LocalLife Warrington Edition
March 2017
Win tickets to see
Olly Murs Jack’s Tracks visits Worsley Test Drive - Audi Q2 Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Events2Go Puzzles Home Services locallife247.co.uk
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henever I tell people I’m from Local Life magazine, the reply is usually: “That’s a great little magazine, that is...”
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It’s a common refrain, but what makes us so “great”? As editor, I’m bound to say it’s the quality of the writing... but even I have to admit that is only partially true. The real reason is that we are always thinking of ways to improve the magazine for our readers and our advertisers. This month, you may notice a slight change. We’ve tweaked the style and have launched a brand new Events2Go section. Over the years, we have collected news of events in a very traditional way - mostly looking at local community noticeboards and of course receiving items of interest via email and, to a lesser extent these days, by post. Our Events2Go platform takes this a step further. Now, you are able to upload information of events directly to our website at www.locallife247.co.uk for free. You’ll also find on there a comprehensive ‘What’s On’ guide for the local area and beyond.
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And we’ve also launched a Facebook page for Events2Go, which keeps you updated with a selection of events across the area. Simply search ‘Events2Go’ in Facebook and give us a ‘like’. So now you can not only keep up with everything in this magazine, but you can now do it ‘on the go’ online. And all for free! See you next time, or maybe before that online?
David Sudworth - editor
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In this issue Find what’s on at
Events2Go
Regulars 14 Class From The Past 34 Jack’s Tracks 22 Events2Go 38 Test Drive 28 Puzzle Corner
Sections 22
6 Local News 22 Events & Leisure
38 Motoring 40 Home Services
Win tickets for
Olly Murs
Next issue - April 2017
Advertising deadline - Friday, 10 March Published - Monday, 27 March
24 Still waters
run deep
30 Jack’s Tracks visits
Worsley
34 Test Drive
Audi Q2
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locallifemagazine247
LocalLife Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01925 387 025 Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Clare sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David warringtonnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter, Dylan design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life (Warrington/Leigh) is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. This edition will be delivered to 13,850 homes in Winwick, Culcheth, Kenyon, Glazebury, Glazebrook, Gorse Covert, Croft, Locking Stumps, Burtonwood and Newton-leWillows. The next edition will be delivered to 13,850 homes in Lowton, Golborne, Ashton, Leigh and Pennington.
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.
@locallifemedia
events2go
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Funding cuts fears David Hart has written to parents over the new National Funding Formula, which he claims would see the school lose the equivalent of £755,514 compared to those in better funded areas. His letter states: “If these proposals go ahead it means that, across Warrington, schools will have a total of almost a quarter of a million pounds per year wiped off their budgets on top of the very substantial cuts that nearly all schools have had to make over the past few years.
“Our funding system is broken and unfair, and we cannot allow that to continue.” The government’s formal consultation runs until March 22. You can find out more about it at www. warrington.gov.uk/schoolcuts.
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Volunteers are needed for this year’s Birchwood Carnival. The organisers want to introduce new attractions in the future, so are looking for people willing to volunteer their time on the day of the carnival for a number of tasks. A spokesman said: “We would love to have a wider range of activities but this can only happen if people pledge their time to help run them. It’s your carnival – pledge your time to make it bigger and better!” This year’s event takes place on Sunday, June 4, at Birchwood Forest Park. If you can help or want more information contact, visit www.birchwoodcarnival.uk or telephone the Park Ranger Service on 01925 824239
T FROM
Carnival volunteers
EC
“While some Warrington schools will see an increase in funding, the great majority will not – and even those who are set to benefit will be significantly worse off than similar schools in other areas of the country.
Education Secretary Justine Greening defended the reforms: “Our school funding system as it exists today is unfair, opaque and outdated. The reality is that patchy and inconsistent decisions on funding have built up over many years, based on data that are sometimes a decade or more out of date.
AC U F TU N
Gorse Covert Primary’s chairman of governors is calling on parents to protest over cuts to school funding
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Share your photos What a grand sight - a scene from yesteryear of Culcheth Hall. Did you know you can now upload your photos of the area, both old and new, directly
to our new website? It couldn’t be easier - just visit www.locallife247.co.uk/share-your-photos/
Another say on homes bid Locals will get at another chance to comment on controversial plans for new homes in Newton-le-Willows. A consultation - which would mean land across the borough developed - ended just a few weeks ago. The council says it is now considering those responses and will publish a second draft of its Local Plan in late summer, followed by another round of public consultation. In theory, the proposals, could be radically altered. However, planners would still need to identify sufficient land to meet government housing targets. Current sites in the frame include: •
Former Newton Community Hospital (Simms Ward), Bradlegh Road (20 homes - currently Green Belt)
•
Former Red Bank Community Home, Winwick Road, (150 homes - currently Green Belt)
•
Land off Common Road/Swan Road (107 homes)
•
Land at Old Hey Farm, south of Tyrer Road, (225 homes)
After the next round of consultation, the final draft will be submitted to a government-appointed Planning Inspector in autumn, with a pre-hearing due to take place before Christmas. An Examination in Public is pencilled in for February-March 2018, followed by the inspector’s report in June. The final part will see St Helens Council adopting a Local Plan sometime in September or October 2018.
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Tell Us Your Story!
Money offer Warrington Town Centre Partnership Group is
Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition! Simply contact us on warringtonnews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01925 267 025.
offering funding to support groups with projects that can have a real impact in the town centre. Applications can be submitted for up to £1,000, but if significant impact can be demonstrated, larger grants may be awarded. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 17. To apply, go to warrington.gov.uk/neighbourhoods or for more information or help with an application, please contact Di White on 07827 232 561 or email dwhite@ warrington.gov.uk.
Shows confirmed Culcheth Horticultural Society has confirmed its shows for this year will be held on Saturday, July 8, and Saturday, September 23. More details to be released soon. Email mike@culchethhs.one for more information.
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Waste service axed A free bulky waste service in Birchwood is being axed. The local Town Council, which provides the additional facility, confirmed that Wednesday, March 22, would be the final day for the service. After that date, residents wanting to have bulky waste items taken away will have to pay Warrington Council from £20 upwards - although white goods are not chargeable. A Town Council spokesman said: “After much discussion Town Council Members have reluctantly
decided to cease bulky waste collections, with the last collection date being Wednesday, March 22. The cost associated with providing the service; manpower, vehicles costs and disposal outweigh the cost at which the Borough Council can provide a similar service. “The Town Council will instead be undertaking some of the grass cutting in Birchwood, on Borough Council land, which will be in addition to the grass cutting schedule that Warrington Borough Council undertakes.”
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Railing against bird plan HS2 bosses are objecting to plans for a bird of prey centre near their proposed high speed rail line near Culcheth. Wild Wings Birds of Prey Centre are hoping to get the go-ahead to relocate to land at the side of Taylor Business Park, Wigan Road. They are currently at Bents Garden Centre on Warrington Road, Glazebury. However HS2’s safeguarding planning manager, James Fox, has written to Warrington Council planners outlining concerns that part of the site would be less than 100 metres away from the proposed line. Croft Parish Council also claims that “a public
20 St Georges Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2AA 01257 367 899
attraction is an inappropriate development in an industrial estate.” However, trustees of Taylor Business Park, who submitted the application, have hit back: ”The centre wouldn’t be in the Business Park itself, it’s on land to the side, near the entrance and by the beauty spa - it’s hardly a heavily commercial area. “HS2 have also objected - which was to be expected but - we are responding to them to explain that it’s only for the duration of a five year lease. “ A number of residents have also supported the plan. One said: “As well as being informative, and educational for all ages, they also do therapy visits to homes for the elderly and other community groups.”
FREEPHONE 0800 0834 678
Sefton Meadows Garden Centre, Sefton Lane, Maghull, L31 8BT 0151 531 0056
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Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Glazebury Juniors. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1970s. Maybe you can spot a familiar
face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact us today by emailing warringtonnews@locallife247.co.uk
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Business opportunity Wayfarers Shopping Arcade is a Grade II listed building and one of Southport’s retail treasures. It is beautifully maintained, lovingly restored and a vibrant shopping arcade which is right at the heart of the town. And now there are attractive, affordable units available within the arcade particularly suited to small independent retailers or those thinking of starting a new retail venture. You could open a successful retail outlet in Wayfarers from as little as £75 (plus VAT) per week which is a once in a lifetime opportunity. People who run their retail business in Wayfarers tend to live locally and enjoy working within a
supported communit y. Many of the smaller units have been the start of very successful b u s i n e s s ventures where retailers have started small and grown to occupy much larger premises. Most retail businesses now trade on line but find having a retail outlet good for raising the profile
Start Spreading
The News!
Our new Events2Go platform lets you tell thousands of people about your event.
Whether it’s a charity do, sportsman’s dinner, wedding fair or coffee morning, we can help you publicise your event • Upload your event to our online calendar • Get it promoted on social media • Reach up to 130,000 homes in our mags
For FREE publicity for your event visit www.locallife247.co.uk/events
19 of their business by having a high-street presence. Occupying a unit within Wayfarers ticks all these boxes. You can trade on line and have a prestigious shop without having to pay a high rent or rates. People travel from far and wide to visit Wayfarers because it has the most wonderful relaxing atmosphere although it is within busy Lord Street and the crowds in the town centre. Wayfarers is full of character and bursting with interesting niche shops and one of these could be yours. Special events and historical exhibitions are regularly to be seen in Wayfarers, including displays of paintings, photographs or sculptures. Occasionally there is musical entertainment all to encourage customers to make regular return visits. Like to research more information? Then visit www. wayfarersarcade.co.uk You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1NT. Open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5.30pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Historic setting Originally called the Leyland Arcade, after a Southport MP, Wayfarers opened in October 1898. It was the idea of John Humphrey Plummer, a Victorian entrepreneur, who at the time owned most of the shops on Lord Street. A splendid example of Victorian architecture with its domed glass roof, intricate iron work, stained glass and mahogany shop fronts that can all still be seen today. In its past ,it has housed brass bands, a large aquarium, a bandstand and since the 1970s has been home to a bronze statue of local legend and Grand National champion Red Rum, who trained on Southport beach.
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‘Botched’ process The organisation which runs Culcheth and Birchwood libraries should be stripped of its powers. That’s the view of MP Helen Jones who has hit out at what she claims is LiveWire’s “botched” handling of plans which has effectively shelved any decision on Warrington’s libraries for the time being. A report into last year’s consultation went before councillors recently. A ‘working group’ has now been set up to review further options. This includes possible relocation or Community Asset Transfer for Culcheth Library, and possibly moving Birchwood Library to the local Tennis & Leisure Centre. For Burtonwood, Livewire recommends continuing to “develop a mixed economy within this site through the commercial partner already identified to ensure sustainability and extend the current opening hours.”
“It is difficult to remember any other issue in recent times that has been so badly handled. We need to watch carefully who is to serve on the “task group”. It can’t be the same people who got us into this mess and must not be a sneaky way of kicking the issue into the long grass for a while and coming up with equally poor recommendations. “The simplest way forward would be to strip LiveWire of its control of our libraries and return them to the local authority.” Council culture and leisure chief Cllr Tony Higgins said: “The overwhelming majority of respondents do not want libraries to close. We cannot ignore this and we will not be progressing with most of the original proposals as a result. However, doing nothing is not an option.”
However, Warrington North MP Helen Jones said:
Planning Matters Burtonwood 5 Ladywood Road: Proposed single and two storey side extension and new detached garage (ref: 2016/29477). A decision is due soon. Culcheth 112 Wellfield Road: Demolition and replacement of a single storey detached bungalow (ref: 2016/29458). A decision is due soon. Winwick Rose Cottage, Golborne Road: Proposed First floor extension to rear to include Juliette balcony (ref: 2017/29674). A decision is due soon. For more information on these plans, visit www.warrington.gov.uk
Eagles have landed Work has been completed on brand new changing and community facilities at Culcheth Eagles Rugby League’s home at Shaw Street Recreation Ground. The old changing facilities have been replaced with larger, modern and accessible facilities. The project includes four changing room areas, a separate match official’s changing and showering facility, and a community room with full disabled access. As well as replacing the existing changing rooms which were at the end of their life, the new facilities will extend the use of the building by providing community facilities that can be used by a wide range of groups. The improvement works, carried out by Warrington-based contractor Clovemead Ltd. Its joint managing director, Graham Holland, said: “. It will provide a terrific boost to Culcheth Eagles and other sports teams in the vicinity.”
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Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook
events2go
Brass for St Rocco’s
Bach’s St John Passion
Sunday, March 12, 3pm
Saturday, April 1, 7.30pm
The Leyland Brass Band are at Warrington’s Parr Hall to raise money for St Rocco’s hospice.
Michael Wynne will conduct Warrington Choral Society and Orchestra in a performance of Bach’s St John Passion.
Pyramid Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Warrington WA1 1BL
Tea and Tango Saturday, March 18, 2pm-3.30pm/4pm-5.30pm Professional tango dancer Johana Cabrera presents two workshops. Croft Memorial Hall, Mustard Lane, Croft, WA3 7BQ. Call 01942 237974.
St Mary’s Shrine, Buttermarket Street, Warrington WA1 2NS.
Robin Hood Panto Thursday, April 6, 3pm – 7pm Starring Gareth Gates, Graham Cole and Zippy & George from Rainbow. Pyramid Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Warrington.
Irish Liverpool Saturday, March 18, 8pm Dramatisation commemoration of all those who lost their lives in the Great Famine of the 1840s. St. George’s Hall, St George’s Pl, Liverpool L1 1JJ. Contact: 01517 085158.
Life In The Workhouse Monday, March 20, 7.30pm Warrington History Society talk by Peter Warson. All welcome. Friars Green Independent Methodish Chpael, 37 Cairo Street, Warrington. Free entry for society members - £2 on the door for non-members/50p for students.
Interpret Saturday, April 8 – Saturday, June 17 This exhibition is a showcase of young contemporary artists that are completing a range of Art & Design courses at Warrington Collegiate. Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, Museum Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JB
Crafts with Wool Thursday, April 13, 10.30am – 12.30pm Go along and be creative with wool and other natural materials. A family activity, recommended for children aged seven and above. Try your hand at simple weaving and braiding. Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6QN. Contact: 01625 374428,
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Wildlife Trust
Easter Eggspedition
Thursday, April 13, 27.30m
Saturday, April 15, 2pm-5pm
Lydia McCool gives a talk on the Lancashire Wildlife Trust/ Chat Moss to members of Culcheth Local History Group.
Traditional Easter egg hunt for all the family. Find answers to the questions around the park Easter crafts and refreshments available.
Culcheth Community Centre, 2 Jackson Avenue, Culcheth, Warrington, WA3 4EL. Entry £2 for nonmembers.
Mesnes Park, Park Road, Newton-Le-Willows
Disney Fancy Dress Party
Historical Talk
Friday, April 14, 7.30pm-10.30pm
Monday, April 24, 7.30pm
Kids’ magic show, party games, music and visits from Queen Elsa and Princess Anna,
Peter Gately gives a talk to St Helens Historical Society entitled Apse, Nave and Cloiser.
Winwick Leisure Centre, Myddleton Lane, WA2 8LQ. Tickets £2. Family tickets £6. Child supervision required. Call 01925 637490.
Friends Meeting House, Church Street, St Helens WA10 1AJ. Call secretary Mary Presland on 01744 23141.
Start Spreading
The News!
Our new Events2Go platform lets you tell thousands of people about your event.
Whether it’s a charity do, sportsman’s dinner, wedding fair or coffee morning, we can help you publicise your event • Upload your event to our online calendar • Get it promoted on social media • Reach up to 130,000 homes in our mags
For FREE publicity for your event visit www.locallife247.co.uk/events
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Competition
Win tickets for
Olly Murs T
o celebrate the launch of Events2Go, the new local events guide, we have two pairs of tickets to be won to one of the biggest concerts in the North West this year, superstar Olly Murs – performing live at Haydock Park on Saturday, August 11 Since Olly shot to fame on X Factor in 2009, he has crafted four multi-platinum albums and produced four Number One singles with total record sales exceeding 10 million. His latest studio album 24 HRS was released recently and became his fourth consecutive LP to reach the top spot on the UK charts, becoming the most successful solo artist ever to come from the X Factor. Olly told Local Life: “I’m really looking forward to playing Haydock Park. It’ll be one of the first chances I’ll get to play tracks from 24 HRS in the sunshine so will be a special show to share with my fans. I love a day out at the races too so can’t wait to get in the crowd during the day to place a cheeky bet!”’ Olly is the first act announced for Haydock Park’s summer season. Alongside a showstopping headlining performance by some of the world’s biggest artists, the action kicks off earlier in the day with a six race card - giving fans the chance to witness powerful equine athletes who are stars in their own right, and enjoy the thrilling drama and spectacle of them racing for glory.
25 The events are renowned for combining a fun filled evening at the races with a spectacular evening concert in the informal and relaxed openair setting of the hallowed turf. Having welcomed over 200,000 fans of live music to their events in 2016, this year is set to continue the incredible success. The racecourses have world-class customer facilities, featuring an array of award winning restaurants that cater for all tastes, be it Fine Dining through to delicious bistro food, so you can be sure of a fantastic evening. Tickets are priced starting from £37.50 adult/£15 child (under 18) at www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk Please note child tickets are limited and all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. All T&Cs are available at http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets.
Competition 1 What is the name of Olly’s new album? To win a pair of tickets to Olly’s Haydock concert, visit: locallife247.co.uk/free-stuff/competitions/ Enter your answer, your details and click on ‘Enter’. Closing date 31st March 2017
Competition 2 To win a pair of tickets to Olly’s Haydock concert, search Facebook for ’Events2Go’ ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ the Events2Go page Closing date 31st March 2017
Competition rules are publicised on our website: locallife247.co.uk/contact-us/rules
new
The local events guide You can get event updates by reading our Local Life magazines every month, by searching our website locallife247.co.uk, or by liking the ‘Events2Go’ Facebook page. Event organisers can upload event details and a poster/picture to our website FREE: locallife247.co.uk/events/community/add
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Check out our brand new
website! Win a £25 M&S voucher
in our monthly draw! Don’t miss a single copy of Local Life – register NOW for your free monthly copy. Upload your pics and we’ll display them FREE in our magazine* or on our website FREE downloads of over 40 Jack’s Tracks Promote your forthcoming event for FREE via magazine*, online and via events2go *where space permits
LocalLife
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Puzzle Corner
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LOGIC PROBLEMS Three child film stars were contracted to different Hollywood film companies. Can you identify the three, work out their ages at the time and say which company each was with? CLUES 1. The Warner Bros star was older than Annie Taylor 2. Hughie was younger than the starlet named Rose 3. Emilys’s contract was with Paramount
SUDOKU WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: London, Paris and Charles Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.
M A O D
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N L I G All the puzzle solutions are on page 37 of this magazine
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Still waters
run deep David Sudworth meets the campaigners trying to restore England’s first modern canal
R
ivarlies with Manchester in this part of the world tend to have a sporting edge. But when it comes to real civic pride, there’s only one topic up for discussion - canals. “Manchester says the Bridgewater was the first modern waterway in the UK,” says Colin Greenall. “But the Sankey pre-dates it by a few years. However, the Bridgewater is in a major city and is still navigable, so it gets more publicity.”
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Sankey Sugar Co Stretching from the mouth of the Mersey at Widnes, via Warrington and Newton-Le-Willows, the Sankey is exactly 260 years old this year. It was commissioned through an Act of Parliament, making it England’s first canal of the industrial revolution. The country’s first double locks were built on the Sankey at Broad Oak, St Helens. A second set were built later at Parr. The canal was built to move coal from the burgeoning south Lancashire pits to fuel the growing chemical industries in Liverpool. And because the city was a major international port at the time, raw sugar shipped in from the Colonies was sent back up the Sankey to the Sugar Works at Earlestown. This roaring trade transformed the places along the Sankey from small villages to the bustling towns we know today. But because of the age of the canal, some parts of its history has been lost in the midst of time. For instance, the general background of people who built the canal are unknown. Unlike the LeedsLiverpool route, which was created through Irish
Bewsey Lock in 1961
Colin Greenall, a stalwart of the Sankey Canal Restoration Society ‘navvy’ labour, it’s thought that locals, such as outof-work miners, were used. And historians can’t find any recorded objections to the proposal, even though it would have meant compulsory purchase of private land.
“Treated like an open-air rubbish dump” The canal was in use for 200 years before progress intervened. The Post-War rush to build new roads and motorways saw traffic moving away from the Sankey. It closed in 1963 and by the 1970s was being used as an open air rubbish dump A sad legacy for England’s first modern canal. By 1985, the blatant decay was too much for some, so a group of locals joined together to bring the canal back to life. And so the Sankey Canal Restoration Society was born. Today, Colin Greenall - one of the original members - is still involved. Along with Dave Smallshaw, the society chairman, and a band of willing volunteers, they are pushing for a fully-functioning canal.
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Newton Common Lock “People think that the biggest issue is digging out the infill, but that’s relatively straightforward, even though it’s contaminated,” says Dave. “No, it’s more to do with the fact that the Sankey had swinging bridges, but when it closed these were replaced with normal bridges. This means that, in places, there’s only a few feet between the waterline and the bridge. To open it up fully would involved overcoming those obstacles, which isn’t cheap.” Indeed it isn’t. Recent estimates have put the cost at somewhere close to £100m, which means the group has to win the support of funding bodies at a time when money for what some may deem as a nonessential service is scarce. One big plus for the group is that the original route is still in tact - it hasn’t been built on and all three councils (Halton, Warrington and St Helens) have pledged to protect it from future development. And in fact they’ve already had some success in bringing it back into use at the Mersey end.
Society chairman Dave Smallshaw Colin said: “That was the obvious place to start because it’s still ‘in water’ so we are working our way up, bit by bit. The councils are on board; I think they need us as much as we need them.” By their own admission though, both Colin, 72, and Dave, 70, aren’t getting any younger, and the society needs new blood to keep the campaign moving forward: “I’m under no illusion that I’ll see this completed in my lifetime, but it’s about passing the baton on to the next generation,” says Dave. “You don’t want to put people off but it’s not something which you’ll see overnight success with. We’ve been plugging away for 30-odd years, who says it won’t take that amount of time again?” For more information, visit sankeycanal.co.uk
Hulme Lock in 1971
33
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Worsley C
ontinuing our recent, unofficial theme of ‘Places You Never Realised Are Actually Very Pretty’, we headed over to Worsley for this month’s outing. Situated next to the thunderous M60 Manchester Ring Road, it’s hardly the first place which springs to mind. But once the din of the traffic ebbs away, it can be a very uplifting, snap-happy stroll. We started this walk from the Worsley Court House pay and display car park. It’s located just off Junction 13 of the M60, on the B5211, Barton Road (postcode M28 2PB). Once suitably booted up, we head out of the car park and across the main road, taking the path past the Packet House overlooking the Bridgewater Canal
by David Sudworth
(look for the Bridgewater Dental Surgery sign). This takes you over a small footbridge and then up some steps which emerge on Worsley Road. But before you get there, I guarantee you’ll have stopped a good few times to survey the beautiful homes nestled along the canal. The most majestic is the Packet House itself. This Grade II listed building dates back to 1760 and the half-timbering was added around 1850 by the 1st Earl of Ellesmere. The bridge nearby is known as Alphabet Bridge. It got its name from children at a local school who used the bridge daily and practised their alphabet on the 26 planks that made up the span. There are still 26 planks, so you have the option of keeping up the tradition as you cross.
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When on Worsley Road, we cross over and went right until we turned in to Mill Brow by the side of Hunters Estate Agents. Walk up the brow, which is a bit steep, and continue until you reach the steps that go down in front of Old Warke Dam. You pretty much go down the steps, across Worsley Brook and up to your right, following the path until it brings you on to the lane. Here you go straight across, taking the footpath round and into the woods. Continue along until you pass over the footbridge across Kempnough Brook. Here turn right and follow the path until you reach the Lodge (confession time; we actually stopped for a few minutes prior to reaching the Lodge to have a play on the rope swing we saw in the woods!) Once you’ve unnecessarily burned off any lingering energy you had left, dig deep and carry on. Passing the lodge, take the foot path on your left and follow this until you reach Route 55 of the National Cycle Network. Once down the steps and on the cycle path, turn right, walking towards the bridge at Worsley Road. You’re now following the route of the old Manchester-Wigan Railway, which closed to passengers in May 1969. The line, which had been in use since 1864, was built to serve local coal pits, with stations at Leigh and Pennington.
It’s nice to see though that not all traces of its past have been erased, for just past the bridge, you are greeted by the platforms of the old Worsley Station, a grand old building by all accounts made of white brick with red and black detailing. It also had two First Class and two Second Class waiting rooms and a glass canopy.
36 About 500 yards past the old station you take the steps down to the pond and keeping to the left continue through the park known as Dukes Drive. The path starts to curve right, which you follow until it reaches the canal. At this point we opted to go right, heading back along the canal, but you can go left, head over the canal bridge, and back up the other side of the canal. Staying on our route we kept to the footpath by the canal. This nice path changes to a rough path as you leave Dukes Drive, and becomes quite narrow.
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37 You can at this point step down to your right and follow the track that takes you all the way up onto Worsley Road.
Worsley Green
At this point go left, passing the lovely row of cottages, before turning left into The Green.
Although a picture postcard
This is yet another beautiful find, oozing in period charm and elegance. From here continue down and over to the bridge, taking in the view of the Packet House. After a few minutes taking photos we cross the main road and head back to the car park.
the case at Worsley Green.
In all, this four mile walk is a real find. Not your average Jack’s Tracks outing, but nonetheless a worthy addition to our series. On a perfect sunny day, it would be an excellent stroll. But even during the worst of winter’s offerings, you could do a lot worse than Worsley.
advent of the Bridgewater
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear while walking. While 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.
Bridgewater, known as “The Canal Duke”. This was
these days, it wasn’t always Until the early 1900s, it was Worsley Yard, the centre of an industrial complex that became busier with the Canal. It included a boat building yard, motor mill, timber yard, nail makers, wheelwrights, basket-makers and a warehouse. It is still possible to see the imprints in the grass where railway sidings ran. On the Green is a monument to Francis, 3rd Duke of constructed from the base of the Work’s Yard chimney. It was originally a fountain and the base carries a Latin inscription, which reads: “A lofty column breathing smoke and fire. Did I the builder’s glory once aspire. Whose founder was that Duke who far and wide. Bridged water through Bridgewater’s countryside.”
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Test Drive
Audi
F
irst impressions when approaching the new Audi Q2 are good. Like all Audis, it manages to stand out, even if it doesn’t try anything spectacular design-wise. In the more daring ‘Vegas Yellow’, it makes quite a visual impact though, and is unmistakeably Audi in appearance. The large grill and muscular body are complimented by a sloping roof line and contrast C-pillar which – in S-Line trim at least – is nicely offset in metallic silver. Sadly, on the smallest alloy wheels it looks puny, so bigger is better there. The interior is more of the same, being almost identical to that which you’d find in the A3 hatchback. That’s no bad thing though, as Audi makes some of the most pleasant interior spaces on the market today, and feels decidedly upmarket if it’s kitted out with a range of technology options, such as the virtual cockpit.
Q2
by Tim Barnes-Clay
We tested the Audi Q2 in 150PS 1.4-litre petrol guise. It provides plenty enough power for all types of road, being capable of overtaking on motorways and A-roads, yet remaining suitably quiet when pottering through towns and villages. If your annual mileage is quite low, this is a fine engine to go for, as you’re unlikely to need anything more than this. While the engine is quiet, the S-Tronic automatic gearbox is a little jumpy at low speeds, and tends to put too much torque through the wheels when trying to move off. This results in some minor wheel-spin. The S-Tronic unit has never quite been up to the high level of BMW’s eight-speed unit, but it is far from a bad gearbox, and, when up to speed, works quickly and seamlessly. Our petrol test car was the S-Line, fitted with sports suspension and larger alloy wheels, and we found it to be slightly too firm for our liking. Being
39 a ‘Q’, you get into it expecting a smooth ride, but you get something more like a firm hatchback than a compact SUV. We suspect Audi’s excellent seating helps offset this a little. If the trade-off was entertaining cornering and impressive dynamics, we’d be content, but it isn’t exactly fun to drive either. The steering is rather numb and it doesn’t feel particularly settled going quicker around corners, though it doesn’t feel out of its comfort zone either.
Fast Facts 0-62 mph: 8.5 secs • Combined mpg: 52.3 • Engine layout: 1395cc 4-cylinder turbo petrol • Max. power (PS): 150 • CO2: 123 g/km • Price: £27,730
doesn’t matter one bit what we think, because wealthy people love something a little bit different with a respected badge on its nose. It might not be perfect, but it will sell, and sell well. The new Q2 is going to be another Audi success
Audi was keen to point out that it doesn’t skimp on technology with the new Q2; it uses the same tech in the fresh compact SUV as it does in its higherend products, like the TT sports car or Q7 SUV. The stunning virtual cockpit is an option once again, and you can also get such goodies, such as adaptive cruise control, heated seats, a power operated boot, and Audi’s parking assistance system. The problem is, almost these luxuries cost extra. Audi has made a big deal about the new Q2 starting at under £20,000, yet it also points out that it expects only 10 per cent of people to buy the lowest ‘SE’ trim level. The petrol model we tested came in at £5 over £34,000, and, even for a test car, that’s an astonishing amount of money. Look to spend between £25,000 and £30,000 and you’re probably on the right track with the new Audi Q2. It’s a high-quality product and looks great, but it doesn’t inspire us to spend more on it than a normal Audi A3, and the Q3 SUV isn’t far off price-wise. It
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