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

Wigan Edition

June 2016

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

Men behaving

badly

all me old fashioned, but I like my political masters to be well mannered. I despair when I read about the dog whistle politics used by one of the London mayoral candidates and some of the astonishing slurs of Mr Trump. Poor behaviour isn’t something that is exclusive to national or global politics though. Storming out of the election count like one Standish Councillor did when he realised he was beaten is surely the grown up equivalent of taking your ball home when you’re losing. And there’s the ongoing battle between a serving Councillor and an ex-Councillor (from the same political party), which included a fierce finger wagging dispute at a Remembrance Day memorial service. At what point do these people realise that the electorate don’t appreciate badly behaved politicians (who are almost exclusively male, by the way) who behave in a manner befitting a primary school playground? Thankfully though, badly behaved Councillors are in the minority, and in this issue we profile some Councillors who are focused on making the next four years count. We wish them well and hope their forthcoming plans can develop into positive action. See you next time…

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

Advertising deadline - Thursday 2 June Published - Thursday 16 June Local Life Media

@locallifemedia

In this issue Space age

Get the glow for

metallics

shaw

Time to

Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tracks

react

Up Holland

83 Test Drive - Renault

Local elections

2016

Kadjar

Regulars

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

36 Puzzle Corner

78 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

50 Class from the past

106 View from the lump

Telephone: 01695 627 999 Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray Editorial: Mark Taylor

77 Food Guide

Design: Peter Bretherton

Sections 6 Property

72 Food & Drink

14 Local News

78 Leisure

32 Fashion

87 Motoring

52 Heath & Fitness

92 Gardening

62 Legal & Finance

96 Home Services

64 Business View

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Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh. The next issue is delivered to over 14,000 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Ashton, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan.

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

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Rising

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hilst enjoying a coffee in the Coffee Bank on Wallgate, a suited gentleman approached me for some advice about the Wigan property market. His concern was that his daughter would never be able to buy her own property in Wigan, a place where she was born and bred. My latest analysis, using the Land Registry and Office of National Statistics, shows that overall, month on month, Wigan property values increased by 0.3%. The year on year figures showed the value of residential property in Wigan has increased by 2.3% in the year to the end February 2016, taking the average value of a property in the council area to £93,100. We have talked in many recent articles about the lack of properties being built in Wigan over the last 30 years. This lack of new building has been the biggest factor that has contributed to Wigan property values still being 309.74% higher than in 1995. Things will continue to get worse as the UK population grows at just under 500,000 people a year (which is a combination of around 226,000 people because of higher birth rates/people living longer and 259,000 net migration) whilst the country is only building 152,400 properties a year – it’s no wonder demand is outstripping supply. Another reason intensifying the current level of property values in Wigan, is the fact that people aren’t moving home as much as they used to, meaning fewer properties are coming onto the market for sale, so in consequence, there is a lack of choice of property to buy, meaning people thinking of moving are discouraged from putting

their property on the market. This perpetuates the problem, as the scarcity of possible properties to buy in order to move also deters people from offering their home for sale. This unevenness between demand from would-be purchasers and the number of properties coming on to the market for sale is causing pressures in Wigan (and the rest of the UK). So what of the future of the Wigan property market and this man’s daughter? I firmly believe the property market in Wigan and the country as a whole is changing its attitude about homeownership. Back in the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, getting on the property ladder was everything. Since the late 1990’s, we as a country (particularly, the young) have slowly started to change our attitude to homeownership. We are moving to a more European model, where people choose to rent in their 20’s and 30’s (meaning they can move freely and not be tied to a property), then inherit money in their 50’s when their property owning parents pass away, allowing them to buy property themselves just like they do in Germany and other sophisticated and mature European counties, meaning his daughter will end up owning property, just later in life than we did. So, whatever the vote on the 23rd of June, if you think about it, we might be more European than we think!

Assent to

rent

ore and more, I’m talking to 20 and 30 somethings who rent through choice, not necessity. Gone are the days where owning your own property was a guaranteed path to wealth, affluence and prosperity. I know I keep mentioning Europe in my blogs, but some of the highest levels of home ownership are in Romania at 96.1%, Hungary at 88.2% and Latvia at 80.9% (none of them exactly European economic dynamos) and even West European countries like Spain at 78.8% and Greece at 74% (and we know both of those countries are on their knees, riddled with national debt and massive youth unemployment). At the other end of the scale, whilst we in the UK stand at 64.8% homeownership, in Europe’s powerhouses, only 52.5% of Germans own a home and only 44% of Swiss people are homeowners. Looks like eating chocolate, sauerkraut, renting and good economic performance go hand in hand. Yet, joking aside, home ownership has not always been the rule in the UK. In 1918, only 23% of people were homeowners, with no council housing, meaning in fact, 77% were tenants.

Tenants have choice, flexibility to move, they don’t have massive bills when the boiler blows up, it’s a choice. Wigan rents are growing, but not as much as incomes. To buy or not to buy is an enormously difficult decision. For while buying a Wigan home is a dream for the majority of the 20 and 30 something’s of Wigan have, it might not leave them better off in the long run and it isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone. That is why, demand for renting is only going in one direction – upwards.

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Author of The Wigan Property Blog

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Real Deal

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David Dickinson’s Real Deal show is heading for Wigan’s DW Stadium on Saturday, May 21.

The Wigan Comic Con has been a regular event on the calendar for a few years now.

You can take your valuables along between 9am and 5pm and experts from the ITV show, including the charismatic host himself, will be on hand to give them a once over.

A spin-off from that is the Cosplay and Collectables Show which will take place for the first time on Saturday, June 4 at Robin Park sports centre.

Music Hall The DW Stadium hosts a daytime concert on June 10 featuring music made famous by the likes of Gracie Fields and Max Miller. It promises to be a day of nostalgia and entertainment with a two course lunch served at 12.30pm. The event runs from 11am until 2.45pm and tickets cost £22.50 per person or £18.00 for season ticket holders.

There will be stalls showcasing old and new toys, comics, retro gaming plus a cosplay competition. You’re welcome to turn up dressed as your favourite super hero or character though this isn’t essential. There will also be the chance to pose with some famous vehicles from film and TV such as the Mr T’s black van from The A Team and Knight Rider’s KITT car. Tickets cost £2.50 for children up to 15 and £4.50 for adults. Family tickets are also available via ww.facebook.com/wigancomiccon/

Call 01942 774000 to book tickets.

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Courtyard is Coming Work to create a regional food and drink hub at Haigh Woodland Park as part of the transformation of the site is underway. The Kitchen Courtyard will house artisan food and drink producers and retailers including a microbrewery and cask beer bar, ice cream parlour, butcher, chocolatier, artisan bakery and the existing florist.

drink courtyard will open mid June with the other units following shortly afterwards. While the development work is being carried out, there will be food and drink on offer provided by the Stables Café in the courtyard. Holdens of Edgeworth will also be on site offering a menu of home made ice creams.

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Penny McGinty, assistant director of Leisure and Property, said: “Visitors to the park over the next few months will see a lot of changes starting to take shape as work moves forward to develop this regional tourist destination; bringing new leisure opportunities for people in Wigan Borough and further afield.”

If you have designs on arts and crafts, Haigh Hall stages a handmade fair on Sunday, June 19.

The café on site will be refurbished and reopened with a new country kitchen menu, and an upstairs tearoom will be introduced. Phase 1 of the food and

There will also be craft demonstrations. Admission is £1 though free for under 12s.

More than 50 stalls will be showcasing a wide variety of lovingly created items including jewellery, cushions, chocolates, cards, cakes, gifts, accessories and more. All items sold are made by the stallholders.

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Proposals Approved Plans to open a hotel and restaurants alongside a redeveloped Empire cinema at Robin Park have been approved by Wigan Council. It follows the news that the nearby Kudos nightclub site is going to become a JD Gym. There are also plans to open a KFC drive thru and a Subway on the retail side of Robin Park. The hotel will have 68 rooms and incorporate space for two new restaurants, one of which is expected to be Nandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. As part of the plans, parking spaces will be created at the rear of the cinema.

Tell Us Your Story! Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition! Simply email us at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

Bus plan

unveiled

Plans for a newlook bus station for Wigan have been approved. The proposals were submitted by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) for the new bus station. It will include a single, covered concourse building, modern waiting areas, cycle parking and improved access to and from the town centre. The planning application followed a public consultation exercise held from November to

December last year, during which time nearly 200 people gave their views on TfGM’s proposals. The new facility will be built on the same site as the

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existing bus station and it is hoped it will provide a more attractive and welcoming gateway to the town. Karl Battersby, Wigan Council’s Director for Economy, said: “A new bus station in Wigan is a key part in delivering an improved transport system for the borough that is fit for the decades ahead. “It will support the economic growth of the town and enable people to get to and from their places of work as well as Wigan’s great shops, markets, restaurants and bars in a modern, safe and welcoming environment.”

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Standish cash Seven Standish projects have been awarded Wigan Council funding. The Standish Community Fund was set up at the request of local people after £4,000 Brighter Borough money was previously frozen. The £4,000 is a portion of the total Brighter Borough funding for the ward of £16,413. Each councillor on Wigan Council receives the same allocation of £5,471 each to spend on community projects in their wards. Seven local projects, including a scheme to improve computer literacy and commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, successfully bid for the funding. Friends of Standish Library will receive £550 to fund computer literacy sessions for people of all ages, and a further £755 for Christmas celebrations.

grab

Christine Crossan, Chair of the group, said: “We are delighted that our bid for funds was successful. The money will enable us to provide a useful service to the people of Standish.” The council worked with an independent panel of people from the community to choose which bids would receive money from the Standish Community Fund, which was launched at the recent Deal in Action ‘have your say’ event earlier in the year. Here is a full list of the projects that will benefit: Langtree Friendship Group £617.13 to support the group’s activities. The group which provides a friendly place to be for widows, divorcees and people living alone over the age of

01942 316 472

55, helping to stimulate friendships and prevent isolation. St Wilfrid’s Pleasant Hour £500 to fund a Christmas function for people in their 80s and 90s. Standish in Bloom £976.50 for an Incredible Edible food trail, bringing the community together to grow its own food in public spaces. The group will install planters for herbs and vegetables throughout Standish.

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Friends of Standish Library £550 to fund computer literacy sessions for people of all ages. £755 for Christmas celebrations at the library. Standish Voice £150 to install a variety of bird, bat and bee nest boxes around Standish for the benefit of wildlife and the wider community. Standish Royal British Legion £450 for an event to mark the 100 year anniversary of The Battle of the Somme.

Footgolf Haigh Hall is welcoming back Footgolf this summer. The hybrid sport which mixes football and golf was introduced to the park last year. Like golf you tee off aiming at the hole but you’re using your feet rather than a club and a football not a golf ball. If you are interested in playing a round, see the website: www.uk-footgolf.com/haigh-hall-wigan or call 01942 828280.

Keep On Running The ever popular Race for Life returns to Haigh Hall on Sunday, June 26. The 5k run will raise money for Cancer Research and women of all abilities are invited along to join this friendly event. To register, visit www.raceforlife.org

Jewels May is a gorgeous independent jewellers shop nestled amongst 50 small rural retail business in Heskin Farmers Market and Craft Centre. This little treasure trove of sparkle boasts an amazing collection of antique, vintage and modern precious luxury jewellery items. The owner has a passion for old cut diamonds and precious stones in amazing unique settings, and the shop also specialises in pre-owned luxury watches.

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Shevington Fete

Parking Plans

One of the highlights of the local summer calendar, Shevington Fete returns on Saturday, August 6.

A fresh attempt is being made to increase the amount of parking spaces in Standish.

Between 11am and 4pm, you will be able to take part in traditional games, buy from speciality stalls and sample a variety of tasty treats.

The subject has sparked much debate down the years and now a partnership between Wigan Council and residents has been formed to tackle the problem.

The fete is staged at the Recreation field and neighbouring buildings including St Anne’s Parish Rooms, the Methodist Church and the Youth and Community Centre.

Summer Fair Appley Bridge Summer Fair is on Wednesday, June 8, starting at 2pm. There will be a plant stall, tombola, cakes and refreshments and entrance is 50p. It takes place in the Village Hall, Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge. Contact Clare Melling on 01257 255108 for more information.

The link-up between neighbourhood group Standish Voice and Wigan Council is already seeing progress being made on the issue which was raised as a priority by residents at the council’s Deal In Action week in January. Standish Voice, the neighbourhood forum for Standish, raised the issue with the council about the lack of available parking in Standish for both residents and visitors. At a ‘Have Your Say’ session, the group handed a 1,300 signature petition to council Leader Lord Peter Smith and chief executive Donna Hall calling for more public parking spaces.

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The first meeting between Standish Voice and council officers has now been held on the issue and immediate steps are being taken to alleviate the lack of parking in the village. The initial focus is on making better use of existing car parks to increase the number of available spaces.

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Steps agreed include: Maximise parking spaces on Quakers Place but still retain the mature trees. Enable the public to park on the car park at The Globe pub for free between 8am and 6pm. Investigate if Smalley Street car park is an option to increase the number of parking places available to the public. The council is also committed to providing a new council-owned car park in Standish and is working on specific sites. Standish Voice is currently working on a neighbourhood plan which will be a blueprint for change in the village to 2030.

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Summer Concert Parbold Chamber Choir’s Summer Concert, Dear Old Blighty, will be a patriotic affair on Saturday July 9 at Parbold Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. The Choir will be joined by Paul Chamberlain, the choir’s regular baritone soloist, to sing Stanford’s Songs of the Fleet. This stirring nautical nugget re-tells the story of Richard Grenville’s heroic battle against the Spanish fleet in 1591. As 2016 is the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, the programme will include a medley of popular songs from the Great War, specially arranged by Jim Cooke, our Musical Director. The audience will recognise plenty of tunes such as Goodby-ee and “Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag”.

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In honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday, extracts from Edward German’s comic opera Merrie England will be included, when the choir will be joined by soloists Vicky Little and Paul Chamberlain. As usual, Peter Kwater will accompany the singers at the Steinway piano. Tickets cost £10 including a buffet supper (take your own drink). Early booking is recommended as this concert usually sells out: 01257 464653 or 01704 821303 from contact@parboldchamberchoir.co.uk.

Crafty Kids A play and craft session for pre-school children takes place at Shevington Library, Gathurst Lane on Friday, June 17 between 10am and 11.30am.

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he beauty industry is big business nowadays , and in the rush to wax, shave, pluck, paint and spray as many clients as possible, quality customer service can sometimes suffer, particularly in larger salons. So when a new entrant to the high street promises to provide all your beauty needs to the highest of standards and give you a quality experience to delight you, its surely worth a look. Sophie Bott, who at the tender age of 25 may be one of the youngest members of the Standish business community, but is actually something of a veteran when it comes to providing beauty treatments for the people of Standish. After studying IT & Business at St. John Rigby College Sophie decided to take a change of career path and set her sights on the beauty industry. After qualifying from Leigh College in 2011 she started her own business trading as “Beauty by Sophie Rebecca” For 5 years Sophie has based her successful business in the heart of Standish , renting a room and space in Hairdressers, the last 3 years of which have been within the equally successful Hair Company. However Sophie felt it was time to take the plunge to realise her dream and so on the 25th April 2016 she opened the doors to her very own Salon which she has named “Petite Beautique”. Tastefully decorated in a beautiful vintage and elegant style , this gorgeous Salon is positioned right in the heart of Standish town centre , on the High Street , directly opposite Mrs Lyons Tea Rooms.

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This lovely brand new salon offers a range of treatments including: Manicures and Pedicures Russian Volume Lashes Nail Extensions Cnd Shellac LVL Lashes Appointments are not always necessary but it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Bookings can be made over the phone or online via the very impressive website where special offers and packages can also be found.

Lash Perfect Individual Lashes Microbladed Eyebrows Facials & Non Surgical Facelifts Microdermabrasion Waxing & Spray tans Teeth Whitening Specialised makeup for weddings, proms & special occasions Theatrical makeup for themed events Plus Hairdressing by Charlotte Rimmer which includes: Colouring Cut and blows Blowdry’s Micro-ring and micro-weft hair extensions The salon also has a 40 tube lie down sunbed with a range of courses on offer and a dedicated treatment room offering aesthetics and sports therapy on various days of each month.

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On the crust of a Wigan-born writer and broadcaster Stuart Maconie has released his latest ode to the North –The Pie at Night. Stuart, who co-presents the afternoon show on BBC 6music with Mark Radcliffe, takes you on a nocturnal trip through Britain in search of fun. With his best-selling books as a guide, he plots a route that takes in high art to low culture, family holidays to fell-walking, music and more! Following tip offs and rumour, Stuart takes trips to forgotten corners and locals’ haunts. From the tapas bars of Halifax to the caravan parks of Berwick Upon Tweed, from a Westhoughton bowling green to Manchester’s curry mile, via dog tracks and art

wave galleries, dance floors and high fells, Stuart surveys the modern north, to see what has changed and what endures. The Pie at Night could be seen as a companion to the bestselling Pies and Prejudice, but it is not a sequel. This is a revealing and digressive journey and a State of the North address, delivered from barstool, terrace, dress circle and hillside. Stuart’s other books include Cider with Roadies, Pies and Prejudice and Adventures on the High Teas. Stuart stops by at Edge Hill University’s Arts Centre on Thursday, June 9 as he promotes his latest book. The event starts at 7pm. Phone 01695 584480 for tickets which range from £5 to £14.

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Car Boot Sale The DW Stadium hosts a huge car boot sale on June 5. Sellers can turn up at 7am and the site will be open between 8am and noon. Call 07936 019036 for bookings. The tariff is: Cars £10; vans £15 and charities free.

Absolute Blondie The music of Debbie Harry and Blondie is celebrated through the tribute band Absolute Blondie who play live at The Boulevard on Saturday, July 30. Admission is free.

The Jam Movement Evoking the spirit of The Jam are the tribute band, The Jam Movement. They are coming to the Old Courts’ Grand Vault stage on Saturday, June 18. Tickets are £8 in advance or £10 on the door.

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Free Cycling If the longer nights and warmer weather has encouraged you to get on your bike, a free cycling training course may be right up your street. Organised by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Inspiring healthy lifestyles, it’s all part of a plan to encourage residents to gear up for summer by taking a free cycling training course. The courses are tailored for adults and are suitable for all abilities, and include Learn to Ride and Road Rider Ready group sessions for those new or returning to cycling as well as 1-2-1 training with an expert instructor for more experienced cyclists keen to build their road cycling skills. The sessions are held across the borough with groups meeting in Wigan, Leigh, Hindley and Atherton. Maintenance sessions are also available for people who’d like to keep their bikes in tip-top condition or dust down and brush up their old cycles.

More than 9,000 training sessions have been held so far across Greater Manchester, helping to encourage more people to jump on their bikes more of the time. Training is just part of TfGM’s wider Cycle City programme which includes new and improved cycleways, cycle hubs and parking, an educational programme with schools, and working with local businesses. For more information on cycling training sessions and how to book, visit: http://cycling.tfgm.com/ Pages/training.aspx

Summer Shopping The DW Stadium will host a summer market in the South Stand on July 10. Local companies and individuals who sell handmade and homemade products are invited to take a stall. Contact liz@montonmarketing.co.uk for more information.

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The perfect time to think about a funeral plan is today Did you know the average funeral costs 88% more than it did ten years ago?* With a Funeral Plan you can secure the cost of your funeral directors services included in your plan at today’s prices. Take a look at some of the benefits of a Funeral Plan • Protection against rising costs, they are only going to continue to go up. • Peace of mind for you and your loved ones. • Reassurance for your loved ones that all will be taken care of at what is a very difficult and emotional time. • Flexibility to choose the funeral you want, those left behind will have the comfort of knowing that you got the funeral that you wanted.

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himmering shiny fashions are usually found in the shops pre-Christmas, but this year, attention-grabbing metallics work for spring, too. But it’s not about glittery party frocks right now this season’s space age-influenced trend is about bringing polished shine into the daytime. From statement trousers to minimalist accessories, here’s how to work the stylish space cadet look...

Mirror, mirror Courreges SS16 gave us a masterclass in metallic separates, with the mirrored bomber jacket a definite standout. The key to styling silver on your top half? Keep the rest of the outfit tonal - that means cool blues, greys and pastels all over. Try a fine-gauge silver knit with acid wash jeans and mirrored sunnies, or a foil top with joggers and trainers for a sport luxe vibe.

Misguided Metallic Silver Rain Mac, £35; Boyfriend V Neck T-Shirt, £8 (www.missguided.co.uk)

Mango Metallic Pleated Top, £9.99; Skinny Olivia Jeans, £35.99 (www.mango.com)

Next Cold Shoulder T-Shirt, £20 (www.next.co.uk)

Bags of style Spicing up your outfit with shiny accessories has never been easier, particularly if you match your bag with your silver shoes.

Shiny shoes Silver shoes are nothing new, but this season, a strappy little pair of stilettos won’t cut it.

Make like a Chanel model and pair a sleek clutch with mirrored mules, or go for true space age style by strapping on a jetpackesque back pack.

Step in line with the fresh new metallic mode, with mannish brogues, minimalist mules or Chanelinspired chunky sandals.

Madeleine Silver Handbag, £219 (www.madeleine.co.uk)

It’s also worth investing in a pair of mirrored skater shoes - fashion’s new favourite flat will be around for a while yet.

Redland Pantone PU Metallic Silver Backpack, £44.99 (Very.co.uk) Madeleine Silver Loafers, £159.95 (www.madeleine.co.uk)

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Get the look Did the selfie-taking models on the Dolce & Gabbana spring catwalk bring on a touch of bag-envy in you,

loose in its archives, the vintage aficionado selecting her favourites to form a new 31-piece collection. Archive by Alexa isn’t just for skinny-minnies like Chungy though - the V-neck and bias cut of this floral Misty number make it super-flattering for curvy figures.

with their intricately embellished shoppers? Us too, which is why we’re adding the Louche Luxe Willow Embroidered Leather Bag, £59, from Joy, to our new season shopping list (www.joythestore.com).

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Theatre Collection A collection of memorabilia marking nearly 70 years of Wigan Little Theatre is to be catalogued and made available to residents through Wigan and Leigh Archives Online. Volunteers at the archives team are creating digital records of photographs, programmes and posters spanning the history of the theatre. Alex Miller, archives manager, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project, which will allow us to develop our online archive for the benefit of residents looking to delve in to the borough’s past. “Our volunteers do a fantastic job supporting projects like this and it’s great when we can work with other organisations to improve this important community resource.” Martin Green, Wigan Little Theatre Chairman, said: “I’m pleased that we are developing this archive to acknowledge past and present members’ achievements, as well as build a record for the future. The theatre continues to grow, develop and change and we relish our reputation for providing first class entertainment and a place where everyone can get involved.” Photographer Nick Fairhurst will also be supporting the project by building a comprehensive record of materials to be archived. Anyone interested in taking part in the digitisation project can e-mail archives@wigan.gov.uk. To get involved in any aspect of the theatre, email membership@wiganlittletheatre.co.uk

School Fair St Marie’s Catholic Primary School in Standish is reviving its summer fair. The event will take place on Saturday, July 9 between 11am and 4pm. Attractions to cater for all ages are promised.

Flower Power

Wigan Live

If you want to learn how to perfect a flower display, go along to Wigan Floral Art Group’s next meeting.

Now in its fourth year, the Wigan Live Festival takes place on August 19-20 in the town centre.

They get together on the third Wednesday of every month at St Michael’s Hall in Shaw Street. Call Susan on 01695 623690 for more information.

There will be a wide variety of acts – more than 70 in fact - and several venues with free admission.

Unplugged Showcase

Visit facebook.com/WiganLiveFestival or www. wiganlivefestival.co.uk for details of the artists performing. Proceeds go to Derian House.

Wigan Folk club meets every Tuesday at The Bowling Green, Wigan Lane between 8 and 11pm.

Worm Charming

The club has a Singaround format with an open music policy as long as it’s acoustic and unplugged.

Unearth some wriggly worms at St Elizabeth’s Parish Hall, Bolton Road, Aspull on Saturday, June 18.

Singers, musicians, songwriters, poets are welcome and entry is free with refreshments during the interval.

As well as the Worm Charming Championship, there will be games, stalls, bouncy castles, cakes, face painting and a barbecue. Don’t forget your garden fork! The fun starts at 1pm and the price per plot of two adults and two children is £5.

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Cleaning Up Their Act Volunteers have joined Council staff in their latest clean-up operation. Bad weather didn’t stop 30 clean up events across the area to remove unsightly litter and fly tipping, clear overgrown vegetation, cut back paths, improve greenspaces and tidy up the streets. As part of The Deal, Wigan Council loaned volunteers equipment for the clean ups and council staff volunteers got stuck in helping groups to tidy their communities. The In Bloom groups were getting their communities ready for the Britain In Bloom judges who are coming later this year. There will be more events planned throughout the year to blitz the borough and get it ready for its entry in the Royal

Horticultural Society Britain In Bloom competition in August. If you want to make your community a better place contact inbloom@wigan.gov.uk

Battle Of The Somme Film The Museum of Wigan Life is screening this historic film to mark the centenary of one of the fiercest battles of the First World War. Tickets are free but you must book for the showing between noon and 1.30pm on Tuesday, July 5. The first 24 hours of the Somme were the bloodiest in British Army history. This was the first ever film to show real battlefield footage and British dead. It was the most popular film in British cinema until the release of Star Wars in 1977.

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Primary Success

Roxy Music

More children in Wigan Borough have got their first choice primary school place for 2016/17.

The music of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music is celebrated by Roxy Musique, a tribute band who

In total 89.8 per cent of children will be going to their preferred primary school when term starts in September. The figure shows a 1.1 per cent increase on the figure from last year when 88.7 per cent received their first preference place.

are coming to Wigan on Thursday, August 4.

A further 5.6 per cent have been given their second choice place followed by 1.6 per cent getting their third choice which means in total 97.1 per cent have received a place in one of their preferred schools. The remaining 2.9 per cent have been offered suitable alternative places for September.

The Grand Vault is staging the show which starts at 7.30pm and showcases some of the band’s biggest hits. Equally well known for their experimental rock of the 1970s and songs like Virginia Plain to the laidback jazzy vibe of Dance Away, Roxy Music sold millions of records at their peak. Tickets cost £7.50 in advance or £10 on the door. Visit www.theoldcourts.com or call 01942 375859.

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Farewell Pharaohs

Textile Showcase

Time is running out for you to see the Land of the Pharaohs exhibition at the Museum of Wigan Life.

An exhibition spotlighting textiles is being staged at Shevington Library on Gathurst Lane throughout June.

The event which showcases the fascinating story of the Ancient Egyptians comes to a close on Saturday, June 18. You can see ancient coffins, burial masks, statues of the gods and a spectacular gold mask. The collection covers more than 3,000 years of Egyptian history.

Open Mic Night

Named ‘Encore’, the presentation is a retrospective exhibition of work by The Natural Progression Textile Group in partnership with Wigan Council. You can view the exhibition for free at the following times. Monday 10am-2pm; Tuesday 1pm-5pm; Wednesday 1pm-5pm; Friday 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-noon.

Charity Ball

Almost anything goes at this open mic night where budding poets can perform their work on the Old Courts stage.

Joseph’s Goal is a charity which aims to increase awareness of Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH).

The Write Out Loud crowd typically hears a mix of old, young, new, noisy and subtle poets. The next show is on Thursday, July 14 between 8 and 10pm.

The DW Stadium hosts a gala night for the charity on July 2 and tickets cost £50. To book your ticket, call 07702 078286 or email info@josephsgoal.org

Car Boot Sale A charity which promotes the health benefits of breastfeeding is holding a car boot sale on Sunday, June 19. • Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites • Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling Improve your home with our bathroom installation by calling Lee for your free quotation

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Breastfeeding Together supports new mums in Wigan and is aiming to raise funds and awareness. The car boot sale takes place between 8am and noon at Wigan Investment Centre. Pitches are available at a rate of £10 per car and gates will open at 7.30am to set up. Other activities on the day will include face painting plus snacks, cakes and drinks will be on sale. Breastfeeding Together provides information and support in both the antenatal and postnatal period at a variety of settings across Wigan borough including antenatal clinics, in hospital, at families home and in groups. The charity will also stage a coffee morning at the Grand Arcade on Friday, June 24. For more details search for Breastfeeding Together on Facebook or follow on Twitter @bf2gether

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This month’s Class from the Past is from Woodfield Primary School on Wigan Lane, and is believed to have been taken in 1956. Maybe you can spot a familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, email wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

Music Fund-raiser A live music festival to raise funds and awareness for Wigan’s Brick homeless project takes place at the end of May. Many local bands will be performing between May 27 and May 29 and admission is by donation of items such as food or toiletries. More details from www.thebrick.org.uk

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Computer Basics If you are struggling with a computer issue, call in at Wigan Library on Friday, June 17 between 10.30 and 11.30am. Staff will be on hand to try and assist you – booking not required.

Health & Fitness

Time to By Lisa Salmon

react...

f you dismiss allergies as something that happen to other people, bear in mind that it can happen to anyone at any time, even if there’s no known family history of such problems.

While an estimated 21 million UK adults now suffer from at least one allergy, increasing numbers aren’t just sneezing or experiencing irritating rashes or gut problems, but suffering from severe - potentially life-threatening - reactions.

Serious concern In the last decade, food allergies have doubled, and the number of hospitalisations caused by severe allergic reactions has increased seven-fold - in fact, the charity Allergy UK notes that over the last two decades, there’s been a 615% increase in hospital admissions for anaphylaxis, the most serious type of allergic reaction. Like all reactions, anaphylaxis can occur out of the blue - and it’s a medical emergency, causing severe breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure and swelling of the face and airways. “Allergies can develop at any age,” stresses Moira Austin, information manager for the Anaphylaxis Campaign (www.anaphylaxis.org.uk). “Adult-onset allergy can mean adults who’ve eaten a food all their life, for example, can suddenly develop an allergy, and it can be a severe anyphylactic reaction.” There are a number of theories as to why this increase has come about, including the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests modern life is almost too clean, and our bodies are reacting adversely to substances they wouldn’t have reacted to had they been exposed to more during childhood.

Need to know Despite the rising figures however, research suggests that more than half of people (53%) wouldn’t recognise if someone was going into anaphylactic shock. The main symptoms may occur alongside milder reactions, such as a red, raised and

itchy rash, and while a reaction is usually classed as anaphylactic when the lungs, heart rhythm or blood pressure are affected, there may be other signs too. For example, if someone starts vomiting after an insect sting, it can be the first indicator of anaphylaxis, because the sting has led to the release of chemicals which have travelled to the gut, and the vomiting may herald a more severe, widespread reaction. “There are a whole range of symptoms,” says Austin. “Generally speaking, anaphylaxis is an immediate reaction, with symptoms developing within minutes, or certainly within half an hour of being exposed to the allergen.”

Moira Austinof the Anaphylaxis Campaign (www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

Antihistamines are usually effective for most milder allergic reactions but take too long to work when someone’s having an anaphylactic attack - which should always be treated urgently with adrenaline, usually injected into the upper-outer thigh with an

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auto-injector adrenaline pen prescribed by a doctor (people known to be at risk of anaphylaxis are generally advised to carry one on them at all times). The adrenaline starts to work within minutes, reducing swelling, relieving wheeze and improving blood pressure. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the only medicine which can stop cells releasing further chemicals into the blood as an allergic response. An ambulance should be called too - even if an adrenaline injection has been given - and the person whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had the anaphylactic reaction should lie down, to help maintain blood pressure. Once in hospital, other medication, including oxygen, fluids, anti-histamines and corticosteroids, may be administered.

“Deaths from anaphylaxis are extremely rare, and tend to be when medication is given too late or isn’t available at all. In the vast majority of cases, adrenaline starts to work on the system straight away and is very effective,” says Austin. “It’s extremely difficult to predict who’s going to have a severe reaction, [and so] there’s little sound advice that can be given to stop allergies developing. “Just be aware of the symptoms, and if they’re severe, dial 999.”

What’s going on? Endless things can trigger an allergic reaction, but the most common causes of severe reactions include certain foods, especially peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish, bee and wasp stings and certain drugs.

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In most allergic reactions, allergens in the offending substance lead to the release of chemicals - like histamine - into the tissues in a particular part of the body, like the skin or eyes. As a result, symptoms, such as a skin rash, or red, itchy eyes, are usually seen in this area. But in anaphylaxis, the chemicals are released into the bloodstream, causing serious symptoms very quickly. It’s not known why one person might have a mild allergic reaction, while another might go into anaphylactic shock. However, several factors can influence the severity of reactions, including exercise, heat, alcohol, the amount of allergen present, and even how food is prepared and eaten. Also, allergies can often run in families, and people with a history - or who have close relatives with a history - of asthma, eczema or hayfever may be more at risk. Anaphylaxis is slightly more likely in people who’ve had a previous anaphylactic reaction, moderate,

Spot the signs Allergy UK says typical anaphylaxis symptoms are: • Swelling of the tongue and/or throat. • Difficulty swallowing or speaking. • Vocal changes (hoarse voice). • Wheeze, a persistent cough or severe asthma. • Difficult or noisy breathing. • Stomach cramps or vomiting after an insect sting. • Dizziness, collapse or loss of consciousness. • A sense of impending doom. For more information, visit www.anaphylaxis.org. uk and www.allergyuk.org or ring the Allergy UK helpline on 01322 619 898 severe or uncontrolled asthma, a reaction after only skin contact with an allergen, or in people who have cardiovascular disease.

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Financial planning

In or out? by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP), Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director

apologise if you are already fed up with this debate however, as Independent Financial Advisers to many businesses and clients throughout Wigan we will be called on for our views of the impact Brexit may have on savers and investors. We all know that stock markets do not like uncertainty, and with leaders highlighting potential risks of Brexit, the likelihood of this affecting Sterling as well as UK Bonds and Equities seems high.

Britain has long been the EU’s primary destination for this, and the money flowing into the country could be deflected to rivals such as Ireland. There could be further uncertainty if Scotland demanded a further referendum on independence from the UK in the event of a vote for a Brexit. Impact on investments Sterling is a relatively strong currency, having rallied significantly since the financial crisis. However, a vote to leave the EU could weaken it, meaning UK investments look vulnerable from a currency point of view. UK Gilts and Corporate Bonds could also suffer. Some experts note that the ejection of the Pound from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism in 1992 had a short-term impact on both forms of debt, and this may happen again.

What are the perceived risks of leaving? Leaving the EU could affect the economic health of the country. If we used a Brexit to limit immigration there could be a slowdown in economic growth, since up to two-thirds of GDP increases can be attributed to increasing population. There is a fear that the City of London, as the UK’s financial heart, could be hit by Brexit. London has about 12 per cent of the UK’s population, but makes up a quarter of its GDP, so its success is disproportionately important. Experts are also worried about the potential impact on trade. Although those in favour of leaving the EU argue that Britain could negotiate bilateral agreements to replace the current rules on trade, those against note that this would take time. There is also foreign direct investment to consider.

For equity investors the impact may be less obvious. Any weakness in sterling would therefore compensate for share price weakness. Longer-term, the impact on investments is less clear. Share prices are eventually dependent on corporate earnings, and in the event of a significant hit to GDP, this could have a knock on effect to stock markets. On the other hand, if Brexit proves positive for the economy, markets could well rally. The quicker we have this referendum and get it out of the way the better!!

The value of investments, and the income derived from them, can go down as well as up and you can get back less than you originally invested.

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Housing Hope

Store Closes

More and more people are getting on the housing ladder thanks to the Council’s affordable housing scheme.

Argos in The Galleries will close in July – the news coming just weeks after neighbouring Morrisons announced their exit from the shopping mall.

The initiative secures new build properties from developers through planning contributions and has provided a total of 113 homes since its launch in 2007.

After a recent buyout by Sainsbury’s, several Argos stores have been earmarked for closure though the Robin Park branch will remain.

A new approach will see a ‘resale covenant’ placed on some new-build homes, ensuring that any future sale of the house will be at a discount on the market value and sold only to buyers eligible for the affordable homes ownership scheme. Barrowcroft Green in Standish will be the first site to adopt this. In addition to providing homes on new developments, this year the council expects to spend up to £1m to help with the further provision of affordable housing in the borough, by assisting residents to buy in the second hand market. In the longer term, there are more than 1,000 new affordable homes on the horizon through housing developments that have recently secured planning permission, including around 380 homes in Standish and 360 on sites along the East Lancashire corridor.

CEO Retires The chief executive of Wigan and Leigh Homes has announced her retirement after almost 40 years service. Janice Barton, who began her career as a trainee housing manager with Wigan Council in 1978, is retiring after leading Wigan and Leigh Homes since 2013. She spoke of her pride at delivering new quality housing schemes in the borough as well as improving the lives for tenants through investment in communities. She has led Wigan and Leigh Homes, which manages 22,500 properties on behalf of Wigan Council, through a time of major changes for the housing sector.

Argos hope jobs will be found for staff in nearby outlets.

Bowie Magic Aladdinsane, a tribute to David Bowie and Space Elevator, are coming to the Old Courts on July 30. Bowie’s music and various personas are recreated live on stage by Paul Henderson. Supporting are Space Elevator who are heavily influenced by the music of Kate Bush, Queen and Genesis. Tickets are £10.50 in advance or £12 on the door from www.theoldcourts.com and 01942375859.

Tuesday, June 7th, 2016 Venue – TBC – see www.wiganbbc.org.uk

Networking and support in a friendly and informal atmosphere for all Wigan Borough-based businesses.

Admission £5 Please pre-register your attendance at

www.wiganbbc.org.uk @WiganBBC

Disabled Support Group Embrace is a charity serving Wigan’s disabled community by organising events and offering support. The group is based in Platt Bridge and they have lined up the following events for the coming weeks. Spaces are limited and you are advised to book early by calling: 01942 233323. Each day is £7.50 per person. Tuesday, May 31: 10am - 3pm: AM – Orienteering; PM - Craft Sessions Meet at Platt Bridge Community Zone. McDonalds lunch Included Wednesday, June 1: 10am - 3pm: AM - Smiths Academy; PM - Music Workshop

Thursday, June 2: 10am - 3pm Trip to Manchester Science Museum. Meet at Platt Bridge Community Zone. Packed lunch required

Church Concert Charlie Dore and Julian Littman In Concert With special guest Craig Clark Singer-songwriter Charlie Dore will be joined on stage by long term musical collaborator Julian Littman at Wigan Parish Church on June 10. The pair play guitar, piano, harmonium, autoharp, and ukulele to add colour and depth to their songs. Tickets are £14.00 and available in advance from David Cartlidge on 01942 824291 or via https:// www.wegottickets.com/event/357716 (+ booking fee).

Meet at Platt Bridge Community Zone. Packed Lunch Required

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

Business view

Pay less

tax

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

o the Budget’s come and gone and we’re now into a new tax year. Here we look at what you can do to ensure you’re in the best financial position for the coming year.

Tax tips for individuals Marriage allowance was introduced in April 2015, there’s evidence that not everyone has cottoned on to the tax savings available. If you’re a basic rate taxpayer and your spouse doesn’t work or they do not pay tax, they can transfer up to £1,100 of their allowance to the higher earner, resulting in tax savings. Interest from ISA accounts is tax free and the ISA allowance is £15,240 for the 2016/17 tax year and £20,000 for 2017/18. Although the investment itself doesn’t attract any tax relief, any income generated from it will be tax-free. The Capital Gains Tax exemption is currently £11,100 a year and this exemption cannot be carried forward, so if you do not use it you lose it. Remember that the annual exemption is per individual, so if you are married you essentially have a £22,200 annual opportunity to take advantage of.

Tax tips for business owners The new dividend allowance means that the first £5,000 of your dividend income is tax-free. Family-owned businesses may want to consider restructuring their share capital to take advantage of this. Married couples should spread their dividend paying share portfolios between them to take advantage of each individual’s allowance and don’t forget that the allowance applies to higher rate taxpayers too!

If your company’s involved in making advancements in science or technology, you could potentially benefit from Research & Development Tax Relief. This could be up to 130% additional enhancement of your R&D spend and if you’re loss-making, it could enable a Corporation Tax refund or cash credit. The annual allowance for pension contributions still remains at £40,000 for 2016/17 for most tax payers. Consider maximizing your pension contributions and use the option to carry forward contributions from the previous three years, if the full pension contributions were not made in those years. The rules for Employer’s NI allowance have changed. The allowance has increased to £3,000, however you are excluded from making a claim if you are a company with one director and no employees. If you are a one-director company, contact us for ways to make your business as tax efficient as possible. These are just a few examples of CMA can do to help to minimise your tax liabilities. Before you take any action you really should take advice on your personal circumstances. If you would like to get in touch then please feel free to email us on info@cma-accountancy.com and we would gladly help you. 01257 255521 info@cma-accountancy.com www.cma-accountancy.com CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR

Happy New Tax Year!

Are you making the most of your; Marriage allowance? ISA accounts? Capital Gains Tax? Dividend allowance? Research & development tax relief? Pension contributions? Employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NI allowance? Book your FREE initial consultation today and keep YOUR cash away from the taxman.

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

elections

Local

by Mark Taylor

ay’s local elections saw Labour maintain their grip on Wigan Council though there was some success for the Conservatives. It was a similar story In West Lancashire, where Labour secured a majority of eight seats. In Wigan, Labour gained one seat overall but the Tories took Standish and Orrell making them the official opposition led by Councillor James Grundy (Lowton East). Terry Haliwell of Wigan West was one of six Labour cabinet members up for re-election, all of whom emerged victorious.

Councillor Ray Whittingham Standish with Langtree I am a member of the Standish Community Forum, and have been selected on many occasions to project manage many tasks which include the QEII Jubilee Monument, Entrance Boundary Stones, Myles Standish Memorial Rock, originally stoning the ‘Line’ War Memorial Railings to name a few.

In Standish, independent Gareth Fairhurst, was voted out and in came Conservative Raymond Whittingham, a first time candidate.

My goals I will endeavour to achieve are:

The campaign in Standish was bitterly fought and Fairhurst left the count before the results were read out.

• To inspect future planning applications and if necessary oppose where infrastructure has not been taken into consideration.

The new council make-up is 65 seats for Labour, five for the Conservatives, one for the Independents, two for the Standish Independents and two for the Wigan Independent Network.

• I will fight for the protection of our open spaces & for improvements to play and leisure facilities.

The only change that came in West Lancashire saw Labour gain a seat from the Tories in Halsall. The make-up of the council is now: Labour: 31; Conservative: 22; Independent: 1 We gave the councillors in the north of the borough a chance to outline their hopes for the coming term.

• To protect any encroachment on to our precious Greenbelt.

• I will work closely with Standish Voice to achieve additional parking for up to 130 cars in the centre of Standish and to get involved with many other projects. • I will work with the council for improvement to the traffic nightmare we face daily. • With the help of Standish Voice I hope to create a “Proms in the Park” at Ashfield which hopefully will become an annual event. Email: Ray4Standish@outlook.com Mobile: 07773 562978

Councillor Carolyn Evans Wrightington/ Appley Bridge First of all I would like to thank most sincerely the people of my Wrightington Ward who have elected me to return to take care for them for the next four years. I have a great admiration for my constituents, who have come together in various action groups in the past couple of years, to fight very important issues, which could have changed the landscape of our beautiful area, these action groups fought hard and were successful in stopping four controversial planning applications from going ahead. My aims now are to keep that spirit and use it to bring all our communities together, and work with each other, to protect the bus services, protect the

Upholland Library, while still fighting to keep our beautiful green belt. As West Lancashire Borough Council is in Labour control I need to work with the opposition to make sure that our roadside drains are cleared and unblocked, and this work is checked regulary to prevent flooding, and work continues to repair the potholes in our roads. Whoever my constituents are, and whatever their political views they hold I am always available, either through a phone call, email and my new Facebook page, so I hope we can all work together, be considerate to our neighbours, protect our Pensioners and care for our children. Email: cevan5@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01257 433067 Mobile: 07855 934184

Councillor Damian Edwardson Shevington It is an honour to be re-elected by the residents of Shevington with Lower Ground and will allow myself and my colleagues to deliver positive politics for the benefit of everyone in our community. We all know that financially times will be hard over the next four years with further cuts from central government, so it is essential that we find new ways of working and new delivery models such as The Deal, in order to continue delivering services across the ward. As a team we have been successful in securing a significant amount of additional funding for our open spaces and have plans to continue upgrading them over the coming years. We are also working closely with our volunteer groups to help them realise their ambitions. There are some exciting plans ahead including the continuation of work on Heart of Wigan and working with local sporting and community groups on a project to deliver a new recreational facility in Shevington that will benefit the whole community. I will continue to work with my ward colleagues to ensure residents have access to their elected Councillors and we are investigating new ways to engage with everyone, not just at our regular surgery. Email: D.Edwardson@wigan.gov.uk Twitter: @cllrdamiane Phone: 01942 487674

Food & Drink

Get the glow for

Shaw By Keeley Bolger

utritionist Madeleine Shaw is on a mission to improve our attitude towards food, especially in how we deal with so-called diet setbacks.

“The worst thing you can do is be hard on yourself and negative,” says the 26-year-old, who counts Millie Mackintosh as a client. “It’s almost like that stress on your body counteracts any of the good stuff you’re doing. For me, it’s not just about the food you put on the plate, but the attitude you have to food and yourself. “I want to start a revolution of people being kinder to themselves.” And that means putting that extra-sliceof-triple-chocolate-cake-shaped blip into perspective. “You’ve got to tell yourself that this one meal isn’t really going to change things,” she explains. “One piece of cake doesn’t really put on loads of weight. Tell yourself that, and then get back to eating healthy with your next meal.” Being kind to yourself extends to expectations around cooking food from scratch, too. It’s a great thing to do in theory, Shaw agrees, but whipping out the pans for every meal isn’t always realistic. “It’s very difficult to make all your food,” says the foodie and yoga fan. “On a busy day like today, I’ll buy food out, but you can make good choices if you’re grabbing something for lunch; there’s always choice.” She believes with a bit of planning, nutritious fuss-free meals can be achieved even during busy spells, and has devoted her new book, Ready Steady Glow, to just that. Divided into “fast weeks and slow weekends”,

many of the meals take 20 minutes or less to make, but there are more time-consuming recipes too, for those who want to “make that stew, do some baking...”, as well as a section detailing her basic yoga routine, and handy weekly meal plans. Being busy is something Shaw can wholeheartedly appreciate. A year on from releasing her debut healthy-eating book, Get The Glow, life has moved up a notch. Up until her teens, she admits she ate a “typical magazine diet of Diet Coke and low-fat yoghurt” to stay slim, but found herself riddled with digestive problems and energy slumps. Things changed when she moved to Sydney aged 18 to study, and started working at a healthy cafe. Shaw admits her changes didn’t happen overnight, but inspired, she trained as a nutritionist and returned to the UK with renewed zest, eager to share her knowledge via her food and lifestyle blog. She now has 217k followers on Instagram and 39k on Twitter, and as well as writing, does talks and supper clubs, and has collaborated on a string of projects, including a special healthy menu for Brown’s Hotel. So embedded is Shaw and fellow health blogger Ella Woodward’s positive message that comedian Bella Younger has even poked fun at their approach in her popular spoof account Deliciously Stella, where typical posts about the benefits of munching on nutritious trail mix are accompanied with a picture of a bowl of assorted sweets, crisps and chocolate. “I love it!” says Shaw with a laugh. “Bella is a fan of healthy eating. It’s amazing how well she’s done in such a short space of time.” The same can be said of Shaw, whose health and self-esteem have vastly improved since she started making changes. “I felt much more at peace with myself; I realised that life was here to be enjoyed,” she reflects. “Quite a lot of the time, we’re expecting ourselves to be everything, especially as women: you’ve to be the mum or the girlfriend and the business woman, but also remain feminine and beautiful.

“You don’t you need to add your own self pressure. I realised that when I felt better about myself and put more time into me, I felt happier and it made my life better. “It’s not an overnight switch, but we could all do to be a bit kinder to ourselves.” Show yourself some kindness with these three recipes from Ready, Steady, Glow... Ready, Steady, Glow by Madeleine Shaw is published in hardback by Orion Books, priced £2

Heartwarming

pho

Method Serves 2 Ingredients 1tbsp coconut oil or butter 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1tbsp freshly grated ginger 100g wild or button mushrooms, chopped in half 450ml chicken stock 1tbsp tamari 2 star anise 1 cinnamon stick 1 large carrot or 2 small, julienned 3 pak choi, cut in half 4 eggs 1 red chilli, finely sliced, to serve 2 spring onions, finely sliced, to serve

Heat the oil or butter in a pan, throw in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, then throw in the mushrooms and stir-fry for two minutes. Pour over the stock, tamari, star anise and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Throw the carrots and pak choi into the soup to cook for a further seven minutes while you prepare the eggs. Gently lower the eggs one by one into a pan halffilled with boiling water. Boil for five minutes for runny yolks and nine minutes for hard-boiled. Drain and hold under cold running water to stop them cooking and to cool them enough to peel. Ladle the soup into two bowls, slice the eggs in half and place on top of the soup. Throw the chilli and spring onions over the soup to serve. When you come across the cinnamon stick or star anise, remove them. They are there to add flavour to the soup, but not to be eaten.

Grilled lamb

rump

with rosemary cauliflower mash

Method Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/gas mark 5.

Serves 2 Ingredients 2 lamb rumps (about 250g each) 1tsp dried rosemary 1tbsp coconut oil or butter Olive oil, to serve Chilli flakes, to serve Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste For the cauliflower mash: 1 cauliflower, roughly chopped 1tbsp coconut oil or butter 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1tbsp dried rosemary Salt

Trim off any excess fat on the lamb and score the top with a sharp knife. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle over the rosemary. Heat a pan with the one tablespoon of oil or butter and cook the lamb fat side down for four minutes, turning it over every minute until browned. Pop it in the oven for 15 minutes then leave it to rest for five minutes. To make the cauliflower mash, cook the cauliflower in a pan of boiling water for seven to10 minutes, until it is cooked through. Drain. Meanwhile, heat the oil or butter in a frying pan and throw in the onion. Saute for three minutes then throw in the garlic, a big pinch of salt and the rosemary. Cook for another three minutes then leave to cool slightly. Mash the onion mix with the cauliflower, scraping out all the spices and oil from the pan. Serve the mash and lamb together with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper, a pinch of chilli flakes and a big smile.

Eating out

guide Lovels Bistro

Papa Luigi’s

Tasty food, happy times and great value - you’ll not be disappointed with the quality, taste and service. We’re more than just a great wedding venue. 01695 624 426 Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ hollandhallhotel.co.uk

Traditional Italian cuisine at its best! Enjoy a little bit of Italy in elegant surroundings and a warm friendly atmosphere, where you can relax and unwind or celebrate in style. See our website for more information. 01942 231558 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 1JP papaluigiswigan.co.uk

The Paddock Informal dining in Wrightington. Locally sourced, freshly made food served daily. Theme nights with live entertainment. In house butcher and fruit & veg shop. 01257 426514 Derby House, Mossy Lea Rd, Wrightington, WN6 9RE thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk

Advertise

here £30 + VAT

Call 01695 627999

Fifteens @ The Fox

Rigby’s Coffee Shop

This quirky and popular pub dates back to the 17th century and offers fabulous home cooked food using recipes developed by our chefs. The real ale selection is superb too. 01695 628178 Fifteens @ The Fox, Roby Mill, Up Holland WN8 0QF fifteensatthefox.com

Enjoy a trip out to Pimbo Garden Centre and tuck into a wide selection of delicious home cooked, locally sourced, food served seven days a week at Rigby’s Coffee Shop. 01695 622601 Pimbo Garden Centre, 32 Pimbo Lane, Up Holland, WN8 9QQ pimbogardencentre.co.uk

rigby’s Coffee Shop

Events & Leisure

What’s Mamma Mia

on Mister Maker

...to Saturday, 4th June

Thursday, 2nd June

Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good musical. Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget. Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT Contact 0161 245 6600 or visit www.atgtickets.com

CBeebies star Mister Maker is bringing his first ever theatre show to the Parr Hall in Warrington. Youngsters will have the chance to meet their arty hero and take part in songs and dances. The Shapes will also be there along with a team of all-singing, all-dancing friends. Mister Maker will be on stage between 1.30pm and 4pm Tickets start at £11 with family tickets also available. Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1BL Contact 01925 442345

Dinosaurs…. The Next Adventure Saturday, 28th May to Sunday, 4th September They’re BIG, they’re FIERCE... and they’re BACK. After four years away, Chester Zoo’s award-winning dinosaurs return for another unforgettable summer. Take an exhilarating journey back to the Jurassic age when these gigantic creatures roamed and ruled the earth. You’ll walk amongst the predators and their prey, not knowing what is lurking around the next corner. This fearsome collection of dinosaurs includes the Giganotosaurus, one of the biggest carnivores of all, Utahraptor with his curved claws and feathery limbs, and the gentle giant, the plant eating Brachiosaurus. Chester Zoo CH2 1LH Contact 01244 380280 or visit www.chesterzoo.org

Busted Friday, 3rd June Busted Pigs Can Fly Tour 2016 arrives in Manchester plus support from Wheatus and Emma Blackery. The band enjoyed major success in the early 2000s and retain a strong fanbase though must have them have grown up a bit now. Manchester Arena, M3 1AR Tickets from www.gigantic.com/bustedmanchester-arena-2016-06-03-19-30

International Mersey River Festival Friday, 3rd June to Sunday, 5th June The International Mersey River Festival is a celebration of Liverpool’s wonderful and historic waterfront in a completely free three day extravaganza of family fun, amazing music and

entertainment along the iconic River Mersey. The festival will see the visit of 60 narrow boats, four Tall Ships, the International Canoe Polo Tournament, jet skiing demonstrations, have-a-go water sports sessions at Salthouse Dock, flyboarding and a thrillingly heart-stopping Yakovlevs air display. There will also be a dedicated children’s area which will include street theatre, arts and crafts. www.merseyriverfestival.co.uk

Southport Food and Drink Festival Friday, 3rd June to Sunday, 5th June A ‘foodies’ paradise with a little something for everyone to enjoy, stimulate your senses and try food from different cultures Street Food stalls. Tantalise the taste buds by sampling the different produce around the event - handmade cheeses, sausages, sweet and savoury pies, chutneys and pickles are just a few of the delights that can be taken home. Set in the beautiful Victoria Park, there will be entertainment from local bands throughout the day. If you are bringing the kids along then make sure you pop over to the ‘kids’ corner’ for circus workshops, food themed activities and much more. Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, PR8 2BZ Contact 01704 533333

Burscough Heritage Weekend Saturday, 18th and Sunday, 19th June The village of Burscough comes alive to celebrate 200 years of the Leeds/Liverpool canal with a weekend of fun for all the family. You can enjoy horse and carriage rides, traditional musical entertainment, craft demonstrations, free vintage bus rides and an exhibition with images of the Burscough of old. There’s also fairground rides and vintage vehicles on display, and most events are centred around the Wharf area, which has a selection of independent shops. Burscough Wharf, Burscough L40 5RZ 10am-5pm both days

Wigan Blues Festival 2016 Saturday, 4th June We’ve already got a jazz festival in Wigan but now there’s a blues festival too. In the absence of the Manchester Acoustic Blues Festival this year due, a number of established acoustic blues artists will be performing in the first of its kind celebration at the Old Courts in Wigan on Saturday, June 4. Performers include Dai Thomas, Pete Ryder, Mal Gibson and Mike Francis. It is the first event of its kind in the town and the reaction from the blues community has been encouraging for the organisers. Tickets cost £5 in advance and the doors open at 6.30pm. Music starting at 7pm. Wigan Old Courts, Crawford St, Wigan WN1 1NA Phone 01942 410 499 for tickets or visit www.seetickets.com/event/wigan-acousticblues-festival-2016/the-old-courts/975015

Much Ado About Nothing Wednesday, 22nd June

Woodvale Transport Festival

Join the Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer at Speke Hall to see Shakespeare’s famous Much Ado About Nothing. Please dress for all weather situations - it does get chilly towards the end of the performances so coats are recommended. The event will be held on the North Lawn and a buggy service will be available to help transport visitors (and their picnics!) from the car park to this area. Speke Hall, L24 1XD Contact 0151 427 7231 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday, 18th June & Sunday 19th June Taking place on Southport’s beautiful Victoria Park, the Woodvale Transport Festival will feature all the usual Woodvale Rally favourites including Classic Cars, Car Clubs, Military Vehicles, Motor Cycles, Model Railways, Model Boats, Model Aircraft, Model Racing Cars, Bandstand, Refreshments, Bar, Car Boot Sale, Morris Dancing, & Arena attractions. Victoria Park, Southport, PR8 2BZ Contact 01704 576122 or visit www.woodvalerally.com

Cheshire County Show Tuesday, 21st June & Wednesday, 22nd June With its roots firmly embedded in farming, the 2016 show will, again hold the many competition classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, dairy goats, but will also include hundreds of classes for light and heavy horses, show jumping, rare breeds of livestock, poultry, pygmy goats, pigeons, cavies, rabbits and dog show. The show will also feature the Food Halls, a Food Live Theatre and much more. Cheshire County Show, Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0HJ Contact 07966 499748 or visit www.royalcheshireshow.org

Starsailor Wednesday, 13th July It might not be on the same grand scale as The Verve’s homecoming, but Starsailor will be back on familiar ground on Wednesday, July 13. The band whose members hail from Wigan and Chorley will perform at Robin Park Arena, showcasing many of the songs from their breakthrough album Love Is Here which featured the singles Good Souls and Four to the Floor. They first got together at Wigan and Leigh College and still have strong links with the area. Lead singer James Walsh has written for other artists in recent years and also performed on his own. But the band have reunited in support of their Greatest Hits album. Tickets, starting at £21.are on sale now. Robin Park Arena www.ticketweb.com

SUMMER AT THE PADDOCK

Summer Sundays

The Proclaimers Friday, 29th July From the booming chorus of (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles to the poetic beauty of Sunshine on Leith, The Proclaimers have the ability to lift you up or reduce you to tears. Twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have enjoyed global success and continue to tour relentlessly. Their live shows are famously good natured affairs and often they meet fans for a pint after the show. On Friday, July 29 they come to the Parr Hall and tickets cost £29.50 including booking fee. Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1BL Contact 01925 442345

3rd July & 21st August BBQ on the Terrace, live acoustic set, games, bouncy castle, bar 3pm ‘til late

Octoberfest Bavarian Evening Saturday 22nd October Live music, German hog roast & lots of beer!

Planning a function? Room hire & catering for up to 150 people Call 01257 426514 for details

Comedy Store Saturday, 6th August This popular comedy night returns to the Pyramid Centre in Warrington with the best in live stand-up from The Comedy Store. Showcasing the brightest names in comedy talent, the shows run on the first Saturday of each month, starting at 8pm. Tickets: £15 Pyramid Centre, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1BL Contact 01925 442345

T: 01257 426 514 The Paddock, Derby House, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, Wigan, WN6 9RE www.thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk E: bookings@thepaddockrestaurant co.uk

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Puzzle

Little mags, BIG reach

solutions

The photo on page 36 is of Mesnes Park Lodge, Wigan

sponsored by

Up Holland circular by Chris Pearce

p Holland is pretty much home territory for us, certainly within walking distance of our office, so when the forecast was favourable we jumped at the chance of doing a long-planned 6 mile circular walk in Up Holland. This ancient village is on a hilltop between Wigan and Skelmersdale, and easily accessible from the M6 and M58. Mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086, Up Holland has an abundance of listed buildings including landmarks such as St Thomas the Martyr Church, a disused windmill and St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seminary. Its lofty position over the West Lancashire plains offers abundant views for miles around.

We start from the Delph Tavern (WN5 8UJ) in the pretty little enclave of Tontine. This is a very popular village pub, which is rated 5 Star on Trip Advisor and has 5 rotating cask ales. Dogs are welcome, but only in the beer garden and taproom, and do bear in mind that the Delph only serves food from Wednesday to Sunday. When departing the car park turn left towards the mini roundabout, then turn left up Sandbrook Road. After 75 yards, turn into Lawns Avenue on the right. Follow Lawns Avenue and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll eventually arrive at Lawns Farm. Go through the side gate and through

road to exit the housing development onto Chequer Lane. Turn right and head downhill and once you reach the mini roundabout, bear right until you reach the T junction. Turn right, head up past the Plough and Harrow to another mini roundabout. Turn left and carry on up that road for 325 yards until you come to, yet again another mini roundabout and then turn right up Parsonage Brow.

the farmyard, past the farmhouse and up the path defined by drystone walls. Once you reach the top of the path and go through the metal gate, turn right. The views open up at this point; the rural vista includes Billinge Hill ahead with its masts and the air shafts from the Up Holland Tunnel – known locally as the pepper pots. Once you descend the track to the place where it forks, don’t follow either of the forks but instead hop over the stile on the right and head through the field towards the giant stanchions near the M58 – just follow the noise. Just as you get though the field, fork off towards the wooden telegraph pole and you should see a bridge over the motorway. Cross the bridge and then take the pathway on the left that runs parallel to the motorway. Once the path runs to a close, head 90 degrees towards the red brick house. When you reach Tower Hill Road, turn left for 75 yards or so, go past Fairhurst House and then turn right down the public footpath. After a minute or two, this opens up onto a field, just follow the left hand perimeter. And then you hit an obstacle - a new housing development which has temporarily obliterated the original footpath. Once you reach this point, turn left and follow the wooden fence downhill and you should materialise at 81 Miners View. Follow the

Within 200 yards, there are two entrances to Beacon Country Park – take the second one. The dirt pathway forks within 25 yards, take the right fork, going uphill until it merges into a stone path. Carry on in the same direction for 50 yards or so until you reach a brook. Directly after the brook, you’ll need to leave the stone pathway and instead follow a grassy path on the right. This pathway leads to a wooden bridge but just before the bridge take the path to the left leading uphill. Follow this path and you’ll eventually cross the brook and come to a wooden signpost, and on the skyline you’ll see the disused windmill. Take the path towards the windmill and you’ll exit directly onto Mill Lane – there’s no pavement here, so cross the

road straightaway. Turn left and follow Mill Lane for almost 1/3 of a mile. Look out for a large concrete speed bump on the right hand side, and take this turn down the concrete track. On a clear day, the views of Wigan, Rivington Pike and Winter Hill are breath-taking.

You’re now in the vicinity of St Joseph’s College, a seminary which was founded in 1883 and is now in a shameful state. Applications by an offshore developer to turn the building into apartments and build executive homes on the surrounding land were rejected by the planning department after a

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Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

fierce campaign by local residents. Check out the place on Google and you’ll see the scale of the place and the neglect. You’ll walk through a deserted hamlet and eventually emerge from the pathway onto a road. Turn left and once you’ve passed the bungalow by the bus stop, turn right down a footpath. Follow that path all the way downhill until you arrive at a single track road called Lafford Lane. Turn right and follow the single track road past the quaintly named Jollies i’ th’ Dean Farm. Follow the road round a sharp right hand bend (ignoring the public footpath to the left) and climb uphill. Once you arrive at Dean House Farm, look for a footpath on the left by the gates. Follow that footpath all the way to its conclusion, hop over the stile and you are now within the grounds of Dean Wood golf course. Carry on in the same direction and you’ll come to the green for the 1st hole and the tee for the 9th hole in close succession. Here, there’s a downward path into the woods on the left hand side. Descend into the woods on this path which doglegs and then takes you over the stream via a wooden bridge. Immediately after crossing this bridge, there’s another bridge higher up the bank on the left, so cross this bridge and climb all the way to the top of the bank, where you exit into open fields. Follow the pathway 250 yards until it forks – take the right hand fork. A further 200 yards further on the track will fork again and this time you turn left. Follow that track and you’ll come to a left hand bend near the 13th tee of the golf course. There’s also a track leading to a brick building on the golf course. Ignore all the established tracks and paths and instead set off along the left hand side of the tree line between the 13th hole and the practice ground – it’s a little used footpath, probably because the signage has

been destroyed, but it’s a public footpath. Once the path dips after 200 yards, you’ll see a metal bridge over a brook. Cross the bridge and follow a more established footpath for 175 yards through wasteland until you appear in a private close called Priory Nook. Cross the road and carry on in the same direction and you’ll appear on Back School Lane, and a few yards later at the busy School Lane in Up Holland. Turn right for 75 yards or so then turn left into Church Street, or alternately, take a short cut through the churchyard of St Thomas the Martyr, a handsome church that was built in the early 14th century and where infamous highwayman George Lyon is buried. Follow Church Street (which morphs into Cinnamon Brow and then into Tontine Road for almost ½ mile until you go under the motorway bridge and arrive back at the Delph Tavern.

Test drive

Renault

Kadjar by Tim Barnes-Clay

he French-made Renault Kadjar is one rung higher up the greasy pole than many of its competitors.

You see, there are lots of Qashqai clones on the market, but the Kadjar genuinely shares the popular Nissan’s platform and power units. What’s more, the car is cheaper to buy than the fashionable Qashqai and has that extra sprinkling of French flair. The front-wheel-drive 1.6 dCi 130 Signature Nav, on test here, is impressive. The turbo-charged oil-burner starts out fairly meekly, but then things under the bonnet hot up, resulting in plenty of mid-range pull. This is satisfying because it means you don’t need to work the gears hard to utilise the clout on tap. Push the Renault into twisty country lanes and the car stays bonded to the tarmac. There’s a little bit of body roll noticeable, but it never disturbs ride comfort. In fact, the Kadjar arouses confidence in this sort of driving environment due to its consistently well-weighted steering.

The brakes are excellent, although their urgency takes you by surprise on occasion. However, a capacity for quickly scrubbing-off-speed is no bad

Definitely more important than cabin toys is a car’s safety prowess. And the Kadjar has layer upon layer of kit to keep you protected. Equipment includes

thing. The gearshift-action is a little heavy, and some diesel-din sneaks into the interior when the whip is cracked, but this Renault is not the sort of car bought by out-and-out driving enthusiasts. It is a vehicle that will spend the majority of its time in town, on the school run or on family outings.

traffic sign recognition, lane-departure assist and even parking sensors at the front and the rear of the car.

Unsurprisingly then, the Kadjar is comfy for a familyof-four and handles scarred, urban road surfaces well, due to its nicely-cushioned suspension set-up. The boot is better than the Qashqai’s, in terms of load space, and it has the same ingenious flooring that can be elevated, dropped, or used as a partition to keep your possessions from tumbling about. Indeed, the Kadjar is a pleasant place to be, due, in no small part, to it having one of finest cabin’s in its class. From a tech point of view, the glass is just as full. The sat-nav system is a doddle and – in this flagship model – the car comes fully loaded with a top-quality Bose sound system, Bluetooth, faux leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof.

As mentioned, the Signature Nav is the top of the tree model, so unless you really need all the

Fast

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trimmings, you’ll enjoy the Kadjar just as much in its slightly lower-down-the ladder ‘Dynamique’ guise. The car is still well-appointed and represents excellent value for money, whether bought outright or on a PCP finance deal. To be honest, it’s hard to justify buying a Nissan Qashqai now that the Kadjar is on the scene. The car is just as good-looking, it’s great to drive, it has a bigger boot and its price-tag is lower. Unless you’re desperate to have the Qashqai moniker ornamenting your drive, save yourself some cash and go for the French marque instead.

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A ‘must have’ for every garden

by Angie Barker

here is a plant which I think every garden should have, a plant which brings grace, form and colour to a planting scheme – and that plant is an Acer or Japanese Maple. I have to admit that I’ve not always been a fan of Acers. For years I thought they were difficult to grow successfully and not worth the bother. But having grown them now for several years in my own garden – boy have I changed my mind. There is an Acer to suit every garden, in terms of colour and size. Here is a small selection of my personal favourites: • Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’ – as its name suggests it is very suitable for a small space • Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’ – finely dissected leaves with fantastic colour of darkish brown/red • Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ – this one has yellow/ orange leaves in spring which turn green in summer and bright orange in Autumn

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

With regard to growing conditions, get this right from the outset and you will find that your Acer will grow away happily and here are some tips: Acers hate windy conditions so they need placing in a fairly sheltered spot in the garden. They don’t like being in dry soil, so if you grow your Acer in a pot, make sure you keep it well watered. Avoid planting in a south facing aspect – contrary to what you might think, Acers enjoy a spot which is partially shaded. One of the best plants to grow underneath an Acer is Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’. A stunning little grass which is mounded in form, bright green and yellow leaves – a wonderful combination particularly with the red leaved ones. So this summer go out and bag yourself an Acer, there is a fantastic range to chose from. As Hubby always says, why get one when you can get two! (Well at least that’s what he says when he is shopping for a bottle of wine...)

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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Pride On Show Wigan hosts its first ever Pride event on Saturday, August 13. The streets will be rainbow coloured to celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. There will be live music and street entertainment.

Vikings Tales Viking Gods and Mythology is the subject of a talk at the Museum of Wigan Life. The Norse gods held the tribes of Northern Europe in their grip for thousands of years. Their myths are full of strange and wonderful stories. So what did the Saxons and Vikings believe before they became Christian? Did they believe? Who were these amazing gods? Speaker Vincent Atherton researched these beliefs when he wrote Viking Voices which tells of the Norse in North West England. He will be talking

about this fascinating subject between noon and 1.15pm on Thursday, May 26. To book your place, call 01942 828128. Admission costs £2.50 including tea and coffee.

Support Group Wigan blood cancer support group is held at Tesco Central Park Way, Wigan at the instore community space on the second Monday of every month from 3.30pm to 5pm.

Soul Singer Live The DW Stadium welcomes singer Stephen Bayliss on July 16. Motown, soul and R&B all feature in Stephen’s set list and the evening also includes a four course dinner, DJ and late bar. Tickets cost £29.50 from 01942 774000.

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& HEATING LTD

• Boiler service and repairs • Landlord’s gas safety certificates

T: 01744 634 525

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

Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner • Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks • Gas Fire & Cooker Installations • Under Floor Heating Specialists • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades

Finance available

10 YEARS

WE REPAIR EXTENDED ALL MAKES WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER OF BOILERS! INSTALLATIONS Telephone:

01942 504 429 Registration No.

88604

01257 421 660 MOB: 07931 766 684 TEL:

www.fgwelch.co.uk

IAIN LOWE 01695 623236 • Central Heating • Plumbing • Gas Appliances • Gas Safety Checks • Landlord’s Certificates • Maintenance/Breakdowns

542856

M: 07825 323 711

C &D

Plumbing and Heating

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

PETER RODAN LTD • All Heating & Plumbing work • Full Heating Installations • Boiler Servicing & Repairs 221213 • Boiler Conversions • 20 year experience • Vaillant & Ideal Boilers Fitted (7 Year Warranty) Tel: Mob:

01257 472 385 07971 631 709

Standish based

APPLEY BRIDGE HEATING & PLUMBING • BOILER replacement • SERVICE and repair • FULL system installations • BATHROOM replacements • SHOWERS • TILING and ELECTRICS

Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Call Dave now for a free quote... Telephone

201323

07814 639 430

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Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service

John Bailey - 01942 495785

brand New bathrooms boiler + Central Heating Installs, servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Domestic + Commercial

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

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

Freephone 0300 3030121 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809 21 Naburn Dr Orrell wN5 8sb

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk

www.orrellheating.co.uk

506515

• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985

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

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

W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS

01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years

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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Signs of the Times

to spend his Bank Holiday bonus.

Last Bank Holiday, I cajoled the old jalopy (that’s my car, not Mrs Lump) onto the motorway for a trip to a distant hotel/spa. Is it just me or do others get annoyed at infantile signs increasingly popping up on the motorway? ‘Check your Fuel Level’ was one, as if I would get on the motorway without having enough fuel to get to the next junction or services. Passing deserted roadworks on the way was another sign - ‘My Dad Works Here’. Actually, he doesn’t kid, he’s probably buggered off to the pub

But my favourite was ‘Someone loves you, drive carefully’. Really? How do you know this, have you been stalking me on Facebook? Not everyone in this world is loved and, grumpy old git that I am, I’d say that supposition has less than an outside chance of being true. Apparently this type of signage is known as emotionally intelligent signage and it is increasing in volume. Less is more, please, less is more.

Up the Tics Much was made of Dave Whelan’s grandson taking over as chairman at Latics last year. David Sharpe is a million miles away from the image many of us have of the old school football chairman with sheepskin jackets and Cuban cigars. But Mr Sharpe appears to be a clever young man and along with rookie coach Gary Caldwell, he has masterminded Latics’ rapid return to the Championship. He certainly enjoyed the promotion party if the videos which appeared on social media are anything to go by! The team had a nice mix of

youth and experience and the emergence of players like Will Grigg and Yanic Wildschut has been exciting to watch. In a year when Leicester City have proved that nothing is impossible in football by winning the Premier League, maybe we are about to see another bright era dawn at the DW Stadium. With a mix of youth and experience, Wigan timed their charge to the top to perfection, a success made all the sweeter with neighbours Bolton dropping into League One . Up The Tics, as they say …

Shooting Party How times change. I received a missive the other day with an invite to go shooting on an estate. That’s a new one for me, on our estate in the 70’s we never got invites to go shooting, we just turned up ready for battle against our fellow reprobates from the estate on the opposite side of the field. We lobbed half bricks, a few washing line poles, tucked ‘hostages’ into an old tractor tyre and rolled them down the hill a few times, but we never shot them...not that often anyway!

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Established 1999

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it covered! Roofing Emergency Repairs General maintenance Full re-roofs Flat/pitched Roof Conversions Velux Windows Roofline Fascias & Soffits Cladding Gutters

10 YEAR

INSURANCE-BACKED GUARANTEE

NO CALL OUT FEES Call today for a free quote

01942 665 270 0774 876 7845 or 0770 221 8867 www.protecroofingnw.co.uk

The Old Coach House, George Street, Ashton in Makerfield, WN4 8QD