Wigan Edition
September 2016
Recipes from Nadiya’s
kitchen
inside: 24 page education special Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Business View...
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Funny old
I
world
t was but a few short weeks ago.
Grandpa led the grumbling kids up a nearby hill whilst the rest of the adults stayed in the shade with cool drinks. Leading the way with his phone, Grandpa was, as usual, hunting down a geo cache - participating in a outdoor hunt using GPS coordinates. Sound familiar? Since then, Pokemon Go has been released and is now the biggest game on the planet. Although players will probably deny it, the game is but a souped-up version of geo caching, which has been around since 2000 and has many worldwide enthusiasts. Instead of catching Pokemon on your phone, spending your money on in-app purchases or getting robbed at a Pokestop, if you geocache, you trade real-world objects with other geocache buddies from across the globe. Both hobbies are about adventure and exploration, and if you’re the parent of kids who have suddenly deserted their spot in front of the game console, it’s a welcome but unnerving experience. Yes, you’re pleased that they are finally out in the fresh air and enjoying the summer holidays, but really…what are they doing and where are they doing it? And those grumbling kids? Every single one of them has since downloaded the Pokemon Go app! And as for Grandpa, who has been doing geo caching since 2005, he’s just chuffed that he’s ahead of the trend! See you next time
Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Next issue - October 2016
Advertising deadline - Thursday 1 September Published - Thursday 15 September
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In this issue Nadiya’s
Degrees of
learning
kitchen
51
80
Healthy
Jack’s Tracks visits
snacking
Hilldale
64
89 Test Drive - Fiat
Greenfest
2016
Tipo
72 Regulars 76 Puzzle Corner 87 Eating Out Guide
97 93
Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
What’s On
114 The Lump
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Distribution: Sally Boon
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6 Property
78 Legal & Finance
Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk
10 Local News
80 Food & Drink
34 Travel
89 Leisure
Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.
64 Heath & Fitness
97 Motoring
75 Business View
100 Gardening
51 Education
104 Home Services
Local Life Media
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This issue is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton. The next issue is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan, or read online at www.locallife247.co.uk
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.
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Distributors wanted Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows: Marus Bridge Fulbeck Avenue, Malham Avenue and Bransfield Close Highfield Merton Road, Kinlet Road, Sandpiper Road, Ribbesford Road, Billinge Road and Clevedon Drive Winstanley
Cadogen Drive, Westbury Avenue and Warminster Grove
Up Holland Parliament Street, Church Street, Higher Lane and Brooklands Road If you are interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
Free Football Sessions If you are aged between 12 and 19 and fancy some free football then go along to the Wigan Athletic Community Trust Football 4 All sessions at Glenburn Sports College. Males and females under 19 can go along and every Wednesday between 6pm and 8pm. All abilities can be catered for at the sessions, and those taking part could also play in competitions against other Premier League and football League teams that run similar schemes. The aim is to encourage more young people to participate in sport, get involved in positive activities and steer them away from youth nuisance and anti-social behaviour. For more information on the activities, which have been funded by Sport England Small Grants, please call Tom Drake on 01942 488530, email t.drake@ wiganathletic.com athletics.com or visit www. laticscommunity.org.
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And there’s more… The famous Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket headlines a Wigan and Leigh Hospice fundraiser at St James’ Social Centre in Orrell on Friday, October 14 Jimmy came to fame when he won TV’s Search For A Star in the 1980s, and was recently awarded a Papal Knighthood. Supported by Gerry Sandon with music from the ‘50s and ‘60s, and also by local musician and compere Andy Crawford, Jimmy will run through his comic repertoire at the event. Tickets are priced at £12, which includes a hot pot supper, and are available from St James on 01695 623902 or from Frank Mernagh on 01744 309760.
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Class from the
past This month’s Class from the Past is from Holgate School, and is believed to have been taken in 1947/48. The photo was kindly submitted by Olive Heyes (nee Perks); she is sat third from the left, on the second row. Maybe you can spot a familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, email wigannews@ locallife247.co.uk
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Proms Update Tickets for Orrell Proms are selling out fast! At the time of Local Life going to press, there were just 374 tickets left for the event which is being held at Orrell Cricket Club, off Winstanley Road in Orrell on Saturday, September 10. A great selection of music is planned once more for the event, which was launched last year as an annual fundraiser for the cricket club. The event will start at 2pm and run through until 11pm. Deckchairs and picnics are the order of the day, though there will be food and drink for sale in the ground. There will be no parking at the ground although organisers state that you are welcome to drop off chairs and picnic tables in the morning.
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Music acts include Carolynne Poole, Brother Beyond, Soul Kinda Wonderful, Oaces, Andy Crawford and the amazing Golborne Brass Band carrying on from where they left off last year with those incredible Proms favourites. Organisers say this promises to be a fantastic event and an important fundraiser for one of Orrell’s major sports clubs. There will be no tickets available on the day – they must be bought in advance. Tickets are available on line at www. orrell-live.co.uk or through the ticket hotline 07545 501447.
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Deadline for Bids Community groups in Orrell and Billinge are asked to come forward and bid for up to £2,500 worth of funding by the end of August. The money was raised by the Saturday Breakfast Community Fundraisers between March and June this year. All bids must be submitted by Wednesday, August 31; to get a bid form, email Michael Winstanley at mwinstanleym@ aol.com. Successful applicants will be invited to present their case to Saturday Breakfast volunteers on Monday, September 26, and the volunteers will then determine how the £2,500 is spent. The Saturday Breakfast fundraisers consist of a pop up breakfast café, with a number of stalls, which is wholly staffed by volunteers and is held at St Luke’s Church Hall every Saturday between 9am-
noon. Saturday Breakfast will reopen on Saturday, September 3. The team are looking for volunteers who want to be part of this successful community fundraising initiative and who can donate their time on Saturday morning at least once a month. Roles include waiting on, assorted kitchen roles, marketing, setting up and clearing away. For more details email Mary Forrester forresterm@sky.com or enquire at Saturday Breakfast.
Comedy Fundraiser A comedy fundraiser is being held at St Aidan’s, Winstanley on Friday, September 23. It’s a 7.30pm start with the line-up including Frankie Allen and Phil Walker. Tickets are £12 - call 07982 996423 to book yours. Group discounts are available.
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All-Nighter Returns The largest Northern Soul All-Nighter returns back home in September for the first time in over 40 years. Northern Soul DJ Jordan Wilson and the Wigan Roller Rink have team up to host one of the largest Northern Soul All-nighters in the country on Saturday, September 17, at the recently refurbished Wigan Roller Rink, formally known as The Empire Skate Rink. 1,000 Northern Soul fanatics from around the country and even across the seas are set to travel just to dance to an infamous line up of DJ’s playing rare and original vinyl only soul records. What was once a women’s factory canteen, now renovated into the roller rink, includes an imported wall to
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wall Canadian maple sprung wooden floor for soul enthusiasts to dance until 6am. Promotor Jordan Wilson said: “The soul scene is constantly progressing, every weekend the younger audience is increasing. At the empire all-nighter, my vision is to kickstart a young following of soul lovers from around the country as well as the original crowd who once graced the dance floors of the all-nighters in the past.” Richard Searling, a former DJ at the Wigan Casino, presently one of the most popular Northern Soul promoters, added: “It’s great to have a major venue back in Wigan at last with guys spinning original vinyl
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and a passionate, forward looking attitude” Discounted tickets for The Empire are available prior to the event online for £12 or £15 on the door (subject to availability). Tickets are available on Eventbrite.co.uk (search empire-soul-all-nighter) or contact Jordan Wilson on 07917 195917 or email jordanwilson2k8@hotmail.co.uk.
Churches Together Churches Together in Orrell are holding a meeting on Thursday, September 1, at Bispham Methodist Church, starting at 7.30pm. It’s being billed as an evening to hear, discuss and talk about how Churches Together in Orrell is developing. The meeting is open to everyone.
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Puzzle
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Guess where? Answers are on page 101 of this magazine
Sudoku
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Here’s to a life lived
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Funday Sunday
Beer Festival
A very special fundraiser takes place on Sunday, September 11, at Wigan Cricket Club to raise funds for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House. Organised by Jane Coulshed, whose son Josh was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, Jane is looking to repeat the success of last year’s event and raise even more cash for the two charities that helped Josh and her family through the treatment. The event runs from noon-4pm and has a large assortment of attractions to keep little ones occupied, including magic shows, bouncy castles and inflatables, games, a DJ, assorted stalls and food. Various characters will also be popping in throughout the afternoon. For more details contact Jane on 07837 646633.
The Reet Good Beer Festival is back for a second year after a successful launch last September. Staged at Wigan Youth Zone on Parsons Walk in the town centre, the event will run from Thursday, September 22, to Sunday, September 25. Tickets are on sale now via the Festival’s website: www. reetgoodbeerfest.co.uk/tickets. As well as beer there will be ciders to sample and also a Prosecco bar. A variety of food stalls will be there plus live entertainment from tribute bands. Money raised will go to Wigan Youth Zone, and last year the event raised £15,000.
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Open Weekend
Memories Matter
Wigan Bridge Club are holding, for the first time, an Open Weekend at their Bridgeman Terrace HQ with
If you or one of your relatives has anecdotes to share about the Wigan of yesteryear, Memories Matter
sessions of mini-bridge to tempt potential bridge players to give the sport a try. The sessions are free, there’s no obligation to join and they run on Friday, September 30, at 7.30pm; Saturday, October 1, at 10.30am and on Sunday, October 2, at 10.30am and 2pm. Each session is expected to last approximately 2-2½ hours.
would like to hear from you. This group meets up at Linden Court Sheltered Housing Scheme in Orrell once a month to chat about old Wigan, the surrounding areas and family life.
Booking is necessary as each session accommodates just 24 people, but everyone is very welcome, including children if they are accompanied by an adult. For more information, check the website www.bridgewebs.com/wigan or ring Des on 07534 482047.
Created by SKILS – the Community Interest Company operating from Orrell Methodist Church – the sessions are recorded for posterity and will be available online for others to access. These sessions are dementia friendly and are open to all people who live in the area. Please ring Denise on 07510 110345 to book a place.
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Travel
Land of fire and
ice
R
esearch conducted by TravelSupermarket suggests that the top five travel experiences for Britons compiling a Bucket List are; visiting the pyramids of Giza, driving along Route 66 in the USA, walking on the Great Wall of China, going on an African safari and number one on the list is, wait for it, a trip to see the Northern Lights. Named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, the Aurora Borealis season runs from late September, but the best time to go is between October and March. Some of the most spectacular displays occur in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Greenland and also from a small island that England football fans are still having nightmares about, Iceland. Northern Lights aside, there’s plenty to see and do in Iceland. Widely known as The Land of Fire and Ice, where else can you find volcanoes, mountains, fjords, glaciers and glacial lagoons, black sand beaches, lava caves, and towering seaside cliffs less than 3 hours away from Manchester? As the Iceland Tourist Board put it - Iceland is not a destination. It is an adventure.
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The island is home to both some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the most active volcanoes in the world. From the moss covered lava fields in the southwest, through the barren highlands in the centre, to the soaring fjords in the northwest, a drive around the abundant natural beauty of Iceland will be a trip to remember. Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, is an outstanding cultural hub, with galleries, theatres, museums and public gardens to satisfy the most avid of culture vultures, and with a music festival virtually every month, the city caters for virtually every music taste. But there’s a lot more to Iceland than the capital. The Blue Lagoon pools, 5 miles from the main highway between Reykjavik and International Airport, are on most visitors’ agendas. Formed as recently as 1976, people began to bathe in the unique water and apply the silica mud to their skin, and those with psoriasis noticed an incredible improvement in their condition. However, you will find other spectacular geothermic hot pools dotted
See the Northern Lights from Iceland 4 days fly drive package at 4* Hotel Ranga from £825 pp 5 day break in Reykjavik from £685 with guided excursion options Now direct flights from Manchester Pop into Marken Travel or call us today for a free brochure on holidays in Iceland
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around Iceland’s countryside, so ask locals for their recommendations. And if that’s too tame for you, you can take a ride into the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Using the type of rickety-looking lifts that window cleaners use on skyscrapers, you will be lowered down a 120-metre drop right into the belly of the volcano. The last eruption occurred thousands of years ago, but the inside of the cavern is stained with russet red scars and flashes of blackened indigo. You’ll then be given time to wander around If that gets your adrenalin going, what about trying whale watching? Iceland is Europe’s best place for
Iceland night Tuesday, 4th October, 6.30pm Wine and nibbles Call 01744 893291 to book
whale watching. Humpbacks, minkes, bottlenose and blues ply the fish-rich North Atlantic and Arctic waters around Iceland. The best place to see them is from Husavik on the north coast. Local tour operators report a 99% success rate for sightings, and the surroundings – a quiet, calm bay flanked by snow-capped mountains – are magical. Whilst the place used to have a reputation as expensive, the crash of 2008 hit Iceland hard and it’s now come within reach for your average British holidaymaker. Marken Travel in Billinge have teamed up with Regent Holidays with a number of tempting short break offers including a 4 day fly-drive offer at the 4 star Hotel Ranga in remote Iceland from £825pp or an excursion led 5 day winter break from £685pp. These breaks include direct Manchester- Keflavík flights. For more details about experiencing the Northern Lights from Iceland this winter, come along to an evening with Regent Holidays on 4th October at Marken Travel in Billinge. The host for the evening, which starts at 6.30pm, will be John Hardcastle who has just returned from Iceland. Refreshments will also be served. For more details, call Marken Travel on 01744 893291
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Health & Fitness
Healthy
I
snacking By Lisa Salmon
t can be hard to get through the day without a snack or two, and all too often those snacks come in the unhealthy form of biscuits, cakes or crisps.
A handful of nuts, however, could curb those snack-cravings - and boost your health at the same time. Not only will their concentrated protein content help you feel fuller for longer, but they could protect you from a whole host of illnesses. A new study has found that patients with prostate cancer who consumed nuts five or more times a week after diagnosis, had a 34% lower rate of mortality than those who ate nuts less than once a month. And last year, a Dutch study found a link between daily nut consumption and a reduced chance of dying from several chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Super nuts? Nuts are packed with protein, fibre and important vitamins and minerals, including - in differing proportions depending on the type of nut - calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E and B vitamins and selenium, the powerful antioxidant thought to help fight cancer, and which may also play a role in combating infertility, dementia and low thyroid function. Nuts have a high fat content, but it’s the ‘healthy’ type - unsaturated - which is thought to help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels.
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Of course, not all nuts are created equal - a packet of roasted, salted nuts is not the same ‘healthy snack’ as some plain, raw almonds, for example, and d ieticians advise avoiding nuts that are packaged, salted or roasted in oil or honey; instead, eat them raw or dry-roasted.
Fighting cancer Although the recent Harvard study found death rates among men with prostate cancer were more than a third less when they ate nuts regularly, it didn’t conclude that eating nuts actually helped prevent men from
getting prostate cancer in the first place. However, other studies have suggested nuts - particularly walnuts - may help prevent, or at least delay, some
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types of cancer, including breast, prostate and colorectal. Another Harvard study of 75,680 women last year found those who consumed a 28g serving of nuts two or more times a week, had a 13% lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who rarely ate nuts, while a Mexican study suggested that eating large amounts of peanuts, walnuts or almonds over a lifetime meant women were two or three times less likely to develop breast cancer. Nicola Smith, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, points out that while some studies have found health benefits from eating nuts, it’s difficult to disentangle other factors that may be playing a role.
Nicola Smith, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK
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“It may be that people who eat lots of nuts are healthier in general,” says Smith. “Scientific research doesn’t show that any single ‘superfood’ has a particular benefit for preventing cancer. But we do know that eating plenty of fibre, fruit and vegetables, and less salt and red and processed meat reduces cancer risk.”
Hearty stuff Many studies have identified a link between eating nuts and reduced risk of cardiovascular problems. Harvard research found men who ate nuts at least twice a week over a year had a 47% lower risk of sudden cardiac death and a 30% lower risk of dying from all types of coronary artery disease. Plus, previous Harvard research involving more than 86,000 women found that over a 14-year period, those who ate at least 5oz of nuts per week were 35% less likely to suffer heart attacks than women who ate less than 1oz a month. An analysis of other risk factors, such as diet, lifestyle and existing health
Victoria Taylor, a dietician for the British Heart Foundation conditions, including blood pressure, cholesterol and family history, showed the protective power of nuts couldn’t be explained away. One theory is that the beneficial effect on cardiovascular health may be linked to the effect nuts have on cholesterol - researchers in Canada compared three low-fat vegetarian diets and found that while they all produced lower cholesterol levels, the diet that contained 2.2oz of nuts a day reduced ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol by 30%. It’s also thought that nuts lower insulin resistance, so they help reduce the incidence of diabetes and inflammation.
Portion control They might be good for you but, like many foods, it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and nuts can be quite calorific because of their fat content, containing 160-200 calories per 28g serving, depending on the type of nut. A 28g serving is the equivalent of a handful - or about 14 shelled walnut halves; 24 shelled almonds; 16 cashews; 28 peanuts, or 45 pistachios. “As a substitute for foods high in saturated fat and sugar, nuts can be a good choice,” says British Heart Foundation dietician Victoria Taylor. “The high protein and fibre content makes them a satisfying snack and they contain nutrients such as vitamin E,
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potassium and magnesium. But watch your portion sizes.” Find it hard to stop at one handful? Taylor suggests that people who find it hard to stop eating nuts after a handful should opt for varieties that need shelling, as having to crack them open takes more time, which means less time for eating. “If you keep an eye on portion sizes and avoid unhealthy additions like salt and sugar, nuts can be a healthy choice between or with your meals.”
Healthy Living Here’s a fun-filled family festival with a difference! It’s being held at Mesnes Park in Wigan on Saturday 10th September and it’s the WBCCG Healthy Living Festival, which incorporates the organisation’s AGM. There are more than 20 activities taking place throughout the afternoon, which runs from 12pm3pm, and this innovative festival is guaranteed to have something for all ages. As well as all the fun we will have experts on hand to offer advice and practical help and encouragement. The festival is free and there are lots of free taster activities, including Tai Chi, Zumba, Walking Football, Martial Arts, even Ballroom and Latin American dancing. Live music will be on with local musicians and groups playing. An outdoor gym with personal trainer will be on hand and visitors can also take advantage of free health checks. There are a few gory stories of health through history, and you can even take your pets along for health advice! Children can enjoy rides in the park, explore the childrens’ fun zone and have fun in the circus workshop. You can even make history on the day, as there will be a Guinness World Record attempt for everyone to take part in! The WBCCG Healthy Living Festival is part of Wigan Wellfest Week, which is running 3rd-10th September 2016 – visit www.wellfest.org.uk for more information.
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Greenfest
2016
F
estival fever hit Billinge with a passion when the annual Greenfest event took place at Greenslate Farm. Blessed with good weather throughout the day, the event on Saturday, August 4, attracted over 3,000 visitors, and the music went on well into the night. Visitors to the festival enjoyed browsing around the farm, shopping at the numerous stalls, circus attractions, tepee games, food and drink, and of course, the non-stop music from 16 acts such as Chonkinfeckle, Red Eyed Jedi, the Quaintest Show on Earth and Starjump and Moonie. Greenfest was held at Greenslate Community farm, which is a 30 acre working community farm growing fruit and vegetables and raising livestock, and sells produce direct to the community.
One of Greenfest’s 2016 organisers, Dawn Heywood, said “It was a tremendous success with over 3,000 visitors attending and contributing to our most successful event yet. We are extremely grateful to the local community for their generous support of Greenslate Community Farm and all profits raised will be put towards the future upkeep of the farm and its various activities. We would like to put on records our thanks to the artists, staff and volunteers who donated their time and worked tirelessly to put on such a fantastic event�.
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People have until September 9 to suggest land which they believe could make an appropriate development site in the future. West Lancs Borough Council will consider all sites received. Visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/callforsites or get an official form the council offices at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk. Alternatively, call 01695 585284 or email localplan@westlancs.gov.uk
Arts and Music
Lipreading Society
The 2nd Parbold Street Festival of Arts and Music takes place in the village on Saturday/Sunday September 3 and 4. Over 30 attractions will be on show from 14 venues over the weekend and there will be over 40 stalls too. Last year, over 5,000 people attended over the weekend. The main road through the village will be closed from 12 until 6pm on both days except for access, but a car park is available, for £3 per day, at Parbold Equestrian Centre (WN8 7NQ).
Standish Lipreading Society will resume their weekly meetings on Monday, September 5, at 12.45pm to 2.45pm at Standish Community Centre in Moody Street, off Church Street, Standish. If your hearing isn’t what it used to be, go and join this friendly group, and develop your lip reading skills. The meetings feature lipreading tuition, communication skills, advice and information for the hard of hearing. This is a great opportunity to meet others with hearing problems. Everyone is welcome. For more information ring 01257 472795, 01257 424249 or 01942 223092.
Summer Fair More Than Words, a Wigan-based support service for people with learning and communication difficulties, are holding their annual Summer Fair on Saturday, September 3, from 11am-3pm. Students will be performing some of their music and drama pieces throughout the day, and in addition to this there will be tombola, games, raffle, face painting, a barbeque, a cake stall, bric-a-brac and more. The fair will be held at Unit 2 The Pier Centre, the new Community Church building off Pottery Road in Wigan (WN3 5AB), and entrance is free. All funds raised will go to provide more opportunities for students at More Than Words. For more details, or to book a £10 stall for your business, call 01942 735426.
Call for Sites If you reside in the Up Holland/Roby Mill area, do you own or know of any land in the local area that might be suitable for development in the future?
Pemberton Festival Pemberton Festival starts on Friday, September 30, with what organisers say is its most ambitious programme yet. Now in its 4th year, the festival aims to provide activities and events for all ages at little or no cost to everyone. Festivities kick off with a double bill of musical entertainment to choose from with a brilliant Abba tribute by Chick a Cheetah in St John’s School or Junction 27 at Lamberhead Working Men’s Club. On Saturday, October 1, there is a Community Fun Day on Church Street and the surrounding area There will also be ‘Cake Off’! at Trinity Methodist Hall including displays, demos and do it yourself decorating as well as a cake competition with a professional judge and super prizes. For the full programme of events, visit www. pembertonfestival1.weebly.com or contact festival co-ordinator Stephen Southern on 01257 423801 or 07766862756.
Degrees of
learning 24 page education special
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Learning
curve
W
elcome to Degrees of Learning - the Local Life guide to all things educational in your local area. Each edition will be brimming with ideas, support, interesting features and most importantly, information to guide you in making the right decisions for your child’s education or enhancing your own. We will be discussing useful topics covering everything from tips to beating the back-to-school costs to dates for college open days and adult education courses. So whether you are parent looking to cut costs when it comes to the kids or parents of a school leaver looking for their next step – we will have the information right here! We will also be bringing you all the local open event information. So if your child is finishing school in July and they’re not sure what to do next, then have a look at some of the colleges that are advertising open events – there are hundreds of full and part time courses on offer from traditional A-Levels to Public Services, Hospitality & Catering and Engineering.
Features 53 Parents ‘oversharing’ on Facebook 54 Individual tuition 56 Dyslexia 58 Beat the back to school costs 60 Village school’s top marks 63 Take 10 to read to your child 67 Follow in Ed’s footsteps 69 Best student bank account 70 WCPSD teaching 71 Apprenticeship schemes 72 St Helens adult course guide 74 Diary dates Pre-School 64 Little Acorns 59 60 61 62
2 - 4 years
Primary School St Teresa’s Crawford Village St Jude’s Rainford Brook
Individual Tuition 54 Haywood House 56 Ed4All 66 Music Projects 65
Secondary School Abraham Guest
55 57 68 71 73
Further Education & Apprenticeships St Helens College St Helens College Wigan & Leigh College Pro Co St Helens College
Teacher Training 70 WCPSD
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Parents ‘oversharing’ on
Facebook? W
hen a baby or child achieves something fantastic - from taking their first steps to coming top in an exam - it’s hard for many parents not to jump straight on social media to share it with the world.
But have you ever thought about how your post may be perceived by others? New research shows 93% of parents believe social media encourages them to ‘overshare’ about their babies, and more than a quarter say they feel under pressure to keep up every week, with 12% admitting to feeling this pressure almost daily. The problem, it seems, is many social media fans who are also parents feel other mums and dads tend to make claims about their children that are either untrue or exaggerated. This in turn may make other parents feel bad because their child hasn’t achieved the same thing.
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The top culprits identified in the survey are ‘Super Mum’ posts, unrealistic achievements and new baby milestones. Mum-of-four and parenting author Sarah Ockwell-Smith points out that social media can be a great virtual support network for mothers, building a community on which they can lean on and turn to for advice. “For a lot of new mothers, this is an incredibly positive experience,” she says. “When your baby achieves something, you’ll likely want to shout it from the rooftops, both in the real world or on social media. “However, the comparison with others online can cause some mothers to be overwhelmed by feelings that they aren’t good enough. “Be a more ‘sensitive sharer’, particularly if you’re aware of friends having a hard time parenting or even conceiving a baby.” • Know your audience: Are any of your close friends or family struggling with something, or are there issues that would be better to avoid with them? Consider this before posting on social media - many topics or opinions are better suited to conversations in person, as you can read each other’s feelings much more easily. • Check in with friends offline Sometimes sharing with the masses means we’re lazy at communicating with friends who really matter. Some people overshare as a cry for help, so if you think someone you know might be having a hard time, engage with them directly. • Don’t dismiss friends’ concerns Pay attention - sometimes people just need a listening ear, other times you may want to help them seek professional advice. • Celebrate others’ achievements too If your friend is really proud of her baby for saying his first word, for example, share in her pride.
Individual tuition How does it feel to find a subject difficult in school? Or to feel frustrated at the lack of challenge? A difficult question for a student to answer - until you
ask them to draw a picture! The results can be eye opening, for parent and teachers alike. Whatever the cause of the difficulties, whether it’s a problem with reading, spelling, writing or maths, the result is usually the same. A lack of confidence and spiralling anxiety for the child and concern for the parent/carer. Don’t panic – there is help available in the form of fully qualified tutors and tuition programmes, all designed around each student that will help to meet those gaps in understanding and learning. Whether you choose a national franchise or a local tutor here are a few points to consider: • How well you think your child would respond to tutoring • Has your child got the potential to improve his or her grades • How well you understand the National Curriculum subjects yourself and whether or not you have time to offer extra coaching
Hayward House Tuition
And Dyslexia Services Mary Hayward, PG Dip SEN, Dip SpLd, Cert SpLd, C.a.s.e, Cert Ed, AMBDA Consultant for those experiencing education difficulties and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) anywhere in the UK
Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Screening ‘Thank You Mary. People with your skills and knowledge are hard to find.’ Headteacher, West Lancs primary school, May 2016 ‘Many thanks Mary, we are really pleased with how they have both developed over the last 12 months and you have played a big part of that development.’ Parent, Helmshore, July 2016
Contact through enquiry form on website. www.haywardhousetuition.co.uk or email: haywardhousetuition@yahoo.co.uk
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Tackling
dyslexia
D
yslexic people are likely to find learning skills like reading and writing much harder than other people, but they can be helped by careful, systematic teaching.
That’s according to the Dyslexia Association, a registered charity established in 1971 to provide support for dyslexic children and adults. It says there are well-established methods for teaching reading and writing to dyslexic people, and with patience and hard work, they are effective. A spokesman said: “Dyslexic children learn most easily if their difficulty is identified early, and appropriate teaching methods are introduced, but it’s never too late to start. Dyslexic adults, teenagers and older children benefit from understanding their own individual learning style and pattern of strengths and weaknesses. That way, they can study and work in a way which is most likely to be successful. They can learn strategies appropriate to their learning style.” For more information, visit ww.dyslexia.uk.net
Wigan Dyslexia Centre Now providing
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) support for Dyslexia and/or Autism Go to
www.dsa-qag.org.uk to find your local non-medical helper (nmh): Liz Hiney
For more details... Email: enquiries@ed4all.co.uk Phone: 0786 792 4813
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Beat the back to school
T
costs
he sun may be shining but there’s not much of a warm glow around parents’ finances at this time of year. Not only are we still trying to hammer out the dents in our budget made by entertaining the kids over holidays, but the cost of sending them back to school is also coming up fast.
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As well as the more obvious purchases, such as school uniforms, stationary and packed lunches, there are ‘hidden’ costs to consider too, including gifts for teachers and parking. Research suggests parents will spend nearly £1,000 on food and drink, around £590 on after school clubs and around £540 on transporting their offspring, every school year. Another £120 a year goes on outfits for proms and parties, as well as £150 on gifts and donations, while sports kits and uniforms often total £290. Year 7 - the transitional first year of secondary school - is the most expensive, costing parents an average of £6,800. Meanwhile, Year 4 was found to be the priciest primary school year, typically setting parents back £6,400. Interestingly, the research found boys to be more expensive than girls. The cost for parents of sending a boy to school was £5,500 a year on average, compared to £3,900 for girls.
Here are some Local Life tips that may help to ease the financial strain: • Buy uniforms early to give you more choice and help avoid disappointment. • Check with the school before buying new technology to find out which devices are actually allowed in the classroom. • Label everything to help your child keep track of their belongings and avoid having to go out and buy the same thing again. • Bulk buy uniform - it could save you money on the initial purchase, and means you’ll use the washing machine less often. • Pay online. Many schools provide a service that allows parents to pay for their child’s school excursions, visits and school meals online - no more sending the kids to school with cash in hand.
Safe & Happy at St Teresa’s... • We are a happy, caring school that will nurture your child in a safe and warm environment. • Our pupils consistently achieve outstanding results that are significantly above local & national averages. • We provide a rich and inspiring curriculum to suit the needs of your child. Every day is Open Day at St Teresa’s. Please call us to arrange a visit. ‘Live life to the full, Love like Jesus, Learn from every opportunity as we grow together in faith’
St Teresa's Catholic Primary School
College Road, Up Holland, Lancashire, WN8 0PY
01695 623 842
www.st-teresas-rc34.lancsngfl.ac.uk/
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Village school’s
top marks
A local school deemed to be needing improvement just over two years ago has now been classed ‘outstanding’. Crawford Village Primary came out top for leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behaviour and welfare as well as early years provision in a recent inspection. In February 2014, Ofsted inspectors found that the school required improvement - singling out issues such as marking of work, slow progress and instability as a result of management changes. Two years on and Ofsted had nothing but praise - saying the headteacher is “a shining example of inspirational leadership” and that the teaching is
now “outstanding.” Lead inspector Kathleen McArthur added: “Standards have risen rapidly since the previous inspection. Progress is accelerating securely, and many pupils exceed the progress expected of them. Pupils are very happy in school and their behaviour is outstanding. In lessons, they are unfailingly keen, persevere and do their best.” Headteacher Gillian Wilton, who took over in September 2014, said: ““This is a wonderful achievement and is testimony to the unwavering commitment and hard work of a fantastic staff team, supported by a strong governing and parent body. We are extremely proud of our pupils who make Crawford Village Primary a very special school.”
‘This is an outstanding school’ Ofsted May 2016
Places available from Nursery to Year 6
OPEN WEEK ber w/c 26th Septem
awford Village, Crawford Rd, Cr 9QP Up Holland, WN8
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St Jude’s Catholic Primary School & Nursery
A
PRIMARY SCHOOL OFSTED SEPTEMBER 2015
“Outcomes for pupils are good” “Children are kept safe”
“Children reach a good level of development”
“They enjoy school and learning about new things”
“Children make good progress” “Children are well cared for”
Ofsted (September 2015)
Our Nursery operates every morning from 9am - noon and is FREE OF CHARGE. We have three intakes per year - September, January and April. Children are welcome to start on the next intake following their 3rd birthday. Please contact the school for further information.
For further information, or to arrange a visit to our Nursery or Primary School, please call 01942 204091 OPEN AFTERNOON – THURSDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER AT 2PM Whether you are thinking of applying for a 2017 Reception Class place at St Jude’s or are interested in our nursery, please come along to our Open Afternoon for a coffee and to have a look around our school and nursery. Headteacher: Mr S Barrand, Worsley Mesnes Drive, Wigan, WN3 5AN
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Take 10 to read with
your kids
R
eading is a vital skill that every parent wants their child to learn, yet almost half of UK mums and dads admit they lack the confidence and know-how to help improve their child’s reading at home. National Literacy Trust research has found that less than a third of young people read outside school every day, so it’s joined up with the Premier League to run Premier League Reading Stars, an annual initiative which has enlisted the help of 20 Premier League footballers to use children’s passion for football to motivate them to enjoy reading. Some of the players involved include Frank Lampard, Adam Lallana, Joey Barton and Boaz Myhill. The players have set literacy challenges for participating children, allowing them to unlock statistics, tips and videos from each footballer as they progress through the online programme. Several of the Reading Stars themselves, including Lampard, who is the author of the Frankie’s Magic Football children’s books, are reading role models and have chosen books which they enjoy reading at home to their children. The players are also calling on dads to take an active role in reading to their child and supporting their literacy. Manchester City midfielder Lampard says: “As a dad, literacy is a cause close to my heart - I love reading with my girls, and would really encourage other parents to keep reading with their kids. “Even 10 minutes a day is valuable, and a great time spent with them.” And for slightly older children who need more motivation to read, the Reading Stars programme, hopefully combined with a bit of reading with mum
or dad, could be exactly what’s needed to spark their interest. The Reading Stars programme is aimed at children aged between 7 and 15 years, but parents seeking help to improve the reading of younger children may gain inspiration from the new free online guide How to Help Your Child to Read: 30 Ways In 30 Days. Homework for parents: • Set a daily time to read to your children and try to stick to it. • Hang a family message board in the kitchen. Leave simple notes for one another with plenty of illustrations. • Plan a family book club - everyone reads the same book (or has it read to them). Then get together over popcorn to discuss the story. • As children learn to read themselves, consider allowing them to stay up a bit later as a treat - so long as it’s reading time. For more information about Premier League Reading Stars please visit www.literacytrust.org.uk and for the 30 Ways in 30 Days guide please visit www.leapfrog.com
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Quality childcare you can trust! Nursery places are available for children aged 2 up to preschool age
Our beautiful rural setting is a happy, safe & vibrant place for your child to be
We are open from 8am-5.30pm and flexible sessions are available All staff members are fully qualified and have excellent knowledge & understanding of child development, care, learning & play
Call today for more information or to make an appointment to come and visit
Ofsted rates us as
‘outstanding’ Little Acorns Nursery Finch Lane Appley Bridge WN6 9DT for more information about Little Acorns Nursery visit our website on www.littleacorns-daynursery.com
01257 252647
01257 252647
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Open Evening 29th September 2016 @ 6.00pm
Come along to our Open Evening and see how we inspire Excellence in all young people
Inspiring Excellence @AbrahamGuest
@AbrahamGuestAcademy
Abraham Guest Academy, Greenhey, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7DQ Email: enquires@abrahamguestacademy.com
www.abrahamguestadaemy.com
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Follow in Ed’s
footsteps
Local musicians of today and tomorrow can follow in Ed Sheeran’s footsteps thanks to a Wigan social enterprise. The Music Projects is offering accredited music course via a range of different routes. These are performance (develop key individual, band and live performance skills); technology (sequence, produce and record live music) or composition (write a song/ compose a soundtrack). Ed Sheeran, who is now one of the UK’s biggest selling artists, started out studying music in London, and believes it helped him become the star he is today: “It gave me the first push and I loved the freedom. They understood that half of the learning you need for the
industry was outside the classroom with gigs and studio time.” The Music Projects is based in the old EB Cycles shop at 830 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, with new, second outlet opening up at 57 Market Street, Hindley, soon. Open days are held at the Pemberton base every Wednesday from 6pm-8pm for those interested in enrolling on a course, which starts in September. Visit www.music-projects.com or call 01942 212607 for more information.
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Student savvy bank
P
accounts
icking a suitable student current account can get teenagers’ first experiences of financial independence off to a good start, but what should you watch out for? How can you pick the best student account and manage your finances wisely?
do their best to earn additional income to reduce what they owe.
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts. co.uk, says: “A sizeable overdraft facility will be a top priority for many. However, while this is a handy cash injection, using it to its fullest will always be an easy temptation.
“While these can prove useful to those who would frequently utilise the benefits, choosing an account based solely on the incentive can mean being stuck with a less attractive overdraft in the process.”
“There is a danger of racking up a significant overdraft and being unprepared when the time comes to pay it back, which is why students should do everything in their power to use it sparingly and
“These accounts are well-renowned for their enticing incentives, such as shopping discount cards, railcards or coach cards that save money on journeys.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that getting a sizeable interest-free overdraft facility is never a guarantee, and as with any bank account, customers will be credit scored.
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Catholic
schools
Teachers of the future are being invited to a series of open evenings in the area.
W
igan Catholic Primary School Direct and Wigan & West Lancashire Catholic School Direct are coming to a school near you soon! They’ll be looking to recruit graduates who have the potential of becoming teachers in either a primary or secondary school setting. Working in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, WCPSD and WWLCSD are able to develop direct training that will have the academic and theoretical underpinning to allow trainees to become outstanding practitioners within the field of education. A spokesman said: “We are seeking individuals who demonstrate and are able to apply the skills of organisation, flexibility, reflection, evaluation and action to all aspects of the course and their career. Enthusiastic individuals who are able to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents on a range of levels are essential to our partnership. Trainees can expect to obtain a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) and QTS Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the programme. The PGCE is a 60 credit award that can offer progression, upon successful application, onto a Liverpool Hope University Masters in Education (180 credits in total) for those students who want to pursue further study. It’s a programme that gives you 120 days minimum in school, including a minimum of 12 days at Liverpool Hope University. There will be access to learning conferences throughout the year where you will meet and work with trainees from across
WCPSD and WWLCSD, and placements across two contrasting schools. As part of its training programme, students will also complete the first two modules of the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies. For more information see the advertisement below.
Do YOU want to teach ?
Then come along to one of our Open Evenings... Tuesday, 10th October & Tuesday, 1st November St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan All open evenings will be 5:30pm - 7:30pm We are looking for graduates who have the potential to become outstanding primary or secondary school teachers of the future. Our School Direct teacher training program, accredited by Liverpool Hope University, leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and 60 credits toward a Liverpool Hope Masters in Education.
For further details about primary teacher training visit www.wcpsd.org.uk. For further details about secondary teacher training visit www.catholicsd.org.uk Applications for September 2017 open at the end of October 2016 and can be made via www.UCAS.com (Search for provider codes 2A4 and course code 2XT7)
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Apprenticeship
schemes
There are many options open to pupils when they finish their GCSE’s. They could choose to study subjects that could lead to University, vocational qualifications or take up an apprenticeship.
1,500 job roles – anything from engineering to boat-building or veterinary nursing to accountancy.
Apprenticeships are a popular choice for people who wish to train while they work. By taking on an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship, you can receive hands on training whilst gaining a qualification at the same time.
A supported internship is a scheme just for students with learning difficulties or learning disabilities who want to get a job and need extra support to do this.
This would see you working for an employer and training to do a specific job at the same time. There are over 280 types of apprenticeships for more than
A traineeship gets you ready for work or for doing an apprenticeship. They usually last from six weeks to six months and provide essential work preparation training, literacy and numeracy skills and work experience to get an apprenticeship or other job.
They last for at least six months and are unpaid. You will get work experience and training for a specific job role from an employer – you also get to study for qualifications or other courses to help you get ready to take up a job.
Looking for an apprenticeship? • Animal Care
• Joinery
• Beauty Therapy
• Motor Vehicle
• Brickwork
• Maintenance Operations
• Business Administration
• Plastering
• Engineering
• Plumbing
• Hairdressing
• Veterinary Nursing
Prescott Street, Wigan, WN6 7DD Montrose Skills Hub, Montrose Ave, Wigan, WN5 9XL Central Park, Montrose Ave, Wigan, WN5 9XN Call: 01942 488 500 Email: recruitment@proconw.co.uk
www.proconw.co.uk
@ProCoNW
ProCo NWLtd.
@ProCo_NW
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Adult course guide
launched S
t Helens College is delighted to announce the launch of its Autumn/Winter 2016 January Adult Course Guide – with more courses than ever before!
The College have a range of adult courses offering the chance to learn new skills, develop existing ones, boost your confidence, gain qualifications or simply learn for fun starting from this September onwards. With courses suitable for everyone, from the absolute beginner, to those seeking more advanced and formal qualifications there’s never been a better time to study. It’s perfect for those who are unemployed, looking to secure a promotion, gain a chartered qualification or want to learn a new hobby with our night school classes; we can help you to achieve your goals. People wishing to return to education in St Helens and across the country will also be receiving a boost this coming academic year with the introduction of new loans for those aged 19 years old or over. The new Advanced Learner Loan is now available to those aged 19 and above studying for qualifications at levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 expanding access to college courses to even more people. St Helens College Principal, Dr Jette Burford commented: “Regardless of your age, past qualifications or future goals, St Helens College is the key to tailoring your education and development to suit your needs.” The St Helens College Autumn/Winter 2016 January Adult Course Guide is available to view and download now at www.sthelens.ac.uk. For free advice and guidance, or to explore what is available or to enrol onto a course drop into St Helens College Adult Enrolment and Information Events on Tuesday 30th August, 9.00am – 5.00pm, Wednesday 31st August, 12.00pm - 7.00pm, Tuesday 6th September, 5.00pm - 7.00pm, Thursday 8th September, 5.00pm - 7.00pm, Wednesday 14th September, 5.00pm - 7.00pm. For courses in Construction, Engineering, Motor Vehicle or Animal Management, drop into Technology Centre Campus, WA10 1TT. For all other courses, drop into Town Centre Campus, WA10 1PP. Alternatively, you can call 0800 99 66 99 or explore our website for more information.
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Diary dates Location
August:
September:
Enrolment Event
25th August
St Helens College
Enrolment Event
26th August
St Helens College
Enrolment Event
30th August
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
30th August
Wigan & Leigh College
Enrolment Event
30th August
St Helens College
Enrolment Event
31st August
Wigan & Leigh College
Enrolment Event
31st August
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
31st August
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
6th September
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
8th September
Hindley High School
Adult Enrolment
13th & 14th September
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
14th September
Open Week
W/C 26th September
Abraham Guest Academy St Jude’s Catholic Primary School St Mary’s College St Mary’s College
Open Evening
29th September
Open Afternoon
29th September
Open Event
29th September
Open Event
1st October
ProCo NW
Open Evening
14th October
WCPSD
Open Evening
10th October
Open Events
19th October
ProCo NW
Open Evening
5th November
WCPSD
Open Evening
1st November
Open Events
10th & 19th November
Carmel College
November:
Event Date
St Helens College
Crawford Village Primary School
October:
2016
Carmel College
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Expo Date More than 100 businesses have already booked their places for the Wigan Business Expo 2016, which takes place on Friday, October 7, at Robin Park Sports and Tennis Centre, Wigan. The Expo, now in its seventh year, is one of the biggest business events of its kind in the North West and is set to attract more than 1,000 business visitors. Businesses are being urged to book their stand soon before the event reaches capacity. Key note speakers on the day include Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, inspirational local businesswoman Melanie Bryan OBE, social media expert Jo Booth and Apprentice of the Year Jade Aspinall. Sponsors this year include main sponsors Fleet Dynamic along with Recognition Express, NicePak, CRE8, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, Training Consortium and VW Corkills. And the Expo is proud to announce that Rock FM,
the number one radio station for Lancashire, has signed up as official media partner. Councillor David Molyneux, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “To have more than 100 businesses sign up to the Wigan Business Expo 2016 already is testament to the success of the event and the strength of business in Wigan Borough. “Whether you’re a small, medium or large business there is something for everyone at the Expo including a wide variety of businesses exhibiting looking to grow their business, free business advice, new contacts, networking opportunities and informative seminars. “I would urge any business who is interested in showcasing their services and products at the event to get in touch with our team soon before stands sell out.” To find out more, book your stand or to pre-register to attend please visit Business Expo or contact the Expo Team on 01942 489190.
Free, no obligation discussion for all your bookkeeping needs Contact Petra on Telephone Mobile
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Business view
Making tax
digital
by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy
A
lthough we are currently amidst great turmoil and the political landscape is changing from one day to the next, you can be sure that one thing will never change, and that’s the determination of government to collect taxes.
The major benefits of Xero are:
A number of significant changes to the tax and selfassessment systems have already been announced and these will have a massive impact on how individuals, landlords and small businesses declare their income in the future. Whilst most of these are still at the consultation stage it is clear that there will be major changes from 2018/19 onwards
> Compatible with computers, laptops, tablets & smart phones
This is all part of the government’s drive towards “Making Tax Digital” The aim is for most businesses, self-employed people and landlords to update HMRC on a quarterly basis via their digital tax account. It is not yet clear whether tax will be paid on a quarterly basis. You can prepare for this by utilising modern technology and this is where CMA can help you. We have always been focused on delivering a modern, forward looking, proactive Accounting and Business Advisory Service to our prospects and clients. Cloud based technology is now common place in both peoples personal and business lives – after all, over 75% of us now use a smart phone. All modern businesses will be using some form of cloud based technology and an important area will be their accountancy software. CMA are partners with Xero, the leading provider of cloud accountancy software in the UK.
> Promotes efficiency with bank feeds and automated tasks > Simple and easy to use > Secure 24/7 access
> No installation or IT maintenance required > Real-time collaboration with your Accountant > Smart reports giving the business owner visibility and clarity on its numbers Why not give it a try, free of charge? We can offer you a free initial consultation and demonstration, either at our office or yours, at a time to suit you. It is our belief that for a business to succeed in the future it must engage with modern technology. This will enable it to meet its future obligations with regards to Making Tax Digital and stay ahead of its competitors. Contact us today for a no obligation demonstration:
SPECIAL OFFER Local Life readers can get two months XERO subscription FREE via CMA when quoting ‘LLJUL2016’ Terms and conditions apply.
01257 255521 info@cma-accountancy.com www.cma-accountancy.com CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR
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Financial planning
Out! by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP),
Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director
R
eaders may recall my last article regarding the impact on investors of us remaining and more importantly leaving the European Union (EU). The votes have now been counted and as a result we will be leaving the EU. From an investment perspective these have been very interesting times to put it mildly. The resulting capitulation of the Tory leadership as well as the ongoing shenanigans amongst the opposition has tested market confidence. Equities The so-called ‘experts’ reaction to Brexit, as you would expect, has been tempered with the caveat that it is far too early to tell, but thus far no-one has warned of pending disaster which I guess is good news! Equity markets have pushed on since the results were announced with a very strong bounce back from the falls we experienced shortly after the results were announced. The Bank of England’s promise of market support plus the weakening of sterling and likely interest rate reductions have pushed the FTSE from 6338 on the day before Brexit to 6718 at the time of writing, a rise of almost 6%. Corporate UK is now in the midst of its half-year round up. The great, the good, and the not-so-good are telling us about the state of life. No-one as yet is saying Brexit has been a major issue to their trading position.
Clearly the success (or otherwise) of our trade negotiations with the EU and other countries will be the key driver to the UK equity market going forward. Whilst we do anticipate further volatility in the short term, it will be the corporate fundamentals that will drive share prices over the longer term. Our view is that in times of crisis investors tend to become overly fixated on the here and now and in reality they should maintain their focus upon their original investment goals and timelines. Commercial property The general view is that the decision to leave is likely to have a negative impact on the commercial property sector which includes retail, offices and industrial properties. Consequently, many investors wanted to withdraw their holdings. Some fund groups therefore temporarily stopped investors selling (or buying) units in these funds. They have done this to give their managers time to find suitable buyers for their properties. If forced to sell quickly there is a risk they would have had to accept less than fair value, which would negatively impact remaining investors. Investors in these funds will have to wait for them to reopen before they decide whether to sell the investment. We feel the decision taken is in the best interests of existing investors. Most clients that have professionally managed portfolios will only have limited exposure to this sector and shouldn’t be concerned by the current situation. Professional advisers will always diversify their client portfolios to help smooth out period of volatility. If you require help/guidance with regards to what action you should be taking please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.
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Food & Drink
Nadiya’s
“I
kitchen By Ella Walker
don’t do fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, because that means flavour-free, and I like flavour,” states Nadiya Hussain happily.
Characteristically frank and open, Nadiya beat fellow bakers Tamal Ray and Ian Cumming in the BBC’s 2015 Bake Off final, thanks to a combination of pure charm, fantastic facial expressions (“I didn’t know my face did that by the way,” she admits with a laugh), and a knack for inventive bakes that sent saliva ducts up and down the country into overdrive. A year on, she’s celebrating the launch of her first cook book, Nadiya’s Kitchen (“My fourth baby”), has made the Queen’s 90th birthday cake, and has her own TV show in the pipeline - the brilliantly titled The Chronicles Of Nadiya - exploring her Bangladeshi food heritage. “I don’t know,” says the 31-year-old, when asked why people so instinctively warmed to her, during Bake Off and since. “I don’t even get it! Maybe because I just rattle on, talking to anyone like I’ve known them forever. “The one thing my husband said when I went on was, ‘You don’t want to go on there and not be yourself. You’re not an actress, you’re not a showman, just go on and just be yourself’, and that’s what I do - I’m only ever myself.” The Luton-born mum-of-three, who wed husband Abdal in an arranged marriage when she was 19, struggles to get her shopping done these days without being accosted by affectionate fans. “That’s what it comes with,” she says of the attention. “Everybody I meet is always really positive and somewhere in the sentence there’s always, ‘We’re really proud of you’, and for people I don’t know to say they’re proud of me, that’s a big deal.” Most impressively perhaps, this is the woman who made Mary Berry cry on national television. “No one’s ever done that, but I have!” she beams, laughing. “I can’t believe she cried.” If you’d like to cook like a Bake Off winner yourself, try one of these three recipes from Nadiya’s Kitchen...
Nadiya’s Kitchen by Nadiya Hussain is published in hardback by Michael Joseph, priced £20.
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Taste test
Dining
excellence G
ive me a choice between dining at a large establishment and a smaller one, I’ll take the smaller one every time. Proportionally, you’re a bigger part of their trade, so they generally go all out to impress you so that you will return. And so it showed at the Stocks Tavern in Parbold. These guys take their food extremely seriously. The Stocks has just undergone a complete interior and exterior refurbishment, and is now owned by a Parbold couple who enjoy dining there so much – they bought the place! Perusing the assorted menus at the Stocks, it soon becomes apparent just how serious the Stocks are about food. A dedicated menu for Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free customers is substantial, the children’s menu is impressive and the Early Bird menu is surprisingly all-inclusive, instead of the usual low-rent choices seen in many places. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a full English so I opted to start with the Black Pudding and Bacon Fritter. The fritter was exquisite, a crunchy exterior enveloping a medium soft flavoursome black pudding and bacon filling. This was presented on sweet and tasty house baked beans which were fused with onions, bacon bits and fresh tomatoes, and topped with a soft fried egg which was cut to shape and well-seasoned too. When dining out like this, I always swap over with my dining partner mid-dish, in this case – a Smoked Salmon and Prawn Tian. The contrast between the two dishes was quite remarkable; the fish dish was bound in a citrus mayonnaise which brought out the tangy light taste of the salmon and prawns. This quite delicious dish was accompanied by petit salad which added extra texture. Though completely different, these were exceptionally good, well presented and innovative starters which displayed perfectly the culinary talents on offer at The Stocks. We moved quickly onto the main courses, and I tucked into a Pan-Seared Salmon fillet, on a base of roasted pepper and lemon risotto. Beautifully crisped on top, salmon
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flaked away perfectly amidst a torrent of seasoning provided by the salsa verde dotted around the plate. The creamy risotto, slightly al dente, tasted heavenly. Risotto is a favourite but is often overshadowed on any menu I’m presented with. However, twinned with this delicious salmon and asparagus it stood out as a star in a fairly stellar menu. Good as this was however, my mouth was watering with the prospect of trying out the Beef Brisket which my partner was eagerly tucking into. When the leftovers came my way, I was faced with an eight hour slow braised beef brisket, with horseradish mash, and a side medley of vegetables. If capital punishment ever returns to the UK and I’ve been convicted, when I’m asked for my last meal request – it will be this Beef Brisket! No need to bring along your falsies along to the Stocks, this brisket epitomises the phrase ‘melt in your mouth’, and a mouthful of the beef with the mash and the awesome roast garlic and thyme jus is simply sublime. The mash is perfect, not overpowered by the horseradish, and to top it all, the carrots, cauli and mange tout vegetables were cooked perfectly too. the dessert menu consists of a simple selection of homemade dishes and ice creams. After a suitable rest, we opted just to share a homemade Bakewell Tart, with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis. An
Whilst a decade or so ago, a trip to Parbold rarely involved calling at the Stocks, which had a bit of reputation as the bad boys pub. Since then, it’s undergone a complete metamorphosis and this is now a centre of dining excellence – no trip to Parbold is complete without visiting the Stocks. Check out the reviews on Trip Advisor and book your trip today!
FREE WINE
OFFER!
Free bottle of our Wine of the Week when two diners order 3 courses from our Early Bird menu Offer only applies Tues & Weds 5-9pm, Thursday 5-6.30pm, Sunday 12-4pm
#
Thankfully, after an amazing starter and main course,
excellent choice as it happens, but like every dish we chose on the day, it was presented professionally and tasted divine.
Booking essential – please bring voucher Offer ends on 07/10/2016
The Stocks Tavern, 16 Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN Telephone 01257 462874 www.thestockstavern.co.uk
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Feta and dill savoury
muffins
Makes 12 Ingredients 175g plain flour 50g wholewheat flour 2 1/2tsp baking powder 1tsp fine salt
Method
275ml whole milk
Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cases.
1 medium egg 100g cottage cheese 75g unsalted butter, melted and cooled 50g feta cheese, crumbled 1/2tsp wholegrain mustard 2tbsp fresh dill, chopped 1tsp ground black pepper 8 sundried tomatoes, chopped 25g pumpkin seeds
Put the flours, baking powder and salt in a bowl, and stir everything together. Now add the milk, egg, cottage cheese, melted butter, feta cheese, mustard, dill and black pepper. Mix it all together and spoon into muffin cases. Top each muffin with a little chopped sundried tomato and sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
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Cod and
clementine
Serves 2 Ingredients 5 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 1/2 onion, diced 1tbsp tomato puree 1tsp fine sea salt 200ml water 1/2tsp turmeric 1tsp paprika 1tsp ground cumin 2 clementines, peel only, sliced Juice of 1 clementine
Method Heat the oil in a medium pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the crushed garlic and diced onion. Turn the heat down and cook gently until the onions are soft. Add the tomato puree, salt and water. Cook for a further five minutes over a low heat. Now add the turmeric, paprika and cumin, and cook gently for another five minutes. Keep adding small amounts of water if it starts to catch on the bottom. Add the clementine peel and cook for 10 minutes, until the peel is soft and almost falling apart. Use a potato masher to mash all the peel - breaking it up will intensify the flavour. Add the fish, cover and cook for 10 minutes over a low heat.
A large handful of coriander, finely chopped
Squeeze in the clementine juice. Once the fish is cooked, take the pan off the heat and sprinkle over the chopped coriander.
Basmati rice, to serve
This dish is best eaten with hot basmati rice.
300g cod fillets
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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
Divino Restaurant Traditional Italian homemade cuisine. Enjoy the friendly warm atmosphere, where you can relax or celebrate any occasion with our outstanding wine and food. See our website for more information. 01942-386140 4, Orrell Road, Wigan, WN5 8HD divino-italian.co.uk
The Stocks Tavern Warmest and friendliest of welcomes with award winning chef Mike Heap, who uses only the finest, freshest, local ingredients to ensure you leave completely satisfied. 01257 462874 16, Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN thestockstavern.co.uk
Advertise
here £30 + VAT
Call 01695 627999
The Simms Road Inn Homemade pub food classics made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning Steak & Ale pie, supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner. 01744 894246 Garswood, WN4 0XH burtonandrew55@yahoo.com
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Our services include:
Charity Golf Day A charity golf day and dinner is being held on Friday, September 16, at Mossock Hall Golf Club near Bickerstaffe. Supported by local companies Solid Sheds and Arcadia Maintenance, the day consists of bacon rolls on arrival, 18 holes of golf and a buffet meal with raffles and auctions. To book your place or for more information just email Andy at sales@ solidsheds.com or call 07590 928003.
• Dog walking • Home visits • Pet checks • Holiday care • Pet photography
FurEverFriends
Call Silke Klingenhagen for more details
17 Ormskirk Road, Upholland, WN8 OAH
07530 119263 / 01695 228306
www.fureverfriendsdogwalking.co.uk
Leader of the Pack Dog Services “Let me lead your pack”
Drama Classes Platform Theatre Company restarts its drama classes at the Old Courts on Wednesday, September 7. It’s for anyone over 13 - there’s no upper age limit. You’ll get training with Industry professionals, hopefully towards an appearance in a production in 2017. Registration is essential via 07542 114383 or email contactus@healthyarts.org.uk. Subsidised places are available for younger people, otherwise it’s £5 per weekly 2-hour workshop.
n When ca k to I go bac arn Dukes B Farm?
Boarding kennels for all breeds of dogs. Heated accommodation. Recommended by vets & clients for over 35 years. Local authority licensed & approved. Open 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday Closed to customer visits on Sunday
DUKES BARN FARM Animal care at its best
Brook Lane, Pemberton, WN5 8JQ
Call - 01942 217752
Dog Walking Dog Sitting/Boarding Small Pet Holiday Visits/Boarding Pet Taxi/Bathing Service Telephone: 07801 455266 or 01942 620417 www.facebook.com/leadmypack
Gary Mulvaney
Dog Trainer Train for Fun – Skills for Life • Puppy/Dog Training • 1-2-1 Instruction • Behavioural problems 07754 003 021 or 01257 252232
www.garymulvaney.co.uk
A well trained dog is a happy dog! Jo Pay is a fully qualified Dog Trainer who offers:
Agility classes KC Rally Obedience classes Puppy classes One to one training Puppy socialisation parties Give Jo a call today on 01257 423726 or email her on jo@standishdogtrainer.co.uk
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sponsored by
Hilldale &
Hunters Hill by Chris Pearce
P
arbold is a well-known mecca for local walkers, who frequent the village each weekend from Spring to Autumn, bringing custom to the pubs and cafes in the village. This walk focuses on the area directly north of Parbold; Hilldale, Bispham Green, Mawdesley and the lofty Hunters Hill quarry, from where you can catch some magnificent views of Lancashire’s countryside. The walk isn’t a long one by Jack’s Tracks standards – just 4.6 miles – but there are a couple of killer hills to experience and your calves will be aching come Monday morning!
Hunters Hill to Cedar Farm Park up in the car park at Hunters Hill. Enter the site via a horse stile by the wooden gate, turn right then take a direct left and follow the footpath that runs parallel to the wooden fence. The views to the right are fantastic on a clear day and you can see Liverpool, Southport, Blackpool and beyond. Keep to the path which eventually descends out of the site. The footpath changes to a dirt track; follow the track downhill and it eventually becomes Hillside Avenue in Hilldale. When you get to the
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end of the road, turn right onto Chorley Road, and carry on along the footpath for 400 yards. Once you reach Springmount Farm on the left, cross over the road and hop over the stone stile where the public footpath symbol is. Walk through the small field for 130 yards until you reach Grimshaw Green Lane. Turn right and follow Grimshaw Green Lane for 300 yards until the junction with Malt Kiln Lane. Turn left and follow Malt Kiln Lane for 450 yards ignoring the public footpath sign on the right. Just before you reach a couple of brick semi-detached houses, take a right turn down a dead end road which leads to Sills Farm. Follow this road for 200 yards then take a left turn at the public footpath sign and go across the fields. Follow this path in the same direction for ¼ mile until you cross a stile and take a few steps down to Back Lane. Turn right down and follow this quiet country lane for just over ¼ mile until you reach Cedar Farm. Turn right into the car park at Cedar Farm. Cedar Farm is a good stopping off point on the walk; there is a café and also a rather nice coffee house too. Be warned though, the coffee house is that comfortable, that you won’t want to get up after a drink and some cake! Cedar Farm to Hunters Hill Resume where you left off and head down the path on the right hand side of Cedar Farm. You’ll spot a footpath sign in the far right hand corner. Go left through the gate and follow the path until you reach a track. Turn left again and follow the track for 225 yards until you reach Back Lane once more. As
you exit onto Back Lane, turn right and you’ll spot a public footpath signpost 50 yards away. Hop over the stile and follow the path which runs parallel to the line of the trees. When the trees end, carry on in the same direction, heading towards the metal gate. Cross the stile next to the gate and then turn right. You’re now on a quiet country road called Moody Lane. Follow Moody Lane to its conclusion 450 yards later with the junction with Bentley Lane. Turn left and then first right, heading up a no-through road in the direction of Lower Gauges House.
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You’ll follow this road, mainly uphill, for 550 yards. Follow the track as far as you can possibly go; and when it bends to the left near the black metal railings there is a gate. Go through the gate which takes you up a narrow footpath with a stone wall on your left. When you get to the top of the path, hop over the little stream and cross the stile. Once you have crossed the stile, take an immediate left turn uphill and then cross the next wooden stile. Try and spot a well hidden public footpath symbol on the telegraph pole to the left, but in any event stay on the left hand perimeter of the field by the wooden fence, heading uphill all the way. Hop over the next wooden stile, again keeping to the left
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hand perimeter of the field. Once you’re halfway up the hill, the fence will start to veer to the left; carry straight on the path towards the stile in the distance by the perimeter of the woods. Unless you suffer from vertigo, take a look behind you at this stage – there’s a breath-taking panoramic view of Lancashire on offer! Cross the aforementioned stile and follow the fenced path uphill through the woods. Once you reach the stone wall, bear right and head over the large wooden stile. Once you’ve negotiated the stile, turn right downhill. It’s worth mentioning that if you fancy seeing the disused Harrock Hill windmill, then turn left at this point and it’s a couple of hundred yards distance in the other direction. So, you’re heading downhill at this point. When the path forks bear right, and cross the wooden stile into a field. Head downhill down the left hand perimeter of the field, dodging the gorse bushes and you’ll end up at the bottom left hand corner of the field. Cross the stile, and head straight on down the concrete path. Bear to the right and follow that path until it meets the public highway 300 yards later. Turn left down Jackson’s Lane. A few yards further on, you’ll come to a fork in the road; bear right and follow Jackson’s Lane for a further 200 yards until you reach the junction with Bannister Lane. Turn left and head up a steep hill, for a calf- straining 500 yards until you reach the car park. If you want a rest (and you will want one at this point, I can guarantee), take a right turn just 40 yards short of
the car park entrance and follow the pathway which leads to a couple of benches where you can have a well-earned rest and take in the magnificent views once more! 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.
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Events & Leisure
What’s Ormskirk MotorFest
on Ride The Lights
Sunday, 28th August
Tuesday, 30th August
Billed as the North’s biggest free motor event, the Ormskirk Motorfest is a fabulous feast of sounds, smells and automotive design and technology over the last 100 years, from thundering stock cars to the sweetest sounding vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles – all in Ormskirk town centre. See and hear a Formula 1 car start up and run! Limited free town centre parking is available but you can park at Edge Hill University for £5 per car and take a free bus ride to town in an historic bus. 11am-4.30pm Ormskirk Town Centre (Edge Hill L39 4QP) www.ormskirkmotorfest.com
Blackpool lights Illuminations preview and cycle gathering. Ride along the traffic free Blackpool Promenade and enjoy the fabulous Blackpool Illuminations before the official switch on. Trams will be running for those without bicycles. 7pm to 10pm Blackpool Promenade, Lancashire, FY1 5BD
Canal Fest Sunday, 28th and Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August Two days of free festivities and entertainment for all ages on land and water for the first annual Canal Fest at Botany Bay. This celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal will feature boat rides, a narrow boat flotilla, classic car display, swing boat rides, Punch and Judy, canoe display and vintage bus rides. 10am-4pm Botany Bay, Chorley PR6 9AF www.botanybay.co.uk
Blackpool Illuminations Friday, 2nd September – Sunday, 6th November Autumn just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Blackpool’s world famous Northern Lights. Hop aboard an open top tram for the clearest views of the lights, relax in a horse drawn carriage as a romantic treat or simply walk the 10km along the front with your bag of fish and chips! Blackpool Promenade, Lancashire, FY1 5BD www.blackpool-illuminations.net
Rainford Show Saturday, 3rd September Come and enjoy a traditional country village show in Rainford and check out the rich variety of exhibits which are the result of the enthusiasm and hard work of villagers. Classes include handicrafts, photography, confectionery, preserves, floral art, vegetables, fruit and flowers. 1.30-4.30pm Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford WA11 8HB www.rainfordshow.co.uk
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Culcheth Beer Festival
Orrell Proms
Friday, 9th & Saturday, 10th September
Saturday, 10th September
Organised by the Newton Rotary Club, the annual Culcheth Beer Festival features 40 different cask ales, various ciders and even a prosecco bar! Designated drivers enjoy free drinks. The event has live music, a hog roast and all proceeds go to Newton Rotary’s charity work – last year the event raised almost £15,000. The £5 entry fee includes a free commemorative festival glass and programme. Friday 5pm-11.30pm Saturday noon-11.30pm Culcheth Sports Club, Charnock Road, Culcheth WA3 5SH www.culchethbeerfestival.org
Orrell Cricket Club present their 2nd annual Last Night of the Proms event, held at their ground off Winstanley Road in Orrell. Performers include Brother Beyond, X-Factor’s Carolynne Poole, soul and Oasis tribute bands, Andy Crawford and, to round off the night, the Golborne Brass Band. Tickets must be bought in advance from www. orrell-live.co.uk 2pm-11pm Winstanley Road, Orrell WN5 7XF www.orrell-live.co.uk
Wigan Diggers Festival Saturday, 10th September
Southport Air Show 2016 Friday, 9th, Saturday 10th & Sunday, 11th September If you’re looking for a fun and exhilarating day out then look now no further than the Southport Air Show – recently voted the number one family day out in the North West! For the first time, there’s Friday night flying, topped by a fireworks finale. Tickets start from £6.50 on Friday, and £8.50 on Saturday/Sunday. Children under 5 go free. Southport Beach www.visitsouthport.com/southport-air-show
Charnock Richard Classic Vehicle Show Saturday, 10th & Sunday, 11th September There will be tractors, trucks, cars, motor cycles, trade stands, table tops with a vintage theme, games, refreshments, etc. This will be held during Charnock Richard Scarecrow Festival when there will be other activities throughout the village. Free admission. 10.00am to 5.00pm Church Lane, Charnock Richard, PR7 5HS
A free-fun packed open air event in Wigan town centre commemorating Gerrard Winstanley and the 17th Century Diggers’ Movement. Attracting a crowd of around 4,000, this 6th annual festival consists of live music across two stages and this year’s headliners are: The Railway Children. Other attractions include poetry, comedy, educational talks, children’s entertainment, a Digging reenactment, a beer tent and 50+ stalls. 11:00 am - 9:30 pm Wigan town centre www.wigandiggersfestival.org
Flower & Vegetable Show Saturday, 10th September The Newton-le-Willows Gardeners Association hosts their long established annual show in the village, sponsored by Newton Rotary Club. Exhibits include flowers, pot plants, vegetables, fruit, art, photography, baking, jam and chutneys. Prize giving starts at 4.15pm, and exhibits will be sold off afterwards. 2pm-5pm Penkford School, Wharf Road, N-le-W WA12 9XZ www.nlwgardeners.co.uk
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Walton Gardens Country Fair Sunday, 11th September Simply Walton Garden’s biggest event of the year! With rural crafts, amazing live arena acts, live music, children’s fun fair, crafts stalls, farmers market, gourmet hot food, real ale and narrow boat rides. And if that’s wasn’t all – admission is free! Walton Gardens, Higher Walton, Warrington, WA4 6SN 10.30am-16.30pm www.warrington.gov.uk
Lancashire Game & Country Festival
Throwing a
Party?
Saturday, 10th & Sunday, 11th September Lancashire’s first game and country festival, showcasing many aspects of the local game industry together with country pursuits, food halls and stalls. There will also be clay pigeon shooting, a theatre of food and a terrier show. Dogs on leads are welcome. Adults, £11, Child £6 (10-16), Children under 10 free Woodacre Lodge Farm, Scorton, Preston, PR3 1BN www.lancashiregamefestival.co.uk
Large, medium & small function rooms for hire
Animal Magic
Quality cask ales always available
Saturday, 24th & Sunday, 25th September Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough will be hosting their enormously popular Animal Magic weekend on these days. In addition to existing attractions, there will be the chance to meet an armadillo, baby crocodiles, wallabies, meerkats, chameleons, alpacas, snakes, bearded dragons, owls, eagles and vultures! Book online to save 10%. 9.30am-6pm Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 0TA www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
Holds from 50 to 180 people Sprung dance floor r all!
Free membership fo
Ample free car parking
Wednesday Special Free snooker & 30p off all Draught Beers
Call Joe on
07877 480 572 for details
St James Social Centre St James Road Orrell, WN5 7AA 01695 623902
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Promote your class
North West Vintage Rally Saturday, 24th & Sunday, 25th September Free family day out for all the family at Victoria Park in Widnes. The largest event of its kind in the UK, this rally has hundreds of classic cars and bikes, plus miniature steam engines, model boats, a vintage funfair and the Spitfire Grand Display team. 10am-5pm Victoria Park, Widnes, WA8 7SX www.northwestvintagerally.co.uk
Southport British Musical Fireworks Championship
here!
Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in Wigan Ad prices start from £39 + VAT Call 01695 627 999 for details
Friday, 30th Sept, Saturday 1st Oct, Sunday, 2nd Oct International standard displays from some of the best pyrotechnic companies in the UK over a three night period. The fireworks are synchronised and choreographed to music and a story unfolds with every 15-20 minute display. Watch the sky over Southport become an array of colours. Tickets start from £7, children under 5 go free. Victoria Park, Southport, PR8 2BZ www.visitsouthport.com
The Family Pet Show Saturday, 1st & Sunday, 2nd October The Family Pet Show (the only indoor Pet Show that you can bring your pet to) includes dog agility displays, a mini-farm, fun dog shows and lots more. With four main interactive areas of watch, play, learn & have a go, plus areas for all pets in dog world, cat world, furries world, bird world & exotic world there is something for every pet lover. 9.30am to 5.00pm Adult, £9, Child, £7 Event City, Phoenix Way, Manchester, M41 7TB www.thefamilypetshow.co.uk
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FREE to download at www.locallife247.co.uk
97
Test drive
Fiat
Tipo
T
1.6 Multijet II 120
by Tim Barnes-Clay
he Italian auto-maker is blunt about its intentions: the all-new Fiat Tipo is a car without frills and, even though it’s more or less emulating Dacia’s marketing strategy, its real competitor is the likes of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback.
Now, I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the all-new Fiat Tipo is, in my opinion, better looking than the Czech-made car. This is due to its elegant nose design, and neater overall shape. The Fiat Tipo’s price begins from a remarkably low £12,995 on the road, which is bound to shake up the British motoring market. The fresh Fiat Tipo is hitting our shores in September in five-door hatchback and ‘Station Wagon’ (estate) guises. The body forms are indistinguishable from the rear doors forward and the outside of the Tipo really doesn’t ooze ‘budget’ by any means. It’s only when you step inside that the ‘no frills’ element kicks-in. Some of the all-new Fiat Tipo’s switchgear is from the Fiat 500 range’s parts bin – as is the steering wheel. These components of the car feel good to the touch – it’s the plastics at knee-height on the doors and the dash that give the game away. The synthetic material is so cheap that it sounds hollow and scratches if you run your fingernails lightly over it. But, as with many things in life, there’s light and shade – and the Fiat Tipo’s factory-fitted kit tips the car back into the good books. All 2016 Fiat Tipo models receive six airbags, electric windows, DAB digital radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
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We tested the flagship ‘High’ trim version (equivalent to Fiat’s ‘Lounge’ spec) of the Fiat Tipo hatchback at its launch in Turin. Equipment at this level includes sat-nav with TomTom LIVE services, climate control, a rear view camera and 17-inch alloy wheels - pushing the price-tag up to £17,995. The car we drove came with Fiat’s well-known 120hp 1.6-litre Multijet II diesel power unit - but the range also offers the choice of a 1.3-litre oil-burner and 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines. Behind the wheel, it’s evident that the all-new Fiat Tipo has been put together so that it delivers comfort over everything else. Turin’s pothole ridden roads were a walk-in-the-park for the Tipo hatchback – its soft suspension enabling the car to sail over them without any discomposure in the cabin. Point the all-new Fiat Tipo’s nose into a corner rapidly, though, and body roll is perceptible. The well-weighted steering helps to make up for this slightly, but it still doesn’t make you feel as connected with the tarmac as you’d like to be. From a power point of view, the all-new Fiat Tipo’s 1.6-litre oil-burning unit is nothing exceptional, but the car’s six-speed manual transmission impresses with its positive-shift action. In lower gears lag is obvious and, while it’s a quiet cruiser, things become rowdy from 3,000rpm onwards. It tugs well, though, once that rev range is reached and is swift enough for the class of car. Its carbon dioxide emissions of 98g/km are just below the Skoda Rapid Spaceback, which in 1.6 TDI CR 115 SE Tech guise emits 99g/km of CO2. Pricing is similar - the Skoda being just £675 cheaper at £17,320. The all-new Fiat Tipo gets things right again when it comes to room. It’s even lengthier than a far more expensive Volkswagen Golf, so legroom is bountiful for rear seat occupants. The slanting roofline cuts into head space a little at the back, but this will only concern passengers over 6ft tall. The hatchback’s load-area is seriously decent, too - class leadingly so at 440 litres. In real-world terms, that’s more than
enough space for the weekly shop and a couple of toddlers’ buggies. All things considered, the all-new Fiat Tipo is mediocre to drive and its cabin quality isn’t the best. But it does look good; it has bags of room; it’s comfortable and it comes loaded with kit. So even though 2016’s Fiat Tipo has a few negative points, it still represents good value for money.
Fast
facts
0-62 mph: 9.8 secs Combined mpg: 76.3 Engine layout: 1.6-litre 4cyl diesel Max. power (hp): 120 CO2: 98 g/km Price: £17,995
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What
if...
by Angie Barker
Award Winner
D
o you ever have a moment when you ask yourself “why am I doing this?” I can guarantee that on the last Sunday in June, around 5am in the morning, I am asking myself that very question. That is the day when I open up my garden to the public under the National Garden Scheme. I will have spent every waking hour for the past week checking the weather forecast, weeding, mowing, pruning, staking, painting the shed, buying new plants to fill gaps in colour, pressure washing paths, putting labels on plants, ordering cup cakes and stocking up on tea and coffee. And then when the day finally comes and the hard work is done, I start to ask myself : what if nobody comes what if it rains all day what if people don’t like it what if my helpers get struck down with a terrible disease and can’t come what if we run out of cup cakes (we never do) what if someone falls in the pond
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.
Well this year, it did rain and so although numbers were down on last year, people did come. The visitors loved the garden and my wonderful helpers were fit and healthy and manned the door and made the teas. We had a surplus of cup cakes and nobody fell in the pond. Why do I put myself through this every year? Well, we raise a few hundred pounds for the cancer charities, I also enjoy answering visitors questions about the garden and people seem to enjoy their visit. I get the chance to meet other gardeners and people who live in my street and who I’ve never spoken to before. Most of all I hope it gives encouragement to people to show that whatever size of garden you have and no matter how overlooked, you can have a little oasis of your own which gives you an escape from the stresses of modern living. Thank you to everyone who came and to Hubby who was quietly in the background, telling me it will all be fine. Put Sunday 25th June in your diary for next year. That’s the day I’ll be asking myself, at 5am in the morning, “why am I doing this?”
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
Award Winner
101
Puzzle
solutions
The photo on page 76 is of Orrell West Goods Siding and the Sandbrook Road bridge.
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Garden need a little
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• Tree Surgery • Flagging & Fencing • Landscaping & Design • Garden Clearances
Qualified Tree Surgeon NCA RFS NPTC All types of Tree and Hedge Work Fully Insured Felling, Reducing, Pruing, Shaping
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Wood chipping & stump grinder services
Call Lloyd today for a free estimate
01942 367170 / 07900 738637
Tree and Landscape Management West Lancashire District Council approved contractor
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Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121
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Need help with your garden?
Friendly and reliable service Call Mick now for details
01942 700377 or 07982 928816
Oak Tree Maintenance •
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Orrell-Based*
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•
steve@smntrees.co.uk
• Gates and railings • Repairs and restorations • Ironwork and welding • Traditional forge work over 20 years experience
NO VAT CHARGED
FREE
pick up & drop off ! for mower services
Unit 6, Hewitt Business Park, Orrell WN5 7XB
Call - 01695 682 043 Garden maintenance ~ General tidy ups Hedge cutting ~ Pressure washing ~ Fencing
Call - 01942 225711 or 07773 296880 Eton Way, Orrell
Tel: 01695 721877 Mobile: 07951 764202 The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland
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Landscapes
Creating the ideal outdoor living space Garden Design & Construction Driveways & Patios | BBQs & Fireplaces
All aspects of landscaping from design to build 25 years experience! Contact Phil: 07511 126 260 or 01942 703 049 Wimborne Road, Orrell
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Call Stewart Ashcroft on;
01695 622460 or 07894 217191 email:westdene41@btinternet.com Winstanley Road, Billinge
Want a beautiful garden without all the hard work? At GreenHills we don’t just treat your lawns, we offer a complete service all year round. • • • • •
APPLICATION OF LAWN TREATMENTS GARDEN MAINTENANCE WEEDING & BORDERS HEDGES & SHRUBS MAINTAINED WEED SPRAYING OF PATHS & DRIVEWAYS
Professional Lawn Treatment & Garden Maintenance ~ Est. 2001 ~
01942 200 039 or 07950 651 956 Garden Design & Quality Landscaping Quality work & reliability at competitive prices Call today for a FREE quote
Our aim is to deliver a creative, personal service adhering to our customers requirements and within budget. Large projects or small makeovers are all carried out with the same commitment and dedication. We take great pride in completing all projects to the highest possible standards. w w w. p d h o m e a n d g a r d e n . c o . u k
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garden maintenance fertilising & moss control weed control to lawn & turfing & landscaping driveways tree surgery hedge cutting one off jobs or regular garden tidy ups maintenance
HND qualified. PA1 PA2 & PA6 spraying qualifications. 20 years experience. Billinge based.
01942 510 986 07710 405 214 Visit our website to see previous projects
www.ashlandscapingandmaintenance.co.uk Established 1994
day: 07929 366769 eve: 01744 302793
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Lady Decorator
Professional Interior Decorating Service Reduced rates for Pensioners Clean, tidy and conscientious Tel: 01942 366996 or 07962 422856
Award Winner
Exterior & Interior Decorating Domestic & Commercial work undertaken Competitive rate Call Graham now - free estimate provided
Just Imagine
Decorating - Interior Design - Soft Furnishings
Sg
PaiNtiNg & decORatiNg Interior painting & decorating Specialise in standard wall coverings, extra wide vinyl, lincrusta & coving Free estimates. References available upon request
07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971
J&P
LTD
Sefton Road Orrell WN5 8UP
01257 426 234
www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk
Create your Dream Home today… Our Master Craftsman Derek and his friendly team will help you create your dream home. All aspects of decorating - from simple painting or wallpapering to complex murals. 50 years wallpapering expertise. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call Derek today for a free consultation & quote
Call 07831 505 672
email franklindecorators@gmail.com
MOORCROFT Professional Painting and Decorating • Domestic & Commercial Work • Interior & Exterior work welcomed • Old/listed buildings a speciality
www.wigandecorators.co.uk
Call us today for a free quotation Home Service available
Choose from 1000s of paint & paper samples in the comfort of our own home
01942 212096 07831 102 511 www.jpmoorcroft.com
Need a new look for your home?
Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices! Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator
01942 518126 or 07545 065119 Orrell based business
Ian Martland
Painter & Decorator Established 1990
• All aspects of Decorating • Interior & Exterior • Free Estimates
01695 632 477 | 07748 195 809
107
KL
Domestic Cleaning Services
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Power Washing I’ll clean your:
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Call Paul on 07736 396374 for a free quote
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• Driveways & Patios etc.
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SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF ALL CLEANING PACKAGES Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.
01942 470 089 / 07834 241 642 www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com
Arley Cabinet Company Ltd • Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •
Advertise
here
Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
We measure we make we fit and have done for 60 years. Visit our showroom or call us today for a FREE estimate
Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd 214a Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7BN Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm Sat: 9am - 12pm
www.arleycabinets.com tel: 01942 246190
108
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
• Central Heating Installations • Boiler Installations • Maintenance & Servicing • Power Flushing
Standish based
C &D
Plumbing and Heating
Heating & Bathroom Specialist Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P 07973714222 01695625171
IAIN LOWE 01695 623236 • Central Heating • Plumbing • Gas Appliances • Gas Safety Checks • Landlord’s Certificates • Maintenance/Breakdowns
186237
Your one stop shop for central heating 434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF
01942 221221
info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com
Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service
John Bailey - 01942 495785
or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan
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
brand New bathrooms boiler + Central Heating Installs, servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Domestic + Commercial
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WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!
Telephone:
01942 504 429
Freephone 0300 3030121 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809
Registration No.
88604
21 Naburn Dr Orrell wN5 8sb
TEL: MOB:
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk
www.orrellheating.co.uk
Finance available
506515
01257 421 660 07931 766 684
www.fgwelch.co.uk
109
Elite Bathrooms • Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites • Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling
01942 225771 / 07803 057940 Eton Way, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8PN www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk
Great Value Bathrooms!
Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Showers, Trays & Cubicles Relocation of Bathroom Suites 25 years bathroom experience Call Chris now for a free quotation
C L Bathrooms
01942 749085 or 07801 295483 www.clbathrooms.co.uk
Installation & Tiling • Bathrooms • Wall Tiling • Floor Tiling 0770344 8890 FREE Estimates
01942 208926
110
Smart Electrical Contractors
• All aspects of electrical work welcomed • From new sockets to full re-wire - no job too small • CCTV/Alarms/Security Lighting a speciality
24 hour Call Out Service
Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est. Cale Lane Wigan Contact Us: 01942 836 937 / 07557 914788 www.ghewigan.co.uk
All electrical work undertaken • Rewire specialists • Extra sockets & lights fitted • Mains board upgrades
Free quotations
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Domestic - Commercial - Industrial
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BAILEYS J.Dillon Electrical ELECTRICAL
Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826
01942 215 769 07739 709 005
• All types of electrical work • 20+ years experience • Friendly, fast and reliable • 24 hour call out service
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Advertise
here
Advertise your business in this
Garage and£39 entrance doors section from + VAT a month information please phone inFor more matching styles TV Aerial from £65 fully fitted Sky Dish £60 - Setup Service Telephone/Broadband repair TV Wall Installation
Ring Paul on www.wiganaerials.com 01942 514532 - 07709 490095 GARAGE DOOR
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01695 627 999
Is your garage door broken ? Call us today for a free estimate to Repair or Replace it
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01744 894939 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE! www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, Upholland WN8 9QL
CJM Garage Doors Ltd, Unit 10, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB t: 01942 738347 w: www.cjmgaragedoors.co.uk
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M H Roofing Ltd
Established over 15 years Friendly advice and competitive rates No job too small
• High Performance Felt Flat Roof Systems • Storm Damage and Insurance Work • Slating and Tiling full roofs • Poiniting and Guttering • Fascia Boards
Call 01744 884117 or 07702 693225
www.mhroofingltd.co.uk
Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees
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
• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985
Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation
W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS
01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years
• Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate
01695 633173 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk
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Improving your home? • Fitted Kitchens • Loft Conversions • New Bathrooms • Conservatories If you plan to improve your home in 2016 call Gareth today for a free quotation
K Stone Building Services
All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience
• Brickwork • Pointing • Garden Walls • Patios • Joinery • Flagging • Alterations • Plastering
01942 495412 / 07974 496676
Billinge Based
Number One for House Maintenance! • UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & ROOFLINE The Complete Answer to Building & Joinery Jobs
01744 603 231 / 07501 270 436 Home Improvements • Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms • Garage & Loft Conversions • Floors, Doors & Windows For all your home improvement needs call David on...
01942 203 804 DS Joiner 07851 225 876
• BROKEN LOCKS & MISTED WINDOWS • GUTTERS AND UPVC CLEANING SERVICE • FLAGGING, FENCING & POINTING • GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE
No job too small! Call Mike Darbyshire on
01942 513 584 / 07917 352 181 Orrell based
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…for a more majestic way of living Extensions - from design to completion Orangeries & Conservatories Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Paving Garden Buildings Conservatory roof replacements Highly experienced ~ no job too small ~ Orrell based
Call us today for expert advice and a free quotation
0800 085 3987 MOBILE 07917 735 686
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www.majesticbuildingservices.co.uk
Chris W Interiors •Kitchen and bathroom restorations and re-fits • Interior refurbishing and renovations. • Property makeovers
07824 831442 or 01257 402171 www.cw7designs.co.uk
01257 422317 or 07852 202867 www.mtjoiner y.co.uk
Design & Print l Geails N £15
Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service
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All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request Call now for a free quotation
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Solar Thermal & Solar PV Wind Turbines Heat Pumps
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect
LED Lighting
...and general NG SERVICI
every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
VAN CAR & motorcycles too es E ...and Lash Tan Book X y your FREE Spra H ils home survey eds A k Sunb & GeTl Na Health ChecTelephone: 01257 427 000 ic Car U rton Acryl and Brethe Don’t forget, we also offer all of theseEnergy services daily... Savings
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
FREE Dennis Goulding
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS (Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
and we’ll provide you with a detailed report showing the returns
A49
Mossy Lea Road
01695 627999
£20
B5250
For more information call
Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories, Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
ally
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no
House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments
available from- 12:00 yournoon Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am
own solar panels Y S 84 of Crostonwww.dglwindows.co.uk (10% typical return) J27 dio residents me! R Stu T @ for all7PG me until you needCheck E e WN5Keep S HealthVisit our showroom at , Billing 400 FREE Car on - 6PM Unit 4a, Road S 4 619 your ford ay 10AM now Book Cricket : 0781
s Natalie
A5209
Standish
Shevington
Saturd hone : 84 Rain - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM y
Call
, Friday & Sunda ngineers esday Thursday TwinLakesMotorE ay, Wedn Closed
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01772
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603923
Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan. WN6
DING 7TP & WEL
Slash your electricity and water heating bill
Protect your household from future energy price rises Reduce your household’s impact on the environment
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0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
we make it our business to help yours
01942 561 848 | 07725 909 257 www.freshbuildconstruction.co.uk
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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Wakes Magic Heading over to North Wales a few weeks ago got me reminiscing about Wigan Wakes - that magical time of year when the whole of Wigan seemingly shut down while workers had a hard earned rest. Each Lancashire town had a different wakes week and Wigan’s started on the first Saturday after the first Friday in July. Only a few posh Wiganers had cars then, so the town’s railway stations were crammed with families escaping to exotic climes
like Blackpool, Southport and North Wales. In the days before loyalty cards, our brood, all eight of us, decamped to a caravan in Golden Sands near Rhyl for nigh on 15 consecutive years. You didn’t have to make new friends for the holidays as most of the other caravans contained other Wiganers. Sadly, in today’s world, where parliamentary lobbyists are paid a fortune by global retailers to stretch trading laws on Sundays, it doesn’t look like the magical experience of wakes weeks will be ever be enjoyed by generations to come.
Mesnes Madness! There’s little in life more boring than a corporate meeting, so well done to Wigan Clinical Commissioning Group for pulling their AGM out of a stuffy hotel and plonking it firmly in a Wigan park. As detailed on page 71, the organisation wants the whole of Wigan to go along to Mesnes Park on Saturday, September 10, to join in with all the free circus activities and have a health MOT too! Will we see the finance director juggling numbers on stilts, or the
CEO getting splattered by custard pies? Get along and join in the fun on September 10 – see you there!
Pie in the Sky The recent patent registration by Amazon to use the top of lampposts as docking station for their delivery drones and opening up the technology to other companies’ drones was greeted with amazement at Local Life HQ. Wording on the patent describes describe using ‘a vacuum tube, dumbwaiter, elevator, or conveyor to transfer the package from the platform to the ground level without damage’. Could the time come when we can order one of Galloway’s finest online and then pick it up from the nearest lamppost within minutes?
Brought to Book? Much consternation in Up Holland after Preston’s premier beancounters (also known as Lancashire County Council) announced plans to close the library at Hall Green. A respectable 558 folk have signed a petition to keep it open, but will it be enough? If not, the county elections - less than 12 months away - could prove to be quite interesting...
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