Local Life - Wigan - May 2021 by Local Life 247 Ltd

LocalLife Wigan Edition

The Wandering Wiganer

May 2021

Pages 14-16

Orrell’s First Hub? Pages 27-30

UK Road Trips Pages 58-61

Making the Switch Pages 76-77

Jack’s Tracks - Crank Pages 72-74

Bathroom Special Pages 48-51

Refresh your WFH Space Pages 46

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ith restrictions easing across the UK, life is slowly returning to normal. More relieved than most are the owners of businesses that have had to close their doors during the lockdowns, in particular those businesses in the hospitality, personal care and non-essential retail sector. Owners of small businesses like these often exist on next to nothing in their business’s formative years with the plan that rewards will follow if the business succeeds. During the pandemic, many businesses, particularly the newer ones, were faced with a life-changing ‘stick or twist’ decision. Some opted to close permanently whilst others are hanging on in the hope that the easing of restrictions brings a change in fortunes. Your support can help. Let’s also be patient with our hospitality industry when it opens up. Ordering perishable supplies when there is no trading pattern of post-pandemic sales, training new staff to replace those who left, keeping customers safe by ensuring social distancing rules are in place, and having to keep records of everyone who walks through the door is not an easy task. Walking into your favourite pub and restaurant and expecting the quality of food and the ambience to be perfect from Day 1 post-lockdown is like expecting your sports team’s star player to be at peak form on the first day of pre-season training. To achieve perfection does take time. #bekind #shoplocal Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Keep in touch with the LocalLife Team!

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Telephone: 01695 627 999 info@locallife247.co.uk

locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia Local Life 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, Wigan WN1 9UB 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.

This month’s highlights 14. The Wigan Wanderer

Contents 34. Baking Rhubarb sponge slice.

38. Food Asparagus & salmon mini frittatas.

42. Tech Check out the best kitchen gadgets.

46. Working from Home Give your home office an uplift.

27. Orrell’s First Hub?

48. Bathroom Storage

50. Home Make your bathroom a relaxing oasis.

64. Puzzle Pages Try out our new word ladder!

68. Health Cope with stress and anxiety.

81. Home & Garden Services

72. Jack’s Tracks visits Crank

58. Road Trips UK

76. Switch to Electric

Next Issue - June 2021

Advertising deadline - 5th May Published - 19th May

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Litter Pickers

Library Consultation

A determined group of litter pickers has racked up 1,000 new members and hundreds of bags of litter.

Wigan Council have launched a public consultation on the future of Lamberhead Green Library, based at Dean Trust School in Greenhey, Orrell. The school has identified the need to create a new onsite Engagement Centre to support and engage with parents/carers, and the space currently used for the library has been identified as an ideal location for this Centre.

The Wigan Litter Picker group was created in February, and the group has gone from strength to strength, encouraging tidying up discarded litter in areas such as footpaths, woods, parks, canal and towpaths. The main aim of the group is to encourage residents to take pride in their own little patch of the town and show they care. Wigan Litter Pickers is backed by Wigan Council’s Improve a Space initiative. Before undertaking any environmental volunteering activity on council-owned land, you or your community group will need to request permission. Members can also direct you to how you can get your hands on free litter picking equipment including gloves, picking stick and bags, that will be delivered to your door. Search Facebook for Wigan Litter Pickers to join the group. For further information about the Improve a Space initiative go online at www.wigan.gov.uk and search Improve a Space.

To replace the existing library space, the school wants to provide a replacement, purpose-built facility, which is to be sited at the front of the school close to the existing library entrance, with the hope of increasing membership, participation and volunteer engagement in the library service. In 2019/2020, the library had the 7th highest book lending rate out of the borough’s 13 community libraries and, though it remains temporarily closed for the time being, the council insists that the library will not be permanently closed. The consultation closes on Sunday 2nd May – to participate online, visit https://www.wigan.gov.uk/ Council/Consultations/Lamberhead-Green-Library.aspx

Clothes Drive For those of you looking for an excuse to clear out a few wardrobes this spring then this is it. Daffodils Dreams, the Poolstock-based charity that helps local children and their families living in hardship, recently have launched a clothes drive for new/nearly new children’s clothing and footwear.

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The charity is looking for high-quality new and like-new items that you can donate, so that they can put together and distribute packages for specific children through their referral process. These would ideally include clothing, footwear, nightwear, bedding, toys and so many other nice things that most children take for granted. Daffodils Dreams will collect donations from your doorstep – just message Clare Dean on 07568 473694 or you can book an online collection at www.daffodilsdreams.org. Donations can also be dropped off at the back of the Tippings Arms, 115 Poolstock Lane, Wigan at any time or at the Shevington Village Kitchen, 2g Gathurst Lane, Shevington from Weds to Sunday 9.30pm-2pm.

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Conny Expands The Concourse in Skelmersdale is aiming to become an entertainment hub after launching ambitious plans for an indoor entertainment venue – just months after announcing the arrival of a cinema. If planning is approved by West Lancashire Borough Council, the second floor of The Concourse will be a Wonderworld Development, comprising of a cocktail bar, an American-style diner, an artisan-style street food court, a coffee bar, jungle-themed adventure golf and ten pin bowling and other attractions. The decision is expected in May.

Plans for WonderWorld have been submitted as Ultra Star Cinema completes the final fit out and decoration of the deluxe, two-screen cinema, the town’s first cinema for 38 years. Each 125-seat auditorium will be fitted with comfy, Italian leather high-back chairs, each with 1.5-metre spacing between rows, to create a luxury feel with additional legroom.

David Halliwell, director of Dalton-based Moorgate Developments, said: “This is a long-awaited development by many, which is why we took our research to a higher level, looking at the most popular entertainment centres from as far away as Australia and America. “We really invested time into looking at what a family needs and wants to make a great day out. WonderWorld will also cater for parties and corporate days and will welcome all age groups.”

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Haigh Cash Boost Wigan Council has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the second phase of the Haigh Woodland Park project. The project aims to restore and bring unused areas of the park back to life while enhancing the overall visitor experience. Development funding of £256,000 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Wigan Council progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date. Haigh Woodland Park has become a regional hotspot for tourism since major changes were made in 2016 following £3.6 million investment from Wigan Council. Phase one of the Haigh masterplan included car parking improvements, construction of the play area, adventure golf and high ropes, conversion of the stables into Haigh kitchen courtyard and installation of new furniture. The project aims to address the major restoration needed to protect the heritage of the site, while expanding the activities on offer for visitors to enjoy, exploring ways in which the park can further impact on the health and

wellbeing of visitors, identify ways to boost volunteering and educational activity and enhance the biodiversity value of the park, in particular the woodland. Commenting on the award, Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for corporate assets, said: “Lots of our residents have fond memories of the park and can remember the era of the zoo, greenhouses and model village. “Sadly, these areas have been closed off for many years due to a lack of funding. If successful, this funding will help us to open us these spaces once again, giving visitors even more opportunities to explore and appreciate what the park has to offer. Haigh Woodland Park means so much to so many people in our borough and we’re determined to get this right for them and our future generations.” Feedback from a resident’s survey in 2019 helped to shape the proposal and over the next few months, Wigan Council will launch a big listening exercise, giving residents and visitors another opportunity to engage and shape the future of Haigh Woodland Park.

u3a Day

No Mow May

Have you recently retired and have surplus time on your hands? If so, then Wednesday 2nd June could be the first day of the rest of your life. It is National u3a Day!

Wigan Borough residents are being encouraged to leave the mower in the shed throughout May as part of a scheme to help the environment.

Founded in 1982, the u3a is a movement of 1,057 groups that provide a wide range of opportunities so that its 450,000 members can explore new ideas, skills and activities together. The organisation is open to everyone who’s no longer in full-time work.

Wigan Council has been preparing over the winter for the ‘No Mow May’ initiative on various greenspaces throughout the borough to attract wildlife and rare species of wildflowers.

Up Holland & District u3a will be hosting an information display stand by the Co-op store in Ormskirk Road, Upholland from 10am to 4.30pm. Visitors to the stand can also pick up details of a heritage trail around the area. Members and their friends are also invited to attend a virtual Variety Show in the morning and a virtual Quiz in the evening. For more information about joining the u3a, here are the websites of other Wigan groups. www.uphollandu3a.org www.u3asites.org.uk/wigan www.ashtoninmakerfieldanddistrictu3a.co.uk

Paul Barton, Wigan Council’s director for environment, said, “While the pandemic has challenged many of us like never before, one positive has been shining a light on how a reduced mowing regime can improve biodiversity immeasurably and encourage new wildlife into the borough. “I’d encourage residents to take up the challenge. Not only could it result in enough nectar for ten times more bees and other pollinators, but you’ll be able to put your feet up in the spring sunshine and be more likely to spot a greater variety of flowers popping up in your garden.” For more information about how you can get involved in the scheme please go online at www.plantlife.org.uk

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The Wigan

Wanderer by Nicola Gray

To travel is to live, and how right Hans Christian Andersen was! The power of travel is truly underestimated by many; spending time in other parts of the world and even our own country, not only allows us to dive deep into the history of an area, but it also allows us to experience other cultures and the mannerisms of people we wouldn’t normally meet. One person who wholeheartedly agrees with the musings of the Danish author is Wigan resident, Simon Radcliffe. Simon came to my attention when he popped into my social media feeds with his hugely riveting series, entitled ‘Si Travels’. Travel is a way of life for Simon, and he has the tools to really tell the story of a location. Scrolling through his

Facebook group you will see exactly what I am talking about. He pulls together the elements of natty writing with some stunning photography – capturing the places, people, food and culture of the places he visits. Simon is a Wiganer born and bred, he grew up in Kendal Street in Swinley, and now lives in Appley Bridge with his wife and daughter. His wanderlust started at an early age and was sparked by a school pilgrimage to Lourdes. Simon told me, “When I was 13, school took us to stay over in Paris and Nevers along the way. We visited the Chapel of Saint Gidard at the Sisters of Charity in Nevers. “Saint Bernadette’s preserved body is on display there

Copenhagen Denmark

Malmo - Sweden

Bolton Abbey

and it triggered a fascination with trying to understand the cultures and traditions of other countries. Why did they celebrate the life of someone in this way? What was the story behind it? It made a young boy see travelling abroad as a learning experience, not just to escape the rain of England!” Simon works for Bupa UK, and his first brush with blogging came in 2014, he added, “It all began back in 2014 when my mental health was at its lowest. I decided that whenever I was experiencing negative thoughts and couldn’t stomach leaving the house, I’d do exactly the opposite! “I’d force myself to go outside and travel to places where I could find some peace and keep my mind occupied, to investigate a new place and its history and try to interact with new people. It began with visiting every place that my regional train pass could take me, then eventually I broadened my horizons and decided to venture further afield. After a few years of posting to my personal Facebook profile, I decided to try and expand my audience and set up the SI Travels group in 2017.”

Bratislava - Slovakia

Being so well travelled I imagine it must be difficult to choose a favourite destination, but Simon’s answer comes quickly and with gusto, “Berlin! Nowhere can hold a candle to Berlin. It’s my second home and the one place I return to regularly; without question my favourite place. “Actually, my most memorable encounter happened in Berlin, when I ran into Nardo, a Belize-born New Yorker. We originally met in the ‘Schnelle Quelle’ bar in Berlin back in 2012. I will never forget that he walked in there and was probably the only American out and about in the old Soviet Quarter! The German barman Uwe (who speaks no English whatsoever!) ended up getting Nardo under the draught pumps and the whole pub ended up resembling a very drunken United Nations congress! “After we’d all sank a few Berliner Pils, we ended up getting completely lost together, as we searched areas across East Berlin for secret underground bars and pubs! I kept in touch with him on Facebook thankfully and we arranged to meet up again. This time in the Big Apple! Nardo is lucky enough to live in Brooklyn, NYC and is somewhat of a good luck charm.

Seven years and 26 countries later, and Simon is still going strong! He adds, “My blog compels me to carry on with my journeys, document our local heritage and challenge my lethargy; it has become my second job in many ways.

“Nardo showed us some of the places that he had fond childhood memories of, including the docks he visited as a child with his father. It was great to get off the beaten track and get some local insight.”

“Travel is in my DNA. My ancestors were Lathom boat people, so I get restless if I’m in the same place for too long! Documenting my journeys gives me great pleasure and I’m passionate about delivering quality content to inspire and educate others.”

Simon has many memories when it comes to his globetrotting and I want to know if he has any he would rather forget. “I have many, Simon laughs. Just ask my wife and friends! Getting lost in the Vatican, falling down the steps of Cologne Cathedral, drunkenly singing Karaoke

16 in Hamburg to a German language song, is that enough? “Still though, not as embarrassing as the time my wife and I were on a guided tour in Edinburgh with a large family group. The host of the tour said, ‘Now this next bit is for the little children...’ before pointing to a small boy stood directly in front of me and saying, ‘would you like to come forward?’ “Thinking he meant me, I excitedly stepped out and the whole group sniggered. My wife quickly shot the words ‘Simon! He said CHILDREN’ at me!” When it comes to travel inspiration, Simon draws in the wealth of knowledge from Michael Palin, Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux and Mark Twain. Simon adds, “I prefer to read the adventures of others and in particular the 19th Century tales of Isabella Lucy Bird. She was quite the adventuress and a complex character. I mostly enjoy reading travel writing from the distant past, as the author takes you to a place that you can never experience first-hand; the fusion of travel and history is largely what my blog is all about.” Simon also tells me that alongside his blog, his camera is actually something he can’t do without, “I need to be able to capture every moment. When it comes to what I need when travelling, I look at this in a less literal sense, I can’t travel without adequate research and planning being done beforehand. Don’t waste hours getting lost trying to find places or queuing for tickets. Get it all organised before you go!”

Simon continues, “I always strive to tell people that travelling isn’t all about how far you’ve been or how many miles you’ve clocked up, it’s all about leaving your front door and taking those all-important first steps. “Day to day life is travelling. Going to the next town is travelling. A day out with your children in the park is travelling! Don’t see travel as something that requires large amounts of money to realise. Start small and aim big if you wish to.” This sentiment has been real-life for the past 12 months, with the national lockdown restricting not only foreign but also regional travel; people have had to rediscover their local area. Simon tells me, “The pandemic has crippled the travel industry, but I believe that peoples love of visiting new places hasn’t diminished. “Once confidence in safety is restored, I can envisage normality returning pretty quickly by 2023. I think the next couple of years will see a slow build up as companies struggle to recoup their losses, particularly the aviation industry. We’ll see both cheap fares and price hikes. Travellers will need to be alert to these changes and spend wisely.” To keep up to date with Simon and his travels please go to Facebook and search @sitravels2018

Karl Marx Allee - Berlin

Rabbit Rocks - Ince

Wigan in Bloom Local communities are being encouraged to take part in one of the UK’s longest running environmental competitions this summer. Wigan In Bloom returns for 2021 with lots of opportunities for residents.

Applications forms can be downloaded at www. northwestinbloom.com, or if any groups would like to speak to a council officer for more information or support please email Paul Gallagher inbloom@wigan.gov.uk.

Players Wanted

The aim is to improve surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. It also helps to create a more sustainable environment.

Wanderers F.C are looking to create three brand new football teams - an under 14’s girls’ team, an open age men’s team and a Vets over 35’s team.

Running alongside In Bloom is It’s Your Neighbourhood, a non-competitive scheme for groups who want to help revamp disused areas or community gardens.

So, whether you’re looking to get the kids active again after lockdown or you want to become a valued team member, then this is the club for you. All members will be trained by a Qualified Level 1 F.A Coach, all with first aid and safeguarding qualifications.

Bernard Pendleton, Chairman of North West in Bloom said: “For many years we have received numerous In Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood entries from Wigan Borough and its surrounding areas. These have been very successful and have supported many improvements to greener and cleaner communities”. The categories are based on the size of the entry which could range from entire towns and villages to hotels, pubs and shopping centres. The closing date for Wigan in Bloom entries is April 30.

The club is committed to developing each player, with fair and equal playing time on match days. The anticipated start date is June 2021, training will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm-7pm at Whelley Labour Club. For more information message the Facebook page by searching for @wanderersfc2018.

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Rein It In A Billinge horse owner is asking members of the public not to feed horses whilst out and about.

permission or feed a dog a treat without asking its owner, don’t feed a horse or pony”. “Look at the horses and take pictures, but please don’t touch or feed them. I know people mean well but, whilst they can just walk away after feeding horses, owners can be left with vet’s bills for thousands of pounds because of their actions”.

With country walks on the increase during the pandemic, horse owners across the UK have reported incidents where horses and ponies have suffered and died due to well-meaning passers-by feeding them without permission. Jenny Walsh, along with fellow horse owners on the same Billinge yard, is the latest horse owner to take action to stop these incidents happening. Jenny said, “We have put new signs on the field fences and gates and have posted messages about this issue on local community blogs, but some people continue to disregard all this.” “Horses have delicate digestive systems and are unable to be sick, so ingesting something that their body cannot deal with can often lead to a very painful and distressing death”.

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Fellow horse owner Tracey Holland, pictured with 11-yearold Troy, also warned against petting horses. “If you pet horses at the gate, they think that they are being fed, so they can bite your fingers”, said Tracey, admitting that her own horse Troy had even bitten her a few times. The campaign to stop the public from feeding horses gathers momentum, with extensive coverage in national magazine, Horse and Hound, and the campaign has also reached social media. ‘Stop Feeding our Horses’ is a Facebook group consisting of almost 10,000 members and was created by former horse-owner Hannah Johnstone whose Welsh gelding Lightning died after he was fed a raw potato.

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Great gadgets for cleaning everything outdoors The return of brighter days means you’ll notice the windows need a good clean, and there are plenty of gadgets to help. We love the Karcher WV5 handheld window washer (£83; other models are cheaper), which sucks up the washing liquid and squeegees the glass clean, while for difficult to reach windows Lakeland has a long Window Trigger Spray Mop for £19.99.

WINDOW TRIGGER MOP Lakeland’s clever 2-in-1 enables you to squirt, wipe and squeegee windows that would normally be too high to reach without a ladder. £19.99 from Lakeland.co.uk MUD DADDY PORTABLE WASHING BRUSH

If you really hate cleaning outside windows and have £200 to spare, the Gladwell Gecko Robot Window Cleaner is exactly what it sounds like. It uses suction to attach itself to your window and while it’s fairly slow it’s safer than perching on a ladder. For tougher cleaning tasks consider a handheld steam cleaner such as Hoover’s Steamjet Handy (£49), which gives you 20 minutes of steam from a single tank. It’s great for cleaning everything from textiles to tiles, and is particularly useful for refreshing metal garden furniture and for gently removing stains from painted surfaces a pressure washer might be too harsh for. Pressure washers can be handy, of course and are a powerful way to clean everything from muddy bikes to muddy boots. But even those with long cables need to be plugged in, which limits where they can go. Wouldn’t it be great – and better for the environment – to have a pressure washer that didn’t need plugging in at all? The award-winning £45 Mud Daddy does uses water pressure instead of a motor so is silent and portable, and is perfect for bikes, muddy dogs and outdoor cleaning. It uses much less water than a hose or pressure washer too. What about drying? Things like bikes and motorbikes are fiddly to dry, and car fanatics need a scratch-free way to dry their newly cleaned paintwork. Step forward the £99 BigBoi Buddy, a portable dryer delivering warm air that is twenty-five degrees warmer than the surrounding environment, and it filters the air to prevent blasting any dust or dirt. Sadly it isn’t portable, but with a 1,000W motor it makes quick work of any drying task.

With a 5 litre capacity the Mud Daddy is great for even the muddiest pets or bikes. No motor means no noise and no need to plug it in. £44.99 from Amazon.co.uk

KARCHER WV5 Karcher’s window washers are essentially a squeegee and a vacuum cleaner joined together, so as you wipe the window clean it automatically catches the dirty water. £83 from Halfords.com

GECKO ROBOT WINDOW CLEANER The Gecko sticks to the outside of your window and slowly works its way around the glass, cleaning every inch of it while you do something more interesting. £199 from Amazon.co.uk

BIGBOI BUDDY Professional valets use air dryers to deliver a perfect finish to washed vehicles, and the Buddy’s powerful motor does a brilliant job of drying bikes and motorbikes. £99 from theultimatefinish.co.uk

Great

Impressions Impressions Uniforms (formerly Standish Sports and Uniform) is a local family business that now provides uniforms to schools far and wide! Mum and daughter team, Caeryn and Katie have owned the business for 11 years and have developed a range of hassle-free ways to shop for uniform during that time. The Standish shop is well stocked and has its own car park. However, the range of services they provide means that you can shop with Impressions without ever having to visit the shop. Not only do they have a website, but you can also take advantage of their innovative ‘Take Two’ service. Where you can order and pay for uniform in the size you think you need but have another size delivered at the same time. We can hear the mum and dads taking a collective sigh of relief – gone are the days of dragging your children to try on uniforms, try on there and then in the comfort of their own home and you can give the size you don’t need back. There is no need to pay for the additional sizes, returns or alternative deliveries! Deliveries are carried out at pre-arranged times to make sure there is someone in to try on. It couldn’t be simpler! Even in the shop the experience is made less stressful with things like toys for the younger ones to play with, sweeties to bribe shy little ones, tissues for emotional parents and a photographer to capture the moment! Caeryn is extremely passionate about what she does, and she is always trying to help however she can.

The new string to Impressions goes deeper than the services they currently offer to stressed-out parents all over the borough. Caeryn explains, “Quality and durability has always been important to us, so we work hard to make sure the brands we sell are the best value on the market. We have always tested our garments ourselves (on our own kids) but this year we also established a customer panel to test garments too.” You also get the added benefit of knowing that your uniform purchase won’t harm the planet or people. Impressions is committed to helping ‘save the planet – one uniform at a time’. They source ethically made and sustainable uniforms, actively promote re-using and recycling and ensure protecting the planet comes into all its business decisions.

25 This year Impressions decided to launch their brand-new VIP scheme. Customers can join a mailing list and be the first to hear about exclusive discounts, promotions and have priority booking for the well-loved appointment scheme. Appointments run from May to August and allow customers to experience a one-of-a-kind service; and more importantly, avoid the queues! https://bit.ly/ NewStarterSignUp The 12th April not only saw the reopening of the current two shops but of their new shop in Leyland. All of the current services will be available in Leyland and Caeryn and Katie can’t wait to meet lots of new customers over the coming months. In 2020 the duo also launched their social enterprise. The new shop has meant an exciting new venture for the duo. In March Caeryn and Katie launched their social enterprise. Smart Futures is a CIC set up to increase the social inclusion of children across our borough living in poverty by providing school uniform packages. They do this by collecting donations of uniform from selected drop off points around the borough, helping people in need and helping to cut waste and the amount of clothes going into landfill. The pre-loved uniform will be repurposed and then be put on sale in the Impressions shops, on their website and at pop up shops in the borough. The money raised from the sale of the uniforms will then be used to provide full packages for children whose families can’t afford uniform. Caeryn and Katie want schools to get involved by

collecting donations from parents twice a year that they then collect. They then work with that school providing free uniform packages for those in need. For more information on any of the services offered by Impressions please call any store on the information below.

31-33 High Street, Standish, WN6 0HL Tel: 01257 400010 83 High Street, Golborne, WA3 3BU Tel: 01942 587487 250 Leyland Lane, Leyland, PR25 1XL Tel: 01772 431431

www.impressionsuniform.co.uk

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Orrell’s

First Hub? by Chris Pearce In this magazine a few months ago, we carried a message from community groups and a local councillor about the possibility of using the former Warriors training ground on Edge Hall Road in Orrell as a community hub and urged local residents for their views. In this issue we take you back a century or so, to what could be called Orrell’s first ever community hub. Tucked away on a most unpaved side street off Winstanley Road, lies a plot of land that many today know as the entrance to the Cricket Club, the bowling green and the children’s nursery. Turn back the clock to the 1920’s though, and this area was the very heart of the village’s activities. Made possible by a donation of two

acres of land from G.H Bankes, the owner of Winstanley Hall, the original YMCA building was erected in 1920 and was opened by Her Highness Princess Marie Louise, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, on 22nd January 1921. Orrell was a much smaller place in those days. The census figure for 1921 puts the village’s population at 6,773, compared with the 12,663-population recorded in the census of 2011.

28 ways to have a good time’ at the YMCA in Orrell. This selection of images from the aforementioned programme illustrates just a few of the breadth of activities on offer at the YMCA back in the 1920’s. Space prevents us from printing the entire programme, but a common theme throughout the years at the YMCA has been the quality of sport on offer. The Orrell YMCA Cricket Club plied their trade in the Ormskirk and District League, whilst Orrell Red Triangle Cricket Club played in Division 2 of the same league. Red Triangle also had two football teams to their name; the first eleven played in the Wigan JOC Welfare League, whilst the reserve side played in the league below. Amongst the more sedate sports on offer were billiards, tennis and, of course, crown green bowls on the green that remains part of the site today.

Despite that, the first YMCA Building was constantly in use, six days a week, from 10am through to 10pm Monday to Friday, 10am-10.30pm on Saturdays and also on intermittent Sunday evenings. Annual membership fees ranged from 3 shillings for children over 12 to 7 shillings and sixpence for adult men. The noble aim of the organisation was stated clearly in the 1926/27 programme:

Whilst there was no mention of rugby in the programme, it’s well known that Orrell RU played on many open spaces in the area at one time or another. A quick look at the history of Orrell RU confirms that from 1937-1949 the club leased a ground and hut from Orrell YMCA for the princely sum of £4 a year! The club then moved to their spiritual home of Edge Hall Road at this point.

Our Aim is to promote the welfare of Orrell and District, especially among the young people, and to provide a centre of amenity for all people of goodwill, irrespective of creed, political opinion, or social position.

In the 1950’s the YMCA made a further commitment to their Orrell site when they bought the freehold of the remainder of the site from the Winstanley Park Estate. This was approximately four acres in total and was bought in 1953 for the sum of £157.

And just as the famous song promises, there were ‘many

The 1980’s was a busy decade for the YMCA. The Cricket

Sir Clive Lloyd opening new clubhouse in 1986

Original YMCA Building in 1992

Club built a brick pavilion in 1981 and just five years later, extended it to include a clubhouse, which was opened by Sir Clive Lloyd, captain of Lancashire and of the West Indies. Sir Clive brought with him a Lancashire X1 consisting of luminaries such as David Lloyd, Jack Simmons and Graeme Fowler to play an Orrell Red Triangle team. A decision was made in 1989 to replace the original YMCA building with a brand-new building. The foundation stone for the new building was laid by the Earl of Derby M.C. in June 1993 and the new building was officially opened in October 1994 by the Rev. Canon Frank Wright. The building was used as a youth club until 1990, for dominoes and whist drives until 2000, and is currently used as a children’s nursery and after school centre,

30 Supercaligragilisticeexpialidocious. The Orrell Red Triangle Cricket Club is thriving with five senior teams playing in the Liverpool and District Cricket leagues, the popular junior section has ten teams across six age groups and the club also runs a ECB-sponsored All Stars section for children between 5-8 years. And last, but not least is the Orrell YMCA Crown Green Bowling Club. This is open seven days a week from 10am to 8pm during the bowling season. New members are always welcome to join the club at a annual cost of £25 subscription. For details, contact Brian Atherton on 01695 622138 or Harold Preston on 01942 519042. One hundred years on, the original Orrell Hub can no longer claim to have the scale of different activities that it used to, but it’s still the base of Orrell’s strongest cricket set-up, the main centre for crown green bowls and hosts the village’s biggest social events of the year – Orrell Proms and the annual bonfire.

The Earl of Derby laying foundation stone in 1993

G.H. Bankes George Hildyard Bankes inherited the Winstanley Park estate in 1907, from his mother Eleanor. His grandfather and great- grandfather, both named Meyrick Bankes, had built up the family’s finances by investing in the area’s coal industry and owned numerous coal mines in the Wigan area.

G.H. Bankes pictured outside Winstanley Hall © Wigan & Leigh Archives

Both George and his wife Amy became local magistrates and George became the Sheriff of Lancaster in 1921. Both were heavily involved with local community groups, and organised and hosted fund-raising events for charities.

George donated land to enable the original YMCA building to be erected and sat as the President of the Orrell and District Red Triangle Club. He died in 1949.

Local Life would like to thank David Unsworth for his assistance and most of the images.

Garden Scheme

Haigh Up - it’s Back!

The National Garden Scheme, initially set up in 1927 to raise money for district nursing, offers visitors access to over 3,500 private gardens in the UK. The scheme scaled down somewhat in 2020, but is back with a bang this year. Funds are raised via donations in gardens and from sales of plants and refreshments, notable beneficiaries of the fund raising are MacMillan, Marie Curie and Hospice UK.

The popular Haigh Hall Artisan Market is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever!

Two gardens to visit locally are based at Derian House Children’s Hospice on Sunday 9th May and Sunday 8th August, and also Wigan and Leigh Hospice on Sunday 25th July. Other gardens to visit include private gardens in Mawdesley, Rufford and Burscough. For further details on the National Garden Scheme visit www.ngs.org.uk

Following the huge success of the first markets, additional dates have now been confirmed and will consist of over 50 of the very finest artisan market traders. So, if you are after an afternoon of food, drink and stall browsing this is the place for you. The markets take place on the third Sunday of the month and the next market date is Sunday May 16 from 10am-4pm. For more information about the markets and the stall holders, please go online to www.themarketco.co.uk and search for Haigh Woodland Park.

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R BANKS & SON FUNERALS LTD Brian Halliwell Dip F.D M.B.I.E.

ESTABLISHED 1921

Independent Funeral Directors Monumental Masons A local family run business, R. Banks & Son are one of the largest independent funeral directors in the Wigan Area Golden Charter Pre Arrangement Funeral Plans

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24 hour service • Caring family firm Branches: Standish 01257 422011, Beech Hill 01942 829200, Bryn 01942 271392, Scholes 01942 820526, Leigh 01942 261415, Coppull 01257 793880, Upholland 01695 622099, Platt Bridge 01942 863936, Atherton 01942 318025

Head Office: Halliwell House, 758/768 Ormskirk Road Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8BB www.rbanksandson.co.uk

T: 01942 222156

Rhubarb Sponge Slice Makes 12 slices Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes, plus cooling

Ingredients 300g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped (see Tips) 25g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 175g caster sugar 3 large eggs 175g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 50g ground almonds 1 tbsp milk

This easy all-in-one almond-flavoured sponge with a sweet and tangy rhubarb topping can be served warm with cream or custard or enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Grease a 23cm square shallow cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper. Toss the rhubarb and icing sugar together in a bowl and set aside. 2. Place the butter, caster sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Sift over the flour and baking powder. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Fold in the ground almonds and milk. 3. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and gently level the surface with a palette knife. Scatter the rhubarb evenly over the top. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is risen and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or cold dusted with icing sugar.

TIP: Choose thin stems of pink forced rhubarb for this recipe and chop into small even-sized pieces. Add 1-2 tbsp drained and chopped stem ginger to the sponge mixture, if liked.

Stay Warm

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enjoy food & drink!

Our delicious menu includes;

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Come and visit our large, outside, undercover, socially-distanced, comfortable seating areas with new heaters Cream Tea

Feta Salad

Ploughman’s

Café Opening Times: 9.30am-4.30 Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm Sunday Last food orders 30 minutes before closing – except cake, coffee and ice cream.

Gorgeous gifts and unique glass art Gallery open: 9.30am-5pm Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG Telephone: 01695 622 332

FREE COFFEE! Buy a slice of homemade cake and get a ‘Café BON BON’ coffee absolutely FREE!* Artisan Coffee ~ Waffles ~ Ice Cream ~ Brunch & more

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Beautifully furnished

Stone Cottage Holiday Let

Situated near Sedbergh, in the Yorkshire Dales, and also within easy reach of the Lake District

– sleeps up to 4

Children & pets welcome

Call 01942 216 058

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Ice Cream & Coffee Parlour Coffee | Cakes food | drinks noW oPen aT:

747 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton neW ouTdoor seaTing aT:

6 Church Street, Orrell

Now available for private functions Call 01695 627600 for details oPening hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Thurs 10am-Midnight Weekends

Open 7 days from 10.30am Fully licenced and available for private functions and events Call for details - 07745 898 406

www.lovemadisons.co.uk Also home to Madisons Lakes Fishery www.madisonslakes.co.uk

Orrell Water Park, Lodge Rd, Orrell WN5 7AT

ModerniseYourStairs Bespoke Staircases & Staircase Renovations Add value to your home by modernising your stairs in just 2 days! • Wood, glass or chrome • Traditional or contemporary styles • Local company, established 1998

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Asparagus & Salmon Mini Frittatas Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 23 minutes, plus cooling

Ingredients 125g/4½ oz asparagus 1 handful of frozen peas (30g) 2 spring onions, chopped 60g/2¼ oz smoked salmon, cut into small strips 4 eggs, beaten Sea salt and ground black pepper

Gluten Free Dairy Free

These colourful savoury muffins are easy to make and are delicious served warm for breakfast or cold for lunch with a salad. Asparagus is a fabulous healthy seasonal food to include, being rich in B vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E. For a vegetarian option swap the salmon for some feta cheese.

Method 1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6 and grease and line 8 cups of a muffin tray with paper muffin cases. Blanch the asparagus in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes until just soft. Drain, then cut into 1 cm/½ in pieces using scissors. 2. Divide the asparagus, peas, spring onions and smoked salmon among the paper cases – they should be three-quarters full. Beat the eggs in a jug with some salt and pepper, then pour into the paper cases. 3. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden and just firm in the centre. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tray. Serve hot or cold.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: (2 frittatas) 110kcal, fat 6.3g carbohydrates 1.6g, protein 11.2g

Chilli Glazed Salmon With Cucumber, Herb & Lime Salad Serves 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 7 minutes

Wild Alaskan salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fats and protein. In this dish, fillets of salmon are marinated in a tangy Asian-style dressing and accompanied by a light refreshing cucumber and bean sprout salad. Accompany with some seasonal leafy greens.

Ingredients 1 pickled chilli (or ½ fresh deseeded chilli) 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp tamari soy sauce 2 tbsp xylitol or honey 2 boneless salmon fillets, skin on 2 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp xylitol or honey 1 tbsp mirin Handful of bean sprouts or sprouted seeds 1 cucumber, halved and thinly sliced Small handful fresh mint leaves, chopped Small handful of coriander leaves, chopped 2 spring onions, finely sliced 1 tbsp chopped cashews

Method 1. Place the chilli, garlic, vinegar, tamari, xylitol or honey in a food processor and process to combine. Put the salmon fillets in a shallow dish, pour over the marinade and set aside in the fridge for 30 minutes. 2. Make up the dressing by mixing the lime juice, xylitol or honey and mirin together (if using xylitol make sure it has dissolved). Put the bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, coriander, spring onions, cashews and the dressing in a bowl and toss until well combined. 3. Preheat the grill to high. Remove the salmon from the marinade. Place the salmon on a lined baking tray. Grill for 7 minutes or until the fish is golden and just cooked through. Place the remaining marinade in a small pan and simmer to form a glaze. Pour over the cooked salmon.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: calories 305kcal, protein 23.4g, carbohydrates 26.9g (of which sugars 24.4g), total fat14.9g(of which saturates 2.6g).

Libraries Update Most libraries across Wigan have now reopened in line with the Government’s easing of lockdown restrictions. Initially all libraries will operate on reduced opening hours to allow staff to carry out additional work in relation to operating in a Covid safe environment. Wigan and Leigh libraries, including Life Centres, will be open between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday, while the Borough’s community libraries will be open between 10am and 2pm Monday to Wednesday and 1pm until 5pm Thursday and Friday. Community run libraries in Aspull and Marus Bridge (Hope) will also remain closed until further lifting of restrictions have been applied and Ince Library will remain closed, whilst extensive refurbishment works are carried out at the community centre. Lesley O’Halloran, Director of Customer and Culture, said: “We are really excited to welcome residents back to our libraries and we are ensuring that we are doing it as safely as possible and in line with government guidance.

“The libraries will initially be operating on reduced hours but members will continue to have access to all the services they would do under normal circumstances.” Going forward there will be regular reviews of opening hours in line with government guidance.

Hospice Shop Re-Opens Willowbrook Hospice will be reopening the Billinge shop on Saturday 1st May at 10am and volunteers are looking forward to welcoming back shoppers. The shop will also be accepting donations, so whether you are looking for a bargain or wanting to have a clear out, don’t forget about the Main Street shop. The shop will open with a sale so there will be plenty of bargains to snap up, and there will also be an extra day’s opening - Bank Holiday, Monday 3rd May at 10am. For more information about opening times, collections and drop offs, please contact volunteers on 01744 893782 or email shops@wbhtrading.co.uk.

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The best gadgets for every kitchen

Now that many of us are cooking so much more at home, there are lots of gadgets that promise to make our kitchen time better. Some of them enable you to do much more with much less washing up; others ensure brilliant results for every meal; and still others enable you to cook like the pros. One of our favourite kitchen gadgets is the electric pressure cooker. The most famous one is the Instant Pot, but there are lots of rivals. It’s a one-pot machine that you can use to make soup, stews, casseroles and even yogurt, and unlike many multi-cook devices it’s good at all of them. One of the best things about it is that it enables you to slow cook quickly: pressure cooking means you get all the flavour and tenderness of slow cooking in less than an hour. And when you’re done, there’s only one dishwashersafe pot to clean. Another firm favourite in our kitchen is the air fryer, which gives you deep fried taste without the mess, smell

or unhealthiness. They’ve come a very long way in just a few years and they’re brilliant for fantastic fried chicken, amazing chips and quickly reheating takeaways: the only thing they’re not great at is food with lots of runny batter, which just falls off. If you’re feeling really fancy, a Thermomix can do pretty much everything: it can vacuum cook meat, fish and vegetables for sous vide cooking; it can slow cook; it can caramelise, brown, blend, boil, knead, emulsify and more. It even has a display to show you video tutorials. It’s very expensive but it’s an incredible device. If you prefer to cook manually we’d thoroughly recommend the Thermapen, an instant thermometer that enables you to test the temperature of things like large roasts. It takes the guesswork out of cooking times, ensuring that every roast is perfectly done, and it’s also really useful in barbecue season when you don’t want to risk giving people undercooked meat.

ANOVA PRECISION COOKER NANO

THERMOMIX TM6 The TM6 is incredibly expensive but it’s a truly extraordinary intelligent cooking machine that’ll replace many of your existing appliances. £1,145, Vorwerk.co.uk

THERMAPEN This instant-read digital thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meat, fish and bread, and while clones are cheaper they’re not as accurate.

Sous Vide – gently cooking food for hours in warm water – delivers incredible tenderness and flavour, and the Anova enables you to do it in any big pot. It’s appcontrolled, easy to use and produces amazing results. £129, Anovaculinary.com

£51, Thermapen.co.uk

PHILIPS AVANCE COLLECTION AIR FRYER

INSTANT POT DUO EVO PLUS

Philips’ air fryers are easy to use, easy to clean and deliver excellent results. This is one of the larger models, with a 1.2kg capacity that makes it ideal for families.

This isn’t the cheapest Instant Pot – the Duo is half the price – but this is more flexible and has a brilliant display that makes it even easier to use.

£250, Amazon.co.uk

£129.99, Amazon.co.uk

Moving forwards

Where Hope Comes From – Nikita Gill Nikita Gill’s poems take the reader on a journey through the stages of grief, onwards to hope. Gill is at high risk from Covid-19 and lives thousands of miles away from her family. Her poems helped her to find a way forward. As she explained on Instagram, “When I realised that I needed to honour my grief and anger, I finally began to work my way through them.” The result is a truly beautiful collection of short poems to help the reader “… come away with a little more joy and hope than before.”

One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot – Marianne Cronin A book about two terminally ill friends may not seem like the most uplifting of reads, yet somehow One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot manages to be just that. seventeen-year-old Lenni and eighty-three-year-old Margot meet in hospital. They set themselves a challenge of painting a hundred pictures, one for every year of their lives. As they grow closer, they reveal the stories behind the paintings. While the original focus in on Lenni, it’s Margot’s life, with all its ups, downs and loves lost, that ends up taking centre stage.

The Atlas of Happiness – Helen Russell Helen Russell explores traditions, practices and beliefs from around the world, from the Italian ‘dolce far niente’ (the joy of doing nothing) to Japan’s ‘wabi-sabi’ (appreciating things as they are, with all their imperfections). She also offers advice for embracing some of these practices in everyday life. An enjoyable read to dip in an out of, The Atlas of Happiness might just help you to see life a little differently.

Property Report 2011 vs 2021

With all of us completing the Census in the last few weeks it is a good time to review what has happened in the Wigan Property Market over the last 10 years. Just to remind you, 2011 saw the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Mr Cameron was the PM, there was the last flight of the Space Shuttle and Game of Thrones premiered.

Detached The average price paid for a Wigan detached home in the last 12 months has been £273,500. The average value of a Wigan detached home has risen by 38.6% in the last 10 years. That’s an increase in value of £80,400.

Semi-Detached • The average price paid for a Wigan semi-detached home in the last 12 months has been £150,100. The average value of a Wigan semi-detached home has risen by 31.8% in the last 10 years. That’s an increase in value of £40,400.

Terraced Home/Town House • The average price paid for a Wigan town house/terraced home in the last 12 months has been £110,500. The average value of a Wigan town house/terraced home has risen by 31% in the last 10 years. That’s an increase in value of £35,400.

Apartment/Flat • The average price paid for a Wigan apartment/flat in the last 12 months has been £102,500. The average value of a Wigan apartment/flat has risen by 32.2% in the last 10 years. That’s an increase in value of £26,000.

And what about Rental Values? Whether you are a winner or loser in terms of rental values depends on whether you are a Wigan landlord or a Wigan tenant.

The average rent for a property in Wigan currently stands at £654 per month, whilst a decade ago, it was £595 per month. That’s an increase of 9.9%. This means private rents have increased by 50p a month for the past ten years. Interesting, when compared to the national average of 98p a month whilst in London, rents have grown by £4.64 a month.

What will the next ten years bring? Irrespective of any dip in Wigan house prices or transactions when the Stamp Duty Holiday ends in the autumn, the increase in property values is a trend that looks set to continue, Part of the reason for this is that the supply of new homes is nowhere near keeping pace with demand. There have only been 2,303 new properties built in Wigan in the last 10 years, that’s less than 19 a month. Nationally, the UK has only built just over 180k homes a year over the last decade, 120k less than the national target of 300k. In the meantime, the population has grown by more than 4 million. To try and predict exactly how much property and rental values will rise over the next ten years be a fool’s game. After all, who would have believed what the Wigan property market has done in the last 12 months since the start of Lockdown 1.0. The number of transactions and UK house prices having risen so much in the last year ... all during a worldwide pandemic and at a time of such mayhem and havoc in the UK and world economy, is nothing short of remarkable. But is it sustainable? That remains to be seen. If you’d like to find out how much your house has increased in value, call me now on 01942 233999.

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.

Alan Batt

For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the Wigan property market, check out his blog at

www.alanbatt.co.uk

Computers for Schools An industry-wide initiative by estate agents to supply laptops/tablets to children without access to a PC at home has been enthusiastically supported in Wigan by Alan Batt Estate Agents. The Computers for Schools initiative was spearheaded by industry figures Stephen Brown at Stephen J Brown Consultancy and Jerry Lyons at Estate Agent Content and has raised more than £61,000 since being launched in January this year. The money is being used to provide free laptops and tablets to schools around the UK, helping children without access to a home computer. So far, 486 free laptops have been delivered to schools throughout the UK, and Alan has already delivered free laptops to Standish and Shevington High Schools, and has 10 more tablets to deliver to these Wigan high schools in the next few days - The Deanery, Dean Trust, Hawkley Hall, St Peter’s and Upholland.

Wigan Office 78 Market Street, Wigan WN1 1HX • 01942 233 999 www.alanbatt.co.uk

Give your Home Office an Uplift

Working from home may not be all fun and games, but there is no reason why your home office has to be dull. Add some personal touches and transform it into a space in which you actually enjoy spending time.

To take your home office to the next level, add some abstract art, with prints featuring organic shapes and complementary monochrome colours Selection of framed prints, all Desenio.

Working from home at least gives you more time to tend to your plant collection. If you haven’t got one, now’s the time to start. Terracotta plant pots, from £2 each, Scaramanga.

Combine support and style with an office chair that raises

A HOME OFFICE ‘GLOW UP’

and lowers to a comfortable position, swivels easily and

Colour is important. If a particular colour makes you feel happy – add it! If you don’t want to go as far as painting the whole room, just refresh the wall behind the desk (that you spend the majority of your time looking at) with a small pot of emulsion.

looks good enough to fit into your overall room scheme. Calgary office chair in faux leather, £164.99, Lakeland Furniture.

Add a spot of cheerful colour in the form of an adjustable desk lamp. Ginaz table lamp, £25, B&Q.

A home office need never be drab. Add some colour with well-chosen shades of paint. Shown here: Greek Blue, Louis Blue, Giverny, Napoleonic Blue and Athenian Black, all £5.95 per 120ml, Annie Sloan.

You can also add colour in the form of furniture and accessories, from an office chair to the essential adjustable desk lamp, as well as pen holders, clocks or paperweights. Personalise the walls with your favourite prints, posters, paintings and photographs. For a formal look, frame them identically and hang them symmetrically. Alternatively, you could peg small pictures to a string, stick postcards to a corkboard with coloured drawing pins or prop them, facing outwards, on a narrow shelf. It’s all about comfort, so make sure you’re working at the right temperature. A small desk fan for the summer may be useful, while in the winter a heater can be an essential. For an even cosier feel, choose a woolly throw that looks pretty and feels soft. A few plants dotted here and there go a long way to making an office feel more homely. Increase the sensory experience with a vase of fresh flowers, scented candles or an aromatic diffuser.

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Clear jars are useful for identifying what’s inside.

Create great

These are made from glass, with bamboo lids. Audley storage jars, £8 and £10, Garden Trading.

Bathroom Storage

Find a place for everything and make your bathroom both tidy and beautiful. A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING • Bathrooms look their best – and function most efficiently – when clutter is kept out of sight. If you don’t already have a vanity cupboard below your basin, you’ll have to think creatively. Can you mount a slim cupboard on the wall somewhere? If it has mirrored doors, then above the basin works perfectly. Inside, adjustable shelving is useful, and it may even be handy to add a hook or two on one or both sides. If you have young children and plan to keep medicines inside, it is best to add a lock. • Other options for walls – ideal for items you’re happy to have out on display – include shelves, racks, hooks and peg rails – all useful options depending on what you need to store. You could also add a rack to the back of the door, where its contents will be a little more hidden away. • When space is tight, think tall and slender. Ladder shelves, caddies (perhaps on wheels) and tallboy cupboards can be squeezed into small spaces and will hold a surprisingly large amount of bathroom kit. For very small items, use baskets or small acrylic boxes to subdivide the storage conveniently. • Bathrooms tend to be full of glossy white sanitaryware, so variations of colour and texture can be very welcome. It’s easy to add these in the form of small storage items – woven baskets, terrazzo pots, glass tumblers, wooden boxes and so on – which can be replaced quite cheaply when you feel like a change.

Go for dark colours and interesting textures – they look great against white sanitaryware. Charcoal grey ceramic storage pot, £28, Ella James.

A mirror can also function as a useful small shelf. Metal mirror with shelf, £99, Salt and Steel. Baskets and smaller containers are handy when you need to sub-divide shelving. This new PEP&CO range is in Poundland stores now.

A slim, wall-mounted cupboard with mirrored doors is invaluable in a bathroom. Rochester mirror cupboard, £290, The Dormy House.

Match pretty storage pots to toothbrush holders and soap dispensers for a coordinated look. Dorma porcelain lotion dispenser, £12; tumbler, £10; small storage trinket, £10; and soap dish, £8, all Dunelm. Peg rails can be used for more than coats – why not add some useful wall storage to your bathroom? Oak hanging hooks, £15, Kinfolk Décor. The terrazzo look is all the rage, and small pieces such as this concrete tumbler can really add character.

aqua:

Speckled concrete tumbler, £10, House of Flora.

bathroom - kitchen

Established 2006

Aqua (NW) Ltd, 16/18, Market Street, Standish, WN6 0HN T: 01257 425 812 E: info@aquabathrooms.co.uk www.aquabathrooms.co.uk

This hybrid bath is designed for smaller rooms, allowing luxury, comfort and choice to fit into even a modest space. Mini Ebb shower bath, £1,495, Waters Baths of Ashbourne.

12 ways to make your bathroom a

Relaxing Oasis Functionality comes first in the bathroom, but there’s no reason why you can’t combine efficiency with aesthetics – and gain all the benefits of a space that looks good and feels good at the same time. Here are a dozen ideas to start you off: • Lighting is vital. Check that the bulbs in your light fittings are giving off the light you prefer, though try not to mix different light temperatures (warm or cool) in the same room. Smart bulbs can be switched on and off and the colour temperature changed or dimmed using a remote control or an app. Or, if you have a light switch outside the bathroom door, consider swapping it for a dimmer. • Sort out your storage. Slim wall cupboards, shelves, ladders, caddies, peg rails and over-door hooks are options, while small storage items – such as wicker baskets, pretty ceramics or bright plastic tubs – bring texture, colour and interest. • If your shower is pathetic, investigate whether you can add a pump to make it more powerful. • Get rid of the grunge and scrape out the old grout and silicone between and around your tiles, especially if there’s any mould. Redoing them will make an extraordinary difference. • Replace a shower curtain with a shiny glass shower screen – the look is clean and minimally efficient (and won’t need replacing regularly). • Jazz up your windows. Options include decorative window film, a beautiful blind (Roman or roller) or some minimal wooden louvres.

Wooden blinds are elegant and practical, and come in a range of natural colours, or brighter, painted shades. Luxury Clay Brown wooden Venetian blinds with tapes, price depends on size, English Blinds.

• Add a large mirror – it’s not only useful and a focal point but increases the feeling of light and space in the room. • Buy a set of coordinating towels. The fluffier the better, in clean, bright, hotel-white or a colourful pattern. • Add plants, large and small, high and low – they usually thrive in a bathroom’s humid atmosphere. Choose pots that complement your overall scheme. • Lay a woven cotton or ‘outdoor’ rug on the floor – it can easily be washed or wiped down and will introduce a softer feel, adding colour, pattern and texture, too. • Change a dated pair of taps for some good-looking, modern ones. Check that they will suit your water pressure, and make sure the new spout extends the correct amount over the bath or basin – they should reach about as far as the plug hole. • A chair or stool is always useful in a bathroom, even if it’s just to throw clothes over or to hold soap and books next to the bath.

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E s ta b l i s h E d 1 9 8 2

Plastic Challenge

Free Talk

The ‘Your River Douglas’ group are backing a national campaign to clean up our local beaches, rivers and parks.

The Old Courts would like to invite you to join them for a talk; Philosophy in Quarantine on Thursday April 29.

The public is being urged to clear plastic and litter from public places as part of a million-mile clean-up to help combat the litter that has been left during lockdown.

Facilitated by the engaging Paul Halfpenny, these sessions are gently structured in such a way that they feel relaxed, inviting and easy to participate in. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and encourage healthy debate.

The ‘Your River Douglas’ group was set up to reduce pollution, to bring plants, insects, fish, birds and animals back into their habitats, and to make the environment more resilient to the future effects of climate change. The group will be organising a host of clean ups. For more information, search Facebook for @douglasriversassociationcic.

All you have to do is log on to The Old Courts Zoom meeting at 7pm and away you go. Bring your thoughts to the table for a chat and hear what others have to say. There is no charge for this event, but places are limited to 30 so email holdingl@theoldcourts.com, to reserve your place!

Be as Warm as Worcester If you’re replacing your boiler, there’s really only one choice

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Prince’s Trust

Tell Us Your Story!

If you’re aged 16 to 25, not currently employed or in full time education – the Prince’s Trust team can help! You can take part in an action-packed 12-week, free personal development course, where you’ll take part in several exciting challenges. You’ll meet new people and gain all sorts of new skills that will change the way you think about your future. Most participants end up entering employment, education or training within three months of completion. The next programme starts on Monday April 26th. To find out more, text the word PRINCE to 80 800 or call the Wigan team on 07713 565 442.

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 editorial@locallife247.co.uk or call us on 01695 627999

family fun

advEntuRE

luXuRy

City BREaK

Rail EXPlORE

CRuiSE/RivER CRuiSE

WEddinG/HOnEymOOn

Call your personal travel expert 01942 912334 / 07786 311 282 julie.moss@notjusttravel.com @NJTJulieM

www.juliemoss.notjusttravel.com

Luxury Coach Holidays & Excursions Here’s a small sample of our luxury coach holidays and day excursions Luxury HoLidays

Luxury HoLidays

Isle of Wight

Norfolk

12th July ~ Dinner, B&B

6th June ~ Dinner, B&B

5 days £355

5 days £539

Ocean View Hotel is an attractive 3 star hotel situated in a prime cliff top location looking out across Sandown Bay. What’s included: 3 Home Pick Up 3 Executive Coach Travel 3 Indoor swimming pool

Located in the picturesque seaside town of Old Hunstanton on the North Norfolk coast, Le Strange Arms Hotel is the perfect venue for the ultimate relaxing seaside break. 3 Entertainment every night 3 Excursions to Newport, The Needles, Yarmouth and Godshill

What’s included: 3 Home Pick-up 3 Executive Coach Travel 3 Norfolk Broad Cruise

3 Coach excursions to WellsNext-the-Sea, Sheringham and Thursford 3 Train Journey to Sandringham

for more details about our luxury coach holidays, call 01942 728 960 for a holiday brochure or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Our SPaCIOuS aND COMfOrTaBLE LuxurY COaCHES HavE; 3 Full air-conditioning 3 Onboard entertainment system with DVD screens and WiFi 3 Individual Reclining Seats fitted with Seat Belts, Foot & Arm Rests 3 Toilet facilities, fridge, sink and boiler 3 Huge luggage space with driver assistance

day Excursions

Springtime in York Sunday 30th May ~ £20 p.p. Arriving in this beautiful city arriving at 10.30, we’ll have lots of time to visit the attractions and shops before leaving at 4pm.

day Excursions

Liverpool Bay Cruise & Shop

Sunday 4th July ~ £29.50 p.p. We start the day at Liverpool One shopping centre and from there, we’ll make our way to the Pier Head for the Liverpool Bay Cruise.

for more details about our day excursions, call 01942 728 960 for an Excursion Supplement or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk All excursions will pick up from the closest main road to your home. Please note that this is a tiny selection of our luxury coach holidays and day excursions available – for more details call 01942 728 960 or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Moss Industrial Estate, William Way, Leigh WN7 3PT

01942 728960 • www.memorylanetravel.co.uk Memory Lane Holidays is a trading name of Ashcrofts Mini Travel Ltd. Company Number 06950361

ROAD TRIPS UK by Chris Pearce

With foreign travel still very much in the balance for 2021, the race is on to find suitable holiday destination in the UK. According to the Conde Nast Traveller website, many UK tour operators are experiencing a surge in booking, around 400 per cent higher than last year in some cases. But if the thought of spending your summer holiday in Blackpool, Bognor or Bournemouth doesn’t fill you with joy, then there are, quite literally, other roads to explore. We’ve pulled together three of the UK’s top road trips, along with some stunning visuals on what to expect from each.

Brough Harbour near Dunnet Head, Caithness

Sand Bay, Applecross

Wester Ross

NORTH COAST 500 The daddy of UK road trips since its launch in 2014, the NC500 takes in 500 miles of stunning scenery, hugging the northern coastline of the Scottish Highlands. Described as a jaw-droppingly beautiful road trip route, the route takes in some of the most picturesque scenery in the world. Deserted sandy beaches with Caribbean blue waters, scrumptious fresh seafood, whisky distilleries, amazing castles, scenic lochs, , wonderful walking routes, a diverse

range of wildlife and enough activities to tire out even the most active tourist. It’s recommended you spend 7-10 days driving the NC500 to experience the route properly. Please note that the single-track roads that make up much of the route aren’t that caravan-friendly and that the NC500 is especially popular in July and August. For further details, visit www.northcoast500.com

Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross

Port Issac Beach, Cornwall

THE ATLANTIC HIGHWAY The A39 is a road that meanders from Georgian Bath down to the south coast of Cornwall, and a 70-mile section of the A39 between Barnstaple in Devon through to Fraddon, near Newquay has been dubbed the Atlantic Highway. This long and winding road passes through Bude, Tintagel, Camelford and Wadebridge and you’ll pass near pretty fishing villages, incredible beaches, and dramatic clifftop castles as well as some stunning sea views on the route.

Bude, Cornwall

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall

Those viewers of the long running ITV series Doc Martin will recognise Port Isaac, and foodies will love the offerings in this pretty village and nearby Padstow. You can also discover the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle, enjoy a cream tea in Bideford and even picnic on Bedruthan Steps Beach, a dramatic stretch of coastline where colossal stacks rise from the waves. www.cornwalls.co.uk/atlantic-highway-a39

Portbradden, near Ballintoy, County Antrim

CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE Explore the northern coast of Northern Ireland, from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry by following the 120-mile Causeway Coastal Route, where you can experience seashores to mountain tops and from busy cities to small hamlets. Start at Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum, before moving onto Glenarm Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest estates. After an overnight stay in Ballycastle, you can set sail to nearby Rathlin Island to see a variety of wildlife.

Pluck up the courage to walk over a rope bridge between Carrick Island and County Antrim, before visiting Bushmills, Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery. The magical landscape of Giant’s Causeway itself is an essential stop for tourists, before unwinding in the popular seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart, with their championship golf courses, or in the walled city of Londonderry/Derry itself. For further details, visit www.causewaycoastalroute.com

Look before you Leap With businesses taking action to re-organise their staff to adapt to new post-COVID trading patterns, it’s expected that more people than normal will be leaving the UK workforce in 2021. Since the pandemic hit in early 2020, we’ve seen an increase in clients needing advice around the multitude of options that are now available for retirees when looking to draw their pensions. Specifically, we had approaches by clients that had been offered and had accepted very attractive early retirement and redundancy terms from their employers. Heinz, Royal Bank of Scotland, British Aerospace to name just a few... and for most of them this was the first time in their lives that they been in possession of such large capital sums. Without exception, they all needed to make very important decisions as to how best they should invest their lump sums (£200,000 plus in some instances) to meet their needs in retirement. Unfortunately, quite a few approached us too late which ended up costing them many thousands of pounds in unnecessary tax as they had already taken their redundancy payments. Any element of redundancy over and above £30,000 will be taxed at the employees marginal rate of tax. Consequently a redundancy payment of say £100,000 to a 40% tax payer is likely to result in a net payment of just £72,000 after tax has been deducted. With some forward

thinking and sensible planning it is likely that in many instances this tax liability could be avoided or at the very least significantly reduced. Additionally, many employees are normally presented with a number of options as to how they want to draw their pensions. Pension with a tax-free lump sum? Pension without a lump sum? Annuity - Fixed or escalating with/without widows pension? Flexible access drawdown? It is extremely important that individuals ‘look before you leap’ as the wrong decision going into retirement could cost them tens of thousands of pounds.

As soon as you receive your retirement paperwork from your pension provider or you are approached by your employer with a potential deal to finish, either through retirement, redundancy or both - you should contact a financial adviser before committing to a course of action. Should you not have a professional adviser and you would like to speak with one of the team just give us a call on 01257 423800. The initial consultation is at our expense and is without obligation.

David Barton APFS Cert CII (MP)

Chief Executive Officer Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.

Puzzle Pages CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Father or mother (6) 2. Daphne du Maurier novel (7) 3. River which flows through Paris (5) 5. Fishermen (7) 6. Follower of a major religion (5) 7. Rough shelter at the side of a house (4-2) 8. Root used in the preparation of a sharp-tasting

condiment (11)

14. Underground prison (7) 15. Japanese paper-folding art (7) 16. French sweet blackcurrant liqueur (6) 17. With hands on hips and elbows extending

outward (6)

19. Compass point at 180 degrees (5) 21. Unprocessed thick sap from a tree (5)

ACROSS

18. Malicious burning to destroy property (5)

1. Local church community (6)

20. Framework erected over an oil well (7)

4. US artist, Andy ___ (6)

22. Receptacles for cups (7)

9. Leader of a Jewish congregation (5)

23. Medieval and Renaissance wind instrument resembling

10. Fabric made of silk (7)

11. Centre of an atom (7)

24. Statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man (6)

12. Spew forth lava and rocks (5)

25. Colour of the rainbow (6)

an oboe (5)

13. Mythical container enclosing all human ills (8,3)

WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET EXCELLENT: 24 or more words GOOD: 18 words FAIR: 15 words

A M L R

WORDSEARCH

INSECTS

SUDOKU

ANTS

EARWIG

MOSQUITO

APHID

FIREFLY

MOTH

BEDBUG

FLEA

SILKWORM

BEETLE

FLIES

TERMITE

BUMBLEBEE

HORNET

TICKS

CATERPILLAR

LADYBIRD

WASP

CICADA

LICE

WEEVIL

COCKROACH

LOCUST

CRICKET

MAYFLY

WORD LADDER Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

HAND

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: an implausible story used as an explanation or excuse. Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.

T S L L

O C B U

R O D N

Y C K A

FOOT All the puzzle solutions can be found on page 79 of this magazine

The Road to

Financial Recovery By Kieran Fitzgerald – CMA Accountancy

As we pass the anniversary of the first lockdown there finally appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel for business owners. Now is the time to take an in-depth look at your business and form a plan on how you envisage moving forward in to a Post-COVID economy. There are a number of support schemes that are now available to businesses: • Job Retention Scheme – The furlough scheme will be continued for pay periods up to the end of September. The government will continue to pay 80% of your employee’s unworked hours until the end of June. From July employers will have to continue 10% towards this, increasing to 20% from August until the scheme’s end in September. • Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – In a continuation of the SEISS, a fourth grant will be issued covering the February to April period, with a fifth grant covering May to September. Eligibility has increased to support individuals who have filed their 2019/20 tax returns who were previously ineligible. • Time to Pay – If you think that you may struggle to pay your tax bills on time, you can avoid penalties and interest by arranging a payment plan with HMRC before the tax is due to be paid. However, if you have still not paid the 2019/20 tax bill that was due on 31st January 2021, it is too late to arrange a payment plan - an immediate payment should be made to avoid further penalties.

track your cash positions, review the need for a payment plan with HMRC and apply for any additional business support. At CMA Accountancy we are adept at using the powerful cloud-based tools that our clients love. We offer a service combining the Xero accounting software with Dext, an intuitive online receipt capturing software. Utilising a combination of Xero and Dext will provide you with many advantages: • Automated Bookkeeping – by linking Dext directly to Xero, your purchase invoices can be automatically captured and transferred into your Xero account. The software reads the data on the receipt, and over time builds up a knowledge of how you previously categorized the expenditure to produce further time savings. • Invoice Fetching – connect your Dext account with your online supplier accounts and each week the software will sign in to your account and automatically retrieve all of the invoices issued to you in the past week, pulling them straight into your Dext platform. • 24/7 Access, from anywhere – Readily available mobile apps allow you to capture receipts on the go, without the worry of accidentally misplacing them, and create a digital record in the cloud. Say goodbye to boxes of invoices in your loft for years to come!

• Recovery Loans – A new recovery loan scheme launched on 6th April 2021, which will allow loans of between £25,001 and £10million, 80% of which will be government-backed. For loans less than £250,000 there will be no personal guarantee.

• Online Sales invoices, automatically chased – Create simple, professional looking Sales invoices within Xero, which are able to be sent digitally directly to your customers. Avoid the delays and awkward phone calls to chase up payment by utilising automatic reminder e-mails, taking the stress away from you.

The continued existence of these schemes has benefitted businesses extensively over the previous 12 months and will continue to do so.

If you have any questions regarding Xero, Dext, other cloud-based accounting solutions, or the various means of COVID support on offer at present, please get in touch.

Who are CMA and what can we do for you? Through our partnerships and extensive knowledge of cloud-based accounting solutions, CMA Accountancy are able to deliver a hands on, proactive services to our client base. We specialise in cloud-based systems so clients can access real-time information and can then liaise with us to

Kieran Fitzgerald – CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR 01257 255521 kieran@cma-accountancy.com www.cma-accountancy.com

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Stress and Anxiety Are you feeling stressed and anxious about the future? During the pandemic, we are experiencing more stress and anxiety than ever before. This is caused by uncertainty and ever-changing information. According to the mental health charity Mind, 60% of adults said their mental health became worse during lockdown.

that can be difficult to put into words, so is ‘acted out’ by slamming doors, banging around, road rage and so on.”

Stress and anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways. Physical symptoms can include an increased heart rate or muscle tension, ‘jelly’ legs or tingling in the hands and feet, breathing too heavily or dizziness. You may experience feelings that you might lose control, faint, think people are looking at you and noticing your anxiety. Dave Smithson from Anxiety UK says “Those who are usually outgoing may become withdrawn or those who are reserved may become erratic. Everyone is different and anxiety can be triggered by a range of things.”

Lorraine says “If there is a threat of redundancy, it’s quite normal to feel stressed and anxious about your security and future. It can be like a constant feeling of dread and impending doom. You may experience a sinking feeling in the stomach. There may be a tendency for catastrophic thoughts about what the future might hold.”

Other symptoms can include lack of concentration, catastrophic thoughts, poor memory, excessive alcohol intake, under or overeating, a short temper and tearfulness. A key indicator is blowing things out of proportion. As Lorraine Collins, psychodynamic counsellor, psychotherapist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), says “If you’re stressed, how you view situations can become altered and distorted due to the brain not being able to process information in a more balanced way. It can also be a cry for help in communicating distress

If you are under threat of redundancy as a result of the pandemic, this is additional stress as a job provides selfesteem, purpose and a social network. Losing your job unexpectedly affects all this, so stress accumulates.

If you are suffering from extreme stress, it may be difficult to recognise it. Lorraine advises checking your ‘internal dialogue’, which will reduce the risk of stress and tension building up. By that she means asking yourself “Am I tired and wired?” as a kind of self-monitoring. “I often suggest to my patients to use the HALT method – am I hungry, angry, lonely or tired? Getting into the habit of addressing these things can help to monitor your levels of stress and keep a more balanced sense of wellbeing,” she says.

How To Manage Stress and Anxiety The good news is there are plenty of practical and useful tools to manage anxiety and reduce stress: • Getting back into nature is a great way of calming your anxiety. This can be a local park, woodland, nature reserve or your garden. Lorraine says “You can practice naming what’s around you, the

69 things you see and hear, and this will interrupt the constant looping of anxious thoughts.” • Looking after mind and body: “Go to bed at a reasonable time without screens and mobiles or other things that will decrease the winding-down time we need to settle into a relaxed state and leave the day behind,” says Lorraine. “Watch your diet, as excessive caffeine and refined sugars will only stimulate an already stimulated body and mind.” • Learning to relax: relaxation techniques can include exercises to release the tension in your body by easing your muscles. The Mind web site lists plenty of options. • Switch off the news: if you find it difficult coping with news coverage, it may make you feel better if you limit what you read, watch and listen to for a while. • Connecting with other people: “Plan to have regular chats with friends and family over the phone,” says Stephen Buckley from Mind. “This is a vital way of maintaining wellbeing.” • Sharing the problem: talking to someone you trust

about what is making you stressed can be helpful. If this isn’t possible, you could call a confidential helpline such as Mind’s Infoline or those run by Anxiety UK and the Samaritans. You could also join a support or self-help group – talking to people in the same boat can be reassuring. If these self-care techniques don’t work, it’s best to talk to your GP about treatment options. This can include talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). www.lccounselling.com www.mind.org.uk www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Should you be taking

supplements? We should be able to get all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need from the food we eat. However, modern day life is making it increasingly difficult to achieve a balanced diet. That’s where supplements come in. Supplements are considered ‘topups’ for the vital vitamins and minerals our bodies require to function. They can take the form of vitamins, probiotics, herbal products, powders, drinks – and more. There is still much debate surrounding their effectiveness. However, although medical professionals insist that supplements aren’t a substitute for a healthy diet, it’s proven that some could have a positive effect on your health. For example, many vegetarians and vegans will benefit from iron and vitamin B-12 supplements, while those trying for a baby are advised to take folic acid supplements until twelve weeks into their pregnancy. It’s also recommended that children aged between six months and five years take vitamin A, C and D supplements every day. Other supplements, however, could be a waste of money. If you’re wondering whether supplements could benefit your diet, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or nutritionist first. But to start you off, we’ve put together a list of the top five supplements people take in the UK, and what they are taken for.

Vitamin D A vital vitamin for regulating our bodies’ calcium and phosphate content, vitamin D is a key contributor to healthy bones, teeth and muscles. We get most of our vitamin D from the sun, but living in the UK means we have limited daylight hours during the autumn and winter. For this reason, many people in the UK choose to take vitamin D supplements between late September and early April, when the sunlight is weaker.

Zinc Best known for its ability to boost immunity and fight off bacteria and viruses, zinc is another vital mineral our bodies need to function. Red meat, shellfish and dairy foods all have high levels of zinc, as do chickpeas, lentils and beans. In supplement form, you can top up your zinc levels with over-the-counter capsules, tablets and lozenges.

Magnesium Found naturally in foods such as pumpkin, spinach, soy beans and brown rice, magnesium is important for bone health and energy production. It’s a known stressreliever too, and studies have proven that it can even help sleeping problems.

Omega 3 Swallowing fish oil first thing in the morning might not sound appetising. But, there’s solid evidence to suggest that omega 3 fatty acids can help contribute towards a healthy heart and brain, while also reducing inflammation. That’s why omega 3 supplements, often in the shape of fish oil capsules, are so popular. Vegans and vegetarians can also top up their intake with algae oil supplements.

Iron Iron is responsible for making red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. It’s particularly important in younger women, but according to the 2018 National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 27% of women are deficient. It’s predominantly found in red meat, which is why many vegans and vegetarians take iron supplements to make up for any potential deficiencies. However, smaller amounts can be found in beans, nuts and fortified cereals.

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Distance: 7.5 miles Difficulty: Medium The landscapes of most walks have an element of ‘old’ and ‘new’ about them, and this latest Jack’s Tracks has more than most. Ancient country estates, old railway lines, attractive churches and beautiful countryside make this 7.5 mile walk around the northern villages of St Helens a real treat for walkers. Park up on Crank Hill (WA11 7SD) near the bend at the higher end of Alder Lane. Follow the footpath away from the village and up an incline. You’ll pass the reservoir on the right as you arrive at the top of the hill; carry on in the same direction downhill. The path bends as you enter the

wooded area and you’ll go slowly uphill again, rewarded with great views of Billinge as you exit the trees. Go through two stiles, pass Forsters Farm Shop and turn right when you arrive at Moss Bank Road. The handsome alms-houses appear soon after on the right, which date back to 1725, give you an idea of the rich history of the hilltop village, followed shortly after by Moss Bank Mission, which was built in 1855 and donated to the village by Lord Daresbury for the education of local children. Take the footpath that runs between the boundaries of 59 and 61. Moss Bank Road, and as you exit through a metal turnstile you can expect to see great views from your lofty position. You’re now on the Rainford Hall estate, which is far off to your right and straight ahead on the top of

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that hillock, you can see the rooftops of Windle Hall. Both homes were once owned by members of the Pilkington family. Follow the path downhill and then turn right down the wide bridleway, which in years past was the track bed for the St Helens to Rainford Junction railway, opened in 1858 and closed to passengers 93 years later. Other stations on

the line included Crank Halt, Old Mill Lane, Rookery 1 & 2 and Rainford Village. Follow the bridleway as it bends to the left and then cross Rainford Brook via the metal footbridge on the left. Follow the footpath to Crank Road, cross then turn left for 50 yards, then turn right into Berrington’s Lane. Berrington’s Lane is just under a mile long and as you walk

74 away from the noisy East Lancs Road, the lane becomes alive with wildlife. It was early morning when we did the walk and we were lucky enough to spot a couple of deer, a few rabbits and numerous songbirds.

Pit Lane (the site for the old Rainford Village Station). Turn right here and walk up to the mini roundabout at the top of the road. Turn left and just after you pass the Rainford URC Church, turn right into Muncaster Drive.

At the end of Berrington’s Lane, turn right and follow Mill Lane for 600 yards crossing Rainford Brook once more. Look closely for a path on the left-hand side once the Saint-Gobain site ends and in the vicinity of the bus stop. Follow the path, which takes you down the back of the industrial site, for ½ mile until you arrive at Rookery Lane in Rainford. Turn right, go straight past the junction for Derby Drive and then turn left into Rainford Linear Park.

Follow Muncaster Drive for 650 yards as the walk opens up to views of Billinge Hill. Once you reach the crossroads of paths, go straight on for a further ½ mile and then turn right at Fire Clay Farm and follow the path for a further 400 yards until you emerge on Higher Lane. Turn left.

Once again, the walk returns to the track bed of the St Helens to Rainford Junction railway. Rainford Linear Park runs straight through the village like an arrow, bringing a green sanctuary to the residents. The park is a real delight, it’s so well kept and is a haven for walkers and cyclists of all ages.

Follow the road away from Rainford for just over ½ mile until you reach Mill Lane Farm on a dogleg bend. Just after the dogleg, turn right and follow the path at the side of the field. Hop over a couple of stiles, then turn left and follow the well-used path around the perimeter of the field until you reach the Diploma Qualified by Diane driveway to Crank Hall Farm. Turn left to reach Crank Road and then turn left again towards Crank. Follow the road for 1/3 mile into the village.

You’re going to follow the path until you reach a road called Cross Tel: 01695 624 098 Mob: 07442 015 490 Email: OrrellPoochParlour@gmail.com Facebook: Orrell Pooch Parlour

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.

Cycling

with bionic legs! An introduction to e-bikes E-bikes are like normal bikes given super powers: you still pedal them, but they have an electric motor that gives you some extra help. It feels rather like having bionic legs: you can pull away from traffic lights quickly and easily tackle steep hills. That makes them brilliant for commuting and urban cycling, and a great choice for people who want to improve their fitness and haven’t been on a bike for years.

What kind of e-bikes are there? Commuter bikes are all-rounders while MTBs are mountain bikes and road bikes are racing bikes. The former have big tyres and great suspension, while the latter use super-light materials and aggressive geometry to achieve high speeds. Cargo bikes are for carrying loads that are too big for panniers or a backpack, and usually have bigger tyres and better brakes.

How do I get the right e-bike size? E-bike sizes are usually expressed as S, M, L and XL. Small bikes are generally suitable for riders up to 5’5” while XL bikes are designed for six footers and above. Some e-bikes have very adjustable seats and handlebars that enable them to skip between sizes. Swifty E-Mountain Bike, £799 from Amazon.co.uk

Volt Metro Folding Commuter Bike, £1,599 from Voltbikes.co.uk

Cyrusher XF690 folding fat bike £1,799 from Cyrusher.co.uk

Is there more than one kind of e-bike motor? Crank drives connect directly to the bike chain, while hub drives sit in the wheel hub – usually the rear wheel. Crank drives are more energy efficient and feel more natural when pedalling but hub drives are usually much cheaper.

What about gears? E-bikes come with the same kind of gear systems as ordinary bikes and the gears adjust how much pedalling is needed. With e-bikes you’ll usually be able to control the assistance level the motor gives you. You might choose Turbo for fast pulling away from traffic lights but Eco (or equivalent) when on a relaxing country ride.

Which battery should I choose? Most manufacturers provide a battery range estimate, or you can calculate the range by dividing the battery’s power by 20 – a battery with a 400Wh rating should give about 20 miles on full assist, which is when the electric motor is operating at full power. Most e-bikes have a little bike computer that shows battery charge and the range remaining before recharging is needed. When the battery runs out of power, your e-bike behaves like a normal bike, albeit a heavier one. Typical recharge time is three to four hours and batteries typically last for two to four years.

How much should I spend? You can get perfectly decent e-bikes for around £500, or you can spend over £4,000 on a carbon road bike. The more you spend the lighter the bikes become and the better the hardware: where cheaper e-bikes are designed for everyday use, the most expensive e-bikes are serious bits of sporting equipment with matching price tags. Whatever you buy, make sure you acquire a very good U-lock: sadly, all e-bikes are targets for bike thieves.

Making the switch to an electric vehicle:

what you need to know Government announcements mean more EVs will be on our roads, but what do you need to know about them? Last year’s announcement by Boris Johnson that sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be phased out by 2030 means that electric vehicles are going to become a more important part of our driving lives very shortly. But even with this change, there remains a level of

mystery surrounding all things electric. Fortunately, we’ve got some of the key things you need to know about making the leap to an EV.

How much range do you need? Range is a word which has great importance in the EV world, as it’s what governs how far you’ll be able to travel in between trips to the plug. However, there’s no need to get worried about a car’s range if you think carefully about how far you travel. If you’re someone who only does shorter trips around town and does fewer than 100 miles a week, for instance, then a car with a shorter range will suit you down the ground. However, if you’re a driver who travels further afield, then a car with a bigger battery might make more sense. Don’t be scared of cars with shorter ranges, though, as they’ll still offer more than most people do on average each week. Plus, cars with smaller batteries offer quicker charge times.

How do I add charge when I get home? Home charging is one of the crucial aspects of owning and running an electric car. Being able to add energy to the vehicle while it’s at your home really does make things a lot more flexible – and cheaper, too. Whenever you buy a new car, there are incentives in place for charging at home. Government grants and even manufacturer schemes will make installing a home wall box much cheaper. Yes, you can use a three-pin socket, but this isn’t as quick or as safe as having a wall box.

therefore, relaxing to drive around in. You’ll notice quite a difference compared with a petrol or diesel car, in fact.

Will it actually be cheaper to buy and run an electric car?

Another positive is performance. Even lower-powered EVs really zip away from the line, and they give acceleration that regular cars simply can’t hope to match.

Of course, the initial upfront cost for an EV is often more than an equivalent internal combustion-engined car. However, as the technology progresses, this is becoming less common. The new Renault Zoe, for instance, is priced from £26,495, which though still relatively expensive is more in line with the segment. The Prime Minister also outlined up to £582 million in extra grants to help those buying zero or low-emissions vehicles to lower the cost. It’s charging where the cost savings really come into play. As with petrol, the prices do vary between chargers, with some costing from around 25p/kWh up to around 35p/ kWh. For around 100 miles of additional charge, you’ll be looking at about £6-7. When it comes to charging at home, that really depends on your own energy tariff. Plenty of companies are now offering EV-friendly plans that take advantage of lowerpriced charging times, such as in the middle of the night. However, for an average EV with around 200 miles of range and a 60kWh battery, you’ll be looking at around £8.40 for a full charge. It represents good value compared with petrol and diesel.

Are there any benefits that aren’t as obvious? Though the cost-saving benefits are quite easy to see, there are some other positives to owning an electric car. One of them is simply refinement – EVs are quiet and,

But isn’t the UK lacking in charge points? The number of charging stations in the UK has grown enormously in recent years. According to ZapMap, there are over 35,000 connectors across the country, made up of around 20,000 charge points in about 13,000 locations. In terms of how they’re spread out across the country, 26 per cent are in central London alone, with 13.5 per cent in the south east and 12.3 per cent in Scotland. This figure is only set to rise, too, as government funding looks to make fast chargers more widespread across the country. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has stated that an extra £1.3 billion in investment will be rolled out in order to improve the country’s charging structure and thus make charging easier.

Doesn’t the energy for electric cars only come from fossil fuels anyway? Of course, an electric vehicle is only as environmentally friendly as its energy source. However, many energy and charger unit suppliers are working to ensure that their energy comes from green suppliers. All of BP Chargemaster’s charging stations, for example, are certified as providing renewable energy, while home energy providers like Octopus Energy provide power that is completely green.

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So many of us have small gardens these days but any outside space is a wonderful addition to a home which is why we should make the most of every inch of space and make our gardens attractive, as well as practical, outdoor rooms.

range of paving products available now and small cobble setts really suit a small space. You should incorporate a focal point - a large pot (unplanted) can do the trick perfectly. Similarly a bird bath, sun dial or sculpture. Including ornaments in your scheme will enhance that impression of the garden being another room and you can even buy outdoor rugs now to zone your seating area.

Small gardens need extra consideration however and here are a few pointers when thinking about the design of a small space: Decide what style you are going for and stick to that theme. So a contemporary garden, choose plants which will complete the look – Phormiums and Bamboos for example and go with straight lines. A courtyard garden should use Buxus sempervirens (Box) hedges and topiary. A more traditional style can use sweeping curves and circles. Don’t try to cram too much into a small space – less is more! Plants need to earn their keep so choose specimens which have long seasons of interest and a good balance of evergreens. Also limit your colour palette because too many colours in a small garden will make the borders appear cluttered. If your garden is shady make the bold decision to remove the lawn as it will always struggle. There is a fantastic

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

Use the walls and fences to grow climbers which will green up the space and make it feel larger. There are lots of clever storage solutions available these days like benches with hinged seats and screening ideas to hide away those dreaded wheelie bins. And one of the best things about a small garden is that you can get close up and personal with your plants and really look at their beautiful detail. One of the best for May must be Dicentra spectabilis (Lamprocapnos spectabilis is the new name) or Bleeding Heart. There is a white form called ‘Alba’ which is simply stunning. I’m always telling Hubby that the best things come in small packages – he is not very tall at 5 feet 8 inches – but what there is of him is perfectly designed!

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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•

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Trading Standards has a directory of local traders you can rely on. Find the borough’s best online at www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader or phone 03454 040506 and ask for Wigan Council’s Good Trader Scheme. Promote your company here for just

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J&P MOORCROFT

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Need a new look for your home? Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices! Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator

01257 415388 or 07545 065119

Shevington based business

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4 Exterior & Interior Decorating

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helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk

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your next for 10% OFF Present this voucher earwax removal. apply hearing test or Terms and conditions

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s Nursery Bridge | WN6 9DT Little AcornLane | Appley

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47 01257 2526 sery.com -daynur

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ring

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sa Ask u

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o oveedn

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•

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call us today for friendly advice and a free quotation

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check out our facebook reviews @ghe.info

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suite 1a, Kirkless industrial Estate, cale lane, Wigan, Wn2 1Hf

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BAILEYS

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Email: jonwrightelec@live.co.uk Certificate of excellence winner 2017, 2018 & 2019

Aerial & Sky Services RX-12 Digital TV Aerials £65 supplied & fitted

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Call 07557 795 892

company here for just

at £45 per room

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01942 514 532 07709 490 095

£30 + VAT

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01942 257804 07966 488585

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Having computer problems? • We come to you! • Computer repairs and upgrades

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Large outdoor PLAY ArEA

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NEWLY rEFUrBISHED in 2019

term time 8am till 5.30pm the for Open Mon-Fri: a booking system We operate saves you money holidays which entitlement 30 hours free We deliver day £29 for a full available Flexible sessions from 2 years old We take children beautiful woodland in a01744 Call gain Sarah on to more situated 886166 childfor Nursery is information or admin@cranknursery.net for your Little Acorns vibrant place s. a safe and l experiencewww.cranknursery.co.uk setting. It is educationa wonderful in the forest lots of being down outdoors & well-being on the great health and We are big for your child’s which is good

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Call Paul Locksmiths EstablishEd 2000

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a Registered insured NCFE Certified Company

call Paul for a Fast, Reliable, Professional service tELEPhoNE

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01942 246 190

www.arleycabinets.com

gArAge door

repAirS All gArAge doorS repAired: Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc.

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07919 876 825

01942 749085 or 07801 295483

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• InStallatIonS • MaIntenance • ServIcIng

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0% Finance

• Brand New Bathrooms

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Boiler Installation Credit Cards accepted Boiler Servicing & Repairs Boiler Finance Available Landlords Gas Safety Reports Experienced, Reliable & Friendly Service

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OPTIONS

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AVAIL ABLE

• Domestic + Commercial

hartheatingwigan@gmail.com

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651511

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ring

e our wide rang

Large outdoor PLAY ArEA

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NEWLY rEFUrBISHED in 2019

All Saints’ Primary

your next for 10% OFF Present this voucher earwax removal. apply hearing test or Terms and conditions

QUALITY CHILDCA

Call Sarah on 01744

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

s Nursery Bridge | WN6 9DT Little AcornLane | Appley

School | Finch

47 01257 2526 sery.com -daynur

www.littleacorns

for further information.

886166 for more information

or admin@cranknursery.net www.cranknursery.co.uk

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For more information

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LocalLife

£37.50 per day

ou t

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www.wiganheari

company here for just

Darren on:

391 215 WN5 01942Road, 8QH Orrell, 8-10 Gathurst

oPEN Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM

sa Ask u

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LANgUAgE & SPortS LESSoNS for pre-schoolers

a id s

• Earwax Remov Tests • FREE Hearing & Repairs • Hearing Aids Hearing Aid Trial • FREE 1 Week

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acampbellheatingandgas 597379

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

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WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

Telephone: 01942 504 429

Registration No.

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www.fgwelch.co.uk

ShOwROOM NOw OpEN at 19 Preston Road, Standish WN6 0HP

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527090

www.gphwigan.co.uk

Pay nothing upfront for your new boiler* • Boilers servicing, repairs & installation • Central Heating upgrades and energy saving • Smart Controls installations & upgrades 4622825

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07469 185 776 or email

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Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathrooms

EmErgEncy call outs wElcomEd

4 Installations, Services

& Repairs 4 Boilers 4 Central Heating 4 Bathrooms

John Bailey 01942 495785 or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan

573747

Call nico for a free quote on

07818 335 441

GDR Driveways ALL ASPECTS OF PAVING & tuRfING

4 Block Paving Clean & Re-seal 4 Indian Stone service available 4 Flagging 4 Turfing 4 Artificial Grass Winstanley-based

www.gdrdriveways.com Call Gareth for a fREE quotation: 01942 217 113 or 07715 177 754 No job too small!

Quality Handyman Service from a qualified Joiner All aspects of maintenance; 4 Flat-packs assembled 4 Laminated Flooring laid 4 Door Hanging

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And so much more..

01942 387 090 / 07568 195 033 Fixouse Property Maintenance

Handy Andy Building / Joinery Plastering / Tiling Plumbing / Roofing Flatpack Assembly

fixouse@gmail.com

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Property Maintenance & Handyman Services 3 Kitchens & Bathrooms 3 Painting & Decorating 3 Joinery 3 Electrical 3 Building 3 Paving, Decking & Fencing 3 Tiling 3 Plumbing

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JJ Driveways Imprinted Concrete Specialists

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01942 621 959 07867 697 972

www.jjdriveways.co.uk

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

rural Village NUrSErY

All staff paediatric & first aid QUALIFIED

y Little AcornsYOUNurser CAN TRUST! QUALITY CHILDCARE

Call 01695 627 999

LocalLife

oPEN Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM

rated by oFStED as oUtStANDINg FUNDED PLACES Available for 2/3/4 year olds

£37.50 per day

LANgUAgE & SPortS LESSoNS for pre-schoolers

Large outdoor PLAY ArEA

We cater for CHILDrEN 3 months - 4 years

NEWLY rEFUrBISHED in 2019

term time 8am till 5.30pm the for Open Mon-Fri: a booking system We operate saves you money holidays which entitlement 30 hours free We deliver day £29 for a full available Flexible sessions from 2 years old We take children beautiful woodland in a01744 Call gain Sarah on to more situated 886166 childfor Nursery is information or admin@cranknursery.net for your Little Acorns vibrant place s. a safe and l experiencewww.cranknursery.co.uk setting. It is educationa wonderful in the forest of lots being down outdoors & well-being on the great health and We are big for your child’s which is good

All Saints’ Primary

Nursery Bridge | WN6 9DT Little Acorns Lane | Appley

School | Finch

01257 252647 sery.com

www.locallife247.co.uk orns-daynur

www.littleac

Prices include suPPly & fit

Home Improvements

6 Doors from

£350 Oak Door from

Orrell based

£130

Joinery services include; gates, decking, flooring, skirting, handrails and balustrades, kitchen makeovers, loft boarding and ladders, fencing, external doors and garden buildings.

• Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms • Garage & Loft Conversions • Floors, Doors & Windows • Composite Doors • Garden Gates For all your home improvement needs call David on...

01942 203 804 07851 225 876

DS Joinery

Superior craftmanship at competitive rates • Home improvements • Loft conversions • Garage conversions & Extensions • Staircases • Windows & Doors For all aspects of renovations and maintenance -

no job too small!

For a free quote, call MT Joinery now.

call Mike for a free quote

01257 422317 or 07852 202867

01942 590514 07988 260621

www.mtjoiner y.co.uk

www.orrelljoinery.co.uk

Promote your company here for just

£30 + VAT

Call 01695 627 999

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

Des Pilling Plastering • Plastering • Skimming • Artexing

Coving & Cornice work also welcomed Orrell based – Established 1986

Call Des on 07787 513 235

www.lakelandplastering.co.uk www.despilling.org.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

Ring with sizes for a FREE estimate Open 7 days 8am - 8pm

Promote your company here for just

£30 + VAT

Call 01695 627 999

LocalLife

Specialists in Replacement Double Glazed Units

www.locallife247.co.uk

Established Local Family Company

01942 470 085 0800 328 8573 www.steamywindows.net

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

First Class Workmanship 4 All types of re-roofs 4 Strip & re-slate or re-tile 4 Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc. 4 Insurance work undertaken 4 Roofline uPVC fascias, soffits & guttering

W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS

with 30 years experience Call us now for a free, no obligation quote

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

28 Years Experience Extensions & Refurbishments Kitchens & Bathrooms Conservatories & Orangeries Windows & Doors Roofs & Fascia Boards Decking & Balustrading

01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND

Call Peter for a free quotation

Day: Eve:

07961 516 677 01942 745 428 Cambridge Road, Orrell

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

Established Over 30 Years

All aspects of roofing & roofline NEW ROOFS REPAIRS FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERS

Dormers and Garages All aspects of building works No job too small

• WILSON •

Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist Guaranteed 50 years

Call for free quote

M: 07894 687 384

• 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

K Stone Building Services All types of building work undertaken • Brickwork • Pointing • Garden Walls • Patios

• Roof Repairs • Flagging • Alterations • Driveways

Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements! Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters.

25 years experience

01942 495412 07974 496676

Clean, stylish and guaranteed for 25 years!

Call: 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 www.orrellroofline.co.uk

ALPINE LTD Roofing & Building Services

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

OAP

DISCOUNTS

SERVING CHORLEY, W EST LANCASHIR E& WIGAN

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

FULLY INSURED

Tel: 01942 410989 Mob: 07730 351523 www.alpineroofingandbuildingltd.co.uk

WIGAN NORTH

september 2019

WIN

13,064

tickets to Martin Mere

ABC1 homes

Public

Art Trail

Standish, Shevington, Appley Bridge,

mEmOriES OF CENTrAL

pArk pArbOLD EiGHT WALk

Also available at; Tesco Extra (Wigan) and Sainsburys (Marus Bridge)

July 2021

16th June

13,191

LocalLife Wigan Edition

GPS

5th May

Wigan North Edition

All our magazine distribution is monitored using

NEXT ISSuE DEADlINE

June 2021

LocalLife

NEXT ISSuE DEADlINE

Promote your business in

WIGAN

march 2020

Forgotten Buildings:

Winstanley Hall a BrightEr orrEll sandstonE trail Walk

ABC1 homes

Orrell, Orrell Post, Upholland, Billinge Higher End, Winstanley, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Bryn, Goose Green, Kitt Green, Longshaw, Poolstock

tracking

Spa Day for Two!

Jul/Aug 2021

23rd June

13,108

LocalLife St Helens Edition

NEXT ISSuE DEADlINE

ST HELENS

Also available at; Tesco Extra (Wigan) and Sainsburys (Marus Bridge)

Ballooning

september 2018

in Autumn

ABC1 homes

Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Windle, Eccleston, Eccleston Park, Laffak, Haydock, Haresfinch, Carr Mill, Denton’s Green, Prescot Road, West Park

hEritagE opEn days WhEElton moor Walk a hEalthiEr hEart

Heritage Open Days

Also available at; Tesco Extra (St Helens Linkway)

want to book advertiSinG? Call us on 01695 627999 for more details or email sales@locallife247.co.uk

Photograpthy

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

Transform your conservatory into a home office

NEW Generation Rockdoor now available

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established since 1999

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

Representative example: Total cash price £1164, deposit £0, amount borrowed £1164 over 12 months. 12 monthly repayments of £97. Interest rate 0%. Total repayable £1164. Credit is subject to the lenders T&C. Warmlight Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 7700524. We are a credit broker, not a lender and have a facility with one lender.

100

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

28544

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