Wigan Edition
January 2016
What’s the story
Brian’s Glory
Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Business View...
01942 522283
Homesafe Roof Solutions Ltd, 2-4 Brown Street North, Leigh, WN7 1BU
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On your
Marks
N
ow that your hangover has subsided, it’s time to start on those resolutions! Is 2016 the year when you’re going to lose weight, drink less etc? For many, it’s just a date on a calendar, but for others it presents a starting block moment that could lead to a better self. If anyone is looking for inspiration on how to ‘give something back’ in 2016, then look no further! Regular readers may have read about the Saturday Breakfast Community Fundraisers in the last issue. This idea was adapted by the Billinge & Orrell Transition Group and has now won funding from Wigan Council’s The Deal, to get it up and running from March 2016. The basic concept is breakfasts, stalls, raffles and games at St Luke’s Church Hall in Orrell, every Saturday between 9.30-12 noon. The project will benefit community and charity groups, who will take turns to help host the event, but will also raise funds for projects in the Orrell and Billinge areas. All it needs now is a few volunteers to make it happen, so if you have a Saturday morning free occasionally then come and join the Saturday Breakfast Group, where you can play a real part in helping others. For more details call me on 01695 627999 or email sbcf@locallife247.co.uk. Happy New Year to you all…
Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
Next issue - February 2016
Advertising deadline - Thursday 14 January Published - Thursday 28 January Local Life Media
@locallifemedia
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In this issue Caught by the
Walk this
fuzz
way
22
68 Forget the
Brian’s very own
Wonderwall
faff
35
80 Jack’s Tracks
Down the road from
now?
Red Rock & Adlington
40
93
Regulars
Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01695 627 999
50 Planning Matters
88 What’s On
54 Puzzle Corner
102 Useful Numbers
Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray
60 Class from the past
114 View from the lump
Editorial: David Sudworth wigannews@locallife247.co.uk
sales@locallife247.co.uk
86 Eating Out Guide
Design: Peter Bretherton
design@locallife247.co.uk
Sections
Distribution: Sally Boon
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk
6 Property
76 Business View
16 Local News
80 Food & Drink
22 Fashion
88 Leisure
56 Travel
98 Gardening
60 Education
100 Motoring
68 Heath & Fitness
103 Home Services
74 Legal & Finance
Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 14,000 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Ashton, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton. The next issue is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan, or read online at www.locallife247.co.uk
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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NEW
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The Cloisters - Roby Mill This private gated enclave of only 10 executive 4 & 5 bedroom detached homes has been built to exceed Morris’ exacting standards of quality and attention to even the smallest design detail. Asking Prices range from £449,750 - £629,750 Part Exchange available
£599,995
EDGE HALL ROAD, ORRELL
£310,000
STRETTON AVENUE, BILLINGE
PARLIAMENT STREET, UP HOLLAND
£285,000
Skilfully converted from three properties this unique cottage has to be viewed to be appreciated.
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£289,995
Impressively sized detached family home offering in excess of 1700 SQFT & available with no chain.
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NABURN DRIVE, ORRELL
£399,950
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An impressive, executive style family home with designer kitchen and bathrooms and a stunning view.
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SCHOOL LANE, ROBY MILL
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NEW
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DEXTER WAY, UP HOLLAND
£255,000
Exceptional detached family home, boasting a stylish vaulted ceiling extension & over 1500 SQFT.
Wigan town centre showroom
01942 205555
£229,995
RUGBY CLOSE, ORRELL
£195,000
PIMBO LANE, UP HOLLAND
£189,950
This impressive 3 bedroom house has been extended and virtually rebuilt to an exceptionally high standard.
NEW
Stunningly presented, traditional semi-detached home with a large rear landscaped garden.
NEW
MOUNT CRESCENT, ORRELL
£225,000
This is one of the larger 4 bed detached house on highly sought after estate - realistically priced for quick sale.
NEW
Modern detached family home occupying one of the best plots on Orrell’s most sought after locations.
NEW
WILSHAM ROAD, ORRELL
NEW
NEW
9
LEACROFT, ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD £164,995
TRENT ROAD, BILLINGE
Impressive 4 bed semi totalling almost 1300 SQFT and a large westerly facing plot.
A modern well-appointed two bedroom bungalow with detached garage.
£149,995
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Wigan Property News
sponsored by
Good Wigan schools equals higher
A
house prices?
Wigan property investor asked me recently if schools, especially primaries, could affect the demand from buyers and tenants to a particular property. Anecdotally, I have always known this to be true, and our mailing list confirms there is a close correlation between the high demand areas of Wigan and the proximity to a good primary school. Talking to my team, they agreed many people would look to increase their budget quite significantly, whilst others would consider downgrading their property requirements, to be close to a good primary school. Those of you who regularly read my blog will know I like a challenge, so I decided to look at the science behind these assumptions. St Patrick’s Primary School is one of the best in Wigan. Their last Ofsted report classified it as Outstanding, 93% of 11-year pupils achieving Level 4 or above in maths, reading and writing whilst 33% of them achieved level 5. Finally, the school’s KS2 rating was classed as Excellent. Looking at property sales within half a mile of St Patrick’s, property values have risen in value since 2002 by 101.1%, whilst according to the Land Registry, in the same timeframe, the Wigan average as a whole rose by 67.63%. That means the parents of St. Patrick’s have seen the values of their properties rise proportionally 49.4% more than the Wigan average ... interesting don’t you think?
However, whilst a good primary school significantly contributes more to house prices, the same can’t be said for secondary schools. Catchment areas for secondary schools are much larger, meaning
Wigan area +67.63%
St Pat’s area +101.1%
Average increase in property value since 2002 parents don’t need to live so close to the school. Also, whilst the difference between the top 25% and bottom 25% of secondary schools in the UK is not insignificant, in the primary school sector, the difference between the top 25% and bottom 25%, according to the LSE, is significantly more.
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Wigan Prices vs
values
Winter bargains
S
omething in the Wigan property market attracted my attention this week. Usually, when asking prices decrease, property values on the whole tend to be lower, yet over the last month, property values have increased. The average asking price of a Wigan property, according to Rightmove, dropped 0.3% this month and the average value of a Wigan property rose 0.6%. This anomaly has driven the average asking price of a Wigan property down slightly to £140,200 whilst the average value is now up slightly to £151,800. The reason is that, in Wigan, there are more properties on the market for sale which are in the lower-to-middle market, rather than the middle-toupper market. The effect has been a reduction in the overall average asking price.
So why the difference? Technically an ‘asking price’ can be any price that a homeowner wants to place his or her property on the market for. On the other side of the coin, the property ‘value’ is the price that a willing buyer is prepared to pay and a willing seller is prepared to sell at. Undoubtedly, there is a shortage of property coming on to the market compared to buyer demand and this is especially true for homeowners wanting to upgrade. Wigan home owners are reluctant to put their own property on the market speculatively and wait for the right property to become available. As a result, some high demand locations can suffer from a property stalemate.
Canny landlords and buy to let investors can pick up a bargain this winter. Typically, Wigan landlords buy the smaller flats, terraced and semis. At the moment though, there is a glut of suitable properties for sale in Wigan - over 50 flats, over 320 terraced houses and over 310 semis. Happy days! Are you a landlord or thinking of becoming one for the first time? Do you want regular updates on what I consider the best buy-to-let deals in Wigan, out of the hundreds of properties on the market, irrespective of which agent is selling it? I don’t bite, I don’t do hard sell, I just give you my honest and straight-talking opinion. Visit www.wiganpropertyblog.com
Louise Breakey MARLA, MNAEA
Author of The Wigan Property Blog
Breakey & Co Estate Agents T: 01942 238 200 57-59 Ormskirk Rd, Saddle Junction, Wigan, WN5 9EA
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16
Orrell back
Jack
Orrell Rugby Union Club are backing Wigan charity Joining Jack - literally! The charity’s logo has been placed on the back of the squad’s new kit, which was unveiled recently. Orrell’s kit also has a new sponsor, Brookhouse Contracting Ltd. The ceremony, at Houghwood Golf Club on Billinge Hill, saw Orrell president Bill Lyon present Jack’s mum, Alex Johnson, with a cheque for £400. Looking on were first team players Louis Whitfield, Jon Statter, club captain, Rob Lee and Josh Grant. Joining Jack was set up in 2011 following news that Jack, seven, who is the son of ex-Wigan Warriors player Andy Johnson, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a progressive muscle wasting
condition which means he will no longer be able to walk by the time he reaches adolescence and will lose the use of every single muscle in his body thereafter. For more information, visit www.joiningjack.org
TOP PRICES PAID
WE WANT TO BUY YOUR HOUSE FOR CASH • Top Prices paid • No Viewings , Chains or Hassle • Early Competition • Any Condition • Any Location • Quick Offers • No Fees & no Obligation • Fast sale maximum value • Run Down • Land Wanted Call today for a free no obligation Quote
07944542776
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Libraries under
threat
Either Up Holland or Skelmersdale library must close to help balance the public finances. That’s the view of Lancashire County Council chiefs who are looking at a policy of ‘one library per service area’. Skelmersdale and Up Holland are in the same area, meaning one of the libraries would have to close. Elsewhere in West Lancs, Ormskirk Library is safe, but the facilities at Parbold, Burscough and Tarleton face uncertainty. The council says there are 74 libraries across Lancashire - a figure deemed “significantly in excess” of what is needed. As a best case scenario, West Lancashire would be left with four libraries, or at worst three. None of this affects the mobile library service, which chiefs have pledged to maintain.
Selling your home?
County finance chief Cllr David Borrow said: “It is impossible to overstate the seriousness of our financial situation. “ A 12-week consultation period will end on March 31, with a final decision earmarked for May.
Landlords wanted!
Call us today for a FREE market appraisal You’re in safe hands at Belvedere Sales & Lettings 34 Main St, Billinge, WN5 7HD Phone: 01744 894192 Email: info@belvederesalesandlettings.co.uk
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Distributors wanted
Car park warning
Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine.
Drivers using the Co-op car park on Church Street, Orrell, could be fined £70 if they stay for over an hour. A sign went up recently saying the area will be patrolled. Fines will also be levied for other matters including parking in a disabled bay without a valid blue badge or in a parent and child space without having an under 12 year old in the vehicle.
Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows: Orrell - Upholland Road, Winstanley Road & Gathurst Road Upholland - Hall Green Close & Tower Hill Road Roby Mill Ashton In Makerfield - Diane Road/Upland Road area, Windsor Road estate, Tenbury Drive estate, Belvedere Road area If you are interested, email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@ locallife247.co.uk
Post Office move plan The deadline for views over a planned post office move in Norley Hall is fast approaching. Members of the public have until Friday, January 22, to have their say on the proposal to relocate from Norley Hall Post Office to Norley Shop & Save. Both sit just 32 metres apart on Norley Hall Avenue. If passed, the move would take place in either March or April. For more details, visit www.postofficeviews.co.uk
LET IT MOVE YOU
TM
Julie Moss 07789 387 502
juliemouse@hotmail.co.uk
Zumba® Fitness and Zumba® Sentao™ Get fit, toned and have fun in my Zumba classes from 4th Jan All levels of fitness welcome - £5.00
Mon - 7.00 - 8.00pm - Upholland Methodist Church, Alma Hill. Tues - 7.00 - 8.00pm - St Matthews School, Highfield. Weds - 7.00 - 8.00pm - Bispham Club, Billinge Thurs - 7.00 - 8.00pm; 8.00 - 9.00pm Lamberhead Green Working Men’s Club, Pemberton.
zumba.com
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Harrison’s got
talent!
A talented 12-year-old with an eye on West End stardom could be hitting our TV screens soon. Harrison Langham, who lives in Billinge and goes to St Peter’s in Orrell, was selected to go straight through to the second stage of auditions for Britain’s Got Talent. He will find out in February if he has been successful in getting to the next stage. A pupil at Elizabeth Hill Dance and Drama since he was five, he won Wigan Community Stars last
June, singing a Whitney Houston solo, and has even performed at a Wigan Warriors home game. But before he learns about his Britain’s Got Talent fate, Harrison will be competing in the grand final of Open Mic UK in Birmingham! Proud mum Joanne said: “It’s really exciting. Harrison is extremely grounded and is focused on performing arts. His dream is to be on the West End.”
LONGSWAY DANCE CENTRE Group Ballroom & Latin Dance Classes Ladies Dance - Fusion (Dance Fitness to Ballroom & Latin Rhythms)
Private Dance Lessons | Wedding Dance Programme
CLASSES START W/C 11TH JANUARY 2016 Monday 6.30pm Improvers Ladies Dance – Fusion (Dance for Fitness) 7.30pm NEW STARTERS Absolute Beginners Ballroom / Latin / Salsa 8.30pm Improvers2 Ballroom / Latin / Salsa Tuesday 6.30pm Advanced Ladies Dance – Fusion (Dance for Fitness) 7.30pm NEW STARTERS Ladies Dance – Fusion (Dance for Fitness) 8.30pm Improvers1 Beginners Ballroom / Latin / Salsa Thursday 6.30pm Improvers Ladies Dance – Fusion (Dance for Fitness) 7.30pm NEW STARTERS Absolute Beginners Ballroom / Latin / Salsa 8.30pm Improvers2 Ballroom / Latin / Salsa (All Classes 60 minutes)
Trinity Church Hall, Fleet Street, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 0DS
Classes hosted by Tony and Margaret Long, British and International Dance Champions. Private lessons for all levels available on request.
E-mail: LongsWayDance@me.com
Dancers of all ages and abilities welcomed
The Longsway Dance Centre offer: classes, private tuition, practice sessions, party nights, weekend breaks & dance holidays ...for dance lovers of all levels.
Call: 07763 465569
www.LongsWayDance.co.uk
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Local Life hits the
streets
The Local Life team were out in force recently to help raise money for good causes. We teamed up with the Rotary Club of Wigan for their annual Santa Float tour of local communities. Staff went door-to-door in Standish asking from parents, while many of the children had their photograph taken with Father Christmas. Local Life publisher Chris Pearce said: “We were delighted to be able to help out. The Rotary Club of Wigan does so much good work for the area all year round, and as a company we were pleased to be able to support them.”
Overindulged this Christmas?
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eekend
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Situated near Sedbergh, in the Yorkshire Dales, and also within easy reach of the Lake District
– sleeps up to 4
Children & pets welcome
Call 01942 216 058 E-mail janemillthrop@yahoo.co.uk www.millthropcottage.co.uk
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Latest fashions
Caught by the by Katie Wright
J
ust a few years back, whenever faux fur was seen on the catwalks, it was always in natural hues or neat animal prints that mimicked the real thing.
fuzz
Suddenly fashion’s fuzzy logic makes so much sense...
Dream coats
But fast forward a few seasons and the fluffy stuff has undergone a technicolour transformation, with short-haired coats making way for shaggy, textured fabrics in every colour of the rainbow.
Last winter saw a parade of pastel-hued coats, but right now it’s about how many different shades you can fit on your outerwear, with sumptuous patchworked jackets and gilets inspired by the Fendi AW15 catwalk.
And now, the high street is in the throes of a furnatical obsession - all faux, of course - with the trend extending far beyond outerwear.
If you’re feeling the season’s Seventies vibe, a textured Mongolian style pelt will be a better match
New Year Offer!
Bring a friend
Friend gets their hair done half price Does not include extensions, and friend must be new to the salon. Please mention ‘Local Life offer’ when booking. Offer expiry date 28th February 2016 16 Upper Dicconson Street Wigan WN1 2AD
01942 820 333 www.bijouhairsalon.co.uk
Aches + Pains, Chronic Conditions Stress or Depression The Wright Touch Therapies Holistic Therapy Business in Orrell, Wigan
Feel better in 6 Weeks or less Treatments Include: Massage - (Trained in advanced bodywork) Reflexology - Specialising in fertility and maternity Reiki, Aromatherapy and much more!
RELAX
REFRESH
JANUARY Special Offer Book 6 for the Price of 5
RENEW
£40 AN HOUR - £30 1/2 HOUR To arrange a home visit or an appointment in the Therapy room, please contact Nicola on:
07541 214 317
nic@thewrighttouchtherapies.com www.thewrighttouchtherapies.com Nicola Wright IIHHT Level 3 VTCT trained, Reiki Master
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for your flares and boho blouses than a slinky short fur.
Wrap stars Not so keen on going the whole Honey Monster hog in a fluff-tastic jacket? Give your favourite wool coat a new lease of life, instead, with a bright faux fur stole. Luxuriously soft and silky, a jewel toned scarf paired with a black or grey crombie coat will chase the winter blues away.
Grace & Oliver Amber Coat, £450 (www.graceandoliver.london)
January Sale! 10% off ! BEAUTY TREATMENTS - all treatments including courses of treatments PRODUCTS - all products including Clarins and ESPA Book your January appointments now on 01744 894 214 ...and don’t forget your coupon!
10% off ! Beauty Treatments
Only at
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Products
Expressions of Beauty
Name
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Voucher expires 31st January 2016. This voucher can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer
Expressions of Beauty
01744 894 214
www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk 161, Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PA
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SALE Now On
RRP
Ruby + Ed Midnight Nomad Gilet, £245 (www.rubyanded.co.uk)
£1695
Now only
£695
Save £000’s on selected bridal dresses & Mother of the Bride outfits Derhy Nautile Noir Coat, £100 (www.zalando.co.uk)
Large selection of Prom Dresses available for the new season Bags of charm
Ever since Fendi introduced its £400 funny-faced bag charms three years ago, the world has gone mad for super-sized bobbles to hang on their handbags.
Don’t Miss our Designer Weekend Complete 2016 collection from
Thankfully, the high street has cottoned on, and now there are hordes of cute, colourful key rings to choose from (at far more appealing price points), plus cosy clutch bags that are a joy to hold.
16th & 17th January 2016
Call today for an appointment
Bride 2 Be Boutique 246-248 Twist Lane, Leigh, WN7 4EL
01942 26 26 06
Open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday (closed Tuesday)
Romy LDN Inka Clutch, £90; Hand Cuff Key Clip, £40 (www.romyldn.com)
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Mori Lee
Prom Event! Sat, 23rd Jan, 10am - 5pm Sun, 24th Jan, 10am - 5pm No appointment required – just pop in! Additional Exclusive Gowns available at the Event. Refreshments available Largest Mori Lee prom supplier in the area You want your prom gown to be as unique as you are, so at Romancia our team will ensure the same dress is not sold twice by our store for any prom event.
ROMANCIA Beautiful gowns, elegant surroundings, personal friendly service, with over 17 years experience 209-211 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PB
01744 894 443 romanciaprom
www.romanciabridal.co.uk
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Christmas cheer Orrell and Billinge Community Network spread some Christmas cheer among the area’s senior citizens at their Over 75s Christmas Party. The party, which was held at St Luke’s Church Hall in Orrell, was funded by the proceeds from the monthly coffee mornings held by the Network throughout 2015. The star turn at the party was Winstanley College Staff Choir, who ensured everyone has a great time and whose interactive rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas was
particularly popular with the party goers. Local Life were among many local companies who donated raffle prizes for the event, and the winner of our Christmas Hamper in the raffle was Sylvia Wilkinson (pictured) of Upholland Road in Billinge. If you’d like to attend the 2016 Over 75s Christmas party, go along to the Community Network coffee mornings which are held on the last Friday of every month between 10am-noon at the Methodist Church on Church Drive, Orrell.
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Africa library mission A group of volunteers are embarking on a mission to build a library in Ghana. Bookcycle are asking schools to get involved in the project by fundraising for World Book Day on Thursday, March 3. If your school has extra text books to donate or if you would like to fund raise please contact Fiona Miles on 07969 468583 or f-miles@hotmail.co.uk To find out more visit www.book-cycle.org/wigan
Lawn Treatment Operative Required GreenThumb Wigan have a vacancy for a full time Lawn Treatment Operative. This is an opportunity to join the Wigan branch of the largest lawn treatment company in Europe. All applicants must hold a full driving license and will receive full training. Starting salary £14,200 plus overtime and bonus scheme. Send CV to greenthumbwigan@btconnect.com or post to Unit 3 Barrows Farm, Carr Mill Rd, Bllinge, Wigan, WN5 7TX. Contact Ian on 01695 627578 for more details
OFFICE MANAGER REQUIRED Highly proficient Office Manager required to develop existing and new processes for a successful and fast expanding Standish business. Must be a hands-on individual who is happy to tackle all levels of administration, including higher level operational work and development of future strategy. Experience within a practice management role within an IFA or wealth management environment is essential and candidates will ideally be qualified to Diploma in Financial Advice standard or progressing towards this. Salary is £25,000 - £30,000 dependent upon experience. Please email CV to david.barton@prosper-ifa. co.uk by 29th February 2015 Prosper IFA Ltd, Prosper House, 99a High Street, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HD.
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Glass Art • Giftware • Jewellery • Ceramics • Furnishings
y r a u n a J le Sa
Up to 20% off!
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10.30am-4pm
01695 622 332
Winstanley Road, Billinge, WN5 7XG (on old Billinge Garden Centre site) Ample free parking
Coffees, cakes and delicious light lunches
NOW OPEN!
Bespoke Handmade Glass Transform your home in 2016 with our amazing;
• Splashbacks • Wall art • Mirrors Bespoke glass art projects welcomed
www.morpheusglass.co.uk 01695 624182 LIKE US B OT H ON FAC E BO O K :
f / l o v ei t g a l l e r yl t d & f /Mo r ph eusGl ass
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Diamonds for
investment
T
he climate for savings has been pretty poor for the last 10 years as cash in the bank is more a decreasing asset with interest rates at an all time low, and in the current economic climate there’s little to no change on the horizon. People are constantly looking for the next investment opportunity, whether it is property, art, luxury cars etc., all of which need space, some need time and large amounts of maintenance. What about an investment that will fit in your pocket or sit in a drawer or small corner of you safe! Diamonds, but not just any diamonds, consider natural high quality fancy intense colour diamonds, rare, precious, therefore highly sought after and a truly increasing asset. For years the most popular diamonds were considered to be clean, bright, white and clear, with D, E, F and G colour, IF and VVS quality being the most sort after. Whilst stones of this colour and clarity are still highly desirable, fancy natural coloured diamonds are proving a more lucrative long-term investment due to their scarcity. Recent sales of rare pink and blue diamonds have seen record prices, with the flawless 12 carat blue moon diamond selling at auction for an amazing $48.4m. Fancy intense yellows, lemon, green, pink champagne, cognac and chocolate diamonds are proving to be solid investments in todays market and Jewels May at Heskin Farmer’s Market and Craft Centre has a beautiful range of these rare unique gems set in platinum and 18 carat gold rings, earrings and pendants with certificates and valuations that not only confirm quality but prove that these are true investments.
Jewels May is a gorgeous independent jewellers shop nestled amongst 50 small rural retail business in Heskin Farmers Market and Craft Centre. This little treasure trove of sparkle boasts an amazing collection of antique, vintage and modern precious luxury jewellery items. The owner has a passion for old cut diamonds and precious stones in amazing unique settings, and the shop also specialises in pre-owned luxury watches.
Treat yourself to an affordable extravagance! Heskin Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA T: 01257 450 448 E: info@jewelsmay.com www.jewelsmay.com
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Trust in THE KAY FAMILY BUSINESS serving Wigan for over 20 years
GOLD DIAMONDS & PRESTIGIOUS WATCHES
WANTED FOR CASH TOP PRICES PAID
WE ALSO LOAN MONEY AGAINST YOUR JEWELLERY /PRESTIGIOUS WATCHES PRINGLES JEWELLERS & PAWNBROKERS 4 MAKINSON ACRADE, WIGAN, WN1 1PL
01942 230928 / 233000
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Sale price ‘
sensitive’
Council chiefs have refused to reveal how much the public coffers will receive from the sale of Ashton Town Hall. They claim the exact sum Eric Wright Health and Care are paying for the Bryn Street location is “commercially sensitive.” However, they stress the figure will eventually be made public through the Land Registry. The town hall, which has been declared unsafe, was initially due to be auctioned off in October. However, a flurry of bids were received beforehand, and it was subsequently withdrawn after the council reached a deal to build a health centre on
the site. A spokeswoman said: “A total of six bids from interested parties were received in advance of the auction. I can confirm that Eric Wright Health and Care submitted the highest bid. The capital receipt has been ring fenced to support the refurbishment programme for our buildings.” Asked why the council pulled out of the auction, which could have yielded more money for the authority, the spokeswoman said: “The council knew how much residents needed and wanted a health facility and it had been the ambition for this building for a while to make that happen.” Plans for demolition and the announcement of a start date on the new health centre are set to be made once the sale is complete.
• Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites • Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling Improve your home with our bathroom installation by calling Lee for your free quotation
01942 225771 / 07803 057940
FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY
Eton Way, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8PN www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk
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Beat the January deadline & secure upto ÂŁ20k in savings & tax free income!
34
Stylish Oak Furniture
at Great Prices!
Yellow Label
Sale Now
ON
Large Range of Solid Oak Furniture Dining Tables & Chairs Sofas, Sideboards & Occasional Furniture Tony’s Promise “I guarantee that you won’t find furniture of this quality at a better price anywhere in the NW – and if you do, then I’ll beat the price!”
THE OAK SPECIALISTS www.billingefurniture.co.uk
01744 893 785 07710 487 977
Barrows Farm, Carr Mill Road, Billinge, WN5 7TX
(Carr Mill Road is next to the Texaco Garage in the village)
Call in today - we’re open 7 days a week!
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Brian’s own
Wonderwall David Sudworth meets the Pemberton man who created some of British music’s most iconic covers
H
e produced the sleeve covers for one of Britain’s biggest-ever bands, and his work has adorned teenagers’ bedrooms the world over . Yet unless you are very well up on music trivia, it’s possible to pass Brian Cannon in the street without giving him a second glance. “I do get asked for autographs and photos, but it tends to be at gigs. Sometimes people look at me and they always fix me with this quizzical look before saying: ‘Are you Brian Cannon?’ I reply by saying: ‘Well, this can go one of two ways...’ he smiles.
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Over the course of 25 years, Brian produced some of British music most iconic images, from the covers of Definitely Maybe and 14 times platinum (What’s The Story?) Morning Glory - where he is pictured walking down a Soho street with DJ Sean Rowley - to The Verve’s seminal A Northern Soul. He also designed Oasis’ famous Decca-inspired logo. Yet
pore over his latest acquisitions, and became fascinated by the designs. He did A-levels at St John Rigby, then a foundation course in art at St Helens College, before heading to Leeds Polytechnic. However, his big break came by a bit of pure luck: “I got into American rap which hadn’t by that time crossed the Atlantic, so it was very niche. There was a graffiti scene attached to it so I’d spend a fair amount of time doing my own graffiti on an old warehouse in Newtown. It’s since been pulled down and is where the Aldi store is today.
life could have gone a very different way had it not been for a few strokes of luck, and of course an eye for a great pic. Born at Ormskirk Hospital on May 24, 1966, he was adopted at birth to Brian and Helen Cannon and grew up in Edinburgh Drive, Pemberton. His parents, now aged 90 and 85 respectively, still live there and have actually appeared on some of his covers. After finishing at St Cuthbert’s Primary , he went to Thornleigh Grammar School in Bolton - something which Brian was none-too-keen on at the time: “Back then, most Catholic grammar schools in Wigan had been closed, Thornleigh offered a few places to Wigan pupils, so I took the 11-plus and passed. It was a trek every day by train from Pemberton to Wigan, then on to Bolton, and then on a bus to school , especially for an 11 year old.” As a schoolkid, Brian was heavily into punk and was struck by the sleeve design of The Sex Pistols’ Never Mind The Bollocks album. On bus journeys home from record shops in Manchester, he would
“At the time, a DJ called Greg Wilson was living in Winstanley. Greg really championed this music but like I said, it was virtually unheard of here so he was surprised to see these New York-style murals in Wigan. He put the word out that he’d like to meet me and I ended up doing designs for a band he was managing called Ruthless Rap Assassins, who were signed to EMI Records.
“Newtown graffiti gave me my big break” “I was still at Leeds at the time and I had no idea about the industry or anything. I remember John Foxx, who was in Ultravox, came to give a talk and afterwards I asked him how much should I charge. His answer, which I still use to this day, was: ‘Just get as much as you can’. So I went back to them with £1,200 and they agreed. It was a massive amount for something which, to be honest, I’d have done for nothing. It’s a bit different nowadays; it’s easier but because everyone’s got a computer, no one wants to pay massive amounts for a logo.” Upon graduating in 1988, Brian, by his own admission, developed an alter-ego, Microdot, the company he still runs today: “I portrayed myself as a design agency, which was total fiction, because it was just
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for Manchester band The Inspiral Carpets and they were based in the same building in Manchester as me. Noel was interested in my trainers, because at that time it was quite rare to see them in the UK. His opening line was: ‘OK, I give up. Where the **** did you get them from?’ We got chatting and it turned out that he loved The Verve covers. He told With Liam during the recording of (What’s The Story?) Morning Glory me that if his band ever got signed, I could do their covers. And he was true to his word.” me in my bedroom. You know what’s it’s like when you’re young, all ‘I know what I’m doing’ but ended up nearly starving to death!” After a stint living in London with Greg, he moved back up north, primarily because he was coming home every weekend anyway to go Tony Wilson’s famous Hacienda nightclub in Manchester. It was while back home that he first met The Verve’s frontman, Richard Ashcroft, at a house party near The Venture pub in Highfield. A couple of years later, he bumped into him at the petrol station near Marus Bridge Roundabout, and was offered the chance to produce some covers for The Verve. And a chance conversation in a lift with Noel Gallagher a few years later saw him get the gig with Oasis: “I’d just come back from Italy and I’d bought some Adidas trainers. Noel was a roadie
With Richard Ashcroft of The Verve
During the 1990s, Brian was part of Oasis’s inner circle. He was in the studio with them while they recorded Morning Glory at Rockfield Studios in Wales and generally hung out with them, which gave him a unique insight into what happened behind the often lurid headlines which followed the band, and particularly its lead singer Liam Gallagher: “What people don’t realise is that they were incredibly hard working and, perhaps except for Liam, they were all that bit older. The guitarist Bonehead (Paul Arthurs) had been a plasterer so he knew what it was like to get up at 6am to go and
“Noel was true to his word” work on a freezing cold building site. That’s why I can’t stand these po-faced bands who get signed and suddenly think the world owes them a living. Oasis were real professionals with me, they wanted everything to look just right. But they really were under a lot of scrutiny. You’d get people walking up to Liam in the street, seemingly just wanting to chat and be friendly, then you’d see a little red light in their hand, because they were carrying a dictaphone, to sell their story to the press. I defy anyone to go through the level of scrutiny they did and for it not to impact on you.”
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Aside from his images for Suede, Ash and Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, he’s also worked with the BBC, The Guardian, Levi’s, Absolut Vodka, to name a few. His base is now The Old Courts, on Crawford Street, in Wigan. Although living with his partner Jill in Cumbria, Brian, who turns 50 this year, also stays over a few nights at his mum and dad’s back in Pemberton. He’s also compiling a pictorial documentation of modern-day Northern Soul
nights, which he hopes to turn into a coffee tablestyle book: “I’ve loved Northern Soul for years but was too young for the Casino. I’ve been to places like Highfield Cricket Club and Birchley St Mary’s in Billinge to get these fantastic pictures. I love being a fly on the wall. Half the time, people ask me when I’m going to start, to which I reply: ‘I’ve already done the pics- now I’m off for a dance myself!
Brian on the records with a Wigan link....
A Storm in Heaven (Verve, 1993)
D’You Know What I Mean? (1997)
Some Might Say (1995)
“This was shot on location at Crank Road in Billinge. The family who owned it at the time, the Frodshams, were friends of the band. I believe the house is no longer there.”
“We shot this in secret just off Darlington Street East in Wigan. It was their first single after the madness of (What’s The Story?) and at the time Oasis were probably the biggest band in the world. Liam had a camera on him so took pics as a momento of the day. Afterwards, we slipped into the Crispin Arms on Birkett Bank for a quick pint.”
“This was at an old station in Derbyshire. The man pushing the wheelbarrow is my dad, Brian, and in the background is my mum, Helen, who still live in Pemberton (see inset picture).”
The Masterplan (1998) “The teacher is actually a lad called Adam Redmond, from Wigan, who was 11 at the time. Noel got his hairdresser to literally cut a wig on Adam’s head, based on a photo of Noel when he was 11.”
All In The Mind (1992) “Obviously, this was at Mesnes Park. Everyone, apart from two people in the far distance, are people we brought in, including, again, my mum and dad!”
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The road
ahead?
The junction of Billinge Road and Enfield Street
Dramatic new images show what the new M58 link road may look like in Highfield and Pemberton. A series of computer generated shots have been
released by transport chiefs at Wigan Council as part of their case for a proposed 1.4 mile route from Orrell to the A49. From there, the plans is for it to cross part of Wigan Flashes and onto Ince and finish at Atherleigh Way in Leigh.
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An opposition group, Say No To The M58 Link Road, has been set up. It claims it will create more traffic, a danger to wildlife and result in the loss of valuable, open green space. However, the council says the road would cut congestion going from Orrell through to Wigan. It adds: “Too many vehicles, including buses are sitting in traffic jams. Companies can’t operate efficiently and travel times are simply, unacceptable.” A second round of public consultation is due to start this year, where people will be asked to comment on a draft final plan. It will then go to the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government. Following independent examination, the council says it will look to adopt the plan in 2017.
The link road leaving the M58 junction at Orrell
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Blooming marvellous response Orrell and Billinge will be blossoming this year thanks to an influx of new members to the in Bloom group. SKILS CIC, a community interest company based in Orrell for adults over the age of 18 with support needs, signed up to Orrell in Bloom, and
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£1.8m sell off mooted A forced sell-off of high value council housing in West Lancashire could raise £1.8m a year. Borough councillors are looking at the measure because of impending Government legislation. Locally, a one bed property at £80,000, two bed properties at £100,000 and three bed properties at £130,000 would be included. Five-bedroomed, adapted homes and sheltered accommodation are exempt.
Action over skills gap A shortage in qualified nursing professionals has prompted Wigan & Leigh College into action. From September, they will provide 20 young people with
the opportunity to study nursing in a dedicated centre at the college before securing a place onto a university degree course. The college will be working with Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust to provide students with an intensive professional work placement.
Competition winners Congratulations to Angela Norris from Whitecroft Road, Marus Bridge, who is the winner of our competition in conjunction with Morpehus Glass to win a fused glass bowl. Other winners were Joan Dyson, of Hesketh Lane, Tarleton; Mary Frodsham from Selkirk Avenue, Garswood, and Craig Lee , of Spennymoor Close in Buckshaw.
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Memorabilia
plea
Sports fans are being urged to help piece together the history of Winstanley Park Cricket Club. A plea has been made for locals to search their lofts and cupboards for items such as old photographs, newspaper cuttings, scorebooks, tickets and so on.
Any artefacts will be copied and then returned to the owner. One recent photo which came to light shows the Winstanley Park First XI back in 1958, which came courtesy of local man Les Moore. Another item was from a 1933 Christmas draw, with prizes including a couple of rabbits, a pint of rum, a box of cigarettes and a pipe! The push comes to ensure the club’s history, which goes back to 1878, is properly and comprehensively documented ahead of their new venture with Orrell Rugby Union Club, which will see the both organisations sharing the same premises at a new location in the area. The club is also on the look out for new players boys and girls of any standard - for the coming
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season. For 2016, they will have Under 9s, 11s, 13s and 15s junior teams in the Wigan and District League, two senior teams in the Southport and District League and a Sunday XI in the West Lancs League. Winter nets are at Abraham Guest Academy Sports Hall under 9s on Saturdays from noon-1pm for nine weeks from January 9; under 11s and 13s 1pm-2pm and under 15s and seniors, Sunday 11am-noon from January 10. Costs are free for under nines, but ÂŁ3 a week for other teams. To share your memorabilia, please contact Mike Shore, by emailing am.shore007@ btinternet.com or calling 01942 216205. Alternatively, email tony.dillon@hotmail. co.uk.
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Back from left: R. Silley, K. Parkinson, D. Brighouse, S. Hazelhurst, R. Gordon, S. Lewis and H. Stretton. Front from left: G. Farrell, L. Moore, C. Atkinson, T. Wilkinson and B. Melling
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Planning Matters Ashton
Winstanley
62 Alexandra Road: Two storey side extension (ref: A/15/81632/HH) A decision is due soon.
Vacant land adjacent to Smithy Brook Road: Erection of public house/restaurant, with ancillary living accomodation above, together with associated parking, landscaping and access. (ref: A/15/81712/MAJOR). A decision is due soon.
Orrell 28 Gathurst Road: Erection of detached double garage (ref: A/15/81683/HH). A decision is due soon. 151A Moor Road: Plan to extend dwellinghouse first floor and two storey extension to front to form two storey dwellinghouse (ref: A/15/81728/HH). A decision is due soon.
22 Derbyshire Road: Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed single storey rear extension (ref: A/15/81586/LUCP). A decision is due soon. For more information on these plans, visit www. westlancs.gov.uk
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Free publicity for YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser? If so, get in touch with us today! Local Life is distributed to over 100,000 homes across Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire. Each edition is crammed with stories for local events, and your group could be appearing in our next edition. The types of events we publicise are as follows: - Charity fundraising events - Local school, church or community fairs - Amateur concerts community groups
or
performances
by
- Talks which are open to the public - Pleas from community groups or associations for new members
We’re also on the look out for old school photographs, street scenes from yesterday and want to hear from you if your group is celebrating a special milestone. Simply contact our Editor David Sudworth with the details - what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can provide the information, the better the job we can do. So don’t delay – contact David today by emailing him directly at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk
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Puzzle
corner
Guess where? Wordsearch Sudoku
Chilly January Blues
Answers are on page 102 of this magazine
Blizzard Chocolate Mittens Ice Fleece Sniffles
Stove Bleak Chimney Gloves Duvet Cough
Bleak Socks Snowball
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Travel
Turn over a new
leaf
David Sudworth discovers there’s more to North America than the USA...
T
hink North America and many automatically assume the USA. But Canada’s natural beauty, distinctive seasons and worldrenowned destinations make it a must for any serious traveller. The main tip when planning a holiday to Maple Leaf Country is to realise just how vast Canada is, and try not to squeeze too much into one trip. To give an idea of scale; Newfoundland, off the east coast, is closer to the UK than Vancouver! And if you’re still not convinced, bear in mind that one of the great
train journeys of the world, The Canadian, which travels from Toronto to Vancouver takes five days. The most popular and perhaps spectacular area to visit is the Canadian Rockies. Striding the border between Alberta and British Columbia, these snowcapped peaks provide some of the most incredible views on earth. The resort towns of Banff and Jasper are the perfect place from which to explore, with a visit to Lake Louise and its world famous hotel being at the top of many people’s lists. Keep your camera ready for grizzly and black bear, moose, elk
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and much more when exploring this area. A wonderful way to experience these breathtaking surroundings is to take a trip on the twoday Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Described as the most spectacular train trip in the world, it offers a daylight only service with a choice between comfortable Silverleaf or luxurious Goldleaf service. It travels from Calgary, Banff or Jasper to Vancouver on the west coast and provides a once in a lifetime experience. There is also a new route that travels along the Fraser River from Jasper to Whistler and offers the same impeccable service with a different type of stunning scenery. If you are looking to get off the beaten track or experience some close up wildlife viewing, then activities such as heli-hiking or a visit to see the Grizzly bears of Knight Inlet are a must. 1st Class Holidays’ Complete Guide brochure offers a host of ideas to this incredible country. For something a little different, board one of
the Alaskan Cruises to explore some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery on earth. Choose from a selection of state-of-the-art ships with a wealth of facilities and offering great value for money. Canada also offers some wonderful cities. Vancouver is often rated as one of the best places in the world to live and has a vibrant feel with a stunning backdrop. Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is found in the east and is a perfect place for a shopping break. It offers a huge selection of museums, theatres, restaurants and galleries and is only two hours from the famous Niagara Falls. The French-influenced Montreal and Quebec City are perfect places to discover some of Canada’s rich history while enjoying some wonderful cuisine. There are excellent rail links from here to Toronto, Niagara Falls and the capital city, Ottawa. Thanks to Billinge’s Marken Travel, in conjunction with 1st Class Holidays, travelling in Canada could
Don’t miss this trip of a lifetime! “One of the world’s ultimate experiences”
“One of the world’s greatest trips”
Canada Coast to Coast Presentation Tuesday, 19th January at 6.30pm Wine and nibbles included Limited seating – please call 01744 893291 to book
Ask for further details on; escorted tours, Alaskan cruises, wildlife viewing & adventure activities
Independent Travel Specialist 200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE
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1st Class Holidays are an award winning, independent operator specialising in holidays to Canada. They are the current and 13 times winner of Operator of the Year at the Canada Travel Awards and have a wealth of experience in planning trips to this incredible country.
not be easier. They can help plan your own selfdrive tour to travel at your own pace, or join an organised coach trip aimed at making the most out of the time you have in Canada. As many of the popular areas are in National Parks or in remote spots, then booking early is always recommended.
Going on your Hols?
And they will be on hand at Marken Travel, on Main Street, Billinge, at 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 19, when Jonathan Whiteley, of 1st Class Holidays, will give an informative presentation entitled Canada Coast To Coast. So if you are interested in finding out more, why not go along? Tales of a magical, unspoilt country await. And rest-assured, whichever trip you book, you will be sure to come back with some wonderful memories and plans for your next visit...
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18 years and going from strength to strength LR Finance offer helpful, friendly, professional advice – that’s what our customers say about us. Established in 1997 we relocated from our Library St office to the Victorian quarter of Wigan at 30, Hallgate in 2011 and we now have a team of NINE We have a strong team of advisers and support staff and continue to offer Independent “Whole of Market“ advice and recommendations for Mortgages - Insurance - Pensions and Investments.
Featured Adviser - Janet Rodan Many local people will know Janet as she worked in the local branch of the Halifax for over 23 years and joined us at the beginning of 2014 to become a “Whole of Market” adviser. Janet loves the fact that she is able to offer her customers both old and new access to a wide range of products that suit their circumstances not just a limited range offered by one provider.
Our latest recruit - Deborah Marcroft Due to increasing demand for mortgages and in order to ensure our existing customers continue to get the best rate for their circumstances we recruited a new mortgage adviser to our team this year. Deb has worked for a High Street lender in the past but is now enjoying having access the “Whole of the market” for her customers.
The old timers - Elanor Hill, Matthew Halliwell & Victoria Whittle Matt & Vicky continue to advise our customers on their mortgages and protection, whilst Elanor specialises and focuses on providing Independent advice in relation to Pension and Investments.
Please telephone our office to arrange an initial meeting to discuss your mortgage, pension or investment or for a full financial review on
01942 739 999
LR Finance (North West) Ltd
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Class from the
past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Abraham Guest. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1960s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?
Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing wigannews@locallife247.co.uk
Hindley High School
Enrolment 5th & 6th January 2016 Adult Community Classes
Courses Includes;
• NEW Look good, feel great, make-up like a model • NEW Intro to making your own soft furnishings • NEW Chinese Art to drawing/painting • Intro to basic Counselling Skills • Intro to Web Design (ideal for small businesses) • Holistic Therapies • Pattern cutting/dress making (beg & inter) • Intro to Criminology • Conversational Spanish (beginners/intermediate) • Bridal Make-Up • Learn how to apply make-up like a model!
• Computers for complete beginners • Intro to Wedding Floristry • Fun with Flowers • Digital photography (beginners/intermediate) • Guitar (all levels) • Cake/Cupcake/sugar craft/chocolate moulding • Hatha Yoga (limited spaces) • Introduction to Chinese/Mandarin • Knitting and crochet (beginners/intermediates) • Creative Flowers for Mother’s Day & Easter
Contact Julie Austin or Jo Pollitt for further details: Call: 01942 767704 or Email: community@hindleyhs.wigan.sch.uk www.hindleyhs.wigan.sch.uk Classes may be subject to change. Learners must be over the age of 19. Funding subject to availability. 3 years residency.
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Sew
impressed
Budding thespians at Hawkley Hall High School have thanked fashion students at Wigan & Leigh College for helping them out in their latest production. They carefully crafted 14 costumes including a show-stopping dance elephant costume for Hawkley Hall’s version of The Lion King. Level 3 Fashion & Clothing students worked in conjunction with Level 3 Art & Design students to fulfil the secondary schools’ brief for creative costumes and set props. Year 2 Fashion student and
ex-Cansfield pupil Danielle Lawson, developed the creative concepts for the 14 costumes which are designed to bring the annual theatre performance alive. After researching past productions, Danielle pitched her design ideas to the school before being given the green light .
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School improving A school judged to be “requiring improvement” by Ofsted is making progress. Up Holland Roby Mill CE Primary, on School Lane, was given the Grade 3 rating last summer. However, a monitoring inspection carried out before Christmas praised the steps being taken to get it back to its previous ‘good’ rating. In a letter, Ofsted inspector Allan Torr said: “Since the start of 2015, there has been a complete change in teaching staff. Five governors have resigned from their positions on the governing body. The headteacher started immediately to tackle the areas for improvement. The plans to improve teaching and the effectiveness of leadership are well on their way.”
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Quality Childcare from 0-11 years Places Available From January Free places available for 2 & 3 year olds Pick up from St James, Holgate & Newfold schools Holiday Club in school holidays Call us now to reserve your child’s place
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Holgate cash boost Orrell Holgate’s Parent Staff and Friends Association recently presented a cheque to headteacher Gail Worrall as a result of their fundraising activities throughout the year. These include summer and Christmas fairs and discos. Pictured from the PSFA are Nichola Unsworth, David Ellwood, Juilia Hedley and Suzanne Alder.
Wigan Dyslexia Centre New Year Sale 10% off all private dyslexia and dyscalculia assessments in January and February 2016
For more details contact enquiries@ed4all.co.uk or phone 01942 387030 Waterways House Business Centre, Wigan, WN6 7NQ www.ed4all.co.uk
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St Jude’s Catholic Primary School
A
PRIMARY SCHOOL OFSTED SEPTEMBER 2015
“Outcomes for pupils are good” “Children are kept safe”
“Children reach a good level of development”
“They enjoy school and learning about new things”
“Children make good progress” “Children are well cared for”
Ofsted (September 2015)
The deadline to apply for a September 2016 Primary School place for your child is 15th January 2016. Please contact school or School Admissions at Wigan Council for an application form.
For further information, or to arrange a visit to our Primary School, please call: 01942 204091
Our Nursery operates every morning from 9am-12pm and is FREE OF CHARGE. We have three intakes per year – September, January and April. Children are welcome to start on the next intake following their 3rd birthday. Please contact school for further information.
“A Christian Community nurturing and inspiring each individual” Headteacher: Mr S Barrand, Worsley Mesnes Drive, Wigan, WN3 5AN
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68
Health & Fitness
Walk this
way
By Lisa Salmon
I
f you’re dreading hitting the gym to shed those excess pounds, you may want to swap your gym membership for some good walking shoes. New research from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) found that people over 50, and women of all ages, who regularly walked briskly for more than 30 minutes at a time, had a lower body mass index (BMI) and smaller waists than those who say they favour other forms of exercise, including gym workouts, cycling and swimming. (Men aged under 50 had similar waist sizes whether they walked or went to the gym.)
Wonder walks So what is it about walking that’s so effective? A very big factor is that people who like to walk tend to do it very regularly, so they are more active overall - compared with non-walkers who, while they may say they do other forms of exercise, are possibly doing them far less frequently. Previous studies have also found that walking can be far more effective - in terms of aiding fitness and weight loss, and warding off diseases - than people might think. And, as Dr Grace Lordan, who led the LSE research, notes, people who take up walking tend to stick with it more than other fitness regimes. “People are also more likely to get walking ‘right’, as compared to gym exercises - it’s easier to know if you’re working to a moderate level with walking than with other exercises,” Dr Lordan adds.
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She stresses that, although any exercise is better than none, to achieve significant results, walking needs to be at a decent pace, to a level where you’re perspiring and out of breath, for 30 minutes, five times a week.
Endless benefits As well as helping with weight management, by taking up regular brisk walks, Dr Lordan points out: “Provided you don’t eat any worse, you could lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular ill health, as well as improving your mental and physical health. “Given that regular walking is an easier habit to adopt regularly than high-impact classes or complicated exercise regimes, I would have to say that we do underestimate how a regular walking
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habit could modify the lifestyles of many people. “And walking costs nothing but your time.” Although Government guidelines recommend that adults should be doing 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity every week, there’s no guidance on which activity is the most effective - and it’s estimated that as many as 80% of the UK population aren’t meeting the recommendations anyway. It’s because of this, as well as the multiple and accessible benefits of walking, that Dr Lordan is now calling for a campaign to promote it as an effective way to tackle obesity, rather than public health messages about healthy eating. “I would like to see a walking campaign targeted at people who currently do no activity,” she says. “It would be fantastic to see a campaign that lets people know that every brisk step counts.” Claire Francis, campaigns manager at the walking
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and cycling charity Sustrans, agrees, and points out: “Walking is the perfect exercise - free, simple, and easily incorporated into our daily routine and travels. But sadly, many of us are missing out. “If taking regular walks were a drug, doctors would prescribe it to absolutely everyone. It’s a silver bullet for so many of our health, economic and environmental woes.”
Walking works A recent report from The Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support - who run guided Walking For Health schemes in various locations across the UK (www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/get-healthy/ walking-for-health.aspx) - suggested that 37,000 deaths could be prevented every year, if more of us started taking regular walks. It pointed out that being active significantly reduces the risk of getting heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancers and Alzheimer’s disease by 20-50%, as well as helping maintain a healthy weight, increasing good cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, building healthy muscles and bones, improving balance and reducing the risk of falls. Furthermore, being physically active helps people feel less stressed, sleep better, have a 30% lower risk of getting depressed, and a reduced risk of developing dementia.
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Best foot forward Follow these NHS tips for getting started: • Start walking slowly, particularly if you’re not used to exercising, and build up to the recommended 30 minutes a day, five times a week. • Breaking walks up into three 10-minute chunks a day should achieve the same results, as long as you’re walking at a moderate pace. • To achieve the recommended moderate intensity aerobic activity, you need to walk fast enough to raise your heart rate and sweat. • Walk fast enough to be able to talk, but not sing. • Try to walk 10,000 steps a day. Most people normally walk between 3,000 and 4,000 steps a day. • Towards the end of the walk, gradually slow down your pace to cool down, and finish with a few gentle stretches, which will improve your flexibility. • Make walking a habit by building it into your routine, such as walking to the shops or work.
Same day denture repairs Pick up & drop off service available Stephen Lander Dental Designs Laboratory are a team of professionals in the art of dentistry, especially producing quality Crowns, Veneers, Bridges, Implants and a whole host of other cosmetic teeth. Stephen Lander Dental Designs 28 Parliament Street, Up Holland, WN8 OLN
Call - 01695 623334
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Financial planning
New Year Resolutions! by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP), Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director
H
appy New Year to all Local Life readers, let’s hope you will all ‘Prosper’ throughout 2016. Apologies for the plug but it’s the only time of year that I think I can get away with it. With 2016 now underway, your New Year’s resolutions should now be in place. Amongst the favourites are, more exercise, dieting, less drink etc. Sadly, all these involve an element of pain and deprivation, and therefore it is hardly surprising that even the most committed of us tend to allow the promises made to fall by the wayside mid Feb at the latest. One resolution that you may want to retrospectively add to your list, one that involves very little pain but can have significant benefits, is to have an investment health check. Every January I notice a significant increase in the number of enquiries from Local Life readers who want to gain control of their portfolio by having an investment health check. Often these readers complain about their portfolio being “all over the place”, and feel that they have lost complete control of their investments with untouched piles of paper hanging
around the house representing different policies from different companies. When questioned, many readers didn’t have a clue how well or badly their investments had been performing. That’s when I introduce them to our Wealth Management Service, which helps people to; • Retake full control of their investments rather than getting swamped with paperwork and information • Have ‘peace of mind’ knowing that an expert is also keeping an eye on investments • Invest in a wide choice of leading companies without being tied in to a single company/fund • Just deal with ‘one firm’ for all of their different investments rather than having to speak to different companies for various funds • Obtain an immediate portfolio valuation rather than enduring lengthy telephone calls to numerous call centres or waiting weeks for an out of date valuation to arrive by post. Indeed one of our clients described the difference between the old way of managing investments and using the Prosper Wealth Management Service as “an absolute revelation”. If you would like to know a little bit more information before getting in touch please feel free to visit our website www. prosper-ifa.co.uk or email us to request a brochure. The cost for the initial consultation is met by us and you are under no obligation. If you invest in the stock market the value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested.
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Looking forward to retirement? Enjoy a bright future with Prosper - the local firm with a national reputation for excellent financial management and outstanding service.
Why should you choose Prosper? We already look after over £105 million on behalf of 450 local clients We were the 1st independent financial adviser in Wigan to be awarded Chartered ‘Financial Planner Status back in 2012 and remain the only firm to achieve this accreditation
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Whether you’re already retired or you’re planning to retire soon, make positive plans and prosper. Call us today for a friendly consultation
01257 423 800 Prosper Independent Financial Advisers Ltd. Prosper House, 99a High Street, Standish, WN6 0HD
www.prosper-ifa.co.uk
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Powerhouse
debate
A top-level debate on Wigan’s role in Chancellor George Osborne’s Northern Powerhouse revolution is to be held in the town. The Road From Wigan Pier, organised by the REconomy Project, part of the Transition Network, will feature a host of guest speakers at the event on Saturday, February 6. They include : David Fernandez-Arias: Spokesman for the Greater Manchester Referendum Campaign for Democratic Devolution Journalist Stephen Armstrong, the author of The Road to Wigan Pier Revisited Ainslie Beattie, from The REconomy Project team Professor Mark Burton, one of the key players behind the Manchester Social Innovation Platform. Pam Warhurst, of Incredible Edible Todmorden Positive Money campaigner Kath Godfrey
A spokesman said: “The political idea of a Northern Powerhouse is growing, but what’s its purpose? What is our response? How do we benefit? The Road From Wigan Pier is about how we can shape our local Northern economies using grassroots projects, networks and ideas to inspire collective action and economic resilience.” Tickets for the event , held at Wigan Pier from 10.30am-4.30pm, cost £10 and £5, although some free tickets will be available. Book via www. eventbrite.co.uk
Up Holland link up with Wigan unlikely Up Holland’s proximity to Wigan is unlikely to count for much in the battle to deliver a Northern Powerhouse. West Lancashire Borough Council is instead considering whether to join up with other Lancashire councils to create a Combined Authority, which could then lead to greater devolution of powers from Westminster. WLBC is also an associate member of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. However, local leaders
are split on which area it should go with. David Westley, opposition Conservative group leader on West Lancs said: “The bulk of West Lancashire is already greatly influenced by the Liverpool City Region in terms of its economy, travel to work patterns and transport links.” Independent Cllr Adrian Owens said: “Picking Lancashire, Merseyside or Greater Manchester is never going to suit the whole of our borough.” Council leader and Up Holland Labour Cllr Ian Moran (pictured left) said: “A Combined Authority would see all Lancashire councils work closer together on key issues, providing a stronger voice.” A formal consultatiuon is set to start soon.
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Wigan firms’
joy
Local firms are celebrating after scooping accolodes galore at the Wigan Business Awards. BBC presenter Andy Crane was the host of the glittering event at the DW Stadium, which saw town centre utility meter and data services firm, Lowri Beck, receive the coveted Business of the Year award. Also celebrating were Ashton freight management, warehousing and distribution firm 3P Logistics Ltd, who were the recipients of the Small or Medium Enterprise of the Year award.
Chris Fletcher, from organisers Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “This year was one of the toughest yet for the judges, who deliberated long and hard over which businesses should come out on top.“
Other organisations which walked away winners included Hawkley Hall’s S.A.M. Joinery Ltd, Ashton, Wigan & District YMCA and Cloud Perspective, based at Wigan Investment Centre.
Rail investment announced Wigan rail commuters are set to benefit from faster journey times and new carriages following the announcement of new franchises. Starting in April, Arriva will run the Northern franchise, while First will run the TransPennine Express franchise. Passengers travelling to and from Wigan will benefit from a fast Northern Connect service to Manchester Airport via Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road, replacing the current TransPennine Express service. There will also be electric trains to Bolton and Manchester, following electrification of the route and four trains per hour to Manchester via Atherton.
Meets at 6pm,Tuesday, 12th January at Leigh Sports Village, Leigh, WN7 4JY
Networking and support in a friendly and informal atmosphere for all Wigan Borough-based businesses.
Admission £5 Please pre-register your attendance at
www.wiganbbc.org.uk @WiganBBC
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Business view
Self-assessment return due?
Don’t panic! by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy
N
ow that January is here, our attention turns to completing self-assessment returns. The deadline for completing your tax return for the year ending 05 April 2015 is 31st January, so it doesn’t give you long to complete this. Also, if you have any tax owing, it must also be paid by this date.
Sounds a little bit overwhelming? Need to complete your form but not sure where to get started? Don’t panic - CMA Accountancy we are here to help! We can complete this task for you from just £99 + VAT. That’s right, our charges start from just £99 + VAT!
You only need to complete a form if you fall into one of the following categories:
However, you must contact us by the 10th January so we can get everything sorted for you by the deadline on the 31st, so hurry - you don’t have long!
• You’re self-employed and you don’t pay income tax
Why use CMA to complete your tax return?
via PAYE • If you’re lucky enough to have savings income over £10,000 • You receive rental income for a property • You are a company director • You have capital gains tax to pay as you have sold an asset • You have received income from overseas such as pensions that are liable to UK tax • You’re employed and want to claim for expenses or subscriptions • You’re affected by the recent changes to the child benefit system - households with someone earning over £50,000 will lose a percentage of the benefit, and households with the highest earner making over £60,000 will lose the benefit entirely. Parents in this situation must register to HMRC and complete a tax return by 31st January 2016.
• Take away the worry of completing your return • Avoid any penalties if you make a mistake • We will review your income and look for ways to save tax Have you got any other accounting questions? Don’t hesitate to give us a call, or drop in to see us at CMA on Skull House Lane. 01257 255521 info@cma-accountancy.com www.cma-accountancy.com CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR
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Struggling with Self-Assessment? Call the expert number jugglers to make sense of your selfassessment forms. CMA gives you fixed-fee, value for money accountancy services to businesses and individuals Don’t get clobbered with a fine call CMA today for more details
www.cma-accountancy.com info@cma-accountancy.com Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521
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Food & Drink
Forget the
faff
By Gemma Dunn
S
implicity is key for Lorraine Pascale. “It’s the way I live and the way I eat,” explains the chef, discussing the essence behind her latest book, Eating Well Made Easy. “There’s no faff - just chop it up and throw it in.”
Split across sections that include lazy brunches, weekday dinners and movie nights, the book is designed to work for all budgets - and the best thing about it? You won’t have to trek to mystical heights to retrieve rare ingredients you may never use again.
It’s this understated approach to delivering uncomplicated, nutritious food that has seen the model-turned-TV-cook take the culinary world by storm; and when I turn up to play sous chef at her home, the proof is in the pudding.
“I wanted to include recipes that are easy to follow. Most of the ingredients listed you can get from Tesco, Sainsbury’s - local shops. That’s what I was aiming for.”
Looking far younger than her 43 years, a glowing Pascale’s off-screen demeanour is as fuss-free as her recipes. Dressed in jogging bottoms and a casual T-shirt, she looks every inch the (admittedly quite glamorous) homebody - the only visible sign of her celeb status being a pair of studio lights in her kitchen, which she reveals are used to self-shoot her YouTube cooking channel. “I’ve started doing it regularly; I’m full-time now and I’m focused,” she says of her move into the vlogger sphere. “I only do two one-minute videos a week because I film and edit them myself.”
Eating Well Made Easy by Lorraine Pascale is published by HarperCollins, priced £20. Available now
Model, baker, chef, mechanic (yes, really!), fostering activist and now director/producer, Pascale is a onewoman band (“I am the team!”), and she’s marching to the beat of her own drum. Her latest venture, she tells me (while chopping tomatoes for her take on popular Mexican dish huevos rancheros) is all about providing fast, easy and affordable recipes for the busy mum/girlfriend/ student etc, who wants to uphold a nutritious diet. “I’m so passionate about it. Writing healthy recipes comes really easily to me,” explains Pascale, who reveals she pulled the book together in less than three months by using her familiar, classic plates and giving them a healthier twist.
If you fancy having a cooking day, here are two recipes from Pascale’s new book to try at home...
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HOUGHWOOD
golf & restaurant
Party nIGHt
SatUrDay 16tH JanUary
Unable to have your Christmas party night in December? We are hosting a fantastic dinner & disco event with live entertainment for just
£25 per person! Contact the office on 01744 894754 to enquire about both events, book early to avoid disappointment
BUrnS nIGHt
FrIDay 22nD JanUary
Burns night Incorporated, with traditional Scottish entertainment, three course meal with optional Haggis, neeps & tatties
just £22.50 per person! HOUGHWOOD GOlF BIllInGe HIll, Crank rD, Crank, St HelenS, Wa11 8rl
www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk office@houghwoodgolf.co.uk
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Huevos
rancheros with jalapenos and garlic
Method Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas mark 6. Wrap the tortillas in a piece of tin foil, sit on a baking sheet and put them in the oven for about 10
Serves 2 Ingredients 2 soft corn tortillas 2tbsp olive oil 4 ripe tomatoes cut into cubes 3 spring onions, finely chopped 2 green jalapeno chillies or 1/2 regular green or red chilli, deseeded for less heat if preferred, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped Good pinch of ground cumin Leaves from 1/2 bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped 4 free-range eggs Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
minutes or until they are heated through. Meanwhile, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the tomato, spring onion, chilli, garlic, cumin and a little salt and pepper, and cook them for about five minutes, or until the tomato begins to break down. Stir in half of the coriander, remove from the heat and keep warm. Rinse out and dry the pan and put it back on a lowmedium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and once nice and hot, crack in the eggs, spaced apart. Cook them gently for about three to four minutes, until the whites are cooked but the yolks still a little bit runny. Remove the pan from the heat. Remove the tortillas from the oven and place one on each serving plate. Divide the salsa mix between them, spreading it out with the back of the spoon. Slide two eggs on top of each one, sprinkle with the remaining coriander and serve.
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The Foot
returns
Quality Food In A Village Setting
T
he Holt Arms known to many as the “Foot” due to its position at the foot of the ancient causeway that once linked Manchester to Liverpool, has undergone a transformation in the past 6 months. Since the reopening in March this year, owner Ian Mitty, a local of 15 years, is doing a roaring trade and this is unquestionably down to the outstanding cuisine, wide variety of real ales and overall quaint country pub atmosphere. The next step in the journey is now complete with a significant refurbishment of the village pub restaurant. A new Winter menu landed on the 20th November and the Foot will be offering an excellent January menu. At present the Lunch and Early Bird Offer of 2 courses for £7.95 3 courses for £9.95 is still very popular. As you can see from the offers and vouchers Ian is keen to attract customers old and new to the Holt Arms to try out the fantastic food. If you have not been to the Holt Arms for a while, why not make a visit and re-acquaint yourself with the finest old
Free Bottle
of House Wine Free bottle of house red or white wine voucher (must be noted at time of booking)when 2 dine and have two courses each Offer ends on 29th February, 2016.
FD erses eer t on purchase of Main Meal
#
#
Maximum of one bottle per table.
country pub in the area. A place of outstanding home cooked food, real beer and overall a wonderful atmosphere.
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer Offer ends on 29th February, 2016.
The Holt Arms Crank Road, Billinge, WN5 7DT 01695 628006
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Pasta with lemony
chicken and a kale and cashew nut pesto
Makes 4 Ingredients 350g wholewheat pasta 1tbsp olive oil 3 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks Leaves from 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 2tsp dried oregano) Finely grated zest of 1 lemon Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the pesto: 100g kale, hard stalks removed 1 garlic clove 50g cashew nuts, toasted 25g Parmesan, finely grated 25g fresh vegetable or chicken stock 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper To finish (optional): Leaves from 1/2 bunch of fresh basil
Method Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and put the pasta on to cook for as long as is recommended on the packet. As the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Toss the chicken in a medium bowl with the rosemary (or oregano) and salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about eight minutes stirring regularly, until it’s golden and completely cooked through. In the meantime, make the pesto. Whizz all of the ingredients together in a food processor or blender to give a rough paste. Season to taste and set aside. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well, return to the pan, cover and keep warm. Once the chicken is cooked, tip it in on top of the pasta along with the pesto. Add the lemon zest and stir everything together. Check the seasoning and then divide among the serving plates. Garnish with some ripped basil, if you fancy it.
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p e a h t r t y d goes on! n a . .. Fantastic New Year Vouchers! Tasty Food Happy Times Great Value only at...
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w it h a n y m ai n c o u r s e
This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash. This voucher is valid Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm only. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Voucher valid 4th January - 31st January 2016.
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This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Voucher valid 4th January - 31st January 2016.
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Don’t miss our Wedding Fayre on Sunday, 21st February, 11am-3pm HOLLAND HALL HOTEL
More than just a wedding venue
Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, Lancashire, WN8 0QZ • 01695 624 426 www.hollandhallhotel.co.uk • info@hollandhallhotel.co.uk
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Eating out
guide Delph Tavern Award-winning CAMRA freehouse with a fast growing reputation for excellent quality food at reasonable prices. Traditional British classics served, plus some exotic surprises too. Food served Wed-Sun only. 01695 622239 Tontine, Orrell, WN5 8UJ facebook.com/TheDelphTavern
The Rigbye Arms This pretty pub with its low beams, quirky rooms and real fire, has centuries of hospitality steeped into its timbers. Offering a variety of fresh local produce and local game, there is something for everyone. 01257 462354 2 Whittle Lane, Wrightington, Wigan, WN6 9QB rigbyearms.com
Advertise
here £30 + VAT
Call 01695 627999
Lovels Bistro Tasty food, happy times and great value - you’ll not be disappointed with the quality, taste and service. We’re more than just a great wedding venue. 01695 624 426 Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ hollandhallhotel.co.uk
The Stocks Tavern
Fifteens @ The Fox
Warmest and friendliest of welcomes with award winning chef Mike Heap, who uses only the finest, freshest, local ingredients to ensure you leave completely satisfied. 01257 462874 16, Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN thestockstavern.co.uk
With real fires burning, local fresh food and great cask ales, Fifteens @ The Fox offers a perfect combination of a traditional pub with relaxed fine dining, seven days a week. 01695 628178 Roby Mill, Up Holland, WN8 0QF fifteensatthefox.com
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Papa Luigi’s Traditional Italian cuisine at its best! Enjoy a little bit of Italy in elegant surroundings and a warm friendly atmosphere, where you can relax and unwind or celebrate in style. Book now for Christmas. 01942 231558 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 1JP papaluigiswigan.co.uk
The Corner House Fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere - perfect for any special occasion or a casual get together. Our traditional menu sources local produce. See our website for special offers. 01257 451400 9, Wood Lane, Wrightington Bar, Wigan, WN6 9SE cornerhousewrightington.co.uk
The High Moor Restaurant From set menus to a-la-carte meals and a traditional Sunday lunch, The High Moor Restaurant has an enviable reputation for superb food, outstanding wines and genuine hospitality. 01257 252364 High Moor Lane, Wrightington, Wigan, WN6 9QA highmoorrestaurantwigan.co.uk
Advertise
here £30 + VAT
Call 01695 627999 Rigby’s Coffee Shop
rigby’s Coffee Shop
Houghwood In a perfect setting, Houghwood’s restaurant has panoramic views across the course and over to the Welsh hills. A modern British menu is served Wednesday to Sunday. Monthly tribute events and theme nights. 5 star food hygiene rating. 01744 894754 Crank Road, St Helens, WA11 8RL houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk
Enjoy a trip out to Pimbo Garden Centre and tuck into a wide selection of delicious home cooked, locally sourced, food served seven days a week at Rigby’s Coffee Shop. 01695 622601 Pimbo Garden Centre, 32 Pimbo Lane, Up Holland, WN8 9QQ pimbogardencentre.co.uk
The Simms Road Inn Homemade pub food classics made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning Steak & Ale pie, supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner. 01744 894246 Garswood, WN4 0XH burtonandrew55@yahoo.com
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Events & Leisure
What’s
on
Dick Whittington & His Wonderful Cat Friday, January 8-Sunday, January 17 St Michael’s Amateur Dramatic Society’s 69th season starts with this panto at St Michael’s Parish Hall, on Shaw Street, Swinley. Performances are 7.30pm and at 2pm on the Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are £6 or £5 concessions. Call June on 01942 236260 / 07806 787250.
Aladdin Friday, January 8-Wednesday, January 23 A sorcerer, a genie, a beautiful princess and a comedy mother! Can Aladdin get his happy ending? Pantomime written by Bill Collins and directed by Christine Armstrong. Matinees take place on Saturdays and Sundays, January 9, 10, 16 and 17 at
Promote your class
here! Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in Wigan Ad prices start from £39 + VAT Call 01695 627 999 for details
Giant Lego Animals Until Sunday, January 31 These amazing creations will bring families closer to nature at WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough. Visitors will be able to enjoy the trail of 10 individually-designed 4ft (1.5m) brick characters some inspired by real species at Martin Mere. Included are a large North American River Otter, a Hawaiian Goose (Ne Ne), the world’s rarest goose, and a flamingo. To find out more about the trail visit wwt.org.uk/legobrickanimals, or call Victoria Fellowes on 01704 891240.
2.15pm at Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3S. No performances on January 11 and 18. For tickets visit http://www.wiganlittletheatre. co.uk/aladdin.html or call (01942) 242561.
Soap Making Thursday, January 21 Talk by a representative of Tiger Muffin Soaps at 7pm in Standish Library, Cross Street. Entry is £3.
Pop-Up Cafe Friday, January 22 Charity event held in the Community Room at Up
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Throwing a Austentatious Thursday, January 14 An Improvised Jane Austen Novel is a comedy play spun in the inimitable style of Jane Austen –and based entirely on audience suggestions. Received rave reviews The Times noting its “constant wit and verve”. Held at The Lowry Theatre in Salford from 8pm. Tickets from £18 via www. manchestertheatres.com
Holland Library, Hall Green, from 10am-noon. The drinks and cakes are freely donated, but organisers ask for a donation.
Lancashire Folk Night
Party?
Large, medium & small function rooms for hire Holds from 50 to 180 people Sprung dance floor Discounts available
for charities
Friday, January 22 Held at Simms Road pub, Garswood, starring Chonkinfeckle plus AD. Cooke. Free entry.
Ample free car parking
Wigan Youth Zone’s Annual Charity Boxing Dinner
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals and other functions
Friday, January 22 This event, titled The Lords of the Ring – One Ring to Rule Them All, will be held at Wigan Youth Zone, Parson’s Walk, from 6pm and is a black tie do. The bouts will include army boxers from The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers as well as amateur boxers from across the North West. The Corp of Drums and also a military pipe band will be performing on the night. They are also hoping to have special guest presentations from Ray Winstone and Paul Scholes (TBC). The night will also include a charity auction, raffle and other fundraising games. Tables are available
Call Joe on
07877 480 572 for details
St James Social Centre St James Road Orrell, WN5 7AA 01695 623902
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at a cost of £1,000 per table of 10 or £100 per ticket. Email Spencer Parry at spencer.parry@ wiganyouthzone.org
Burns Night Supper Friday, January 22 Organised by Wigan’s Thistle Society and held at 7pm for 7.30pm at St Teresa’s Church Hall, College Road, Up Holland. There will be short speeches, a soloist, a meal of cock-a-leekie soup, haggis and neeps, with the option of chicken or vegetable bake (gluten free diets catered for), apple pie and cream or, Scottish trifle or cheese and biscuits. Tea/coffee and shortbread will follow. After the meal there will be dancing for everyone. Tickets cost £22 for adults and £15 for young persons aged 12 and under. Call 01942 715074 or 01942 861539.
Douglas Music Event Saturday, January 23 Alina Ibragimova and Cédric Tiberghien, a violin and piano duo, star at Parbold Village Hall, The Green, from 7.45pm. Email: tickets@parbolddouglasmusic. org or call 01257 498452.
Blithe Spirit Wednesday, February 17-Saturday, February 20 A comic play by Noel Coward, directed by Jeff Brailsford. Suave novelist Charles Condomine has re-married, but is haunted by the ghost of his first wife Elvira. As worldly and unworldly personalities clash, Charles’ present wife Ruth falls victim to an accident meant for him, “passes over”, and teams up with Elvira, allowing the two “blithe spirits” to haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity Held at The Playhouse Theatre, Market Street, Preston, from 7.30pm-10pm. Tickets cost £7 -£9 via www.prestonplayhouse.com
Sri Lanka Talk Saturday, January 23 Event at Tunley URC Church, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, from 7.30pm with Colin and Rhona Balls. Join them for a railway tour of Sri Lanka visiting the cultural sites and the Yala National Park, which is claimed to have the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Tickets £7, refreshments included . Call 01257 463407/425330/426252.
Charity Darts Night Saturday, January 23 The Old Courts, on Crawford Street, Wigan town centre, is proud to present, live in The Court Room, its first charity darts night in aid of mental health charity Mind. There’s also be fun and games including Round The Board and wrong hand darts, plus live music and DJ Andy McKay. Tickets are £5 or £35 for a table of eight. The fun starts at 7.30pm. Book via www.theoldcourts.com
Clouds of Sils Maria Sunday, January 24 Visit Parbold Picture House, The Common, to watch the Clouds of Sils Maria Starring Juliette Binoche, Kirsten Stewart and Chloe Grace Moret. A veteran actress comes face-to-face with an uncomfortable reflection of herself when she agrees to take part in a revival of the play that launched her career. Admission £3.50 on the door. Starts at 7pm.
Pantomime Time Tuesday, January 26-Saturday, January 30 This year, Parbold Women’s Institute is putting on ‘Dick Whittington & His Cat’ for five nights , starting at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday showing at 1.30pm. Tickets cost £6.00 adults & £4.50 children from Parbold Hardware Store on The Common. For more information, contact Beryl Sedley on 01257 464350.
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Charity Live Music Night Friday, January 29 Standish Churches Men’s Fellowship and Standish Marie Curie Fundraising Group presents this event at Standish Unity Club on Cross Street. From 7.30pm-midnight, with entertainment from The Bluenotes and Equal Terms. Admission is by ticket only, which costs £10 and includes a hot pot supper. Call Dave on 01257 425776 or Stan on 01257 426638. All proceeds to The Christie Hospital and Marie Curie Cancer Care.
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Babes In The Wood Saturday-Sunday, January 30-31, and Saturday, February 6 St John’s (Pemberton) Dramatic Society 2016 pantomime. Times are 3.30pm on the Saturdays and 4pm on the Sunday, and evening performances are from 7pm. Tickets are priced at £7 for all adults and £5 for school children. To order your tickets, please contact Anne Parfitt on 01942 621701.
Wet Wet Wet Saturday, February 27
An arena tour of the hit BBC1 show at Liverpool
The iconic Scottish band play Liverpool Echo Arena as part of Wet Wet Wet have announced they will play Echo Arena as part of their Big Picture Tour. The tour announcement coincides with the 20th
Echo Arena. As with the TV version, the show will pit celebrity dancers and their partners against the judges. Audiences at each venue will then be able to vote live from their seats via text message. Tickets for two shows, one in the morning and again in the evening, via prideofmanchester.seetickets.com
anniversary of their number one album Picture This which included the hits Julia Says, Don’t Want to Forgive Me Now, Somewhere Somehow, She’s All On My Mind, Morning and of course Love is all Around. Tickets from £47.50 via www.echoarena. com
Strictly Come Dancing Tour Tuesday, February 2
Curtain Up On Murder Wednesday, February 3-Saturday, February 6 A modern murder mystery style play presented by Bravo Theatre Company and directed by Brendan Delaney. The performances will be at St Michael’s Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan, Doors 7pm, start time 7:30pm. Tickets are £10.50 (adults) and £8.50 (concessions). Book via https://thelittleboxoffice. com/bravotc or call 01942 723012.
Floral Adventure Wednesday, February 10 Sara Barrow from Preston gives a talk and demonstration to Parbold & District Flower Club from 11am-4pm. New members and visitors are welcome. New member subscriptions cost £34 per annum and the visitor’s fee is £6 per meeting and includes refreshments. For more information, call Eileen on 01704 893124.
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Cast Thursday, February 11 Originally formed in 1992, Cast released four albums, the second was Mother Nature Calls. A decade later, and the original line-up of John Power (guitar/ vocals), Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson (lead guitar), Pete Wilkinson (bass) and Keith O’Neill (drums) have reunited, and are playing live at The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, from 7.30pm. Tickets £20, and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Call the Box Office on 01744 735 436.
Standish Hall Trail Race Sarurday, February 20 Starting at 2.30pm, the 10k (approx) route is open to runners of all standards. The course is completely off road on bridle paths and woodland trails. Preentries must send a A5 stamp addressed envelope by February 13 to Paul Carroll, 21 Pilgrims Way, Standish, WN6 0AJ. Entry fees, made payable to Wigan Phoenix, are £6 (£8 unattached) or on the day the price wil be £7 (£9 unattached). You can also enter online at www.runnersworld.co.uk Email enquiries to paul.carroll@wiganphoenix.org.uk or call 07950 074173.
Billy Liar
Ed Byrne Friday, March 11 Join the Irish comedian on his Outside, Looking In Tour at Warrington’s Parr Hall from 8pm. His live performances have received five-star reviews from the national media, including The Times which said: “A masterful display of the comic’s art…Comedy’s holy grail – go see!” Tickets cost from £19 and can be purchased via www.pyramidparrhall.com
Annual Charity Ball
Monday, February 22--Saturday, February 27
Saturday, March 12
A CADOS production held at Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, from 7.30pm. This play follows a boy working in an undertakers in Yorkshire, who dreams of a life in the big city. Billy lies compulsively to everyone he comes across, whether it’s the claim that his father is a retired naval captain, or telling his parents that his best mate’s mother has broken her leg. He is engaged to two girlfriends, and in love with a third and constantly refers to a vague job offer writing scripts in London for “Danny Boon”, a comedian. Sooner or later, the lies unravel and Billy must face reality and the future. Tickets on sale now: Monday-Wednesday £6, Thursday-Saturday £8. Tickets from Malcolm’s Musicland, 01257 264362, at the store on Chapel Street, Chorley.
Soroptimist International of Wigan event at the DW Stadium. This year the event will raise money for charities such as Mary’s Meals , Wigan and Leigh Hospice plus other local, national and international charities. The MC for the evening will be Dave Guest from BBC North West Tonight and there will be dancing to the band Street Level. Tickets for the event are £45 each or £405 for a table of 10, the ticket price includes a champagne reception plus a three course dinner. For further information about the event or to buy tickets, contact Louise Layland on 01942 233902 or Sandra Kidd on 07903 243105.
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sponsored by
Arley &
Adlington by David Sudworth
A
nyone embarking on a walk in this part of Wigan tends to gravitate towards Haigh Hall.
1869 structure has been tastefully restored in a way which renders it useable but doesn’t detract from its original design.
Nothing wrong with that of course; a fine destination affording the chance to see a 17th Century Earl’s lodgings, fantastic woodland and lovely views right across the Lancashire Plain. However, this month, we’re heading north west of Haigh towards Red Rock for a stroll which sees the less grand but equally as interesting outer reaches of Wigan borough.
We’re now following the old Lancashire Union Joint Railway line, Just before the bridge take the steps on the right up onto the bridge, go left and follow the road taking the sharp right hand turn that takes you through Wigan Golf Club. Peter, our fearless lensman, knows the area whereas I walked trepidatiously, especially when I could hear in the distance a Nine Iron making a fulsome connection with a freshly-purchased Pinnacle.
Starting from the Red Rock Lane car park next to the old Red Rock station follow the path past the old station building. Now a private residence, the
We follow the road straight into the club car park,
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but we haven’t got time to waste as we continue along, passing Crawshaw Hall Farm, then some animal kennels and along to The Common. Just has you reach the start of residential housing take a right into Old School Lane. Keep going until you reach the old school house on the corner, at which point you leave the road and take the public footpath down to the river. Here, climb over the stile and go right, following the path along the riverside until it emerges onto a single track lane. This part of the walk can be a big boggy and, depending on the time of year, you may be fighting metres of vigorous vegetation,
passing Arley Hall on the right. We continue down a track until to an opening on your right that leads into Arley Wood and over the River Douglas. Once over, go up and to the right following the path as it opens out onto farm fields.
Go left down to the river, where you can cross over via the foot bridge alongside the ford. Continue along the road until you get to the top of the climb, then just before the farm take the path up onto the
At this point, we get an unencumbered view of Winter Hill. For those who have been living on Mars, or London (same difference after all), for the past 60 years, Winter Hill is home to the region’s principle TV transmitter. It’s also a known UFOs-sighting hotspot. Are those two facts linked? Who knows,
Old school house This grade II listed building is now one private house. In the centre of the 1st floor is a rectangular stone tablet with incised lettering:- “This School for pious and useful learning was built by voluntary subscription In the year of our Lord 1815 R.P.B.” The left half of building was the school, with the right being the master’s house.
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Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.
96
canal towpath. Go right, under the bridge and then right again to cross over the canal bridge. Within a few yards you come to an old railway trackbed, that is now a multi-use path (Route 55). Take a right and follow this until you reach the second bridge, at which point you leave the path and take the steps up onto Arley Lane. We are now on the home straight as we go right, following the road past Abbey Farm and over the canal again. Leave the road and take the canal towpath away from the bridge. As the canal winds its way towards Red Rock you pass some properties on the opposite side of the canal with nice little summer houses on the canal side. It’s somewhere I could see myself retiring to, G&T in one hand, copy of The Beano in the other, while catching up on the latest from Ambridge via Radio 4. Keep going until just before the canal bridge at Red Rock, where you can step off the towpath and onto Arley Lane, just before the traffic lights. Here take a right down the main road until you come to the entrance of the car park where we started out. This five-mile walk took us approximately one hour and 45 minutes. This was mainly due to the fact it is
uphill and down dale in parts, ranging from a low of 264ft above sea level to 339ft at the highest point. I liked this route because it does give you a more rounded overview of this part of Wigan, but also provides a peek at its neighbours in Chorley and Bolton. And given the fact that all three towns are fairly busy places, it allows you to enjoy some solace while not being too far away from civilisation.
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H
appy New Year everyone! I hope that Father Christmas brought you everything you wished for? Hubby excelled himself this year in the present buying department – although I didn’t get the trip to Hampton Court Flower Show that I’d kept dropping hints about – but he did remember my pj size! At this time of year I love curling up in front of the fire - in my new pjs and slippers - and browsing through a good gardening book or magazine. It gives me some inspiration for the forthcoming year and helps to take my mind off the impending credit card bill. This is the perfect time of year for planning ahead and one of the biggest problems I hear about from clients when they are assessing their garden, is the lack of seasonal interest and colour. All garden designers have a favourite list of plants which will appear in their designed gardens time and time again. To some extent this will be down to personal preference but it will also be because those plants bring something to a planting scheme, whether this be structure, colour, movement or scent.
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.
I thought I’d give you a glimpse of my own list of plants which I simply could not be without in my own garden and which I include in many of my planting plans; Buxus sempervirens or Box – can be topiary or hedging for evergreen structure Bergenia ‘Bressingham Beauty’ – good seasonal interest, colour and texture Geranium nodosum – long season of colour and great in shade Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ – good texture and colour Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ – has scent and makes a lovely small hedge Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ – long lasting late summer colour and fabulous for bees and butterflies Sarcococca confusa – strong scent in winter – just when our spirits need a lift These are just a handful, there are so many other brilliant plants to chose from – I feel inspired already – roll on spring!
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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Useful numbers Medical Pemberton PCT Clinic Concourse Walk-in Centre Bradshaw Street Surgery Church Street Surgery Hall Green Surgery Holmes House Avenue Surgery Hall Green Clinic Orrell Clinic Matthew Ryder Clinic Wigan Family Chiropractic Clinic Wigan Infirmary Ormskirk Hospital NHS Direct
01942 775 820 01695 588 640 01942 222 336 01695 622 982 01695 622 268 01942 483 213 01695 622 781 01942 775 750 01695 624 042 01942 498 480 01942 244 000 01695 577 111 08 454 647
Dentists Moor Road Dentist Church Street Dentist Tower Hill Dentist Hall Green Dentist St Raphael’s Dentist Emergency Dental Repairs
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Council and Councillors (Wigan) Wigan Council www.wigan.gov.uk Cllr Ready (Orrell & Billinge) 01942 487 675 Cllr Arrowsmith (Orrell & Billinge) 01942 486 859 Cllr Murphy (Orrell and Billinge) 01942 487 688 Cllr Kenny (Winstanley) 01942 487 677 Cllr Morgan (Winstanley) 01942 486 880 Council and Councillors (West Lancashire) West Lancashire Borough Council 01695 577 177 Cllr Moran (Up Holland) 01695 550 256 Cllr Owen (Up Holland) 07908 800 550 County Cllr Fillis (Up Holland) 07811 388 153 Cllr Baybutt (Roby Mill) 01257 255501 Cllr Evans (Roby Mill) 01695 624 683 Libraries Hope Community Library Lamberhead Green Library Up Holland Library
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Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan. WN6
DING 7TP & WEL
Slash your electricity and water heating bill
Protect your household from future energy price rises Reduce your household’s impact on the environment
The little magazine with a big reach
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0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
we make it our business to help yours
locallife247.co.uk
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Improving your home? • Fitted Kitchens • Loft Conversions • New Bathrooms • Conservatories If you plan to improve your home in 2016 call Gareth today for a free quotation Billinge Based
01257 422317 or 07852 202867
The Complete Answer to Building & Joinery Jobs
www.mtjoiner y.co.uk
01744 603 231 / 07501 270 436
Home Improvements
Arley Cabinet Company Ltd • Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •
• Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms • Garage & Loft Conversions • Floors, Doors & Windows For all your home improvement needs call David on...
01942 203 804 DS Joiner 07851 225 876
Great Value Bathrooms!
We measure we make we fit and have done for 60 years. Visit our showroom or call us today for a FREE estimate
Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Showers, Trays & Cubicles Relocation of Bathroom Suites 25 years bathroom experience Call Chris now for a free quotation
C L Bathrooms
01942 749085 or 07801 295483 www.clbathrooms.co.uk
Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd 214a Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7BN Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm Sat: 9am - 12pm
www.arleycabinets.com tel: 01942 246190
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Domestic & Commercial Roofing Number One for House Maintenance! • UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & ROOFLINE • BROKEN LOCKS & MISTED WINDOWS
• Re-roofs
• Slating & Tiling
• Fascias & Soffits • House Painting • Flat Roofs • Guttering
07710 627998 www.elements-roofing.co.uk Email: info@elements-roofing.co.uk
• GUTTERS AND UPVC CLEANING SERVICE • FLAGGING, FENCING & POINTING • GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE
No job too small! Call Mike Darbyshire on
01942 513 584 / 07917 352 181 Orrell based
First Class Workmanship • All types of re-roofs • Strip & re-slate or re-tile • Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc. • Insurance work undertaken • Roofline uPVC fascias, soffits & guttering
• Pointing
Advertise
here
Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985
Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation
W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS
01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years
• Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate
01695 633173 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk
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All electrical work undertaken • Rewires & Upgrades • Interior & Exterior Lighting • Alarms & CCTV • Extra Sockets & Lights
07531 765 529 / 01695 628 150
A.J.S.
BAILEYS ELECTRICAL
• Rewire specialists • Extra sockets & lights fitted • Mains board upgrades
01942 215 769 07739 709 005
Free quotations
ANDY HIDDEN J.Dillon Electrical Electrical & Construction
Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826 www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk
• All types of electrical work • 20+ years experience • Friendly, fast and reliable • 24 hour call out service
Building Projects from Conception to Completion • • • • •
Extensions & New Build Conservatories & Orangeries Fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Garage & Loft Conversions Garden Walls, Driveways & Patios Award Winner 2012/13/14/15
For a no obligation quotation call us today
• Fully fitted • 12 months Guarantee • Upgrades & Rewires • Free Maintenance • Extra Sockets & Lights • No Contract Obligation Wireless Alarm System • No Cables, No Mess WeEN50131 also supply andGrade fit; 2 / PD Compliant, • Easily Expandable, if required Alarm system • Burglar Alarms (hard wired/wireless)
08000 842 394 07946 844 904
All aspects of electrical work welcomed
For Only
• CCTV - Security lighting
£360
We Install Solar PV
www.ahde.co.uk
Smart Electrical Contractors
Call Graham today for a friendly, no obligation, chat about your home security requirements
We do landlord checks and all work is fully insured For a free quote and friendly advice, call Graham
Suite 1A Contact Us 01942 836 93701942 or 07557 Kirkless Ind. Est. 836 937914 788 Cale Lane Wiganghe_info@yahoo.co.uk 07928 050 611
Tel: 01942 387004 Mob: 07594 240054
Domestic - Commercial - Industrial
steve pearson
Design & Print
• All types of electrical work undertaken • Friendly, fast & reliable • Free estimates
Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service
your local electrician
no
Saving money is the clear benefit!
Solar Thermal & Solar PV
1 w£
Wind Turbines Heat Pumps
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
LED Lighting
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
...and general NG SERVICI
VAN CAR & motorcycles too es E ...and Lash Tan Book X y your FREE Spra H ils home survey eds A k Sunb & GeTl Na Health ChecTelephone: 01257 427 000 ic Car U rton Acryl and Brethe Don’t forget, we also offer all of theseEnergy services daily... Savings
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
FREE Dennis Goulding
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS (Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
and we’ll provide you with a detailed report showing the returns
Mossy Lea Road
available from- 12:00 yournoon Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am
own solar panels Y S 84 of Crostonwww.dglwindows.co.uk (10% typical return) J27 dio residents me! R Stu T @ for all7PG me until you needCheck E e WN5Keep S HealthVisit our showroom at , Billing 400 FREE Car on - 6PM Unit 4a, Road S 4 619 your ford ay 10AM now Book Cricket : 0781
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Tel: 01744 881194 Mob: 07554 425580
£20
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01695 627999
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For more information call
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REPAIR
603923
Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan. WN6
DING 7TP & WEL
Slash your electricity and water heating bill
Protect your household from future energy price rises Reduce your household’s impact on the environment
Call us now
0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
we make it our business to help yours
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Need a new look for your home?
Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices! Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator
01942 518126 or 07545 065119 Orrell based business
Ian Martland
Painter & Decorator Established 1990
• All aspects of Decorating • Interior & Exterior • Free Estimates
01695 632 477 | 07748 195 809
Create your Dream Home today… Our Master Craftsman Derek and his friendly team will help you create your dream home. All aspects of decorating - from simple painting or wallpapering to complex murals. 50 years wallpapering expertise. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call Derek today for a free consultation & quote
Call 07831 505 672
email franklindecorators@gmail.com
www.wigandecorators.co.uk
Advertise
here
Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
Lady Decorator
Professional Interior Decorating Service Reduced rates for Pensioners Clean, tidy and conscientious Tel: 01942 366996 or 07962 422856
Just Imagine
Decorating - Interior Design - Soft Furnishings
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C &D
Plumbing and Heating
Heating & Bathroom Specialist Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P 07973714222 01695625171
PETER RODAN LTD • All Heating & Plumbing work • Full Heating Installations • Boiler Servicing & Repairs • Boiler Conversions • 20 year experience
Tel: Mob:
Free programmable room thermostats fitted with new Combi Boilers!
John Bailey - 01942 495785
01257 472 385 07971 631 709
Standish based
Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service
221213
or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan
• Complete central heating installations • Full bathroom/wetroom renovations
PATON PLUMBING
& HEATING LTD
A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff
• Boiler service and repairs • Landlord’s gas safety certificates
T: 01744 634 525
542856
M: 07825 323 711
SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES
Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner • Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks • Gas Fire & Cooker Installations • Under Floor Heating Specialists • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades
brand New bathrooms boiler + Central Heating Installs, servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Domestic + Commercial
10 YEARS
EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS
WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!
Telephone:
01942 504 429
Freephone 0300 3030121 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809
Registration No.
88604
21 Naburn Dr Orrell wN5 8sb
TEL: MOB:
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk
www.orrellheating.co.uk
Finance available
506515
01257 421 660 07931 766 684
www.fgwelch.co.uk
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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on No Reich turn... What do Usain Bolt, Gordon Brown, Taylor Swift and Marus Bridge roundabout have in common? Answer: they’ve all been linked to Hitler. Well, sort of. A few years ago, some clever so-and-so decided to use the last part of the biographical Downfall film as the backdrop to parody various modern situations. The scene shows Adolf verbally rip into his generals after realising he is going to lose the war. And now a prankster has made Library Street’s finest the target of the Fuhrer’s fury. For on You Tube, in full technicolor, is a film entitled: Hitler Finds Out About The New Marus Bridge Roundabout Layout.
A particular gem comes when he demands that all those who don’t love Winstanley should leave forthwith. Cue several nervouslooking men shuffling out of the room, before Hitler rages about how he’ll no longer be able to get to Sainsbury’s before frothing at the mouth over people taking short cuts down Clapgate Lane. A delicious bit of satire which now has over 30,000 views - now that’s something worth shouting about.
Wurst of both worlds Speaking of Germany, younger readers may be surprised to learn that in the 1970s, Up Holland had its very own Berlin Wall which went across Ormskirk Road. Almost overnight, it became the Checkpoint Charlie between the village and Skelmersdale, a boundary which exists to this day. Fast forward 40 years and a new Cold War looks set to break out between the two after it emerged that either Up Holland or Skelmersdale Library will be axed due to budget cuts. All of which present a major headache for Lancs County Council cabinet Große Käse John Fillis who not only represents Up Holland but, yes you’ve guessed it, part of Skelmersdale. Mein Gott!
Scrum on down Ey up, forget our rivalry with Saints, for on Sunday, January 17, Wigan Warriors square up to Leigh Centurions away. It’s a grudge match with a twist because, looking at the history, there’s been a share of the spoils, with two games played and a win for both sides. One of those was back in 1998 when Wigan ran out 32-10 winners. I’ve got a soft spot for Leigh, especially their market which is great for an afternoon mooch. But when it comes to rugby, I’m with Wigan all the way.
Even Bad Times Are Good And finally, may I be the last person to wish you a Happy New Year. I was going to tell you about my glorious festive break, but sadly the telly packed up on Boxing Day so I missed all the repeats from last year. I also gorged on too many Roses so am now doing the 5:2 diet, which I think involves eating five days’ worth of meals in two, although I could be wrong. But it wasn’t all bad, the missus lost her voice over Christmas. So I bought her a reissue of Silence Is Golden by The Tremeloes as a belated gift...
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Established 1999
We’ve got it covered! Roofing Emergency Repairs General maintenance Full re-roofs Flat/pitched Roof Conversions Velux Windows Roofline Fascias & Soffits Cladding Gutters
10 YEAR
INSURANCE-BACKED GUARANTEE
NO CALL OUT FEES Call today for a free quote
01942 665 270 0774 876 7845 or 0770 221 8867 www.protecroofingnw.co.uk
The Old Coach House, George Street, Ashton in Makerfield, WN4 8QD