Local Life - St Helens - November 2016 by Local Life 247 Ltd

St Helens Edition

November 2016

Sam’s

story

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Changing

man

eath and taxes are said to be life’s only certainties. However, I’d throw another word into the mix - change. As youngsters, we seem to embrace it very easily; new schools, new hobbies, new friends and so on. It doesn’t seem unnatural, it just seems... well... normal. Yet as we get older, some have an aversion to anything which may knock the status quo. Our interview with Billinge comedian Sam Brady is a case in point. I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon in Sam’s company as he regaled me about stories of his life. Sam has had what many may call ‘an eventful life’ yet he now makes a living from laughing at his various experiences. He enjoys seeing the absurdity in most situations, and I can sort of understand that. In this job, you get to meet some fascinating people, but I always feel a bit disappointed when someone takes themselves far too seriously. Humour is a great leveller - it can bring the tension out of a situation and allow you to understand more about someone’s character. Humour, and a sense of perspective, is very important when we’re talking about change. Many people, when faced with the situations which Sam has found himself in, would have crumbled. The fact that he can bring a sense of perspective, through humour, to his story is not only refreshing, but I’d say essential. We could all do with taking a leaf out of his book now and again...

David Sudworth, Editor

In this issue Sam’s

story 42 Just

dessert

Regulars 34 46 48 59

Planning 60 What’s On Puzzle Corner 70 Test drive Class From The Past 72 Garden Diary Eating Out Guide

Sections 7 Local News 48 Education 50 Travel

53 Food & Drink 72 Gardening 74 Home Services

Next issue - December 2016

Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 15 November

53 Jack’s Tracks visits

Bickerstaffe 64 Win a family ticket to

Frozen 68 Test Drive - VW

Golf GTI 70

Published - Friday, 25 November Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB

Telephone: 01744 649 722 Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Clare, Nicola sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter, Dylan 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 edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. The next issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Sutton Heath.

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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.

Distributors required

Grand charity evening

Local Life magazine seeks distributors for delivery of this magazine and leaflets in the following area;

A grand charity evening is being held at St Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, on Friday, November 18. There’ll be live music from local band The Deltatones and a hot pot supper, as well as raffle prizes and an auction. Tickets are £10 for this event, which starts at 7.30pm. Call P. Cronin on 01744 893452.

Haydock - Springfield Park, Slag Lane, Haydock Lane, Ashbury Drive, Chisledon Close & Woolston Road. Laffak - Newlands Road, Carr Mill Road, Woodlands Drive, Bosworth Road, Drayton Crescent, Syston Avenue, Hinckley Road & Barwell Avenue. Rainford - Moss Lane, Rainford Road, St Helens Road, Inglewood Road, Croxteth Drive, Muncaster Drive, Higher Lane & Scarisbrick Road. Kings Moss - Pimbo Rd, Fir Tree Close & Kings Moss Ln. Billinge - Main St, Gorsey Brow & Ravenswood Brow. Good rates paid, delivery bags and maps provided. You will be at least 13, healthy, energetic and be prepared to work for 2/3 hours once every 8 weeks. If you’re interested, email sallyb@locallife247.co.uk with your name, address, a contact number and your date of birth.

Raise a glass They’ll be talking pints instead of politics at St Helens Town Hall soon. The St Helens Beer Festival, which is supporting the Steve Prescott Foundation, is being held there on Friday, November 25, from 6pm-11pm, and again the following day from 2pm11pm. There will be a selection of 30 real ales, five ciders, five craft beers and a variety of world beers. Tickets cost £5 and can be bought in advance at www.sthelensbeerfestival.eventbrite.co.uk

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Bellamy blasts Pewfall

plan

TV personality David Bellamy has labelled plans for a giant warehouse on Pewfall green belt as “appalling.” The botanist has written in support of campaigners who are battling developer Bericote’s plans for Florida Farm North, just off the East Lancs Road. In a note, submitted as an official objection to the plans, a spokesman for Bellamy said: “He wishes you all the best with the fight, and hopes you have a positive outcome.” It’s believed Bellamy was contacted by one of the campaigners who is also a friend of the 83-year-old. The proposals, which are currently with St Helens Council’s planning department, have caused

Looking for information about health and social care provision in the borough of St Helens?

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St Helens Gateway is a community hub of information; bringing together all health, social care and wellbeing information and services into one central place.

www.sthelensgateway.info Liz Elliott, Asst to the Executive Chairman, 01744 740800 Email: liz@tmcsh.org.uk Gayle Warburton, Admin manager, 01744 740 801 Email: gayle@tmcsh.org.uk

outrage among locals. They believe that, as the site is green belt, the council should simply refuse the application. However, Bericote says that the council, in its forthcoming Local Plan, will have to release some green belt in the borough for development anyway, and this site is well located. As Local Life went to press, St Helens Council couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t confirm when a final decision would be made by its planning committee. However, with an official determination deadline of November 29, there is just one date before then - Tuesday, November 1 - when the authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planning committee is scheduled to meet.

Lancs Evening

Soul night

A Lancashire Evening takes place on Friday, November 25, at 7.30pm in Rainford Village Hall. On the menu will be black pudding, hotpot and Lancashire cheese plus traditional Lancashire entertainment. Tickets are £15 - all proceeds go to the chairman of Rainford Parish Council’s Fund for Rainford Village War Memorial. Contact the parish council clerk’s Office for further information and tickets on 01744 884709 or email clerk@ rainfordparishcouncil.com

A charity soul night in aid of Willowbrook Hospice is being held at the Unison (NALGO) Social Club on Bishop Road, St Helens, on Saturday, November 26. Last year’s event raised just over £2,100 for the hospice. Tickets are £5 - search for NALGO Soul Night on Facebook for more information.

Health walk A health walk will start from Sankey Valley Country Park, Blackbrook Road, at 1.30pm on Tuesday, December 13. Free event - call 01744 677772.

Art exhibition Garswood Art Group’s annual exhibition starts with a preview evening on Friday, November 11, from 7pm with the main exhibition taking place the following day from 10am at the Independent Methodist Church, Victoria Road, Garswood. All welcome.

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Closing date 12 November 2016

Claire back on t’

cobbles

Billinge actress Claire Jackson will be back on Coronation Street this Boxing Day. Claire, whose stage name is Georgia Taylor, returns to the nation’s most famous cobbles after 13 years. She’ll reprise her role as Toyah Battersby - a role which gave Claire her big break back in 1998. “Coronation Street has always had a place in my heart,” said Claire. “I’m delighted to be working again with my good friend Jane Danson and bringing the Battersby sisters back together. The scriptwriters and producers have come up with some fantastic, clever and detailed storylines that have inspired me and I feel excited to get started.” Claire, 36, who grew up in the centre of Billinge, went to St Peter’s in Orrell before heading to Winstanley College. Since leaving Corrie, her credits have included Law & Order and Casualty.

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Back to her

roots

Nicola George has returned to her roots (pun intended) to revamp and re-brand the Renoir hairdressing salon on Station Road in Garswood. Nicola, who previously managed the Garswood salon and was twice the Hairdresser of the Year for Wigan and St Helens, opened up her own salon in Standish in 2011. Under Nicola’s management, the Hair by Vision salon, which specialises in hair extensions, has grown in reputation, moving from Great Lengths Bronze Salon in 2012, to Silver Salon in 2013 to Gold Salon in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Nicola George Hair Dressing is now open for the whole family – see the opposite page for a selection of offers.

In memory of

John

A memorial bench is to be placed in Garswood in memory of a muchloved street sweeper who died earlier this year. John Cunliffe, of London Fields, Billinge, died just a few months after retiring. He’d spent the previous 46 years clearing litter from the streets. As an indication of how popular he was, locals raised over £1,000 for him as a retirement gift. He also received a certificate and gift from Seneley Green Parish Council. The parish council has now agreed to fund a memorial bench to remember John, following a campaign by locals.

Jim Stephenson, the ex-chairman of the parish council said: “John was a really nice guy and it’s so sad he passed away not long after retiring. “It’s really good of the parish council to agree to fund a memorial bench. The location of it is not yet decided, as I’m guessing there would have to be discussions as to an appropriate place, and get the necessary permissions.”

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PM pressed on law A campaigning mum from Billinge is seeking backing from the Prime Minister to bring in a ‘Helen’s Law’. Marie McCourt - whose daughter Helen was murdered - has taken her campaign for a change in the law to Parliament. Ex-St John Rigby student Helen, who would have been 51 this year, was murdered by pub landlord Ian Simms in 1988. Her body has never been found. Marie now wants a ‘Helen’s Law’ so that murderers who refuse to disclose where their victims are buried are denied parole. MP Conor McGinn’s Unlawful Killing (Recovery of Remains) Bill was passed unanimously when he presented it to the House of Commons. However, for it to become law, it would need Government approval.

change

Marie, of Standish Avenue, told Local Life: “The next stage is getting the Government to agree that this must be made law which need to meet with either Theresa May or Justice Minister Liz Truss. We have a number of families who, like me, have a murderer serving a life sentence but unable to give their loved on a dignified burial, and that must end. The killer must have that control taken away from them. “Conor McGinn was told that from 2007 to 2016 there were 30 cases recorded of murders without a body. If that doesn’t convince them, what will?”

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Phoneboxes at risk The public is being urged to have a say on plans to scrap three phoneboxes. BT is looking to remove the box near Randle Brook Bridge, on Ormskirk Road, as well as the facility opposite 90 Old Lane, Rainford. The box at the junction of Elm Avenue and Rectory Road, Garswood, is under threat. A final decision is due before Thursday, December 15 - have your say at www.sthelens.gov.uk

Well Being event Birchley St Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, holds a Unique Gifts and Well Being event, on Saturday, October 29, between 10am-2pm. Organised by Billinger Caroline Platt, this charity event has stalls including cosmetics, customised candles, jewellery, cards, beauty and holistic products, toys and homemade sweets and cakes. All the proceeds are being split between Alder Hey, Manchester Children’s Hospital and CLIC Sargent.

Read all about it! Haydock Library volunteers helped boost the coffers of a charity appeal recently. Jenson’s Twinkle Stars, which is being supported by St Helens’ Mayor and Mayoress this year, received £40 from Megan Downey, Shannon Fitzgerald and Ellie Molyneux. To raise the cash, the girls, who are part of a Reading Hack volunteer programme for young people, organised and delivered a family fun afternoon event at the library.

Nursery plan for

pub

A Billinge pub building could be turned into a nursery. Clare Roberts, of Lymm-based Kids Planet Day Nurseries Ltd, wants to extend the former Squires Bar, on Main Street, to create a day nursery. Papers lodged with St Helens Borough Council state: “The existing property was built in the early 20th Century. In recent years it has been used as a public house and sports bar, although a gradual change in drinking habits and culture has meant that it has seen a steady decline in numbers and frequency of patrons. “The proposed extension to the existing building will act as a more modern, although sympathetic foil to the Edwardian Architecture of the retained building.

We believe that the proposed development is an entirely appropriate use of the site that will make a positive contribution to the immediate and wider area on a social and economic level.” A final decision is due to be made in early November.

‘Call me

Hussein!’

Few Rainford folk could claim to be on first name terms with the King of Jordan. But Phil Taylor’s hobby has made him privvy to some very interesting exchanges! As an amateur radio enthusiast, he managed to swap a few messages with His Royal Highness back in 1984: “I was on one afternoon and I heard this voice which asked me if I could keep the frequency clear because the king was coming on. “I waited and eventually his call sign - I remember it was JY1 - came on, and at that moment the whole radio band burst into life. “I told him my location, my name and wished him a very good afternoon. He said hello back before adding: ‘Call me Hussein’. I remember he had a very deep voice!” Phil, a grandfather of four from Windermere Drive, has had the hobby for 38 years. Originally from Seaforth, near Bootle, he moved to the village six years ago following a 24 year spell in the Isle of Man prison service. “It’s a really enjoyable hobby. The usual question you get is whether there’s any point to it all now,

what with the internet. I think it’s a bit like fishing; you don’t necessarily do the hobby because you get something out of it, like eating the fish, but it’s more the buzz. There’s not many hobbies where you get to talk to royalty!” Far from being an antiquated method of communication, Phil, who is 67, says that it is still well used: “Data is flowing around the world on radio all the time. You sometimes hear spies talking in code. Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, is on all of the time, but its all in code so you don’t understand what’s being said. It’s quite common knowledge among radio hams.” Having retired to Rainford, Phil now wants to start up a local group in the area: “The nearest clubs are in Newton-Le-Willows and Southport, but every now and then, when I’m driving around Rainford, I see the odd aerial which makes me think there are a few radio hams living in the parish. It would be great to get together first as an interest group, and then maybe form a club with our own radio callsign.” If you are interested in forming a group, or want any further information, call Phil on 01744 889537 or email phil7ld@outlook.com

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GP hours lost

Donor sessions

Almost two days’ worth of doctors’ time was lost in one month at Rainford Health Centre because patients failed to turn up for appointments. A total of 64 non-attendances were recorded - the equivalent of 14 hours. The Higher Lane centre is now reminding patients to sign up for its text alert service, where it sends you a reminder to your mobile. Call 01744 882855 to register.

Two blood donor sessions are taking place in Haydock soon. The first, at the Conservative Club on Bellerophon Way, is on Thursday, November 4, from 10.30am-12.30pm and then from 2pm-4.15pm. On December 5, sessions will be held at the Mercure Hotel, Penny Lane, from 1.35pm-3.45pm and then from 5pm-7.15pm. Appointments can be made at www.blood.co.uk or by calling 0300 123 23 23.

Maximes reunion

Piping down

A reunion for old Maximes rockers takes place on Saturday, November 19. This is the first in what will hopefully be a series of regular reunion nights at The Boulevard, on Wallgate, Wigan. The event starts at 8pm - tickets are £5 on the door.

Roadworks on Birchley Avenue, Billinge, are expected to be in place until Tuesday, November 8. National Grid is replacing old iron gas mains with plastic pipes, which it says will be more durable.

Church

boost

Bispham Methodist Church were among the lucky recipients of a £2000 cash giveaway from Saturday Breakfast. Launched in March, Saturday Breakfast is a popup breakfast cafe, held at St Luke’s Church Hall on Lodge Road, Orrell. Run solely by volunteers, it raises money for community projects in the Orrell and Billinge area. Bispham Methodist, on the corner of Crank Road

and Upholland Road, were given £150 towards their baby changing unit appeal. To volunteer at Saturday Breakfasts, email Mary on Forresterm@sky.com or ask for information at the Breakfast, held every Saturday at St Luke’s from 9am until noon - last orders at 11.30am.

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Rainford Bonfire Saturday, November 5 Rainford Bonfire and Fireworks Event organised by the Rotary Club of St Helens and 1st Rainford Scout group. Starts at 6pm off Church Road. For more details, search for Rainford Bonfire on Facebook. Spark in the Park Saturday, November 5 This free event at Sherdley Park continues for another year - with this year’s display focusing on the theme of Saturday Night at the Movies. The park opens from 6pm with a funfair in operation for the duration of the event - with the first display starting at 7pm and the main display kicking off at 8pm.

YMCA Orrell Cricket Club Bonfire & Firework Spectacular Saturday, November 5 Held on the car park of Orrell Cricket Club, off Winstanley Road in Orrell. Gates open at 5.30pm, the bonfire is lit at 6.30pm and there will be fireworks from 7pm. Attractions include a children’s fun house, a burger van, and a bar serving hot and cold drinks. Entry is £4 for adults and £1 for children accompanied by parents. Holt Arms Bonfire Night Saturday, November 5 Starting at 6pm, join regulars at the Crtank Road pub for this all-ticket event- adults £7/ children £3. Tickets will not be available to be purchased on the day or at the door.

Sports hub a step

closer

Long-awaited plans to create a sporting hub near Winstanley College have been unveiled. The proposals include two rugby pitches, a cricket pitch and sports pavilion, including changing facilities and a clubroom. The official planning application has now been submitted to the council and a decision is expected early next year. Orrell Rugby Union FC and Winstanley Park Cricket Club have come together for this venture. Papers lodged with the council’s planning department by applicant Tony Havlin says that the 13 acre site, owned by the Bankes family and occupied by a tenant farmer, should be accessible to the clubs

from next August. Orrell RUFC have been without a dedicated home since 2003, and currently play at St John Rigby College. Winstanley Park’s home, off Winstanley Road, is leased from the Bankes family on a rolling yearly renewal. They’ve now been offered the use of the 13 acre site - which could house both clubs - in exchange for their current ground.

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Planning Matters Blackbrook

Moss Bank

1 Lenfield Drive: Retention of extension to existing front dormer along with flat to pitched roof (ref: P/2016/0672/HHFP) A decision is due by November 7.

Site of former Black Horse pub, 115 Moss Bank Road: Erection of 16 homes (ref: P/2016/0651/FUL)

Billinge

Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, Old Lane: Erection of a timber outdoor classroom within school grounds (ref: P/2016/0721/FUL) A decision is due by November 22.

5 Gorsey Brow Close: Erection of first floor side extension (ref: P/2016/0736/HHFP) A decision is due by November 30. 17 Brookside Close: Single storey side extension.n (ref: P/2016/0722/HHFP) A decision is due by November 23.

Decision is due by December 1. Rainford

7 News Lane: Demolition of existing garage, and erection of single storey side and rear extension. (ref: P/2016/0737/HHFP) A decision is due by November 28.

For more information on these plans, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk

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Tell Us Your Story! Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition!

Pop-up shop returns A pop-up shop which supports a Billinge-based scheme is back. Grace charity shop was established to directly support the work of the Storehouse Project, a Crank Road charity that helps people in need. Grace sells hand made crafts, second hand clothes and up-cycled furniture. It is opening in The Galleries, Wigan town centre, on Saturdays, November 12 and December 17.

Party with Parton Houghwood Golf Club, on Crank Road, Billinge, is holding a Dolly Parton tribute night with Kennedy Caitlin on Friday, November 25. Tickets are priced at ÂŁ25, which includes a three course meal followed by a disco. Call 01744 894444.

Simply contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01942 387 720.

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Christmas market Bispham Methodist Church is holding a Christmas market on Friday, December 2. The church, at the corner of Upholland Road and Crank Road, will be open from 3.30pm-6.30pm and among the attractions will be cakes, toiletries, jewellery, tombola and a visit from Father Christmas. All welcome.

Craft fair Billinge Residents’ Association is holding a craft fair at St Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, on Sunday, November 20. It is open between 1pm-4pm and admission is free.

Hospice help Volunteers are needed for Willowbrook Hospice’s new building on Borough Road, St Helens. Tasks include helping with the reception, admin, the

shop, cafe and fundraising support services. For more information, contact Ian Turnbull, volunteer co-ordinator, on 0151 430 8736 or email iant@ willowbrookhospice.org.uk

Crematorium events The Friends of St Helens Cemetery are again hosting their Christmas events at the Rainford Road facility. Join the Friends and St Helens Rangers for a morning and make your own Christmas wreath to take home on Sunday, November 27 from 10am. It costs £4 per wreath and is held in the crematorium chapel. At 11am on Saturday, December 10, there will be the annual Christmas Tree of Remembrance Service with music by Gareth Owen and The Citadel Choir. People can remember their loved ones by hanging your personalised leaf on the Christmas tree in the Book of Remembrance building. Refreshments will be served.

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Toughest gig? A

Danish wake! David Sudworth meets the Billinge comedian who went from City high-flier to becoming a trainee Buddhist monk

very stand-up comedian has, at one time or another, ‘died’ on stage. But Billinge comedian Sam Brady’s own experience left everyone corpsing but him! “It was my worst gig by far - a Danish wake in some ordinary, terraced house in Sheffield. Everyone thought it was hilarious but me!” For ex-St Mary’s Birchley pupil Sam, it was just another chapter in a life which has had its fair share of ups and downs. As an ex City high flier-turned-trainee Buddihist monk-turned single parent, he’s experienced probably every emotion known to man. Which probably makes going on stage a doddle. “It’s easier talking to a room full of strangers than, say, chatting one-on-one, like we’re doing now!” laughs Sam, 47. “As a person, I’m actually quite shy. I’m not the guy down the pub with the quickfire jokes. I used to think that was unusual for a comedian but, having got to know a lot of them doing the circuit, it’s not.” Born at Billinge Hospital, Sam grew up in Elm Drive, Billinge, with parents Margaret, who hails from Pemberton, and Malcolm, from Nutgrove, and

siblings Emma and Becky. He attended St Alban’s in Haresfinch before going on to St John Rigby College. “I was actually in the year below Jon Culshaw, who even at that age was very good at doing impressions.” After graduating from Leicester University, he moved to Horsham, Sussex, and married his uni girlfriend. “I was 23 when we married but by 25 we had spilt up.” “I loved back up north where I met Kathy. We got married and we had a daughter called Lottie.”

world was full of fear and paranoia. So I thought the last thing the world needs is a person like me, chasing status and not being a good dad. “I started to change; a took a step down and a pay cut but it was too little, too late. Kathy and I split up, I went to live in the Buddhist Centre and gave her everything. I figured what was the point of having all these things if they were making me unhappy. “I stayed there for three years and saw Lottie at weekends. I wanted to become a Buddhist monk. I formed a strong bond with Lottie and learned to like myself again.”

Sam with daughter Lottie

Around this time, Sam and Kathy started struggling financially so Sam decided to go self-employed - a move which would see him triple his wage fairly quickly: “I was working in the City of London as a management consultant, which basically meant my job was to fire people. “My friend and I then set up a company during the Dot Com boom and it went from us with just a few computers in his attic to me being director of operations for the UK and India - all by the age of 30. “I had a nice, big house on Wigan Lane which was special for me because, when I was small, I used to walk up there with my grandad and he’d say it was where all the posh people lived. So to me, I’d ‘made it’ - I’d had a lot of success at an early age, but there was a lot of luck involved, being in the right place at the right time.” Despite all the trappings, Sam eventually realised he wasn’t happy with his life: “To be honest, I was a bit out of my depth and my marriage was suffering. I was worried about burn out, and a colleague suggested meditation. Going to the Buddhist Centre in Manchester was literally the first time I had stopped in, like, forever. I looked at myself and I was disgusted with the person I had become. This was just after the 9/11 terror attacks so the whole

However, tragedy stuck in 2005 when Kathy died of cancer, meaning that Sam was now Lottie’s only surviving parent.

“Disgusted with the person I’d become” “It was a late diagnosis and 11 weeks later, she had died. By that time, I’d moved to Warrington so left the Buddhist Centre. I soon found it was easy to be kind to people living happily in a Buddhist Centre than at time to a nine-year-old daughter!” laughs Sam. “But the time in the centre had prepared for what was to come; almost like a degree in how to cope in life.” For Sam, it meant having to start again, and also heading back in to the world of work. However, this time it led to a much happier ended. “I did some management consultancy again and I became UK president of the International Institute of Business Analysis. That meant I was doing talks about very boring, dry stuff so I used to put a few jokes in it. One day, someone mentioned that I’d be good at stand-up. I thought about it for a while; at the time I was 39 so there was a sort of ‘if I don’t do it now, I never will’. There was an open mic night at the Frog & Bucket in Manchester, where the likes of Peter Kay, Johnny Vegas and Steve Coogan started out. There was this competition where you had to

do five minutes without being ‘gonged’ off. I lasted three minutes, and 50 seconds the first time but after a few more goes I got to the five minutes! It was the biggest buzz of my life so I thought ‘this is it - this is what I want to do’. My first gig was in November 2008 and in 2010 I went full time.” Since then, Sam has played the comedy circuit, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and also undertakes corporate work. In addition, he’s on first name terms with quite a few household names. “It’s a great life but there’s a heck of a lot of weekend work. Being invited to a friend or family wedding leaves me massively out of pocket! “Comedy is basically a confidence trick. It’s a group activity and the comedian is giving everyone an excuse to have a laugh. But it depends on many things; the size of the room, the seating, how close people are sat together, whether the MC is any good... things like that. Large groups of men standing at the back of a room can be tricky, and the typical difficult gig is 100 train drivers at the Palace Hotel a week before Christmas. All they want to do is chat to their mate, not listen to me for 40 minutes.” So what actually happened at that Danish wake? “I know a chef who does catering for some big names, he’s quite high-end, and we’d both been booked to do this gig. When I got there, it was just an ordinary, terraced house and there were 12 people there. The woman, who was Danish, explained that her father had died and they were having a meal in memory of him. “For me, this was every boxed tick for a bad gig but my mate’s face was a picture. They had nine courses for dinner and they wanted me to split my 40 minute routine between a couple of courses, which never really works anyway. I went on after the first course and it was like pulling teeth; the woman’s guests were completely mystified but by the end they were ok. “Anyway, the hostess starts drinking heavily and I’m waiting and waiting to do my second act, but apparently she wanted to make an announcement.

Everyone apart from me is now thinking this is hillarious. I wanted to go but we hadn’t been paid yet. Eventually, she makes her announcement then there’s a loud cheer. We’re all thinking ‘Thank God this is nearly over’ but the hostess then comes running into the kitchen crying. Apparently, she’d been summoning up the courage to propose to her boyfriend, but he’d said no. However, she wanted

“She’d blown her inheritance on us!” me to go on and finish the set. To lighten the mood, I recited this Danish folk song I knew but all through the performance the boyfriend just looked at me on stoney silence. I later learned that the woman had be left a large sum of money by her dad which she’d completely blown by hiring me, my chef mate and silver service waiters for the evening!” Hopefully, Sam’s next show - Sam Brady: Kindness Double Bill - at The Lowry, Salford Quays, on Thursday, November 3 will be less awkward! Tickets for the show, from 8pm–10.30 pm are priced at £12 (£10 concessions) via www. thelowry.com/event/kindness

Puzzle

Sudoku Answers are on page 75 of this magazine

corner

Awards for

values

Pupils and staff at Carr Mill Primary School were delighted when the Mayor and Mayoress attended a British values awards assembly at school. Cllrs Dave and Jeanette Banks were on hand to present prestigious yellow ties to the pupils that have been elected onto the different school committees by their peers so that they can identify who their representatives are. Headteacher Andrew Maley said: “We were delighted that the Mayor and Mayoress were able to attend our British values assembly.

Class from the

“Democracy and pupil voice is an essential part of Carr Mill Primary School and the Mayor and Mayoress helped ensure the children are inspired to make a difference.”

past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Rainford C of E , and is believed to be from 1953/4. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?

Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, email sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk

Travel

Wales of a

time!

andsome seaside towns, stunning countryside, buildings oozing with fine architecture... Wales has everything the traveller needs for a relaxing break.

But in a country which spans some 8,000 square miles, it can be tricky deciding where to visit. Starting on the north coast, Llandudno is perhaps one of the Wales’ best-known destinations. Having been welcoming holidaying families since Victorian times. There is plenty to do. There are two superb beaches; the north shore being the busier of the two, with its Victorian Pier, boat trips, donkey rides and much more. The west shore is quieter but has panoramic views of the Snowdonia mountain range in the distance. And of course, no description of Llandudno is complete without mentioning the Great Orme, which nowadays boasts a dry ski slope! Heading south, onto the shores of Snowdonia at the Llyn Peninsula, is Criccieth. It is home to a medieval castle, built in the mid-13th Century but later taken by Edward I who incorporated it into his ring of fortresses which were designed to maintain Norman control. In this part of the world, you’re also in easy reach of the famous village of Portmeirion, which shot to fame at the location for the 1960s TV series The Prisoner. Continuing our trek southwards is the Brecon Beacons. The pretty spa town of Llandrindod Wells lies in this secret part of Wales, which is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The town has various craft shops, museums, theatres and a pleasant park. Excursions in this neck of the wood include Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge, which stands on the River Mynach. There’s also the newly-extended Brecon Mountain

Explore

Wales

Free coffee/cake morning on Tuesday, 08 November at 11.30am Come along and meet Helen from Alfa Coach Travel to discuss your 2017 coach holiday and receive a ÂŁ10pp discount. Call Marken Travel today to confirm your place

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

Telephone: 01744 893291

www.markentravel.co.uk

Railway, which winds its way into Beacons National Park, the village of Penderyn, home to Welsh whisky and the atmospheric border town of Leominster, which is famous for its medieval and Tudor, half-timber buildings. Tenby is always a popular seaside spot, with its pastel-coloured buildings, narrow streets, fortified walls and the quality of the light from its shimmering bays. Its medieval castle was bombarded into submission by Oliver Cromwell using artillery on both land and sea, giving the town a rich history. This part of the Pembrokeshire coast, which also includes Fishguard, is famous for it being the location of the last invasion of Britain. Its major harbour, built over 100 years ago by Great Western Railway as a trans-Atlantic port, is now the departure

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point for a thriving sea-crossing service in Ireland. But if you want to visit south Wales, Porthcawl is a fine choice. Located between Swansea and Cardiff, it was originally a port for the iron and steel industries and still has some interesting features from that period, including the oldest maritime warehouse in Wales, an attractive harbour and the last coal and gas-powered lighthouse in the country. It developed as a seaside resort after World War I and the splendid Grand Pavilion dates from 1932. So, as you can see, there’s plenty to do in Wales - but what’s the best way of seeing it? Marken Travel, on Main Street, Billinge, has teamed up with coach firm Alfa Travel to offer a wide selection of Welsh breaks. Going by coach allows you to take the usual stress and strains of travelling away, and there are a variety of pick up points across the North West, including St Helens, Wigan, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Standish, Newton-Le-Willows and Prescot. So if you are looking for a cultural, exciting break not too far away from your own front door, the wonders of Wales await you...

Explore Wales Llandudno 03 May 4 nights

£229

Tenby

16 July 6 nights

£419

Criccieth

26 April 4 nights

£204

Porthcawl 24 Sept 6 nights

£294

Prices include: local coach pick up, breakfast, dinner, entertainment & excursions.

Food & Drink

Just

dessert By Keeley Bolger

he last two years have been rather dizzying for Martha Collison. Back in 2014, aged 17, she competed in the fifth series of The Great British Bake Off, finishing a-not-so shabby fifth place. Since then, she’s baked for the Queen, given the Archbishop of Canterbury a cake masterclass, written her first cookbook, Twist, and put her sweet tooth to good effect as an afternoon tea advisor at Wimbledon. All of which has been pulled off alongside studying for her AS and A-Levels. “It’s been challenging,” deadpans Collison, now 19, with a laugh. “My friends have to book days with me in advance. “It’s strange being a teenager and having to do that, but it’s fine. It’s just like jumping into work life before I thought I would, but there’s nothing bad about that.” If anything, she’s thrilled by her prospects.

unbelievable,” she says. “I’ve had to re-imagine my life, but in a really good way. Bake Off has really helped shape my future, which I’m really grateful for.”

Although she hails from a family of keen cooks, nobody in her immediate circle had been bitten by the baking bug, until Collison showed an interest aged eight. While her friends wanted bikes and Barbies for Christmas, she had her sights set on a blender.

She hopes Twist, in which she details tasty ideas to reinvent a series of baking classics, will be the first of many books. Given her successes since Bake Off, there’s little reason why this shouldn’t be the case - Collison still can’t quite get her head around how everything’s panned out.

At school, she’d daydream about the concoctions she’d try later on, stopping off to buy ingredients on her way home, and remembers her family “gritting their teeth and smiling” when she presented them with her early efforts. “I think they thought it might be a phase,” she adds, grinning.

“I planned all these things to say to the Queen,” she recalls of her time baking mini coffee and walnut, and lemon and elderflower cakes for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations. “But by the time it actually got to me, I was a bit overwhelmed,” she adds with a giggle. “She told me it was very kind of me to make the cakes for her birthday, and I feel like now I have to always be kind because the Queen has told me that I am!”

Collison’s original ambition was to become a food developer, but appearing on Bake Off changed everything. “It’s just been

Inspired? Here are two Twist recipes to give a whirl..

Twist by Martha Collison is published in hardback by HarperCollins, priced £16.99.

Key lime pie

cheesecake Method

Line the base of a 20cm pie dish or a loose-bottomed cake tin with a circle of baking parchment.

Serves 8 Ingredients For the base: 200g ginger biscuits 75g butter, melted For the filling: 1 x 397g tin condensed milk 300g full-fat cream cheese Zest and juice of 4 unwaxed limes 200ml double cream

To make the base, blitz the ginger biscuits in a food processor until they resemble very fine crumbs. Pour the melted butter into the crumbs and blitz again until all the biscuit crumbs are coated in butter. Alternatively, put the biscuits into a plastic bag, use a rolling pin to crush them to a fine powder then put the crumbs into a bowl and stir in the butter. Press the mixture into the base and sides of the prepared tin, pressing firmly with the back of a teaspoon to make sure it sticks together, then chill for at least 30 minutes. Whisk together the condensed milk and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the lime juice and half the lime zest, then pour into the biscuit base. Ideally, refrigerate for at least two hours, but you could get away with serving this after 30 minutes if you are in a real rush! Whip the double cream into soft peaks, and spoon or pipe it on top of the pie. Garnish with a sprinkle of the remaining lime zest before serving.

THE SIMMS ROAD INN www.simmsroadpub.co.uk

01744 894246

CHRISTMAS MENU 2016 A Traditional Home Made Meal STARTERS MINESTRONE SOUP

A chunky tomato based vegetable and pasta soup authentically seasoned, served with warm bread roll and butter.

CHRISTMAS SEAFOOD SALAD

A cocktail of crayfish, king prawns and smoked salmon lightly coated in our own seafood sauce on a bed of mixed salad leaves served with buttered brown bread.

MAINS ROAST TURKEY

Local fresh turkey breast served with sage and onion stuffing and a honey glazed sausage and bacon roll, herb diced potatoes, creamed potatoes, mashed carrot and swede, cabbage and peppers in a white sauce, cranberry and roast gravy.

POACHED SALMON

Salmon steak finished in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce, served with herb diced potatoes, mashed carrot and swede and cabbage and peppers in a white sauce.

DESSERTS CRIMBLE CRUMBLE

Our own baked apple and mincemeat crumble served with vanilla ice cream or custard or cream.

CHRISTMAS PUDDING

The traditional pudding served with brandy sauce or vanilla ice cream

£15.95 2 couRSE

£18.95 3 couRSE

BOOKINGS ONLY - £5.00 deposit (non refundable) per person to be paid at the time of booking together with your menu choices. Menu available 1st ‘til 23rd December. Lunch & Dinner but not on sundays. We have gluten free and vegetarian options, please ask for details

Melt-in-the-middle chocolate

puddings Method Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

Liberally butter eight mini pudding or dariole moulds and lightly dust the insides with cocoa powder. This makes the puddings easier to turn out once cooked. Cut a small circle of baking parchment the same size as the top of each mould and place inside each one to stop the puddings sticking. Melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir together until there are no lumps of either remaining and the mixture is smooth. Crack the eggs into another large bowl and add the extra yolks and the sugar. Use an electric hand-held whisk to whisk the mixture until it is thick, fluffy and very pale in colour. Fold in the melted chocolate using a spatula, then sift over the flour and mix well to combine. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if you knock out the air; you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the puddings to rise like a souffle.

Makes 8 Ingredients 125g butter, plus extra for greasing Cocoa powder, to dust 200g dark chocolate, chopped 2 eggs plus 2 yolks 100g caster sugar 25g plain flour Cream and berries, to serve

Spoon the mixture into the prepared moulds, filling each one two-thirds full. Bake the puddings for eight to 10 minutes. When they are ready, there should be a thin crust on the top but the centre should still have a slight wobble. Leave the puddings to stand for two minutes before turning out. I run a small palette knife around the inside edge of each mould to loosen it slightly. If they do not turn out properly, or you want to play it safe, you can always serve the puddings in the mould and just dive straight in with a spoon. Serve with a nice dollop of cream and a few fresh berries.

The Cottage Tandoori

Restaurant & Take Away

Christmas Day MENU

Opening Times: Between 1pm ‘til 5pm 31 Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HE

T: 01744 886 810

IndianSELECTION ADULTS

£23.95

CHILDREN

£13.50

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TRADITIONAL SELECTION ADULTS

£23.95

CHILDREN

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Complimentary bottle of wine with every table booked for 4 adults or more.

A minimum deposit of £10 per head required Reservations only.

Eating out

guide Plantation Restaurant From wholesome breakfasts and a delicious lunchtime menu to traditional Lancastrian afternoon teas, the Plantation Restaurant at Warbreck Garden Centre is the place to go. 01695 722960 Lyelake Lane, Lathom, L40 6JW warbreckgardencentre.co.uk

The Simms Road Inn Homemade pub food classics made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning Steak & Ale pie, supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner. Gluten Free options. 01744 894246 Garswood, WN4 0XH simmsroad.co.uk

Lovels Bistro Tasty food, happy times and great value - you’ll not be disappointed with the quality, taste and service. We’re more than just a great wedding venue. 01695 624 426 Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ hollandhallhotel.co.uk

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

Advertise

here £30 + VAT

Call 01744 649722

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

Rigby’s Coffee Shop Enjoy a trip out to Pimbo Garden Centre and tuck into a wide selection of delicious home cooked, locally sourced, food served seven days a week at Rigby’s Coffee Shop. 01695 622601 Pimbo Garden Centre, 32 Pimbo Lane, Up Holland, WN8 9QQ pimbogardencentre.co.uk

Events & Leisure

What’s The Wind in the Willows Thursday, 27 October to Sunday, 6 November Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale about the lovable menace Mr Toad comes to life in a brand new stage musical with a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes. Featuring spectacular stagecraft and a company of over fifty, this sparkling new musical with a glorious original score brings this treasured British classic to life. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ 0843 208 6000 www.thelowry.com

Jimmy Carr Saturday 29, October 2016 Jimmy is gathering a selection of his very best jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate comedy show. 8pm Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre PR1 1HT Contact telephone: 01772 80 44 44 www.prestonguildhall.com

Twopence to Cross The Mersey The new stage play version of Helen Forrester’s Twopence to Cross the Mersey is performed at a number of north west venues this autumn. This much loved account tells the true story of a young girl and her formerly wealthy family as they are suddenly thrown into the poverty-stricken slums of Liverpool during the Great Depression of the 1930’s.

Warrington Pyramid & Parr Hall WA1 1BL Friday 28th & Saturday 29th October Contact telephone: 01925 442345 St Helens Theatre Royal WA10 1LQ Monday 7th to Saturday 12th November

Penguin! Elephant! Saturday, 29 October 2016 Goblins new musical adventure for children ages 3+. With original songs, hilarious physical comedy and dance, Penguin! Elephant! is a magical new show about celebrating differences. Time 2:30pm The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB 01704 533 333 www.theatkinson.co.uk

Big Bang Tungsten Friday, 4 November 2016 An ‘explosion’ of exhibition darts, for one night only and starring Eric ‘Banger’ Bristow, Dennis ‘The Rocket’ Priestley, Peter ‘Pin Wheel’ Manley and Joe ‘Jumping Jack’ Murman! The perfect alternative night out for darts fans and the rest of the world alike.7pm-11pm. Rose Club (formerly Monaco Ballroom), Atherton Road, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3EU www.anaudiencewith.co.uk

Sponge

Swan Lake

Saturday, 5 November

Monday, 14 November

A multi-sensory experience about all things spongy. Performance for babies aged from 6 months to children under 4 and their families. 10:00am The Citadel Arts Centre, St Helens WA10 1PX 01744 735 436 www.citadel.org.uk

The highly acclaimed Russian State Ballet and Opera House returns with the perfect romantic ballet, performed to Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live Orchestra with over 30 musicians, this Swan Lake captures, like no other, the full range of human emotions. Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT www.prestonguildhall.com

Chorley Handmade Market Saturday, 5 November The Chorley Handmade Market returns to The Lancastrian Suite at Chorley Town Hall. If you love handmade then this craft market is not to be missed with over 30 talented makers and food producers on display, live music and refreshments. Free entry. 11am-4pm. Chorley Town Hall, Market Street, Chorley PR7 1DP

Christmas Carol Tuesday, 8 to Friday, 11 November 2016 It’s Christmas Eve and mysterious forces are at work! Scrooge, a bad-tempered old skinflint, is visited by the ghost of his dead partner. Faithful to the original timeless classic, this brilliantly adapted musical version perfectly captures the magic of Christmas and positively sparkles on stage. Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT www.prestonguildhall.com

Manchester Christmas Markets

Liverpool Christmas Markets Saturday, 19 November to Thursday, 22 December Over 45 decorated wooden chalets selling festive crafts and gifts brought to you from all over Europe. Sample the ever popular delights of a Continental Christmas with the licensed bar selling Glühwein, German beers and other seasonal specialities such as bratwurst and crepes. Lord Street, Paradise Street, Church Street

The Three Towns in Concert Friday 18 & Saturday 19 November Striking the right note for everyone with a variety of Songs from the Shows, Broadway, Popular and Classical Music in relaxed cabaret setting. 7.30pm St. Joseph’s Concert Hall, Chapel Street, Leigh WN7 2PR 01942 665615 www.thethreetowns.net

Chester Arts Fair

Saturday, 12 November to Monday, 19 December 2016

Saturday, 19 & Sunday, 20 November

With more than 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets in nine separate markets spread across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are free and accessible to all. All Christmas Market Sites will be open 7 days a week from 10am, and close between 7.30pm-9pm. Manchester City Centre – various venues

Cheshire’s premier arts event. Visitors can view and buy art from over 50 UK & International galleries and emerging & established artists. The Fair attracts visitors with a genuine passion for art, from serious collectors to those investing in their first piece of original art. 10.30am-5pm. Chester Racecourse, CH1 2LY

Roald Dahl Tremendous Adventures Monday, 21 November to Sunday, 4 December Step in to the Christmas mansion and in to Roald Dahl’s magical world as his extraordinary storytelling weaves itself through the grand staterooms and into the bustling servants’ quarters. Traditional music will accompany your visit as you also enjoy the decorating and kitchen demonstrations. Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN www.tattonpark.org.uk 01625 374400

Victorian Christmas Weekends Weekends of 26/27 November, 3/4 & 10/11 December Festive fun at Speke Hall! Visit the Hall, decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas, enjoy lots of family activities including donkey rides and Christmas trails, listen to carols in the Great Hall and pay a call on Father Christmas.11am-4pm. The Walk, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1XD www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Winter Arts Market Saturday, 3 and Sunday, 4 December Merseyside’s largest arts and crafts market is the perfect place to pick up some truly unique, handmade Christmas gifts from over 200 incredible artists, designers and makers. The market also features a range of other activities including a vintage fair, kid-friendly craft workshops and live music. £2 entry, kids go free. 10am-5pm St George’s Hall, St George’s Place, Liverpool L1 1JJ www.winterartsmarket.com

Rainford Christmas Fayre Saturday, 3 December Rainford’s 3rd Christmas Fayre takes over much of Church Street in the village. Market stalls and local shops will be doing their utmost to tempt us into buying their Christmas gifts and crafts, and there

will also be food, a fun fair, donkey rides, Santa’s Grotto and festive live music. 11am-3pm. Church Road, Rainford WA11 8HE

Standish Christmas Market Saturday, 3 December This market runs from 11am-8pm and will feature a range of market stalls, an indoor craft fair (running from 11am-5pm), a special Santa’s Grotto, live music and entertainment, a Snowglobe, a Christmas Trail around the village and a beer tent. Market Place, Standish WN6 0HN 07877 869700

Faulty Towers: The Christmas Dining Experience Sunday, 4 December to Wednesday, 7 December When the audience become diners in the ‘Faulty Towers’ restaurant, pretty much anything can happen – especially with two-thirds of the show improvised. The fun starts as guests wait to be seated, then hurtles along as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve a ‘70s-style 3-course Christmas dinner with crackers, pudding and a good dollop of mayhem. Expect the unexpected! The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ 0843 208 6000 www.thelowry.com

Winter Wonderland Manchester Saturday, 10 December to Monday, 2 January The mammoth 22,000 sq. m exhibition space will be transformed into a wonderland extravaganza, featuring over 50 family rides and attractions all under one roof. There will also be a whole host of games and stalls. Winter Wonderland operates on a session basis, offering families four hours of nonstop fun and entertainment. EventCity (next to the Trafford Centre) www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com

sponsored by

Bickerstaffe

Moss

by David Sudworth

ickerstaffe is one of those names which couldn’t really come from anywhere other than Lancashire. Strikingly unpretentious, it stirs images of a stoic community, free of frippery but warm and welcoming. Its landscape is all of those things and more, which makes for some very pleasant and interesting strolls. Our walk starts on from a free car park on Liverpool Road (WN8 8BS), Old Skelmersdale, and immediate crosses Liverpool Road playing fields, past the changing rooms, turning right on to White Moss Road and then taking the footbridge across the M58. Once on the other side (White Moss Road

South) we turn right and walk for a few hundred yards before taking a left onto a public footpath and into a field. Word of warning here; you really need to keep an eye out. A lack of way markers and defined routes can leave you straying on to private land - and believe me, we speak from experience! Luckily, a local farmer who was out bailing some hay at the time pointed out our error, saying we weren’t the first (and, I doubt, the last) to have strayed. So here’s how you stay on track; basically keep on the edge of the field, using the electricity pylons a good few yards away as your guide. Once you go past the

second pylon, turn right about 45 degrees, walk for a few yards and then turn left. From here, stay on the left hand side of the hedgerow - we didn’t and that’s where we fouled up. As keen gardeners, we noticed the soil here was extremely friable; we’re in prime root veg territory here so you do need to watch your footing at times. From here, you’re simply heading south towards Higherend Farm, Once at the farm, bear left towards the woodland. At this juncture, we pass Hey’s Crossing. This was once part of the old OrmskirkSt Helens Railway line which passed through Westhead, Skelmersdale, Rainford, Crank and Moss Bank. Closed to passengers 60 years ago this month (November 5, 1956), this part of the line carried on for a few years as a freight line until finally being dismantled by November 1964. Carry on until you get to the wooded area, then take a right to follow the outline of the wood, going over the footbridge and continue towards the path to the left of the farm. Once past the houses, you’ll be at the end of Holland

Moss. Simply go over the field in front of you and eventually you’ll get to Nipe Lane. Turn right onto the lane (beware, this is a fast road so stay alert and tether dogs) and walk around three quarters of a mile before you find a turning before the last set of houses. This is technically called Holly Fold Lane but actually is grass and could pass for someone’s private property. Go through the gate, up the lane and, at the end take a left on walk for a quarter of a mile until it forces you to turn right on to Holly Lane. We’re now on a stretch which not only has very few cars, but also has some very bonny properties. In the distance, on the left, our cameraman Peter caught a glimpse of the Liverpool skyline against the backdrop of the Welsh hills. At the junction of Holly Lane and Coal Pit Lane, go straight on into the field but keep your eyes peeled for the footbridge as you need to cross the stream. Once on the west side of the stream, follow the path up to Ivy House, where you then bear right and then

wind your way north towards Colliery Plantation. Once there, go left, then look for the right turning back towards White Moss Road South. Go over another motorway bridge, down to Skelmersdale Road and then take a right onto Liverpool Road. This walk, at five miles, is ideal for those who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fond of climbing up hills but are eager to get off the beaten track. For all the development around it (the motorway, Junction 4 Business Park and Skelmersdale new town), this part of West Lancashire manages to retain its sense of calm and peaceful, rural life. Which, of course, is exactly how the locals like it... Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear while walking. While every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

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Test drive

Volkswagen

Golf

GTi

by Tim Barnes-Clay

he splendid VW Golf GTI has been in the motoring arena for over four decades, and its appeal is still red-hot.

The word ‘hot’ is significant here, because the Golf GTI is the original ‘hothatch’ and it has generated many copycats. This obviously means the VW Golf GTI isn’t the only one in the hot-hatchback division anymore, and it has to try even harder to thrash the (relatively) young new comers that try and knock it down from its perch. Curiously, key adversaries come from inside Volkswagen Group’s inner sanctum. These motors include Skoda’s Octavia vRS and SEAT’s Leon Cupra. Both cars are brilliant in every respect, apart from the absence of the ‘VW Golf GTI’ badge. And, to be blunt, they produce comparable performance for less cash. But, that’s because they are not the celebrity that is the Golf GTI – and Volkswagen knows motorists will fork out more for that reason alone. The modern day Golf GTI is just such awesome fun behind the wheel. It is a grinmaking motor that makes every mile travelled an utter delight. Toss the Golf along motorways and it stays as planted as a 100-year-old oak tree at 70mph. The 2.0-litre TSI 220PS five-door version, on test here, has wads of power on tap, masses of grip, alert and meticulous steering, and virtually no body roll. Regardless of this, the suspension is efficient enough to keep the hot-hatch comfy. So, as well as being

a champ of commuting on the straight sections, picking its way along snaky country roads and making mincemeat of tight bends is where the VW Golf GTI really comes into its own. Under the hood, the 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine, adjoined to a six-speed manual gearbox, gets you from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds on the way to a maximum speed of 152mph. Stimulating as these numbers are, they’re accompanied by extraordinarily meagre running costs. The GTI manages an average fuel consumption of 47.1mpg, while discharging only 139g/km of CO2 emissions. This mix of parsimony and performance makes the appeal of the present Golf GTI even more delicious. You can instantaneously tell a VW Golf GTI from a standard Golf by the larger 18-inch alloy wheels, the red styling on the lower front bumper, and the attractive roof spoiler. Peep inside and there’s a suggestion of retro, with the archetypal Golf GTI tartan upholstery and the gear knob formed to look like a golf ball. Regardless of the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s sporty standing in the automotive amphitheatre, the fivedoor car is as practical as any other hatchback. The cabin and load space are the same as the ordinary VW Golf. This means the car will seat five people and the boot is big enough to accommodate anything from a baby’s pushchair to family-sized bags of shopping. The Golf GTI comes festooned with interior gadgetry and kit, too. Included is a touchscreen infotainment system, sat-nav, a DAB radio and Bluetooth. Automatic lights, parking sensors adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and automatic windscreen

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wipers are also part of the standard paraphernalia. At the end of the day, we like a family vehicle to be safe. Well, on top of the rapidity, driving dynamics, economy, pragmatism and comfort, I’m pleased to say that the latest VW Golf GTI scored the maximum five-star rating possible under Euro NCAP crash safety assessments. So, what’s not to like about the modern day Volkswagen Golf GTI? It stirs the spirit as much as it ever did – and it still warrants the respect it first netted forty years ago.

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ur front gardens are disappearing at a rate of knots. Since 2005 one quarter of all front gardens in the UK have been paved over and this includes a significant number in the North West. This is mainly due to the need for off road parking, which is perfectly understandable and a practical consideration in these days of two car families and residents’ parking permits. Having said that, we have to consider that water run-off is a serious problem with street drains struggling to cope with sudden downpours. Previously rain water was absorbed by borders and lawns in front gardens but nowadays the water has nowhere to go because of the large number of front gardens which have been converted to hard standing. Drainage systems simply can’t cope leading to flash flooding. Hence the current planning laws regarding paving over front gardens. (You need to check these out should you be considering converting your front garden into parking space). And it is not just a matter of water run-off but aesthetics. Green spaces make us feel better and plants help to suck pollution from the atmosphere and absorb heat, particularly important in towns

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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