Local Life - St Helens & Prescot - Jun/Jul 2013 by Local Life 247 Ltd

St Helens & Prescot Edition

Jun/Jul 2013

Williamson Tunnels First & Last Derek Acorah

Photo: © Chris Iles - Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels

Recipe Bailey’s Ice Cream Win tickets to Farmer Ted’s

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Changing Times

In this issue

They say that change is as good as a rest; well here at Local Life HQ we are pretty well rested! There have been lots of changes in the office recently and ones that we are really excited about. Firstly we welcome new sales executive Julie Carroll to the team and secondly I am expecting the patter of tiny feet in October!

8 16 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 39 41 42

It’s been pretty much plain sailing so far (fingers crossed) but I’m sure I can look forward to midnight kicks in the ribs and a fair bit of waddling around as well! The other big occasion was....Local Life turned 5 in May! Now we don’t mind getting older but with each passing birthday (we ladies are exceptional at this), it’s nice to have a bit of a style overhaul. For some that means a haircut for others it’s a trip to see the Botox doctor – so you might also see from this edition that we have tweaked the style a little....hope you like the new look! Summer is fast approaching us and my inbox starts to fill up with some great summer activities for you all to enjoy. So if you are organising summer events, don’t forget one of the most important parts of your planning; to tell Local Life! We would love to give your event some free publicity so be sure to let us know! E-mail the details of your event to editorial@ locallife247.co.uk and we’ll let our readers know all about it. See you next time,

Recipe of the Month – Bailey’s Ice Cream The Mole of Edge Hill First & Last – Derek Acorah Farmer Ted’s Competition Gardening Services What’s On in the North West Motoring Feature Motoring Services Puzzle Page Home Services Puzzle Page Solutions Useful Numbers

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB T 01744 649 722

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Editorial: Nicola Gray Sales: Julie Carroll Design & Production: Peter Bretherton Accounts & Distribution: Sally Boon

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Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. The St Helens and Prescot edition 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. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Extra Stores in Peasley Cross and Prescot. The St Helens and Ashton edition is delivered to over 12,500 private home and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Newton-le-Willows, Garswood, Crank, Kings Moss and parts of Ashton and Moss Bank. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Earlestown. 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.

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No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

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both local and national. Some of the festival highlights include performances from the Wirral Symphony Orchestra, the Harmonic Gospel Choir and the Prescot Festival Chorus. There will also be a speaking festival at St Mary’s and St Pauls Primary School on Monday 24th June along with a Festival Barn Dance at St Pauls Church on Thursday 27th June. Advance tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from The Wool Shop at 32, Eccleston Street in Prescot or by calling 08444 771000 (booking fee applies). For more information or for a full rundown of the Festival please e-mail prescotfestival@gmail.com or visit the official website at www.prescotfestival.co.uk

Vintage Shopping Prescot Festival The annual Prescot Festival is back and organisers are gearing up for their ninth year celebrating music and the arts. The voluntary group has been bringing entertainment events to the local area for residents to enjoy and this year the 10-day festival, which runs from Friday 21st June to Sunday 30th June, is set to be bigger and better than ever! The festival is renowned for featuring an unrivalled mix of professional, semi professional and amateur talent –

For all you night owls who love a spot of shopping, why not check out Liverpool’s hottest vintage market? You will love the chilled out atmosphere away from all of the hustle and bustle of the High Street, plus it’s a great chance to pick up some serious bargains! The market is held at The Shipping Forecast on Slater Street in Liverpool on the first Thursday of every month from 5pm til late. There will be a selection of stalls selling retro and vintage clothing for men and women along with accessories, jewellery and collectables. For more information please call 07976 905173 or have a look online at www.pillboxvintage.com

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Zumbathon Have you got good dance co-ordination? Do you like to shake your backside and keep fit? Well the HoneyRose Foundation would like to hear from you! The foundation will be holding a Zumbathon at the Dream on Saturday 6th of June to raise much needed funds for terminally ill people –they are looking for sponsors and for people to take part. The event will take place at 11am, where three hours of Bokwa, Zumba and dance fitness will raise lots of money for the foundation. You don’t need to be a professional dancer to be able to take part in this as the event will cater for people of all ages and ability. Beginners are more than welcome! Places are limited to around 150 people with tickets costing £7.50, so if you want to join in make sure you book your place. To book your tickets please email james@honeyrosefoundation.org.uk, call into the

shop on Hall Street or order on the website. For more information about the event, please go to www. honeyrosefoundation.org.uk/dream

Rainhill in Bloom It’s that time of year again, the flowers are blossoming, the hanging baskets are out and the Rainhill in Bloom competition is back! So have you got the best front garden around or perhaps you’ve got hanging baskets good enough to make the neighbours weep? The only restriction, apart from being in Rainhill, is that your display must be visible from a roadway or other area accessible to the public. The last date for entry is Sunday 14th July and judging will take place on Sunday 21st July. If you would like to enter you can do so by printing off a form or entering online at www.rainhill-civicsociety.org.uk

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Diabetes Group

Forbidden Planet

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be held on Wednesday 5th June at 7.30pm in St Helens Town Hall. The group will be focusing on how to look after your diabetes when you are ill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with a short talk from Professor Sarah O`Brien. Sarah is a Diabetes Nurse Consultant, based at St Helens Hospital and she will be advising on what steps you need to take to help control blood sugars when you are not well.

Rainhill Musical Theatre Company would like to invite you along to their latest production, Return to the Forbidden Planet. This latest offering is billed as a 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspired musical comedy, which takes place on a marooned space ship and looks set to launch the audience into outer space for an out of this world theatre experience! The fantastic musical score includes Great Balls of Fire, Good Vibrations, Born to be Wild, Young Girl and Teenager in Love.

Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting. We also have a large selection of diabetes leaflets available. The group would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before. For further information please contact Cherry Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821.

The show takes place at Rainhill Village Hall on Weaver Avenue from 6th to 8th June. Times and ticket enquiries can be made to Rosie Sephton 0151 292 4458. The group are always looking to welcome new members, not just on stage but backstage, in make-up and costume, front of house, ticket sales, publicity and promotion. The group rehearse on a Monday and Wednesday at Rainhill Village Hall so come along!!

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Recipe of the month

Bailey’s Ice Cream

Serves: 6-8 Preparation: 5 minutes Cooking: 30 minutes Chilling time: Over night + freezing time (30 minutes- 3 hours)

Method Pour the milk into a medium size, heavy bottomed saucepan. Add 100g of the sugar. Place over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture registers 77C on a cooking thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer the milk should be just bearable to dip your finger into…be careful! In a crock or stainless steel medium-size bowl, whisk together the 4 egg yolks and remaining 50g of sugar until foamy and slightly thick. Very slowly add half of the hot milk to the eggs, whisking continuously. Pour this egg mixture back into the sauce pan with the remaining hot milk and return to the stove top on a lowmedium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula until the mixture reaches 85C on the thermometer or if you have no thermometer is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon or spatula. Take care to make sure the mixture does not boil. Remove from the heat. If it’s not completely smooth whisk it well before proceeding. Pour the double cream into a clean, large stainlesssteel or glass mixing bowl set over an ice bath. Pour the heated custard mixture through a fine mesh sieve or strainer into the cold cream. Add the vanilla extract and stir until fully incorporated. Stir occasionally until the mixture has fully cooled. This should take about 1/2 hour. Remove the mixing bowl from the ice bath, dry off the bottom of the bowl if necessary, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Stir in the Baileys. Pour this chilled mixture into the ice-cream maker follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have no ice cream maker, don’t worry, you can still make ice cream though it will take a little longer.

Pour the chilled mixture into a large container. Pop it in the fast-freeze section of your freezer. Check it after 45 minutes. It will have begun to crystallize around the edges. Use a hand whisk, wooden spoon or electric hand whisk to break the crystals up and incorporate them into the mixture, then refreeze. Keep checking and beating the mixture every 30-40 minutes and within 3 hours you will have ice cream. Enjoy. NB. Alcohol lowers the freezing temperature of ice cream so this ice cream will be quite soft. Don’t be tempted to add more Bailey’s otherwise it might never set!

Ingredients • 480ml whole milk • 150g granulated sugar • 4 large egg yolks • 240ml double cream • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 4 tbsp Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur

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Coffee Morning If you would like to get out and about more often and meet local people, there’s definitely a place you can go! The community coffee morning is held every Friday between 11am-1.30pm at Prescot Community Church on Kemble Street. Entry is free and everyone is welcome, so pop down have a natter and enjoy a cup of something hot. For more information please call 0151 292 4750.

Give Blood If you would like to do your bit for the NHS, why not roll up your sleeves and donate blood. The special unit will be at the Rainhill Village Hall on Dane Court on Tuesday 4th June from 2pm-4pm and 5.30pm-7.30pm. To book an appointment all you have to do is visit www.blood. co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

The lucky winners of our competition to win family tickets for Gulliver’s World were Rachel Roberts from Ackers Lane in Eccleston (pictured with Elexis and Oliver), Wendy Colbeck from Laurel Road in St Helens, Joan Smith from Fairlie Drive in Rainhill and Steven Ward from Plum Tree Close in Prescot. Well done to all the winners! You can win a family ticket to Farmer Ted’s, the children’s activity park near Ormskirk, in this month’s competition; check out the details on pages 32 and 33.

Thursday 9th August at Haydock Park Come and have a whale of a time at our FREE seafaring themed family fun day inflatable fun, surf simulator, polar bear show, craft workshop, face painters, funfair rides, pony rides and much more! Plus thrilling racing for the grown-ups!

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Flower Power On your marks, get set, grow! The 4th August might seem like a long way away but the Knowsley Flower Show will be here before you know it! All entries must be received no later than Friday 2nd August so get your thinking caps on and your green fingers out. This year sees the flower show bloom into action with a celebration of its 15th anniversary! The Floral Marquee is back this year and will be a blaze of colour and scent with classes suitable for every age and capability including some special classes for children.

Along with all the old favourites, new for this year is a Food for Thought with lots of advice on healthier eating, free recipe giveaways and lots of tips on how not to waste food. If you would like to get involved this year or perhaps become a member of the committee please call the show secretary Christine Yates on 0151 480 8666 or e-mail chrisyates49@gmail.co.uk.

Nifty Needlecraft Are you interested in needlecrafts? Well if you are, there is a local group who would like to hear from you! The friendly needlework group meets every Monday morning at St Anne’s Millennium Centre in Rainhill between 10am-12.30pm. They enjoy everything from knitting and embroidery to crochet and quilting. If you would like to join the group just pop along any Monday morning and you will be made most welcome.

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Helens from 11am-3pm. Food and drink will be available all day with prizes to be won for the best entries. For insurance purposes only cars entered will be allowed on the display area. For more details or to request an entry form please contact Dave on 01744 637052 or e-mail davidjones66@blueyonder.co.uk.

Twist & Shout Classic Cars If classic cars really get your engines revving then join the Phoenix Clock Face Classic Car Club for their annual fun day. The club will be holding its display day on Saturday 24th August at the Clock Face Pub in St

If your little bundle of joy could do with burning off some extra energy then try Twist & Shout at Sutton Children’s Centre. The exciting session of musical fun is aimed at all children aged 0-5 years – it’s a great opportunity for you and your children to get together and enjoy singing, dancing and themed arts and crafts. The next session will take place at the Centre on Ellamsbridge Road on Friday 21st June – admission is free but for more information please call 01744 822160.

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Summer Sizzler

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The North West Museum of Transport is set for a sizzling summer line up of activities as they prepare for their summer fayre on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June. Get yourself and the family down to the Old Bus Depot on Hall Street between 10am-4pm for free vintage bus rides and lots of stalls plus model railway displays provided by the Rainhill Model Railway Club

If your child has a bit of street cred and likes to dance then the Urban Street Dance Classes at St Anne’s Millennium Centre in Rainhill would be right up their street. The Urban Street Stars can make sure your child has the moves to impress all of their friends – and if that isn’t proof enough they even starred on Britain’s Got Talent and won the Diversity Dance for Life competiotn in 2012. The classes are a great way to get your child fit and active and also to boost their confidence. The classes are fun and friendly and aimed at 4-12 year olds – they take place every Thursday from 6pm-7pm and cost £4. For more information please call 07792 075090.

The museum will also be holding a very special event on Sunday 7th July to celebrate 100 years of Morris Motors! You can visit the museum and have a closer look at Morris cars and lorries - refreshments will be available and also the free vintage bus rides. Tickets cost £3.50 for adults, £2.00 for children and £2.50 for concessions. So if you would like to involved make sure you’re there between 10am-4pm – for more details please call 07753 248053 or e-mail phil@nwmort.co.uk

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Thyroid Group If you have a thyroid problem, whether you are newly diagnosed or a long-term patient, the Thyroid Support Group in St Helens would like to hear from you. From their experience, finding on-going support can be great help in the management of your illness and what could be better than being a room of people who truly understand what you are going through. The group meets on the first Friday of every month at the Millennium Centre on Corporation Street in St Helens – the next meeting will be held on Friday 7th from 2pm -4pm. For more details about the group please call Gill on 01744 893530 or 07722120066.

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St Helens Council is teaming up with St Mary’s Market to launch a Festival of the Arts event and they are looking for creative people, art organisations, art groups and performers who would be interested in exhibiting or performing at the festival which will take place on Saturday 24th August to Saturday 7th September. You might want to hold a short exhibition, put on a series of performances, talks or poetry readings. There will be walls and market stalls available to display work and indoor and outdoor areas for performance and other events. To apply to take part, all you have to do is complete and submit an application form and return it before Saturday 22nd June to St Mary’s Market, St Mary’s Arcade, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1AR, or email it to themarketsteam@sthelens.gov.uk

Williamson Tunnels - by Nicola Gray

The Mole of Edge Hill Joseph Williamson was born in 1769 in Darton in Yorkshire. At the age of 11, after the death of his father, he moved to Liverpool and began work for a tobacco company. After buying the tobacco business in 1802 and making a considerable fortune, Williamson acquired a rectangle of land that now borders Mason Street, Grinfield Street, Smithdown Lane and Paddington, where he set about building mansions for the wealthy occupants of the city. Williamson’s men built the houses with cellars, gardens and orchards – the first hurdle they came across was the sloping terrain. The ground level fell away from the back of the buildings, all the way down to Smithdown Lane so Williamson had his men build a series of brick arches to support the gardens – but more significantly they had unwittingly built the first parts of the tunnels. All we know is that between 1805 and his death in 1840 Williamson employed thousands of men to dig out this subterranean puzzle. He set his men burrowing in all directions but oddly enough most of the tunnels lead nowhere; some come to an abrupt halt and there are even tunnels within tunnels! In the parts of the tunnels that are accessible to the public, visitors are presented

Photo: © Heritage Centre

Deep beneath the streets of Liverpool exists a bizarre network of tunnels and underground caverns – sounds like a scene from Labyrinth doesn’t it? Tucked away on a small side street in Edge Hill is the entrance to a warren of tunnels hollowed out under the orders of an eccentric millionaire in the early 19th century.

with a huge barrel shaped chamber with twists, turns and level changes. There are also smaller tunnels and chimneys that head off into darkness; there is even evidence of tunnels being built and immediately bricked back up again! From here the building simply continued. The eccentric tycoon was becoming highly secretive about his work, so there is no documented plan of the whole network. Even now, almost 175 years after his death, the purpose of building the tunnels is still not fully known. The most commonly offered explanation is that having come from humble beginnings, Williamson wanted to tackle the poverty that blighted the area by giving construction work to the unemployed. Rather more outlandish theories range from smuggling contraband to sheltering religious cults from Armageddon. Williamson died in 1840 at the ripe old age of 70 – the tunnelling stopped immediately and was never continued, leaving the Mole of Edge Hill and his vast network of tunnels to live in the annals of folklore. Although some of the tunnels have been lost over time, a lot of them still exist today, under what has become a sprawling residential area. One section of the tunnels has been cleared and renovated and is open to the public. Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre Where: The Old Stable Yard Smithdown Lane Liverpool L7 3EE Details: 0151 709 6868 www.williamsontunnels.co.uk Open: April - September Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm October - March Thursday - Sunday, 10am-5pm Contact the Friends of Williamsons’s Tunnels to see parts of the tunnels not normally open to the public. Details: 0151 475 9833 www.williamsontunnels.com Tunnel photos: © Chris Iles - Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels

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War-games Show War-games and board games are a serious business and the St Helens Spartans War-games Club know this better than anyone! The club are gearing up to host their 21st convention – better known as Phalanx. Fans from all over the UK travel to Phalanx every year to watch and participate in board games and miniature based games, and this year won’t be any different! The convention will be taking place on Saturday 15th June at Sutton Community Leisure Centre on Elton Head Road from 10am-4pm. There will be more than 40 trade stands selling a wide variety or miniatures from all periods of gaming, ranging from ancient and science fiction to fantasy and historical. Demonstration games will also be available to allow visitors to the figures in action and some games will call for audience participation. The convention will

also have a bring and buy section and a cafeteria will be open for food and drink. Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children – for more information please call 07780 741401 or have a look online at www.spartans.org.uk.

Cronton Gala The Cronton Gala is entering its 7th year and the committee would like to invite you to join them on Saturday 15th June. The annual event will be held on The Pasture on Hall Lane in Cronton Village between 11.30am-4pm – there will be lots of family fun with activities to suit everyone. Last year’s event attracted more than 2,000 visitors and this year is set to be better than ever. Entry is free but some of the activities might incur a small cost. For more information or to offer your help as a volunteer please contact Ian on 07770 395599.

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Rainhill Civic Society Photo supplied by Kit Syder

Rainhill Civic Society is planning an event to mark the hundredth anniversary of the First World War and they would like your help. Members of the Society are interested in tracing family records of Rainhill servicemen who fought in The Great War. They are appealing to readers to let them know if they can be of help. For example perhaps someone has an envelope posted to Rainhill from the Front in 1915 or could provide them with a photograph of medals which were awarded to someone in your family. Three of the large residences in Rainhill were used as convalescent hospitals during the war years Oakdene at the junction of Owen Rd and Lawton Rd and Oaklands in St James Rd - both have since been demolished. The third hospital was at The Tower in Mill Lane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; now Tower College. Local women were recruited to be V.A.D. nurses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so perhaps a local family can tell the Society of one of their ancestors who helped to care for the soldiers. If you have any information that you would like to share or if you would like to get involved with the Society please contact Anne Slater on 0151 426 4455, Judy Lowe on 0151 426 2583 or e-mail rainhill.civic@ gmail.com

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With our system these is no need to remove the roof – but we can achieve stunning external results with our top of the range slating options Freedom did our porch and conservatory and we now have balanced heat throughout the downstairs and I am saving £15.00 per week alone on Gas. The ﬁtting team were brilliant and had it all done in 3 days. Our best room in the house is now our conservatory, which before Freedom came along, was unused - Mrs Gillbanks from Poolstock

Wigan Showroom: JGB Investment Park, Stephens Way, Goose Green, Wigan, WN3 6PG

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Family Summer Come rain or shine this summer, you and the brood can get creative with a little help from the Prescot Museum on Aspinall Street! There will be FREE weekly craft workshops for you to attend at the museum! Join in the fun on the 1st Saturday of every month with some exciting activities – all materials will be included and there’s no need to book. The next session will be held on Saturday 1st June so drop in between 12.30pm-3pm. Don’t miss Make It Mondays when you can keep the kids busy every Monday afternoon from 1pm-4pm. You will get the chance to work with one of the Museum’s artists who will provide all the materials. Starting from Monday 22nd July the sessions will run for 5 weeks. For more information about any of the activities please contact Tina Ball on 0151 443 5617 or e-mail tina.ball@ knowsley.gov.uk.

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St Helens Gilbert & Sullivan Society will be treating audiences to a summer medley of music at St Helens Town Hall on Thursday 13th June at 7.30pm. Supported by the Warrington Light Opera you can expect music that is perfect for a summer evening including ‘Trial by Jury’. The concert will form part of St Helens Live 2013 – an annual event which aims to promote local musical groups and societies. Tickets cost £8 and can be purchased by calling 01744 612485.

Gala Day

Every working home deserves a Maid2Clean Perhaps you have an elderly relative or friend who could use some help around the home? We can also clean your Office please phone for details

Safe Hands Care will be holding a gala day at the United Reformed Church on Ormskirk Street on Friday 14th June. There will be a wide range of activities and stalls on offer for all the family including crafts, cakes, preserves as well as a tombola, football shoot out and play your cards right.

Call us now on 01744 649091 or 0800 043 0722

Safe Hands Care offers social care for adults with disabilities and provides a wide range of support within St Helens. The event is free to enter although some money will be needed for the stalls and games – all money raised will be donated to charity. For more information please call 07539 075453 or e-mail safehandcare@yahoo.co.uk

email - joanne@maid2clean.co.uk website - www.maid2cleansthelens.co.uk

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First & Last - by Nicola Gray

co rah Acorah

Derek

Derek Acorah was born in 1950 in Bootle, Liverpool – born as Derek Johnson he later changed his surname to his grandmother’s maiden name. His early career was playing football under the legendary Bill Shankly at Liverpool FC. After leaving Liverpool he played for clubs such as Stockport and Wrexham before leaving the UK to join the Australian team USC Lions. Derek is a now a professional medium; he is best known for his work on Most Haunted, broadcast on Living TV, and recently presented the series Derek Acorah on Sky Real Lives. Derek’s first supernatural experience happened when he was a child and the spirit of his late Grandfather visited him. He currently lives in Scarisbrick with his wife Gwen and their two dogs Jack and Penny. Derek is a keen fish-keeper and also enjoys looking after his flock of chickens and ducks. First Memory My first memory is living at my grandmother’s house in Bootle where my family stayed whilst my father was away at sea – we had a great time!

First School

The first school that I attended was Holy Ghost Infant School in Bootle. I enjoyed it very much and my lasting memory was the kindness of the teachers. First Job My first job was as an apprentice professional footballer with Liverpool Football Club. I felt privileged to be there with the great Bill Shankly as manager. I was paid £10 per week plus bonuses. There were always high jinks going on with the players and us apprentices! First Car The first car I ever bought was a Triumph Courier Estate. I bought it for £25 and sold it 12 months later for £100. I remember it with fondness as it was the only time I ever made money on a car. First House The first house I ever bought cost £2,800 when I was married to my first wife Joan. We had many happy memories there even though our residence was brief as we travelled to live in Australia after I left Liverpool FC for Australian premier side USC Lion. First Pub or Club The first pub I ever visited was the Sefton Arms Pub in Aintree, not too far from the racecourse. It had a warm and sociable atmosphere and was visited by many of the people I knew from home. The first club I ever visited was called The Beachcomber on Seel Street in Liverpool city centre. It was a place where all the Liverpool and Everton football players used to congregate on a Saturday night if we were playing at home. It was considered to be the place to go in the late sixties!

First Record

Last Disagreement

The first record I ever purchased was Hard Day’s Night by The Beatles and I bought it from NEM’s in Whitechapel, Liverpool. NEM’s was the place where everybody bought their records in those days; it was almost a social occasion going along there to listen to your records in one of the booths. I enjoyed listening to all the Mersey Beat but I have a particular soft spot for Gerry Marsden and his music.

I don’t recall having a disagreement over anything in particular, unless of course it was with my wife over the TV controls!

First Friend My first friend was Frank Dowd who lived on the same housing estate as our family. Frank still lives in Liverpool and I still speak to him sometimes. First Kiss My first kiss was with a girl who I had a big crush on at the time; her name was Linda Nixon and she lived in the Old Roan area of Liverpool. It was just one kiss and I have no idea where she is now. Last Restaurant The last restaurant I visited was an Italian restaurant in South Sea whilst I was on tour. The only place I would visit to eat whilst at home is Master McGraths in Scarisbrick; I travel all over the country and eaten in some wonderful places but none of them compare with the food and the service you receive at Master McGraths. Top marks to Jim and Trudy Simes!

Last Shopping Trip My last shopping trip was a couple of weeks ago when I went to Southport to buy some clothes. I do enjoy strolling around the shops and often visit either Southport or Ormskirk. Liverpool One is also a good place to go if you want more choice but I prefer somewhere closer to home. Last Holiday We are fortunate enough to own a property in the South Costa Blanca, and we tend to spend our holiday breaks there. It’s a wonderful place to go because it is out in the Spanish countryside and well away from the tourist areas; we are completely cut off from our working life, its bliss! Last Sporting Event This was my favourite game – football! We went to watch a match at Anfield, I really enjoy it there. I also enjoy watching rugby and boxing, although I have never been to a boxing match.

Last DIY Task My wife bought me a dozen chickens for my birthday in 2012; so the last DIY task that I completed was building a chicken coop prior to their arrival. I think it was reasonably successful; I don’t normally enjoy DIY at all. I’d much rather watch somebody else do it! Last Film To be honest I don’t visit the cinemas at all; if ever I watch a film it is at home on the television.

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Competition

Win a Family Pass to

Farmer Ted’s! Are you looking to keep your little ones entertained? A day out at the award-winning Farmer Ted’s Farm Park is a must this summer! Farmer Ted's is an interactive children's activity park, sited on a working farm in the huge grounds of Worrall House Farm, within the beautiful Lancashire countryside. The family-run attraction is celebrating its tenth birthday this year and is so popular, it has been recognized with a number of local and national awards, picking up the 2009/2010 award for Best Small Visitor Attraction for Lancashire and National Farm Attraction 2009. The Farm has also received numerous award for its ‘Farmaggedon’ Halloween interactive haunted experience from Blackpool and Lancashire Tourist Board. We’ve got THREE family day passes to Farmer Ted’s to be won in our fabulous competition. Simply fill in the crossword on the opposite page and return it by 30th June to; Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8 – Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB Or simply email your answers, along with your name, address, postcode and contact number to crossword@ locallife247.co.uk. The closing date for the competition is Tuesday 30th June 2013 and the details of the winners will be published in the Aug/Sep issue of Local Life.

During the summer, Farm Ted’s provides fun for the whole family. Take a journey round the farm and meet Larry the Llama and Molly the Shire horse, not to mention plenty of cows, sheep, hens, Shetland ponies and you can even spot a pair of water buffalo splashing about! A huge animal barn is home to pigs, goats, lambs, chicks, ferrets and guinea pigs and the farm is also developing a Mini Beast Centre where you can get up close and personal to lots of creepy crawlies from a boa constrictor, tarantula and scorpions to giant snails and Madagascan hissing cockroaches! You can explore the fields by tractor, and hop on the 100ft long quad barrel-train ride. There’s also a 400m long field trail where you can learn more about nature. Farmer Ted's also specialises in providing educational day trips for the North West's schools teaching the children about farming, animals and food. Afterwards your kids can let off steam in the adventure play area. Set in a two-acre field, there’s swings, pedal go-karts, a huge spider’s web to get tangled up in and Charlie the Combine climbing frame. It’s a great attraction for kids, whatever the weather, as Farmer Ted’s boasts huge farm sheds providing indoor play areas to explore including an undercover sandpit. Meanwhile, parents can relax and enjoy a cuppa and some delicious home cooking at Farmer Ted’s Grill where all the food is freshly prepared. Farmer Ted’s Grill was recently accredited with Recipe 4 Health status by West Lancashire District Council for providing a healthy and balanced menu and has a five star hygiene rating.

 The Farm caters for children’s birthday parties and holds exciting events throughout the year. Check the website at www.farmerteds.com for more details. Farmer Ted’s Farm Park Location:

Details:

Worrall House Farm Flatmans Lane Downholland Ormskirk L39 7HW 0151 526 0002 www.farmerteds.com

Across 1. Location of Farmer Ted’s, _ Lane 2. Name of the Llama 5. Type of Ponies at Farmer Ted’s Down 1. Name of Farmer Ted’s Halloween attraction 3. Name of climbing frame - Charlie the _ 4. Name of the Shire Horse Name .............................................................................................................................. Address ........................................................................................................................... .............................................................................. Post Code ........................................ Phone ............................................................................................................................. Email ..............................................................................................................................

Crossword Competition Rules 1. Only one entry per household 2. Entrants must be over 16 years of age 3. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date. 4. Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for entries that are delayed or damaged in the post. 5. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition. Local Life 247 Ltd is registered under the Data Protection Act and abides by the guidelines of the act. We will never sell or pass your data to any third party company. However, we would like to contact you occasionally by email with news of great local offers and also to check our magazine distribution in your area. If this is acceptable to you, please tick this box.

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Garden Diary - by Angie Barker

Give it some kerb appeal!

Award Winner

A front garden is an opportunity to show your property off to its best, make a statement and be a welcoming site, for visitors and for people coming home at the end of a long day. It can be tricky to get it right but the following ideas may be helpful. Plant a cheerful climber near your front door in a container. Few climbers do well in pots however there are some compact varieties of Clematis which do. Clematis ‘Cezanne’ (blue flowers) and ’Chantilly’ (pale pink flowers) are two. Height is important in a front garden. Try and incorporate at least one half standard (Lollipop tree). Laurus nobilis (Bay) is popular although be aware it does not tolerate cold, shade or wind. Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a much tougher option plus you get the added bonus of scented flowers in winter. They are also brilliant with Christmas fairy lights wrapped around them Consider the amount of maintenance your design and planting will need. If you’re like me I prefer to do my pottering in the privacy of my back garden so keep your front garden simple, that way it will only need a tidy up every now and then. Scent is important in a front garden and is really welcoming. For a shady spot try Sarcococca confusa. A smallish evergreen shrub, which produces the most wonderfully scented white flowers in winter and if your front garden is sunny, well you can’t beat English

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.

Lavender. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ is lovely. Large pots are a great way of brightening up the front garden – used to frame a front door is a classic statement. Use large ones and half fill with gravel – the plants will get good drainage and the pots are less likely to go walkies! Evergreen structure is important too, so that the garden looks good in all seasons. Buxus sempervirens (Box) is brilliant for this and tolerates shade well. Buxus sempervirens spheres look stylish and contemporary. (Just had to explain to Hubby that’s Box balls to him!) And just think - when you’ve got your front garden right, you’ll look forward to going out – and to coming home again!

Call her now for your free consultation! Author: 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

Award Winner

Summer Fun The ever-popular Summer Fayre will be making a welcome return to St Helens from Tuesday 16th July until Saturday 20th July from 10am-4pm. There will be a wealth of product on sale in Church Square including; handmade jewellery, scarves, handbags, fudge and much more! There will also be a craft fayre, open from 9.30am until 5.30pm each day. Admission is free, but for more information please contact 01744 675492.

Art & Design Fair The Great Liverpool Summer Art and Design Fair will be making a welcome return to the Royal Liver Building on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June. After a sell-out Christmas fair the summer fair is set to wow visitors again. The fair will be full of arts, crafts

and designs, exhibiting outstanding work from local artists – there will be a wide mix of mediums and prices to suit everyone’s pocket. There will also be a variety of talks and demonstrations on the day and light refreshments will be available. The fair will be open from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday – admission is £2 on the door and children under 16 go free. For more information please go online at www. thegreatliverpoolfair.co.uk.

M. Baker

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What’s On in the North West Southport Food & Drink Festival

Summer Pops 2013

The Southport Food and Drink Festival at Victoria Park has an abundance of fresh produce, a wealth of local restaurants, plenty of drink, plus a selection of the region’s finest chefs demonstrating their kitchen skills.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performs at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. The James Bond Night is on Wednesday 12th June and Last Night of the Summer Pops is on Tuesday 25th June. Concessions and group discounts available.

Friday 31st May – Sunday 2nd June (11am – 6pm, Fri 12pm-6pm) Cost: Free Details: 01704 533333 Where: PR8 2BZ When:

Southport Country Fair This popular family event moves to a new home at the Leisure Lakes at Mere Brow. In previous years, attractions and displays have included: alpacas, archery, paintballing range, bug house, dedicated dog arena with shows and agility demonstrations, donkey show and rides, falconry, ferrets, gun dog displays, gymnastics, homing pigeons, honey bees, horse logging and much more.

Wednesday 12th June & Tuesday 25th June (7.30pm Start) Cost: £6 Details: 0151 709 3789 / www.liverpoolphil.com Where: L1 9BP When:

The Northern Home Show

Friday 31st May - Sunday 2nd June (10am-5.30pm) Cost: Adults £5, Child £1 Details: 01704 212734 / www.garden-festivals.com Where: PR4 6JX When:

Chorley Carnival After 20 years Chorley Carnival is back for 2013 at Astley Park with a fun filled weekend for the whole family. There will be a carnival procession, arena entertainment, marching bands, Morris Dancers, a dog show; also it’s a Knockout, a Fun Fair, a Craft Fair and so much more. Great laughs for all! When: Friday 7th June - Sunday 9th June Details: www.chorleycarnival.com Where: PR7 1NP

If you’re interested in inspirational design ideas and the latest products and services for the home then look no further than the Northern Home Show at EventCity near the Trafford Centre. The Show features free seminars, live demonstrations and advice from the experts. Friday 14th June - Sunday 16th June (10am - 5pm) Cost: £8 per person (Under 16 free) Details: www.northernhomeshow.co.uk Where: M41 7TB When:

Leyland Festival Leyland Festival 2013 at Worden Park will have a USA theme. It will offer a good value day out for all the family, celebrating local people, businesses and community groups who pull together to make sure the festival continues to go from strength to strength. When: Saturday 15th June Details: 01772 625441 / www.visitleyland.co.uk Where: PR25 3DH

Cheshire County Show

Classic American Car Show

Cheshire County Show celebrates its 175th anniversary with another action-packed event. With its rural theme, the main focus of the show will once again be livestock, horses and dogs in competition. There will be a Countryside Experience Area where the public will pursuits such as falconry and ferreting. Visitors will also be able to sample to culinary delights and see demos at the Food Hall.

One of the UK’s premier Classic American car shows is at Tatton Park Gasp in awe at the Wild West Shoot-out, the Wall of Death, cheerleaders, live bands and lots more!! This event has a very busy trade area with stands selling all things American plus general trade stalls. There’s a beer tent, food bars and refreshments. National Trust parking charge £5 per car.

When: Tue 18th June - Wed 19th June (8am-6pm) Cost: Adult £17, OAP £14, Children £8 Details: 01565 650200 www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk Where: WA16 0HJ

When: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July Cost: Adults £7.50, U/15 £5, U/10 free Details: 01565 723863 / 07915 221737 www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk Where: WA16 6QN

Wigan Festival of Transport

Green Fayre

This new festival, which is held at the DW Stadium site in Wigan, will include a range of vehicles on static display, including classic, vintage and commercial vehicles, fire engines, military trucks, and a variety of specialist car clubs and trade stalls. There’s also a craft fair, a traditional fun fair, and a model engineers’ tent too.

The Green Fayre, which is held at the Beacon Country Park, is West Lancashire Borough Council’s premier countryside event, celebrating the great outdoors and countryside life. Don’t miss demonstrations in a variety of woodland crafts including, chainsaw carving, willow weaving, basket making and hooping. The show arena will also include sheepdog trials, Viking battles and birds of prey displays. There will even be a music marquee housing a variety of folk and traditional music performers. When: Cost: Details: Where:

Sat 20th July & Sun 21st July (11am-5pm) Free 01695 622794 WN8 7RU

RHS Flower Show

When: Cost: Details: Where:

Saturday 22nd June - Sunday 23rd June Adult £4, Children £2 01942 496855 / www.festivaloftransport.co.uk WN5 0UH

The North’s greatest garden party returns to Tatton Park with lots of fresh ideas for visitors who enjoy growing their own fruit and veg. See them at the Great British Allotment area, or if ornamental plants are more your thing, head to the Floral Marquee to find a huge choice from some of the UK’s top nurseries.

The Secret Garden What lies behind the mysterious door in the garden wall? Classic children’s tale by Frances Hodgson Burnett, retold by The Bookworm Players, Liverpool’s premier children’s theatre company. Outdoor theatre on the iconic North Lawn at Speke Hall. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear, don’t forget your picnic! Gates open 6pm, performance starts 7pm, booking is essential. When: Saturday 29th June Cost: Adult £10, Child £5 Details: 0151 427 7231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/spekehall Where: L24 1XD

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Don’t miss our Galaxy Gardens, which look set to create some fascinating show garden designs. And there’s more than a touch of glamour thanks to Ladies Day, which returns by popular demand on Friday 26th July. When: Cost: Details: Where:

Thursday 25th July – Sunday 28th July £23.50 www.rhs.org.uk WA16 6QN

Motoring - by Andy Enright

ECO

FRIENDLY

As Ford's Kuga SUV has become bigger and more expensive, there's room for something else to slot in beneath it. Say hello to the EcoSport. The Ford EcoSport uses tried and tested Fiesta mechanicals to offer UK buyers a front-wheel drive car with added ride height and chunky good looks. It sounds like a simple recipe but sometimes simple works just fine. Ford has had a distinctly patchy record with SUVs in this country, only finally hitting form with the Kuga in 2008. The vehicle that Ford has deemed correct to slip in beneath it here in Britain is the EcoSport, a Fiesta-based model already sold in developing markets like India and Brazil. It doesn't sound like an ideal recipe, but if there's one thing we've learned, it's that the car-buying public is more tolerant of an oddball affordable car than an oddball expensive one. The EcoSport is offered with Ford's innovative 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, claimant of the 2012 International Engine of the Year award. Plus there's a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol unit. For those that prefer to go diesel, there's a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel powerplant. It also offers a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies, including Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist. The chunky looks and high ground clearance suggest a small 4x4 but wriggle under the EcoSport and you'll find a singular lack of rear driveshafts. It is, in effect, a Fiesta on stilts but many drivers find the raised driving position more desirable than the requirement for any actual all-wheel drive capability.

Once you've got over quite how bluff-fronted the EcoSport is, it's actually quite an accomplished piece of design work. The almost Aston Martin-style front grille that debuted on the Fiesta makes its way over to the EcoSport and although the side profile looks a bit pinched, Ford have been very clever with the way they've managed to make a short, tall vehicle look so interesting. The glasshouse is elegant, the headlights and wheel arch treatment is very deft and the stance of the car is better than it has any right to be. Ford claims that the EcoSport has been designed to cope with terrible third-world road conditions, so it'll be right at home in the UK. Potholes, busted water pipes and rough roads are its bread and butter and a 200mm ground clearance coupled with a 550mm water wading ability should be able to see off most wet weekends in the North West. The side-hinged tailgate opens to allow access to a load space that Ford reckons is big enough to swallow a 560-litre washing machine - once the 60/40 split rear seats are folded, that is.

The compact SUV will be one of the first Ford vehicles in Europe to offer Ford SYNC AppLink, which enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver's seat. Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region using information from the vehicle's on-board GPS unit and mobile network to pinpoint the accident location.

The Ford EcoSport doesn't at first seem the most promising of recipes. For one thing, it's an SUV from another very different market that's now being sold into ours. For another, it's 'Fiesta-on-stilts' approach seems the same as that used by the less than fondly remembered Ford Fusion. Even so, despite these ill portents, we're quietly optimistic about the EcoSport. For a start, it looks the part. That may sound superficial it is - but it's a big part of why people buy cars.

If Ford can get the pricing right, the EcoSport could be a hit. Although it might seem odd that after a spell of bad winters an SUV without all-wheel drive might be popular, a run of snowy weather seems to have taught British drivers that a front-wheel drive car on snow tyres can get almost anywhere other than the toughest rural roads.

There's also the fact that this time round we're getting a modern chassis and state of the art engines, not some ill-suited hand-me-downs. The EcoSport might not feature al-wheel drive and it won't go round corners with quite the poise of a Fiesta but don't rule out the attractions of pert good looks and an elevated driving position. Keep an eye on the Ford EcoSport. This one's going to be interesting, if nothing else.

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COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Broadband broken, computer slow, printer packed up, virus/spyware or your keyboards gone kaput

Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems in the comfort of your own home

Call Catherine Now 07540 222787

J Davies & Co

Specialists in Internal & External Painting & Decorating

r u o y l o o C ry! o t a v r e s con

Extensions, loft/garage conversions, We supply high quality UPVC windows & doors, fascias & soffits, damp proofing, wall ties – all aspects work roof ventsoftobuilding fit every

conservatory roof

Flat/pitched re-roofs, gutters, velux windows, all general roof repairs

We can fit your new roof vent 01744 606642 Mobile: 07801 950009 for just £295

www.daleroofingandbuilding.com

• Domestic & Commercial Work Undertaken • Competitive Rates Call today for your FREE estimates Telephone:

07955 097525

www.locallife247.co.uk

Give us a call and reclaim your conservatory

08456 860542 or 07761 966024

Mark Mitchell

www.dailypoppins.com

Stained Glass & Leaded Lights • Traditional Leaded Lights & Stained Glass • Manufactured & Repaired • New Commissions • On-Site Repairs • 25 Years Experience Unit 15, Chalon Way Industrial Estate, St Helens, WA10 1AU Tel: 0151 426 2814 Mob: 07711 841735 www.markmitchellstainedglass.co.uk

It doesn’t have to be spring, to spring clean

Areas Covered:

St Helens Widnes Haydock Moss Bank Rainford and all surrounding areas

Contact your local office on

01744 644 061 0151 268 6047 and make cleaning a chore of the past!

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Advertise here Advertise your business in this section for £29 + VAT a month For more information please phone

01744 649 722

we make it our business to help yours

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

Gelils Na £15

Saving the cleamoney is r beneﬁ t! Solar Th ermal & Solar PV

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved

5,000 Colour A5 leaflets

designed, printed & distributed

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forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working 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

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Heat Pu mps £20 ally D Lig Don’t forget, we also offer allLE of these services htingdaily... norm

now

Special Offer

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

Energy

B5250

A49

Mossy Lea Road

Book Slash yo ur electr your FR wa Telephone: 01257 icity an EE 427 000ter heating bil d home su l Protect rvey and we’www.dglwindows.co.uk your ho ll pro fut (Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

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

Dennis Goulding

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

J27

Standish

vide you detailed with a report sho returns wing the availab own sola le from your r panels (10% typical

Shevington

Natalies

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

io 84 @ Stud

WN5 7PG d, Billinge 400 rd Roa 14 619 84 Rainfo 6PM ne: 078 10AM Telepho n: Saturday

Ope - 7PM, y 10AM ay ay, Frida & Sund , Wednesded Thursday , Tuesday Clos Monday

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useh ure energ y price old from rises Reduce impact your househ on the old environ ’s ment Call us now

0843 22 49 07595 4 555 20237 or

Email: info @docso Website : www.doc larelectrical.co .uk solarele ctrical.co .uk

for only Call now on

£195

+ VAT

01744 649 722

Offer only available in the St Helens, West Lancashire and Wigan areas

we make it our business to help yours 40

How Safe is your Property? We cover all aspects of Locksmith services for domestic & commercial properties.

Replacement locks after a break in UPVC specialist Open Free security appraisals 24 hours All work guaranteed & insured

Puzzle Corner - Solutions

Lost keys

01942 901066 07740 537220

Keys – Locks – Safes Whatever your locksmith needs we will be happy to help! • UPVC door opening, repair & security upgrades • Lock sales • Key cutting • Safes supplied and installed • OAP discount & free quotations

Visit our showroom 2, Lingholme Road St Helens WA10 2NS

The photograph is in Blundells Lane looking up to Mill Lane, Rainhill

Call us now on

01744 732256

www.master-locksmith-sthelens.co.uk

Jobs Domestic Cleaners Required - All Areas Growing company requires cleaning staff for immediate start. You must be honest and reliable, and all references supplied will be checked. Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle and good rates of pay for the right candidate. For details call Stephen on 0800 043 0722 or 01744 649091. Distributors Required Local Life requires distributors (aged 13+) for the following areas; Garswood – Garswood Road, Station Road & School Lane area. Newton-le-Willows – Rosemary Drive, Southworth Road & Holford Way area. Newton-leWillows – Sanderling Road, Harrison Way & Bursar Close. Rainford – Higher Lane, Heyes Avenue & Cross Pit Lane area. Kings Moss & Moss Bank areas. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every 8 weeks, delivering in their own neighbourhoods. You must be fit, enthusiastic and reliable. Please e-mail your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

Restore your bathroyo! m to its former glor At a fraction of the price of a new bathroom

After

Before

• Grubby Grout Returned to Ice White • No More Scrubbing at Mouldy Silicone • Tiles Polished to Perfection • Screens Returned to Crystal Clear • Give Your Bathroom the “Wow” Factor with a Mini-Makeover • Experts in Baths or Shower Cubicle Restoration

Useful Numbers

Call Now for Information & Your Quick Pack Quote

www.TotalBathroomRestoration.co.uk