Local Life - St Helens West - Aug/Sep 2014 by Local Life 247 Ltd

St Helens West Edition

Aug/Sep 2014

Where Are They Now? Kel Coslett Class from the Past Bleak Hill, Windle Jack’s Tracks visits Douglas Valley www.locallife247.co.uk

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School’s Out

In this issue

Brace yourselves – the school summer holidays are coming down the path faster than a five-year-old at home time.

18 22 28 32 34 36 38 42 46 48 51

For working parents, welcome to the start of a six-week juggling act; for grandparents, welcome to having your house turned upside down for the next month and a bit. Long school holidays are nothing new, indeed they provided inspiration for Enid Blyton’s Famous Five stories from the early 1940s onwards. The only difference was that back then, children seemed more adept at making their own entertainment. These days, children seem to be glued to their computer tablets… and getting them to do old-fashioned activities like, err.. stringing a few sentences together can be quite a challenge. However, once you have managed to prise them off these technological time-hoovers, there are plenty of ways to keep them occupied.

Recipes for Kids Class from the Past - Bleak Hill, Windle Where Are They Now - Kel Coslett Puzzle Corner What’s On Planning Matters Jack’s Tracks visits Douglas Valley Motoring - Audi Q5 Garden Diary Home Services Useful Numbers Next issue - September

Advertising deadline - Friday 15 August Published - Thursday 28 August 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

In this edition, we’ve featured a set of recipes specifically aimed at children. You’ll be glad to hear that unlike some, these don’t require a visit to Fortnum & Mason before you even get out a mixing spoon.

Sales: Chris Pearce, Nicola Gray

Once you’ve tried them, why not have a look at the various summer activities in the area, some of which are mentioned in this magazine?

Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.

Some see the school holidays as a test to be endured, but why not think of it as an opportunity to try new activities as a family? During term time, it can be nigh-on impossible to spend quality time together. But with light nights now in full swing, there’s nothing stopping you!

David Sudworth - Editor editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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Editorial: David Sudworth

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Design & Production: Peter Bretherton

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Distribution: Sally Boon

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Accounts: Sam Garrahan

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

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Distributors Wanted

Club Classics

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 for are as follows:

Sherdley Park on Marshalls Cross Road, Sutton, will be the setting for a great day and night of club classics on Saturday, September 13. The Reminisce Club Classics Festival gets underway at 2pm and runs until 11pm.

Eccleston Park – Fairholme Avenue, Gorsey Croft and Albany Avenue

Two huge big tops will be installed in the park to accommodate up to 3,000 people. The first – and biggest - arena will showcase some real legends of the scene, with local and national DJs. The second arena caters for all the 051, Sunrise and Wigan Pier sounds.

Rainhill – Old Lane, Calder Drive, View Road, Lowther Drive, Deepdale Drive, Swaledale Avenue and School Lane Nutgrove – Heatherleigh, Hedworth Gardens, Nutgrove Hall Drive, Norton Grove and Easington Road Sutton Heath – Elton Head Road, The Broads, Sutton Heath Road, Hawarth Road and Foxfield Road If you are interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@ locallife247.co.uk

The festival is being organised and promoted by Big Room Promotions, with St Helens Council working closely with Merseyside Police and Merseytravel to ensure a safe and secure event. Organisers are looking into the provision of additional public transport. Standard festival tickets cost £40. For more information go to www.reminiscefestival.co.uk

Christening Events

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Home Watch Drive St Helens Home Watch is celebrating its 30th anniversary by making a big push for more volunteers. The landmark occasion is being used to promote the scheme which hopefully encourage others to set up a Watch in their area. Lynne Southgate, a co-ordinator at St Helens Police, told Local Life: “Around 30 years ago, local residents were becoming more aware and concerned about crime in their community. Many responded to an advert in the local press for Home Watch Scheme leaders and were given help to organise schemes in their roads. Some leaders invited their neighbours to meetings in their homes to organise their schemes. These get-togethers sometimes led to them organising coffee mornings or barbecues where neighbours spoke Sgt Ian Peacock and St Helens Home Watch treasurer Graham Trubshaw to each other, found common interests or shared concerns, got to know each other and for the police but they will act upon the information consequently developed a greater community spirit and supplied by residents so looked out for each other’s property. The same idea If you are interested in Home Watch or would like to works today.” go along to any of these free events, please either It is stressed though that members of a Home Watch scheme are not vigilantes - patrolling the streets is a job

email Mark.Webb@merseyside.police.uk or ring Lynne Southgate 0151 777 6027 for more information.

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Peer Into The Past Although Eccleston is a peaceful place, over the centuries, crimes have been committed in the local area, and some have even made the international press. Indeed, it has had not one, but two major suspects in the infamous Jack the Ripper case! A fascinating exhibition, called Murder Most Foul, takes place at the Smithy Heritage Centre on Kiln Lane, Eccleston, on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20. If you can’t make these dates, they will be on again over the weekend of Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17. For all dates, the talks, led by local historian Ted Forsyth, are at 1.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm and tell some of these historic stories, looking at how crime detection, policing and punishment changed over the years, and how the newspapers reported them. If you want to delve into the past even further, the Festival of British Archaeology at the Smithy is being held on July 19, 20, 26 and 27, all from 1pm-4pm. This is your chance to get involved with the Council for British Archaeology’s national event – this year, they will be looking at forensic archaeology. Find out about bog bodies and bones! There will also be themed craft activities over the weekends, priced at 50p per child. For more details, visit http://smithyheritagecentre.org. uk or call 01744 730744.

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Amateur Swimming Association approved swimming lessons. 50 week programme carried out at 3 facilities offering 5 top class swimming pools! Badges and Certificates awarded throughout. Access to a progress website. For more information, please contact your local centre: Queens Park Health and Fitness Centre - 01744 671717 Selwyn Jones Leisure Centre - 01744 677970 Parr Swimming & Fitness Centre - 01744 677236

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Youth Festival

Saints Bounce

The first ever St Helens Youth Festival of Opportunities is being held at Langtree Park on Wednesday, July 30, from 11am to 2pm.

The official opening of Bounce City, the bouncy castle and slide paradise just opened in St Mary’s Market, takes place on Saturday, July 26 at 2pm. Doing the honours will be members of the St Helens RL team, including James Roby, Kyle Amor, Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Alex Walmsley. Look out for your Bounce City leaflet in this Local Life magazine for more details on the attractions of Bounce City at St Mary’s Market.

The event, organised by St Helens Council’s Children’s & Young People Services, is aimed at 11-18 year olds. It will see Langtree Park’s Youth Zone transformed into a live exhibition space, including a portable skate park, activities, demonstrations, freebies and competitions the whole family can enjoy. Local organisations will showcase opportunities, encourage young people to have a say. They will also urge them to find out about activities to get involved with through the summer and beyond, such as freerunning, sports, arts, drama, dance, volunteering, the St Helens Youth Forum and St Helens Council Youth Services. There’ll also be a chance to win a free 16GB iPad mini when visitors are invited to have their say about what it’s like to be a young person in St Helens in 2014. To find out more about the event, and the opportunities available, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/yaz For further information, please contact Helen Sharratt on 01744 671866 or email youthopportunities@ sthelens.gov.uk

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Arthritis Talk The next St Helens National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society Group meeting is on Tuesday, July 22. The speaker for the event, at Room Eight in St Helens Town Hall, is Dr Julie Dawson, a consultant rheumatologist, who will be explaining how the condition affects the body’s organs. The meeting is from 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Open Golf Winner Congratulations to Tracy Thomas, of Crocketts Walk, Eccleston, who was the winner of our competition to win tickets to the Open Golf at Hoylake, Wirral. Don’t forget, for more fabulous competitions, keep your eyes peeled on future editions of Local Life!

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On Show Do you remember the Vulcan locomotive? The engine, which was made locally and left the area 30 years ago, will be one of the main attractions at the Newton Show. The owners of the loco will be coming to the town show with it on a low loader and steaming up the loco in the park. They would like to meet and speak to anyone who remembers the loco or used to work at the Vulcan Foundry so they can piece together the history as members don’t have much to go on since buying it in the 1980s - the main issue# being that they don’t know what colour it was! The loco has been fully renovated now and will be going to the Ribble Valley Heritage Railway soon.

Newton Show will take place on Saturday, August 2, at Mesnes Park, Park Road North, Newton-le-Willows, from 11am-5pm and includes bands, rally car demo, birds of prey, classic cars and more.

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Coffee For Cancer Soroptimist International St Helens is holding its Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Knowsley Hall in Prescot on Thursday, September 25, from 10amnoon. The hall will be fully open for guests to wander through and take in the elegance of the surroundings. Tickets are priced at £7 and available from Sue Black on 01744 882538.

THE

Hail Mary! St Mary’s Parish Church on Tithebarn Road in Prescot is opening its doors as part of Heritage Open Day 2014. Regularly described as one of the area’s finest buildings, this Grade 1 listed structure, built around 1610, will be open over three days from Friday, September 12 (noon to 3pm), Saturday, September 13 (11am-3pm) and Sunday, September 14 (1pm-3pm). Among its features are Jacobean ceiling and panelling, and a Saxon font. Entrance is free and for more information, visit the church website http://prescotchurch.merseyworld.com

Wheelie Good Idea! St Ann’s School in Rainhill is to become a trailblazer for cycling in St Helens. The View Road school is to have a hub set up as part of the Cycling Together scheme, which sees three to five year olds being given the chance to learn to ride bikes without stabilisers. Staff at St Ann’s are being trained to use the equipment that will enable children to learn the skills that help them to ride. Headteacher Rebecca Wilkinson said: “Learning to ride a bike is a significant moment in anyone’s life, bringing with it a huge range of benefits including healthy growth and development, independence, confidence and responsibility. We are pleased to be able to host a family cycling hub and encourage families to cycle together!” Cycling Together is a partnership venture between St Helens Council, the Big Lottery and Sustrans.

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Bridge Club

War Exhibition

Bridge evenings are held on Mondays at St Teresa’s Club, opposite the church, in Devon Street, St Helens town centre, and on Fridays at Lester Drive Community Centre in Eccleston. Both start at 7.15pm and all are welcome. For more information, contact Bill Hogan on 01744 636527. If, however, you are a beginner you are invited to Lester Drive Community Centre on Wednesdays at 9.30am. Contact Derek Wilson on 01744 429388.

An exhibition about Rainhill during World War I takes place St Ann’s Church, View Road, Rainhill, over two days in September. Details of Rainhill’s soldiers who died and of those who survived, information and pictures about Rainhill’s war hospitals and activities of the people at home in support of the troops will be available on Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, from 10am-4pm.

At Your Leisure.

The event is hosted by Rainhill Civic Society and entry is free. For further details on the society, visit www.rainhillcivic-society.org.uk

History Help

WW1 Display Rainford Heritage Society is holding a World War I display at Fir Tree Farm, Pimbo Road, Kings Moss, on Saturday, July 19, from 10am–4pm. All welcome.

A family fun day is being held at Ruskin Leisure, Dentons Green Lane, on Sunday, July 20. All welcome and it’s free entry. The event takes place between noon and 5pm, which attractions including a bouncy castle, barbecue, cakes, a tombola and a bar.

Are you currently delving into your family history, or thinking about starting? Prescot Library’s Family History Help Desk is available on Tuesday, July 22, and Tuesday, August 19, to give guidance. The service, from 2pm-5pm on both days, operates on a drop-in, first come, first served basis although your are asked to book in at the Issue Desk on your arrival.

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Cool for It’s that time of the year again... yep, soon the kiddies will be off school for their summer holidays. And as sure as night follows day, by day seven most will have said “I’m bored” at least once. Fear not though here’s your ever-dependable Local Life to the rescue! During the school year, it’s hard to find time to bake with the kids, so now is the perfect opportunity to dig out your apron. To inspire you, here are some recipes you can use to keep the little ones from climbing the walls.

Strawberry Lollies

Banana Muffins Ingredients • 200g plain flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3 large mashed bananas • 150g caster sugar • 1 egg • 75g melted butter

Ingredients

Method

• 350g strawberries

Preheat the oven to 180°c/Gas 4 and pop 12 paper baking cases in a muffin tin.

• 4 tbsp strawberry jam • 200 ml double cream • 6 tbsp Greek yoghurt

Method Take the tops off the strawberries and slice them into a bowl.

Mix together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a bowl. In another but larger bowl, mix together the bananas, egg, sugar and melted butter. Fold in the flour mixture and stir until smooth. Spoon the mixture evenly into the baking cases.

Add the jam.

Carefully put the muffins into the oven and bake for between 25 and 30 minutes.

Mash them with a potato masher.

Allow to cool a little and then enjoy!

Whisk the cream in another bowl until it makes stiff peaks. Fold in the yoghurt. Stir the two mixtures together and put in the lolly moulds. Get them into the freezer and enjoy once they’re solid.

Kids Tasty Apple Pancakes Ingredients • 1 beaten egg • 2tsp baking powder • 100g plain flower • 3tbsp caster sugar • 25g butter • 150ml milk • 2 thinly sliced apples

Choccy Coconut Ball

Method Pop the flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl. Make a dip in the middle with a spoon and pour in a bit of the milk and all of the egg. Mix it up to make a smooth paste.

Ingredients for 5 servings

Slowly add the rest of the milk and beat the mixture so that it makes a soft liquid (this is the batter).

• 45g desiccated (dried) coconut, plus a bit extra for rolling the balls in

Stir in 1 tablespoon of the caster sugar.

• 5 tablespoons cocoa powder

Heat a little bit of oil in a frying pan and put a large tablespoon of the batter into the hot pan. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s golden brown underneath and almost set on top. Then flip it over until the other side is cooked.

• 1 tin condensed milk (397g)

• 250g digestive biscuits

Keep the pancakes warm in some kitchen roll while you’re cooking the others.

Method Crush up the biscuits in a food bag (you can bash them with a rolling pin) and pop into a mixing bowl. Add the cocoa and coconut and stir together.

Then melt the butter into the pan and fry the apple slices until they’re nice and golden. Add the remaining sugar and stir until dissolved.

Pour in the condensed milk.

Put some of the apple slices inside two of the pancakes for a super sweet treat!

Keep making balls until all the mixture is gone then pop into the fridge for 30 minutes to set.

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Old Peasley Cross Memories of a muchchanged St Helens community are the focus of a book by Haydock man Alan Molyneux. The 74-year-old of Tulip Road has penned ‘The Life and Times of a Peasley Cross Boy’ which charts not only his own life, but how the area has changed in the decades since 1939.

Alan Molyneux

It also brings to life some of the old characters of Peasley Cross, such as Bill Cooper, who owned a newsagent’s shop at the bottom of Peasley Cross Lane. Despite having only one arm, he did newspaper rounds in the area on his bike, as well as helping out at St Helens Hospital.

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The 85 page book is illustrated with a number of photos, including the original Post Office at Peasley Cross. Former butcher Alan, who grew up in Marshalls Cross Road, said: “Peasley Cross has changed quite radically - in many ways it’s completely unrecognisable. While it was absolutely right to demolish the slums, much more thought should have been given to the people whose homes had been knocked down. Instead of building small business units as areas were cleared, the priority should have been building new homes for people who had been displaced. That would have gone a long way in helping maintain the community spirit that had been there for more than 100 years.” Alan’s book is available from Wardleworth’s on Westfield Street, St Helens, priced £5 with all proceeds going to Willowbrook Hospice

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Class from the Past - Bleak Hill, Windle

This month’s Class from the Past is from Bleak Hill, Windle. It’s believed this photo was taken around 1957. Among those pictured are Lesley Jones, Linda Case, Helen Burrows, Joan Keegan, Helen King, Sheila Burrows, Jennifer Lee, Pamela Scott, Barbara Foster, Barbara Slocombe, Vivienne Jones, Valerie Brooks, Janet

Palin, Eileen Fairclough, Christine Carmichael, Carol Fenney, Philip Hunwick, Peter Williams, Ian Blood, Alan Pickering, Tony Livesey, Christine Stretch, Diana Clowes, Philip Roberts and David Clark. 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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Christmas Day

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£59.99 per adult £25.99 per child

Christmas Party Nights 2014

Live Music

Disco & Buffet Saturday 6th & 13th December 7.00 ‘til late!

£29.95 per person Small & large groups welcome The organiser of groups of 10 people or more will receive a bottle of house wine

3-course Christmas Menu also available in The Four Winds Restaurant throughout December

£24.95 per person or

£34.95 per person incudes entry to entertainment

New Year’s Eve With live entertainment from

The Messengers

7.30 pm – 2.00 am Fully Inclusive Evening To include

All Beers House Wines & Spirits (not shots) Light Refreshments Entertainment & Disco

£80 per person FREE lift home or to a hotel within 5 miles for the ﬁrst 100 tickets sold. Booking is essential & tickets are non-refundable

Join us for some great entertainment Blundells Hill Golf Club & T h e Fo u r W i n d s R e s t a u r a n t Open to the public

More than just a golf club… Blundells Lane, Rainhill, L35 6NA

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Telephone: 0151 426 9040

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www.blundellshill.co.uk

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Nice Touch... David Sudworth talks to an all-time Saints legend about his life and record-breaking career Kel Coslett is a happy man. He’s just had a call from a friend back home in South Wales with some good news. Apparently, the local paper, the Llanelli Star, has picked up on the announcement that Kel has been honoured by the Queen for his services to rugby league. Despite leaving more than 50 years ago and his endless successes since, the fact he’s still visibly chuffed to make the pages of his hometown paper speaks volumes about a man who never let all the plaudits and accolades go to his head. Although to be fair, who could have blamed him? Over a 14 year spell with Saints, Kel Coslett smashed records left, right and centre, including most ever career appearances, greatest career and season points total and greatest number of goals kicked in a career or season.

“I had a teacher called Mervyn Bowen who played for Llanelli and he really encouraged me. I was in the town team from 13-15, then in Bynea Youth from 15-18 and then played for Llanelli. Terry Davies was a Welsh international and I ended up training with him. I felt very lucky to be doing that.” Having left school at 15, Kel was employed by a local brewery, Buckley’s, as a drayman, delivering beer to local hostelries but later went on to the local steelworks. Meanwhile, his rugby career was blossoming. In 1961 he went to Aberavon and by the following year, he’d made his international debut. It was in 1962 when Kel’s life changed forever: “I’d got home from a late shift, it was about 11pm and the bus dropped me off at the top of my mum and dad’s street. My cousin, Brenda, was there and she said that there were two men from England who had come to see me.

“I went in and they introduced themselves at Lionel Swift and Basil Lowe, directors of St Helens As Kel says himself, not bad for Rugby Club. We sat there talking the boy from Bynea. Holding aloft the Challenge Cup at Wembley until about 3am – my mother in 1972 with Graham Rees, Les Greenall, John always had a bottle of whisky Born on January 14, 1942, in the house – and eventually I Mantle and John Stephens Thomas Kelvin Coslett was signed for them. It was all a bit the eldest child of Rhys, a of a rush because they said I had to move to St Helens steelworker, and Kitty. His brother Kerri came along 12 within two weeks. The following morning I felt a bit, years later. He attended Coleshill Secondary Modern in well, unsure. I wondered whether I should have waited Llanelli where, aged 13, he started playing for his form and thought about it but there was nothing I could do side. But such was his skill, that he was picked for the by that point so I went. under-15s school team.

Kel with the Llanelli team in the early 1960s “The street clubbed together to buy me a Philips electric razor as a farewell present. A lot of them even came to the train station to wave me off. They were brilliant and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.” Upon arriving in town, he went into lodgings at 18 Willow Road, which Kel recalls with great fondness: “I was taken in by a lady who was around 72 at the time called Mrs Seed. She was lovely, she’d always have supper ready for me when I got in. I found, and still to this day find, that people are so welcoming here – they’re a lot like Llanelli people in that regard.” Unlike today’s players, this was well before players were full-time professionals, so a move of clubs also meant a change of jobs. Luckily, he found work as a wagon driver with the St Helens Corporation: “I was in good company because a few players and ex-players were there including Tom Van Vollenhoven, Dick Huddart, Glyn Moses and Alex Murphy who was a joiner for the Corpy.” After two years at the Corporation, Kel broke his leg which meant he had to change jobs. He want to Pilkington’s, working as a packer, which he found actually assisted his recovery: “I’d be standing up and wearing heavy clogs so it strengthened my legs. Eventually, I went to work as a drayman at Burtonwood which, again, was great for a rugby player as you’d be lifting heavy things all day.” Being so close to ale, I wonder whether Kel was ever tempted to partake in the odd glass or two?

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With wife Jacqueline and daughters Kay, Susan and Sian in the 1970s

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“No, it wasn’t something I was interested in. I wanted to stay fit and strong. There’s talk of players back then drinking heavily and then playing the following day. I didn’t really see much of that but I wasn’t involved in it anyway.” During his years at Knowsley Road, Kel turned out for Saints a record-breaking 531 times, racking up a staggering 3,413 points in the process. He played in numerous positions, from fullback, prop and loose forward. He’s also just one of six Welshmen to have scored more than 2,000 points during their career. Following spells in management with Rochdale, a season with arch-rivals Wigan in 1979-1980 when they were relegated for the first time ever (“It wasn’t deliberate!” jokes Kel) and two seasons back at Saints from 1980-1982, Kel retired from the game. Now aged 72 and living in Eccleston, Kel is the club President. Alongside his imminent trip to Buckingham Palace, there’s another reason to celebrate as him and his wife Ja cqueline celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary soon. They got married on September 12, 1964, at St Ann’s Church, in Rainhill where they lived for a few years in Old Lane before moving on to Pentire Avenue, and then onto Dilloway Street, overlooking Queen’s Park. Together, Kel and Jacqueline have three children; Kay, 48, who lives in Ashton, Susan, 46, who lives in Eccleston and Sian, 43, who resides in Haydock. They also have seven grandchildren, Dan, Amie, Kayleigh, Jack, Rhys, Cieron and Owen, as well as a great-grand daughter, Ruby. When asked about his proudest moment, Kel appears moved. He explains: “My mother and father always supported me, and when I moved up here they said it had to be my decision. I’m feeling a bit humble talking about it now because I came up here as a young, perhaps naïve 20-year-old lad, who was miles away from home. “I remember they came up to St Helens to watch a match – mum would never usually watch me play - and I ended up kicking the winning goal. So in a way that was my proudest moment because in a way it said to them: ‘Don’t worry about me… I might be away from home but your lad’s doing alright for himself’.”

Kel today at Langtree Park

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What’s On in the North West Thursday, July 24, to Saturday, July 26 The Gruffalo Don’t miss Tall Stories’ hit musical stage adaptation of the award winning picture book, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It is the perfect family treat with plenty of songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3-plus and their grown-ups. 10.30am & 1.30pm at the Charter Theatre, Preston Guildhall, Lancaster Road, PR1 1HT. Tickets £11, schools/groups £8.50 available via www.prestonguildhall.com Sunday, July 25 The Sooty Show Izzy Wizzy Lets get busy – It’s The Sooty Show! Direct from CITV, Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty’s TV partner, Richard Cadell. 11am and 2.30pm at Parr Hall, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL. Tickets £13.65 on 01925 442345.

Friday, July 18 Toploader Formed in 1997, Toploader achieved over two million album sales. Their cover of King Harvest’s song ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ became a global hit for the band. They’ve supported the likes of Coldplay, Paul Weller, Robbie Williams and Bon Jovi. The band line-up is four of the five original members; Joseph Washbourn, Dan Hipgrave, Rob Green and Matt Knight. St Helens Citadel, Waterloo Street, WA10 1PX. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 via the Box Office on 01744 735 436.

Friday, August 1 Whiskey In The Jar 25th Anniversary One of the north’s favourite Irish folk band celebrate their 25th Anniversary. They will be joined by members old and new as they work their way through a great repertoire of timeless Irish folk songs that will have you singing along and dancing in the aisles. Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, PR7 2RL. Tickets are £10 and available now from Malcolm’s Musicland on 01257 264362. Thursday, August 14, - Sunday, August 17 Southport Flower Show This is the UK’s largest independent flower show and a great day out. Located in Victoria Park and within easy walking distance of the town centre, it attracts around 70,000 visitors. The event will feature stunning show gardens, the finest flower and vegetable displays, specialist foods and books, celebrity guests and much more. Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, PR8 2BZ. Tickets from £17. Call 01704 547147. Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17 Around The World In 80 Days Adapted from Jules Verne’s classic novel, the show races its way across the globe, taking in continents, intrigue, love and even an elephant - all in the name of a bet. A cast of eight will transport you around the world via 108 characters, 33 scenes and some wonderfully funny feats of imagination in the Royal Exchange’s unique space. Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH. Tickets range for £14.50-£36. Call 0161 833 9833. Wednesday, August 20, to Tuesday, August 26 International Beatleweek The annual International Beatleweek Festival celebrates the music of the most famous pop group the world has ever known. This is truly an international event with bands from over 20 countries and fans from over 40. As well as live gigs, there are exhibitions, memorabilia sales, guest speakers, video shows, sightseeing tours and a convention. Various locations around Liverpool, including The Cavern on Mathew Street. For more details, visit www.cavernclub.org/beatleweek Until Thursday, August 28 Cinderella Enjoy Cinderella by the seaside at it shows at Blackpool’s North Pier. Starring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Stephen Hall as The King. A fun filled day for all the family guaranteed! Tickets cost £11.25 via www.northpierblackpool. co.uk

Sunday, August 31 Steaming Sunday The Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine is one of the largest and finest working examples of its type, and regarded as a feat of industrial engineering. Visit to look in awe at this giant’s immense size and power, but more importantly, experience it working as it did all those years ago - full steam ahead! Trencherfield Mill Engine, Wigan Pier Quarter, Heritage Way, Wigan, WN3 4EF. Prices: adult £4, children under 12/concessions £2, family ticket £10, group booking – over 15 people attending receive a 20% discount. Call 01942 777566 or 01942 828128

Sunday, September 14 The Saturdays Girl group The Saturdays appear at the Apollo for an evening which promises chart hit after chart hit. 7pm. 02 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Manchester, M12 6AP. Tickets from £32 via www.o2apollomanchester.co.uk Wednesday, September 17, to Sunday, September 21 Turbo Time From the world renowned circus producer, Gerry Cottle, comes a fast, fun and totally immersive new show combining death defying stunts, rock n roll skaters, illusionists, acrobats, jugglers and sensational comedy performers. You will be witness to 50 spectacular circus acts in just 100 minutes as you experience sky high daredevils swinging from the roof of the dome, international illusionists disappearing before your very eyes and a new wave of world class performers. Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN. For more information, call 01625 374416 or visit www. tattonpark.org.uk

Sunday, September 7 Lancashire Classic Car and Motorcycle Show Classic Shows are proud to present the 32nd Classic Car and Motorcycle Show at Hoghton Tower. Admission is adults £7, children (7-14) £3, under 7s free. Free parking. If you wish to take a classic car or motorcycle and take part in the show, please contact Andrew Greenwood on 01484 667776. House and gardens open for tours. Admission for house tours: adults £8, children and concessions £6, under 5s go free. Starts at 10am. Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, near Preston, PR5 0SH. Monday, September 8, to Saturday, September 13 Talking Heads Written by Alan Bennett and directed by Zoe Jones, this series of monologues sees four very different women tell their stories. Meet Lesley, an aspiring actress hoping for her big break; vicar’s wife Susan, secretly conducting an affair; lady of letters Irene - not afraid to speak her mind; and elderly Doris who comes to re-evaluate her life after spotting a cream cracker under the settee. 7.30pm-10pm at Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, PR7 2RL. Monday-Wednesday £6, Thursday-Saturday £8. Groups of 10 or more: deduct £1 per ticket (Monday-Friday). Buy 10, Get 11th free. On sale now from Malcolm’s Musicland on 01257 264362.

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Wednesday, September 10 Ant & Dec’s Takeaway on Tour The cheeky Geordie chappies take their popular ITV show on the road. As viewers of Saturday Night Takeaway will know, no audience member will be safe so whether you’re sat in the front row or at the back, Ant and Dec could be turning the cameras on you, or even taking you up on stage! Just like they do on the TV show, Ant and Dec will be finding out everything about our audience members before they get to the show - so you’ve been warned! Liverpool Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool, L3 4FP. Tickets from £28 via www.echoarena.com

Sunday, September 21 Forever In Blue Jeans A feast of entertainment starring Carole Gordon and Bob Newman, the production begins in the 1950s and 1960s with Rock‘n’ Roll favourites from Jerry Lee Lewis and Brenda Lee to The Beatles and The Monkees. 7.30pm at Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, PR1 1HT. Tickets £19. concessions get a £1 reduction. More information is available at www. prestonguildhall.com Thursday, September 25 We Shall Remember Them: Rugby Footballers in Khaki A look back at the rugby players of the Wigan and Leigh area who gave their lives during World War I. The casualty list included 10 Leigh players with League Championship winners Sam Whittaker and Paddy O’Neill and Wigan’s star winger Lou Bradley. Mike Latham gives the background to their careers, time in the services and tragic ends serving King and Country. Museum Of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan. Event taking place during normal museum opening hours. Cost is£2.50 including tea/coffee.

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Big Busk

Robin Hood Talk

Buskers and street performers assemble at Victoria Park on Saturday , July 19, from 1pm to 5.30pm, to stage an eclectic mix of music, dance and performing arts.

St Helens Historical Society’s next meet will be held on Monday, September 15. The speaker will be Mark Olly who is giving a talk on Robin Hood.

Organised by the Friends of Victoria Park and funded by the Victoria Park Heritage Lottery Fund restoration project, the Big Busk at Victoria Park, on Cowley Hill Lane, will see a host of local talent.

The talk takes place at the Friends’ Meeting House, Church Street, St Helens, starting at 7.30pm.

It lasts from 1pm to 5.30pm and among those in line up are as follows: Paul Atherton, Kristel Dawn, Shaun Brussels, Billy & John, Sam Westhead & the Pocket Squares, Cesar Bodey, Dinosaur Fire, Sodium Frogs, Ghengis Grimes, Lee & Steve, Paparazzi Dance, Moss & Jones and Will Barnes. For more information go to www.friendsofvictoriapark. org and for more details about the Victoria Park restoration project, contact Jill Barlow on 01744604922

For more information, please call Mary Presland on 01744 23141 or Norma Cresswell on 01744 754962.

Family Fun There will be lots of family games on offer at Eccleston Library on Thursday, July 31. The Broadway facility is holding two sessions, from 10am-noon and then from 2pm-4pm, where locals can go down and have a fun time. For more information, visit www.pinterest.com/ sthlibraries.

Planning Ahead Eccleston

Prescot

228 Knowsley Road: Change of use from retail (A1) to photography studio along with removal barriers (ref: P/2014/0515). The consultation deadline is July 24.

11 Market Place: External repairs including re-pointing and re-rendering to front elevation, reinstatement of traditional sash windows and shop front details to front elevation and works to the roof and chimney (ref: 14/00326/FUL). The consultation deadline is July 21.

45 Millbrook Lane: Single storey rear extension projecting 5.4m from the rear, 3.0m high overall and 3.0m to the eaves (ref: P/2014/0520). The consultation deadline is July 24.

Eccleston Park St James CE Church, St Helens Road: Single storey side extension and formation of access ramp (ref: P/2014/0501). The consultation deadline is July 21. 19 Gorsey Croft: Non material amendment to P/2013/0653 to amend the position of the windows and doors along with roof alterations. 26 Central Park Avenue: Remodelling of existing property including first floor above existing single storey element, new front and rear dormer windows, first floor side elevation window, rear and side extensions, pitched roof above existing garage, new porch canopy feature detail and external alterations (ref: P/2014/0523). The consultation deadline is July 24.

13-15 Atherton Street: Demolition of rear two storey extension and metal staircase, erection of new 2 storey rear extension and metal staircase, alterations to front and rear elevations. change of use of ground floor to coffee shop/gallery/artist’s studio. A decision is due soon. Flossys, 21 Eccleston Street: Alterations to front and rear elevations including new shop front and roof repairs together with the change of use of first floor to residential (ref: 14/00078/FUL). The consultation deadline is July 14.

Rainhill 18 View Road: Conversion of existing flat roof to pitched on garage (ref: P/2014/0508). The consultation deadline is July 18. 18 Field Way: Demolition of detached garage and erection of a single storey side/rear extension to form double garage and utility room (ref: P/2014/0509). The consultation deadline is July 18.

For more information about the Prescot application, visit www.knowsley.gov.uk. For the other applications, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk

M F ALE AG EMA S & ED LES OV ER

60+

FIT FOREVER Come and take part in a range of fun activities, including: • Boccia • New Age Kurling • Darts • Archery • Table Tennis • Badminton Activities are FREE and all are welcome. There are sessions currently taking place at the Leaf Centre, Park Farm ACYP Centre, Rainford/Spinney Community Green, Garswood Labour Club Green, Newton-le-Willows Family & Community Centre, Salvation Army Hall Parr, United Reform Church Hall Town Centre and United Reform Church Hall Toll Barr.

more people, more active, more often. For more information, please contact: Sports Development Tel: 01744 675402 Email: sportsdevelopment@sthelens.gov.uk

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Jack’s Tracks

Beacon Loop August sees the return of the West Lancashire Walking Festival, and to get into the spirit we’ve based a Jack’s Tracks walk loosely on one of the Festival’s most popular attractions; the Beacon Loop walk. This is a walk of many settings, from wooded glades to canal landscapes, from shaded quiet country lanes to magnificent hill tops, and it all takes place within the confines of the Douglas Valley, under the watchful eye of Ashurst’s Beacon. A word of warning though –at 9.1 miles long this is a good 4 ½ hour walk for proper walkers, so if you’re not fit and you don’t like getting mud on your designer boots, this isn’t a walk for you! The West Lancashire Walking Festival runs from 1st-14th August at a variety of sites throughout West Lancashire, and the walks range from 2-11 miles long; see page 47 for further details.

Make your way to the Carr Lane car park off Mill Lane in Up Holland (the nearest postcode is WN8 7RZ). Park up and return to the main road on foot. Turn right and walk down Mill Lane for 350 yards until you see a large concrete speed bump situated in front of metal gates on the left hand side. This is the path you need, so hop over the stile at the side of the gates and walk downhill. Once you emerge out of the wooden area, you’ll follow the path through a collection of old and new housing, most of which isn’t (and has never been) lived in. This footpath runs alongside Walthew Park, the home of the decaying St Joseph’s College, which was once the main Catholic Seminary for the NW of England, and the housing is part of the estate.

Cross over the main road at the bottom of the hill, and turn left along Stoney Brow. Once you have walked past the derelict bungalow (Haigh View), turn right at the public footpath sign and head downhill through the fields for 450 yards until you reach a single track road (Lafford Lane). Turn right and follow the road past Jollies I’th Dean farmhouse. Don’t take the next public footpath, which is on the bend by the large wooden outhouse, but carry on until you reach Dean Wood Farm on your left. Set back by the entrance gate is a public footpath; follow this footpath across the field until you reach Dean Wood golf course. Take the path straight ahead to the right of the 2nd hole. After 50 yards you’ll pass a Dean Wood sign and just after this point, take the path on the left and you’ll plunge downhill into the woods.

continuation of the footpath and shortly after, you’ll emerge onto Lees Lane. Turn left, and follow Lees Lane for 450 yards and then turn right when you reach a rough concrete road just before Dingle Bungalow. This is Back Lane, which eventually leads to Long Heys Lane. You’re in for a mile long hike uphill along this quiet country lane. Once you’ve passed Ashleigh Farm on the right, look out for

It’s mostly difficult to describe a set walk through woods because most woods have multiple paths, and Dean Wood is no exception. However, ensure that you’re constantly heading downstream and you’ll eventually happen upon a metal green bridge. Cross this bridge and you’ll soon surface from the wood, following the path which eventually runs parallel to the River Douglas. You’ll emerge on the main road near Gathurst Station. Turn left and walk under the railway bridge and just before the Baby Elephant restaurant, you’ll spot a path on the left which leads to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Take this path and head towards Appley Bridge. The firm flat towpaths of the canal are a welcome contrast to the somewhat softer and hillier terrain of Dean Wood, and this 1.75 mile stretch of the canal is picturesque and enjoyable. Just after the Water’s Edge pub, come off the canal towpath at the bridge and turn left. After 50 yards you’ll see a public footpath sign on the right. Take this path, which takes you behind a couple of cottages to a field. Follow the narrow path on the right hand perimeter of the field and carry on that path heading towards an opening to the next field. Once you have reached the opening (which doubles up as a bridge over a well concealed brook), you’ll need to turn left and follow the path upstream parallel to the brook. You’ll eventually arrive at a clearing; keep to the right hand side for the

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an opening cut into the bank around 150 yards further on. We’re turning right here, so climb up the opening and follow the path right round the field until you come to a bridge over a brook. Cross the bridge, clamber up the opposite bank, and take the diagonal uphill path across the field towards the barred gate. Go through the opening by the gate and follow the uphill path though the wooden area, and as you emerge from the woods you’ll see the spire of Ashurst’s Beacon peeping over the horizon. Bear left as you pass the Beacon monument, and you’ll see two paths which end up in a fork just prior to the exit onto Beacon Lane. Take the left hand path because, just before that fork occurs, you’ll hop over a stile on the left. Follow that path past Bradshaws Farm and after crossing three more stiles you’ll emerge once more on Long Heys Lane.

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Turn right on Long Heys Lane, pass Stopforth Farm, round the bend, and 50 yards on you’ll see a seven bar gate on the left. Turn left down here and you’ll quickly pass the play area at the back of the Prince William pub and the well-kept Dalton Cricket Ground. Once you have passed the cricket pitch stick to the left hand perimeter on the farmer’s field until you reach an opening. Go through the opening and head in the same direction on the right hand perimeter of the field. After a short incline, the path falls away and you’re again rewarded with some stunning views. Once you reach the track at the base of the hill, turn right down a farm track and you’ll emerge on a bend in the road. Turn right up Crow Lane and walk 130 yards until you reach a right hand bend and then follow the main track behind the barred gate on the bend. Follow the track through the ruins of Belle Vue Farm and climb the hill until you reach Beacon Lane again.

Turn right along Beacon Lane for 50 yards (please be careful here, there is no pavement) and then take the left turn to Elmers Green Lane. Follow the lane downhill to Beacon Golf car park and then turn left and go through the car park. Carry on the path running in the same direction. This merges with another path and then you’ll need to take an immediate right hand turn straight afterwards. Follow this path for its duration and it will eventually start to bear left and you’ll end up in the cark park where you started. 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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Roby Mill

Music was his life, so we made it a big part of our goodbye Saying farewell to Dad was hard, but his GreenAcres funeral hit just the right note

At GreenAcres we help you take care of the little details for a perfect final goodbye. We also make sure that planning your last requests is easy, simple and affordable. So when it’s your time, your family has the comfort of knowing that things are just as you wanted them to be. Your Goodbye, Your Way.

To get the final goodbye you want, contact us for a copy of the Planning Ahead Brochure. Visit: www.greenacreswoodlandburials.co.uk/rainford Tel: 01744 649189 Email: info.rainford@greenacreswb.co.uk Want to advertise in Local Life?

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Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay

Audi Q5

If I had over £35,000 I would happily buy the 2.0 TFSI quattro S line version of the Audi Q5. You see, the styling of the Q5, with its coupe-like roof line and wrap-around tailgate, has been subtly refreshed. The design of the headlights has been changed, and the sparkling xenon units are now framed by new-look LED daytime running lights that form a continuous band surrounding more of the lens.

The car is as solidly made as an oak table and yet seems as light as a feather. There’s a reason for this: the bonnet and tailgate are crafted from aluminium, while the car’s structural elements integrate ultra-high-strength steels; they reduce weight and improve crash safety. The result is that the Q5 handles like an executive saloon and takes off like a bat out of hell when you dab the accelerator. Indeed, the performance totally matches the looks of this Germanic road warrior: top speed is 138mph and the 0-62mph sprint is done in a satisfying 7.1 seconds.

Inside, the Audi Q5 is pure understated refinement. The controls are trimmed in chrome, and the narrow panels of the centre console are finished in high-gloss black. The hi-tech central media component, MMI navigation plus, has very few buttons, so you don’t need a degree in Rocket Science to work out how to use it. Other touches such as heated seats, air conditioning and a multifunction steering wheel make the Q5 a dream to drive.

Another explanation for this awesome performance is the updated Q5’s TFSI petrol engine, which combines direct fuel injection, while the eight-speed tiptronic automatic powers the 2.0 TFSI Quattro up the cogs effortlessly. The chassis of the latest Audi Q5 also adds a great dollop of refinement and comfort, thanks to changes to the spring, shock absorber and anti-roll bar settings. The new power steering system gives you a better feel for the road too.

I’m not saying you’ll ever get sick of driving the Q5, but when you’ve had enough of all that commuting to work and driving the kids to school malarkey, the Audi will thrill you off road. It may look a bit bling but it actually performs well on rugged terrain. Its maximum climbing angle is 31 degrees and its approach and departure angles are each 25 degrees. And you won’t rip anything off the Q5’s underbelly because the vehicle’s ground clearance measures 20 cm. This is truly a motor for everyone – but you’ll have to have a decent bank balance, or a boss who’s nice enough to put this on the company car list to drive one. The Q5 driving experience is further enhanced when the optional Audi drive select system is specified. Audi drive select lets you vary the operating characteristics of the throttle pedal, the shift points of the automatic transmission, the degree of power steering assistance and the operation of the automatic air conditioning system via four modes, including an efficiency mode. In addition, three optional components can also be controlled by the Audi drive select system if they are fitted. These include adaptive cruise control, damper control and dynamic steering. During higher speed cornering, it compensates for understeer and oversteer by intervening with slight steering pulses.

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FAST FACTS • Max speed: 138mph • 0-62 mph: 7.1 secs • Combined mpg: 35.8 • Engine: 1984cc 4 cylinder 16 valve diesel • Max. power (bhp): 222 at 4500 rpm • Max. torque (Ib/ft): 258 at 1500 rpm • CO2: 184 g/km • Price: £35,350 on the road

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Motoring Services

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On Your Plot

Hoarding If all has gone to plan (that’s a big if!) then August should be a very satisfying month on your plot, with your hard work being repaid by ample harvests of a good range of fruit and veg.

incorporated into a sauce, or blanched, frozen and then added to a stew at a later date. Cooking and freezing can work well for fruit too - apple or rhubarb are good stewed and frozen all ready for use in a crumble or pie. If you have a truly wonderful fruit crop then why not arm yourself with a good recipe book and get started on some jam making? It’ll be delicious on your toast in the morning, and what better gift than a pot of homemade raspberry jam?

The reality tends to be that the excitement of seeing your crops grow and ripen is initially followed by much enjoyment of the first fruits of your labour which can soon be replaced by a panic stricken ‘What the heck do I do with all these’! Certain crops (courgettes and tomatoes spring to mind) can almost guarantee this sequence of events! Sharing with friends and neighbours is great but very often they will have a glut of exactly the same thing at just the same time. What is called for are some simple ideas for storing and preserving your produce. It may be a long time before you are harvesting fresh peas or raspberries again but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be enjoying your home grown produce throughout the winter - it just takes a little planning and now is the time to do it. Onions (and garlic) that have been lifted and left to dry can be plaited and hung in a cool, dry place. Net bags, or tights, also work if you don’t fancy plaiting. Potatoes can be stored in boxes or paper sacks in a dark, dry building but you should check them regularly, removing any that show signs of rotting. A good size freezer is a real boon for making the most of your produce. Blanching and then freezing works for loads of vegetables. Key to success is to cool quickly after blanching so have a bowl of cold water at the ready and don’t forget to label what you are freezing! Another option, and one that can work well for all those tomatoes, is to find a good recipe that you can cook, freeze and use later (how about a wonderful pasta sauce with your own tomatoes and home grown basil?). Even ‘difficult to freeze’ veg such as courgettes can either be

It’s amazing how many books there are that tell you how to grow your fruit and veg, but how little information there is on just how to store it all! One wonderful little book, that deals with just this question is ‘How to store your garden produce’ by Piers Warren. It’s packed with information about how to store just about anything and a great addition to any gardeners library. Happy harvesting!

Jobs for August Water regularly - try to water either in the evenin g or early mornings. If you are growing main crop potatoes, watch out for signs of blight. Brown patches on the tops and edges of leaves are usually a first sign. Pinch out the tops of runner bean stems that are outgrowing their supports. Keep harvesting those courgettes! Sow turnips and oriental salad plants such as Pak Choi and Chinese Cabbage Strawberry runners that were potted up in June to produce new plants can be planted out now.

Knowsley Flower Show With the scent of flora and fauna now filling the air, you can prepare to have your senses filled even further at Knowsley Flower Show! The event is being held on Sunday, August 3, from 11am-5pm at Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Huyton. The event is presented by Knowsley Council in partnership a number of voluntary groups, including Whiston Garden Club. For more details, call 0151 443 5749 or visit www.knowsleyflowershow.com

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Saturday 2 August Useful & edible plants Start: 10am from Beacon Country Park 2 miles 8 miles

Thursday 7 August Bat Walk Start: 9pm from Beacon Country Park

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Friday 8 August Martin Mere Walk Start: 10am from Martin Mere

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Saturday 9 August Butterfly Walk Start: Midday from Beacon Country

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Sunday 10 August Burscough Wetlands Walk Start: 10am from Platts Lane; Distance 11 miles Monday 11 August Medieval Boundary Walk Start: 2pm from Beacon Country Park 2 miles Tuesday 12 August Ormskirk Circular Start: 10am from Coronation Park

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Wednesday 13 August Lathom Circular Start: 10am from Ruff Wood; Distance

8 miles

Thursday 14 August Bat Walk Start: 8.30pm from Coronation Park

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Sunday 3 August Beacon Canal Loop Start: 10am from Beacon Country Park

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Home Services

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J Davies & Co

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The photo on page 32 is of Tasker Terrace, Rainhill

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