Local Life - St Helens - September 2018 by Local Life 247 Ltd

LocalLife St Helens Edition

September 2018

Ballooning in Autumn Page 20

Heritage Open Days Pages 30 - 34

Wheelton Moor Walk Pages 50 - 52

Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Health Events2Go Home Services locallife247.co.uk

Cover photo © Ian Bonnell Photograpthy

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Local Life

Back-to-School Blues? Even though the schooldays of my two are a distant memory, when the kids go back to school at the end of the summer it always feels like the end of a chapter. The onset of September means that the dreaded traffic queues grow (at Windle Island in particular), most of us have no holidays left to look forward to and festive stock starts appearing in supermarkets as retailers determinedly steamroller us along towards a Christmas mind-set. But let’s take a moment to caress the dying embers of summer and enjoy what one of the most underrated months of the year has to offer; September offers a chance to enjoy mild weather, still-light evenings, still-vibrant colours in the garden and the resumption of community activity after the summer holidays. Amongst my favourite places to go in September are the village shows, such as Rainford’s, which have their roots in the whole harvest celebration, and now are often a delightful mixture of enthusiastic and talented residents sharing with others their love for crafts, arts, photography, baking, and horticulture. There are more details on local activities in the local area in our events2go section on pages 53 - 56. Remember, if you have a local business and you’d like to promote that business to over 100,000 homes in the St Helens, Wigan, Chorley and West Lancashire areas then please give us a call on 01744 649722; we have packages to suit businesses of all sizes, and also offer a leaflet distribution service too. See you next time

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

In this issue Flying High

Regulars 40 Puzzle page 50 Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks

53 Events2Go 62 Test Drive

6 Local News 42 Travel 46 Health

57 Gardening 62 Motoring 65 Home Services

Sections 20 Heritage Open Days Next issue - October 2018

Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 25 September Published - Friday, 5 October

30 A Healthier Heart

46 Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks: Wheelton Moor

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

Telephone: 01744 649 722 Sales: Chris sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: Jess sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.

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This issue is delivered to over 11,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. The next issue is delivered to over 14,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Sutton, Eccleston Park, Windle, Grange Park, Nutgrove, New Bold and Waterside Village. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

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events2go

News & Features

Set for Success The A-Level Academy at St. Helens College is celebrating its 100% pass rate across core subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English Literature. The full student cohort is off to universities across the country, including Russell Group institution University of Liverpool and the University Centre St. Helens. CEO Jette Burford said: ‘We are extremely proud of our students’ dedication, hard work and focus over the last two years, which has contributed to them achieving a fantastic set of results, securing places at some of the top universities in the country’.

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Local Life require distributors for the following areas; Haydock Westminster Drive/Taylor Road area Windle/Rainford Moss Lane, Rainford Road & St Helens Road Pewfall Liverpool Road, Calday Green area Haresfinch Green Leach Lane, Shirebourne Avenue & Clover Hey Laffak Paisley, Renfrew & Peebles Avenues Interested? Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

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Volunteers Needed Cancer Research UK is looking for volunteers to help out at their brand new Shine Walk event in Liverpool. The 10k night-time walk sets off from the Museum of Liverpool and winds through the city centre, all to raise money for people affected by cancer. A range of volunteer roles are open, from course marshals to cycle team volunteers. The walk takes place on September 8, from 6:30pm-11pm.

Roundabout Revolution The Elton Head Road roundabout is set for a complete redesign in a project spanning 36 weeks. St. Helens Linkway A570 will also undergo junction improvements, with signalled diversion routes installed from the Sherdley Road junction to the Linkway from August 28 for an initial 22 weeks. Resident access will be open at all times. Permanent 24-hour traffic management will be in place to accommodate lane and road closures. The roundabout is due to be replaced with a signal controlled crossroads with full pedestrian and cycle facilities, reducing peak time queues. Speed limits are due to be adjusted accordingly, with a contraflow system installed on the southbound carriageway.

Village Show The Rainford Show is set to return this September for another afternoon celebration of local talent. The show, which was first hosted in 1981, runs in association with the Rainford Horticultural Society, and features around 130 classes ranging from horticulture to crafts. Exhibitors are offered the chance to show off their best fruit and vegetables, flowers and plants, handicrafts, confectionery and photographs. There is always a lot to get involved in, whether you’re a baker, gardener or artist. This year the show will also play host to the Great Rainford Baking Competition, with exhibitors encouraged to submit their best red velvet cakes for a cash prize. The show is open to both experienced exhibitors and junior members exhibiting for the first

time, with various classes for each category. The committee particularly encourages children and young people to get involved – under-16s across three separate age classes can expect prizes for best Christmas tree decoration, fairy door, button picture and bird feeder. Show secretary Toni Reddington anticipates that weather permitting, the horticultural classes will be most popular, although each category usually has a good turnout. With the summer heatwave reported to continue well into the autumnal months, the event certainly looks set for success. The Rainford Show takes place on Saturday, September 1 at Rainford Village Hall, from 1:304:30pm.

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Saint the Town Red

TransPennine Transforms

This September sees a colourful 4k run heading to St. Helens town centre. On Sunday, September 23, runners are invited to jog, skip or sprint their way from the Totally Wicked Stadium to Church Square and back. During the race, participants will be showered with a veritable rainbow of brightly coloured powder, with additional colour stations set up along the route. Entertainment and refreshments are offered throughout, and a postrace Zumba session will be held afterwards with the Saints Angels.

TransPennine Express has launched a grant scheme with £50k of funding available to support community and environmental projects.

Mark Jennings, the event organiser, said the Totally Wicked Stadium is ‘perfect for an exciting new traffic-free 4k route’. The event is in aid of St. Helens YMCA and the Saints Community Development Foundation, both of which support people in the local area. Registration is open online at www.saintssuperstore. com, and costs £10 per adult or £5 for a junior runner.

The Transform scheme offers people from the North and Scotland to apply for up to £5k to support causes across the company’s rail network. Last year it donated £50k to 12 recipients including a Lancashire-based project supporting individuals with learning disabilities. The scheme is open to community groups, schools, clubs and charities – as well as anyone who permits open access to their land. The deadline for applications is September 21 at 5pm. Apply at www.tpexpress.co.uk/about-us/ community/transform-grants.

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Art of Glass As part of the St. Helens 150 celebrations, social arts practice Heart of Glass has announced an exciting autumn/winter programme to conclude a year of fantastic arts and events. St. Helens 150, which marks the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the town as a Municipal Borough by Queen Victoria, is set to conclude this December with a whole host of artistic sessions and activities. This year’s Take Over Festival acts as the programme’s headlining act – art, culture and popup performances take over the streets and spaces of the town for 8 intriguing weeks. Artists will showcase brand new works in shops, libraries and labour clubs, questioning what a St. Helens identity truly means. However, this isn’t all Heart of Glass are offering. The events schedule runs for the rest of the year, and features an incredible line-up of artists including Simon McKeown, whose show We Are Still Here works with the local disabled community against

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the Victorian backdrop of St. Helens Town Hall. Inglenook Farm in Rainford will also be hosting Sound City on the Farm – a family-friendly day of live music from breakthrough North West bands. Elsewhere, actress Maxine Peake offers a screening of Funny Cow, an unflinching drama about the Northern club circuit in the 70s, followed by a Q&A; and popular author Frank Cottrell-Boyce presents readings of his books Millions and Sputnik’s Guide to Life – soon to be a feature film! This season’s programme certainly isn’t one to miss, and promises to breathe new life into St. Helens for its 150th anniversary. Tickets are on sale from late August. For more information and a full programme guide, visit http:// www.heartofglass.org.uk/, and make sure to check out our Events2Go listings on pages 53 - 56.

Special Olympics Archive An archive exhibition has opened in Knowsley to commemorate the 1982 Special Olympics, which were held at Kirkby Sports Centre. ‘This Sporting Life’ aims to celebrate Kirkby’s involvement in sporting history with a range of photographs, medals and sportswear on display. The Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB) was established in 1978 as part of the global Special Olympics Movement, with the first games held in Kirkby in 1982. It was founded by Chris Maloney MBE, who had been teaching people with learning disabilities to swim since the early 1960s. 1000 Special Olympians and escorts took part in the games, which was opened by H.R.H. Princess

Alexandra, including many Knowsley adult disability service users. From the 6-8th of July 1982, competitors engaged in swimming, wheelchair and track & field events including long-jump and shotput. The event acted as a springboard for many athletes, including Vivienne Castell, a netball player who trained at Terry Phillips Gym in Knowsley and went on to participate in the Paralympics at the age of 20. Her sportswear will be on show during the archive exhibition. ‘This Sporting Life’ is on display in the ARK exhibition space in Kirkby Library, the Kirkby Centre, from 17 August 2018 until 16 October 2018.

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Foodie Fest Liverpool Food & Drink Festival returns to Sefton Park this month with another incredible selection of tasty treats, from craft beers to dim sum! Relax with

Two Michelin-starred celebrity chef Raymond Blanc tops the bill this year, serving a crab salad with pink grapefruit followed by a fluffy cherry clafoutis. an afternoon tipple in the gin garden, or indulge your sweet tooth – whatever your taste buds are craving, you’re sure to find it. If you’re full, don’t fret – there are loads of celebrity demonstrations and masterclasses to keep you occupied.

The event also features a Kids’ Village with rides, food and entertainment, so the little ones will never be bored. Tickets start at £7, and children under 14 go free. For tickets, head to www. septemberliverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk/. Check out our Events2Go listings for more information.

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Loving I

n this day and age, when all retailers seem to be generic and faceless, it’s great find somewhere a little bit different, and Love It Gallery in Billinge is a unique jewel in the seas of globalisation. In 2015 Winstanley couple Stephanie O’Brien and Ian O’Brien moved their thriving Morpheus Glass business onto the derelict Billinge Garden Centre site and opened the Love It Gallery and Bag & Bean café to complement it on the site. A brave move indeed, and for those well versed in film, it was a real ‘build it and they will come’ moment. Local residents quickly supported the venture and three

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years on, the couple now employ 15 staff from the local area to help them manage the site. Love It gallery displays a plethora of original giftware and hand-crafted pieces from designers and craftspeople, and much of the merchandise is exclusive to Love It. Visually, the gallery is extraordinary; high ceilings, original timber frames and exquisite lighting that shows off the attractive merchandise perfectly. The pride of place in the gallery goes to glass art, handcrafted by Morpheus Glass in an on-site workshop, from wall panels and splashbacks to

17 bowls, coaster sets and mirrors. Using pieces of art such as wall panels and/or splashbacks is an innovative way of creating an interior focal point, and if the pieces on show don’t quite fit the bill, you can also commission a piece specially for your home. See www.morpheusglass.co.uk for details or ask in-store. And to round off your visit, why not pop into Bag & Bean café which has quickly established itself as the most popular meeting place for miles around, with its friendly warm welcome and a good selection of handmade sandwiches and soups, accompanied by delicious homemade cakes. For those special occasions, Bag & Bean will serve you a most indulgent afternoon tea! See www.facebook.com/ BagandBean/ for more details. Whether you’re looking for imaginative gifts for your friends and families, a unique signature piece for your home décor plan or an enjoyable get together, do take a trip out to Love It Gallery in Billinge – a unique destination for all the family to enjoy. Love It Gallery Open: 9.30am-5pm Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm Sunday Winstanley Road, Billinge, WN5 7XG Telephone: 01695 622 332

Dementia Café The Gerard Arms on Dentons Green Lane has introduced a new scheme for people with dementia. The dementia café aims to provide a safe space where people and their families or carers can socialise and meet new people before the pub officially opens to the public. Manager Mark Hayes runs a similar venture at Ashton Football Club, where he is Volunteer Chairman. He says: ‘I lost my Gran, a wonderful proud lady, some years ago to dementia. I was the only one in the family who could drive so it was down to me to try and entertain her – back then, there was absolutely nowhere to go that felt safe. I opened the café in Ashton to provide a friendly environment for people with dementia – we’ve already seen the change in confidence in some people, and it’s a delight to see’. ‘I put a call out for volunteers a few weeks ago to begin a similar café at the Gerard, and was overwhelmed by the support. Because of this, we could start up straight away and we have been packed in the first two weeks. It really highlights the need in the St. Helens community’. The café offers entertainment to people with dementia every Friday 11am-12pm, with visitors welcome to stay as long as they like after the pub opens to the public. The Gerard Arms is on Dentons Green Lane, Dentons Green, St Helens, WA10 6SD, and can be contacted on 01744 28894.

After School Library Sessions St. Helens’ libraries are offering back-to-school term-time sessions to help children with homework and reading. If you’re looking for an educational extra-curricular, these might be just the ticket. For younger ones, Billinge Library offers an After School Family Reads activity every Monday from 4:15pm-5pm for children aged 5-7. They can listen to some great stories, discuss books and complete activity sheets. Rainford Library runs a homework club every term-time Tuesday, from 3:45pm-4:30pm. Staff will help recommend books or resources to assist with homework queries, and pupils can take advantage of the library’s printers and computers too. In Thatto Heath, bookworms aged 8-10 can head over to the junior book club on the last Tuesday of every month during term-time, from 4:30pm-5pm. For a full event guide, visit https://sthlibrarieswp. koha-ptfs.co.uk/whats-on/

Flying High Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get a birds-eye view of autumn’s fabulous colours? Well that’s exactly what you get when you take a hot air balloon flight. I joined a group of excited passengers at the launch point and listened to the pilot’s safety briefing. Behind him, the balloon’s envelope was being filled with air using an enormous fan. When the shout to board came, we moved rapidly to clamber into the then vertical basket. The balloon was unsecured and we began to lift off. As we headed to heights of up to 3000 feet, we were treated to a bird’s eye view of the countryside below. The whole landscape stretched before us: fields, trees, livestock in the fields, streams and lakes. It was a beautiful sight. The huge balloon moved silently across the sky, the calm only interrupted by the passengers’ conversation and the periodic blast of the burners injecting the spell-binding fire into the belly of the balloon. Our lovely pilot cheerfully answered all our questions, pointed out landmarks, and told us about the skill of ballooning. Travel is so gentle because the balloon is moving at the same speed as the wind, and even the most apprehensive passenger soon relaxed and admired the views. When it was time for our flight to end, the pilot descended slowly. I had expected a jerky landing, but the contact of the basket with the ground slowed the progress of the balloon and brought it to a halt quite gently, within a couple of bounces. The basket slowly tilted on its side as it came to rest in a field and the balloon began to deflate in the breeze. If you’re interested in trying hot air ballooning,

some preliminary research on the internet reveals that Virgin Balloon Flights (virginballoonflights. co.uk) operate from Crook O’Lune near Lancaster and also from the Airport and Heliport in Eccles near Manchester. Local flights are available from Suzanna Balloons (hot-air-balloons.co.uk), based in Bretherton, near Croston. Prices vary but range from approximately £115-£145 per person. By Susan Brookes-Morris

Moving on By nature, we humans are great accumulators. So much so that we often move to larger houses just to accommodate all the stuff we collect whilst wandering on life’s long highway. Wouldn’t it be something if we could easily access a large storage space to securely stow away all our seasonal clothes, the kids’ old toys, Christmas decorations, camping

Dan Birkby joined Access4Lofts in the early years of the company’s growth and will now be looking after customers’ needs in Wigan and St Helens. Dan said “We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to all our customers and I can promise that we will be punctual, polite and will always tidy up at the end of the job.” Access4Lofts install loft hatches, loft ladders, loft boarding, lighting and insulation too if required, making it easy and safe for you to access your loft. This commitment is further emphasised with a minimum 5 year guarantee on all installations which is fully insurance backed.

gear, suitcases, books and all the other bits and pieces we rarely use but want to keep safe. You really don’t need to move house for more space. There is an easy answer to storage problems and it is, quite literally, under your own roof. In the average semi, a loft has 40-50 square metres of floor space yet is often dark, difficult to move around in and often hard to get to. To overcome these storage problems, all that’s needed is a quick call to Access4Lofts. This Lancashire-based family business was launched six years ago, and over 2,500 successful fits later, along with numerous awards from Lancashire Trading Standards Safe Trader Scheme, Access4Lofts has now expanded into Wigan and St Helens.

If you need safe and easy access to your loft or extra storage space for your belongings then contact Dan on 01942 580323 or email wigan@ access4lofts.co.uk who will arrange a free survey which is quickly followed by a written fixed price quote. There is absolutely no high pressure, no hard selling, no small print, no hidden extras and above all, he will always turn up on time.

What an excellent company to deal with and what a huge difference the job has made to the tidiness of our home. Thank you Access4Lofts, you’re worth every penny! Mr Pearce - Wigan Arrived on time. Very friendly and polite. Brilliant job, husband and I are very pleased with the outcome. Even cleaned up after himself. Highly recommended! 10/10 Mr & Mrs Catterall - Wigan

Reminisce Festival Reminisce Festival returns to Sherdley Park for its fifth year. Beginning in 2014 with just two arenas, the ‘old skool’ music festival has truly found itself a home in St. Helens and will be back with a bang. Six arenas will showcase over 140 acts including noughties dance sensation Cascada in a huge non-camping music fest, with funfair rides and merchandise stands on the 8th of September. Tickets start from £85.

Pilot Scheme to Take-Off St. Helens Council have given the go-ahead for a three-weekly brown bin pilot programme. The programme is set to begin in February next year and will focus on some of the worst recycling underperformers in the borough. Up for consideration are parts of the town centre, Thatto Heath, Newton-le-Willows & Earlestown, West

Park, Bold, Sutton and Sutton Manor. The scheme still needs council approval before anything’s set in stone, but with the council looking to achieve a 50% recycling rate by 2020, it certainly looks likely to take off.

Rainford through the Ages In celebration of Family Open Heritage Day, Rainford Village Hall will host a historical ‘Rainford through the Ages’ event on September 9 at 11am. Spanning a timeline from the Prehistoric era, with a 6ft model of Kings Moss, to architectural developments in the 1500s-1700s, all the way to the modern day, you’ll be able to peruse pottery found in Church Road and learn about the history of the BB and GGA. There will also be fossils on display, including a Woolly Mammoth tooth and an 850 million year old stone found at Berringtons Lane.

Could you complete your family through adoption? Together for Adoption brings together the adoption services of five local authorities; Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan.

challenges along the way we have felt supported by Together for Adoption, through their adoption support team, training and our social worker.

One local couple, John and Andrew wanted to be parents for a long time. After considering adoption they approached Together for Adoption for further information.

“The reward of becoming parents has far outweighed any challenges we have encountered and adopting our children has completed our family!”

After successfully getting through the approval process the couple were matched with two children. They said, “The assessment process felt long at times, however this was because we were keen to be a family. After the assessment we were approved as suitable adopters for two siblings, we were delighted!”

If you are interested in finding out more about adoption, the team can support you every step of the way and help you find your forever family. There are lots of children currently waiting to find a loving, stable home.

The couple continued: “Although there have been

For more information please contact the team now on 01942 487272 or visit www.togetherforadoption. co.uk.

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Heritage

Open Days One Festival. Two weekends. Five thousand events. And it’s all free! For the first time ever, England’s biggest festival of heritage and culture will take place across two weekends - 6th-9th & 13th-16th September - offering visitors across the North West more opportunities to discover the secret history of our towns, villages and countryside. Special openings across the region include the Beatrix Potter Gallery, The Wavertree Lock-Up and The Old Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Operating Theatre - with every single walk, talk, opening

and exhibition FREE to visit! Alongside traditional Heritage Open Days events, there will be a special programme of ‘Extraordinary Women’ talks, walks and exhibitions, in celebration of the centenary of the Universal Suffrage Act. Here’s a selection of some activities for you, but for a more comprehensive listings of all the Heritage Open Days events in the North West please visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

The Chester Tour

Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire

Chester Visitor Information Centre, Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ

The gateway to the Dee Estuary reserve, Burton Mere Wetlands straddles the border between England and Wales with a mosaic of freshwater wetland habitats, mixed farmland and woodland. The area is bursting with wildlife, hosting avocets,

Join Guild of Chester Tour Guides Peggy Grimshaw (10.30am) & Martin Nield (2pm) on a captivating journey through 2000 years of history, beginning in the Roman times, through the vibrant medieval

egrets, harriers, noisy redshanks, swallows and swifts, and you can also visit the remains of the Iron Age hillfort on Burton Point.

period, the desperation of the Civil War, the elegance of Georgian Chester and right up to the Victorian revival.

Friday 7th and Saturday 8th September: 930am5.00pm

Saturday 8 September: Tours at 1030-1200 and 1400-1530

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Pre-booking is required - contact: Cathryn Eales on 01244 972088 or email: Cathryn.Eales@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

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Chetham’s Library & College House Chethams Library, Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB Experience the magical atmosphere of one of Manchester’s oldest buildings on a self-led tour of its secret staircases and hidden passageways.

Anderton Boat Lift Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich CW9 6FW The Anderton Boat Lift is a Victorian marvel situated in fully accessible landscaped grounds. The free Top of the World Tour is a unique opportunity to be guided around the Anderton Boat Lift and see it as Lift Operators have since Victorian Times. Take the guided Top of the World Tour and learn the history of this Victorian masterpiece whilst enjoying the panoramic views from the top of the lift. Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September. Tours: 1030, 1200 & 1415 Pre-booking required – contact Anderton Boat Lift on 01606 723887 https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/ anderton-boat-lift-visitor-centre

Inspired by Alice

A rare opportunity to wander freely through the beautiful medieval buildings and the unique seventeenth-century library at your own pace and you can sit and read at the table where Karl Marx worked to overthrow capitalism Friday 7th and 14th September: 2pm - 8pm Pre-booking is required - email admin@chethams. org.uk

Museum of Transport Boyle Street, Manchester M8 8UW

Visit Daresbury church where Lewis Carroll was baptized and see his stained glass memorial window. Walk across the fields and lanes to the site of Daresbury Parsonage where he was born. Visit the Lewis Carroll Centre to find out more about his life and work, and view the exhibition of his works, Inspired by Alice.

Take a trip back in time with one of Britain’s biggest collections of restored buses, coaches and trams. From a Victorian horse drawn bus to the prototype Metrolink tram, see and sit in fascinating vehicles that took Greater Manchester folk to work, shops and outings to the coast and countryside. Special behind the scenes tours of the Museum this weekend. Free heritage bus service to other local heritage events. See website www.gmts.co.uk for full details.

Tours will be held on 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th September between 2pm-4pm

Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th September: 1000-1630

No booking required

www.lewiscarrollcentre.org.uk

www.gmts.co.uk

Lewis Carroll Centre, All Saints Church, Daresbury, Cheshire, WA4 4AE

Lytham Hall Lytham Hall Park, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4JX Free entry and guided tour of the Georgian Hall. Lytham Hall is an 18th-century Georgian country house, Grade I Listed Building set in 78 acres of wooded parkland.

Lytham Windmill & Old Lifeboat House East Beach, Lytham FY8 5LD The Windmill and Old Lifeboat House houses a permanent cultural museum. On the tour you can observe the wonderful interior of the buildings, including the workings of the mill, as well as learn about the local lifeboat service and local history. There will also be a full size, wooden Victorian lifeboat on display.

Come and listen to a talk on the women of Lytham Hall and how they shaped the history of the hall and Lythamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage. Sunday 9 September: Talk 1100, 1200 & 1400 No booking required www.lythamhall.org.uk

Opening Times Thursday 13th, Friday 14th, Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th September: 10.30am-1pm, 2pm-4.30pm No booking required www.lythamwindmill.co.uk

Lancaster Castle Castle Parade, Lancaster LA1 1YJ

Classic Liverpool Bus Running Day Georges Dock Way, Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1DD

Free guided tours of this iconic building only recently fully opened to the public. Guided tours will visit the main courtyard, Chapel Yard, The Shire Hall, The Crown Court, The Drop Room, The Grand Jury Room, Hadrianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tower, The Old Cells, and A Wing. Tours are available on a strictly first come first served basis. Visitors will be given tickets to the next available tour at the time of their arrival - no prebooking is available for any free tour.

Travel back in time aboard classic buses from the Merseyside Transport Trust collection as they meander the streets of Liverpool and its suburbs retracing bus routes that took many of us to school, work or to the cinema. The buses from the 1950s to 1980s will run free trips to a wide variety of destinations in the City throughout the day. Full route details will be available on our website in the weeks prior to the event and a printed timetable will be available on the day.

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th September

Sunday 9 September: 10am-4.30pm

No booking required - Tours run every half an hour from 10am-4pm

No booking required

http://www.lancastercastle.com/

www.mttrust.co.uk

Rufford Old Hall 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford L40 1SG This black and white Tudor building, with its contrasting mellow red brick Jacobean wing, hunkers in the low lying mosslands of south west Lancashire. More than 500 years old, this family home has many stories to tell about the intriguing Heskeths.

The event will run over both days, and in addition the Great Eccleston Bake-off will be held on the Sunday. The competition is open to anyone to enter a cake of any type. Cakes are blind-tasted and judged by the St Helens WI to ensure fairness, and a winner and runner-up receive trophies and prizes. Further details and entry forms can be downloaded at www.smithyheritagecentre.org.uk/whats-on Saturday 8 & Sunday 9th September: 10am-5pm

You can delve into tales of a travelling baronet, an American heiress or the housekeeper who helped to care for Rufford. Children can get closer to nature with our bug hunting and wild art kits, while you unwind in our Victorian style garden and experience local tastes in the tea room.

No booking required

Saturday 15 September: 11am - 5pm

St Helens Parish Church is a beautiful Grade II listed building in the middle of a busy town centre, where visitors will find many items of interest to view. There has been a church building on this site for hundreds of years. One of the earliest references to “St Elyn’s Chapel” dates from 1552. The current building is listed Grade II and was designed by W.D.Caroe. Completed in 1926, it is a fine example of arts and crafts architecture. The church will be displaying a number of items of interest, including historic bibles, furniture and memorabilia, some dating back to 1670. There will also be a selection of historical photographs on display.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rufford-old-hall

Williamson Tunnels Smithdown Lane, Liverpool L7 3ED A chance to see for free some of the amazing 200 year old tunnels that lay lost and forgotten beneath Liverpool. Take a free 45 minute tour through part of the incredible underground labyrinth of sandstone tunnels created beneath the Edge Hill area of Liverpool by 19th century philanthropist and eccentric, Joseph Williamson and learn more about what lay behind his mysterious burrowing.

www.smithyheritagecentre.org.uk

St Helens Parish Church Church Square, St. Helens WA10 1AF

Sat 8th (10am-3pm) & Sunday 16th Sept (1pm-3pm)

6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th September

No booking required

Tours at 10.30am

www.sthelensparishchurch.org

Pre-booking required - Call 0151 709 6868 or email: enquiries@williamsontunnels.co.uk www.williamsontunnels.co.uk

Science Fiction & Fantasy Smithy Heritage Centre, Kiln Ln, St Helens, WA10 4RA To celebrate the science fiction-themed exhibition ‘Visions of Another World’, the Smithy will be hosting a mini Comic-Con-type event, with stalls of memorabilia, costumes, toys and games – visitors of all ages are welcome - come dressed as your favourite character and join in the fun!

Holy Cross & St Helen RC Corporation Street, St. Helens, WA10 1EF Grade II listed building, opened 1862. Guided tours available explaining the history of the church, the statues, the stained glass windows and other features. The Church was designated as one of the Jubilee Shrine of Mercy with its own Holy Door in the 2016 extraordinary year of Mercy. Sat 8th Sept: 11am-4pm; Tours 12.30pm & 2.30pm Sun 9th & 16th Sept: 11am-3pm; Tours 1pm No booking required

Port Sunlight Museum 23 King Georges Drive, Wirral CH62 5DX Saturday - Explore Port Sunlight and join one of the village walking tours, exploring the rich history of William Lever, Sunlight Soap, architecture and much more. Walking tours will take place throughout the day.

Speke Hall The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD Bring the family and enjoy a great free day out at Speke Hall. Explore the house - a rare survival of a Tudor timber framed building with Arts & Crafts interiors and original William Morris wallpapers - or have fun in the maze, play areas or woodlands. Saturday 15 September 10.30am-4.30pm No booking required www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall/

The Hardmans’ House 59 Rodney Street, Liverpool L1 9ER Enjoy a free pre-bookable 90 minute tour of The Hardmans’ House. Step back in time to the 1950s in this fascinating home and photographic studio. The handsome Georgian house - both glamorous workplace and modest, cluttered home for Edward Chambre Hardman and his talented wife Margaretis a time capsule of life and creativity, packed with vintage treasures and fascinating photography. They lived and worked here for 40 years, keeping everything and changing nothing. Friday 14 September: 11am-3.30pm Pre-booking is preferred. Call 0151 709 6261 or email: thehardmanshouse@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardmans-house

Sunday - Celebrate founder’s day, the birthday of William Lever. Discover Port Sunlight Museum and Edwardian workers cottage, receive a warm welcome from staff in costume and explore the village by joining a guided walking tour. Visit the old school room the Lyceum and step back in time to experience a day in school, and explore William’s home, Bridge Cottage. Listen to stories from the village, past and present and don’t forget to pick up a slice of birthday cake! Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th September: 10am4pm Pre-booking is required – email k.kearns@ portsunlightvillage.com www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk

Rainford Village Hall In celebration of Family Open Heritage Day, Rainford will host a historical ‘Rainford Through the Ages’ event this year. Spanning a timeline from the Prehistoric era, with a 6ft model of Kings Moss, to architectural developments in the 1500s-1700s, all the way to the modern day, you’ll be able to peruse pottery found in Church Road and learn about the history of the BB and GGA. There will also be fossils on display, including a Woolly Mammoth tooth and an 850 million year old stone found at Berringtons Lane. Rainford Village Hall is also asking for donations of any interesting historical artefacts. The event will also feature live entertainment from the Rainford Ladies Choir, a children’s tuck-shop run by the Brownies, displays from the Council Chamber, and a raffle to end the day. ‘Rainford Through the Ages’ takes place in Rainford Village Hall on the 9th of September, from 11am.

Passionate for

Perfection?

JC Kitchens & Bedrooms

99-101 Greenfield Road, St Helens, WA10 6SH

Tel: 01744 24406 Opening Times Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:30 Saturday: 10:00 - 15:00 Sunday: by appointment

37 Experts say that a high quality, great looking kitchen/kitchen-diner is most likely to increase the value of a property. After all, kitchens are the new living rooms, where family members socialise, eat, and cook together. Like all home improvements though, the design, the appliances, the finish and the fitting needs to be quality to ensure that the investment into your new kitchen pays off long term.

At JC Kitchens & Bedrooms, designing and fitting bespoke new kitchens (and bedrooms) is a passion and has been for almost 30 years. The company was formed back in 1990 when Jean Cutler, a designer at Beamans in St Helens, decided to form her own kitchen company. Supported by her industrial chemist husband Allan, they opened JC Kitchens at Reginaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Reginald Road in Sutton. JC Kitchens quickly established a reputation for quality fits at reasonable prices, and the company moved to larger premises in Windle Street where, in 2003, daughter Jo-Anne and her husband John took the reins.

The couple enhanced the quality reputation of the company and also continued the philanthropic ethic of Jean and Allan by supporting a number of local junior and senior rugby clubs, including Saints, where they sponsor Paul Wellens. In 2017 JC Kitchens & Bedrooms opened their new double fronted dual aspect showroom over two floors at 99-101 Greenfield Road, where potential customers can browse a selection of kitchens and bedrooms in comfort, with expert help on hand if needed from Jo-Anne and John. The company is as passionate today about delivering quality kitchens and bedrooms as they were when the company started in 1990. Call in today for a browse, pick up a brochure and have a chat about your new kitchen or bedroom. JC Kitchens & Bathrooms 99-101 Greenfield Road, St Helens, WA10 6SH

What our customers say;

Absolutely brilliant customer service from us walking through the door to desig ning and fitting, love my new kitchen. Amanda Dixo n Had my bedroom fitted by JC kitch ens 7 years ago and it still looks like it was fitted last week. I would highly recommend this company . Lynn Lyon Quality kitchen and an awesom e service from Jo-Anne and John. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recomm end them enough. Matthew Hill

Jess Joins Up Former Carmel College student and Lancaster University graduate Jess Phillips has joined the Local Life team as the new Content Manager, who will be creating and publishing editorial content across the magazines and website. Jess grew up in St. Helens before moving to Lancaster to complete her English Literature and Creative Writing degree with an atmospheric backdrop of historical sites like Lancaster Castle and Pendle Hill. The three years away from home gave her the chance to experience more rural Lancashire living, but she’s glad to be back in her rapidly developing hometown among new business and leisure endeavours. On her new position, Jess said: ‘Being Content

Manager is an amazing opportunity to get more involved in what regional culture has to offer, and to highlight the best of the North West. I’m really excited to get stuck in and see where the role takes me.’ Contact Jess at 01744 649722 or email sthelensnews@ locallife247.co.uk

Wise Up St. Helens College are offering free English and Maths courses for adults in September. Whether you want to refresh your skills to help out the kids with homework or start managing your household budget better, functional skills courses provide practical learning opportunities. If you’re looking for a career change, Maths and English GCSE courses might be a good place to start.

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

01744 649 722

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Puzzle Corner

SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH - European Languages Find the hidden words in the word search grid B

DANISH GREEK LITHUANIAN ENGLISH ROMANIAN

BULGARIAN GERMAN SLOVAK CZECH IRISH

SPANISH SWEDISH FRENCH DUTCH CROATIAN

WORD MIX UP - European Languages Unscramble the letters to make a word

NUMBER BLOCK

6 8 3 4 2 1 3

16 20 17 19 13

21 16 15 17 20 The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.

LAVATIN

The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the

ALANITI GUNHAIRNA SINFHIN

totals to the right.

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Sticks and stones

SOILPH STEINONA TEAMSEL SHOTSTIC LEGACI

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

E N M O

N O E S

A S C L

M E A L

All the puzzle solutions are on page 68 of this magazine

Travel

Something

Different

The real challenge when booking a holiday is finding something different from the banality of everyday life. With people progressively taking two, three or even more holidays a year, it’s becoming more and more difficult to ‘find something different’. This month we visit two nations in South East Asia that definitely fit that specification. Whilst not geographically adjacent, tourist schedules often include both countries and both nations are described as places of staggering natural beauty, cultured and historic, with dynamic megacities and amazing beaches. Of course, I’m talking about Thailand and Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam at

its most dizzying. The city breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride. The seamless

43 contrast as you meander through timeless alleys visiting ancient temples before arriving at designer shopping malls and skyscrapers is an amazing feeling and it’s difficult to believe that just 50 years ago this thrilling mass was a city in chaos. Unswervingly popular with tourists is the War Remnants Museum. Many of the massacres documented here were well publicised, but it’s unusual for Westerners to hear the victims of

Far East Cruise 9 nights from £1399 per person Depart 20th January 2019 Fly Manchester to Singapore 2 nights in Singapore inc. Bay Gardens tour 7 nights full board on Sapphire Princess visiting Thailand & Vietnam (Ko Samui, Bangkok & Ho Chi Minh City) Fly Singapore to Manchester *Based on 2 people sharing inside cabin, subject to availability

Protected by Independent Travel Specialist

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US military action tell their own stories. Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest temple is Giac Lam, a fantastic atmospheric place of worship set in peaceful gardens. Known as ‘Feel the Woods Temple’, Giac Lam is a popular pilgrimage with the sick and elderly. Although Hi Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s biggest city, the country’s capital since re-unification is Hanoi. Here you can see the people, dig into the past and

Depart 18th February 2019 Fly Manchester to Ho Chi Minh 3 nights B&B in 4* Ho Chi Minh hotel 4 nights B&B in 4* Hanoi hotel Fly Hanoi to Manchester *Based on 2 people sharing, subject to availability Protected by Independent Travel Specialist

200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE Telephone: 01744 893291 www.markentravel.co.uk

44 watch the awakening of a Hanoi on the move. Its streets swell with scooters and constantly blaring horns, and all around is the history of the French and Chinese occupation.

partying or discovering wellness in an exclusive spa, Ko Samui has it covered. It’s one of Thailand’s most popular venues with its white beaches, clear seas, waterfalls, spectacular viewpoints and beautiful

The streets of the Old Quarter flourish with farmers hawking their wares, whilst city folk rush by and Hanoians with leisure time practise t’ai chi or play chess. A ‘must visit’ is the Hoa Lo Prison museum, ironically dubbed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US prisoners

temples.

of war. Most exhibits relate focus on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France but there are also displays focusing on the American pilots who were incarcerated here during the Vietnam War, including Senator John McCain, who ran for the US presidency in 2008.

sands, the next top indulgence is dining out. From the simplest of Thai dishes served at a roadside shack to plates jumping with flavour at beach side restaurants, you’re spoiled for choice. And for those interested in easing away the stress and pain of everyday life, Ko Samui’s renowned spas can ease them to the next level of serenity.

With long coastlines and small islands anchored in cobalt waters, Thailand is the ultimate tropical paradise and there’s no place that demonstrates that more than Ko Samui, Thailand’s third biggest island. Whether you’re sun-seeking, dozing in a hammock, feasting on world-class cuisine, beach

The deep azure of the sky and the gentle lapping of warm waves on satin sands are ideal ingredients for the perfect retreat and there’s a wealth of beaches to choose from. Away from the island’s seductive

Fancy something different? Check out the offers for Vietnam/Thailand on the previous page, pulled together for Local Life readers from Billinge travel agent Marken Travel.

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Health & Fitness

A healthier

heart

By Louise Addison Cardiovascular disease causes 26% of all deaths in the UK; that’s over 150,000 deaths each year – an average of 420 people each day or one death every three minutes. Those are the scary statistics but what can you do to improve the health of your heart? Below are the top tips according to leading cardiologists. Walk 30 minutes every day, no matter what! – A half hour walk every day decreases an individual’s chances of a heart attack by 30%. If you think you’ll skip days find a walking buddy and hold each other accountable. Find out your blood pressure and take steps to bring it down – Your blood pressure may be a more important factor than your cholesterol! If the doctor prescribes medication take it, but you can also take steps to lower it yourself and maybe reduce the need for medication. The best ways are to exercise and lose some belly fat. Individuals with high levels of fat in the abdominal cavity (belly fat) and around their abdominal organs are more likely to develop high blood pressure because this fat interferes with the function of the kidneys, which regulate the blood pressure. Know what your HDL number is and then do what you can to raise it to 1.3 mmol/l - In women especially it seems that a higher HDL (good cholesterol) number is more important than a low

LDL (bad cholesterol) number. Eat about 25g of raw, fresh, unsalted nuts per day – especially walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios and almonds. Nuts are packed with omega 3 oils, raise levels of HDL good cholesterol, decrease inflammation and have a good effect on the heart. Healthy fats such as olive or rapeseed oil have a positive effect too, and the

47 saturated fat below 20g per day. Both saturated fat and trans fats (found in many processed foods) lead to inflammation of the arteries. Read labels and avoid foods which list sugar as one of the first five ingredients – In particular don’t be fooled by foods which claim to be ‘low fat’ because often they contain extra sugar instead. Healthy fats such as olive oil are better than empty sugar calories.

really good news is that an alcoholic drink per day also works in your favour! Eat a good quality tomato pasta sauce! Simple tomato pasta sauce is loaded with potassium which aids lowering of blood pressure. Floss! – Most people don’t know that your oral health has an effect on arterial health so make sure those pearly whites stay clean and flossed. Limit saturated fat and avoid trans fats – Try to keep

Drink wine – But not too much! It’s a slightly bizarre (but consistent scientific truth) that teetotal folk have a higher risk of heart disease than those who drink in moderation. But a glass of red wine occasionally is very different to binge drinking once a week so be careful with this tip. Eat a rainbow of fruit and veg – Five to nine servings a day will help to keep your heart in tiptop condition. It may sound a lot but if you add chopped veg to pie fillings and casseroles and eat fruit at breakfast and salad stuff for snacks it all adds up.

Say

again By Louise Addison

Here are five simple ways to tell if it’s time to check your hearing: You often ask people to repeat themselves - It sounds as though people around you are mumbling all the time and you find it hard to hear people unless they’re facing you directly. It’s more common to experience hearing loss in the high frequencies so another sign is having trouble understanding

You hear a ringing or buzzing noise in your ears - Tinnitus occurs when you hear sounds like ringing or buzzing noise in your ears when no such sound is present. Sometimes it’s temporary e.g. after attending a loud concert. But ringing which doesn’t fade away, without any apparent cause is a common first sign of hearing loss. You strain to hear in noisy places - You struggle to focus on what people are saying in places with background noise, such as a restaurant or shopping centre. This can make you feel very tired. You miss everyday sounds - If people complain you miss their calls or say they have to knock for ages before you answer the door consider it a warning sign, especially if combined with people complaining you have the TV or radio set too loud.

women and children who tend to have higherpitched voices. Your family complains that the TV is too loud - If you’re turning up the volume to a point where those around you complain about how loud it is, it might be time to pay attention, especially since listening to excessively loud music can do further damage to your hearing.

Whilst it can be tough to admit your hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, it’s best to take action early on. With the right support and technology, hearing loss doesn’t need to keep you from enjoying all the fun things in life. Book an appointment with your GP or an audiologist today.

Health & Fitness

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Leisure

Wheelton

Moor

by Chris Pearce

Despite the name, the moor isn’t in Wheelton; it’s actually closer to neighbouring Brinscall and it’s from there that we start this scenic, easy-to-follow 6 mile route. There’s a fair amount of off road parking in the village and we start in Lodge Bank, near to Brinscall Swimming Pool (PR6 8QU). Exit Lodge Bank and turn right. Instead of following the bend in the road, go straight on into Butterworth Brow and then take the first right up Well Lane. The early morning sunshine quickly disappears, blocked out by the canopy that is Wheelton Plantations, as we climbed Well Lane.

Ignore the entrances to the Plantations on the right and carry on up the incline until you can go no further by road, then go through the entrance gate to the Moor and follow the stony path that bears slightly to the right. At this point you should take a breather and indulge in the rural views of Chorley’s eastern villages that have opened up behind you before you continue up the pathway onto the 90 square miles of wild, unspoilt countryside that is the West Pennine Moors. Remnants of stone cottages are dotted around Wheelton Moor, which are only inhabited nowadays

R ay ilw

Postcode Scho ol La ne PR6 8QU

Ba nk ge

Brinscall

Lo d

ne Well La

g Ed an TL

FBs

The G

oit

FBs

Cricket Pitch

White Coppice

Wheelton Moor

FBs

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.

52 by the odd visit from the hardy sheep. Though bleak in winter, at the height of summer this is a stunning landscape, a desolate setting where generations of northern folk have visited for recreation, enjoying

Known as Lancashire’s most picturesque cricket ground, White Coppice is worth loitering awhile on the many benches available if there’s a match on, to use the facilities or grab a bacon butty. Return from

the gorgeous views over Lancashire’s hills, coastline and reservoirs below.

the cricket ground through the gate and turn left down the pathway by The Goit, heading north and passing the cricket scoreboard on the way.

You’ll follow the stony path for just over a mile, eventually heading towards the Winter Hill transmitter mast until you reach a Ramblers Association signpost indicating the routes to Brinscall, Belmont Road and White Coppice. You’re at the walk’s highest point, 297m, and at this point, take the sharp right turn downhill towards White Coppice. On the way down, your views will include Great Hill and Hurst Hill. This is a popular route so the gentle inclining path to White Coppice is well defined and also a bit loose underfoot in parts, particularly going downhill, so take care. Once you’ve almost reached the bottom of the hill, you’ll need to bear left to arrive at the gated bridge over The Goit at White Coppice.

The Goit is a scenic canal used for transporting drinking water along the Rivington chain of reservoirs, and we follow the shady pathway for just over a mile until a footpath on the left appears just short of a grey metal sluice on The Goit. Go down the footpath, ignore the first footpath on the left (which takes you back in the direction you came) and take the next footpath on the left heading away from The Goit. Follow this path along the right hand perimeter of the field and, once you get to the corner, go through the stile, over a footbridge and head directly across an open field. Go through another stile and immediately dip down and turn right along the wide path that was formerly part of the Chorley to Blackburn railway line, and which once hosted 14 passenger trains daily. Once you reach three steel gates, take the one on the right and then, once you’re through, turn left along the cobbled road. This road eventually takes you past Brinscall Lake and into Lodge Bank where you will reach your starting point.

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

Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook

events2go

Rainford Show

A Day in the Life of a Bottlehand

Saturday, September 1, 1:30pm-4:30pm

Friday, September 7, 7pm-11pm

There will be classes covering crafts, photography, confectionery, floral art and vegetables on offer, as well as a baking competition. Children and young people are encouraged to attend.

Every bottle tells a story. Set against the backdrop of St. Helens life in the late 19th Century, ‘A Day in the Life of a Bottlehand’ digs beneath the earth to celebrate the lives, stories and histories (some real and some imagined) of the people who worked in the largest glass bottle-making factory in the world. Tickets cost £6-£8.

Rainford Village Hall, Rainford, WA11 8HB

New to You Sale Saturday, September 1, 2:30pm-4:30pm

The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St. Helens, WA10 1PX

Come down in aid of St. Helens Scouts Jamboree Fund and grab yourself some pre-loved books, toys, DVDs and more. Refreshments available, free entry.

Science Fiction & Fantasy Fair

St. James’ Church Hall, St. Helens Road , Eccleston Park, L34 2QB

Dogs Trust Talk Thursday, September 6, 10:30pm-12pm Calling all dog lovers! Come and listen to a talk on the work of Dogs Trust, and find out how they could help look after your dog after you’re gone with the Canine Care Card. Aimee the host will also bring her own dog along while you enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Billinge Library, 49 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7HA

Local History & Archive Tour Thursday, Sept 6, tours at 10am, 1pm & 3pm History buffs won’t want to miss this tour of St Helens’ local history and archives. The event is free but please book at 01744 677446 Gamble Building, Victoria Square, St. Helens, WA10 1DY

Saturday, September 8, 10am-5pm & Sunday, September 9, 10am-5pm Turn up as your favourite comic, film or TV character and join the Smithy at their mini comic-con event! You’ll be spoilt for choice between stalls of memorabilia, costumes, toys and games. The icing on the cake, though, is the Great Eccleston Bake-Off competition on the Sunday, with lots of prizes up for grabs. Smithy Heritage Centre, Eccleston Parish Council, WA10 4RA

Picnic in the Park Saturday, September 8, 11am-4pm Come down to Taylor Park and meet the Healthy Living Team! The event includes free taster sessions, family games, and 5 Ways to Wellbeing sessions to raise the profile of suicide prevention. Taylor Park, Regents Road, St. Helens, WA10 3HX

Gardeners’ Association Show

Chantry Open Day

Saturday, September 8, 2pm-4.30pm

Sat & Sun, Sept 8-9 & Sat & Sun, Sept 15-16

It’s free entry with free parking. Exhibitors can set up Friday evening and 8-10.15am on Saturday. It’s 20p to enter. There are competitive classes including flowers, fruit, photography, baking, jam, classes for children, and a tombola and raffle. Contact Show Secretary Angie Murray on 07921 864290.

Ned Forsyth will down tools and offer walks and talks among the tombstones, with historic photographs and documents on display. Find out about the lives of some of the people buried in the Chantry spanning 360 years.

Penkford School, Wharf Road, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 9XZ.

Haunted House Challenge Saturday, Sept 8, 8pm to Sunday, Sept 9, 2am Are you feeling brave? Fourth Element Paranormal Research is the resident team at the Mid-Mersey Age UK building. £20pp and the event will raise money to be split between the NSPCC and Bone Cancer Research Trust. Email enquiries@themansionhouse. org.uk for more info. The Mansion House, Victoria Park, St Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644

Quiz Night Fundraiser Saturday, September 8, 6pm Get ready for a quiz night, raffle and disco fundraiser! All proceeds made go towards costumes for DanceBeatz Academy annual show. Rainhill Ex-Services Club, 561a Warrington Road, Rainhill, L35 4LS. Tel: 0151 426 4625

The Chantry, Denton’s Green, St. Helens, WA10 6JG

Open Day Sunday, September 9, 12pm-4pm Rainford Heritage Society is holding an Open Day. Entrance is free; the theme for this year is ‘Rainford through the Ages.’ All are very welcome to the fun day out for you and the children. Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB

Sunday Funday Sunday, September 9, 11am-6pm Have a real fun day in support of Achieving Dreams and Memories. There’s a football match 11am-1pm, a bouncy castle, face painting, games and activities, a DJ, and snacks available from the Tasty Bites food van. Rainhill Ex-Services Club, Warrington Road, Rainhill, L35 4LS

Food & Drink Festival

Reminisce Festival

Saturday, September 15, 10:30am-7:30pm & Sunday, September 16, 10:30am-5:30pm

Saturday, September 8, time TBA

Feast your tastebuds on an incredible selection of food and drink from craft beers to sushi! With talks and demonstrations from celebrity chefs – Two Michelin-starred Raymond Blanc will be topping the bill this year! A Kids’ Village bursting with rides, food and entertainment ensures your little ones will never be bored. Tickets start at £7, free for children under 14.

Reminisce Festival returns to celebrate the best in classic dance music. A non-camping music fest will have you on your feet all night long with over 140 acts over 6 arenas, featuring artists like Cascada, Love Inc. and many more. Tickets from £85. Sherdley Park, St. Helens, WA9 3TP

Sefton Park, Liverpool, L17 1AJ

Extraordinary Women

Colour Run

Saturday, September 15, 10am-4pm

Sunday, September 23, 9am

Friends of Cannington Shaw offer a free extraordinary women historical exhibition as part of the Heritage Open Days.

Runners are invited to paint the Town Centre red – and many other colours – in a 4k run. Everyone’s welcome to jog, skip or cartwheel their way through town whilst being showered in coloured powder. A post-event colour Zumba will be held with the Saints Angels. Registration is open online at www. saintssuperstore.com.

The Friends Meeting House, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AJ

Family Fun Day Sunday, September 16, 10am-4pm The North West Museum of Road Transport is hosting a family fun day! With performances from the Mucky Mountain Morris dancers and Junior Valley brass band, model railway shows, face painting, crafts, tombola and free heritage bus rides, admission ranges from £12.50 for a family ticket, £4.25 for adults and £2.50 for kids. North West Museum of Road Transport, St. Helens, WA10 1DU

Totally Wicked Stadium, St. Helens, WA9 3AL

Simply Women Together Wednesday, September 26, 4pm-7pm Maxwell Hodge Solicitors host ‘Simply Women Together,’ a charity event in partnership with its charity of the year Ronald McDonald House. Tickets £10 including prosecco and canapés. Book your place at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/simply-womentogether-tickets-47206977340 The Suites Hotel, Ribblers Lane, Prescot, L34 9HA.

Sound City on the Farm Sunday, September 16, 12pm-7:30pm Head over to Inglenook Farm to hear breakthrough North West bands, savour delicious food & drink, and enjoy a host of family-friendly activities. Free entry, book at www.soundcity.uk.com. Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Lane, Rainford, WA11 8AE

Adult Crafts: Ribbon Bows Thursday, September 27, 10:30am-12pm Enjoy some craft time at the library, learn a new skill in time for Christmas, and make friends! You’ll need to bring wide ribbons, thin wire, decorations and wire cutters. Billinge Library, 49 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7HA

St. Patrick’s Afternoon Tea

Jamie Carragher

Wednesday, September 19, 12pm-3pm

Friday, September 28, 6pm-10pm

Head down for an afternoon of entertainment, with bingo games, a music quiz, a raffle, and vocal entertainment. £3 per person, price includes hotpot.

Carra will discuss his Anfield career and the football world in his hilarious style. By then there might even be a bit of transfer gossip to share! There’s a meet and greet session available too! Tickets are £27.50 or £48 including the meet & greet from https://5times.co.uk/sthelens/

St Patrick’s Social Club, Off Common Road, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 9JH Tel: 01925 227684

Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, WA9 3AL. Tel: 01744 455050

Gardening

Daisy

By Rachael Leverton

There are some flowers I love because they are showstoppers, others because of their evocative scent, and some because they are unusual. Michaelmas daisies don’t tick any of those boxes, but I love them anyway. They are bright, cheerful, and completely undemanding - at home in the poorest, driest soils, and bees and butterflies love them! They get their common name from their flowering period, which peaks at Michaelmas, the feast of St. Michael on September 5th, though they will carry on flowering well into late autumn. This means they are great for injecting colour into borders which can start to look a little washed-out and dreary in late summer. Until the mid-nineties, Michaelmas daisies were all known scientifically as asters, but then some were reclassified. Look out for the name Symphyotrichum, as many popular varieties now carry that name instead The gardener credited with popularising the Michaelmas daisy was Ernest Ballard. Many of the varieties he cultivated are still available and bear

the names of his family members. “Ada Ballard” is named for his sister and is lavender blue, “Marie Ballard” is a pretty pale blue double bloom named for his wife. He is also responsible for “Prosperity” and “Peace”, rose-pink and deep mauve respectively, which he named straight after the First World War. If you want a tallish variety suitable for the middle of the border, try “Little Carlow” which grows to about 90cm and produces masses of violet-blue blooms. One of my favourites for the back of the border is “Calliope” which has striking black elegant stems that reach heights of 2m, smothered in delicate lilac flowers. A good small variety is “Beggarten” which is pale blue, compact and clump-forming. “Tonga” is also smaller and is a lovely deep purple which looks great in a container. Although they are not high-maintenance plants Michaelmas daisies benefit from being cut down to ground level in late autumn and covered in a good mulch of well-rotted organic matter. And that’s all there is to it!

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Motoring

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Impreza by Tim Barnes-Clay

The fifth incarnation of the Subaru Impreza brings four-wheel-drive grip within reach of buyers who don’t fancy an SUV. It is an Astra-sized hatchback with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system coupled to 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol Boxer units. I drove the higher powered 2.0-litre. What’s intriguing about the new Impreza is that it is the first motor to be launched in Britain on Subaru’s fresh Global Platform – the pillar of all its future models.

There is nothing stirring about the latest Impreza’s silhouette, but the interior is better than the former model’s. The quality of plastics and finishes have been enhanced, while the cabin is wider and offers more rear legroom. Maximum cargo capacity has also been boosted by 10 litres. The cabin houses lots of kit, too, with safety being the new Impreza’s selling point. The car is fitted with EyeSight technology – a camera-based system that scans the way ahead for other road-users. It is more accurate than conventional camera and sensor arrangements, continually producing 3D images and identifying specific objects – rather than just reacting to unknown obstacles. Behind the wheel, the 2.0-litre powerplant isn’t mind-blowingly quick. The car pulls away briskly, but anything after this feels a tad lifeless, so you must plan your overtakes in advance. The continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 9.8 secs • Combined mpg: 42.8 • Engine layout: 1995cc four-cylinder ‘boxer’ petrol • Max. power (PS): 156 • CO2: 152 g/km • Price: £24,995

64 imitates an orthodox auto’s ratios. It works okay, but it does whine offensively. There’s no manual gearbox, as the intricate EyeSight gadgetry only functions with the CVT. So, when all’s said and done, you need to work the engine like a dog to make real headway. Relax to a cruise, however, and the refinement is respectable, even if the levels of tyre rumble are a touch too much. Handling-wise, the Impreza corners with hardly any body lean. The steering is well-weighted, and the grip is incredible, due to the all-wheel-drive system.

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Alas, you will fork out for the Impreza’s traction talents when you fill the car with petrol. The 2.0-litre variant only returns 42.8mpg, meaning the Subaru is eclipsed on the efficiency front by many SUVs. But Subaru is happy with how safe its cars are. It is proud of its durability. It is proud of its slightly unexciting worthiness. And that’s cool, for keeping a core brand of loyal buyers content, but it will do nothing to lure new customers from competing manufacturers. Still, if you want a family-sized hatchback, then the Impreza is a safe bet – in more ways than one.

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• High Performance Felt Flat Roof Systems • Storm Damage and Insurance Work • Slating and Tiling full roofs • Poiniting and Guttering • Fascia Boards

Call 01744 884117 or 07702 693225

Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees

www.mhroofingltd.co.uk

Our Focus Is Quality & Price

LOCAL FAMILY FIRM

• WILSON BROS •

From a Loose Slate to a Complete Construction

Est. 1985

Roofing & Roofline Specialists

Extensions & Alterations Specialists

• All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate

All aspects of Building & Roofing UPVC Rooflines References Available

01695 633173 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk

Call us on... 01744 600074 Mobile: 07867 592460 13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA

Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters - call us now for all your roofline requirements! We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters. Clean, stylish and guaranteed for 25 years!

01942 735 515 / 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 www.orrellroofline.co.uk

Come and visit the largest showroom in the North West

® Quality installations of windows, doors, fascias, soffits and gutters First for quality • First for service • First for reliability No contractors • No salesmen Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business

Rockdoor Approved Installer Reg No 02767596

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established 16 years

Call us for a Free Quote Office Number: 01942 871 777 Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value Windows

Bi-Fold Doors

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs expertly fitted by accredited installers

Orangeries

Don’t just lock it, Rock it!

Conservatories

Manufacturers and installers since 2004

28544

Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)