Local Life - West Lancashire - April 2018

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LocalLife West Lancashire Edition

April 2018

Poetry in

motion Pages 28 - 30

Win tickets to see Craig David Local News Gardening Health Food Events2Go Home Services Puzzles locallife247.co.uk

Cover photo by Graeme Oxby


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It’s warming

up

I

t’s hard to believe after the snowy start to spring we are now edging towards warmer times. The activities calendar is starting to liven up as West Lancashire wakes up from its (extended) winter slumber, and now it’s time for the real fun to start. Easter as ever is a time where the family can get together, go on an Easter egg hunt or two, perhaps enjoy an Easter concert service, and for (big) kids alike – enjoy some delicious chocolate eggs. Dusty Duck at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre needs your help to help him find the giant yellow ducks, should you wish to brush up on your detective skills until Sunday, April 8. But if you’d like to learn a little more about the nature reserve and the animals, you could go to otter talks and feeds, white stork feeds, and have a muddy adventure. Our feature this month focuses on the poet, radio presenter and performer that is Ian McMillan. During a radio interview, he spoke about the virtues of village halls in Britain and his own ambition to perform in as many of them as possible. And on Wednesday, May 2, he will be bringing his performance of “Between Me and You” to Westhead Village Hall. So there’s a date to add to your diary. And in this month’s competition you can win tickets to see the fabulous Craig David in concert at Aintree this summer. It’s all going on in Local Life! See you next time.

Niamh Ollerton, Deputy Editor


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In this issue Poetry in

motion

28

Regulars 20 Class From The Past 36 Planning 22 Puzzle 36 Events2Go

Sections 6 Local News 41 Food & Drink

45 Gardening 47 Home Services

World Parkinson’s

Day Next issue - May 2018

Advertising deadline - Friday, 29 March

32 Win tickets to see

Craig David 38 More

Carrot

41 Jobs to do in the

garden

45

Published - Monday, 23 April

LocalLife Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB

Telephone: 01695 627 999 Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Lisa sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: Niamh westlancsnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. This edition will be delivered via Royal Mail to every home and business in the L39 postcode district and also to the L40-6 postcode sector - that’s a total of 13,512 copies. The next edition will be delivered via Royal Mail to every home and business in the L40 postcode district and also to the PR4-6 and WN8-7 postcode sectors - that’s a total of 14,409 copies.

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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.


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On a high

note

Organisers of the annual Bickerstock music festival have donated its proceeds to local charities and good causes. At a presentation evening held at The Junction pub in Rainford – home of Bickerstock founder, Paul Draper – cheques were presented to representatives of Guide Dogs for the Blind, North West Air Ambulance, Carla Lane Animals in Need, Rainbow House, Crossroads Care, and Bickerstaffe Pensioners. The presentations were made by local businessman Alan Draper, a long-time supporter and patron of Bickerstock.

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Every year Bickerstock seeks to fulfil its three aims of promoting live music, bringing the local community together, and raising money for local charities and good causes. After the presentation evening, Martin Adams, who chairs the organising committee, said: “The 2017 Bickerstock festival was a great success in every way, and proceeds exceeded all expectations. “We are so grateful to everyone who supported the festival – the bands and volunteers, without whom it just wouldn’t happen, and all those who came to listen to the music, enjoy the day, and spend their money. “Thanks to all of them, we were so pleased to be able to make donations to local good causes of well over £2500 this year. We are now busy planning – and looking forward to – Bickerstock 2018 so please keep that first weekend in August free. And we are always looking for more volunteers to help us make the festival even better.” For more information, call Martin Adams on 07939 396934 or Jackie Smith on 07715 156744.


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Homes plan

objections

Villagers are objecting to plans for new homes in their area. They’ve written to West Lancashire planners over the bid for four semi detached ‘affordable’ homes on land next to 107 Hall Road, Scarisbrick. The application is from Ray Pattison, of Hall Road. In their letters, neighbours cite concerns about loss of privacy, road safety and drainage. “This is a small rural village which does not have any amenities for young families. Without a car they will be stranded. There is only one small RC infant school and a RC church. There are already four affordable houses just built at Heatons Bridge and 40 approved in Jan 2018 at 188 Southport Road.

“There will be hedges and trees removed hence problems for wild life as well as being aesthetically wrong for the area. Traffic from the proposed Yew Tree farm estate in Burscough will undoubtedly use this road to access Southport and cause even further problems for this village.” However, papers lodged on behalf of the applicant says it will create “good quality low-cost housing to meet market demand in the area, maximise the opportunity which the existing land represents, ensuring a practical proposal which is cost effective in its construction and efficient in its use.” Scarisbrick borough councillor Charles Marshall has asked for the final decision to rest with West Lancs Borough Council’s planning committee.

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55 years of the write

stuff

A group of West Lancashire wordsmiths are celebrating their 55th year.

words together. We range in ages from teens to eighties, favouring a wide variety of genres; fiction, poetry, stage plays, illustrated stories for children, memories, magazine articles, humorous verse, etc.

Founded in 1963, as Ormskirk Writers and Literary Society, they are better known today as Ormskirk Writers but still use the acronym OWLS. The group owns the imprint ‘OWLS Publishing’ so are able to issue ISBNs for registered published work.

“With the advent of on-line publishing, several of us have successfully published some of our work. This is a most rewarding venture; the thrill of holding your own published book cannot be surpassed.”

Ishbel Kargar, from the group, told Local Life: “Over the years membership has waxed and waned. Currently, we are a group of about 12 people, meeting regularly and welcoming constructive comments on our work from fellow members. “Some of us have had our work published, others just enjoy writing for the pleasure of putting

The main meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the New Church House. A smaller group meets on the third Thursday from 1pm to 3pm at Ormskirk Library. For more information, visit www.ormskirkwriters. wordpress.com


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10

better

©Discover Ormskirk/Ian Robinson

Bigger &

Ormskirk town centre could soon get a new lease of life as plans to incorporate night markets in the town move forward. Two night market events were trialled on a Friday and on a Saturday evening, from 5.30pm-9pm which were mainly run by the Ormskirk Business Action Group.

as far as possible to sell food and drink to create a vibrant event in the town centre. Ormskirk Business Action will run the night market event if the plans are given the green light.

Businesses said that not only was the night market

Authority is being sought to obtain necessary regulations to submit an application for a Premises Licence. If granted, it will allow the sale of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment for a night market and other events. Organisers believe a series of events, as well as a night market will make Ormskirk town centre a more vibrant place.

very successful in its own right, but the town centre was very busy after the night market finished and it was beneficial for town centre trade. Moves are now afoot to hold more. The proposed night markets and other events in Ormskirk town centre are intended to promote local businesses

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A full driving licence and own car is a must. To apply, simply send your CV, and two examples of your best published cuttings to chrisp@locallife247.co.uk The closing date is 29/03/18 although an appointment may be made before that date if a suitable candidate is found.

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Austria calling for

Spartac

An Ormskirk club has been invited to represent Great Britain in a world championships in Austria. Spartac Gymnastics, who are based at Edge Hill University, are set to compete in the 2019 World Gymnaestrada. It’s the latest in a series of honours for the club, which was founded in 1993 for gymnasts with a disability. In 2012, they performed for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the Savoy Theatre in London, and have travelled to compete in places such as Portugal, Switzerland and Finland. Dawn Rozzell-Howens, of the Active Therapy

Foundation, which runs Spartac, said: “We are now raising funds for Austria 2019. The costs of these events are high as there is need for a higher level of support to enable our gymnasts to compete.” To pledge funds, contact Spartac on 07966 653336 or email dawn@activetherapyfoundation. co.uk


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Festival date

Special bibles

This year’s Halsall Scarecrow Festival will take place

Bibles have been presented in memory of loved

between June 1 and July 1, when locals will be encouraged to display their creations around the parish. There will also be a family treasure hunt organised. The event is being run by Halsall Village - Proud & Tidy Group. Contact Eleanor Wroe on 01704 841216 or Enid Banks on 01704 567654.

ones at Bickerstaffe Parish Church. A special dedication service led by the Rev Andrew Housley took place recently where families and friends were present to have the new bibles blessed. A church spokesman said: “They will be used for many years to come as an important part of our church history.”

Top tables

Rates going up

Ormskirk’s Civic Hall has secured £1,800 from the area’s county councillors for new fold up tables. These will be used by local groups who hold their meetings at the Southport Road venue.

Council Tax bills in West Lancs will be rising for the next financial year by at least 5.65%. An average Band D property in a non-parished area will now pay £1,737.32, compared with £1,644.45 in 2017.


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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 contact us on westlancsnews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.

New play area Kiddies at Westhead Lathom St James’ Primary are going to be getting a new play area. The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) will be situated on the school field at School Lane. Planning officers at West Lancs Borough Council gave the scheme the green light, saying: “The provision of the MUGA would improve the school’s sport facilities as the school has limited space on the school playground as existing and the site is not large enough for a full sized netball pitch. “The school is Grade II listed and has been developed as much as feasible. Some past extensions have meant the reduction in the school playground. The provision of the MUGA would provide well needed facilities for the school without compromising existing sports facilities which are already on the school playing fields such as football pitches, running track, allotments, trim trail and Forest School area.”

Back on the buses A bus service linking Halsall, Haskayne and Shirdley Hill has been revived. Lancashire County Council announced recently that from late February, Holmeswood Coaches will be operating the 315 bus service to serve residents in the eastern parishes. Rosie Cooper said: “I very much welcome the restoration of the 315 bus service to serve residents in the rural communities who may not have had any alternative option for transport. Increasingly people are left isolated and excluded unable to get to the hospital, to visit family and friends and they can be cut off from vital job opportunities. This route will open up many opportunities to residents to connect with the towns of Ormskirk and Southport.”


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shade trim back to allow sunlight to the grass, an essential element for growth. The First Cut - The first cut should be high, just topping the sward to stimulate growth. Cutting lower than this will put the grass plants back into stress and slow the growth. Ensure your mower blades are sharp as blunt blades cause bruising and torn leaves which can look unsightly. As the temperature increases drop the blades to 2.5cm (1�approx) and cut weekly. Lower than this will encourage moss and weeds. Add Nutrients - Apply a feed and weed dressing evenly over the lawn to stimulate growth.(Follow the manufacturer’s instructions) If the additive includes a moss retardant avoid getting the pellets on hard surfaces as it may cause an orange coloured staining which is unsightly.

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Class from the past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Derby Street School, Ormskirk. It’s believed the photograph was taken in the 1930s. Do you recognise a familiar face?

Remember, if you have an old photo you’d like to share, please email westlancsnews@locallife247. co.uk


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Headteacher

praised

The headteacher of Scarisbrick St Mark’s Primary has been praised for her “strong leadership.” Marilyn Freeman was singled out in an Oftsed inspection which saw the Southport Road school maintain its ‘good’ rating. Ofsted inspector Elizabeth Stevens said in a letter to Mrs Freeman: “The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. You provide strong leadership and have steered the school successfully through

a period of change. You are well supported by committed governors and staff who share your high aspirations for teaching and learning. You have worked successfully to address the areas for improvement identified by inspectors in 2013. “Your friendly and welcoming school lies at the heart of the village community. You work closely with St Mark’s church. The local vicar is a frequent visitor. She supports staff well with developing pupils’ spiritual, moral and social understanding. “You provide a well-planned and engaging curriculum.”

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Puzzle Corner

SUDOKU 2

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WORD SEARCH - Shakespeare

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MACBETH CORIOLANUS JULIET POEM VERONA

COMEDY SONNET PERICLES ANNE VENICE

WORD MIX UP - Shakespeare Unscramble the letters to make a word

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GLOBE ROMEO PLAY TRADGEDY OTHELLO

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NUMBER BLOCK

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17 9 23 6 2 16 3 4 21 13 18 22 24 26 The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.

TEARHET

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

TEAMHL CLANBOY TESTPEM

totals to the right.

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: At the Start

SLUJIU CARSEN SHENAT LAWMILI FELTWHT HITGN

Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.

E H F G

B T R N

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G I N N

All the puzzle solutions are on page 50 of this magazine


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Planning Matters Aughton

Ormskirk

Charlton, Quarry Drive: Demolition of dwelling and building of replacement dwelling due to structural and hydrology damage (ref: 2018/0166/FUL).

Church House, Park Road: Change of use - existing offices (first floor/second floor) into student accommodation (ref: 2018/0173/COU).

43 Granville Park West: Double-storey rear extension to comprise of new indoor swimming pool, new kitchen/diner, gym & utility room on ground floor. First floor extension to house new bedroom complete with small inset balcony and walk in wardrobe (ref: 2018/0118/FUL).

2 Church Walks: Change of use into a tattoo studio (ref: 2018/0090/COU).

Halsall Kilty House, New Cut Lane: Change of use of land to a mixed use consisting of residential and holiday let (ref: 2017/1101/FUL).

9-11 Aughton Street: Change of use to provide a vegan and organic artisan food market and eatery with hot food takeaway (ref: 2018/0057/FUL). Scarisbrick Scarisbrick Hall School, Southport Road: Erection of performing arts centre (teaching block and auditorium) with associated landscaping, external works and substation (ref: 2017/1330/FUL).

For more information on these plans, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk


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Once you’ve meandered around the newly developed plant area and gift shop, why not take some time out to visit The Plantation Restaurant in its country colonial setting. Discover a delightful selection of delicious homemade meals, using the freshest of locally sourced ingredients. This is a great food venue, from breakfast through to afternoon tea. Garden centre owner, Richard Allison says, “We pride ourselves on offering a great range of quality gardening, lifestyle and giftware products supported by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team. Our experienced buyers are continuously sourcing exciting new products to inspire our customers.” The future really does look bright for Warbreck. The whole team should be proud of what they have achieved, their energy and flair are making this an exceptional destination. The garden centre is conveniently situated near Ormskirk, less than a 20 minute drive from Southport, Formby, St Helens, Wigan and Maghull, close to junction 3 of M58.

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Poetry in

motion David Sudworth speaks to the Bard of Barnsley ahead of his performance at Westhead Village Hall

I

t’s only 9.30 in the morning. Yet Ian McMillan has already sent 25 Twitter messages, and gone for his usual dawn stroll.

“I get up ridiculously early. I do a fair bit of Twitter in the morning. I like it because it makes you think harder and gets my brain into gear. Years ago, when you were on a train, it was wasted time, but now you can still interact with people. It’s a bit like a piano player warming up by doing their scales.”


29 Known as The Bard fo Barnsley (as well as ‘the Shirley Bassey of Poetry’) will be undergoing the same routine when he appears at Westhead Village Hall in May. The Wigan Road venue was slated for closure not long ago. But since then, a group of energetic volunteers have transformed the venue - and bringing someone of McMillan’s fame to the small village is perhaps the biggest feather in its cap yet. Ian, who is one of Britain’s best known linguistical masters, will be appearing alongside musician Luke Carver Goss for their Between You & Me show. They promise an evening of songs, stories and even a musical which will be created out of thin air! It’s a good time to be a poet once again in the UK, and Ian hopes his show will delight both longstanding fans and those who are just discovering the power of prose for the first time.

“I worked as a builder and made tennis balls”

Hall trustees Linda McVey and Steve Walker wasn’t quite sure how. I worked on a building site and in a tennis ball factory. I went freelance in 1981 with the aid of a little grant from Yorkshire Arts and I’ve not looked back since.”

“It goes in cycles really. When I started out, it was with the likes of Roger McGough but the internet has changed everything.

“I try to be polite on Twitter and luckily I’ve not had too many people who have been rude.” Born in 1956 in a village near Barnsley, Ian always wanted to be a writer. “I wasn’t sure how to go about it because all the books I got out of the library were written by people who lived in Surrey, not the Yorkshire Coalfield. So as a teenager I wrote all the time without ever working out how to make a living from it. “When I left North Staffordshire Polytechnic in 1978 with a degree in Modern Studies I knew that I wanted to be a writer and performer, but I still

Ian as a youngster

Photos by Charlie Beresford, Robert Norbury and Graeme Oxby

“You’ve got people like Kate Tempest who have got a massive following on You Tube. And of course, I do my Twitter thing and it’s fantastic. You can try things out, and even generate new ideas.


30 After working for years with The Circus of Poets performance poetry group and Versewagon, the world’s first mobile writing workshop, he joined up with Martyn Wiley as Yakety Yak, entertaining audiences all over the place. “Now I’m a solo performer and writer: I’ve worked in schools, theatres, arts centres, fields and front rooms. I’ve been poet in residence at Barnsley Football Club, Northern Spirit Trains and Humberside Police.” “There’s plenty of audience participation but nobody gets dragged to the front though. There isn’t a script as such, so there’s plenty of ad-libbing.” Ian’s soothingly deep South Yorkshire accent is well known to those who listen to The Verb on Radio 3.

“My agent messaged me and said: ‘I surrender!’” He’s also a regular on BBC Breakfast, Countryfile, Pick of The Week and has been featured on The South Bank Show and Radio 4’s legendary Desert Island Discs.

“And third, I think austerity has played a big part. The funding has gone and so people are saying ‘well, we’ll do it ourselves then.” Ian’s looking forward to returning to a part of the country he knows reasonably well.

So, in the nicest possible way, what on earth draws him to one of West Lancashire’s smallest venues?

“I did a school in Orrell, and an arts centre in Skelmersdale, but this was years ago.

“I was doing an interview on You & Yours and said it was my ambition to visit every village hall in the country. Afterwards, I got a message from my agent saying: ‘I surrender’ - he thought I’d gone mad. Of

“Some people assume that your act is going to be about the area you’re visiting. I remember once, before a show, someone sent me a book on their village so you feel almost duty bound to read it,” he laughs.

course, it’s kind of impossible because there’s a gazillion of them. I’m 62 and it’s only possible to do about 100 a year but Westhead is one of them. “I love village halls, you’re up close to the audience. They’ve become very popular again in recent years. I think that’s down to a number of things. First, when the National Lottery first started, it had the Millennium Fund and a lot of halls were either refurbished or completely rebuilt. “Second, I think that village halls have had new life breathed into them by people coming in from outside a village, moving into an area from a city and recognising its value.

“I love coming to Lancashire. You’re funny because you ask questions thinking you already know the answer like ‘does tha not want a cup of tea?’ “People think I play on my Yorkshire-ness but that’s not the case. I’ve lived in South Yorkshire all my life. I never wanted to move to London - I can get there by train in 90 minutes. And of course, during that time I can think, read and update my Twitter...” Ian will be appearing at Westhead Village Hall, Wigan Road, on Wednesday, May 2. Tickets are £12.50 and available from Steve Walker on 01695 575866 or email westheadvillagehall@gmail.com


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32

Health & Fitness

World Parkinson’s

Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox, Neil Diamond and Billy Connolly are just a handful of people affected with Parkinson’s disease. Not many people are aware of the extent of the condition, and so, as World Parkinson’s Day falls on Wednesday, April 11, and Parkinson’s Awareness Week is between Tuesday, April 10 and Monday, April 16, it’s time to raise awareness. Parkinson’s sees parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years and the

by Niamh Ollerton

disorder is thought to affect around one in 500 people, many of whom start to develop symptoms aged over 50. It’s a complex condition that affects people differently, with a wide variety of physical symptoms. Not everyone will experience every symptom, and the order symptoms appear and how they progress also vary.

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

M

day


33 About Parkinson’s There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s and it’s unclear as to why people get the condition. Some motor symptoms may include: tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity, bladder and bowel problems, fatigue, freezing, muscle cramps and dystonia, restless legs, sleep problems and speech and communication issues. Alongside physical symptoms, Parkinson’s can have non-motor symptoms, ranging from depression and anxiety to hallucinations, memory problems and dementia.

Therapists are trained to provide advice and recommend exercises and treatments to keep you active and healthy. Your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse may be able to refer you to a therapist. Always speak to them before you start any course of therapy. What happens next? With World Parkinson’s Day falling on Wednesday, April 11, Parkinson’s organisations and supporters around the world are coming together on a bigger scale than ever before to show what Parkinson’s truly is. Parkinson’s UK’s aim for 2018 is to use World Parkinson’s Day as a platform to unite and mobilise the global Parkinson’s community, making a

When it comes to treating Parkinson’s, everyone’s experience is unique, so you may need to try different drugs, treatments and therapies to find out what works best for you. Your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse can give you tailored advice based on your lifestyle and symptoms. There are a number of different treatments, therapies and support available to help people with Parkinson’s to manage the condition. Different therapies will appeal to different people, so try things out and see what works for you.


34 positive difference to the lives of people with Parkinson’s. There are many opportunities to fundraise for this worthwhile cause up and down the country, to get involved, please www.parkinsons.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraising This World Parkinson’s Day, join the global Parkinson’s community and #UniteForParkinsons. Find out more Visit the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (www.epda.eu.com) and Parkinson’s UK (www. parkinsons.org.uk) websites for comprehensive information about Parkinson’s and our other activities. Or you could visit http://parkinsonslife.eu/ for independent and inspiring personal stories, expert opinions, resources, tools and information about good Parkinson’s practices around the world. How to get involved You can join your own national or local Parkinson’s association or support group. On World Parkinson’s Day, get involved online by using the hashtag #UniteForParkinsons on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any social channel. Encourage your friends and followers to get involved too. Share a message about why you’re uniting for Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Awareness Day is the biggest opportunity of the year to reach more people affected by Parkinson’s and change public attitude of the disease. Parkinson’s UK says “We are stronger together.” Now it’s time to #UniteForParkinsons Celebrities diagnosed with Parkinson’s Neil Diamond announced on January 22, 2018, that he was retiring from touring because of a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. He was on a 50th anniversary tour. In a statement he said: “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I

have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years.” The fresh faced actor of the 1980s Michael J. Fox is one of the most well-known people with Parkinson’s disease. Though many diagnosed with Parkinson’s are aged between 40 and 60, Fox was diagnosed in 1991 aged 29. He told the world about his youngonset Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 1998, and in 2000, founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Beloved boxer Muhammad Ali coped with shaking hands and mobility challenges long before he retired from the sport in 1981. In 1984, doctors diagnosed Ali with Parkinson’s disease, and the boxing champ passed away in June 2016. Scottish actor and comedian Billy Connolly continued on with his career after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013 at age 70. He first found out he had Parkinson’s when a fan noticed his symptoms and talked to him about showing the early signs of tremor.

Give Blood Friday, May 11, 2pm This is one of Ormskirk Civic Hall’s regular blood donation sessions. Please book your appointment at www.blood.co.uk Ormskirk Civic Hall, Southport Road, Ormskirk, L39 1LN. Tel: 01695 576607


35

Health help for

patients

NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is becoming the first in the country to launch their own website aimed at helping residents to find the best health and care apps. https://westlancs.orcha.co.uk/, which is supported by Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria and provided by the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA) – gives residents access to a range of health apps that have received impartial reviews considering such priorities as user experience, clinical effectiveness, and data security. Using the site is as simple as typing in a keyword such as ‘stress’, ‘sleep’ – or even ‘diabetes’ or ‘asthma’

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– then choose from the best rated apps for you. The website is available free of charge to anyone looking to download and use the best apps to manage their health and can even be used by health and care professionals wanting to recommend specific apps via text/email to support their patients If you are a health and/or social care organisation within West Lancashire and would like to learn more about how to use the ORCHA website, specifically how to recommend apps to your patients, please contact wlccg.myview@nhs.net.


36

Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook

events2go

GIANT Easter Duck Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt at WLLR

Saturday, March 24, to Sunday, April 8

Fri, March 30; Sat, March 31; Sun, Apr 1; Mon, Apr 2, 11.30am-4.30pm

Dusty Duck needs your help to help him find the GIANT yellow ducks. Use your detective skills to find 25 cheeky birds to win a treat and certificate (50p entry). Go to otter talks and feeds, white stork feeds, have a muddy adventure and more. Search Martin Mere online for more info. WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 0TA. Tel: 01704 891220

Two locomotives in steam. Frequent steam rides. Children’s playground Hot & cold refreshments. Free entry. Cost of train rides to be announced. West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, PR4 6SP. Tel: 01772 815881

Southport Pier Bazaar

Good Friday Concert

Fri, Mar 30 - Mon, Apr 2, 11am-4pm (and every weekend following)

Friday, March 30, 7pm

A mixture of stalls selling art, craft, jewellery, vintage and collectables and more…with occasional live music. See the Facebook page Southport Pier Bazaar for details.

Performance of Olivet to Calvary by Maunder. Singers wanted for performance! Rehearsal is at 4pm, followed by the performance at 7pm. Organist Dr Ian Sharp. Tenor soloist is Philip Clieve. And Baritone soloist is Barry Moult. £5 for singers and donations are welcome from the audience. Christ Church, Long Lane, Aughton, L39 5AS. Tel: 01695 424530

Southport Craft & Gift Fair Saturday, March 31, 11am-4pm Over 20 stalls selling art, craft, gifts and jewellery. For stall info email marissa@memorylanefairs.com for details or phone 07460 304327. Visit the website for other dates and venues at www.memorylanefairs. com Free event. Christ Church, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1AA. Tel: 01704 531756

Southport Pavilion Merseyside PR8 1QX

café,

Southport

Pier,

Monday Evening Salsa Monday, April 2, 7.40pm-11pm (every following Monday until Monday, June 4, 7.40pm-11pm) It’s time to shake those hips. Beginner’s class is 7.40pm-8.30pm; Intermediate is 8.40pm-9.30pm; followed by dancing until 11pm. No partner required. First visit free. Classes and social is £5; Social Dancing is £3. Visit www.southportsalsacollective. co.uk for more info. WLYC - West Lancashire Yacht Club, Marine Drive, Southport, PR8 1RY. Tel: 01704 530840


37

Social Dance

Jive Sensations

Saturday, April 7, 8pm

Friday, April 20, 8pm

Hosted by George McDonald, this social evening will feature ballroom, Latin American and popular sequence dancing. There will also be a charity raffle. Tickets are £7, available on the door. For more information please contact George on 01704 894035.

Modern Jive is a mix of ballroom and salsa, and is a great way to keep fit. You don’t need to bring a partner as there are plenty of dancers. Tickets are £8 including a buffet.

Ormskirk Civic Hall, Southport Road, Ormskirk, L39 1LN. Tel: 01695 576607

Specialist Plant Fair Saturday, April 7, 10am-4pm Entry to the Plant Hunters’ Fair is just £1 in aid of Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust. You can visit specialist nurseries to get your gardening off to a great start with perennials, shrubs, rare species and old heritage varieties. Details at www. planthuntersfairs.co.uk Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston, PR5 0SH. Tel: 01254 852986

West Lancs Spring Triathlon Sunday, April 8, 7am-3pm

Ormskirk Civic Hall, Southport Road, Ormskirk, L39 1LN. Tel: 01695 576607

Comedy Night Friday, April 20, 8pm-10:30pm Current English Comedian of The Year – Nick Page will be headlining. Opening the show is George Rigden, armed with a guitar, his musical brilliance has earned him a legion of fans across the country. Support acts include Matt Watson and Morgan Rees. Tickets are £10. Arts Centre at Burscough Wharf, 2 Smithy Walk, Burscough, L40 5UU. Tel: 01704 896590

Clieve in Concert Saturday, April 21, 7pm Tenor soloist Philip Clieve will be giving a concert with Andrew Lamb and local singers. £5 entry.

Starting in the brand new pool facility at Edge Hill and finishing on the running track to the cheers of families and supporters. If you’d like to enter visit www.epicevents.co.uk/triathlons/west-lancashirespring-triathlon.html

Christ Church, Long Lane, Aughton, L39 5AS. Tel: 01695 424530

Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP. Tel: 01695 575171

Sunday, April 22; Sunday, May 20; Sunday, June 20, 10am-4pm

Baby & Children’s Market Saturday, April 14, 1.30pm-3.30pm Lots of stalls with top quality baby & children’s items from 0-8 years. Great brands at up to 90% off the full retail price! £1 entry for adults and free for kids. No ATM on site. Refreshments and tea and cakes for sale. Baby and Children’s Market, Carlisle Road, Southport, PR8 4DJ. Tel: 07582 360820

Knitting/Crochet Sunday Bring your current project whether it be knitting or crochet and Myra will help you through it. Or you can sit and knit away with friends just enjoying the day! Bring a packed lunch but tea, coffee and cake will be provided. It’s £20pp and to book please visit www.etsy.com/uk/listing/552069238/ knittingcrochet-sunday or pop into the shop. Knit-Wise Ormskirk, 42 Church Street, Ormskirk, L39 3AW. Tel: 01695 580590


38

Competition

Win

tickets

T

he Jockey Club Live are excited to reveal three incredible performers – Craig David, The Lighting Seeds and Plan B who will be coming to the North West in 2018, and THREE lucky Local Life readers are going to each win a pair of tickets for the Craig David concert at Aintree Racecourse on Friday 15th June. Having sold over 15 million albums, achieving 16 Top Ten hits and multiplatinum status in more than 20 countries, taking over festival stages around the world, selling out headline tours in seconds to securing a residency at the iconic Ibiza Rocks Hotel… it’s official, Craig David is back and in a big way! Initially rising to success with hit singles including ‘7 Days’, ‘Fill Me In’ and ‘Walking Away’, sixteen years later Craig was catapulted back into the charts and in to the nation’s hearts with Big Narstie on the gold certified single ‘When The Bassline Drops’, marking the beginning of his triumphant return.


39 Liverpudlian Legends The Lightning Seeds open the season on Friday 18th May with a special hometown show at Aintree Racecourse. Ian Broudie’s Lightning Seeds have made an astonishing impact on the nation’s musical consciousness. Formed in Liverpool in 1989, the band went on to have commercial success throughout the nineties with hits including ‘Pure’, ‘The Life of Riley’ and ‘Lucky You’. Their biggest and most unforgettable hit came in 1996 with ‘Three Lions’ which is fondly remembered by football fans as sending the England football team off to Euro ’96, and was a number 1 hit in both ’96 and again in ’98. Not to be left out, The Jockey Club Live is returning to Haydock Park Racecourse with the BRIT Award winner, cultural commentator, critically acclaimed director and actor, and musical maverick Ben Drew aka Plan B on Saturday 21st July.

boldly addressing socio-political issues with his often brutal cultural commentary, seeing Ben nominated for his fifth BRIT Award, nominated for his first Mercury Music prize, and once again hitting #1 in the UK album chart. The Jockey Club Live are leading promoters on the NW music scene, delivering performers such as Tom Jones, Deacon Blue, Jess Glynne, the Kaiser Chiefs, Culture Club, Olly Murs and The Jacksons to Aintree and Haydock Pack racecourses in recent years. The events are renowned for combining a fun filled evening at the races with a spectacular evening concert in the informal and relaxed open-air setting of the hallowed turf.

To win one of three pairs of tickets for the Craig David concert, simply visit our website www.locallife247. co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ To enter the competition just input your answer to the following question; Which racecourse will Craig David be performing at on Friday 15th June? The expiry date for the competition is Monday 30th April.

Plan B’s sophomore album, The Defamation Of Strickland Banks, achieved quadruple-platinum status and it won a BRIT and three Ivor Novello Awards. Following this, his 2012 directorial debut (and accompanying album) iLLManors saw him smashing boundaries with his creative style of overlapping stories and interweaving rap-narrative,

Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

For more details about the concerts and how to purchase tickets, visit www.thejockeyclublive.co.uk


40 Full Grooms Scissor Cuts Hand Strip Bath & Tidy

Family History Society Wednesday, April 25, 7.30pm-9.30pm Paul Sherman from North West Heritage, will give a presentation on the Viking Settlement of West Lancashire. £1 requested from non-members. Ormskirk & District Family History Society, c/o 27 Bath Springs, Ormskirk, L39 2YG. Email secretary@ odfhs.email

Anything Goes Wed, April 25 - Sat, April 28, 7.30pm A musical theatre classic set aboard the SS American in 1934. Tickets are available by calling 01695 580755 or online at www.pleasurefolk.co.uk Ormskirk Civic Hall, Southport Road, Ormskirk, L39 1LN. Tel: 01695 576607

Male Voice Choir Concert Friday 27th April at 7:30pm Come along and enjoy an evening with The Aughton Male Voice Choir. Tickets are £7 per person and can be purchased on the door. St John the Evangelist, Chapel Lane, Burscough.

Between Me & You Wednesday, May 2 Poet Ian McMillan brings his show “Between Me and You” to Westhead. Tickets £12.50 from Chairman Steve Walker via westheadvillagehall@gmail.com Westhead Village Hall, Wigan Road, Westhead, Ormskirk, L40 6HZ. Tel: 01695 577939

Up For It! Thursday, May 3 - Saturday, May 5, 7.30pm See what happens to a group of pensioners who travel to London to protest governmental cuts, and say they’ll strip in Trafalgar Square! Tickets are £8. Ormskirk Civic Hall, Southport Road, Ormskirk, L39 1LN. Tel: 01695 576607

Dog Grooming Service

Tel: 07739 383120

Email: j9@live.co.uk J9K9Burscough The Farm, Burscough, L40 0RT

WLLR – Teddy Bears’ Outing Sunday, May 20, 10.30am-4.30pm Two engines in steam. There’s a children’s playground, model railways, and hot and cold food. Take a train down the line – but look out for those pesky bears! Unlimited train rides: Family £12, Child £3, Senior £4.50. West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, PR4 6SP. Tel: 01772 815881

John Denver Tribute Friday, June 7, 8pm Join Chris as he performs his show ‘The Music of John Denver’ which will include hits ‘Sunshine on my shoulders’, ‘Annie’s song’ and ‘Take Me Home Country Roads’ and more. Tickets are £10 and can be reserved from Sarah on 07973 802637. Ormskirk Civic Hall, Southport Road, Ormskirk, L39 1LN. Tel: 01695 576607

Beer & Gin Festival 2018 Friday, June 22, 5.30pm-11pm, and Saturday, June 23, 11am-12pm There’ll be 30 beers, craft gins and a prosecco bar. You can also look forward to a quiz night on Friday, live music, rugby 7s on Saturday and a free bouncy castle and family activities on Saturday, and World Cup Football on the big screen. For more info visit www.ormskirkbeerfestival.org Ormskirk Rugby Club, Green Lane, L39 1ND. Tel: 01695 572523


41

Food & Drink

More

carrot

By Keeley Bolger

N

ick Knowles is aware he’s not what many would picture when the word ‘vegan’ comes to mind. “You tend to think that most vegans are petite, small, slim people, and I’m not,” states the 54-year-old TV presenter, best known for his 18 years fronting BBC One home-improvement stalwart DIY SOS. “I’m a 46-inch chest, 6ft 2in, 17-stone rugby player!” But if Knowles doesn’t look like a typical vegan that is, someone who doesn’t consume any animalproduce, including dairy, eggs and honey, as well as meat - some members of the vegan community, ones at the more extreme end of the wedge, who he terms “funda-lentilists” - are at pains to point out he isn’t really one anyway. But that isn’t to say that Knowles hasn’t tried. His lifestyle has been turned upside down since filming BBC Two’s The Retreat last year, which saw him and a diverse group of participants head to a health centre in Thailand, ditching cigarettes, caffeine, alcohol and meat and replacing them with yoga, lots of vegetables and hikes through the mountains. He lost nine kilos in three weeks, his cholesterol levels fell by a third, and his blood pressure dropped to a healthy level. Since then, Knowles has maintained a ‘flexitarian’ diet, meaning he largely eats vegetarian or vegan meals but will occasionally have meat or fish. It’s a big change for a man who used to eat a sausage, bacon and egg roll on his way to work, snack on scotch eggs, and regularly go out for steak lunches. And while his first cookbook, Proper Healthy Food: Hearty Vegan And Vegetarian Recipes For Meat Lovers, focuses on this huge shift, he’s still upset the apple cart.

“If you could do one day a week as being veggie, congratulations, you should get a pat on the back,” he reasons. “You’ve reduced your meat intake, that’s fantastic. If you can do it two or three days a week, even better. “If you could get to a point where you’re meat-free during the week and only treat yourself to meat during the weekends... when I say something like that, the Vegan Society goes, ‘What? Treat yourself to dead animals?’ “You’re never going to encourage people if every time they fail, you batter them over the head. I’ve been saying more carrot less stick. Or you could say, more carrot less steak!” And the father-of-four feels the message is too important to be deterred. “The vegan community is watching this book very carefully and I’m slightly worried about what I’m saying, which is that it’s OK not to be fully vegan, but I don’t really care,” he says, between sips of peppermint tea. “I know the health benefits that come from eating a more plant-based diet are so important that we have to get past all of that


42 rubbish, and encourage people to start eating meat-free once a week. “A lot of guys are thinking, ‘I don’t want to go like my dad did and suddenly have a heart attack at the age of 46’. The dedication in the book says, ‘To my family who stand by me, who ground me through my flights of fantasy and who want me to stay around a bit longer - the feeling is mutual’, and that is what it’s about.” Overhauling his approach to eating hasn’t just benefited his physical health, either. “I work with a lot of people who suffer very serious depression, so I’m not going to glibly suggest what I felt was medically diagnosed depression in any way, but undoubtedly the pressures of doing what I do and only getting home eight or nine nights a month because I’m on the road with work so much, brings all kinds of stresses and strains and worries. I might finish at 10pm in Newcastle, and the next day I’m filming at 8am in Brighton.

“I’m travelling through the night and getting two hours’ sleep. I’m away from my young son. I don’t see enough of my older children and it’s been on public record that I’ve been having difficulties with my marriage,” says Knowles, who separated from his second-wife Jessica early last year, though they’ve since reportedly revealed they’re ‘working on their relationship’. “All of those things add layers of pressure on, and if you then add to it a life in the public eye, where everything’s picked apart, there is a tendency to want to hide away. It brings certain anxieties, but I am very lucky I have a really good supportive family, and since I changed my diet, I’m undoubtedly happier and healthier.” Inspired? Here are two recipes from Knowles’ new book to try at home (cheese-free versions optional!). Proper Healthy Food: Hearty Vegan And Vegetarian Recipes For Meat Lovers by Nick Knowles is published by BBC Books, priced £14.99.


43

Macaroni, Leek & Parsley Cheese

Method Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6.

Serves 4 - 6 Ingredients 300g macaroni 500g leeks, trimmed and cut into 1-2cm crescents 50g unsalted butter 50g plain flour 600ml semi-skimmed milk 100g British mature Cheddar, grated 3tbsp roughly chopped flat leaf parsley 2tbsp golden breadcrumbs Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling water for three to four minutes before adding the leeks to the pot and continuing to cook for a further five minutes. Drain the pasta and leeks and set aside. Meanwhile, make the white sauce. Melt the butter in a medium pan and stir in the flour. Cook for one minute until thick, then, off the heat, gradually whisk in the milk, keeping the mixture smooth. Return the pan to the heat and stir constantly until thickened. Simmer for two minutes, remove from the heat, and add 75g of the Cheddar, the pasta and leeks. Stir through the parsley and season well before spooning into a 2L ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and remaining cheese over the pasta and cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden, and the sauce is gently bubbling.


44

Winter Veggie Stew with Wholesome Lumpy Dumplings Serves 6 Ingredients For the dumplings: 50g butter, softened 125g self-raising flour 40g Cheddar, crumbled 1 tbsp thyme leaves For the stew: 3tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, roughly diced 2 celery sticks, roughly diced 3tbsp plain flour 1tbsp Marmite 1/2tbsp tomato puree 2L hot vegetable stock 3 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 4 parsnips, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 1/2 head swede, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 3 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 2-3 rosemary sprigs, plus extra, chopped, to sprinkle 1 bouquet garni (available from good supermarkets) 150g orzo pasta (available from good supermarkets) 80g pack of cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method Start by making the dumplings. Rub the butter into the flour and mix with the Cheddar and thyme. Add just enough cold water to bring the mixture together to a soft dough and divide into five to six small dumplings. Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 6. Heat the oil in a large casserole dish and fry the onion and celery over a low heat for 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the flour into the pan, whisking constantly to make a roux. Add in the Marmite and tomato puree followed by the stock, a glug at a time, whisking all the while to make a smooth base to the stew. Throw the carrots, parsnips, swede, sweet potatoes, rosemary and bouquet garni to the dish and bring to a boil. Cook the stew, with the lid off, for five to seven minutes. The vegetables should be cooking nicely but still have a bite to them. Rinse the orzo pasta well, in a sieve, and then pour into the casserole along with the chestnuts. Season well and place the dumplings on top of the casserole. Sprinkle over a little chopped rosemary and bake in the oven, with the lid off, for 20-30 minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and nicely cooked, and the vegetables are tender.


45

Gardening JOBS FOR APRIL • Dig in a good layer of compost (5cm or more) to prepare for the growing season. • Pick off the last of your faded winter pansies to stop them setting seed which will encourage new flowers throughout spring. • Be mindful that there are still late frosts so cover any vulnerable plants. • Tie in any climbing and rambling roses to their supports. • Get rid of any weeds now - doing this early in the season should stop these being a bigger problem later on. • Start mowing your lawn now once a week with the blades at the highest setting and gradually lower them over the weeks.

HAVE A GO! Plant out some delicious sweet peas. If you haven’t grown these from seed already then get a few plants from your local garden centre and tie them with string to canes to get them going. Also try growing some peppers and aubergines this month in a polytunnel or greenhouse!

TOP TIP Terracotta pots absorb water, so a plant in a terracotta pot will dry out a lot quicker than one in a ceramic or plastic container. To stop this happening, line the pot with some plastic or an empty compost bag with holes punched in the bottom before planting. Adding gravel and small rocks at the bottom will encourage drainage and keep the soil moist for longer.


46

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M H Roofing

Established over 15 years Friendly advice and competitive rates No job too small

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HEATING LTD

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Specialists in Oil & LPG Central Heating • Grant Oil Boilers - 5 year warranty.

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Transform your home with a brand new driveway

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Proud stockists of

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T: 01257 46 34 77

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.30pm, Saturday: 10.00am - 2.00pm

www.millaninteriors.co.uk


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