LocalLife West Lancashire Edition
February 2017
Grave
matters in Bickerstaffe
Jack’s Tracks visits Sutton Test Drive - Evoque Convertible Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary What’s On Home Services locallife247.co.uk
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service
t is a quirk of our society that the very facilities and services some deem as essential and therefore ‘should’ be provided by law are indeed not. In fact, it would shock many to know that swimming pools and graveyards (two issues we cover in this edition) are in fact entirely discretionary services. Nobody has to provide them, but it just so happens that, over the years, organisations - both public and private - have stepped in. A few years ago, West Lancs was in the midst of a burial crisis. Many families who wanted to bury their loved ones locally were forced to traipse to neighbouring areas. This is because there is no requirement by law for either churches or councils to provide burial space. Thankfully, the situation has improved with the extension at Bickerstaffe and a new facility in Burscough. Elsewhere, the borough council is looking at the future of both Park Pool and Nye Bevan Pool. The difficulty for many councils is that they inherited these facilities in the early 1970s from their predecessor organisations (mostly the old Urban and Rural District Councils) who seemed to have enjoyed a last-minute spending splurge before being disbanded. Almost 50 years on and these buildings are no longer the cutting edge facilities they were back in the day. Whether these are a discretionary service is beside the point; locals have grown up along side them and expect the same, or even an improved, service going forward. Meeting that challenge will not be easy.
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In this issue Grave
matters
28 How to strengthen
Regulars 18 Class From The Past 46 Garden Diary 22 Puzzle Corner 51 Useful Numbers 44 Test Drive
Sections 6 Local News 26 Property 36 Food & Drink
44 Motoring 47 Gardening 48 Home Services
your bones Next issue - March 2017
Advertising deadline - Friday, 10 February
32 Marcus at
home
Published - Monday, 6 March
LocalLife Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01695 627 999 36 Jack’s Tracks visits
Sutton
40 Test Drive
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School is thriving A headteacher has quashed talk that her school is closing. Nicola McDonagh says Moorgate Nursery School and Munchkins Childcare is staying put. Rumours started circulating after Lancs County Council voted to close the adjoining children’s centre and move its services to the library. Nicola said: “I want to reassure parents that Moorgate Nursery School is continuing to provide a safe, fun and stimulating learning environment for our children. Our ambition is for the children attending the nursery and childcare to attain the best start in life. “I am happy to speak to any parents currently considering Nursery education for their children, about the ‘Outstanding’ service we can offer here.”
Local MP Rosie Cooper visited the school recently. She said: “It is important to use and protect the only local authority maintained nursery school that we have here in Ormskirk, to ensure local children and their families continue to benefit from attending Moorgate Nursery School.”
Garden talks The local branch of the National Cottage Garden Society has unveiled its programme of talks for the rest of the season. Wednesday, February 15: RHS Garden Harlow Carr by Paul Cook curator from near Harrogate. Wednesday , March 15: Flower Power by Maureen Sawyer Meetings are held at Haskayne Village Hall, 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Email Marian Jones on nwcgsmembership@gmail.com
Scout fundraiser Ormskirk & District Scouts has launched an appeal to help transform its crumbling HQ. The group, which has more than 1,500 children on its books, is currently undertaking a £140,000 renovation of its headquarters in Hall Lane, Lathom. Leaders are now raising funds to kit out the building. For more information, visit ormskirkscouts.org.uk
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Pay by mobile? A new way of paying for parking in Ormskirk town centre could be on the way. West Lancs Borough Council chiefs are in talks with Bemrose Mobile over bringing ‘pay by mobile’ facilities to local councilowned car parks. It is expected the new system, if feasible, would be done on a trial basis first. The council would also use the company’s number plate recognition system, which would capture vehicles on entering the car park. Councillors met in secret recently to discuss the matter. They also agreed the maximum parking period at the Wheatsheaf Walks Car Park will be extended from two hours to four hours.
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New pool for Ormskirk? New swimming pools for Ormskirk and Skelmersdale could be opened in the next three years. Leisure bosses at West Lancs Borough Council have agreed to look at replacing both Park Pool and Nye Bevan swimming baths. The centres were built in the 1970s and are now both deemed to be inefficient in terms of running costs and falling behind compared to other similar leisure facilities. Councillors meeting in Ormskirk recently agreed to bring in consultants to undertake financial viability appraisals. A report by the council director of leisure and wellbeing, David Tilleray, set out a timetable which
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has any new centres pencilled in for an April 2020 opening. “The option for a replacement for Park Pool within an area close to the town centre of Ormskirk is important. In order to maintain customer loyalty and to ensure continuation of service provision it is proposed that the current facilities should remain open until the new facility is built. Options and the availability of a new site will need to be considered as part of a financial viability study.” Mr Tilleray added that a new facility in Skelmersdale would help realise long-held ambitions to regenerate the town centre: “The release of the land vacated by Nye Bevan Pool, once the new leisure centre opens, would be advantageous to the redevelopment of the town centre.”
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New trustees
Best foot forward
Five new trustees for Westhead Village Hall have
ACTion Walkers are holding regular walks in the
been unveiled. Local residents Diane Coverdale, Ian Davis, Martyn Walmsley, Catherine Walton and Steve Walker have been appointed to the positions. Last year, locals successfully saved the Wigan Road facility from closure. They are now applying to become a registered charity, so they can apply for grant funding. For more information on the hall, vsiit westhead-village-hall.org
Aughton Village area throughout the coming months. All walks are easy to moderate and tend to be about 5 miles long. Walks can be weather permitting due to safety of footpaths along the route. Dates are: Saturday, February 11 (Clieves Hill circular); Sunday, February 26 (Downholland) and Saturday, March 11, is a Lydiate circular walk. They all begin at 1pm at Aughton Village Hall, Winifred Lane, and walkers get a free cup of tea at the end. A small donation for Queenscourt Hospice would be appreciated; there is no need to book, just turn up. For any more information, contact leaders Mark and Julia at actionwalkers@gmail.com.
Player call New players are needed for Halsall West End Cricket Club’s 2017 season. For more information, email hwecc2002@gmail.com.
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Eleanor’s a winner Local Life reader Eleanor Jones was one of the lucky winners of our festive hamper competition. The Westhead resident, who lives on Crosshall Brow, collected her prize after her name was pulled out of the hat. Other winners were Dorothy Gray, of Girton Avenue, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Glenda Lowe, of Crowhurst Drive, Whitley;Kathryn Latham, of Church Fold, Chapel Lane, Coppull and Dawn Rogers, of Deepdale Drive, Rainhill. Remember, for more great competitions, keep reading Local Life!
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considerately in Halsall. Parish councillors say that cars parking either side of Summerwood Lane at peak times, including while funerals and weddings are taking place at St Cuthbert’s Church, are causing an obstruction. The council is encouraging motorists to use the Memorial Hall car park on Cross Lane whenever possible.
Gimme shelter Two new bus shelters are set to be installed in Scarisbrick. The shelters at Heatons Bridge and by The Elephant restaurant have been identified as priorities by parish councillors for this year.
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Tell Us Your Story!
Blitz help memories Ormskirk Historical Society is hosting a lecture on
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 westlancsnews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.
Monday, February 20, called ‘Should I stay or should I go? – How Ormskirk helped people displaced after the blitz of WW2. It will be held at Four Lane Ends Mission, Skelmersdale Road, Bickerstaffe. It starts at 7.30pm - visitors are welcome and the entry fee is £3. For more information visit www. ormskirkhistoricalsociety.co.uk.
Big comedy night A comedy night to raise money for the rebuilding of Hesketh-with-Becconsall Community Centre will take place at the centre on Friday, March 3. Special guests include Dave Williams from BBC Live, Daliso Chaponda from World Stands Up and Brendan Riley from ITV who are all helping the fundraising. Tickets are £12. Doors open at 7.30pm and the event starts at 8pm. Tickets are available from Top Shop, Hesketh Bank or call 01772 816834.
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Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Aughton Street School. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1940s. Maybe you can spot a familiar
face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact us today by emailing westlancsnews@locallife247.co.uk
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Planning Matters Aughton Aughton Institute Bold Lane: New two storey dwelling and integral garage at land to the rear of Aughton Institute. ref: 2016/1008/FUL) . Ormskirk Water Tower, Tower Hill: Conversion of derelict water tower into single family dwelling (ref: 2016/1136/FUL) A decision is due soon.
Hobnobbing in Aughton The Hobnob Club is putting on different events in the upcoming months at Aughton Village Hall. These include opportunities to share poetry with More Poetry. Please on Wednesday, February 8; a shared reading session of The Boy Who Taught the Beekeeper to Read by Susan Hill on Wednesday, March 8 and a craft exchange on Wednesday, March 22. All events are between 11am and 12.15pm. Call Julia and Mark at 01695 420350.
Westhead Land at the north eastern end of Holly Close: Use of grassed areas to provide 10 allocated parking spaces (ref: 2016/1291/WL3). For more information, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk
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Puzzle Corner
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WORD SEARCH
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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.
A L E O
T A T F
E S W O
I T I C
A bride took her bridesmaids out for a meal. Each ordered a different type of starter, main and pudding. Can you work out what they all ate using the clues below? CLUES 1. The bridesmaid who chose an omelette to follow her mushroom soup was not Claire. 2. The bridesmaid who ordered tomato soup finished off her meal with ice-cream. 3. Jane’s meal started off with vegetable soup. 4. The smoked salmon was finished off with chocolate mousse.
All the puzzle solutions are on page 47 of this magazine
LOGIC PROBLEMS
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Caring for you and the ones
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Grave
matters A Bickerstaffe church has taken action to ensure local people can still be buried in the parish. David Sudworth reports...
F
or almost 175 years, the graveyard at Holy Trinity Church in Bickerstaffe has been the final resting place for many local families.
With a population of just over 1,100, it’s a close community where whole generations live, work and expire within the parish boundaries. So it’s unsurprising that when the time comes, many want to be buried in Bickerstaffe. However, with just a handful of plots left in the original graveyard, the church knew it had to act.
A shortage of burial space in West Lancashire has been an issue for over 20 years now. Many local families have been forced to have their loved ones cremated in St Helens, adding the cost to an already expensive process. The opening of a new cemetery and crematorium on the outskirts of Burscough has eased the pressure in West Lancs as a whole - but for some, that is not local enough.
29 Merrick Rimmer, 76, is a farmer based at Bickerstaffe Hall. He’s also church warden emeritus at Holy Trinity, and has been instrumental in helping secure an extension to the graveyard. “We first became aware of this issue around 2005. We started having burials on the north part of the existing graveyard. This hadn’t been used because, in the past, churches only tended to use the northern parts of graveyards for paupers, beggars and people who had committed suicide. It was a bit of old superstition if you like, but we were getting short on space.” Luckily, due to its rural location, a solution was close at hand. To the rear of the church, outside of its boundary, lay a section of ‘glebe land’ a patch owned by the national Church Commissioners but not officially part of the Holy Trinity Church estate. Access wasn’t a problem as there is a natural pathway which runs
30 through the current graveyard, so it was simply a case of extending it to the new site. “We would have had difficulties if the path hadn’t have been there,” says Merrick. “Obviously, we couldn’t have gone over graves but thankfully the route was clear.” In total, around 1,100 square metres of turf has been laid and new drains have been dug to ensure the graveyard is kept in good condition. The £20,000 project has been funded from a mixture of private donations, grants and fundraisers. However, the church had to dip into its savings to make up the shortfall. Edward McCarthy, a member of the Parochial Church Council, said: “We are still waiting to hear back from some grant applications but donations are still most welcome. “It is important for the church to have reserves so we can carry on, grow and be prepared for any future eventuality. Other local churches have had roof and tower problems, so it is important to be prepared as you never know what is round the corner. Recently we were awarded £5,000 for additional heaters and new interior doors from Awards for All.”
Famous link Holy Trinity was consecrated on Trinity Sunday (June 30) in 1843. Land and funds for building the church were provided by the 13th Earl of Derby. He funded the project, on condition that parishioners carry all materials. The cost of building Holy Trinity was £6,000 and it was constructed using local labour and quarry stone. Hundreds attended the consecration including the architect, Sydney Smirke (1798-1877). Among Smirke’s other projects were the construction of St James’ Church in Westhead and the famous Calton gentleman’s club in London which, down the years, has counted several Prime Ministers, including Disraeli and even Margaret Thatcher, as its members.
For information on how to donate, call Edward on 07971 299606 or email westlancsedward@ btinternet.com
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Health & Fitness
How to strengthen
your bones
By Abi Jackson
I
t’s easy to dismiss osteoporosis as an inevitable part of growing old - but understanding the causes, and how to manage the condition, can make a big difference. It’s believed that more than three million people in the UK are currently living with osteoporosis, associated with weakened, fragile bones. The vast majority of those affected are over 50, and mostly women - one in two women, and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone as a result of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Society (nos.org.uk), with the wrists, hips and spine most commonly affected. While bone density can decrease with age, and for some people osteoporosis may be linked with other health problems or medications, generally speaking, there’s a lot we can do to try and prevent it, and ensure those who do develop problems can minimise pain and complications. Is osteoporosis serious? Severe osteoporosis can be very problematic due to the increased risk of fractures - which can have a knock-on effect, including pain and mobility difficulties. “Severe osteoporosis weakens bones, meaning they can’t cope with minor traumas like falls. This can then lead to fractures that need surgery,” explains Dr Tim Woodman, Medical Director at Bupa UK (www.bupa.co.uk). “A common and serious example are weak hip bones; these can lead to a major procedure resulting in permanently reduced mobility. In more progressive cases, the vertebrae can’t support their own weight and collapse, causing severe pain and often leading to greatly reduced mobility.”
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34 Why is it more common in women? The key reason for this is menopause, when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs, and eventually periods stop. “Menopause is the biggest risk factor for osteoporosis, and the risks are greater if a woman goes through early menopause (before 45), or has a prolonged time with no periods, due to over-exercising, too much dieting or eating disorders,” explains Dr Catherine Hood, women’s health specialist and ambassador for Kira for women health supplements (www. kiraforwomen.co.uk). “Not only do the ovaries stop producing eggs, they also stop releasing oestrogen into the blood stream. Oestrogen has many effects on the body, including modulating the turnover of bone. Falling levels can have several consequences, including alterations to bone health.” Dr Hood notes osteoporosis risk can also be higher in women with other hormone related conditions, “such as an overactive thyroid gland or pituitary gland disorders”, while certain medications, including some cancer treatments, “can affect hormone levels and bone density”. Do genes play a part? Yes - though it isn’t always clear how. “Research has shown that a person’s genetics can have a large influence on their likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Genes play an important part in regulating bone mineral density. There are likely to be many genes involved but the precise ones responsible for osteoporosis risk have yet to be defined,” says Dr Hood. What about diet? Nutrition also plays a major role in bone health, and this applies from childhood through to older age. “The building of healthy bones starts in childhood and it’s important to adopt healthy habits to
prevent osteoporosis and broken bones later in life,” says Dr Hood. “Calcium is an important constituent of bone, so children should eat plenty of leafy green vegetables and dairy products. Vitamin D is also
essential and can be found in oily fish and eggs,” says Dr Hood. “But nutrition’s important in adults too and all adults should have 10mcg of vitamin D a day and 700mg of calcium, and eat a diet rich in these things, especially woman after menopause. It can be difficult to get enough of these minerals via diet alone, so adults should consider taking a daily supplement to help maintain strong bones.” And stress? We’re increasingly paying attention to the links between mental and physical health, and it’s known that stress can wreak havoc with hormones - which can impact our bodies in countless ways. “Stress exerts its adverse effects on bone density, mainly via the action of cortisol, one of the major ‘stress hormones’,” says Max Tuck, author of Love Your Bones: The Essential Guide To Ending Osteoporosis And Building A Healthy Skeleton (Hammersmithbooks.co.uk). “Cortisol inhibits the formation of osteoblasts, our bone-building cells. Cortisol also breaks down structural proteins, including collagen, which is the matrix upon which our bones are built. Not only this, but elevated cortisol levels - as a result of daily stress - inhibits
35 the absorption of vitamin D. Finally, chronic stress depletes the body of magnesium, a mineral that’s even more important than calcium for creating strong bones.” What role does exercise play? Alongside “a good diet and attention to calcium and vitamin D intake”, Bupa’s Dr Woodman stresses that “regular exercise will help prevent the development of severe osteoporosis”. Dr Hood points out that this, again, is important from childhood through to old age. “Regular weight bearing and resistance exercise is good for improving bone density, such as walking, running or just climbing the stairs at work rather than taking the lift,” she says.
Understandably, it’s not uncommon for people with any type of pain or conditions that affect bones and joints to avoid physical activity, out of concern for doing for damage or triggering more pain. However, this can often be counterproductive and keeping active can play an important part in managing long-term conditions. Your healthcare team should be able to advise on how best to go about this if you’re unsure, and always seek advice from your doctor before embarking on any new exercise regimes. “Prolonged rest worsens osteoporosis, so maintaining mobility with therapy and pain control is essential,” says Dr Woodman, who adds that medications can also be used “if bones are already fractured, to help reduce the risk of further damage, as well as reducing pain”.
36
Food & Drink
Marcus at
home
By Claire Spreadbury
M
arcus Wareing is a serious chef. Whether you’ve watched him on MasterChef, Great British Menu, or in one of his three restaurants, it’s a word you’d definitely use to describe him. And he wouldn’t disagree. “I am serious,” says the 46-year-old. “I’m serious because I need to take my job seriously, and because there is a lot at stake. I take everything I do seriously, but I also now enjoy a lot more and am a little more open-minded.” It’s perhaps this new, (slightly) more relaxed persona that has brought about his latest release, Marcus At Home, which is fit to burst with recipes that very normal folk can try their hand at. And it’s all been inspired by family cooking.
“I love watching my family enjoy food that we’ve made together and my wife makes a brilliant lasagne,” says the father-of-three, who’s married to Jane, 45. “I think now, because the children are more aware of food and are trying more, we as a family are starting to diverge into bigger flavours, spicier food, and just a lot more variety. The kids are not so young any more - they love their food and are growing up. It’s really challenged me to do something I’ve never done before, which is focus on food at home.” Wareing - who describes himself as “driven, precise and friendly” - is a lot more easygoing than you might imagine. He’s perfectly polished (his shirt is
37 impeccably ironed and his beard is as neatly shaved as you’d expect his Parmesan to be), but calm and keen to put me at ease. “When I think of ‘home’, it’s all about the kitchen, the family, laughing and arguing,” says the chef, who hails from Southport, but now resides in Wimbledon (he recommends a deli there called Bayley And Sage, if you’re ever in the area, for the “best fresh fruit and produce”). And now the kids are growing up, cooking together is something that’s happening more often. “It can be hell at times, but it is mostly fun,” he says, eyes twinkling and a smile spreading across his face. “What annoys me about cooking with children even though I do love it - is the mess. Jess always wants to cook cakes, Archie will get involved in cookery with his mum and he makes a mean salad sandwich.
But Jake is all about fry-ups, and he hates cleaning up.” Don’t we all? Though I can imagine this is one Michelin-starred chef who won’t stand for anyone not clearing up after themselves, even if they are his children. Fancy some relaxed, homely family food created by one of the best in the business? Tuck into these...
Marcus At Home by Marcus Wareing is published by HarperCollins, priced £20.
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38
Pumpkin soup with maple-toasted seeds
Method Peel and quarter the pumpkin, reserving the skin and seeds. Cut the pumpkin flesh into rough 2cm chunks, and set aside. Put the skin, seeds, trimmings, bay leaf and rosemary in a large saucepan. Cover with about 2.5 litres water, bring to the boil and simmer for one hour. Strain and reserve the stock.
Serves 8 Ingredients 1 pumpkin, preferably with blue/grey skin, 2kg approx 1 bay leaf 1 sprig of rosemary 125g butter 1tsp sea salt 250ml milk Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the maple-toasted seeds: 60g pumpkin seeds 1tbsp maple syrup 1/2tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve 1/4tsp sea salt
While the stock is simmering, preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. To make the seeds, mix together the pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, olive oil and salt. Scatter evenly on a baking tray and bake for eight to 10 minutes, until golden. Remove and allow to cool, then roughly chop. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat, and add the pumpkin chunks and one teaspoon of salt. Cook for about five minutes, until the pumpkin starts to soften. Pour in about half of the pumpkin stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, until the pumpkin is completely soft and starting to break down. Stir in the milk, remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaf. Using a stick blender (or transfer to a food processor), blitz until completely smooth, adding more stock as required. Season to taste. Serve the soup hot, scattered with the mapletoasted pumpkin seeds and drizzled with oil.
39
Braised cod with herb vinaigrette, toasted broccoli, sprouts & chestnuts
Serves 8 Ingredients 4tbsp olive oil 4 thick skin-on cod fillets 250ml chicken or vegetable stock 1 head of broccoli, broken into florets 12 Brussels sprouts, quartered 2 garlic cloves, crushed 100g fresh or vacuum-packed chestnuts, finely chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the vinaigrette: 1/4 bunch of tarragon, leaves picked and finely sliced 1/4 bunch of parsley, leaves picked and finely sliced 2tbsp capers, chopped 1/2 red onion, finely chopped 4tbsp white wine vinegar 150ml extra virgin olive oil 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
Method To make the vinaigrette, mix all the ingredients together and set aside. Heat two tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, nonstick frying pan over high heat. Season the cod well with salt and pepper and carefully place in the pan, skin-side down. Cook for a couple of minutes until the base of the cod is nicely browned, then turn over. Pour in 200ml of stock and cover the pan loosely with foil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a maximum of five minutes, until the cod is just cooked through. Heat the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil in a wide frying pan, over high heat until almost smoking. Add the broccoli and sprouts and fry until browned. Pour in the remaining 50ml of stock and add the crushed garlic, then reduce the heat slightly. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are just tender, then stir in the chestnuts. To serve, divide the vegetables between plates and sit the cod on top. Drizzle generously with the herbed vinaigrette and serve straight away.
40
sponsored by
Clock Face &
B
Sutton
y rights, this walk shouldn’t even be possible. When Sutton Manor Colliery closed in 1991, it still had 40 years of coal reserves left. But with losses of £23m in the years running up to its demise, British Coal had already made up their mind. Today, the site has been transformed into a woodland which, due to its recently installed Dream artwork, has seen the likes of Lord Melvyn Bragg pay a visit. Indeed, the 20 metre high edifice even inspired the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. Our walk, however, starts hundreds of miles from there in the car park at King George V Playing
by David Sudworth
Fields on Jubits Lane, Sutton Manor (WA9 4BB). We headed through the park, across Walkers Lane and in to Brickfields Daisyfield Park. We were immediately greeted by a stunning apple tree groaning under the weight of some beautifully succulent specimens - cue a quick dash back to the car for a plastic bag! Once our impromptu foraging had ended, we followed the path all the way round until it emerges onto Chester Lane. Again, we cross over and go to the left and into Brickfields Red Quarry. This takes you through to Clockface Road. Cross over and go
41 site and across the fields until you reach Gorsey Lane. Word of warning - take care when you reach the road as it’s very easy to step straight out into the path of fast moving traffic. Cross the road and go straight into the parkland opposite. Once in, take the path to the right and follow that round until you reach the second path off to the right. Take this path into Clock Face Country Park. The path comes out on a grassy area which you cross to pick up the main path. Here, go left and follow the path all the way round until you reach the car park. Walk the length of the car park and onto the long tarmacadam
to the left, this time taking the path through Sutton Mill Dam. This is a wonderfully shaded spot but you do need to keep to the right side of the reservoir. When you reach the far end of the dam, go down the steps and take the path that follows the brook until it emerges on to Mill Lane. At this point, turn right and continue along the B5204. After you pass the old, partially demolished railway bridge, take the first right into Abbotsfield Road. After about 60 metres you see the start of the public footpath on your left. Take this and follow it past the industrial
path that takes you down and out past the houses to Clock Face Road. Cross the road and head into Miners Way Clock Face. This crescent shaped path takes you to the entrance of Sutton Manor Wood. You immediately come to a fishing pond where you go left and then take the first path on the right, going up the steep climb. Follow this going right to take the path up to The Dream. Public art always attracts varying comments but the word which best sums it up is probably ‘serene’. It’s the sort of place you could easily spend a
42 good half an hour and come up with 30 different interpretations of its ‘meaning’. Likewise, it’s a lovely spot just to sit, read a book (my own favourite pastime) or eat your lunch.
along Jubits Lane and across to the car park, or stay in the wood, exiting at the north west corner opposite the car park. This five mile walk allows you to see how a northern town, which has struggled for years to erase the physical and mental scars of losing its industrial base, can reinvent itself. The transformation is ongoing, but whatever the future holds for this part of St Helens, its beauty is rightly a source of pride.
After taking in the view, continue all the way round Sutton Manor Wood. You can either exit the wood at the old Sutton Manor Colliery main gates. This is a real treat for those who love their mining history, with the National Coal Board name proudly displayed on the wrought iron design. A demonstration of the past strength and pride in an industry which once brought home the bacon to many local kitchen tables, brought low by a combination of cheap fuel from abroad and environmental considerations.
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.
To get back to the car, simply go right to walk back
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The Dream Designed by Jaume Plensa, the man behind the illuminated glass dome at BBC Broadcasting House, his first idea - The Miner’s Soul - was rejected by ex-miners and a local Steering Group. Plensa then shared his original idea for the site, which was The Dream (he held it back originally, fearing it possibly too daring/conceptual). The concept was not only the artist’s response to the brief and the town’s ‘Ex Terra Lucem’ motto, but also directly informed by Jaume’s conversations with the ex-miners and other members of the local community about their aspirations. A total of 6,160 man-hours were spent on site, during which time more than 5,500 cups of tea and coffee were drunk. Since being erected in June 2009, The Dream has featured on Channel 4 and gained coverage in newspapers across the UK, India, Canada and the Middle East.
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44
Test Drive
Range Rover
Evoque Y
Convertible
ou have got to ask why people spend so much on a piece of metal with a wheel attached to each corner. It almost seems a bit nutty when all most of us want is a tool to get us from A to B. But cars aren’t always about transportation. They can be about our emotions and our egos. Some of us use a new car as a status trophy – a badge of honour to show how well we’ve done in life. I suppose if we have a head-turner of a car in the Western world it’s about pleasure-seeking, too – and having an easier life. Let’s face it; we would rather have a shiny, luxurious car to travel around in than a rust bucket. And that need for selfsatisfaction can overrule the down-to-earth side of us when we are selecting a car. Some of us kick the word ‘practicality’ to the kerb anyway. I mean, good grief, in Great Britain we
by Tim Barnes-Clay
purchase more convertibles than many other countries in the EU. Why is this? After all, the UK is often dank and cloudy. Again, it comes down to that feel-good factor. Going topless when there’s sunshine in our country produces a massive rush - well, it does for me, anyway. It’s a better remedy for melancholia than a happy pill from the GP, I’d bet. But being prescribed a drop top car isn’t likely to happen at the doctor’s! Speaking of fresh-air motoring, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been launched recently. The looks of this SUV take a bit of getting used to, but they grow on you. As the fifth fellow of the Range Rover club – and the first convertible – Land Rover believes the allnew car will play a key part in continuing Range Rover’s tale of success, forging a fresh SUV sector. If industry professionals’ prophecies about a 20 per
45 cent expansion in the international SUV market over the next five years prove accurate, then, the car firm has nothing but sunbeams heading towards it. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible has a material roof that can be triggered on the move – as long as the SUV isn’t doing more than 30mph.The five-layer top will fold down in around 18 seconds and it will go back up in approximately 21 seconds. Inside, the colossal InControl Touch Pro nav is pleasing – and, more crucially, it works very well. Genuinely, the pinch-tozoom function is as quick as Apple’s iPad or iPhone. The Range Rover Evoque drop-top will seat four people and, for a convertible, it has an adequate 251-litre load area, too. The other good thing is that the roof opens and closes inaudibly and it tucks away compactly, instead of piling-up on the car’s tailgate. You can go for either a petrol unit or a diesel engine, buoyed by turbo power. This is all linked up to a smooth-operating nine-speed automatic ‘box, and all-wheel drive. The 2.0 turbo diesel is the best engine if you’re after economy, returning around 49.6mpg on average. The diesel Evoque Convertible shifts from zero to 62mph in 10.3 seconds, which is 1.3 seconds longer than the hard-top Coupe’s sprint - but both manage a top end of 121mph. The 240PS petrol propelled power unit is nippier, getting to 62mph in 8.6 seconds.
Rover will take the trouble with the off-roading part – but it is reassuring to know the SUV can do more than just look sexy in affluent suburbs. The all-new Range Rover Evoque Convertible is being made at Land Rover’s Halewood plant, alongside the five-door and Coupe versions, and it is on sale in over 170 markets around the world. Prices kick off at around £47,500, which is £5,200 more than a Range Rover Evoque Coupe with a roof.
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46
The grown ups are taking
charge... by Angie Barker
A
fair amount of my design work comes from mums and dads whose children have grown up. Their gardens have previously been laid out to accommodate family life; large lawn areas for play, football nets, climbing frames, swings and the dreaded trampoline. When the children would prefer to update their status on Facebook and tweet rather than do cartwheels on the lawn, then it is time for a change. Mums and dads are looking to reclaim their outside space for some adult relaxation and entertaining and who can blame them. Here are some of my tips for creating an adult friendly garden: • Have more than one seating area so that you always have somewhere to sit in the sun, whatever aspect your garden has • Don’t be afraid to use a mix of materials – natural stone paving and hardwood decking work well together and look very grown up. (Ensure decking is not put in a shady spot and that it is laid correctly so that it does not get slippery)
Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants.
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• By incorporating raised beds in your design you create interest and height and they are much easier to tend than borders at ground level. Chunky treated timber (sleepers) are easy to lay and look clean and modern • Reduce the size of your lawn. Whilst it is always preferable to have some lawn in the garden downsizing it will mean less time spent mowing and more time sat on your new patio with a glass of wine • Be bold and go contemporary. After years of allowing the children to dominate your garden style, update your look by using clean simple lines • Create the ‘room outside’ theme by using lighting - and by having comfortable rattan sofas, you can use your outside room all year round Last year I bought an outside bioethanol fuel fire for our decked area. Hubby and myself spend many an hour staring into the flames. After all, when the kids have grown up and left, we could all do with a bit of romance in our lives (ha ha ha).
Call Angie now for your free consultation! Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk
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S TA I N E D G L A S S R E PA I R S
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Primary Schools Aughton Christ Church C of E Aughton St Michael’s C of E Aughton Town Green Bickerstaffe C of E Downholland/Haskayne C of E Halsall St Cuthbert’s C of E Ormskirk Primary Ormskirk Asmall Ormskirk St Anne’s Catholic Ormskirk West End Pinfold School, Scarisbrick Westhead Lathom St James C of E
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Secondary Schools Burscough Priory Ormskirk School St Bedes
01704 893259 01695 583040 01695 570335
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Millan Interiors, 5/7 Mill Lane, Parbold WN8 7NW
T: 01257 46 34 77
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.30pm, Saturday: 10.00am - 2.00pm
www.millaninteriors.co.uk