Local Life - West Lancs & Coast - January 2020 by Local Life 247 Ltd

LocalLife

West Lancs & Coast

January 2020

Lydiate Loop Walk

10 Things to Do in 2020

COLOUR OF THE YEAR PLANNING AHEAD SAFE NOT SORRY: SAFE TRADER SPECIAL

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y friends and family will laugh at this, but I’m a big believer in using the New Year as a natural point to self-improvement. I’m happy to admit that the oft used ‘New Year, New You’ mantra, so loved by the print media as a way of filling up space in January issues, wholly resonates with me. No-one is perfect, we can all improve one aspect or another of our lives, so why should we let the hardbitten pessimists pour cold water on our desire to better ourselves? So whether your aim this year is to lose weight and look better, stop smoking, be kinder to others less fortunate than ourselves, to get fit or any other resolution you may pursue, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours. If you haven’t yet nailed down any firm commitments on your to-do list, there is plenty in this magazine to inspire you. Just focus on one thing at a time and don’t beat yourself up if you slip. All the very best wishes for 2020,

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Keep in touch with the LocalLife Team! *on selected products

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C O BLE NT H T O A C T EAR DA U ING S Y ?

LocalLife

Telephone: 01695 627 999 info@locallife247.co.uk

locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB 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.

This month’s highlights 53. Veganuary Special

Contents 22. Books New Year, new books.

34. Home Interiors Cosy up your home.

38. Technology New Year’s Techno-Revolution.

42. Planning Ahead Prepare for the future.

16. 2020 Checklist

26. Colour of the Year

46. Puzzle Pages Try these brainteasers for size.

54. Health Section Go vegan and get fit.

60. Events2Go Start the New Year in style.

62. Jack’s Tracks: Lydiate Loop

48. The Rockies by Train

70. Safe Not Sorry

Next issue - February 2020

Advertising deadline - 17th January Published - 3rd February

68. Home & Garden Services Find the best local traders for you.

Want to promote your business in

LocalLife?

01695 627 999 www.locallife247.co.uk

Stockists of

64-80 Duke Street, St Helens, WA10 2JW | 01744 22331 www.bartonsofdukestreet.co.uk

Coffee Morning

Electrifying deals this January

The Southport & Formby National Trust Association host their next coffee morning on Sat, January 11 at 10:45am. The group aims to add value to a National Trust membership with social activities and talks – any National Trust members are welcome. The event takes place at the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport, and is free to attend for NT members. ELECTRIC BIKES -

West Lancashire residents can get free independent advice on welfare rights, employment law, housing, tribunal appeals and much more from the South West Lancashire ICAN. If you’d like some advice on your financial worries, just drop in to the Evermoor Hub on Birleywood, Skelmersdale for a chat, or book an appointment on 01695 726269. The Hub is open Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. For more information, visit www.swlican.org

Keep Dancing! Get your dancing shoes on, because a new programme of sessions heads to Scarisbrick Village Hall to teach you all the latest modern sequence dances. Classes commence on Monday, January 13 from 11am1pm, and take place at various dates during the year. For more information, call 01704 892346 or email raypark70@talktalk.net

Christmas Collection Still need to recycle your Christmas tree? Save yourself the time of going to the tip and help local charity Rainbow Hub keep offering its therapeutic services to children and young people in the process. Trees must be registered by Wednesday, January 8 and can be picked up from postcodes PR6, PR7, PR25, PR26, WN6, WN8, L39 and L40. A minimum donation of £10 is requested. Trees will be collected on the weekend of January 11th & 12th. Call 01704 823276 for more information.

Whether you’re commuting or riding for fun, E-bikes are a fantastic way to get around.

£100 OFF any bike ordered during January

We have a great range of E-bikes from only £999 - £2500. To suit all budgets, riding preferences & styles.

See instore for details

Southport Electric Bikes The Horse & Jockey Stables, 81a King Street, Crown Mews, Southport, PR8 1LQ

Phone:

01704 807 890 Email: enquiries@southportelectricbikes.co.uk Web: www.southportelectricbikes.co.uk

AUGHTON INSTITUTE

THE

Financial Advice

THE WAY FORWARD

Sunday 26th January Afternoon cabaret

A rare chance to see one of Liverpool’s Best loved sons STAN BOARDMAN Supported by all round entertainer & stars in their eyes winner PAUL MC COY aka Gilbert O’Sullivan

Tickets £20

Liver No1

(refreshments available on request)

2pm till 6pm FO FREE FREE FUNCTION ROOM 01695 4 FUNCTION ROOM For details telephone

01695 422Bold 688 Lane, / 07907Aughton 465 512 L39 Bold Lane, Aughton, L39 6SG

www.thetute.club

Blue plaques can be found all across the country to commemorate geographical locations and their links to famous people, events or former buildings. Head over to Station Road in Maghull and you’ll find an English Heritage plaque dedicated to Frank Hornby, the iconic toy manufacturer who lived in The Hollies. Born in Liverpool, Hornby began his empire making toys for his sons at his

home workshop back in 1899.

ISH

HERIT

FRANK HORNBY

People’s Plaques

1863-1936 Toy Manufacturer lived here

When Hornby realised essentially any model of toy could be built with interchangeable parts, the brand Meccano came to life. Hornby went on to manufacture Dinky toys, clockwork trains and more, and was a millionaire by the 1930s. His property in Maghull included Quarry Brook and The Hollies; Maghull’s Wetherspoons pub is now named after the famous toy inventor. Hornby died in 1936 of a chronic heart condition. The Frank Hornby Heritage Centre can be found in the Meadows Library & Leisure Centre in Maghull, dedicated to Hornby’s life and inventions. It is free to enter during the centre’s opening hours.

Image by Jose M Macias

SALE STARTS SATURDAY 4TH JANUARY 2020 Many fabulous bargains in Ladies Wear, Accessories, Shoes, Boots & Handbags 68 High Street, Standish, WN6 OHF T: 01257 425480 www.barbarasofstandish.com

Offering top end High Street & Designer ladies fashions for sale at a fraction of the original cost! • Receive 50% of the selling price for your garments. • New stock daily • Evening & Cocktail dresses for hire. • 1st class service. 267 The Green, Eccleston, Chorley, PR7 5TF

Tel: 01257 676 254 Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4.30pm

Football for All Rainford Rangers FC host regular inclusive football sessions for any players with a disability - and they’re looking for new players to get involved. The sessions were set up as a way for the community football club to expand its presence in the local area and to provide a space for people to play sports who might not otherwise have had the chance to. Organiser Andrew Castle says it’s important for the club to be able to support families and their children with disabilities, and is intending to keep sessions free for as long as possible.

Rainford Rangers JFC were recognised by the Liverpool FA in September 2019, receiving a Football Service Award for Disability Project of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony. The club also recently launched a women’s team - the Rainford Rangers Lionesses offer football sessions on Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm. Each session costs £3.50 and take place at Rainford High’s Astroturf pitch. For more info, call Jane on 07557 528106. For more information on Rainford Rangers and its inclusive football sessions, visit rainfordrangers.com

Aubergine

occasion wear

EXTENSIVE RANGE OF

Occasion Wear MODERN & TRADITIONAL STYLES

Hats & accessories to match Sizes from 8-26 In-store alterations available Open 9.30-4.30 Monday to Saturday

Tel:

01942 212520

13-15 White Street Pemberton | Wigan | WN5 8JW 2 mins from M6/M58 interchange

www.aubergineoccasionwear.co.uk

Aubergine Occasionwear

Pawsome Pooches

Michael Lawrence will shed some light on mental health.

Tanhouse Community Centre in Skelmersdale is hosting a free Dogs Trust check-up and chip event for dogs.

Tickets cost ÂŁ25 with proceeds to Mind, and are available on 01695 624426 or from olly@hollandhall.co.uk

Get your pooch a free basic health check, a weight and body condition check, free microchipping and advice, and resources covering dog training, diet, neutering and care. The event is a drop-in and every dog is welcome, though puppies under 6 months should be fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination. Head to the community centre on Tuesday, February 18 from 11am-3pm with your pup to get involved.

Fundraising Evening Holland Hall Hotel in Up Holland plays host to a fundraising evening in aid of mental health and wellbeing on Saturday, February 22 from 6:30pm. The fundraiser includes a delicious meal and canapes on arrival, followed by a raffle and a disco. Guest speaker

Introducing ICare Meals on Wheels

Try a complimentary Hot Lunchtime meal and sweet delivered to your home.

Call 0845 6041125

or to place an order on line visit www.icarecuisine.co.uk All our staff are fully Police and DBS checked

Ladies Choir Sefton Ladies Community Choir is looking for new members to enjoy singing a wide range of songs. Meetings take place every term-time Tuesday at Elbow Lane Methodist Church Hall in Formby from 7:30pm9:30pm. For details, call Alison on 01704 870497 or Hilary on 01704 834274.

Revenge! A new thriller is coming to Southport this February. Revenge, performed by The Crime and Comedy Theatre Company, is a story of murder, corruption and betrayal. Follow Bill Crayshaw MP as his party agent is killed in a tragic accident - or was it? Investigator Mary Stewart intends to find out, but is her motive pure? Find out for yourself in Revenge, which tours the country in February and March 2020. The show heads to The Atkinson on Friday, February 28. Tickets cost £16 or £13 concessions on 01704 533333 or www.theatkinson.co.uk

Tell Us Your Story! 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 call us on 01695 627999 or contact us on westlancsnews@locallife247.co.uk

Ormskirk & Aughton

Co-op, Town Green Lane Morrisons, Aughton Street Ormskirk Library, Burscough Street Village Hall, Aughton WH Smith, Moor Street

Maghull & Lydiate

Morrisons, Stafford Moreton Way Sefton Meadows Garden Centre, Sefton Lane The Meadows Centre, Hall Lane The Village Centre, Lambshear Lane

Burscough

Booths, Pippin Street Burscough Library, Mill Lane Tesco Superstore, Liverpool Road North

Skelmersdale

TO 4

X-D

ISP

LAY

Sheds Log Cabins Workshops Wendy Houses Summer Houses Garden Offices R

DIR ER

T FROM

Co-op, Queens Road, Formby Formby Library, Duke Street Lady Green Garden Centre, Lady Green Lane Tesco Superstore, Altcar Road BP (M&S) Garage, Liverpool Road

The community cinema also runs a Friends scheme, meaning you’ll benefit from year-round discounts on ticket prices and help the cinema keep offering its wealth of cinematic goodness to the public. Membership costs

Formby & Hightown Area

Bijou Cinema Southport offers films across a broad spectrum of genres, from black-and-white classic flick to independent world cinema. January’s movies include the 2019 blockbuster Tolkien, classic crime flick Goodfellas and the all-time classic musical Singin’ in the Rain.

SALE

Southport

Co-op, Station Road, Ainsdale Co-op, Fylde Road, Marshside Dobbies Garden Centre, Bentham’s Way Sainsburys, Lord Street Tesco Extra, Kew Southport Library, Lord Street Wayfarers Arcade, Lord Street

Southport’s latest community venture aims to bring cinema to the masses.

AC U F TU N

You can pick up your FREE copy of the Local Life each month at these venues:

Community Cinema

E TH MA

LocalLife

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Asda, Ingram Road Skelmersdale Library, Southway

Up to 48 months low cost finance available

Villages

Lady Green Garden Centre Ince Blundell, Nr Formby, L38 1QB Telephone: 01695 589 210

Booths, Hesketh Bank Sootys Garden Centre & Tarleton Library, Tarleton Co-op, Banks Warbreck Garden Centre, Lathom Village Hall & Parbold Library, Parbold Spar shop, Mawdesley Village Hall, Scarisbrick Coffee etc, Parbold

Or sign up to read your copy online at: www.locallife247.co.uk

See our show sites at;

Avant Garden Centre Wigan Road, Leyland PR25 5XU Telephone: 01772 432 450 Trebaron Garden Centre Southworth Road, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0BS Telephone: 01695 589 207

www.solidsheds.com

13 just £5 a year and gives you £1 off every screening you attend. Otherwise, tickets cost just £5 per adult or £3 per under-18. Located in an authentic 1894 house on Post Office Avenue, the retro-style cinema also boasts a café and bar, plus lounge and media spaces for events and talks. The cinema is volunteer-run, and always looking for more people to get involved with everything from front of house roles to ticket sales and projecting responsibilities. For more info, visit www.southportbijoucinema.co.uk

Cancer Support A Macmillan Cancer Support group runs in Aughton on the second Friday of every month.

Jewels May is a wonderful independent jewellers. The shop has recently expanded so as to offer customers more on site specialist services, one-to-one consultation,

If you’ve been affected by cancer, you’re very welcome to go along for advice and support and a friendly chat.

specialist design and re-modelling advice and

Sessions take place at the Ministry Centre, Christ Church on Long Lane from 9:30am-11:30am.

Their jewellery range is extensive from antique

manufacturing. and vintage to modern and one-off bespoke luxury pieces, set with diamonds and precious stones. They also boast an impressive range of

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10 things to do

in 2020 With New Year comes the usual wealth of resolutions – most of which inevitably end up broken when you realise the leftover chocolate from Christmas just won’t eat itself. Sometimes the best way to stick to those tricky promises is to break the process down into more manageable chunks: try tackling one of these tasks per month, and you’ll have a productive 2020!

Go vegan 3 Ditch the meat and dairy for a more eco- and animal-friendly diet by trying veganism, which not only introduces you to a new way of understanding and enjoying food, but has multiple health benefits. A vegan diet can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and halve your greenhouse gas emissions. VeganFest takes place annually at Burscough Wharf, featuring inspirational talks, artisan cruelty-free goods, tasty vegan food and plantbased cuisine tips. To find out more, visit www.artisannetwork.co.uk Parbold Village Hall also plays host to regular vegan fairs hosted by Village Vegan Fairs, packed to the rafters with vegan-friendly stalls. Visit the organiser on Facebook for more info. Vegan North is a cookbook that compiles delicious vegan recipes with profiles of some of the tastiest vegan restaurants in the north of England. We have

a copy to give away free on our Facebook page – don’t forget to give our page a like to stay updated on future competitions.

sk i l l 3 Learn a new Life has a way of becoming dreary when we’re confined to the same 9-5 routine. Why not spice things up a bit by picking up a new hobby or learning a skill? Pick up a camera for the first time and get out snapping photos of the local landscape or wildlife, try a craft class, or learn to code – whatever you choose, you’ll likely meet new friends in the process and spark some creativity outside of the drudgery of daily life. Joining a club or society is a great way to get started and meet likeminded people; alternatively, why not enrol in an adult learning course? There are some great free courses online too – www.futurelearn.com is a great place to start.

r CV 3 Update you New job, new you! Feel like you’re stuck in a rut? It could be time for a career change. It’s important to keep your CV updated as your current role responsibilities shift or increase, so you don’t miss anything out. Lancashire Adult Learning run regular Work Clubs at Skelmersdale Job Centre Plus on Tuesdays at 9:15am and Ormskirk Job Centre Plus on Thursdays at 1pm, with advice on writing CVs and cover letters, interviews, job applications and more. For info, visit www.lal.ac.uk

Create a

Join the l Trust 3 a N tiona After a winter break for some of its properties, the National Trust looks forward to reopening its historic buildings for the spring. With over 300 castles, mansions and houses scattered across the UK to discover, becoming a member helps to preserve and restore these properties for the future. Enjoy a day out to the nearby Rufford Old Hall, Quarry Bank, Speke Hall or Gawthorpe Hall to get engaged in history this year. Membership costs £72 a year for adults, £36 per year for 18-25 year olds, or £10 a year for under-17s. Family and joint memberships are also available, with lifetime memberships costing £1,730 per person or £1,295 per senior. The Southport & Formby National Trust Association and the Ormskirk & District Association aim to add value to a National Trust membership by organising social activities, with any surplus money generated donated to local National Trust projects. Visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/features/supporter-group-directory for more info.

away 3 Garden Get According to Local Life columnist Angie Barker: ‘Your garden is an opportunity to bring you joy. Whatever challenges it poses, whether it is small, an awkward shape, north facing, shaded by trees or over looked, there is always a design solution which can turn your outdoor space into a relaxing haven. Life is hectic and we all need a space where we can sit and relax, and whether your dream garden is a pretty cottage garden or a sleek contemporary outdoor room, with the right plants and the right approach in terms of design, you can achieve your dream garden. ‘Think of your garden as another room in your house and suddenly you open up the possibilities. Even if you do not consider yourself a gardener, or you have limited time for maintenance, solutions are there for you to create an outdoor space in which you will want to spend time in and which brings you joy.’

ng Get walki 3 There’s so much to see around the Lancashire countryside and further afield – why not get out there and experience it? Our regular Jack’s Tracks features are a great place to get started: you’ll find over 60 free walks on our website at www.locallife247. co.uk/free-stuff/download-jacks-tracks/ Visit Lancashire and Visit Southport offer a range of walking trails on their websites, including art and heritage trails, canal walks, coastal walks and long distance trails. Guided walks with the West Lancashire Rangers also take place around Ormskirk, Burscough and Tarleton, with a Walking Festival taking place every August. For more information, visit www. westlancs.gov.uk/leisure-recreation Alternatively, why not join the Ramblers? Head to www.ramblers.org.uk to find your local group.

Join the U3A 3 The University of the Third Age offers retirees and semi-retirees the opportunity to share and learn new skills through various groups, meetings and interesting talks. Whether you’re getting involved in book groups, sampling a new sport or making new friends dining out, there’s something for everyone in the U3A. Examples of U3A groups on offer include Beginners Languages, Walks, Yoga and Card Making. Various U3A groups exist in West Lancashire and Sefton, including Southport, Formby, Becconsall, Aughton & Ormskirk, Burscough & District, Skelmersdale and Maghull & Lydiate. For more information, visit the U3A website at www.u3a.org.uk

l Make a wil 3 No-one likes to think about death, but making a will is a great way to get some peace of mind about the future, and getting it sorted early leaves you free to concentrate on happier things! Carolyn at Hexagon Life Planning Services says: ‘It may surprise you to know that everyone has a will. The Government has provision in place for everyone’s estate to pass according to the rules of intestacy. Unless you change this, your estate will pass in accordance with these rules and this may not reflect your wishes. Making a will ensure that your estate passes to who YOU want it to pass to and in doing this, you can also protect your estate from unwanted beneficiaries, future remarriage of a spouse, care fees and even Inheritance Tax.’

cling 3 Start upcy Fed up of the same old tired furniture lying around your home? Why not try upcycling? The art of upcycling refers to the process of transforming used products or furniture into something of value – people have even turned old oil drums into stylish chairs, or basketballs into hanging baskets. Upcycling reduces the need to send items to landfill and helps reduce your eco-footprint along the way. Have some old cassette tape boxes? Why not add a layer of felt or sponge to the bottom and use it to hold earrings? Old windows can be transformed into rustic display cabinets for ornaments or photos, while used mascara brushes are great for cleaning in the nooks and crannies of jewellery or keyboards. Southport enterprise Plughole Planters produce beautiful indoor and outdoor planters from upcycled baths, shower trays and kitchen sinks. To find out more, visit www.plugholeplanters. co.uk or call 07515 874099.

Fundraise

3 for a charity Whether you’re hosting a bake sale or making a vow of sponsored silence, there are plenty of fundraising opportunities out there to help fund vital causes. Uniting for a common goal is a great way to get friends and family together too. National causes like Cancer Research, The Alzheimer’s Society and the RSPCA always benefit from your support, but your efforts will really help local causes like Queenscourt Hospice which are supported entirely through donations.

Voices Wanted

The club offer walks to suit all ages and abilities, from leisurely strolls with few hills to challenging fell walks.

The Aughton Male Voice Choir is looking for new members.

The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Maghull Royal British Legion from 7:30pm. For more information, call 0151 526 0140.

If you enjoy singing and would like to sing as part of a group, why not meet new friends with the choir? You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be able to read music, just hold a tune! Rehearsals take place every Monday at 7:30pm at Aughton Village Hall. For more info, call 07919 446595.

Ramble About Want to get out and about this New Year? Why not head out with the Maghull Ramblers?

Entrepreneur Advice Are you an entrepreneur with a great business idea? A free weekly drop-in session with a start-up business advisor take place at Maghull Library every Friday afternoon from 2pm-4pm, to offer practical guidance and tips on beginning your own company. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like more information, call 0151 546 5514.

New Year, New Job? Sales Manager required for our West Lancs & Coast magazine. Founded in 2008, Local Life now publishes four monthly magazines in the Lancashire area. We wish to expand our small and friendly team by recruiting a Sales Manager for the West Lancs & Sefton areas. Primarily based at home, the successful candidate will build and develop business relationships with new and existing customers. Working Monday to Thursday between 9am-3pm, you will enjoy good rates of pay, uncapped commission and a generous mileage allowance. The successful candidate will have; 4 a full driving licence and car 4 sales and marketing experience, ideally in media sales 4 excellent IT literacy

To apply, simply send your CV to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk The closing date is 31st January 2020, although an appointment may be made earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

New Year New

Book

From poetry to decorating, we’ve got a pretty mixed bag of books for you this month… A Year of Reading Aloud –

A Year of Living Thankfully –

Georgina Rodgers (editor)

Lois Blyth

If you love poetry, try this

Can being more grateful

collection of ‘52 poems to learn and love’, where you’ll find wellknown names such as Sylvia Plath, E.E Cummings, William Blake and Maya Angelou alongside newer

change your life? According to this book it can, and Lois Blyth is on a mission to show you how. Each week, you’ll work through an activity to

poets. Most of the poems are short enough to learn, and they’re accompanied by

help you embrace gratitude and take pleasure in the little things. There’s guidance on turning negative

a paragraph about the poet. Take up the challenge of learning one each week.

thoughts around, learning to appreciate what you have and not letting others spoil your mood.

365 Days of Creativity – Lorna

Farrow & Ball Recipes

Scobie

for Decorating – Joa Studholme

As the blurb says, “Creativity is not just about making your mark

Planning to redecorate

on the paper. It’s about looking at the world a little differently.” The daily artistic challenges are split into how they help you

this year? This book might help you come up with a plan. There are thirteen case studies, from city

feel, so you can choose one based on whether you want to feel calm, inspired, energetic or reflective. They range from drawing patterns on a snake to capturing the view through a doorway. Grow Cook Eat Diary 2020 – Sarah Raven

centre apartments to a classic Georgian house, as well as tips and tricks for decorating each room of your home. There’s also plenty of advice on decorating in general, including making small rooms look bigger and using colour to make an impact.

If you love gardening and cooking

Booker Prize Shortlist 2019 – Various

this could be the diary for you. Each month has a short list of what to sow, plant and harvest in your garden, along with other garden-related tasks and a simple recipe using in-season produce. Dishes range from Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry to Beef Carpaccio with Fennel Flowers. There are plenty of stunning flower photographs throughout the diary, with one image for each week.

Looking for a new fiction book to lose yourself in on a long winter’s night? Fancy trying something a bit different to your usual genre? Treat yourself to the six novels from the Booker Prize shortlist. Stories range from Chigozie Obioma’s An Orchestra of Minorities to Elif Shalak’s 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World. Read them all to see whether you agree with the judges’ final decision.

Could you be one of tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding teachers? Join us at our open evenings at; St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Primary School, Hardybutts, WIGAN, WN1 3RZ

Individuals who have the potential to be outstanding teachers

Monday, 13th January 2020 Individuals who are passionate about working with young children.

16:00-18:00 Monday, 2nd March 2020 16:00-18:00

Accredited Study days will be at Liverpool Hope University leading to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching.

For more information and updates visit

www.wcpsd.uk

Provider code 2A4 - Course code 2XT7

Gillian Bould ba ltcl ctabrsm

67 Moss Lane Hesketh Bank Preston, PR4 6AA

T: 01772 813 503 M: 07966 244 774

This laid-back living space employs the gentle green of Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn as a backdrop Dulux Easycare Tranquil Dawn matt emulsion, £20 for 2.5l, B&Q.

The colour of the

Year

Tranquil Dawn, a soft shade of greyish-green, is paint company Dulux’s colour of the year. It’s a calm, restful colour that’s very easy to introduce into your interior.

One of four colour palettes based around Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn colour, ‘Meaning’ includes simple, serene colours.

The gently curving shade of this pendant ticks all the boxes when it comes to minimal Scandi style Ambit pendant light by Muuto in Dusty Green, £270 for a pair, Chaplins.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic New York subway, these high-gloss tiles have a cool, urban aesthetic. Village Mint wall tiles, £29.99 per square metre, Tile Mountain.

This hand-tufted rug is made from 100% wool.

This iconic sofa design combines straight lines and thoughtful detailing for a classic/contemporary look.

Ardelle rug in Mineral Green, £199, Swoon.

Hoxton Grand sofa in Charlotte Teal, £1,826, Parker Knoll.

A small side table is always a handy addition to a room. Round enamel table in Pistachio, £70, Bombay Duck.

Using Tranquil Dawn at Home

the ‘Play’ palette uses bolder colours such as citrus and

• This pale grey-green is inspired by the dawn horizon.

crimson to create a sense of energy and vibrancy; the

It’s a soft and easy-going natural and, as such, could be

‘Meaning’ palette employs subtle greys for a still, quiet

employed to paint all your walls, providing you with a

space; and the ‘Creativity’ palette, with sapphire, garnet

delightfully calming and contemplative space. It also

and chocolate, is more moody and intense. Take your

looks good added in the form of window treatments,

pick according to your home style.

upholstery, rugs or smaller accessories.

• Although this delicate shade looks gorgeous with

• Dulux has produced four colour palettes, each

natural materials such as wood, leather, linen, stone and

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Young Citizen Award

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Nominations are now being accepted for the Young Citizen Award 2020.

Help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support with a huge charity ball taking place on Saturday, February 22 from 7pm.

If you know someone aged 21 or under who has helped their local neighbourhood, a family member, an individual or a local organisation in the last year, give their name to the High Sheriff of Lancashire. The winner will receive £500, with two runner-up prizes of £100 each. The closing date for nominations is Friday, January 31, and entry forms can be downloaded from www.lanpac. co.uk Call 01772 412796 for more information.

Visitors can expect a delicious 3-course meal, a drink on arrival, entertainment throughout the night, a raffle and a charity auction. Dress to impress, have a tipple at the cocktail bar, and let the resident DJ entertain you. The event takes place at the Bold Hotel on Lord Street, and tickets cost £30 from the venue. More information can www.macmillancharityball.co.uk

found

Lost Girls Nell Phoenix heads to Parbold in March for a performance of Little Red Riding Hood and Other Lost Girls, as part of the Unruly Tongues storytelling club. Explore fairytales littered with lost or mislaid girls – very few of whom are as innocent as you first imagine. The show takes place at Parbold WI Hall on March 11 at 7:30pm. Tickets are £8.50 in advance from wildaboutstory. co.uk or £9 on the door, and teens go free.

January Rambles Start the New Year off right and get out and about with the West Lancashire Footpath Group. Two rambles will take place this month, one on Sunday, January 12 from Mere Brow Village Hall and another from Ainsdale Station on Tuesday, January 28. Both walks set off at 1:30pm. Daytime rambles are approximately 4-6 miles, and of easy or moderate difficulty. For more information about the group or its rambles, call 07443 533354.

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Spring may still be a while off, but there are ways to make your interior more inviting, even in the midst of winter. Make long, dark nights and chilly mornings more bearable with some clever thinking. To start, make sure your lighting is up to scratch. A well-designed lighting scheme reinforces a sense of security, comfort and vitality, and making dramatic improvements could be as simple as adding a floor lamp in a dark corner or a reading lamp next to a favourite armchair. For the best effect, layer lighting so that it comes from a variety of sources and directions. If on a budget, replace main light switches with dimmers, and plug in a selection of table or floor lamps at strategic points. Check that your bulbs give off the correct amount of illumination for the task at hand, and where appropriate are a ‘warm’ white in colour rather than ‘cool’. Add the leaping flames of a log burner or a few pretty tea lights or candles for an atmospheric evening in. Colour can make all the difference to a room’s feel, and a quick paint job – perhaps just on one wall – can be transformative. Earthy or spicy colours such as claret, mustard, ochre or chocolate are great choices, while navy or dark grey are more neutral and perhaps

easier to live with all year round. Don’t be afraid of trying darker shades – not only are they very on-trend, but they are really effective at creating a feeling of cocooning comfort. Think about the other main colours and textures in each room. For warmth underfoot use a deep pile rug or two to add extra softness, and consider swapping sheer, pale, lightweight curtains or blinds for something heavier and in a bolder shade – think wool, tweed, velvet, even felt, denim or mohair. In the bedroom, replace pale linens with sheets or a duvet cover in a deeper shade, piling on quilts, eiderdowns, bedcovers, throws and blankets, combining colours, patterns and fabrics for a glorious, sumptuous mixture. And in the living room, pile up cushions on sofas and armchairs for a sense of cosy luxury, then add some generously sized throws over the back: great for snuggling under. You could use a length of tweed edged with velvet ribbon, chunky knitting or crochet, fake fur or soft fleece. Draw the curtains, light the fire, pull on some fluffy socks, make a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with a good book or a favourite box set – baby it may be cold outside, but inside it’s warm, cosy and welcoming.

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Start a New Year’s

revolution High-tech ways to keep your New Year’s resolutions The decorations are down, the gyms are going to be packed for the next few weeks and many of us have vowed to sort ourselves out. We’re going to get fitter, happier and more productive – and technology can help. One way technology can help is by making fitness more fun. For example, instead of a pricey gym subscription, why not buy yourself an e-bike? While some electric bikes are incredibly expensive, prices are falling fast: for example, Halfords sells a number of electric bikes for less

than £600 and one is just £479. By comparison, a year’s membership of a very well-known gym chain is £672. Whether you’re cycling down the streets, pounding the pavements or hitting the gym, it’s useful to track your progress to help with your motivation. There are tons of apps for everything, from recording the calories you consume to giving you challenging workouts. Some are incredibly focused, such as Seven: it gives you workouts you can do in just seven minutes. Phones can track your movements through the day but if you really want to track your progress, a fitness tracker or a smartwatch can give you all kinds of information about what your body’s doing. The big daddy of the fitness tracking world is the Apple Watch, which comes in two flavours: the Series 3, which starts at £199, and the Series 5, which starts at £399.

39 The series 4 was discontinued last year. If you have an iPhone, they’re the best smart watches you can buy. If you don’t have an iPhone or just don’t need a £400 Apple Watch, there are plenty of other options. Samsung makes a range of Galaxy Active watches from around £200 up that work really well with Android phones, and it also makes a simple fitness tracker called the Galaxy Fit. That’s currently £89. Fitbit has the £199 Versa 2 smartwatch and a range of fitness trackers including the £119 Charge 3 and the £69 Ace 2 for children. Garmin has fitness-focused smartwatches at all price points plus the cute and sub-£100 Vivosmart 4 trackers, and firms such as Huawei offer budget bargains such as the £59 Band 3 Pro.

Every device is different, of course, but the main difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker is apps. Smartwatches generally have them and fitness trackers generally don’t. Not all fitness technology goes on your wrist. Smart scales have become even smarter recently and many of them now connect to the health app on your phone, so you can see changes to your body composition and your weight over time. If you don’t feel like dropping £130-plus on a Nokia / Withings smart scale, the budget technology brand Eufy makes some really nice smart ones for much less: its Bluetooth-connected smart scales are currently £39.99 and work brilliantly.

Why not try

an e-bike? Electric bikes are great for giving you that extra push when you need it. Struggling to ascend a hill, or need a bit more power on a lengthy road? An e-bike could be just the thing. E-bikes help improve your fitness without pushing you too far, giving you a bit of extra help when you need it, but letting you run on your own steam when you don’t. The cheapest e-bike at Southport Electric Bikes (81a King Street, Southport PR8 1LQ) is an Emu folding bike at £999, whilst the cheapest full size bike is the RooDog Tourer (pictured) which costs £1,099. Don’t miss the January offer at Southport Electric Bikes, when you can get £100 off any e-bike! Check out www.southportelectricbikes.co.uk for details.

PENSION & RETIREMENT PLANNING ARE YOU RETIREMENT READY?

When asked about retirement, most people have a vision of a comfortable lifestyle allowing them to maintain their quality of life. However, without defined goals and a clear and defined strategy to achieve these goals many will fail to realise their ambitions. The question sometimes is not at what age you want to retire, but at what income. At True Bearing we work with clients of all ages to truly understand their retirement priorities, aims and aspirations for them and their family. We take an active approach in

developing a long term attainable financial plan which can be regularly reviewed. With the UK pensions freedom legislation enforced in 2015, pensions have now become one of the most tax efficient and flexible ways in saving for and funding retirement. With a complex array of legislative changes and retirement planning products available, it is more important than ever to seek professional and independent advice to ensure you make the right decisions for your future.

To discuss your financial planning talk to us today. Brought to you by Chartered Financial Planners, True Bearing Ltd. Highly qualified independent financial advisers offering a professional yet personal financial planning service, built on trust, experience and transparency.

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Planning Ahead What image does the word ‘funeral’ conjure up for you? A fleet of sleek, black limousines, a horse-drawn carriage and mourners grouped around a marble headstone? Or do you simply see friends and relatives gathered together in a woodland spot, scattering ashes from an urn? While it’s easy to focus on the emotional and ceremonial aspects of a funeral, we don’t always think about the costs. According to the Money Advice Service, the average price of a funeral, even without optional items such as flowers and catering, is around £4,300. That’s not exactly small change for most people, and it’s an unfortunate fact that if you don’t make some kind of financial provision for your funeral, your children or close relatives may have to foot the bill when you die. Not only does this put financial pressure on your nearest and dearest at a difficult time, it can also mean that the final send-off you receive doesn’t match up to the one you had envisaged. You can leave instructions in your will as to the type of funeral you would like, but if there isn’t enough in your estate to fund your wishes, those left in charge of the arrangements are under no legal obligation to carry them out, or even arrange a funeral at all. If you choose a church burial you could pay anything from £800 (as a resident of a small, rural community) to £8,000 if you are a nonresident asking to be buried in a city area. Your relatives will also need to pay ongoing maintenance fees for the grave. A woodland burial is a more natural option, but that also costs between a few

hundred to several thousands of pounds, depending upon location. Cremation is cheaper, costing from £1,400 without a ceremony and approximately £3,750 when a funeral is arranged. If you don’t believe there will be enough money in your estate to pay for a funeral when you die, and your relatives can’t afford to chip in, there are several options open to you. Sign up to a prepaid funeral plan With a prepaid plan, you will choose the type of funeral you want (so long as it’s in the UK) then pay the funeral director or plan provider either in a lump sum, or in weekly instalments. The costs will be frozen at today’s prices from the moment the plan takes effect, which means the costs won’t be subject to inflation, but you should be aware that your plan may not provide everything you want – for instance, it may not cover the cost of a burial plot, flowers or catering. It’s advisable to check the details of your plan carefully before you agree to buy it.

43 Over 50s plans Although this is a form of insurance, there’s no requirement for medical underwriting. That means if you are in poor health at the time of drawing up the plan it won’t affect the payout, provided you survive beyond the first two years of the plan’s start date. On the down side, once you’ve paid the money in, you won’t get it back and you risk losing all your money – including any costs towards your funeral – if you don’t keep up to date with payments. Life Insurance According to the consumer association Which?, life insurance could potentially pay out 40% more than an Over 50s plan. However the lump sum provided by life insurance can take several weeks to come through. The Association of British Insurers says that payments generally take about a month to arrive after a death, but they can take longer if the death needs investigation. Government-funded funeral payments If the person responsible for arranging your funeral is receiving certain benefits, they can apply to the government for a Funeral Expenses Payment. The money offered will cover things such as cremation fees or the cost of a particular burial plot, death certificates and other documents, but it is unlikely to cover the full cost of a funeral. Save up with a bank account You can always set up a separate bank account to pay for your funeral, paying in gradually to build up the amount you need. However that’s not risk free, as there’s a chance you might die before you have accumulated your target sum. At your death, the money you’ve saved will be considered part of your estate, which means it won’t be released immediately to pay for your funeral costs. If you’ve been concerned about how you will pay for your funeral, the five options listed above should provide some comfort. Fortunately there’s lots more advice available from organisations such as the Money Advice Service and Citizens Advice. Finally, it always helps to discuss your plans with your family or close friends, as any arrangements made now could save them a lot of worry in future.

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44 There are loads of ways to plan ahead in your financial life in 2020. If you’re pre-planning a funeral, why not tackle these ‘big picture’ jobs while you’re at it? Check your state pension forecast Checking how much state pension you might receive provides a clearer picture of how your financial situation could look in retirement. It also allows you to see if there are any gaps in your National Insurance record. This is important, as you might be eligible to pay voluntary NI contributions to fill those gaps and complete your NI record before you retire. You need to make full contributions for 35 years to be eligible for the new state pension, so it’s definitely worth investigating. As far as budgeting for retirement is concerned, you should factor in the figure from your state pension forecast with any occupational pensions, savings or investments you hold. You’ll discover whether you’re on track for the lifestyle you want, or if you need to put a little more money away prior to retirement. Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) A Lasting Power of Attorney is an official document whereby you appoint one or more attorneys to help you make financial or health-related decisions, or to make them on your behalf if you lose mental capacity in the future. You need to be over the age of 18 to make an LPA, and have the mental capacity at the time to make your own decisions. It costs £82 to register an LPA unless you’re eligible for a reduction or exemption, and you can make a new one at any time.

complex family structures it can prevent a great deal of stress for those left behind. Assets you’ll want to consider when making your will include: - Your home and any property you own - Motor vehicles - Insurance (e.g. life assurance or endowment policies) - Investments like stocks or investment trusts - Savings in bank or building society accounts These assets should be weighed up against any debts owed, including mortgages, bank overdrafts, credit card balances and loans. It’s advisable to seek professional assistance when making a will, particularly if you have a young family or your circumstances aren’t straightforward. You might need to consider who would care for your children if you weren’t around, for example, or think about how you’d incorporate children from a previous marriage into your will.

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Drawing up a Lasting Power of Attorney is often regarded as unnecessary until later life, but it’s well worth considering at any time – after all, you never know what’s around the corner. It’s possible to make a Lasting Power of Attorney without professional assistance via the gov.uk website. Citizens Advice may also be able to help, but if you’re unsure of your wishes or the process in general it’s advisable to seek help from a solicitor.

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45 Couples who own a house and have modest savings might wish to use some of the value of their home to pay care fees for their surviving spouse or partner after their death. You should also consider any charitable donations you’d like to make from your assets. It’s worth knowing that March is free wills month, when you might be able to save on legal costs if you make a will during March. This is usually only applicable to simple wills, however, where the instructions are relatively straightforward. Take out ‘life event’ insurance Adverse life events such as chronic illness or a serious accident can derail your plans for the future. You may not be able to work or function in the way you used to, for instance, but if you’ve taken out appropriate insurance it can reduce some of the devastating financial impact for yourself and your family. Critical illness and life insurance cover provides a financial buffer that can help you cope with unexpected life circumstances, and help your loved ones adjust to a new situation without the fear of financial difficulty.

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WORDSEARCH THEME: Shakespeare Find the hidden words in the word search grid

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Ajax

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NUMBER BLOCK The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right. The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right.

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Something powerfully nostalgic.

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A Rocky Road By Jess Phillips

Towering spruce trees, unmarred stretches of fresh snow, the perfect reflection of a mountainside in an unblemished pool of blue - there’s nowhere else it could be but Canada. Embark on a journey to the westernmost part of the country to experience the stunning mountains that comprise the Canadian Rockies; listen closely enough and you might just hear the chugging of a train as it passes through the landscape. Whether you’re heading to the striking Lake Louise, the urban sprawl of Vancouver or the scenic Jasper National Park, climb aboard to embrace the best of what Western Canada has to offer. Begin in Banff National Park, which successfully fuses the park’s rugged wilderness with a series of sophisticated hotels, bars and restaurants. Framed behind a mountainous backdrop, the park offers plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with aweinspiring wildlife such as elk, bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep, all while taking in the picture-perfect scenery. Embark on an evening wildlife safari, try horseback riding or get the adrenaline pumping with

white water rafting – whichever activity you choose, Banff National Park is the perfect location to absorb some of Canada’s natural beauty. Nearby, Lake Louise is a breath-taking oasis amidst the peaks and glaciers of the Rocky Mountains. The lake was formed over 10,000 years ago when the Victoria Glacier melted, which is what lends the lake its iconic emerald hue. There are plenty of walking trails around, including a magnificent 3.5km hike through the peaceful pine forest to unveil the charmingly rustic Lake Agnes Tea House. Located on a hanging valley on the shores of the neighbouring Lake Agnes, the quaint tea house is best viewed as the sun sets. It first opened back in 1905 and now offers over 100 blends of loose leaf tea from across the world. Western Canada in the winter offers a whole range of icy activities. Across the 10,000km² expanse of Jasper National Park, don your skis, skates or snowshoes to navigate your way across the slopes, frozen Rocky Mountain lakes or vast snowy fields. Alternatively, you can elect to sit back and soak up the pearlescent land

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50 around you from the back of a dog sled or horse-drawn sleigh – what better way to experience Canada’s finest? Close by, the Maligne Canyon is a spectacle like no other – simply strap on your anti-slip cleats and venture through a real winter wonderland while adrenaline junkies attempt to climb the canyon’s vertical ice sheets around you. The bustling streets of Vancouver may make the rolling landscape of rural Canada seem like a dream, but with so much on offer in the city, you definitely don’t want to pass this one by. Stanley Park is the third largest park in North America, situated just outside of central Vancouver. Inside the park’s limits you’ll find countless hiking trails, an aquarium and a nature centre. The park itself backs right onto the Burrard Inlet, which in turn feeds into the Pacific Ocean – take a minute to unwind and take in the majestic trees lining the famous Seawall. If you’re in the market for shopping, check out Granville Island. Previously an industrial site, the area has now been renovated into a bohemian paradise filled with quaint stores, art galleries, cafes and food stalls. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxed afternoon, whether you’re just window shopping or picking up gifts to take home. Get a taste for Canada’s food scene with one of the many restaurants lining the Vancouver streets. The city is renowned for its seafood and specifically for Pacific Northwest salmon, which is best served fresh from the harbour. One of Canada’s best kept secrets has to be British Columbian wine; made in the many vineyards dotting the Vancouver suburbs, it’s rarely permitted to leave the province due to complex liquor legislation. Local restaurant menus will be packed with British Columbia VQA wines from various wine regions for you to sample. Whether you choose to traverse Western Canada by rail or by road, there’s so much to see and do that you’ll be planning your return visit before your plane home leaves the runway.

READY

in 20 mins Serves 4

Chilli and Lemon Seafood Spaghetti

On the table in less than 30 minutes, this is a a great speedy supper. Serve with slices of toasted ciabatta and a rocket salad.

Ingredients

Method

400g spaghetti

1 Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and

2 tbsp virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed Small pinch of dried crushed chillies & 2 whole dried chillis, halved lengthways Zest and juice of 1 large lemon 100ml dry white wine 150g raw king prawns 150g squid rings, thawed if frozen Handful fresh mussels, cleaned (see TIP) 2 tbsp fresh finely chopped coriander, plus extra sprigs to garnish

cook for 12 minutes, or according to the packet instructions, until just tender. 2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, deep pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for 2–3 minutes until soft, but not brown. Add the chilli flakes and whole chillies and cook for 1 minute then stir in the lemon zest and juice and wine. Bring to the boil and let the liquid bubble for 1 minute. 3 Add the prawns, squid and mussels to the pan and cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the prawns are pink and the mussels have opened (discard any that remain closed). 4 Drain the pasta and add to the pan with the chopped coriander. Toss well to coat the pasta in the pan juices. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve in warmed pasta bowls garnished with the coriander sprigs and basil leaves.

Salt and freshly ground pepper Handful fresh basil leaves, to garnish

TIP: Scrub the fresh mussels clean and pull away the straggly ‘beards’. Discard any that don’t shut tightly when firmly tapped.

READY

in 45 mins Serves 4

Vegan Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry A quick and easy vegetarian dish full of Indian flavour. Serve with boiled basmati rice or warmed naan breads, if liked.

Ingredients

Method

1-2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan and fry the garlic, ginger and onion over a medium heat for about 5 minutes until light golden. Stir in the aubergine and fry for a further 2 minutes.

2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 3cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 1 aubergine, cubed 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground turmeric 2 tsp ground coriander Â˝ tsp hot chilli powder

2 Add all the spices to the pan and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the sweet potatoes, the passata and 150ml water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potato is tender and the sauce has thickened. 3 Stir in the chick peas and garam masala and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for a further few minutes. Serve in warmed bowls garnished with chopped coriander.

3 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 500g carton passata (sieved tomatoes) 400g can chick peas, rinsed 1 tsp garam masala Salt and freshly ground black pepper Freshly chopped coriander, to garnish

TIPS: If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have all the spices just use 1-2 tbsp medium curry paste. For a chunkier sauce use a 400g can of chopped tomatoes and add 250ml water.

The Healthy Way to Do

Veganuary

Over the last few years, growing concerns about the environmental cost of eating meat and dairy products have transformed veganism from a fringe dietary choice to an everyday concept embraced by more and more people. Unsurprisingly, then, Veganuary is more popular than ever. However, if you’re going vegan for a whole month or more, it’s important to understand how to get the vital nutrients you usually might get predominantly from meat or dairy. Protein One of the most often voiced concerns about veganism is that a plant-based diet makes it hard to meet your protein requirements. But with knowledge and planning, it’s perfectly possible to get all the protein you need from a vegan diet. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which fall into three categories: · Non-essential amino acids: this misleading name doesn’t mean they’re non-essential to our health, but that they’re non-essential to our diet, as our bodies can produce them. · Conditional amino acids: only normally required in our diet if we’re ill or under stress, when the body may not be able to make enough to cope with increased demand. · Essential amino acids: amino acids our bodies can’t make, so they are ‘essential’ elements of a healthy diet. Essential Amino Acids There are nine essential amino acids and between them, they perform functions such as: hormone, energy, neurotransmitter, protein, haemoglobin and enzyme production; mineral absorption; muscle growth; detoxification; blood sugar regulation and wound healing. You do not need to eat essential amino acids at

every meal, but you do need to include them all in your meals over the day. There are a few foods that provide all nine essential amino acids in good quantity, including soy, quinoa and buckwheat, so incorporating at least one of these into your meals every day. Quorn products contain all nine too, but check you’re buying the vegan rather than vegetarian options that often include egg. Spirulina is blue or green algae that’s high in protein, iron, manganese and B vitamins (although not B12). It’s available as a supplement or as a powder that can be added to meals or drinks. Some other dietary sources: Phenylalanine: lentils, beans, nuts (particularly peanuts, pistachios and almonds), seeds (pumpkin, squash, watermelon and chia), and vegetables (kale, broccoli and baked potatoes). Valine: tofu, lentils, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, mushrooms, whole grains, figs, apricots, kidney beans and vegetables (broccoli and baked potatoes). Threonine: lentils, watercress, spinach, sesame seeds,

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56 kidney beans, almonds, walnuts, asparagus and wheat germ. Tryptophan: sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chickpeas and almonds. Methionine: grains, peanuts, tempeh and seeds. Leucine: tofu, tempeh, lentils, figs, apples, beans, legumes, seeds (hemp, pumpkin and sunflower). Isoleucine: lentils, beans (black, pinto), nuts, seeds, apples, blueberries. Lysine: black beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds. Histidine: tofu, lentils, beans, oat bran, pumpkin seeds and whole grains. Minerals and vitamins Iron: Men aged 18 and over need about 8.7mg of iron a day, while women (aged 19 to 50 years) need about 14.8mg a day, and women over 50 just 8.7mg of iron a day. Sources: pulses (beans, lentils and peas), nuts, dried fruit such as raisins, dark-green vegetables (watercress, broccoli and spring greens), cereals fortified with iron, wholegrains like brown rice and bread (two slices of wholemeal bread (80g) contain around 1.9mg of iron). Calcium: Adults need about 700mg of calcium a day. Sources: fortified unsweetened soya, rice and oat milk, leafy green vegetables, almonds, sesame seeds and

tahini, dried fruit, pulses, brown (wholemeal) and white bread (two slices of wholemeal bread (80g) contain around 85mg of calcium). Vitamin D: While we can make Vitamin D when exposed to sunshine, in the UK, we don’t get enough sunshine to do so between October and March; the NHS recommends that everyone should take a Vitamin D supplement during this time. Sources: Spinach, kale, fortified margarine, fortified fat spreads and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin B12: Adults need about 1.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day and vegan sources are limited. Sources: Products fortified with B12, e.g. yeast extract spreads such as Marmite, breakfast cereals and soya products. Health veganism in pregnancy and childhood Pregnant women may find it hard to get enough iron, vitamin D and vitamin B12 on a vegan diet, so seek advice from your doctor or midwife. Breastfeeding mothers may need extra B12 too. Vegan food tends to be bulky and high in fibre, so children may be full before they’ve eaten enough calories and nutrients. They may require extra supplements. Talk to a dietitian or doctor before you start introducing your baby to solids or moving your older child onto a vegan diet.

Win: Vegan North Celebrate Veganuary with Vegan North: a collection of the best vegan businesses and restaurants up north, along with the tastiest vegan recipes and cooking tips. The book by Katie Fisher proves that the north of England has just as much to offer vegans as the rest of the world, with tasty accompaniments and relishes from local companies. Better yet, you can win a copy of the book on our Facebook page this month! Visit Local Life Magazines (locallifemagazine247) on Facebook and head to our pinned post for details on how to enter. Don’t forget, we run exclusive competitions on our social media all year round, so give the page a like to stay updated!

Save £10,000 on

hair removal Okay, so that’s a very bold statement, but I can tell you that a saving of £10,000 on hair removal is easily possible. So let’s say you spend just £28 per month getting your bikini waxed, or even your legs. Do you know how much that actually comes to over the years you could be waxing? It turns out you will spend more than £10,000 if you wax over your adult lifetime (so 30 years), and in reality it could be longer. Now let’s say you spend on average £40 per month on waxing (perhaps you have 2 or 3 areas waxed). Well take a deep breath, because you will spend more than £14,000 waxing in this case. WOW – that’s a lot of money on waxing. So how on Earth can you possibly save £10,000, I hear you ask? The answer is very simple – Laser Hair Removal. Most people have the misconception that Laser is expensive and they can’t afford it. However women up and down the land (and men too!) are prepared to spend thousands and thousands of pounds on waxing. If you opt for a good Laser treatment, then 6-8 sessions would usually reduce your hair by 80-95% So let’s do a bit of maths and work out if you really can save a small fortune. I think you’ll quickly see the answer, and you really don’t need to be good at maths! Get Laser on that bikini instead of waxing, and spend approx £300-£400 on 6 sessions of Laser Hair Removal. Let’s say you’re one of those stubborn people, need a couple more, so we’ll budget for an extra £100. You would still be saving £9,500! And if you use the £40 waxing example – you’d be saving more than £13,000 – it’s mind boggling. That’s not to mention the time saving. Who has spare time these days? So let me shock you some more.

If you spend 1 hour per month getting waxed – time to get to the salon, get the job done and then get home – you will use up 10,800 minutes or 180 hours of your precious time. Compare that with 6-10 hours for your laser treatments… and hey presto you’ve just saved 170 hours of time. Time you can spend relaxing, working, taking the dog for a walk, doing the kids’ homework, watching Netflix, or catching up with the girls. Let’s not forget that you’ll have smoother skin, less ingrowing hair, and no shadows. You also won’t need to hide those body bits away like you do before waxing (no need to grow your hair before laser, as you shave it off first.) Bet you’ve never thought of Laser hair removal as a money saving, time saving option before, have you? You can thank me later - and if you really do want to save yourself all that time and money, then just contact me or my team at Radiant Living for a free laser hair removal consultation. Written by Rachael Hyland at Radiant Living Parbold T: 01257 463464 W: www.radiantliving.co.uk

Exercise

The Most Effective Drug Ever? Physical Health Benefits Exercise can help prevent disease and debility. It can: · Lower blood pressure. · Help prevent some cancers and diseases, Alzheimer’s and Type 2 diabetes. · Increase muscle mass and strength, bone strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and balance. · Regulate hormones. · Help control weight. · Release endorphins that ease pain. · Improve bowel function and prevent constipation. Mental Health and Wellbeing Benefits Improve your mood, self-esteem and sleep patterns Exercise can improve sleep patterns and release endorphins that can lift your mood and increase your energy levels. Improve your mental health Poor sleep can contribute to physical health issues and depression, anxiety, poor memory and concentration. Exercise can improve your sleep and is proven to help alleviate anxiety, stress and depression.

Improve your sex life Regular exercise may increase your desire for, and enjoyment of, sex by improving your self-esteem, fitness and flexibility. Give you ‘time off’ Some of your exercise should make you out of breath, but you can also do more relaxing forms of exercise like yoga. Get you outdoors Research has proved the benefits of ecotherapy and being active outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine is great for your mental and physical health, helping you produce the Vitamin D essential for absorption of calcium and good bone health.

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A Bench in the Shade

Intrada Brass

Tuesday, January 7, 2:30pm-4pm

Tues, Jan 14 – Sat, Jan 18 & Tues, Jan 21 – Sat, Jan 25, 7:45pm

Saturday, January 18, 7:30pm

Join the Friends of Tarleton Library and Fiona Smithson to guess what curious objects are used for. Free.

Enjoy a classic romantic comedy by Ron Clark, set in a retirement home. Tickets £10 on 01704 875821.

Join Intrada Brass for a night of music through the ages. Tickets £16.50 per adult or £5.50 per young person from 01257 498452.

Formby Little Theatre, Lonsdale Road, Formby, L37 3HF

Parbold Village Hall, The Green, Parbold, WN8 7DN

Plant Hanger Workshop

On the Eve of Murder

Saturday, January 18, 1pm-3pm

Saturday, January 18, 7:30pm

Learn the art of Macramé and make your own plant hanging basket to take away. Tickets £30, bookable at www. theweavingwinder.co.uk

Enter a 1920s speakeasy in New York for a night of murder with Ormskirk Theatre Company. Tickets £10 from the venue or on 07757 416560.

Cedar Farm, Back Lane, Mawdesley, L40 3SY

Upmarket Theatre, Church Street, Ormskirk, L39 3AN

Family Quiz Night

Coronation Street Talk

Celebrate the church’s 150th anniversary singing favourite hymns accompanied by the original Victorian pipe organ, followed by refreshments. Free entry.

Saturday, January 18, 6pm

Tuesday, January 21, 10am-11:30am

Join the Lathom Park Scouts for a family quiz! Maximum 4 people per team, BYO snacks & drinks. Entry £5 per team.

Dr. Tom Preston presents a talk on the original Coronation Street actors. £1 donation requested on entry.

St. Mary’s Church, Church Rd, Rufford, L40 1TA

Westhead Village Hall, Wigan Rd, Westhead, L40 6HZ

Tarleton Library, Gorse Ln, PR4 6UJ

Aladdin Thurs, Jan 9 – Sun, Jan 19, various times A hilarious family pantomime from All Souls Dramatic Club – the genie’s truly out of the bottle! Tickets £13 adults, £11 U-16s on 01704 533333. The Atkinson, Lord St, Southport, PR8 1DB

Songs of Praise Saturday, January 11, 6pm

Nature Talk

Disco Bingo

Tuesday, January 14, 2pm

Saturday, January 18, doors at 7pm

National Trust’s Andrew Brockbank presents a talk on local nature. Free, booking required on 01704 874177.

Enjoy bingo with a disco twist to raise funds for Mere Brow Village Hall! Tickets £10 from James on 07977 233312.

Formby Library, Duke St, Formby, L37 4AN

Mere Brow Village Hall, The Gravel, Mere Brow, PR4 6JX

Burns Night Tuesday, January 21, 6:30pm Celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns with the Southport Sunrise Rotary Club, including a traditional supper of haggis and poetry. Tickets £28 from moira.ralph@gmail.com Clouds Restaurant, Church Street, Southport, PR9 0TT

A Russian Retrospective

Jeeves & Wooster

Afternoon Cabaret

Thursday, January 23, 6pm-7:15pm

Fri, Jan 24 – Sat, Feb 1, 7:30pm

Sunday, January 26, 2pm-6pm

A free public lecture examining life in Russia after the Soviet Union came to an end in 1991, incl. refreshments. Tickets at edgehill.ac.uk

Southport Dramatic Club present Jeeves & Wooster: In Perfect Nonsense. Tickets on 01704 530521 or 01704 530460.

A rare chance to see Stan Boardman, supported by Paul McCoy. Tickets £20 on 01695 422688 or 07907 465512.

Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton St, Southport, PR9 0PA

Aughton Institute, Bold Lane, Aughton, L39 6SG

Charity Burns Night

Aladdin

Saturday, January 25, 7pm

Tues, Jan 28 – Sat, Feb 1, 7:30pm (1:30pm matinee on Sat)

Edge Hill University, St. Helens Rd, Ormskirk, L39 4QP

Burns Night Supper Friday, January 24, 7pm-11pm Join Wigan Thistle Society for a traditional Burns Night supper with speakers, a piper, a 3-course meal and Scottish dancing. Tickets £24 or £16 for U12s on 01942 680008. St. Teresa’s Catholic Church Hall, College Rd, Up Holland, WN8 0PY

Celebrate the New Year with delicious Scottish food, live entertainment and a raffle with the Mayor of Sefton. Tickets £20 on 0151 934 2062 or mayorsoffice@ sefton.gov.uk Bootle Town Hall, Oriel Road, Bootle, L20 7AE

Parbold WI, Station Rd, WN8 7NU

Cleopatra

Pinked Floyd

Men of the World

Fri, Jan 31 & Sat, Feb 1, 7:30pm

Saturday, January 25, 7:30pm

Friday, January 24, 7:30pm-10pm Jape Productions present a night of travel, as three coach drivers take you on a journey down the Rhine Valley. Tickets £10 or £8.50 concessions on 01704 578003. EDDA Community Arts, Liverpool Rd, Ainsdale, PR8 3NE

Parbold’s pantomime is Aladdin – full of magic, laughter and songs! Tickets £7.50 per adult or £5.50 per child from DIY Centre Parbold.

An amazing tribute to Pink Floyd featuring favourites from cherished albums The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon and more. Tickets £17.95 from the venue or on 01695 576607.

The Random Theatre Company present Cleopatra: an adult pantomime. Filled with raunchy laughs, tickets cost £8 on 07757 416560 or from the venue. Upmarket Theatre, Church St, Ormskirk, L39 3AN

Ormskirk Civic Hall, Southport Rd, Ormskirk, L39 1LN

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Lydiate Loop by Chris Pearce Distance: 5¼ miles Difficulty: Easy

There are a couple of factors we consider when deciding the location of our Jack’s Tracks walks at certain times of the year. We picked this particular walk for our January magazines because it’s fairly easy underfoot – it’s almost wholly-based around the gravel beds of an old railway line and on canal towpaths. And with the lack of daylight hours at this time of year, it’s important that it can be completed in good time, and so this 5¼ mile Lydiate Loop ticks all the boxes for a good winter walk which can be completed in under 2 hours. Park up on Hall Lane by Our Lady’s Catholic Church (L31 4HH) and turn left at the main Southport Road heading towards Maghull. After 200 yards you’ll see a gate and footpath sign, so cross over the road and go through the gate.

Follow the clearly defined path round the edge of the small wood until you reach a field. Turn left and follow the path around the perimeter of the field for approximately 1/3 mile until you arrive at a single-track road (Acres Lane). Turn left and, almost immediately, you’ll see a concrete track on your right with a steel gate. Hop over the stile on the left of the gate. Follow the track to the left-hand side of a copse until you reach the Cheshire Lines, then take a left turn down the path, which used to be an old train line. The Southport & Cheshire Lines Extension Railway was used to transport passengers and freight from the Liverpool area up to the disused Southport Lord Street station between 1884 and 1952. 550 yards further down the Cheshire Lines path, you’ll arrive at an opening at the junction with Carr Lane (this was the actual site of the old Lydiate Railway Station). Carry on in the same direction for

Southpor

For those with the OS Maps app on your desktop, mobile or tablet, this walk is named:

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Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridge Farm

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Bells Lane

St John Bosco school

Green Lane

Maghull

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.

for almost ¾ mile to Bridge 17a (Lollies Bridge) where you’ll need to come off the towpath, cross the bridge and descend to the better maintained towpath on the other side of the canal – following the towpath in the same direction as previously.

approximately one mile, taking in the views of Liverpool in the distance, until you arrive at Maghull Brook. Turn left here and follow the track past the farm to a dog-leg bend on Green Lane. Turn left and follow this narrow road for just over 600 yards until you reach St John Bosco school. Take a left down the footpath opposite the school (you may have to navigate the mud here), and follow the path in the same direction until you reach Maghull Brook. Cross the brighe and then take an immediate right and go around the edge of the field until you reach Bells Lane. Turn right and follow the road to the Running Horse pub and, before the bridge, turn left down the towpath alongside the canal. Follow the towpath Full Grooms Scissor Cuts Hand Strip Bath & Tidy Dog Grooming Service

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Exit the towpath at Bridge 19 and turn left, crossing the canal over Hall Lane Bridge and follow Hall Lane in the same direction, passing through rural Lydiate for ¾ mile until you arrive back at Our Lady’s Church. If you’re looking for a few interesting diversions, all within striking distance of the walk’s start/finish point, you can visit the remains of St Catherine’s Chapel (see picture) on Southport Road, or you can visit Lydiate Hall Farm, where you can visit the remains of Lydiate Hall and also the farm shop and cafe.

Hybrids

Explained Looking to move into the world of electrification? Here’s all you need to know about hybrids.

Types of hybrid

With all the talk of electrification of cars and everyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint, hybrid models have become more and more popular with buyers.

The mild hybrid takes the hybrid principles but utilises them in the mildest of ways. They typically have a small battery and an electric motor that can take over running the car’s ancillaries, such as the headlights and air conditioning.

If you’re interested but are not sure what they are and what different types are available, we’ve got you covered. What is a hybrid? As the name suggests, it’s a hybrid of an electric vehicle and an internal combustion engine (usually powered by petrol or diesel). It will have a battery-powered electric motor that will work in conjunction with the combustion engine to power the wheels. Generally, the idea is that the electric motor takes care of the driving at low speeds or while accelerating, because that’s when a combustion engine is at its most inefficient. Then, once up to speed, when the engine can run at low effort to keep things ticking along, it takes over. The result is better fuel economy – always a good thing!

Mild hybrid (MHEV)

This means the engine can be turned off to save fuel at times when it is not needed, such as when decelerating or when stopped. The important distinction is that the wheels cannot be powered by the electric motor. While it tends to mean the engine isn’t being used at times when it’s not being particularly inefficient anyway, the economy gains are fairly small. However, as it’s the batteries that tend to add cost to hybrids, mild hybrids tend to be less expensive to buy than other models. Hybrid When you hear a car referred to as simply a ‘hybrid’ alone, it tends to mean that it has the capability to run on pure electric but the batteries can only be recharged through regenerative braking.

66 This is when motors in the wheels ‘harvest’ energy that would normally be lost when decelerating and braking and uses it to replenish the battery charge. This is where the term ‘self-charging hybrid’ comes from – you never charge the vehicle from an external source, it recharges itself through regeneration. On the positive side, hybrids are much more economical than a mild hybrid, because you can drive on electric only, providing there’s enough charge, and they tend to be less expensive than plug-in models. However, because they rely on deceleration to charge, if you do a lot of motorway miles at a consistent speed you could find the battery is dead once you get to a town where you could use EV mode. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Plug-in hybrids are the ultimate form of hybrid models, because they can plug into an external source of electricity to charge the batteries. This means you can top the batteries up to full charge overnight and thus maximise the electric-only range. If your daily commute is quite short you might rarely need petrol power, saving you lots of money in the long run.

Would a hybrid benefit me? This really depends on your daily journeys. Those who do shorter trips day-to-day are definitely candidates for the swap to a hybrid, as the vehicle can run on all-electric power alone, meaning that emissions are practically zero and overall consumption of fuel will be as low as possible. In contrast, if you’re travelling further afield more regularly while at higher speeds, then a conventionally powered car may still be better. Hybrids struggle to run on electric power at motorway speeds and for long distances, after which the smaller combustion engine is left to deal with propulsion all by itself, resulting in higher emissions and poor fuel economy. Are hybrid cars reliable? Despite a complex powertrain and the multitude of new technologies incorporated into a hybrid’s setup, they are as reliable as a conventional car. In fact, many older hybrids have achieved high mileages with little to no fuss, and because of the stronger regeneration you get from a hybrid there’s less stress on the brakes too. Do you get a plug-in grant?

The downside is that the charging technology tends to make PHEVs pricier than other hybrids, and if you have no means to charge the battery yourself, you might as well save that initial cash and go for a normal hybrid.

Sadly, no – in March 2019 the government announced that it was axing the plug-in grant for hybrid vehicles following a surge in their popularity. Only all-electric vehicles now qualify for the grant.

Frequently asked questions

Some hybrids are eligible for an exclusion from London’s low-emissions zone charge, but the rules are far more stringent than previously. Now, only hybrid cars which emit less than 75g/km CO2 and have a minimum zero-emissions (or all-electric) range of 20 miles will be completely exempt from the charge. As a result, older vehicles may not get the discount.

What is a self-charging hybrid? In truth, there’s very little to separate a ‘self-charging’ hybrid from a regular hybrid. They still use a single or pair of electric motors to assist the petrol engine, and they can’t be plugged in to top up the batteries, either. So how do you charge them? Most hybrids come with the option to use some of the engine’s power output to charge the batteries, therefore reserving some electric power for later use. In addition, nearly all hybrids harness the energy generated when braking and coasting, pushing this kinetic energy into the batteries. So really, a ‘self-charging’ hybrid is just a hybrid car that can’t be plugged into the mains.

Are they eligible for exclusion from low emissions zones?

Plus, in 2021, London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone is set to extend to the north and south circular, and no hybrids will get an exemption from the charge.

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High-Rise

Edibles Whatever the size of your plot, you can get more from it with high-rise gardening, with potential in hanging baskets, wall troughs and window boxes as homes for vegetables, herbs and even fruit. So, what does it take to succeed? Larger containers allow for more room for your crops’ roots and easier maintenance, as they will run out of moisture and fertiliser less frequently, though obviously you will have to balance this with the space available. Use suitable supporting brackets and screws for hanging baskets, window boxes and wall troughs, as they must support the weight of fully grown plants laden with crops, which will be heavier after watering. Check walls, balconies and windows sills will not be overloaded, leading potentially to structural damage or injury to passing people. Consider using lighter-weight composts, such as those not including loam or the readily available peat-free options. Plant in high-rise planters are reliant on you for food, so use good quality compost and feed crops regularly throughout the growing period. In a lofty position the plants will also be more susceptible to drying out, so regular and thorough watering is a must. Wall baskets, troughs and hanging baskets can play host to strawberries. These plants trail naturally so will obligingly hang over the container edges. The plants can be bought from garden centres at this time of year. Forget the idea that lettuce is just a green, leafy addition to a boring salad – there are huge selections of lettuce and other salad leaves available in a wide range of colours and shapes, making them a lot more attractive than many ornamental plants! Pinks, purples, yellows and several shades of green, they’re a fast-germinating and fast-growing crop and you can either buy small plants or sow the seed directly into the compost yourself. If you like fresh herbs with your meals then herbs in a basket, trough or window box are a must.

There are creeping or trailing forms of many herbs, and thyme in particular lends itself to life in a container in a sunny spot. You can usually get thyme plants at most times of year and, as it is hardy, you can plant it out straight away. Parsley, sage, tarragon, chives and basil all look good in wall baskets and thrive in a sunny spot. Most of the oriental vegetables, such as the pak choi varieties ‘Red Choi’ and Mizuna will do really well in a window box or wall trough in a sheltered spot. You could combine the two and enjoy the really stunning finely divided foliage of the Mizuna positioned around the edges of the container where it will tend to ‘flop’ slightly and make the container look all the more attractive. Who can resist the taste of sun-ripened, fresh, juicy tomatoes picked sun-warmed and straight from the plant? The great thing is there are several varieties which are particularly well-suited to growing in containers such as hanging baskets. The classic for this is ‘Tumbling Tom’, available in both red and yellow. Buy plants ready to pop into the containers in late April or May. Pack a window box or wall trough full of chilli pepper plants such as ‘Super Chilli’ and it’ll look stunning when the plants are covered with their red, yellow or orange glossy fruits. Chillies are tender so buy these plants in May or June, or buy seeds and sow them now.

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Safe

Not Sorry Anyone who’s ever been cheated by a cowboy tradesperson knows the impact it can have on your life and home. Trust doesn’t come easily if you’ve been duped once, knowing it could happen again. That’s where Lancashire County Council’s Safe Trader Scheme comes in. Businesses who sign up to the scheme agree to abide by a code of conduct set out by the Trading Standards team at Lancashire County Council, ensuring good business practice and compliance with relevant legislation. Signing up to be part of the database reassures clients and potential clients that they can expect reliable, trustworthy service when they book a job with a selected trader. The database of tradespeople mainly covers all aspects of home improvement and repair work, including building, external property repairs, gardening, decorating and home security, along with trades relating to elderly assistance and those that cater for

people with mobility issues, such as cleaners, dog walkers and mobility suppliers. One elderly couple had problems in the past with acquiring reliable, trustworthy tradespeople to do small jobs around their home without being taken advantage of – they comment that the scheme is ‘brilliant’ in this respect. Another scheme user endorses the scheme - ‘the fact that the supplier advertised he was on the Safe Trader Scheme gave us great confidence that he would be a trusted/honest person’. If you’re a consumer looking for someone to carry out work, simply: 1. Visit www.safetrader.org.uk 2. Enter your postcode and specify the type of trader you’re looking for 3. Select the right trader for you based on their profile page, star ratings and reviews.

A note for tradespeop

uires proof that your Joining the scheme req fair and honest trading business is dedicated to e been trading for a practices. You must hav to 12 months, be able minimum period of er tom cus od showing go provide 3 references lic Pub n imum of £2millio service, and have a min £5million Employer’s Liability Insurance and Traders undergo a series Liability (if applicable). ndards officers, and any of checks by Trading Sta l ut the tradesperson wil complaints received abo of ual membership fee be investigated. An ann £99 + VAT applies. to download an For more information or application form visit: www.safetrader.org.uk

Here are some trades covered by the Safe Trader Scheme:

Safe Trader

Scheme

• Builders

• Plasterers

• Painter/Decorators

• Roofers

• Tilers

• Tree Surgeons

• Locksmiths

• Cleaners

• Plumbers

• Fencers

• Electricians

• Central heating services

• Gardeners

• Double glazing installation

• Joiners

• Chimney sweeps

For more information about Lancashire County Council’s Safe Trader Scheme visit www.safetrader.org.uk

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POWER WASHING • Driveways & Patios etc.

ROOF CLEANING Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • traditional service, state of the art results •

Wigan Good Trader Of The Year 2015

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WORDSEARCH

SUDOKU

WIGGLE WORDS Blast from the past

NUMBER BLOCK 19 2 3 5 4

7 4 8 1

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In next month’s LocalLife... Formby: The Last Resort Jack’s Tracks to Darwen Tower Win an annual Swim / Gym Pass

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