LocalLife St Helens Edition
Louise’s Lyme
November 2017
battle
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Nearly tinsel
Y
time
ou’ve seen Christmas cards popping up in shops, decorations making appearances and to the horror of many, heard a festive song already. Yes indeed, D-day or rather C-day is upon us. I have to admit however, I’m a huge Christmas fan. But not just December 25, it’s the run-up to Christmas I love. Families and friends get together, communities become even tighter and I think the Festive cheer brings out the best in all of us. The holidays at the Ollerton household is a busy family affair, with all my favourite people under one roof, getting merry, competitive at games (yes – I’m a sore loser), and spending quality family time together while the rest of the world stands still as more families do the same. As we approach the happiest day of the year we have some festivities to get us in the mood. From Bonfire Night with crackles and sparkles, Christmas do’s galore, festive food markets, and of course here’s to tucking into our advent calendars once more. Get out and about during our rare clear, crisp winter days, eat to your heart’s content, but most importantly be sure to relax a little before the chaos of December ensues. But don’t forget, if you need something special to help you unwind, it’s nearly time for mulled wine, mince pies and lots and lots of cheese…
Niamh Ollerton, Deputy Editor
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In this issue WIN a £500
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22 Louise’s Lyme
battle
Regulars 25 Class From The Past 59 Jack’s Tracks 42 Puzzle Corner 63 Test Drive 49 Events2Go 66 Garden Diary
Sections 6 Property 12 Local News 31 Health 44 Eduacation
54 Food 63 Travel 66 Gardening 69 Home Services
Next issue - December 2017
Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 21 November
26 Local bonfires &
fireworks
Published - Friday, 1 December
LocalLife Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
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Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Clare sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David, Niamh sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Dylan, Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. The next issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Sutton Heath. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.
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Wait for Green Belt plans Campaigners face a six month wait to see whether plans for homes in their area will be amended. St Helens Council - which has earmarked land in Rainford, Garswood (pictured below), Billinge and Moss Bank for development - say a draft plan will be published next summer. This ‘Proposed Submission’ version – will be the version of the Plan that the council wants to see adopted, subject to approval by an independent Planning Inspector. The council hopes to adopt the Local Plan in 2019. A council spokesman said: “This revised timetable for the preparation of the Local Plan has been determined by several factors that are outside the council’s control. These include the Government’s proposed new approach to calculating housing need. A key requirement of the Local Plan is to identify how many new homes should be provided. However in September, the Government consulted on a new approach that once finalised, must be taken into account. “The Government has also set a new requirement that all councils must publish a register of brownfield
land suitable for housing before the end of 2017. This work will in turn feed into the Local Plan. “The extended period will allow further time to evaluate the significant amount of valuable feedback received from the previous public consultation. It will also allow the Local Plan to be informed by updated evidence regarding local housing and employment and for further work to be undertaken to address the impacts of the Plan on transport and other forms of infrastructure.” James Wright, chairman of Rainford Action Group, said: “We’re pleased St Helens Council has finally provided the public with some clarity around the timings of its Local Plan. This was overdue but is still welcome. It’s also good news the council will be working with the Highways Agency. The agency warned about the negative impact proposals in the last version of the plan would have on our road network. “The last version of the plan was a builder’s charter that would have destroyed precious green land, caused chaos on our roads and put profit before people. The next version has to be radically different. “The council now has the opportunity and time to listen to the views of the people they serve, St Helens Borough residents, and produce a much better blueprint for the future of the town that is ambitious and sustainable. “
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Pasture’s new after flood A Rainford road is set to re-open at the end of November following a 10-week closure.
A subsequent detailed inspection of the retaining wall revealed that the damage was severe over a considerable distance that it had also caused damage to a gas main located in close proximity.
Pasture Lane in Rainford has been closed to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians since the middle of September for significant structural work on a retaining wall.
The estimated cost of the work could not be covered within the council’s budget; however funding has been secured from the Department for Transport, following a motion brought forward at a full-council meeting earlier this year.
On Boxing Day 2015, a gaping hole emerged between the pavement and road after rising flood water from a ditch made its ways underneath the footpath, causing a stone retaining wall to move which resulted in the footpath collapsing. The council’s highways and maintenance team responded to this incident to ensure the area was made safe in the interest of public safety.
St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Green, Smart and Sustainable Borough, Cllr Terry Shields, said: “We understand that this repair work is a long time coming, but with this funding we are now ready to fully restore Pasture Lane from its storm damaged state.”
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An arresting new home? Rainford’s old police station is poised to go on the market. Merseyside Police have applied for planning permission to convert the Church Road property in to a house. Earlier this year, Jane Kennedy, Police & Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, put forward plans for a new police community police station at Rainford Village Hall. The police now want permission to change the use
of the old police station, so it can be put on the open market. Papers submitted to St Helens Council’s planning department state: “The police station is currently a small unit (police box) attached to the front of a semi detached house also owned by Merseyside Police. “We are now looking to market the whole property.” A final decision on the application is due to be made by November 28.
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At the car wash Tesco’s Haydock store could soon be getting a new car wash. The Bellerophon Way facility wants to lose seven car parking spaces to create the service. Tesco say the car wash will operate from 8am-7pm, Monday-Saturday, and from 10am-4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. A decision is due soon.
Cross-border taxi call St Helens North’s MP is calling for clarification on private hire taxis working in a different area to which they are registered. Conor McGinn’s, whose own constituency borders Wigan, quizzed Transport Minister John Hayes on the matter. The minister revealed a report on the issue would be published next year.
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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 you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition! Simply contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.
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Love is in the air... Do you know a local couple who have a great story to tell? Maybe they’ve met in unusual circumstances, triumphed against the odds or just have a great story to tell. We’re on the look-out for couples to feature in a forthcoming edition. They must be prepared to share their story with readers, and have their photograph taken for publication. Send us their contact details, plus a brief summary of no more than 200 words, to sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Please only contact us if you have their permission. Anonymous suggestions will be discounted.
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Tributes have been paid to a former councillor and bodyguard to Winston Churchill. Neville Bullock of Garswood was a World War II veteran. In summer 1945, as a Royal Marine Neville volunteered and was chosen for a top secret mission, in which he served as bodyguard to Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the famous Potsdam Conference in Germany. Here Churchill, his successor Clement Attlee, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and US President Harry Truman negotiated terms for the end of World War II. Billinge and Seneley Green Cllr Sue Murphy said: “Neville served as both a parish councillor in Seneley Green and a district councillor for the Billinge and Seneley Green ward, where he worked hard for the residents he represented. Neville led such a rich life and had a great love for the community. He was a true gentleman, a pleasure to work with, and will be sadly missed.”
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£1.7k fraud probe Whistleblowers at a local hospital helped antifraud specialists recover more than £1,700. In 12 months, a total of 28 matters were formally recorded under whistleblowing procedures; 24 of which were probed by the Local Anti-Fraud Specialist at Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Trust. Of these, 13 were allegations about staff working while claiming to be off sick. Five reports related to allegedly making false representations, two allegations of theft, two allegations of abuse of power by an individual and one allegation of salary overpayment. The allegations led to one matter resulting in money retrieved with no action as the individual had left the Trust, and three matters were resolved as the employees resigned ahead of any evidence identified or action required.
WI meetings Crank Women’s Institute meets on the first Wednesday of the month, from 2pm in Rainford Parish Church Hall, Church Road. For details on meetings and membership, call Pam on 01744 751615.
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More views wanted More consultation will take place over the future of Billinge Public Hall. Parish councillors say that because there were only a small number of responses from the public during the previous consulation, a further round will be carried out. Billinge Chapel End Parish Council is considering the long-term future of the pre-fab building on Pingot Road. One of the options, is to sell the building and find a different location for meetings. This is because the building is likely to need “significant investment” in the long term if it was to remain open. The parish council says it will conduct another
consultation via its parish newsletter and the aim will be “to include possible scenarios to provide a fuller picture for residents.”
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Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Rectory School, Downall Green. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1970s. Maybe you can spot a
familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact us today by emailing sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk
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Louise’s
battle
David Sudworth talks to the Billinge mum who lived with “the AIDS of our time” for 34 years without knowing it...
A
s the mum of a five-year-old, Louise Devine could be forgiven for feeling exhausted. But her fatigue isn’t due to normal, day-to-day family duties - it’s from a condition being described as “the AIDS of our time.” The 40-year-old, who grew up in Blackbrook and now lives in Billinge, has Lyme Disease. She was diagnosed earlier this year, but thinks she may have been carrying it for the past 34 years. “I may have got it from a horse fly bite when I was six. My mum took me to A&E as it
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was at the top of my leg, but the doctors thought it was just a bad reaction.” Little is known about Lyme Disease in the UK, and stories of misdiagnosis are common. The condition has gained more prominence in recent years due to celebrities such as Alec Baldwin, Ben Stiller and
“I am house-bound most days” Kelly Osbourne opening up about their battles. In Osbourne’s case, she contracted it in a reindeer sanctuary in the backyard of the Osbourne family home 13 years ago. Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete – a corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Borrelia. Infected ticks have been found all over the UK in woodland, open countryside and even urban parks and gardens. Suffers can be left with illness throughout their lives - lethergy and fatigue being the main culprits. Indeed, ex-St Mary’s and St Augustine’s pupil Louise hasn’t been able to work since the beginning of the year when she ‘crashed’ due to tiredness. “I’m unlikely to go back to my job, one I’ve had for 20 years, which makes me really sad. Some days I
am bed-bound, and most days I am usually housebound. Even small things like reading, or sitting talking to someone can make you tired.” However, as it is not a notifiable disease in the UK, the true number of new cases per year is unknown. There are around 1,000 serologically confirmed cases in the UK each year. But Public Health England state that the true number could be around 3,000 per year. One of the issues is that NHS tests for Lyme disease are not sensitive enough. GPs often don’t consider it for a possible diagnosis, usually opting for conditions such as ME - which is what happened to Louise.
28 “I was diagnosed with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2016, but before that I was told I had fibromyalgia. I had a test for Lyme disease in the UK but it came back negative. My health continued to deteriorate so this year, I had tests done in Germany and they confirmed I had Lyme disease. “If it had been treated early, it could have been cured with antibiotics. However, because it was left untreated, it became chronic Lyme disease. “Looking back, I had a lot of problems as a child with nausea, so was tested for cystic fibrosis, food allergies and so on. “My friends laugh because they always tell me that when they called round for me as a teenager, I would more often than not be in bed asleep.” The impact of living with unchecked Lyme disease for 34 years has impacted heavily onex-Carmel College student Louise’s quality of life. “I have no hobbies because I haven’t got the energy, and what energy I do have, I want to save it for Alexa, my five year old.
“I’m always checking my daughter for ticks” “I’m always checking her for ticks - even after her school sports day. I’m paranoid about it, especially as there is so much open space around her as well.” Louise, who lives on Avon Road in Billinge, says that because the NHS didn’t diagnose her as having Lyme disease, she is now having to fork out around £40 a month for a range of medications, which have led to some small improvements. But she desperately wants to raise awareness about the disease so that other people get treated before it is too late. “Many patients feel frustrated and let down by the NHS due to the lack of care they receive. That means they have to turn to private care and undergo testing by foreign laboratories whose results are not accepted by the NHS. That has to change.”
Be aware... Early symptoms include: Bull’s-eye rash, known as erythema migrans. This is diagnostic of Lyme disease but it isn’t always present. Fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, fever and chills, neck stiffness, nausea and digestive issues Late symptoms of Lyme disease: Pain and swelling in the joints (inflammatory arthritis), problems affecting the nervous system, memory issues, word finding difficulties and ‘brain fog’, headaches and migraines, heart problems, disturbed sleep – either too little or too much fatigue and post exertional malaise, vision and hearing problems, vertigo and dizziness, anxiety and depression Most common other diagnoses for people with Lyme disease: ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and post viral fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, MS, dementia, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, other autoimmune diseases, migraine and Labyrinthitis. More information at lymediseaseuk.com
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Health & Fitness
20 tips for keeping
illness at bay By Jeananne Craig
O
K, so there’s no such this as being TOTALLY immune to all illness. But nobody can deny that some people fare better when it comes to the dreaded winter lurgy than others. Do you seem to catch every bug going, while your neighbour/best friend/colleague seems to glide through winter snot and sniffle-free? Admittedly, our immune systems are all built differently and other factors can come into play (not least the type and amount of bacteria and viruses we’re exposed to), but there’s also a lot people do to help keep those bug-fighting mechanisms in good working order.
Here are 20 tips for keeping the winter bugs at bay... 1. Prioritise sleep Treat yourself to an early night - studies have shown that plenty of sleep helps the immune system to function, while a lack of shut-eye can weaken it. 2. Manage stress High stress levels can weaken the immune system. So chill out! 3. Have a hobby Having a favourite activity or pastime keeps us active and boosts our happy hormones - helping us to stay healthy and keep sickness at bay.
32 4. Get outdoors Cooped up in an office full of germs all day? Tear yourself away from the computer and step outside
It could help you fend off illness, because it contains immune-boosting cocoa (the proper dark stuff, that is; not the sugar-loaded milk and white choccy
for some fresh air.
treats). So what better excuse for a big slab of it?
5. Laugh!
9. Gargle diluted TCP
Having a good chuckle will get your heart beating and also helps reduce stress levels. So book those comedy tickets, or switch on your favourite sitcom, now.
This liquid antiseptic can be used as soon as you get the inkling of a sore throat. Just gargle (but don’t swallow) TCP diluted with five parts water, twice a day.
6. Eat berries
10. Get steamy
Berries are a great source of vitamin C, a key coldbusting nutrient. Note to self: blueberry muffins probably don’t count.
An oldie but a goodie. Hover over a steaming bowl of water with a towel on top of your head to clear the sinuses.
7. Drink water
11. Hands to yourself
H2O is awash, if you pardon the pun, with health benefits - and not just when it comes to hangovers. It also helps flush out bad bacteria and can prevent dehydration, constipation and kidney stones.
Keep handshakes to a minimum during cold and flu season. How about a fist pump instead?! Failing that, get yourself some hand sanitizer.
8. Munch some (proper) chocolate
Ginger can sooth sore throats, reduce fever, and aid circulation. What’s not to love?
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12. Try ginger
13. Wash hands Wash hands after using public transport. If you take a train or bus to work, you’re leaving yourself exposed to all sorts of bothersome bacteria. Tube passengers, take note: research has found the most germ-ridden line on the London Underground is the Northern Line. 14. Take some Echinacea This native American herb is known for its healing qualities and is a popular choice for fighting the first signs of cold and flu. Note, however, that it can lose impact if used long-term. 15. Get garlicky Garlic may not make you popular with your other half, but it boasts compounds which help our immune system fight germs. 16. Use sterilising wipes Some exposure to germs is good for children, but if you have very little ones who like to chew on everything, rub their toys with a sterilising wipe after a playdate to stem the spread of nasties.
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34 17. Nip coldsores in the bud Coldsores are a symptom of being - and can leave you feeling - really run-down. So keep some coldsore-busting cream in your desk drawer or bedside table, and zap it at the first tingle. 18. Get a massage Along with relieving stress, a study found that participants who had a 45-minute massage had an increased number of disease-defending white blood cells. 19. Jump in the shower Cold showers get the blood pumping, help reduce migraines and strengthen immunity. 20. Eat sweet potatoes
These spuds contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant which helps protect our immune system. Not only that, they’re delicious. Tuck in!
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WELLBEING NEWS Could food sustainability concerns be impacting our health? Sustainability is a global concern, and according to a new survey, 43% of UK adults admit they worry about the sustainability of the food on their plate, with 59% saying they’re concerned about depleting fish stocks, and one in five (20%) confessing they’ve tried a vegan or vegetarian diet as a result. However, it seems worrying about food sustainability - which often particularly applies to fish (a recognised important source of omega 3, essential for health, including for the heart, brain and skin) - can trigger a secondary concern: one in three (33%) of the 2,000 men and women quizzed by plant-derived omega supplement Ahiflower Oil admit to worrying they could be lacking in omega 3 due to their dietary decisions.
Nutritionist Dr Sarah Schenker says: “If you’re thinking of switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’ll be cutting out certain foods, so it’s important to consider the nutrients you may miss out on. For example, if you don’t eat fish, you might not be getting your recommended dose of crucial nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids which your body needs for good health.” (www.ahiflower.com)
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Primary rated as top Staff and pupils at Garswood Primary School have started the new school year in the best possible way after coming back to an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report. Inspectors visited Garswood at the end of June and were so impressed with what they found; they scored the previously ‘good’ Hamiliton Road community school as outstanding across all areas. Key findings from the glowing report found quality of teaching to be outstanding, noting that teachers have strong subject knowledge which is highly effective in engaging pupils’ interest. Inspectors also found learning environments to be of a very high standard - and were full of praise for headteacher Pam Potter, who they described as ‘inspirational’ - highlighting her ‘unwavering drive and ambition to secure the best possible outcomes for all pupils.’ Despite Garswood achieving the highest grade at its disposal, Mrs Potter - who took over the reins six years ago - has insisted that the school will not rest
class
on its laurels and is determined to further build on the success by taking into account inspectors’ tips on how to further improve the school. These include improving the attendance of disadvantaged pupils. Mrs Potter said: “This outstanding judgement is certainly something for our children, staff, families and community to celebrate, as it is recognition of the continued and collective unwavering drive to ensure the very best for our children. “However, this will not deter us from this commitment to continual improvement and we will start work right away as we look to build on this success. “I’d like to thank the children and families, staff and Governors who spoke so highly of our school to the inspection team. I am delighted that Ofsted agree that Garswood is outstanding.” Sending her congratulations, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Young People and Education, Cllr Jeanette Banks, said: “Garswood’s latest Ofsted report makes for excellent reading and is a testimony to the hard work of the headteacher, senior leaders and school Governors for their continued focus on improvement.”
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Local Life require distributors for the following areas; Haydock Westminster Drive estate Wedge Ave/Gleneagles Drive estate Windle St Helens Road/Moss Lane area Kings Moss Kings Moss area Rainford Scarisbrick Road, Lathom Drive area Billinge Ashfield Cres estate & Garswood Rd
Distributors typically work for 2-3 hours every 8 weeks. Applicants must be aged 13+ and be fit, enthusiastic and reliable.
Interested? Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
LocalLife
Help for adults Adults wanting to step back into education are being advised that help is at hand. St Helens Council’s Adult and Community Learning Service (ACL) is reaching out to those who may want to return to the classroom to learn new skills. Courses include maths and English, digital skills, customer service, skills for employment, preparing to work in care, preparing to work with children, volunteering workshops, supporting teaching and learning in schools (teaching assistants). Many courses are free. For information call 01744 677315/01744 677328, or email adultlearning@sthelens.gov.uk More information is also available at www.sthelens. gov.uk/libraries/adult-and-community-learning/
Crossing the line The fateful School Crossing Patrols (SCP) could be lost from St Helens due to government funding reductions. On Wednesday, October 25, St Helens Cabinet met and one think on the agenda was the School Crossing Patrol Service. The 2017-2020 budget states to meet both Central Government imposed austerity and the council’s statutory responsibilities cuts, unprecedented changes must be made to services to save £20.6m. As there is no statutory duty on the council to provide a lollipop lady/man the report to cut the service was approved by the cabinet. A representative from the press office said: “If no other means of funding can be made available through schools or local groups etc. then the service will be stopped as of August 31 2018. “All the councillors expressed it is not a decision they made lightly and it is a direct result from Central Government cuts.” The council remains committed to working with schools and parents/carers to protect children’s safety and promote road safety. St Helens is not the only local authority to come to this conclusion; most local authorities have already reviewed the SCP service, due to budgetary pressures.
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Puzzle Corner
SUDOKU
5 3 7 2 1 9
2
WORD SEARCH Find the hidden words in the word search grid
8 6 4 1
4 5 3
9 5 8 1 7 6 8
4
1
STEP ON IT Fill in the missing words changing just one letter at a time from the first to the last word. SPARKLER FOUNTAIN FUSE WHISTLE RAINBOW
FLARE SALVO BANG BONFIRE COMET
CLASPS
ROCKET TAPER DUD SPARKS FISH
WORD MIX UP Unscramble the letters to make a word BEANGR
YEASTS
NUG PRODEW HLEWE HOTCU PPEAR
WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Keep schtum
LEAKRCC UYG KEWFAS DEEPLOX FASTREDLUHNH
Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.
K E T H
A I O E
T T T G
E V A R
All the puzzle solutions are on page 70 of this magazine
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44
Travel
Go Dutch in
Valkenburg T
he Netherlands isn’t known for its hills, which instantly makes the town of Valkenburg unique.
For it is in fact home to the country’s only hill castle. The castle, which dates back to the 11th century, may now only be a ruin, but offers a fantastic views over the glorious landscape of the Limburg region Valkenburg aan de Geul is a small community which has long been a real tourist magnet. People go there to discover the mines and caves with their drawings that date back to Roman times. Marl used to be mined there and today visitors can, on foot or on an excursion train, explore the caves in which the Romans mined marl about 2000 years ago.
Hattons are parking one of their coaches outside Marken Travel in Billinge for an hour on Wed 08 November at 11am and again at 4pm. Come onboard to take a look and feel free to ask the Hatton’s representative about any of their holidays.
45 Another cave in Valkenburg is the Fluweelengrot which lies under the castle’s ruins. This labyrinth of tunnels was only discovered in 1937. It served the knights and the castle’s inhabitants as a means of escape in the event of the castle being seized by enemies.
For those wanting to venture outside Valkenburg, there’s plenty of options.
In Valkenburg you will also find spa and wellness facilities, such as Thermae 2000 where you can bathe in a modern spa in over 40,000-year-old water - and at a pleasant temperature of 32 degrees.
Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in Holland, as you will quickly discover when strolling through the historic inner city. Churches, city walls, monumental merchant houses and big squares merge seamlessly with a comprehensive and varied range of shops.
If you travel to Valkenburg by train then you should definitely look out for Valkenburg’s railway station; it is one of the oldest railway stations in the Netherlands. There are two theme parks in Valkenburg: the Valkenier family-friendly amusement park and the Sprookjesbos (‘enchanted forest’) theme park. You will get a thrill on the ghost train and rollercoasters in the Valkenier amusement park and enchanting experiences for younger children at Sprookjesbos.
Visit
Close by is Maastricht. In the early 1990s, its name was never out of the news, thanks it lending its name to a European Union Treaty which bedevilled former Prime Minister John Major’s government.
Those interested in World War II will want to pay a visit to the Netherlands American Cemetery. Its tall memorial tower can be seen before reaching the site, which covers 65.5 acres. From the entrance visitors are led to the Court of Honor with its pool reflecting the tower. At the base of the tower facing the reflecting pool is a statue representing women who have suffered loss. To the right and left, respectively, are the visitor building and the map
Valkenburg!
26th - 30th March 2018
£325 per person* *based on two people sharing
4 nights half board at the historic Walram Hotel Executive coach travel, door to door. Free bar! (for 3 hours per night – local beers, wines & spirits) Includes trips to; Monscau, Drielandenpunt, Maastricht and the Nederlands US Cemetery Contact us today to book your place...
Independent Travel Specialist 200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE
Telephone: 01744 893291
www.markentravel.co.uk
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room containing three large, engraved operations maps with texts depicting the military operations of the American armed forces. Stretching along the sides of the court are Tablets of the Missing on which are recorded 1,722 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. For those wishing to venture further afield, Monschau is around an hour’s driver over the border in neighbouring Germany. Vibrant activities within ancient walls, a medieval townscape with idyllic half-timbered houses, narrow streets and cobblestones, Monschau is a cultural centre and one of the most popular holiday and excursion destinations in the Eifel region. And for those wanting a break from sightseeing, there’s lots to do at Drielandenpunt. It’s name comes from the Dutch for ‘Three Country Point’ - meaning you can visit three countries at once! Part of the park covers an area where the borders of the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium meet. More than just being an important symbolic and geographical spot, the tripoint also offers some fun attractions.
Billinge-based Marken Travel has teamed up with Hatton’s Travel to offer a five-day stay in the Valkenburg area from March 26-30. The cost of £325 per person (single person supplement of £45) includes door to door service, executive coach travel including courier service and four nights half board a the Walram Hotel, 3hr FREE BAR.. For more information, contact Marken Travel at 200 Main Street, Billinge, Wigan, WN5 7PE, or call 01744 893291.
Lindburg Checklist Language: Dutch and Limburgish Currency: Euro Time: +1 hour Beer: €3.50 Cappuccino : €2.57 3 Course Meal: €30
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48
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Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook
events2go
St Helens Money Month
The Big Pop Party
Monday, November 6, 10am-11.30am
Friday, November 10, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Join women in business. Free for members and first time guests; returning guests £6 (payable upon registration). Please register here: http://conta.cc/2g12orT
Popular music fans look no further than this ultimate celebration of today’s pop music icons. Adult tickets £15, Concessions £15, children under 15 are £14 and a family ticket for two children and two adults is £56. Tickets via https://sthelenstheatreroyal.ticketsolve.com
Playdays, Central Street, St Helens, WA10 1TZ. Tel: 01744 733701
Travelling Letter Exchange Thursday, November 9, to Saturday, November 11 The Travelling Letter Exchange is a touring letter writing bureau where you can write a letter and create a new record of life in the North West in 2017. This celebration of letter writing marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death. Everyone who puts pen to paper at the free event will get a letter in return. Newton-le-Willows Library, 262 Crow Ln E, Newton-le-Willows WA12 9TX. Tel: 01744 677885
Who Do You Think You Are? Friday, November 10, 7pm Dressed in her anorak, her knees bulging from her pop socks, Barbara Brownskirt is the darkly funny unsuccessful lesbian Pet-in-Residence at the 197 bus stop, Croydon Road, Penge. She explores themes of identity, aloneness and failure. Tickets are £6, £5 for St Helens Library Card Holders, and £3 for concessions. Book at www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk or call into any library in St Helens. Rainhill Community Library, View Road, Prescot L35 0LE. Tel: 01744 677822
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, Saint Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000
Fundraising Event Saturday, November 11, 7.30pm for 8pm Rainford Heritage Society invites you to a ‘70s evening featuring award-winning Liverpool vocalist Andrew Marx. Tickets are £12 and include chicken goujons and chips (vegetarian option available on request). And there’ll be a raffle too! Tickets are available from chairman Ray 01744 885547 or any Committee Member. Junction Pub, 102 News Lane, Rainford, WA11 7JU. Tel: 01744 882868
Ghost Hunting at Mill Street Saturday, Nov 11, 9pm, to Sunday, Nov 12, 2am Apparitions of lost soldiers walking in the building, poltergeist activity, ghostly figures of nurses and nuns, and a very friendly spirit with wandering hands have shown themselves at The Mill Street Barracks. If you’re not scared of a fright, tickets are £39pp. For more info call 0800 009 6240 or click visit www.simplyghostnights. co.uk Mill Street Barracks, St Helens, WA10 2BB
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St Helens Got Talent
St Helens Rucksack Project
Sunday, November 12, 10am-3pm
Saturday, November 25, 11am-4pm
St Helens Got Talent is a fun event for young people aged 9-21 to showcase their talents. It’s time for the kids to hit the stage for the audition at Birchley St Mary’s Social Club. For more information, or if you can’t make that date, call Nat or Elaine on 01517 776156.
Help the homeless in St Helens by donating essential goods; rucksack; sleeping bag; new underwear/socks; ground mat; fleece/waterproof; foil blanket; cereal bars; tinned food (with ring pull); toiletries etc.
Birchley St Mary’s Social Club, Trent Road, Billinge, Wigan, WN5 7QT. Tel: 01744 892836
Feed Fortify Finish Event Thursday, November 16, 6pm-9pm Celebrate the Institute of Anti-Ageing and the three brands stocked at Beauty by Helen French. The ‘feed’ product is the advanced nutrition program; ‘fortify’ is environ skincare; ‘finish’ is Jane Iredale mineral make up. Tickets £10 from the salon (redeemable on products from the three brands) Bubbles and nibbles on arrival. Beauty By Helen French, 82 Kiln Lane, St Helens, WA10 4RJ. Tel: 01744 736170
No Petticoats Here Friday, November 17, 5pm-7pm Step back in time and hear the real-life stories of WW1 women based on 15 months of research through original songs. Singer, songwriter and musician Louise Jordan immortalises the inspirational tales. Tickets £3 or £8 for a family/group of four. Eccleston Library, Broadway, St. Helens, WA10 5PJ. Contact ArtsService@sthelens.gov.uk
Raising the Barre Show Friday, Nov 17, 7pm; Saturday, Nov 18, 1.30pm; Saturday, Nov 18, 7pm
Haresfinch Rugby & Community Club, Haresfinch Road, St Helens, WA11 9NS Tel: 01744 609020
Beer Festival Saturday, November 25, 10am-9.30pm Ale enthusiasts assemble for the Ale and Cider festival Tickets £35 via www.eventbrite.co.uk St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, Saint Helens WA10 1HP. Tel: 01744 676789
Wreath Making Event Sunday, November 26, 10am Join The Friends of St Helens Cemetery and The St Helens Rangers for a fun morning and make your own holly Christmas wreath. It’s £4 per wreath inc materials. St Helens Crematorium Chapel, Rainford Road, St Helens, WA10 6DF. Tel: 01744 677406
Christmas Craft Fair 2017 Sunday, November 26, 10.30am-3pm Massive event for the whole family to enjoy. There’ll be Christmas stalls, Santa’s Grotto and elves galore! The event is free to attend. The Mansion House St Helens, Victoria Park, City Road, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644
Crochet – Getting Started
The Anna Shimmin Academy of Dance proudly presents ‘Raising the Barre’. Tickets via https://stagestubs.com/ anna-shimmin-academy-of-dance/starbound/
Thursday, November 30, 10.30am-12pm
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000
Billinge Community Library, Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7HA. Tel: 01744 677535
Enjoy a morning being creative, learn a new skill and have a chat. There will also be a display of craft books.
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Ghost Hunt
Jimmy Carr
Friday, Dec 1, 8pm to, Saturday, Dec 2, 2am
Friday, December 7, 7pm and 10pm
Join the ghost hunt in the cellars, buildings and main house. Tickets are £22pp and for more information visit www.fourthelementparanormal.com
His ultimate comedy show. Not suitable for under 16s. Tickets £27.50 via sthelenstheatreroyal.ticketsolve.com
The Mansion House St Helens, Victoria Park, City Road, WA10 2UE Tel: 01744 752644
Darts Exhibition Night Saturday, December 1, 8pm A night of exhibition darts with Peter Manley and Joe Murnan. Tickets £10, children £5 and family £25 (2 adults + 2 children) via https://ticketstothedarts.online/ St Annes & Blessed Dominic Parish Centre, 40 Monastery Rd, St Helens, WA9 3ZD. Tel: 01744 812727
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens WA10 1LQ
Town Hall Christmas Fair Saturday, December 9, 10am-4.30pm Stalls include Wholesome Food Junkies serving hot food, Odile and the Bijou Box with contemporary jewellery, and Flutterby Creations. St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, St Helens WA10 1HP Tel: 01744 676789
Christmas Vegan Fair
Christmas Gin Festival
Saturday, December 9, 10am-4.30pm to Sunday, December 10, 10am-4.30pm
Friday, Dec 1, 6pm-12am; Saturday, Dec 2, 12pm5pm; Saturday, 6pm-12am
Great food, entertainment, and lots of funky vegan stalls.
There’ll be live entertainment and food available.Tickets from £10+booking fee via www.skiddle.com
St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, St Helens, WA10 1HP. Tel: 01744 676789
St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, WA10 1HP. Tel: 01744 676789
Disney Christmas Party Saturday, December 2, 4pm-9pm Join the Brigitte Photography Studio’s family Disney Christmas Party. Adult tickets are £15, child tickets are £5 and groups of up to 5 people are £40. St Anne and Blessed Dominic’s RC Church, 40 Monastery Road, WA9 3ZD
Christmas Event Saturday, December 2, 11am-3pm 99th Garrison of the largest UK Independent Star Wars costuming group are taking part in the town centre Christmas event. Many photo ops and more! St Helens town centre
Climb That Tree Saturday, December 9, 10am-12pm David Gibb presents a musical journey through his vivid imagination. Under 18’s must be with an adult. Tickets £5 or £7. Call 01744 735 436 or visit www.citadel.org.uk The Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX Tel: 01744 735436
The Last Jedi – St Helens Thursday, Dec 14, 9pm to Friday, Dec 15, 12am Staffs Imperial Stormtroopers will be attending the premier of The Last Jedi. Ttickets £9.80; children (under 14) £7.30; student and senior tickets £7.80. Cineworld St Helens,Chalon Way West, WA10 1BF. Tel: 0871 200 2000
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Local Bonfires & Firework Displays
Rainford Bonfire Saturday, November 4, 2017 Rainford Bonfire and Fireworks at Rainford Cricket Club - family evening sponsored by St Helens Rotary and Rainford Scouts. Discounted tickets on sale from noon on November 4. Available from REDS, Wendy’s and Rainford News. £4 in advance or £5 on the gate. Rainford Cricket Ground, Rainford, St Helens, WA11 8HE
Sparks at Brocstedes Park Saturday, November 4, 5pm onwards A professional fireworks display and live band with guest singer Emilie Cunliffe, plus a kids only ice fountain area. Tickets are £5 each in advance or £6 on the night. Available from Ashton Athletic on match days; Indulge Hair Company, Gerard Street, Ashton; Tanning & Body Work, Bryn Street, Ashton, or Roley & Co, Chantry Walk, Ashton. Alternatively, call Jim Whyte on 07860 378553. Gates open at 5pm, entertainment from 6pm and the firework display starts at 7pm. Ashton Athletic FC, Brocstedes Park, Brocstedes Avenue, North Ashton, WN4 0NR
Haigh Hall Boomin Sunday, November 5, 4pm-9.30pm A fantastic night of fireworks and fun for all the family! Featuring live music from Wigan’s own brilliant and popular band Boomin’ – plus The Trolls children’s show and DJ/Singer James Norton. The evening finishes with our fantastic fireworks finale from National Firework Champions – SM ART Pyro. Gates open from 4pm
£1.50 parking. On the night prices; Adults – £10.00; Children – age 5-15 years old £8.00 (under age 4 free); Family – 2 adults and 2 children £32.00 Haigh Hall Country Park, School Lane, WN2 1PE
Sherdley Park Fireworks Sunday, November 5, from 6pm Thousands of visitors are expected to attend this year’s event which will see fireworks launched in rhythm with popular music tracks at a children’s display, before the event closes with a main spectacle. Secure, chargeable, stewarded and fully lit car parking is available at Mere Grange (£5 per car), Lea Green Station, Sutton Academy and The Islamic Centre (£10 per car) or you can park for free at nearby Chester Lane Centre. The event gets underway at 6pm with the opening of the funfair (open until 9pm) followed by the children’s fireworks display at 7pm. The main event will get underway at 8pm. Visit facebook.com/whatsoninsthelens for more details. Sherdley Park, Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens.
Orrell Red Triangle CC Sunday, November 5, doors open 5pm Orrell Red Triangle Cricket Club’s annual bonfire and firework display promises to be a spectacular event. Doors open at 5pm, the bonfire is lit at 6pm and the firework display starts at 7pm. There’ll also be food, drink and a children’s funhouse too. Entry is £4, but children accompanied by a parent/guardian can get in for £1. The event is supported by your local councillors and the Brighter Borough fund. Orrell YMCA, 121 Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XE Tel: 01695 632275
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54
Food & Drink
Not just
W
William
By Ella Walker
illiam Sitwell is adamant: “British food culture is the greatest food culture in the
world.”
The writer, TV presenter and food critic puts it down to the fact even the most provincial UK high street still overflows with eating options, from Chinese and Thai, to French, Italian and Indian. “We welcome food culture with open arms, we absorb it into our daily lives. What we do - which probably annoys people from overseas - is that we actually end up doing their food better than they do.” As a MasterChef judge and editor of Waitrose Kitchen magazine, he’s well placed to adjudicate. And who better to pull together The Really Quite Good British Cookbook, a new collection of recipes from “about 100 of our finest chefs, cooks, bakers and food heroes”. It features established talents (Nigella, Ottolenghi, Stein) and rising stars (Gill Meller, Rosie Birkett), as well as home cooks, restaurateurs, celebrities and innovative producers. Sitwell’s job was to “corral” the lot of them - via phone, email, Twitter and accosting them at parties - and get them to hand over recipes for dishes they make their loved ones. He even got former Waitrose Kitchen columnist, Pippa Middleton, to contribute. “I hired her [originally] because she represents a particular style of eating and of entertaining,” says Sitwell, 47. “She’s a great cook. All of the ideas were hers, all the recipes we ever published were hers, we would tweak and test them, she would come in, try them out, make comments, and she always
impressed me with her genuine enthusiasm and hard work. I like her enormously, so I’m very lucky that we’ve got one of her recipes in here.” You won’t find a recipe from Sitwell himself in it, however - he thought the idea “a bit self-regarding” - though he is a keen cook. “On a Friday night, the default thing I do for the people I love is roast chicken, dauphinoise potatoes and a crunchy green salad with French dressing, and a nice bottle of Chardonnay,” he muses. “I like doing braised belly pork in cider, preferably 3Cs cider which is the cider I make. I’m quite good at roast potatoes, especially if they’re a bit burnt at the edges.” The father-of-two is constantly
The Really Quite Good British Cookbook, published in hardback by Nourish, priced £25.
55 nibbling on something (today it’s an Honest Burger for lunch, then chocolate and rhubarb sweet-things snaffled from the Waitrose magazine test kitchen), but he says: “I was a very bad eater when I was small, I never ate anything.” He’s no food snob (“I used to love Kentucky Fried Chicken - with a glass of milk”) and proclaims a love for Iceland’s frozen fish soup. But after 17 years in food journalism, Sitwell - who now lives in Northamptonshire and has just been
of Jay Rayner and Tracey MacLeod, are served any number of two-course meals back-to-back by anxious contestants. “You get a whole grown-up portion - if you like it, you eat all of it,” Sitwell explains. He adds with a laugh that they do tend to share good dishes with the crew, however, “they devour the crumbs we leave, so sometimes, just to annoy them, we eat everything!” When asked what fascinates him about his field,
shortlisted for a Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Award for his non-fiction work, Eggs Or Anarchy has developed a few dietary guidelines, including eating less as the day goes on, cycling everywhere and avoiding food trends.
Sitwell is irrepressibly passionate...
“I eat when I’m hungry and what looks good, and I try and eat widely - and I certainly eat very greedily,” he says.
“It’s a subject that covers every aspect of human life.”
Fortunately, greediness is essential if you’re filming MasterChef; Sitwell and his fellow critics, the likes
ms Road Inn The532SGiam rswood Rd, WN4 0HX
“Food is about politics, it’s about history, culture; it’s about entertaining, it’s about love, it’s about survival, it’s about poverty, it’s about pleasure, hedonism, it’s about staying sober, it’s about getting drunk.
Cheers to that. Inspired to reacquaint yourself with proper British cooking? Try one of these three recipes...
d oo F Festmive s Road
At
Sim Garswood
A Traditional Home Cooked Christmas Meal We have Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options please ask when booking Price Includes a Full Bottle of Prosecco per couple when booking a 3 course with deposit before Dec 1st
£16.95 2 COURSE £19.95 3 COURSE Menu Available From 1st Dec to 22nd Lunch and Evenings BUT not Sundays Lunch Time 12 – 2pm / Evenings 6- 8 pm (please note we close at 3pm on weekdays)
01744 894 246 / Menu Online simmsroadinn.co.uk £10 per head ( Non Refundable ) deposit when Booking
56
Overnight Roast Pork Belly with Pears & Thyme by Hardeep Singh Kohli Method Set the oven to the highest setting. Pop the kettle on. On buying your belly, have your butcher remove it from the bone. Keep the bone and bring it home. Also, have them remove the skin, having first scored it in a criss-cross fashion. Place the skin in the sink and pour boiling water over it. Carefully dry the skin, thoroughly. Rub a tablespoon of oil and then the sea salt into the scored flesh. Place the skin in an oiled roasting tin and put in the oven. It should take only 30 minutes for the skin to become crackling. Remove the crackling and allow to cool. Turn the oven down to 120C.
Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 pork belly (2 1/2-3kg), bone and skin removed 3tbsp rapeseed oil 2tbsp sea salt 2 leeks, halved lengthways 2 carrots, halved lengthways 4 sticks celery, halved lengthways 8 peppercorns 12 bunches of thyme, of which 4 should be stripped of leaves 1 pintperry (or pear cider) 5 firm pears (4 halved and cored, 1 finely diced)
Lay the leeks, carrots and celery in the bottom of a roasting tin with the peppercorns. On top, lay the rib bones, eight sprigs of thyme and then drizzle a tablespoon of oil over. Tuck the veg in under the ribs. Lay the pork belly on top, oil and drizzle the rest of the oil, and scatter the remaining salt over. Pour 350ml of the perry into the roasting tin. Cover in tinfoil and pop into the oven for anything between nine and 11 hours. 90 minutes before the end of cooking, add the halved pears. Roast uncovered for the final hour and a half. Remove the pork from the oven. Carefully lift the pork and the pears out and keep warm. Discard the cooked veg. Add the remaining perry, deglaze the tin and reduce the liquor by half. Immediately before serving, add the remaining thyme leaves and finely diced pear.
57
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58
Blackcurrant & Chocolate Layer by Nikki Duffy
Method
Serves 4 Ingredients For the blackcurrant layer: 250g blackcurrants A squeeze of lemon juice Up to 100g caster sugar 50ml water For the chocolate layer:
Put the blackcurrants in a saucepan with 50ml water. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring once or twice, until the fruit has broken down and you have a chunky, juicy mix. Push this through a sieve to remove the currant skins and seeds. Add the lemon juice to the warm puree, then sweeten it by stirring in caster sugar. Start by adding 50g, then stir in more until the puree is sweet but still tastes fruity and fresh. Leave to cool and then chill. To make the chocolate layer, put the cocoa and sugar in a small pan with the water. Bring to the boil, whisking constantly, then let the mixture simmer for about one minute - again, stirring often - so it thickens. Leave to cool and then chill. When you’re ready to assemble the puds, put the cream, yoghurt and caster sugar in a mixing bowl and use a hand-held electric whisk to beat the mixture until it holds soft peaks.
For the cream/yoghurt layer:
Choose four wine glasses or tumblers. Divide half the blackcurrant puree between the four glasses. Add a couple of spoonfuls of the creamy mixture to each glass. Trickle on a layer of chocolate sauce. Add a second layer of the creamy mixture, using it all up this time, then finish the dishes with the rest of the blackcurrant puree. Chill for
200ml double cream
at least a few hours - up to 24.
200ml plain full-fat yoghurt
Shortly before serving, toast the hazelnuts in an oven pre-heated to 180C/Gas mark 4 for five to six minutes, until golden and fragrant. Put the nuts in a pestle and mortar with the Demerara sugar and bash together roughly so the nuts are broken up but not pulverized (alternatively, do this in a food processor). Leave to cool, then sprinkle over the puddings and serve.
25g cocoa powder 50g caster sugar 100ml water
2tbsp caster sugar To finish: 50g skinned hazelnuts 1 tbsp Demerara sugar
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sponsored by
Heath Charnock &
Rivington I
t’s hard to miss the television mast of Winter Hill, but Rivington’s landscape has so many hidden gems to explore. Avid walkers and enthusiastic amateurs alike will have traipsed many routes around Rivington, but my colleague Peter and I thought it was time to get our walking boots a little muddy and start off on our adventure. We parked up in Knowsley Lane by Anglezarke reservoir, and were off just before 11am on a bright and sunny October morning; we headed off for the stile into the field on the west side of the reservoir, following the path round to Back Lane. Pack your wellies or walking boots if there’s been a shower as it’ll be puddles galore in the fields of that
by Niamh Ollerton
you can be certain. But whoever tends to the field made a makeshift cattle grid with wooden planks to make the muddy crossing more manageable. At Back Lane you’ll turn left then after a few yards take the public footpath on the right, where you’ll travel down a gravel path, accompanied by the serene sounds of the River Yarrow before crossing the footbridge over the water. This leads you up onto Hut Lane, passing Olde Stoneheath Court, built in the grounds of what was Heath Charnock Isolation Hospital; now home to modern stone houses. In front of the properties are miles and miles of green fields and trees as far as the eye can see, and
60 with the sun beating down on us, we really did pick the most picturesque day. Keeping to the left of Hut Lane, we ventured across the motorway bridge over the M61 and realised an excursion so lovely can be right under your nose just off the M61. From the bridge head right onto Long Lane, then first left and follow this round to the left up to Chorley Golf Club. Do keep your wits about you when walking on the public footpath through the golf course, as Peter and I were passive aggressively shooed by three keen golfers waiting to swing their clubs. Whether it was at us or the golf ball we’ll never know… Once past the spacious clubhouse, keep going towards the farm, going right as you enter the farm yard. When exiting the farm go left, and when the road turns right, take the farm track/bridleway on the left. Continue along this route until you reach a gate marked Adlington Circular and cross the field and exit via the lane. At this point go right to New House Farm - but if you’re a dog lover like I am, please don’t try to play with the dogs behind the gate, as I almost lost my right arm when my jumper was a little too close to the energetic pups. As you pass the farmhouse take the footpath on the right, and follow this through the field and into the wooded track that leads down across the stream
61
Here you’ll go left until you reach Babylon Lane, where you cross over past the quaint stone houses and head up Greenhalgh Lane.
Almost as soon as you’ve started up Sheep House Lane you’ll notice a gate on your left, but if like Peter and I you fancy a pit stop, I’d recommend resting your weary legs at the Village Green Tea Room – bearing in mind you’ll have been on the go for close to two hours.
When you reach the split in the road go right, as turning off onto the left won’t get you very far. Thankfully one cheery local lady directed Peter and I in the right direction. Continue to follow the path past the houses and on along the public foot path to Rothwells farm.
But if you do stop to use the outdoor privy at the tea room, be sure to pack your thermal underwear, as you’ll get quite the shock in the chilly air. After your break, turn left out of the tea room and continue down a few hundred yards on Sheep House Lane to the gate (now on your right).
Once out on the lane go left and head over a second motorway bridge to New Lane, and then continue to head straight across the lane into Horrobin Lane.
Go through the gate and follow the path through the field, down the steps – holding on to the railing to ensure you don’t end up like Humpty Dumpty – and carry on along the side of the brook. Where the path emerges onto a narrow lane go left, then after 30 yards take the bridleway on your right.
and eventually out onto Sutton Lane. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the field of goats grazing en route too!
Meander down the lane over the reservoir, and take a minute or two to appreciate the stunning landscape surrounded in water. You’ll walk past the Bowling Green which is worthy of a visit in the summer months, and continue to wander up past the church and left into Sheep House Lane.
Follow this passing below Yarrow reservoir, where you and the landscape are protected by the green, grassy fortress towering above until a track splits off to the left.
Limbrick
62
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Take this track down the gentle slope, where you’re immersed in a tall forest with the rapid sounds of water crashing down Yarrow Reservoir Overflow Cascade to Knowsley Lane and back to your starting point. This is a thoroughly enjoyable walk which has reignited my love for the great outdoors. But with circuits galore throughout Rivington, be sure to keep your wits about you to avoid getting lost as I once did until 10.30pm on a school trip. But that’s a story for another time…
Length of walk: 5 miles Difficulty: Medium Accessibility: The route includes a number of stiles and gates. We did the walk after some prolonged rainfall and there was some very muddy sections. OPENING TIMES Rivington Bowling Club Tea Room: 11am - 4pm daily Rivington Village Green Tea Room: 10am - 4pm daily PUBLIC TRANSPORT By Bus (Stagecoach)
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.
From Chorley, Bus Station (Stand M) Route 8A to Hut Lane Return to Chorley, Bus Station Route 8A from Hut Lane For more information visit www.stagecoachbus.com
63
Test Drive
SEAT
Leon
I
’ve just spent seven days behind the wheel of the newest Leon – the three or five-door hatchback from Spanish automaker, SEAT. The contemporary model isn’t ground-breaking in looks – more progressive – and that is no bad thing. After all, why take a scalpel to an already fetching face? The Leon’s cousin is the VW Golf – and that, too, has been fine-tuned of late. The Spaniard is better looking than the German, but then beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. It’s less pricey to purchase, as well. I drove the FR Technology five-door variant, equipped with a 1.4 TSI 150 petrol unit. What’s different? Well, the Leon’s lights and grille have been given a slightly sharper look, but you’d
FR
by Tim Barnes-Clay
have to really squint to notice. Then the FR model has been given full LED headlights, and its twin tailpipes denote that it has more spirit than the Leon’s below it. The hatchback’s six-speed manual transmission is easy-going and meticulous in finding the correct gears. The steering is nicely responsive, too. Might stems from the 1.4 petrol turbo powerplant – a smart unit that locks off half the cylinders, which helps conserve fuel. The Leon, in FR guise, is not a hot-hatch, but it’s a warm hatchback, with zero to 62mph realisable in 8.0 seconds. Additionally, due to that cylinder shut-off ingenuity, you can squeeze 57.6mpg out of the tank.
64 The Leon FR Technology’s strength is tallied with good handling, and the SEAT adheres to apexes like epoxy resin. This is due to the FR’s 17-inch alloys and dropped suspension. The only disadvantage is the hard ride, which is perceptible on pitted road surfaces. Luckily, well-padded seats help make up for the car’s rigidity, and they’re fantastic at keeping you supported when entering and exiting tight bends. The SEAT Leon’s cabin is well-judged, with ample room in the front and rear. Natty touches, for example: piano black trim, a touchscreen system and an electric handbrake, make the car’s interior feel chicer than the preceding model’s. The touchscreen tablet-esque media system kicks most of the buttons that used to be in the Leon to the
Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 8.0 secs • Combined mpg: 57.6 • Engine layout: 1395cc four-cylinder petrol turbo • Max. power (PS): 150 • CO2: 114 g/km • Price: £21,350
kerb. This tidies the instrument panel up no end. Regrettably, regularly having to hunt for a function on the touchscreen can prove a little disrupting at times.
65 The FR gets surplus kit packed into it as well, comprising: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; satnav; rear parking sensors; dual-zone climate control and cruise control. Furthermore, the boot is more than adequate, with a load capacity of 380 litres. It’s not the largest, but it equals the Golf’s – and it trounces the popular Ford Focus’ boot, which only offers 316 litres. So, yes, there is far more to the new SEAT Leon than its looks. It’s unquestionably less conformist than a Volkswagen Golf or a ubiquitous Ford Focus, and you happen to get a lot of motor for your money. Also, the 1.4 TSI 150 powerplant offers more ‘oomph’ than lesser petrol-propelled Leons. Plus, it’s quicker and less costly to buy than the 150ps diesel version.
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Shed some light on by Angie Barker
T
it!
Award Winner
here is no getting away from it … Christmas is coming, and along with all the kerfuffle that comes with it (oh dear, Hubby looks depressed at the thought) – it also means we have some long, dark evenings ahead of us.
But why not use your garden at this time of year – I would recommend donning coat and scarf and lighting a fire pit and as it’s nearly Christmas, taking a flask of Gluhwein out with you (that’s mulled wine to Hubby).
But instead of closing the curtains and forgetting about your garden until next spring, consider installing some outdoor lighting in your garden to create a magical winter wonderland.
There are some things you need to consider with outside lighting:
The right kind of garden lighting can create some wonderful atmospheric effects and there are many different products available to help you achieve the effect you are looking for.
• Place up lighters carefully to make sure your lights don’t shine into a neighbours bedroom window.
Simple up lighters set on spikes in the soil are very easy to install as they sit beneath planting to light it up from beneath. Bamboo in particular looks amazing up lit this way.
lights in with the build and hide all the wiring. But even if your garden is established, it is easy to have an outside plug fitted so that you can run your lights from there.
There are some more sophisticated products which can be set into paving, decking and steps. Even if you don’t use your garden in the winter and particularly if your living area overlooks your garden, it will make your inside space seem larger as you can see beyond the windows.
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.
• Less is more – you do not want your garden to resemble a floodlit football pitch!
• If you are landscaping a garden consider lighting from the start so that an electrician can fit the
There are some companies which specialise in garden lighting – see www.moonlightdesign.co.uk to see the kind of effects you can achieve. And as the season to be jolly is fast approaching, don’t forget to include some fairy lights!
Call Angie now for your free consultation! Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk
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cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
LED Lighting
...and general Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
Energy Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Savings Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
es Lash Tan y Spra ils eds Sunb & Gel Na ic Acryl
Book your FREE home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a cycles CAR & detailed motorreport showing the Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS
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ally
rm
no
money is the clear benefit!
Solar Thermal & Solar PV
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Slash your electricity and water heating bill Protect your household from future energy price rises
ReduceE your household’s ...andreturns available impact on the environment from your www.dglwindows.co.uk own solar panels X (10% typical return) Call H us now A k ChecVisit our showroom at T Car84 Health U or Unit 4a, rton dio Cricket Street Business Park Brethe Y n and S @ Stu Miry Lane, Crosto of off 7PG Wigan. e WN5 R for all residents WN6 Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk need me! T 7TP , Billing you 400 6PM Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk Road 4 619 ford ESaturday 10AMKeep me until : 0781 Check S hone : 84 Rain Health - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM yS FREE Car on , Fridayay & Sunda now Book your A5209
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74
M H Roofing
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75