Local Life - St Helens & Prescot - Dec 2012/Jan 2013 by Local Life 247 Ltd

St Helens & Prescot Edition

Dec/Jan 2012/3

Rotary’s

Winter Wonderland

Win a Spa Day for two!

Jack’s Tracks visits Billinge

s a m t s i hr C y r r r e a M e Y w e N y p p a and a h r readers! to all ou

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MADE TO MEASURE KITCHENS AT DOWN TO EARTH PRICES. â&#x20AC;&#x161; NOW THAT S WHAT WE CALL UNIQUE. Drop in for a chat and enjoy a coffee while browsing the choice of stunning made to measure kitchens in our showroom. Call Janet on 01925 299 399 or visit www.uniquekitchencompany.co.uk to ffiind out more.

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB Advertising/Editorial 01744 649722 nicolag@locallife247.co.uk Accounts/Distribution 01695 627999 sallyb@locallife247.co.uk The January issue of Local Life will be published on Friday 4th January. The copy deadline for this issue is Monday 10th December. Local Life is published every month. Distribution areas will alternate each month between two separate edition areas; The St Helens and Prescot edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Knowsley Village, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Lea Green. Copies of this edition 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.

Seasons Greetings If there is a warmer time of year than the festive season, I don’t know what it is! Now you might think that planning the Christmas magazine has made me lose my marbles, but I’m talking about emotional warmth not the degrees on a thermometer. I love this time of year when friends and families gather together and everybody seems to be upbeat. There is a lot going on in the next few weeks and this issue has details of much of the local action, we have Christmas fayres, concerts, nights out and great gift ideas that will keep you busy all month. Don’t miss out on the chance of a bit of ‘me’ time by entering our Spa Package competition on p46-47 – one lucky winner will win a day at the Chill Out Spa in Knowsley. What better way to kick oﬀ the New Year with a bit of ‘R & R’, so get your crossword pens at the ready and send us your entries. This is the last issue before Christmas and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the magazine – without your news and events we’d have nothing to talk about. So keep all your good news coming in 2013 and we will do our best to promote it for you. See you in the New Year – in the meantime have a great Christmas!

Copies of this edition are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Earlestown. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication, including pictures, may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

When you receive the new edition of Local Life - remember to recycle the old one.

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In this issue 11 14 22 30 38 45 46 48 50 52 54 55 58

Fantastic gifts from Cosmetic Body Clinic Dish of the Month – Christmas Gift Cake Puzzle Page Rotary Christmas Floats Jacks Tracks Panto Round-up Chill Out Spa Competition Christmas Events Motoring Feature Motoring Services Gardening Services Home Services Tell Us Once Useful Numbers

Prescot Christmas Festival

Floral Demo

Prescot Town Team are hosting a Christmas Festival this Saturday (1st December) to celebrate the Christmas lights switch on next to St Mary’s Church on Church Road. The monthly Producers Market starts at 9am and will extend trading hours to 4pm and the festival will run from 3pm-6pm.

Here’s your chance to let loose your creative side and learn how to create festive floral arrangements! Wendy, from Wendy’s Flowers on Church Road in Rainford is holding her annual Christmas Flower demonstration on Tuesday 4th December at Rainford Library, also on Church Road. Numbers at this popular event are strictly limited, so if you would like to learn more about creating floral centrepieces for your home this Christmas, please call the Library to book your free place on 01744 677820. The session takes place between 11am-12noon and festive refreshments will also be available.

Members of the team will be welcoming Father Christmas at 3pm and there will be donkey rides, local school Christmas choirs, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and of course the light switch on. Please gather the family, wrap up warm and give your High Street your support! If you would like more information or would like to help out on the day of the festival please contact Dan Wilson from the Town Council on 0151 443 4796 or e-mail townclerk@prescot-tc.gov.uk. Prescot Town Team is also on the lookout for local landlords – they would like to make contact with all the landlords of vacant property in Eccleston Street, Market Place, Leyland Street and Atherton Street. So if know any of these landlords or own property yourself please get in touch. The next meeting is on Thursday 10th January at 2pm at Prescot Town Hall on West Street.

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Rainhill Civic Society Members of the Rainhill Civic Society will be keeping the Olympic flame alive at their next meeting on Tuesday 4th December at the St Ann’s Millennium Centre on View Road. Local Olympic Torch Bearer, Mike Dooling will be sharing his experiences of a lifetime in athletics – he has been involved in athletics for more than 50 years. Mike is a former PE Teacher and has actually run the London Marathon in under 3 hours and has gone on to work with the North West, Merseyside and Liverpool Harriers. Mike carried the Olympic Torch through Tatton Park on Thursday 31st May and will be sharing his story with members. There will also be a raffle on the day and seasonal refreshments will follow. For more information please contact the Society by e-mailing rainhill.civic@ gmail.com If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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Fun Day This Saturday (1st December) you can join Willowbrook Hospice for some jingle bell fun at St Helens College between 10.30am-2.30pm including a family jungle parade at 11am through the town centre. This is a great way to start the festive season; so come along and see Rudolph, peek into Santa’s grotto and shop in the Christmas market. There will be entertainment and a children’s play area, and adults can have a drink in the café. Children will also be able to post a letter in Santa’s post box free! For more information about the Fun Day, please contact Willowbrook on 01744 453798.

Murder Mystery

Christmas Fayre Friends of Dogs Trust Merseyside on Whiston Lane in Huyton will be holding a Christmas fayre this Saturday (1st December) between 12-4pm. Why not go along and support the Trust and all those dogs that don’t have a home to call their own this Christmas – there will be lots going on for all the family, both two legged and four! Try your luck to win prizes in the raffle and tombola and there will also be a great selection of stalls, activities, freshly baked cakes, other goodies and refreshments. And best of all it’s FREE so for more information please contact Dogs Trust on 0151 480 0660.

Suspense and intrigue will be the order of the day at Croxteth Hall on Friday 7th December as the Hall hosts another of its murder mystery evenings. This rather splendid Victorian themed evening promises to keep you wide eyed with fear and on the edge of your seats. In true Victorian splendour there will be food and drink aplenty and you will be treated to a hot buffet, Victorian fancies and seasonal drinks. The evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £25 per person – for more information or to book your tickets please call 0151 546 5514 or book online at www.lovehistory.co.uk

Christmas Show Rainhill’s theatrical company will be putting the showbiz back in to Christmas on Saturday 15th December and you’re invited! 5’s Company will be hosting the event at St Ann’s Millennium Centre on View Road at 7.30pm. Amongst lots of festive entertainment there will be a raffle and a Christmas quiz to enjoy. Tickets cost £6 and are available from the Millennium Centre - all the proceeds go towards St Ann’s Church funds.

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You & the law Much is being made in the press about the alleged compensation culture in Britain today.

If you have an accident you should report it to your motor claims insurers. They will no doubt ask whether you have suffered injury and offer to arrange to put you in touch with a solicitor – “how helpful” you may think – what most people don’t realise is that insurers will sell your claim on to a firm of solicitors that has offered them a referral fee in exchange for your claim. Those solicitors could be at the other end of the country - to them you are just another client who has been “bought in”. There is also now a tendency by insurers to try to capture third party claims, for example, if you are involved in an accident with Mr Smith, Mr Smith’s insurers may telephone you offering to settle your claim and offering an amount of compensation to you before you have even been medically examined. Part of the job of an insurance company is to pay out as little money as possible – by comparison therefore, they are unlikely to pay you the level of compensation you deserve.

The fact however remains that if a person is injured as a result of another person’s negligence they are entitled to claim for compensation. One person’s negligence can shatter an individual’s life – whilst no amount of compensation may be able to put you back in the position that you were before the accident, it can help you to afford care and support to enable you to make the best of your life in the future. Insurance companies have been quick to criticize the increase in the number of claims, but many people don’t realize the part that insurers play particularly where road traffic accidents are concerned.

You have the right to instruct a solicitor of your choice and no matter what arguments insurance companies put forward you must remember that right. You have the right to instruct a specialist solicitor who will safeguard your claim and ultimately maximize the compensation that you receive. At Mackrell & Thomas Solicitors you are an individual person whose claim will be given the individual attention you deserve. All our clients can be assured that their claim will be dealt with competently and as swiftly as possible. We work on a “no win, no fee” basis and all of our clients keep 100% of their compensation. If you have been involved in an accident which was not your fault please give us a ring on 0151 480 366, or call in for a free consultation to discuss the possibility of making a claim.

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Santa Special Weekend This is definitely one for the kids! Santa is coming to town and he will be paying The North West Transport Museum a very special visit on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December. Santa will be saying hello from his very own bus grotto between 12-4pm - there will be lots of festive family fun to enjoy with a free bus service in one of the specially decorated Christmas buses. Admission costs £6 for children and this includes entry to the museum and a visit to Santa’s grotto and £6 for adults this includes entry to the museum plus tea, coffee and a mince pie. Booking is required and is available from the beginning of December, for more information please contact the Museum on 01744 451681 or e-mail paul@ nwmort.co.uk

Fond Memories

interactive sessions – enjoy presentations, old pictures and refreshments served afterwards. The history sessions will be held on Tuesday 11th December, Tuesday 22nd January, Tuesday 26th February and Tuesday 19th March between 2pm-3.30pm. Entry is free but places need to be booked - to book your place or to find out more information please contact Central Library on 01744 676989.

Christmas Tea Dance Dust off your dancing shoes and jazz up your festive season by spending the afternoon treading the boards at the Grand Christmas Tea Dance. You can step into Christmas at St Helens Town Hall on Thursday 13th December, doors open at 1pm and the dance takes place from 2pm-4pm.Tickets cost £3 and you can book yours by calling the events team on 01744 675492.

Looking back at memories of a time gone by can bring back some great memories of childhood and growing up. If you would like to take a look back at old St Helens then Central Library is the place to be – the Library is hosting a series of history presentations. You can take a fun and informal look back at the town during these

If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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Building for the Future Ambling through leafy Eccleston there is one building that dominates the skyline – Eccleston Christ Church is a beautiful Gothic-style church and one that serves as a much-loved village landmark. 2013 will see the clergy and parishioners celebrate the church’s 175th anniversary and they have some great celebrations lined up. You would be forgiven for thinking that the emphasis of the celebrations would centre on a nostalgic look back through history, but after spending some time at the church it is clear to see that the focus is very much on the future. The church’s mantra is ‘Building for the Future’ and this encompasses all aspects of church life; growing as people, looking after the needs of the community and maintaining and improving the buildings. Plans are being made to bring the church into the 21st Century by providing level floors giving full access to wheelchair users, a screened area at the rear of the church creating a meeting area and crèche facility and updated toilet facilities. To put the fun back into fundraising all the events planned for the anniversary celebrations will raise funds for the building project and up-keep of the church.

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Carols by Candlelight – Sunday 23rd December 6.30pm. Get into the festive spirit with a rousing rendition of classic carols with the brass ensemble at the Church.

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Brass Concert – Thursday 7th February 2013. Join members of the church for a great night of music with the world’s most famous Brass Band. The Black Dyke Band will be performing at St Helens Town Hall. Tickets are £15 per person and can be purchased at Tyrers Department Store or by calling Jean Brownbill on 01744 28642

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Christ Church 2013 calendars are now available to buy priced at £5. Entitled Roots and Reflections the calendar contains photographs of the Church, parish life and buildings which no longer exist. Calendars can be bought at Tyrers Department Store or at Church every Sunday – all the proceeds go towards the Church’s building funds.

As well as looking to the future it is hard not to look back as well – especially when there is so much fascinating information. The Church was built in 1838 by Samuel Taylor, who was not only a major benefactor but also helped with the architecture. He was a member of the Taylor family who in 1812 bought Eccleston Hall from the Eccleston family. The Church was built using sandstone from the Eccleston Hill Quarry and the building was consecrated on Wednesday 10th October 1838. Christ Church’s most notable parishioner is Richard John Seddon, born in Eccleston on 22nd June 1845, is to date the longest serving Prime Minister of New Zealand. He was christened at Christ Church and when he turned 18 emigrated to Australia before moving to New Zealand’s West Coast, where he became Prime Minister in 1893. Members of the church would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has generously donated to the building fund - and hope that you can join them in their celebrations for 2013. If you would like to know more about the Church please have a look online at www.cce.org.uk

Stay safe & independent in your own home The SMART Flat is opening its doors to the public for the first time, from November 2012 to March 2013. Memo Minder

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s a m t s i r h C Starts Here!

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Winter Craft Fair If you’re looking for the ideal place to start your Christmas shopping then we have got the information you need. Following on from their successful exhibition last year, the Art & Craft Guild of Lancashire has set up shop at the World of Glass on Chalon Way East and they will be there until Sunday 13th January. There be a wide variety of unique gifts available including jewellery, ceramics, embroidery and photography. Admission is free and the exhibition will be open to the public between 10am-4pm on the ground floor gallery. For more information please contact the World of Glass on 01744 22766 or e-mail info@worldofglass.com

Charity Christmas Concert Come and join in with some festive fun at St Ambrose Church on Halton View Road in Widnes on Friday 14th December. You can have some family fun whilst helping to support St Luke’s Church repair fund. There will be music and singing from The Highfield Male Voice Choir and Lunts Heath Junior School Choir. The concert starts at 7.30pm - tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £1 for children and are available by contacting Ivor Williams on 0151 424 5162 or Marcus Rees on 0151 510 0219.

Carol Concert Don’t miss the Sinfonietta’s annual Carol Concert, which is being held at the United Reformed Church on King Street in St Helens on Saturday 22nd December from 7.30pm. Joining the Sinfonietta at this special time of year will be the New Cross Singers. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children, to book yours please call the United Reformed Church on 01744 28314.

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Durnan dun it

Blundells Hill Golf Club was celebrating a win recently as their own Robert Durnan took first place at the Lancashire under 16’s Championship. This is his biggest win to date and has earned him a place in the Lancashire under 16’s Squad. He will also be representing the North of England against Scotland in the Under 16s England Squad next year. Congratulations Robert, you’re certainly one to watch!

Energy Grants Don’t let the cold get you down this winter because there is help out there. The British Gas Energy Trust helps individuals and families living in fuel poverty or others who are struggling with their gas or electricity debts by awarding grants. The aim of the Trust is to give vulnerable individuals a fresh start and enable them to keep free of fuel debts going forward. If you are interested in applying for a grant please visit the Perth Community Centre on Dunedin Street, Thatto Heath where you can speak to an advisor from the Citizens Advice Bureau. The meetings take place every Thursday between 10:00am and 12:00pm. For more information please contact the centre on 01744 621905 or e-mail info@perthcommunitycentre.co.uk

Knit and Natter If you like to knit and enjoy a good natter with friends we have found the perfect place for you to indulge both pastimes. You can take along your knitting or crochet to the knitting group in Prescot for an afternoon of chatter, tea and biscuits. Both experts and beginners are welcome – so pop down to the Wool Shop on Eccleston Street

on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2-4pm or to the Clock Face Pub on Derby Street every Thursday between 6-8pm. For more information please call the Wool Shop on 0151 426 5264 or pop in and see a member of staff.

Companionship at Christmas Christmas can be a lonely time for a lot of people – if you would like some company this festive period then Abbeyfield House would like to hear from you. Abbeyfield House is a sheltered accommodation unit on Windleshaw Road in St Helens and they are inviting older people who might otherwise be alone over the Christmas period to join them for a free festive dinner or an overnight stay. Guests can join staff and residents at Abbeyfield House between Monday 24th December and Friday 4th January. If you are or you know someone who is over 55, alone at Christmas and lives independently and might like to use this free service please contact staff on 0845 052 3553. If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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Nov/Dec 2012

St Helens & Ashton Edition

Sadly, the budget for these pictures is non-existent but we will obviously credit your efforts if they are successful and we’ll also present you with a framed copy of the magazine!

Bonﬁre Night Round Up

Images should be sent as a separate attachment to editorial@locallife247.co.uk.

Jack’s Tracks

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Free Wine Offer at the Pied Bull

Christmas

Gray

Events Guide

Photo: Billinge Hill by Nicola

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Images Required! Have you ever fancied showing off your photography skills to a wider audience? Local Life is looking for photographs to use on the front cover of our magazine in 2013. Images must be supplied as a high resolution (minimum size 154 mm x 216 mm @ 300 dpi) jpg file (maximum quality), of a portrait aspect, and must have a local theme.

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Harmony Support Group A new support group has formed in St Helens to help sufferers of eating disorders tackle their problems. Harmony was set up to support anyone affected with anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating disorder but the group also extends help to carers partners and parents too. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate or any other related illness and the effects can be alarming and frightening, leaving families feeling very alone and confused. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about, you can go along to Harmony’s warm and friendly group meetings at 14, Vincent Street in St Helens. The group meets on the first Monday of every month at 6.30pm-8pm and on the first Wednesday of every month at 10.30am-12noon. For further information please contact Louise Hill on 07961 234469 or Janet Hampson on 0151 4267032

Mucky Mountains Here’s your chance to dance with the Mucky Mountain Morris Dancers – the local group are looking for new members and they want to hear from you. Members describe themselves as a friendly active group who dance English traditional dances from the Welsh Borders and the Cotswolds. Both dancers and musicians are welcome and no experience is necessary so throw your handkerchief in the ring and join in. The group meets on Thursday nights at St Marks Gamble Hall on Bishop Road at 8pm for practice - the group also dances at a variety of venues both locally and national. For more information please visit the website at www.muckymountains.org.uk or phone Helen on 07779 935190 or Jeanette on 07885 726261.

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Fostering – a new approach The fostering service within St Helens Council is undergoing a transformation in a bid to make fostering accessible to more people throughout the Borough and beyond. The service is aiming to break down traditional boundaries by offering more flexible, tailored support and a more personalised service. The aim is to highlight that working full time, not being able to drive, your relationship status or not having a big house for example, will not prevent somebody from fostering. The service is keen to recruit people who can raise a local child’s aspirations and provide them with a ‘normal’ family life. The fostering service is encouraging prospective carers to get in touch for an informal chat about what they could offer a child. Personal qualities are the most important thing; the team want to hear about yours! Andy Dempsey, Director of Children and Young People’s Services explains how the new approach will aim to provide a more personal, community-based service, “By approaching fostering with a can do attitude, we’re aiming to show people that fostering is accessible to all, and can fit into normal, busy lives. “We’ve had many people contact us in the past stating that they would love to foster but don’t feel they could, as, for example, they feel that they wouldn’t be assessed as they work full time. We want to let them know that we are able to provide support, including nursery places; help with transporting children to school and flexible meeting times for example, which all can help to make families realise their fostering ambitions. “We’re encouraging people in St.Helens to give something back to their community, and provide a caring, stable home for a local child in need. We really want to send out the message that fostering is a communitybased service, and by fostering a child you are not only helping that child, but their family and their extended family; providing a valuable life experience for your family and creating a positive and lasting impact on the community as a whole. We hope that our shift in thinking will encourage prospective foster carers to do the same. We value our carers extremely highly, and therefore ensure that we reward them accordingly through support, generous allowances, social groups and much more.”

St.Helens Council are hosting an Information Evening at Atlas House in St Helens Town Centre on Tuesday 4th December from 6.00pm – 8.00pm.The evening will give prospective foster carers the opportunity to chat to social workers, support workers and existing foster carers in an informal setting. Anyone interested in fostering is welcome to attend, whether you have already made an enquiry, have been thinking about fostering for some time or would just like to find out more, everyone is welcome- just turn up! A buffet will be provided and ample, free parking is available. If you are interested in fostering, the team would love to hear from you! Contact them for an informal chat on 01744 671199 or email and request a call back at fostering@sthelens.gov.uk.

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Great Mates Great Mates is a St Helens based social group for active, non-smoking people who are 50+ and would like a more active social life. This group is not a singles group and their members include married couples, married and single people – who come together to spend time and take part in activities. The activities include social gatherings, meals, theatre, concerts, days out, coach trips and walks to name a few.

Christmas Brass Explosion The St Helens Youth Brass Band will be holding their annual Christmas concert at the Town Hall on Saturday 22nd December. Get into the Christmas spirit with a selection of your favourite carols, hymns and festive tunes. The concert starts at 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £7 and £5 concessions – to book your seat please contact the Band secretary on 01695 627966 or e-mail secretary@sthybb.org.uk

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To date members have been for days out in Blackpool which included the illuminations, Liverpool St Georges Hall, the New Liverpool Museum, Albert Dock, a meal at Bistro Pierre in the Cavern quarter and Rainhill Rotary Beer Festival. The group has a social night each week at The Running Horses Pub in the centre of St Helens and a monthly meeting is held at the Peter Street Centre on Boundary Road. Anyone interested in joining the group can email Eileen at gr8tm8ts@hotmail.co.uk or text 07874 133052 before 7pm – get involved and make some great mates.

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Let’s hear those sleigh bells! It is staggering to realise just how many local causes the men and women of the Rotary support on an annual basis and December is a major fundraising time for all the Rotary clubs.

waving through the window and Dad’s running down the path holding a small child just so they can get a glimpse of Santa. Members of all three branches would like to say a big thank you to all the communities they visit and to those who donate at the static collections

So it’s good to know they have the backing from the biggest celebrity of the season…you guessed it, Santa! The jolly man in red will be touring the area again in his sleigh, raising much needed funds for the Rotary so they can continue their work in the community.

This is the leading fund raiser for the Rotary and it’s just around the corner so we’re urging everyone to go out and give them as much support as possible. This particular event has always been a big draw for local families – so wrap up warm and ﬁnd out when Santa is coming to a street near you!

After speaking to members of the Rotary it seems they are constantly amazed by the generosity of the people who they meet on their routes. I am reliably informed there is one route in Thatto Heath that Rotarians just can’t wait to visit year on year! Local residents stand in the cold waiting for the ﬂoat - when it arrives a mini street party swings into action, the children are given presents, the grown-ups and Santa’s helpers join in with a glass or two of sherry and everyone sings a couple of Christmas carols together. This is what makes Christmas for the Rotary Club, seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, watching Granny

The Rotary is always on the look-out for worthy causes that could beneﬁt from their help so if you would like some more information please have a look at the website at www.ribi.org where you will ﬁnd your local contacts.

Rotary Club

Santa’s coming down your way! Prescot Rotary Christmas Float Dates

St Helens Rotary Christmas Float Dates

B&Q St Helens Friday 7th, Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th December

Street collections 6.30pm-8pm and Static collections from 10am-4pm

Asda Huyton Friday 14th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th December

Fri 23rd November – Morrisons St Helens

(weather permitting)

Tesco Prescot Thursday 22th, Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th December Eccleston Street, Prescot Saturday 24th December For details of our neighbourhood routes search for us online as Rotary Club of Prescot.

Rainhill Rotary Christmas Float Dates (weather permitting)

Street collections 6pm-8pm and Static collections from 10am-4pm Sat 1st December – Asda St Helens Sun 2nd December – Tesco Haydock Mon 3rd December – Trent Road (Billinge) Tue 4th December – Royden (Billinge) Wed 5th December – Sefton (Billinge) Thur 6th December – Owen Street (Toll Bar) Fri 7th December – Freckleton Road (Grange Park) Sat 8th December – Morrisons St Helens Sun 9th December – Morrisons St Helens Mon 10th December – Reservoir St & Foxwoods (Nutgrove) Tue 11th December – South Road (Thatto Heath) Wed 12th December – Easington Road (Nutgrove)

(weather permitting)

Sat 24th November – Morrisons St Helens Tuesday 4th December - Eccleston Walmesley Road, Osbourne Road, Barrowfield Road, Pike House Road, Lester Drive, Cecil Drive, Broadway, Gunning Avenue, Daresbury Road, Crocketts Walk and Clarkes Crescent Thursday 6th December - Windle Coronation Road, Regal Drive, Fairway, Coronation Road, St. Georges Avenue, Queens Drive, Sackville Road, Lawrence Road, Rutherford Road and Windle Grove Sun 9th December – Costco Haydock Tue 11th December – St Helens Hospital Wed 12th December – St Helens Hospital Fri 14th December – Asda St Helens Sat 15th December – Asda St Helens Tuesday 18th December – Rainford Hesketh Court, Church Road, Rookery Lane, Carter Avenue, Derby Drive, Festival Road, Holly Crescent, Queensway, Derby Drive, Pilkington Street, Whalley Avenue and Leyland Road Thursday 20th December – Rainford Hayes Avenue, Higher Lane, Scarisbrick Road, Garswood Avenue, Lathom Drive, Old Lane, Moss Brow, Beech Gardens, The Avenue, and Ormskirk Road Fri 21st December – Church Square St Helens Sat 22nd December – Church Square St Helens

Thur 13th December – Elton Head Road (Elton Head) Sat 15th December – Tesco St Helens Sun 16th December – Asda St Helens Mon 17th December – Jones Estate (Rainhill) Tue 18th December – Dee Road (Rainhill) Wed 19th December – Chapel Lane (Rainhill) Thur 20th December - Brisco Estate (Rainhill) Sat 22nd December – Tesco Haydock Sun 23rd December - Tesco St Helens Mon 24th December - Rainhill Village

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Christmas Tree Festival Knowsley Parish Church in Knowsley Village is celebrating its annual Christmas Tree Festival on Friday 7th until Sunday 9th December. The Church will be opened on Friday at 2pm by the Countess of Derby and will remain open until 8pm for people to view the decorated Christmas Trees. On Saturday the church will be open from 10.30am-6pm with a concert at 7.30pm by the Lyndales Singers and the St Helens Youth Brass Band. On Sunday the church will open at 11am for the All Age Parade Service and will remain open until 4pm when the closing service of Thanksgiving will end the festival. For more information about the festival including costs for the concert please contact the church by visiting the website at www.knowsleychurch.co.uk

Christmas Concert Prescot Parish Church will be kicking of the festive season with their annual Christmas concert on Friday 7th December. The Phoenix Concert Orchestra will be teaming up with Prescot & Whiston Methodist Choir, Prescot Parish Church Choir and St Mary & St Paul’s School Choirs to wow the audiences. The concert will include music from James Bond, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Harry Potter and Christmas selections such as Polar Express - rounded off with everyone’s favourite sing-along Christmas carols. The concert will run from 7pm-9pm and tickets cost £4 on the door and all proceeds will be divided between Prescot Parish Church and the Mayor of Prescot’s Charity

Revenge Looking ahead to the New Year the Rainhill Garrick will be performing ‘Revenge’ on February 14th, 15th & 16th. This classy thriller will have you on the edge of your seat so don’t forget to mark the date in your diary or better yet book your seat now by calling 01744 813429.

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Join Prescot Rotary Club The rewards you will receive from belonging to a Rotary Club are a varied and vast and we are going to do our best to give you a small insight into one of the world’s biggest charitable organisations. Fun and Friendship Rotary members have a lot of fun! Every club arranges parties and activities and gives members the chance to forge new friendships with like-minded people who share common goals. Giving back to the community Joining the Rotary gives you a chance to make a difference in your own community and further afield too. Be it fundraising for a local charity, volunteering at an event, working with young people or building a school in Africa, the list of opportunities are endless.

Personal growth and development Being a member of Rotary could help you develop leadership, public speaking, social and vocational skills – as well as improving your cultural awareness. Businesses often encourage their staff to become involved with Rotary to capitalise on these opportunities and notice a marked improvement in skills such as event management, organisation, time management, teamwork and leadership. A Worldwide Community

Business Networking Networking opportunities are endless too – Rotary consists of a cross section from every business community and its members come from all walks of life. Corporate Social Responsibility This is about companies acting responsibly, ethically and legally and with the utmost respect for the community and the environment. All of which are in keeping with Rotary’s own guiding principles – being involved with Rotary and getting involved in your community will inevitably enhance your company’s standing with your customers.

By joining Rotary, you become a member of a vast international family of 1.2 million members worldwide. You will be welcome to attend any of the 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical regions. This bond creates an instant sense of belonging, wherever you are in the world. Many a member in need of a local doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist or any other expertise while travelling has found assistance through the Rotary. Prescot Rotary Club meets once a week at the Stanley Arms on Gillars Lane, Eccleston at 6.15pm for a meal, business and fellowship. If Rotary sounds like the organisation for you we’d like to hear form you. Simply e-mail mail@rotaryclubofprescot.com or phone our President Howard Nulty on 07786 073355 or our Secretary Phil Dyer on 07825 327885.

‘Elf and Safety at Christmas!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

We’ve all met them - those odd souls who bound up to us on the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, informing us that there are just 358 days until next Christmas. They seem thrilled at the prospect of another season of peace and good will to all men, whilst we’re still recovering from the last one, grateful to have emerged unscathed.

is a novice Scalextric driver on the loose! Incidents with unfamiliar toys rate in the top three causes of accidents at Christmas.

There are health warnings about any number of things, but Christmas rarely features. Yet there are all kinds of dangers lurking behind innocent looking fairy lights and seemingly innocuous novelties. A whopping 31 people have died since 1996 from watering their Christmas tree while the lights were still on, others have suffered broken arms from pulling Christmas crackers (really?!), and each year a couple of people die after testing 9 volt batteries on their tongue!

Do not open beer bottles with your teeth, or leave fairy lights on unattended, nor should you use a knife as a substitute for a screwdriver, pair of scissors or tooth pick. Every year, dozens of people are admitted to Accident and Emergency departments over the Christmas period having done one, (or in some cases more than one) of these.

When my sister and I dropped the odd Lego brick, we knew dad had found it when we heard a loud howl and saw him hopping around on one foot. Treading on broken toy parts, or being stabbed by pins left in shirts, may result in a trip to casualty. Nothing less than total vigilance is called for.

These facts and figures are not for the faint hearted, nor is paying a visit to Father Christmas apparently. Experts say that small children often find a trip to Santa ‘terrifying’ and that responsible adults should take appropriate action to lessen the trauma. I must admit, I do possess a photo of my daughter looking highly distraught, whilst a white haired, bearded stranger desperately tries to wrestle her back on to his knee.

And finally... the Food Standards Agency tells us that some ten million turkeys are sold every year at Christmas. They also tell us that 20 percent of all cases of food poisoning are poultry-related, so you can see there is a capacity for disaster lurking inside almost every oven in the land. How many of us check our oven temperatures using a thermometer? And how many more of us are still eating left-overs a week later. Make an oven thermometer top priority this year, and freeze left-overs or dispose of them after three days.

We all know the dangers of drinking and driving, but did you know that accidents have occurred involving out of control toy racing cars? The police warn us to stay at home when the weather is bad, but not if there

Wherever you are, and whatever you’re up to this season, take care and have a very happy (and safe) Christmas, then exhale because it’s a full 358 days before you have to do it all again.

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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY

When you think of the Salvation Army, what comes to mind? For lots of people they think of Christmas and the Brass Band, or maybe that much appreciated cup of tea! I myself am a little guilty of this but after spending some time at the Prescot Branch I discovered there is a whole lot more to the Sally Army than Christmas cheer. The Salvation Army is an International church and charity and is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse providers of social services after the government. Through its network of 800 churches and social service centres, members work with thousands of children and families and are perfectly placed to help those who are most in need at Christmas. The Salvation Army Band will be playing carols around the Knowsley Safari Park Christmas tree on Saturday 22nd December between 12.30-2pm. On Sunday 9th December the Salvation Army will be hosting a community carol service at Whiston Methodist church on Atherton Street from 5pm. Volunteers will be out bringing the Christmas message of hope and raising funds to provide care and support for people in their community not just at Christmas but throughout the year. Lieutenant Annette Booth told Local Life, “Much of our work throughout the year centres on providing support and development for families. Particularly in this current climate families are finding it difficult to keep up with rising prices and juggling jobs, children and childcare. So having somewhere where parents can bring their children to play, take a break, make friends and have a listening ear whilst chilling out with a cup of coffee is a vital community resource.” Activities such as Guides, Parent and Toddlers, Toddler Church and the community café provide for the growing number of children, young people, parents and grandparents and single people attending the centre each week. The community café is open to everyone and offers a chance to be a volunteer or customer, meet new people and make friends in a warm, caring and supportive environment Prescot Salvation Army has a 124 year history of offering practical support to people who are vulnerable or in need in the town and couldn’t do this without the generous help of local people. Whether you would like to become a volunteer, find a lost relative, or are in need of some support, you are always welcome, so pop in for a coffee and a chat! For more details of activities, please call Lieutenant Annette on 0151 426 2278 or pop into the Church on Warrington Road, Prescot.

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Winstanley Park

At the heart of this 7.2 mile walk is Winstanley Park, a huge estate that’s concealed within high walls. At a rough glance of a map, you could take out any single community such as Billinge or Orrell, place it within those high walls and it would fit comfortably…and you’d still have some land to spare! This walk, which starts and finishes at Orrell Water Park, takes in some great scenery along the Park’s perimeter, but is primarily a dry weather walk; there are a couple of spots which get quite muddy after a bit of rain. This is a great ½ day out though, especially if you combine it with a picnic or a stop oﬀ at one of the pubs on the way!

Pony Dick This is the name given to the area where Pemberton Road meets Billinge Road on the Winstanley/Highfield boundary. A pub that stood on the junction of Ribbesford Road and Billinge Road was re-named the Favourite Pony Dick Inn in honour of a white pony which belonged to the then Squire of Winstanley Hall, Meyrick Bankes. The pony died in 1841 at the grand old age of 36, and is buried within Winstanley Park. Founded on Coal, the local history book written by Ray and Derek Winstanley in 1981, and is freely available on a number of internet sites, illustrates the importance of coal in this area. Indeed the area was littered with mine shafts and large areas of the Winstanley Park estate itself were open cast mined. Situated in this area was the Pony Dick Colliery, a drift mine which only closed in the 1970’s.

Orrell Water Park to Pony Dick Park up in the car park and head over towards the children’s’ playground, crossing the bridge en route. Follow the path on the right hand side of the playground, heading for the gap in the hedge. Follow the path out of the Water Park, down the left hand perimeter of the field and carry on down that path until you reach Winstanley Road. Turn left once you reach Winstanley Road (do not take the public footpath directly opposite). Follow the road down towards Orrell and take the next turning on the right which is signposted ‘Tennis Club’.. Walk past Winstanley Tennis Club on the right hand side, go under the motorway bridge and carry on straight down the track. On the right hand side you will see a stone wall which is the boundary of Winstanley Park. After ½ a mile on this track, you’ll reach a fork in the road, take the left hand fork. After a further 275 yards, you’ll arrive at a junction by a bungalow called Arches Lodge. Turn right and head towards the spire of Highfield St Matthews and walk down the track on the right hand side of the open field. You should now be walking parallel to the stone wall which forms the perimeter of Winstanley Park. You’ll walk a 1/3 of a mile, mostly downhill, and once you reach the bottom of the field, cross the bridge and bear right through the woods. Stick on that path all the way down through the woods and you will end up walking parallel to a stream. Eventually the path will fork into a higher and lower path, take the higher

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path on the left hand side. Eventually you’ll appear out of the woods on Ribbesford Road in Highfield; turn right at this point and a few strides later you’ll be on a bridge known as Rylance Mill Bridge, in an area known in the past as Pony Dick.

Pony Dick to Crows Nest Turn right and head uphill on Pemberton Road (A571) for 650 yards. Take a left turn into Tanhouse Lane. Follow Tanhouse Lane round the right-hand bend, and directly after the park on the right, you will see a green gate on your left with a stile alongside; hop over the stile and follow that path. After approximately 425 yards, you will reach a fork in the path, take the right fork and cross a stone bridge over a small brook, entering a more wooded area. Walk alongside the brook, cross the wooden bridge that will eventually appear, and carry on that path and you’ll eventually arrive at the M6. Go through the subway under the M6, and bear right uphill towards Sandyforth Farm. Follow the path right the way through the farm, which eventually becomes a tarmac path. This path subsequently exits on Ashton Road, near the Crows Nest industrial estate.

Crows Nest to Billinge Beacon You should turn left at this point, and then take an immediate right by the public footpath sign. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze in places, but follow the path to the end of the chain link fence and then turn left,

Windy Arbour Though it’s best known nowadays as a bus stop or a farm shop, the Windy Arbour area is steeped in local history. The grade 2 listed stocks date back to the 18th century and legend has it that the Manor Courts (a level of jurisdiction controlled by the local lord of the manor) sat regularly at a nearby long-gone pub, and offenders were either fined or sentenced to a spell in the stocks. The area was once littered with local pits, including Windy Arbour Colliery which closed in 1977. When the owners of the nearby Sandyforth open cast pit went into liquidation, the hole left behind was the equivalent of five football pitches and deep enough to take ten double decker buses stacked on top of one another. After a long running campaign to stop the site being turned into landfill, the site now consists of walkways, gentle green hills, trees and pools.

following the perimeter of the Crows Nest estate. At the end of that path, turn right for 50 yards, heading for the right hand corner of the field. Once you’ve reached the edge of field, you’ll see a distinct track sandwiched between the hedges of the two fields. Turn left and follow this path for a further 75 yards. Once the track opens up into another field, take the path along the right hand perimeter of that field. If you look hard, you should see a public footpath sign on the right. You’ll then follow a very straight path for a 1/3 of a mile, heading directly towards a strip of fir trees in the distance. Before you reach the trees, you’ll need to go down a dip and through an archway into the next field before walking up an incline to the fir trees. Once you’ve walked along the strip of fir trees. Don’t take the right hand path, which heads up to a farm, but instead follow the path which runs slightly to the left across the field, towards an area of woodland. You’ll follow an incline down the field and drop down into woodlands known as Barton Clough. Plunge straight into the woods and within 50 yards you’ll take a wooden bridge across a brook. Follow the staggered steps up the other side and continue along the pathway through the woods. Banks and banks of bluebells dominate the woods – a fantastic sight in the spring time! Once you’ve exited the woods, follow the footpath straight on. You are quite high up here and, on a clear day you can see a whole panorama of distant views. On the right hand side, you’ll see is a local landmark known as Tatlock’s Hillock which

is basically a copse off trees astride a small hill. Follow the path and you will eventually go through the farmyard at Lower Billinge Lane Farm onto Newton Road. Turn right on the road towards Billinge. After approximately ½ mile, you’ll turn right at the lights and then immediate left up Beacon Road. Climb up to the top of the road and when your progress is stopped by a grey chain link gate, take the path to the left hand side of the gate. At the end of the path take the right fork up a wider path, this leads to a road. Follow this road to the left. At the end of the sub-station enclosure on the right, there is a footpath sign. Bear right at this point and enter the woods. It’s uphill all the way at this point and you go through three metal kissing gates in quick succession, before Billinge Beacon suddenly appears on the right Climb up to the Beacon, and take a welcome breather.

Billinge Beacon to Orrell Water Park Take the path down the right hand slope of the Beacon and go through the wooden gates into Billinge Plantations. After a few yards, you’ll come to a T-junction; take a right and go downhill. Once through the metal gate, take a right turn downhill. Once you come to a fork in the path, take the left hand fork. Stay on that footpath, going downhill all the way. At the bottom of the path, go through the gate and follow that pathway through to Downham Walk. Take the tarmac footpath that runs parallel to the houses, and at the end of that footpath carry on in the same direction. 100 yards further on you’ll come to Upholland Road. Take a left turn and walk past the Ambulance Station and the park at Cobb Moor. Cross the road at this point and you’ll see two paths, one leading to 156 and 156 b Upholland Road and the narrower path on the left which is bordered by a green metal fence; take the narrower path.

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 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.

Carry on down that path which runs parallel to a small brook that you will eventually cross. Just before you come to a wooden bridge, you’ll see a gate on the left. Go through the gate and follow this new path for approximately ¼ of a mile. When you reach the end of the footpath, turn left to follow another path and 25 yards further on, you will go through a wooden gateway which leads into Orrell Water Park. You’ll just need to stay to the left of that path and eventually you will end up at the car park of the Water Park.

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Last Fling Raceday

If you need a break from turkey and mistletoe why not make a date in your diary for some racecourse action on Sunday 30th December. Everyone is welcome at Haydock Park Racecourse for the Last Fling Handicap – join them for an action packed afternoon of top quality jump racing from 12.20pm until 3.40pm. Tickets cost from £13 per person and can be booked on the website at www.haydock-park.co.uk or for more information please contact 0844 579 3006.

Clarins Winner The winner of our recent competition to win a Clarins facial and £75 worth of products from Beauty by Helen French was Narissa Lea from Villiers Close in Eccleston. Narissa collected her prize from the recent Clarins night hosted by Helen French. Well done Narissa! Turn to pages 46-47 to enter this month’s competition; there is a spa day for two at the fabulous Chill Out Spa up for grabs.

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Christmas Gift Cake Traditionally Christmas cakes are made well in advance but if you haven’t had time try our lastminute version. Because it makes two you can also give one away as a gift, and solve two problems with one recipe! Method Makes 2 cakes, each serving 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1-1¾ hours depending on oven. Ingredients 600g good-quality mixed dried fruits 150ml whisky, warmed 150g stem ginger, drained, plus 8 tbsp ginger syrup from the jar 200g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 300g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp mixed spice 200g soft light brown sugar 4 large free-range eggs 2 tbsp milk Finely grated zest of 2 small oranges and 2 lemons 50g ground almonds 150g whole glacé cherries

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Put the dried fruits in a bowl and pour over the whisky. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the fruit to plump up. Briefly blend the ginger and its syrup in a mini food processor until finely chopped. Preheat the oven to 160°C/fan140°C/gas 3. Grease and line a 20cm square cake tin. Sift the flour, baking powder and mixed spice into a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients except the cherries. Beat with a hand-held electric whisk for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Fold in the soaked dried fruits and any whisky, the blitzed ginger and the cherries. Spoon into the baking tin and level off. Bake for 1-1¾ hours (this depends very much on your oven. My fan oven is super-quick whereas my mother’s aga is slower). If you’re unsure I recommend you check after an hour then every fifteen minutes after that, until the cake is firm and golden brown. To check, insert a skewer into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean the cake is cooked. You can cover it loosely with foil after 1 hour if the centre needs more time. This prevents the surface darkening too much. Leave in the tin for 10 minutes, and then remove to a wire rack to cool. Remove a thin slice from all sides of the cake and discard. Cut the cake in half to make 2 rectangles. Top with marzipan and white fondant icing and decorate with a sprig of holly.

JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD HAS COME! Everyone is warmly invited to join us at St Ann’s Church, Rainhill for our Christmas services: Sunday 9th December 2012 4.00pm: Christingle Children’s Service Monday 24th December 2012 – Christmas Eve 4.00pm: Crib Service (dress-up as your favourite nativity character and bring your grown-up along for some Christmas Eve fun!) 11.30pm: First Eucharist of Christmas Tuesday 25th December 2012 – Christmas Day 8.30 am: Book of Common Prayer (traditional) Communion service 10.30am: Family-Friendly All-Age Worship for Christmas Sunday 6th January 2013

aceful Wishing you all a very pe r, Yea w Ne d Christmas an d an s ter nis From the mi congregation at St Ann’s Church, Rainhill

10.30am: All-Age Worship for Epiphany

“I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Saviour - yes the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem!” Luke 2:10 -11, The Bible

For more details about any of our services contact the Vicar, Revd. Canon Nicholas Anderson on 0151 426 4666 or e-mail frnicholasanderson@yahoo.co.uk

Panto Rundown It’s time to meet Widow Twankey, Wishy Washy, Princess Jasmine and all the other characters in Rainhill Garrick’s fun family show. Join Aladdin on a fabulous magic carpet ride of Pantoland pandemonium – boo and hiss at Abanazar and his henchmen and cheer for Aladdin’s love for Jasmine. This show has got it all; romance, melodrama, sing along music and laugh out loud comedy. The show takes place on the 10th, 11th & 12th January and tickets start from £4.50 and you can book now by calling 0151 492 1139. The Citadel has A Christmas Carol playing from Monday 10th until Saturday 15th December. Tickets start from just £5 and are available online from www.citadel.org.uk or from the box office, which is located in Waterloo Road in St Helens town centre. The Theatre Royal has Cinderella playing from Friday 7th December right the way through to Sunday 13th January. Tickets are priced at £11-£14 although there’s a Christmas Cracker Special at certain performances from just £9. For further details visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com or call 01744 756000. Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park on Longview Drive in Huyton will be hosting their version of Aladdin on 9th December at 6pm, 10th December at 10am and 1.30pm and 11th December at 1.30pm and 7pm. Performers include former Big Brother contestant Grace Adams Short and Laura Handley who played Candy Browne in Hollyoaks. Tickets for the daytime performances start from £6 and evening performances from £7 – for more

information or to book your tickets please call the Box Office on 0151 443 5749 or go online at www.knowsley. gov.uk/tickets.

St Helens Choral Society The St Helens choral Society would like to invite you to join them for their annual Christmas Concert. You will be treated to both traditional and modern Christmas music on Saturday 8th December at the United Reformed Church on Ormskirk Street. The choir will be conducted by Peter Kwater with soloist Michael Wynne, with David Usher on bass and Joseph Walker on treble bass. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 or £1 for the under 16’s – for more information or to book your ticket please call 0151 434 4351 or pay at the door.

Christmas Concert Fanfares, Hallelujah Chorus and Sleigh Ride – if that little roundup doesn’t get you into the Christmas spirit then nothing will! You and the family can celebrate Christmas at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday 8th December – join in with traditional carols and listen to the beautiful music from the orchestra. There will also be chance to enjoy new carols sung by the Carlton House Choir and the Cathedral Girls’ Choir, so why not join in with a very popular and festive occasion! For more information please visit the website at www. catherdralconcerts.org.uk If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk

Rainhill Garrick Society presents...

Aladdin

A Traditional Pantomine Fun For All The Family Showing on 10th/11th/12th January Ticket prices adults £5 Concessions £4.50 7:15pm start ( doors open 6.45 ) Saturday matinee 2.15 start ( doors open 1.45 )

This fabulous magic carpet ride will have you cheering in the aisles!

For tickets call

0151 493 1139 or pay at the door.

Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, off Weaver Avenue, Rainhill, L35 3LU

www.rainhillgarrick.co.uk

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win a spa day A warm welcome awaits you at the award winning Chill Out Spa in Knowsley – a haven of peace and tranquillity situated within the gated walls of Knowsley Hall. The Chill Out Spa offers an unrivalled spa experience and one of complete serenity that has been designed speciﬁcally with your relaxation in mind.

This stand-out spa mixes contemporary design with rustic rural charm to create a totally unique and luxurious spa retreat in the home of Lord Derby. Looking out over acres of rolling parkland it’s hard to imagine a more peaceful environment in which to relax and unwind from the stresses and strains of everyday life. With an extensive menu of expertly designed treatments and packages, Merseyside Woman of the Year, Sharon Carroll has ensured that the spa has become the go to place for local celebrities and television stars – and is now a ﬁrm favourite of Coleen Rooney and her friends.

chill out spa 46

Stanley Grange, Ormskirk Road, Knowsley, Merseyside L34 4AR

for two!  Local Life has a Spa Day package for two to be won in a great competition which, in total, is worth almost £200. To enter the competition, simply complete the crossword on the opposite page and return your entry to: Local Life Crossword Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB

Across 1. 2. 4. 5.

Name of Spa Knowsley Hall is the ancestral home of Lord _ Hall where the Chill Out Spa is based Voted Woman of the Year, owner _ Carroll

Down

1. Celebrity customer, _ Rooney 3. Name of Espa product used at the Chill Out Spa

Or, e-mail your answers along with your name, address and contact number to crossword@locallife247.co.uk.

Name .............................................................................

The closing date for the competition is Monday 31st December 2012.

Address .........................................................................

The lucky winner will, along with a friend, spend a gloriously indulgent day at the Chill Out Spa. Let your troubles ﬂoat away with exclusive use of the bubbles in the hot tub. After enjoying a light lunch you’ll be able to truly unwind with a 90 minute back, face and scalp treatment using all the latest Espa hero products, followed by a manicure. Afterwards continue your relaxation in the tranquillity lounge. So whether your motivation is wellbeing, beauty or just pure relaxation you will leave the Chill Out Spa feeling well and truly spoiled. For more details about treatments at the Chill Out Spa, visit the website at www.chilloutspa.co.uk.

........................................................................................ ............................... Post Code ..................................... Phone ............................................................................ Email .............................................................................

Crossword Competition Rules 1. Only one entry per household 2. Entrants must be over 16 years of age 3. The winner 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.

tel. 0844 9670599 www.locallife247.co.uk

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Christ�as Events Guide Saturday 17th Nov to Sunday 23rd Dec Manchester Christmas Markets

Don your Santa hat, dust off the mulled wine glass, and get into the festive spirit – it’s time to head down to Manchester’s world famous Christmas Markets. No Mancunian winter is complete without a wander through the chalet-lined streets of the markets. This year the market will be celebrating its 13th year and will take over eight different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. The array of over 200 stalls is mind-boggling, with mouth-watering delicacies from all over Europe. The choice is getting bigger and bigger and includes gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys and an array of food and drink. The markets run until Sunday 23rd December. Contact: www.manchestermarkets.com

Thursday 22nd Nov- Monday 24th Dec Chester Victorian Christmas Market

Chester’s Victorian Christmas Market offers a wide range of beautiful ceramics, jewellery, hats, gloves and scarves. Bestselling toys will feature and the festive food offer will include Christmas cakes and puddings, mince pies, cheeses, meats, sweets, ﬁne wines as well as the winter warming treats of mulled wine and hot chestnuts. Move inside to Chester Market for the best local Christmas produce and more excellent gift ideas. Stalls and attractions will remain open to 24th December. Time: 10am – 6pm (Thurs 10am-8pm) Cost: Free Contact: www.christmasmarkets.com

Thursday 29th November Parbold Christmas Shopping Night

This popular annual event runs from 5pm-9pm and attracts shoppers from miles around to enjoy the ambience of this traditional Lancashire village. Most of the businesses are taking part and you can pick up some thoughtful and imaginative gifts for all your family and friends, take advantage of discount vouchers and one-night-only special offers, as well as indulging in some festive fayre! Time 5pm-9pm

Saturday 1st, 8th & 15th December Grassington Dickensian Festival

See the Christmas lights, the village square and the cobbled streets transformed into a traditional Victorian market, as shopkeepers, villagers and even some visitors dress in Victorian costume. Enjoy the musicians, dancers, street entertainers and exhibitions of traditional country crafts. There is no car parking in Grassington, so use the Park and Ride at Swinden Quarry on the B6265 Skipton to Grassington road. Cost: Free, but £8 a car for the Park and Ride Contact: www.grassington.uk.com Sat Nav Ref: BD23 6BE

Saturday/Sunday 1st/2nd & Saturday/ Sunday 8th/9th December Victorian Christmas Weekends

Come to Speke Hall for a true Victorian Christmas experience. Admire the ground ﬂoor of the house decorated for Christmas with greenery and foliage from the Estate. Hear a selection of carols and festive music in the Great Hall, and then treat yourself to some delicious treats from the Restaurant. Event held on Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December. Time: 1pm - 4pm Contact: 0151 427 7231 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/spekehall Sat Nav Ref: L24 1XD

Saturday 1st - Wednesday 19th December Delamere Forest - Santa’s Grotto

Visit Santa this Christmas in his magical grotto at Delamere Forest! Take a train ride around the forest on our musical land train. Stay for lunch at our Victorian themed food and drink street, and go home with your amazing Christmas tree for your house. Site is free entry and free parking, though charges for trees and Santa apply. Tree sales are open every day 9am-5pm & late nights Friday 7th & 14th, Santa’s grotto is open weekdays 3-5pm, Fridays until 8pm & weekends 9am-5pm. Contact: www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere Sat Nav Ref: CW8 2JD

Saturday/Sunday 1st/2nd & 8th/9th & 15th/16th December plus 20th to 24th Dec Santa Steam Specials on the East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway’s Santa Special is bigger and better with more trains to choose from and a longer steam train journey from Bury to Rawtenstall. Climb aboard and join us on a festive train ride surrounded by the most magniﬁcent winter scenery. Soak up the magical atmosphere as the railway comes alive with hundreds of Christmas trees, twinkling lights and festively decorated carriages. Get into the spirit and join in the carol singing and listen to the brass bands. Meet Santa and his helpers who will be making their way through the carriages to hand out a present to each child and a mince pie and sherry to the adults. Time: 9.30am - 4pm Cost: Child £10.50, 16+ £13.50 Contact: 0161 764 7790 or www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Sat Nav Ref: BL9 0EY

Sunday 2nd & Sunday 9th December

Sunday 9th December

Step into a winter wonderland and see the Hall near Preston transformed into the magical Narnia. Make the perfect start to the festive season and come and see Father Christmas himself! Entrance to the hall is £3 adults / £1 children. To meet Father Christmas is £6 which includes child’s entrance to the Hall, craft and a gift. The hall is open from 11am to 4pm. Father Christmas is available between 12 and 2pm.

The traditional Lancashire village of Croston will hold their very successful annual Christmas Fair on Sunday 9th December from 1.00pm to 5.15pm. In addition to a Land Train to Santa’s Grotto there will be a street magician and a magic show, brass bands, singers, morris dancing, circus performers, a piper and much more. Children will love the donkeys and dogs while their parents can shop for last minute gifts at the many craft stalls. Food and drink will be provided by stallholders and local hostelries. The event will end with a torchlight procession. Parking available at Bishop Rawstorne School.

Father Christmas at Samlesbury Hall

Contact: 01254 812010 or visit www.samlesburyhall.co.uk Sat Nav Ref: PR5 0UP

Saturday/Sunday 8th/9th & 15th/16th Dec Blakemere Christmas Food & Craft Market

Pick up a festive bargain at the Christmas Market at Blakemere Craft Centre in Northwich. On offer is local food produce, handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations. Santa’s Grotto will also be open on these days. Enjoy magical snowﬂakes from our snow machine and small carousel rides, hot chestnuts and candyﬂoss. Ride on the Santa Express – the festive land train which runs each Saturday and Sunday up to Christmas, at just £1 per passenger. Time: 10am - 5pm Cost: Free admission to the market. Grotto Tickets: £5.50 per child Contact: 01606 883261 or visit www.visitblakemere.co.uk Sat Nav Ref: CW8 2EB

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December Christmas Open Studio Weekend

Glass designer and manufacturer Morpheus Glass hosts a Christmas Open Studio weekend at their base on the Hewitt Industrial Estate in Orrell, near Wigan. Pick up some fantastic hand crafted presents, such as jewellery, sculptures, bowls and coasters. Stock on sale at up to 70% off normal retail prices. Refreshments available too. Time: 10am-4pm Cost: Free

Saturday/Sunday 8th/9th, 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd December Walton Winter Wonderland

A Victorian-style Christmas celebration set in a traditionally decorated cobbled courtyard at Walton Gardens near Warrington. Step back in time and enjoy Christmas as it used to be. There will be entertainers, live music, Christmas markets, Yule log making, festive fayre, nativity scene and of course, Santa in his enchanting grotto. If that wasn’t enough there’s a new queuing system that should half waiting times! Time: 10.30am - 4pm Cost: Free access - Grotto £5 per child with a gift from Santa Contact: 01925 601617 (option 2) or visit www.warrington.gov.uk/waltongardens Sat Nav Ref: WA4 6SN

Saturday/Sunday 8th/9th & 15th/16th Dec Southport Christmas Markets

Come and spend the day at Southport’s Christmas Markets picking up those last minute Christmas gifts from stalls on Chapel Street selling food, toys, jewellery to name but a few. Enjoy the Traditional Entertainment which will consist of choirs and bands. Time: 9am-5pm Saturday & 10am-4pm Sunday Cost: Free Access

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Croston Village Christmas Fair

Cost: Free access Contact:www.crostonfestivities.co.uk Sat Nav: PR26 9HH

Monday 10th & Tuesday 11th December Garstang Victorian Christmas Festival

Step back in time with the ancient market town of Garstang’s popular Victorian Festival which is held on Monday and Tuesday evening. The main High Street is closed to trafﬁc and is ﬁlled with thousands of people roaming freely to grab last minute presents and enjoy the atmosphere of the true ‘spirit of Christmas’. The festivities start with children singing and meeting Father Christmas! There is so much going on; many street entertainers, dancers, Punch and Judy, Choirs, Morris Dancers and a Brass Band too! Time: 6pm onwards Contact: 01995 606682 or visit www.garstangchristmas.co.uk Sat Nav Ref: PR3 1FU

Wednesday 12th December Penwortham Christmas Market

Being held on the main street through Penwortham, there will be fairground rides, many Christmas stalls, Father Christmas, Brass Bands, Christmas Carols and lots and lots of community festive spirit. Time: 6pm - 9pm Contact: www.penworthamtowncouncil.gov.uk Sat Nav Ref: PR1 9EQ

Friday 14th December - Sunday 6th January Liverpool Christmas Family Festival

The Liverpool Christmas Family Festival is a magical Christmas festival taking place in The Waterfront Big Top at the Echo Arena. Enjoy a spectacular Christmas Pantomime of Sleeping Beauty and the Christmas experience. There will be a Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Market, a junior Fun House, Funfair Rides and much more. Please pre-book your place via the website or call the number below. Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Festival tickets are £5 and there is an additional charge for some attractions in the Family Festival. Contact: 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com Sat Nav Ref: L3 4BB

...mer�� Christ�as! 49

DACIA DUSTED

The Dacia Duster looks to herald a new front in bargain motoring. Jonathan Crouch drives the 1.5 dCi diesel 4x4 version. The Dacia Duster does something extremely clever. It forces you to reassess what exactly is really necessary in modern cars and pares the frills back accordingly. Rummage down the back of the sofa for some money and join the queue. Romanian maker Dacia is no newbie to car building, having since 1966 been turning out cars which were usually versions of older Renault models. The Duster SUV is a little different and comes to market with Renault power but an identity all of its own and prices of at least 25% less than obvious rivals. Entry-level Duster model prices are based around the provision of a breathless 105bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine. Most UK buyers though, will give this variant little more than a cursory glance on their way to sign up for the inďŹ nitely preferable 110bhp 1.5-litre dCi diesel we tried. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all the difference in the world between petrol

and diesel options, since for dCi buyers, pulling power rises by fully 60% from 148 to 240Nm. As for handling, the general market consensus is that this Duster has the sort of ride/handling compromise that would shame rivals many thousands of pounds more expensive.

2WD is standard fare unless you pay an all-wheel drive premium for a variant like the one we tried. The extra cash gets you an impressive Nissan-engineered threemode system (2WD, Auto and Lock), Most customers will doubtless be drawn to the upper specification models, but I think the car looks its very best when finished in basic Alpine white and rocking a set of sixteen inch steel wheels. Yes, there’s a bit of inverted snob appeal at work, but it’s cool. There’s no escaping that fact. So let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of the value proposition and the almost unbelievable sticker price of around £9,000. This price actually applies to the stripped-out ‘Access’-trimmed petrol model that doesn’t even have a stereo. For diesel power in your Duster, you’ll need at least to stretch to mid-range ‘ambiance’ trim, for which you’ll need a budget of around £12,000. If you want the 4WD system we tested, you’ll need to find a further £2,000 on top of that. Most buyers choose to find the £1,500 premium to go from ‘Ambiance’ to topspec ‘Laureate’ trim, because the latter comes with air conditioning, as well as niceties like alloy wheel, bodycoloured mirrors and door handles and a trip computer. The Duster doesn’t cost a lot to buy and neither does it cost a whole hill of beans to run. The combined fuel economy figure for this 4x4 diesel variant is 53.3mpg, around 3mpg less than the 2WD version. The CO2 showing is 137g/km. By driving the prices far lower than the competition, Dacia also effectively pops a cap on depreciation. It’ll also help that there also seems to be quite the queue building for these cars, so demand looks as if it will maintain at a healthy level for decent used stock. The Dacia Duster is, on the face of it, a refreshing piece of no-nonsense product design that should be welcomed with open arms. It has changed the way new cars are marketed in the UK. That’s the headline position at any rate. Behind that attention-grabbing price though, you’ll find a little bit of sly up-selling. Dacia knows that almost every customer will want air conditioning, which instantly forces them into the range-topping car. Suddenly that car you thought was going to retail for chump change becomes a more serious financial commitment. Specify an extended warranty, stability control and metallic paint and you could be looking at well over £16,000. Mind you, that’s still £3,500 cheaper than an equivalent Skoda Yeti and a whopping £8,000 less than the (admittedly more powerful) Nissan Qashqai. So yes, the Duster is still a massive bargain, but just make sure you’ve done your homework as to what you want and what you need. Go in with your eyes open and you’ll never be disappointed.

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Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants.

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My Christmas wish list... To enjoy your garden at this time of year it pays off to have put a bit of thought into it during the year, for example: Planting – achieve the right balance of planting between summer and winter plants so that you still have plenty of structure and interest during December, foliage and flowers Good design – your garden should invite you outside – even when the temperature drops. A good design will make you want to go outside to explore it on sunny winter days Good structure - low evergreen hedging can add a crisp finish to a garden layout which really comes into its own during winter months. Try Buxus sempervirens (Box) or Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ Lighting – it is crucial to get the lighting right. You want just enough light to guide you to your seating area and then some subtle up lighting of plants. And in December of course, some fairy lights! Heating – whilst I’m not a fan of patio heaters, a fire pit can really add warmth whilst enjoying your glass of mulled wine outside Turning my thoughts now to Christmas, Hubby always says I am difficult to buy for and he never knows what to get - so I thought I would publish my wish list - Hubby take note: Perfume, any books on the subject of gardening or vegetable growing, earrings - in fact any jewellery would

be gratefully received, champagne (I love fizz), a surprise trip to David Austin’s Rose nursery next summer - in fact a surprise trip anywhere would be lovely, a CD by Michael Buble, some new pjs for cosy winter evenings, a box of After Eight chocolates - in fact any chocolate would be nice. Shall I go on? Difficult to buy for - I don’t think so! On a final note, I would just like to wish all my clients, past and present, and all readers of Chris’s wonderful Local Life magazines, a lovely and joyous Christmas and a very happy New Year. 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

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For all your Plumbing Needs • • • • •

Elan Engineering Company

All Plumbing & Heating Work Undertaken Boiler Replacement & Servicing Kitchen Fitting, Bathrooms & Building Maintenance Landlord Certiﬁcates 518564 Over 30 Years’ Experience Call Dave now on: or 01744

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07713 086484

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L.J Telecom Services Ltd business and residential

• Business Telephone Systems • Voip & Structured Cabling • Residential Extns, • Faults & Gen Enq

Areas Covered:

St Helens Widnes Haydock Moss Bank Rainford and all surrounding areas

It doesn’t have to be spring, to spring clean Contact your local office on

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

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BUILDING & ROOFING

Come home to a warm welcome!

Matthew Rigby

Specialists in wood burning stove installations

Property Care Company

• Plastering & Tiling • Joining - laminate flooring and doors • Damp-proof Extensions, injection loft/garage conversions, windows fascias soffits, •UPVC Gutters cleared&&doors, PVCU deep &cleaned damp proofing, wall ties – all aspects of building work • Pointing, painting and lots more! For all aspects of home care, call Matthew on Flat/pitched re-roofs, gutters, velux windows, all general roof repairs 07840 096233

01744 606642

Mobile: 07801 950009 www.daleroofingandbuilding.com For all your home improvement needs! • Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms • Wood & Laminate Flooring • Staircases & Partitions • Gates, Fencing & Decking • UPVC Windows & Doors • Building projects For your free quote call Darren on: 07515 872927

Call now for a free estimate or visit our website at www.shaunbannonbuilding.co.uk

01744 28684 or 07968 943587

Advertise your business Advertise in this section for £4.15 (+VAT) a week! here For more information please phone

01744 649722

we make it our business to help yours

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The photograph in Puzzle Corner is of Prescot High Street

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 Eccleston- Pinfold Drive, Spinney Green & Prestbury Avenue area. Brown Edge – Elton Head Road, The Broads & Womack Gardens area. 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

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When someone has died, Tell Us Once and we’ll tell all of the relevant services within St.Helens Council plus other government agencies for you. For more information, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/tellusonce or call 01744 676789.

Useful Numbers

Eccleston Cllr M Haw Cllr G Pearl Cllr T Sims Eccleston Medical Centre Eccleston Library Eccleston Village Hall

01744 29 121 01744 678 927 0151 426 5118 01744 454 454 01744 677 576 01744 730 744

Prescot Cllr R Arnall Cllr S Arnall Cllr Smith Cllrs M & W Sommerfield Cllr Allen Cllr Whiles Aston Healthcare Aston Healthcare Knowsley Park House Medical Care Prescot Medical Centre Prescot Library

07950 200 344 07840 365 002 0151 289 8800 0151 431 0785 0151 430 7835 0151 548 4592 0151 426 6288 0151 546 3458 0151 426 5253 0151 426 5277 0151 426 6449

Rainhill Cllr De’Asha Cllr Glover Cllr Grunewald Rainhill Library Rainhill Village Hall Rainhill Village Surgery Longton Medical Centre

01744 678 980 01744 678 947 07802 551 647 01744 677 822 0151 430 9338 0151 511 5672 0151 430 0333

West Park Cllr Ayres Cllr Quinn Cllr Rimmer CBE Windle Cllr Martinez-Williams Cllr W Ashcroft Cllr L Glover Central Surgery, Cowley Hill Lowe House Medical Centre

01744 678 985 01744 678 929 01744 678 930 01744 678 465 01744 24 738 01744 677 069 01744 627 660 01744 624 999

General Medical St Helens Hospital Whiston Hospital Minor Injuries Walk in Centre NHS Direct

01744 26 633 0151 426 1600 01744 627 400 0845 4647

General Police & Councils Merseyside Police St.Helens Council Knowsley Council

0151 709 6010 01744 676 789 0151 489 6000

Other Useful Numbers St Helens Central Library Mobile Library – St Helens Mobile Library – Knowsley Gas Leak Water Leakline Floodline Citizens Advice Bureau Local Life

01744 456 000 01744 455 413 0151 443 4363 0800 111 999 0800 330 033 08459 881 188 01744 737 866 01744 649 722

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