Local Life - Wigan - April 2019

LocalLife Wigan Edition

April 2019

Win Tickets To Jess Glynne Pages 72 - 73

Easter Activities Pages 52 - 54

Tockholes Walk Pages 76 - 78

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Bellingham Drive, Wigan

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Local Life

Free Stuff Those readers who take in the small print at the base of page 5 in Local Life will know that we have two separate distribution areas. On one month the magazine is delivered to the Wigan North area and the following month, the magazine is delivered to the Wigan West area.

So every second month, you end up missing out on your Local Life. But if you visit our website www. locallife247.co.uk and scroll to the bottom of the home page, you can sign up for the e-magazine and we’ll send you a link each month which will allow you to read the magazine online free.

With the advent of warmer weather, the great outdoors is looking more appealing to walkers. Did you know that our website carries over 60 of our Jack’s Tracks walks and is a resource used by many local walking groups? Click on Free Stuff on our website and you can download your next walk free.

We carry some marvellous competitions in our magazines and you can enter these free of charge via our website. Just click on Free Stuff and complete your details along with your answer and you could be a winner!

And finally, for those people who are involved in helping organise events; from am dram productions to charity fundraisers, were you aware that you can publicise your event free on our site and, providing you submit before our print deadlines, we’ll include your events in the magazine too?

Here’s the website again – www.locallife247.co.uk.

See you next time

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life

In this issue Sally’s Specials

Regulars 32 Puzzle Corner 68 Events2Go 77 Jack’s Tracks

79 Test Drive 82 Garden Diary

Sections 50 Easter Activities

42 Property 48 Food 56 Health 62 Legal & Finance 66 Business View

68 Leisure 79 Motoring 82 Gardening 86 Home Services

Next issue - May 2018

Advertising deadline - Thursday, 4 April

52 Relaxing Reiki

Published - Thursday, 18 April

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

Telephone: 01695 627 999 56 Win Tickets To Jess Glynne

72 Jack’s Tracks: Tockholes

76 locallifemagazine247

Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Nicola sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: Jess wigannews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Christina accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.

This issue is delivered to 13,025 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.

The next issue is delivered to 13,299 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, 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.

@locallifemedia

events2go

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News & Features

Bat Walks

Football Film

A series of bat walks hosted by Active Outdoors are available for families in Wigan.

A new film about Nazi paratrooper and prisoner of war Bert Trautmann premieres in April.

Three walks are taking place – the first, on Wednesday, April 24 will have you searching for the nocturnal creatures at Three Sisters Recreation Area, while the second (on Monday, April 29) runs at Low Hall Nature Reserve. Finally, a third walk takes place at Haigh Woodland Park on Wednesday, May

Trautmann was imprisoned in a POW camp in Ashton-in-Makerfield – now Byrchall High School – until 1948, where he regularly played in football matches until an injury led to him taking the place of goalkeeper.

1.

Each walk begins at 7pm. For more information, visit www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/wigan/ active-outdoors/

When the camp closed, Trautmann elected to remain in England and later played for St. Helens Town, before beginning his career at Manchester City where he remained until 1964.

‘The Keeper’, starring David Kross as Trautmann, heads to cinemas on Friday, April 5.

Volunteers Needed

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Wellbeing Wigan CIC are looking for community volunteers to help run drop-in sessions. The CIC offer support sessions for various demographics, as well as hosting regular community groups like

Local Life require distributors for the following areas; Standish Rectory Lane, Brookside Road area Bleachworks estate High Street, Preston Road area Woodhurst Drive estate Appley Bridge Mill Lane, Miles Lane & Ash Close Crooke Village Wrightington Interested?

Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

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If you can spare a couple of hours on Wednesdays – whether it’s every week or once a month – pop into the CIC on Gidlow Lane or email info@ wellbeingwigan.co.uk

Race Night Enjoy all the excitement of an evening at the races in aid of Wigan Youth Zone.

Wigan Rotary Club’s April event is Songs from the Shows.

With 8 races across the night costing just £2 each to enter, plus a raffle with fabulous prizes, get your glad rags on in support of Wigan’s young people on Friday, April 12 from 7pm-midnight. A cocktail will be served on arrival, with a disco and canapes available throughout the evening.

With entertainment from Victor Michael and the Three Sopranos, who specialise in fourpart harmonies and top quality vocals, you’ll be humming show tunes all night long while raising money for the Rotary Club Charities Account.

Anne Hurcombe, Managing Director at Wigan Pier Promotions and event supporter, said: ‘Wigan Youth Zone need to raise over £1.65 million every year. It’s proven to cut crime and gives many of our Wigan kids opportunities they could only dream of!’

The event takes place on Saturday, April 6 at Mill at the Pier, Trencherfield Mill on Heriage Way, with doors opening at 7pm.

Anne is also looking for contributions towards raffle prizes – email her at anne@wiganpierpromotions. co.uk to donate.

Seated tickets cost £12, or grab a standing ticket for just £5. To book, head to the TicketSource website.

Tickets for the event cost £40 per person, then £10 per raffle ticket. To book, call 01257 251908 or head to www.wiganpierpromotions.co.uk/wyz-racenight

Songs from the Shows

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Smalls for All It’s a big BRAvo to Winstanley College student Rhianna Watt who has been collecting old bras for the ‘Smalls for All’ campaign run by the Against Breast Cancer charity.

Rhianna has been asking fellow students to donate their old bras which will be recycled by the charity or sent to developing countries such as Toga, Ghana and Kenya, where bras are too expensive to produce locally.

Over 100 bras have been donated, a fantastic result for Rhianna who is no stranger to running charity campaigns, having recently been involved with The Red Box project against period poverty.

Rhianna said: ‘Thank you to all the students who have donated, I didn’t think we would get so many!

As well as helping women in poorer countries, for

Appley Bridge Village Hall Appley Lane North, WN6 9DX Wednesday – 8am & 9.30am Danielle – 07917 562 485 Clifton Street Community Centre Clifton Street , Wigan, WN3 5HN Monday – 4.30pm & 6.30pm Tuesday – 5pm & 7pm Thursday – 9.15am Saturday – 7.30am, 9am & 11am Danielle – 07917 562 485 Carol - 07854 252 501

every tonne of bras collected, £700 is donated to Against Breast Cancer to fund their research which makes it a doubly important campaign.’

Parbold Village Hall 2 The Green, Parbold, WN8 7DN Thursday 4pm & 6pm Carol – 07854 252 501

Standish Community Centre Moody Street, Standish, WN6 0JY Thursday – 7.30am & 9am Carol – 07854 252 501

Shevington Methodist Church 1 Gathurst Lane, Shevington, WN6 8HA Tuesday – 9.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7pm Barbara – 01695 731 343

St Wilfrid’s Church Hall Church St, Standish, WN6 0JT Wednesday – 5.30pm & 7pm Barbara – 01695 731 343

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CURTAINS, BLINDS & SOFT FURNISHINGS

Once Upon a Smile A support group for bereaved children wants to help youngsters in Wigan cope with the loss of a parent or sibling.

Once Upon a Smile is aimed at children aged 6-11 who have lost someone close to them, and provides a magical place for them to laugh, cry and celebrate their loved ones.

The group meets at Pipsqueaks Play Café in Orrell on the last Wednesday of the month from 6:30pm7:30pm. For further information, call 0161 711 0339 or email kelly@onceuponasmile.org.uk

Coding Meet-Up A coding meet-up for adults runs every other Saturday at Wigan Library.

Just bring your own laptop and burning questions along to the library between 10:30am and 12:30pm on Saturday, March 9, Saturday March 23 and then Saturday, April 6.

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Stadium Sleep Out The Brick are hosting a huge sleep-out at DW Stadium to raise money for its main premises.

Places on the sleep out are limited – to book your place, email ged@thebrick.org.uk or call 01942

Experience how it feels to live out on the streets without a roof over your head for an entire night – it definitely won’t be as easy as you think, but your efforts go towards a worthy cause.

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Individuals working with The Brick will be sharing their stories of homelessness and sleeping rough on the night, with music and a hot soup supper to keep your spirits up.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum of £100 for The Brick through fundraising and sponsorship.

The event is open to anyone over the age of 13, but under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Community groups, clubs, families and local businesses are very welcome! The sleep runs from 9:30pm-6am on Friday, April 5 at the DW Stadium on Loire Drive.

There’ll Be Bluebirds Over Wigan Musical Theatre Group present their latest play this April.

‘There’ll Be Bluebirds Over’ sees war break out across Britain. See the hall transformed into an air raid shelter, with plenty of well-known WW2 songs, radio programmes of the era and poignant memories to make you laugh and cry.

Performances run from Wednesday, April 3 until Saturday, April 6, and doors open at 7pm each night at St. Michael’s Parish Hall on Shaw Street.

Tickets cost £9 per adult or £8 for concessions.

They can be booked from Julie on 07598 508004 or ticketswmtg@gmail.com

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Shevington Fete The Shevington & District Community Fete has been announced for 2019.

Mark your calendars: on Saturday, June 22 from 11am-4pm, you can enjoy loads of live music, plus stalls to browse and delicious food to feast on across the village. The fete will stretch across Shevington Recreation Ground, St. Anne’s Parish Rooms, the youth club and the methodist church.

A free park and ride system courtesy of Pemberton Taxis is also available.

For more information or to get involved, email shevingtonfete@outlook.com

Plant Based Saturday April sees the return of Haigh’s Plant Based Saturdays, where street food vendors from across the North West come together to offer vegan treats galore.

plus live music throughout the day, Saturday, April 13 is a great time to head down to Haigh Woodland Park and sample some delicious northern delights.

The event runs from 6pm-10pm and is child and dog friendly.

Plant Based Saturdays also take place on June 8th, August 10th and September 8th 2019.

Swing into Spring Winstanley Tennis Club will host an open day in April.

On Sunday, April 28, head down to the club on Hall Lane, Orrell, for a fun family afternoon of free tennis activities, with racquets and balls provided. There’ll be free coaching on the day, including a cardio tennis session for anyone who fancies burning a few extra calories! There’s also the chance to hear about new membership deals on the day, and refreshments are available.

The event runs from 1pm-4pm and is free to enter.

With plenty of vegan beers, spirits and wine on offer,

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Open Gardens Dalton Gardens is returning for 2019.

The first open gardens event took place some twenty years ago, when Dalton Church’s vicar decided to host a community event to get local residents involved with the church and their neighbours. Vicar Tim retired in 2015, and it seemed the event had retired with him – until now.

Owners are encouraged to open their gardens, whether big or small, to the public to help raise money for essential roof repairs at Dalton Church.

The event will begin on Sunday, June 9, and will enable local people to visit beautiful gardens in the summer months.

jewellers. The shop has recently expanded

Admission to gardens will be sold in advance at £5 per ticket or on the day for £6, which provides visitors with a programme of entries.

specialist design and re-modelling advice and

If you’re interested, get in touch with Steph on 01257 463461 or stephellis1812@hotmail.com or Gary on 07764 933190 or gary.unsworth@aol.co.uk

Jewels May is a wonderful independent so as to offer customers more on site specialist services, one-to-one consultation, manufacturing.

Their jewellery range is extensive from antique and vintage to modern and one-off bespoke luxury pieces, set with diamonds and precious stones. They also boast an impressive range of engagement and wedding rings as well as preowned luxury watches.

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Soccer

Therapy

When Peter Hill lost four of his friends to suicide within four years, it would have been easy for him to hold his hands up and shut the world out.

Instead, following the death of his best friend in 2014 and three more close friends in subsequent years, Peter turned his grief into something productive and set out on a bike ride from Wigan to Paris in their memory.

An unconventional venture, sure. But the ten-day cycle in 2017 attracted a huge buzz online and helped raise awareness of suicide prevention – letting people know that whatever their circumstances, taking your own life doesn’t have to be the answer. The cycle took Peter past landmark stadiums of Europe, including the DW Stadium in Wigan, Stoke City’s ground, the iconic Wembley and Stade de France in Saint-Denis – and that gave Peter an idea.

‘Passing all those stadiums, it hit me that football is a great way to get men talking to each other while building confidence,’ Peter said. Sports grounds are often seen as places where toxic masculinity is rife, and competition can often turn ugly on the pitch – but he wanted to change that. ‘It’s definitely about building men back up and discussing mental health, which can be a challenging topic to open up about.’

Pete’s Pedal 2 Paris thus transformed into Place 2 Place FC, with over 35 lads across four teams meeting up to play at Wigan’s Soccerdome every Thursday.

In May, Peter wants the project to be bigger than ever before – so Place 2 Place have hired out the DW

Stadium for a massive charity football match.

‘We’re going to be playing a full 90-minute game on a real pitch!’ he shared. ‘Our players will be using the Wigan dressing rooms and heading out in full kit to a cheering crowd, which is really exciting.’

Along with the match, there’s plenty of family fun to be had on the day too. There’ll be music played over the speakers, fantastic prizes to be won in a raffle, and charity buckets collecting for Talk First: Place 2 Place’s new sponsor. The Ince-based charity specialises in family mediation to resolve conflict and influence positive change, focusing on improving family life and relationships.

The Place 2 Place Cup match against Geo Athletic takes place on Sunday, May 12. No tickets are needed for the event – just turn up on the day and donate what you can.

For more information about the club, as well as how to get involved, head to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Place2PlaceFC or call Peter on 07939 346875.

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Club Causes Wigan Rotary Club invites you to book a stall at their July Community Day. All local charities and good causes are invited to attend the free opportunity to boost your profile in the area, recruit new volunteers or members, and provide information and advice.

Stallholders will be allocated 9 foot frontages along Standishgate in Wigan town centre, where they can erect a table or gazebo, sell merchandise, hold a game of chance or distribute literature. There’ll be plenty going on for attendees too, with jazz groups and local talent entertaining throughout the day.

All you have to do is pay a £10 deposit, which will be returned to you if you observe the day’s regulations.

The Community Day takes place on Saturday, July 6 from 8am-4pm.

To download an application form and see terms & conditions, visit www.wiganrotaryclub.org.uk

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n this day and age, when all retailers seem to be generic and faceless, it’s great find somewhere a little bit different, and Love It Gallery in Billinge is a unique jewel in the seas of globalisation.

In 2015 Winstanley couple Stephanie O’Brien and Ian O’Brien moved their thriving Morpheus Glass business onto the derelict Billinge Garden Centre site and opened the Love It Gallery and Bag & Bean café to complement it on the site. A brave move indeed, and for those well versed in film, it was a real ‘build it and they will come’ moment. Local residents quickly supported the venture and three

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years on, the couple now employ 15 staff from the local area to help them manage the site.

Love It gallery displays a plethora of original giftware and hand-crafted pieces from designers and craftspeople, and much of the merchandise is exclusive to Love It. Visually, the gallery is extraordinary; high ceilings, original timber frames and exquisite lighting that shows off the attractive merchandise perfectly.

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Ashton Arts Fest

created to connect a UK audience to the real, human story beyond the headlines.

Umbrella Arts presents the Ashton & Bryn Arts Festival for Children and Young People this April.

You can experience the installation for yourself on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 from 10am-

A curated series of events takes place in Ashtonin-Makerfield’s Jubilee Park from Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 12. Children can get involved with a range of crafty workshops including drama, crocheting, mono printing and abstract painting.

On the Friday there’s also the chance to join in with

11:30am in The Courtroom of The Old Courts.

making Easter bonnets and Mandalas.

All the events are free, but places must be booked on Eventbrite or by emailing info@umbrella-arts.org

Time to Say Nothing An immersive art installation heads to The Old Courts this month.

‘Now Is the Time to Say Nothing’ is an interactive sound and video installation exploring the role of screens in observing global conflicts, following the real story of Syrian artist Reem Karssli. The piece was

Entrance to the installation is free, with donations welcome. Space is limited so be sure to register online at www.theoldcourts.com/whatson or call the box office on 01942 834747.

British Legion The Standish branch of the Royal British Legion welcomes new members.

Working to support those who have served and their families, the Legion ensures that acts of remembrance are kept alive, and that the ex-Service community gets its voice heard. Membership is open to men and women of all ages, whether they’ve served in the Armed Forces or not, and allows you the opportunity to get involved in various activities and fundraisers throughout the year.

21 The Standish branch meets on the second Tuesday of the month at The Unity Club on Cross Street.

Meetings start at 7:30pm.

Meet Maxine Peake TV personality and star of Peterloo Maxine Peake is coming to Wigan for an exclusive talk and Q&A. On Tuesday, May 21 from 7:30pm, Maxine will be supporting the Wigan Heritage and Mining Monument charity (WHAMM) at Wigan Cricket Club on Parsons Walk (WN1 1RU). She’ll take questions about her exciting career from her start in Westhoughton, with musical entertainment and supper provided on the night.

Tickets cost £15 and are available on 01942 244309, 07964 122114, 07810 316248 or 07570 414640.

Tell Us Your Story!

Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve.

Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition!

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

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Rotary Club Donate Funds Wigan Rotary Club is again looking to donate funds to local community groups with their annual ‘Dragons Den’ style event.

Following the success of the Dragons Den event over the past few years, local groups based in the Wigan postcode areas of WN1, WN3, WN5 and WN6 are invited to bid for funding from the group.

Members of Wigan Rotary will consider all bids before inviting selected groups to put their case for funding in a three-minute long presentation.

President of Wigan Rotary Club John Wright said “In these difficult times when we are all having to tighten our belts, I am sure that 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 they wish to undertake or an event that they wish to stage”.

Eight groups were successful in last year’s round of Dragons Den funding, and successful bids included a football team, a therapy group and drama and dance sessions. Bids from a few hundred pounds up to £1,000 will be considered by the Rotary Dragons team.

John adds, “We don’t expect the presentation to come from a person trained in public speaking, we want to hear group members themselves, and don’t worry, our Dragons are a lot less scary than the BBC Dragons like Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden”.

You can find further details on the Wigan Rotary Dragons Den at www.wiganrotaryclub.org.uk , and you’ll also be able to download the application form from the site. If you’d like more details, call Phil Hirst on 07813 471000.

Standish Centre Delay Work on the new Standish Leisure Centre, which was originally due to open its doors in autumn this year, has been delayed.

The centre on Rectory Lane will house a stateof-the-art gym facility, plus a studio facility for instructor-led and virtual exercise classes, with a multi-use games area outside.

The centre is now looking to open in early 2020.

Looking for funds for your community group?

Funding for community groups is now available from Wigan Rotary Club.

Bids of up to £1,000 are welcomed from community groups based in the WN1, WN3, WN5 & WN6 areas Closing date: Weds 17th April 2019 For further details and an application form, visit www.wiganrotaryclub.org.uk or call Phil on 07813 471 000

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Students Resolve World Issues Last month, students from Winstanley College headed to Augsburg in Germany to take part in the 2019 Model United Nations Conference.

It was the fifth year running that Winstanley has taken part in the international event which involves representing a country in teams and debating a range of topical issues including poverty, climate change and even world peace.

Delegates had to present themselves in different

roles including General Assembly and The World Health Organisation. They also drafted resolutions to the problems discussed, and many of these were successfully passed, resulting in a real sense of achievement.

Winstanley had a challenge with Venezuela, Belgium and Turkey to represent; however with the team’s skill and diplomacy there was no need to call in the Security Council!

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All Saints Church in Appley Bridge is truly a hidden gem in the village.

Tucked away down Finch Lane opposite All Saints Primary School, the church is led by Reverend Sue Timmins, who took up the post in 2016. It prides itself on offering a family-oriented, community atmosphere, with a gentle, welcoming space for people of all ages to explore the Christian faith.

The church originates in the 1890s – the first church was constructed in 1894, opposite the offices of the Linoleum Works (now IKO).

‘Appley Bridge is a strong community,’ Rev Sue commented. ‘All Saints Church seeks to play its part in encouraging that important sense of togetherness and care for each other.’

This March, the church hosted a Big Breakfast to raise money for Christian Aid, which was attended by representatives from The Brick and the Appley Bridge Community Association.

All Saints also offers regular Family Time services, sessions for uniformed young peoples’ organisations, Rock Choir group meetings and regular Sunday church services, which take place weekly at 10:45am, while the children’s service goes on at 9:15am on the second Sunday of the month.

Now All Saints are looking to the future, says Diane.

‘We’re focusing on sharing the good news of Jesus in lively and accessible ways with young children and their families.’

To find out more about All Saints Appley Bridge and the services they offer, visit www.allsaintschurch. co.uk or go to their Facebook page.

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Puzzle Corner

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34

Rec Revolution Standish Panthers hope to breathe new life into the Standish Recreation Ground this spring.

The Panthers, a junior football club for players from U7s to U16s across the Wigan area, moved into their new home at Wigan Sports Club last September and have enjoyed nothing but success since. The new irrigated pitches mean fewer matches than ever are being postponed due to inclement conditions and waterlogging, while the community atmosphere at the Club has proven a hit with young players.

As the football season draws to a close to make way for the forthcoming term of cricket, which begins midApril, some Standish Panthers players will go to train at Standish Rec. This move not only means young players can benefit from the flexibility of training on both grass pitches and all-weather AstroTurf at WSC, but can make use of an additional training ground for new programmes and activities. This begins with

35 a brand new goalkeeper development programme on the Rec, for all goalkeepers involved with the Panthers., which will start next season.

Standish Recreation Ground was gifted to the local council back in 1923 by Helen de Perusse Standish – the last of the Standish family – to be used by the children of the area. But in 2017 it was embroiled in controversy when proposals were put forward to tarmac over the ground and put a new car park on the site, with residents up in arms about protecting their green space.

Standish Panthers JFC hope to be able to use the Rec throughout the spring and summer months, and to help preserve the space for the Standish community.

For more information about the football club, visit www.standishpanthers.co.uk Helen de Perusse Standish

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Wigan Ale Trail Tickets have been released for

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pub entertainment and sample a wider range of ales. The buses run from 12pm-10:30pm, and you’re welcome to start at the venue of your choice.

On Saturday, April 20, hop on one of the Trail buses and sample the ales at various Wigan venues, including The Albion Ale House and The Hoot in Standish – with plenty more stops along the way!

Simply purchase your wristband tickets online or from one of the trail pubs, jump on and enjoy a boozy day out.

There are also two breaks throughout the day to give the drivers a rest and you the perfect chance

Tickets for the event cost £13, and can be purchased at www. hopandgrainevents.co.uk/aletrails/wigan-ale-trail/ where you can also find a list of venues. For further information, email enquiries@hopandgrainevents.co.uk

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Property

Tenants Fees Act –

Good News?

Several housing charities believe spending more than a third of someone’s salary on rent is exorbitant, and Wigan youngsters who are renting their homes are increasingly close to that position. The average 22 to 29-year-old in Wigan spends 26% of their typical salary on a one bed rental property, and 28% of their salary for a 2-bed home in Wigan.

Anything which reduces the cost of renting is good news for the residents who are looking to move into rented accommodation, and so the introductions of the Tenants Fees Acts 2019, which comes into force on 1st June, has been welcomed by most. The Act is expected to save renters at least £240 million a year by banning unfair letting fees and capping tenancy deposits at 5 weeks rent, but will this make a difference in the long term?

However, I personally know of a small handful of Wigan landlords selling some/or all of their rental portfolio as their portfolios become less economically viable with the recent tax changes for the buy to let market and the introduction of this act isn’t good news for landlords. Rents in the last 10

Alan Batt Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has worked within the Wigan property market for over 30 years.

years have failed to keep up with UK inflation, so in real terms, landlords are worse off when it comes to their rental returns, (though they will gain long term via the increase in Wigan property values).

If the number of rental properties on the market reduces further, rents will rise (classic textbook supply and demand), and thus landlords’ return and yields will rise. Yet, because tenants still can’t afford to save the deposit for a home and we are all living longer, the demand for rental properties across Wigan will continue to grow in the next twenty to thirty years as we turn to more European ways where the norm is to rent rather than buy in the 20’s and 30’s age range.

Managing a successful property portfolio in the buy to let market can be tricky as new legislation is introduced. If you are looking for an agent that is well established, professional and communicative, then contact me to find out how we can help get the best out of your investment property.

Email me on alan@alanbatt.co.uk or call on 01942 233999

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Outlook for Despite the doom and gloom predictions (a.k.a. guesses) from the City of London’s economists, housing prices in the UK did pretty well in 2018, though there were regional differences. House prices in London and the South East have hardly risen or even fallen in some places, whilst in the Midlands, North and other parts of the country they have generally increased. Wigan’s property values ended up 2.7% higher at the end of 2018, compared with 2017. Overall though, it’s an astonishing sign of strength considering the uncertainty and threats over the potential impact of Brexit in 2019.

Nevertheless, the statistics from the Land Registry come after a lethargic year for the number of properties in Wigan sold. Looking in finer detail, it isn’t a surprise that 2,539 property sales in Wigan over the last 12 months is somewhat lower than the long-term average over the last 20 years of 3,130 property sales per year in Wigan as the long-term trend of people moving less has meant a decline in the number of property transactions.

I believe locally, Wigan’s property value growth will be more reserved in 2019 after two decades of weaker wage rises. One of main drivers of property value growth is the growth of wage packets and therefore the price people are prepared to pay for a home. Interestingly, wage inflation has risen from 2.4% in the late summer to its current level of 3.3% and one of the reasons why wages are growing in the short term is the unemployment rate in the country currently only stands at 4.1%, continuing to stay close to its lowest level since the 1970’s.

2019

However, even though Wigan salaries are on the rise, if you look at long term trends, Wigan’s property values are 150% higher than they were in January 2002, yet average salaries are only 76% higher over the same time frame. This means over the last few years, with average property values so high comparative to salary/wages, many Wigan potential buyers have been priced out of being able to purchase their first home.

At first glance, these stats are actually rather positive during this reported time of political uncertainty and the height of Brexit commotion, and whilst I am not entering into the pros and cons of Brexit itself, the numbers do stack up quite well since the Brexit vote took place nearly 3 years ago.

Moving forward, when taken with the recent reduction in short to medium term number of property transactions (i.e. the number of Wigan properties sold), it should be noted that a lot of the this buoyant house price increase has a lot more to do with a shortage of properties on the market rather than an uplift in the Wigan housing market generally.

Looking forward, I would say to the homeowners and buy to let landlords of the locality that I expect Wigan house price growth to remain stable between 0.6% and 1.8% by the end of this year (although they could dip slightly during the summer) ... as long as nothing unexpected happens economically or politically.

For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the Wigan property market, check out www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk

44

Community Connections A community enterprise in Wigan has been

each week who would otherwise struggle to make

successful in connecting volunteer drivers with vulnerable people in the borough.

it to the shops. New driver Eddy commented: ‘After a lifetime of work, I was looking for something to keep me busy and engaged with the community.

I found out about Driven via Local Life, and opted to volunteer two days a week, but the options can vary from the occasional involvement to up to five days a week.’

Driven is a community transport project aiming to help people get out and about locally to reduce isolation and increase socialisation for people who don’t have their own means of transport. After advertising for new drivers in Local Life, project manager Ian Tomlinson was thrilled that ten new volunteers came forward.

‘The drivers are all really enjoying helping vulnerable people to get out and about,’ he said. ‘It’s the best response we have had from any marketing we’ve done, and I’d like to thank Local Life on behalf of our volunteers and the passengers they are helping. It worked wonderfully for us, and we are very grateful!’

The new drivers are now helping over 60 people

Volunteering with Driven escalated from an occasional endeavour to a fulfilling role, with plenty of chances for driver Ben Coombs to meet people along the way: ‘I read the article in Local Life which explained how the organisation provides affordable transport for folk in the Wigan area, and as I love driving and meeting people I thought I’d apply.

I have since graduated to driving the 16-seater bus and smaller 4-seater vehicles with wheelchair access,’ Ben said.

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Shevington A recent survey delivered with Local Life Magazines has provided insight into what local people want from its green space.

The Friends of Shevington Memorial Park are committed to improving the park and its playground facilities for the benefit of the community, working with Shevington Parish Council to make the best of the beautiful space. The renovation project has been fundraising since October last year – these efforts have included bake sales, raffles, a carol concert and a Lancashire Day fundraiser at Juniper Bar & Kitchen.

Survey out that more could be done to improve facilities for all ages.

‘A large majority of respondents also want to see the annual Fete expand into the car park, as well as more events like picnics for children and outdoor music events for adults,’ a spokesperson commented. ‘Popular feedback was to ensure there is a variety of clean, safe equipment, with more swings available especially.’

The group’s main aims are to address areas of the park which are prone to flooding, replace dangerous equipment within its boundaries, and improve footpaths and accessibility. The play area is especially vulnerable to waterlogging, as the water floods up through the sand.

Efforts by local schools raised £400 for the cause by selling raffle tickets, while the recent quiz night fundraiser generated a massive £600 towards the project. Meanwhile, students from the nearby St. John Rigby College have volunteered to create an app which will display information about the park from way back when right to the modern day, as well as showcasing local events.

‘Right now our focus is to keep awareness within the community while the Parish Council drive forward with resolving the drainage issues,’ said Chair Fiona Smith. ‘The community is very engaged!’

Around 6,500 surveys were distributed around the area with February’s Local Life, and showed the park really is at the heart of the Shevington community.

Visitors to the park tend to be the parents or carers of these young children – the survey also pointed

The essential project has truly rallied support community-wide. The Friends have been chosen to be a Community Project by ASDA in Wigan – simply collect a green token when shopping in-store and donate it to the relevant collection box to help the group achieve the top prize.

‘Without this much needed project, the park will fall into disrepair and become unsafe for all who wish to use it,’ Fiona continued. ‘We would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us so far!’

If you’d like to get involved in fundraising efforts, or if you’d like to donate to the cause, email FSMP@ outlook.com or visit their Facebook page.

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48

Food & Drink

Juniper

Joy

By Jess Phillips When deciding on a place to eat out, it’s easy to fall into familiar routine and head for the same old restaurants again and again. After all – you know exactly what to expect from the menu, even if it’s hardly surprising. Sometimes, though, branching out and trying somewhere new pays off, as Nicola and I discovered as we headed for an impromptu lunch at Juniper Bar & Kitchen in Shevington.

A relatively young endeavour set in a 250 year old cottage building at the heart of Shevington, Juniper opened in July 2018 and immediately entrenched itself in the local community. Owner Bill Alty, manager James Matthews and Chef Stephen Shaw pride themselves on delivering beautifully presented, delicious food; dynamic menus; and the same high quality each and every day.

Walking into the restaurant, this much was immediately apparent – we were greeted by our friendly, enthusiastic waitress who couldn’t do enough for us, and led through to the upstairs dining room, which was artfully bedecked in

silver furnishings and beautiful mirrors, creating a polished, sophisticated atmosphere. In the evenings this room is illuminated with stylish in-floor lighting, which makes for an intimate yet relaxed dinner.

Casting our eyes down the menu, it was clear Juniper’s sophistication extends beyond the décor – the menu was really something else. With the quiet crooning of music over the speakers, and after much soul-searching, Nicola opted for Thai fishcakes served with wild rocket and aioli dip to start, while I went for the chicken and chorizo skewers in sweet chilli oil.

Nicola’s panko-crusted delights were a great start to the meal; the succulent fish fragrant and bursting with authentic Thai flavour. Skilfully encased in a thin dusting of golden brown breadcrumbs, the fishcakes provided a satisfying crunch and softer centre, and the aioli dip was a welcome change to the expected tartar dressing. The rustic skewers, meanwhile, were a meat-lover’s dream – the chilli sauce a sweet juxtaposition to the fuller spices of the chorizo and

49

chunky chicken breast pieces.

The main course was an easier decision for me – I had my eye on the poached chicken breast from the get-go. Stuffed with a creamy spinach mousse and lovingly tucked into a blanket of pancetta, the chicken was accompanied by a wild mushroom white wine sauce, dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal veg. As soon as the food arrived I knew I’d made the right choice: the chicken was beautifully cooked, the light spinach mousse contrasting well with the smokier flavour of the pancetta. Best of all, the creamy sauce drizzled over my baby carrots and Tenderstem broccoli proved a delectable backdrop for the fresh veg.

Nicola, meanwhile, was tucking into her own dish – a fillet of baked salmon with potato and leek cake in a citrus butter. Generously portioned, the salmon was expertly cooked and melt-in-the-mouth perfect, sitting on a bed of fresh, vibrant ratatouille. Nicola dubbed it ‘spring in a dish’, with aromatic notes of garlic, citrus and sweet tomato which made for a very moreish plate! The dish was nicely rounded off with a crunch from the earthy potato and leek cakes – a divine contrast.

Finally, it was time for dessert. Nicola officially ditched the diet and we dove into the two dishes we’d opted to share - an irresistibly warm chocolate brownie on a bed of chocolate soil, drizzled with chocolate sauce and accompanied by a scoop of

vanilla ice cream; and the Victoria lollipop cakes.

The lollipops were particularly intriguing - arriving with a pot of chocolate dipping sauce, the crumbly miniature cake balls were beautifully sweet; rich, but still homely enough to be comforting. The brownie was just the right proportions gooey and soft, with the chocolate soil bed providing a gratifyingly crunchy antithesis.

One thing was most obvious from our experience - Juniper Bar & Kitchen is the ideal place for an intimate lunch or evening meal. With an extensive wine list and speciality gin selection – as well as an enticing cocktail menu - the bar is just as much a part of Juniper as the kitchen, and if you’re not drinking the restaurant boasts award-winning coffee from a local supplier.

Using ‘cosy’ and ‘elegant’ in the same sentence might sound like a contradiction, but Juniper manages to balance the two perfectly. It’s evident in everything from the food to the picturesque views of Shevington Memorial Park across the way – the restaurant blends its intimate setting with a chic interior and stunning menu to create something truly fantastic.

Juniper Bar & Kitchen 7 Church Lane, Shevington WN6 8 BD Telephone: 01257 253979 Email: info@juniperbarandkitchen.com

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Sally’s Specials

by Marti of The Star Inn

The Star Inn

Marti Cameron Local Life is very excited to introduce the new sponsor for our recipe pages: culinary connoisseur Marti Cameron.

Since then, Marti has worked as a chef for both Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors, getting to cook proper, delicious food around the country at away games; he’s even cooked for the England, Scotland and New Zealand rugby league teams. But throughout his prolific success, someone stuck in Marti’s mind: his mum.

It was Marti’s mum Sally who first inspired him to become a chef. A keen cook herself, Sally’s lifelong ambition was to open a restaurant in her name, but she unfortunately passed away at a young age in 1996 before this dream could become a reality.

Marti first launched Sally’s in her name at The Stocks in Parbold, but after returning to his Star Inn roots in 2018, wanted the brand to become synonymous with his home away from home – and it has.

Marti, owner of The Star Inn at Roby Mill, originally hails from Glasgow where he trained as a chef back in 1995. From there his long and lustrous career in food has quite literally taken him around the world. Marti served as a chef on Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth 2 before returning to his native Scotland to work his way up the ranks at various Macdonald hotels.

After several years up in the highlands, Marti headed south to England to work at the then-JJB Stadium (now DW) in Wigan as the Head Chef at Rigalettos.

This first Wigan venture gave a glimpse into Marti’s sporting future, and eventually led Marti onto his next love. Marti took over The Star Inn at Roby Mill in 2007.

Marti prides himself on delivering excellent flavour above all. Taste is what’s most important to him in any dish – even a simple soup or toastie should be tasty, Marti says, and it doesn’t take long to add a dash of flavour to make a meal stand out from all the rest. Steaks, however, remain Marti’s favourite dish to prepare – it’s all about the challenge of getting it exactly right.

Marti will be experimenting with different dishes each month and giving our readers an insight into his own busy kitchen. We’re kicking things off this month with something perfectly suited to the spring season - a delectable Easter egg cheesecake (with a healthy dose of Baileys for the grown-ups). How could we resist?

For more information about Marti and The Star Inn, visit www.thestarinnrobymill.co.uk

51 Sally’s at The Star Inn was launched in 2007 in homage to landlord and chef Marti’s mother Sally, who passed away in 1996. A great cook herself, it was Sally’s lifelong dream to have a restaurant in her name, and Marti wanted to honour that promise when he took the reins of The Star Inn at Roby Mill.

Easter Egg

Method Crush the ginger nuts Melt the butter and add to the crushed biscuit and bind together Gently pack the bottom of each half of Easter egg; not too much.

Place in the fridge to set the biscuit.

Ingredients 150g soft cheese 150g Mascarpone 100g castor sugar Vanilla essence 100ml baileys 2 galaxy bars 2 sheets of gelatine (optional) 1 small Easter egg

Melt the chocolate in a Bain marie ( small pot of water brought to the boil, break the chocolate up in a suitable heat resistant bowl and place on top of the pot) stir til the chocolate has melted completely and smooth; don’t over heat or stir too much.

Beat together both cheeses, the sugar and vanilla Incorporate your Baileys into the beaten mixture; not too much to overpower it Taste it for flavour and sweetness If like me you get carried away with the Baileys and your mixture is slightly loose or thin, then one sheet of gelatine softened in a little water, squeeze off the excess water, and melt it in the microwave for 5 seconds until dissolved and a syrupy consistency.

Fold (mix) it through your cheesecake mix

10 ginger nut biscuits

Now you can start filling your Easter eggs; can be smooth and level or high and messy

50g butter

Garnish with mini eggs and a sprig of mint

For children to make and have some fun,obviously omit the alcohol and use more fun ingredients. Honey for example,or try using smarties or jelly tots through your mix.

52

Easter

E

Activities

aster is fast approaching – this year, Easter Sunday is the 21st of April, and a great opportunity to escape the 9-5 for a long weekend of family fun.

Hosting your own egg hunt sound too tiring? Not to worry - there’s plenty to do across Lancashire this Easter.

Cadbury’s Egg Hunt Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ Saturday, March 30 – Monday, April 22, 10:30am4pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey Based on Nick Butterworth’s new book ‘One Springy Day’, families will join Percy the Park Keeper and his woodland friends on a seasonal activity trail around the grounds! Receive a scrummy chocolate prize for finding all the clues. Entry to the trail costs £2.50 on top of admission.

53

A Tudor Easter

Family Easter Games

Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, L24 1XD

Winstanley Tennis Club, Hall Lane, Orrell, WN5 7XN

Saturday, April 6 – Friday, April 19, 10:30am-4pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall-gardenand-estate

Friday, April 12, 7:30pm-10pm

The Tudors were rooted in nature – and Easter time was no different! Discover Easter at Speke Hall: create your own floral posy to protect you from old smells, listen to tales from the bard and solve the Apothecary’s Trail around the grounds. Admission charges apply.

Have a cracking good time with Easter games at Winstanley Tennis Club! Take part in a beetle drive, play Easter egg bingo, and gamble on Play Your Cards Right – there are plenty of chocolatey prizes to be won! Tickets £5 on the door including refreshments.

Giant Duck Trail

Easter Egg Hunt

Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough, L40 0TA

Lady Mabel’s Wood, Hall Lane, Wigan, WN1 2SE

Saturday, April 6 – Monday, April 22, 9:30am-6pm

Monday, April 15, 1pm-2:30pm

www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/

07754 455473

Go quackers for Martin Mere Wetland Centre’s giant Easter duck trail! 25 giant ducks are hidden around the wetland centre – collect your trail card and search for them all to receive a tasty treat. You can also get crafty and decorate your own rubber duck to bring back and enter into the Annual Duck Race on Monday, May 6. Entry to the trail costs 50p on top of admission charges.

Go au natural this Easter at Lady Mabel’s Wood!

The Easter bunny has visited and dropped his eggs

The Wizard of Oz

Egg-chanted Fun

The Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St. Helens, WA10 1LQ

Tatton Park, Mereheath Drive, Knutsford, WA16 6QN

Saturday, April 6 – Monday, April 22 www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com An Easter pantomime heads to The Theatre Royal in St. Helens. An enchanting performance featuring a star-studded cast, you’ll click your heels and join Dorothy and Toto in Oz! The play includes a brand new script and plenty of chart hits to sing along to. Tickets start at £13.

07940 829864

around the woodland, and it’s up to you to find them.

You can make your own nests and bunnies from natural materials, and explore real rejected nests and eggs from various birds. Suitable for children up to the age of 7 – tickets cost £5.75 and are bookable on Eventbrite.

Friday, April 19 – Monday, April 22, 10am-5pm www.tattonpark.org.uk/home.aspx Tatton Park comes alive with Easter activities this month! Follow egg-citing adventure trails through the gardens, mansion and parkland, meet fairytale characters, enjoy puppet shows and fill up on seasonal goodies.

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Up Holland Egg Hunt

Eggstravaganza

Beacon Country Park, Beacon Lane, Up Holland, WN8 7RU

Holland Hall Hotel, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ

Friday, April 19, 10am-3pm

Sunday, April 21, 12pm

Beacon.Park@westlancs.gov.uk

www.hollandhallhotel.co.uk

Come and join the free Easter trail at Beacon Country Park! Collect your map from the Ranger Office and head out around the green space - the first 100 children to find the password win a prize! Suitable footwear and clothing recommended.

Enjoy eggcellent family fun in the Easter themed Garden and Terrace Suites. Feast on the 2 course Easter carvery, hunt for eggs with the Easter bunny and win plenty of prizes along the way. Entry costs £15 for adults and £10 for children.

Ashton Egg-Stravaganza

Easter Bunny Hunt

Ashton Market, Garswood Street, Ashton-inMakerfield, WN4 9AF

Bank Hall, Liverpool Road, Bretherton, PR26 9AT

Saturday, April 20, 10am-4pm

www.bankhall.org/

Ashton-in-Makerfield’s Easter event is a fun day out for all the family! Search for eggs in the Easter egg hunt, meet the Easter bunny in all his glory, and have plenty of fun on the fairground rides. There will also be stalls to browse and food available.

Head over to Bank Hall in Bretherton to join in with their Easter bunny hunt! Explore the grounds of the Hall and receive an egg at the end, with plenty of

Sunday, April 21, 12pm-4pm

stalls to browse and refreshments to enjoy. Entry costs £2 per adult with children going free, then £1.50 to join in with the egg hunt.

Easter Trail St. Wilfrid’s Church, Rectory Lane, Standish, WN6 0XA Monday, April 22, 11am-3pm https://stwilfrids-standish.org.uk/ Join in the Easter fun any time at St. Wilfrid’s Church in Standish. Follow exciting trails through the church and grounds to win a chocolatey prize!

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56

Health & Fitness

Relaxing Reiki is a form of complementary therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It has been around for thousands of years but it’s current form was first developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist called Mikao Usui. It is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to their patient.

Some controversy surrounds Reiki, because it is difficult to prove its effectiveness through scientific means - but many people do believe it works.

The word ‘Reiki’ means ‘mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.’ It comes from the Japanese words ‘rei’ (universal) and ‘ki’ (life energy).

The idea of Reiki is that it channels energy from the practitioner to target the energy channels of the patient. According to practitioners, energy can stagnate in the body where there has been physical injury or emotional pain. If not released these these energy blocks can cause illness. By improving the flow of energy around the body, practitioners say they can enable relaxation, reduce pain, and speed healing.

Reiki is held in a peaceful setting. The patient will remain fully clothed, and sit in a comfortable chair, or lie on a table. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or over specific areas of the head, limbs, and torso using different hand shapes, for between 2 and 5 minutes.

The hands can be placed over 20 different areas of the body. If there is an active injury, the hands may be held just above the wound.

The transfer of energy takes place while the hands are held over the patient.

During this time, the practitioner’s hands may be warm and tingling. Each

Reiki hand position is held until the practitioner senses that the energy has stopped flowing. When the practitioner feels that the heat, or energy, in their hands has abated, they will remove them and focus on a different area of the body.

Sessions can last 15-90 minutes. The number of sessions will vary, depending on what a client wishes to accomplish.

Reiki is said to induce deep relaxation, help people cope with difficulties, relieve emotional stress, and improve overall wellbeing. People who love Reiki describe it as ‘intensely relaxing.’

Research from Cancer Research U.K. says that one reason for patients feeling better after a session could be that the therapist spends time with them and touches them. This is soothing for patients who may be overwhelmed by invasive therapy, fear, and stress.

Individuals report different experiences. Some say that the practitioner’s hands become hot, others report cooling hands and some people feel pulsating waves. The most common reports are of a release of tension.

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Dementia Swimming The Wigan Life Centre hosts a dementiafriendly swimming group on Tuesdays.

From 10am-11am, the pool offers a relaxing atmosphere to swimmers of all levels with dementia. The sessions cost ÂŁ2 per person, with carers going free.

Low-impact exercise like swimming can be perfect to get your muscles working without being too exhausting, while reducing anxiety.

For further information, call Matt on 01942 488481.

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Join a

Gym

Did you promise yourself you’d get healthy back in January? Still on the sofa eating crisps? Joining a gym might give you the nudge you need to get active this year.

So why join a gym?

Health benefits – Regular exercise has been proven to reduce your risk of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. It's also been proven to increase your good blood cholesterol and improve mental health.

Stronger mind – Exercise actually increases brain function. Because it improves the flow of blood to your brain it helps the brain remain healthy, increasing the ability to grow new nerve fibres and replace damaged ones, thus reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Weight management – Exercise helps to burn unwanted fat and increase muscle mass, helping you control your weight and maintain it at a healthy level.

Motivation – Committing to a regular workout is not easy. And sometimes when we don’t get quick results, we tend to give up. At a gym you will see and meet people like you, slowly building towards their goal. That sense of being part of a like-minded community is very motivating.

Socialising – Some of those people you nod and

smile at in the gym will go on to become friends.

The gym is an excellent place to hang out with people whose goals are aligned with yours.

Uninterrupted workout routine – While your running or cycling routine might be interrupted by the weather, if you're a gym member you can simply rock up there and exercise all year long.

Professional guidance – Good gyms have welltrained professional staff who can instruct you how to use equipment safely and give advice about technique and nutrition.

So, there's no excuse. Pop along to your local gym today and start reaping the benefits of regular exercise.

By Louise Addison

59

60

At its heart, Chiropractic simply removes interference from your nervous system (brain, spine and spinal cord) by taking care of your spine. This helps you use your own ability to heal and have health, throughout your mind and body.

MEET OUR INSPIRATIONAL PATIENT, JOHN... he came to us with neck problems which were interfering with his nerves so much he couldn’t lift or grip things with either arm or hand. Rheumatism was mentioned. Within a few weeks of joining us and over the months he’s shown us all that the (his) human body is remarkably powerful at healing - chiropractic just helps you do it, which is why Dr Mike (our Chiropractor) in the pic doesn’t claim any credit at all.

Have you already tried everything and are still struggling with pain?

Some people come to us as a last resort, after years of pain, suffering and very little quality of life that is being lived. Some come straight to us. People join us because they want a natural, effective approach to getting out of pain and back to a better life. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been told `to learn to live with it, or its your age` (both are false ideas), Chiropractic care can still help you.

PATIENTS TELL CHIROPRACTIC LIKE IT IS, CHRISTINE SAYS: “Good morning campers! I came in here like a cripple on a cross, now I feel like a new woman. I’m dancing”. She’s looking forwards to going to Turkey in May and doing that dancing!

Please note that Christine’s results are down to her body doing such a good job of healing, chiropractic care simply helped her use her own ability to heal without drugs or surgery... she’s the star!

There is no real limit to your potential to heal.

When our patients get better, we always tell them that Chiropractic didn’t treat or cure them at all, it simply helped them use their own ability to heal.

Whenever you are ready to take care of your health issues, we are here for you.

We believe Chiropractic care should be accessible to everyone, which is why we have changed some things in our lovely hospital.

Please call 01942 498 480 for further details or visit us at www.ChiroHospital.com or on Facebook: wiganfamilychiro WIGAN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC HOSPITAL, 27 BRIDGEMAN TERRACE, WIGAN, WN1 1TD

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Health & Fitness

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01942 516 710

or

07941 482 277

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info@wiganhearing.co.uk

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Nordic Walking A great all-round exercise that is sociable, fun and easy to learn.

Classes in Leyland, Chorley and surrounding areas - £5 per session.

Poles provided so booking essential.

Fully qualified Instructor.

Call Loren on: 07808 157 718 www.southlancashirenordicwalking.co.uk

Promote your business in our

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Reach over 104,000 homes throughout the North West Prices start from £39 & VAT per issue

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LocalLife

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62

Legal & Finance

Inheritance Tax A Voluntary Tax?

It was the late Lord Jenkins that said, “Inheritance Tax is a voluntary tax paid by people who distrust their beneficiaries more than they dislike the Inland Revenue”.

Inheritance tax can cost loved ones hundreds of thousands in the event of your death, yet it’s possible to legally avoid huge swathes of it, or possibly pay none at all.

If you are single or divorced, UK legislation allows the first £325,000 (2018/19 tax year) of your estate to be free from Inheritance Tax, whilst if you are married, or in a civil partnership or widowed, this amount could rise to £650,000.

In addition to this, the residents nil rate band will enable the nil rate band to be uplifted further if you are living in your own property and will be passing your estate on to direct descendants.

The main exemptions are; • Most transfers between spouses and civil partners • The first £3,000 of lifetime transfers in any tax year plus any unused balance from previous year • Gifts of up to but not exceeding £250 p.a. to any number of persons • Gifts in consideration of marriage or civil partnership of: up to £5,000 by a parent, up to £2,500 by a grandparent or great grandparent, or up to £1,000 by any other person • Gifts to charities, whether made during lifetime or on death.

Making Gifts In most cases, any direct gift amount is a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET), which means that you (the donor) need to live a further 7 years for the gift to fall

outside your estate. If you don’t, the beneficiary may face a tax liability, which between year 3 and year 7 maybe reduced for each year you live. However, this relief only applies to the part of a gift which is in excess of the nil rate band (£325,000).

Trusts This method allows for the placement of monies into a suitable investment which is then wrapped within a trust, of which you and other people of your choosing can be trustees. The monies remain in trust and all, or amounts of this, can be distributed when you choose.

There are a wide variety of trust options available and therefore careful consideration needs to be given to ensure that the trust is suitable.

Is it possible to get an immediate discount to IHT rather than wait for 7 years?

Yes, there are trusts that enable the donor to have access to a regular, predetermined income for life.

In addition to this - based on a number of factors - there are schemes which usually result in a saving in Inheritance Tax from the moment the monies are placed into the trust.

Summary Inheritance Tax is quite a technical area and therefore before embarking on a course of action I would strongly recommend that you seek professional advice. We have advisers with advanced qualifications within the taxation and trusts arena who if need be will be more than happy to guide you.

David Barton APFS Cert CII (MP) Managing Director & Chartered Financial Planner

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In these uncertain times, it’s vital to protect your family’s financial future.

Prosper Wealth Management are Wigan’s premier investment and pension specialists.

Established in 2003, we now protect the interests of more than 500 local clients with total investments of over £155m.

We were awarded the ‘gold standard’ Chartered Financial Planner status in 2012, and are still the only Wigan company with this prestigious accreditation.

For trusted and independent investment and pension planning advice, call us today for a consultation.

Wealth Preservation Investment Planning Retirement Planning Long-term Care Solutions

The initial consultation is at our expense and is without obligation.

01257 423 800 Prosper Independent Financial Advisers Ltd. Prosper House, 99a High Street, Standish, WN6 0HD

www.prosper-ifa.co.uk

64

Advertisement

Monthly Income Lifetime Mortgages Have Arrived What is it?

Who is it for?

An Income Lifetime Mortgage allows you to release the money tied up in your property to provide you with a regular monthly income. It provides an alternative to lump sum and drawdown products for people who require the discipline of a regular income.

Income Lifetime Mortgages are designed for people who:

The product allows you to take an initial loan amount, followed by a monthly income over a fixed income term of 10, 15, 20 or 25 years.

• Have a need for a fixed monthly income.

• Require the discipline of having this paid to them automatically each month.

• Require the certainty of a regular monthly income in line with their lifelong routine.

It is not suitable for people who:

The interest rate will be fixed and agreed at the outset for the life of the mortgage. This means it won’t change if rates go up or down during that period.

• Have savings or investments that can use instead.

If your circumstances change, you can choose to stop taking the income at any time, but once stopped, the regular monthly income cannot be restarted. Once the fixed income term comes to an end the monthly income will stop and interest will continue to roll up until the lifetime mortgage is repaid.

• Have enough long-term income.

• Require a guaranteed income for life.

• Require a lump sum greater than 10% of the total facility available to them.

• Claim benefits that may be affected by taking a lifetime mortgage.

The minimum monthly income is £200 and minimum initial loan amount is £2,500.

Your property must be worth over £100,000 or £150,000 for ex-local authority properties.

Interest rates currently start at 4.24%.

Please contact David Griffin on 01942 597182 for further details.

65

“Do you want more from your retirement years?�

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66

Business View

Just 1 week to go!

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy Is your business ready for Making Tax Digital?

With effect from 01 April 2019 there will be significant changes to the way you prepare and submit your quarterly VAT returns. All VAT registered businesses with an annual turnover above £85,000 will be required to keep digital records and submit their VAT return to HMRC through MTD compatible software.

If your business runs on spreadsheets and manual records, you will be able to continue (for now at least), but you will still have to make changes to those spreadsheets so that they can link to HMRC by using bridging software.

Assuming that you don’t want to pay fines to HMRC, doing nothing is not an option, so your plans to deal with this should already be in place and it is generally accepted that the best way for a business to prepare for Making Tax Digital is to switch to a cloud accounting software package.

The good news is that switching to accounting

CMA believes that you should use Making Tax Digital as an opportunity to move your business forward and stay ahead of your competition. We are online accounting experts, and are Xero and QuickBooks partners so we can put you in a good position to help you choose which software is best for your business.

We offer a free consultation for anyone that would like to speak to us about these changes. Feel free to drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further over a coffee. Of course, there will be no charge for the initial meeting.

In addition, and for a limited period only, CMA are able to offer all new clients Xero or Quickbooks software free of charge for six months if they sign up for our services.

So if you have any questions regarding Making Tax Digital or switching to online accounting systems please do get in touch.

software packaging such as Xero and Quickbooks will bring immense benefits to your business. You can look forward to;

Chris Alcock ACMA - CMA Accountancy

Saving Time - by reducing the time spent on administration

Tel: 01257 255521

Improving Cashflow - by sending invoices electronically and being able to automate the credit control process.

Better Decision Making – using Smart business tools resulting in accurate reports, real time data and higher tax savings

39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR Email info@cma-accountancy.com web www.cma-accountancy.com

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1 week to go Making Tax Digital, a new way of reporting financial information to HMRC, starts on the 1st April 2019.

Do you own a business that’s VAT registered and has an annual turnover of over £85,000?

If so, you need to take urgent action to ensure your business is Making Tax Digital compliant.

Call CMA Accountancy today for a FREE consultation on how to prepare for Making Tax Digital.

Free software for 6 months when you use CMA Accountancy.

Call CMA Accountancy today www.cma-accountancy.com info@cma-accountancy.com Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521

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Leisure

Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events George Michael Tribute

Irish Food Night

Friday, March 22, 7pm-10:15pm

Thursday, March 28, 7pm-9pm

International tribute artist Wayne Dilks and his band present the ultimate George Michael tribute – Freedom! Tickets £24.50, available from www. thelittleboxoffice.com/theedge

The Wigan Vegan Society present a scrumptious foodie night to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with cheese scones, bubble & squeak, Guinness stew and apple cake. £6 per person, bring your own drinks. To book, visit Wigan Vegan Community on Facebook.

The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan, WN3 5AB

Grand Charity Night Saturday, March 23, doors at 7pm Enjoy a great night of dancing and music, with entertainment from top DJs Harold & Christine and vocalist Leah Wallis. Tickets £6, available from 01695 623902, 01942 236953 or 01744 345073. Proceeds go to The Brick.

St. James Social Centre, St. James Road, Orrell, WN5 7AA

Book-Cycle, Buckley Street West, Beech Hill, Wigan, WN6 7PQ

Brass Band Concert Friday, March 29, 7:30pm Come and support the Wigan Youth & Intermediate Brass Bands and their dedicated tutors with a night of music. Tickets £5 for adults or free for under-18s, available from Arnold Stevens on 01942 223466 or on the door.

Race Night Fundraiser

St. Luke’s Church, Lodge Road, Orrell, WN5 7AT

Saturday, March 23, doors at 7pm

Indoor Car Boot

An exciting race night to raise money for the 1st Standish Scout Group! Over 16s only, tickets £7.50 including supper, available on 07544 044258 or standishcubs@gmail.com Standish Unity Club, Cross St, Standish, WN6 0HQ

Zumbathon Fundraiser Sunday, March 24, 12pm-3pm

Saturday, March 30, 10am-1pm Grab yourself a bargain at the indoor car boot sale!

Free entry, plenty of refreshments available.

Up Holland Methodist Church, Alma Hill, Up Holland, WN8 0NR

Parbold Sings

Expert local Zumba instructors will be dancing for 2.5 hours in support of Cancer Research UK and MIND. Raffle tickets and prizes available. Tickets £5.

Saturday, March 30, 7pm

Highfield Cricket Club, Billinge Rd., Wigan, WN3 6BL

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

An evening of choral variety from local singing groups - tickets £2 from DIY Centre, Parbold.

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Parkside Colliery Choir Saturday, March 30, 7pm-10pm The Parkside Colliery Male Voice Choir perform a beautiful concert. Tickets £8 including light refreshments.

Don’t miss our Sample Prom Dress Sale!

St. James The Great Church, Church Lane, Wrightington, WN6 9SN

Dresses starting from just £150

Bridal designer Sample Sale

Mother’s Day Market Sunday, March 31, 12pm-5pm

Dresses starting from £250

The woodland comes alive with an artisan market, children’s crafts, campfire songs and delicious food. Entry £3 per person, available from www. trybooking.com - search woodland.

• Stockists of designer prom gowns including Jora & Mascara • Bespoke styles available • Alteration services • School exclusivity lists • Late night appointments

Tread UK Woodland Hideout, Park Brook Farm, Bryn Gates Lane, Wigan, WN2 5JY

There’ll Be Bluebirds Over Wed, April 3 – Sat, April 6, doors at 7pm See war break out across Britain with songs, radio programmes and many memories performed by the Wigan Musical Theatre Group. Tickets £9 adults or £8 concessions, bookable from Julie on 07598 508004 or ticketswmtg@gmail.com St. Michael’s Parish Hall, Shaw St, Wigan, WN1 2BQ

Children on Titanic Talk Thursday, April 4, 12:30pm-1:45pm A fascinating talk looks at what life was like for children onboard RMS Titanic, including why so many died in the cold water of the Atlantic. Places bookable on 01942 828128 or wiganmuseum@ wigan.gov.uk Museum of Wigan Life, Library St, Wigan, WN1 1NU

To book your consultation contact Julie on:

01257 424 624

www.julesbridalboutique.co.uk

Muddy Maths Walk Saturday, April 6, 10am-1pm Family, friends and supporters of All Saints Primary School are invited to join the children in a muddy maths challenge around the local area to raise money for the school.

All Saints Primary School, Finch Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DT

Spring Clean Saturday, April 6, 10am-1pm Join volunteers from Appley Bridge Community Association to litter pick and clean the grot spots around Appley Bridge. Meet at the SPAR shop.

SPAR, Woodnook Road, Appley Bridge, WN6 9JR

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Charity Bingo

Evening with Paul Mason

Saturday, April 6, 12pm-4pm

Friday, April 12, 7:30pm

Enjoy an afternoon of bingo games, plus a raffle, in aid of Youth Cancer Trust. Plenty of Easter fun – entry costs £3 for adults or £2 for children.

Leigh-born political journalist, author, filmmaker and economist Paul Mason supports the Wigan Heritage & Mining Monument with an informative talk and Q&A, with musical entertainment and supper. Tickets £12 from 01942 244309, 07964 122114 or 07810 316248.

The Swinley, Coppull Lane, Wigan, WN1 2LQ

Ladies Race Day Saturday, April 6, 2pm Enjoy race day events watching the Grand National in support of Whizz-Kids, plus gin tasting and a raffle.

Dress to impress. Tickets £25, available from Sarah on 07540 811010 or sarah.cathie@hotmail.com

The Swinley Club, Coppull Lane, Wigan, WN1 2LQ

Family Easter Games Friday, April 12, 7:30pm-10pm

Boutique Baby Sale

Have a cracking good time playing Easter games!

Take part in a beetle drive, play Easter egg bingo, and gamble on Play Your Cards Right. Plenty of chocolate treats to be won! Tickets £5 on the door including refreshments.

Sunday, April 7, 11am-12:30pm

Winstanley Tennis Club, Hall Ln, Orrell, WN5 7XN

Orrell Cricket Club, Winstanley Rd, Orrell, WN5 7XE

Get your hands on some beautiful pre-loved baby’s and children’s toys, clothes and equipment! You’re sure to find a great bargain. Admission costs £2, children go free. For more information, call 07885 228949.

Fishing Competition Saturday, April 13, match draw at 9:30am

Standish Community High School, Kenyon Road, Standish, WN6 0NX

Veteran fishers compete to win the Mark Kenny Cup, plus a full day of fishing activities, coaching and demonstrations. £5 entry fee applies – contact Andy on 07951 436837.

WYZ Race Night

Orrell Water Park, Lodge Road, Orrell, WN5 7AT

Friday, April 12, 7pm-midnight

NHS Charity Egg Hunt

With 8 races throughout the evening, plus a raffle and disco, you won’t want to miss this fabulous race night in aid of Wigan Youth Zone. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival with plenty of canapes in the evening, tickets £40 per person. To book call 01257 251908.

DW Stadium, 15 Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UH

Saturday, April 13, 11am-4pm Head down to Haigh Hall and hunt for hidden Easter eggs in support of Three Wishes! Entry £3 per child – for more information call 01942 773768.

Haigh Woodland Park, Haigh, Wigan, WN2 1PE

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Circus Skills Workshop Sunday, April 14, 11:30am-1:30pm Try out your circus skills in this introductory workshop – play with spinning plates, diablo, devil sticks, stilts, juggling balls and more. All ages welcome, tickets £4 in advance from 01942 834747.

The Grand Vault, The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA

Easter Egg Hunt Monday, April 15, 1pm-2:30pm Search for Easter eggs and make your own bunny from natural materials to take home. Plus explore real nests and eggs from different birds. Suitable for children up to 6(ish), tickets £6 on Eventbrite or from admin@aceforestschool.co.uk Lady Mabel’s Wood, Hall Lane, Wigan, WN1 2SE

Charity Boot Camp Saturday, April 20, 8am-4pm Get fit and raise money for Wigan & Leigh Hospice!

8 whole hours of sessions – sign-up sheets available from JSBeFit or on 07714 203994.

JSBeFit, Unit 2, Forton Road, Wigan, WN3 6YD

Beacon Canal Walk Sunday, April 21, 10am-2pm Join the Rangers for an 8-mile country walk from Beacon Country Park past Dean Wood, Ashurst Beacon and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Beacon Country Park, Beacon Lane, Up Holland, WN8 7RU

Easter Trail Monday, April 22, 11am-3pm Hunt the Easter trail and win a chocolatey treat! A great fun family activity within the church and its grounds – join in anytime!

St. Wilfrid’s Church, Rectory Ln, Standish, WN6 0XA

All Saints’ Church Appley Bridge All Saints Church is a modern parish church building in a quiet location in the village of Appley Bridge, close to Junction 27 of the M6.

It comprises a main church room(up to 80 people in chairs), a smaller side room(Up to 12 people), and has a kitchen and unisex WC facility. Tables are available for both rooms, and chairs are moveable.

All Saints is available at various times and days during the week for hire by small groups, choirs, clubs, societies, or for meetings / lectures / etc.

HIRING RATES Room 1: £40-00 per evening, £90-00 per day Room 2: £20-00 per evening, £50-00 per day Payable in advance. email: contact@allsaintschurch.co.uk info leaflet at: www.allsaintschurch.co.uk/churchhire Find Us on Finch Lane (off Appley Lane North), and on Facebook Finch Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DT Please Note: Bookings are accepted at the discretion of the church

72 2

Win tickets to

The Jockey Club Live and Haydock Park Racecourse have joined forces to present North West music fans with a summer of incredible open air concerts, starting with the exceptional Jess Glynne on Friday 7th June and we’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away in this super Local Life competition!

The Jockey Club Live concerts at Haydock Park Racecourse have been a staple in the region’s social calendar and over the past few years hosting thousands of fans of live music, with performances from artists including Kylie, Olly Murs, The Jacksons and Culture Club. These events are renowned for combining a fun filled evening at the races with a spectacular evening concert in the informal and relaxed open-air setting of the hallowed turf.

In her first few years in the music industry, Jess has carved out a unique slot all of her own. Where others were contemplating the aftermath of heartache, she was always about standing on your own two feet. At the start of 2018, she took a listen back to her just completed second album, Always in Between. Like her blockbuster debut, I Cry When I Laugh, Jess brokers the hinterlands between pop, soul, R&B and house music on it.

When you look at the statistics that have marked her sky-rocketing career so far, there is probably a look of mild disbelief on your face... I Cry When I Laugh is one of the defining British pop records of its era.

733

Jess Glynne

– Live in Concert

At the time of writing it has been a chart staple for 138 weeks. It debuted at number one, spawning 12 million worldwide singles sales, 39 weeks on the UK top 10, 2.5 billion Spotify streams, a sold-out UK arena tour, Brit, MTV: EMA, Ivor Novello, MOBO, Q and Glamour award nominations.

To enter the competition to win one of two pairs of tickets to Jess Glynne Live at Haydock Park Racecourse, simply visit our website, www. locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the following question; Complete the Jess Glynne song title – I Cry When I...

Over the next few months we’ll also be giving away an additional pair of tickets on Facebook for this Jess Glynne concert, plus a pair each for both the Rick Astley and Niles Rodgers & Chic concerts, and also for the Southport Flower Show – Make sure you visit Facebook and give ‘Local Life Magazines’ a ‘like’ to keep in touch.

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Tuesday 30th April 2019 and the winners will be notified within five working days. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

Tickets are now on sale for this concert via thejockeyclublive.co.uk.

74

Craft Fair

Pre-Summer Party

Monday, April 22, 1pm-5pm

Saturday, May 4, 7pm

Pick up a beautiful bespoke gift or just browse the stalls on offer, with all proceeds going to the Billinge Residents Association. Tables £15 each.

Help raise money for Whizz-Kids in this fabulous party event and 3-course meal. Prosecco on arrival, plus an auction and raffle and entertainment by Steven Charles. Tickets £35, available on 07540 811010 or sarah.cathie@hotmail.com

St. Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, WN5 7QT

Our Generation Party

Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ

Wednesday, April 24, 7pm

Big Gig

A party ‘for those old enough to know better’ from Wigan & Leigh Carers Centre! Enjoy a Northern Soul night with karaoke and entertainment from Hayley Richardson, plus a hotpot supper. Tickets £3 – bookable on 01942 233323 or 01942 705959.

The Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2LF

St. George’s Day Fundraiser Friday, April 26, 7pm Enjoy St. George’s Day in Standish with entertainment from the Old Hall Brass Band, Chris “Caine” Ward and DJ Dave Chadwick. Tickets £5 all proceeds go to Wigan Hospice, Wigan Borough Armed Forces HQ and Queen’s Lancashire Regiment Shires Fund. Call Tony on 07970 348911 to book.

Standish Labour Club, Smalley Street, Standish, WN6 0JN

Sunday, May 5, 1pm-8pm 16 live, local acts take to the stage to raise funds for The Brick! Bands and vocalists including Leah Wallis, The Band With No Name and Bamboo Rampage will be performing, with plenty of food on offer plus an ice cream van and bottle bar.

The Stanley Arms, Ormskirk Road, Up Holland, WN8 0AF

Place2Place Cup Sunday, May 12, 4:30pm A charity football match to raise awareness of the stigma surrounding male mental health – catch the exciting 90 minute match and a raffle. No ticket required but donations welcome.

DW Stadium, Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UZ

Bat Walk

Ladies Lunch

Wednesday, May 1, 7pm-9pm

Thursday, May 16, 11am-4pm

A free night-time bat walk is the perfect opportunity to spot bats in their natural environment – a great evening for all the family. Meet in the Kitchen Courtyard. Free tickets are bookable on Eventbrite.

The annual Ladies Lunch helps to raise money for Derian House. Dress to impress for an elegant afternoon of drinks, fashion and a sumptuous three-course meal. Shop at handcrafted stalls or bid in the exclusive auction, with live music and a grand raffle. Tickets £40 per person, bookable from 01257 271271 or fundraising@derianhouse.co.uk

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE

Macdonald Kilhey Court, Chorley Road, Standish, WN1 2XN

75

Was the Lady Floating?

Macmillan Fun Day

Thursday, May 16, 1pm-2pm

Saturday, May 18, 1pm-6pm

Between 1912 and 1914, three men were married.

The three grooms all had three things in common: they were all the same man, and they were all soon to be widowed, and their brides found in the bath.

This informative talk by Charlie Guy gives an insight into the George Joseph Smith murders. Entry £3, bookable on 01942 828128.

A fabulous day to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, with children’s rides, live entertainment, craft stalls, an outside bar and plenty of prizes to be won.

Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU

Evening with Maxine Peake

Big Breakfast Fundraiser

TV and film personality Maxine Peake takes questions about her career, from her upbringing in Westhoughton to her recent film role Peterloo, with musical entertainment and supper. Tickets £15 from 01942 244309, 07964 122114 or 07570 414640.

Saturday, May 18, 10am-12pm Treat yourself to a beautifully cooked breakfast in support of Christian Aid! For further information, call Sandra on 07711 371427.

The Vale Methodist Church, Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DJ

The Charnley Arms, Almond Brook Road, Standish, WN6 0SS

Tuesday, May 21, 7:30pm

Wigan Cricket Club, Bull Hey, Parsons Walk, Wigan, WN1 1RU

Wandering Poet Tour

Summer Fayre

Friday, May 24, 7pm-10pm

Saturday, May 18, 12pm Orrell Book-Cycle invite you to browse a range of stalls featuring local produce and gifts, play lots of fun family games, and have a go on the bouncy castle at their summer fayre! There will also be a raffle and tombola to win great prizes. Hot food available throughout.

Orrell Book-Cycle, The Library, Orrell Road, Orrell, WN5 8LY

Benjamin Guilfoyle, AKA the Wandering Poet, will perform 12 poetry shows in 12 different venues on 12 consecutive days as he walks the 110 miles to raise money for the Lancaster Homeless Shelter and Central Lancaster Children’s Library, along with guest poets Louise Fazackerly and George Melling.

No tickets needed, but donations welcome.

The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA

Over 60 walks FREE to download at locallife247.co.uk LocalLife

76

Tockholes

by Chris Pearce

This 5½ mile walk leaves Abbey Village along the Roddesworth reservoirs, snakes over the top into Tockholes and returns to base via over farmland and pretty woodland paths. At the highest point, 840 feet up, the views across Lancashire’s countryside are glorious, and with a couple of good eating places enroute, this will be a nice afternoon out.

Park up near the Hare and Hounds (PR6 8DP), a lovely village pub serving British/German food, which is on the A675 Bolton Road in Abbey Village, a few minutes SE of the M65 junction 3.

Turn left at the end of the pub car park and then immediate right towards Rake Brook reservoir, the body of water in the distance. Follow the tarmacked track round Rake Brook and turn left just before Rake Cottage down the footpath. Cross the bridge and go through the wooden area until you pick up the track again. Once you get to the bend, Lower Roddlesworth opens up before you.

Follow the track left around the bend and head along the straight track towards the wooded area on the far side. Bear right and follow the path into the woodlands. After ten minutes or so, you’ll arrive at a fork; bear left here and the path will eventually meander down to the banks of Higher Roddlesworth.

Just as Higher Roddlesworth tapers off, you’ll come to a crossroads; turn 90 degrees left, and follow this path uphill. Alter a good five minutes climb, you’ll

bear left at a fork, as you climb the last few feet to the top, rising like a mirage will be the Royal Arms on Tockholes Road, and on the car park next door is the Roddlesworth Information Centre and a café. It’s a good a place as any for a stop off.

To continue, head down a footpath at the side of the Royal Arms to and through Ryal Farm and follow the track up to the steel bar gate. Once you’re through turn right and follow the path downhill on the right hand perimeter of the field to the base and then go

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77

78

through the kissing gate and climb up hill on a gorse strewn path. The views are magnificent, the Darwen Tower and wind turbines overlooking Earnsdale Resovoir, as the path arrives at Dean Lane. Cross this and then go uphill in the same direction.

Glorious 360 degrees abound as you follow the track (Trash Lane) past Clayton Bank and then bear left and start a gradual descent down Weasel Lane until you arrive back at Tockholes Road. Cross straight over the road and down Long Lane, a single track road. When you arrive at the T-junction with the lychgate opposite, turn left and follow the road round the bend past a handsome church.

Bear right at the fork and follow the track downhill to a small hamlet (passing two ‘private’ signs meant to keep out vehicles) and you’ll arrive at a farm gate.

Once you go through the gate and head towards the farm in the distance, keeping to the right hand perimeter of the field. Just after a stunted clump of trees you’ll see a rather rickety stile. Hop over here and head diagonally across the field towards the steel gate entrance to the farmyard of Shaw’s Farm.

Once you’re through the gate, bear right across the farmyard and once you’re through, follow the track until you reach a fork. Bear left towards Bradley Farm.

Once you’re passed the first building on the left, turn left and follow a long straight path away from the farm.

When you arrive at the end of the second field, you’ll see a sign post advising you of three options, turn right and shortly afterwards, cross a stile and as the view of another reservoir opens up on the right, bear left down the hill towards a wooden footbridge.

Cross the bridge, turn right and cross a second bridge. Follow the path for 20 yards and take the right hand fork before you reach the third bridge.

The path uphill isn’t immediately noticeable but stay on the left near to the edge and you should pick up the path to the top. At the top turn left and follow that path as it open out and after five minutes you’ll arrive at a back alley. Turn left, then cut right through the houses and turn left on Bolton Road to the starting point of the walk.

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.

Length of walk: 5.5 miles Difficulty: Medium Accessibility: Muddy in places with stiles to negotiate; some of which are a little wobbly. Some fields may contain livestock.

Motoring

Ford

79

Fiesta ST

by Tim Barnes-Clay

Ford’s new Fiesta ST is a fearless hot hatch with a 200ps slab of power under the bonnet. It also wears a self-assured body kit and has a flashy interior with a sporty, flat-bottomed steering wheel.

meaning there is a lot of space for younger children.

The load area is also bigger compared with the retreating Fiesta model. At 292-litres it will just about swallow a week’s worth of shopping.

The ST’s seats are very supportive, the view allaround is first-rate, and the eight-inch touchscreen is stress-free to use.

The £22,895 Fiesta ST-3 gets handsome 18-inch alloy wheels, which are enhanced further with bright red brake callipers. The hatchback also comes loaded up with equipment including, heated leather Recaro seats and a heated steering wheel. There is

The Fiesta ST-3 three-door variant, in the spotlight here, has enough room in the back for two adults –

80 also a lot of technology shoehorned into the Fiesta ST, which makes the car a pleasure to live with. Tech includes rear parking sensors, keyless entry and automatic air conditioning.

As you would anticipate, the regular Fiesta’s body has been jazzed up for the ST, and it is now 14 per cent stiffer due to some additional bracing on the Ford’s underside.

At the rear, there is a new stiff twist-beam torsion bar, and there is a completely new steering rack at the front. These are the most radical parts of their type ever installed into an on-road performance Ford. The steering is also 14 per cent quicker than the withdrawing Fiesta ST200.

What’s more, Ford Performance has added Ride Control 1 valving. What is that, you ask? Well, basically, the damping hardens when you are hammering into corners and relaxes off when you are taking it easy cruising along. Torque vectoring springs have also been built-in to give a snappier turn-in; it is all ingenious stuff for a sub-£23,000 hothatch.

But that is not all when it comes to the Fiesta ST’s technology and engineering. For the first time, a limited slip differential has been incorporated into the Ford, too; it’s part of the £850 Performance Package which also comprises ‘Performance Shift Lights’ and launch control.

The Blue Oval’s fierce little beast fires from 0-62mph in a mere 6.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 144mph. Furthermore, selectable motoring modes permit you to elect relaxed or sportier settings for the steering, exhaust and, of course, the accelerator.

The modes - Normal, Sport and Track – each build up weight, noise and response the higher up the selection you go. In Track setting the traction control is turned off and the stability control is switched to ‘wide-slip mode’.

Certainly, the fresh Ford Fiesta ST is a talented hot-hatch that represents top value performance for weekend amusement. Only its overly sensitive steering and shuddering suspension might put you off using it as your daily ride.

Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 6.5 seconds • Combined mpg: 47.1 • Engine layout: 1,497cc 3-cylinder petrol turbo • Max. power (PS): 200 • CO2: 136 g/km • Price: £22,895

81

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82

Gardening

Attention all fair weather Award Winner

gardeners!

by Angie Barker

April is the month when you can almost hear the buds opening and leaves unfurling on the plants and trees in your garden. So if you have not ventured outside in your garden since the onset of winter – then now is your last opportunity to get the garden into shape for the summer months. There is an incredible surge of growth in the garden at this time of year - warmer, longer days coupled with rain is guaranteed to kick start your garden into life so get outside at every opportunity. I guarantee you will feel good and be enthused with thoughts of summer months to come - even Hubby is getting giddy at the thought of summer evenings spent on the decking with a glass of white wine - or two!

Giving the garden a good tidy up will immediately give it a makeover and it will look a lot better - and make you feel better. So if you are looking at your garden and don’t know where to start, try the following tips for your instant makeover: • Pick up the last of the winter debris, leaves and twigs which have fallen onto borders and lawns and cut back and tidy dead perennial leaves to reveal new growth

Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants.

• Prune out frost damaged shoots and stems • The taller grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis will have started growing now so if you haven’t already trimmed away last years dead stalks, this is your last chance!

• Give the lawn a hair cut and tidy up the edges to give a crisp finish • Mulch your borders with compost or bark chippings to give them an instant lift • Plug any gaps in borders with hardy summer flowering perennials. Rudbeckias, Astrantias and hardy Geraniums are all lovely and require little maintenance. Try Geranium ‘Rozanne’ in a sunny border and Geranium phaeum in a shady spot Be aware that frost is still around at night time so whilst the garden centres will be tempting you to splash out on summer bedding already, remember that anything tender will need protection until well in to May. So get your skates on - Hubby has the wine chilling already!

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk

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83

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Call us now for FREE computer advice.

Call - 01942 863448

and have done for 60 years.

Visit our showroom or call us today for a FREE estimate

www.expertcomputers.co.uk ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner

Book your

TwinLakesMotorEngineers

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01772 603923

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Design & Print For more information call

Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm Sat: 9am - 12pm

www.arleycabinets.com tel: 01942 246190

No Fix? No Fee!

Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd 214a Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7BN

fh wide range o

OPEN Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM

£35.50 per day

Large outdoor A PLAY ARE

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Terms and conditions

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Call Sarah

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886166

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87

SG

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior painting & decorating Specialise in standard wall coverings, extra wide vinyl, lincrusta & coving Free estimates. References available upon request

01942 392398 or 07707 321383

LTD

J&P

MOORCROFT Professional Painting and Decorating • Domestic & Commercial Work • Interior & Exterior work welcomed • Old/listed buildings a speciality

Call us today for a free quotation Home Service available

Choose from 1000s of paint & paper samples in the comfort of our own home

01942 212096 07831 102 511 www.jpmoorcroft.com

AJH DECORATORS Painting and Decorating Quality work assured

07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971 Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP

Award Winner

Exterior & Interior Decorating Domestic & Commercial work undertaken Competitive rate Contact Graham now - free estimate provided

01257 426 234

graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk

Need a new look for your home?

Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices!

Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator

01942 518126 or 07545 065119 Orrell based business

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Over 30 years experience Free quotes

Mob: 07784 876 338 Email: ajhdecorators@sky.com Quality work at a competitive price

Call Sally: 01695 627 999 locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

HANDYMAN SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & PROPERTY REPAIRS

ALL JOBS CONSIDERED

Fascias/Soffits/Gutters Painting Inside & Out, Plumbing, Joinery & Plastering Gates, Fencing & Flagging Complete Bathrooms & Kitchens - Fitted & Tiled

Competitive Prices, Local & Reliable Call Martin 07812 810382 or 01942 392118

88

let us clean your oven so you don’t have to! professional oven cleaning environmentally friendly we’ll restore your oven to near showroom condition!

call Steven today on 07393 818 392 www.ovenrescue.co.uk/wigan

prices start from £45

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Call Sally: 01695 627 999 locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

Design & Print Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

l Geails N £15

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories, Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold DoorsSaving

For more information call

Heat Pumps

embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working

w

no

LED Lighting

with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

...and general Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...

Energy Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Savings Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced B5250

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Dennis Goulding A49

Mossy Lea Road

01695 627 999

Wind Turbines

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and

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money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

£20

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Book Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6FREE 9RS your home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a cycles CAR & detailed motorreport showing the (Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon

...andreturns available

from your www.dglwindows.co.uk

FREE

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Standish

Car84 dio Y @ Stu Shevington

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Protect your household from future energy price rises ReduceE your household’s impact on the environment

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Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park n and off Miry Lane,

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(10% typical return)

0843 A224 9555 U rton 07595S 420237

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TwinLakesMotorE

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01772

REPAIR

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DING & WEL

- Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning - Specialist Leather Cleaning - Fully insured and trained member of NCCA - FREE no obligation pre-inspection and quote

or

7PG nts of Crosto Wigan. e WN5 Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk need me! for all reside WN6 7TP , Billing 400 Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk - 6PM until you Road 4 619 ford ay 10AMKeep me : 0781 Check Saturd hone : 84 Rain Health - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM y FREE Car

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www.carrolls-carpetandupholstery.co.uk

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

Providing professional carpet & upholstery cleaning since 1993 Carpets Leather

Upholstery Curtains Oriental Rugs Hard Floors

For more information call:

01942 470 081 Visit our website and check out the testimonials.

www.alliancechemdry.co.uk

Wigan Good Trader Of The Year 2015

5 star rating with Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme

• Carpets • Rugs • Fabric & Leather Upholstery Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote

Call - 01257 251221

Mobile - 07908 770808

www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk

PB

89

Power Washing

PROFESSIONAL EXTERNAL CLEANING

UPVC CLEANING

• Driveways - Cleaning & Sealing • Patios & Decking • Walls & Brickwork • Conservatories - Internal & External • Gutters, Fascias & Soffits • Gutter Vacuuming

• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.

CONSERVATORIES

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)

POWER WASHING • Driveways & Patios etc.

Call Paul today to arrange a free quote

01257 402 113 ~ 07736 396 374 www.pbpowerwashing.co.uk

Wigan’s premier domestic cleaning service

Cleaning in the Wigan area for 10+ years

ROOF CLEANING

• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment • Softwashing / Low Pressure

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF

ALL CLEANING PACKAGES Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.

01942 470 089 / 07834 241 642 www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com

Orrell Laundry 11 Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP 01695 623 796

We only use reliable, vetted staff • £10.75 per hour - minimum 2 hrs • Same cleaner each visit • All domestic duties provided

Call or email Joanne 01942 203442 joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk / www.acleanbreak.co.uk/wigan

Mr Soot

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Woodburners

Open fires

Stoves

• Bedding & duvets • Domestic washes • Commercial washing • Ironing services • Dry cleaning • Team sports kits welcomed

Open 7 days Free pick-up see website for opening times

& drop off!

Serving the community for over 50 years

Free pICk-up & DrOp OFF

service to/from Standish, Shevington, Appley Bridge mr-soot.com 07724 311 992

www.orrell-laundry.co.uk

90

Design & Print Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

l Geails N £15

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories, Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold DoorsSaving

For more information call

01942 514532 07709 490095

All electrical work undertaken

• Friendly reliable service • Mains board upgrades • Extra sockets to full rewires

Free quotations

w

LED Lighting

with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

...and general Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...

Energy Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Savings Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced

Book Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6FREE 9RS your home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a CAR & detailed cycles

Dennis Goulding

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

Mossy Lea Road

LocalLife

Heat Pumps

embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working

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TV Aerials Installed TV Wall Mounting Telephone Lines Setup Service Ring Paul on

Wind Turbines

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01695 627 999

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

0 lly £2

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and

A5209

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Natalie

Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; 9:00am - 12:00 noon reportSaturday: showing motor

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own solar panels

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Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park n and off Miry Lane,

0843 A224 9555 U 07595 420237 rton

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7PG nts of Crosto Wigan. e WN5 Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk need me! for all reside WN6 7TP , Billing 400 Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk - 6PM until you Road 4 619 ford ay 10AMKeep me : 0781 Check Saturd hone : 84 Rain Health - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM y FREE Car

R E S , Fridayay & Sunda

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TwinLakesMotorE

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01772

REPAIR

603923

DING & WEL

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

W.Hurst & Son Ltd ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR www.whurstandson.co.uk

Electrical & Security Specialists All aspects of electrical work plus; CCTV Installation Burglar Alarm Installation Outdoor/Security Lighting SMART systems Installation Automated Gates

• • • •

All types of electrical work 35+ years experience No job too small Friendly and reliable

EMERGENCY ELECTRICIAN SERVICE

24 HOURS NO CALL-OUT CHARGE

For a no-obligation quote call

07470 655 925 STANDISH BASED Email: E4S_enquiries@outlook.com Website: www.E4Systems.co.uk Facebook: StandishElectrician

For a free quote & advice call Jeff

01695 622 191 07850 622 191

Services Ltd J.Dillon Electrical

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

91

GARAGE DOOR

REPAIRS

All GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED : Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc.

Garage and entrance Doors of all agesdoors repaired 01744 894939 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE! in matching styles www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk

CALL PAUL LOCKSMITHS ESTABLISHED 2000

Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, Upholland WN8 9QL

Is your garage door broken ?

Call us today for a free estimate to Repair or Replace it

• UPVC & WOODEN DOOR SPECIALIST • Emergency Door Opening • UPVC Door Lock Repairs • UPVC Door Lock Changes • UPVC Door Lock Upgrades • Wood Door Lock Changes • All Work Guaranteed A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company

Call Paul for a Fast, Reliable, Professional Service CJM Garage Doors Ltd, Unit 10, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB t: 01942 738347 w: www.cjmgaragedoors.co.uk

TELEPHONE

01942MOBILE 901103 07932 718 362 WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK

ARANTEC Telecom & Broadband Engineers

• Installations • Broadband & Wifi • Repairs & Faults

• Home & Business • Cabling & Sockets • Upgrades & Alterations

For expert service & advice call today:

01257 427507

07711 819009

www.arantec.co.uk

92

• Central Heating Installations • Boiler Installations • Maintenance & Servicing • Power Flushing

Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service 186237

Your one stop shop for central heating 434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF

01942 221221

info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com

Central Heating Systems Boilers & Gas Appliances General plumbing Gas Safety Certificates

597379

Call Andy for a free quote on

01942 564 226 07397 391 935 acampbellheatingandgas

AGBathrooms.net

Quality bathrooms at reasonable prices Complete bathroom installations from design to completion.

For free quotes, call Adrian on 07816 394 292 Check out our work on www.AGBathrooms.net

Great Value Bathrooms!

• Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites • Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling

01942 397173 / 07803 057940 Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Showers, Trays & Cubicles Relocation of Bathroom Suites 25 years bathroom experience Call Chris now for a free quotation

C L Bathrooms

01942 749085 or 07801 295483 www.clbathrooms.co.uk

Elite Bathrooms Installation & Tiling • Bathrooms • Wall Tiling • Floor Tiling FREE Estimates

07703 448890 01942 208926

Douglas Drive, Orrell, Wigan www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk

93

A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES

Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner • Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks • Mechanical Power Flushing • Thermostatic Valves/Radiators Fitted • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades

12 YEARS

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS

BOILERS FROM

£999

• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted • Specialists in Disability Installations & Conversions BOILER SERVICING • Emergency Call outs welcome

FROM

£50

07515 894 281 14 Lyefield Avenue, Whelley, Wigan, WN1 3UL

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

Telephone:

88604

including services & repairs

COMBI

No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on

01257 421 660 Registration No.

All plumbing services

01942 504 429 MOB: 07515 505 501 TEL:

www.fgwelch.co.uk

www.gphwigan.co.uk

527090

C &D

Plumbing and Heating

Heating & Bathroom Specialist Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P 07973714222 01695625171

Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service

John Bailey - 01942 495785

or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan

FINA

NCE Brand New Bathrooms OPTIONS AVAILABLE Boiler + Central Heating Installs, Servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Domestic + Commercial

Freephone 0300 3030121 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809 No call out fee

21 Naburn Drive, Orrell, WN5 8SB

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk

www.orrellheating.co.uk

506515

94

JJ Driveways

Imprinted Concrete Specialists

GDR Driveways Flagging • Block paving Concreting • Fencing

Huge range of colours & patterns

Call Gareth for a FREE quotation

• Resin Driveways • Block Paving • Indian Stone • Flagging

01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754

We can also revive your old drive!

Ask about our sealing service

Call Joe for a free quotation on

01942 621 959 / 07867 697 972 www.jjdriveways.co.uk

SKF Rendering Ltd Call Steve for friendly We’ll transform the look of your home with our machine-applied coloured renders. advice and a free quote

01744 636 584 07986 528 547

One Coat Through Coloured Renders, Acrylic Renders & EWi Renders (Insulated). 48 colours.

Approved applicators for:

• All aspects of home improvements • One stop for all the trades you require • Joinery, Building, Kitchens & Bathrooms WE DESIGN AND MANAGE YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH

Call Jonathan for a free quotation TEL: 01257 401 243 / MOB: 0777 602 4045

SpeakmanpropertyServiceS.com

Des Pilling Plastering Plastering – Skimming – Artexing Coving & Cornice work also welcomed Orrell based – Established 1986

Easy Mix

y Eas

Mix

Ready Mixed Concrete

Call Des on 07787 513 235

• Delivered or Collected • Perfect for builders & DIY

www.despilling.org.uk

Lamberhead Ind. Est., Pemberton

www.lakelandplastering.co.uk

01942 224571 for advice

PLASTERER DRP Plastering Re-skims Dot & dab Rendering 2 coat work Unwanted artex

For a free quote, call Ian Ridley on

01942 218 160

or 07958 695 116

For a reliable & professional plasterer

Call Daniel

07841 531 197

drpplasteringnw@gmail.com Based in Shevington

95

REDWOOD ROOFING & BUILDING SERVICES

SERVING CHORLEY, W EST LANCASHIRE & WIGAN

OAP

DISCOUNTS

Your local roofing company from repairs to re-roofs, fascia’s, soffits & gutters.

• Flat roof specialists • Damp proof specialists • Quality workmanship & affordable pricing • Quick response to all repairs

Tel: 01257 754631 / 07887 901656

House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request Call now for a free quotation

• Home improvements • Loft conversions • Garage conversions & Extensions • Staircases • Windows & Doors

01942 561 848 | 07725 909 257 www.freshbuildconstruction.co.uk

01257 422317 or 07852 202867

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Home Improvements

Call Sally: 01695 627 999

For all your home improvement needs call David on...

locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

www.mtjoiner y.co.uk

• • • •

Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms Garage & Loft Conversions Floors, Doors & Windows Garden Gates

01942 203 804 DS Joinery 07851 225 876

96

Looking for a local, reliable roofing company who you can trust and rely on?

Lords Roofing Contractors are a well established father and son business with over 40 years experience.

Re-Roofing Tiles Re-Roofing Slates Flat Roofs

UPVC Fascia & Soffits Bespoke Conservatory Warm Roofing Systems

Lead Work Dry Verge & Dry Ridge Systems Full Garage Roof Refurbishments

Galvanised Steel Powder Coated Roofing Sheets (Various Colours)

Installer of UPVC Roof lanterns Roof Repairs Guttering

ALL ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN • ALL WORK GUARANTEED

01942 446 085

lordsroofing.co.uk

All aspects of roofing & roofline

NEW ROOFS REPAIRS FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERS

Dormers and Garages Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist Guaranteed 50 years

Call for free quote

T: 01942 864 624 M: 07868 713 520 M: 07894 687 384

P P

Building services Joinery Specialists

B.A. Berry Building & Roofing Specialists •All building work undertaken.

• From a broken tile to a full re roof.

• Flat roofs renewed and repaired.

• Extensions, Alterations, Structural repairs including Lintels.

Your local fully qualified tradesman with

30 years experience

Call us now for a free, no obligation quote

01695 622 704 / 07968 652 320 www.baberry.co.uk

Your Reliable, Friendly, Professional & Honest Building & Joinery Specialists • Conservatories & Orangeries • Extensions • Refurbishments & Alterations • Fencing & Decking

• Garage & Loft Conversions • Kitchens & Fitted Bedrooms • Doors & Windows • All aspects of joinery work

“Attention to detail is second to none. Can’t recommend Phil enough” Facebook Review, July 2018

97

M H Roofing

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

• High Performance Felt Flat Roof Systems • Storm Damage and Insurance Work • Slating and Tiling full roofs • Poiniting and Guttering • Fascia Boards

Call 07702 693225 www.mhroofingltd.co.uk

Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees

3 Maggots Nook Road, Rainford

• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985

Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate

01695 633173 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk

First Class Workmanship • All types of re-roofs • Strip & re-slate or re-tile • Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc.

• Insurance work undertaken • Roofline uPVC fascias, soffits & guttering

W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS

01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years

28 Years Experience

T: 01942 248 537 M: 07749 806 566

• Brickwork, Extensions, Re-pointing • Garden Walls, Decorative Walls • Platform Steps, Paths & patios

K Stone Building Services

All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience

• Brickwork • Pointing • Garden Walls • Patios • Roof Repairs • Flagging • Alterations • Driveways

01942 495412 / 07974 496676

98

Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters - call us now for all your roofline requirements!

We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters.

Clean, stylish and guaranteed for 25 years!

01942 735 515 / 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 www.orrellroofline.co.uk

• Conservatory repairs • Locks, handles and hinges • Replacement glass • Windows and doors installed • Replacement conservatory roofs Call MARK now on 01942 737 381 / 0776 315 1720 conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com www.fixmyconservatory.com

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Come and visit the largest showroom in the North West

® Quality installations of windows, doors, fascias, soffits and gutters First for quality • First for service • First for reliability No contractors • No salesmen Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business

Rockdoor Approved Installer Reg No 02767596

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established 16 years

Call us for a Free Quote Office Number: 01942 871 777 Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value Windows

Bi-Fold Doors

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs expertly fitted by accredited installers

Orangeries

©

Don’t just lock it, Rock it!

Conservatories

Manufacturers and installers since 2004

Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote

28544

Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)

www.orrellwindows.co.uk