Leigh players with League Championship winners Sam Whittaker and Paddy O’Neill and Wigan’s star winger Lou Bradley. Mike Latham gives the background to their careers, time in the services and tragic ends serving King and Country. Museum Of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan. Event taking place during normal museum opening hours. Cost is£2.50 including tea/coffee. Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5 British Musical Fireworks Championship Seven magnificent firework displays over three nights of entertainment, but only one winner! Southport’s sky bursts into light as some of the country’s top pyrotechnic teams compete to win the prestigious industry title of UK Champions. The British Musical Fireworks Championship is no ordinary competition, each competitor is required to synchronise their display to music making each display no ordinary display and this event one of a kind in the UK! Tickets from £5.23 via www.visitsouthport.com or call 01704 533333. Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, PR8 2BZ.

Wednesday, October 15 to Sunday, October 19 Disney On Ice Get ready to celebrate in style! Disney On Ice is proud to present a scintillating skating spectacular at the Phones 4u Arena. You will see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from Disney’s Mulan, Lion King and Pinocchio, and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story all take to the ice. This fanfare production features more than 60 unforgettable Disney stars that span the decades, a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate sets and beautiful costumes. Tickets from £16.50 via www.eventim.co.uk or call 0844 847 8000, Phones 4u Arena, Manchester, M3 1AR. Saturday, October 18 Voulez Vous - 40 Years of Waterloo After their unforgettable performance at The Dome, Brighton in 1974, ABBA’s hit Waterloo has since been voted the all-time best song of the Eurovision Song Contest 40 years on from smashing their way onto the international music scene, ABBA fans and music fans alike are coming together to celebrate the Swedish superstars’ longevity! Voulez Vous have been masters of the ABBA scene for the past 23 years, and will transport you back to the 1970s and early 1980s with hits such as Take A Chance, Dancing Queen, SOS, and Fernando and, of course, Waterloo! 7.30pm at the Charter Theatre, Preston Guildhall, Lancaster Road, PR1 1HT. Tickets £17.50, concessions £1.50 off. www.prestonguildhall.com Saturday, October 25 Serenade To Music The latest instalment of the RLPO’s Strauss Edition is the spectacular climax of a concert that begins with the knockabout humour of Elgar’s cockney overture, and showcases the Phil’s choir in Vaughan Williams’ rapturous Serenade to Music. In between, Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO make history with the world premiere of a brand new work by the sensational young American composer Nico Muhly. 7.30pm at Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mount, Liverpool, L1 7AZ. Tickets £25, £7 students/under 25s/claimants. Must be booked by calling 0151 709 3789 or in person only.

Friday, October 3 Singalong Sound of Music Is the Sound of Music one of your ‘favourite things?’ Or do you think Edelweiss is an Austrian foodie delicacy? Whatever your knowledge, you’re sure to enjoy this rapturous singalong from tunes everyone knows. Altogether now... ‘Doe, a deer, a female deer...’ 7.30pm at Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street Bolton, BL1 4TG. All tickets £10 and available from The Albert Halls’ Box Office on 01204 334400.

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Sunday, October 26 Hey Presto! Presto, the cat, is a very talented magician, so when he and his best friend Monty, the dog, join a funfair and start a magic show things look good for the duo. But fame goes to Monty’s head and soon Presto loses his friend and his show! Will true friendship prevail? Is there a touch of magic in the air? A heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship, adventure and a little bit of mischief accompanied by catchy songs, this is the perfect treat for everyone aged 3 onwards. 2pm. Tickets £7 for adults and £5 for under 16s. The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. Telephone 01744 735436.

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David Sudworth digs out his wellies to see how Billinge’s community farm is faring in its first season… Mandy Wellens-Bray is a bit of a trailblazer in these parts. Having won planning permission to build the area’s first green home years before being ecofriendly was mainstream, it was also her idea to breathe new life into Billinge’s Greenslate Farm. However, the 50-year-old mum of two is quick to turn the limelight away from herself and towards those in the community who have rolled their sleeves up alongside her. “It’s all about people and self-empowerment, rather than being told what to do by someone coming in from outside. That’s why it’s worked so well.” Indeed it has. But there’s no getting away from the fact that without Mandy’s drive, the seed of an idea which was first planted five years ago would probably not have germinated, let alone taken root, without her dedication. Speaking of roots, Mandy has got plenty in the area. Born at Bllinge Hospital, which once loomed large over the Greenslate site, she was brought up in Tennyson Drive, Billinge. Her first business was Mandy’s Pet Care, which she ran from her parents’ house, but eventually she sat a civil service entrance exam and embarked on a career as a tax inspector. After two-and-a-half years, she went into private practice. However, the outdoors has always been her passion; she had worked on Tattersall’s Farm in Wrightington previously, so went back to education by enrolling on a countryside management degree at Liverpool John Moores University. Since then, she’s helped train rangers, worked for Business Link, ran a herb business and got involved in the Transition Network. From there, a Billinge and Orrell group was set up, and that was when the idea for

Mandy Wellens-Bray: “It’s a real community effort” transforming Greenslate, which at time had lay pretty much untouched for years, really started to pick up pace. Despite being initially lukewarm, the financial squeeze, coupled with legislation allowing community groups to take over the management of council facilities, caused town hall chiefs to look at it afresh. Finally convinced that the project was viable, they formally signed over the land on a 25 year lease in March this year. Greenslate is now run as a community benefit company, aka a ‘bencom,’ under the auspices of the Industrial and Provident Society. Anyone can purchase shares, starting from £25, and the maximum amount is £20,000. However, regardless of the amount of shares owned, each person has just one vote at board meetings. “That means that it is a truly equitable enterprise, no one person has more power than another, and that is important. We also have a flat management structure and an equal pay system for the salaried staff.” However laudable Greenslate’s aims, Mandy acknowledges they mean little without the ability to

“We have around 40 volunteers and we are doing a lot of paid-for work with organisations such as drug and alcohol charity Add Action, as well as holding fundraising events. People also pay rents on their allotments, so we are building up an income. “As human beings we are social creatures, yet over the years we’ve got to the stage where some people never see their neighbours. We lead separate lives, so Transition is about re-balancing that. It’s less about creating a revolution and more like having a party! We have lot of fun here and it’s open to everyone. You don’t have to be a gardener or experienced in agriculture, we get so many people here with different skill sets and it’s all about sharing them.” Volunteer Joe Taylor feeds the Greenslate piglets balance the books. The project has already secured a three-year funding deal worth £90,000 in total. However, with estimated running costs of £125,000 per year, they need to find sustainable income streams. To that end, the aim is to build solid links with local groups, organisations and individuals which, in turn, will hopefully provide a large portion of its future income through activities such as kids’ clubs, corporate days and the care farm which is used by adults with learning difficulties. Other ideas, such as a community bakery and grocery, are also being explored.

The farm’s Bug Hotel

Greenslate: What’s On Saturday, August 30 (2pm-5pm): End of Summer Party, filled with loads of party games, fun activities, face painting, team challenges, animal fun and a party buffet. It is being held to help fund vital equipment for Greenslate’s two new ponies, John Mac and Billy Mac. Tickets are £12 and booking is essential. Friday, September 12 (7pm-midnight): A fundraising band night, Greenstock, is taking place at St James’ Social Club., St James Road, Orrell Tickets cost £10 each, there are four local bands playing, hot food will be available to buy on the night and all the proceeds go towards Greenslate Community Farm.

Grower Sarah Park in the greenhouse

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Greenslate Farm is open Mondays-Fridays, 9.30am4.30pm and on Saturdays from 10am-1pm. For more information on the above events, to volunteer, or for more information, contact 01695 229150.

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Thank you! to those companies that kindly supplied us with tickets to raise funds for North West Air Ambulance at Rainford Festival

Jack’s Tracks

Ashton &

Bamfurlong With words being the tools of my trade, I despise clichés. Indeed, I avoid them like the plague. So that’s why this month’s walk, despite being reasonably hidden and displaying gem-like qualities, shall not be described as ‘a hidden gem’. I’m not sure what descriptive tag it deserves though. Maybe I’ll think of one later on. Anyway, to the task in hand...

I know the Ashton and Bamfurlong area well, having grown up a few miles away, so wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. By the end though, I had a whole new perspective. Our starting point for this 6.6 miler was the Three Sisters Recreational Area, off Lockett Road. We took advantage of the free parking just by the pond and play area, and started our hike by going in north easterly direction towards Bryn Hall Farm. Once out of the main Three Sisters parkland, it’s a short walk before turning right. At this point you really have to keep your eyes open, as the public right of way is not only unsigned, but it also has a gate which at first glance appears to be a sturdy boundary fence from the adjacent house (see photo to the below).

Thankfully, a friendly farm worker was nearby and advised us to push on it, which we did, and it sprang open. Once you’re through the gate and past the property you follow the track down and round to the right. Now the walk starts to feel a lot more rural with fields of crops and live stock. Here we got a real sense of nature when, out of the undergrowth, a young deer crossed our path. It scarpered very quickly - much too rapid for our normally super-agile lens man Peter - but what a treat. Of all the beautiful and rural places I’ve visited doing Jack’s Tracks, the last place I expected to see wild deer was on the fringes of Ashton! We continued until our path did a bit of a dog leg. The vast expanses of wheat crops, evident in the earlier part of our walk, continued to carpet the fields as far as the eye could see. It could have been a scene from North America rather than little ol’ Wigan. If only George Orwell could have seen it.

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We eventually emerged opposite Abram Bryn Gates School where there was a handy pedestrian crossing to take us over into Furlong Close, a small cul-de-sac with neat dormer bungalows. We turned right into Epsom Drive (I sensed a horse racing theme going on here) and carried on into the field in front. After two minutes, we arrived at a copse, went over the footbridge and turned a sharp left. Although the vegetation in the area was extremely well developed and dense, the route was amazingly clear. By this point, the sound of Virgin trains whizzing up and down the West Coast Main Line could be heard up the steep embankment yonder.

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Once you get to the bridge, which goes underneath the tracks, just be aware that there are a few paths and it’s therefore easy to take the wrong one. For our suggested route, stick to the path which is closest to this side of the embankment. From here, it’s a very straight route south on a formal path before it veers south west towards Riding Lane. While on this section, our eyes were drawn to the presence of a commemorative stone laid to the left of the path, and surrounded by loose bricks. It reads: “P. W. DAVIES. BORN EDGE GREEN 9 JULY 1889. DIED CHESTER 18 NOVEMBER 1944. AT HIS REQUEST HIS ASHES WERE SCATTERED NEAR HIS BIRTHPLACE. A WORTHY SON OF LANCASHIRE. A GREAT THINKER.” There are no further details on the background of this particular gentleman, but as far as final resting places go, he chose a lovely spot. We finally went past some farm buildings and a house on the right before coming to Edge Green Road/Riding Lane. A combination of weary feet and the sight of a rural pub is hard to resist, and so the gravitational pull towards The Harrow Inn pub proved too much for our aching limbs to fight against. As it was a warm, bright day, we sat outside on one of the many benches, nursing a refreshingly cold cola and plotting our way back. We found that from here, it was a virtual straight line back; down Riding Lane, back across the A58, past Lily Lane Farm and into the formal Three Sisters Recreation Area. Look out for the bird watching area on the left hand side – some of the species indicate a twitchers’ paradise. Once back at the car park, there’s the option of feeding the ducks or letting the little ones

Sharing The Spoils...

burn off any energy they may still have stored away by letting them loose in the play area. As I said at the outset, it’s hard to believe that in an area known for its industrial past, so much countryside is still not only in place, but also actively used and harvested. As a born and bred Ashtonian, it certainly opened my eyes. Never again will I solely think of traffic jams when asked to describe my hometown. But let’s get one thing straight, despite all this I’m still not labelling the walk ‘a hidden gem.’ That would be far too trite. More like an undiscovered diamond...

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

The Three Sisters Recreation Area was previously Garswood Hall Colliery which closed in 1958. Its legacy three huge slag heaps, known locally as the Three Sisters. In the late 1960s the Greater Manchester and Lancashire Joint Reclamation Team began developing the area for recreation, levelling the spoil heaps and planting thousands of trees, with the intention of providing facilities for a wide range of leisure activities. The initial phase involved the building of a visitor centre, racing circuit and the creation of a lake.

The original Three Sisters slag heaps

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In 1974, the site was passed to Wigan Council and since then has matured massively. The facilities today are popular with racing enthusiasts, fishermen, walkers and cyclists.

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Garden Diary - by Angie Barker

I’ll be doing it all again next year!

Award Winner

I thought I would let you know how my first garden open day for the National Garden Scheme went at the end of June. We had 130 visitors to the garden, the sun was shining and we had a brilliant day. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came, NGS members, clients – past and present – and neighbours. I would also like to thank my helpers, without whom I don’t know how I would have managed. Yes Hubby too played his part nipping to and from the shops as we kept running out of tea bags! We raised £500 for the NGS cancer charities so thank you again to everyone involved. There were three plants in the garden which were a real talking point and proved to be very popular: Ophiopogan planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ – a small black, spider like grass (although it is actually a member of the Lily family) which is evergreen and makes excellent ground cover. Black Lilyturf is the common name and much easier to say! It makes a fantastic contrast to plants which are silver or grey or yellow. Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ – a striking upright, deciduous grass with blood-red leaves which fade to bright green at the base. Otherwise known as Japanese blood grass. Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants.

Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ - soft lilac pink bell shaped flowers appear on leafy branched stems throughout the summer months. It will get quite tall and does need staking so not one for the low maintenance garden. It responds extremely well to the ‘Chelsea chop’ which is a method of selectively reducing the height of a plant around the time of the Chelsea flower show, to make stockier plants which flower later in the season. Yes, it was a great day -so if you fancy a nosey round my garden, put Sunday 28th June 2015 in your diary – I’ll be doing it all over again next year. Call Angie now for your free consultation! Author: Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk

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Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay

Alfa Romeo MiTo

Someone once said, “What good is an eye-catching new suit if the person inside of it is rotten?” Now that’s a pretty brave statement — but an assertion, nevertheless, that speaks to the question of style versus substance. The style over substance debate has been around for a long time, and today the harsh reality is that we, the mainstream, are far more influenced by the “image” style or outer shell of things rather than what’s on the inside. So when it comes to cars, what about the 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTO? Where does that fit in the style-versussubstance topic? Well, in my opinion, the arch-rival to the MINI and Audi A1 is a gorgeous little motor, and it lives up to its revised looks. Externally the latest incarnation of the MiTo benefits from a fresh, chromed front grille; titanium grey headlamp and tail lamp surrounds; tinted rear windows

and a sports rear bumper, as well as an altered colour palette that now includes a laid-back “Matte Magnesio Grey” finish. The interior is thoroughly different to the initial MiTo, first launched in mid 2008. The car now has a changed dashboard, upgraded plastics and an up-to-the-minute five-inch, touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, steering wheel remote controls, USB/Aux ports and optional satellite navigation. With just 875cc under the bonnet of the Alfa I tested, you’d think you’d have all the power of an average domestic vacuum cleaner on tap. You’d be wrong. Yes, there’s no denying the TwinAir Sprint model sounds like an industrial sewing machine on tick over, but the little Italian car draws deep from its well of two-cylinder potency when it needs to. The tiny petrol-powered turbo engine benefits from a 20hp boost in performance – now 105hp – which translates in a 0-62mph time that’s 1.1 seconds quicker than the previous 85hp version. Despite the

875cc TwinAir

additional performance, the Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir remains impressively efficient, with a combined fuel economy figure of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. A wide-ranging array of traction, braking and stability control systems is standard on the mini MiTo too. All this can be adjusted via Alfa Romeoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trademark Alfa D.N.A. selectable driving mode system. It allows you to choose between three different driving settings: Dynamic, Normal, and All-Weather. The clever gadgetry controls the character of the car, from the behaviour of the engine, brakes and steering, to the suspension

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• CO2: 99 g/km • Price: £14,350 on the road and gearbox. And it works – to an extent. Dynamic is sporty, making the steering weightier and the throttle more responsive, but that in reality makes the MiTo more of a struggle to drive. If you stay with the Normal setting, the steering is gentle and the car is effortless to weave in and out of city traffic. The super-mini is also now equipped with fuel-saving Start& Stop; air conditioning; a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob; electric windows and mirrors; seven airbags; front fog lamps; a rear spoiler and alloy wheels. So, even though prices for the MiTo aren’t going for a song, the miniature motor is well equipped and offers fistfuls of charm. And, no, in my opinion, looks still aren’t more important than content – but they’ve certainly not done Alfa Romeo any harm.

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Solar Thermal & Solar PV

Wind Turbines Heat Pumps

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect

LED Lighting

NG SERVICI

...and general Energy Savings

VAN CAR & motorcycles too es E ...and Lash Tan X y your FREE Spra H ils home survey eds A Sunb & GeTl Na Health Check ic Car U rton Acryl and Brethe Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced

01744 649722

FREE Dennis Goulding

and we’ll provide you with a detailed report showing the returns available from your

own solar panels Y S 84 of Croston (10% typical return) dio residents me! R Stu T @ for all7PG me until you needCheck E e WN5Keep S Health Visit our showroom at , Billing 400 FREE Car on - 6PM Road S 4 619 your ford ay 10AM now Book Cricket : 0781

atalies

A5209

Shevington

Saturd hone : 84 Rain - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM y , Friday & Sunda ngineers esday Thursday TwinLakesMotorE ay, Wedn Closed ay, Tuesd Mond

Call

01772

REPAIR

603923

DING & WEL

Street Business Park

Slash your electricity and water heating bill

Protect your household from future energy price rises Reduce your household’s impact on the environment

Call us now

0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or

Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk

we make it our business to help yours

buildsolutionsuk@outlook.com

01744 884446 / 07450 802370

BHS

Design & Print no

• Fully insured • 25 years in the industry

The sky’s the limit!

01744 892732

l Geails N £15

From Garden walls to large extensions or complete houses including any design requirements.

Based in Rainford

Call us now for a free estimate

Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service

build solutions UK

BYRNE HIRE SERVICES LTD SCAFFOLD ERECTION

Steve Brimelow - Consultant

Telephone: 0151 430 6666 Mobile: 07850 953 055 E-Mail: byrnehs@aol.com

Kemble House, Kemble Street, Prescot, L34 5SG

A.J.Davies

Painter & Decorator • Paper hanging a speciality • Friendly & very reliable service • City & Guilds qualified - over 22 years • Both domestic & commercial

Call Adam on 01744 755005 www.bodtree.co.uk

e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

Keys – Locks – Safes

Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems in the comfort of your own home

• UPVC door opening, repair & security upgrades • Lock sales • Key cutting • Safes supplied and installed • OAP discount & free quotations

Broadband broken, computer slow, printer packed up, virus/spyware or your keyboards gone kaput

Call Catherine Now 07540 222787

Whatever your locksmith needs we will be happy to help!

Visit our showroom 2, Lingholme Road St Helens WA10 2NS Call us now on

01744 732256

www.master-locksmith-sthelens.co.uk

Mark Mitchell

We install

Woodburners

Stained Glass & Leaded Lights • Traditional Leaded Lights & Stained Glass • Manufactured & Repaired • New Commissions • On-Site Repairs • 25 Years Experience

& Multi-fuel Stoves! An extensive range of stoves to suit your home. Perfect for warmth and for hot water too! A sustainable solution to energy price increases. Traditional & contemporary stoves available.

Unit 15, Chalon Way Industrial Estate, St Helens, WA10 1AU Tel: 0151 426 2814 Mob: 07711 841735 www.markmitchellstainedglass.co.uk

View our range of stoves online at...

Belvedere Barn Estate, Crank Road, Billinge

01744 893957 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809

506515

Advertise here Advertise your business in this section for £29 + VAT a month For more information please phone

01744 649 722

we make it our business to help yours

Want to advertise in Local Life?

Create an impact with Local Life Leaﬂet Distribution Rates start from £26 per thousand

Call 01744 649 722 for details ...call us now on 01744 649 722

Don’t Replace... Restore can nd new bathroom, when we Why spend a fortune on a bra t bathroom by +10 years? extend the life of your curren We supply and fit:

After

Before

“The bathrooms now look better than when they were first done over 13 years ago.”

01744 322 013 0800 542 9984

(Mrs Gannon, March 2014)

Useful Numbers

www.TotalBathroomRestoration.co.uk