Local Life - St Helens - September 2017 by Local Life 247 Ltd

LocalLife St Helens Edition

September 2017

Education Special pages 33-44

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Coming of

age

do it every year - but this September marks a ‘special’ sort of anniversary as it’s 21 years since I left school. As each new academic year commences, I briefly ponder about where the time has gone. We’ve recently took on some new members of staff who, I am advised, are ‘millennials’. I had to look it up. The mere fact they were necking rusks at the same time as I was being introduced to the perils of cider is enough to flummox me. It’s not the only thing. Back in the mid 1990s, careers advice was still very much stuck in the dark ages. I recall one of my friends being told that his ambition to be a computer programmer was ‘very 2001: Space Odyssey’ by a careers officer. I had to look that up too. Lord knows what that same officer, wherever they are now, is thinking as this new generation of kids want to be You Tubers when they grow up. It wasn’t even a noun until a couple of years ago, and now you can earn millions from speaking nonsense in a funny voice. How times change, or maybe not in Joe Pasquale’s case. So wherever your child/grandchild goes to next on their academic journey, I wish them well. 21 years ago, it was predicted that by now, robots would have taken all our jobs and become masters of the universe. A salutary tale of how things don’t always turn out as predicted. One thing is for certain though, in a further 21 years time I’ll be much greyer, none much the wiser and still baffled about the appeal of You Tube.

David Sudworth, Editor

In this issue Education

feature

33 Full steam

ahead

Regulars 26 31 46 51

Class From The Past 59 Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks Planning 66 Test Drive Puzzle Corner 63 Garden Diary Events2Go

Sections 8 34 48 56

Local News Education Travel Food & Drink

63 Gardening 66 Motoring 69 Home Services

Next issue - October 2017

Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 26 September

48 Guilt free

food

Published - Friday, 6 October

LocalLife Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB

Telephone: 01744 649 722 56 Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks visits

Golborne & Haydock Park 59 Test Drive

Volkswagen Passat GTE 66 locallifemagazine247

Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Clare sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Dylan, Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. The next issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Sutton Heath. 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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Woman of the cloth Billinge mum Julia Folan had more reasons than usual to feel proud on her daughter’s wedding day. Because not only was her brother, Jim, officiating - but she had made his clergy robes by hand. And that has now set her on the path to open her own business after 20 years of working in social housing. Julia said: “I’d always done sewing for friends and family alongside my job, my brother had just become a Deacon with the church and the family wanted to buy him some vestments. We noticed

that there was nothing bespoke so I decided to make them for him. I bought myself an embroidery machine and started from scratch.” It was then that Julia had the idea to expand her sewing from just family and friends to starting a business and growing a client base. Julia’s original plan was to split the business between three areas: vestments, children’s communion and flower girl dresses and repairs but due to Julia’s contacts within the church and the quality of her work she has been busy making vestments and robes for clergy members: “Word of mouth is growing quite rapidly and I’ve got really good links with the local Archdiocese and they have been able to provide me with some work. It’s about being able to move in those circles and get my name out there. It’s very exciting.”

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Julia, whose business was boosted with help from St Helens Chamber and the New Enterprise Allowance, is now focusing on growing her client base further by working on her website, which she will use to promote her services, especially to the clergy: “Because the vestments is a very niche market, I’ve had to look at building a website. The people who buy vestments are less likely to use social media platforms and more likely to look on websites so that is something I am working on putting together at the moment.”

Find your voice Haydock Male Voice Choir is holding an information evening and free concert for prospective new members. The choir was founded in 1923 by a small group of miners who were enthusiastic about music but knew very little about it. They met in a local pub and rehearsed once a week. Nowadays, the choir has members from right across the area. If you are interested in joining the choir, you are invited to go along to Haydock Conservative Club, Bellerophon Way, on Tuesday September 5, from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Organisers say the bar will also be open and wives/partners will also be very welcome. For more information, visit haydockmvc.com

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One year anniversary Fizz and fun were the order of the day when Rainford clothes shop Ella Mora celebrated its first 12 months in the village. Customers and staff were treated to bubby and cake to mark the occasion. The Church Road boutique was opened by former Tyrers owner Ali Tyrer last year. It specialises in ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lifestyle brands, exclusive baby wear, accessories and gifts.

Tell Us Your Story! Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition! Simply contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.

New dementia cafe A new dementia cafe is being launched in Garswood. It’ll be held on the last Wednesday of the month, starting on Wednesday, September 27, at St Andrew’s Mission Hall, Garswood Road. The free cafe has been set up to support those in the area living with dementia, as well as their carers, friends and family. It starts at 1.30pm and finishes at 3pm. For more information, contact Rosalyn on 07981 201386, Denise on 07962 392999 or Gail on 07341 266544.

Library loan changes Bookworms are being reminded that, from September 1, library loans can only be renewed via the internet a maximum of three times. If you want to renew a book more than three times, it has to be taken into a St Helens local library for a member of staff to authorize it.

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Hall to be sold for housing? Billinge’s Public Hall could be sold off for housing, it has emerged. Parish councillors are considering the long-term future of the pre-fab building on Pingot Road. One of the options, which went out to public consultation recently, is to sell the building and find a different location for meetings. Billinge Chapel End Parish Council said that the building is likely to need “significant investment” in the long term if it was to remain open. It added: “Although the hall is very well used, it has a number of drawbacks. In addition to the maintenance issues and the cost of this, it has limited parking and is not in the most central location for the village. As a result, the parish council

is considering whether there are other options and whether more suitable buildings may be available. “If another building were considered, the parish council would need to sell the Public Hall. The likelihood is that this sale would be to a developer who would build housing.” To give your views, take part in the resident survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/P5YD2HL

Feed the lonely at Volunteers are needed to help feed lonely people in Billinge and Garswood on Christmas Day. The event, organised by local resident Stephanie Fry (pictured) will see a three course meal served up at St Aidan’s Primary, complete with carols, presents and entertainment. Steph told Local Life: “I have previously volunteered at a similar event in Liverpool a couple of years ago which was a brilliant experience. It was an amazing

Christmas day and it was so heart-warming to see what a positive impact it had on everyone – guests and volunteers alike. For our event, we are hoping to accommodate up to 50 guests, and the invitation is open to anyone who may find themselves alone on Christmas Day – be they elderly, living with a mental or physical health condition, socially isolated or simply find themselves alone for whatever reason. As long as they are over the age of 18 they will be welcome to attend.” Steph now needs volunteers to help make the day a success. Anyone interested should email yulehelp@ hotmail.com or call 07598 506871.

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John Cunliffe, from London Fields, Billinge, died almost a year ago - just a few months after retiring from his post.

A bench and plaque has now been installed at the play area at the front of the Community Hall on Billinge Road.

He’d spent 46 years getting the streets clean most of that time in Garswood and Billinge. When he retired, John was presented with the proceeds of a community collection - just over £1,000 - at a

A dedication, officiated by the Mayor of St Helens, was due to be held as Local Life went to press.

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West and beyond. I look forward to welcoming everyone and see this market as one of the biggest in the North West. For stall enquiries contact Paul Martin on sundaymarkethp@gmail.com or mobile 07791 335569.

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Award is a family affair A local family firm has scooped a prestigious honour. Abbott-Wade, established in 1996 by friends Craig Abbott and Mike Wade, won the Best Small Business in the North West title at the National Family Business Awards. It was handed to them at a glittering ceremony at

Wembley Stadium. There are three generations of family working at the company which includes fathers, step sons, in-laws and cousins. The company was founded in St Helens, and moved to Lowton four years ago. In January, it relocated to a larger base in Warrington. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Employing family is something which people tried

27 to steer me away from in the early days,” says Mike Wade.

deserves this recognition it’s Mike and Craig; both genuine, honest and kind hearted to the core.”

“People always told me that it would make life difficult for us but in fact the opposite has been true.

Lee Kayat, Mike’s cousin and team leader at AbbottWade, said: “Winning the family business award feels like a great achievement and proves that all the hard work over the years is paying off and getting recognition. I feel very passionate about the company and our achievements.’

“The family we have working with us all have a vested interest in doing a good job, their reputation is so closely linked with ours. It’s been wonderful to see family businesses such as ours and all the other finalists and winners recognised at a national level.” Johanna Wade and Michelle Abbott, wives of the directors, said: ‘We’re very proud of the Abbott-Wade family. It’s hard work running a small business as I have witnessed first hand. “Long hours, hard graft, stress and lots of sacrifices made along the way. I may be biased but if anyone

Craig Abbott added: “Whatever part of the country our work takes us to, it’s always good to come home. “That’s why we were thrilled to hear we’d been shortlisted to represent the North West at the National Family Business Awards and now to have won the Best Small Business in the region is a massive honour.”

Class from the past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Garswood School. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1970s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?

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

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Store bid goes to appeal Controversial plans to build a convenience store on a pub car park will be decided by a Government inspector.

against a different planning application was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

New River Retail have decided to appeal St Helens Council’s rejection of their plans for The Stag, on Station Road, Garswood. Planners refused permission, citing parking and access issues. There have been three applications

To make a comment, visit www.planningportal.gov. uk/planning/appeals/online/search and search for the appeal number 3175185. Alternatively, email West1@pins.gsi.gov.uk or alternatively, write a letter (sending three copies) to Room 3/P, Temple

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20 years of Willowbrook Willowbrook Hospice is inviting local people to

Cafe opens at Greenslate Billinge’s latest eating house, the Straw Bale Café, opened its doors recently at Greenslate Farm on Tracks Lane in the village. The café is located in the brand new eco building, which was funded to the tune of a £400,000 grant from Public Health England. The building has been constructed to traditional standards using straw bales as insulation, hence the name, and rendered using traditional lime plaster. Opening hours at the café are currently 11am-4pm Wednesday-Saturday.

Planning Matters Billinge 11 School Brow : First floor side extension with a single storey rear extension along with a linked annexe (ref: P/2017/0659/HHFP. Blackbrook 4 Syston Avenue : Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a single storey rear extension (ref: P/2017/0639/CLP). Moss Bank 88 Cambourne Avenue: Single storey rear extension projecting 4.05m from the rear, 3.6m high overall, and 2.3m to the eaves. (ref: P/2017/0592/HHPA ). For more information on these plans, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk

join them for their anniversary dinner on Friday, October 27, at St Helens Town Hall. The event, which is part of the hospice’s 20th anniversary of caring for people across St Helens and Knowsley, features live entertainment and prizes in the silent auction and raffle. Nichola Saunders, head of fundraising at the hospice said: “Many people don’t realise that Willowbrook is a charity and that without the generous support of the local communities we wouldn’t be able to continue to provide our specialist care to our patients and their families.” Tickets for the Anniversary Dinner are £35 and can be purchased by calling 01744 453798 or emailing events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk

12 page

education special

Avoid the

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;embarrassing parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trap By Lisa Salmon

arents embarrassing their kids is as much a part of parenting as changing nappies or telling them off. But while the fact that mums and dads embarrass their children - and quite possibly enjoy it - hasn’t changed, it seems they’re doing it in a much more modern way. A new study has found that the primary route to embarrassment at the hands of parents is the internet, with three quarters of the mortifying things kids say their parents do taking place online. The research by Post Office Broadband revealed today’s teens are suffering social media mortification at the hands of their parents, with more than three quarters (78%) of youngsters claiming they are constantly left red-faced because of their parents’ actions on sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Indeed, more than one in 10 (14%) say they feel more embarrassed by their parents being online than in real life.

BABY PICTURE NO-NO The report found that more parents are online than ever before, with almost three quarters (70%) of parents and 38% of grandparents using sites such as Facebook to keep up with teenagers’ social lives. As a result, online offences dominate the top 10 list of embarrassing things parents do. Complaints from teenagers include parents posting old family pictures online (31%) and embarrassing comments being left for all to see (28%). Despite the objections, nearly a third of parents admit they frequently post baby pictures of their teens. Vicki Shotbolt, chief executive of the parenting site Parentzone, points out there’s a big difference between sharing baby photos and special moments and posting obviously embarrassing snaps online. “Make sure you’re sharing with the people you want to share with by using privacy settings,” she advises.

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36 “And if you’re going to publish a photo to the world, make sure it’s one you (and your child) would be happy seeing on a billboard now or at any time in the future.” FACEBOOK FRIENDS A fifth of parents say they often add their children’s school friends as Facebook friends, despite 17% of teens protesting that this mortifies them. Possibly as a result of mums and dads ‘stealing’ teens’ Facebook friends, and sharing content inappropriately, one in 10 teenagers admit they hide online posts from family members. However, some of their parents just don’t get it and in fact 14% believe their offspring think they’re cooler for using social media. That said, it’s not just about your kids thinking you’re cool, as a savvy 17% of parents admit they follow their children online just to keep tabs on them.

their mums and dads in traditional ways too. Oldfashioned family faux pas include parents being badly dressed (22%) or having to be seen in public together (21%). And even waiting in sight when teens are being picked up from school/parties, as opposed to staying in the shadows or round a corner, is a source of embarrassment for an ungrateful 22% of youngsters. ETERNAL TRUTH

While many parental misdemeanours occur online, that doesn’t mean kids aren’t embarrassed by

“Parents embarrassing their children is an eternal truth,” admits Shotbolt.

Anne Turner

“It has always happened and always will. However, there’s something very different about causing public distress to children and building a digital footprint of them that causes them upset.

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“It lessens the fundamental trust that children need to have in their parents,” she says. “If a child can’t trust their parent to protect and respect their privacy online, who can they trust?” Top 10 ways teens are left red-faced by parents 1. Posting childhood pictures on social media (31%) 2. Posting embarrassing comments online (28%) 3. Waiting in sight when being picked up from school/parties (22%) 4. Embarrassing dress sense (22%) 5. Being caught in public together (21%) 6. Excessively liking all social media posts (20%) 7. Posting holiday pictures on social media (17%) 8. Tagging in cringey status updates (14%) 9. Following/adding school friends (17%) 10. Posting private messages publically (6%)

Hard work pays Merchant Taylors’ School has hailed a raft of outstanding A Level results. With a pass rate of 100% at the Girls’ School and 99.9% at the Boys’ School, over two thirds of all exams were achieved at the highest grades. Many students have gained their first choice University course to study a diverse range of subjects from Medicine, Law and Physics to Engineering, Mathematics and Classics. All three Oxbridge offer students have had their places confirmed. Jessy Li and Leon Reason are both going to Cambridge; Jessy to study Engineering and Leon to study History. Shenghao Zhou is going

off to Oxford to read Mathematics. Headmistress of the Girls’ School, Louise Robinson, said: ‘I am delighted that the hard work and perseverance, supported by the excellent specialist academic staff, have been rewarded by fantastic results.’ Mr Deiniol Williams, in his role as Headmaster of the Boys’ School said ‘I am very proud of what our boys have achieved over the last two years – they deserve every success. Today’s results are just reward for the efforts which have been applied by students to their academic studies. Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the dedication of our subject-specialist teachers and the support of our parents.’

Daniel makes the

grade

A former Rainford High pupil is off to Cambridge after a string of impressive results. Daniel Davidson recorded A*A*A*A grades, meaning he has earned a place studying economics at the top university. His results were among a number of success stories for Carmel College students as the college was confirmed once again as one of the top 10 Sixth Form Colleges in the country. Other successes included: - Emma Wells former Cowley High – A*BBC – Going to KPMG to do an Apprenticeship in Accounting - Jack Cross former St Augustine’s – AAB – Going to Leeds University to study Medicinal Chemistry with a year in industry - Kimberley Waugh former Sutton Academy – BBB – Going to Edge Hill University to study Human Geography Niamh Honey former St Cuthbert’s – AAAA – Staying at Carmel to do the Art Foundation Diploma - Olivia Siddeley former Hope Academy – Dist*Dist*E – Going to John Moores University to study Biomedical Science - Sophie Wignall former De La Salle – AAA – Going to Newcastle University to study Modern Languages

- Ysobella Cox former Rainhill High – AAA – taking a gap year College principal Mike Hill was delighted: “A Level results day is one of the highlights of the college year. Staff and students have worked very hard over this year to ensure that we continued to achieve the best possible results here at Carmel and we are thrilled. It has been a real privilege to share their success and to have the chance to wish them all the best in the next stage of their lives.”

100% passes in key St Helens College students proved they know all about the three Rs in the latest A-level results, They scored a 100% pass rate in Mathematics, History, English Language, English Literature, Sociology, Psychology and Religious Studies and 58.2% of A level students achieved high grades (A* - C). The majority of students secured a place at their first choice university including University of East Anglia, University of Leicester and University of Manchester. The set of results comes following the introduction of more challenging, two year, linear A levels. This change included a single, longer examination taken at the end of the two years. Shannon Heaton, who achieved A*, A*, B in Psychology, Sociology and Law, said: “I am thrilled with my grades, especially as these contribute to the

subjects

area of work that I would like to launch my career in. Studying at the A Level Academy has developed my confidence, independence and academic ability, in preparation for my Psychology degree at The University of Manchester. I am hoping to one day become a psychologist.” Damon Frodsham celebrated gaining his place at University of Liverpool. He said: “I’m so happy that I’ve achieved A, B, C in Business, History and Biology. I can honestly say that studying at the A Level Academy is the best decision that I’ve ever made. Originally, I wanted to pursue a career as an Air Crewman but unfortunately having asthma prevented me from doing this, so I decided to look at another route that would fuel my interest in business. Not only have I made some amazing friends but I have secured a place at my first choice university, studying International Business. I hope to work within accounting or finance one day.”

Diary Dates

Location

Event

Date

September: St Augustine High School

Open Evening

14th September

Lord Derby Academy

Open Evening

14th September

Rainford High School

Open Evening

27th September

The Sutton Academy

Open Evening

27th September

St Mary’s College

Open Evenings

28th & 30th September

Winstanley College

Open Evening

28th September

St Cuthbert’s High School

Open Evening

28th September

October:

Merchant Taylors’

Open Evening

5th October

Merchant Taylors’

Open Morning

7th October

Lord Derby Academy

Open Morning

7th October

Merchant Taylors’

Sixth Form Open Evening

17th October

Carmel College

Open Events

18th October

Winstanley College

Open Evening

19th October

The Sutton Academy

Open Evening

27th October

November:

Carmel College

Open Events

9th & 18th November

Winstanley College

Open Evening

16th November

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SUDOKU WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Last chance Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.

F E A T

I R W O

N R A H

I N G S

The local bird club in Amesberry had a meeting and each member brought their favourite bird. Match each member to their pet, determine who has which species and the town and month in which it was acquired. CLUES 1. The owner of the Canary bought it during the summer. 2. Chris does not own a Finch. 3. The Parrot was purchased in November. 4. Julie bought her pet from Chichester.

All the puzzle solutions are on page 64 of this magazine

LOGIC PROBLEMS

Travel

Full steam

ahead

o anywhere in the Isle of Man and you’ll inevitably hear the local saying “Traa Dy Liooar” (pronounced ‘tray de lee-urr). As the Manx for ‘time enough’, it embodies the spirit of a place where things tend to happen at a more leisurely pace - perfect for a holiday destination. Just a few hours by boat from Heysham, near Lancaster, the Isle of Man isn’t part of the United Kingdom, but is a Crown dependency. Many liken it to Britain in the 1950s. People leave their doors open while at the shops, horse drawn trams can be seen on the seafront at the island’s capital, Douglas. And there are plenty of heritage railway lines to enchant visitors over and over again.

One of the island’s best known attraction is the Laxey Wheel, or the Lady Isabella as she is known locally. Built in 1854 to pump water from Laxey’s lead and zinc mines, you can still climb up to the top via a steep, spiral staircase. Snaefell Mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the village, and its mountain electric railway is a great way of reaching the top. On a clear day, you can see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales from its 2,036ft high summit. Over on the west side of the island is Peel, an old fashioned fishing port whose quaint, narrow streets lead to its deep harbour. On the way, you can call at Tynwald Hill. Tynwald claims to be the oldest parliament in the world, at over 1,000 years old. An exhibition in St John’s Church nearby charts the hostory of this fascinating political entity. Once in Peel - home to the famous Manx kippers - you can visit Peel Castle. Located on St Patrick’s Isle, it dates back to the 11th Century. It’s also worth paying a visit to the House of Manannan museum, which explores Man’s Celtic, Viking and maritime heritage. To enjoy a full journey on the Manx Electrical Railway, Ramsey is a great place to start. The railway is recognised as

49 the longest, narrow-gauge vintage railway in the British Isles, taking you on a 17 mile journey across gorse-topped hills and along the stunning coastline to Douglas using the oldest working tramcars in the world. If steam is your thing, the Douglas to Port Erin line is an attraction not to be missed, It’s the island’s oldest Victorian railway system, travelling through small towns and villages along the way. The southern part of the island is also home to The Calf of Man and The Sound. Here, you can spend a beautiful evening watching the sun set - although it can get a bit windy at times so a good coat is recommended! Also in the south is Castletown, the island’s ancient capital. Castle Rushen, a magnificently preserved medieval fortress, dominates the town and is very much worth a visit - as is the Nautical Museum and the old House of Keys.

to those who want to discover the charms of this small, rugged island. Six days costs from £645 and includes five nights at the Four-Star Claremont Hotel in Douglas.

Billinge-based Marken Travel has teamed up with Great Rail Journeys UK to offer a great experience

Having almost a week will certainly ensure you have “Traa Dy Liooar” to tour a slice of Manx life.

Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man

6 days from £675pp *

Tour Details Fully escorted by a UK Tour Manager from start to finish Standard rail travel Return ferry from Heysham to Douglas 5 nights at 4* Claremont Hotel in Douglas - Breakfast & evening meals included A journey on the Douglas Promenade by horse drawn tram Excursions on Snaefell Mountain Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Isle of Man Steam Railway Coach excursions to Peel and Castletown For details on this and other rail tours in the UK and Europe, call Marken Travel for a free brochure. *Departures between 11th April and 4th October 2018

Independent Travel Specialist 200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE

Telephone: 01744 893291

www.markentravel.co.uk

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events2go

Jaguar Cars Past & Present

The 39 Steps

Sunday, September 3, 11am – 4pm

Saturday, September 9, from 2.30pm

St. Helens Transport Museum, in association with the Jaguar Drivers Club, is hosting a display of Jaguar cars from past to present. This family friendly day out consists of model railway displays, refreshments served from a Wartime Fire Service Canteen and free vintage bus rides, on a 1950s bus, for all to enjoy. Family tickets (2 adults 2 children under 18) £12.25. Children under 5 are free. Adults £4.25, Children £2.50 Concess.£3.25.

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly recreated for the stage as the smash hit comedy suitable for all the family. Tickets £12.

The Old Bus Depot, 51 Hall Street, St Helens WA10 1DU. Contact: 01744 451681

This year’s line-up includes Olivia Garcia, Haze, Mercury & May, Brother Beyond, the Uk’s Number One Drifters Tribute 2016, S Club Party and Golborne Brass Band. Tickets (£10 for aged 17 and under, or £25 for over 18s) via www.orrell-live.co.uk

Male Voice Choir Tuesday, September 5, from 7.30pm-9.30pm Haydock Male Voice Choir is holding an information evening and free concert for prospective new members. Organisers say the bar will also be open and wives/partners will also be very welcome. Haydock Conservative Club, Bellerophon Way, Haydock. Visit www.haydockmvc.com

Church Open Days Friday, September 8-Sunday, September 10 Your chance to look round a Grade I listed building from 1610, with a Saxon font and a Jacobean ceiling. Open from 2pm-4pm on the Friday, 11am-3pm on the Saturday and 1pm-3pm on the Sunday. Prescot Parish Church, Church Street, Prescot

The Citadel Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. More details - 01744 735 436.

Orrell Live 2017 Saturday, September 9, from noon

Orrell Cricket Club, Winstanley Road, Orrell

Rainford in Victorian Times Sunday, September 10, 10.30am – 4pm The Rainford Heritage Society will once again be celebrating Open Heritage Sunday. This year’s theme is Victorian Times and there will be a video running throughout the day to display activities for children that went on throughout that era. There will be live entertainment from the Mucky Mountain Morris Dancers and a talk held by Liverpool City Town Crier, Terry Stubbings. Rainford Village Hall, Church Rd, Rainford, St Helens WA11 8HB.

Craft and Farmers Market

Paws in the Park

Sunday, September 10, from 9am

Sunday, September 17, 11am – 7pm

Find over 40 stalls packed into barns and a courtyard. Discover dozens of award winning, local produce stalls and get your fix of your favourite cheese, pie, jam or cake. Cotton Town Hot Cub will be back with a bang with music and fun. Parking and entry are free

This year will be bigger and better than ever, especially with their famous dog show! There will be a concert featuring lots of local acts and dance groups, donations to the event are always welcome.

Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Lane, Rainford, St Helens, WA11 8AE

80s Mania Friday, September 15, 7.30pm – 10pm Europe’s Official 1980’s Multi-Tribute Concert featuring 25 chart topping pop icons recreated with live band and awesome dancers. Performing over 35 chart topping smash-hits with tributes to Duran Duran, The Human League, Kim Wilde, Culture Club, Madonna, Wham!, Nena, Toni Basil, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Dead or Alive, Madness and more!

Sherdley Park, St. Helens, WA9 5DE. Contact: frasersevents.org.uk

20th Anniversary Concert Saturday, September 23, 7.30pm St.Helens Sinfonietta is celebrating its 20th anniversary in this concert with two of the bestloved pieces of music-Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Dvorak’s Symphony from the New World. Tickets at £15 (half price for children) can be obtained by phoning 01744-600846/ 07914-114635 or on the door on the evening of the concert. St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, St Helens

St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens WA10 1LQ. Contact: 01744 756000

Artisan Food and Craft Fair

Southport Air Show

Some of the most talented food, craft and gift businesses in the North West (and a little further) offering a selection of goods that aren’t available on the high street.

Friday, September 15 – Sunday, September 17 Combining a spectacular air display with a host of ground activities, the Southport Air show is a funfilled experience that the whole family can enjoy. Southport Beach, Southport, PR8 2PP. Contact: visitsouthport.com/airshow

Northern Soul All-Nighter Sarurday, September 16, from 10pm-6am Sentenced To Soul & Wigan Roller Rink presents The Empire All-Nighter 2. Organisers say it’ll be the biggest all-nighter in Wigan since the Casino with 1,000 capacity. Tickets are £12 via www. ticketsource.co.uk Wigan Roller Rink, Unit 2, Swan Meadow Industrial Estate, Swan Meadow Rd, Wigan, WN3 5BD.

Sunday, September 24, from 11am-3pm

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford St Helens, WA11 8HE

Macmillan Fundraiser Friday, September 29, from 3pm This annual event includes cake, vegetables and fancy good sales, followed by the main beauty and fashion show at 7pm. Tickets for the show are £6 and are available by contacting Kath McGuire on 01695 721038. St James Social Club, St James Road, Orrell, WN5 7AA

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Charity Fashion Show

Big Goldilocks

Monday, September 25, 2pm (2.30pm start)

Tuesday, October 24, 2pm-5pm

A fun packed afternoon of fashion and Beauty. All proceeds will go to Willowbrook Hospice and Multiple Sclerosis. Tickets £10 available from Ella Mora Rainford, Beauty by Helen French in Eccleston and Willowbrook Hospice.

Everything is in disguise and the story goes into the skies with this comical retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Booster Cushion Theatre. The classic story is retold through a massive 6ft tall book complete with pop ups and props coming out of the book! Free entry, but please register at www. eventbrite.co.uk

Houghwood Golf Club, Billinge Hill, Crank Road, Billinge, WA11 8R. Call Marion on 01744 885322

Moss Bank Library, Bowness Avenue, Moss Bank

Dementia Cafe Launch Wednesday, September 27, 1.30pm-3.3-pm A free community cafe to support those living with dementia. Carers, friends and families also welcome.

Blind Winetasting Friday, October 27, 7pm

St Andrew’s Mission Hall, Garswood Road, Garswood. Call Rosalyn – 07981 201386, Denise – 07962 392999 or Gail – 07341 266544

Enjoy an evening of wine tasting...be entertained with music and a quiz while enjoying a platter of cheese and pate. Tickets are £20 and can be booked through Rainford Parish Council clerk’s office on 01744 884709.

Musical Fireworks

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford.

Friday, Sept 29, to Sunday, Oct 1, from 6pm Set in Victoria Park, the British Musical Fireworks Championship are firework displays like no other. Over three nights prepare for breath-taking displays, an array of light and a mixture of music which will have you dancing away. Victoria Park. Rotten Row, Southport, PR8 2BZ www.visitsouthport.com

Rainford Ladies’ Choir Friday, September 29, 7.30pm-10pm Concert being held to raise money for church funds. Tickets are £7 including tea/coffee and cakes. Contact Ann Abraham on 01744 883969. Rainford United Reformed Church, Higher Lane, Rainford.

Willowbrook 20th Friday, October 27, 7pm Join Willowbrook Hospice us for a special evening as they celebrate 20 years of caring. Enjoy a three course meal and live entertainment. Tickets £35 via 01744 453798 or e-mail events@ willowbrookhospice.org.uk St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, St Helens.

Grannylocks Sunday, October 29, 11:30am Join performance poet Joseph Coelho, as he unravels familiar fairytales to create fresh contemporary classics in an enchanting performance for young and old alike. The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. More details - 01744 735 436

Food & Drink

Guilt-free

food!

By Ella Walker

You will find a brachiosaurus moseying through an asparagus forest, a tiger surveying a field of Szechuan peppers, and a duck bobbing about with a load of cherry tomatoes in Thomasina Miers’ new recipe collection, Home Cook. And they all look so happy. “You can tell I was pregnant when I was making it, can’t you?!” the Cheltenham-born chef and restaurateur yelps with a laugh. “Oh my God, we had so much fun! The designer to begin with was like, ‘What are you doing with all the toys? Get them out!’” Fortunately the designer caved in, and plastic toys dotting the pages included, Miers’ fifth book is all clean lines and straightforward recipes. It pops with colour and is bolstered by Mexican influences - this is, after all, the woman who co-founded popular restaurant chain, Wahaca, which is now in its 10th year of taco slinging. At its core though, Home Cook is a reflection of “how we eat at home”, says Miers, 41, and how having three small children and a restaurant empire affects that. “The food I cook now is very different to the food I cooked 20 years ago, when I had all the time in the world,” she explains. “I’m a working mother, who comes home late sometimes and just has to get food out on the table, but equally, I want to feed my family good food.” The collection of 300-odd recipes, she says, is also a “guilt-free joyous approach to food”, in reaction to “all this neurosis about eating and what not to eat” that currently abounds. “Healthy eating has become such a loaded, almost

toxic subject,” says Miers. “I grew up as a teenager full of hang-ups about food and always dieting, and it’s such a bad way to live your life. Over the years, I’ve developed - I never say no to anything. “The moment I say to myself, ‘I won’t do that’, that’s the first thing I want to do.” You have to work out what works for you, rather than letting trends and aspirational Instagram posts dictate your diet, she explains.

57 “Everybody’s bodies are different; we all react to different ingredients in different ways, so it’s nonsense to say one diet can be suitable for thousands of people, it doesn’t work that way. It’s about adapting your own likes and dislikes and eating the way that’s right for you, and having fun with it. “Basically, if you’re cooking a bit from scratch at home, which you can do affordably and easily, then you’re going to be eating healthily, and if you eat a few doughnuts along the way, it doesn’t really matter.” Miers won MasterChef in 2005 and still appears on the series as a guest judge, which she says is “much more relaxing - although it brings all the memories back. It’s amazing how food’s moved on, so occasionally I just want to be doing it again, knowing what I know now.” Her advice for the latest crop of amateur chefs

entering the MasterChef kitchen is: “Cook from your heart. The second you try and get too clever with cooking, you’re found out pretty quickly. Food is a very sincere occupation, and a lack of sincerity shines out. You’ve got to cook from your heart and soul - which is what makes MasterChef so compelling, actually, seeing people putting themselves on the line.” Had she not wowed MasterChef hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace, Miers is convinced she’d still be “in a similar place” to where she is now. “I don’t think MasterChef waves a magic wand over your career,” she muses. “It definitely gave me the confidence to get into a kitchen and start cooking, but, like any reality show, it doesn’t make your life, you have to make your life yourself.” Home Cook by Thomasina Miers, photography by Tara Fisher, published by Faber & Faber - £25 (hardback)

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Unbelievably Dark & Delicious Chocolate Cake

Makes 1 large cake Ingredients For the cake: 380g butter, plus extra for the tins 380g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped 380g caster sugar 2 small pinches ground cinnamon Several large pinches of salt 200g plain flour 6 eggs, beaten For the topping: 4 Mars bars 100ml whole milk 3 tbsp golden syrup 90g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped 500ml double cream 3 Flakes, chopped into 2cm lengths 2 packets of Rolos 1 large packet of Peanut M&Ms (optional) Edible glitter

Method Preheat the oven to 190C/Gas Mark 5 and butter and line the base of two 20cm non-stick cake tins. Melt the butter in a medium pan over a low heat; once melted, stir in the chocolate, being careful not to burn it. When the mixture becomes smooth velvet, add the sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then slowly sift in the flour, stirring to combine. Beat the eggs into the chocolate mixture a little at a time until fully incorporated. Pour into the prepared tins and bake for 30-40 minutes until the outside is dark and delicious looking and a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins for 15 minutes before removing to a cooling rack. Meanwhile chop up the Mars Bars and melt with the milk, syrup, dark chocolate and 50ml of the double cream. Whip the rest of the cream until it just holds its shape. Sandwich the cooked cakes together with the whipped cream and pour over the Mars Bar sauce. Scatter the various chocolates and the glitter on top. Serve.

sponsored by

Golborne &

Haydock Park D

istance is all relative. For Americans or Australians, 50 miles is the sort of distance they’d travel just to do the weekly shop. For Brits, it’s a day out. It’s mostly to do with the fact that our roads are a) gridlocked and b) never take you as the crow flies. This walk hammers home that point with aplomb. A simple half mile by foot on this stroll would take three miles by car - the phrase ‘quicker to walk’ was made for this. We park up at the far end of Ashton Heath, once home to a ‘hermit’ who died some 98 years ago. It’s now a popular dog walking spot and, once upon a time, a favourite meeting point for my classmates who wanted to while away Friday nights by swigging cider and singing Nirvana songs.

by David Sudworth

We take the path which goes behind the Blenheim Road estate and crosses Millingford Brook. It’s an area which has an abundance of blackberry bushes, and it’s now the right time of year to go a-pickin’. Once over the brook, take the footpath which forks to the right and along the outside of the farmer’s field. To your left there is a copse in the distance, keep on the right hand side of it as you veer towards it. It’s a good time of year to go as the farm workers are out spreading muck on the fields. It’s good to show kids the type of environment from which their bags of Monster Munch emanate. We came out at Golborne Road, and immediately took a left. Cross over the road and take the next

60 public footpath on the right on the perimeter of Jameson’s Farm. The path carries on for a while until it veers right, down towards the Harrow Inn pub. At the Harrow, you double back on yourself and head up Edge Green Road, and back towards Golborne Road. In truth, this part of the journey could be missed out, but a pub stop is always a welcome sight on any walk. At the junction of Edge Green Road/Golborne Road, turn left and then take the first right onto Edge Green Lane. Here, you have to stay on the left hand side of the road as there’s no footpath. Head down the dip and under the disused railway bridge. For a quicker way back, you can follow the abandoned rail track route back to Ashton Heath, but I would always advise caution, especially as one of the bridges further down has a steep drop in part of it. On no account should kiddies or pets be allowed to roam freely on that part of the stretch.

Back on the original route, we are heading down Helen Street, when we stumble upon the curiouslynamed Hell Nook. There’s various theories about its origin; one includes the story about a local nurse who performed pagan rituals at her home in the nook.

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Edge Green Common

Ashton Heath

Edge Green Lane

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Town Green

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Haydock Park Racecourse

Harvey Lane

62 Having safely negotiated this part of the walk without any bad spells being cast upon us, we turn right into Harvey Lane. At this point, you can see the grounds of Haydock Park Racecourse. The park itself is steeped in history. It can be traced back to the Leghs, a prominent Lancashire family, whose interests in horse racing go back to the 18th Century and held meetings on a stretch known as Golborne Heath. The arrival of industry in the area appears to have given a boost to the organisers and even 100 years ago the pattern of the present Haydock Park meeting started to take shape. You follow the perimeter of the park for around half a mile until you get back to Ashton Heath. This 3.7 mile walk took us just over an hour and a half - perfect for the coming months when daylight gets more scarce. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also some interesting local history on the way. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the hedgerows which are bursting with free food. What are you waiting for?

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear while walking. While 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 joy of

pottering

Award Winner

by Angie Barker

ardening is such a rewarding pastime. It can be physically challenging but it doesn’t have to be. And there is no greater pleasure in life than pottering. Running a busy garden design business means I usually have a list of things that need doing in the garden within a limited “window of opportunity” as they say. Therefore when I do get the chance to potter (one definition of which is “move or go in a casual, unhurried way”) it is all the more pleasurable. I can’t say that I’ve achieved a lot - that list of things that need doing doesn’t have any ticks against it – but I do feel like I have recharged my batteries. And we all need that from time to time. The down side to pottering is that five minutes can easily turn into half an hour and half an hour into an hour. Hubby often has to come looking for me as I’ve lost track of time. (Hubby does not do pottering).

For example, whenever you see the word “vigorous” or “invasive” on a plant description label – beware. These are plants that love to multiply. I’m not talking about self seeders here like Foxgloves and hardy Geraniums. These I can deal with. No, vigorous plants are those which seem to want to take over an entire border by sending out underground rhizomes. Plants like Lysimachia, Alstroemeria and Anemones are prime examples – don’t be fooled by their beauty and plant with caution! But to get back to pottering... None of us want to be a slave to our gardens as gardening can then become a chore rather than a pleasure. However even those clients who ask me for a low maintenance scheme, will admit they enjoy pottering. So get your design and planting plan right, and you can potter away until your heart’s content...

There is no better way to learn about gardening than to actually do it. Experience is always the best teacher and one of the things I have learnt, is that some plants should come with a warning. To be enticed by the beauty of a flower, does not mean that you should grow it in your garden.

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.

Call Angie now for your free consultation! Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk

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Volkswagen

Passat GTE by Tim Barnes-Clay

he GTE badge was first ushered in with the VW Golf and it eventually made its way to the more conservative Passat. Bolting a plug-in petrol-electric propulsion unit to a model that is best known for its diesel pulling power was perhaps a brave move for Volkswagen. But it seems to have paid off with the Passat. Like the Golf, the VW Passat GTE’s looks are characterised by C-shaped LED lights accommodated in its bumper, and the blue bar that stretches across the headlights and grille. It’s a restrained fine-tuning of the Passat’s tailoring, although, given the intense hue of blue, the use of which even expands to the car’s brake callipers, the GTE model is simple enough to distinguish from diesel Passats. The battery capacity and output have been given a bit of a boost, but the petrol-electric set-up is fundamentally the same as in the VW Golf GTE’s. The 156PS 1.4 TSI petrol unit and 115PS electric motor combine to make 218PS, giving a 0-62mph sprint of 7.4 seconds. Top speed is 140mph, but unless you’re on a German autobahn, you’re unlikely to risk finding out what that feels like. Step into the cabin and the Passat GTE houses a few understated touches, such as blue piping, blue stitching, aluminium trim and GTE emblems. Other than that, the switchgear and seats are the same as in any other Passat.

And, as with all Passat saloons, space is generous. Even with the car’s lithium ion drive battery beneath the rear seats, the VW has good room and a boot that is big enough for a family’s needs. The Volkswagen’s electric charging time is easy to cope with. Plugging the car’s seven-pin charge cable into a 16A wall socket, I got the 9.9kWh battery from a quarter charged to 100 per cent in under two hours. The GTE runs well on electriconly juice, with a possible range of 31 miles on zero emissions. In Hybrid form the VW saloon responds admirably, even when the petrol engine has closed, which it’ll do at moderate motorway speeds. The power unit restarts effortlessly when it needs to, while the car’s cruise control allows it to store its own impetus and cruise economically. The Passat GTE’s handling is as good as its

Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 7.4 secs • Combined mpg: 156.9 • Engine: 1395cc petrol + electric • Max. power (PS): 218 • CO2: 40 g/km • Price: £37,025

performance. You can thrust the saloon through bends and its tyres will dig into the tarmac strongly. There’s very little body roll, and the steering, while not delivering that much feedback, is precise. Here’s the important bit, though. VW claims the Passat GTE will do 156.9mpg on the combined cycle. But, as with all cars, this model’s economy will depend on what your driving is like. On a 60-mile run, beginning with a fully charged battery and driving on a mix of roads, I achieved 80.1mpg. Volkswagen’s Passat GTE is, without doubt, a talented car and an attractive vehicle in a wider sense than a conventional high-performing, fully loaded volume-marque. By blending large car pragmatism

with a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system, VW has produced one of the greatest reasons yet to think about swapping from a standard oil-burning business saloon to an electrically powered one.

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