Local Life - St Helens - November 2018

LocalLife St Helens Edition

November 2018

In Flanders Fields Pages 29 - 32

St Aidan’s 3rd Centenary Pages 45 - 47

Nicky Nook Walk Pages 57 - 60

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

Cover photo: ‘St Aidan’s sunrise’ by Ian Bonnell

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Local Life

Lest we forget I’m lucky enough to be part of a generation of people that hasn’t lived through a global war.

So when I see the news dominated by Trump’s latest tweet, who’s copping off with who on Strictly and why students think it’s important to use ‘jazz hands’ instead of clapping, I truly despair.

100 years ago, those headlines would have reported on the battles such as the Somme and Passchendaele where devastation on a scale never seen before was happening. Compared to those souls who lived (and died) through World Wars 1&2, we are incredibly lucky to be alive and living in the UK in 2018.

There are times in life to take stock, have a look around at what actually is important, appreciate what we have and remember those who made it all possible.

Sunday November 11th is one such day.

How grateful we are to those people, of all nationalities, who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Without their efforts, the world around us would undoubtedly be a totally different place.

Whilst older generations worry that the sacrifices made will fade into the forgetfulness of time, our wonderful creative people are forever coming up with new ways of stopping us in our tracks.

Danny Boyle’s Pages of the Sea tribute on Formby beach, and the Tower of London poppies (now displaying at the Imperial War Museum in Salford) are just two examples of where you can go on Armistice Day day to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

Regulars

In this issue

24 Puzzle page 52 Events2Go

In Flanders Fields

57 Jack’s Tracks 66 Test Drive

Sections 6 33 48 51

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Local News 61 Gardening Children & Education 66 Motoring Travel 68 Home Services Food

St Aidan’s 3rd Centenary Next issue - December 2018

Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 20 November Published - Friday, 30 November

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Jack’s Tracks: Nicky Nook

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

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News & Features

Mucky Mountains

Festive Fairs

A St Helens Morris dancing troop is always on the lookout for new members.

Christmas is a busy enough season without having to worry about buying last-minute gifts! Get your shopping done early with a great range of Christmas fairs in St Helens this month – it’s never too early to get in the festive spirit.

Mucky Mountains Morris – named after the old alkaline waste tips by the Sankey Canal – perform dances based on the Cotswold and Border traditions around the local area and wider region.

On Thursday, December 13 they’re set to head to the Hargreaves Dementia Trust to perform at their Christmas social.

Morris dancing is a great way to stay active in a social setting, and to get involved with various performances.

Mucky Mountains Morris holds rehearsals on Thursdays at 8pm in Gamble Hall on Bishop Road.

For more information visit www.muckymountains. org.uk or call Jeanette on 01744 309680.

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The Sea Cadets are hosting their Christmas Fayre on November 25 from 11am - 5pm, at Mill Street Barracks, with Reiki taster sessions and aromatherapy. There will also be plenty of gifts available, with a tombola and refreshments.

A Crafty Christmas Fayre hits the Mansion House on the same day from 11am - 3pm. Take the kids to meet Santa in his grotto and browse stalls packed full of bespoke craft items and gifts – ideal if you’re stuck on what to buy for someone special.

Finally, the UnderGround Christmas Fair will head to St Mary’s Club in Billinge on December 2, 11.30am 4.30pm, with tonnes of handcrafted presents, a visit from Santa and his favourite elf, and the chance to meet Santa’s donkeys while the reindeer gear up for the big day.

Don’t forget to check out our Events2Go guide on page 51 for more festive fun this winter!

On Your Bike A St Helens community group aims to get people cycling through the winter.

St Helens Pedal Power offers over 200 bike rides a year, following a weekly timetable of social cycles across four St Helens locations.

From Taylor Park to Blackbrook, there’s definitely a route for everyone, as well as learn to cycle sessions for children and bicycle repair help. Thursdays also see an evening social ride kick off at 6pm.

Bikes and helmets are provided free of charge, and electric bikes are available for anyone who might struggle to pedal. Social cycles can be a great way to meet new friends whilst getting out and about!

For more information, contact Stew on 07947 750982 or visit the St Helens Pedal Power Facebook page.

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Artist Callout

Gift Appeal

The World of Glass is looking for local artists to bring their latest exhibition to life.

St Helens Council is asking residents to donate to its annual gift appeal.

‘Imaginarium of Ideas’ concentrates on St Helens’ bright future, incorporating green spaces, architectural spirit, as well as local people and industries. Sketches, doodles, finished and unfinished works are welcome to be considered for the first time ever to create a huge mood board

Launched in 2010, the appeal aims to help put a smile on children’s faces who might not otherwise receive a single present under the Christmas tree.

of different ideas and imaginings of how St Helens might look in coming years. Artists are invited to go wild with their work!

Pieces will be exhibited in the Godfrey Pilkington Gallery as part of its latest display. Artists of any medium are welcome to submit work, and everything will be put on display unless it offends.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, November 9. For details or to submit, call Hannah on 01744 22766 or email curator@worldofglass.com.

Items such as clothing, toys, books, toiletries and rattles are welcome, but soft toys cannot be accepted for health and safety reasons. People are especially asked to donate gifts aimed at boys aged 7-12 years, which suffered a shortage last year. Toys must be bought as new and should not be wrapped.

Collection points have been set up across the town centre, including St Helens Town Hall, St Helens libraries and Atlas House.

The deadline for donations is Monday, December 17.

For more information about donations and collection points, call Tracy on 01744 676563.

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Flower Power

Spark in the Park

Rainford Flower Club has some excellent upcoming demonstrations in November and December.

Sherdley Park’s biggest and brightest fireworks display returns this Bonfire Night.

Flower arranging demonstrations are held during meetings, which occur on the second Thursday of every month barring August. The flowers and some containers are raffled off at the end of the evening, and some plant cutting books and bric-a-brac will be available for purchase.

Spark in the Park promises to be one of the best events yet as part of a packed St Helens 150 calendar. Along with the musical firework display, which begins at 7:30pm, a children’s funfair will be onsite and open until 8:30pm, along with loads of stalls offering hot food and drinks to keep your

Meetings take place at Rainford Village Hall on Church Road at 7:30pm. The December meeting, which includes a festive demonstration, will take place in the Parish Hall opposite the Parish Church, with tea, coffee and mince pies. For more information, contact Norma Cunliffe (chairman) on 01744 883314.

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Fully stewarded car parking is available at various locations including Sherdley Park, Sutton Leisure Centre and Lea Green Station for £10 per vehicle.

People are asked not to bring sparklers along to the event as they create litter and can injure runners or dogs being walked in the park.

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National Trust Volunteers The Merseyside National Trust Environmental Volunteers are welcoming applications for new members.

There are plenty of National Trust properties dotted around the North West and Merseyside which are taken care of by volunteers.

If you’re keen to help improve the environment while getting involved in practical conservation work, learning new skills and making friends, the group wants to hear from you.

They meet on alternate Sundays at 10am, and get stuck into hedge and tree planting, woodland maintenance, coastline conservation and more.

You also get the chance to join walks and visit various National Trust properties. No experience is necessary and tools are provided, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, email nw.volunteering@ nationaltrust.org.uk.

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Beachfront Farewell Celebrated director Danny Boyle is heading to Formby Beach for an art installation commemorating the centenary of the First World War Armistice.

‘Pages of the Sea’ will feature 160ft portraits of World War One heroes on several UK beaches, which will then be washed away by the tide to bid farewell to the brave soldiers who left our shores more than one hundred years ago.

Danny Boyle said he’s aiming to help artists stencil portraits of famous soldiers or anyone with a strong local connection. People are also encouraged to share who they are saying goodbye to on social media by uploading an image to the Pages of the Sea website.

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15 The filmmaker recently quit directing the latest James Bond film in order to concentrate on the First World War campaign.

The ceremony at Formby on 11 November will include a reading of a new Carol Ann Duffy poem and a two-minute silence at 11am before the tide washes the sand potrait away. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport to avoid queues on the day.

Other beaches involved in the project are located in Blackpool, Colwyn Bay and Norfolk, as well as Sunny Sands in Kent where Danny plans to spend Remembrance Day. National Trust Formby said: ‘we are very excited to be able to mark the centenary at Formby, and are looking forward to working with volunteers and partners to offer the beach as a space for personal and informal reflection - a chance to remember those who died and honour their sacrifice’.

For more information, visit www.pagesofthesea. org.uk.

WW1 Archives St Helens Libraries are offering highlights from the archives to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. Key images and documents will be available for viewing across various dates and locations in November and December Haydock and Chester Lane libraries will host the exhibition in the week commencing November 12, before it moves over to Billinge and Rainhill libraries on November 26.

On December 10, the archives will head to Moss Bank and Garswood libraries, before it finishes up in Rainford and Peter Street on December 24.

For more information, see the St Helens Libraries Facebook page.

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Winter Warmers A campaign to help people stay warm this winter is underway across the borough.

St Helens Council in association with Age UK Mid Mersey launched the Winter Warmer project to help prevent excess winter deaths in the area. Last year, an estimated 34,300 of these deaths occurred across England and Wales; a third of these due to respiratory problems which can be made worse in the cold. Young children, along with elderly and infirm people, are most at risk during the cold winter months.

The campaign aims to distribute winter warmer packs, which contain gloves, a torch and teabags for keeping your temperature up this winter and operating during the darker evenings.

over 65 or 50 with disabilities. You can collect your pack at Rainford Library on Thursday, November 14 from 10:15am-12:15pm, at Billinge Library on Friday, November 15 from 10:15am-12:15pm, or Haydock Library on Monday, November 26 at the same time.

Events are taking place at various libraries across the month of November to provide information and advice and to hand out the packs to anyone aged

For other dates and locations, see the St Helens Council website, or call the St Helens Cold Weather Advice Line on 08000 355 878 for more information.

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Chocolate Orange Challenge A national campaign to deliver chocolate treats to emergency service workers this Christmas was started right here in St Helens.

Chris Lamb set up the Chocolate Orange Challenge in 2010 after losing his son Elliott, who had congenital cytomegalovirus or CMV – a condition which affects around 80% of adults but is usually only harmful in pregnancy. Elliott was profoundly disabled from birth, and was hospitalised during a battle with pneumonia, where he was supported by hospital

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and ICU staff.

‘Originally I bought the staff chocolate oranges to say thank you. The staff showed such care and compassion for Elliott, and became like family members to me’, Chris explained. ‘Back then I never wanted to celebrate Christmas again, but with time I was able to concentrate on more positive activities that helped bring some focus back into my life’.

‘We started off on a very small scale, distributing oranges to doctors and nurses at Whiston Hospital, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice and Alder Hay.’ Now the Chocolate Orange Challenge heads to hospitals and hospices across the UK, and have received over 34,000 oranges to support the cause.

This year St Helens residents are asked to donate chocolate oranges for Make a Difference Friday, on December 14.

The project has already gained huge traction across the UK, including lighting Blackpool Tower orange in 2017. This year Chris hopes to be able to light up St. John’s Tower in Liverpool orange in December.

Confirmed locations for chocolate orange donations in St Helens so far include Willowbrook Hospice and Whiston & St Helens Hospitals.

The team are also hosting a carol concert at St Helens Town Hall on December 14 from 9:30am12pm to raise awareness for the cause.

If you’d like to get involved in the Chocolate Orange Challenge to support hospital staff in your area or further afield, visit the Team Chocolate Orange Facebook page to see how you can help.

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Fit Forever

Parkside Potential

GoActive is offering some great opportunities to help people aged 60+ get fit this winter.

Land in Newton-le-Willows could be the home of a major train manufacturer’s first ever UK base.

A brand new free walking fitness session offers a low-impact workout over different local routes, covering both brisk and gentle walking.

The Parkside site, home of Parkside Colliery, has been abandoned since the pit closed in March 1993. Now Spanish company Talgo have expressed interest in future investment in the site, which would manufacture lightweight, modern trains using UK materials and specialists, potentially

Tea and coffee is available after the sessions, which run from 9:15am-10:30am every Tuesday, and meet at Rainford Village Hall.

Walking netball sessions are also available, priced at £3 each with the first one free. The sessions are designed for all ages and fitness levels to enjoy, and you don’t need to have played before.

The games run every Monday from 11:15am-12pm at Peter Street Community Centre. For more details, email karen.mcveigh@englandnetball.co.uk.

These events have been launched in addition to an already packed Fit Forever calendar, which can be found on the St Helens Council website.

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The bid will go against similar proposals in Leeds and Chesterfield, as well as several locations in Scotland and Wales. A decision is expected to be reached in November. £24million in funding has also been secured by St Helens Council for a new link road which will connect the A49 with the M6 at Junction 22, making the site more easily accessible.

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Community

Christmas Billinge and Seneley Green have once again teamed up this year to provide Christmas lunch for anyone who finds themselves alone on Christmas Day. The event is completely free of charge to attend, and will feature a whole host of festive fun, from carolling to bingo, alongside a hearty roast dinner.

The event was launched last year, when a team of volunteers were able to provide Christmas dinner to 36 guests in the Billinge and Seneley Green area with food generously donated by the Billinge CoOp. The community will come together once again this December, and are looking for more volunteers to get involved in making it an even bigger success this year. Billinge and Seneley Green Community Christmas especially need people to assist with transport to St. Aidan’s Primary School, where the dinner is being held, for anyone who might not be able to make it otherwise. Don’t worry if that’s not your forte, though – volunteers are also needed to help out with peeling vegetables, serving food, and all-round ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Any donations towards fundraising or raffle prizes would also be appreciated.

Volunteers must be 18 or above, and don’t need to be available the whole day, especially if they’re dropping off or picking up guests. If you know someone who might fancy coming along or if you’d like to attend, message Carole and the team on their Facebook page, Billinge-Christmas-Day-Lunch

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Puzzle Corner

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WORD SEARCH - Bonfire Night

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GUNPOWDER BONFIRE FOUNTAIN BURN NOVEMBER

PENNY TREASON CODE ROCKET DISPLAY

WORD MIX UP - Bonfire Night Unscramble the letters to make a word

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WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Mr Kipling Said

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

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All the puzzle solutions are on page 72 of this magazine

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In Flanders

Fields

A cascade of poppies sweeps out from the stark architecture of the Imperial War Museum North.

Scarlet ceramic poppy heads suspended on metal stalks appear to flow out of the building itself, and, if caught unawares you’d be forgiven for thinking they were bobbing in the breeze.

Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red was originally installed outside the Tower of London in 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Consisting of nearly 888,246 poppies – each one planted by a volunteer - the site-specific project has now split into two: Wave

and Weeping Window, touring the country as two individual works as we remember the sacrifices made one hundred years ago.

Looking at the poppies now, it’s impossible not to dwell on the massive losses the North West suffered during the war. This November sees the centenary of the 1918 Armistice, which marked the end of the fighting in World War I and a truce between the Allies and Germany. People across the country are coming together to commemorate the Allies’ victory in a conflict that is estimated to have killed around 37 million people, including soldiers and civilians.

Picture supplied by St Helens Local History & Archive

By Jess Phillips

30 The Armistice, which declared a victory for the Allies, was signed on November 11, and came into force at 11am, Paris time. Remembrance Day and its two minute silence evolved out of the Armistice Day celebration, taking place at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in order to honour the sacrifices made during the

First World War. Many Lancashire men had already enlisted before war broke out into the Territorial Force Association, a great number of these belonging to the Lancashire Fusiliers and the South Lancashire Regiment.

The Territorial Force was set up by First Viscount Richard Haldane in the early nineteenth century as part of his Army reforms, intended to provide

31 support to the regular battalions. Haldane, who was partially educated in Germany and a liberal politician, anticipated a European war and knew that Britain should be ready with a military force to call upon – that’s how around 250,000 Territorial soldiers came about.’

Many St Helens residents enlisted as part of the 5th Battalion South Lancs as part of the Territorial Force Association before war broke out - years before the 11th Service Company, known as the St Helens Pals, were formed.

The Pals, set up in part by Lord Derby, took

the Territorial Force’s ethos further. In 1914, many towns introduced these Pals battalions - regional units intended to inspire comradery in their soldiers.

Pals served alongside friends and neighbours rather than being randomly allocated to a regiment - like the Territorials, they served with people from their local area who they knew prior, but also had the opportunity to enlist with them.

St Helens Pioneers The St Helens Pals – or Pioneers – were part of the 30th Division along with the Liverpool Pals, and responsible for digging trenches along with their fighting duties. Around 180 of these Pals were underage at the time of enlistment, and more than 120 overage. A total of 378 men from the St Helens Pioneers died over the course of WW1,

32 with approximately 1 in 3 men wounded.

Originally a rifle company, the Pals - many of whom worked in the St Helens coal mines or at Pilkington Glass - eventually became Pioneers because of their skill with a pick and shovel. The war’s impact on local economy and industry was clearly felt, with a large chunk of workers leaving to fight and a great many of these killed in action; but, used to digging and physically strong, the men were adept at physical labour in the trenches.

Corporal John Thomas Davies One such volunteer was Corporal John Thomas Davies, a brick maker from St Helens. Davies is believed to be the only person ever to have been awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross while still alive.

In 1918, his battalion was ordered to withdraw in Eppeville, France, but the only exit was below barbed wire and through a deep stream. That anybody survived at all was due to the magnificent defence put up by the Lewis Gunners until all were killed, wounded or taken as prisoners of war.

It was here that Davies held up the enemy by mounting a nearby parapet with his Lewis gun. A good number of his company managed to withdraw

John Davies (second in line) receiving his Victoria Cross from the Prince of Wales under his cover, and Davies was presumed to have been killed. However, he was actually taken alive as prisoner, and went on to serve in World War II before he passed away in 1955 in St Helens at the age of 60.

A commemorative plaque to John Davies VC was unveiled in March this year at the St Helens Cenotaph in Victoria Square, the day before the centenary of his Victoria Cross award.

Centenary Commemorations The losses to Lancashire and what is now Merseyside during the First World War are still felt today, and Armistice Day is a time for reflection and remembrance. This year is no different, and will see the borough of St Helens rallying together to commemorate the centenary.

24 Silent Soldiers have already been erected across the borough, including one by the Steve Prescott Bridge, as well as in various parks and parishes.

These near life-sized silhouettes serve as a reminder of the roles played in the First World War – from the iconic ‘Tommy’ soldier to medics and munitions factory workers.

St Helens will also be participating in the ‘Beacons of Light’ tribute on Remembrance Day, which will

see one of 1000 beacons nationwide lit in Taylor Park. The ceremony gets underway at 6:45pm, with attendees asked to meet at the Boathouse Cafe at 6:30pm.

This year’s Remembrance Ceremony meets at the Cenotaph in Victoria Square on Remembrance Day at 10:45am to remember those who fought and died for our country.

A concert will take place at St Helens Town Hall with performances from the Haydock Male Voice Choir and Ellie Hull, with a grand finale by the Royal British Legion, Army and Navy cadets.

For related events and ceremonies, see our Events2Go guide on page 51.

Children & Education

Degrees of

learning 12 page education special

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34

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Part-Time Professors Around eight out of ten students work part-time in order to help fund their studies. Having a part-time job in college or university can assist with living costs and is said to build character – but could it be taking away vital studying time?

Students will learn to be financially responsible.

Which means relying less on the bank of mum and dad! Budgeting is an essential life skill, and parttime jobs can help alleviate the stresses of a student overdraft.

Part-time employment looks good on a CV. In today’s competitive job market, school-leavers and graduates need their CVs to stand out more than ever. Though this can be boosted with volunteering opportunities and work experience, working parttime shows they know how to prioritise and manage their time effectively.

Non-flexible shifts might mean skipping classes.

Employers demanding compulsory overtime or arranging different shifts each week might lead to students missing out on contact hours, including classes and lectures.

There’s less time for studying. Revising for A-Levels or a degree can be stressful, with many universities saying their courses require as much dedication as a full-time job. Working part-time leaves less time for cramming in the library or attending lecturers’ office hours.

One solution is freelance work, which can be useful for gaining work experience in any chosen field and for making a bit of extra cash; although the frequency and amount of work can decrease during quiet spells. Tutoring is another way to get some pocket money going while reinforcing good study habits – just make sure to seek permission from the college or university before advertising your services!

Could you be one of tomorrow’s outstanding teachers?

Join us at our open evenings at; St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Hardybutts, WIGAN, WN1 3RZ

Individuals who have the potential to be outstanding teachers

Tuesday 13th November 2018, 4-6:00pm

Individuals who are passionate about working with young children.

Tuesday 11th December 2018, 4-6:00pm Tuesday 15th January 2019, 4-6:00pm Tuesday 12th February 2019, 4-6:00pm

Accredited Study days will be at Liverpool Hope University leading to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching.

For more information and updates visit

www.wcpsd.uk

Provider code 2A4 - Course code 2XT7

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38

“Tis the season

to be

jolly...

A trip to Warbreck is like stepping into a magical winter wonderland. You are guided through a mesmerising array of themed displays. Around every corner is another surprise.

“Warbreck Garden Centre spectacularly changes into one of the most inspiring and exciting shopping destinations in the region”

their customers. It’s such a refreshing experience and great to escape the hustle and bustle of the high street!”

Once you’ve wandered around the beautiful displays and soaked up the festive atmosphere, the newly expanded Plantation Restaurant is the perfect place to relax and take some time out.

With delicious homemade meals, snacks and cakes available to enjoy in homely surroundings this is an exceptional food venue from breakfast through to afternoon tea.

With a tasteful and sophisticated blend of Christmas decorations, interior furnishings and gorgeous gifts, everything you might need for this festive season is under one roof.

Festive lunches are available from £13.95 for 2 or 3 courses throughout December. Bookings are now being taken. Contact the Restaurant or visit their website for menu options.

“Warbreck has a great feel about it. Calm and welcoming yet clearly driven by a great passion for high standards. All the staff seem to ooze enthusiasm and thrive on going the extra mile for

Don’t forget to look out for Warbreck’s amazing children’s Christmas party events and creative workshops. More information can be found in the garden centre or if you contact them directly.

Warbreck Garden Centre, Lyelake Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 6JW

Tel: 01695 722 960

www.warbreckhomeandgarden.com

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On Thursday 25th October the garden centre will be hosting an Exclusive Late Night Shopping Event. This is a great chance to get into the spirit of Christmas

The garden centre have an exclusive loyalty card scheme which offers its customer’s great offers every visit together with regular gardening tips and priority booking for many of its events.

“Christmas at Warbreck is a family day out not be to missed!”

Its Grapevine privilege customers receive 5% off their everyday shopping including the Plantation Restaurant and a buy one get one free on hot drinks every visit.

with 10% off on the night, live entertainment and mulled wine reception from 6pm. Food and wine tastings as well as FREE pamper tasters. The Plantation restaurant will continue serving hot meals and drinks until 8pm.

Located on Lyelake Lane (B5240) in Lathom just minutes from Junction 3 of the M58, Warbreck is easily accessible from Maghull, Burscough, St Helens, Skelmersdale and Up Holland.

Warbreck Garden Centre WarbreckGC

warbreckgardencentre

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Do you want to make a difference to children’s lives?

Why not consider training to become a Primary School Teacher!

We are looking for people who have (or will have) a 2:1 degree, have a passion for teaching and want to inspire children to fulfil their potential.

Excellent employment rates with 100% of our trainees gaining employment (over 50% of these being employed within our partnership schools).

We are offering an amazing opportunity to train within schools in St Helens. We have highly experienced, qualified mentors & trainers who guide & teach graduates to become outstanding classroom practitioners.

You will gain a PCGE as well as QTS & have opportunity to gain Master’s Credits.

For further details please contact: Ellen Riley Grange Valley Primary School Heyes Avenue, Haydock St Helens, WA11 0XQ Telephone: 01744 678300 Email: ellen.riley@sthelens.org.uk

Training provider code: 2KF Training programme code: 39R7

WE ARE RECRUITING NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 START DATE

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42

Museum

Musings

Most of us have wandered aimlessly around the polished floors of a gallery at some point. Whether I was balking at giant whale skeletons protruding from the ceiling or getting hands-on with an interactive exhibit, as a kid I was happiest in a museum. But they can also be great educational tools outside of the classroom – here’s how.

First, museums act as a great companion to book learning. While a school syllabus is often limited to the bare essentials necessary for passing exams, museums can provide more scope to a subject - perfect for adding a bit of flair to an essay and making a once boring topic more interesting.

There is something special about being allowed to roam the hallways and galleries of a museum. Kids can explore at their own pace rather than being guided to a specific area or exhibit, and will steer themselves towards topics or displays they find most appealing. This could lead to them discovering something new that they’d like to learn more about, and unearth a new sense of wonder about the world around them.

There are often events going on at your local museum, including talks, temporary exhibitions and days geared towards different topics. Along with interactive exhibits, these can help make learning more personal, and benefit different types of learners.

If your child is more of an auditory or kinaesthetic learner, don’t worry – there are usually chances

to listen to historical accounts, or try their hand at crafts and science displays.

Museums also provide a great opportunity to garner an interest in a particular subject. There’s a huge range of specialisms, and plenty to discover in your local area! Try these for size: The World of Glass offers an insight into St Helens industry and the history of glass-making. Step into the Victorian furnace and explore underground tunnels, and see a live glass-blowing demonstration in action.

Meanwhile, the North West Museum of Road Transport gives you a sneak peek at the vehicular history of the area, and offers regular vintage bus rides around St Helens.

A bit further afield, Liverpool’s Maritime Museum is great for finding out how local people were affected by developments to ships and sailing, and offers plenty of history about Liverpool’s dockyards.

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Sleepy Students It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that sleep deprivation is detrimental to pupils’ learning. A study from The Sleep Council showed that more than half of teachers involved agreed that the brightest children in the classroom were also the most awake.

The ‘Better Brains with More Sleep’ campaign aims to teach children about the importance of a good night’s sleep, and the impact it can have on their education. This comes after 9 out of 10 primary school teachers complained that their students were too tired to learn much of anything.

There are many reasons for this – 88% of teachers questioned put lack of sleep down to bedtime distractions such as video games or television, while 38% blamed it on poor diet. Some also said that bedtimes should be more strictly enforced to ensure that pupils get at least eight hours of rest so they’re fresh for the day ahead.

So how can we improve our kids’ sleeping habits?

First, it’s important to establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. Ensure that the same bedtime is kept to every school night, with a little more leeway on weekends. It’s important not to give in if they ask for ‘just five more minutes’ or ‘just one more episode!’

Regular mealtimes can also be important for a good bedtime routine. Eating too early in the afternoon can make kids irritable and hungry for snacks later, which won’t get properly digested before bedtime.

Eating too late presents this same problem. It’s a good idea to eat an evening meal at around 6pm6:30pm depending on where that fits into your schedule.

Getting rid of night-time distractions is one of the best ways to get them off to dreamland early.

Allow an hour or so of TV before starting the nightly routine, then leave half an hour for winding down

time, perhaps with a book or story before lights out.

This can help ease them into bed without forcing them to go to sleep before they’re ready.

Artistic Alternative An art class is available to St Helens residents who are accessing healthcare for stress, depression or anxiety.

Creative Alternatives is run by the Alef Trust, a notfor-profit organisation which promotes personal development and wellbeing in a humanist light.

The group sessions run weekly, offering artistic activities such as creative writing, drawing, painting, 3D modelling and textiles in a safe space with no judgement.

If you’re aged over 18 in St Helens and experiencing mild to moderate stress, depression and/or anxiety, and you’re keen to improve your wellbeing in a group setting, Creative Alternatives could be for you. You’ll have to be referred, but the outcome is a relaxed, safe environment tailored to your needs.

For more information, contact Helen on 07745 590698 or email Helen@creativealternatives.org.uk.

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Cyber

Bullying Although playground bullying is not new, its nature has changed with the advent of smart phones and social media. Now we see more cyber bullying, or rather we don’t see it as it tends to be hidden and carried out in secret. Almost half of all young people say they have been bullied online and more than 70% say they’ve seen it happening.

number it came from, as evidence to show teachers or police.

As parents it can be difficult to know what to do if your child is being bullied, or conversely is a bully. Here are some tips: Discuss bullying with your child from an early age. Discuss netiquette. Adults sometimes behave more aggressively when they are behind the safety of a computer screen, and it’s the same for children, who are still learning to navigate the online world.

Make it clear that being a target is not their fault.

Make it clear that whether it’s in real life or online bullying is never acceptable.

Advise your child to protect their phone number by only giving it out to trusted members or family members. Tell them to keep track of who they have given it to.

If your child has received a bullying message, tell them to screenshot it and send it to you. Make a note of the time and date it was sent and the

Do not respond to the message. The phone number or email will probably identify the source. If the bully gets no response then they tend to stop doing it.

Don’t panic if your child is the bully. It doesn’t mean they will grow into a terrible human being.

But bullying behaviour can often be a cry for help.

Perhaps they are finding the teen years more stressful than they are letting on. Maybe they are struggling to negotiate friendships and schoolwork.

Make time to talk with them, not only about their own issues but about the impact they might be having on someone else’s life.

By Sarah Davey

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St Aidan’s

3rd centenary

By Gemma Sherlock A Billinge church is celebrating its 300-year anniversary.

church, to which their children had to be taken for baptism and their dead for burial.

St. Aidan’s wasn’t the first religious building to exist on its present site – in fact, it was predated by a small chapel built in 1539, which existed until the early eighteenth-century. We take a look back at St. Aidan’s fascinating history and see how the building has adapted and changed over the years.

Billinge used to be part and parcel of the vast parish of Wigan, and was within the reach of the windborne sound of its beautiful bells. But the very sweetness of that music, on the rare occasions when it could be heard, reminded the people how far away their House of God really was.

Prior to the chapel being built, when the scattered farmer folk of Billinge looked out from their vantage ground over the wide extent of lower country which lay between them and Rivington Pike, they saw, when the day was clear enough, the tower of Wigan Parish Church. That far-away tower was their parish

Eventually, a consensus was reached that Billinge needed a chapel of its own, as no-one but the strongest residents could regularly travel the four or five miles to Wigan for services. And so, with the due permission of the then Rector of Wigan (Richard Kyghley, 1534-43), a chapel of ease was

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Interior showing box pews and side galleries built at the cost of the inhabitants. The chapel was poorly finished, and plundered by the King’s Commissioners during their visit in 1552.

The presumption has always been that the old chapel stood upon the site of the present one.

Finally, during the course of the 1907-8 restoration, a discovery was made which almost certainly proves it as fact.

A graveyard was discovered in the nave space, placed east and west. The graves were almost certainly created before the old oak seats were installed in 1718, an implication corroborated by the presence of a tombstone outside the western church door that dates back to 1713, five years before St. Aidan’s was built.

Moreover, in the action of

47 1765 the plaintiffs spoke of “the Chapel of Billinge afores, and also a certain parcel of land thereto adjoining called the Chapel yard, now are and immemorially have been an ancient Chapel and Chapel yard”. The defendants said that the ancient chapel was in 1717 and 1718 “pulled down, and the present chapel built upon the site thereof by contribution.” Piecing everything together, it’s almost certain that the present church was built on the site of the earlier chapel, and that Billinge residents have gone to worship there for more than 400 years.

Billinge became a parish in its own right in 1865, and the church was dedicated to St Aidan Lindisfarne in 1908. During this time the church was altered to its present form. North and South galleries and pews were removed, a new floor laid, and the chancel and transept added.

Pews were allocated to the Bankes family, Lord Derby, Sir William Gerard and James Scaesbrike, the prime mover. A tablet inscription located on the south wall of the church tells us that Scaesbrike

was a Liverpool merchant who frequently resided in Billinge.

Vocalists and musicians provided music from a smaller West Gallery during the 18/19th century before the first organ came. In 1993 the meeting area was created, including a kitchen and a toilet; 1994 saw an infestation and rot which led to necessary extensive roof repairs. The font was moved for the 2000 millennium.

The church’s appearance isn’t the only change. Once attracting hundreds upon hundreds of residents, it now caters for a smaller number and exists without a permanent vicar. Last year the church hosted 37 burials plus service crematoriums, 47 baptisms and 9 marriages.

St. AIdan’s is open to visitors every Saturday from 10am-12pm.

To find out more, visit http://staidanbillinge.org.uk/ or call Rev J Thomason 01942 727275. Thanks go to former warden Clifford Stockley for providing us with the information and pictures.

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Travel

Cypriot

Sun

By Jess Phillips

The term ‘winter sun’ tends to conjure images of Asia, the Caribbean or even the Canary Islands.

North Cyprus might not be the first destination to spring to mind – but it could be the perfect getaway for beating those winter blues. Grab your sunglasses and jet off to the city of Kyrenia or the eastern city of Famagusta for a holiday filled with glittering beaches and a rich Cypriot heritage. With an extremely favourable exchange rate currently running at 8 Turkish Lira to a single pound, you’d be hard pressed to get better value for money too.

vines, Kyrenia Harbour is nestled deep within the city’s Old Town, and a beautiful spot to see the sun glinting off turquoise waters, framed by the high masts of local fishing boats.

If you opt for a stay in Kyrenia, a city at the heart of North Cyprus, famed for its picturesque views and stunning architecture, you’ll probably stumble across the Harbour at some point. Surrounded by historic stone buildings with trailing flowers and

But Kyrenia isn’t all this fabulous region has to offer.

With highs of up to 40° in the summer months, North Cyprus’ coastline is dotted with gorgeous beaches to help you make the most of the weather, including Golden Beach north of Famagusta and Acapulco

Its castle juts out from the harbour, providing stunning views from the top of the battlements of the uninterrupted ocean beyond - definitely worth the slightly taxing walk to reach them. Deeper into the city, meanwhile, sits Bellapais Abbey, a mostlyintact thirteenth-century ruin dedicated to ‘Our Lady of the White Garments’, Ayia Asprophorusa.

49 Beach by Kyrenia.

Located along Cyprus’ guitar neck, Golden Beach is a protected site, and a nesting site for loggerhead and green turtles. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Cypriot metropolis, this is the place for you – it’s untouched by industry and perfect for snorkelling. You might even be lucky enough to spot one of these turtles – which can reach up to 48 inches in length – in their natural habitat.

Acapulco Beach, meanwhile, might have a more touristy feel, but don’t let that put you off. Glistening sands and smooth aqua waters await you while you doze beneath the fronds of a palm tree – this beach is an ideal spot for swimming or sunbathing with a

good book.

Famagusta itself is a great base to start your North Cyprus journey. Known for its ghost town, the city offers a range of tours, boat trips and spectacular sights. Following a Turkish invasion in 1974, the residents of Famagusta fled from their homes, which remained off-limits for 25 years. Although around 20% of it is still sealed off to the public,

Kyrenia, North Cyprus

Winter Sun Specials

7 nights, half board at

5* Acapulco Beach & Spa Resort £420pp or

4* Le Chateau Lambousa Hotel £352pp Liverpool departure on 29th January 2019.

Includes transfers and 15kgs luggage allowance.

Limited availability* on this date so please call Marken Travel quickly on 01744 893291. *Other dates available. Prices correct as of 15/10/2018

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

Telephone: 01744 893291

Protected by www.markentravel.co.uk

50 regular ghost town tours operate in the area for an insider’s perspective, with emotional accounts from tour guides who had to leave their homes at the time of the invasion.

The Roman ruins in Salamis are just north of modern Famagusta, and include still-standing columns and the stone seats of an amphitheatre.

Archaeological digs have dated some of these structures back to the eleventh century – beholding them a thousand years later is truly breath-taking.

However, if the history’s all too much to take in at once, there are plenty of places to head for a bit of retail therapy around the resorts of North Cyprus.

Whether you’re looking to stock up on souvenirs or find some authentic, bespoke Cypriot crafts or pottery, you’re sure to find something you love in Kyrenia. The Round Tower is a rescued Roman building which now hosts a range of artwork for sale, from paintings to handmade textiles. The markets of Famagusta, Nicosia and Kyrenia are also not to be missed. Perfect for some outdoor perusal, they offer a great selection of markets run by local traders, and plenty of opportunities to sample local delicacies.

For those who travel to engage in culinary pursuits, the Turkish cuisine is worthy of exploration and is actually hailed one of the three best world cuisines.

We’re probably all familiar with kofte and baklava, but do try out manti or kuzu tandir for something unique in texture and taste, or if street food takes your fancy, try

lahmacun or pide, a boat-shaped flatbread served with a variety of toppings, just like pizza.

Regular excursions are available to the Karpaz Peninsula, traversing beautiful landscapes to see the famous wild donkeys and historic churches, while night tours offer the best in Cypriot cuisine and live entertainment. You can also take a trip across the island over to Paphos if you’re craving something different.

North Cyprus definitely has a lot to offer, whether you just want some winter sun, to try Turkish food or you fancy immersing yourself in the rich history of the place. If you’re looking for your next escape to the sun, check out the special offers for North Cyprus on the previous page.

Food & Drink

Leisure

Caramel Apple Pie This melt-in-your-mouth apple pie is perfect for a Bonfire Night party.

Serves 6-8.

Ingredients

Method

For the pastry

To make the pastry, sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Pour in cold water and mix with a round-bladed knife until it all starts to come together. Knead the pastry a little until it forms a ball, then wrap in clingfilm and rest it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

250g plain flour 125g butter, cubed Pinch of salt 3-4 tablespoons cold water For the filling 50g caster sugar 50g dark muscavado sugar 50g butter

Take about two thirds of the pastry and roll it out onto a floured surface into a circle big enough to line the pie dish. Gently press the pastry into the pie dish and trim off any excess. Wrap it up again and put back in the fridge while the apples are prepared.

Peel, core and slice the apples no thinner than 0.5cm. Squeeze the lemon over them and grate in the zest. Sprinkle with the cinnamon.

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

To make the caramel sauce, melt the butter in a large pan, then add the flour and cook gently for one minute. Add both sugars and the water then bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes. Add the apple slices and stir to coat them with the caramel. Cook gently until the apples begin to soften. Allow to cool, and then place them into the lined pie dish.

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 170ËšC.

Caster sugar for sprinkling

Cut remaining pastry into 10 or 12 strips as long as the pie dish. Brush a little water around the edges of the tart so the lattice top will stick.

Weave the lattice on top, securing the edges, then trim off the excess pastry. Sprinkle generously with caster sugar, then bake for 30 minutes.

Serve with custard or good quality ice-cream.

25ml water 700g Bramley apples, peeled, cored and sliced

25cm pie dish

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52 Leisure

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

events2go

Quiz Night

Northern Belle Fireworks

Friday, November 2, 7:30pm

Saturday, November 3, 5:30pm

Rainford Cricket Club presents a fun quiz night with brilliant prizes. Teams of up to 6 can take part, and entry costs £5 a head. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Call 07767 441978 for details.

Hop on board at Liverpool Lime Street and travel in true 1930s glamour in a vintage carriage, with champagne and canapes. You’ll experience gastronomical delights in a 5-course meal, rounded off with a firework show. Tickets cost £275, with 20% being donated to Willowbrook Hospice.

All Saints Parish Church Hall, Rainford, WA11 8SD

Blind Wine Tasting Friday, November 2, 7:30pm

For more information, call 01744 453798 or email events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk

Test your knowledge of wines and your palate for a fun night with friends in a fundraiser for Rainford Girlguiding. Tickets £20.

Vegan Fair

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB

From cakes to cosmetics, Rainford’s Vegan Fair has tonnes of cruelty-free gifts and snacks on offer. You can even grab a festive gift while you’re there.

Junction Inn Fireworks

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB

Saturday, November 3, 5:30pm-11:30pm

Sunday, November 4, 11am-4:30pm

The Junction Inn hosts a free firework display, with free curry and rice. There will be live entertainment afterwards, and children are welcome until 8pm.

Classic Car Show

Junction Inn, 102 Junction Ln, St Helens, WA9 3JL

Remember the old carefree days of motoring with a display of cherished cars old and new. Free heritage bus rides, model railways and light refreshments on sale. Adults £4.25 or children aged 5-17 £2.50.

Circus of Horrors Saturday, November 3, 7:30pm After a 22-year world tour, Circus of Horror returns for its latest incarnation – The Psycho Asylum, a bizarre collection of circus acts with a mostly original soundscape and amazing celebrity reviews.

Theatre Royal, St Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000

Sunday, November 4, 11am-4pm

North West Museum of Road Transport, 51 Hall Street, St Helens, WA10 1DU

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Supper by Candlelight

WW1 Centenary

Wednesday, November 7, 7pm

Friday, November 9, 7pm-8:15pm

Willowbrook Hospice presents a magical evening.

See the hospice gardens illuminated at night and enjoy a hotpot supper with apple pie and wine by candlelight. Tickets £10, booking essential on 01744 453798 or from The Living Well.

Join the Parr Brass Band for an evening of music and readings to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice. Bring your flag and join in the singalong! Admission is £5 on the door, under 16s go free with an adult, includes post-concert wine/juice and nibbles. All proceeds go to the Poppy Appeal.

Cedarwood Centre, Portico Lane, Prescot, L34 2QT

Prescot Parish Church, Church St, Prescot, L34 1LA

Unexploded Ordnances Thursday, November 8, 7:30pm-9:30pm Award-winning US performance troupe Split Britches present their Dr Strangelove-inspired performance. Unexploded Ordnances explores ageing, anxiety, hidden desires and optimism in an uncertain future. Tickets £6 or £4 for concessions.

St Helens Town Hall, WA10 1HP

Chubbs in St Helens Thursday, November 8, 7:30pm-10:30pm

Remembrance Concert Friday, November 9, 7:30pm-10:30pm Rainford Band and special guests mark the centenary of the Armistice. The first half is dedicated to remembering those who served in the war, then the second half showcases well-known classic songs from the war years. Tickets £12, a percentage goes to Help For Heroes. Call 01744 884633 for tickets.

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB

Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown heads to the Theatre Royal for a hilarious night of politically incorrect comedy. Tickets £25 and can be booked through the box office.

Remembrance Banquet

Theatre Royal, St Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000

An evening of music and dinner to celebrate our troops. The St Helens Brass Band will play on arrival, and a 3 course dinner will be served. After dinner, enjoy a performance from the 1940s Wing Dancers and music from Windy Warlow and the A-Train Swing. Booking essential on 01744 886812 or enquiries@inglenook-farm.co.uk.

Rainhill Beer Festival Thursday, Nov 8 & Friday, Nov 9, 7pm-11pm, then Saturday, Nov 10, 1pm-11pm The 16th beer festival features new brewers and beers for 2018. The Rotary Club of Rainhill invites you to sample new beers and ciders, and try a tipple at the prosecco bar. For more information, head to http://www.rainhillbeerfest.org/.

Rainhill Recreation Club, Victoria Terrace, Rainhill, L35 0LH

Friday, November 9, 7:30pm-10:30pm

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

Ghost Hunt Saturday, November 10, 9pm-2am Something strange is going on at the bus depot…

Experience some great vintage buses with backstories, including a former Maltese Army truck and a London bus with movie credits. Tickets £25, no under-18s.

North West Museum of Road Transport, 51 Hall Street, St Helens, WA10 1DU

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Remembrance Ceremony

40s Night

Sunday, November 11, 10:45am

Saturday, November 17, 7pm-12:30am

Come together to honour the sacrifices made during the First World War, and the local people who fought for our country.

An exciting 1940s-themed night with entertainment

by The Golden Age Songbird and a disco, plus hotpot supper, prize bingo and raffle. Fancy dress optional! £5 per ticket. Call 07876 348638 for tickets.

The Cenotaph, Victoria Square, St Helens

Haydock Cricket Club, Piele Rd, Haydock, WA11 0JZ

Funny Cow & Q&A Monday, November 12, 7pm-9:30pm Maxine Peake stars as a mercurial female stand-up in an unflinching drama about the Northern club circuit in the 70s. Join her for a Q&A after the film.

Ravenhead Social Club, Alexandra Drive, St Helens, WA10 3UJ

Thank ABBA for the Music Thursday, November 15, 7:30pm

Christmas Craft Fair Sunday, November 18, 10am-3pm A friendly, festive craft fair to find unique, handcrafted gifts and decorations! Light refreshments are available, free entry.

Haresfinch Social Club, Haresfinch Road, St Helens, WA11 9NS

We Three Kings

This two-hour theatre spectacular presents ABBA’s greatest hits with stunning costumes, a seven-piece live band and interactive video projection. Mamma mia! Adult tickets £24, concessions £23.

Sunday, November 18, 7:30pm

Theatre Royal, St Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000

Theatre Royal, St Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000

Sparkle in the Square

Jonathan Griffith

Saturday, November 17, 12pm-6pm

Thursday, November 22, 7pm-8pm

The St Helens Christmas lights switch-on heads to Church Square with festive fun and music for all the family, before the town is illuminated with Christmas cheer. Free admission.

Artist Jonathan Griffith talks about his memories of Liverpool, his journey into painting with cerebral palsy, and the changing attitudes towards disability.

Free entry, reserve tickets on 01744 677446.

Church Square, St Helens

Chester Lane Library, Four Acre Lane, St Helens,

We Three Kings of Rock n’ Roll pays tribute to Billy Fury, Buddy Holly and Elvis in a fabulous greatest hits show! Adults £19.50, concessions £18.50.

WA9 4DE

Fun Day Saturday, November 17, 8:30am-4pm A joint fundraising effort between Rainford in Bloom and CrossRoads invites you for a day of fun. There’ll be stalls offering bric-a-brac and cakes, a raffle and tombola, and a lunch of soup, sandwiches and cakes.

Rainford Scout Hut, Rainford

Christmas Shopping Night Friday, November 23, 7pm-9pm A night of shopping and pampering awaits you to raise money for the Thatto Heath Crusaders U12s.

Thatto Heath Labour Club, Elephant Lane, St Helens, WA9 5OZ

55

Christmas Market

Sea Cadets Christmas Fair

Friday, November 23, 3:30pm-6:30pm

Sunday, November 25, 11am-5pm

Come along for some great stalls. There will also be children’s activities, the chance to meet Father Christmas, a raffle and a tombola.

Fun for all the family including Reiki taster sessions and aromatherapy, Christmas gifts, a raffle, craft stalls, refreshments and tombola. There’s also a chance for the kids to meet Santa.

Bispham Methodist Church, Crank Road, Billinge, WN5 7DT

Mill Street Barracks, Mill St, St Helens, WA10 2BB

Christmas Model Railway

Gin Festival

Saturday, November 24, 10am-5pm

Friday, November 30, 6pm-11:30pm & Saturday, December 1, 12pm-5pm & 6pm-11:30pm

The Rainhill Model Railway Club presents a day of model trains, layouts, traders and a Santa’s Grotto.

Vintage buses run between the show and the North West Museum of Road Transport. Adult admission is £3.50 or £4 for a child including a gift from Santa.

Rainhill Village Hall, Weaver Avenue, L35 4LU

The Absolutely Fabulous Gin Festival heads to St Helens with over 80 different gins plus live entertainment. Food available from the Mayur Indian Restaurant. Tickets £12.50, includes gin Copa glass and welcome drink. VIP area tickets £50.

St Helens Town Hall, WA10 1HP

Francesca Martinez Saturday, November 24, 7pm-8:30pm Comedian and actress Francesca Martinez presents ‘What the **** is Normal?’ – a hilarious look at being disabled in today’s culture. Tickets cost £6, £5 for library card holders or £3 for concessions, and are available from any St Helens library.

Chester Lane Library, Four Acre Lane, St Helens, WA9 4DE

Rock Night Saturday, November 24, 8pm A night of rock music from Snatch Back, Dravens Fall and Swampstompers. Tickets £5 on the door.

Haresfinch Social Club, Haresfinch Road, St Helens, WA11 9NS

Cruelty-Free Xmas Fair Saturday, December 1, 7pm-10pm A huge selection of cruelty-free, local produce from cosmetics to crafts. No animal/animal-tested items.

All money raised goes to Garston Animal Rescue.

Independent Methodist Church, Victoria Road, Garswood, WN4 0RG

UnderGround Craft Fair Sunday, December 2, 11:30am-4:30pm A wealth of handcrafted gifts from jewellery to fudge! A special visit from Santa and his favourite elf, hot food and a bar, and the chance to meet Santa’s donkeys while the reindeer rest. Free entry.

St Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, WA5 7QT

Crafty Christmas Fayre

Christmas Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 25, 11am-3pm

Wednesday, December 5, 6:30pm

The Mansion House invites you to enjoy a crafty Christmas fayre and Santa’s grotto. Lots of fun stalls!

Trinity Girls Band present a night of carol singing and a lights switch on by Santa. Plus a free raffle.

The Mansion House, Victoria Park, WA10 2UE

Bispham Methodist Church, Crank Road, Billinge, WN5 7DT

56

Fabulous

Fireworks Firework photography can be a tricky thing for even the most dedicated amateur photographer. Here’s a short guide to help you out.

Location: Arrive early to the firework display to beat the crowds, and choose a spot which avoids obstacles like trees, buildings, cars and bright signs.

Wind: Stand upwind of the fireworks so the wind blows away from you so smoke doesn’t block your shots!

Settings: Turn the flash off first. Turn noise reduction on, set ISO 100 and Aperture to F11. Focus should be on landscape (slightly less than infinity), and the shutter speed can be anything from 1-15 seconds.

The tripod and shutter release cable should help avoid blurry photographs.

If you only have an automatic camera, look for a firework setting. If there isn’t one, just experiment with the landscape setting – clicking as soon as the ‘whoosh’ sound of the firework being launched usually catches them.

Experiment: Fiddle around with the settings, using different shutter speeds and focal lengths.

Remember – enjoy the process and don’t forget to share your photos with us on our Facebook page!

Great local firework displays Rainford Cricket Ground has its fireworks display and bonfire on Saturday, November 3. It starts at 5pm, with tickets costing £4 in advance or £5 on the gate.

Ashton Athletic F.C. present Sparks at Brocstedes Park on Saturday, November 3. Gates open at 4pm and the fireworks start at 7pm. Tickets £5 in advance or £6 on the door.

Sutton Cricket Club are hosting a spectacular fireworks display on Sunday, November 4 from 6pm-8:30pm. Entry costs £3.

57

Nicky Nook

by Chris Pearce

For this month’s Jack’s Tracks we visit Scorton, near Garstang, the gateway to the Bowland Fells, for an excellent and varied six mile walk with great views.

The walk takes you gently downwards through the scenic Grizedale Valley and some rather pretty hamlets, before you’re then faced with the sharp shock of climbing Nicky Nook. It’s only when you reach the peak that you realise it’s a mere foothill amongst the other fells to the east, but nevertheless, the views over the Lancashire coastline were still pretty impressive.

The starting point of Grizedale Bridge is a bit remote, but the GPS Waypoint is SD 535 490. If that doesn’t mean anything to you then take the road to Lancaster going out of Oakenclough. Once you go

over the first cattle grid and, shortly afterwards, a small bridge, park up in a small carpark-cum-layby on the left.

Take the slate path leading away from the car park towards the woods. Once you have gone through two wooden gates in succession, take the path on the left and cross the wooden footbridge over the stream and go into Holme Wood.

I’ve never been a big fan walking through woods; it’s often boggy, the poor lighting limits photo opportunities, and accurate mapping can be difficult. However, there are exceptions and Holme Wood, up near Scorton in Lancaster is certainly one. The well-defined path follows the stream all

58 the way through the woods with creative studded boardwalks over the boggy parts, and you’ll soon arrive at Grizedale Dock reservoir.

The path bends to the right shortly afterwards, following the direction of an inlet and you come to a fingerpost by a gate. You need to take a left here towards Nicky Nook/Scorton and follow the inlet back in the direction of the reservoir. Ignore the uphill path on the right shortly afterwards (signposted Nicky Nook/Scorton) and carry on in the same direction – you’re going towards Higher Lane on a bridleway.

The path continues on a meandering downward trend parallel to the stream for another ¾ mile until you reach a steel bar gate and fingerpost just before a wooden footbridge. Take a 90 degree right turn and follow the footpath (not the bridleway) to Higher Lane. Once you’ve crossed a short piece of open farmland, you’ll enter Peddars Wood and walk uphill until you reach a gate and a single track road.

Turn right up the road for around 250 yards and take the footpath on the left after the farm. Walk on the left hand perimeter of the field for 75 yards or

so, and then cut across the field diagonally on the well-defined path. Go through a gate and head across the second field towards the steel circular gate in the distance. Once you’re through, turn left

Scorton

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Snowhill Lan

Tithe Barn

Lane

Higher Lane

JT-Nicky-Nook

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

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e Da Griz

Nicky Nook

Oakenclough

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Grizedale Bridge

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.

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can

M6

Wyresdale Park

59

60 and walk through this pretty hamlet.

Approximately 200 yards before you’re due to go under the M6, there’s a footpath on the right.

Take the footpath, then go through another stile and plunge into Ghyll Wood. You’ll cross a wooden footbridge and then clamber up the bank on the other side, walking along the top of the bank until you come to a gate.

Take the path through the field and you’ll eventually come out on Snowshill Lane. Turn right and follow this road until you reach the entrance to Wrysdale Park.

If you fancy a detour at the first-rate Applestore Café (open 9-4pm WedsSun) or a look at Wrysdale Lake then carry straight on. Otherwise, follow the road round to the right, across the bridge and uphill to Higher Lane. Turn left and then immediate right for the uphill trek up Nicky Nook.

After a steep initial climb, the path will level off somewhat. After you pass the reservoir on the left, there is an option to fork off and follow the path to the cairn, but for the purposes of the walk we’re following the path right up to the white trig pillar at the peak After a breather, follow the path in the same direction down the hill. As the path bends downwards to the right, you’ll see a gate set in a dry stone wall straight ahead. Go through the gate and head for the brick structure directly ahead, and

when you’ve arrived here, head downhill towards the green box at the bottom of the hill.

Follow the path round the green box and once you get to the track turn right and head into the woods once again. After a couple of gates, you’ll arrive at the fingerpost sign by a gate you encountered earlier on in the walk. Turn left here towards Grizedale Bridge and follow the pathway back through Holme Wood until you reach your starting point.

Gardening

Leaf matter.

Leaves matter!

Oh, those autumn leaves. So pretty on the trees but they can be rather inconvenient in the garden.

If they drift too deep on the lawn the grass underneath will die so there’s nothing to do but rake them up. However, these fallen leaves are a little autumn gift from nature and with them you can create leaf mould. Leaf mould is free garden nourishment, and it’s like feeding your soil with the finest fillet steak. Leaf mould is what’s left when the dead, fallen leaves from deciduous trees and shrubs are heaped up and allowed to rot down. As they slowly decompose, only the toughest bits remain, eventually forming crumbly, dark brown crumbs, a bit like chocolate sprinkles. Leaf mould is easy to make, a delight to handle, and you can’t possibly overfeed your soil with it. Micro-organisms are the driving factor, performing an alchemy that gives the finished product an almost magical quality. Its fibrous nature retains moisture and enables free drainage, which means it also makes a great mulch for trilliums or wood anemones, whose natural habitat is woodland.

I adhere to a policy of only collecting leaves where necessary. Where they have fallen and are not obscuring the grass I leave them for the earthworms to pull into their burrows; I think of earthworms as my friends and so do nothing to discourage them.

TOP TIP Insulate your greenhouse to keep plants snug over the cold winter spell. You can purchase special bubble wrap for this purpose which can be held in place with plastic clips that fit into the grooves between the glazing bars.

Simply sweeping leaves off paths and decking or patios will keep the garden looking cared for. I also remove any that have drifted around my herb garden because herbs like to be able to breathe.

These tasks alone give me enough leaves to create plenty of lovely leaf mould.

If you have enough room, create a separate leaf heap rather than simply adding leaves to compost.

It’s quite simple to construct a leaf cage using chicken wire and posts. You can even bag your leaves in punctured black bin bags and put them in an out-of-the-way corner. The puncturing is necessary to allow air to circulate. A leaf heap made this autumn will be ready by next autumn.

Happy gardening

By Rachael Leverton

JOBS FOR NOVEMBER • Regularly check your stored produce of pears, apples etc and remove any that are rotting. This includes potatoes for blight - remove any that are soft or discoloured to prevent the fungal disease spreading to your healthy potatoes.

• Protect exotic plants from frost by putting a handful of straw in the crown of tree ferns, around the roots of trees and use hessian or bubble wrap around pots.

• Keep an eye out for weeds which will still try to grow even with winter approaching.

• Wash any slippery surfaces with water and a few drops of specialist cleaner. Scrub until all algae, moss etc has been removed.

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66

Motoring

SsangYong

Musso

by Tim Barnes-Clay

You can try putting lipstick on a pig, but it still won’t make it beautiful – unless you’re into pigs. And that’s the point here. Unless you like pick-up trucks, you won’t be into the Ssangyong Musso. Now this name might be familiar to you.

It’s a moniker that was used way back in the early 90s on a pug ugly SUV. This vehicle though is a strict pick-up with 4x4 capability. I happen to think it’s handsome too – and I’m not even into swine. There’s a reason for its good looks - the Musso has the identical body-onchassis construction as the Ssangyong Rexton SUV. Indeed, it even has the same dashboard, which makes it feel quite upmarket. There are pliable materials covering the dash, the steering wheel is fully adjustable, and the switchgear doesn’t feel like it’s out of a Tonka toy. The South Korean made pickup is also furnished with kit such as an infotainment system, which is decent by any standards. The 9.2inch display in some models is large, luminous and easy to operate. It also boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the Musso houses a remarkably hi-resolution reversing camera which even enables you to observe the tow bar. This is handy if you are lining-up up a trailer to lug. Towing is something that the new Ssangyong Musso is brilliant at. It’s the only pick-up in its segment that can haul a 3.5-tonne trailer while carrying up to a tonne in the load bed. The Mercedes-Benz obtained 2.2-litre oil-burner it uses is also enjoyed in the Rexton. However, the Musso is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission rather than the

seven-speed auto employed by the Rexton. It has lots of grunt and is smooth compared with, say, Ford’s Ranger. There’s plenty of space up front, and when it comes to rear passenger room, the Musso beats its rivals, with only Nissan’s Navara coming close. And behind the wheel, whether towing or not, the pick-up feels okay-ish – in a straight line at least. The only fly in the ointment for the Musso is its rear springs. They bounce pugnaciously over ruts, while the somewhat soft damping battles to keep the pick-up’s frame in check. Things do recover, however, when the South Korean’s cab is full. And with a tonne of cargo in the rear load bed, it irons itself out considerably. Mind you, Ssangyong says it’s thinking about changing the rear springs to make things a little more manageable for UK driving. It still won’t make it a pick-up to hurl around bends though – but let’s face it, not many are suited to that. It feels substantial, and always will. That means it rolls a lot and will never match the Rexton or any other SUV for handling. The pricetag of the Ssangyong Musso makes you forgive its so-so handling. It’s cheaper than Mitsubishi’s L200

67 for starters. There are four trim levels to select, too.

While the entry level EX is the most workhorse-like, it sits on alloy wheels and contains lots of factoryfitted equipment, including air conditioning, Bluetooth, and DAB radio. Over that, the Rebel boasts heated and cooled faux leather seats, and an eight-inch touchscreen. It also wears distinct external graphics. The flagship Saracen and Rhino Mussos add real leather, that earlier mentioned 9.2inch screen, and a heated steering wheel. What’s more, the Rhino rolls off the production line with ready-to-go all-terrain tyres, and black 20-inch alloys. Also standard on the Musso is a segmentleading seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty. That, more than anything, demonstrates how much faith Ssangyong has in its new model. Certainly, this pick-up is no pig in a wig – and you can forget the lipstick, too.

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Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters - call us now for all your roofline requirements!

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

Matthew Rigby

MultiSkilled Handyman Roofing & Roofline- repairs and replacement Decorating, Building, Gates supplied & fitted Plastering, Gardening

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For all your home improvements - No job too small

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M H Roofing

Established over 15 years Friendly advice and competitive rates No job too small

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

Call 01744 884117 or 07702 693225

www.mhroofingltd.co.uk

Our Focus Is Quality & Price

LOCAL FAMILY FIRM

Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees

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Extensions & Alterations Specialists

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• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985

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

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7 Albany Avenue, Eccleston Park, L34 2QN

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01942 871 777 warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk

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the Largest the North West

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Rockdoor Approved Installer Reg No 02767596

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established 16 years

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Manufacturers and installers since 2004

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

www.orrellwindows.co.uk