Local Life - St Helens West - Feb/Mar 2015 by Local Life 247 Ltd

St Helens West Edition

Feb/Mar 2015

King Dick Eccleston’s Richard Seddon Class From The Past Cowley Boys Grammar Jack’s Tracks visits Darwen Tower www.locallife247.co.uk

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All Change Ahead

In this issue

It’s an exciting time here at Local Life HQ.

26 28 32 34 38 40 41 44 46 47

Not only have we been compiling this edition, which we hope you agree is full of interesting information, events, interviews and advertisements, we’ve been hard at work on a re-vamp of the magazine which will take place as of the next issue. You can expect some big changes to the look and feel of the magazine, but it’ll still be a proper good, local read. As a company, we’ll also be distributing more copies of our magazine than ever before. Not only is this great news for you, but also for local community groups who appear in the magazine and our loyal advertisers whose services and products will be seen by more people. We will still have two separate distribution areas which gets the magazine in turn. So you’ll get the February, April, June, August, October and December magazines through your letterbox, and if you want to read the other issues, visit our website www. locallife247.co.uk, and register for an online copy. We send you a link each month and you can read the magazine online, a few days before it hits the street. It’s a totally free service for our readers, and it means that you can read Local Life wherever you are in the world as long as you have internet access. And last but not least – please remember to buy local and support our advertisers. Without them, there simply wouldn’t be a magazine to read! See you next time...

Class From The Past King Dick Planning Matters Jack’s Tracks visits Darwen Tower On Your Plot Puzzle Corner Motoring - Toyota RAV 4 Home Services Useful Numbers Recipe - Lancashire Hotpot

Next issue - March

Advertising deadline - Friday 20 February Published - Thursday 5 March 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

Sales: Chris Pearce, Nicola Gray Editorial: David Sudworth Design & Production: Peter Bretherton

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

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan

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Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. The St Helens West 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 edition is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Laffak and selected areas of Haydock. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Peasley Cross. 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.

David Sudworth - Editor editorial@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life Media

@locallifemedia

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Spikey In St Helens

Tuesday, February 17, at 6pm: Gears - learn to adjust your gears and replace gear cables.

Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey is coming to St Helens on Thursday, March 5 at 7.30pm. It’s being billed as a unique opportunity to see the man himself up close and personal at The Citadel, on Waterloo Street, before he embarks on a massive UK tour. Please note under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. To check availability of seated tickets, which are from £15 upwards, please contact the Box Office on 01744 735 436.

All courses take place at Bold Miners Neighbourhood Centre, Fleet Lane. To reserve your place, contact Ste or Elaine on 01744 671655 or 01744 673237.

Bike Maintenance St Helens Council is providing a series of free courses for cyclists to help them look after their machines and develop valuable road skills. Dates are as follows: Tuesday, February 10, at 6pm: Brakes - learn to replace brake pads and cables and make adjustments.

Wedding Fayre Sunday 8th March 2015 12pm - 4pm Holiday Inn Haydock M6, Jct23 Lodge Lane, WA12 0JG 01942 868 330 events@hihaydockm6j23hotel.co.uk www.hihaydockm6j23hotel.co.uk

Golden Hello St Helens College has introduced a Golden Hello financial initiative to encourage and support higher education students. Those studying on a full-time higher education course can now benefit from a £300 grant. It can be accessed by enrolling onto one of the college’s full time higher education programmes starting this September. To find out more information, you can visit the college’s Higher Education Open Event on Saturday, March 21, between 11am and 2pm. Alternatively call 0800 996699.

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The tour consisted of competing in the elite Battle of Estonia Break Dancing Competition in Tartu City and visiting dancers in Tallinn. They competed against dancers from Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Norway in front of a 1,000 strong packed auditorium. It was the first time St Helens dancers have competed in Estonia. UC Crew are looking for new members to represent St Helens on an international level. For further information on workshops, shows and practices sessions email hello@uccrew.co.uk or visit www.uccrew.uk Gareth Mealey and Tom Glynn

Representing The Town Two representatives from St Helens’ own UC Crew have returned from a successful seven day tour of Estonia representing the UK. Gareth Mealey and Tom Glynn are from UC Crew, an award-winning youth organisation in St Helens specialising in encouraging the local community to become active citizens using Break Dancing, Graffiti and DJing as a platform to change the community.

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Nearly New Sale Wigan & St Helens National Childbirth Trust’s next Nearly New Sale is on Saturday, March 7, from 11.30am-1pm at St David’s Church, Eskdale Ave, Carr Mill. Organisers say top quality maternity, baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment will be available. It is a ticketed sale, so everything is set out like a shop in size order, with tills at the exit. You can also pay by chip and PIN. To register as a seller or to find out more please email wigannearlynewsale@yahoo.co.uk Funds raised by the NCT Nearly New Sale help the branch to run activities to support local parents and parents to be. Entry is a £1 donation per adult in aid of the NCT.

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Vintage Fair

Distributors Wanted

A craft and vintage fair is being held on Sunday, March 22, at Chalon Court Hotel, Linkway West, St Helens.

Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows:

Doors open at 10am with stalls selling a variety of handmade goods and vintage wares. A fashion show starts at 1pm with inspiration for that special vintage outfit. Suzie Sequin will be performing vintage tunes and her Marilyn Monroe tribute set. Free entry.

Rainhill - Mossdale Drive, Bishopdale Drive, Deepdale Drive, Swaledale, School Lane, Warrington Road & Chapel Lane.

For more information, email riajewelsevents@yahoo. co.uk

If you are interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@ locallife247.co.uk

New Library? Improvements including a new library are on the cards at Eccleston Mere Primary School. Plans have been submitted to St Helens Council for the Saleswood Avenue school which also involve an extension to the staffroom, entrance, re-location of the entrance canopy and external works. Papers lodged with the authority’s planning department says the existing library is housed with a 15 square metre conservatory build which is “both small and environmentally inappropriate for a school.” The plan is to almost triple the size of the library facility to a 40 square metre new build.

Crazy Badges Half term fun is on the cards in Rainhill. The village library is offering bored kiddies the chance to get in touch with their creative side with a crafts and colouring event, where one of the features will be the chance to create your own crazy badges. The session is from 2pm-3pm on Thursday, February 19, and all are invited.

A decision is due soon. For more information, visit www. sthelens.gov.uk - the reference number is P/2014/0935.

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Liverpool Trams

Landmark Concert

Ron Martin will give a talk on Liverpool trams at the next meeting of St Helens Historical Society. It takes place on Monday, February 16, at 7.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Church Street, St Helens. For more information contact secretary Mary Presland on 01744 23141 or Norma Cresswell on 01744 754962.

St Helens Sinfonietta is marking its 100th concert with a celebratory performance on Saturday, February 28. Musical items will include Peer Gynt Suite Number One and Beethhoven’s Symphony Number Five.

Killing Of Sister George Rainhill Garrick’s actors will be treading the boards again from Thursday, February 12, until Saturday. February 14. This time, they’ll be putting on the 1964 Frank Marcus comedy, The Killing of Sister George. It was turned into a film four years later, starring the legendary Susannah York and Beryl Reid. The story centres on George, who lives with her lover, Childie, and plays a cheerful district nurse in a BBC soap opera. However, her character is to be killed off, and George realises that the only other job she can get is the voice of a cow in a children’s TV programme. Her life then begins to fall apart as Childie has an affair with a predatory TV producer... Rainhill Garrick’s version will be shown at the Village Hall, Dane Court, at 7.30pm on the aforementioned dates. Tickets are £6 for adults or £5 for concessions via www.rainhillgarrick.co.uk

Established in 1997 by its conductor, Alan Free, the Sinfonietta gives four or five orchestral concerts a year with ensembles of varying size, and also presents other musical events, including lunchtime and evening recitals of widely varying and often innovative character. Its home venue is Ormskirk Street’s United Reformed Church but for larger orchestral concerts, as in this case, St Helens Town Hall is regularly used. The sinfonietta also takes on educational work, including orchestral workshops in local school, The concert starts at 7.30pm at St Helens Town Hall, Corporation Street. Tickets are £15 from Lyn Wallace on 01744 600846 or 07914 114635.

Fishing Talk Prescot Historic Society welcomes Dr Elspeth Graham for a talk on fish and fishing in early England. Her talk takes place on Thursday, February 26, at Prescot Parish Church Hall, Church Street, at 7.30pm. Entry for visitors is £1.50.

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History Meetings St.Helens Family Townships History Society’s first meeting of 2015 is entitled Murderers & Hangmen, with Ted Forsyth, on Thursday, February 19. The March meeting is entitled Anecdotes of a Liverpool Registrar with Carol Codd and takes place on Thursday, March 19. Both meetings start at 6.45pm for 7pm and are held at St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square. The admission fee is £2 and all are welcome.

on the Sunday. Admission is £4 for adults, £3.50 for concessions and a family ticket of two adults and two children costs £11. There’s also a free vintage bus service between the show and the North West Museum of Road Transport’s depot on Hall Street in St Helens town centre. For more information, visit www.rainhillmrc.org.uk

Rainhill Remembered

Model Exhibition Rainhill Model Railway Club’s Model Rail 2015 exhibition takes place over the weekend of March 7 and 8. It is being held at Rainhill Village Hall, Weaver Avenue, between 10am-5pm on the Saturday and 10am-4.30pm

Do you have old photos and memories of Rainhill? An event organised by the local civic society, Rainhill Remembered, takes place on Tuesday, February 10, between 1pm-3pm at St Ann’s Centre, View Road. Simply take along your old photos and join in with a cuppa and informal chat. Organisers say visitors will be made most welcome. For further details, visit www. rainhill-civic-society.org.uk

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Valentine’s Crafts

Gift Fair

Love is in the air at Rainhill Library on Thursday, February 12. That’s because between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on that day, a Valentine’s Day crafts event is being held at the View Road facility. You are invited to go along and make a beautiful card for a loved one, and perhaps then pen your own romantic poem. There will be a prize for the best entry, so get your thinking caps on! All welcome to go along.

A food, craft and gift fair is being held at Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, on Sunday, March 8, from 11am-3pm. A variety of stalls will be available including, jewellery, scarves, handmade chocolate and homemade jams. With a week before Mother’s Day, organisers say it’s the ideal place to go and have a look around for an extra special gift. Refreshments available.

Brass Proms

Branch AGM St Helens’ National Trust branch has its annual general meeting on Thursday, March 20. It starts at 7.30pm in the Lecture Theatre of the United Reformed Church, King Street. Admission is free to Trust members or £1 to non-Trust members.

A Last Night At The Proms theme evening is back in Prescot by popular demand. Brass Proms with Parr Band takes place at Prescot Parish Church, Church Street, on Friday, March 13, from 7pm to 8.40pm. Tickets are £6 on the door and all proceeds will go to this year’s Prescot Festival. For more details, visit www.prescotfestival.co.uk

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Art Attack!

Makers’ Market

Calling all under 16s in the St Helens area – entries for the town’s Youth Open Art Competition will be accepted from Monday, February 23, until Friday, March 6.

The St Helens Makers’ Market is a new weekly event taking place every Saturday at St Mary’s Market in the town centre from 10am-4pm. This event brings together food, drink, art, craft and much more.

This is a free competition to showcase the talents of local youngsters who either live or study in the St Helens Borough Council area. It is open to all abilities and artwork mediums.

The markets start at 10am and are free. Contact Jamieetchells@hotmail.co.uk or call 07766 742166 for more information.

You can pick up entry forms from local libraries, the World of Glass or by contacting St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic High School on 01744 678112 (email staugustine@sthelens.org.uk)

Paul’s Back Well known concert artist Paul Roberts is making a welcome return to St Helens. Joining Paul at West Park Rugby Club, Prescot Road, on Tuesday, February 10, from 8pm is Shade Black, a gifted pianist, organist and musical director of various choirs in the north west.

Don’t Waste It... Do you struggle with recycling? Not sure what to put in which bin? St Helens Council’s recycling team will be on hand at Rainhill Library, View Road, from 2pm-3pm on Thursday, February 19. If you can’t get to the event but want extra information on kerbside recycling in the borough, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/what-we-do/ recycling-rubbish-and-waste/

The event is hosted by St Helens Organ and Keyboard Society. Entry is members £8, non-members £9 and children go half price. Contact k.westhead@blueyonder.co.uk or 01744 736812 for more information.

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the arrival of a new kind of The 1994 Geneva motor show signalled the world motor market. At the time vehicle, one that would revolutionize effect the Toyota RAV4 would make. few people could have predicted the up with 4-wheel drive (hence RAV4) opened The initial Recreational Activity Vehicle sport utility vehicles (SUVs). a new sector for compact, manoeuvrable sales for its new car, expecting worldwide Toyota had unpresumptuous aspirations automaker 8,000 orders swamped the Japanese of only around 4,500 models. When volumes had to be doubled. in the first four weeks alone, production engine as a three-door with a 2.0-litre petrol To begin with, it was available only just automatic transmission. Measuring and either five-speed manual or four-speed else at the Toyota Yaris), it was unlike anything 3.96m long (little more than today’s time.

kid on the block, however, and in 1995 The public had an appetite for the new it as the 6,800 were sold, quickly establishing RAV4’s first full year on sale – almost British line-up. fourth best-selling car in Toyota’s 14-strong unrecognisable. That’s because the Twenty years on, and the RAV4 is almost and matured in line with customers’ compact SUV marketplace has evolved

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going gets tough. an even As a result, 2014’s RAV4 points towards is a car that stronger focus on family use. The result styling, a more is more refined with better exterior and airy cabin and load-space, greater comfort higher levels of safety. RAV4 is the The only drawback with the current wrong, it’s not old-fashioned interior. Don’t get me the same. a major issue – but it is noticeable all in The car is undoubtedly luxurious, especially the cabin still ‘Invincible’ 2.2 D4D Auto guise, but quality or looks at least a decade old. It’s not poor It’s anything. In fact it all looks very hard-wearing. dated. mainly the switchgear that looks really once Behind the wheel, much of that is forgotten The RAV4 the pure pleasure of driving takes over.

on Magical Outdoors Saturday, December 13

Haunted Heskin

Fox Jumper, £28 (in stores only), Izabel London (www.izab Sunday, November 30 el.com) Not for the faint hearted - there are lighting effects, areas of low lighting & you will need Black Lace Blouse, to be reasonably £24, Dorothy Perkins including refreashments. (www.dorothyperkin s.com) Heskin Hall, opens at 7pm and the concert starts half an hour later. Contact Susan Burgess on 01772 311418, Susan Horrocks on 01254 852173 or Eileen Bannister on 01254 852713.

Coppull and Standish Band at Tunley United Reformed Church. Tickets are £7, which includes tea/coffee and cakes. Tunley United Reformed Church, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, from 7.30pm Call 01257 463407/425330/426252.

Croston Spring Fair Sunday, December 14

As well as a Land Train there will be brass bands, singers, Morris dancers, a ukulele band, archery, a climbing wall and much more. Croston Village from 1pm to 5.15pm. For more information visit www.crostonfestivit ies.co.uk

Houghton Tower Fayre Saturday, December 6

Spring Concert Saturday, December 13

Coppull and Standish Band at Tunley United Reformed Church. Tickets are £7. Tunley United Reformed Church, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, from 7.30pm Call 01257 463407/425330/426252.

Eccleston Garden Fair Sunday, December 14

As well as a lots of plants an dideas for your garden there will be brass bands, singers, Morris dancers, a ukulele band, archery, a climbing wall and more. Eccleston Village from 1pm to 5.15pm. For more information visit www.eccleston.co.u k

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Plenty of attractions, including tombola, fancy goods, books, cakes, cards and much more. St Agnes Church, on The Green, Eccleston, from 2pm. All welcome.

Friday 13th - Tuesday 31st This year’s fantastic family pantomime! Starring Kim Woodburn (How Clean is Your House) Lee Latchford-Evans (Steps)

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As well as a a farmers market there will

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singers, Morris dancers, a ukulele band, archery, a climbing wall and much more. Brindle Brass Band Concert. Tickets are £6 including mince pies and mulled wine. The grounds opens at 10am and the concert starts and gracefully punchy. Indeed, its allis smooth half an hour later. Contact Susan Burgess on than 01772 sophisticated capability is more wheel drive 311418, Susan Horrocks on 01254 852173 or Eileen ever before. Bannister on 01254 852713. has been Toyota’s Integrated Active Drive System “sport” mode, developed to offer a more engaging the amount adjust automatically to gadgetry with the front of twisting power distributed between

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As well as a lots of plants an dideas for your garden there will be brass bands, singers, Morris dancers, a ukulele band, archery, a climbing wall and more. Tickets are £15 per person or £19 including a hot pot supper, or concessions at £10 and £15. Times are allocated on booking. Tickets are £6. Haigh Hall, Haigh, Wigan. The fair starts at 10am and the concert starts at 2pm. Contact Russ Weaver on 01772 311418 or Alice Ball on 01254 852713.

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Milkshake In Knowsley

There’s even the chance to meet some of the superstars and get your photo taken next to these wrestling giants.

Popular Channel 5 children’s show Milkshake is coming to the area. It’ll be at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, Longview Drive, on Friday, February 20, at 1.30pm and 4pm. The all singing,all dancing stage show features favourites including the Little Princess, Noddy, and Bananas in Pyjamas. Two Milkshake presenters will also be on hand to make sure all the children will be tapping their toes, clapping their hands and singing at the top of their voices.

For all these events, visit www.knowsley.gov.uk/tickets or call 0151 443 2575/2200 for details.

It’s not the only event planned for the park. On Friday, March 13, at 1pm, Immersion Theatre and the criticallyacclaimed Cambridge Touring Theatre join forces to present a spectacular musical adaptation of the classic The Wind in the Willows. Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and, of course, Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime! And on the following evening at 7.30pm, The American Wresting Show is back by popular demand. This action event provides two hours of nonstop entertainment for all the family.

Fairtrade Event It’s Fairtrade Fortnight soon, and to celebrate the staff at Eccleston Library are holding a coffee morning on Thursday, February 26. This year’s event is a milestone as it is 20 years since the first Fairtrade Fortnight, which aims to persuade people to purchase goods with its logo, was started Fairtrade says that, according to research, 78% of the UK public now recognise the Fairtrade Mark and from UK sales alone, £26m of Fairtrade premium was invested by producers in 2013. The coffee morning takes place between 10.30am and 11.30am. There will be the opportunity to sample a few Fairtrade products and you’ll have the chance to see if you can taste the difference.

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Walking Footie Ex-Everton striker Duncan McKenzie has given his backing to a new walking football initiative in St Helens. Open to all, walking football, , is a slow paced version of the beautiful game aimed at people aged 55 plus, designed to help participants keep a healthy and active lifestyle, and to get those who may have stopped due to age and injuries, back playing the sport they love. Sessions take place at the YMCA Beacon Sports Hall on North Road in the town centre every Wednesday from 7pm-8pm. For further information, please contact Michaylo Fedyk on 01744 675402.

Pop Up Poetry Pop Up Poetry is coming to St Helens Central Library, Victoria Square, on Saturday, March 14. Following on from their inaugural event in June, The Knives, Forks and Spoons Press bring back their unique blend of internationally renowned poets to the main space in Central Library. Expect experimental, modernist,

postmodernist, pre-modernist, un-modernist, remodernist and minimalist poetry of the highest calibre. It’s aimed at adults and kids aged over 10. Entry is free and there’s no need to book, just drop-in during the day

Dog Tales Dogs are a man’s best friend – and you can learn more about the work of an important national charity which works with many lovable hounds at Eccleston Library on Wednesday, February 18. The Dogs Trust is giving a talk at the Broadway facility about its works, dog safety and a craft-based activity based on one of the Trust’s favourite pets. Founded in 1891, Dogs Trust - formerly the National Canine Defence League - is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. Each year it cares for around 16,000 dogs at its nationwide network of 20 rehoming centres, including one at Whiston Lane, Huyton. No healthy dog is ever destroyed. The talk takes place from 2pm at Eccleston Library – simply turn up on the day. No need to book.

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Class from the Past - Cowley Boys Grammar School

This month’s Class from the Past is from Cowley Boys Grammar School. It’s believed this photo was taken in 1967. Among those pictured are John Parr, David Blackmore, Gaz Lightfoot, Ray Fairclough, Keith Latham, Ronnie Pennington, Eric Dixon, Howard Rigby, Roger Fillingham, John Davies, Eric Grace, Steve Scott, James

“Jammy” Roberts, Andrew Paterson, George White, Steve Smith, William Jaundrill, Chris Nicholl, Ken Wallers, Tommy Pagett, Mr Harding, Geoff Lane, George Elliott, Derek Thomas, John Davidson, and John Fairclough. Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing editorial@ locallife247.co.uk

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The Rise of ‘King Dick’ With just a month before the General Election, David Sudworth looks at the life of an Eccleston-born politician who became Prime Minister of New Zealand It’s not long now before voters troop down to local church halls, schools and community centres to determine who governs Britain. Can David Cameron secure a further term in Downing Street? Can Labour bounce back after five years in opposition? Will the predictions about the Lib Dems, Greens, UKIP and SNP be borne out? One thing is for certain locally; with Shaun Woodward’s decision to step down from serving the St Helens South and Whiston constituency, there will definitely be a new MP for this area. Whoever they choose, it’s unlikely they’ll follow in the footsteps of an Eccleston-born man who was not only a parliamentarian, but even became Prime Minister... of New Zealand.

Richard Seddon’s achievements are even more remarkable given he moved there as an immigrant in the late 1800s. Even today, he holds the record for being New Zealand’s longest-ever serving premier. There were precious few clues in his upbringing that he was destined for such greatness. Born on June 22, 1845, he lived at a cottage which still stands today on Prescot Road, Eccleston Hill. A plaque now adorns the cottage, and just down the hill is the aptly-named Seddon Road, presumably in his honour. Richard’s father, Thomas, was the headteacher at Eccleston Grammar School while his Scots-born mother Jane was also a teacher. Indeed, at one point, she was the headmistress of the rival Eccleston Denominational School. They first met each other at public functions and, due to the nature of their work, found themselves seeing more of each other. Love blossomed and they married at Christ Church on Chapel Lane in 1842. Richard was one their several children and it’s said that, despite his parents’ profession, he was far from the model pupil. James Drummond, in his book The Life and Works of Richard John Seddon, said: “The only branch of school work in which he took any particular interest was mechanical drawing. He was one of several who were taught extra subjects - it was an honour that he did not appreciate in the slightest. He asked himself why he should be kept inside the detested classroom learning Latin while his mates were outside in the glorious sunshine.”

He was expelled at the age of 12 two years before the normal finishing age - and sent to his grandfather’s farm at Barrow Nook. After finishing school aged 14, he became an apprentice at Messrs Daglish and Co engineers and iron founders in St Helens. There are conflicting reports about how he eventually came to move on to the Vauxhall Factory in Liverpool -some suggest he was dismissed after a dispute over apprenticeship pay. However, while at Vauxhall, it’s An archive image of Seddon’s birthplace on Prescot Road, Eccleston Hill claimed he became seriously ill with smallpox and, upon recovery, found there was no job Historians note that Seddon’s fellow workmen for him to return to. It seems that whatever actually frequently admired his great physical strength. He happened, Seddon was by this time becoming apparently took great delight in demonstrating his increasingly disillusioned with working conditions in the strength. The shopfloor where he worked was 200 feet local area. long. On one occasion, he walked its whole length with Drummond says: “He saw skilled artisans, capable, sober, a 56lbs weight strapped to each foot, a 56lbs weight in each hand - accompanied by a 28lbs weight held by his and industrious men, slaving 10 hours a day for small wages, and he often felt keenly the oppression that took teeth! place all around him. “He listened eagerly to the stories of fortunes made in a few weeks in Australia. He was told that young men like himself went to Australia as poor as he was, and returned in a few years rolling in wealth. The favourable reports sank deep into his mind.”

“Keenly felt workplace oppression in St Helens” And so it came to pass that, soon afterwards, he stepped onboard the Star of England to travel to Australia. Upon arrival in Melbourne, his naivety quickly evaporated as it became clear that the streets there were not paved with gold, and became financially poorer. He took a job on the railways and became engaged to Louisa Jane Spotswood but in February 1866, he set sail for Hokitika, west New Zealand, at the recommendation of an uncle, Nathan, who was already working at Waimea Gold Mine. Whereas Melbourne had been a disappointment, New Zealand proved more fruitful and in 1869 he was able to return to Louisa and marry her. Following their wedding on January 13 of that year, they both headed back to New Zealand together.

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He was also starting to become politically active, and campaigned during elections. “He was always a politician,” one of his mates explained many years afterwards. “Whether it was an election for a member of the House or for a town councillor, he was always head and ears in it, and would be discovered by old Houghton, the foreman, addressing a crowd of men in one part of the shop or the other. Houghton always knew who it was, and would say: ‘Now then, no more of that!’ and Mr. Seddon would reply quite cheerfully: ‘All right, Mr. Houghton;’ but ten minutes later he would be propounding the principles of his favourite candidate to another crowd not very far away. On one occasion he was reported for this to the head of the department, or the Minister, because the employees were not then allowed to take any active part in politics. In the case mentioned, his man got into Parliament, so that nothing came of it.” Seddon had also started making a name for himself as a champion for miners’ rights and in 1876, he tried to get elected to the New Zealand Parliament himself for the west coast Hokitika seat, but failed. A year later, he was elected as the first Mayor of Kumara and his business interests grew. Despite the odd slip up, including filing

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for bankruptcy, his political career continued on an upward trajectory. At the 1879 national elections, he tried again at the Hokitika seat and was successful. He remained an independent until 1890 when he joined the Liberal Party. It’s said that initially, he was mocked by fellow parliamentarians about his lack of education and his Lancashire accent - one accused him of only being “partially civilised” - but he soon gained respect for his knowledge of mining issues and his use of ‘stonewalling tactics’ to stop certain pieces of legislation becoming law.

“Mocked because of his Lancashire accent” However, like many politicians, he found that being popular with the public didn’t necessarily translate into the same levels of approval among his party colleagues, and was accused of putting his principles ahead of populism. Nevertheless, when premier John Ballance died in 1893, Seddon, then aged 48, mustered enough support to secure the position for himself. His premiership was, depending on who you asked, a roaring success or an extensive exercise in autocracy. He got rid of a number of posts, such as Minister of Finance, of Education, of Defence and of Labour, preferring to have direct control over these individual ministries. He was also accused of cronyism as he promoted many supporters while banishing his detractors to the backbenchers. Seddon played up to this, even suggesting that the country should adopt a presidential system. It is little wonder he soon acquired the moniker of King Dick.

On June 10 that year, Seddon died while onboard the Oswestry Grange ship while returning from a visit to Australia. His health had been declining for many years, mostly down to the large amount of weight he carried, but this was very much downplayed at the time. In the years afterwards, a prominent statue of him was erected outside the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in Wellington. His record of five consecutive election victories has never been bettered in New Zealand’s history. As a comparison, both Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair only managed three election victories each, although they all fail to come close to Robert Walpole, the UK’s longest -serving Prime Minister who held office for 20 years and 314 days from 1721. Hamer says that Seddon’s popular image derived largely from his political philosophy: “It was simple and unsophisticated - rich and the poor; wealthy people and the landowners against the middle classes and the labouring classes. He had a strong instinct for the limits of public willingness to accept change. “He also humanised government at a time when there was a massive increase in the regulation of New Zealanders’ lives. “Privately he had a view of ‘the people’ that was by no means starry-eyed, and was aware that the public could be cruel.”

In terms of policy, he is perhaps best known for introducing pensions for older people in 1898, and starting the process of creating a welfare state. Seddon biographer David Hamer cites other successes: “A favourite project was the building of workers’ dwellings. He was strongly influenced by municipal housing schemes in London and Glasgow in the late 1890s and his views shaped the Workers’ Dwellings Act 1905. He also demonstrated concern for teachers, remembering his parents, and was behind the introduction of a superannuation scheme for teachers in 1906.”

The Seddon statue outside the New Zealand parliament

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Planning Ahead

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Eccleston 15 Barrowfield Road: Demolition of existing detached garage, and erection of single storey side front and rear extension (ref: P/2014/0920). A decision is due soon. 23 Ledbury Close: Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension (ref: P/2015/0009). A decision is due soon.

Eccleston Park 2 Ingleholme Gardens: Works to trees covered by a tree preservation order, to fell 5 hollies, and crown lift (from ground level) and cut branches of remaining 8 (ref: P/2015/0015). Consultation deadline: February 9. 60 Fairholme Avenue: Single storey side and rear wraparound extension (ref: P/2015/0018). The consultation deadline is February 9.

527 Warrington Road: Replacement uPVC windows with wooden windows (ref: P/2014/0924). A decision is due soon. Land at Hemmingsway: Erection of 2.4m high paladin gates and fencing (ref: P/2015/0011). A decision is due soon.

Prescot West Street Garage, West Street: Demolition of former garage to allow for the construction of a private car park (ref: 14/00826/FUL). A decision is due by March 5.

Windle Land adjacent to Bleak Hill Farmhouse, Bleak Hill Road: Residential development for 7 dwellings. Access for 4 dwellings would be from Bleak Hill Road and for the remaining 3 dwellings from Portreath Way (ref: P/2015/0026). Consultation deadline: February 9.

For more information on these applications, apart from the Prescot plans, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk. For details on the Prescot application, visit www.knowsley.gov.uk

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Smithy’s Landmark

Take a break from cleaning

Eccleston’s famous Smithy Heritage Centre reopens for its 20th anniversary season on Saturday, February 7. To kick off this special year, the Kiln Lane facility hosts a special exhibition on its opening day, the following day (February 8), Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15. Vintage Valentine’s is a display of antique Valentine’s cards on loan from The Atkinson in Southport. It is open to view from 1pm-4pm on each day and admission is free. Also on February 14, from 7pm-10pm, there will be an alternative Valentine’s Day night out called Immaculate Deception. You will meet the cast of colourful characters from Murder Mystery Productions, interview them and hopefully solve the crime! Tickets cost £15 per person with a buffet supper and first drink included. Booking is essential via the centre, either by popping in, calling 01744 730744 or emailing smithyheritagecentre@hotmail.com

We make life easier for you and your family with a range of housekeeping services

Time To Switch? Local householders are being invited to be a part of a new round of collective switching to see how much they could save on their energy bills. The Switch Together, Save Together scheme is organised by local charity, Energy Projects Plus, and is backed by St Helens and Knowsley councils.The offers will be announced on March 2 and you need to register before then in order to find out about the exclusive deals. You can join the collective switch at www. LCRenergyswitch.co.uk or by calling the local Save Energy Advice Line on freephone 0800 043 0151.

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Birthday Celebrations

Domestic & Commercial enquiries welcomed

A much-loved children’s book which is celebrating its 20th birthday will be the subject of two special read and rhyme times at Eccleston Library, on Broadway. Guess How Much I Love You, written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram, has sold more than 28 million copies worldwide and been published in 53 languages. The read and rhyme times are on Friday, February 13, from 10.30am and Monday, February 16, from 2pm. There will be a chance to sing lots of nursery rhymes and colour in a picture.

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Jack’s Tracks

Darwen The sun was shining for once, so we loaded up the dogs in the car and set off on a 30 minute drive to the West Pennine Moors. Today, we were about to tackle a walk which includes an historical landmark that celebrates the public’s right to roam those moors – the Darwen Tower – which overlooks the Lancashire town of Darwen. The good news is, at just over 3½ miles long it’s probably the shortest Jack’s Tracks we have ever published, but the bad news is that most of the walking seemed to be of a somewhat vertical nature! However, once you get to the top of Darwen Tower, you are amply rewarded with amazing views stretching, on a clear day, as far as the Isle of Man! Darwen Hill stands at a height of 1225 feet and the paths leading up to it are extremely steep in parts. If you do have mobility problems, this isn’t a walk for you.

To get to the starting point take the M6 North, and then head east on the M65 to junction 3. Take the third exit on the roundabout, heading south to Bolton. Follow that road for 4 miles and then take a left turn into Tockholes Road. The Royal Arms pub (BB3 0PA) is 1½ miles down that road on the right hand side.

Royal Arms – Fine Peters Farm Park up near the Royal Arms pub, either in the public car park near the bus-turning area or in the car park adjacent to the Royal Arms private car park. Cross over to the other side of the road, heading for the bridleway sign and negotiate your way through the wooden barriers. Ten yards further on, turn right at the wooden sign for the woods and water trail and head downhill. The path bears to the left, and you’ll go down some steps and then head downhill for approximately 350

yards. As you reach the end of the path where the wooden fences are, you’ll see Upper Ruddlesworth Reservoir through the trees in front of you. Turn right at the wooden fence and go immediately down a small dip and as you are heading back up the hill, take the small path that forks off to the right. The path bears uphill through the woods, generally winds to the right, and you’ll eventually reach a wooden gate, beyond which is the main road. Go through the gate and turn left and head towards a farmhouse in the distance. Once you’ve passed the farmhouse (Fine Peter’s Farm), which dates back to 1757, turn right where the bridleway sign is and head up the path at the side of the farmhouse. Fine Peters Farm – Water House At this point you’ll clearly see Darwen Tower, sometimes known as Jubilee Tower, in the distance on the right. The path takes you uphill and then you’ll drop in the direction of Earnsdale Reservoir down below. You’ll come to a junction at the bottom of the path; go straight on down the cobbled pathway. A few yards later you’ll emerge out of the wooden area. In front of you is the entrance to Sunnyhurst Wood, but you’re going to turn right at this point in the direction of the reservoir. Walk along the straight path with the reservoir on the right hand side. Once you reach the other side of the reservoir, the path turns into a dirt track and bears round the left and then the right and uphill. Once you

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along the way to rest and enjoy the fantastic views of Darwen. Follow the main track which starts to wind right in the direction of the Tower until, just before the Tower you’ll reach a crossways of paths – take a deep breath and go straight on and up towards the Tower. Upon your arrival at the crest of the hill, you can actually (if you have enough energy that is!) go up the stairway to top of the tower. Once you’ve finished taking in the majestic views and have got your breath back, head away from the Tower down the path located on the left hand side of the white pillar. 50 yards further on you’ll arrive at another path; turn left at this point and follow this path for 475 yards. Ignore the downhill dogleg path on your right hand side at this point and carry straight on for a further 200 yards. Once you’ve passed a bench and the path swings to the left, take the second opening in the fence on the right hand side. Head across the middle of the field and when you reach the other side the path bears to the right and you go down quite a steep stony path. Go over the wooden stile, and take a direct left turn and head down the stone steps. Higher

reach the cattle grid when the path bends to the left again, you’ll see a wooden gate; go through the gate and head up the very steep hill. Jump over the stile at the top of the hill onto a wide track. Turn left and go downhill until you reach a house on your left called Water House. Opposite Water House there is a concrete path that forks away from the track – head up this concrete path. Water House – Royal Arms

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Go through the gate where’s there’s a Darwen Moor sign and head up hill. Within a few yards you’ll reach a fork in the path; take the left hand fork. Here’s where the going starts to get really hard and you’ll follow this upward path for 1/3 of a mile, but there are plenty of benches

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.

Hill

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The concrete path has steel barriers running alongside the left hand side of it. Once you’ve reached the second gap in that barrier – just by the wooden telegraph pole – turn left, leaving the concrete path. As you walk on the left hand perimeter of that field the pathway forks; go down either path and you’ll end up at the same destination – a disused quarry. Turn right and head up toward the metal bar gate.

When you reach the path at the bottom of the steps turn left here and follow the path as it swings back to the right and into the a wooden area. You’ll soon reach a pair of wooden gates - go through the one on the right hand side. Follow this path for almost ½ a mile until you reach a wooden gate on the left hand side of a row of terraced cottages. Go through the gate and you’ll be back at your starting point near the Royal Arms.

Darwen Tower Darwen Tower is a Grade II listed structure which was built in 1897/98 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, but to the people of Darwen it symbolises something more fundamental – the right to access to Darwen Moor. Back in the 1870’s, the Lord of the Manor, a Reverend called Duckworth who lived in Somerset, instructed his gamekeepers to block the ancient rights of way onto the Moor. Coal supplier William Ashton took exception to this move, he had to supply farmers who lived on the Moor, and when Duckworth’s gamekeepers blocked his way, he unblocked it. After a few bloody skirmishes, the issue went to court and by 1896 the townspeople had regained the right to use the moorland footpaths. Ashton had died a couple of years earlier, but his three sons led a celebratory

procession up on to the moors to the spot where the Tower now stands. The victory coincided with the town’s desire to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. An anonymous letter to the local paper suggested a landmark be built on the Moor to commemorate the Jubilee and also to celebrate the freeing of the Moors. The townspeople rallied behind the idea and the tower was opened in September 1898 by the Reverend William Duckworth himself.

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On Your Plot

Now is the time to go undercover The days are getting a little longer, green shoots are starting to appear and we’re all just itching to get out in the garden now. Just one problem - it’s still likely to be blooming cold! Extremes in weather are typical for this month so even if we do have a warmer spell I wouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to start sowing seeds outdoors. It’s at this time of year that having some undercover growing space is a real boon - not least because it’s so much more of a pleasure working in a protected environment, basking in the glory of those few rays of sun, than it is feeling a gale force wind that seems as it if’s come straight from the arctic! If you don’t have a greenhouse, polytunnel or cold frame then why not think about investing in one now? Get it built in February and you can get a head start on many plants for the season to come. Which is best? Consider the space available - if space is limited then a coldframe, may be a good option. Green houses can offer lots of benefits but are generally not a great idea if your garden is also the kids play area and they can be hugely expensive. On the plus side, they are not easy to get rid of so if you’re prepared for a bit of work you may be able to pick up a secondhand one very cheaply providing you are happy to dismantle and move it yourself (try freecycle). We opted for a polytunnel, which was very reasonable in price and gave us several weekends of entertainment building it. Follow the instructions carefully, don’t rush it and you’ll need at least 2 of you when it comes to putting the plastic on. With both greenhouses and polytunnels you need to remember that they can become very hot in the

summer and ensure that adequate ventilation is available. So, now that you have this great new space what can you plant in it? Early tomatoes can be started off in pots and if you plant some summer cabbages now you can get them established and benefit from a crop by late spring or early summer. Cucumbers, beetroot, leeks and lettuces can also be sown indoors and if you want to try something a little more exotic why not plant some peppers, aubergines and even a melon? This is also a good month to think about soft fruit . Most fruit bushes, trees and canes need time to get established before you start to get a good yield and it is easy to overlook them in favour of crops that give a quicker return. If you don’t have any fruit growing on your plot how about adding just one type of fruit each year? You could plant raspberry canes this month, or incorporate a gooseberry or blackcurrant bush into your border. If you have pot grown strawberries that have spent the winter indoors then place them outside as they will only flower after exposure to cold weather. Plants that have over wintered outside can be brought in now.

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Answers are on page 46 of this magazine

D V C S T A U S S W M E D H G

Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay

Toyota

To begin with, it was available only as a three-door with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Measuring just 3.96m long (little more than today’s Toyota Yaris), it was unlike anything else at the time.

The 1994 Geneva motor show signalled the arrival of a new kind of vehicle, one that would revolutionize the world motor market. At the time few people could have predicted the effect the Toyota RAV4 would make.

The public had an appetite for the new kid on the block, however, and in 1995 RAV4’s first full year on sale – almost 6,800 were sold, quickly establishing it as the fourth best-selling car in Toyota’s 14-strong British line-up.

The initial Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4-wheel drive (hence RAV4) opened up a new sector for compact, manoeuvrable sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Toyota had unpresumptuous aspirations for its new car, expecting worldwide sales of only around 4,500 models. When 8,000 orders swamped the Japanese automaker in the first four weeks alone, production volumes had to be doubled.

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RAV 4

Twenty years on, and the RAV4 is almost unrecognisable. That’s because the compact SUV marketplace has evolved and matured in line with customers’ changing requirements and preferences. Generally speaking, two decades ago, this type of car was regarded as a substitute to sporty hatchbacks and

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undoubtedly luxurious, especially in ‘Invincible’ 2.2 D4D Auto guise, but the cabin still looks at least a decade old. It’s not poor quality or anything. In fact it all looks very hard-wearing. It’s mainly the switchgear that looks really dated. Behind the wheel, much of that is forgotten once the pure pleasure of driving takes over. The RAV4 is smooth and gracefully punchy. Indeed, its all-wheel drive capability is more sophisticated than ever before.

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Over the years, Toyota has worked hard to keep the model firmly at the heart of its segment, without forfeiting the entertaining-to-drive quality that defined the original RAV4. When it came to creating the latest model, Toyota talked to existing RAV4 customers around the globe to understand what was best about their car. They named its manoeuvrability, ease of access, lofty view of the road ahead, ingenious packaging, versatility and reassuring capability, even when the going gets tough.

The only drawback with the current RAV4 is the old-fashioned interior. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a major issue – but it is noticeable all the same. The car is

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Toyota’s Integrated Active Drive System has been developed to offer a more engaging “sport” mode, with gadgetry to automatically adjust the amount of twisting power distributed between the front and rear axles. It’s easy to see why the RAV4 was, and is, such a hit. It is undoubtedly thanks to this car that the SUV market developed from a niche to become a vital feature of the motoring majority.

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Puzzle Corner - Solutions

Recipe of the Month

Lancashire Hotpot Serves 4

Method

Ingredients

Preheat the oven to fan 160C/325F/Gas 4. Season the shoulder, steaks and neck fillet with the sugar, half a teaspoon of salt and some black pepper. Toss with the flour and arrange in a heavy hotpot or casserole.

• 200g boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 4cm pieces • 50g lamb leg steaks, cut into 4cm pieces

Season the loin chops. Heat the oil in a pan and sear the chops on all sides for three to four minutes, or until golden brown. Put them on top of the raw meat.

• 150g lamb neck fillet, cut into 4cm pieces • Pinch of caster sugar

Heat one tablespoon of the butter in a clean pan over a medium-low heat until foaming, add the onions with one teaspoon of salt and cook for two to three minutes, or until soft but not browned. Spread the onions evenly over the lamb.

• Sea salt and freshly ground b black pepper • 25g plain flour • 4 lamb loin chops (100g each) • 2tbsp olive oil • 50g salted butter, melted • 4 onions, thinly sliced • 500g Golden Wonder or other floury potatoes, peeled and cut into 2mm thick slices • Pinch of ground white pepper

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Put the potatoes in a bowl, add the remaining butter, season with one teaspoon of salt and a pinch of white pepper, and mix well. Layer the sliced potatoes on top of the onions. Bake the hotpot, covered, for two hours, removing the lid for the final 30 minutes. To serve, divide among four bowls, making sure there’s a chop in each bowl.

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