Local Life - St Helens - November 2015

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St Helens Edition

November 2015

Cover photo by David Sudworth

Hats off to

Joan

Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Garden Diary...

www.locallife247.co.uk


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Holidays are

coming.. F

irst, I’d like to sincerely apologise for what I am about to write. On a scale of 1-10, it is the biggest social faux pas one can make other than letting your mobile phone go off while on public transport. But here goes - Christmas is coming! How do I know? Well, the other day, a work colleague asked me how many weeks it was until Christmas. “Happily, I have absolutely no idea whatsoever,” came my terse response. But then, when starting to put together this edition, we were inundated with news of forthcoming festive events. As each snippet of information crossed the newsdesk, the urge to count the weeks became greater until, finally, I succumbed. I realise that by doing this, I’ve probably sowed a seed with you and, much like the yawning effect, you’ll soon be leafing the calendar. But where exactly has this year gone? It doesn’t seem like two minutes ago I was in the loft, wrestling with a slowly disintegrating cardboard box full of tinsel and baubles. Answers on a Christmas card please... I can, however, defend all this talk of Christmas as this is the final issue of Local Life in this area for 2015. On behalf of all the team, I’d like to thank all our readers and advertisers for their support this year because, without them, there would be no magazine. So to one and all, have a very Merry Christmas.

David Sudworth - Editor

Next issue - December 2015

Advertising deadline - Tuesday 17 November Published - Friday 27 November Local Life Media

@locallifemedia


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In this issue Young at

Masterchef’s John

heart

Torode

17

55

Hats off to

Test Drive

Joan

Skoda Superb

32

68 Jack’s Tracks

Win a fused glass

bowl

Hoscar Moss

40

70

Regulars 26 Planning Matters 44 Puzzle Corner 48 Class from the past

Telephone: 01744 649 722 54 Useful numbers 64 What’s On

Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David Sudworth sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter Bretherton

design@locallife247.co.uk

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk

Sections

Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.

6 Local News 64 Leisure 48 Children & Education 74 Motoring 50 Travel 76 Gardening 55 Food & Drink 78 Home Services

This issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. 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.

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB 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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Care improvement End-of-life care across St Helens is being thrust into the spotlight. Members of local group Healthwatch say they want to improve standards locally by bringing together more organisations. In the group’s second annual report, Healthwatch St Helens support manager Emma Rodriguez dos Santos said: “When someone is coming to the end of their life, health workers tell us there can be various difficulties amongst family and preparations for care. If people don’t plan how they want to be cared for when they are dying, this can cause real emotional upset for everyone involved, and the impact of this can be far reaching and last for many years afterwards. Through people’s stories and reviewing complaints, a high proportion of issues were

pledge

connected to a death and we see more and more demand for bereavement support and counselling. The work is on-going, but we have brought partners together to support better standards in this sensitive area and will be compiling i n fo r m a t i o n packs of how to deal with various aspects of end of life care that anyone will be able to use to help them ensure their loved one’s passing is as dignified as possible.” For more information on Healthwatch St Helens, visit www.healthwatchsthelens.co.uk

Church to extend

Event ideas wanted

A church extension plan which drew over 200 objections has been granted permission. Mike Kerry, of Billinge Family Church, on Crank Road, appealed against a council decision to reject the application for a two storey rear staircase extension (ground and lower ground) and single storey side extension (lower ground). Independent planning inspector Nicholas Taylor’s report said: “The building is now a substantial size, much enlarged from its original form. Whatever opinions some neighbours may have of its current appearance, the overall size of the building would not be increased by a very significant extent. “

Crank villagers are being urged to forward their ideas for future local events. Crank Village Community Association is looking for local peope to get involved, as well as maybe becoming a volunteer at the regular bingo sessions and the upcoming OAP Christmas dinner. For more information, call Barbara Mellor on 01744 882369 or email barlesmellor@hotmail.com

Police meeting The next local police meeting for Moss Bank residents is at St David’s Church, Eskdale Avenue, on Wednesday, December 9, from noon. Residents are invited to go along to discuss non-emergency matters and policing priorities for the area. All welcome.


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Distributors wanted Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows: Blackbrook – Wedge Avenue, Gleneagles Drive & Harty Road. Rainford – Higher Lane, Heyes Avenue, Lakeside Gardens, Cross Pit Lane, Croxteth Drive, Muncaster Drive & Standish Drive. Laffak – Laffak Road, Woodlands Road, Renfrew Avenue, Paisley Avenue, Hinckley Road & Barwell Avenue. Haresfinch - Buckingham Drive, Folds Lane & Dearham Avenue.

Billinge – Rainford Road, Hillside Close & Braeside Crescent. If you are interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Flower power Rainford Flower Club is looking for new members. It meets on the second Thursday of each month excluding January and August in the village hall on Church Road from 7.30pm. All welcome. For more information, call chairman Norma Cunliffe 01744 883314


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Donations welcome An appeal which aims to bring a little joy and happiness to local people at Christmas is hoping to expand. The Storehouse Project’s annual festive hamper appeal last year saw 50 local families benefit. The organisation is now hoping to reach even more people this year. Donations to the hampers will be open from Monday, November 2, until Friday, December 11 and can be dropped off at the Storehouse’s office, at Billinge Family Church, 31 Crank Road. Items which are particularly welcome include men’s gift sets, boys and girls’ presents (1015 years old) and socks and scarves. For a full list of what you can donate, visit www.storehouseproject. org or call the office on 07816 623612.

Girls are ace!

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Two local youngsters’ tennis skills have been recognised. Eve Twist, aged eight, from Billinge, (left) and Lucy Jane Cunliffe, aged 12 and from Haydock, were champion and runner-up respectively in their age categories at the Lancashire County Championships. Both girls attend Robin Park Tennis Centre on the outskirts of Wigan.

Shop expansion bid A Billinge shop is hoping to expand. Portland’s Wine, at 5 Rainford Road, has applied for permission to build a single storey side extension along with alterations to shop front. A decision is due soon.

Stags hunt players Garswood Stags Rugby League Club is looking for players aged 16 and over. Training takes place every Tuesday and Saturday, with games taking place on Saturday afternoons. Call Johnni on 07512 272032, Mark on 01942 719127 or Tim on 01942 665391.


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Green

contest

Residents across the area are being pitched against each other in a yearlong battle to see which community is the greenest. Recycling Rewards is a new incentive scheme run by St Helens Council where each month, the borough’s top recycler will win £50, with £25 for the runner up. The contest will be broken down into a wardby-ward competition – the same areas people use for local voting – with reward points given to residents based on their individual and community performance. 12 months on from the start of the programme, the community which has accumulated the most points will be rewarded with £10,000 to donate to a charity within their ward. Each resident in the winning community will have

the chance to vote for where the money goes. St Helens recycling chief Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “We recycle 42% of our waste but there’s still much more we can do to reach the 50 per cent by 2020. The more you reduce, reuse and recycle, the more exclusive offers you’ll earn for yourself, and the more money you could earn for key local charities like HoneyRose Foundation, Steve Prescott Foundation and Willowbrook Hospice.” To start earning, activate your account online using the activation code enclosed inside the welcome pack which arrived recently. To do this, go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/recyclingrewards or call 0207 326 5055 to request a freepost activation form. Alternatively, activate using the free app. To download, search ‘St.Helens’ in your app store.


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Young at

heart

Moss Bank’s Irene Fairclough tells David Sudworth how she manages to stay independent at the ripe of age of 101

S

he’s lived through two world wars, four reigning monarchs and 21 Prime Ministers, but Irene Fairclough doesn’t look more than 20 years into retirement.

In fact, not only is the Moss Bank Road great grandmother now in her 101st year, but she’s still living in her own home, which happens to be a mere stone’s throw from where she took her first breath on September 14, 1914. “I still get my hair done every Thursday and I’m out tomorrow and the day afterwards. I like to keep active,” smiles Irene. In fact, she’s so active that during our chat, a neighbour, who is younger than Irene, calls round to borrow a DIY tool! Born to Frank and Lily Murray, she grew up in a row of cottages off Club Street, which once stood behind Moss Bank Mission School. She had a brother, Cyril, who died in a plane crash training session with the RAF when he was just 17. She married Reg Fairclough at St Mark’s Church in 1947 and their only son, David, was born four years later. “I left school at 14, that was just what happened then. I got a job at Pilkington’s but even before then, I’d earn money by potato picking at Teddy Abbott’s Farm in Moss Bank, which is now gone. “Eventually, Reg and I went on to manage a couple of pubs; The Crown in Prescot for eight years and then The Bear and Staff in Gateacre, south Liverpool. That was a nice pub and it also had a bowling green. “The reason we went into the license trade was because Reg’s sister and her husband took on a few pubs, like Carr’s Hotel in Whiston and the old Bear’s Paw Inn on Westfield Street in St Helens. We used to help out so decided it’s something we could do full-time. Later on, I worked at the Black Horse pub here in Moss Bank.” Apart from her time running pubs, Irene has lived in Moss Bank, a place which she says has changed vastly over the past century: “There are more people


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here now but there are few things going on. There used to be a hut on Club Street which would hold dances. I used to watch the ladies going in wearing their beautiful dresses, but that went a long time ago. I used to be a member of the Darby & Joan Club at the Mission but that’s now defunct.” Reg died in 1971, meaning Irene has been a widow for almost 45 years now. She puts her longevity down to pure luck rather than any concerted effort to stay healthy: “I used to smoke, I can’t remember the name of them now but they were coloured

With fellow members of the Darby & Joan Club

and came in an oval tin. But I stopped in my 50s - not like my dad whose breakfast would be a Woodbine and a cuppa! I’ve never really drank a lot. For my 100th birthday, I had a party at Irene as a youngster Langtree Park, because I’m a massive Saints fan, and was given a litre of whisky. It’s still not been opened. I used to play tennis and still love watching Wimbledon on the TV. I keep my With husband Reg mind active by doing the Express crosswords and the mobile library comes round, which is great. I think getting to 101 years old is mostly down to luck. It’s probably in the genes, somewhere...”

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Match of the

day

A St Helens e-cigarette retailer is set to continue its sponsorship of the town’s football club. Eciguk’s brand will adorn St Helens Town FC’s kit, club website, social media and matchday programme. A spokesman for Eciguk St Helens, based on George Street, said: “Our store was opened in October 2012 and we have built a strong customer base.” John McKiernan, chairman of St Helens Town, said: “It’s fantastic for the club to be able to retain such a sponsorship deal from a local company of the calibre of Eciguk St Helens.” It comes as Public Health England revealed its broad support for e-cigaretttes as an aid to helping smokers kick the habit. They say, according to research, the health risks are small compared to tobacco use.

Nictel 10ml - £2.50 5 x10ml - £10

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Facing

facts...

Clare Glover discovers how you can use the latest technology to stay looking fabulous

I

’m fortunate with my skin, I tan quite easily and don’t really burn. But as I’m no longer in my 20s, I wanted to know just how I could keep my skin in good condition, and what can be done with some areas I’d like to improve. The Skin Clinic at Beauty by Helen French, on Kiln Lane, Eccleston, is a great place to get a ‘health check’ on your skin. Their bespoke treatment rooms, complete with beautiful velvet curtains and soothing background music, made me feel relaxed from the moment I got there. I’d booked a free 30 minute consultation with Denise, who took the time to go through everything from what my main concerns and expectations were from any treatment, to my current health and diet. What I discovered is that, as we age, the level of collagen in our skin which gives it is plumpness and structure - reduces, causing it to become thin and create wrinkles. In order to boost the skin, Denise recommends an Environ Collagen Power Facial, which lasts about 90 minutes and is a multi-stage process which ensures the vitamins get deep into the skin. Environ are a cosmeceutical brand/company were science and skincare combine. As I lie on the bed, I admit to feeling a little nervous, but also curious as well. What would it feel like? Would it hurt? I was about to find out... First, Denise applies some pre-cleansing oil to ensure all the toxins from the day are removed. After that, a mild exfoliating gel is applied which, in tandem with the Environ Ionzyme probe, which is placed on my face, opens the skins cells in a non-abrasive way. This is important because, as Denise explains, abrasive exfoliation can damage skin by removing healthy cells, and expose the flesh underneath to everyday UV rays before it is ready. Now comes the ‘active’

part of the treatment which, with the skin cells now open, allows the Vitamin A and peptides to stimulate the collagen in the skin. This is done in sections of the face, with three minutes for each. A clay mask is applied, which is attached to the Environ Ionzyme, and this ‘pushes’ the nutrients into the skin with the help of a special ‘roller’, as well as hydrating it. The treatment finishes with the application of a moisturiser and also some Sun Protection Factor. Speaking to the owner Helen afterwards, she tells me this treatment programme is very popular with people from 30 right up to 70! The reason is that although skin may lose its natural collagen levels as we get older, this technique enables it to be drawn back effectively. As a result, they get a lot of motherof-the-brides and brides-to-be popping in around six months beforehand to ensure they look their best on the big day. I felt the difference almost immediately, and my skin feels more ‘alive’ than it has done since my mid-20s. And as it’s my own big day soon, I know where to recommend if any of my friends or family want expert, tailored and friendly advice in relaxing surroundings using the latest technology.


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Planning Matters Billinge

P/2015/0774/HHFP). A decision is due soon.

13 Myrtle Grove: Garage conversion to form downstairs bedroom and toilet (ref: P/2015/0772/ CLP) A decision is due soon. Kings Moss Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Lane: Detached garage (ref: P/2015/0785/CLE) A decision is due soon.

10 Eden Avenue: Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a single storey side and rear extension (ref: P/2015/0787/HHFP). A decision is due soon. Haydock

soon.

5 Norman Avenue: Conversion of existing dwelling to form two, one bedroom flats along with external alterations.(ref: P/2015/0768/FUL). A decision is due soon.

Rainford

For

34 Pimbo Road: Single storey side extension and porch (ref: P/2015/0760/HHFP) A decision is due

more

4 Rookery Drive: Single storey side extension (ref:

information on these visit www.sthelens.gov.uk

plans,

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Free publicity for YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser? If so, get in touch with us today! Local Life is distributed to over 100,000 homes across Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire. Each edition is crammed with stories for local events, and your group could be appearing in our next edition. The types of events we publicise are charity fundraising events, local school, church or community fairs, amateur concerts or performances by community groups, talks which are open to the public and leas from community groups or associations for new members .

Simply contact our Editor David Sudworth with the details what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can provide the information, the better the job we can do. So don’t delay – contact David today by emailing him directly at sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk


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Hats off to

Joan

David Sudworth meets the Billinge mum who has brought smiles to generations of local kids - and bus drivers!

W

ith her long, flowing hair, beaming smile and bright fluorescent cap, you couldn’t really fail to miss Joan Oakes.

For the past 27 years, she’s ushered literally thousands of school children across the busy Main Street in Billinge. So when the St Aidan’s lollipop lady retired recently, there were gloomy faces all round - including local bus and lorry drivers. “I used to blow kisses to them,” laughs Joan, 60. “They loved it and so did I, it was great fun. Over the years, I’ve got to know so many people. By the end, the children who I crossed the road with in 1988 were bringing their own children to school. You get to know generations from the same family.” Originally born in Scotland, Joan was adopted as a child and grew up in Eccleston, St Helens. Having attended Bleak Hill Primary and Rainford High, she went on to St Helens College where she discovered she was dyslexic. She went on to work at a chemist’s in Prescot before securing employment at the old Boots store in St Helens town centre. By 1972, Joan was married to Stan, who she met while at a church disco at St Teresa’s in Boundary Road, St Helens. They came to Billinge around 34 years ago and settled in Royden Road, where they brought up their sons Antony, Stuart and Daniel, who all went on to attend St Aidan’s and later Rainford High.


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“As a young mum, I didn’t work at first but I got fed up with being at home. I remember seeing the vacancy for the lollipop lady role on a noticeboard at Billinge Library, so said to Stan that I was going to go for it. “Back in those days, they came under the police and they were really pleased to see me. I joke that it’s the first and last time I’ve ever been interviewed by the police! “The headteacher at St Aidan’s at the time was really good to me Joan and Stan on son Antony’s wedding day. Also pictured is because I could take my children Antony’s wife, Wendy and, his siblings, Stuart and Daniel in early - bearing in mind this was the days before breakfast clubs and then go and do my patrol. I was also allowed Little did I know that a lorry driver was watching me to pick them up later so I could do the afternoon and he nearly mounted the kerb when he saw what patrol. Antony was at high school then so he’d get I was doing!” off the bus at the top of the hill, turn my lights off Joan also hit the headlines back in 2008 when it which indicated there was a school crossing, and emerged she was the only lollipop lady in the area then come with me to pick up the others.” and perhaps the country - to be allowed to sit down Spending so long on the road, Joan has many funny stories to tell: “I remember one summer when it was really hot but I obviously had to wear my long coat. One of my friends used to joke that I had nothing on underneath so one day, just to prove I was wearing clothes underneath, I pulled the coat up to my knee.

while doing her job. “The problem was that, because I was standing on a steep gradient, I strained my ligaments, which left me unable to stand for long periods of time.

“He nearly mounted the kerb when he saw me!” “So I got a little camping chair and it was a god send. The children loved it too - in fact when I got up to let some of them cross, many of them would pile on to the chair!”

Joan on her trusty camping chair

However, her decision to retire stemmed from an accident at her home last year: “I was walking down the stairs and my leg gave way, so I was off for a month. It really shook me up and then in January, I was walking with my trolley on the pathway from Claremont Road to the library car park when I fell and my chest slammed right down on to the floor.


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A young lad, I don’t know his name, from St Peter’s helped me up and I carried on to my patrol. One of my friends saw me and said I looked awful so she called for Stan. It turned out I’d broken two to three ribs. “Those incidents did shake my confidence, and if you are going to be a lollipop lady, then you have to have confidence because you’re dealing with heavy traffic and young children. “There are far more cars on the road now as well as impatient drivers. Also, a lot of the drivers aren’t as pleasant as they used to be but they were a minority because I was so well known. I’d get chocolates, teddies, jewellery... you name it, and I really want people to know that I appreciated it.” Despite having to give up the crossing patrol, , she’s still doing her cleaning job at Billinge Library, which she’s had since 1994, as well as continuing her role as head dinner lady at Billinge Chapel End School. She also recently completed 25 years with the local Boys’ Brigade Group, which now meets at Billinge Family Church on Crank Road. These days, Joan and Stan’s sons Antony, 42, and Stuart, 37, have left Royden Road but Daniel, who

Joan with son Daniel turns 34 in November, still lives there and runs his own business, Landyman Gardening and Tree Surgeon. Joan admits she’ll miss not turning out in all weathers: “It never really bothered me. One year, I turned out when it had been snowing really heavily and it was only when I got to the school that I was told the school had been closed for the day. I’ve always enjoyed doing jobs where you meet people. I’m very much a people person. People are fantastic, especially the children. I’ll definitely miss all the cuddles.”

Day Joan was caught by the Fuzz! When she’s not busy working in the community, Joan and husband Stan are keen classic car enthusiasts. In fact, Joan is the secretary of St Helens Classic Car Association which meets every third Thursday of the month at the Stork Hotel, Main Street, Billinge, at 7.30pm. The couple have a motor home and go around the country both showing their classic vehicles off as well as holidaying. “We really enjoy it and I’ve even met Fuzz Townshend from TV’s Car SOS a few times. He’s a lovely person.” For more information about the association, visit www.scca2011.wix.com


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Conveyancing

C

made simple onveyancing is the term used for dealing with the legal side of moving home.

Katherine Ball, Conveyancing expert at local firm of solicitors, I E Legal Solicitors, explained: “For most, it’s the single biggest transaction we will ever deal with. Not only are we talking about a large sum of money, but the property you buy will need to be enjoyed as your home for many years. “The actual legal transfer of the property is by far and away the easy bit. This is done by what we call a ‘Transfer Deed’, which in most cases is a simple form that is registered at the Land Registry. However, a pitfall is that each property in England and Wales has its own ‘title’, what lawyers call the documents which establish who owns what. This ‘title’ is a lot more than just ‘42 Acacia Avenue’ - it can include things such as easements, rights of way for you to go over other land, rights of other people to go over your land, rights for the local council to demand payments, obligations to pay money such as ground rent. Signing a transfer deed is not what conveyancing is about - it’s about making sure that when that deed is signed, every person knows what they are going to get, and every person gets what they should. And horror stories abound about cases where people

have bought gardens with pipes under that the homeowner can do nothing about, or bought a home without planning permission that needs to be knocked down.”

Fortunately, expert conveyancers I E Legal Solicitors deal with property transactions all the time. Their experts understand all the issues which may arise, and can take steps to undertake all the necessary searches, as well as knowing how to interpret the documents and the title. But how for much? “Actually, to get the benefit of professional legal expertise from us costs as little as £350, depending on the property value,” said Katherine. “Unfortunately, there are other charges, that are out of out hands, including estate agents’ fees and stamp duty. But by coming to us, you get the benefit of professional expertise, and local knowledge, at the best possible price.” For a no-obligation quote, contact I E Legal on 0845 467 0217, visit the website, or just pop in!

Looking For Expert Legal Advice? • Low Cost Divorce • Low Cost Conveyancing • Business Law & commercial property • Disputes & litigation • Accident claims • Low Cost Wills and Probate Our friendly and easy to appraoch advisors can deal with your issue by telephone or face to face Call FREE on

0800 612 9427

25 Eccleston St, Prescot, L34 5QA

www.ielegal.co.uk

Katherine Ball, conveyancer


38

Love

L

ondon, Paris, New York and Amsterdam are all known for their innovative art collections, but now there’s a gallery a little closer to home – at Love It Gallery, based at the old Billinge Garden Centre site on Winstanley Road (near Winstanley College). The gorgeous Love It Gallery, which opened last month, is a virtual potpourri of giftware, home furnishings and art in an elegant and spacious setting. Headed up by the owners of Morpheus Glass, Stephanie O’Brien and Ian O’Brien, Love It

it!

Gallery is a welcome and imaginative addition to the North West’s world of retail. Morpheus Glass now supplies fused glass work to galleries, shops, interior designers, architects and independent traders both nationally and internationally, and Fused Glass artist Stephanie enjoys working with clients on a range of varied and exciting bespoke commission projects. As you’d expect, Love It Gallery carries a beautiful, unique and original range of contemporary fused glass products from Morpheus Glass, but there’s so


39

much more on display at the Gallery, including gifts, ceramics, hand-crafted jewellery, furnishings, bags and more from dozens of leading UK designer/ makers. Adjacent to the gallery is the inspirational splashback showroom, where customers can see how fused glass splashbacks can make a stylish enhancement to a dream kitchen or bathroom. Coming soon to the site is the new Bag & Bean cafĂŠ, where you can enjoy tasty cakes, delicious coffee and light lunches six days a week. With Christmas just round the corner, a trip to Love It Gallery is a must! Love It Gallery The Hideaway, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG Opening hours are; Tuesday-Saturday 10-5pm Sundays 11-4pm www.loveitgallery.co.uk 01695 622332 www.morpheusglass.co.uk 01695 624182


40

Win a fused glass

bowl!

Here’s your chance to win a gorgeous hand crafted bowl from Morpheus Glass, one of the UK’s leading fused glass companies. This fused glass bowl, which would normally retail at £120, will be personally created for you; designed to suit your tastes and using colours chosen by you.

What is the name of the Billingebased gallery where Morpheus Glass exhibits their work?

Leading glass artist Stephanie O’Brien of Morpheus Glass uses a range of advanced glass techniques to create a unique and original range of contemporary glass products. Each piece of work is created using many different materials and design elements including coloured grains, metals, foils, silver and copper wire and also glass powders.

Only one entry per household. Entrants must be over 16

You can view the work of Morpheus Glass at their Love It Gallery, which is based on the site of the old Billinge Garden Centre on Winstanley Road in Billinge. To win the bowl simply visit our website www. locallife247.co.uk, click the ‘Enter our latest competition’ graphic and fill in your details along with the answer to this question;

The expiry date for this competition is Monday 30th November 2015. years of age. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition. Winners’ names will be published in the January 2016 issue of Local Life.


41


42


43


44

Puzzle

corner

Guess where? Wordsearch Sudoku

Crackle, bang, whizz!

Answers are on page 54 of this magazine

Acorn Fireworks Cobwebs GuyFawkes Crisp Bonfire

Winter Rocket Scarves Golden Sparkler Sweaters

Jacketpotato Pumpkin


45


46

Kids net new

pitch

Youngsters at Seneley & Garswood Junior Football Club finally have a pitch they can be proud to call home. The once waterlogged field at the Garswood Recreational Facility has recently received a much-needed drainage upgrade. Tom Nugent, club development officer, and colleagues secured the £42,365 funding after a bid to Football Foundation with assistance from St Helens Council and the Liverpool County Football Association. The new pitch was unveiled by Cllr Jeanie Bell.

Do YOU want to teach ?

Then come along to one of our Open Evenings...

Hot Drinks ~ Cold Drinks ~ Water Coolers Snacks & Confectionery ~ Cans & Bottles

6th October - St Bede’s Catholic High School, Ormskirk 7th October - St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan 4th November - St Mary’s Catholic High School, Astley, Leigh 11th November - St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan All open evenings will be 5:30pm - 7:30pm We are looking for graduates who have the potential to become outstanding primary or secondary school teachers of the future. Our School Direct teacher training program, accredited by Liverpool Hope University, leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and 60 credits toward a Liverpool Hope Masters in Education.

Supplying drinks of distinction for 21st Century people

YOUR LOCAL VENDING COMPANY – SERVING THE NORTH-WEST FOR OVER THREE DECADES

Freephone / retail.sales@eurocup.co.uk

0800 220 208 Paragon International Ltd T/A Eurocup, 7 Paddock Road, West Pimbo, Skelmersdale, Lancs, WN8 9PL

For further details about primary teacher training visit www.wcpsd.org.uk. For further details about secondary teacher training visit www.catholicsd.org.uk Applications for September 2016 open at the end of October 2015 and can be made via www.UCAS.com (Search for provider codes 24A and 27Q)


47


48

Class from the

past This month’s Class from the Past is from Moss Bank Mission in 1927. Pictured are Annie Middlehurst, Joan Horton and her sister Gertie, ? Webster, Mary Culley and Irene Murray (now Fairclough) who is now 101 years old and the subject of our article on pages 17 and 18 of this magazine. Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk


49

Are you interested in training to become a primary school teacher? If so, have you considered applying to the St Mary & St Thomas’ CE Primary School Direct Programme? • From day one of your training, you are immersed in school life. • You will be trained by experienced and enthusiastic teachers and senior leaders who are specialists in their curriculum subject. • You will gain PGCE as well as QTS and also have an opportunity to gain Masters Credits through the sessions at Liverpool Hope University.

• Job Opportunities – An excellent track record of employing Teachers, 100% employment rate. • School Direct is developing an excellent reputation nationally. • You will gain a range of experiences within a great support network across a range of phases. • Part of the St Helens Teaching School Alliance and National Maths Hub.

If you wish to discuss further please contact Michelle Moors or Lisa Bradshaw Michelle.moors@three-saints.org.uk Lisa.bradshaw@three-saints.org.uk Or call 01744 678010


50

Travel

Cruise

Control

David Sudworth discovers the delights of Europe’s Rhine river.

W

eaving its way through Germany, France and eventually into Switzerland, the Rhine takes in some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery.

Historic hamlets, towns and cities dot the shore of this 760-mile long river. From the beauty of medieval Koblenz to the Alpine scenery of the Eiger, it is a truly breath-taking experience. Speaking of mountain ranges, one of the best-kept secrets of the Rhine is the Siebenbirge (seven mountains), which was the inspiration for brothers Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm’s fairytale legend, Snow White.


51

However, if history is more your thing, you are in for a treat. This part of Germany is home to the 2,000 year old town of Koblenz. Its abundance of cultural monuments and buildings, cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where its guests feel right at home. The view from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress high above the Rhine across the river down to Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its re-erected equestrian statue of Emperor William I, is spectacular. As with any river, the Rhine has many twists and turns, none more so than at Boppard, which has a huge S-bend, affording you views of the surrounding countryside. Another beautiful part of the area is Rudesheim, which is famous for its winemaking as well as being part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Lorelei rock and statue is also close by. Legend has it that, once upon a time at the rock, beautiful

Come along to our

RIVER CRUISE EVENING on Tue 10 Nov 6.30 pm at Marken Travel for an informative and relaxed evening & meet the representative from Riviera Travel

Call us today to confirm your attendance

Independent Travel Specialist

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

nymphs distracted hapless sailors, luring them to their deaths in treacherous waters. One place well worth a visit is the delightfully medieval Speyer. Founded by the Romans, Speyer is one of Germany’s oldest cities. It was also in this area in the 16th Century that the famous German friar, Martin Luther, was excommunicated for his religious beliefs and banished from the Holy Roman Empire. His followers in Speyer launched a protest and so, for the first time, they were called ‘Protestants’. The neo-gothic Gedachtniskirche was built to commemorate the event. Further south, you reach the border of France, with the first major destination being Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace Region and one of the centres of the European Union. Its 16th Century Old Town is a beautiful maze of canals and timber-framed houses. Much like Rudesheim, this area is also feted for its wines, particularly Riesling, and for its spicy Gewurtztraminer.

What’s included on a Riviera River Cruise: • • • • • •

5*modern vessels Designed for the British market Full board Guided excursion Manchester departures No single supplements (in lower deck cabins) • Tea/coffee making facilities in cabin


52

And even further south is Switzerland, a country so diverse it has three official languages; French, German and Italian! Names like Basel and Lucerne are familiar to the seasoned traveller, the latter being a popular destination for the rich and famous for centuries, including Queen Victoria. The Chapel Bridge in Lucerne is among its highlights; a unique covered wooden walkway crossing support by stilts and lined with colourful, flower-filled window boxes. It’s the perfect way to soak up Lucerne’s regal atmosphere. Of course, to see all these fabulous destinations, there’s only one way to travel, by water! Billinge’s Marken Travel has teamed up with Riviera Travel, which specialises in Europe’s finest for and five star river cruises. Their eight day Rhine Cruise to Switzerland starts from only £1,298 per person, and takes in all the destinations mentioned, and more. There’s four

Rhine Checklist Language: French, German & Italian Currency: Euro Time difference: +1 Cost of a beer: 3 euros Cost of a cappuccino 2.50 euros 2 Course meal: 20 euros

vessels to choose from, the Lord Byron, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare and Swiss Tiara. So if you are looking to discover some of Europe’s most stunning destinations one of Europe’s treasures, the Rhine will happily guide you… Marken Travel, 200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE. Call 01744 893291.

Going on your Hols? Manchester/Liverpool airports

from £60 return Comfortable & clean vehicles – can seat up to 16 Reliable & friendly drivers

Billinge Mini Travel Established 1990

01744 609 691 Also available for taxi work, private functions and weekend work. Call Brian on 01744 894533 / 07860 944 874


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54

Useful numbers Billinge & Garswood Cllr D McDonnell Cllr S Murphy Cllr J Pearson Billinge Medical Practice Garswood Surgery Billinge & Garswood Police Team Billinge Parish Council Clerk Seneley Green Parish Council Clerk Billinge Library Garswood Library

01744 678 061 01942 743 098 01942 743 021 01744 892 205 01744 621 670 0151 777 6054 01744 892 355 01744 892 167 01744 677 535 01744 677 797

Blackbrook Cllr L Maloney Cllr P McQuade Cllr A Cunliffe

01744 677 036 01744 678 937 01744 677 280

Haydock Cllr Banks 01744 676 109 Cllr A Burns 01744 677 295 Haydock Med Cen. (Dr Breach & Prns) 01744 624 360 Haydock Med Cen. (Dr Roberts) 01744 22 272 Haydock Library 01744 677 801

Puzzle

Moss Bank Cllr J Fletcher Cllr J Fulham Cllr P Lynch Windermere Medical Centre Moss Bank Library

01744 884 984 01744 616 253 07986 484526 01744 739 645 01744 677 988

Rainford Cllr A Jones Cllr R Nichols Cllr L. Mussell Rainford Health Centre MacRae Medical Centre Rainford Library Rainford Parish Council

01744 893 367 01744 676 109 07740 422 764 01744 882 855 01744 882 606 01744 677 820 01744 884 709

General Medical St Helens Hospital Wigan Infirmary Whiston Hospital Minor Injuries Walk in Centre Police & Councils Merseyside Police Greater Manchester Police St. Helens Council

01744 26 633 01942 244 000 0151 426 1600 01744 627 400 0151 709 6010 0161 872 5050 01744 676 789

solutions

The photo on page 44 is of High Street, Newton-leWillows


55

Food & Drink

All Torodes

lead to

home By Keeley Bolger

“W

hat are you like in the kitchen?” asks MasterChef’s John Torode at the beginning of our cookery masterclass. “I’m OK,” I grunt, a mental carousel of burnt biscuits, teeth-extracting pork joints and soggy bottoms whirling to mind. “Did anyone tell you that you had to be brilliant at cooking?” despairs the 50-yearold, with a world-weary sigh. “People forget that their friends love them. They come around to your house for dinner not because they want you to show off to them. They come round your house for dinner because they love you.” My nearest and dearest might be more inclined to come round for dinner if there was less chance of the usual tortured pasta dishes I foist upon them. And evidently, I’m not the only one to feel coy about my cooking skills (or lack of ) because Torode’s new cookery tome My Kind Of Food explores just that. A deeply ‘personal’ collection of recipes (complete with pictures and cards made by his four children proudly placed alongside the acknowledgements), the emphasis is on getting us back in the kitchen and having some fun there. And if that means using shopbought condiments, so be it. “You don’t make your own vinegar,” he reasons. “You don’t make your own honey.” Correct, John. So after starting off with banana bread (“Everybody in Australia has banana bread”), we move swiftly on to Pesto and Tomato Tarts and Pesto and Pods, made with peas. “Good food should be accessible to everybody and that’s what I’ve done with the book,” he says. “I’m not after Michelin stars, I’m not after praise in that way, what I really like is when people taste my food and say, ‘That’s delicious’. And if that word comes out all the time, that’s fantastic. I’m really, really happy.” If you fancy trying some of Torode’s delicious dishes, here are two from My Kind Of Food... My Kind Of Food by John Torode is published in hardback by Headline, priced £25.


56

Roast

chicken Method Heat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper, then spoon the creme fraiche into the cavity. Plug the end of the chicken with the lemon half. Rub the chicken with some of the oil, season well and then place in a roasting tin, breast up.

With creme fraiche, new potatoes and watercress

Serves 6 Ingredients 1 large chicken, about 1.5kg 200g creme fraiche 1/2 lemon 4tsp vegetable oil 500g new potatoes 100g watercress Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1tsp mustard (optional)

Roll the potatoes in the remaining oil and then scatter around the chicken. Place the chicken in the oven and roast for one hour 10 minutes without opening the oven door. Leave it. Pick the largest stems off the watercress and put the lot into a large bowl filled with cold water. Push the watercress under the water and place the bowl in the fridge. The clean watercress will float to the top while all the dirt will sink to the bottom. Take the chicken out of the oven. Pour the creme fraiche out of the chicken over the potatoes in the tin, then turn the chicken upside down onto a board and leave it to sit for 10 minutes so that all the juices flow back into the breast. It will be done. Meanwhile, place the tin over a medium heat and bring to the boil, stirring the potatoes around the tin so all the lovely sticky bits come off the sides and make the sauce. Take it off the heat. Lift the watercress out of the bowl and shake off the excess water. Put the chicken and potatoes onto a large platter, scatter over the watercress and pour yourself a congratulatory vat of wine. Add a spoonful of mustard for a bit of spice in the creme fraiche.


57

( Former Little Chef ) Next to Texaco Garage, East Lancashire Road, WIndle, St Helens WA10 6QY

WE ARE NOW OPEN ‘’So good we booked for another meal as we left!’’ ‘’I returned and its even better!’’

The team are ready at Ba’bursi to host you the very best of authentic Indian Cuisine for all occasions. We have had an immense response so far and thriving for more. So why not come and join us for meal & enjoy our fresh feeling restaurant, lounge & fully open kitchen or even take away. We are a FAMILY based business and our aim is to keep things simple and deliver quality each time. We endeavour to keep our customers at the heart of everything we do. You can view our menu or book a table through our web page www.babursi.co.uk or even find us of Facebook and Trip Advisor.

So for a new experience, why not take advantage of the voucher enclosed and visit us. We don’t only value our customers but want your feedback to build your ‘new favourite’ Indian restaurant. Also we have special offers through Monday to Thursday Available from 5.30pm till 8.30pm offering 4 course at only £11.95 per person. Sunday Lunch & Tea Time offer available from 1.30pm till 7.30pm offering 3 courses at only £10.95 per person. We welcome all occasions be it a meal for two, family or birthday celebration please call us and we will accommodate.

Christmas Day Menu - now available Only £24.95 per adult / £13.95 per child (under 10)

Call to Book a Table or Collect a Take Away

15% off your food bill*

01744 737 911

when you present this on your first visit

or visit www.babursi.co.uk

FOR BOOKING & INFO

Ba’Bursi Contemporary Restaurant & Bar

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

Call 01744 737 911 East Lancashire Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 6QY *Voucher is exclued on our specials & Christmas menu


58

Taste test

Cuisine cooked to a

tee

by David Sudworth

A

s someone who, like Oscar Wilde, firmly believes that golf is the best way to ruin a good walk, you may be wondering why I decided to pay a visit to Houghwood recently. However, this Crank Road venue is so much more than a sporting venue. Perched on Billinge Hill, its facilities - including The Houghwood Restaurant - has truly magnificent views over the Lancashire Plain and Welsh Hills. So on a fine, late autumnal day, my colleague Clare and I met there for lunch. Our table next to the window gave us a backdrop which no mere painting could ever hope to replicate. That said, the restaurant is decorated to a high standard with colours which helps draw in as much natural light as possible, even on the darkest of days.

syrup extract which was poured down our throats as children. But that shouldn’t put you off, because when put alongside the delicate saltiness of the cured ham and sweetness of the raspberries, it makes for a delicious appetiser.

For starters, Clare chose the smoked salmon and prawn platter while I was drawn in by the fig, raspberry, mozzarella and prosciutto salad. Figs are a tremendously underused fruit in British cuisine, probably something to do with the nightmarish

Clare was equally impressed by the salmon and prawn platter, which was again a fresh fusion of flavours and, crucially, not too much to spoil her appetite - something which is easily done on meat dishes.


59

Main course choices were English lamb rump on a sauté of spring greens and port wine jus for me while Clare had spinach and wild mushroom risotto with peas, pine nuts and parmesan. I know through personal experience how tricky risotto can be to cook; there’s a fine balance between serving up a plate of mini bullet-like grains or something which resembles the rice pudding you loathed at school. The Houghwood’s talented chefs were never going to be caught out by such a schoolboy error, but trust me there are plenty places that do on a regular basis.

important course. I can’t remember the last time I had marquise (a rich dessert made with dark chocolate, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs and cream). In fact, I struggle to recall the last time I saw it on a menu, which is surprising considering how good they are.

With the lamb, I was impressed even before it had been served, as the waitress asked me how I wanted it cooked. Hallelujah - a place which actually asks the customer what they want. It’ll never catch on...

So while I may not be picking up a nine iron any time soon, I’d certainly head back to Houghwood Golf. Because in culinary terms alone, the restaurant team have scored an impressive hole in one...

The lamb and accompanying veg were exceedingly good, so much so that I confess to actually eating the fat as well. That’s me down for a rollicking from my GP next week but it was worth it.

Houghwood Golf, Billinge Hill, Crank Rd, Billinge, WA11 8RL

There comes a point in every meal where your stomach starts telling you that you’re now way too full and dessert should be avoided. But by putting together very balanced dishes, with just the right amount of protein and carbs, we never got that uncomfortable feeling. So it was with pleasure I chose the chocolate marquise with hazelnut crème fraiche while Clare stole my thunder by ordering the rocky road cheesecake served with pouring crème. When eating out, I find desserts are usually something of an anti-climax but at Houghwood, they take their rightful place beside starters and mains as an

If I had to sum up the Houghwood Restaurant in a sentence it would be ‘classic, but with a modern twist’. The food is traditional but not boring. The surroundings are elegant but accessible. And the views are simply spectacular.

01744 894444 www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk


60

Tomato & pesto

tarts

Method Heat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. On a lightly floured worktop, roll the puff pastry out until it is about 2cm thick. You will need to cut four circular discs from the pastry, so find a small plate or saucer that’s about 16cm in diameter to use as a template. Place the plate over the pastry and run a sharp knife around the edge to cut out the first disc. Repeat until you have four. Now you need to lightly score a margin about 1.5-2cm in from the edge of the pastry discs, so find a smaller plate or bowl that you can use as a template. Place the smaller plate in the centre of each pastry disc and lightly run a sharp knife around the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Makes 4 tarts Ingredients 500g block puff pastry (all-butter, if possible) Plain flour, for dusting 1 egg, beaten 2tbsp pesto (home-made or just use a jar) 8 plum tomatoes, sliced Salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve: 100g watercress 10ml peppery olive oil Heat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.

Lift the disks onto a baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg. With a fork, prick the inner circle but not the outer edge - this will stop the pastry from rising in the middle, but will allow the outer edge of the tart to rise up. Take a good amount of the pesto and spread it over the inner circle of each tart. Place the tops and bottoms of the tomatoes in the centre of the tarts, then start to lay the slices on top of the pesto so they overlap and create a swirl effect - it should look a bit like a Catherine wheel. Season with salt and pepper. Place the tarts in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until well risen and coloured. Mix the watercress with the olive oil and serve with the tarts.


61

ms Road Inn The Sim a swo d d, WN4 H 532 G r

o R

0X

Andrew Burton - previously head chef at the Travellers Rest, Lowton 1984 - 1994 moved to Simms Road, chef/proprietor 1994 - 2006 recently returned to Simms Road, July 2013 serving Home made traditionally prepared pub classics.

Food is available 7 days lunch and evening (Sunday all day)

Whats On? Monday - Burger Night Burger and a bottle Tuesday - Ruby Tuesday Curry, free drink and free poppadoms Wednesday - Chicken Night Dishes from around the world Thursday - Steak Night 2 Steaks and a Bottle of wine ÂŁ25 Friday - Fish Night Fish of the week deal Saturday - Pie Night Home made pie meal & a bottle of Beer for ÂŁ8.00 Sunday Roasts of the day served all day BT sport and sky sport in the bar for all your favourite teams On all nights booking is recommended Booking is necessary for Sundays

01744 894246


62

The Foot

returns

Quality Food In A Village Setting

T

he Holt Arms known to many as the “Foot” due to its position at the foot of the ancient causeway that once linked Manchester to Liverpool, has undergone a transformation in the past 6 months. Since the reopening in March this year, owner Ian Mitty, a local of 15 years, is doing a roaring trade and this is unquestionably down to the outstanding cuisine, wide variety of real ales and overall quaint country pub atmosphere. The next step in the journey begins with a significant refurbishment of the 18th Century Village pub restaurant which takes place from the 10th November to the 20th November. A new Winter menu lands on the 20th November and the Foot will be offering an excellent Christmas and holiday menu. At present the Lunch and Early Bird Offer of 2 courses for £7.95 3 courses for £9.95 is still very popular.

Free Bottle

of House Wine Offer available from Mondays to Thursday upon presentation of this voucher. Only available when a minimum of two people order a two course meal from the main menu. Offer ends on 30th November, 2015.

FD erses eer t on purchase of Main Meal

#

#

Maximum of one bottle per table.

As you can see from the offers and vouchers Ian is keen to attract customers old and new to the Holt Arms to try out the fantastic food. If you have not been to the Holt Arms for a while, why not make a visit and re-acquaint yourself with the finest old country pub in the area. A place of outstanding home cooked food, real beer and overall a wonderful atmosphere.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer Offer ends on 30th November, 2015.

The Holt Arms Crank Road, Billinge, WN5 7DT 01695 628006


63

Eating out

guide Delph Tavern Award-winning CAMRA freehouse with a fast growing reputation for excellent quality food at reasonable prices. Traditional British classics served, plus some exotic surprises too. Food served Wed-Sun only. 01695 622239 Tontine, Orrell, WN5 8UJ facebook.com/TheDelphTavern

Quattro’s A family run Italian restaurant situated on the Rainford By-pass at Bickerstaffe. Being just off the slip road of the M58 makes this an ideal location for meeting friends and business lunches. 01695 720800 54 Rainford Road, Bickerstaffe, Ormskirk L39 0HF quattros.co.uk

Sing Faye Restaurant Dine at Sing Faye and enjoy a taste of Oriental Cuisine. Amazing Sunday banquet, Early Bird & A la Carte menu. Open 7 days a week. Book a table to avoid disappointment. 01744 738882 East Lancashire Road, Carr Mill, St Helens, WA11 9AE singfayerestaurant.co.uk

The Simms Road Inn

Houghwood

Traditional homemade pub food made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning steak and ale pie. Supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner. Garswood, WN4 0XH 01744 894246 burtonandrew55@yahoo.com

In a perfect setting, Houghwood’s restaurant has panoramic views across the course and over to the Welsh hills. A modern British menu is served Wednesday to Sunday. Monthly tribute events and theme nights. 5 star food hygiene rating. 01744 894754 Crank Road, St Helens, WA11 8RL houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk


64

Events & Leisure

What’s

on

Billinge FC Beer Festival Friday, October 30-Saturday, October 31 There’s free admission to this two-day event, which boasts over 20 beers and ciders, live music, hot food and free parking. From 5pm-10pm on the Friday and 2pm-9pm on the Saturday at the Carr Mill Road venue. Organised by the club to support the Isabella Rose Foundation,

Introduction to Spanish Thursday, November 5 Five week course for beginners held at Park Farm ACYP Centre, Kentmere Avenue, Carr Mill. The course fee is £30 plus £5 registration fee if the student is not already registered on any other St Helens Council course. To book a place e-mail acypcentre@yahoo.com

Manchester Christmas Markets Saturday, November 14-Monday, December 21 Spread across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are all located within roughly a quarter of a mile of each other and accessible to all. Albert Square is open 10am to 9pm daily. Other sites: 10am to 7.30pm (8pm in December). Bars open until 9pm on all sites. Visit www.manchester.gov.uk

Promote your event

here! Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in St Helens Ad prices start from £30 + VAT Call 01744 649722 for details

Share your memories Thursday, November 5 The theme of this month’s talk at Billinge Library is house and home. Do you have memories of growing up in Billinge? Join library staff for a cuppa and feel free to take along any old photos you may have which are relevant to the theme. Held from 10.30am-noon and all are welcome.

Antiquarian and Secondhand Bookfair Saturday, November 7 Held at Haydock Park Racecourse, Lodge Lane with over 40 exhibitors from 10am to 4pm.£1 entry - free parking. Contact Ben Kelsall on 01706 370244 or ben@bgk1967b.plus.com


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Paranormal Investigation Friday, November 6 UK Shadow Seekers event being held at Mill Street Barracks, St Helens, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. It will start at 9pm-3am and the public will have the chance to explore the building and get to use the specialist equipment under the guidance of the Shadow Seekers team. Tickets are £30 including refreshments. Call Peter on 07832 225 408.

Christmas Gifts Sunday, November 8 Organised by the Creative Crafts Association from 10am-4pm at Haydock Park Racecourse, Lodge Lane. Featuring a wide selection of quality British crafts and gift ware including animal figurines, handmade cards, soft toys and more.

Latimer Cleaning Services Children In Need Fundraiser Sunday, November 8 Held from 10am to 4pm at Rainhill High School. There will be a teddy sale stall, bric a brac stall, cake stall by Celebration Cakes 4 You, cushions by Pinkydoodles, party items by Partyworld, candles by Little Treasures Candleroom, dress making by Pop Up Boutique, soaps by Rubber Duck Kirkby, handmade garlands by Love and Congrats and much much more. Also there will be a tombola, guess the weight of the cake, how many sweets, name the teddy and Grand Raffle.

Charity Beer Festival Thursday, November 12 - Saturday, November 14 Rainhill Rotary Club event to be held at the Recreation Club, Victoria Terrance, Rainhill. From humble beginnings 12 years ago, it has grown to become the largest charity beer festival in the North West - raising around £200,000 to local and national good causes. Opening times are 7pm-11pm on the Thursday and Friday, and 1pm-11pm on the Saturday. Entry prices are as yet to be decided. Visit www.rainhillbeerfest.org for more information.

Ken Dodd Saturday, November 21 He’s a comedian of legendary status; an icon and national treasure who has been entertaining audiences for a lifetime of happiness and laughter. Go to Ken Dodd’s famous Happiness Show at Southport Theatre and you’ll be absolutely discumknockerated (that’s Knotty Ash for ‘over the moon’) by a truly tattifelarius (fun-filled) evening of laughter and songs presented by a comedy genius. Starts at 7pm. Tickets from £21.40 via www. atgtickets.com

Body Shop Party Friday, November 13 Fundraiser for Rainford In Bloom held at Rainford Village Hall from 7pm. A bar and raffle will be on offer.

‘50s & ‘60s Evening Saturday, November 14 Hosted by Rainford Heritage Society in the function room at The Junction pub, News Lane, Rainford. Starts at 7.30pm, music from The Tyos from 8pm. Tickets are £10 from Ray Waring on 01744 885547 or Peter Lewis on 01744 885869.

King John & The Magna Carta Monday, November 16 Talk by Paul Booth for St Helens Historical Society at the Friends Meeting House, Church Street, St Helens, starting at 7.30pm. For more information,


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call Mary Presland on 01744 23141 or Norma Cresswell on 01744 754962.

Village bingo Wednesday, November 18 Held at the Old School Hall, Crank Hill, from 8pm. All welcome.

Macbeth

Wednesday, November 18 Starring Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Paddy Considine. Starts at 7.30pm at Liverpool Philharmonic. Tickets from £7 via www. liverpoolphil.com

Chester Christmas Market Thursday, November 19-Sunday, December 20 Open 7 days a week 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday with late night shopping on Thursdays until 8pm and until 7pm on Friday and Saturday to fulfil your festive shopping needs. More details available at www.christmasinchester.com

Christmas Gift & Craft Fair Sunday, November 22 A Billinge Residents Association & Almost Vintage event held from 1pm- 4pm at Birchley St Mary’s Catholic Club, Trent Road, Billinge. To book a table please contact 07767 870977 or 01744 603210 .

Afternoon Tea Sunday, November 22 Rainford Village Hall hosts this event in aid of the parish council chairman’s fund for Rainford In Bloom. Held between 2.30pm-4.30pm. Tickets are £6.50 including a glass of prosecco. Advance bookings required via 01744 884709 or email clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com

Felt Christmas decorations Thursday, November 26 Decorate your tree with your own felt creation made at this event at Billinge Library, Main Street, from 10.30am-noon.

Duran Duran Friday, November 27 British music legends Duran Duran start the UK leg of their Paper Gods tour at Manchester Arena. It’s now 33 years since their classic hit Rio hit the radio. To date they’ve sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and the British quartet are still making music and going strong. Their new album, titled Paper Gods, had their highest chart debut in 22 years. Enjoy their classic hits such as Hungry Like The Wolf, Girls on Film and The Wild Boys as well as their more recent material Tickets from £39.37 via www.eventim.co.uk

The Ultimate Christmas Fair Thursday, November 26-Sunday, November 29 Held at Liverpool Exhibition Centre, Kings Dock. Opening times are Thursday, 10am – 9.00pm; Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-3.30pm. Tickets are £14.95 for adults and £5 for those aged six-16 in advance, or £18 and £6 respectively on the door. Book via www.theultimatechristmasfair.co.uk

Christmas Lantern Parade Friday, November 27 Tatton Park welcome Father Christmas and his Reindeers during a beautiful lantern parade. Enjoy the glow and atmosphere of this wonderful welcome. Light his route with your own lanterns as he makes his way through the twilight parkland to Tatton’s festive stableyard. Please take along any unlonger wanted toys to donate to the Manchester


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Children’s Hospital. Starts at 6pm. Free entry. For further information about the lantern parade please call Bridget Roberts on 01625 374405.

Charity Fashion Show Friday, November 27 Starts at at 7.30pm in Downall Green & Garswood Community Church, Victoria Rd, Garswood. Profits will go equally to the church and to Indian child rescue centre El Shaddhai. There will be refreshments and stalls. Tickets are £3 in advance or £4 on the door. Contact Louise on 01942 714607.

Choir concert Saturday, November 28 St Helens Ladies Choir is holding a concert at St Thomas Church, Westfield Street, St Helens, with guest organist Michael Wynne and a guest choir from Brook Lodge School, Rainford. It starts at 7.30pm, tickets are £7 and available by calling 01744 884813 or from any choir member.

Christmas Model Railway Show

Paddy McGuinness Saturday, December 5 One of the country’s best-loved and most popular comedians Paddy McGuinness has announced a brand new UK tour for 2015 & 2016. The star of Phoenix Nights and ITV’s Take Me Out will return to his performing roots, with his first stand-up comedy tour since 2011. Held at Preston Guild Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets from £35 via www. prestonguildhall.com

Saturday, November 28 Organised by Rainhill Model Railway club and held at Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, from 10am5pm. There will be layouts on show covering all the popular gauges and the show also welcomes back the Merseyside and South West Lancashire 009 Narrow Gauge Group Exhibition. Admission prices are £2.50 for adults and £3.50 for children, which includes a visit to Santa and a small gift. Santa himself will be flying in from Lapland for the Day to meet as many youngsters as possible.

Magic of Christmas Friday, December 4-Sunday, December 6 Rainford Parish Church will be holding its second Christmas Tree Festival called The Magic of Christmas. It will be opened by Anne Morris, Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, on the Friday at 11am, followed by Christmas songs from Rainford C of E School Choir. In the afternoon, the choirs of Corpus Christi and Brook Lodge Schools will sing

at different times, and viewing of the 50-plus real trees will end at 6pm. At 7.30pm Rainford Ladies Choir will perform a carol concert in church, tickets £6 including light refreshments. On the Saturday, the church will be open for viewing from 10 am-6pm. On the Sunday, viewing will be from 12.30pm and Rainford Band will perform a concert in church from 3pm until 3.45 pm. At 4pm there will be a service of thanksgiving. Entry to the festival is £4, including light refreshments. All proceeds go to the charity Compassion. For more information, contact Pam Rigby on 01744 884024, or Myra Hartley on 01744 883350 to sponsor a tree.

Rainford Christmas Fair Saturday, December 5 Organised by Rainford Hub and held between 11am-3pm in the village centre. There will be the usual shops as well as stalls, Christmas music,


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mulled wine, donkey rides, a fun fair, Santa’s grotto and lots more.

Farm Fun Saturday, December 5 Festive fun down at Greenslate Community Farm , Tracks Lane, from 11am to 3pm. There will be craft demonstrations, local artisans, and fresh produce from the farm shop. For more information, email info@greenslatefarm.org.uk or call 01695 229150.

OAP Christmas dinner Saturday, December 5 Crank and Kings Moss senior residents are invited to this annual event from 5.45pm at the Old School Hall, Crank Hill. Tickets are £6 a head and must be booked before November 28 with Barbara Mellor, of 15 Crank Hill, or Chris Hatch, of 48 Pimbo Road.

Grassington Dickensian Festival Saturday, December 5, 12 & 19 For three Saturdays before Christmas between 11am-5pm, Grassington travels back in time for the annual Dickensian Festival. Visitors are treated to a glorious array of sights, tastes and smells from a bygone era. The Park and Ride at Threshfield Quarry costs £10 per car. The postcode (for sat nav users) is BD23 5PA. For all enquiries please contact the Dickensian Co-ordinator on dickensian@ grassington.uk.com

The Snowman Thursday, December 10 This Christmas, The Snowman is coming to The Blackpool Tower Ballroom! The timeless film will be shown on a large screen accompanied by a live, professional orchestra. Tickets £17.50 for adults, £11.50 for children or £51 for a family of four. Starts at 7pm and finishes at 8.30pm. Visit www. theblackpooltower.com

Dick Whittington Saturday, December 12 - Sunday, January 3 Live at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, starring Starring Sally Lindsay and Eric Potts (Coronation Street), Radio City’s Leanne Campbell, City Talk’s Pete Price as Alderman Fitzwarren and Kurtis Stacey (Emmerdale) in the title role of Dick Whittington. Tickets from £10 upwards via www.atgtickets.com

Roy Wood’s Rock & Roll Band Big Christmas Party Friday, December 11 What better way to party during the festive season than the man who wrote and sang Wizzard’s 1973 hit I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday? Having written more than thirty UK to 30 chart singles Roy Wood is without doubt a true British song writing legend, he has won many awards, including the Ivor Novello Award for Most Outstanding Song Collection. More recently a Kerrang Songwriter Award, Rock Radio’s Classic Songwriter Award , and Mojo Honours List , Classic Songwriter Award. Held at Warrington’s Parr Hall from 8pm. Tickets are £20 via www.pyramidparrhall.com

Lancashire Folk Night Friday, January 22 Held at Simms Road pub, Garswood, starring Chonkinfeckle plus AD. Cooke. Free entry. Telephone 01744 894 246 for any enquires.


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Thursday, November 5 Bonfire and Firework Spectacular Held at the YMCA Orrell Cricket Club, off Winstanley Road. Gates open at 5.30pm, bonfire lit at 6.30pm and there will be fireworks from 7pm. Attractions include a burger van, treacle toffee, children’s fun house, bar and hot and cold drinks. Entry is £4 for adults, accompanied children go free.

and Ashton Athletic Football Club event at Ashton Athletic FC, Brocstedes Park, Brocstedes Road. Gates open at 6.30 pm, entertainment from 7 pm and Fireworks Display at 8 pm. Food and drink outlets are available. Tickets are £5 per person in advance - no pay on the door. Call Jim Wythe on 07860 378553 or Dave Hamlett on 07972 577801.

Saturday, November 7

Spark in the Park

Rainford Musical Fireworks

Annual event held at Sherdley Park, Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens. Silcocks Fair will be offering fun rides for the kids from 6pm to 9pm. The children’s fireworks display starts at 7pm with the Grand Fireworks Display commencing at 8pm. Refreshments will be available with stalls selling hot food and drinks.

Organised by the Rotary Club of St Helens and held at the church field and Rainford Cricket Club. Gates open at 5pm. Bonfire lit at 6pm, fireworks at 6.45pm. Tickets £4 from www.nsconnections.co.uk/ fireworks or £5 on the night. Free raffle entry with every ticket. Hot food, drinks, sweets and treats.

Friday, November 6

Held at Whitaker’s Garden Centre, Liverpool Road, Prescot, with a stage and lead up DJ as well as entertainment artists. Gates open from 5.30pm Bonfire lit 7pm. Firework display 7.30pm.

Bonfire and Firework Display The Holt Arms, Crank Road, Billinge. Tickets available from the bar - £7 for adults and £3 for children. Ashton Grand Firework Display Ashton-in-Makerfield with Haydock Rotary Club

Bonfire and Firework Display

Adults £6, children £5: family ticket (two adults and two children) £15: under 5s go free. All proceeds will be donated to Willowbrook Hospice.


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sponsored by

Hoscar

Moss

by David Sudworth

W

ith summer now a faded memory, local fields are starting to get very muddy in places. A bit of it muck on the boots is par for the course, but when you’re still sweeping it up two days later, it can be tiresome. This walk takes in some of the best countryside West Lancashire has to offer while giving you some decent pathways on which to tread. And if you’re a cyclist, then it’s the perfect route as well because not only is it full accessible for those on two wheels, but there’s a self-service cycle hire point at the start of the route for a very reasonable £1 per hour (minimum initial purchase is six hours). More information at www. southyportcyclehire.info

We park up on Wheat Lane (L40 4BX), which is accessed off the main A5209 Briars Lane via Glovers Bridge which goes over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Once parked up, we head north west-wards, past The Ship Inn (known locally as The Blood Tub), up towards the junction with Carr Lane. On the left, across the canal, you can see the old Ainscough’s Mill at Burscough. Situated further up the canal at Burscough Wharf, the mill used to produce flour from imported grain which came on barges on these very waters. Constructed in 1885, the mill had been disused for some time but has now been redeveloped into new homes and apartments.


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scenery safe in the knowledge that, for today at least, we don’t have to scale its heady heights. At the end of Wood Lane, we turn right on to Wanes Blades Road but be prepared to turn left again down Deans Lane, which is visible from the moment you leave Wood Lane.

At the bridge, we take a right down Carr Lane and within a few minutes, it’s time to turn left into Bleak Lane. This is the first time you begin to notice that although these are adopted roads (maintained at public expense), they are really very quiet, which makes them both very walker and cyclist-friendly. Homemade signage imploring passers-by to avail themselves of a dozen freshly-laid eggs for a small fee is commonplace, all adding to the country feel.

Around here, you get a true sense of just how important farming still is in West Lancashire. True, it’s not as dominant as it once was, but for many families, it’s more than just adding a pleasant backdrop on an already beautiful landscape, it’s their livelihood. Sweetcorn, potatoes, cabbage, carrotts; you name it, West Lancashire has it in abundance.

At the level crossing for the Southport-Manchester line, go straight across and carry on past Bleak Hall Farm until the road forces you to turn right into Wood Lane. Parbold Hill is omnipresent on the horizon, giving us the benefit of some lovely

The Blood Tub legend Explanations vary as to why The Ship Inn at Lathom is known locally as The Blood Tub. One theory that back in the midst of time, the pub was a melting pot of workers and competing canal boat crews, who would sometimes get into scuffles. When it was over, and the men wanted to return to their drinking, the feisty landlady wouldn’t serve the bloodied contestants until they’d cleaned up using a water butt outside. The other theory is that one of the earliest landladies made her own black puddings, and she sourced her ingredients - including pigs’ blood - from her farmer customers. It’s said the largely barters, exchanging jugs of

blood, which were emptied into a barrel (known as the blood tub), for ale; which was then carried off in the same jugs The barrel of blood was known as the Blood Tub, again the name being adopted for the pub.


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As the road curves right, we cross the River Tawd, which is a tributary of the River Douglas and flows south into the heart of Skelmersdale just past the Concourse Shopping Centre. If you haven’t already guessed by now, water is an important feature of the area. So it’s unsurprising that United Utilities have a few depots in this area, including the Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works which can be seen on the left as you go down Deans Lane. Quite why it is called Wigan is a mystery to most people. Later on that mystery deepens when another depot is called Skelmersdale. However, before we get to that, we have to negotiate the railway crossing for a second time

bridge and turn left directly on to the towpath and follow it as it heads back towards Glovers Bridge As you amble along, there are some lovely properties which front on to the waterway, as well as some temporary and private moorings. Once back at Wheat Lane, I decide to check out the locks at the back of The Ship Inn, and what a fabulous sight they are. If you’re needing a bit of R&R after the walk, this is the place to do it. This 5.4 mile walk takes roughly two hours and 20 minutes to complete at a steady pace, and for the more energetic there’s a chance to vary the route. I particularly liked the fact it’s a walk for all seasons, especially handy for winter when the ground is boggy. It’s also good to dip into three villages; Lathom, Hoscar and Newburgh, in just one go.

and then make our way under the Leeds-Liverpool Canal via Newburgh Aqueduct No 14, to give it its official title. Once out, the road climbs quite steeply up to Back Lane, which eventually veers right on to Hollowford Lane. We’re now on the final quarter of our journey as we make our way towards Spencers Bridge. The gentle pace of life is evident here as we come across Newburgh’s version of a traffic jam. The swing bridge is up to allow a barge to pass through. Far from it being an irritating hold up, it’s simply another chance to drink in that country feel as the stresses and strains of every day life float away. Once the jam has passed, we cross over the swing

Whether you are a beginner, seasoned walker or somewhere in between, you’ll reap the benefits of this walk.


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is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.


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Test drive

Skoda

Superb by Tim Barnes-Clay

T

he all-new Skoda Superb really is utterly brilliant. You thought I was going to say ‘superb’ didn’t you? Well, that’s been done a hundred times before – but, jokes apart, it truly is. Underneath, the Skoda has similarities to Volkswagen’s Passat. Available as an estate or hatchback, with the former making up the majority of sales in Great Britain, the all-new Superb has always been a major steal. Suffice it to say, the Czech motor manufacturer, under the parental guidance of VW, offers a lot of car for your cash. The vehicle has rear seat legroom many executive limousines can’t keep pace with - and thrifty

Save £££s

running costs too. When all is said and done, it’s a genuine work of genius by the Pilsen based automaker. It is a massive machine. Indeed, it’s bigger than before, and anyone who encountered the preceding incarnations of the Superb will tell you just how large they were. Stats-wise, the fresh Skoda has a 625-litre boot (30 litres more than the departing car) in the hatchback, which expands to 1,760 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. It features a whole bunch of safety systems too, including nine airbags, automatic crash preparation technology, an automatic braking system, and even

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said; the steering is direct, with excellent weighting and the car is always comfortable. The Skoda badge shouldn’t put anyone off this car in this day and age, although die hard BMW aficionados won’t be interested. I’d say they’re going to miss out, because this handsome new Superb is a top company car choice and, for private buyers, it looks like it will hold on to its value well.

gadgetry to warn you if a vehicle is going to crash into the back of you. Into the bargain, the 2015 Superb contains a rearview camera, three-zone air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control and even an automatic parking system. It can also be hooked-up to a smart-phone for the first time and selected apps can be activated from the infotainment system’s screen. This is one avant-garde Skoda. You also get Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ features such as an ice scraper in the fuel flap and cargo netting in the boot and cabin. And talking about brand physiognomies, the umbrella in the rear door of the old Superb has been traded for a pair of them in this model - one in each front door.

Under full acceleration there’s barely any diesel clatter, and the car has oodles of ‘oomph’ on the motorway – just like Geoff Capes in his British strongman truck-pulling prime. The new Skoda Superb is just as talented at low speed, floating over lumps and bumps in town or along deserted Italian country lanes. Pace is perceptibly more composed than that of the outgoing car. The 2015 Skoda Superb can lurch a little through twisting roads, but it’s a big car, so it’s not the sort of motor you expect to chuck around corners. That

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I

Like any gardener I always have a project on the go. Whether it be designing a fresh planting scheme for a tired looking border, investing in a new planter for the front garden to bring some seasonal colour to what otherwise would be a dark corner, or even ... planning a whole new garden! Yes, my persuasive powers finally won Hubby over and he agreed to have part of our concrete drive at the front of the house removed and have it turned into a new garden space. So I duly spoke to the contractors I recommend to clients (Mark Bridgeman from Orrell) and a date was set for work to commence. I designed a contemporary courtyard to contrast with the rest of the garden and as ever Mark and Gareth delivered along with the rest of the team, Adam and Sean, and I now have a wonderful new garden packed with plants – some overspill from existing plant stock and some new additions. Hubby remained tight lipped during our trips to the nursery, bless him.

garden - and Amelanchier lamarckii. This is a beautiful multi stem small tree with lots of interest throughout the year; spring flowers followed by summer berries and then fiery autumn foliage. I also have Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Pearl’, a small shrub whose flowers will fill the garden with perfume next summer. I have even managed to squeeze in an additional raised bed for veggies and space for my new greenhouse.

I have sourced some plants that I have always admired but not had the room for, such as Dierama pulcherrimum or Angels Fishing Rod – just the name makes it a plant you’d want to have in your

It will be lovely to show visitors to the garden next open day (the last Sunday in June each year) something new. What more could a girl ask for – except for Hubby of course – to pay for it all.

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.

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Broadband broken, computer slow printer packed up, virus/spyware or your keyboards gone kaput Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems in the comfort of your own home

Call Catherine Now 07540 222787

T: 01942 273396 | M: 07970 185302 www.mapsec.co.uk

No Call Out Charges • Local Company • PC Experts Tel: 01744 778381 - 01942 418763 - Mobile - 07540 222787

Design & Print

normally

£20

Saving money is the clear benefit!

5

now £1

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

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

The party never stops!

Flyers, Postcards, Posters and more!

Wind Turbines Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...

ING Lashes SERVIC VAN rcycle s too Heat Pumps CAR & E Spray Tan ...and moto LED Lighting X Sunbeds H ...and general Telephone: 01257 427 000 A k Energy Savings Acrylic &Heal Gel Nails th Chec T

Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced

FREE

Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS

Dennis Goulding

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

A49

Mossy Lea Road

We also provide a design and print service. So whether you want 5000 glossy postcards or 50,000 flyers with matching A0 posters; give us a call.

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories, Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors

B5250

Did you know that Local Life isn’t just about publishing great little magazines?

Gel s Nail Car

Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon

erton

J27 and Breth Y Book on of Crost your me! R for all residents needFREE until you home survey meStudio k 84 h Chec E Keep @ and we’ll provide you with a Car Healt FREE S Rainford Road, 84 Billinge WN5 7PG detailed on report showing the nowreturns Book your A5209

Natalies

Standish

Shevington

Call Telephone: 07814 619 400

01772

available from your

23solar 6039own

panels Open: (10% typical return) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM orEngineers TwinLakesMot Closed Thursday & Sunday

G

DIN & WEL REPAIR

Visit our showroom at Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan. WN6 7TP

Uwww.dglwindows.co.uk Slash your electricity and S water heating bill TProtect your household from future energy price rises T Y R E R S S of ST. HELENS Reduce your household’s impact on the environment

Call us now

HUGE SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS PARTY WEAR FOR MEN AND WOMEN Open 7 days a week til Christmas Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

We also provide a cost effective leaflet distribution service.

1 4 - 1 6 B r i d g e St re e t , St He l e n s , WA 1 0 1 N R 01744 26551 w w w. t y re r s . c om

0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or

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

we make it our business to help yours

For more information call

01744 649 722


81

• WILSON BROS •

01744 606642 07801 950009

Est. 1985

Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services

Extension, loft/garage conversions, UPVC windows & doors, damp proofing & DPC, wall ties – all aspects of building work Flat/pitched re-roofs, gutters, fascias & soffits,velux windows, all general roof repairs www.daleroofingandbuilding.co.uk

Call us now for a free estimate

01744 892732 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk

All aspects of Roofing & Roofline Est.1999

Call today for a free quote 01942 665270 / 0774 876 7845 www.protecroofingnw.co.uk

NO CALL OUT FEES

The Old Coach House, George Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8QD

Based in Eccleston

7 Albany Avenue, Eccleston Park, L34 2QN

Advertise

here

40 years Experience

All types of tiling work welcomed;

Bathrooms Conservatories Kitchens Ensuites

Advertise your business in this section from £30 + VAT a month

Call Harry McNally for a FREE estimate

For more information please phone

01744 739176 or 07947 802641

01744 649 722


82

MARDEC Painters & Decorators

Internal and external work Domestic or commercial jobs welcomed Free inspirational advice & quotes No job too small

A.J.Davies

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

Call Adam on 01744 755005 e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk

Established 1992

01744 894 431 07931 282 896

Advertise

here

Advertise your business in this section from £30 + VAT a month

A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES

For more information please phone

01744 649 722

Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner • Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks • Gas Fire & Cooker Installations • Under Floor Heating Specialists • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades

Finance available

Domestic + Commercial Boiler + Central Heating Installs, Servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Brand New Bathrooms

10 YEARS

Freephone 0300 3030121

01744 649 676

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS

Telephone:

Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809

Registration No.

88604

21, Naburn Drive, Orrell, WN5 8SB

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk

www.orrellheating.co.uk

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

506515

MOBILE:

07931 766 684

www.fgwelch.co.uk


83



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