Local Life - Wigan - April 2016 by Local Life 247 Ltd

Wigan Edition

April 2016

Springtime in

Aspull

Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Business View...

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couple of weeks ago, I did something that I vowed I’d never do – join Facebook.

I recently became involved in a pop up café initiative in Orrell to raise funds for the local community and charities, and I was persuaded that if I joined Facebook myself and promoted the page it would reap benefits. This, despite me, a 50+ workaholic, having about as many friends as Adam Johnson now has, especially before’ lights out’ at whatever nick he ended up in. Anyway, what a revelation! I look at my news feed on Facebook and see all these people having a fab time – celebrating in champagne bars, walking in the Lakes, ski-ing in the French Alps, whilst the highlight of my week is the occasional chippy tea from Pepper Lane chippy! Often we’re just too busy pulling together all these exciting things in our magazines for you to do, that we haven’t time to actually do many ourselves. So I’m going to mark the clocks moving forward by getting out there a bit more, enjoying the Spring sunshine and making the most of all the attractions Wigan has to offer. Hopefully I’ll see you there too! Until next time

Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Next issue - May 2016

Advertising deadline - Thursday 7 April Published - Thursday 21 April Local Life Media

@locallifemedia

In this issue Let’s talk

Jack’s Tracks

tinnitus

Ashton & Bamfurlong

80 Garden

John’s in the

Zone

Diary

Davina’s Smart

Test Drive -

Carbs

Mini Clubman

Regulars

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

44 Class from the past

101 Useful numbers

47 Puzzle Corner

102 View from the lump

Telephone: 01695 627 999 Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray Editorial: Chris Pearce

76 What’s On

Design: Peter Bretherton

Sections 6 Property

70 Food & Drink

16 Local News

76 Leisure

18 Fashion

84 Gardening

52 Heath & Fitness

86 Motoring

60 Legal & Finance

91 Home Services

62 Business View

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Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh. The next 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. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan.

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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Wigan Property

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There I was, out with the family at Haigh Country Park last weekend, when a smart gentleman, who runs a small but perfectly formed retailers in Wigan recognized and approached me for my thoughts on the future of the Wigan property market, and I’m going to share the gist of that conversation with you. I told him that people are always going to need a roof over their heads and somewhere to live will never go out of fashion – it’s a necessity for every single person. The younger people in Wigan have a choice to what type of house they have; They can rent from the Council, they can rent from a private landlord or they can get a mortgage and buy one. Back in the old days, these youngsters saved like mad for two years for a house deposit, whilst living at home or renting a cheap two up, two down. However, more recently the phenomenon known as Generation Rent has happened and younger people haven’t been buying, choosing to rent instead – mainly from private landlords. Twenty years ago Wigan was a different place. There were 34,610 households in Wigan. Fast forward to 2016 and the total number of households has increased by 29.24% to 44,729. However, it’s the figures relating to the rented sector that are truly fascinating; twenty years ago, only 1,305 properties were privately rented in Wigan, and now that figure has risen to 4,961, a staggering rise of 280%. Despite that 29% increase in the number of houses in Wigan, the number of council houses has dropped from 9,797 to 7,998 over the same twenty year period as the local authority has sold off council housing. Demand for decent rented property remains high. Cameron’s much vaunted house building program

is years away and has decades of under investment to catch up on before it starts to affect demand. Even with the Buy to Let tax rule changes over the coming few years, private landlords still have an important role to play in housing the people of Wigan and those professional landlords who run their buy to let business properly will survive and prosper. In my view, the best way Wigan landlords can protect their income from property is to keep the homes they let out in Grade A condition. I have found, especially over the last three or four years, Wigan tenants have ever growing expectations from their rental property, and are prepared to pay ‘top dollar‘ for houses and apartments that meets those expectations. You must not forget, letting property is a business, so all private landlords should also seek the advice, opinion and commentary of property professionals. For more in-depth thoughts on the Wigan Property Market, which have a library of similar articles like this, please visit my blog – www. wiganpropertyblog.com.

2.4% rise in Wigan property

values

igan’s continuing housing shortage continues as the number of houses being built continues to be woefully inadequate in meeting the ever demanding needs of the growing population in the town.

Sources: Office of National Statistics; Land Registry; Home Office

Back in the Autumn, George Osborne, used the Autumn Statement to double the housing budget to £2bn a year from April 2018 in an attempt to increase supply and deliver 100,000 new homes each year until 2020. The Chancellor also introduced a series of initiatives to help get first time buyers on the housing ladder, including the contentious Help to Buy Scheme and extending Right to Buy from not just Council tenants, but to Housing Association tenants as well. Now that does all sound rather good, but the Country is only building 137,490 properties a year. If you look at the graph (courtesy of ONS), you will see nationally, the last time the country was building 230,000 houses a year was in the 1970’s. How George is going to almost double house building overnight, I don’t know.

Giving potential house buyers incentives like the Help to Buy scheme is all very well, but if there’s not enough houses in the first place it doesn’t really help. Looking at the local authority area as a whole, only 340 properties were built in the last 12 months. 310 of these were privately built properties, 30 were housing association homes and there wasn’t a single council house built. This is simply not enough and the shortage of supply has meant Wigan property values have continued to rise, meaning they are 2.4% higher than 12 months ago. The number of properties for sale last month in Wigan was 917, whilst 12 months ago, that figure was 1,351, whilst four years ago it stood at 1,606; that’s a massive drop! With demand for Wigan property rising, minimal new homes being built and less properties coming onto the market, that can only mean one thing - now is a good time to be a homeowner or landlord in Wigan. For more articles like this, please visit the Wigan Property Market Blog at www.wiganpropertyblog. com

House building permanent dwellings completed, by tenure, England, 1946 to 2014

Louise Breakey MARLA, MNAEA

Author of The Wigan Property Blog

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Aspull in

bloom

Colourful planters and hanging baskets are being installed in Aspull thanks to the villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flourishing In Bloom group. Ward councillors have used their Brighter Borough funding to pay for three new planters outside the row of shops in Scot Lane and the planters will be maintained by local businesses Truly Scrumptious, Aspull Racing and PD Wogan Butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The In Bloom group - which consists of ward councillors, members of Aspull Methodist Church and residents - has encouraged a total of 14 businesses to install and maintain hanging baskets in the area. The group meets on the first Monday of every month, weather permitting, at Aspull Methodist Church to take part in a litter pick between 9:3010:30am.

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Sarah Ward, owner of Truly Scrumptious in Aspull, said: “We’re really pleased that the councillors have decided to fund these planters in the area. Myself and other businesses have said that we will support the scheme by maintaining the planters. Aspull is a beautiful village and these are going to help make it more beautiful.” Aspull In Bloom was set up in October 2015 following one of the council’s Deal in Action events, which involve Wigan Council staff, councillors, community groups and local residents coming together to look at ways to create a better borough. If you are interested in taking part in In Bloom projects or in starting a new In Bloom group up in your area, please contact Nick Burdekin, Wigan Borough In Bloom Co-ordinator on 01942 489325 or e-mail: n.burdekin@wigan.gov.uk

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Latest fashions

Fashion’s spring

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sometimes a new fashion season sees trends nudged gently along from six months previously, but not this time: SS16 is nothing short of an overhaul.

Gone are the gothic vibes of winter, replaced by a profusion of ravishing ruffles, frosted florals and lace-edged slip dresses. It’s not all forcefully feminine though - graphic stripes, Nineties sportswear and slouchy pyjamas complete this eclectic line-up. There’s a lot to take in, but a lot to get excited about too. Your spring shopping list starts here...

Geeky blinders Two of Italy’s most influential designers had adorably geeky girls in mind for their spring collections. Alessandro Michele’s second collection for Gucci was a riot of chintzy prints, neckties, metallic midi skirts and flowing frocks, styled with glasses, beanie hats, and clumpy loafers. Miuccia Prada showed a delightful mish-mash of prints and fabrics at Miu Miu (the cardigan took centre stage), adding dangly earrings and oversized sunnies at Prada. Essentially, if you look like a 1950’s librarian, you’ve nailed this look. Blue Ruffle Shirt, £30; Black Cropped Trousers, £20; Black Patent loafers, £23; Rings, from £5, all Dorothy Perkins (available from Feb 28; www.dorothyperkins.com)

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Draw the line The counterpoint to all that fabric flounce, a host of other designers stayed on the straight and narrow with precise linear prints. Clashing colours (as seen at Missoni), diagonal (Jonathan Saunders), roomy pirate trousers (Alexander Wang) or pinstripes (Vetements) - this spring anything goes, as long as it’s stripy. Cocoa Cashmere Luxury Striped Poncho Wrap, £235 (www.cocoacashmere.com)

Style steal New at Argos, the spring Cherokee range boasts fashion for all the family. With prices starting from just £6 for T-shirts, the 80-piece range features fun prints, cute animal motifs and durable fabrics. Cherokee Girls Quilted Flower Fashion Jacket (available from 5-12 years), £18 (www.argos.co.uk)

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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.

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High Fashion

Village Fair

A fashion show, organised by St Wilfrid’s Social Committee and hosted by Barbara’s of Standish

Mark a date in your diary for Saturday 14th May, for that’s the date of the annual Country Fair in the village of Hilldale, near Parbold. The traditional crowning and parade of the Hilldale Rose Queen takes place at 1.30pm and then fun never stops all the afternoon. You can look forward to a fun dog show, a marching band, Morris Dancers, donkey rides, stalls and games, a bungee trampoline and a bouncy castle.

will take place in St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall on Tuesday 3rd May, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 and include wine and light refreshments.

Handmade at Haigh Roll up to a super handmade fair at Haigh Hall on Sunday 17th April. You can expect to visit a wide range of stalls selling handmade items from jewellery, cushions, chocolate, cards, cakes, gifts, accessories and much more. All items sold are made by the stallholders In addition, there will be craft demonstrations such as rag rug making. The fair runs from 10am-4pm and the admission price is £1 (children under 12 go free). For more details contact 07787 316234 ot visit www.vibrantvintage.co.uk.

Refreshments include cream teas and a BBQ, but feel free to bring along a picnic blanket and chairs with your own refreshments. The event takes place in Hilldale Village Hall/Field on Chorley Road in Hilldale (WN8 7AL) between 1.30 - 4pm, and entry is £1 for adults and 50p for children. To reserve a £10 stall contact 01257 462764 or 01257 464969. For more information visit www.thisis-hilldale@btck.co.uk

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Race for Life It’s time to lace up your trainers, and walk, jog, or charge your way around Race for Life 2016. The race takes place on 12th June 2016 at Haigh Hall Country Park, and is Cancer Research UK’s womenonly events raising money for research into all 200 types of cancer. The distance is 5km; an achievable distance for all ages and abilities and participants can walk, jog or charge their way around the course. You can sign up now at www.raceforlife.org.

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Salon to the

stars

ocial media channels in Standish were all a twitter last week when the famous Scouse celebrity, Jennifer Ellison, visited the village to have her hair done. If it sounds like a long way to travel for a hairdo, that’s because it was no ordinary hairdo at an ordinary salon; the Standish salon she visited can now claim to be the leading salon in the North West when it comes to hair extensions. That salon is Hair by Vision, based on Chorley Road near the ‘Bleachworks’ estate. Owned by Nicky George, Hair by Vision has been awarded ‘Gold Salon’ status by Great Lengths in 2014, 2015 and 2016. When it comes to hair extensions, Hair by Vision is the place to go. In addition to the Great Lengths brand the salon also does clip-ins and weaves, and has even developed their own brand of extensions called Gold Strands. Though Hair by Vision are literally at the cutting edge of hair extension technology, the majority of their business consists of providing friendly professional hairdressing for the whole family, from dry trims, hair ups for weddings and proms, to those luxury human hair extensions. In the five years that Nicky has owned the salon, its reputation has blossomed so much amongst Standish locals that the salon was recently extended and has undergone an extensive refurbishment just to cope with demand. There’s no expense spared at Hair by Vision – all the best branded hair products are on display – Wella, Caviar, Morrocanoil, Herra, Halo and the latest Olaplex treatment, which can be added to you colour or you can have as a standalone treatment for just £20. You

Before After Jennifer Elilson can also purchase Olaplex for use at home, and Caviar products are a luxury brand; free sample with every colour. But of course, using the best products isn’t the whole story, and Nicky has managed to pull together a talented team of hairdressing talent to serve the Standish public. Manageress Sue has just returned to the salon after having a baby boy, William, and she now works four days a week. Assisting Sue is the Colour Doctor, AKA Assistant Manageress Beth, who specialises in creative colouring and fashion looks, using products such as Wella Illumina, the premium range for extra shine and cooler tones. Full-time stylist Laura is also a vital member of the team, excelling in hair extensions and also in weaves sewn or LA style. Whether you’re looking for a dry cut or a full head of extensions, the friendly team at Hair by Vision offer professional hairdressing for the entire family, but don’t be surprised if a TV star pops up in the next chair!

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Distributors Required Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above in the areas below; Standish

Bentham Road, Bentham Place, Cranleigh & Belmont Rise.

Appley Bridge Cloughwood Crescent, Knightscliffe Crescent & Broadriding Road. Aspull

Moorside, Scot Lane & Ashfield Drive.

Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. If you’re interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Report It Many residents in Wigan Borough are already feeling the benefit of using the Report It App and now there are even more categories available. As

part of Wigan Council’s informal contract with residents, ‘The Deal’, people are being urged to go online to report problems and the Report It app has already proven extremely popular. Reporting pot holes, fly tipping, graffiti, antisocial behaviour, dog fouling and much more are now live on the app, so that residents are able to communicate digitally with the council about much more. A problem can be accurately reported by using the app to send the location of the issue with GPS signals. People are also able to take a picture on a phone with a description of what the problem is as long as it is on public land. The app is one of the newest ways to let people get in touch with Wigan Council and have their say. The app is available for IPhone, Windows and Android phones and can be downloaded free from the relevant app store – just search ‘Wigan Report It’.

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Flash in the Park Leigh’s very own Flash in the Park 10k is back for its second year following a very successful launch in 2015. The race is being held at Pennington Flash Country Park in Leigh on 19th June and the scenic route covers trails, canal paths, short stretches of tarmac and will be completely off public roads. It’s aimed at all levels of runners and not just club athletes, and there’s even a family-orientated fun run so that the children and the less athletic can still take part in the day. The Flash in the Park is a UK Athletics registered and licenced race and all finishers in the 10k will get a goody bag and medal, with the first three ladies and gents getting additional prizes. Everyone that takes part in the fun run will get a goody bag. For further information or to enter simply visit www. penningtonevents.org

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Swinley Craft Fair Don’t miss the handmade craft fair being held at Swinley Labour Club on Sunday 10th April. Lots of various craftspeople will be in attendance selling beautiful handmade gifts. Refreshments will be available, and there will be children’s activities and face painting, plus live music. Admission is free and the fair runs from 12-4pm. Anyone who wants to book a stall, should contact Rebecca Atherton by email rebeccasatherton@gmail.com.

Easter Egg Hunt You can introduce your child to a few Easter traditions at an Easter Hunt being held on Thursday 7th April at the Three Sisters in Bryn, near Ashton.

Quizmaster Ken Sinclair will host a charity quiz night on Thursday 31st March at St Jude’s Rugby Club in Keats Avenue, Worsley Mesnes. The quiz night is in aid of the Mayor’s charity and is being organised by Lucie Corlay, who is the Ambassadress for Wigan’s French twin town Angers. To preregister call 01942 489193 or email angers@wigan. gov.uk. Participation fee, to be paid on the night is just £1.50.

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The event, which is organised by Friends of Three Sisters, runs from 1.30pm until 3pm and there’s no need to book. The hunt is free of charge and involves hunting for clues in the Three Sisters area, to get to the (mostly edible!) prizes. There will be other things going on in the afternoon, such an egg rolling competition, so do bring along a hard-boiled egg too. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/ friendsof3sisters.

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Tell us your story! Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition! Simply email us at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

Ashton Art Group celebrates its 50th birthday this year. The group, which was formed in 1966, originally held meetings in the old Congregational Chapel in Ashton in Makerfield - where the Sir Thomas Gerard pub stands now. Regular meetings are now held in much brighter surroundings at the YMCA on Hilton Street. Each Tuesday from 8 – 10 pm, members can be found painting still life or portraits, watching a demonstration or holding a lively discussion and critique evening. Well attended life drawing sessions are held each month with summer evenings perfect to work in a garden, park or canalside with an optional final call at a local inn! Social

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occasions include a fun quiz and a Christmas meal. This birthday year will also feature a ‘50th Anniversary Celebration’ on 14th May in St Thomas’ Church Hall on Warrington Road in Ashton. Artwork will be on display alongside archive material from the group’s history. There will be demonstrations, visitor activities and the raffle of an original painting. The group is always open to new members aged 16 and over - experienced artists or complete beginners are equally welcome. There is no formal tuition but demonstrations and workshops help to develop skills and there’s always somebody in this friendly and sociable group willing to offer support when it’s needed. If developing your artistic skills in the company of

a lively and friendly group of fellow artists takes your fancy, drop in on any Tuesday at the YMCA or for more information visit www.facebook.com/ AshtonArtGroup.

Charity Concert Don’t miss the great night out planned at St Jude’s Social Club in Poolstock on Friday 15th April. This Charity Concert starts at 7.30pm and features Wigan Pier Town Chorus, Chonkinfeckle, AD Cooke, Jon Brindley, Billy and the Temperamentals, Quaintest Show On Earth and The Robymillbillies. Tickets are £7.50 and are available from Symphony Music on Market Street in Wigan and all proceeds go to Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

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Tea, Cake & Make Your Monday afternoons may never be the same again after the Tea, Cake & Make sessions being held at Shevington and Standish Libraries. You can join potential new friends to drink tea, eat cake and let your creative vibes run riot, and the cost is just £1 to cover the costs of the refreshments. Each session has a theme and the theme for 4th April at Shevington Library is Easter Basket design and the theme for 18th April at Standish Library is Easter Bunnies. The themes for up and coming sessions include glass painting, sand art and seaside frames. No need to book, just turn up on the day.

Charity Ball A charity ball in support of Joseph’s Goal is taking place on Saturday 2nd July from 7pm-1am at the DW Stadium in Wigan. Joseph’s Goal is a charity set up by the parents of six year old local boy Joseph

Kendrick to increase awareness of NKH and to raise funds for research to find better treatments and eventually a cure. NKH, (Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia), a very rare life-limiting genetic disorder that severely affects development. Tickets are priced at £50 each, or £450 for a table of ten, with two bottles of wine included. After a complimentary drink on arrival, you’ll tuck into a four course meal with wine, and then you can enjoy entertainment, a raffle and an auction. To buy tickets or for more details call 07702 078286 or email info@josephsgoal.org.

Quiz Night Aspull Church School Governors are holding a quiz night at Aspull British Legion on Friday 15th April at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 each and include a pasty and pea supper. Teams of four are invited and tickets are available from the school or from Viv Lowe on 07958 274483.

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Royal Celebrations Her Majesty the Queen is 90 years old this year and St Wilfrid’s Church in Standish will be holding various events over the weekend of 10 - 12 June 2016 to celebrate this milestone event. There’s an exhibition in church covering events of the last 90 years and the church will be open on Friday 10th June from 2.30 pm to 5pm and on Saturday 11th June from 10am to 5pm. During the morning there will be guided tours at 10am and 11am. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes and biscuits will be available in the morning. On Friday evening, there will be a concert in church at 7.30 pm with ‘Fizz and Nibbles’ and a chance to view the exhibition. On Saturday afternoon the Prospect Brass Band will visit the Parish Hall and afternoon teas will be served. A traditional three course Sunday lunch will be served in the Parish Hall at 12.30 pm and booking is essential. The celebrations are concluded on Sunday evening

with a Festival Evensong at 6.30 pm. Tickets and further details are available from the Parish Office, telephone 01257 422538 (Mon. - Fri. 10- 12noon).

Standish Events The Friends of Standish Library are holding two events in the next few weeks at the library in Cross Street. On Thursday 14th April at 2 p.m. Betty Hayhurst is giving a talk on antiques. She has more than 35 years of experience in the field and specialises in silver, porcelain, pottery and glass. You can take along your family heirlooms for an expert opinion on their value! On Thursday 19th May at 7pm there will be a talk on bee-keeping, honey and bee products entitled ‘Hive Power’. The cost for these talks is £3 each and these events are supported by the Friends of Standish Library who provide free refreshments and a friendly welcome. Places can be booked by contacting the library on 01257 400496 or Standish.Library@wigan.gov.uk.

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Support Group The Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Osteoporosis Support Group meet four times per year at the Bethel Hindley Green Church, Atherton Road, Wigan. This Support Group is linked to the National Osteoporosis Society and provides a friendly and welcoming venue for people with osteoporosis or their carers, or anyone who would like to know more about the condition. At each meeting there is a relevant speaker and updates on support. The next meeting is on Wednesday May 18th from 2pm-3.30pm and features an update on the work of the National Osteoporosis Society by the NOS Regional Development Manager, Katie Hall. All are welcome and there is no need to book, tea and coffee are available. For more information about

the group please contact Pat on 0161 799 4476 (email patandjohn@ymail.com) or Kate on 01942 222545 (email kmfussell@gmail.com).

Curie Appeal A new Marie Curie fundraising group has been formed for the Wigan Borough, and the organiser, Sophie Yates, is appealing for potential volunteers to get in touch. You can get involved in organising, hosting and participating in a range of activities including collections, tea parties and lots of other fund raising activities to support the local Marie Curie Nursing Service. To find out more, contact Sophie on 01254 855031 or email sophie.yates@ mariecurie.org.uk.

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Wigan Walkers

If you enjoy a good fair or market, then the village of Wrightington is the place to be over the next few

In a few weeks time, Wigan Walkers will begin their summer programme. During the winter months this friendly group meets at Wigan Cricket Club (now known as Wigan Sports Club) but once the lighter evenings begin the group has a series of two hour walks around the local area on Tuesday evening usually stopping at a welcoming hostelry on the way home.

weekends. On Saturday April 2nd, there’s a Spring Market at Tunley United Reformed Church Hall on Mossy Lea Road from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Stalls include: - Home-made cakes and pies, crafts, toys and gifts, tombola, raffle, Bric-a-Brac, jewellery, books, plants and there are also games too. Light lunches are also served and everyone is welcome! The Friends of St Joseph’s RC Church in Wrightington are holding a Spring Fair on Sunday 10th April at 12.30pm. If the weather permits, it will be held in the grounds of the church on Crow Orchard Road, but otherwise in the Parish Hall. Admission is by donation and there will be stalls selling home-made cakes , bric a brac, and plants, and other attractions include a bottle tombola, children’s games, a raffle, and a bar-b-que. The fair usually finishes around 3.30pm.

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The group also partake in monthly coach rambles and the venue for the May coach ramble is to Hathersage in the Yorkshire Dales and on June 26th the venue is Hawkshead. The cost of the coach is £10. For further details about the Club and membership please ring the secretary Jill Shilladay on 01257 421926 or visit www.wiganwalkers.com

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Hello Dolly! The Wigan Musical Theatre Group are performing their latest production from 12th-16th April at St Michael’s Parish Hall on Shaw Street in Wigan (WN1 2BQ). Hello Dolly is set in New York and it’s the story of Mrs. Dolly Levi’s efforts to marry Horace Vandergelder, the well-known half-a-millionaire, and send his money circulating among the people like rainwater the way her late husband, Ephraim Levi, taught her. The shows begin at 7.30pm, tickets are priced at £9 (£8 concessions) and are available from the ticket secretary on 07722 265 831

Lonely Man A ‘Trap for a Lonely Man’ is a gripping, psychological thriller that will have you entertained and guessing right to the very end. Written by Robert Thomas and directed by Ian D Field, St Michael’s Amateur Dramatic Society will perform for three nights only

– 28th, 29th and the 30th April 2016 at 7.30pm at St Michael’s Parish Hall, Shaw Street, Swinley, Wigan. (WN1 2BQ). Tickets are £6.00 (£5.00 concessions) and are available now – call June on 07806 787250.

Floral Art If you’ve ever gasped with envy at floral displays and wondered how you could create something similar, then you’ll be interested to hear of the Wigan Floral Art Group. The group meets on every third Wednesday in the month at St Michael’s Hall in Shaw Street, Wigan (WN1 2BD) and everyone is welcome. At the meeting, a qualified NAFAS demonstrator will create pieces of floral art, which are then raffled off at the end of the evening. Tea and coffee are available. For further details about Wigan Floral Art Group please contact Mrs. Susan Gallear on 01695 623690 or Mrs. Elizabeth Scally on 07881 483053.

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Charity Fashion Show The hugely popular fashion show hosted by the Storehouse Project is taking place on Friday 6th May at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) at St. Mary’s Catholic Club, Trent Road, Billinge, WN5 7QT. On the night you can get high street brands at 50% or more off - cash and cards accepted. Tickets are £5 to buy or for more information call 07816 623 612 or email info@storehouseproject.org. You can also buy tickets online - see the Facebook page for more details at www.facebook.com/storehouseproject/

Standish Art Established artists Anthony Ogden and Judith Farnworth are due to visit Standish Art Group shortly to demonstrate their talents. The group meets at Standish Community Centre in Moody Street, off Church Street in Standish every Wednesday between 7-9pm, and Anthony Ogden will be joining

the group on Wednesday 13th April to demonstrate acrylic portrait painting and Judith Farnworth will be demonstrating watercolour painting at her visit on 1st June. Guests are welcome with a small admission charge of £2 to cover refreshments. For more details, call Geoff Grint on 07514 801285.

Cricket Call Standish Cricket Club are looking for new players for their Youth teams for the 2016 season. The club has teams competing at Under 9’s, U-11’s U-13’s, U-15’s and U-17’s level, and practice on Tuesday nights at the club in Green Lane, Standish. If you’re interested in trying for the teams, please give one of the following coaches a call; Paul Hassan 07703 675 470 (U-9 & U-17), Stephen Knowles 07908 454 081 (U-11) or Andy Cox 07949 551 506 (U-13 & U-15).

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Friendship Club

Fun Day

The Wigan Women’s Friendship Club is now looking for new recruits to join them at their weekly Thursday afternoon meetings, which take place at the Penson Street Community Centre on Penson Street off Wigan Lane (WN1 2LP). This is a long established and well organised group who are now looking for newly retired, retired or soon-to-retire, ladies to swell their numbers. They run an excellent programme of speakers, outings, meals out and leisure activities.

On Sunday May 1st there’s a Fun Day for

You’re guaranteed a friendly welcome, and the meetings run on Thursdays between 1.30pm – 3.30pm, but please note there are no meetings on the first Thursday of every month. If you’re interested in coming along to the meetings just ring 01942 247 403 for more details or just turn up on the afternoon.

Class from the

all the family at Tunley United Reformed Church on Mossy Lea Road in Wrightington from 12 noon until 4pm. There will be stalls and games, a bouncy castle, donkey rides, refreshments and lots more. The Fun Day is part of the Wrightington and Heskin Scarecrow Festival which runs from Friday April 29th to Monday May 2nd and is in aid of Diabetes UK.

past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Notre Dame School in Standishgate. The photo is of Form Upper V 1950.

Maybe you can spot a familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, email wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

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Jazzfest

returns Tickets for the 31st Wigan International Jazz Festival are now on sale and the organisers have brought the very best of the jazz world’s musicians to our doorstep. The festival, which runs for 4 days from the evening of Thursday 7th July to Sunday 10th July 2016, is opened by the return to the Borough of world famous singer/songwriter Georgie Fame (pictured left). Fame - who was born in Leigh - has just had a new album Swansongs released, along with a compilation of his back catalogue and will be joined onstage by the incredible Guy Barker Big Band. Friday’s headline concert features American virtuoso saxophonist Eric Marienthal guesting with our very own Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, whilst Saturday’s evening concert sees a return to the stand for the legendary Big Chris Barber Band. Sunday afternoon promises to be a swinging time as the Swing Time Big Band returns with special guest (and local boy) Andy Prior, with the evening rounded off with a concert by the Shape Jazz Orchestra. All in all, this promises to be a festival not to be missed; tickets and information will be available from 1st March from the Box Office 01942 828508 or from Wigan Music Service Festival & Ticket Hotline in Hindley 01942 776169; Rover Tickets can be purchased by contacting Mary Haynes on 01942 720656 or ma.haynes@virgin.net.

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Outdoor

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raditionally, the favourite hangouts in the home have been the kitchen and living room. But today, the back garden is taking over as the favourite space for cooking, entertaining and relaxation. More homeowners are bringing all the comforts of their indoor rooms to the outside by creating multipurpose outdoor living spaces that function as inviting extensions of their home. But if you’re struggling to visualise how to make the most of your outdoor living space, who do you call?

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Hanton Joinery, run by New Zealander Murray Hanton, was established over 20 years ago in the Wigan area and the company specialises in providing bespoke joinery, such as manufacturing and installing staircases, doors and door frames, sash windows and wooden bi-fold doors. The company works with architects, builders, and

If 2016 is the year when you want an outdoor room that enhances the beauty and usability of your home, simply give Murray a call for a free consultation on

Now the company has launched a new range of garden furniture, custom made for any individual requirements, in any configuration you want, to suit even the smallest of areas. Hanton Joinery will design, supply and fit your outdoor furniture, and there’s even a full range of bespoke cushions in various colours.

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Health & Fitness

Let’s talk

tinnitus

Many of us will have experienced the sensation of hearing sounds that seem to be coming from nowhere other than deep inside our own heads and ears - perhaps a high-pitched ringing, or hissing sound. Thankfully for most of us, these sounds will be nothing more than a mild and temporary irritation - but for some people, tinnitus can become a significant problem.

Can’t switch it off Not everybody who experiences tinnitus will be severely affected, but in some cases, the relentless noise can have a big impact on quality of life and psychological wellbeing, causing

By Abi Jackson

distress and difficulty sleeping and concentrating, in turn affecting work and relationships and, as the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) points out, can be linked with anxiety and depression. However, while there’s currently no cure, Tony Kay, head of Audiology Services at Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool and a member of BTA’s Professional Advisers’ Committee, is keen to highlight that support is out there - and there is hope. “The first thing is not to be alarmed, but if you think you may have tinnitus, you should see your doctor, who will check your ears and offer general advice. You may also get referred to a tinnitus clinic,” he explains.

Tony Kay, head of Audiology Services at Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool “It’s also important to clarify that while tinnitus is not curable in most, it does tend to get less annoying over time for the majority. Anybody with tinnitus that is troublesome should seek a referral to a tinnitus clinic via their GP.”

Better with time Often, when ‘hidden’ problems are causing us distress, the simple step of talking to a doctor, or anybody with an understanding of your problem, and having it openly acknowledged that it’s getting you down can be a massive weight off the shoulders. Kay, who also facilitates the Aintree Tinnitus Support Group, notes that a number of things can really help with managing tinnitus. “In the vast majority of cases, tinnitus is managed rather than cured, and modern therapies are effective for most,” he explains. “Using background noise to reduce the intrusiveness of tinnitus, relaxation, keeping active and socialising may improve things. “Studies have shown that over time, tinnitus becomes less intrusive as the brain loses interest

in it; this process is called habituation.” There’s lots of information on the BTA website too, and local support groups, Kay adds, “will probably be beneficial”.

What causes tinnitus? Tinnitus is actually considered a symptom, rather than a single disease, “related to changes in activity or connectivity within the hearing system and brain”. Although often seen as something that affects older people, anybody can experience tinnitus, even children. However, it’s far more common in older age groups, affecting around 10% of UK adults. “The prevalence of tinnitus generally increases with age, affecting males and females more or less equally. The main risk factor is hearing loss,” adds Kay. “Exposure to loud noise,

ear infections, certain medications, stress and head injuries are some of the other risk factors.” Where infections, or blockages with wax, are involved, treating these can relieve tinnitus. The link with stress is more complex, but it’s generally recognised that stress and anxiety may act as a ‘trigger’, or make people more acutely aware of tinnitus - a pattern that’s seen across a range of health issues. Exposure to loud noise, however, is a major factor and one we can all try to prevent, by being aware of what amounts to ‘dangerous’ noise levels and taking steps to protect our hearing, by using ear guards and earplugs. This can be particularly important for people who regularly work in noisy environments, but is something everybody should be aware of, as

need to protect hearing with its Plug’em campaign, raising awareness of when and why we could benefit from protecting our ears with earplugs. To find out more, visit www.plugem.co.uk :: The charity is also marking the 10th anniversary of Tinnitus Awareness Week with ‘Tea for Tinnitus’, encouraging people to ‘put the kettle on’ and get together to talk about tinnitus and help raise funds. To find out more, or for a fundraising pack, visit www.teafortinnitus.co.uk

even the volumes of our TVs, and listening to music with headphones, could be putting us at risk of hearing loss and tinnitus.

Prevention better than cure “Prevention is better than cure, so being ‘sound aware’ should be your aim,” stresses Kay. “We’re not saying avoid - just be more aware of the potential hazards of loud noise. Our ears tend to be tough in most cases, but we only have one pair, so looking after them will enable us to go on enjoying music for a long time. “Don’t turn it off but turn it down and protect, is the general rule of thumb.”

Plug’em! :: This Tinnitus Awareness Week (February 8-14), the British Tinnitus Association is highlighting the

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Care in your OWN home ASK AMANDA! Amanda Barlow is the Registered Care Manager for Independent Living – she answers your questions.

Mum is about to have an operation and is worried about being alone at night when she is discharged from hospital. What type of help is available? ANSWER. When you are discharged from hospital you may require help at home. After an operation you may have mobility issues, or perhaps not feel as confident getting about for a while. We find this is particularly the case where our customers have had hip or knee replacements. We can help with a range of tasks, it

can include helping you wash, shower or go to the toilet. We can also carry out practical tasks such as making meals, medication prompting, shopping and housework. With some operations patients are given “mobility exercises”, we can help you do these. Nights can be difficult. Fewer people are around if you are ill, and you may feel uncomfortable disturbing family or neighbours. You may worry about falling in the night, experiencing pain or need help going to the toilet. It could be that you just feel a little nervous for a while but know when you are feeling better it will not be an issue. We can put in place staff overnight just for a few nights, or we can arrange nights on a more permanent basis. Usually our nights are 10pm until 7pm but we can be flexible around these times. Night care falls into two types. A “sleep-in” is where the carer sleeps but can be woken up a maximum of three times. This is the least expensive option. The alternative is a “waking watch” whereby the care remains fully awake for the whole ten hours.

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Health & Wellness Fayres

Arthritis Group

You can get your blood pressure checked at one of the Health and Wellness Fayres in Wigan and

Several local people with arthritis have come together to start a self-help group for people living with any of the many forms of arthritis. Arthritis can effect anyone at any age; it is incurable but can be managed and this is why the group are coming together to support each other, to exchange experiences, make new friends and learn coping skills.

Leigh and help keep yourself well. As well as blood pressure tests, the health and wellness fayres are offering health checks, advice and information from health, social care and voluntary sector services that are there to support you and your family. The Fayres are held from 10am-1pm, Wednesday 30th March at Wigan Library in Wigan Life Centre and from 1pm4pm, Thursday 31st March at Leigh Library in Leigh Life Centre. Services available on the day include: Stroke Association, Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advice Bureau, Public Health, Healthwatch, Health Check Nurses, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Routes, Lose Weight Feel Great and much, much more. The Health and Wellness Fayres are being organised jointly by NHS organisations and the council.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 7th April at Wrightington Hospital in the Long Drawing Room at 7pm and light refreshments will be served. Prospective members do not need to be patients at Wrightington Hospital as the group are totally independent of the hospital or any other organisation. For more information call Barbara on 01257 791337 or Anne on 01695 721199.

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Investment

Orphans by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP), Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director

s a result of consolidation within the wealth management sector there has been a reduction in financial adviser numbers. Consequently, there are now even more ‘orphan’ clients that are no longer receiving ongoing financial advice. So what do I mean by orphan clients? ‘Orphans’ are those individuals that have invested into pensions and investments who are no longer in touch with their advisers. Typically this occurs for a number of reasons: • Your adviser may have retired or moved to another company. • New regulation has meant that lots of banks have now withdrawn from giving financial advice. • Your previous adviser is more focused on attracting new clients than looking after your own long term interests.

• What fund changes have been made to your investments to reflect both your attitude to risk as well as the investment market conditions? • What tax planning has been carried out by your adviser to reduce/ mitigate income, capital gains or inheritance tax? If you are happy with the answers to the above it sounds like you are very much on the right track and have the ‘trusted adviser’ relationship. I believe that regular contact, effective portfolio management and a desire to build a long-term relationship with clients contributes to successful investing over the long term. At the time of writing the FTSE100 stands at 5604, a fall of broadly 18% from the market close, 12 months ago. Whilst all clients that invest into the stock market should be prepared to take the longer term view (at least 5 years), this just goes to show that market climbs and falls are never in straight lines. Quite often, however, the bounce back from a fall can be just as aggressive as the fall itself. The old adage of ‘time in the market and not timing the market’ remains a very good discipline for investors to follow. Should you wish to review your existing investments or if you are looking to make new investments please do not hesitate to give the team at Prosper a call. The cost of the initial consultation is met by ourselves and there is no obligation to take things any further.

If any of these situations sounds familiar please read on... Did you know that your existing investments may well contain renewal commission which can be worth up to 1% per year to your original adviser – in other words; on an investment with a value of £100,000 you could be paying anything out up to £1000 a year. Is this a fair charge…? • When was the last time you saw your adviser? • How often do you receive detailed updates from them? The value of investments, and the income derived from them, can go down as well as up and you can get back less than you originally invested.

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Community Day

Business Meeting

It’s back for another year, bigger and better in 2016! The Community Day is a free opportunity to

Business from all over the Borough are welcomed to attend the next monthly meeting of the Wigan

raise the profile of the community group or charity you’re involved with. You can raise funds, recruit new members and volunteers, provide information and advice or sell merchandise on the day to the thousands of local people who will be there to enjoy all the fun and activity on the day.

Borough Business Club. The aim of the Club is to provide all local business people with a low cost and informal opportunity to network with other business people, to hear advice on topical issues from a range of high quality speakers and to share business problems and find solutions. No membership is required, so attendees are welcome to come along to meetings as they wish, though ideally you will pre-register via the website www. wiganbbc.org.uk.

The venue is Wigan Town centre and the date is Saturday 9th July 2016 between 8am and 4pm. The Rotary Club of Wigan, who is sponsoring the event, has obtained the necessary licences for community groups and charities. If your group gets involved, you will be allocated a nine foot frontage on Standishgate for the day. To book your stall, you’ll need to pay a £10 refundable deposit; simply send a cheque made payable to Rotary Club of Wigan to 18 Spencer Road West, Wigan WN6 7HP.

The next meeting is on Tuesday 5th April at the DW Stadium in Wigan, starting at 6pm and the theme is Business Decisions – an interactive and honest chat discussing the things we’ve done right and the things we perhaps haven’t during our time in business. Cost is £5.

Meets on Tuesday, 5th April at 6pm Venue - DW Stadium

Free, no obligation discussion for all your bookkeeping needs Contact Petra on Telephone Mobile

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

Dragons Den Wigan Rotary Club is again looking to donate cash to local community groups with a ‘Dragons Den’ style event. Local groups based in postcode areas WN1, WN3, WN5 and WN6 are invited to submit their request for funds. Following initial consideration those groups selected will be invited to put their case to ‘The Dragons’ in a three minute presentation. Wigan Rotary Club President Keith Trencher said ‘In these difficult times when we are all having to tighten our belts, I am sure there are local groups in the Wigan area who could really use a donation of a few hundred pounds to help them with a project or event they wish to undertake. Last year twelve groups were successful, but the dragons unfortunately had to decline a number of applications.’

Bids of up to £500 can be considered and Keith continued ‘We don’t expect the presentation to come from a person trained in public speaking, we want to hear from members of the group who are looking for the money. Last year’s successful bids came from groups ranging from an Over 60’s group to a Mother and Toddler group’. Full details and an application form are available either by going to the website www. wiganrotaryclub.org.uk or by ringing 07813 471000. The closing date for entries is 21st April.

Business view

Make the most of online

accounting

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

No matter how large or small your business is, tracking your business accounts is vital. With the use of mobile phones, tablets, dongles and hotspots, working remotely and ‘on the go’ is now the normal procedure for business owners. So why not take advantage of being able to access your books whilst on the go, too? Imagine being able to send an invoice to your customer as you leave their premises! This will surely reduce the time it takes to get paid.

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John’s in the

Zone

After 33 years of serving Queen and country across the globe, David Sudworth meets the man turning round the lives of local children.

ohn Harker isn’t one for taking on the easiest of tasks. Having spent three decades in the armed forces, reaching the rank of Major, he’s seen some horrendous sights. In 1998, during the aftermath of the Omagh Bomb, he established and controlled a temporary mortuary and chapel of rest within his barracks. John also looked after severely injured servicemen, many of who has lost limbs, and their traumatised families. His MBE in 2012 was well-earned. “I’ve seen some pretty horrific things. More often than not, the servicemen had been blown up in Afghanistan and then next thing they know, they’re back in the UK. So their mindset is that they’re still in the field, fighting the battle, not realising they’ve been under sedation for two weeks. “On tour, you’re their mother, father, shoulder to cry on. I’ve had Warrant Officers who have just turned round to me and said: ‘Boss, get me out of here”. So on the face of it, running the brand new Wigan Youth Zone should seem like a piece of cake. Established in 2013 by local entrepreneurs Dave Whelan, Martin Ainscough and Bill Ainscough, the £6.3m development near Mesnes Park in the town centre is a hive of activity. From recording studios, dance rooms, a gym and a boxing ring to pool tables, cafes and outdoor games areas, it pretty much kills the age-old complaint about there being nothing for kids in Wigan. But providing all these activities costs money, and lots of it.

“When I finished my 33 years in the army, I just put the word out that I was looking for an opening. A friend of mile was heading up the Ainscough family’s Surf Snowdonia project in North Wales, and he asked whether I’d be interested in that. “Martin Ainscough read my CV and said that there was an opportunity coming up with the new Wigan Youth Zone and said I should throw my hat in for this.

“If you saw the utilities bills, I promise it would give you sleepless nights!” laughs John. “The annual running cost is £1.6m, although we get support from Wigan Council. They’ve been brilliant and if they could give us more, they would. The council leader, Lord Smith, has said we are more than value for money, but they have their own financial constraints at the moment. “Our fundraising activities are extremely important and I’m pleased to say there are a number of patrons and local businesses who support us.” Speaking to John, it’s perfectly clear that for him, it’s more than just a job, it’s practically a way of life. Originally from Colne in East Lancashire, John has always had close ties to Wigan: “A lot of my mates were from over this way and I actually came here, all the way from Colne, for my stag do!

“It’s certainly not a 9-5 job” “For the first 10 months, I commuted from Warton, near Lytham, but have now got a place about 200 yards away from work. It’s a 24/7 operation here, certainly not a 9-5 job. In September, I had to cancel my holiday because there were just too many things happening here. My wife, Sandra, says she saw more of me when I was in the army than she does now even though I’m within walking distance of home!” However, dedication to the cause is necessary not just for John, but 100 staff and 85 active volunteers a month. “We get about 5,500 young people through our doors each month, and we get the full spectrum, from those with deprived backgrounds to the reasonably welloff. We’ve created an offer which is accessible to all. For example, we had one instance where there was a family of four children who were sharing one pass between them, and one child would come each day. We quickly twigged so gave the other three free entry. Our holiday club runs from 8am-6pm for just £5. We’ve had parents who say we should charge more. My answer is that they’re obviously welcome to make a donation, but we need to keep

overall success down to the way the organisation (it has charitable status) brings together different sectors. “The model works because it is four strands working together; public, private, voluntary and the public. If any one of those alone tried to do this, it wouldn’t work. We’ve got the DNA right. “It’s not just about me, it’s very much a team effort. You can’t just sit in your ivory tower, you’ve got to get down to grass roots. Some people think

the prices at a level where they are acceptable to almost any income bracket. “I can honestly look you in the eye and say that we are saving lives here. Some turn up homeless, others have issues with drug and alcohol abuse, and we do all we can to help them. “Part of that includes training young people up for work, which is incredibly successful. The job outcomes we are able to achieve is improving all the time, we are seeing young people go into a number of industries including catering, retail, social work and technical roles which is great to see. In one month, we had 92% completing the programme. 80% ‘transitioned’ into positive destinations while we are working with the remaining 20%.” John puts the zone’s

leadership is telling people what to. Well, anyone who is a manager can do that, but the real skill is getting people on board and giving them an environment where they want to do over and above, to go that extra mile, because they want to.” To volunteer, make a donation or find out more, visit www.wiganyouthzone.org

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Food & Drink

Time to smarten up

mealtimes? By Keeley Bolger

ritten out of frustration at the confusing advice surrounding carbohydrates, Davina’s Smart Carbs seeks to simplify

the issue.

“I’ve always been telling everybody about eating a balanced, healthy diet [one that includes carbs], and then I suddenly thought, ‘Have I been telling people the wrong thing?’ Then a nutritionist told me that there are good carbs and bad carbs, and we came up with this idea of smart carbs. “It makes total sense; there are smart carbs, ones that are good for us - and there are some very simple changes we can make.” These changes include swapping white bread, rice and pasta for brown varieties (“That’s a no-brainer”) and using sweet potato in place of regular spuds. McCall recalls how she thought her kids would “baulk” when she first made a chicken crumble with a cauliflower, quinoa and Parmesan topping - but actually they loved it. “It’s interesting, you think, ‘Oh well, the kids aren’t going to like it’, but the kids have got more adventurous with the new stuff I give them. They’re into trying new things.” She acknowledges mealtimes can be a battleground, however. “I’ve got three kids and quite often, two of them like something and one of them

doesn’t. I don’t make them something different - I just say, ‘Have some of the veg and have a bit more of this if you don’t like that’. “I always try and get them to try it,” McCall adds. “The more somebody tries something, the more likely they are to like it in the end.” Fancy trying some of McCall’s recipes yourself? Here are three tasty recipes from Davina’s Smart Carbs...

Davina’s Smart Carbs by Davina McCall is published by Orion Books, priced £16.99.

Bubble and

squeak Method Bring a saucepan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and swede and cook them for about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain thoroughly, then tip them back into the saucepan and leave them over a low heat for a few minutes, just to help steam off any excess liquid. Swede in particular can get quite waterlogged, so this is important. Mash the carrots and swede with the butter until fairly smooth. Tip the mash into a bowl and leave it to cool, then chill it in the fridge for a while to firm it up. Wash the greens thoroughly, put them in a saucepan with a little water and cover the pan. Place the pan over the heat and cook for a few minutes until the greens have wilted down, then drain them thoroughly and leave them to cool.

Serves 4 Ingredients 300g carrots, cut into chunks 300g swede, cut into chunks 10g butter 150g spring greens, cabbage or Brussels sprouts, shredded 1tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped Olive oil spray Poached or fried eggs, to serve (optional) Salt and black pepper

When you’re ready to cook the bubble and squeak, mix the root veg mash and the greens together and season with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and gently fry the chopped onion over a medium heat until it’s softened and caramelising around the edges. Add this to the vegetables, then tip everything back into the frying pan and spread the mixture out into a large round. Cook the bubble and squeak over a medium heat for several minutes until it’s nice and brown underneath and cooked through. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to its highest setting. Spritz the top of the bubble and squeak with olive oil spray, then pop it under the grill for three to four minutes until it’s browning around the edges and in patches on top. Cut it into wedges and serve as part of a brunch with poached or fried eggs, if you like.

Lamb and aubergine

casserole

Serves 4 Ingredients 2 aubergines, cut into 2.5cm cubes Olive oil spray 1tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely sliced 600g lean lamb leg or shoulder, trimmed of fat and diced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1/2tsp ground allspice 1/2tsp ground cumin 1/2tsp ground coriander 1/2tsp cayenne or hot chilli powder 1/4tsp ground cinnamon 400g can of chopped tomatoes 200ml chicken stock or water 1tbsp pomegranate molasses 1tbsp lemon juice Small bunch of parsley, leaves only, to serve Salt and black pepper

Method Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Put the aubergines in a bowl and spritz them with olive oil spray, then turn them over and repeat. Spread the aubergines on a baking tray and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes, until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting to brown. Heat the olive oil in a large flameproof casserole dish. Add the sliced onion and cook it slowly over a gentle heat for about 10 minutes, until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soft and translucent, then turn up the heat and add the lamb. Cook until the lamb is well browned, stirring regularly, then reduce the heat and add the garlic and spices. Season with salt and pepper. Add the tomatoes and the stock or water. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat, put a lid on the casserole dish and simmer for an hour until the lamb is becoming tender. Add the aubergines and the pomegranate molasses, cover again and cook for another 30 minutes. Remove the lid from the casserole. If the sauce is very liquid, simmer until it has reduced slightly, then add the lemon juice. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

Baked

plums Method Serves 4 Ingredients 25g butter, plus extra for greasing 8 ripe plums, halved and stones removed 25g honey

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Grease an ovenproof dish with a little butter. Place the plums, cut side up, in the dish. Put the 25g of honey with the butter in a small saucepan and warm them over a gentle heat until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve melted together. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir the almonds and spices into the butter and honey. The mixture should be quite crumbly, but it should clump together when

75g ground almonds

squeezed.

25g flaked almonds, plus extra to garnish

Spoon about a dessertspoon of the mixture into the centre of each plum half. Bake the plums in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until they have completely softened and the topping is golden brown.

Seeds from 3 cardamom pods, ground 1/4tsp ground ginger Pinch of cinnamon To serve: 1tbsp honey (optional) 150g creme fraiche or yoghurt

Whisk the honey, if using, into the creme fraiche or yoghurt. Serve the plums with dollops of the sweetened creme fraiche and a few more flaked almonds as a garnish, if you like.

Eating out

guide Lovels Bistro

Papa Luigi’s

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

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. See our website for more information. 01942 231558 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 1JP papaluigiswigan.co.uk

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 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

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Events & Leisure

What’s Peter Pan Easter Special

Friday, 25th March to Sunday, 17th April

Speke Hall - Alice in Wonderland

Peter Pan will join Regal Entertainments’ long line of critically acclaimed smash hit seasonal productions, which are always chockful of glitz, glamour, songs, dance, family filled fun, silly antics and slapstick comedy. With an all-star cast, the Theatre Royal is taking panto to never before seen dizzying heights with Peter Pan; an egg-stra special Easter treat for the whole family.

This is your chance to escape everyday life into a magical oasis. Families can join the White Rabbit on a whirlwind adventure through Wonderland and experience Speke Hall as you’ve never done before. If running around isn’t your cup of tea, why not pay a visit to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Rooms and enjoy a scone or two?

St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1LQ Tickets Adult £12.50, Concessions £12, Child £11.50, Family £46 (1pm & 5pm) Contact 01744 756000 or visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Giant Easter Duck Hunt at WWT Martin Mere Friday, 25th March to Sunday, 24th April Calling all kids - we’ve lost our GIANT yellow ducks and we need you and your family to help us find them at our WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre this Easter holiday. You’ll need to use all your fantastic hide-and-seek skills to track down these 25 elusive birds and be in with a chance of winning a yummy chocolate treat! It is 50p to enter and prizes will be awarded for everyone who takes part. WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA Tickets Adult £12.60, Child £6.00, Family £33.50 (10% discount when booked on line) Contact 01704 891240 or visit wwt.org.uk/martinmere

Wednesday, 6th April to Sunday, 10th April

Speke Hall, Merseyside, L24 1XD Tickets from £7.99 Contact 0151 427 7231 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

The Wizard of Oz - Sooty & Friends Sunday, 10th April Click your heels, clap your hands and journey over the rainbow as Dorothy and her dog Toto enter the wonderful land of Oz. During their travels down the yellow brick road our two friends meet some colourful characters including a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and even a Lion, who really wants some courage. Featuring a live band, dazzling dance routines, great scenery, costumes and plenty of laughter. This Easter pantomime is the story everyone knows and loves with all new music including well known pop songs and audience participation. Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HT Contact 01772 804440 or visit www.prestonguildhall.com Tickets £18.00, Concession £16.00, Family Ticket £58.00 (2pm)

Breakfast at Tiffany’s Tuesday, 12th April to Saturday, 16th April Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the classic tale of Holly Golightly written by Truman Capote and so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film, is being given a new lease of life as a stage play with music in a sparkling, sophisticated production starring the multi award-winning Pixie Lott as Holly. With memorable songs from the era, this stylish production is set to capture the hearts of audiences and sparkle like a diamond in a Tiffany’s window. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ Contact or visit www.thelowry.com Tickets From £29.00

Liverpool Food and Drink Festival Saturday, 23rd & Sunday, 24th April Sample the best of Liverpool’s thriving food and drink scene at Sefton Park with an abundance of gastronomic delights. Sitting on the grass with a glass of Pimms in the spring sunshine, wondering whether to opt for dim sum or oysters next – it’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it. Over the course of three days, more than 160 local chefs bring their ingredients to Sefton Park, serving up a slice of Liverpool’s foodie scene. As well as cooking masterclasses and workshops, the city’s favourite bars, restaurants and cafés are also represented. Sefton Park, off Aigburth Dr, Liverpool, L17 1AF Contact 0151 432 5652 or visit www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk Tickets from £5

Harlem Globetrotters 2016 Sunday, 1st May

Robot Wars Live Show Manchester Saturday, 23rd & Sunday, 24th April The show is coming to Event City Manchester for an action packed weekend. With over 50 mechanical monsters old and new, including the 2015 current Robot Wars Champion “TR2”, previous UK champions “Ripper” and “Eruption” and of course, crowd favourite “Behemoth”. Total carnage battles, demonstrations, a chance to grab some brand new official robot wars merchandise, to drive your very own robot, plus the chance to meet some special guests from out of this world! Event City next to INTU Trafford Centre, Manchester, M41 7TB Tickets Child £14, Adult £16, family Ticket £54 Contact www.robotwars.tv

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, will celebrate 90 historic years with a very special Manchester Arena show. The Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivalled in the world of family entertainment, with incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequalled fan interaction. Manchester Arena, Manchester City Centre, M3 1AR Contact 0844 847 8000 or visit www.manchester-arena.com Tickets from £41.00

Tatton Park Country Show Saturday, 14th May to Sunday, 15th May Set in the beautiful parkland at Tatton, this family-oriented Country Show has something for everyone with a range of arena entertainment including Jez Avery’s Stunt Bikes & Buggies, Terrier Racing, Birds of Prey Flying Displays, Devilstick Peat Children’s’ Entertainer, Have-A-Go Dog Scurry and, on Sunday, the Companion Dog Show and much

more including skilled craftsmen demonstrating their rural skills. There will also be a delightful range of arts, crafts and gift marquees. Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN Tickets Adult £7.50, Child (5-16) £3, Family (2 adults and 3 children) £19 (car parking charges) Contact 01206 374400/263088 or visit www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

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Mamma Mia! at The Palace Theatre Tuesday 10th May to Saturday 4th June 2016 Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good musical. Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget. This irresistible, sunny tale has been thrilling audiences all over the world, and now the party will continue at the Palace Theatre. Palace Theatre, Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT Contact 0161 245 6600 or visit www.atgtickets.com

Dunham Massey - Open Garden for NGS Sunday, 22nd May Enjoy the elegance of this vibrant Edwardian garden. Richly planted borders packed with colour and texture, sweeping lawns, majestic trees and shady woodland all await your discovery. Explore the largest Winter Garden in Britain and marvel at the colourful, scent-filled Rose Garden. Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4SJ Contact 0161 941 1025 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey Tickets Adult £8.80, Child £4.40

An Audience with Allan Beswick - Chorley Little Theatre Saturday 28th May BBC broadcaster Allan Beswick brings his oneman show to Chorley Little Theatre. Witty, acerbic, charming, chatty and occasionally just downright rude, he has earned plaudits, awards and even a few death threats in more than thirty years of broadcasting. He’s not sure of which he is most proud. Unlike his phone-in across the north west he will be live on stage with no ‘cut off’ button to hide behind; he’ll tell tales of life and the Universe as seen through the eyes of a working class lad from a council estate in Lancashire. Two hours of “whatever comes into his head comes out of his mouth”. Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Ln, Chorley PR7 2RL Tickets £10 from Malcolm’s Musicland (01257 264362)

Fantastic FREE Entertainment! Big Band Night

with the Ronnie Moore Big Band

Wednesdays from 8.45pm

Cabaret Night - £2 Saturdays from 8.00pm

Planning a function?

Room hire up to 125 people Non - members Welcome

Come along - we’re open Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat + Sun

Sacred Heart Parish Centre Throstlenest Avenue, Springfield, Wigan, WN6 6AR

01942 519059 / 07931 552545

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sponsored by

Ashton &

Bamfurlong by David Sudworth

ith words being the tools of my trade, I despise clichés. Indeed, I avoid them like the plague. So that’s why this month’s walk, despite being reasonably hidden and displaying gem-like qualities, shall not be described as ‘a hidden gem’. I’m not sure what descriptive tag it deserves though. Maybe I’ll think of one later on. Anyway, to the task in hand... I know the Ashton and Bamfurlong area well, having grown up a few miles away, so wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. By the end though, I had a whole new perspective. Our starting point

for this 6.6 miler was the Three Sisters Recreational Area, off Lockett Road. We took advantage of the free parking just by the pond and play area, and started our hike by going in north easterly direction towards Bryn Hall Farm. Once out of the main Three Sisters parkland, it’s a short walk before turning right. At this point, you have two choices to make; you can either head north for a longer walk or simply go eastwards, past Bryn Hall Farm and down Bryn Gates Lane. Whichever way you go, you end up at more or less the same spot on the A58 later on. There’s also a

also has a gate which at first glance appears to be a sturdy, boundary fence from the adjacent house. Thankfully, a friendly farm worker was nearby and advised us to push on it, which we did, and it sprang open. Notwithstanding the nettles, brambles and aforementioned cattle, I’m glad we tested out this path because further down we got a real sense of nature when, out of the undergrowth, a young deer crossed our path. It scarpered very quickly - much too rapid for our normally super-agile lens man

few other considerations; the longer walk involves going through fields and, certainly while we in situ, there was a herd of cattle present. Regular readers will know the lack of demarcation between man and beast makes me very nervous. Another consideration is that the northern path throws up a red herring as the map denotes a public right of way towards the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. For the benefit our lovely Local Life readers, we went down to check it out. Not only was it massively overgrown, but once you get to the water’s edge, there is no bridge. It appears that at one time, there may have been either a bridge or landing stage, hence the presence of the right of way, but take our word for it that nowadays, it’s merely a road to nowhere. After much chin-stroking, we opted for the more northerly path. This is undoubtedly the more challenging route, even from the outset as the public right of way is not only unsigned, but it

Peter - but what a treat. Of all the beautiful and rural places I’ve visited doing Jack’s Tracks, the last place I expected to see wild deer was on the fringes of Ashton! We continued until our path did a bit of a dog leg. The vast expanses of wheat crops, evident in the earlier part of a walk, continued to carpet the fields as far as the eye could see. It could have been a scene from North America rather than little ol’ Wigan. If only George Orwell could have seen it. We eventually emerged opposite Abram Bryn Gates School where there was a handy pedestrian crossing to take us over into Furlong Close, a small cul-de-sac with neat dormer bungalows. We turned right into Epsom Drive (I sensed a horse racing theme going on here) and carried on into the field in front. After two minutes, we arrived at a copse,

went over the footbridge and turned a sharp left.

it veers south west towards Riding Lane. While on this section, our eyes were drawn to the presence of a commemorative stone laid to the left of the path, and surrounded by loose bricks. It reads: “P. W. DAVIES. BORN EDGE GREEN 9 JULY 1889. DIED CHESTER 18 NOVEMBER 1944. AT HIS REQUEST HIS ASHES WERE SCATTERED NEAR HIS BIRTHPLACE. A WORTHY SON OF LANCASHIRE. A GREAT THINKER.” There are no further details on the background of this particular gentleman, but as far as final resting places go, he chose a lovely spot.

Although the vegetation in the area was extremely well developed and dense, the route was amazingly clear. By this point, the sound of Virgin trains whizzing up and down the West Coast Main Line could be heard up the steep embankment yonder. Once you get to the bridge, which goes underneath the tracks, just be aware that there are a few paths and it’s therefore easy to take the wrong one. For our suggested route, stick to the path which is closest to this side of the embankment. From here, it’s a very straight route south on a formal path before

We finally went past some farm buildings and a

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Ashton-in-Makerfield 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.

house on the right before coming to Edge Green Road/Riding Lane. A combination of weary feet and the sight of a rural pub is hard to resist, and so the gravitational pull towards The Harrow Inn pub proved too much for our aching limbs to fight against. As it was a warm, bright day, we sat outside on one of the many benches, nursing a refreshingly cold cola and plotting our way back. We found that from here, it was a virtual straight line back; down Riding Lane, back across the A58, past Lily Lane Farm and into the formal Three Sisters Recreation Area. Look out for the bird watching area on the left hand side – some of the species indicate a twitchers’ paradise. Once back at the car park, there’s the option of feeding the ducks or letting the little ones burn off any energy they may still have stored away by letting them loose in the play area. As I said at the outset, it’s hard to believe that in an area known for its industrial past, so much countryside is still not only in place, but also actively used and harvested. As a born and bred Ashtonian, it certainly opened my eyes. Never again will I solely think of traffic jams when asked to describe my hometown. But let’s get one thing

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straight, despite all this I’m still not labelling the walk ‘a hidden gem.’ That would be far too trite. More like an undiscovered diamond...

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Award Winner

t takes different sorts of plants to come together to provide a good planting scheme, combining to create planting with impact throughout the year. For example some plants are referred to as “back bone” planting - generally these are shrubs which provide structure and perhaps a splash of colour during a particular season. Lilacs are a good example and Syringa vulgaris ‘Madame Lemoine’ is a fabulous one with lovely perfume. You’ll need space for it as it grows to 7 metres. Some plants are star performers – “show offs” – giving our gardens the wow factor. These bloom for a short time only but are so spectacular that we want to grow them and we spend all year looking forward to seeing them. They are very good for the soul and every garden should have them. The large oriental Poppies spring to mind here – Papaver orientale ’Mrs Perry’ is a gorgeous one. The Paeonia is another show off – Paeonia lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’ has the most extraordinary flowers in early summer but following a windy, rainy day – they will all be gone.

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Then there are plants which provide terrific value all year round, “good doers” - quietly giving the garden a long season of interest. Many of these are evergreen plants but not all, for example hardy Geraniums. These are not the sort that your Mum and Dad used to grow and which you buy from the garden centre in early summer as summer bedding. Hardy Geraniums come back year after year, mostly going to ground in winter. They come in all sorts of colours and will tolerate sun and shade conditions. Geranium nodosum is a great one for a shady spot while Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a sun lover. Geranium macrorr. ‘Mount Olympus White’ is semi-evergreen and provides really good ground cover. You can relate plants to people. Lady Gaga for instance would of course be a star performer. Hubby on the other hand is a good doer and a star performer. He provides me with good value all year round and he makes me smile even on the dullest of days. But does he have the wow factor? What do you think!

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Clubman by Tim Barnes-Clay

he old Mini Clubman was no oil-painting, but this one could easily earn its place on the podium at Legs 11. It’s a looker alright.

The brand new Mini Clubman must have been breast fed at birth, because it’s far bigger than its siblings. That doesn’t mean it’s fat – no way. This car is well formed and its proportions are just right. And because it’s not exactly a shrinking violet, the Clubman is likely to win over quirkier types who might otherwise have gone for midsize family car choices, such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

The story hasn’t always been good for the Clubman, though. The first generation had a useless, single rear door that meant UK passengers were forced to step into the road. This didn’t help sales and the Clubman therefore wasn’t exactly the rock star that BMW, Mini’s owner, was expecting.

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But the Germans have seen the light and the previous rear-hinged ‘clubdoor’, has been kicked to the kerb in favour of two ‘normal’ back doors. They make it far easier for passengers to get in and out of the car. Then there’s the barn-door boot. You’ll remember that from the last model. Well, that stays put, but now the doors can be released manually, or if you ticked the hands-free tailgate option, a sassy little kick under the rear bumper will open them up. Inside, the comfortable seats are kind to your backside and feel supportive, especially during long periods on the road. The car’s uncluttered dashboard is dwarfed by a massive screen that sits where the speedometer on older Minis used to be. The controller on the central console manages most of the Clubman’s systems, so there are fewer buttons on the dash to confuse or divert you. As the Clubman is the largest of the current Mini litter, it has, predictably, the most capacious cabin. To be frank, with a big load area too, the word ‘mini’ seems rather outmoded. The whole motor

is 270mm longer than the five-door Hatchback, allowing for oodles of room in the front and respectable space for two adults in the rear. The boot is about the same as a VW Golf’s, so you’ll get the family shopping in – and a toddler’s buggy. The Cooper S Clubman Auto is easily the most gratifying to drive. Out at the Mini’s media launch

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on the roads surrounding San Sebastian in northern Spain, the most powerful petrol drove go-kart-like on the straights - just as a Mini should. It’s a shame the slightly pulpy suspension can drizzle on your chips in the corners, with body roll kicking in if you enter the twisty bits too hard. But that can be forgiven, because the Cooper S generates more than enough pull to keep you cheery. 189bhp can be squeezed from the S’ 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder lump, and with the eight speed auto box, a zero to 62mph sprint in 7.1 seconds is easily achievable, finishing up with a top speed of 142mph. Even though these figures might make the car sound insatiable for fuel – it’s not. With the superb automatic gearbox you can officially get an average of 48.7mpg out of the Clubman - and the CO2 emissions are 134g/km, meaning road tax is a trifling £130 per annum. The state-of-the-art 2015 Mini is a gargantuan stepup from its forerunner, and it puts right pretty much everything that was awry. The Clubman now has more doors, better space, good looks, and it really is exciting to drive. The Cooper S version is especially guaranteed to bring a grin to the face of anyone who slips behind its wheel.

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J.Dillon Electrical

ANDY HIDDEN Domestic Electrician

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 No Job Too Small!

• All aspects of electrical work welcomed • From new sockets to full re-wire - no job too small • CCTV/Alarms/Security Lighting a speciality

24 hour Call Out Service

Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est. Cale Lane Wigan Contact Us: 01942 836 937 / 07557 914788 www.ghewigan.co.uk

Good Trader Of The Year Winner in the Wigan Trading Standards Best of the Best Awards 2013/14. Certificate of Excellence Winner 2012/13/14/15

Award Winner 2012/13/14/15

Advertise • Rewires & Upgrades • Interior & Exterior Lighting • Alarms & CCTV • Extra Sockets & Lights

07531 765 529 / 01695 628 150

All electrical work undertaken • Rewire specialists • Extra sockets & lights fitted • Mains board upgrades

Free quotations

A.J.S.

BAILEYS ELECTRICAL

01942 215 769 07739 709 005

Shevington E l ect ri cal S erv ic e s L td NAPIT part ‘P’ registered JIB Approved Technician 31 Years Experience

Local. Honest & Reliable Domestic Industrial & Commercial

Covering all North West Areas.

Call: 0800 6446100 or 07904 127663 www.shevington-electrical-services.co.uk

Re-Wires Additional Sockets / Lights Home Safety Tests Fuse Board Upgrades Security Lighting Alarms CCTV

07946 844 904 08000 842 394 Email: andy@ahde.co.uk

here

Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone

01695 627 999 Smart Electrical Contractors - Domestic - Commercial - Industrial • Rewire • PAT Testing • CCTV • Alarms Tel: 01257 367386 Mob: 07594 240054

Domestic - Commercial - Industrial

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Useful Numbers Councils and Councillors (Wigan) Wigan Council Wigan Council (out of hours) Cllr Conway (Aspull & Haigh) Cllr Hilton (Aspull & Haigh) Cllr Ready (Aspull & Haigh) Cllr Collins (Shevington) Cllr Crosby (Shevington) Cllr Edwardson (Shevington) Cllr Debbie Fairhurst (Standish) Cllr Gareth Fairhurst (Standish) Cllr George Fairhurst (Standish) Cllr Davies (Wigan Central) Cllr Hunt (Wigan Central) Cllr McLoughlin (Wigan Central)

01942 244 991 01942 404 040 01942 486 853 01942 736 215 01942 736 218 01942 487 684 01942 486 860 01942 487 674 01257 423 212 01942 487 671 01257 407 078 01942 486 864 07766 478 296 01942 487 686

Councils and Councillors (West Lancs) West Lancs Council 01695 577 177 Lancashire County Council 0300 123 6701 Cllr Baybutt (Wrigh’ton & App. Bridge) 01257 255 501 Cllr Evans (Wrigh’ton & App. Bridge) 01695 624 683 Cty Cllr Fillis (Wrigh’ton & App. Bridge) 07876 844275

Local Life Magazine

Puzzle

Libraries Aspull Library Standish Library Shevington Library Medical Beech Hill Medical Practice Boston House Concourse Walk-in Centre Linacre Centre Ormskirk Hospital Aspull Surgery Shevington Clinic Shevington Surgery Standish Clinic Standish Medical Practice Wigan Infirmary NHS Direct Emergency Dental Repairs

01942 831 303 01257 400 496 01257 252 618 01942 821 899 01942 482 000 01695 554 260 01942 244 000 01695 577 111 01942 831 263 01942 483 100 01942 483 777 01942 481 380 01257 421 909 01942 244 000 08 45 46 47 01695 623 334

Police Greater Manchester Police Wigan Policing Team Lancashire Police

01618 725 050 01618 567 124 01695 566 134

West Lancs Local Team

01257 462 239

Advertising & Editorial 01257 498329

Accounts & Distribution 01695 627 999

solutions

The photo on page 47 is of the Black Horse (now the Charnley Arms) on Almond Brook Rd, Standish.

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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Taking a beating There’s just no pleasing some folk. “Get more bobbies on the beat,” was the cry a few years ago. So, good enough, the boys in blue were prised of their panda cars and on to the mean streets of... err... Shevington. Yet in the latest parish plan, the mere fact that the area’s PCSO is getting around under their own steam is a source of concern: “Given the settlement pattern of the parish, mobility is an issue for the PCSO as they have to rely on public transport or prearranged pick-ups. PCSO patrols are undertaken on foot or using

a cycle, which does not help in addressing the visibility issue due to the time it takes to get from A to B.” Maybe it’s time for them to go back to another bit of traditional policing, - Ashes to Ashes/1981 style - and Fire Up The Quattro!

PC gone mad Are you, like me, still struggling to get to grips with all this newfangled technology? Well fear not because apparently Wigan is getting a ‘Digital Growth Advisor’. Yes, Library Street’s finest have apparently agreed to dip into its piggy bank to help pay for the post. According to the Metro this: “Partnership approach to Digital Growth will enable all SMEs the opportunity to access Digital support, to do nothing would not delivery against the Digital Strategy’s growth agenda.” Forget PCs, iPads and tablets, I think we need a Council Gobbledygook Advisor to help mere mortals like me unpick this dreadful mangling of the Queen’s English!

EU must be joking This EU referendum thingy is starting to get a bit serious. The date has been named - June 23 and all across the country, history is being rewritten to suit each side

of the argument. So for those of you still trying to decide which way to swing, here’s a bit of mythbusting for you. 1) The sun didn’t shine for longer before we joined the EU. Remember, in 1966, The Walker Brothers told us it would stop altogether. They were wrong too. 2) We wouldn’t have to quit the Eurovision Song Contest or the Euro Football Championship if we voted to leave the EU. Although to lose the torture of competing in each wouldn’t be a bad thing. 3) The Dutch and Swedes will still be better at speaking English than us, regardless of the result.

Runts of the litter Finally, is it me or is Wigan town centre getting worse for litter on Saturday and Sunday mornings? I don’t know what’s more irritating, the mess or the people who make excuses for ‘the drunks’ who chuck stuff on the floor. Sorry, but even when I’ve had a few fortified spritzers, I don’t go round discarding my stuff all over the place. There’s plenty of CCTV in the town centre; how about releasing some of the images to help catch those who make us pay via our taxes for their bone idleness?

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