Local Life - St Helens & Prescot - Dec 2013/Jan 2014 by Local Life 247 Ltd

St Helens & Prescot Edition

Dec 2013/Jan 2014

The Beecham’s St Helens Link Jack’s Tracks Visits Formby Free Mince Pie Offer!

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Let It Snow…

In this issue

There’s a few things which turn us adults into big kids again. At this time of the year, two of those things can end up synchronising perfectly – Christmas and snow!

8 Planing Ahead 16 Beechams - Wealth From Health 24 Business Review - Tyrers 30 Puzzle Page 40 Win A Christmas Hamper 42 Christmas Events 43 Puzzle Solutions 44 Recipe? 45 Class from the Past 46 Test Drive 48 Jack’s Tracks 52 Home Services 54 Useful Numbers

For a few hours, we cast aside grumbles about treacherous road conditions and how we as a country grind to a halt when a single snowflake falls, and just enjoy being kids again. Christmas is the same; all the rushing around, endless queues and worries about cooking the turkey properly are cast aside once the big day arrives as we exude peace and goodwill to all men (except the in-laws of course!) But here’s a thought; wouldn’t it be nice though if some didn’t need an occasion, or even two of them, to prompt glad tidings towards others, and positivity about life in general? There’s no shortage of inspiration; our pages regularly feature many local people and groups who selflessly put others first. In doing so, some help to make our community a better place. For instance, there’s those who organise community events and put in endless hours for voluntary organisation. But even if you can’t spare that sort of time, a simple, friendly smile, holding the door open for someone or even just calling an old friend up for an unexpected chat can really make someone’s day. Why not make that your New Year resolution? This is our final St Helens & Prescot edition of 2013. On behalf of the Local Life team, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you, our advertisers and our dedicated team of distributors a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2014. Until next year…

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

info@locallife247.co.uk W www.locallife247.co.uk

Editorial: David Sudworth Sales: Julie Carroll Design & Production: Peter Bretherton Accounts & Distribution: Sally Boon

editorial@locallife247.co.uk sales@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk accounts@locallife247.co.uk

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.

davids@locallife247.co.uk

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

Next issue - January

Advertising deadline - Saturday 14 December Published - Thursday 9 January Local Life Media

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

Beanstalk Battersby!

Distributors Required

It’s Les Battersby as you’ve never seen him before! The ex-Coronation Street favourite Bruce Jones is starring in Knowsley’s big panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, from Saturday, December 7, to Tuesday, December 10, at Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, in Longview Drive, Huyton. Also starring in the panto is Lloyd Daniels, from the X Factor. For the box office, call 0151 443 2200 or for group bookings, call 0151 443 5749.

Local Life requires distributors (aged 13+) to deliver the magazine. We currently have vacancies for distributors in the Ecclesfield Rd/Oakfield Rd area of Eccleston, the Kiln Lane/Moorfield Road area and the Eccleston Gardens estate off Prescot Road. In Rainhill we have vacancies in the St James Rd/Lawton Rd area, the Dunbeath Ave/Railton Ave area, the Warrington Road/ Knowsley Rd area, the Deepdale Drive area and the Rainhill Rd, Brookfield Ave area. We would welcome applicants from all other areas for our waiting list too. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every 8 weeks, delivering in their own neighbourhoods. You must be fit, enthusiastic and reliable. Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk.

Panto Fun The Citadel is hosting the much-loved pantomime Aladdin this year. Billed as a community Christmas event for all the family, this classic tale is being performed by an amateur cast and runs from Thursday, December 12, until Sunday, December 15. Performances are at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and tickets are £7 and £5. To book, or for further information, call 01744 735436 or visit www. citadel.org.uk

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Christmas Concert

Warm Welcome

Mayor of Prescot’s Charity Christmas Concert is being held on Thursday, December 12, from 7pm-8.15pm at Prescot Parish Church on Church Street. The concert features The South Liverpool Orchestra (Hope University) with Evelyn Community Primary School Choir, St Mary & St Paul’s Primary School Choir, Prescot Parish Church Choir and Prescot & Whiston Methodist Choir.

A warm welcome is being promised to those attending the recently recommenced Table Talk meetings. Held on every second Tuesday of the month at Trinity Church in Longton Lane, Rainhill, the aim is to allow people to meet in a warm, comfortable and welcoming surrounding.

Proceeds will be donated to Prescot Parish Church Roof Appeal and the four Mayoral Charities including Willowbrook Hospice. Tickets are £5 and payable on the door, but accompanied under 16s go free.

St Ann’s Invite Rainhill folk are being invited to go along to St Ann’s School’s Christmas Fair. It will take place between 3.30pm-4.30pm on Friday, December 6, at the View Road primary.

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Tea and coffee are provided free together with biscuits and homemade cakes. A short talk follows the refreshments. The meetings start at 10.30am. For more information, call 0151 426 5858.

Amish Talk They’ve been the subject of TV documentaries – and now America’s Amish community will come under the spotlight at Rainhill Civic Society’s next meeting. June Patten will be giving a talk on the traditional Christians on Tuesday, December 3, at 7.30pm in the Millennium Centre, View Road. There will be a raffle and seasonal refreshments available. All welcome.

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Food for Fines

Park Group AGM

Library bosses have introduced a ‘food for fines’ offer… where people whose books are overdue can offset their penalties with donations. To support the St Helens Food Bank, which is in urgent need of donations as winter sets in, the council’s library team will be knocking £1 off every fine for each item donated. If the fine is less than £1, it will simply be cleared. Fines are calculated at the rate of 10p per day per book and 40p per day for DVDs. All users have to do is take their books back and, if they are overdue, hand over groceries on the food bank’s wanted list. Donations can include almost any tinned or dried packet foods, including tinned meat and vegetables, soups, packets of rice and pasta and cereals. No fresh food will be accepted.

A Prescot community group is inviting locals to its Annual General Meeting. Friends of Eaton Street Park want to raise awareness of the work it does in the community, and people can learn more by going along to Eaton Street Community Centre at 7pm on Thursday, December 5. A spokesman said: “We have been working hard for three years and have achieved so much. For this to continue we need your ideas and a little help, so please give us an hour of your time and help the good work continue.”

Urgently needed items include UHT milk/powdered milk, sugar (500gms), cartons of orange juice, tinned rice pudding, tinned fruit, instant mash, pasta (1kg), rice, packets of pasta in sauces and jam. All 13 of the borough’s libraries will be taking part in the collection scheme – and food items may be taken along at any time during normal opening hours.

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Coffee Morning The St Helens branch of mental health charity Mind is holding a coffee morning for prospective volunteers. Anyone interested can go along on Friday, December 6, all between 10am and 1pm at the Millennium Centre Community Lounge on Bickerstaffe Street, St Helens. For further information, call 01744 607937, email sthelmind@yahoo.com or visit www.sthelensmind.org. uk

Planning Ahead Rainhill Site of Former Greencroft, Mill Lane: Proposed erection of two detached dwellings with associated works (application ref P/2013/0835). The public consultation period ends on November 29. 82 Holt Lane: Two storey side extension and single storey rear extension (application ref P/2013/0848). The deadline for consultation responses is December 2. 672 Warrington Road: Removal of section of boundary wall and one tree to create new vehicular access onto a classified road along with area of hardstanding to front garden (application ref P/2013/0856). The deadline for consultation responses is December 3. 22 Fairlie Drive: Works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order (number 150) to prune and crown thin oak G1.5. Application ref P/2013/0873. The deadline for consultation responses is December 10. 5 Second Avenue: First floor side and rear extension (application ref P/2013/0866). The deadline for consultation responses is December 9.

Eccleston 41 Brookside Avenue: Single storey side and rear extension (application ref P/2013/0850). The deadline for consultation responses is December 2.

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Land site of former Eccleston Social Club, Holme Road: Consent to display two internally illuminated lettering fascia signs, wall mounted signs, vinyl window graphics, bollard signage and ATM surround sign for the proposed Sainsbury’s Local (application ref P/2013/0858). The deadline for consultation responses is December 5. Eccleston Grange, Millfields: Substitution of house types plots 20-30 and 149-151; total of 14 detached dwellings substituted for 15 detached dwellings (application ref P/2013/0852). The deadline for consultation responses is December 18. 1 Newlove Avenue: Single storey rear extension to form orangery (application ref P/2013/0861). This application was received by the council on November 11. Public consultation is now open but no deadline had been site by the time Local Life went to press. 23 Walmesley Road: Two storey side extension (application ref /2013/0867). The deadline for consultation responses is December 9.

Windle 134 Dentons Green Lane: Sub-division of former offices to two residential flats (application ref P/2013/0859). The deadline for consultation responses is December 5. For more information on these applications, log onto www.sthelens.gov.uk

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Collections Suspended

Keep The Faith!

Residents in the Knowsley Council area are being reminded that the garden waste collection service is now suspended until Friday, February 21.

Northern Soul and Motown fans can groove the night away in Rainhill on Saturday, December 7. DJ Mike Francis and guests will be providing the tunes from 7.30pm-midnight at the Ex-Services Club on Warrington Road. Tickets are £5 and are available either through pre-order or pay on the door. Call Tony on 07927 309662 or email tony.21.rogers@hotmail.com

Green waste can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centres at Wilson Road, Huyton, or Depot Road, Kirkby. Shredded paper can be stored in the blue bin over the winter period. Residents can recycle their real Christmas trees between Saturday, December 28, and Saturday, January 11, at: Halewood Park; Stadt Moers Park, Whiston; Millbrook Park Millennium Green, Kirkby; Court Hey Park, Huyton; Holy Family Social Club, Cronton. For more information about recycling in Knowsley visit www.knowsley.gov.uk or call the Environmental Helpline on 0151 443 2400.

Raising the Roof Two local choirs are aiming to be in fine voice for St Helens Parish Church’s carol concert on Saturday, December 7. Haydock Male Voice Choir and Legh Vale Primary School Choir will be providing the musical accompaniment for the event, which begins at 7pm. Tickets are £5 and available on 01744 734176, 01744 734617 or 01744 600064.

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Local Gift Idea Looking for a truly local Christmas gift? Rainhill Civic Society’s 2014 calendar is now on sale. They can be bought at Rainhill Library on Saturday, December 7, between 10am and 1pm. They are also available at Rainhill Remembered meetings, held at St Ann’s Centre, View Road, on the Tuesday, December 10, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Alternatively, they can be bought at the Civic Society meeting at St Ann’s Centre from 7.15pm on Tuesday, December 3. One of the pictures included in the calendar shows Edwardson’s Greengrocers shop at Christmas time around 1900 with rows of poultry hanging up outside the door. This is now a carpet shop in Rainhill village. One calendar with an envelope costs £3.50, or three can be purchased for £10.

Charity Evening A night with the Irish Guards Singers is in store for those who want to support the Whiston Town Mayor’s Charity evening. You can have a good, old fashioned singalong at the event, held at Whiston Town Hall, on Old Colliery Road, on Saturday, November 30. The bar opens at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £5 per head, which includes a bowl of Irish stew. Call 0780 5028581 for 2011 CATALOGUE tickets or they can be purchased at the town hall itself. 9

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Local Life Thanked Organisers of this year’s successful Rainhill Gala have thanked Local Life for our support. Temporary editor David Sudworth was presented with a glass award in recognition of our part in helping Gala Committee team’s fantastic efforts in raising £3,300. Chris Pearce, Managing Director of Local Life, said: “The Rainhill Gala is a wonderful example of an event that benefits community groups in the local area. While the weather wasn’t the best for the 2013 event, the sum raised was still outstanding and Rainhill people should be very proud of the committee’s efforts.” Ann Daniels, owner of Bridge Barbers on Warrington Road, is an event co-ordinator for the Gala. She presented Local Life with its award, alongside fellow Gala Committee member Julie Green. Ann said: “We would like to thank Local Life for their

support, which was very important. This year’s event was very successful and we’re now very much looking forward to next year!”

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Creating Wealth from Health It’s a global brand recognisable to millions. But Beecham’s history is rooted in the poverty-stricken communities of 19th Century St Helens. David Sudworth reports… when he was looking to expand his business, he knew where his products would be needed the most. Born in rural Oxfordshire in 1820, Thomas’s eye was drawn towards the power of medicine from an early age. It’s said his mother, Sarah, had healing skills which he inherited. Like many children from poor families at the time, Thomas was put to work at an early age. By eight years old, he was working as a shepherd in the county’s fields, using wild herbs and plants to cure the ailments of his sick sheep. In his spare time, he started refining his mixtures for human consumption. In 1847, he married Jane Evans in Liverpool and shortly afterwards, the couple moved to Wigan, where they set up shop at 120 Wallgate, selling groceries alongside Beecham’s own increasingly popular brands.

“Where there’s muck, there’s brass,” so the old saying goes. And in the 1800s, there was plenty of muck in the heavily industrialised North West. Factories bellowed out plume after dense plume of acrid smoke, whilst in the bowels of the earth below, men toiled for hours harvesting the ‘black gold’ of the Lancashire coalfields, their naked torsos covered in a mixture of soot and perspiration. While industrialisation provided work, health in these traditional, working class communities was poor, and remained so well into the 20th Century. Celebrated author George Orwell noted the poverty in his book, The Road To Wigan Pier, where he observed: “Labyrinthine slums and dark back kitchens with sickly, ageing people creeping round and round them like black beetles.” A hand to mouth existence prevailed. A young man who was starting to make a name for himself in over-the-counter remedies for common ailments of the time, Thomas Beecham, knew this. So

On the face of it, in a time of grinding poverty, it’s puzzling as to why paid-for medication such as Beecham’s became so popular. However, in a world where the NHS was still 100 years off, most working men simply couldn’t afford the GP consultation fees. Also, they were worried that, by going to the doctor, they would be declared unfit for a day’s labour. In the absence of sick pay, their financial positions would go from dire to disastrous, so they turned to products like those dispensed by Beecham. In 1858, disaster struck the business when Thomas’s wife, Jane, mistakenly sold a mislabelled bottle, resulting in the death of a seven-year-old local boy through overdose. In what was then a very close knit community, the family were

hounded out of Wigan. A public auction took place over two days in November that year and it was a case of ‘everything must go’. It has however puzzled historians as to why Beecham sold all his stock and equipment as he next went to St Helens and opened a shop there on Milk Street in the town centre. Due to her fatal mistake in Wigan, Jane was not allowed anywhere near the new St Helens shop. It was in St Helens where the first Beecham’s advert appeared, on August 6, 1859, in a local newspaper with the strapline ‘Worth a Guinea a Box’. When Thomas Beecham’s son, Joseph, joined the company in 1863 they raised their annual advertising budget from £69 to £382. The company weren’t averse to making some dubious claims in their advertisements, from suggesting their cures were used by reigning monarch Queen Victoria, to them simply being ‘the best pills in the world’. However, it wasn’t just newspaper adverts which saw bore the Beecham name, they exploited every method possible to get their name out there – even school books and sheet music were plastered with the Beecham logo. Although not uncommon today, back in the more genteel times of the 1800s, these marketing tactics caught the imagination.

A Man of Note

Apart from medicine, the Beecham name is also synonymous with music. Sir Thomas Beecham, the son of Sir Joseph Beecham and the grandson of the Beecham empire founder, Thomas Beecham, was a conductor and impresario best known for his association with the Royal Philharmonic and London Philharmonic orchestras. He first performed publicly in St Helens in 1899 and even performed in honour of his father when he became Mayor of St Helens. Although initially not fully supportive of his son’s musical endeavours, it is thought Sir Thomas’s performance at his father’s Mayoral inauguration helped win his father round. He was described by the BBC as Britain’s first international conductor, travelling to Australia, Canada, South Africa and America. Sir Thomas was knighted in 1916 but also received the Legion d’Honneur from France and the Order of the White Rose of Finland. He died in 1961 but even years after his death, he continued to be celebrated. In 1980, his image adorned a series of stamps produced by the Royal Mail. Last year, he was voted into the inaugural Gramophone magazine Hall of Fame. with employees regularly putting in a 60 hour week, whereas employees at nearby Pilkington’s were working around a 55 hour week.

By 1876, the family started building their own £30,000 factory on Westfield Street, which is now part of St Helens College. Working hours in the factory were long,

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Thomas was by now divorced from Jane, who had died in 1872 and was buried in a pauper’s grave in St Helens Cemetery. He went on to marry again twice. Although Thomas initially moved to a resplendent residence in Buckinghamshire, he didn’t settle so came back north. He retired to Southport, building a house in Norwood Avenue. He died in 1907, aged 86, and is buried in St Helens Cemetery.

Although worried he might live his life in his father’s shadow while connected to the company, son Joseph became a notable person in his own right. He was Mayor of St Helens twice, in 1889 and 1910, and was knighted in 1914. He died two years later, aged 68.

Saturday 7th December, 10am at Sutton Leisure Centre, Elton Head Road Whether it’s a 5km Dash, a shorter Mini Dash or Santa Zumba, we ho, ho, hope you can join us for some festive fun! Use your own Santa suit - dress it up, glitz it up and personalise it! It doesn’t even have to be red and the beard is optional!

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Entry is £8 for adults, £4 for kids and under 5s go free. All we ask is that you try to raise as much sponsorship as you can. Everyone is welcome!

An hour long Zumba class dressed as Santa! All ages and abilities are welcome! Entry is just £5.

Beecham’s is now part of the multinational GlaxoSmithKline company but the brand, complete with its distinctive, colourful packaging, can still be seen in chemist shops and supermarkets across the world. Barely a week goes by without a Beecham’s advert popping up on TV. With the Beecham name still in the public eye, there is still a large amount of interest in the family and their story. Sue Wiliamson, Head of Libraries in St Helens, says they receive hundreds of enquiries every year about the work of Beecham and his links to the town: “Local people are very proud of their roots and the famous sons and daughters of the borough. Our local history and archives library stores a wealth of information about his life and work but also statistics and research about hundreds of people and organisations.” For more information on the Beechams, visit the Search Room on the first floor of the Central Library building in Victoria Square, where staff are available to provide assistance. Opening hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-7pm, and Saturdays 10am4pm. . For bookings call 01744 676952 or email localhistory&archivesservices@sthelens.gov.uk

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Peace Light St Helens is set to welcome the Bethlehem Peace Light on Tuesday, December 17. It will arrive at St Anne and Blessed Dominic’s Catholic Church, Monastery Lane, from 6.30pm and the community are invited to join in. A large ecumenical service will be led by Father Peter Hannah, Parish Priest, together with the ministers from the other churches. Children from the primary schools, St Anne’s, Willow Tree, Sutton Oak, Robins Lane, Eaves and Sherdley, are coming together to form a Peace choir to sing at the service alongside the Celebration Choir together with representatives from the local Scout Group will be helping in the distribution of the Peace Light. On Wednesday, December 18, the area will be celebrating Peace Light Holding Day at Sutton Village Church, Herbert Street, from 10am-4pm.

People are invited to take their own storm hurricane lanterns. Organisers say this is a community day for anyone to drop in and have a cup of tea or coffee and mince pie, take part in some Christmas activities, meet up with friends or make new friends. The Sutton schools’ choirs will be singing throughout the morning. The Peace Light will then be taken in the Mayor’s Parlour at St Helens Town Hall.

In Loving Memory The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s Celebrate a Life Remembrance Service is being held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool this year. The service takes place on Saturday, December 21, at 2pm and 4pm. To make a donation, visit www.roycastle.org/celebratealife or call 0333 323 7200.

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Good Reflection! A well-known family business is gearing up to celebrate a quarter of a century serving the local community. Next year will mark 25 years since Brian and Debbie Flanders set up Rainhill UPVc. With more than 37 years’ experience in the trade in total, 95% of the Scotchbarn Lane firm’s business comes from recommendations and cover areas such as of St Helens, Rainhill, Prescot, Whiston, Huyton, Knowsley and beyond.

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Brian told Local Life: “I come from the manufacturing side so knew a lot about the industry, and knew I could communicate with people. Over the years, the job has become more streamlined and people want good value for money. We don’t employ salesmen so are able to be very competitive. I like meeting people and helping them to improve their homes, the surrounding community and making them more secure in their homes. I’d like to thank the thousands of customers who have helped to make the business a success - without the customer we don’t have a business.”

Sheds Sale starts 30th November, up to Log Cabins 40% off all exdisplay buildings Workshops Wendy Houses Summer Houses Free delivery Free 100% pressure treated Free erection See our show sites at;

Trebaron Garden Centre Southworth Road, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0BS Telephone: 01925 220858 Lady Green Garden Centre Ince Blundell, Nr Formby, L38 1QB Telephone: 0151 929 2800 Head Ofﬁce 10 Greenhey Place, Skelmersdale WN 8 9SA Telephone: 01695 51442

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Business Review - by David Sudworth

A Family Tradition…

If Christmas means one thing, it’s tradition. Whether it’s Aunt Mabel nodding off after one too many snowballs, or gathering everyone around the TV to watch Her Majesty deliver her seasonal message, there’s something reassuringly familiar about the festive period.

However, the world in which we celebrate Christmas has changed substantially in recent years. The high street has taken a battering since the growth of internet shopping. But despite this, the signs for the future are encouraging. Experts predict that UK retail sales this Christmas will be the best since 2007. It’s said this is partly to do with the general economic picture improving, and that there was a mini baby boom during the recession - meaning people will be spending more on children! One local company which has withstood this and many other recessions is boutique department store Tyrers, on Bridge Street, St Helens. Founded 125 years ago by William Tinsley Tyrer with just a £50 loan and a box of boots, Tyrers has been passed through the family for generations and is now headed by Ali Tyrer, the great granddaughter of William. Over the years, the retail landscape has changed but Ali says Tyrers’ continued success is down to consistently providing quality, choice and something different for the customer. It’s an ethos which is even more important at Christmas time, one of Tyrers’ busiest and most important trading periods of the year.

Visiting Tyrers, it’s not hard to see why it is described as ‘traditionally fashionable’, and known as being ‘the Harrods of the North West’. The store is beautifully laid out. Its five floors are serviced by an elegant staircase and art on the walls. On each floor, you will find leading names in its men’s and ladies’ clothing, fashion accessories, lingerie, fragrances, cosmetics and formal hire departments. The Eating Place restaurant on the top floor was refurbished last year and complements the rest of the store beautifully. During my visit, I managed to sample its Christmas Dinner which was quality on a plate. Succulent turkey, perfectly roasted potatoes, aromatic sage and onion stuffing along with a dainty addition of half a peach accompanied by cranberry sauce. For desert, I had what can only be described as the most delicious mince pie and cream I have tasted for a very long time. The phrase ‘melt in the mouth’ is very much overused but for these, I can think of no better or more accurate description. All the floors are tastefully adorned with decorations and Christmas trees. Mother-of-three Ali is especially proud that Tyrers has a ‘proper Santa’s grotto’ (pictured on the right) located in the menswear section on the lower ground floor (ticket only – call 01744 20261 for more information). Next to the grotto is a selection of high quality, but value-for-money, Christmas decorations. It’s difficult not to start humming Wizzard or Slade while choosing what to purchase. Ali knows these next few weeks in the run up to Christmas are important for Tyrers, and she is determined to round of this 125th anniversary year by giving

her customers a fantastic experience. “Christmas is a traditional time of year, and as a company we are driven by tradition, and also family values. I want people to come into our store and enjoy the experience. That’s why we have continued to invest and ensure it looks modern and contemporary. We have the ‘wow’ factor, our store wouldn’t look out of place in a large city, but people love the fact they don’t need to do that when they have it here on their own doorstep.”

The high street may have changed substantially, but a lot like Christmas itself, Tyrers continues to offer a traditional service in a modern setting. Whether it is a gift for a loved one, a chance to take the children or grandchildren to see Santa, or an opportunity to spoil yourself, choosing Tyrers is the perfect way to ensure all your Christmases come at once. Free mince pie with every Christmas Lunch offer see coupon over the page!

www.tyrers.com 14-16 Bridge Street, St Helens, WA10 1NR T: 01744 26551

www.locallife247.co.uk

New Members

Tree of Remembrance

A successful sports club is on the look-out for new members in its men’s and women’s section. Prescot Hockey Club runs several adult sides and open training is on Wednesdays from 8pm-9pm at Sutton Leisure Centre for ages 14 upwards.

The Friends of St Helens Cemetery are once again hosting their Christmas Tree of Remembrance Service at St Helens Crematorium at 11am on Saturday, December 14. It will be held at the Crematorium Chapel, on Rainford Road, and The Citadel Choir will sing a selection of carols during the ceremony. A tree will be placed in the Book of Remembrance building where you can hang a personalised leaf in memory of your loved one. Everyone is welcome to attend and refreshments will be provided after the ceremony. For more details email hello@ friendsofsthelenscemetery.co.uk or ask for details at the Crematorium Office. Alternatively, visit www. friendsofsthelenscemetery.co.uk

Established in 1953, the club has a great history and is now looking forward to a bright future, working with St Helens Sports Development over the coming months to host hockey taster sessions for school. Prescot Ladies are the current Greater Manchester Division Two and Division Four Champions with both teams gaining promotion last season. Prescot Mixed also enjoyed a great summer reaching the Manchester Summer League Final. Prescot have veterans’ teams for men over 40 and ladies over 35. For more information visit www.prescothockey.org or email prescothc@gmail.com

Free Mince Pie

with every Christmas Lunch! Offer available every day (except Saturdays) until 22nd Dec 2013

e Taste th

difference at Tyrers!

Name

..........................................................................

E-mail

..........................................................................

Postcode .......................................................................... www.tyrers.com 14-16 Bridge Street, St Helens, WA10 1NR T: 01744 26551

First Class! Want to treat the kiddies to an afternoon of fun? Then here’s a date for your diaries – Postman Pat is coming to Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park in 2014. The TV favourite, along with his cat Jess, will be at the Longview Drive venue in Huyton on Sunday, March 9. There will be two performances, at 1pm and 3.30pm. Tickets are £12 for adults, £10 for children and a family ticket costs £40. They can be purchased on 0151 443 220 or 0844 5610622.

Reclaim Your Being able to look out at your garden on a Sunday morning whilst you relax with the papers and a cup of tea is one of life’s pleasures, but at this time of year, your conservatory lets you down by hosting temperatures more suitable for penguins than us human beings! We all bought into the home improvement revolution, seeing a conservatory as a costeffective way of adding space and value to a home. Sadly though, research shows that in the UK, a conservatory is unlikely to provide more than two hours of comfortable temperatures per day, which usually happen when we’re all out at work. Conservatories overheat in summer and they resemble a see-through fridge in winter. Our hard-earned cash has been invested into conservatories which, for many of us, have become, quite literally, white elephants. But now, with the help of long-established local company Freedom Conservatory Roof Conversions, you can re-claim your dream conservatory and the sunshine lifestyle to go with it. With their innovative celling modiﬁcations, they can make your conservatory up to 95% warmer in winter and up to 75% cooler in summer. Not only that, but you’ll even save money on those ever-rising energy bills!

before

The conversion work transforms the internal appearance of your after conservatory roof and you’ll be left with a clean, crisp new plastered and painted ceiling with modern spot lighting inside instead of an ugly plastic roof. Customers can even opt to have a slated roof built on top of their old roof, so that the external view of the conservatory is transformed too! The owner of Freedom Conservatory Roof Conversions, Paul Stubbs, says “The conversion process takes around ﬁve days and there will be minimal disruption to your home. In addition to the roof conversion, there are all sorts of extra options available; we can convert your conservatory into a cinema room, or even an

Well done Freedom for the best idea I have seen since double glazing! I now have a 7 metre lounge with Freedom doing a full makeover and that new ceiling looks amazing in the conservatory, especially with the new lighting system that was ﬁtted. Thanks - Mr Dale from Winstanley

www.freedomconservatoryroofs.co.uk 28

Space!

De Paymeferred nt P Available lans

10 Year insurance-backed guarantee extra bedroom. We will manage the process from start to ﬁnish, using skilled tradesmen to ensure that you’re absolutely delighted with the results”. So when you’re writing out your New Year’s resolutions, make sure the pledge at the very top of the list is to convert your conservatory roof in 2014, so that you can get use of your conservatory 365 days a year. For more details of the conversion process, call Freedom Conservatory Roof Solutions on 01942 465000 or call Paul’s mobile 07761 966 024.

Alternatively, you can view Freedom’s conversion work at the Hot Tub Outlet, at Unit 1 - JGB Investment Park, Stephens Way, Goose Green, Wigan WN3 6PG.

no deposit required prior to completion of work

Showroom: Hot Tub Outlet, Unit 1 - JGB Investment Park, Stephens Way, Goose Green, Wigan, WN3 6PG

Call 01942 465 000 | 07761 966 024 www.locallife247.co.uk

Wordsearch Sudoku

Puzzle Corner

Guess where? Photo courtesy of Prescot Museum

Answers are on page 53 of this magazine Santa Carols Stocking Sleigh Bauble Tinsel Children Snow Rudolph Angel Kings

Chimney BabyJesus Gold Star Mistletoe Presents Turkey Cracker Sing Candle Love

Find all the words associated with â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Christmasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase.

www.locallife247.co.uk

Top Dog! A local vet is celebrating 25 years of being top dog! Steve Harrison set up Springbank Veterinary Surgery in 1988 in an old grocery store in Scotchbarn Lane, Prescot. Since then, the interior of the shop was rebuilt and they added a large extension, resulting in a modern, well-equipped surgery. Steve said: “We are proud to be an independent practice. As pet owners ourselves, our goal has always been to offer our clients the same service we would like to receive for our own pets, and we are proud that our dedicated team help us to achieve this. Thank you to all our clients and their pets – we have really enjoyed having the opportunity to be able to get to know them and their pets over the past 25 years, and look forward continuing to do so.”

N C E L E B R AT I G 2 5 Y E A R S

Springbank Veterinary Surgery

137 Scotchbarn Lane, Prescot, L35 7JA

T: 0151 426 8999 Since opening in 1988, Springbank Veterinary Surgery has built an excellent reputation for great quality, small animal care at an affordable price.

• RCVS accredited • Purpose built operating suite and wards • X-ray and Ultrasound • In house laboratory • Monitored anaesthesia • Dentistry • Highly trained staff

Your local, independent vets – our aim is to treat every patient as though it was our own. Opening hours Monday - Friday 8.30am-6.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 12 noon In Case of Emergency, contact

0151 426 8999

www.springbankvets.co.uk 32

Table Top Sale The push to raise £250,000 for Prescot Parish Church’s new roof continues with a table top sale on Saturday, November 30. The church, on Vicarage Place, needs to take action over the roof as the17th Century timbers are suffering from a deathwatch beetle infestation. The church says English Heritage has promised partial funding, but it has been organising events to get the remainder of the money into place. The sale is between 10am-2pm in the Meeting Room adjacent to the church, and refreshments are provided. Entry is free and all are welcome.

Development Call Windle Parish Council has called for land adjacent to Bleak Hill Farm to be developed as soon as possible. Parish councillors made the comments after raising no objections to a recently submitted planning application to build six semi-detached homes and one detached home at the site off Bleak Hill Road. The Parish Council said that on account of the continued postponement of any already approved development on this land over several years, the site has become “very overgrown and an eye-sore in a prime residential area.” It added that the proposed development would be “a great improvement”.

Reflexology Reiki Massage • Infertility Reflexology • Reflexology for ADHD • Stress Related Disorders • Pain Management • Neals Yard Organic Remedies Consultant • Home Visits Available • Gift vouchers For an appointment please call Jane on

07816 611366

Hands on Healing 12 Atherton Street, Prescot L34 5QN www.handsonhealing-rainhill.co.uk

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Prescot Crafts

Christmas Show

There’s some Christmas crafty fun going on at Prescot Museum, in the Prescot Centre, Aspinall Street, on Saturday, December 7. Artists will be on hand between 12.30pm and 3pm to help you make tree decorations guaranteed to brighten up anyone’s home. The artist-led workshop is free, and there’s no need to book.

Rainhill Model Railway Club is holding a Christmas Show at Rainhill Village Hall, Weaver Avenue, on Saturday, November 30, from 10am-5pm. Admission is £2 for adults and £3 for children, and includes a visit and gift from Santa. For more information, visit www.rainhillmrc. org.uk

Super Troupers!

2014 Entertainment

Are you aged between one and 40, and have a passion for dance? Fusion Morris Dancers are looking for new girls to join their troupe. No experience necessary, and they practice every Thursday between 5pm and 7pm at Whiston Town Hall, Old Colliery Road. Weekly subs are £1.50.

Start 2014 by remembering the sounds of yesteryear. ‘A Tribute to Elvis, the Four Tops and Neil Diamond’ will sing in the New Year at Rainhill Ex-Services Club, on Warrington Road, this December 31. Tickets are £12 and there’s also a raffle. For more information, call the club on 0151 426 4625.

THE

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Chinese Meals

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69-73 High Street, Newton Le Willows, WA12 9SL

0151 426 1412

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Opening Hours

7-9 Warrington Road, Prescot

If you can’t see the meal of your choice we will try and make it for you

01925 291 989

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Choose anything from the menu - any starter, any main (including rice*), ice cream or gateau, coffee and mints (King Prawn, Steak and Set Meal not included) * Special Rice 50p extra

Available: Sunday to Thursday 5:30pm to 7:30pm Friday to Saturday 5:30pm to 7:00pm

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Christma s O r ders n

Hayes Traditional Butchers

ow being

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Premium Quality Fresh Meat in Rainhill

Hayes Traditional Butchers take great pride in selling premium quality meat. From lamb and pork chops to full joints, we sell cuts of meat as you want them. Christmas Orders now being taken for:

• Local Turkeys

Scotch Beef from Inverurie Aberdeenshire, hung on the bone for 3 weeks.

• Turkey Breast Roast

Free Range Pork from Yorkshire.

• Turkey Crowns

Scottish Highland Lamb.

• Local Geese

Free Range Poultry.

• Extra Mature Scotch Beef

We also produce our own Bacon, Sausage and cooked ham.

• Kelly Bronze Free Range Turkeys

• Free Range Pork • Highland Lamb • Balmoral Venison

Home delivery around St Helens, Rainhill, Prescot, Liverpool, Warrington, and Widnes.

• Also local pheasants and much more game including partridge, grouse etc.

576 Warrington Road, Rainhill, Merseyside L35 4LZ

www.locallife247.co.uk

0151 426 4604 35

Lights of Love

Countdown Begins…

This year’s Lights of Love services for Willowbrook Hospice take place on the following dates and locations:

St Helens town centre is hosting a number of events in the countdown to Christmas. Highlights over a number of weekends before the big day have been unveiled by council chiefs.

Monday, December 9: Prescot Parish Church, Church St. Tuesday, December 10: Holy Spirit Church, Dovecot Avenue, Dovecot. Wednesday, December 11: St Mary’s Lowe House, North Road, St Helens. All the services start at 7pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

Competition Winner Congratulations to Mrs Jenna Cottam, of Aynsley Court, St Helens, who won a spa day for two in our Vitality Spa competition, which was featured in the October/ November edition of Local Life.

Among the highlights are: Saturday, November 30: The Crazy Bears Christmas Show. Saturday, December 7: Real penguins and Wirral Sound Marching Band. Saturday, December 14: Santa and his real reindeer. Saturday, December 21: Festive singing from the Visual Ministry Gospel Choir. Shoppers are advised that town centre car parks, except the Millennium Centre car park, will be free on the Saturdays before Christmas at Chalon Way, Tontine, St.Mary’s, Hardshaw Centre and Birchley Street. Visit http://www.whatsoninsthelens.com for more information.

Dry January

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Prescot residents are being encouraged to cut out booze for one month. National alcohol charity Alcohol Concern, supported by Knowsley Council’s Public Health team, is currently promoting Dry January - a 31 day challenge to stay off alcohol. The charity is aiming to sign up at least 10,000 people for the 2014 challenge. To sign up, visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk

10 x 1 hour lessons for £199 Pay for 10 - get 1 lesson FREE Excellent 1st time pass rates Discount for students Patient and professional tuition Approved Driving Instructor

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

Get In Touch! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser? If so, get in touch with us today!

provide the information, the better the job we can do.

Local Life is distributed to thousands of homes across Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire. Each edition is crammed with stories for local events, and your group could be appearing in our next edition. Not only that, we can also tweet about your event to our 1,600+ followers on Twitter!

David said: “Every month, we give community groups and organisations publicity in our magazines. Our readers enjoy keeping an eye out for local events so if you want to draw a crowd to your club or group’s latest gathering, you need to be in Local Life.”

So how do you go about it? Simply contact our Temporary Editor David Sudworth (pictured) with the details of the event - what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can

So don’t delay – contact David today by calling 01744 649722 or emailing him directly at editorial@ locallife247.co.uk

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Sleigh to Go! Three organisations are teaming up to ensure kiddies in the local area have a funfilled festive season. St Helens College stepped in when the Rotary Club of Prescot’s Christmas float needed to be replaced after around 25 years of loyal service. Students have been working over the weeks to build a new one from scratch. Northgate Vehicle Hire’s Knowsley branch is providing the towing vehicle for the float when it begins its tour around the area on Sunday, December 8, in Knowsley Village. Debbie Slowey, branch manager at Northgate, told Local Life: “We like to get involved with local community initiatives so are only too pleased to help.” Jim Clarke, programme leader at St Helens College, said: “The students have been involved in each stage of the process and have really enjoyed it. They’ve been working on it for weeks and are looking forward to seeing it finished.”

Gerry Houghton, the project co-ordinator from the Rotary Club of Prescot, said: “We are really grateful for all the support we have received from St Helens College and Northgate – it has been great and we’d like to say a big thank you.” Full details of the dates and times for the float can be found on the page opposite.

Santa

is coming to town… This December Santa will be visiting the following locations bet�een 6pm and 8.30pm Knowsley Village Sunday 8th Whiston South Monday 9th Rainhill West Tuesday 10th

Rainhill West Cent�al Wednesday 11th Prescot South Thursday 12th Eccleston Park Sunday 15th

Eccleston Park Monday 16th Prescot Nor�h Tuesday 17th

Whiston Cent�al Thursday 18th He will also be at Asda in Huy�on on the 13th 14th and 15th December and Tescos in Prescot on the 21st 22nd 23rd and 24th December. Or come and see him at Eccleston St�eet Prescot on Christ�as Eve 9am – 1pm

Club of Prescot

www.locallife247.co.uk

Competition

Win a Christ�as

Every year for the past five years, we have lovingly compiled Christmas Hampers to use as prizes for our reader competitions. And now you have the chance to win one of the eight hampers we have earmarked for readers of our magazines. Each Christmas hamper will be filled to the brim with luxury seasonal produce, much of which is made in Lancashire. The finished contents of the hamper was still being finalised as we went to press in midNovember, but we can tell you that each hamper will

include Christmas cake, chocolates, mince pies, cheese, shortbread, wine, real ale, nuts, sweets and a lot more besides. We source the produce from local manufacturers where we are able, and many of the products come from local farm shops and local farmers markets. The produce is packaged in an attractive and sturdy wicker basket and expertly wrapped in cellophane and ribbons. Even if you’re not a natural ‘foodie’, these hampers would make a wonderful present for someone special in your life, because each hamper is full of luxury items and will bring a little extra to their Christmas.

Hamper! Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8 – Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB



To win one of these Christmas Hampers, simply complete the Christmas Hits crossword on the opposite page and return your entry to;

Or simply email your answers, along with your name, address, postcode and contact number, to crossword@ locallife247.co.uk.

Across

Your entry must be with us by 5pm on Wednesday 11th December and the lucky winners will be notified within 48 hours and presented with their prizes on the weekend of 14/15th December.

6. White _ (Bing Crosby)

We will also be giving away a further hamper to one of our Twitter followers, so follow us on @locallifemedia for another chance to win this hamper. Look out for our Twitter feed for details of the competition which will be staged on 11th & 12th December! Pictures of the lucky winners, along with their hampers, will be posted on Twitter and will also be printed in the January magazines.

1. Fairytale of New _ (The Pogues) 3. I wish it _ be Christmas everyday - Wizzard 9. _Christmas Everybody (Slade)

Down 2. Do They _ it’s Christmas (Band Aid) 4. _ Christmas (George Michael) 5. Stop The _ (Jona Lewie) 7. _ Christmas(War is Over) - (John & Yoko) 8. Mistletoe and _ (Cliff Richard)

Name ................................................................................................ Address ............................................................................................

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.

Good luck to all who enter – and a Happy Christ�as to all! www.locallife247.co.uk

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

Christ�as Events Sunday, December 1,

Saturday, December 7, and 14,

Christmas Crafts and Wreath Making

Grassington Dickensian Festival

Get into the swing of the festive season and make your very own Christmas wreath and ornaments using materials harvested from the park. All children under 16 require adult supervision.

Grassington travels back in time for the annual Dickensian Festival. Visitors are treated to a glorious array of sights, tastes and smells from a bygone era. The village is adorned in Christmas lights, the square and streets come alive with a traditional market with shopkeepers and villagers dressed in Victorian costume. Visitors can revel in delight at the musicians, dancers, street entertainers and exhibitions of traditional country crafts.

Meet at the Ranger Station, Beacon Country Park, Beacon Lane, Up Holland, WN8 7RU Time: 1pm Cost: FREE Details: 01695 622794 Where:

Thursday, December 5

A Taste of Christmas at Warbeck Enjoy a welcome glass of mulled wine, Christmas displays, speciality food tasting and pick up tips from demonstrations at Warbreck Garden Centre in Lathom, near Ormskirk. Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Warbreck Garden Centre, Lyelake Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, L40 6JW 5pm-8.30pm Free, and free car parking on site www.warbreck.co.uk

Saturday, December 7,

Chorley United Reformed Church Christmas Fair Festive event to be opened by Chorley’s Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr John Walker and Marie Walker. Fun for all the fanily. Where: Time:

Chorley United Reformed Church, Hollinshead Street 11.30am to 1.30pm, followed by an afternoon concert from 2pm-3pm

Where:

Time: Cost: Details:

Grassington town centre, North Yorkshire. Park & Ride at Threshfield Quarry: BD23 5PA. No car parking in Threshfield or Grassington on the day of the event. 11am-5pm Free Email dickensian@grassington.uk.com

Sunday, December 8,

Croston Christmas Fair The village comes together once again for this festive delight. The day culminates with a torch lit procession to St Michael’s Church for Carols for Croston, a prayer and collection for Christian Aid. Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Trinity & St.Michaels Primary School, Croston Old School and Croston Community Centre 1pm-5.15pm Free, and free car parking at Bishop Rawstorne CE Academy www.crostonfestivities.co.uk

...mer�� Christ�as! 42

Guide Sunday, December 15

Vintage Market If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary then make sure you don’t miss this special event. True and reworked vintage, up cycled goods and retro designs galore! Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Address: Chapel Gallery, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QR 10am-4pm

Chester Victorian Christmas Market If you are looking for the perfect place to hunt out those special Christmas gifts, then look no further than this year’s Christmas Market in Chester with local crafts, gifts and food and drink vendors, it’s the perfect way to spend the day. This Christmas, Chester has a vibrant calendar of festive events to tempt you, with Winter Wonderland: Chester’s first ever Christmas destination, sparkly, magical lanterns, winter parades, carol concerts, festive theatre and more. City Centre, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ 10am-6pm, seven days a week Free 01244 405631

Sunday, December 22

Haigh Hall Family Christmas Carvery A very special pre-Christmas treat that no family should miss out on. Come along to Haigh Hall and join in the festive celebrations with the Christmas Brass Band, a visit from Santa with gifts for the children. Reservations essential. Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Manchester Christmas Market If you want to get in the mood for Christmas, a visit to the Manchester Christmas Market is a must. With chalet-lined streets, colourful displays and the smell of mulled wine in the year, it’s an event which all the family can enjoy. This year the market will be celebrating its 15th year and will take over nine different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. Where:

Time:

Free Email chapel.gallery@westlancs.gov.uk

Until Saturday, December 21,

Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Until Sunday, December 22,

Cost: Details:

Manchester City Centre: Albert Square, Brazennose Street, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, Corporation Street 10am-7.30pm weekdays in November 10am-8pm weekdays in December 10am-7.30pm on Saturdays in November 10am-7.30pm on Sundays in November 10am-8pm on Saturdays in December 10am-6pm on Sundays in December Free www.christmasmarkets.com

Until Sunday, December 22,

Liverpool Christmas Market Set in the heart of the city centre, Liverpool Christmas Market provides the perfect opportunity to get those Christmas stocking fillers. Where: Cost: Details:

Lord Street, Church Street and Whitechapel, Liverpool, L1 8LT Free www.visitliverpool.com

Until Saturday, January 11,

Christmas Crafts Exhibition Inspirational and unique gifts abound in this Christmas Crafts exhibition. An opportunity to find great gifts for that special someone or a treat for yourself and all handmade by talented artisans. Christmas Crafts offers a more relaxed way of Christmas shopping. Where: Cost: Details:

The World of Glass, Chalon Way East, St Helens WA10 1BX Free 01744 22766 or www.worldofglass.com

Haigh Hall, Wigan, WN2 1PE Midday-4pm £17.95 adults, £9.95 children 01942 832895

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Recipe of the month

Boxing Day Soup Serves: 4 Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 30-40 minutes

Method Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in the celery and fry for 5 minutes, then add the potatoes and fry for a further 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the curry paste or stuffing if using. Cook for a further minute or two, then pour in the stock. Bring to the boil and stir well. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Add the leftover veg and meat (if using) into the pan and warm through. Pour the soup into a food processor or blender and either blitz to a smooth purée, or leave a few chunks for texture. Return the soup to the pan. You may need to thin the soup to the consistency you like with hot water or stock, then taste for seasoning. Reheat thoroughly, and pour into bowls with spoonfuls of yogurt or crème fraîche swirled on top, then serve with crusty bread.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil • 1 medium onion, chopped • 2 celery sticks, chopped • 2 medium potatoes, about 350g/12oz total weight, peeled and cut into small chunks • 1 tbsp curry paste (optional) or stuffing (optional) • 1.2 litres / 2 pints vegetable stock • 550g / 1lb 4 oz leftover roasted or boiled vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips and squash, roughly chopped. • Add any leftover meat such as turkey, beef, ham, sausages etc, or this can be left as a vegetarian soup • Salt and pepper for seasoning • Natural yogurt or crème fraîche - to serve

Class from the Past - Prescot County Primary School

This month’s Class from the Past photograph is from Prescot Country Primary School. It’s believed the picture was taken in the late 1950s. As a result, it’s likely those pictured here are in their 60s now. We’re always on the lookout for old class photos to feature in this column, so if you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to David Sudworth at

editorial@locallife247.co.uk with the name of the school, the approximate year it was taken and, if possible, some of the names of those on the photograph. Perhaps you’re organising a school reunion soon and want to publicise it – what better way than sending in an old class picture for us to use!

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Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay

Vauxhall Mokka The Vauxhall Mokka mixes functionality with a comfortable elevated seating position. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Griffin-badged companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answer to the Nissan Juke or the Skoda Yeti. Power to the small Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is provided by three efficient engines, all

equipped with fuel saving Start/Stop technology. The petrol version comprises a 1.6-litre engine or a 1.4-litre Turbo and there is a 1.7-litre CDTI diesel. I drove the 113bhp 1.6 petrol Mokka; it has moderate pulling power, but working your way through the five speed gearbox, it eventually spins up to a decent speed. It also provides a smooth and grippy ride.

Looks-wise, the Mokka is beefy and incorporates Vauxhall’s signature ‘blade’ on the body side, sweeping towards the rear. Its muscular disposition is reinforced by its higher ground clearance and 18” alloy wheels.

expect, the extra technology ensures a high level of stability and traction, extending the car’s capabilities to more rugged environments. It’s always worth having for extra safety reasons alone.

But what I really liked about the Mokka is its cleverness. Inside, the vehicle displays archetypal Vauxhall values such as versatility and user-friendly functionality, providing up to 1,372-litres of load space and 19 storage locations. The Mokka also offers the latest generation Flex-Fix bicycle carrier. The user-friendly case is fully integrated in the rear underbody, functioning like a drawer and accommodating up to three bikes at a time. Brilliant, if you’re into two-wheeled outdoor family fun.

Standard features that enhanced the driving experience for me included Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control as well as Hill Start Assist. Other progressive, upmarket gadgetry the Mokka brings to the table includes Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting. This increases driving safety and includes High Beam Assist. The lights cut a way through the dark like a laser - they really are that good.

The SUV is available in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive. The 4x4 system wasn’t fitted to my demo, but if I was in the market for a Mokka I’d definitely want it. As you’d

The Vauxhall Mokka range is available priced, as my test model was, from a very reasonable £15,995 - and it’s far more handsome than its unsightly rival, the Nissan Juke.

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Jack’s Tracks

Formby We’ve all done it. Whether it’s one slug of sherry too much in the trifle, or a slither of excess sage in the stuffing, Christmas is a time where overindulgence isn’t only acceptable, but positively encouraged. Belts are loosened and diets are quietly ignored for the day as the nation feasts on turkey, James Bond repeats and tins of brightly packaged sweets.

is available, but there’s a £5 cost per car (free to Trust members). Very limited free, on-street parking is available nearby. Fortunately, this walk is well signposted and we took the southerly ‘Squirrel Walk’ route through the pinewoods. Jack was in a bit of a sulk due to there being a ‘dogs must be kept on a lead’ rule in the pinewoods. Despite his obvious celebrity status, Jack was quite rightly given no preferential treatment but did his best to set the pace by yanking me forward at every given opportunity.

Whether it’s the urge to let our hair down after a long year, or a desperate attempt to numb the pain from having the in-laws round, I cannot comment. But as night follows day, come December 26, the nation will once again wake up and mutter a bleary-eyed vow of ‘never again!’ But help is at hand as this walk is sure to blow away the Boxing Day cobwebs. Sandwiched between the elegant Victorian seaside resort of Southport and the port of Liverpool, Formby draws visitors from all over to its fascinating pinewoods, home to the endangered red squirrel. Behind this lies a marvellous expanse of sand dunes and coast which eases out to the Irish Sea. Jack never passes up the chance to get out his bucket and spade, so we packed up the Local Life charabanc once again and headed to Formby Point. Parking at the National Trust Formby Point site on Victoria Road

We meandered through the formal paths, past a very large clearing, and then onto a predominantly sandy path which heads towards Blundell Avenue. Cross directly over Blundell Avenue and continue on. At this point, Jack looked at me quizzically as before us lay a number of informal routes. We chose to stick to those which have the odd brick on, helping us keep a grip as the terra became decidedly less firma, but whichever one you take, they all lead to more or less the same

place. On the horizon, there’s a line of pine trees acting as a useful guide to where we needed to head towards. Just past the trees, we turned right at the wooden signpost pointing towards the beach which took us to a massive expanse of grass land. On the right hand side, we could see the back of St Joseph’s Care Home. Regular readers will know that Jack loves rooting out a ‘fetch’ stick on our walks. But by the halfway point, he’d showed no signs of keeping up his playful tradition… until he spotted another dog playing ball with his owner. Within seconds he sniffed out his own new toy for the day, and normal service was resumed. The path now started to narrow, and the faint sound of angry waves became more pronounced. The only thing between us now and the coast was the fabulous dunes. The virgin sand here is a true sight to behold. Even Jack – a seasoned professional in his field - seemed impressed, so much so he discarded his stick. From here on in, my camera was going to earn its money,

Prehistoric Footprints Erosion is generally seen as a negative, but the shifting sands at Formby have actually helped uncover the area’s fascinating history with footprints dating back 7,000 years have been discovered in the past decade. The National Trust says there are currently more than 220 identified trails of human footprints in various spots across the beach. They can be seen when top layers of sand are removed by the tides to expose the prints, which are deposited in clay. The animal prints include aurochs (large wild cattle), deer, wolf, and wading birds. From these discoveries, experts have been able to steadily build up a picture of the area’s past. The average male height was 1.66 metres and average female height 1.45 metres. Most of the prints were made by children with a smaller number of women and relatively few adult males. Where males are present, they tend to occur in the same areas as red deer and have different stride patterns from the women and children. This suggests that the two groups were involved in different activities.

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lead. The sound of the sea was still ringing in my ears a few minutes later as we spotted, on the left, an area set aside for the rare, nocturnal natterjack toad. It’s clear this part of the dunes/pinewoods is used quite regularly as there was even an amusing, human-sized wooden xylophone which we couldn’t resist having a tinker with. Through the pine needled, velvet flooring of the woods, we could see the caravan park, which meant we knew we were close to the end. We bore a sharp left and before long we found ourselves back at the car park. Relief came for both of us in a bowl of water provided free of charge for dogs, and some extremely clean toilets which were also free to use.

with splendid views complemented by delicate lighting which only served to dramatize the effect. As we paced forward, the roar of the sea hit us like a Phil Spector ‘Wall of Sound’. The waves crashed against each other to produce the most vivid colours, thanks to the rays of the late year sun danced on them from above. The local windsurfers were equally appreciative as they donned their wetsuits and waded into the advancing tide. By now, there was no holding Jack back. There were other untethered dogs on the beach and to have kept him on the lead would have only meant a trip to A&E later to fit my arm back onto my shoulder. Our walk now started to take a directly northerly direction along the sands, but progress was slow due to a) Jack wanting to play in the sea and b) the stunning scenery, meaning plenty of photo ops. For those with a bit more time, there’s the chance to hunt for the recently discovered prehistoric footprints on the beach. One and a quarter miles later, we took the eastwards path signposted as Gypsy Path back over some smaller dunes and into woodland. Having had a good 45 minutes or so of freedom, Jack was now back on his

What Jack and I liked about this 3.5 mile walk is the mixture of tranquil woodland, the elegant sand dunes and the dramatic scenery of the rough sea at this time of year. This experience left us feeling clear-headed and ready to face the rest of the day ahead. So if you wake up feeling a bit groggy on December 26, instead of reaching for hair of the dog or the cafetiere, Jack and I would highly recommend you put these to one side and take a large dose of Mother Nature’s finest cure – the great British outdoors.

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.

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Victoria Road

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Larkhill Lane

Harington Road

National Trust Victoria Road Formby, L37 1LJ

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