Local Life - Wigan - September 2018

LocalLife Wigan Edition

WIN Family Tickets to Martin Mere Pages 76 - 77

Heritage Open Days Pages 20 - 24

Wheelton Moor Walk Pages 67 - 70

September 2018

NEW PRICE

Back Brow, Up Holland

Offers Over

£350,000

This stunning 4 bed character cottage offers a spacious 2355 sq ft of unique living space and is surrounded by beautiful mature gardens and a lovely courtyard.

Milton Grove, Orrell

£300,000

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This stunning 5 bed detached home is in excellent decorative order throughout and has a beautifully landscaped private south facing rear garden.

T lo h

NEW PRICE

Sheraton Close, Orrell

£230,000

This beautiful 4 bed family home with private gardens is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac. Highlights include UPVC conservatory and en-suite facilities.

Moor Road, Orrell

£180,000

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This double fronted detached true bungalow contains many period features, a fully fitted modern kitchen and a stylish glass roof conservatory.

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NEW PRICE

Newhouse Drive, Winstanley

£160,000

This beautiful 3 bed semi home has quality fittings, finishes and tasteful decor throughout, along with a large, mature and beautifully landscaped rear garden.

Smethurst Lane, Pemberton

£150,000

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Located near shopping areas and the M6, this lovely 4 bed, semi house property has a spacious courtyard garden to the rear along with a generous workshop.

T re p

a name you can trust

Poolstock Lane, Poolstock

0

Clevedon Drive, Highfield

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This 3 bed semi needs modernisation. The spacious lounge/diner leads to a fitted kitchen, and the property has low maintenance gardens and a detached garage.

This 3 bed semi home has a generous plot but needs modernisation. The property has two receptions, a fitted kitchen, off road parking and a detached garage.

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Redwood Avenue, Orrell

Orrell Road, Orrell

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Situated on a generous sized plot, this 3 bed semi offers beautiful internal and external presentation and is located within easy reach of Pemberton Centre.

£130,000

£130,000

£130,000

£120,000

This three bedroom semi-detached home, with a neutral décor and low maintenance gardens, is situated on a main road and is perfect for a first time buyer.

NEW PRICE

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Poolstock Ln, Poolstock Offers Over £120,000

Kirkless Street, Wigan

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This newly built 2 bed terraced house, with front/ rear gardens and parking spaces offers immaculately presented accommodation perfect for first time buyers.

Positioned within easy reach of Wigan Town Centre, this immaculately maintained three bed family home has a modern fully fitted kitchen and good sized rear garden.

www.alanbatt.co.uk

Offers Over

£110,000

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Tatham Grove, Winstanley - ÂŁ220,000

This immaculately presented four bedroomed detached home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac. Beautifully maintained throughout, with modern kitchen and stunning conservatory, this lovely home has attractive lawned gardens with the rear garden being particularly secluded.

www.alanbatt.co.uk

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SUMMER MADNESS! Choice of marble suites Over 5000 different combinations!

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Photos for illustration purposes only

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01942 583 558

721 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AQ (FREE parking to the rear)

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Local Life

Back-to-School Blues?

Even though the schooldays of my two are a distant memory, when the kids go back to school at the end of the summer it always feels like the end of a chapter. The onset of September means that the dreaded traffic queues grow, most of us have no holidays left to look forward to and festive stock starts appearing in the supermarket as retailers determinedly steamroller us along towards a Christmas mind-set.

But let’s take a moment to caress the dying embers of summer and enjoy what one of the most underrated months of the year has to offer; September offers a chance to enjoy mild weather, still-light evenings, still-vibrant colours in the garden and the resumption of community activity after the summer holidays.

Amongst my favourite places to go in September are the village shows, many of which have their roots in the whole celebration of harvest, and now are often a delightful mixture of enthusiastic and talented residents sharing with others their love for crafts, arts, photography, baking, and horticulture.

There are more details on local activities in the local area in our Events2Go section on page 71 - 73.

Remember, if you have a local business and you’d like to promote that business to over 100,000 homes in the Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire areas then please give us a call on 01695 627999; we have packages to suit businesses of all sizes, and also offer a leaflet distribution service too.

See you next time

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life

In this issue Heritage Open Days

Regulars 44 Planning 62 Puzzle Corner

78 Garden Diary 84 Test Drive

Sections 20 Trail Running

38 Property 48 Health 56 Travel 60 Legal & Finance 64 Business View

70 Pets 71 Events2Go 78 Gardening 87 Home Services

Next issue - October 2018

Advertising deadline - Thursday, 13 September

32 A Healthier Heart

48 Jack’s Tracks: Wheelton Moor

67 Test Drive: Subaru Impreza

84 locallifemagazine247

Published - Wednesday, 26 September

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

Telephone: 01695 627 999 Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Nicola sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: Jess wigannews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.

This issue is delivered to 13,299 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton.

The next issue is delivered to 13,025 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.

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

@locallifemedia

events2go

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News & Features

Breakfast Fundraisers on Hold The

September-November

sessions

of Saturday Breakfast, the community fundraising initiative based at Greenslate Farm in Billinge, has been cancelled as organisers appeal for more volunteers.

Since its launch in March 2016, Saturday Breakfast has donated in excess of £10,000 towards community initiatives and groups in the Orrell and Billinge area. The latest donations, for the September-November 2017 fundraising period, were to Orrell Music & Dramatic Society (£500), Bookcycle (£325) and Winstanley Tennis Club (£800).

Volunteer Michael Winstanley said “The Saturday Breakfast Community Fundraisers have donated thousands of pounds to local clubs,

Specialists in: • Family Law • Personal Injury • Wills & Probate Call us today to arrange a free 30 minute consultation RJT Solicitors 44 High Street, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HF Moving from Atlas House, at Marus Bridge as from Monday 17th September

01257 228027 / 01942 409154

www.rjtsolicitors.co.uk

groups and organisations and this has only been possible thanks to our loyal customers and our amazing volunteers. Unfortunately we won’t be operating from September – November period because of the lack of cooks and unless we get new volunteers to help us in the kitchen by the end of the year then we may have to call a permanent halt to our fundraising”.

If you are competent in the kitchen and would like to volunteer for a minimum of once a month, then call Michael on 01942 727462 or email him at mwinstanleym@aol.com. You will need Food Hygiene Level 2, but the group would fund this for any potential volunteer.

In the meantime, the group is calling for bids from residents or groups who are planning community initiatives in the Orrell and Billinge areas, as they have between £3,400 and £3,650 to donate from the February-June 2018 fundraising period. Priority will be given to initiatives connected to Youth, Events, Environment or Education.

The deadline for the submission of bids is 30th September 2018 and bid forms are available now from Michael Winstanley – please email mwinstanleym@aol.com.

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Flying High Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get a birds-eye view of autumn’s fabulous colours? Well that’s exactly what you get when you take a hot air balloon flight.

I joined a group of excited passengers at the launch point and listened to the pilot’s safety briefing. Behind him, the balloon’s envelope was being filled with air using an enormous fan.

When the shout to board came, we moved rapidly to clamber into the then vertical basket. The balloon was unsecured and we began to lift off. As we headed to heights of up to 3000 feet, we were treated to a bird’s eye view of the countryside below. The whole landscape stretched before us: fields, trees, livestock in the fields, streams and lakes. It was a beautiful sight.

The huge balloon moved silently across the sky, the calm only interrupted by the passengers’ conversation and the periodic blast of the burners injecting the spell-binding fire into the belly of the balloon.

Our lovely pilot cheerfully answered all our questions, pointed out landmarks, and told us about the skill of ballooning. Travel is so gentle because the balloon is moving at the same speed as the wind, and even the most apprehensive passenger soon relaxed and admired the views.

When it was time for our flight to end, the pilot descended slowly. I had expected a jerky landing, but the contact of the basket with the ground slowed the progress of the balloon and brought it to a halt quite gently, within a couple of bounces. The basket slowly tilted on its side as it came to rest in a field and the balloon began to deflate in the breeze.

If you’re interested in trying hot air ballooning,

some preliminary research on the internet reveals that Virgin Balloon Flights (virginballoonflights. co.uk) operate from Crook O’Lune near Lancaster and also from the Airport and Heliport in Eccles near Manchester. Local flights are available from Suzanna Balloons (hot-air-balloons.co.uk), based in Bretherton, near Croston. Prices vary but range from approximately £115-£145 per person.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

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Tea Party Plea Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party has been a great success this summer and organisers are looking for volunteers to host tea parties throughout the month of September. Sophie Yates, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser in North Greater Manchester and South Lancashire said: “As we begin to pack up the bunting, wash the tea cosies and move to a new belt-notch after too much cake, it’s time for me and everyone at Marie Curie to shout a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part so far”.

With the good weather set to continue, there is still time for people to get involved and throw their own Blooming Great Tea Party. Pimms soirees, parties in

the garden or a simple picnic in the sun would be great ways to get together with friends, families and colleagues and raise money for this terminal illness charity. You can sign up today at www.mariecurie. org.uk/teaparty

New - MESOPEEL skin treatments The complete solution to facial rejuvenation

Want an instant healthy glow?

Try a single treatment from £60 To treat skin-aging, hyperpigmentation, acne and other complaints, a course of 6 chemical peels are recommended.

Call us to book your pre-treatment consultation

Expressions of Beauty

01744 894 214

www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk 161, Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PA

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All-Nighter Returns

The Roller Rink has a wall to wall Canadian maple sprung wooden floor for soul enthusiasts to dance on into the early hours of 6am and the line-up of DJ’s embraces a mixture of the original Wigan Casino DJ’s and some of the most popular DJ’s on the present all-nighter scene.

Discounted tickets for the event are available prior to the event online for £12 or £15, on the door and for sale at the Wigan Roller Rink during opening hours,

Photo by Brian Cannon

It was 45 years ago when the legendary Wigan Casino Club opened its doors and, on Saturday 15th September, hundreds of Northern Soul fanatics from every corner of the UK are planning to make the pilgrimage to Wigan once more to dance to rare soul music. The Empire all-nighter event will be the third one hosted by the Wigan Roller Rink within the Eckersley Mill complex.

however there is limited availability. For regular updates, search Empire All-nighter on Facebook.

Earn extra

cash!

Local Life require distributors for the following areas; Winstanley Ravenswood, Pepperwood Drive and Sandstone Road areas.

Pemberton Chapel Street, Meadow Brook & Brook Lane.

Upholland Roby Mill Parsonage Brow, Denshaw & Denholme.

Dorchester Road & Carlton Avenue area.

School Lane, Higher Lane area.

Interested?

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

LocalLife

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Party @ Pipsqueaks EXTENDED

SUMMER SPECIAL

£7.50* per child

7 days a week, any time, any date** Just £60 deposit

*Bring this ad to secure this price Offer ends 30th September 2018

** Does not include exclusive parties.

For parties of over 25 children call us to discuss other offers.

Abbey Lakes, Orrell Road, Orrell, WN5 8QZ T: 01695 229 923

www.pipsqueaksplaycafe.co.uk E: infopipsplaycafe@gmail.com

The unthinkable does need thinking about Make sure your wishes are carried out in the event of your death.

Writing a will ensures that your loved ones are cared for in the way that you want.

Wills start from £100

Are you a first-time buyer struggling to get on the property ladder?

If that’s a yes, we offer a FREE initial consultation on: • First-Time Buyer Mortgages/Purchases • Re Mortgages • Buy to Let Mortgages We have access to some of the most competitive rates on the market Your home may be repossessed if you don’t keep up repayments on your mortgage We also provide advice on: • Home Insurance • Income Protection • Life / Critical Illness Insurance

Call Steve on: 01695 666 999

Call us on 01942 554 080

or visit www.personalwillservices.co.uk

Pop in to see us: 44A Ormskirk Road, Upholland (Next to Fosters Hair)

Email: info@mortgagefactoryltd.com

www.mortgagefactoryltd.com

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Andrea Bucci Best Years Churchill China Cream Fiorelli Great Plains Herdy Jellycat Joma Joules Katie Loxton Marmalade of London Masai Modalu Pigeon Pippyink Powder Sandwich Treaty White Stuff

15 For many of us shopping is becoming a rather soulless experience; torn between the generic repetitiveness of today’s High Street and the intangible nature of the internet where shoppers are unable to see and feel their goods before clicking on the ‘buy’ button.

It’s refreshing to see something completely different at ellamora, a small but perfectly formed boutique just over the hill in Rainford. Here you will find a careful selection of fashionable ladies lifestyle brands for all ages, exclusive baby wear, accessories and inspiring gifts for all budgets.

Formed in the wake of the closure of a prominent family business (Tyrers Department Stores in St Helens), Owner Ali Harrison has created an inspirational and contemporary shopping haven in ellamora that remains true to the traditional values of shop-keeping.

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Scouts turn 100

Upholland Scouts has been celebrating its centenary in 2018 with a series of special events for their 65 members. So far this year the group have been; camping in Waddecar, Loweswater, Eskdale and Wasdale, experienced an adventure challenge day at Bibby’s Farm scout camp in Chorley, visited Liverpool museums, enjoyed a water sports day on Marine Lake in Southport, camped in a bivouac on the summit of Coniston Old Man for the summer

solstice and completed a week-long sea kayak expedition to Loch Hourn in NW Scotland and a mass paddle on Coniston Water.

If your child is interested in joining the scouting movement in Upholland, or if you’re an adult and would like to offer help and support to the group, please contact the local Group Quartermaster, John Lechmere on jdlechmere@gmail.com.

CHANGE YOUR BODY, CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

With Wigan’s first women’s only personal training studio.

We specialise in personal training for women of all ages and abilities.

SMALL GROUP TRAINING Come along and try our small groups, led by a PT with 14 years’ experience of working with women 18-80 plus!

FIT OVER 50’s If you’re over fifty and feel you’re too unfit for the gym, or you’re worried about health issues, or feel self conscious – join us!

470 WARRINGTON ROAD, WIGAN, WN3 6QF

07952 828280 TEAM@FITNESSUPGRADED.COM FITNESSUPGRADED.COM

AND MUCH MORE Come along and see what else we have for you.

Private Pilates Group – enjoy 1-2-1 attention, working with an experienced local teacher.

Bootcamp – a fast paced whole body workout.

12 week courses – strength or general fitness for beginners to advanced.

Now welcoming new clients – call, text or email us for your free taster session or for a chat about how we can help you achieve your goals.

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Call to book on: 01695 628178 24, Roby Mill, Up Holland, WN8 0QF www.thefoxrobymill.co.uk

A place for friends & family Market Menu Available Monday-Friday 5-7pm Saturday 12-4pm 2 Courses – £14 | 3 Courses – £17

Lunch Menu Available Monday-Friday 12-2pm Saturday 12-4pm 2 Courses £14 | 3 Courses £17

Come and join us for Burger Night – every Tuesday

the auction centre The leading Auctioneers and Valuers

• Modern saleroom at Manor Park, Runcorn • RICS and NAVA registered auctioneers and specialist consultants • Probate and Insurance valuation reports undertaken • Full house clearance service available • Regional valuations centres around the north-west St Helens Valuation Days

Wigan Valuation Days

4th Wednesday of Every Month St Thomas Church, Peter Street, WA10 2EB 9.30 – 12 noon Check website for Details Call 01744 881 477 for more information

2nd Tuesday Of Every Month Purposed Life Church, Turner Street, Wigan WN1 3SU 9.30 – 12 noon Check website for Details Call 01942 299 057 for more information

9 Berkeley Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1TQ Telephone: 01928 579796 Email: enquiries@theauctioncentre.co.uk

www.theauctioncentre.co.uk

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Accident?

Speak With Our Friendly Team • No Win, No Fee • Slips, Trips & Falls • Accidents At Work • Traffic Accidents • Cosmetic Claims • Home & Hospital visits available

Faircloughs

Accident Claims Solicitors Ashton-in-Makerfield

Earlestown

01942 396 390

01925 299 846

01942 665 700

01942 724 928

Golborne

www.faircloughs.net

Pemberton

email: info@faircloughs.net

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA number 568849

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Heritage

Open Days One Festival. Two weekends. Five thousand events.

And it’s all free!

For the first time ever, England’s biggest festival of heritage and culture will take place across two weekends - 6th-9th & 13th-16th September - offering visitors across the North West more opportunities to discover the secret history of our towns, villages and countryside.

Special openings across the region include the Beatrix Potter Gallery, The Wavertree Lock-Up and The Old Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Operating Theatre - with every single walk, talk, opening

and exhibition FREE to visit! Alongside traditional Heritage Open Days events, there will be a special programme of ‘Extraordinary Women’ talks, walks and exhibitions, in celebration of the centenary of the Universal Suffrage Act. Here’s a selection of some activities for you, but for a more comprehensive listings of all the Heritage Open Days events in the North West please visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

The Chester Tour

Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire

Chester Visitor Information Centre, Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ

The gateway to the Dee Estuary reserve, Burton Mere Wetlands straddles the border between England and Wales with a mosaic of freshwater wetland habitats, mixed farmland and woodland.

The area is bursting with wildlife, hosting avocets, egrets, harriers, noisy redshanks, swallows and swifts, and you can also visit the remains of the Iron Age hillfort on Burton Point.

Join Guild of Chester Tour Guides Peggy Grimshaw (10.30am) & Martin Nield (2pm) on a captivating journey through 2000 years of history, beginning in the Roman times, through the vibrant medieval period, the desperation of the Civil War, the elegance of Georgian Chester and right up to the Victorian revival.

Friday 7th and Saturday 8th September: 930am5.00pm

Saturday 8 September: Tours at 1030-1200 and 1400-1530

No booking required

Pre-booking is required - contact: Cathryn Eales on 01244 972088 or email: Cathryn.Eales@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

www.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands

www.chestertours.org.uk

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Chetham’s Library & College House Chethams Library, Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB Experience the magical atmosphere of one of Manchester’s oldest buildings on a self-led tour of its secret staircases and hidden passageways.

Anderton Boat Lift Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich CW9 6FW The Anderton Boat Lift is a Victorian marvel situated in fully accessible landscaped grounds. The free Top of the World Tour is a unique opportunity to be guided around the Anderton Boat Lift and see it as Lift Operators have since Victorian Times. Take the guided Top of the World Tour and learn the history of this Victorian masterpiece whilst enjoying the panoramic views from the top of the lift.

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September. Tours: 1030, 1200 & 1415 Pre-booking required – contact Anderton Boat Lift on 01606 723887 https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/ anderton-boat-lift-visitor-centre

Inspired by Alice

A rare opportunity to wander freely through the beautiful medieval buildings and the unique seventeenth-century library at your own pace and you can sit and read at the table where Karl Marx worked to overthrow capitalism Friday 7th and 14th September: 2pm - 8pm Pre-booking is required - email admin@chethams. org.uk

Museum of Transport Boyle Street, Manchester M8 8UW

of Daresbury Parsonage where he was born. Visit the Lewis Carroll Centre to find out more about his life and work, and view the exhibition of his works, Inspired by Alice.

Take a trip back in time with one of Britain’s biggest collections of restored buses, coaches and trams.

From a Victorian horse drawn bus to the prototype Metrolink tram, see and sit in fascinating vehicles that took Greater Manchester folk to work, shops and outings to the coast and countryside. Special behind the scenes tours of the Museum this weekend. Free heritage bus service to other local heritage events. See website www.gmts.co.uk for full details.

Tours will be held on 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th September between 2pm-4pm

Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th September: 1000-1630

No booking required

No booking required

www.lewiscarrollcentre.org.uk

www.gmts.co.uk

Lewis Carroll Centre, All Saints Church, Daresbury, Cheshire, WA4 4AE Visit Daresbury church where Lewis Carroll was baptized and see his stained glass memorial window. Walk across the fields and lanes to the site

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Gawthorpe Hall Habergham Drive, Burnley BB12 8UA Enjoy the historic Victorian rooms, the fabulous portraits from the National Portrait Gallery, stunning textiles from Gawthorpe Textiles Collection and get a look at the servants’ side of the Hall.

Lytham Windmill & Old Lifeboat House East Beach, Lytham FY8 5LD

Use the spiral staircase to pass from the stately family rooms to the Victorian kitchen where you can meet the housekeeper. Room stewards available to answer your questions about the Hall and the KayShuttleworth family. National Trust Tea-room on site.

Saturday 8 September: 1200-1700 No booking required http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/ museums/gawthorpe-hall.aspx

Lancaster Castle Castle Parade, Lancaster LA1 1YJ Free guided tours of this iconic building only recently fully opened to the public. Guided tours will visit the main courtyard, Chapel Yard, The Shire Hall, The Crown Court, The Drop Room, The Grand Jury Room, Hadrian’s Tower, The Old Cells, and A Wing. Tours are available on a strictly first come first served basis. Visitors will be given tickets to the next available tour at the time of their arrival - no prebooking is available for any free tour.

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th September No booking required - Tours run every half an hour from 10am-4pm http://www.lancastercastle.com/

The Windmill and Old Lifeboat House houses a permanent cultural museum. On the tour you can observe the wonderful interior of the buildings, including the workings of the mill, as well as learn about the local lifeboat service and local history.

There will also be a full size, wooden Victorian lifeboat on display.

Opening Times Thursday 13th, Friday 14th, Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th September: 10.30am-1pm, 2pm-4.30pm No booking required www.lythamwindmill.co.uk

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Lytham Hall Lytham Hall Park, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4JX Free entry and guided tour of the Georgian Hall.

Lytham Hall is an 18th-century Georgian country house, Grade I Listed Building set in 78 acres of wooded parkland.

Classic Liverpool Bus Running Day Georges Dock Way, Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1DD

Come and listen to a talk on the women of Lytham Hall and how they shaped the history of the hall and Lytham’s heritage.

Sunday 9 September: Talk 1100, 1200 & 1400 No booking required www.lythamhall.org.uk

Rufford Old Hall 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford L40 1SG This black and white Tudor building, with its contrasting mellow red brick Jacobean wing, hunkers in the low lying mosslands of south west Lancashire. More than 500 years old, this family home has many stories to tell about the intriguing Heskeths.

Travel back in time aboard classic buses from the Merseyside Transport Trust collection as they meander the streets of Liverpool and its suburbs retracing bus routes that took many of us to school, work or to the cinema. The buses from the 1950s to 1980s will run free trips to a wide variety of destinations in the City throughout the day. Full route details will be available on our website in the weeks prior to the event and a printed timetable will be available on the day.

Sunday 9 September: 10am-4.30pm No booking required www.mttrust.co.uk

Williamson Tunnels Smithdown Lane, Liverpool L7 3ED

You can delve into tales of a travelling baronet, an American heiress or the housekeeper who helped to care for Rufford. Children can get closer to nature with our bug hunting and wild art kits, while you unwind in our Victorian style garden and experience local tastes in the tea room.

A chance to see for free some of the amazing 200 year old tunnels that lay lost and forgotten beneath Liverpool. Take a free 45 minute tour through part of the incredible underground labyrinth of sandstone tunnels created beneath the Edge Hill area of Liverpool by 19th century philanthropist and eccentric, Joseph Williamson and learn more about what lay behind his mysterious burrowing.

Saturday 15 September: 11am - 5pm

6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th September

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rufford-old-hall

Tours at 10.30am Pre-booking required - Call 0151 709 6868 or email: enquiries@williamsontunnels.co.uk www.williamsontunnels.co.uk

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Port Sunlight Museum 23 King Georges Drive, Wirral CH62 5DX Saturday - Explore Port Sunlight and join one of the village walking tours, exploring the rich history of William Lever, Sunlight Soap, architecture and much more. Walking tours will take place throughout the day.

Speke Hall The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD Bring the family and enjoy a great free day out at Speke Hall. Explore the house - a rare survival of a Tudor timber framed building with Arts & Crafts interiors and original William Morris wallpapers - or have fun in the maze, play areas or woodlands.

Saturday 15 September 10.30am-4.30pm No booking required www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall/

The Hardmans’ House 59 Rodney Street, Liverpool L1 9ER Enjoy a free pre-bookable 90 minute tour of The Hardmans’ House. Step back in time to the 1950s in this fascinating home and photographic studio.

The handsome Georgian house - both glamorous workplace and modest, cluttered home for Edward Chambre Hardman and his talented wife Margaretis a time capsule of life and creativity, packed with vintage treasures and fascinating photography.

They lived and worked here for 40 years, keeping everything and changing nothing.

Friday 14 September: 11am-3.30pm Pre-booking is preferred. Call 0151 709 6261 or email: thehardmanshouse@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardmans-house

Sunday - Celebrate founder’s day, the birthday of William Lever. Discover Port Sunlight Museum and Edwardian workers cottage, receive a warm welcome from staff in costume and explore the village by joining a guided walking tour. Visit the old school room the Lyceum and step back in time to experience a day in school, and explore William’s home, Bridge Cottage. Listen to stories from the village, past and present and don’t forget to pick up a slice of birthday cake!

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th September: 10am4pm Pre-booking is required – email k.kearns@ portsunlightvillage.com www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk

St. Wilfrid’s Parish Church Standish Rectory Lane, Standish, Wigan WN6 0XA Guided tours of the only Grade 1 listed building in Wigan on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 13-15th September explaining the history of the church and the Standish family. On Saturday 15th September the bell ringers will be available from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm to conduct visits into the ringing room (last tour is 1:30pm). They will demonstrate the art of church bell ringing, answer any questions on bell ringing and assist members of the public to ring a church bell under instruction.

Thursday 13th, Friday 14th & Saturday 15th September: Tours 10:30 & 14:30 Saturday 15th September: Bells 10:00-14:00 No booking required

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Wednesday 26th September, 6.30pm-8.30pm

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Could you complete your family through adoption?

Together for Adoption brings together the adoption services of five local authorities; Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan.

challenges along the way we have felt supported

by Together for Adoption, through their adoption support team, training and our social worker.

One local couple, John and Andrew wanted to be parents for a long time. After considering adoption they approached Together for Adoption for further information.

“The reward of becoming parents has far outweighed any challenges we have encountered and adopting our children has completed our family!”

After successfully getting through the approval process the couple were matched with two children. They said, “The assessment process felt long at times, however this was because we were keen to be a family. After the assessment we were approved as suitable adopters for two siblings, we were delighted!”

If you are interested in finding out more about adoption, the team can support you every step of the way and help you find your forever family. There are lots of children currently waiting to find a loving, stable home.

The couple continued: “Although there have been

For more information please contact the team now on 01942 487272 or visit www.togetherforadoption. co.uk.

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32

Try trail

running?

By Verity Wright If you are wondering how you are going to fit your weekly run in whilst you are away on holiday, why not have a go at trail running? Trail running is running off road, generally in the countryside, and is easier to do in the summer months as running through woodland and countryside is generally shadier than pounding the pavements.

Running off road teaches you to be three or four steps ahead of turns, roots, rocks and puddles, these skills are transferable to when running on a road race as you have the ability to manoeuvre quickly which enables you to get out of the way quickly if someone just stops in front of you or if an empty water bottle into you running path.

One of the main differences between road running and trail running is that you have to really look where you are going when you run off road as you are having to deal with the constant change under foot; no two steps are the same when you are running on a natural obstacle course.

Whilst running off road is wonderful experience, you do have to be careful especially if you are exploring new areas. And if you enjoy it, then check out the following local clubs when you get back off holiday;

Trail running builds strength and endurance as it forces you to slow your pace down and running on a varied terrain really challenges the muscles of the lower body more than a flat firm run. By running off road your muscles need to work harder to maintain your balance and keep you upright; this in turn helps keep your core strong which helps keep you agile and coordinated.

www.wiganharriers.org.uk www.sthelensstriders.com www.chorley-athletic-and-triathlong.org www.skemboundaryharriers.co.uk

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Bernard’s Wish One of Wigan Youth Zone’s most prominent supporters, Bernard Edmunds, has targeted a poignant goal this September. For a number of years, Bernard has been a passionate fundraiser of the organisation, not only as a board member but as a trusted advisor.

Sadly Bernard was diagnosed last year with an incurable brain tumour, but despite his personal circumstances and ill-health, he has continued to support Wigan Youth Zone with fundraising, event planning and more. It is fitting therefore that, as a legacy, he wants to support Wigan Youth Zone one more time and that’s where you can help.

Bernard wants to raise £25,000 for Wigan Youth Zone to support some of more vulnerable members of WYZ who are being supported by their mentoring, inclusion, counselling or safeguarding teams. If you are interested in raising funds by completing

Bernard in 118 fancy dress alongside Martin Ainscough CBE at last year’s 10k run. the Wigan 10k on Sunday 9th September or by participating in the Annual Golf Day on Friday 7th September at Wigan Golf Club then please get in touch with Sharon McLaren at Wigan Youth Zone on 01942 612061 or email Sharon.McLaren@ wiganyouthzone.org.

Co mfo r t

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Bridging the Gaps Work begins this month on building two bridges as part of the road building project known as the Wigan-Bolton Key Strategic Network, a plan to ultimately link the M58/M6 interchange at Orrell with the M61 at Westhoughton. The bridges will be built over Poolstock Lane and also across the canal and two Wigan Flashes. This section, which has already been approved and is scheduled to finish in 2021, will run from the road junction near site of the former Bulls Head pub on Warrington Road in Goose Green through to Westwood Park in Ince, with the route going over Poolstock Lane and over Wigan Flashes.

Dubbed by many Wiganers with long memories as Route 225, the proposed new road is expected

to reduce traffic on the A577 through Pemberton and the A49, and when the new road is complete, Poolstock Lane will be changed to a residential route.

50 and Out? A local Brownie unit, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year, is set to close unless it recruits adult volunteers. The 9th Wigan West Brownies, who meet on Monday evenings between 6-7.30pm at the Bispham Methodist Church Hall on Crank Road in Billinge, and is looking for leaders, assistant leaders and helpers to ensure the survival of the group. An essential part of any adult role is enthusiasm and commitment to the Girlguiding community. If you would like to volunteer, please visit www.girlguiding.co.uk to register your interest.

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Property

Keeping It

Social

by Alan Batt In my blog about the Wigan Property Market I mostly refer to only two of the three main sectors of the housing market, the owner occupier and the private rented sector. The third sector is social housing (or council housing as it used to be known) and this type of housing has an important effect on the affordability of the entire property ladder.

The requirement for the provision of subsidised housing has been recognised since Victorian times, and usually property in the social housing sector has had rents set at around half the going market rate, and affordable shared home ownership has been the main source of new affordable housing.

However, the local authority is simply not coming up with the numbers required. In the last nine years, on average, only 111 Affordable Homes per year have been built by Wigan Council. The blame cannot all be placed at the feet of the local authority though as Council budgets nationally, according to Full-Fact, are 26% lower than they have been since 2010.

The fact remains though, that if the local authority isn’t building or finding these affordable homes, these Wigan tenants still need housing, and some tenants at the lower end of the market are falling foul of rogue landlords.

Party politics need to be put aside, and the UK needs to, firstly, start building enough homes and secondly, ensure that enough of the new housing is affordable. Even though 2017 was one of the best years for new home building in the last decade (217,000 homes built in 2017) overall new home building has been in decline for many years from the heady days of the early 1970s, when an average of 350,000 new homes were being built a year.

So, what does this mean for Wigan homeowners?

Well, an undersupply of affordable homes will

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

artificially keep rents and property prices high.

That might sound good in the short term, but a large proportion of my Wigan landlords find their children are also priced out of the housing market.

Also, whilst your Wigan home might be slightly higher in value, due to this lack of supply of homes at the bottom end of the market, as most people move up the market when they do move, the one you want to buy will be priced even higher.

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40 Problems at the lower end of the property market will affect the middle and upper parts. There is no getting away from the fact that the Wigan housing

market is all interlinked - it’s not called the Property ‘Ladder’ for nothing!

Looking

Long Term According to Aldermore, the specialist Buy-To-Let lender, research shows around 41% of portfolio buy-to-let landlords are planning to grow their buy to let portfolio. (Portfolio landlords are landlords that own more than one property). Talking to the landlords I deal with, many of them are looking to enlarge their portfolio are doing so because they still see the Wigan rental market as a decent investment opportunity.

With top of the range Bank and Building Society Savings Accounts only reaching 1.5% a year, the rental yields in Wigan is far outstripping current savings rates and the short term prospect of a minor drop in property prices isn’t putting off Wigan landlords.

No matter what the global and national economy has thrown at us; the financial meltdown in 2008/9, the dotcom crash of 2000, ERM in 1992, the oil crisis and hyperinflation in the 1970’s... the housing market has always bounced back stronger in the long term.

regulation, new mortgage underwriting rules in 2014 and George Osborne’s tax changes, many landlords still view buy to let as a good investment, as long as you buy wisely by buying the profit on the purchase price, not the anticipation of the future sale price, and also assess your position on the ‘buy to let seesaw’ of capital growth and yield.

With the increasing demand for rental properties, predominantly among Millennials as many cannot afford to get on the property ladder, and with councils not building enough properties of any kind, many youngsters have to resort to the private rental market for their accommodation needs. And that sort of demands offers ongoing opportunities for buy-to-landlords.

And that’s the point ... long term. Investing in buy to let is a proven and successful long-term strategy.

If I apply the Aldermore figures, 795 Wigan landlords have plans to expand their buy-to-let portfolio in the coming year or so. If you want to join them and you want a second opinion to ensure your portfolio is structured in the right way then drop me an email. I don’t bite and the opinion I give, whether you are a landlord of mine or not, is given freely, without obligation or cost.

Even though the buy to let market has taken a bit of a beating, thanks to a plethora of Government

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

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

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44

Planning Matters Billinge

Orrell

4 Park Avenue, Longshaw - Erection of detached

12 Sefton Road, Orrell: Prior approval for change of

double garage. Ref: A/18/85888/HH

use of office to dwellinghouse. Ref: A/18/85796/PDO

8 Crank Road, Billinge - To extend dwellinghouse two storey to rear. Ref: A/18/85623/HH

Hawkley

Winstanley 14 Paris Avenue, Winstanley - To extend dwellinghouse single storey to side and alterations to existing garage. Ref: A/18/85208/HH Land Adjacent 6 Berkeley Avenue, Winstanley Erection of a new detached bungalow on land to be severed from adjacent dwellinghouse, together with new access thereto. Ref: A/18/85815/FULL Birch Tree Farm, Winstanley Park, Winstanley Erection of detached double garage/store. Ref: A/18/85847/HH

FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY

6 Raithby Drive, Hawkley - To extend dwellinghouse single storey to rear. Ref: A/18/85788/HH Up Holland 13 Crawford Road, Crawford Village - 2 storey side extension / part garage conversion, and single storey rear extension, following removal of existing rear store and conservatory. Ref: 2018/0764/FUL For more information on these plans visit: www. wigan.gov.uk or, for plans relating to the Up Holland area, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk

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Competition Winners

The winners of our competition in the July issue of Local Life magazine to win a pair of tickets to Southport Flower Show were as follows; Margaret Dickinson of Gathurst Road in Orrell, Janet Dawson of Scot Lane in Aspull and Paul Gray from Dewberry Fields in Up Holland. Well done to the winners and thank you to all who entered.

Tell Us Your Story!

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

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

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

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up

Dan Birkby joined Access4Lofts in the early years of the company’s growth and will now be looking after customers’ needs in Wigan. Dan said “We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to all our customers and I can promise that we will be punctual, polite and will always tidy up at the end of the job.”

Access4Lofts install loft hatches, loft ladders, loft boarding, lighting and insulation too if required, making it easy and safe for you to access your loft. This commitment is further emphasised with a minimum 5 year guarantee on all installations which is fully insurance backed.

gear, suitcases, books and all the other bits and pieces we rarely use but want to keep safe.

You really don’t need to move house for more space.

There is an easy answer to storage problems and it is, quite literally, under your own roof. In the average semi, a loft has 40-50 square metres of floor space yet is often dark, difficult to move around in and often hard to get to. To overcome these storage problems, all that’s needed is a quick call to Access4Lofts.

This Lancashire-based family business was launched six years ago, and over 2,500 successful fits later, along with numerous awards from Lancashire Trading Standards Safe Trader Scheme, Access4Lofts has now officially expanded into Wigan.

If you need safe and easy access to your loft or extra storage space for your belongings then contact Dan on 01942 580323 or email wigan@ access4lofts.co.uk who will arrange a free survey which is quickly followed by a written fixed price quote. There is absolutely no high pressure, no hard selling, no small print, no hidden extras and above all, he will always turn up on time.

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48

Health & Fitness

Say

again

By Louise Addison

Here are five simple ways to tell if it’s time to check your hearing: You often ask people to repeat themselves - It sounds as though people around you are mumbling all the time and you find it hard to hear people unless they’re facing you directly. It’s more common to experience hearing loss in the high frequencies so another sign is having trouble understanding

You hear a ringing or buzzing noise in your ears - Tinnitus occurs when you hear sounds like ringing or buzzing noise in your ears when no such sound is present. Sometimes it’s temporary e.g. after attending a loud concert. But ringing which doesn’t fade away, without any apparent cause is a common first sign of hearing loss.

You strain to hear in noisy places - You struggle to focus on what people are saying in places with background noise, such as a restaurant or shopping centre. This can make you feel very tired.

You miss everyday sounds - If people complain you miss their calls or say they have to knock for ages before you answer the door consider it a warning sign, especially if combined with people complaining you have the TV or radio set too loud.

women and children who tend to have higherpitched voices.

Your family complains that the TV is too loud - If you’re turning up the volume to a point where those around you complain about how loud it is, it might be time to pay attention, especially since listening to excessively loud music can do further damage to your hearing.

Whilst it can be tough to admit your hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, it’s best to take action early on. With the right support and technology, hearing loss doesn’t need to keep you from enjoying all the fun things in life. Book an appointment with your GP or an audiologist today.

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01942 820 290

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With a range of clearly priced funeral packages we can help you to arrange the perfect, affordable funeral for your loved one. Including: Traditional, Modern, Natural (Green) and Bespoke.

Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Available. www.cherryblossomfunerals.co.uk paula@cherryblossomfunerals.co.uk 01942 409403 1 Church Street, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8TG

50

Stretch

benefits

By Sarah Davey

In an attempt to prevent injury, most of us stretch before exercise and some (though not as many) stretch afterwards. But if we’re doing fairly steady activities (jogging, cycling or walking) then while stretching will improve our flexibility there is not much evidence it will prevent muscle injury.

Stretching is more effective if you’re doing the type of exercise where you land constantly and forcefully on your feet, or stop and start quickly (sprinting, tennis, weight-lifting, or competitive team sports like football). The more flexible the muscles are the more impact they’ll be able to sustain.

In these cases the advice is to warm up with five minutes of light, gradual exercise instead. The reason for this is that it’s important to increase the blood flow to the muscles and heart steadily, sudden changes will cause muscles to fatigue more quickly.

But everyone benefits from stretching after a workout. During exercise lactic acid builds up in your muscles. This can lead to soreness and fatigue.

Stretching after a workout helps to eliminate the lactic acid and restore the muscle to its relaxed state, preventing the fatigue.

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52

A healthier

heart

By Louise Addison Cardiovascular disease causes 26% of all deaths in the UK; that’s over 150,000 deaths each year – an average of 420 people each day or one death every three minutes.

Those are the scary statistics but what can you do to improve the health of your heart?

Below are the top tips according to leading cardiologists.

Walk 30 minutes every day, no matter what! – A half hour walk every day decreases an individual’s chances of a heart attack by 30%. If you think you’ll skip days find a walking buddy and hold each other accountable.

Find out your blood pressure and take steps to bring it down – Your blood pressure may be a more important factor than your cholesterol! If the doctor prescribes medication take it, but you can also take steps to lower it yourself and maybe reduce the need for medication. The best ways are to exercise and lose some belly fat. Individuals with high levels of fat in the abdominal cavity (belly fat) and around their abdominal organs are more likely to develop high blood pressure because this fat interferes with the function of the kidneys, which regulate the blood pressure.

Know what your HDL number is and then do what you can to raise it to 1.3 mmol/l - In women especially it seems that a higher HDL (good cholesterol) number is more important than a low

LDL (bad cholesterol) number. Eat about 25g of raw, fresh, unsalted nuts per day – especially walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios and almonds. Nuts are packed with omega 3 oils, raise levels of HDL good cholesterol, decrease inflammation and have a good effect on the heart. Healthy fats such as olive or rapeseed oil have a positive effect too, and the

53 really good news is that an alcoholic drink per day also works in your favour!

Eat a good quality tomato pasta sauce! Simple tomato pasta sauce is loaded with potassium which aids lowering of blood pressure.

Floss! – Most people don’t know that your oral health has an effect on arterial health so make sure those pearly whites stay clean and flossed.

Limit saturated fat and avoid trans fats – Try to keep saturated fat below 20g per day. Both saturated fat and trans fats (found in many processed foods) lead to inflammation of the arteries.

Read labels and avoid foods which list sugar as one of the first five ingredients – In particular don’t be fooled by foods which claim to be ‘low fat’ because often they contain extra sugar instead. Healthy fats such as olive oil are better than empty sugar calories.

Drink wine – But not too much! It’s a slightly bizarre (but consistent scientific truth) that teetotal folk have a higher risk of heart disease than those

who drink in moderation. But a glass of red wine occasionally is very different to binge drinking once a week so be careful with this tip.

Eat a rainbow of fruit and veg – Five to nine servings a day will help to keep your heart in tiptop condition. It may sound a lot but if you add chopped veg to pie fillings and casseroles and eat fruit at breakfast and salad stuff for snacks it all adds up.

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Health & Fitness

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56

Travel

Something

Different

The real challenge when booking a holiday is finding something different from the banality of everyday life. With people progressively taking two, three or even more holidays a year, it’s becoming more and more difficult to ‘find something different’.

This month we visit two nations in South East Asia that definitely fit that specification. Whilst not geographically adjacent, tourist schedules often include both countries and both nations are described as places of staggering natural beauty, cultured and historic, with dynamic megacities and amazing beaches. Of course, I’m talking about Thailand and Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam at its most dizzying. The city breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help

but be hauled along for the ride. The seamless contrast as you meander through timeless alleys visiting ancient temples before arriving at designer shopping malls and skyscrapers is an amazing feeling and it’s difficult to believe that just 50 years ago this thrilling mass was a city in chaos.

Unswervingly popular with tourists is the War Remnants Museum. Many of the massacres

57 documented here were well publicised, but it’s unusual for Westerners to hear the victims of US military action tell their own stories. Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest temple is Giac Lam, a fantastic atmospheric place of worship set in peaceful gardens. Known as ‘Feel the Woods Temple’, Giac Lam is a popular pilgrimage with the sick and elderly.

Although Hi Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s biggest city, the country’s capital since re-unification is Hanoi.

Here you can see the people, dig into the past and watch the awakening of a Hanoi on the move. Its streets swell with scooters and constantly blaring horns, and all around is the history of the French and Chinese occupation.

The streets of the Old Quarter flourish with farmers hawking their wares, whilst city folk rush by and Hanoians with leisure time practise t’ai chi or play chess. A ‘must visit’ is the Hoa Lo Prison museum, ironically dubbed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US prisoners of war. Most exhibits relate focus on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France but there

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Protected by Independent Travel Specialist

200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE Telephone: 01744 893291 www.markentravel.co.uk

Visit Vietnam Vietnam Twin Centre holiday from £1,059* pp Depart 18th February 2019 Fly Manchester to Ho Chi Minh 3 nights B&B in 4* Ho Chi Minh hotel 4 nights B&B in 4* Hanoi hotel Fly Hanoi to Manchester *Based on 2 people sharing, subject to availability Protected by Independent Travel Specialist

200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE Telephone: 01744 893291 www.markentravel.co.uk

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are also displays focusing on the American pilots who were incarcerated here during the Vietnam War, including Senator John McCain, who ran for the US presidency in 2008.

Fancy something different? Check out the offers for Vietnam/Thailand on the previous page, pulled together for Local Life readers from Billinge travel agent Marken Travel.

With long coastlines and small islands anchored in cobalt waters, Thailand is the ultimate tropical paradise and there’s no place that demonstrates that more than Ko Samui, Thailand’s third biggest island. Whether you’re sun-seeking, dozing in a hammock, feasting on world-class cuisine, beach partying or discovering wellness in an exclusive spa, Ko Samui has it covered. It’s one of Thailand’s most popular venues with its white beaches, clear seas, waterfalls, spectacular viewpoints and beautiful temples.

The deep azure of the sky and the gentle lapping of warm waves on satin sands are ideal ingredients for the perfect retreat and there’s a wealth of beaches to choose from. Away from the island’s seductive sands, the next top indulgence is dining out. From the simplest of Thai dishes served at a roadside shack to plates jumping with flavour at beach side restaurants, you’re spoiled for choice. And for those interested in easing away the stress and pain of everyday life, Ko Samui’s renowned spas can ease them to the next level of serenity.

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60

Legal & Finance

Choosing A

Financial Adviser A good financial adviser is like gold dust. Like your most influential teacher at school, they should inspire as well as reassure you in order that you can enjoy a better financial future. A poor adviser will put their interests before yours and could sell you a product you don’t really need and have no interest in your future.

Worryingly both advisers will be FCA registered, both have at least a Level 4 qualification (it is now the minimum standard to trade as a financial adviser ), and both will sound plausible. So how do you select the right adviser for you?

Qualifications You want an adviser who takes professional knowledge and development very seriously and is completely independent. Look for an adviser who is a Chartered Financial Planner or a Certified Financial Planner - or is actively working towards these qualifications.

These are Level 6 qualifications - equivalent to a university degree and are the “Gold Standard� amongst financial advisers. Advisers who have achieved this level of technical competence have demonstrated that they are capable of dealing with clients that perhaps have more complicated financial planning requirements.

Plan A good adviser will ask challenging questions and map out a plan to achieve your goals. They will

listen to you and ask questions to help you define your short, medium, and long-term objectives.

Your adviser will create a financial plan to meet your objectives, ensuring that account is taken of tax-efficient planning such as pensions, and estate planning, if that is a priority. A financial plan is a living plan and your adviser should review and update the plan on a regular basis.

Relationship Your relationship with your adviser is absolutely key. They are an important professional person in your life so it is essential that you get on well. Ask yourself whether the adviser really cares about you, genuinely wants you to reach your goals, and is willing and able to challenge you along the way.

Fees Fees should be open, transparent, fair and good value for money. Given that a good adviser could potentially make a difference of many thousands of pounds to your financial position over time, we suggest that you base your decision primarily on qualifications, approach and relationship as opposed to price alone.

Should you wish to have a chat with one of our qualified financial planners please feel free to give us a call on 01257 423800. We are on the high street in Standish and have client parking. The initial meeting is at our expense and of course is without any obligation.

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Puzzle Corner

SUDOKU

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BULGARIAN GERMAN SLOVAK CZECH IRISH

SPANISH SWEDISH FRENCH DUTCH CROATIAN

WORD MIX UP - European Languages Unscramble the letters to make a word

NUMBER BLOCK

6 8 3 4 2 1 3

16 20 17 19 13

21 16 15 17 20 The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.

LAVATIN

The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the

ALANITI GUNHAIRNA SINFHIN

totals to the right.

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Sticks and stones

SOILPH STEINONA TEAMSEL SHOTSTIC LEGACI

Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.

E N M O

N O E S

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All the puzzle solutions are on page 91 of this magazine

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64

Business

Starting the

Journey

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy The journey of starting your own business can be very challenging and you’ll need to prepare yourself for a massive undertaking and have the right positive attitude to deal with any setbacks that you may meet along the way.

Ensuring these are set up from day one will enable you to track your numbers and monitor your performance from the beginning, efficiently invoice your customers and help you stay on top of your cash flow.

Preparation is the key for success. As the saying goes, if you fail to prepare, you should prepare to fail. We have helped many successful businesses through the startup phase and based on this experience I have pulled together a short checklist of the main things all new businesses should consider.

• Track your key numbers – All businesses will have key numbers that should be measured and recorded. This could be the number of customers, value of sales etc. Keeping track of these will ensure that you are on target and can make changes quickly if things aren’t quite going to plan.

• Create a business plan – This should cover your vision of what you want to do and how you are going to get there. If you are looking for financial support via a loan or other funding options then we can help you prepare the financial projections you’ll need to provide.

• Set up your business structure – Should you trade as a sole trader or set up a Limited Company from the beginning? Advice you should be taken to assess which structure is best for you as this can impact on the way tax is paid and how your existing assets are protected.

• Register for taxes – There are a number of different business taxes that need to be considered and these need to be registered from the start of the business. These would include VAT, Payroll and Personal taxes • Set up your accounting software – There are many options available for startup businesses including Xero, QuickBooks and Kashflow.

There are many more things to consider when starting out in business. We have extensive experience with start-up companies and we offer a free consultation for anyone that would like to speak to us about this.

Feel free to drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss this further over a coffee. Of course, there will be no charge for the initial meeting.

Contact Details Chris Alcock ACMA CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR Tel: 01257 255521 Email: info@cma-accountancy.com Web: cma-accountancy.com

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ad

Benefit

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AE VAT

Do you need help and guidance with;

SA

Company Accounts?

Auto Enrolment?

Self Assessment?

Cloud-based Software?

Payroll Services?

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

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Home improvements Repay debts/loans Help your family

Paying for holidays Top up income Clear outstanding mortgages If you are over 55 call David Griffin for a FREE initial consultation

01942 597 182

w: www.release-my-equity.co.uk e: david@release-my-equity.co.uk

Leisure

Wheelton

67

Moor

by Chris Pearce

Despite the name, the moor isn’t in Wheelton; it’s actually closer to neighbouring Brinscall and it’s from there that we start this scenic, easy-to-follow 6 mile route. There’s a fair amount of off road parking in the village and we start in Lodge Bank, near to Brinscall Swimming Pool (PR6 8QU).

Exit Lodge Bank and turn right. Instead of following the bend in the road, go straight on into Butterworth Brow and then take the first right up Well Lane. The early morning sunshine quickly disappears, blocked out by the canopy that is Wheelton Plantations, as we climbed Well Lane.

Ignore the entrances to the Plantations on the right and carry on up the incline until you can go no further by road, then go through the entrance gate to the Moor and follow the stony path that bears slightly to the right. At this point you should take a breather and indulge in the rural views of Chorley’s eastern villages that have opened up behind you before you continue up the pathway onto the 90 square miles of wild, unspoilt countryside that is the West Pennine Moors.

Remnants of stone cottages are dotted around Wheelton Moor, which are only inhabited nowadays

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Cricket Pitch

White Coppice

Wheelton Moor

FBs

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.

69 by the odd visit from the hardy sheep. Though bleak in winter, at the height of summer this is a stunning landscape, a desolate setting where generations of northern folk have visited for recreation, enjoying

Known as Lancashire’s most picturesque cricket ground, White Coppice is worth loitering awhile on the many benches available if there’s a match on, to use the facilities or grab a bacon butty. Return from

the gorgeous views over Lancashire’s hills, coastline and reservoirs below.

the cricket ground through the gate and turn left down the pathway by The Goit, heading north and passing the cricket scoreboard on the way.

You’ll follow the stony path for just over a mile, eventually heading towards the Winter Hill transmitter mast until you reach a Ramblers Association signpost indicating the routes to Brinscall, Belmont Road and White Coppice. You’re at the walk’s highest point, 297m, and at this point, take the sharp right turn downhill towards White Coppice.

On the way down, your views will include Great Hill and Hurst Hill. This is a popular route so the gentle inclining path to White Coppice is well defined and also a bit loose underfoot in parts, particularly going downhill, so take care. Once you’ve almost reached the bottom of the hill, you’ll need to bear left to arrive at the gated bridge over The Goit at White Coppice.

The Goit is a scenic canal used for transporting drinking water along the Rivington chain of reservoirs, and we follow the shady pathway for just over a mile until a footpath on the left appears just short of a grey metal sluice on The Goit. Go down the footpath, ignore the first footpath on the left (which takes you take in the direction you came) and take the next footpath on the left heading away from The Goit.

Follow this path along the right hand perimeter of the field and, once you get to the corner, go through the stile, over a footbridge and head directly across an open field. Go through another stile and immediately dip down and turn right along the wide path that was formerly part of the Chorley to Blackburn railway line, and which once hosted 14 passenger trains daily.

Once you reach three steel gates, take the one on the right and then, one you’re through, turn left along the cobbled road. This road eventually takes you past Brinscall Lake and into Lodge Bank where you will reach your starting point.

For those with the OS Maps app on your desktop, mobile or tablet, this walk is named: JT Wheelton Moor

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When can we go back to Dukes Barn Farm?

Boarding kennels and cattery.

Heated accommodation.

Recommended by vets & clients for over 38 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

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Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook

events2go

Family Day Arrive ‘n’ Drive

Child’s Play

Monday, August 27, 10am-4pm

Saturday, September, 1, 9am-2pm

This event for ages 8+ has different karts and circuits for different ages and is £25pp, but no need to book, just arrive ‘n’ drive. Check the website for more info www.threesisterscircuit.co.uk

This is an ongoing exhibition giving children a taste of life in the Victorian era at the Museum of Wigan Life. ‘Child’s Play – a celebration of childhood’, is a free, interactive experience giving families an insight into Victorian life through dress up, games and education.

Three Sisters Circuit, Three Sisters Road, Ashtonin-Makerfield, WN4 8DD. Tel: 01942 719030

Family Fun Walks Tuesday, August 28, 1.30pm-3pm Every Tuesday Wigan Flashes will be holding activity walks for children and adults that will centre around a different activity each week. Booking required by emailing leisureenquiries@wlct.org or calling. Free event.

Worsley Mesnes Drive, Wigan, WN3 5UF. Tel: 01942 828508

Haigh Foodie Friday Friday, August 31, 6pm-10pm

Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan. Tel: 01942 828128

Grease Sing-a-Long Friday, September 7, 6pm–10.30pm Watch the iconic 1978 movie and sing along with Danny and Sandy to classic soundtrack favourites such as Summer Nights and Greased Lightning.

Food and drink will be available. Booking is essential.

Please call or visit www.boxoffice.wlct.org. Adults £6, Concession, £5 (Aged 5-15 years/65+).

Haigh Woodland Park, School Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828508

Fantastic food from a variety of street food traders.

Free parking & free entry. For children there is an Adventure Play area and more!.

Orrell Live 2018

Haigh Woodland Park, School Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828 280

Bigger and better than ever. There are 3 fantastic tribute acts including Abba, Oasis and Whitney Houston and the headliners this year are 5ive, all of this plus the amazing Golborne Brass Band with all of the Proms favourites. Admission is strictly by ticket only – no facilities to pay on the day. Adults £25, Child £10. www.orrell-live.co.uk

Proms in the Park Saturday, September 1, 6pm-10pm A fantastic evening of open air band music for the whole family to enjoy.

Mesnes Park, Wigan

Saturday, September 8, 12pm until late

Orrell Cricket Club, Winstanley Road, Orrell. Tel: 07545 501447

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Wigan Diggers Free Festival

2018 All-Nighter

Saturday, September 8, 11.30am-9.30pm

Saturday, September 15, 10pm–6am

The Blockheads, Merry Hell and Barnstormer 1649 (featuring Attila The Stockbroker) will top the bill at this year’s festival commemorating the locally born 17th century Diggers’ movement leader Gerrard Winstanley. The free festival will feature a fantastic line up of other acts too.

Northern Soul is returning home to Wigan for a fantastic traditional All-Nighter and the DJ’s will all be playing original Vinyl only on a mega surround system. Tickets in advance are £12 or £15 on the door, please call or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk

Believe Square, Wigan

Wigan Roller Rink, Eckersley Mill, Swan Meadow Rd, Wigan WN3 5BD. Tel: 01942 375675

Sincerity Lodge Ladies Evening

Forties Day at Haigh

Saturday, September 8, 5.30pm-11.30pm

Sunday, September 16, 11am-5pm

A warm and cordial invitation is extended to guests, Masonic or otherwise, to this important annual event; featuring Joe Dunlop singing classic songs from the shows. Tickets available from Steven Price email stevenlprice@gmail.com for £25.

The 1940’s returns to Haigh Woodland Park with music, entertainment, re-enactors, vehicles and stalls. There’ll be displays of period kit and vehicles with re-enactors bringing history to life, showing you how things were during wartime. Free event, £3 parking per car.

Pemberton Masonic Hall, Chapel Pemberton, WN5 8JP. Tel: 07858 604590

Street,

Artisan Market Sat, Sept 8, 10am-4pm & Sat, Oct 13, 10am–4pm The artisan market is a unique shopping and trading experience with stall holders selling organic meat and dairy, homemade artisan pies and cakes, arts and crafts, bespoke handmade children’s’ clothes, vintage traders, vinyl records and much more, all under one roof. www.wiganauctionhouse.co.uk

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828280

Friday Afternoon Quiz Friday, September 21, 1pm–3pm £5 per person includes tea, coffee or water and a hot meal, plus a chance to win a prize. Booking is preferable, please call and leave a message stating number of guests and any dietary requirements.

Miry Lane, Wigan, WN6 7TG

Greenslate Community Farm, Greenslate Road, Billinge, WN5 7BG. Tel: 01695 632290

Wigan 10K

Wedding Fayre

Sunday, September 9, 10am-4pm

Sunday, September 23, 12pm–4pm

The 6th Halliwell Jones Wigan 10k will be back in 2018, and the event’s chosen charity is Joining Jack – one of Wigan 10k’s Supporting Partners. Tickets range from £18-£30 from www. spor tsentr ysolutions.com/new_race_page. php?recordID=200609

Throughout the day there will be live music playing, two show stopping bridal catwalk shows at 1pm & 3pm plus entertainment. The fayre starts with a complimentary glass of fizz and canapes.

Market Street, Wigan

Moss Lane, Wrightington, Wigan, WN6 9PB. Tel: 01942 206446

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Artisan Market

Hop & Grain Ale Trail

Sunday, September 23, 10am - 4pm

Saturday, October 6, 12pm-11pm

Over 80 artisans with art, food, craft, drinks, street food and live music.

Visit 8 superb real ale pubs on the Trail. Pubs include: The Twisted Vine Ale House, Ashton, The Boars Head, Standish, Formby’s, Hindley, The Hoot, Standish, Wigan Central, Doc’s Symposium plus The Holts and The Delph locally. For more information or to buy tickets (£13.66) please visit www. ticketsource.co.uk.

Haigh Woodland Park, School Ln, Wigan, WN2 1PE

Social Sequence Dance Thursday, Sept 27 & Thursday, Oct 4, 8pm-11pm Meet new friends and get some exercise. If you can’t dance, we will show you how or just chat and listen to the music. £4 admission.

St. Teresa’s Club, College Road. Up Holland, WN8 0PY. Tel: 07971956532

Macmillan Coffee Morning Friday 28th September, from 9.30am Join The Fox in supporting the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ and help Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Fox, Roby Mill 01695 628178.

Orrell LIVE

Proudly sponsored by

The Three Degrees Saturday, October 6, 7.30pm-11pm The Three Degrees are famous for their soulful voices, beautiful gowns, and fabulous stage shows.

The original members Helen Scott & Valerie Holiday are coming all the way from the USA for their 50th Anniversary Tour. For tickets and more info visit www.ents24.com.

The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan, WN3 5AB. Tel: 01942 244460

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Win family tickets to

Martin Mere You can enjoy a Spooktacular Half Term visit to Martin Mere for all the family by winning our fantastic competition. We have three family tickets (2 adults +2 children) to visit the centre between 20th and 28th October to join in the Halloween fun.

Hop on a broomstick and replicate interactively the incredible journey Whooper swans make every year from Iceland to Martin Mere with our interactive migration obstacle course – look out for predators, pylons and wind turbines! Collect your broomstick pilot licence and take a souvenir photo of your achievement. This activity is included in the admission price but a free ticket must be collected from the information desk to take part.

In addition, you can carve your own Halloween pumpkin to create a spooky face to take home, explore the grounds to find our hidden pumpkins in

our pumpkin hunt, to win a treat – and be amazed watching hundreds of Whooper swans feeding right in front of you on the mere at 3pm from Discovery hide and 3.30pm from Raines Observatory.

Of course that’s not all you’ll enjoy at Martin Mere.

Its year-round attractions include an otter enclosure, pond dipping zone and the opportunity to enjoy close-up encounters with around 100 species of international water-birds as they swim, feed and wander in wetlands custom-designed to mimic their natural homes.

From zip wire screams and scramble net laughs, to treehouse trailblazing and water zone wonders, our huge adventure playground is a total rush for ages 3 to 12. Pick up your paddle and canoe your way around our award-winning kilometrelong Canadian canoe trail. You can drift away on

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a 30-minute expertly-guided boat tour of our wonderful wetlands or head cross to our Mere Side café to refuel.

But what makes Martin Mere truly world class are the many thousands of migrant wild ducks, geese, waders and swans which over-winter at this Ramsarrated marshland and especially the spectacular displays of feather and flight provided by huge migrant flocks of pink-footed geese, wigeon and whooper swans.

To win one of the three family tickets for Martin Mere, simply visit our website www.locallife247. co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’.

To enter the competition just input your answer to the following question; What kind of stick will you ‘fly’ on the interactive flight from Iceland to Martin Mere?

The expiry date for the competition is Friday 28th September 2018. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

For further information about Martin Mere visit www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere

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Gardening

Low maintenance gardening – yes please!

Award Winner

by Angie Barker

We live in busy times and work and family commitments often lead to high stress levels. One of the most recognised ways of bringing some relief from this is to re-connect with nature and the outdoors. I am speaking from personal experience here. Being self employed and running a busy garden design business can be stressful, but taking time out to spend 10 minutes sitting in the garden can bring a sense of calm back into my day.

That’s all very well but when do we have the time to look after a garden which will bring us some relaxation? Well, it is possible to have a low maintenance garden and here are some tips: • Don’t have too many pots and if you have pots make them large ones – at least 40cm wide and deep. To grow healthy plants in pots takes a lot of watering and feeding – particularly in a summer like this one. There is nothing more depressing than seeing a plant struggling, it will only add to your stress levels. Larger pots also have more impact from a design point of view and will look good if they are all the same colour.

again in August/September. Hakoenchloa macra is a lovely, mound forming grass which only needs cutting down in spring. Evergreen ground covering plants like Pachysandra terminalis, Epimedium x rubrum and Asarum europaeum are completely low maintenance and look really good planted in large numbers.

• Avoid self seeders like Aquilegias and Alchemilla mollis and some grasses like Stipa tenuissima and Carex pendula. These are all lovely plants but if you don’t want to spend time thinning them from your borders, best avoid.

• Lay gravel or slate chippings over a good quality membrane. Plant some evergreen specimens through the liner to add interest - Phormiums and Brachyglottis ‘Sunshine’ look good planted this way I’m off now – heading for the garden with Hubby in tow, cups of tea in hand, to watch the butterflies and the bees and to contemplate. What could be more relaxing.

• Choose low maintenance ground cover plants for borders. Hardy Geraniums are brilliant for this and if you chop them down after their first summer flowering has finished, they often flower

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.

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

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80 www.treetechsolutions.co.uk • All tree work • Hedge cutting • Grounds maintenance • Stump grinding NO JOB TOO SMALL

Qualified Tree Surgeon NCA RFS NPTC All types of Tree and Hedge Work Fully Insured Felling, Reducing, Pruning, Shaping

EMERGENCY CALL OUTS WELCOME BILLINGE BASED

Call Wes for a free quote on

07713 121135 / 01695 322153

QUALIFIED & INSURED

SMN

FREE ESTIMATES

Tree and Landscape Management TELEPHONE:

01695 623 909 07903 290 878 www.gardenrescuetreeservices.weebly.com

Garden need a little

LTC?

• Tree Surgery • Flagging & Fencing • Landscaping & Design • Garden Clearances • Logs For Sale Wood chipping & stump grinder services

Call Lloyd today for a free estimate

01942 367170 / 07900 738637 Cricket St, Wigan, WN6 7TP www.ltcgroup.co.uk

Give your garden a makeover!

We offer high quality landscaping, garden design and ground maintenance services Quality work and reliability at competitive prices

01942 510 986 07710 405 214 www.ashlandscapingandmaintenance.co.uk Established 1994

Tree Felling & Pruning Site Clearance Tree Surveys and Reports Invasive Weed Control Ground Maintenance Agricultural & Domestic Fencing Firewood & Woodchip Woodland Maintenance 24 Hour Emergency Tree Work West Lancashire Borough Council approved contractor Wigan Council approved contractor

Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121 www.smntrees.co.uk

steve@smntrees.co.uk

ORRELL MACHINERY SALES • SERVICE • SPARES • REPAIRS

Lawn Mower Servicing

We also service all power tools NO VAT CHARGED

FREE

pick up & drop off ! for mower services

Unit 6, Hewitt Business Park, Orrell WN5 7XB

Call - 01695 682 043

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Garden Make-Overs LANDSCAPE & DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS LANDSCAPING • Block Paving • Indian Stone • Turfing & Artificial Grass • Driveways & Patios • Fencing & Decking • Jet Washing • Gravelling

Before

After

TREE SPECIALISTS

A

• Pruning & Shaping • Felling & Topping • Stump Grinding All aspects of tree work undertaken

•Landscaping •Driveways •Decking •Design

Call for free estimate Colin 07958 302 166 Brian 07760 160 988

Wilson Brothers

01695 633173 Wilson Brothers www.wilson-bros.co.uk

NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL Call us today for a free, no obligation, quote;

Discounts

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• Gates and railings • Repairs and restorations • Ironwork and welding • Traditional forge work

25 years of expertise

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£145 fitted

Sheds Log Cabins Workshops Wendy Houses Summer Houses Garden Offices R

DIR ER

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OFF

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AC U F TU N

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www.ashfieldhomeimprovements.co.uk

www.solidsheds.com

07816 386 548 01257 425 958

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Landscapes

Creating the ideal outdoor living space Garden Design & Construction All aspects of Paving, Driveways & Patios

Semmens Landscapes

Garden Design • Landscaping • Maintenance Professional & reliable service For a free quote, call Andy on 26, Tracks Lane

07814 133 690

Billinge, WN5 7BL

Award Winner

Call Stewart Ashcroft on;

01695 622460 or 07894 217191 email:westdene41@btinternet.com Winstanley Road, Billinge

Award-winning, local family run business offers:

Garden Landscaping (lawn laying, planting, fencing)

Garden Maintenance

Garden Services & Lawncare

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.

jmagardenservices.co.uk

day: 07929 366769 eve: 01744 302793

(weeding, mowing, trimming, hedges)

Regular or one off visits

Plants & Planting

(wide range of plants available with advice and planting service)

Call now for a friendly, no obligation quote

01257 401193 / 0771 077 2732 www.newleafgardenservices.co.uk

Garden maintenance ~ General tidy ups Hedge cutting ~ Pressure washing ~ Fencing

Call - 01942 225711 or 07773 296880

Complete Solution to all Garden & Tree Services

Garden maintenance One-off clearances Treework Landscaping Approved contractor West Lancs BC Call Iain today for friendly advice and a free quote

Tel: 01695 632773 Mob: 07724 298193 www.hands-onlandscapes.co.uk Billinge-based

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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 / ONE OFF TIDY UPS JETWASHING DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS HEDGES & SHRUBS MAINTAINED WEED SPRAYING OF PATHS & DRIVEWAYS BILLINGE BASED

Paving

Driveways

Planting

Turfing

Decking

Creative solutions for all garden sizes & budgets

07850 940 429 or 01942 512 635 www.orrellpaving.co.uk

Creative Garden Construction

Professional Lawn Treatment & Garden Maintenance ~ Est. 2001 ~

01942 200 039 or 07950 651 956 GreenhillsLC@gmail.com

scope2scape Landscape & Artificial Grass Specialist We’ll design & create your new modern low-maintenance garden

scope2scape.co.uk T 01257 464221 M 07761 808413 / 07900 224849

Our wide range of artificial grass are all guaranteed for 10 years

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Call Andy today for more details

01942 387 044 ~ 07941 602 539 Check out our projects on www.turfcouk.co.uk

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN? I’ll do the hard work for you;

Friendly and professional female gardener Regular maintenance service Weeding, planting and pruning

Contact Hannah on

01257 402 149 / 07454 393 217 www.artemisgardening.co.uk

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

07946 751308

01942 206503

84

Motoring

Subaru

Impreza

by Tim Barnes-Clay

The fifth incarnation of the Subaru Impreza brings four-wheel-drive grip within reach of buyers who don’t fancy an SUV. It is an Astra-sized hatchback with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system coupled to 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol Boxer units. I drove the higher powered 2.0-litre.

What’s intriguing about the new Impreza is that it is the first motor to be launched in Britain on Subaru’s fresh Global Platform – the pillar of all its future models.

There is nothing stirring about the latest Impreza’s silhouette, but the interior is better than the former model’s. The quality of plastics and finishes have been enhanced, while the cabin is wider and offers more rear legroom. Maximum cargo capacity has also been boosted by 10 litres.

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The cabin houses lots of kit, too, with safety being the new Impreza’s selling point.

The car is fitted with EyeSight technology – a camera-based system that scans the way ahead for other road-users. It is more accurate than conventional camera and sensor arrangements, continually producing 3D images and identifying specific objects – rather than just reacting to unknown obstacles.

Behind the wheel, the 2.0-litre powerplant isn’t mind-blowingly quick. The car pulls away briskly, but anything after this feels a tad lifeless, so you must plan your overtakes in advance. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) imitates an orthodox auto’s ratios. It works okay, but it does whine offensively. There’s no manual gearbox, as the intricate EyeSight gadgetry only functions with the CVT. So, when all’s said and done, you need to work the engine like a dog to make real headway. Relax to a cruise, however, and the refinement is respectable, even if the levels of tyre rumble are a touch too much.

Handling-wise, the Impreza corners with hardly any body lean. The steering is wellweighted, and the grip is incredible, due to the all-wheel-drive system.

Alas, you will fork out for the Impreza’s traction talents when you fill the car with petrol. The 2.0-litre variant only returns 42.8mpg, meaning the Subaru is eclipsed on the efficiency front by many SUVs. But Subaru is happy with how safe its cars are.

It is proud of its durability. It is proud of its slightly unexciting worthiness. And that’s cool, for keeping a core brand of loyal buyers content, but it will do nothing to lure new customers from competing manufacturers.

Still, if you want a family-sized hatchback, then the Impreza is a safe bet – in more ways than one.

Fast Facts

• 0-62 mph: 9.8 secs • Combined mpg: 42.8 • Engine layout: 1995cc four-cylinder ‘boxer’ petrol • Max. power (PS): 156 • CO2: 152 g/km • Price: £24,995

86

Services Repairs Diagnostics for all makes & models

MOT Testing Centre for Class 4 Dingle Garage, Dingle Road, Upholland, WN8 0EN

ExperienceReliabilityExpertise

Telephone: 01695 624 261 www.jwgaskellgarageservices.co.uk

Open: Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm & Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm

Car Paintwork Repairs PCP or lease coming to an end?

Call me now and save £000’s

SCuffS/SCratCheS mended minor dentS repaired alloy wheel repairS

no Vat Charged we’ll beat any quote!

Call Chris on 01942 215 111 or 07969 357 751

www.cosmeticar.co.uk

We’ll fix your; Paintwork Scratches Bumper Scuffs Alloy Wheel Damage Minor Dents

No VAT charged!

Quality repairs with a lifetime guarantee.

Mobile Service – we come to you!

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c/o JW Gaskell Garages, Dingle Garage, Dingle Road, Up Holland, WN8 0EN

Home Services

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AJH DECORATORS Painting and Decorating Quality work assured Over 30 years experience Free quotes

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

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01942 392398 or 07707 321383

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01942 518126

Professional Painting and Decorating

or 07545 065119

• Domestic & Commercial Work • Interior & Exterior work welcomed • Old/listed buildings a speciality

Call us today for a free quotation Home Service available

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01942 212096 07831 102 511 www.jpmoorcroft.com

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Award Winner

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

01257 426 234

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CALL PAUL LOCKSMITHS

• Alarm installations, repairs, upgrades and contracts • CCTV installations and maintenance • Lock changes and opening Find us on

@uklocksandalarms

www.uklocksandalarms.co.uk info@ianwalkerservices.co.uk

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

money is the clear benefit!

Garage and entrance doors 01695 999 styles in 627 matching For more information call

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Wind Turbines Heat Pumps

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

w

no

LED Lighting

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

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

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

es Lash Tan y Spra ils eds Sunb & Gel Na ic Acryl

Dennis Goulding

A49

Mossy Lea Road

A5209

LocalLife

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

£20

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

ally

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s

Natalie

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

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

...andreturns available

from your www.dglwindows.co.uk

FREE

own solar panels

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Standish

T

Shevington

Health

• UPVC Door Lock Upgrades • All Work Guaranteed A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company

Call Paul for a Fast, Reliable, Professional Service

Slash your electricity and water heating bill

X

Call H us now

k ChecVisit our showroom at

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

• UPVC Door Lock Changes

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

(10% typical return)

Car84 dio Y @ Stu

• Emergency Door Opening

• Wood Door Lock Changes

Design & Print l Geails N £15

• UPVC & WOODEN DOOR SPECIALIST • UPVC Door Lock Repairs

Call for a free quote 0800 999 2828

Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

ESTABLISHED 2000

0843 A224 9555 U rton 07595S 420237

Brethe

or

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

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DING & WEL

Is your garage door broken ?

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

TELEPHONE

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

GARAGE DOOR

REPAIRS

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

Doors of all ages repaired

CJM Garage Doors Ltd, Unit 10, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB t: 01942 738347 w: www.cjmgaragedoors.co.uk

01744 894939 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE! www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, Upholland WN8 9QL

90

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

01942 397173 / 07803 057940 Douglas Drive, Orrell, Wigan www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk

Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service

C &D

Plumbing and Heating

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

Specialists in boiler installations, repair & maintenance All work fully warranted

Book a boiler health check for £65

& get a carbon monoxide alarm (RRP £29) FREE!

John Bailey - 01942 495785

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

Call the team on

Email ops@hotmail.co.uk

01744 892437

FINA

No call out fee

Great Value Bathrooms!

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

Freephone 0300 3030121 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809 21 Naburn Drive, Orrell, WN5 8SB

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk

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

www.orrellheating.co.uk

506515

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

07703 448890 01942 208926

91

A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff

All plumbing services

SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES

COMBI

including services & repairs

BOILERS FROM

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

£999

No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on

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

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

527090

www.gphwigan.co.uk

12 YEARS

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

Telephone:

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

01942 504 429 Registration No.

186237

TEL:

88604

Your one stop shop for central heating

MOB:

01257 421 660 07515 505 501

www.fgwelch.co.uk

434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF

01942 221221

info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com

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Complete Electrical Installation & Maintenance Service From new sockets to entire re-wires Burglar Alarms & CCTV PAT testing and inspections

NO JOB TOO SMALL

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL WORK WELCOMED Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est Cale Lane Wigan

24-Hour Call Out Service

Wireless Alarm System

From £395

Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote

01942 836 937 or 07557 914 788

www.ghewigan.co.uk

Over 30 years electrical experience All aspects of electrical work undertaken inc; Installation, Maintenance and Repair Building regulations work CCTV and Security Alarms Inspections and PAT testing Call Andrew to discuss your requirements

Office 01695 625669 Mobile 07850 956229

All electrical work undertaken

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

Free quotations

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BAILEYS

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Services Ltd J.Dillon Electrical

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01942 215 769 07739 709 005

• All types of electrical work • 20+ years experience • Friendly, fast and reliable • 24 hour call out service

93

Picture Perfect!

Digital Aerial & HD CCTV Installer

Digital Aerials installed from only £59* *dependent of property size & signal strength.

HD CCTV Installed from only £295 View your property on any smartphone or tablet from anywhere in the world Wireless Alarm System Wired systems also installed & serviced

Call now for a FREE, no obligation quote!

07817 807 960 / 01257 453 133 www.qualitv.co.uk

TV Aerials installed & repaired Sky, Freesat, Talk Talk & BT Setup Service Telephone/Broadband repair Tv Wall mounting & CCTV

Ring Paul on www.wiganaerials.com 01942 514532 - 07709 490095

ARANTEC Telecom & Broadband Engineers

• Installations • Broadband & Wifi • Repairs & Faults

Our engineers will rePAir yOur; • wAshers/Dryers • COOkers/hObs • FriDges/VACuums A friendly, efficient and reliable service Our mobile repair service works Mon-Sat

CAll us tODAy On 01942 833 908 Unit 5, Caroline Street, Wigan WN3 4EL

www.aspull-domestics.co.uk

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Call Sally: 01695 627 999 locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

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

For expert service & advice call today:

01257 427507

07711 819009

www.arantec.co.uk

94 as seen

ON TV

Ovenclean will transform your oven and put the sparkle back into your kitchen!

• • • •

Mr Soot Open fires

• • • •

Hobs Ranges Microwaves AGA’s

Call today to book your oven clean

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Woodburners

Ovens Grills Extractors BBQ’s

0800 840 7127 or 07724 694337

Stoves

mr-soot.com 07724 311 992

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

Wigan Good Trader Of The Year 2015

5 star rating with Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme

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

Call - 01257 251221

Mobile - 07908 770808

www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk

Providing professional carpet & upholstery cleaning since 1993 Carpets Leather

Upholstery Curtains Oriental Rugs Hard Floors

For more information call:

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

www.alliancechemdry.co.uk

Boost your Business in 2018 Advertising packages start from £39 + VAT a month.

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Wigan’s premier domestic cleaning service

Cleaning in the Wigan area for 10+ years

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

Orrell Laundry 11 Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP 01695 623 796 • Bedding & duvets • Domestic washes • Commercial washing • Ironing services • Dry cleaning • Team sports kits welcomed Serving the community for over 50 years

& drop off!

CONSERVATORIES

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning) • Glass roofs / Orangeries • Driveways & Patios etc.

joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk / www.acleanbreak.co.uk/wigan

see website for opening times

• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.

JETWASHING

Call or email Joanne 01942 203442

Open 7 days Free pick-up

UPVC CLEANING

ROOF CLEANING • Moss Removal (No Jet washing/No mess) • NEW Soft Wash Cleaning

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 •

Free pICk-up & DrOp OFF

service to/from Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Kitt Green & Up Holland

www.orrell-laundry.co.uk

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

l Geails N £15

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

For more information call

Heat Pumps

LED Lighting

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

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

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

es Lash Tan y Spra ils eds Sunb & Gel Na ic Acryl

Book your FREE home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a cycles CAR & detailed motorreport showing the Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS

Dennis Goulding A49

Mossy Lea Road

LocalLife

Wind Turbines

w

no

B5250

01695 627 999

£20

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

ally

rm

no

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

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

...andreturns available

from your www.dglwindows.co.uk

Slash your electricity and water heating bill Protect your household from future energy price rises ReduceE your household’s impact on the environment

own solar panels X (10% typical return) Call H us now A k ChecVisit our showroom at T Car84 Health U or Unit 4a, rton dio Cricket Street Business Park Brethe Y n and S @ Stu Miry Lane, Crosto of off 7PG Wigan. e WN5 R for all residents WN6 Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk need me!

T 7TP , Billing you 400 Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk - 6PM Road 4 619 ford ESaturday 10AMKeep me until : 0781 Check S hone : 84 Rain Health - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM yS FREE Car on , Fridayay & Sunda now Book your A5209

s

Natalie

J27

Shevington

Standish

FREE

Call

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0843 224 9555 07595 420237

01772

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603923

DING & WEL

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

96

Your one-stop home improvement service!

All joinery & building work undertaken including plumbing and electrical services Building Extensions No job too BIG or too SMALL Family-run business with more than 36 years’ experience

Jenkins Joinery & Building Call Paul for your free quote on:

07973 963 484 01772 811 095

GDR Driveways Flagging • Block paving Concreting • Fencing Call Gareth for a FREE quotation

01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754

Don’t Move – Improve!

• House Renovation • Loft & Garage Conversion

Call me for advice and a free quotation

01257 251 534 07973 143 289

E: paul@jjandbprojects.co.uk

www.sjcollier.co.uk

Home Improvements • • • •

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

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

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

01942 203 804 DS Joinery 07851 225 876

PLANS TO IMPROVE • Plans drawn and submitted.

• Extensions, conversions, structural alterations.

• Structural calculations.

01257 422317 or 07852 202867 www.mtjoiner y.co.uk

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

For a free quote, call Ian Ridley on

01942 218 160

or 07958 695 116

E mail info@stuartsplans.co.uk Call Stuart on 07973143289 ix

yM

Easy Mix

Eas

Ready Mixed Concrete

• Delivered or Collected • Perfect for builders & DIY

01942 224571 for advice Lamberhead Ind. Est., Pemberton

97

• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985

B.A. Berry

Roofing & Roofline Specialists

Building & Roofing Specialists

• All aspects of maintenance & repair

•All building work undertaken.

• From a broken tile to a full re roof.

• Flat roofs renewed and repaired.

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• Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate

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

Your local fully qualified tradesman with

30 years experience

Call us now for a free, no obligation quote

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

K Stone Building Services

All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience

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01942 495412 / 07974 496676

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

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WE DESIGN AND MANAGE YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH

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

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28 Years Experience

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98

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

We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters.

Clean, stylish and guaranteed for 25 years!

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

First Class Workmanship All aspects of roofing & roofline

NEW ROOFS REPAIRS FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERS

Dormers and Garages Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist Guaranteed 50 years

Call for free quote

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

• 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

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01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years

M H Roofing

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

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

Call 01744 884117 or 07702 693225

www.mhroofingltd.co.uk

Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees

99

Come and visit the largest showroom in the North West

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

Rockdoor Approved Installer Reg No 02767596

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established 16 years

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

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value Windows

Bi-Fold Doors

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs expertly fitted by accredited installers

Orangeries

©

Don’t just lock it, Rock it!

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Manufacturers and installers since 2004

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28544

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www.orrellwindows.co.uk