Wigan Edition
November 2015
Why Kathryn’s a
head for heights inside: 24 page education special
WIN a fused glass bowl from Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Business View... Photo by David Sudworth
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Time to
I
talk
n the news recently were two incidents involving stubborn motorists refusing to give way to others on narrow streets. As these incidents were going on, irate drivers caught up in the traffic jams behind them angrily berated the two drivers concerned. Reading our Editor’s piece on the ongoing dispute at Billinge Family Church, I get the distinct feeling that this is another dispute which could be resolved if both drivers, or others if necessary, from each side sat down and talked about it sensibly and amicably. The church needs to explore ways to reduce exterior noise levels without affecting the comfort of those churchgoers within the building, particularly on warm days. The residents need to be realistic though. The huge and, perhaps many would say, inappropriate extension that was granted planning permission in 2003 is there to stay. The fact that it was Wigan Council’s decision to allow the extension in the first place should enhance the authority’s willingness to get involved. The fact that talks have been held at the highest level is positive. As the season of goodwill approaches, it’s time to put away the placards, noise monitors and solicitors’ letters. None of these will help either the church or residents bring a sense of peace and harmony to this close-knit corner of Billinge. And on that note, a joyful and peaceful Christmas to you all.
Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Next issue - December 2015
Advertising deadline - Thursday 5 November Published - Thursday 19 November Local Life Media
@locallifemedia
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In this issue Find your dream
Give peace a
chance
coat 18
82 Masterchef’s John
Pics from the
proms
Torode
46
86 Jack’s Tracks
Win a fused glass
bowl
Hoscar Moss
64
130
Regulars
Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01695 627 999
50 Class from the past
121 What’s On
65 Planning Matters
141 Useful Numbers
Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray sales@locallife247.co.uk
72 Puzzle Corner
154 View from the lump
Editorial: David Sudworth editorial@locallife247.co.uk
95 Eating Out Guide
Design: Peter Bretherton
design@locallife247.co.uk
Sections
Distribution: Sally Boon
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk
8 Property
78 Travel
14 Local News
86 Food & Drink
18 Fashion
121 Leisure
66 Heath & Fitness
134 Motoring
70 Legal & Finance
138 Gardening
74 Business View
142 Home Services
Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis. This issue is delivered to over 14,000 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Ashton, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton. The next issue is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan, or read online at www.locallife247.co.uk
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.
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PEMBERTON £140,000
HAWKLEY HALL £139,950
SOLD SOLD
SOLD ORRELL £169,950
UP HOLLAND £250,000
ORRELL £149,950
SOLD
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WINSTANLEY £207,000
ASHTON £295,000
SOLD
SOLD
BILLINGE £299,995
SOLD
SOLD
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ORRELL £134,950
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Hair-raising
idea!
An Orrell teenager is donating her hair to children who have gone bald through cancer. Erin Fudge, 13, will give her flowing locks to The Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs to children who suffer hair loss while undergoing treatment. The St Peter’s High pupil hit on the idea after looking for a new hair style, and wanted to put the discarded hair to good use. Her mum, Debbie, told Local Life: “She’s already raised more than £200 in sponsorship but the reason for publicising it isn’t to ask for money, it’s to raise awareness of the Trust. “When you think about it, there must be tonnes of hair every week which gets thrown away, and
it could be put to good use. I’m very proud of Erin.” Erin’s hair will be sent to the Trust’s wig manufacturer in China, where it will be blended with at least five other hair donations to make one single piece. In 2013, pop singer Jessie J donated her own hair to the Trust after she had her head shaved. For more information on Little Princesses, visit www. littleprincesses.org.uk
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Distributors wanted
M58 link exhibition
Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows:
The rescheduled public exhibition on the M58 link road takes place on Tuesday, November 3. It will be on between 1pm to 7pm at Lamberhead Green Working Men’s Club in White Street, Pemberton.
Winstanley – Melling Way, Skyes Crescent, Pepperwood Drive & Crowther Drive.
The original meeting was planned for October but had to be put back as there was still some work to be done on finalising, for consultation, the design of the junction of the new link road with Billinge Road. The proposed scheme would go from the
Ashton-In-Makerfield – Woodedge, Liverpool Road, Old Hall Drive, Satinwood, Alderton Drive, Lazenby Crescent, Ellesmere Road & Bispham Drive. Up Holland – Parsonage Brow, Denshaw, & Denholme. If you are interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
roundabout at the M58/M6 junction at Orrell through to Billinge Road, via rook Lane and Leopold Street. Mike Worden, Wigan Council’s assistant director for planning and transport, said: “We hope that people will be able to attend the revised meeting.”
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Traffic
warning
Christmas traffic into Wigan is expected to be heavier this year because of the major Marus Bridge roundabout redesign. Work started in July, and is expected to finish just a few days before Christmas Day. Work is being undertaken with a series of lane closures where necessary, during the off peak period. The works have caused large tailbacks in all directions, most notably on the A49 because of
traffic leaving the M6. Highways chiefs say every effort is being made to keep traffic disruption to a minimum. Meanwhile, Network Rail are undertaking works to repair and refurbish the railway bridge near to Little Lane’s junction with Lychgate until Monday, November 30. To undertake these works safely temporary, traffic signals are in operation during these works. For more details on these schemes, visit www. wigan.gov.uk
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18
Latest fashions
Find your
dream coat
by Katie Wright
I
t’s likely to be your biggest splurge of the season, so wouldn’t it be great to have lots of time to thoroughly peruse all the options before deciding on a winning winter coat?
Sadly, when it comes to this particular fashion feat, time isn’t on your side, because the outerwear collections are dropping at a rate of knots, with the most popular pieces flying through the checkouts. They won’t be back in stock either, so if you want to be toasty AND on-trend when winter eventually rolls around, these are the coats, wraps and jackets to nab now...
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Call today on 01744 894214 to book your place
Expressions Of Beauty
Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PA
01744 894214
www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk
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Great capes Structured retro capes are still around, but to tap into the Seventies renaissance, you’ll want to wrap up with a woollen blanket.
O-fur the top If you invested in a big, colourful Honey Monster number last year, the good news is it’s still very much in vogue this winter. In fact, the fun fur trend has gone into overdrive, with rainbow brights and multicoloured patchwork coats, plus stoles and pom-pom bag charms added for good measure. Heine Faux Suede Coat, £199 (www.kaleidoscope.co.uk)
Not so much a coat as a gigantic scarf, these sizeable knits are perfect for throwing on over jeans and boots at the weekend, but for something a little more structured, consider looping a leather belt snugly around your waist. Autograph Top, £39.50; Limited Edition Wrap, £45; Limited Edition Trouser, £39.50 (available October; www.marksandspencer.com)
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Puff pieces Have a duvet day with a big quilted coat, as seen on the Moschino, Fendi and Hermes catwalks.
10% discount on all Designer Weekend orders*
Getting Married in 2016/2017?
But remember, fashion’s take on the puffa jacket is a little more minimalist, so not just any old hiking jacket will do - sleek shapes come to the fore, while zips and buckles take a back seat. Bonprix Quilted Jacket in Berry, £39.99 (www.bonprix.co.uk)
Visit our Designer Weekend Sat 21st & Sun 22nd November By appointment only Full 2016 collection to view! *only on David Tutera gowns The new team at Bride 2 Be Boutique Tracey, Sheila & Leanne
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01942 26 26 06
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VIP Preview Event
Must be suede Burberry is always a bellwether when it comes to coats and for AW15, Christopher Bailey’s focus was firmly on suede, as he sent all manner of capes, wraps and trenches down the runway, many with a ton of tassels attached. A key component of the Seventies feel that’s sticking around for autumn, a fuss-free brown suede jacket is a great canvas for woollen accessories. Zara Suede Jacket, £79.99 (www.zara.com)
Enjoy an exclusive preview of Mother of the Bride/Groom collections from Spring/Summer 2016 Sunday 8th November Fashion shows at 12 noon and 2pm
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Free parking available
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Hamper
appeal
An appeal which aims to bring a little joy and happiness to local people at Christmas is hoping to expand. The Storehouse Project’s annual festive hamper appeal last year saw 50 local families benefit. These ranged from elderly people who had nobody to celebrate with, to parents who didn’t have enough money to ensure their children had presents to open on Christmas Day. The organisation is now hoping to reach even more
people this year. Donations to the hampers will be open from Monday, November 2, until Friday, December 11 and can be dropped off at the Storehouse’s office, at Billinge Family Church, 31 Crank Road. Items which are particularly welcome include men’s gift sets, boys and girls’ presents (10-15 years old) and socks and scarves. For a full list of what you can donate, visit www. storehouseproject.org or call the office on 07816 623612.
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Church extension
go-ahead
A church extension plan which drew over 200 objections has been granted permission. Mike Kerry, of Billinge Family Church (BFC) on Crank Road, appealed against Wigan Council’s decision to reject the application for a two storey rear staircase extension (ground and lower ground) and single storey side extension (lower ground). An independent planning inspector, Nicholas Taylor, was appointed and has subsequently ruled in favour of the scheme. In his report, Mr Taylor said: “The
building is now a substantial size, much enlarged from its original form. Whatever opinions some neighbours may have of its current appearance, the overall size of the building would not be increased by a very significant extent and the design of the proposed extensions and the alterations to the front elevation would retain its character. There is no evidence that the proposal would directly lead to harmful light pollution from the building. The Council does not raise any objections to the scheme’s design and I see no reason to disagree.” - Peace & Goodwill at BFC? see pages 82-84
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Green waste charge? Up Holland and Roby Mill residents could soon be charged for disposing of their green, compostible waste under controversial proposals drawn up by West Lancashire Borough Council. The proposal, which would see an annual £30 per bin levy imposed, would raise around £500,000, according to council officers. Although a number of councils have already introduced green waste charges, councillors have been warned that there could be a negative public reaction to such a move, and that recycling rates could dip as a result. The move comes just weeks after it was announced that residents can now recycle clean aluminium foil, foil food containers and foil trays in their blue bin or blue box. The change has been introduced by West Lancashire Borough Council to help people recycle more of their household rubbish and reduce the amount that goes to landfill. Latest figures show that around 50%
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of household waste is recycled. Other proposals being considered by the council, which needs to save £1.2m next year, includes stopping sending Christmas cards and cease attending the Royal Garden Party. A consultation exercise on all the options is due to take place soon.
Stag application The Stag Inn, on Orrell Road, Orrell, is looking to extend its serving hours on Christmas Day. Applicants Mitchells & Butlers Leisure Retail Limited sat they want to lengthen the hours for the sale of alcohol on Christmas Day to as if it was a normal day of the week. They also want to extend the opening times to start at 7am, and to extend trade from start of New Year’s Eve to the start of New Year’s Day. Members of the public who want to submit comments on the application have until November 6 - visit www.wigan.gov.uk for more details.
Get a Free Bible!
Pick up a FREE New European Bible at our coffee morning at Christadelphian Hall, 66 Dicconson Street, Wigan 10.30am-12 noon Saturday 7th November Or visit www.n-e-v.info/free.html to order your free copy
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Success served
up
Young tennis players served up winning performances in the Lancashire County Championships.
Patrick Loftus, of Orrell, 10 and under boys singles champion
A number of children who attend Robin Park Tennis Centre are celebrating after netting a string of achievements. They include:
Robert Cowley, Joe Shaverin of Orrell, 12 and under boys singles champion/12 and under boys doubles winner
Eve Twist, from Billinge, 8 and under girls champion Freya Peet, from Appley Bridge, 8 and under girls champion runner up
Joe Shaverin, of Orrell, 8 and under boys runner up Harry Senior, of Wigan, 9 and under boys runner up
“Stiffkey Blue�
by Farrow & Ball
Visit our showroom to view our fine selection of... Bespoke Curtains & Blinds Fabrics Wallcoverings & Paint Curtain Poles Plantation Shutters
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Accessories for the home Full design service available from qualified interior designers
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Reuben Warwick, of Kirkby, 12 and under boys singles runner up and 12 and under boys doubles runner up
testimony to the hard work the players have put in over the year.�
Lucy Jane Cunliffe, of Haydock, 12 and under girls doubles runner up
Robin Park Tennis Centre provides coaching for children from 3 years old and offers several courses to suit all abilities. Call the centre on 01942 824758 for more information.
Neil Adams, head coach at Robin Park Tennis Centre, said: “I am extremely proud of the Robin Park players and their performances at the championships. To have so many successes is a great achievement and
Patrick Loftus
Robert Cowley and Reuben Warwick
Lucy Cunliffe
Harry Senior
Eve Twist and Freya Peet
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Mind tha
language!
Wigan’s traditional accent is heavily influenced by Welsh, according to a dialect expert. Sid Calderbank, who travels the country to promote the original Lancashire twang, says the town’s booming coal industry in the 18th and 19th Century had an effect on how we speak today. He explained: “There are so many varieties of Lancashire accent. For instance, East Lancashire is different from Wigan, which is influenced slightly by Welsh because of the amount of miners who moved there, as they got better wages digging coal in Wigan than slate back home. Scouse as well is a Lancashire accent but it has been heavily influenced by Irish. “
Sid, who was speaking to Local Life in the run-up to Lancashire Day on November 27, said the town also helped contribute to the stereotypical Lancashire lad: “I think it goes back to the days of the Andy Capp type character where nobody can decide whether he’s gormless or not. There’s a history of that, with the likes of George Formby, Frank Randle, who were both from Wigan. Today, it’s carried on by people like Johnny Vegas and Peter Kay.” For a list of Lancashire Day events, visit www. forl.co.uk
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Traveller site
extension?
A local gypsy and traveller site is set to be extended. Wigan Council is proposing to allocate 0.69 hectares at Little Lane, directly next to the current site. It comes after a study revealed a shortfall in pitches available for gypsies and travellers in the area. The proposed extension could accomdate 19 pitches says Wigan Council. The suggestion forms part of the council’s Allocations and Development Management Local Plan, which is out for public consultation. The plan also includes measures to improve Wigan and Ashton town centres, particularly The Galleries, Wigan bus station and Ashton Market. The report says: “The current bus station is an
unattractive place. It is proposed to redevelop the bus station to create a modern facility for bus services that is better connected to the town centre and nearby schools and colleges Redevelopment will create a new covered concourse for passengers, a simpler layout for bus stands and improved pedestrian access from New Market Street and Market Street.” Regarding Ashton Market, it says: “The site is currently underused with the market operating on a limited basis. The area of land is identified for future redevelopment for town centre uses to improve Ashton’s offer and attractiveness.” Members of the public have until December 1 to comment on the proposals. Visit www.wigan.gov. uk/allocationsplan for more information.
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Mend that bend!
Lions offer
Safety measures are to be installed on a sharp bend in Kitt Green. Hatched road markings are set to be laid at the junction of Eccles Road and Prescott Lane. It comes after reports of people losing control on the bend in bad weather.
Tawd Vale Lions Club, which covers Up Holland, is inviting community groups to bid for grants of up to £1,500. They want to help community groups, schools or individuals with projects that would otherwise be outside the normal course of their activities. Applications should be made to Margaret Evans, Team co-ordinator, 104 Runshaw Lane, Euxton, Lancashire, PR7 6AX.
PO to close Old Road Post Office in Ashton will close, mail chiefs have confirmed. They announced that they will be going ahead with moving its services to Thorougoods further down Old Road towards Ashton town centre following a public consultation. A date for the official relocation is to be confirmed.
Clubs to lease fields? Chequer Lane Playing Fields in Up Holland could be leased to two local football clubs. West Lancashire Borough Council has not revealed the names of the clubs, or any further details, but a report is expected to be made public in early November. Around 10 years ago, locals became concerned about the future use of the fields, and a campaign was launched which even received star backing from Everton FC’s Leon Osman, who grew up locally.
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Celebrate Christmas
with stylish oak furniture
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£253k grant success Plans for an eco-friendly community hub in Billinge are gathering pace. Wigan councillors are to be asked to give Greenslate Community Farm, on Tracks Lane, the right to build and use a new straw bale building along with the provision of a photovoltaic array. As part of the permission, a 25 year community lease agreement is set to be granted, as well as moves to formalise the transfer of grant arrangements after successfully securing a £253,000 grant from Public Health England to construct a recovery building on the site. The matter is to be debated soon by Wigan Council.
What the doctor ordered... Winstanley Medical Centre is among the best for people wanting to see their GP. In a survey, 91% of respondents with a preferred doctor usually get to see or speak to that person. The national average is 60%. In addition, 89% said they found it easy to get
through to the Holmes House Avenue surgery by phone, compared to 73% nationally. However, the survey did reveal areas where improvements could be made, including the percentage of respondents who would recommend the surgery to someone new in the area (67% compared to 78% nationally). The GP Patient Survey is an independent survey run by Ipsos MORI on behalf of NHS England. For Winstanley Medical Centre, 360 surveys were sent and 101 were returned.
Girls allowed A group which was set up 25 years ago is looking for new members. Wigan Ladies Guild is a group of approximately 60 women who meet on the first three Mondays of the month for demonstrations, speakers, quizzes, bring and buy sales and fundraising. The Guild meets in the Wigan Baptist Church Hall in Charles Street. The annual subscription is £10 with a fee of 50p per meeting, which includes refreshments. Call 01942 708959.
Come and browse our unique collection of stunningly elegant Gas fires, Electric fires & Fireplaces Wide range of styles for all budgets Family business – established over 30 years Supply only or full fitting service available
Opening hours; Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm Sat 10.30am-4pm Closed Weds & Sun
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139, Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8AE Opposite Tesco Express
01942 721 547
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Victim arrested An adult who was targeted by youths ended up being arrested by Wigan Police for retaliating. Officers say the person was detained for a public order offence. It comes after police revealed there have been a number of anti-social beahviour incidents around the Church Street and Sefton Road area of Orrell. However, since the reintroduction of a Dispersal Order for Church Street, police say there has been a big reduction in reported problems. To report issues, call the non-emergency police 101 number.
Badminton call
Family portraits Personalised keepsakes Souvenir shirts Sporting memorabilia Cross-stitching and Craft We don’t just make frames, we frame memories Wide choice of quality frames Expert advice and efficient service
Call - 01942 718602
25 Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8AA Opposite the American Bar On-site Parking www.artisanframingservices.co.uk
P h o e n i x Badminton Club is looking for new members, particularly women. The organisation plays twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, at Robin Park Sports Centre. It is a social club and not in any league but members must be able to play. For more details, call 01695 627379.
Lotto scam alert Scammers claiming to be from the People’s Postcode Lottery and the Postcode Lotto are at work in Wigan. Trading Standards chiefs say a number of letters have been received by locals asking them to telephone a number to claim their prize of £825,000. After ringing the number people are asked to pay a £200 processing fee. People are also advised not to disclose their bank details or pay fees in advance and to be suspicious of email addresses such as @hotmail.com or @yahoo.com or telephone numbers beginning with 07 because these are free to get hold of. Anyone who wishes to report scams can contact Trading Standards via the Citizen Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
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Mo’s
honour
An Ashton grandmother was made a VIP for the day by bookie Fred Done. Maureen Ratcliffe, 74, of Ennerdale Avenue, was just getting ready for her £50 shift as a cloakroom attendant at Haydock Park when she was approached by Fred who told her: “Mo, forget about the coats - you’re upstairs as our guest of honour.” Upstairs on the top table in the Park Suite was Mo’s beaming daughter Amanda Hughes who was in on the big surprise . Mo’s grandson Alex, who works as a porter at the course was the natural choice to step in while she was living the high life. But Mo, who walks with the aid of a stick, couldn’t resist making several trips downstairs to check all was well with the cloaks. Mo has worked at the racecourse for 25 years and
is known as ‘Mo in the Cupboard’ by work pals and the upper crust horse racing set she looks after in the VIP Park Suite. “I was shaking, I just couldn’t believe it,” said Mo. “Fred and his wife, who like me is called Mo, are my favourites. I call him my toy boy because he’s a few years younger than me. I thought he just wanted a cuddle as usual but then he told me about joining all these VIPs for a slap up lunch.” Betfred boss Fred said: “She’s a lovely lady who always greets everyone with a smile. It was nice to reward her and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
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Geoff Parr, Chris Cottington, Carolynne Parkinson, David Wood , Mark Parkinson , Jon Redmond and Les Pilling
Beer festival fundraiser A fundraiser is being held in memory of Billinge FC first team manager Geoff Parr and his partner’s still born daughter. Isabella Rose died four years ago, and a Foundation has since been set up in her memory. A beer festival is now being held at Billinge’s Carr Mill Road ground on Friday, October
30, (5pm-1pm) and Saturday, October 31 (2pm9pm). The festival has been organised to raise local awareness and funds for Billinge FC, the Soccer Centre and the Isabella Rose Foundation. There will be various live music throughout the 2 days, the headline act is Roisin Dubh on the Friday.
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Proms
success
The inaugural Last Night Of The Proms at Orrell Cricket Club has been hailed a resounding success. Supported by Local Life, Orrell councillors and the Brighter Borough Fund, the event off Winstanley Road drew a massive crowd which saw music for all the family during a fun-packed eight hour programme. And organisers have declared that is was such a success, they plan another Proms event next year. Spencer Anglesea said: “What a great day it turned out to be. There was a buzz all around Orrell for most of the week in the run-up. Thankfully, the event more than matched the anticipation. From the Friday afternoon, people were setting up gazebos and when the event finally started on Saturday
afternoon, despite a threat of rain, the atmosphere was amazing. “It seemed like the whole community had supported the event and there definitely was something for everyone from the Houghton Weavers right through to the wonderful Golborne
“There was something for everyone” Brass Band. This was a true family event and it proved to be a great day for the community as well as being a great success for Orrell Cricket club. “We raised over £10,000 on the day and would like to thank everyone who attended for their fantastic support. We’re now looking forward to next year!”
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48
Cathy comes
home
An Up Holland woman who has rubbed shoulders with the most powerful people in the world returned home recently. Cathy Ashton was welcomed to Winstanley College to speak about her career in politics. Baroness Ashton was the first former Vice President of the European Commission and an ex pupil of Up Holland Grammar School, which was located on the site where the college is today. President and vice presidents of Winstanley’s
Debating Society, James Roberts, Craig Rose and Grace Collier (pictured with Baroness Ashton) said: “It was a fantastic and inspiring to hear about what a local person has achieved on an international scale.”
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50
Class from the
past
This month’s photo is courtesy of Owen Waite, aged 77, who sent us this picture of St James’ Road School woodwork class. Owen, who now lives in Morecambe, writes: “It was taken outside the domestic science and woodwork class which was built on the playing fields opposite The Running
Horses. I spent the first 25 years of my life at 25 Gantley Road and am sixth from the left on the picture, taken between 1949-1950.” Many thanks to Owen for sending us this. Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, email editorial@locallife247.co.uk
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TG thanks
U3A expands
Orrell & District Townswomen’s Guild would like to thank everyone who supported its coffee morning held at St Luke’s Hall on Thursday, September 24. The event raised £808.86. Organisers say particular thanks goes to those people who donated raffle prizes; The Delph Tavern, Expressions of Beauty, Hills Florist, Houghwood Restaurant, Lakeside Hair Studios, Lovels Restaurant, The Mount, Venus Beauty Studios, as well as some Guild members.
Ashton-in-Makerfield and District Univeristy of the Third Age (U3A) group has moved to bigger premises - and is now welcoming new members. The organisation for retired people now meets at Stubshaw Cross Labour Club, Walter Street, off Bolton Road. Main gatherings are normally held on the first and third Fridays in the month and start at 12.30pm. At the first meeting, they have a speaker while the second is more informal. The U3A branch has over 20 member led groups and are always looking for new members who are willing to share their skills and life experience. For more information on how to join, call John Gostelow on 01942 243614.
T FROM
AC U F TU N
DIR ER
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R
E TH MA
The Guild meets on the first Monday in the month at St Luke’s Hall, Lodge Road, Orrell. Anyone interested in joining or going along for a visit, please contact Margaret Case, the secretary, on 01942 701716.
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Joan bows
out
A former Billinge Boys’ Brigade leader has retired from her job as a lollipop lady after 27 years.
pile on to the chair!”
“The problem was that, because I was standing on a steep gradient, I strained my ligaments, which left me unable to stand for long periods of time.
Despite having to give up the crossing patrol, she’s still doing her cleaning job at Billinge Library, which she’s had since 1994, as well as continuing her role as head dinner lady at Billinge Chapel End School. She also recently completed 25 years with the local Boys’ Brigade Group, which now meets at Billinge Family Church on Crank Road.
“So I got a little camping chair and it was a god send. The children loved it too - in fact when I got up to let some of them cross, many of them would
“I’ve always enjoyed doing jobs where you meet people. People are fantastic, especially the children. I’ll definitely miss all the cuddles.”
Joan Oakes, 60, has helped generations of children at St Aidan’s cross the village’s busy Main Street. Joan hit the headlines back in 2008 when it emerged she was the only lollipop lady in the area and perhaps the country - to be allowed to sit down while doing her job.
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Rogers
returns
A Winstanley grandad who turned to writing as a way of combatting arthritis is celebrating the launch of his second book. Alan Rogers, who grew up in Linden Street, Pemberton, and now lives on Meyrick Close, says Premier Instinct will be published on December 4. His first book, Strikers Instinct, was released back in April and, following an interview in Local Life, made it to the top five best-selling in category on Amazon. In his interview, Alan revealed how the
arthritis was triggered by a freak gardening accident which almost left him in a wheelchair after he fell backwards onto a concrete gnome. It missed his vital organs and spine by inches. “I’d like to thank Local Life readers for making the first book a success. Many people stopped me and said they had seen the article, and it had prompted them to buy the book, which is still selling well.” Visit Alan’s website at www.gomonline.co.uk
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Town Hall to be
sold
A civic hub where one of the country’s best known campaigners honed his skills is set to be demolished. Ashton Town Hall has stood on Bryn Street since 1876. Among those who crossed its threshold over the years was Joe Gormley, who was Arthur Scargill’s predecessor at the National Union of Mineworkers. Joe, who was born at 10 Duke Street, off Princess Road in the town, was a local councillor and later led the NUM through the 1974 coal strike. He died in 1993 and is buried at St Oswald’s Church on Liverpool Road. Wigan Council says it is putting the town hall up for auction, but warned it is now unsafe and should be demolished. A local community group has been offered display items that have been left in the
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building and the council’s archives service may also keep some items. Penny McGinty, assistant director for leisure and property, explains: “The plan was to demolish it and we were hoping it could be used for a clinic. There are many reasons why this hasn’t happened and now the council has to take action to avoid further costs. Residents can be assured we are still working with health colleagues to find a site for a health centre.”
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Free publicity for YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser? If so, get in touch with us today! Local Life is distributed to over 100,000 homes across Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire. Each edition is crammed with stories for local events, and your group could be appearing in our next edition. The types of events we publicise are as follows: - Charity fundraising events - Local school, church or community fairs - Amateur concerts community groups
or
performances
by
- Talks which are open to the public - Pleas from community groups or associations for new members
We’re also on the look out for old school photographs, street scenes from yesterday and want to hear from you if your group is celebrating a special milestone. Simply contact our Editor David Sudworth with the details - what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can provide the information, the better the job we can do. So don’t delay – contact David today by emailing him directly at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk
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Saturday
Breakfast
Local Life publisher Chris Pearce has teamed up with the Billinge and Orrell Transition Group to launch a new group - Saturday Breakfast Community Fundraisers. Starting in March 2016, the Saturday Breakfast fundraisers will run every week between 9.30am - 12 noon at the church hall at St Luke’s on Lodge Road, serving tasty breakfasts at reasonable prices to Orrell and Billinge residents. There will be up to a dozen stalls in the hall too, selling everything from homemade cakes and books to nearly new goods.
Chris said: “I’m hopeful that it’s going to have a real Saturday morning market type feel about the event and that it becomes a regular feature in people’s weekends, particularly for those who live alone. “The Billinge and Orrell Transition Group has an excellent track record of pulling together community projects, such as Greenslate Farm, and I’m thrilled to be working with them with these Fundraisers. It’s an event that will be run entirely
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by volunteers and all profits from the events will go towards local community groups, charities and to help fund improvements in Orrell and Billinge”. The Saturday Breakfast volunteer team will cook and serve your breakfast, and the stalls will be manned by a different community group or charity each week. The menu for Saturday Breakfast has been Rob Miller developed by Rob Miller, head chef from the Delph Tavern, who will be on hand to direct operations in the first few weeks. “To get the fundraisers up and running, we’re going to need volunteers who are prepared to work at least one Saturday morning a month” added Chris.
“It would be great to get a few volunteers with catering experience, but we’re looking for anyone, young or old, who will set up, clear up, serve food and generally help out at the event”. “There will be an introductory meeting in November to have a look at the plans for the weekly fundraisers, and improve them where necessary. I’m very keen that every volunteer has an equal say, not only in working out the finer points of the fundraisers, but also in choosing which local projects we support with the money we raise. It’s a real opportunity for individual residents to make a difference in the Orrell and Billinge areas.” If you’d like to find out more about getting involved in the Saturday Breakfast Community Fundraisers and how you can make a difference in the Billinge and Orrell community, then please email your contact details to Chris at chrisp@locallife247.co.uk. For more details, call him on 01695 627999.
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Love
L
ondon, Paris, New York and Amsterdam are all known for their innovative art collections, but now there’s a gallery a little closer to home – at Love It Gallery, based at the old Billinge Garden Centre site on Winstanley Road (near Winstanley College). The gorgeous Love It Gallery, which opened last month, is a virtual potpourri of giftware, home furnishings and art in an elegant and spacious setting. Headed up by the owners of Morpheus Glass, Stephanie O’Brien and Ian O’Brien, Love It
it!
Gallery is a welcome and imaginative addition to the North West’s world of retail. Morpheus Glass now supplies fused glass work to galleries, shops, interior designers, architects and independent traders both nationally and internationally, and Fused Glass artist Stephanie enjoys working with clients on a range of varied and exciting bespoke commission projects. As you’d expect, Love It Gallery carries a beautiful, unique and original range of contemporary fused glass products from Morpheus Glass, but there’s so
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much more on display at the Gallery, including gifts, ceramics, hand-crafted jewellery, furnishings, bags and more from dozens of leading UK designer/ makers. Adjacent to the gallery is the inspirational splashback showroom, where customers can see how fused glass splashbacks can make a stylish enhancement to a dream kitchen or bathroom. Coming soon to the site is the new Bag & Bean cafĂŠ, where you can enjoy tasty cakes, delicious coffee and light lunches six days a week. With Christmas just round the corner, a trip to Love It Gallery is a must! Love It Gallery The Hideaway, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG Opening hours are; Tuesday-Saturday 10-5pm Sundays 11-4pm www.loveitgallery.co.uk 01695 622332 www.morpheusglass.co.uk 01695 624182
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Win a fused glass
bowl!
Here’s your chance to win a gorgeous hand crafted bowl from Morpheus Glass, one of the UK’s leading fused glass companies. This fused glass bowl, which would normally retail at £120, will be personally created for you; designed to suit your tastes and using colours chosen by you.
What is the name of the Billingebased gallery where Morpheus Glass exhibits their work?
Leading glass artist Stephanie O’Brien of Morpheus Glass uses a range of advanced glass techniques to create a unique and original range of contemporary glass products. Each piece of work is created using many different materials and design elements including coloured grains, metals, foils, silver and copper wire and also glass powders.
Only one entry per household. Entrants must be over 16
You can view the work of Morpheus Glass at their Love It Gallery, which is based on the site of the old Billinge Garden Centre on Winstanley Road in Billinge. To win the bowl simply visit our website www. locallife247.co.uk, click the ‘Enter our latest competition’ graphic and fill in your details along with the answer to this question;
The expiry date for this competition is Monday 30th November 2015. years of age. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition. Winners’ names will be published in the January 2016 issue of Local Life.
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Planning Matters Ashton 18 Bryn Street: Retrospective application to retain partial change of use from A1 retail to A3 cafe (ref: A/15/81355/RET) A decision is due by November 19. Orrell 14 Lakeside Avenue: Extend dormer bungalow to side including front and rear dormers and single storey rear extension (ref: A/15/81433/HH). A decision is due by November 17. 262 Orrell Road: First floor extension together with a single storey rear extension (ref: A/15/81450/HH). A decision is due by November 20. Pemberton 16 Hampden Place: Single storey rear extension (ref: A/15/81357/PDE). A decision is due soon. 12 Wessex Road: Single storey rear extension (ref: A/15/81434/PDE). A decision is due by November 4. Up Holland 1 Alma Hill: Two storey side extension (ref: 2015/1017/FUL). A decision is due soon.
11 Dean Close: Extension of existing conservatory to the whole width of the house and first floor extension of existing dormer to add one bedroom and one bathroom. (ref: 2015/0986/FUL). A decision is due soon. 63 Dorchester Road: Single storey rear extension following demolition of the existing single storey extension, conversion of existing garage into living space including single storey extension to front and new pitched roof to replace existing porch roof. (ref: 2015/0751/FUL). A decision is due soon. Winstanley 1 Chevril Walk: Two storey side extension (ref: A/15/81438/HH). A decision is due by November 17. 88 Ravenswood Avenue: Part single storey, part two storey to side and single storey to rear together with extension of dormer to front (ref: A/15/81467/ HH). A decision is due by December 2. For more information on these plans, visit www. wigan.gov.uk or www.westlancs.gov.uk
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Health & Fitness
Healthy gut
healthy mind By Marjun Ziarati
T
here’s no doubt about it, our gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotions. Whether it’s butterflies when in love, nausea when nervous or the gut-wrenching feeling that comes with grief, our stomachs seem to sense what we’re feeling. Alongside lifestyle choices and what we eat, our state of mind can also have an impact on our digestive system; this process works both ways, with what we eat affecting our state of mind. With a healthy gut potentially helping us to reduce symptoms of stress, never has the phrase ‘listen to your gut’ been more apt. Indeed, this brain-gut connection is more than just a figure of speech. “Scientists are now revealing that there is a strong link between what happens in the gut and the brain. The bacteria that reside in the gut appear to play an important role and are able to communicate with the central nervous system,” says neuropsychology expert, Helene M. Savignac. A DELICATE BALANCE Inside the gut ‘bad bacteria’ and ‘good bacteria’ compete for space and nutrients, and a healthy gut requires a balance of prebiotic and probiotic foods. “One of the best ways to maintain a healthy gut is to look after your ‘good bacteria’. A natural way of doing this is by selectively feeding your
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‘good’ gut bacteria with a special kind of food called prebiotics,” confirms Savignac. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria and encourage growth. Try eating asparagus, leeks and garlic. Probiotics are lacto-fermented foods containing live ‘good bacteria’, present in foods such as cabbage and yoghurt with active cultures. You can also buy pill supplements for both prebiotics and probiotics. IMMUNE HEALTH Up to 70% of the body’s immune system is based in the gut. So, what we consume has a significant and direct impact on our all-round health. Studies have shown that as we age, our gut contains less ‘good bacteria’ and prebiotic supplements such as ‘Bimuno’ can help improve immune health in older people.
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STRIKE A POSE
WORKOUT
There are some yoga poses that are believed to ease digestive problems and the pain associated with trapped wind and abdominal cramps.
Exercise helps us deplete stress hormones at the same time as releasing mood-boosting chemicals which help us cope with stress better. These endorphins that are released are often called ‘happy hormones’ and can make us feel less stressed and indeed happier - and our guts will thank us for that.
‘Apanasana’, otherwise known as the knees-to-chest position, is a gentle yoga position that can help ease gut problems. According to Casey Coviello from the Yoga Journal, many positions including spinal twists and child’s pose, teamed with deep breathing, can help soothe pain associated with digestion. MEDITATE According to a study at Dalian University of Technology in China, five x20 minute sessions of meditation led participants to a reduction in the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) released. The more relaxed we feel, the less likely we are to experience stress-related digestive problems.
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70
Financial planning
Volatility - things to remember by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP), Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director
A
n explorer who set off in early January and returned today to check his FTSE 100 tracker investment may have thought that the intervening period had been uneventful. The UK FTSE 100 registered a slight fall of just under 1%. In fact, that lack of progress masks much greater volatility, including a new all-time high for UK equities and a new all-time low for UK gilt yields.
Volatility is a normal part of long term investing From time to time markets will experience bouts of volatility. As an investor your mind-set is absolutely critical. If you are prepared for volatility you are less likely to be irrational with your decision making and consequently your focus should remain on your long term investment goals. Equity investors tend to get rewarded for the extra risk they take by potentially achieving higher average returns over the longer term when compared to cash and bonds.
Market Corrections can create attractive opportunities The type of market correction that we recently witnessed is a normal part of investing and can happen more than once during the course of a bull market. These can often be good times to invest in equities as valuations generally become more attractive. Some of the worst historical stock market losses were followed by rebounds and breaks to new highs. Avoid stopping and starting your investments; investors who remain invested tend
to benefit from a long upward trend. If you try to time the market you run the risk of denting future returns by missing the best recovery days.
Diversification It is important to spread your risk by investing into different sectors and regions in order to reduce the likelihood of concentrated losses. Holding a combination of equities, bonds, property as well as defensive assets such as cash and government bonds can help smooth returns over time.
Don’t be swayed by sweeping sentiment The popularity of investment themes ebbs and flows. The key point is not to allow the euphoria or undue pessimism of the market cloud your judgement. For the last twelve years Prosper have been helping clients manage their investment and pension funds. During this time we have endured the global credit crunch, the Greek crisis, Russian Ruble concerns, US debt issues, large oil price swings and more recently the fun and games in China. Our investment philosophy throughout this period has never wavered. We have stuck to our diversification and risk management principles, and consequently our clients have been rewarded for their patience. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like us to work with you
The value of investments, and the income derived from them, can go down as well as up and you can get back less than you originally invested.
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Puzzle
corner
Guess where? Wordsearch Sudoku
Crackle, bang, whizz!
Answers are on page 141 of this magazine
Acorn Fireworks Cobwebs GuyFawkes Crisp Bonfire
Winter Rocket Scarves Golden Sparkler Sweaters
Jacketpotato Pumpkin
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74
Business view
Auto enrolment made
easy
by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy
T
he law on workplace pensions has recently changed. Since April 2012 every employer in the UK now has a legal duty to enrol all eligible workers into a qualifying pension scheme by a specific deadline (“staging date”). As an employer you must by law create and maintain detailed records of correspondence with workers, workforce assessments, joiners, leavers and pension payments. This is one of the most onerous challenges to face businesses in recent years. It is called auto enrolment because it is automatic for your staff, they don’t have to do anything to be enrolled into your pension scheme. If you are an employer you need to take steps to make sure they are enrolled. The penalties for non-compliance can be very severe. There is a fixed penalty of £400 and then a daily penalty starting from £50 per day for a business with up to 4 employees can be applied. Here at CMA, as part of our proactive payroll service, we can provide a solution to help you with the Auto Enrolment process. We can develop your AE Action Plan to ensure that you:
• Confirm your staging date • Assess your workforce for eligibility • Assist you with employee communications • Set up your pension scheme
• Liaise with your IFA (if applicable) • Maintain on-going responsibilities Whatever the size of your business, including director only companies, you will find one of our Auto Enrolment options to suit your needs. We have the following packages available:
• Essential Set Up – for those on a tight budget and want the essential things doing to be compliant • Full Set Up – Our most popular option ensuring complete peace of mind including reviewing planning opportunities • Premium Set Up – The best option for larger businesses with more complex requirements
We can offer you a free initial consultation to discuss AE planning and any other accountancy requirements you have such as cloud accounting and tax planning, either at our office or yours, at a time to suit you. Contact us for a no obligation meeting. 01257 255521 info@cma-accountancy.com www.cma-accountancy.com CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR
75
Looking for hands on, proactive & friendly accounting with fixed fees? AT CMA ACCOUNTING, WE ARE PROUD TO OFFER YOU A HANDS ON, PROACTIVE, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE ... We provide fixed-fee, value for money accountancy services to new and existing businesses of all sizes. We work proactively with business owners and managers to implement modern solutions to achieve their goals. Contact us for a no obligation consultation to see how we can improve your financial processess and performance.
new website
www.cma-accountancy.com info@cma-accountancy.com Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521
76
Hunt for
tenants
Units on Winstanley’s newly regenerated shopping centre are being marketed to prospective tenants. The Hollins Murray Group, which owns the facility on Holmes House Avenue, has already signed up the Co-operative Group Food Ltd on a 15 year agreement at £55,000 per year. They are now looking to fill two more units, which are around 600 sq ft each and being advertised for rent at £12,500. The refurbishments, under taken by lead contractors Triton Construction, are now almost complete. As well as creating new units, Triton have comprehensively refurbished the existing centre by installing new fascias, shop fronts, roofs and walkways.
It has since emerged that Coral Racing Ltd has applied for permission to move into one of the new units. If successful, they would join other high street names at the centre including Boots and Martin’s convenience stores. A decision is due soon.
Driving success
Hall plans update
A Wigan coach company is in line for a top business award. Shearings, headquarted on Miry Lane, has been shortlisted in the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Award for firms with a turnover of £100m. The final is on Thursday, November 12, at Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Wigan’s tourism chief Keith Bergman will address the next Wigan Borough Business Club meeting on Tuesday, November 3, at Haigh Hall. He’ll give an update on the plans for the historic building. It starts at 6pm and admission is £5. Visit www. wiganbbc.org.uk
Raising a glass
Tickets available
A Roby Mill company has been appointed to supply food and drink to a luxury wedding venue. Carringtons Catering is now the official provider for The Great Hall at Mains, near Blackpool. The venue will now work in partnership with the catering firm on a range of specially selected dishes suitable for sit-down meals, wedding breakfasts, canapes and buffets.
Tickets are still available for Wigan Business Awards on Friday, November 20. The black tie ceremony hosted by BBC presenter Andy Crane, will be taking place at the DW Stadium. Individual seats cost £50 plus VAT for Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce members, or £70 for non-members. Proceedings start with a drinks reception at 6.45pm. Visit www.gmchamber.co.uk
77
Town set to
grow
Wigan’s economy is set to be worth £5.2bn - but regeneration bosses are trying to increase it further. The 2.3% rise could be increased if a more proactive approach to growth and economic development, according to a new Economic Prospectus set out by Wigan Council. The plan involves helping to create 10,000 jobs, 12,000 apprenticeships and build 10,000 new homes. Figures revealed that currently, out of a total population of 321,000, the borough has a working age population of 202,800. Of those, 75% are in employment. However, the study found that almost 60,000 commute out of the borough every day for
Meets at 6pm,Tuesday, 3rd November at
work, mostly to Warrington, St Helens and West Lancs, while 27,614 people come in from other areas, predominately from Bolton. In addition, locals who work outside the area are, on average, £2,445 better off in earnings, than those who work in Wigan. Council deputy leader David Molyneux said: “It is an important time to launch the Prospectus. Much is happening in and around Wigan to develop the economic and housing growth of the area. It is important that Wigan plays a strong role in contributing to this growth.” Wigan Forward’s chairman, Richard Waterfield, added: “Since the last framework in 2008, the economic climate has changed dramatically. Today, Wigan is more confident and looking to its future.“
Hot Drinks ~ Cold Drinks ~ Water Coolers Snacks & Confectionery ~ Cans & Bottles
Haigh Hall
Networking and support in a friendly and informal atmosphere for all Wigan Borough-based businesses.
Admission £5 Please pre-register your attendance at
www.wiganbbc.org.uk @WiganBBC
Supplying drinks of distinction for 21st Century people
YOUR LOCAL VENDING COMPANY – SERVING THE NORTH-WEST FOR OVER THREE DECADES
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78
Travel
Cruise
Control
David Sudworth discovers the delights of Europe’s Rhine river.
W
eaving its way through Germany, France and eventually into Switzerland, the Rhine takes in some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery.
Historic hamlets, towns and cities dot the shore of this 760-mile long river. From the beauty of medieval Koblenz to the Alpine scenery of the Eiger, it is a truly breath-taking experience. Speaking of mountain ranges, one of the best-kept secrets of the Rhine is the Siebenbirge (seven mountains), which was the inspiration for brothers Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm’s fairytale legend, Snow White.
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However, if history is more your thing, you are in for a treat. This part of Germany is home to the 2,000 year old town of Koblenz. Its abundance of cultural monuments and buildings, cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where its guests feel right at home. The view from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress high above the Rhine across the river down to Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its re-erected equestrian statue of Emperor William I, is spectacular. As with any river, the Rhine has many twists and turns, none more so than at Boppard, which has a huge S-bend, affording you views of the surrounding countryside. Another beautiful part of the area is Rudesheim, which is famous for its winemaking as well as being part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Lorelei rock and statue is also close by. Legend has it that, once upon a time at the rock, beautiful
Come along to our
RIVER CRUISE EVENING on Tue 10 Nov 6.30 pm at Marken Travel for an informative and relaxed evening & meet the representative from Riviera Travel
Call us today to confirm your attendance
Independent Travel Specialist
200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE Telephone: 01744 893291 www.markentravel.co.uk
nymphs distracted hapless sailors, luring them to their deaths in treacherous waters. One place well worth a visit is the delightfully medieval Speyer. Founded by the Romans, Speyer is one of Germany’s oldest cities. It was also in this area in the 16th Century that the famous German friar, Martin Luther, was excommunicated for his religious beliefs and banished from the Holy Roman Empire. His followers in Speyer launched a protest and so, for the first time, they were called ‘Protestants’. The neo-gothic Gedachtniskirche was built to commemorate the event. Further south, you reach the border of France, with the first major destination being Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace Region and one of the centres of the European Union. Its 16th Century Old Town is a beautiful maze of canals and timber-framed houses. Much like Rudesheim, this area is also feted for its wines, particularly Riesling, and for its spicy Gewurtztraminer.
What’s included on a Riviera River Cruise: • • • • • •
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And even further south is Switzerland, a country so diverse it has three official languages; French, German and Italian! Names like Basel and Lucerne are familiar to the seasoned traveller, the latter being a popular destination for the rich and famous for centuries, including Queen Victoria. The Chapel Bridge in Lucerne is among its highlights; a unique covered wooden walkway crossing support by stilts and lined with colourful, flower-filled window boxes. It’s the perfect way to soak up Lucerne’s regal atmosphere. Of course, to see all these fabulous destinations, there’s only one way to travel, by water! Billinge’s Marken Travel has teamed up with Riviera Travel, which specialises in Europe’s finest for and five star river cruises. Their eight day Rhine Cruise to Switzerland starts from only £1,298 per person, and takes in all the destinations mentioned, and more. There’s four
Rhine Checklist Language: French, German & Italian Currency: Euro Time difference: +1 Cost of a beer: 3 euros Cost of a cappuccino 2.50 euros 2 Course meal: 20 euros
vessels to choose from, the Lord Byron, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare and Swiss Tiara. So if you are looking to discover some of Europe’s most stunning destinations one of Europe’s treasures, the Rhine will happily guide you… Marken Travel, 200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE. Call 01744 893291.
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82
Give peace a
chance Billinge Family Church is one of area’s fastest growing faith groups but not everyone is happy. David Sudworth reports...
F
rom the outside, 31 Crank Road looks like a typical, good-sized family residence. Built in the 1950s, the detached structure is set in over an acre of sloping land. In a road where plots can command in excess of £350,000, it’s a sought-after location. The chances of it changing hands, however, in the near future are slim. For over 30 years now, the site has been home to Billinge Family Church (BFC), which owns it outright. Set against dwindling church attendances nationally, BFC is something of a success story. In over 10 years, it has more than doubled its congregation to around 200 worshippers. Their services are now held in a large extension at the rear of the church, permission for which was granted in 2003 and which opened in October 2005. Its foodbank project has helped young and old alike, including women fleeing abusive partners. Yet not everyone is universally happy.
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While praising elements of its works, some residents say the 2003 extension constitutes large-scale overdevelopment of the site. Complaints range from claims of excessive noise and parking chaos on Crank Road and the estate behind the church. Residents claim the church is failing to honour a pledge made in a 2003 letter not to cause disruption to neigbours. The church, however, states that the pledge was made in relation to activities in the original building, which now acts as a meeting place for local groups including mums and tots. In turn, the church claims that residents failed to attend a mediation meeting involving the police and council last year at Wigan Police Station. The residents said they refused because a request to have local councillor Stephen Murphy present was turned down, and regarded the meeting as a “stitch up”.
“Complaints have been fully investigated ” Other allegations have been made and threats of legal action have ensued. A group of people picket the church every Sunday. The situation hit the news again recently when it emerged that an independent planning overruled Wigan Council’s decision to reject plans for two storey rear staircase extension and single storey side extension - an application which was opposed by over 200 locals. So it’s fair to say relations between the two have soured, but is the situation irretrievable? I meet Executive Pastor Mike Kerry at the church to find out more. Mike, a retired superintendent with Merseyside Police, has been at BFC for a number of years and regularly makes the three quarter of a mile walk from home to Crank Road. “Because we are an independent church, they don’t see us as normal. We’ve been called a cult for goodness sake. But we have some wonderful people here. Every generation is represented from
Senior Pastor Stephen Kerry with dad Mike babies to the oldest person who is aged 91. We have GPs, consultants, dentists, nurses, teachers and so on. It’s not just 60 old ladies in hats. “We also do some fantastic work through our Storehouse Project foodbank, which works with at least 54 agencies, including the council. “There have been complaints of noise and invasive lighting to Wigan Council. They fully investigated them and said that no nuisance is caused. I am aware there is some concern that we use drums and we are going to considerable expense to ensure we deal with any possibility of excessive noise being released as a result of that. The church has bent over backwards to deal with any complaints that there have been. “For planning appeal, we didn’t hire a big shot lawyer. We enquired and were quoted a minimum of £10,000 plus VAT. I did the appeal and, although I have many years experience of putting reports together, I am neither a lawyer nor an expert in planning. It cost the church nothing as I neither take a wage nor claim expenses.” Mike’s son Stephen is Senior Pastor at the church. A former St James Road Primary, Up Holland High and Winstanley College student, he is strongly protective of his father, who led on both the 2003 and the most recent planning proposals. “When my father worked in the police, he was
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responsible for investigating complaints against other officers. He is a real man of integrity. “We aren’t building an empire but people’s perception becomes reality.” A few days later, I meet four local residents to get their take on the situation. Unlike many protesters, who simply fire off letters, this quartet also stand outside BFC each Sunday, placards aloft. “People say ‘good morning’ to us. The majority give us a wave. One even said we’d be rewarded in heaven for what we’re doing,” says Michael, a 71-year-old retired electrician who has lived on Coppice Drive for 47 years. They say the main issue is noise coming from the church, which they say is distressing local residents.
Norman Middlehurst, Michael Comerford, John Coulshed and Kath Wilson
Kath Wilson, a former fashion manager at Debenhams in Wigan, has lived on Coleridge Road for 16 years. Her home backs on to the church grounds: “I’ve had the council’s noise monitoring equipment in my house. They sent us log sheets as well which were returned.
With the row having rumbled on now for the best part of a decade, I wonder whether each side would be prepared to meet face to face to hammer out a solution. For their part, Billinge Family Church say they are considering a meeting.
“I’ve had 20 footballs in my garden, one of them hit me. Two people came round asking for it back. Soon afterwards a bouquet of flowers arrived to apologise, but the playing football didn’t stop.” John Coulshed, whose Cheltenham Drive home also backs on to the church, is critical of the noise reporting process: “The system is flawed because you complain to the council and they then inform the person about the complaint. It goes quiet for a while and then starts again. We suggested buying our own noise monitors, but they refused because they said it wouldn’t be accurate enough.” Norman Middlehurst, who has lived on Coppice
Senior Pastor Stephen Kerry said: “I’d love to do that, even if it is through an impartial, third person. People matter to us. I do this because the call of God came into my life when I was 18, and ever since then I have wanted to serve.”
“We just want some peace and quiet” Mike Kerry added: “We are very receptive and we’ll happily talk to anybody. We have conducted ourselves in a proper manner.”
Drive for 23 years, then plays me some audio recordings of what appears to be children playing. “We feel we are representing the 250 people who objected to this latest planning application.
The residents say that they have held a meeting with Wigan Council’s chief executive Donna Hall, with a view to trying to arrange talks with the church.
“We think it is laudable they do what they do in terms of charity work but people, including some who are elderly, are suffering because of the noise and that’s not right. It’s not controlled play, it’s chaos and we never get consulted.”
“At the end of the day, we’re all retired and just want to enjoy our lives,” says Mr Comerford. “When people leave the church, they go home to enjoy the peace and quiet of their gardens. That’s all we want as well.”
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Join Joe’s Jumper
Day
Schools and businesses across Wigan are being urged to join in a special Christmas Jumper Day. The event is being run by Joseph’s Goal, a charity set up by five-year-old Joseph Kendrick’s family. Joesph has NKH (Non-Ketoic Hyperglycinemia), an extremely rare life-limiting genetic disorder which severely affects development. The charity now wants people to arrange, with their place of work or place of education, to set aside a day where everyone can make a donation to wear their Christmas jumpers. People are also being asked to take photographs of themselves sporting the jumpers and share them with Joseph’s Goal on Facebook on via @ josephsgoal on Twitter using the #JoesJumperDay hashtag.
Dementia cafes
Tree sponsorship
Support is on hand for people in Wigan suffering from dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society is holding dementia cafes at The Diamond Club, Grey Road, (off Old Road), Ashton, on Tuesday, November 3 from 10.30am-12.30pm; at Wilfird’s Parish Hall, Church Street, Standish, on Tuesday, November 10, from 1.30pm-3.30pm and at Wigan & Leigh College’s Wheel Cafe on New Market Street on Tuesday, November 24, from 1.30pm. All welcome - call 01942 247837 for more information.
Pemberton Community Association is looking for a local busineses to sponsor this year’s Christmas tree. The tree will stand on the White Swan car park over looking Pemberton shopping centre. For more information, visit the association’s website on www. pembassoc.webs.com
New chapter? Winstanley’s Hope Library is on the look out for volunteers. If you can spare a few hours a week in the morning, afternoon or evening, call 01942 777545 or drop in to the library for more information.
Nightclub bid refused Plans to use a pub function room as a nightclub have been thrown out. Wigan Council refused the bid for The Fleece Hotel, on Warrington Road, Ashton. If passed, it would have operated from 7pm-4am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Over 120 people objected to the planning application, including local Cllrs Don Hodgkinson, Nigel Ash and Jenny Bullen.
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Food & Drink
All Torodes
lead to
home By Keeley Bolger
“W
hat are you like in the kitchen?” asks MasterChef’s John Torode at the beginning of our cookery masterclass. “I’m OK,” I grunt, a mental carousel of burnt biscuits, teeth-extracting pork joints and soggy bottoms whirling to mind. “Did anyone tell you that you had to be brilliant at cooking?” despairs the 50-yearold, with a world-weary sigh. “People forget that their friends love them. They come around to your house for dinner not because they want you to show off to them. They come round your house for dinner because they love you.” My nearest and dearest might be more inclined to come round for dinner if there was less chance of the usual tortured pasta dishes I foist upon them. And evidently, I’m not the only one to feel coy about my cooking skills (or lack of ) because Torode’s new cookery tome My Kind Of Food explores just that. A deeply ‘personal’ collection of recipes (complete with pictures and cards made by his four children proudly placed alongside the acknowledgements), the emphasis is on getting us back in the kitchen and having some fun there. And if that means using shopbought condiments, so be it. “You don’t make your own vinegar,” he reasons. “You don’t make your own honey.” Correct, John. So after starting off with banana bread (“Everybody in Australia has banana bread”), we move swiftly on to Pesto and Tomato Tarts and Pesto and Pods, made with peas. “Good food should be accessible to everybody and that’s what I’ve done with the book,” he says. “I’m not after Michelin stars, I’m not after praise in that way, what I really like is when people taste my food and say, ‘That’s delicious’. And if that word comes out all the time, that’s fantastic. I’m really, really happy.” If you fancy trying some of Torode’s delicious dishes, here are two from My Kind Of Food... My Kind Of Food by John Torode is published in hardback by Headline, priced £25.
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mon real - tues ale o nly
£2.50 a pIn
t
standIsh’s only mIcro bar
Is proud to announce Its 1st year annIversary Christmas opening Times Thur 17th Dec - Xmas Eve 12 noon till 12pm
Boxing Day - 12 noon till 11pm Sunday - 12noon till 11pm Monday - Wed
12 noon till 11pm
New Year’s Eve - 12noon till 1am New Year’s Day Closed
New opening times Sun – Thurs 2pm – 10pm Friday , Sat 2pm – 12 pm 12 High Street, Standish, Wigan WN6 0LH
Albion Ale House @AlbionAle
albion ale house offers a unique service of warmth and variety to all its customers, from real ale to lancashire cheese boards, we have something that will suite everybody who joins us here. We offer a wide variety of real ale beers, Wines, ciders, prosecco and malt whiskeys .
We have also just been awarded the locale certificate for supporting local breweries.
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Roast
chicken Method Heat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper, then spoon the creme fraiche into the cavity. Plug the end of the chicken with the lemon half. Rub the chicken with some of the oil, season well and then place in a roasting tin, breast up.
With creme fraiche, new potatoes and watercress
Serves 6 Ingredients 1 large chicken, about 1.5kg 200g creme fraiche 1/2 lemon 4tsp vegetable oil 500g new potatoes 100g watercress Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1tsp mustard (optional)
Roll the potatoes in the remaining oil and then scatter around the chicken. Place the chicken in the oven and roast for one hour 10 minutes without opening the oven door. Leave it. Pick the largest stems off the watercress and put the lot into a large bowl filled with cold water. Push the watercress under the water and place the bowl in the fridge. The clean watercress will float to the top while all the dirt will sink to the bottom. Take the chicken out of the oven. Pour the creme fraiche out of the chicken over the potatoes in the tin, then turn the chicken upside down onto a board and leave it to sit for 10 minutes so that all the juices flow back into the breast. It will be done. Meanwhile, place the tin over a medium heat and bring to the boil, stirring the potatoes around the tin so all the lovely sticky bits come off the sides and make the sauce. Take it off the heat. Lift the watercress out of the bowl and shake off the excess water. Put the chicken and potatoes onto a large platter, scatter over the watercress and pour yourself a congratulatory vat of wine. Add a spoonful of mustard for a bit of spice in the creme fraiche.
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ms Road Inn The Sim a swo d d, WN4 H 532 G r
o R
0X
Andrew Burton - previously head chef at the Travellers Rest, Lowton 1984 - 1994 moved to Simms Road, chef/proprietor 1994 - 2006 recently returned to Simms Road, July 2013 serving Home made traditionally prepared pub classics.
Food is available 7 days lunch and evening (Sunday all day)
Whats On? Monday - Burger Night Burger and a bottle Tuesday - Ruby Tuesday Curry, free drink and free poppadoms Wednesday - Chicken Night Dishes from around the world Thursday - Steak Night 2 Steaks and a Bottle of wine ÂŁ25 Friday - Fish Night Fish of the week deal Saturday - Pie Night Home made pie meal & a bottle of Beer for ÂŁ8.00 Sunday Roasts of the day served all day BT sport and sky sport in the bar for all your favourite teams On all nights booking is recommended Booking is necessary for Sundays
01744 894246
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The Foot
returns
Quality Food In A Village Setting
T
he Holt Arms known to many as the “Foot� due to its position at the foot of the ancient causeway that once linked Manchester to Liverpool, has undergone a transformation in the past 6 months.
Since coming under the wing of local pub group North West Inns , its reputation for fine pub food and a great range of beers is growing day by day. Since the reopening in March this year, owner Ian Mitty, a local of 15 years, is doing a roaring trade and this is unquestionably down to the outstanding cuisine, wide variety of real ales and overall quaint country pub atmosphere. The next step in the journey begins with a significant refurbishment of the 18th Century Village pub restaurant which takes place from the 10th November to the 20th November.
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Holts Arms What’s On!
Tuesday - Steak Night 2 steaks and a bottle of hou
£19.95
se wine
Wednesday - Quiz Night Win cash and food prizes +
play your cards right
Thursday - Burger Night A range of superb special burg
only £9.95
A new Winter menu lands on the 20th November and the Foot will be offering an excellent Christmas and holiday menu. At present the Lunch and Early Bird Offer of 2 courses for £7.95 3 courses for £9.95 is still very popular. As you can see from the offers and vouchers Ian is keen to attract customers old and new to the Holt Arms to try out the fantastic food. If you have not been to the Holt Arms for a while, why not make a visit and re acquaint yourself with the finest old country pub in the area. A place of outstanding home cooked food, real beer and overall a wonderful atmosphere. The Holt Arms Crank Road, Billinge, WN5 7DT
Friday - Fishy Fridays 2 x fish ’n’ chips and a bott
le of house wine
£19.95
Free Bottle
of House Wine Offer available from Mondays to Thursday upon presentation of this voucher. Only available when a minimum of two people order a two course meal from the main menu.
#
01695 628006
ers
Maximum of one bottle per table. Offer ends on 30th November, 2015.
FD erses eer t on purchase of Main Meal
#
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer Offer ends on 30th November, 2015.
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Tomato & pesto
tarts
Method Heat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. On a lightly floured worktop, roll the puff pastry out until it is about 2cm thick. You will need to cut four circular discs from the pastry, so find a small plate or saucer that’s about 16cm in diameter to use as a template. Place the plate over the pastry and run a sharp knife around the edge to cut out the first disc. Repeat until you have four. Now you need to lightly score a margin about 1.52cm in from the edge of the pastry discs, so find a smaller plate or bowl that you can use as a template. Place the smaller plate in the centre of each pastry disc and lightly run a sharp knife around the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Makes 4 tarts Ingredients 500g block puff pastry (all-butter, if possible) Plain flour, for dusting 1 egg, beaten 2tbsp pesto (home-made or just use a jar) 8 plum tomatoes, sliced Salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve: 100g watercress 10ml peppery olive oil Heat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
Lift the disks onto a baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg. With a fork, prick the inner circle but not the outer edge - this will stop the pastry from rising in the middle, but will allow the outer edge of the tart to rise up. Take a good amount of the pesto and spread it over the inner circle of each tart. Place the tops and bottoms of the tomatoes in the centre of the tarts, then start to lay the slices on top of the pesto so they overlap and create a swirl effect - it should look a bit like a Catherine wheel. Season with salt and pepper. Place the tarts in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until well risen and coloured. Mix the watercress with the olive oil and serve with the tarts.
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Christmas Fayre 1 Course £11.95, 2 Courses £15.95 3 Courses £19.95 TO START
TO FINISH
Hot Winter Vegetable Soup (V) Topped with parsnip crisps & warm crusty bread
Traditional Christmas Pudding Coated in a rich brandy sauce
Confit Duck Leg Terrine Rye bread, grape & plum chutney
Lightly Spiced Apple & Raisin Strudel Rum & raisin ice cream
Scottish Oak Smoked Salmon Caper berries, brown bread and lemon gel Marinated Goats Cheese & Beetroot Carpaccio (V) Pea shoots and balsamic glaze Queenie Scallops Chorizo, coriander & chilli
TO FOLLOW Traditional Roast Turkey Homemade stuffing, pigs in blankets, goose-fat roast potatoes, carrot, swede, sprouts, homemade gravy and cranberry sauce Braised Shin of Beef Creamed potato, red cabbage and chestnuts Pan-Seared Salmon Almond crumb, turnip broth and curly kale Spiced Winter Vegetable Salad (V) Glazed gnocchi, red pepper coulis and melting Brie
Irish Cream Cheesecake Orange liquor compote Boathouse Cheeseboard (£2 Supplement) Water biscuits, celery, homemade grape chutney and walnut bread
******** Coffee & Homemade Mince Pies £2.50
Mill Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DA
01257 252456 www.appleybridgeboathouse.com
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Make Merry at the
Robin Hood!
Celebrate Christmas with friends and family at the Robin Hood, and choose from our indulgent and imaginative festive menu which is available Weds to Sun from the 2nd to 20th of December Starters
Chicken and Chorizo Terrine - Chicken and chorizo baked in Parma ham served with crisp salad and a chunky chilli chutney
Cream of Parsnip Soup - Homemade soup topped with parsnip crisps and served with fresh bread roll Pear and Chestnut Tart - Shortcrust tart filled with pear and walnut chutney with crumbled Stilton Trio of Fish - A mixture of prawns and crayfish in a Bloody Mary sauce topped with Scottish smoked salmon on brown bread with crisp salad
Mackerel and Fennel Salad - Grilled mackerel with sliced fennel tossed in rocket with a chilli and lime dressing
Mains Turkey - Traditional roast turkey with sage and onion stuffing and all the trimmings Duck - Duck breast served on buttered cabbage with fondant potato and carrot purée with a red wine jus Cod Loin - Roasted cod loin with a pesto crust on a bed of samphire roasted new potatoes and drizzled in basil oil
Belly Pork - Crispy belly pork served with buttered cabbage, wholegrain mustard mash potato and a red wine sage jus
Best party in Orrell! New Year’s Eve FREE Hot Pot at 10pm Free entry
Lamb Casserole - Tender pieces of lamb cooked in a rich stew with winter vegetables, suet dumpling and roast potatoes Goats Cheese Galette - Puff pastry lid filled with garlic mushrooms topped with goats cheese served with rocket and roasted new potatoes
Desserts Traditional Christmas Pudding - with brandy sauce
Raspberry Trifle Cheesecake - with pouring cream
Rhubarb Pie - with custard
Cheese and Biscuits - a selection of cheese’s, biscuits, celery and grapes
Black Forest Cheesecake - with pouring cream
(£2 supplement)
2 courses £17.95 3 courses £19.95 Having a Works Do? Call Paul or Chris on 01942 511859 for details. We can seat up to 30 people.
Robin Hood
117 Sandy Lane Orrell WN5 7AZ 01942 511 859 www.robinhoodorrell.co.uk
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Eating out
guide Rigby’s Coffee Shop
rigby’s Coffee Shop Lovels Bistro Tasty food, happy times and great value - you’ll not be disappointed with the quality, taste and service. We’re more than just a great wedding venue. 01695 624 426 Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ hollandhallhotel.co.uk
Enjoy a trip out to Pimbo Garden Centre and tuck into a wide selection of delicious home cooked, locally sourced, food served seven days a week at Rigby’s Coffee Shop. 01695 622601 Pimbo Garden Centre, 32 Pimbo Lane, Up Holland, WN8 9QQ pimbogardencentre.co.uk
Advertise
here £30 + VAT
Call 01695 627999
The High Moor Restaurant From set menus to a-la-carte meals and a traditional Sunday lunch, The High Moor Restaurant has an enviable reputation for superb food, outstanding wines and genuine hospitality. High Moor Lane, Wrightington, Wigan, WN6 9QA 01257 252364 highmoorrestaurantwigan.co.uk
The Stocks Tavern
Papa Luigi’s
Warmest and friendliest of welcomes with award winning chef Mike Heap, who uses only the finest, freshest, local ingredients to ensure you leave completely satisfied. 01257 462874 16, Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN thestockstavern.co.uk
Traditional Italian cuisine at its best! Enjoy a little bit of Italy in elegant surroundings and a warm friendly atmosphere, where you can relax and unwind or celebrate in style. Book now for Christmas. 01942 231558 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 1JP papaluigiswigan.co.uk
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The Corner House Fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere - perfect for any special occasion or a casual get together. Our traditional menu sources local produce. See our website for special offers. 01257 451400 9, Wood Lane, Wrightington Bar, Wigan, WN6 9SE cornerhousewrightington.co.uk
Houghwood In a perfect setting, Houghwood’s restaurant has panoramic views across the course and over to the Welsh hills. A modern British menu is served Wednesday to Sunday. Monthly tribute events and theme nights. 5 star food hygiene rating. 01744 894754 Crank Road, St Helens, WA11 8RL houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk
Advertise
here ÂŁ30 + VAT
Call 01695 627999
The Simms Road Inn Traditional homemade pub food made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning steak and ale pie. Supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner. Garswood, WN4 0XH 01744 894246 burtonandrew55@yahoo.com
Fifteens @ The Fox With real fires burning, local fresh food and great cask ales, Fifteens @ The Fox offers a perfect combination of a traditional pub with relaxed fine dining, seven days a week. 01695 628178 Roby Mill, Up Holland, WN8 0QF fifteensatthefox.com
The Rigbye Arms This pretty pub with its low beams, quirky rooms and real fire, has centuries of hospitality steeped into its timbers. Offering a variety of fresh local produce and local game, there is something for everyone. 01257 462354 2 Whittle Lane, Wrightington, Wigan, WN6 9QB rigbyearms.com
Delph Tavern Award-winning CAMRA freehouse with a fast growing reputation for excellent quality food at reasonable prices. Traditional British classics served, plus some exotic surprises too. Food served Wed-Sun only. 01695 622239 Tontine, Orrell, WN5 8UJ facebook.com/TheDelphTavern
Degrees of
learning 24 page education special
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Learning
curve W
elcome to Degrees of Learning - the Local Life guide to all things educational in your local area. This annual guide is brimming with ideas, support, interesting features and most importantly, information to guide you in making the right decisions for your child’s education or enhancing your own. We discuss useful topics covering everything from tips when choosing child care and preschool education to dates for college open days and adult education courses. So whether you are first-time parents looking for suitable child care arrangements or parents of a school leaver looking for their next step – the information is right here! In this edition we will be looking at how to apply for primary and secondary school places, your post16 options and also how to get into the teaching profession. We also bring you all the local open event information. So if your child is finishing school in July and they’re not sure what to do next, then have a look at some of the colleges that are advertising open events – there are hundreds full and part time courses on offer from traditional A-Levels to Public Services, Hospitality & Catering and Engineering.
Nicola Gray
Features 99 Mum’s the word! 100 Free childcare: Your rights 100 Top Tips When Choosing Childcare 102 A Guide To Applying For A Primary School 104 Individual Tuition 105 Tackling Dyslexia 106 On top form at Up Holland High 110 Post 16 - Your Options 115 Animal Instinct 116 Catholic Teacher Training 117 Workload vow 118 St Helens College Pre-School 100 Pipsqeaks, Orrell 101 St Aiden’s, Orrell 102 103
2 - 4 years 2 - 4 years
Primary School Crawford Village Primary & Nursery School St Teresa’s Catholic primary School
Individual Tuition 104 Kip McGrath 105 Ed4All 111 112 114 115 119
Further Education & Apprenticeships St John Rigby Wigan & Leigh College Wigan UTC Pro Co St helens College
Teacher Training 109 St Helens Teaching Alliance 113 Tarleton Academy 116 WCPSD & 117 Kingsbridge
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Mum’s the
word! Wigan mum Nicola Gray on balancing work and looking after her two year old daughter
A
large part of my identity involves being a mother. That may sound obvious and a bit corny, but I wasn’t always sure that I wanted to have kids. Fast-forward several years and I am now the proud mummy of a funny, chaotic, challenging and immensely loving two-year-old.
nursery fees. And it makes me appreciate the time I spend with my daughter all the more. I am, as the term goes, a ‘working mum’, that fabled, mystical character that can sort any problem at any hour of the day. That’s utter rubbish; I’m mainly tired, grouchy and always praying for Saturday morning (that’s my one lie in of the week, thanks to hubby). If I had to pick the most important aspect of being able to be a working mum, it is having dependable childcare. Whether this comes in the form of a childminder, understanding grandparents or a nursery setting; dependable is worth its weight in gold! If there is no-one available to take care of my daughter, I am the default. If she is sick and cannot go to nursery or the childminder has a holiday, work comes to a grinding halt and that is where the problems can begin.
My organisational skills used to lend themselves to this very magazine; planning the layout, sourcing stories and meeting deadlines. Now, a large part of my time is spent planning doctor and dentist appointments and, most importantly, juggling childcare arrangements. At a moment’s notice I can tell you my daughter’s timetable, as if it has been lasered on to the back of my brain! I enjoy work; it keeps my mind sharp, develops the expertise I have built up over the years and pays
Now, I’m not saying my situation is unique, many of my friends are part of families where both parents go out to work, and they face similar challenges on a daily basis. That isn’t even taking in to account the logistics and cost of throwing (not literally) a second child into the mix. If the time to go back to work is looming large, whether you decide to use a childminder, private nursery or a pre-school here are a few questions I found helpful. Recommendations are also useful, but keep in mind that your gut instinct is important; you know your child better than anyone and whatever you do will also be in their best interests.
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Free childcare: Your rights
Top tips when choosing childcare
All three to four-year-olds in England can get 570 hours of free early education or childcare per year. This is usually taken as 15 hours each week for 38 weeks of the year. Some 2-year-olds are also eligible. Parents can start claiming free childcare after their child turns three. The free early education and childcare can be at all types of nurseries and nursery classes, playgroups and pre-school, childminders and Sure Start children’s centres Some two-year-olds in England can get free early education and childcare if the parent receives either Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, Child Tax Credit and/or Working Tax Credit and have an annual income under £16,190.
Letting someone else look after your child can be emotionally challenging, but there are ways to make it less stressful.
For more information, visit www.gov.uk/browse/ childcare-parenting
According to the Family & Childcare Trust, there are certain things you can do to ensure peace of mind.
What should I look out for? When you arrive first impressions count: Do you get a warm welcome when you arrive? Do the children there seem to be happy and content?
Vacancies and costs Clean, spacious play area with 3 play frames, including a dedicated area for under 2’s.
Pipsqueaks
Play, Eat & Party 7 days a week
Weekly activities including Mr Yipadee, Terry de Maxin and classes from Jo Jingles, Fun French www.facebook.com/lespetitspoisfunfrench, Orlandi Baby Ballet - Orlandi.df@gmail.com & Baby Yoga - enquiries@mitchytitch.co.uk
01695 229 923 Abbey Lakes, Orrell Road, Orrell, WN5 8RD
See Facebook or www.pipsqueaksplaycafe.co.uk for further details.
Are there vacancies - is there a waiting list and, if so, how long is this? Do you have to pay a deposit? If so, what’s it for? Is it returnable? Can you take up the free 15 hours for 2, 3 and 4 year olds?
Staffing and premises What is the ratio of staff to children? How many children do they care for? Do they operate a key (named) person system? What is staff turnover like? How well qualified are the staff? Are all the criminal records checks up to date? More information and tips are available at www. familyandchildcaretrust.org
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St Aidan’s C of E Primary School Nursery Small enough to care, big enough to inspire Our Nursery provides a secure, caring and stimulating environment appropriate to the needs of all children.
NURSERY PLACES NOW AVAILABLE Call us to arrange to view our nursery’s facilities
01744 678042
SIAMS Report January 2014 said: “The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners” “All members of the school community know that they are valued and the outstanding ethos of trust and respect is clearly evident”
NURSERY SESSIONS ARE
Morning Wraparound Afternoon
8.45am - 11.45pm 11.45am - 12.30pm 12.30pm - 3.30pm
We also offer Breakfast Club from 7.30am and Afterschool Club until 5.30pm
Off London Fields, Billinge, Wigan, Lancashire, WN5 7LS 01744 678042 www.billingestaidans.co.uk
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Applying
yourself A guide to applying for a primary school place in Wigan and West Lancs
I
f you live in the Wigan Council area and your child is due to start reception class in September 2016 you need to apply for a school place between this November and the closing date of January 15, 2016. You need to apply even if you have registered your child’s name at a school, your child attends a school nursery and/or your child has a brother or sister already attending primary school.
To apply, visit www.wigan.gov.uk or write to School Organisation Team, 3rd Floor, Waterside House, Waterside Drive, Wigan, WN3 5AZ For those living in the West Lancashire area, primary admissions are dealt with by Lancashire County Council. Applications opened at the beginning of September and the deadline is January 15, 2016. Again, you need to apply for a place at a primary
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school, even if it’s linked to your child’s nursery, or your child’s brother or sister is already at the school. To apply online, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk
For more information, call 01772 532190/532191 or email pupilaccess.southadmissions@lancashire. gov.uk
Safe & Happy at St Teresa’s... • We are a happy, caring school that will nurture your child in a safe and warm environment. • Our pupils consistently achieve outstanding results that are significantly above local & national averages. • We provide a rich and inspiring curriculum to suit the needs of your child. Every day is Open Day at St Teresa’s. Please call us to arrange a visit. ‘Live life to the full, Love like Jesus, Learn from every opportunity as we grow together in faith’
St Teresa's Catholic Primary School
College Road, Up Holland, Lancashire, WN8 0PY
01695 623 842
www.st-teresas-rc34.lancsngfl.ac.uk/
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Individual
tuition
H
ow does it feel to find a subject difficult in school? Or to feel frustrated at the lack of challenge? A difficult question for a student to answer - until you ask them to draw a picture!
The results can be eye opening, for parents and teachers alike. Whatever the cause of the difficulties, whether it is problems in reading, spelling, writing or maths, the result is usually the same. A lack of confidence and spiralling anxiety for the child and concern for the parent/carer. Kip McGrath Education Centre Wigan North, on Wigan Lane, offers individual tuition programmes designed around each student to help meet those gaps in understanding and learning. Or to offer the challenge that may be just what your child needs. Each student from 6-16 is invited for a free assessment. Its qualified and experienced teachers will analyse strengths and weakness and work out an individual study programme. For more information, call 07588 456783.
Professional Tuition In Maths & English for Children of all Ages and Ability
ENROL NOW and watch your child’s confidence, self esteem & motivation to succeed grow! Maths Spelling
Reading
English
Comprehension
Centre Director/Teacher - Sue Hodson 15 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 1XR
01942 243499 / 07588 456783 wigannorth@kip-mcgrath.com
Find us on @KipMcGrath WiganNorth
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Tackling
dyslexia
D
yslexic people are likely to find learning skills like reading and writing much harder than other people, but they can be helped by careful, systematic teaching.
That’s according to the Dyslexia Association, a registered charity established in 1971 to provide support for dyslexic children and adults. It says there are well-established methods for teaching reading and writing to dyslexic people, and with patience and hard work, they are effective. A spokesman said: “Dyslexic children learn most easily if their difficulty is identified early, and appropriate teaching methods are introduced, but it’s never too late to start. Dyslexic adults, teenagers and older children benefit from understanding their own individual learning style and pattern of strengths and weaknesses. That way, they can study and work in a way which is most likely to be successful. They can learn strategies appropriate to their learning style.” For more information, visit ww.dyslexia.uk.net
Wigan Dyslexia Centre Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that can cause individuals to have difficulties with reading, writing or spelling.
If undiagnosed, dyslexia can stop YOU achieving your full potential. Wigan Dyslexia Centre has a professionally trained Dyslexia Assessor who can provide the following services: • Screening for dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties • Dyslexia Assessments, for all ages (meeting JCQ & DSA requirements)
• 1-2-1 tutoring packages, for all ages • Work Based Packages
Interested and like to know more? Please contact us:
Call: 01942 327030 Email: enquires@ed4all.co.uk Waterways House Business Centre, Wigan, WN6 7NQ www.ed4all.co.uk
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On top
form
Up Holland High’s headteacher tells David Sudworth how her rugby star brother helped drive her to success
“T
his school shouldn’t work. We’re in Lancashire, but draw children from Wigan and St Helens. You’d think there would be a riot on a daily basis!”
As the sister of former Wigan rugby legend Joe Lydon, who played over 250 games for the cherry and whites, Kathryn Barton knows a thing or two about local rivalries. Yet despite it’s unusual set up, Up Holland High is a happy school. And they have plenty to be pleased about. The Sandbrook Road facility was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted earlier this year, a rapid improvement on its previous inspection. The report talks about how the school is “happy and harmonious,” with mutual respect between teachers and students. Indeed, a Year 8 student sought out the inspection team to
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tell inspectors what the school’s motto ‘Quo Vadis’ (Latin for ‘where are you going?’) means to him. That little touch made the inspector’s report. For Kathryn, being headteacher at Up Holland High is her dream job.: “It’s actually because of Joe that I became a headteacher. He’s so successful and, it sounds trite in a way, but it’s about being the best you can be. He’s always encouraged me. If I’d have been a bloke, I’d have been a rugby player, but I didn’t get that particular chromosome! “Before I came here, because I lived locally, on Vicarage Road, I walked the dog on the fields at the back of the school. I would peer through the iron railings, look at the building and say to myself ‘please God let me have a go at this’.” says Kathryn.
“If born a bloke, I’d have played rugby” The youngest girl of four children, Kathryn grew up on Smethurst Lane in Pemberton. Her dad, John Lydon, was a Wigan police officer who later worked on security at Heinz in Kitt Green. The family, including siblings John, Julia, Susan and Joe, later lived behind the White Swan pub, on Brook Lane, where mum Nancy still resides. Kathryn went to St Cuthbert’s Primary and then St Thomas More, before going on to St John Rigby to study English, history, art, general studies and sociology. She eventually read English literature at Birmingham before completely her PGCE teaching certificate at Manchester. “My first job was in 1982, teaching English at St Edmund Arrowsmith in Ashton. After about three years, I moved to St Peter’s in Orrell, then went
teaching A-level at St John Rigby before going to St John Fisher in Beech Hill, where I spent 11 years and worked my way up to assistant head. I really enjoyed it there as there’s a strong link with rugby, with Mike Gregory and Sean Edwards being former pupils. In 2004, I became deputy head at Deanery and while there I was seconded to Hesketh Fletcher as an executive headteacher. “About a year before this role at Up Holland came up, I was speaking to a pupil and they told me that Peter Doyle, the old headteacher, had left but he’d been replaced. I thought I must have missed the job advert so I went home that night and cried, because it’s a job I wanted since I was at St John Fisher. However, what I didn’t know is that it was only a temporary posting so not long afterwards, the permanent role was advertised so I went for it.” I ask Kathryn what her first impressions of Up Holland High were. She laughs: “Well, have you ever seen Life On Mars? Honestly, I felt like I’d been shot and sent back to 1972. I moved the curtains and they were so old, they cracked. “The thing is with Up Holland is, even though I was someone local, I didn’t know much about the school. For instance, I didn’t know that the school building is in Lancashire but our playing fields are in Wigan. I also couldn’t believe it when I found out the main school building is listed as it’s supposedly a fine example of 1960s architecture. I battled with English Heritage for about a year just so we could
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put a new roof on. What’s bizarre is that the old, stone building isn’t listed. I could paint that pink tomorrow if I wanted, but we can’t touch the main building without special permission!” With 630 pupils and 95 staff to look after, Kathryn’s job is demanding - perhaps more so for her because she lives so close: “I can’t go the Co-op in my slippers and have to put make up on when I take the dogs out around the water park - there’s no escape! Having said that if I’m wanting to buy a few bottles of wine for a party, I’ll go to Winstanley instead!
“On the children’s side” “I know I’m accountable all of the time. I live in the same community where many of our pupils live, and I’m part of it. But the nice part is that people will stop me to say nice things; the sort of little things which people probably wouldn’t email to
me or pick up the phone. They are always polite and respect my privacy. Every head teacher is different, but I have a motherly approach. I remember one ex-colleague saying to me: ‘The trouble with you is you’re on the children’s side’ to which I replied: ‘Absolutely’. “The pressure to perform is immense and exams are getting harder but taking all that away, I just love teaching. “
“I waited 45 years for my slag heap kiss!” When Kathryn’s childhood sweetheart, David Brown, emigrated to Australia aged 11, she never expected to see him again. But over 40 years later, thanks to the magic of the internet, their love has finally been rekindled! Kathryn, now 55, takes up the story: “While I was at St Cuthbert’s, I fell madly in love with David. His family lived up Clapgate Lane and I remember one time we were sitting on the slag heaps at Little Lane. I was thinking: ‘I wish he’d kiss me’ but he didn’t. I was gutted! “Eventually, his family moved to Australia as one of the £10 Poms deals, where families were encouraged to move there, so we lost contact. I eventually married Gerard but he died about three years ago. “A while afterwards, I was in The Brocket Arms and one of my friends said that David had been in touch and was looking for me. We exchanged emails and
since then I’ve been to see him five times. When he came over here, I took him to the same slag heap; he had no idea where he was going at first and then it dawned on him. So after 45 years of waiting, he finally kissed me there! “I don’t want to move over to Australia though; I’m a Wigan girl so I’m hoping David will come back here.” “We now speak to each other twice a day on Skype. He’s fantastic, I love him to bits.”
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Are you interested in training to become a primary school teacher? If so, have you considered applying to the St Mary & St Thomas’ CE Primary School Direct Programme? • From day one of your training, you are immersed in school life. • You will be trained by experienced and enthusiastic teachers and senior leaders who are specialists in their curriculum subject. • You will gain PGCE as well as QTS and also have an opportunity to gain Masters Credits through the sessions at Liverpool Hope University.
• Job Opportunities – An excellent track record of employing Teachers, 100% employment rate. • School Direct is developing an excellent reputation nationally. • You will gain a range of experiences within a great support network across a range of phases. • Part of the St Helens Teaching School Alliance and National Maths Hub.
If you wish to discuss further please contact Michelle Moors or Lisa Bradshaw Michelle.moors@three-saints.org.uk Lisa.bradshaw@three-saints.org.uk Or call 01744 678010
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Post-16:
Your
options
T
here are many options open to pupils when they finish their GCSEs. They could choose to study subjects that could lead to university, vocational qualifications or take up an apprenticeship. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has put together a list of options and where they may take those who aren’t sure what to do after leaving school.
Apprenticeships You can also choose to train while you work by taking on an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship. This would see you working for an employer and train to do a specific job at the same time. There are over 280 types of apprenticeships for over 1,500 job roles – anything from engineering to boat-building, or veterinary nursing to accountancy. Traineeship: Gets you ready for work or for doing an apprenticeship. They last from six weeks to six months and provide essential work preparation training, literacy and numeracy skills and work experience to get an apprenticeship or other job.
Study full-time
Supported internship: Just for students with learning difficulties or learning disabilities who want to get a job and need extra support to do this. They last for at least six months and are unpaid. You get work experience and an employer trains you to do a job role. You also get to study for qualifications or other courses to help you get ready to take up a job.
Schools, colleges and training providers offer a range of subjects and courses which you can study full-time. You normally need to have at least five GCSEs at grades A* to C and at least grade B in any specific subjects you want to study.
Work or volunteer while studying part-time
Work and job-related courses, such as NVQs, BTECs, TechBacs and Cambridge Technicals are good qualifications to take if you want to combine hands on, practical learning with studying subjects and technical skills. They are specialist courses which relate to particular jobs or sectors.
It doesn’t have to be a paid job; you can volunteer on a project or with a charity, or get a work-experience placement in a career or job area that interests you.
You can combine training or studying for a qualification and work at the same time.
Colleges and training providers offer a wide range of training courses which are part-time including A levels and work-related qualifications like
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BTECs or NVQs. Browse the different courses and qualifications on UCAS Progress Search at www. ucas.com
Financial help The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund supports the most financially disadvantaged 16 to 19-year-olds and those young people who most need help with the costs of staying in education. There are two types of bursary; Vulnerable Student Bursary (worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances and benefits) or, if you don’t qualify for that, Discretionary Bursary. More info at www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund
Is Teaching Your Vocation? Do you feel yourself drawn to teaching? Do you want to make a difference to children’s lives? Do you want to train with outstanding practitioners who will support you to become the best teacher you can be whilst also Contact Donna Pickup at d.pickup@tarletonacademy.org working towards a postgraduate qualification? www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training
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Animal
A
instinct
tutor from Wigan-based training provider ProCo has helped train some of the largest species of the animal kingdom.
Helen Murphy was contacted by a former student and deputy head keeper at the Isle of Wight Zoo, Carolyn Lorek and asked to help train one of their jaguars, Tequila. Helen said: “I have trained dogs, ponies, cats, ferrets and a giant tortoise, but the opportunity to work with a tiger, lions and a jaguar is probably the most rewarding experience of my life. I’m so proud of what Carolyn has achieved and proud to have been able to help her to progress with the training.
“I can foresee Carolyn developing her career to improve welfare through training for zoo animals all over the UK and beyond.”
Looking for an apprenticeship? Come along to one of our Open Evenings Wednesday 14th October Wednesday 25th November Thursday 14th January • • • • • • •
Animal Care Beauty Therapy Brickwork Business Administration Engineering Hairdressing Joinery
• • • • •
5.30pm-8pm 5.30pm-8pm 5.30pm-8pm Motor Vehicle Maintenance Operations Plastering Plumbing Veterinary Nursing
Prescott Street, Wigan, WN6 7DD Montrose Skills Hub, Montrose Ave, Wigan, WN5 9XL Central Park, Montrose Ave, Wigan, WN5 9XN Call: 01942 488 500 Email: recruitment@proconw.co.uk
www.proconw.co.uk
@ProCoNW
ProCo NWLtd.
@ProCo_NW
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Catholic
schools
Teachers of the future are being invited to a series of open evenings in the area.
W
igan Catholic Primary School Direct and Wigan & West Lancashire Catholic School Direct are coming to a school near you soon! They’ll be looking to recruit graduates who have the potential of becoming teachers in either a primary or secondary school setting. Working in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, WCPSD and WWLCSD are able to develop direct training that will have the academic and theoretical underpinning to allow trainees to become outstanding practitioners within the field of education. A spokesman said: “We are seeking individuals who demonstrate and are able to apply the skills of organisation, flexibility, reflection, evaluation and action to all aspects of the course and their career. Enthusiastic individuals who are able to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents on a range of levels are essential to our partnership. Trainees can expect to obtain a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) and QTS Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the programme. The PGCE is a 60 credit award that can offer progression, upon successful application, onto a Liverpool Hope
WCPSD and WWLCSD, and placements across two contrasting schools. As part of its training programme, students will also complete the first two modules of the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies. For more information see the advertisement below.
Do YOU want to teach ?
Then come along to one of our Open Evenings... 6th October - St Bede’s Catholic High School, Ormskirk 7th October - St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan 4th November - St Mary’s Catholic High School, Astley, Leigh 11th November - St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan All open evenings will be 5:30pm - 7:30pm We are looking for graduates who have the potential to become outstanding primary or secondary school teachers of the future. Our School Direct teacher training program, accredited by Liverpool Hope University, leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and 60 credits toward a Liverpool Hope Masters in Education.
University Masters in Education (180 credits in total) for those students who want to pursue further study. It’s a programme that gives you 120 days minimum in school, including a minimum of 12 days at Liverpool Hope University. There will be access to learning conferences throughout the year where you will meet and work with trainees from across
For further details about primary teacher training visit www.wcpsd.org.uk. For further details about secondary teacher training visit www.catholicsd.org.uk Applications for September 2016 open at the end of October 2015 and can be made via www.UCAS.com (Search for provider codes 24A and 27Q)
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Workload
E
vow
ducation secretary Nicky Morgan has vowed to tackle teachers’ workloads following fears it was putting graduates and established experts off a career in the profession.
Morgan (pictured), who took over from Michael Gove last year, has set up working groups to look at three key areas; marking, lesson planning and tracking pupil progress. She told a conference organised by the graduate training charity Teach First: “Just as I want dynamic young graduates to bring their energy and wanderlust into the classroom, so too do I want those with years of experience in a range of careers to bring their wealth of knowledge into the classroom as well. I want lifelong teachers to have their work complemented by lessons from former civil engineers, stage managers, barristers and meteorologists. I believe that those at the end of their careers have a huge amount to offer our classrooms. “We’ll be setting up new working groups to address teachers’ concerns.”
“
An outstanding provider of teacher training - Ofsted, June 2012
Do your teacher training at Kingsbridge EIP:
”
1. 2. 3. 4.
Trainees spend 100% of their training time in schools. 100% pass rate, 85% with the outstanding grade! Train in one of our 19 good or outstanding schools. Over the last three years, 100% of Kingsbridge trainees gained employment as NQTs. 1 October 2015 5pm You are welcome to attend 12 November 2015 5pm one of our open events at 15 January 2016 9.30am Kingsbridge Excellence Centre 11 February 2016 9.30am www.kingsbridgeeip.co.uk
{
g.thomson@kingsbridgeeip.co.uk
01942 510712 ext. 4
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The wright
stuff
A dream career in Midwifery is now becoming a reality for St Helens College Applied Science student, Emily Wright.
A
spiring midwife, Emily Wright, enrolled onto the BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Extended Diploma two years ago. Having now successfully achieved the top marks of triple Distinction*, equivalent to A* at A Level, has secured a place at the University of Salford to study Midwifery amongst tough competition. After leaving Shevington High School, Emily began studying A Levels before realising that this wasn’t the right study route for her and so applied to study the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at St Helens College. She said “I chose St Helens College because it has good science laboratories and equipment; also the College offered the course that I was interested in, where other colleges didn’t” For Emily, completing the BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science still gave her the opportunity to gain the UCAS points required to secure a place at university. She added, “The tutors were really friendly and supportive, so I found them very approachable whenever I needed any help. I also found that the coursework based assessments really suited me. With so many different modules on the course, the lesson topics changed all the time which made it really interesting.” Science tutor, Linda Waddecar, said, “Emily worked extremely hard. Her hard work and determination has shone through in her fabulous results, and has allowed her to secure a place at the university of her dreams. We are very proud and we are sure that she will go on to achieve great things.” For more information on the BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science visit www.sthelens.ac.uk
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Diary dates Location
October: November:
2015 Event
Date Page
Winstanley College
Open Evening
22nd October
-
St John Rigby College
Open Evening
22nd October
111
Open Event
18th November
114
Winstanley College
Open Evening
19th November
-
St John Rigby College
Open Evening
4th November
111
St John Rigby College
Open Evening
10th November
111
ProCo NW
Open Evening
25th November
115
Wigan & Leigh College
Open Day
3rd November
112
Wigan & Leigh College
Open Day
10th November
112
WCPSD
Open Evening
4th November
116
WCPSD
Open Evening
11th November
116
Kingsbridge
Open Events
12th November
117
Carmel College
Open Event
12th November
-
Carmel College
Open Event
17th November
-
Rainford High, Sixth Form
Open Event
12th November
-
St Helens College
Open Event
23rd November
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Working Open Morning 20th November
-
Wigan UTC
Westholme School
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Events & Leisure
What’s
on
Jimmy Carr Tuesday October 27 Funny Business is Jimmy’s brand new stand up show and he takes it to Liverpool Echo Arena Auditorium for three nights. You may have seen him on TV, but on stage, he’s even funnier and even more outrageous. Tickets cost £28 - visit www. echoarena.com
Pumpkin Trail Monday, October 26, - Sunday, November 1 Go along for a great family day out and search for 12 hidden boxes around Haigh Country Park. Pick up your trail sheets from the cafe and start the walk from 10 am-4pm. Free event in aid of children’s bereavement charity Winston’s Wish.
Promote your event
here! Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in Wigan Ad prices start from £39 + VAT Call 01695 627 999 for details
Manchester Christmas Markets Saturday, November 14-Monday, December 21 Spread across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are all located within roughly a quarter of a mile of each other and accessible to all. Albert Square is open 10am to 9pm daily. Other sites: 10am to 7.30pm (8pm in December). Bars open until 9pm on all sites. Visit www.manchester.gov.uk
Mummy Masks & Halloween Treats Tuesday, October 27, & Thursday, October 29 Make your own mask and Halloween treat box, and find out all about the petrifying mummies at the Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street. There’s also a prize for the best dress up. Held from 1pm-2.30pm on both days - costs £2.50 per child, who must be aged 4-12 years. Booking is essential via 01942 828128 or wiganmuseum@wigan.gov.uk
Music Hall Mayhem Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31 Up Holland & District U3A Variety Theatre Group’ production, which will be performed at St Teresa’s Club, College Road, Up Holland. Doors open 7pm. Tickets on sale at 01695 623378 - adults £5 and under 16s £2.50. Bar open and refreshments available.
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Thursday, November 5 Roby Mill Bonfire Event held at Don Orione Centre, Cardinal Heenan House, on School Lane, from 6pm. Facepainting, DJ, bouncy castle and refreshments available. £1 entry charge for adults, under 16s go free. Bonfire and Firework Spectacular Held at the YMCA Orrell Cricket Club, off Winstanley Road. Gates open at 5.30pm, bonfire lit at 6.30pm and there will be fireworks from 7pm. Attractions include a burger van, treacle toffee, children’s fun house, bar and hot and cold drinks. Entry is £4 for adults, accompanied children go free. Spark in the Park Annual event held at Sherdley Park, Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens. Silcocks Fair will be offering fun rides for the kids from 6pm to 9pm. The children’s fireworks display starts at 7pm with
the Grand Fireworks Display commencing at 8pm. Refreshments will be available with stalls selling hot food and drinks. There is no bonfire for health and safety reasons and sparklers are prohibited.
Friday, November 6 Bonfire and Firework Display The Holt Arms, Crank Road, Tickets available from the bar - £7 for adults and £3 for children. Ashton Grand Firework Display Ashton-in-Makerfield with Haydock Rotary Club and Ashton Athletic Football Club event at Ashton Athletic FC, Brocstedes Park, Brocstedes Road. Gates open at 6.30 pm, entertainment from 7 pm and Fireworks Display at 8 pm. Food and drink outlets are available. Tickets are £15 for a family of four before October 20 and £5 per person after that date. Entrance is strictly by ticket only, there will be no pay on the door. Tickets can be obtained from Ashton Athletic FC on match day Saturday at
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Brocstedes Park or from Rotarian Ray Bointon at 16, Chetwode Avenue, Ashton, WN4 9PP. Alternatively, call Jim Wythe on 07860 378553 or the Rev Dave Hamlett on 07972 577801. Lathom Firework Display The Plough Inn, on Spa Lane, Lathom, is hosting its first annual firework display. Rides for children will be available along with sparklers, face painting, BBQ & hog roast. Event begins at 5pm with fireworks starting at 7pm.
Saturday, November 7 Newburgh Bonfire and Fireworks Douglas Valley Lions event held at the Red Lion Hotel field, Ash Brow, starting at 6.30pm.
Rainford Musical Fireworks Organised by the Rotary Club of St Helens and held at the church field and Rainford Cricket Club. Gates open at 5pm. Bonfire lit at 6pm, fireworks at 6.45pm. Tickets £4 from www.nsconnections.co.uk/ fireworks or £5 on the night. Free raffle entry with every ticket. Hot food, drinks, sweets and treats. Bonfire and Firework Display Held at Whitaker’s Garden Centre, Liverpool Road, Prescot,. with a stage and lead up DJ/as well as entertainment artists. Gates open from 5.30pm Bonfire lit 7pm. Firework display 7.30pm. Adults £6, children £5: family ticket (two adults and two children) £15: under 5s go free. All proceeds will be donated to Willowbrook Hospice.
YMCA ORRELL CRICKET CLUB ‘Proud to be part of Local Life’
Community Family
Bonfire & Firework Spectacular
Thursday 5th November Gates Open: 5:30pm Bonfire Lit: 6:30pm Fireworks: 7:15pm Burger Van, Treacle Toffee, Children’s Fun House, Bar and Hot & Cold Drinks Entrance £4.00 Adults Children FREE when with parents Supported by your Local Councillors and Brighter Borough Located off Winstanley Road, opposite Hewitt’s Business Park
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Billinge FC Beer Festival Friday, October 30-Saturday, October 31 There’s free admission to this two-day event, which boasts over 20 beers and ciders, live music, hot food and free parking. From 5pm-10pm on the Friday and 2pm-9pm on the Saturday at the Carr Mill Road venue. Organised by the club to support the Isabella Rose Foundation,
Sixth Sense Ghost Hunt Halloween Special Friday, October 30 Join the team on a ghost hunt through the cellars, corridors, and prison cells at The Old Courts, Crawford Street, for a chilling night you won’t forget in a hurry. With constant strange ghostly happenings in The Old Courts, they’ve decided to get the professionals in! Over 18s Only Tickets £30 and include tea and coffee. Visit www.theoldcourts. com
What Rocks Beneath Festival Friday, October 30-Sunday, November 1 The Boulevard, on Wallgate, is the venue for this three day event. Over 20 bands on two stages will be rocking out in aid of Kidneys for Life, a registered UK charity based in Manchester which covers renal patients throughout the Northwest. Held from noon, free entry.
Nancy Kerr & James Fagan Saturday, October 31 This exciting duo perform a wide variety of traditional and modern folk music at Parbold Village Hall, The Green, from 7.45pm. Their songs and crystal clear harmonies are all beautifully accompanied by Nancy’s exhilarating fiddle playing and James’s punchy guitar style. Tickets £12.50 for adults and £5.50 for young people via www. parbolddouglasmusic.org
Ken Dodd Saturday, November 21 He’s a comedian of legendary status; an icon and national treasure who has been entertaining audiences for a lifetime of happiness and laughter. Go to Ken Dodd’s famous Happiness Show at Southport Theatre and you’ll be absolutely discumknockerated (that’s Knotty Ash for ‘over the moon’) by a truly tattifelarius (fun-filled) evening of laughter and songs presented by a comedy genius. Starts at 7pm. Tickets from £21.40 via www. atgtickets.com
Merry Hell Saturday, October 31 One for fans of early ‘90s Wigan folk/punk band The Tansads. Merry Hell, an eight piece group, has five of the original Tansads members and will be rocking St Helens Citadel from 7.30pm. Tickets priced at £11 via 01744 735 436.
Poppies: Weeping Window Sunday, November 1, - Sunday, January 31 Liverpool’s very own St George’s Hall will be the location for the travelling sculpture Weeping Window, created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper which attracted millions of people to the Tower of London. Weeping Window is a cascade comprising of several thousand handmade ceramic poppies seen pouring from a high window to the ground below; Wave is a sweeping arch of bright red poppy heads suspended on towering stalks.
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Antiquarian and Secondhand Bookfair Saturday, November 7 Held at Haydock Park Racecourse, Lodge Lane with over 40 exhibitors from 10am to 4pm.£1 entry - free parking. Contact Ben Kelsall on 01706 370244 or ben@bgk1967b.plus.com
Midstream Coffee Morning Saturday, November 7 Held at St James Church, St James Road, Orrell, from 10am-noon. A Midstream Vocational College event in aid of Wigan & Leigh Hospice. Drinks from 5pm, cakes from 70p.
Christmas Gifts Sunday, November 8 Organised by the Creative Crafts Association from 10am-4pm at Haydock Park Racecourse, Lodge Lane. Featuring a wide selection of quality British crafts and gift ware including animal figurines, handmade cards, soft toys and more.
Scottish Dancing Saturday, November 14 Ceilidh event from 7.30pm at St Luke’s Church, Lodge Road, Orrell. Tickets £7 including hot pot supper, £4 for school age children. Take your own drinks. Tickets available from Margaret Fairbairn on 01695 623127.
Craft and Gift Fair Saturday, November 14 Held from 10am-3pm at St Anne’s Parish Centre, Church Lane, Shevington. Various craft and gift stalls as well as refreshments.
Christmas Fair
Throwing a
Party?
Large, medium & small function rooms for hire Holds from 50 to 180 people Sprung dance floor Discounts available for charities Ample free car parking Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals and other functions
Call Joe on
07877 480 572
Sunday, November 15
for details
A Holland Hall event held at its Lafford Lane venue from 11am-4pm. There’s a magic show from 11am1pm and carols from St Jude’s Catholic Primary School choir from noon. Free admission with stall proceeds going to Wigan & Leigh Hospice. Call 01695 624426 for more information.
St James Social Centre St James Road Orrell, WN5 7AA 01695 623902
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Indoor Car Boot Sunday, November 15 Held at Captain’s Lane Community Centre, Ashtonin-Makerfield, from 11am-3pm. Attractions include refreshments and a charity raffle. All welcome.
Ladies Fashion Show Tuesday, November 17 Colours Fundraising Fashion Shows event at St Luke’s Church Hall, Lodge Road, Orrell, from 7pm. Tickets are £5 including drink and nibbles. Contact Margaret Heaton on 01695 622380.
Gardening for Birds Wednesday, November 18 Talk by Chris Tynan and hosted by Parbold, Newburgh and District Garden Society. Starts at 8pm at Parbold WI Hall, The Common. Visitors welcome. Call David Pennington on 01704 821984.
Macbeth Wednesday, November 18 Starring Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Paddy Considine. Starts at 7.30pm at Liverpool Philharmonic. Tickets from £7 via www. liverpoolphil.com
Chester Christmas Market
Duran Duran Friday, November 27 British music legends Duran Duran start the UK leg of their Paper Gods tour at Manchester Arena. It’s now 33 years since their classic hit Rio hit the radio. To date they’ve sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and the British quartet are still making music and going strong. Their new album, titled Paper Gods, had their highest chart debut in 22 years. Enjoy their classic hits such as Hungry Like The Wolf, Girls on Film and The Wild Boys as well as their more recent material Tickets from £39.37 via www.eventim.co.uk
Thursday, November 19-Sunday, December 20
Christmas Fair
Open 7 days a week 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday with late night shopping on Thursdays until 8pm and until 7pm on Friday and Saturday to fulfil your festive shopping needs. More details available at www.christmasinchester.com
Saturday, November 21 & Sunday, November 22 Held from 10am-4pm at Sunshine House Community Hub, Wellington Street, Scholes. £6 per table - book via pt.artandcrafts@gmail.com or on 01942 820026.
Indoor Car Boot Sale
Christmas Gift & Craft Fair
Saturday, November 21 10am to 1pm at Up Holland Methodist Church, Alma Hill. Refreshments available. £10 per table – please contact Linda to book on 01695 622414 or linda.w@talktalk.net
Sunday, November 22 A Billinge Residents Association & Almost Vintage event held from 1pm- 4pm at Birchley St Mary’s Catholic Club, Trent Road, Billinge. To book a table please contact 07767 870977 or 01744 603210
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WANT A DJ FOR YOUR FUNCTION? Dance classics from all the decades Call Chris for details on 07884 310941 Or email djchriswright.nwp@gmail.com
NWP AGENCY & EVENTS
20 years experience * Public liability insurance * PAT tested
night of music, comedy and song. Playing songs from their ninth album A Fistful of Scratchcards as well as all your favourites like Chippy Tea and Shopmobility Scooter grab your flap cap and get ready for the biggest party night of the year. Tickets £13 via www.theoldcourts.com
Christmas Lantern Parade Friday, November 27
The Mummies Unmasked Thursday, November 26 A special look beneath the bandages of Manchester Museum’s Egyptian mummies using CT-scans interpreted by Dr Campbell Price, Curator of Egypt and Sudan. Held from noon-1.15pm at the Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan town centre. Cost is £2.50 - booking essential via 01942 828128 or email wiganmuseum@wigan.gov.uk
Tatton Park welcome Father Christmas and his Reindeers during a beautiful lantern parade. Enjoy the glow and atmosphere of this wonderful welcome. Light his route with your own lanterns as he makes his way through the twilight parkland to Tatton’s festive stableyard. Please take along any unwanted toys to donate to the Manchester Children’s Hospital. Starts at 6pm. Free entry. For further information about the lantern parade please call Bridget Roberts on 01625 374405.
Murder Weapon Wednesday, November 25-Saturday. December 5 Wigan Little Theatre production from 7pm-9pm. When Chief Constable Bligh accompanies her friend Diane Tulliver home to Dysart Hall after a night at the opera they arrive to a horrifying scene. Diane’s husband Paul has been shot dead and ex-convict Charley Mirren is standing over him bearing a gun. Tickets via www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk
The Ultimate Christmas Fair Thursday, November 26-Sunday, November 29 Held at Liverpool Exhibition Centre, Kings Dock,. Opening times are Thursday, 10am – 9.00pm; Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-3.30pm. Tickets are £14.95 for adults and £5 for those aged six-16 in advance, or £18 and £6 respectively on the door. Book via www.theultimatechristmasfair.co.uk
The Lancashire Hotpots Friday, November 27 The Old Courts are proud to present, live in The Grand Vault, the Lancashire Hotpots on their 50 Shades of Gravy Tour. The undisputed kings of the Northern knees up are back with a truly fun packed
Paddy McGuinness Saturday, December 5 One of the country’s best-loved and most popular comedians Paddy McGuinness has announced a brand new UK tour for 2015 & 2016. The star of Phoenix Nights and ITV’s Take Me Out will return to his performing roots, with his first stand-up comedy tour since 2011. Held at Preston Guild Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets from £35 via www. prestonguildhall.com
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Christmas Fair Saturday, November 28 Held at Orrell Book Cycle , Orrell Road, from noon4pm. Attractions include craft and food stalls, Santa’s grotto, facepainting, barbecue and tombola.
An Evening With John Cunningham Saturday, November 28 Wigan Music Society event starting at 7.30pm at Trinity United Reformed Church, Milton Grove, Wigan. John is Principal Guest Artist at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. All welcome.
Milltown Sound Chorus Sunday, November 29 Festive event at Haigh Hall, School Lane, from noon4pm. Tickets are £18.95/£9.95 for children and includes a four-course meal and live music. Booking essential via 01942 832895.
Up Holland High Christmas Fair Thursday, December 3 Held from 6pm to 8.30pm by Phoenix Friends, the school’s Parents, Teachers and Friends Association. Attractions include Santa’s grotto, lucky dip, tombola, raffle, cake stall, refreshments, bouncy castle, music, external stalls and much more. If anyone would like to book a stall, please contact Shirley Rigby on 01695 625191 or by email phoenixfriends@upholland.lancs.sch.uk
Farm Fun Saturday, December 5 Festive fun down at Greenslate Community Farm , Tracks Lane, from 11am to 3pm. There will be craft demonstrations, local artisans, and fresh produce from the farm shop. For more information, email info@greenslatefarm.org.uk or call 01695 229150.
Roy Wood’s Rock & Roll Band Big Christmas Party Friday, December 11 What better way to party during the festive season than the man who wrote and sang Wizzard’s 1973 hit I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday? Having written more than thirty UK to 30 chart singles Roy Wood is without doubt a true British song writing legend, he has won many awards, including the Ivor Novello Award for Most Outstanding Song Collection. More recently a Kerrang Songwriter Award, Rock Radio’s Classic Songwriter Award , and Mojo Honours List , Classic Songwriter Award. Held at Warrington’s Parr Hall from 8pm. Tickets are £20 via www.pyramidparrhall.com
Festive Fair Saturday, December 5. Held from 11am–2pm at Parbold Village Hall. The Green. Lots of stalls selling jewellery, toys, speciality cheeses, painted stones and woodcrafts.All proceeds raised will go the Hut-on-the-Hill – home to all of Parbold’s Guiding and Scouting units.
Grassington Dickensian Festival Saturday, December 5, 12 & 19 For three Saturdays before Christmas between 11am-5pm, Grassington travels back in time for the annual Dickensian Festival. Visitors are treated to a glorious array of sights, tastes and smells from a bygone era. The village is adorned in Christmas lights, the square and streets come
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The best New Year’s Eve party in Orrell! FREE Hot Pot at 10pm. Free entry
Robin Hood
117 Sandy Lane Orrell WN5 7AZ 01942 511 859 www.robinhoodorrell.co.uk
alive with a traditional market with shopkeepers and villagers dressed in Victorian costume. Visitors can revel in delight at the musicians, dancers, street entertainers and exhibitions of traditional country crafts. The Park and Ride at Threshfield Quarry costs £10 per car. The postcode (for sat nav users) is BD23 5PA. For all enquiries please contact the Dickensian Co-ordinator on dickensian@grassington.uk.com
The Snowman
Flower Power Wednesday, December 16 Talk by Alan Foxall and hosted by Parbold, Newburgh and District Garden Society. Starts at 8pm at Parbold WI Hall, The Common. Visitors welcome. Call David Pennington on 01704 821984.
Rogers Floyd Saturday, December 26 Pink Floyd tribute act at Wigan’s Old Courts from 8pm-10pm, with support from John The Baptist Tickets are £6 and available from the old courts or online at www.seetickets.com or £7 on the door.
Lancashire Folk Night Friday, January 22 Held at Simms Road pub, Garswood, starring Chonkinfeckle plus AD. Cooke. Free entry.
Thursday, December 10 This Christmas, The Snowman is coming to The Blackpool Tower Ballroom! The timeless film will be shown on a large screen accompanied by a live, professional orchestra. Tickets £17.50 for adults, £11.50 for children or £51 for a family of four. Starts at 7pm and finishes at 8.30pm. Visit www. theblackpooltower.com
A Christmas Cracker Friday, December 11 Standish Chorale presents a selection of familiar and not so familiar Christmas music from 7.30pm at Standish Parish Hall . Tickets £8, £7 (concessions) and £2 (students) - available at the door or telephone 01257 427284.
A Christmas Cabaret Friday, December 11 Held at St James’ Club, St James’ Road, Orrell, in aid of Wigan Infirmary Heart Unit. Entertainment from comedian Terry Cotta, vocalist Charlotte James and local duo Crawford & Brown. Charity raffle and hot pot supper. Tickets £10. Doors open at 7pm. Call the club on 01695 623902 or Frank Mernagh on 074818 66372/01744 309760.
Dick Whittington Saturday, December 12 - Sunday, January 3 Live at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, starring Starring Sally Lindsay and Eric Potts (Coronation Street), Radio City’s Leanne Campbell, City Talk’s Pete Price as Alderman Fitzwarren and Kurtis Stacey (Emmerdale) in the title role of Dick Whittington. Tickets from £10 upwards via www.atgtickets.com
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sponsored by
Hoscar
Moss
by David Sudworth
W
ith summer now a faded memory, local fields are starting to get very muddy in places. A bit of it muck on the boots is par for the course, but when you’re still sweeping it up two days later, it can be tiresome. This walk takes in some of the best countryside West Lancashire has to offer while giving you some decent pathways on which to tread. And if you’re a cyclist, then it’s the perfect route as well because not only is it full accessible for those on two wheels, but there’s a self-service cycle hire point at the start of the route for a very reasonable £1 per hour (minimum initial purchase is six hours). More information at www. southyportcyclehire.info
We park up on Wheat Lane (L40 4BX), which is accessed off the main A5209 Briars Lane via Glovers Bridge which goes over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Once parked up, we head north west-wards, past The Ship Inn (known locally as The Blood Tub), up towards the junction with Carr Lane. On the left, across the canal, you can see the old Ainscough’s Mill at Burscough. Situated further up the canal at Burscough Wharf, the mill used to produce flour from imported grain which came on barges on these very waters. Constructed in 1885, the mill had been disused for some time but has now been redeveloped into new homes and apartments.
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Around here, you get a true sense of just how important farming still is in West Lancashire. True, it’s not as dominant as it once was, but for many families, it’s more than just adding a pleasant backdrop on an already beautiful landscape, it’s their livelihood. Sweetcorn, potatoes, cabbage, carrotts; you name it, West Lancashire has it in abundance.
At the bridge, we take a right down Carr Lane and within a few minutes, it’s time to turn left into Bleak Lane. This is the first time you begin to notice that although these are adopted roads (maintained at public expense), they are really very quiet, which makes them both very walker and cyclist-friendly. Homemade signage imploring passers-by to avail themselves of a dozen freshly-laid eggs for a small fee is commonplace, all adding to the country feel.
As the road curves right, we cross the River Tawd, which is a tributary of the River Douglas and flows south into the heart of Skelmersdale just past the Concourse Shopping Centre. If you haven’t already guessed by now, water is an important feature of the area. So it’s unsurprising that United Utilities have a few depots in this area, including the Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works which can be seen on the left as you go down Deans Lane. Quite why it is called Wigan is a mystery to most people. Later on that mystery deepens when another depot is called Skelmersdale.
At the level crossing for the Southport-Manchester line, go straight across and carry on past Bleak Hall Farm until the road forces you to turn right into Wood Lane. Parbold Hill is omnipresent on the horizon, giving us the benefit of some lovely scenery safe in the knowledge that, for today at least, we don’t have to scale its heady heights.
At the end of Wood Lane, we turn right on to Wanes Blades Road but be prepared to turn left again down Deans Lane, which is visible from the moment you leave Wood Lane.
However, before we get to that, we have to negotiate the railway crossing for a second time and then make our way under the Leeds-Liverpool Canal via Newburgh Aqueduct No 14, to give it its official title. Once out, the road climbs quite steeply up to Back Lane, which eventually veers right on to Hollowford Lane. We’re now on the final quarter of our journey as
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Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.
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we make our way towards Spencers Bridge. The gentle pace of life is evident here as we come across Newburgh’s version of a traffic jam. The swing bridge is up to allow a barge to pass through. Far from it being an irritating hold up, it’s simply another chance to drink in that country feel as the stresses and strains of every day life float away. Once the jam has passed, we cross over the swing bridge and turn left directly on to the towpath and follow it as it heads back towards Glovers Bridge As you amble along, there are some lovely properties which front on to the waterway, as well
as some temporary and private moorings. Once back at Wheat Lane, I decide to check out the locks at the back of The Ship Inn, and what a fabulous sight they are. If you’re needing a bit of R&R after the walk, this is the place to do it. This 5.4 mile walk takes roughly two hours and 20 minutes to complete at a steady pace, and for the more energetic there’s a chance to vary the route. I particularly liked the fact it’s a walk for all seasons, especially handy for winter when the ground is boggy. It’s also good to dip into three villages; Lathom, Hoscar and Newburgh, in just one go. Whether you are a beginner, seasoned walker or somewhere in between, you’ll reap the benefits of this walk.
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Test drive
Skoda
Superb by Tim Barnes-Clay
T
he all-new Skoda Superb really is utterly brilliant. You thought I was going to say ‘superb’ didn’t you? Well, that’s been done a hundred times before – but, jokes apart, it truly is.
executive limousines can’t keep pace with - and thrifty running costs too. When all is said and done, it’s a genuine work of genius by the Pilsen based automaker.
Underneath, the Skoda has similarities to Volkswagen’s Passat. Available as an estate or hatchback, with the former making up the majority of sales in Great Britain, the all-new Superb has always been a major steal.
It is a massive machine. Indeed, it’s bigger than before, and anyone who encountered the preceding incarnations of the Superb will tell you just how large they were.
Suffice it to say, the Czech motor manufacturer, under the parental guidance of VW, offers a lot of car for your cash. The vehicle has rear seat legroom many
Stats-wise, the fresh Skoda has a 625-litre boot (30 litres more than the departing car) in the hatchback, which expands to 1,760 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. It
features a bunch of
whole safety
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systems too, including nine airbags, automatic crash preparation technology, an automatic braking system, and even gadgetry to warn you if a vehicle is going to crash into the back of you. Into the bargain, the 2015 Superb contains a rearview camera, three-zone air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control and even an automatic parking system. It can also be hooked-up to a smart-phone for the first time and selected apps can be activated from the infotainment system’s screen. This is one avant-garde Skoda. You also get Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ features such as an ice scraper in the fuel flap and cargo netting in the boot and cabin. And talking about brand physiognomies, the umbrella in the rear door of the old Superb has been traded for a pair of them in this model - one in each front door. British right hand drive Skoda Superbs will come with trim levels we’re already familiar with, and there’s going to be five engines - the most ubiquitous likely to be the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox. This is the one I drove at Skoda’s international press launch in Tuscany. Under full acceleration there’s barely any diesel clatter, and the car has oodles of ‘oomph’ on the motorway – just like Geoff Capes in his British strongman truck-pulling prime. The new Skoda Superb is just as talented at low speed, floating over
lumps and bumps in town or along deserted Italian country lanes. Pace is perceptibly more composed than that of the outgoing car. The 2015 Skoda Superb can lurch a little through twisting roads, but it’s a big car, so it’s not the sort of motor you expect to chuck around corners. That said; the steering is direct, with excellent weighting and the car is always comfortable. The Skoda badge shouldn’t put anyone off this car in this day and age, although die hard BMW aficionados won’t be interested. I’d say they’re going to miss out, because this handsome new Superb is a top company car choice and, for private buyers, it looks like it will hold on to its value well.
Fast
facts
Max speed: 135 mph 0-62 mph: 8.9 secs Combined mpg: 68.9 Engine: 1968cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 148 Max. torque (Ib.ft): 250 CO2: 108g/km Price: £18,640 - £34,505
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Motoring Services
Pick U p Drop O & ff servic e availa ble
Mini? Drive a BMW or
Save £££’s on repairs, servicing and diagnostics at Wigan’s leading independent BMW & Mini Specialist. We can do repairs and services at a fraction of the cost of a main dealer, using the latest BMW & Mini diagnostic software. Our staff have over 40 years experience at the Northwest’s largest BMW dealership. Other makes and models welcome too.
Billinge &
Rainford Service and MOT Centre
Interim service and MOT from £95 inc VAT Full service and MOT from £130 inc VAT MOT - £34.95 MOT Class 7 - £38.95 Free pick up and drop off service available
£5 off
184 Wallgate, Wigan, WN3 4AL (Next to Better Bathrooms) Free secure parking at rear
01942 820 378 www.bndynamix.com
Advertise
here
Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
#
when you have a service and MOT at our garages Offer valid on production of this voucher Any make or model welcome
Billinge &
Rainford Service and MOT Centre
Part of SGN Autos Ltd 84 Rainford Road, Billinge, WN5 7PG and Sandwash Close, Rainford, WA11 8LY
Call - 01744 895 333 or 01744 886 720 Mobile - 07918 138 231
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Good as New
Car Paintwork Repairs
I’ll get your car looking as good as new - or you’ll get your money back! Paintwork repair specialist -we visit your home or work
Specialists in; • Bumper scuffs No VAT charged • Vandal scratches • Alloy wheel repairs Any written quote beaten! • Minor dents
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! For your free estimate, call Dave on
07970 915 504
Save £££s
on servicing costs for your German car!
Experienced ex-Mercedes and Volkswagen Audi Group technicians will service your car at a fraction of main dealer costs!
We even pick up and drop off your motor free! All repairs, exhausts, tyres, clutches, diagnostics, MOT work. 84 Rainford Road, Billinge, WN5 7PG
01744 895 333 or 07918 138 231 19 Tatton Court, Kingsland Grange, Warrington, WA1 4RR
01925 818 180 or 07918 138 231
Part of SGN Autos Ltd
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My latest
project
Award Winner
by Angie Barker
I
Like any gardener I always have a project on the go. Whether it be designing a fresh planting scheme for a tired looking border, investing in a new planter for the front garden to bring some seasonal colour to what otherwise would be a dark corner, or even ... planning a whole new garden! Yes, my persuasive powers finally won Hubby over and he agreed to have part of our concrete drive at the front of the house removed and have it turned into a new garden space. So I duly spoke to the contractors I recommend to clients (Mark Bridgeman from Orrell) and a date was set for work to commence. I designed a contemporary courtyard to contrast with the rest of the garden and as ever Mark and Gareth delivered along with the rest of the team, Adam and Sean, and I now have a wonderful new garden packed with plants – some overspill from existing plant stock and some new additions. Hubby remained tight lipped during our trips to the nursery, bless him.
garden - and Amelanchier lamarckii. This is a beautiful multi stem small tree with lots of interest throughout the year; spring flowers followed by summer berries and then fiery autumn foliage. I also have Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Pearl’, a small shrub whose flowers will fill the garden with perfume next summer. I have even managed to squeeze in an additional raised bed for veggies and space for my new greenhouse.
I have sourced some plants that I have always admired but not had the room for, such as Dierama pulcherrimum or Angels Fishing Rod – just the name makes it a plant you’d want to have in your
It will be lovely to show visitors to the garden next open day (the last Sunday in June each year) something new. What more could a girl ask for – except for Hubby of course – to pay for it all.
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
139
Landscapes Ltd
Garden Design & Construction from Concept to Completion Contemporary – Creative – Traditional
Local - Reliable - Professional
Award Winner
Want a beautiful garden without all the hard work? At GreenHills we don’t just treat your lawns, we offer a complete service all year round. • • • • •
APPLICATION OF LAWN TREATMENTS GARDEN MAINTENANCE WEEDING & BORDERS HEDGES & SHRUBS MAINTAINED WEED SPRAYING OF PATHS & DRIVEWAYS
Professional Lawn Treatment & Garden Maintenance
Call Stewart Ashcroft on;
01695 622460 or 07894 217191 email:westdene41@btinternet.com
~ Est. 2001 ~
01942 200 039 or 07950 651 956
Winstanley Road, Billinge
Phone: 01257 781 003
Mobile: 07967539919 glyn@downtoearthgroundworks.uk
Down to Earth service, Rock solid reliability
• Machine Hire • Ground Maintenance • Flagging • Block Paving • Fencing • Contractor • Fully Insured
Contact Us Today For A No Obligation Quote
Need help with your garden?
Orrell-Based*
Garden Design & Quality Landscaping Quality work & reliability at competitive prices
We offer a regular garden maintenance service Landscaping, flagging, fencing, tree work, pruning, turfing and decking work also completed.
Call today for a FREE quote
Friendly and reliable service
01942 510 986 07710 405 214
Call Mick now for details
01942 700377 or 07982 928816
Oak Tree Maintenance
Visit our website to see previous projects
www.ashlandscapingandmaintenance.co.uk Established 1994
Garden Rescue
Tree Services Trees Felled & Pruned Hedges Trimmed Qualified & Insured Free Estimates
01695 623 909 / 07903 290 878 Based in Up Holland
All aspects of landscaping from design to build 25 years experience! Contact Phil: 07511 126 260 or 01942 703 049 Wimborne Road, Orrell
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Gutters2Gardens Excellent quality of work and very tidy. Attendance very good. Would gladly recommend to anyone. Gives an honest assessment of work to do.
Orrell Roofline Excellent company, reliable, arrived when said they would. Here early each morning and never stopped! Polite and courteous at all times. Workm anship is fantastic, whole house looks amazing.
SMN
Tree and Landscape Management
The Handyman to Know (ATH Services) First class tiling job in my hallway. Anthony was prompt, well priced, easy to deal with and left his work area neat and tidy. He will definitely be the first call I make when other jobs need doing.
West Lancashire District Council approved contractor
Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121 www.smntrees.co.uk
steve@smntrees.co.uk
Dalton Tree Services & Log Supplies • All tree and hedge work • Fully Insured • Free and friendly advice Call Peter on 07973
380 074 or
01257 252 781 •
•
• Gates and railings • Repairs and restorations • Ironwork and welding • Traditional forge work over 20 years experience
Tel: 01695 721877 Mobile: 07951 764202 The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland
Chris Smith – Painter & Decorator Chris came and quoted for the work very professional, he undertook the work excellent standard no mess no damaged and house left tidy.
LJ Plumbing Lee has done an excellent job bathroom, nothing was too much recommend him 100%. Lee, and lovely lads, completely honest
with our new trouble, would Alex are two & trustworthy.
The comments above are testimonials from Wigan residents taken from the Wigan Council Good Trader scheme For details visit www.traderregister.org.uk/wigan If you’re a tradesperson who wants to apply to enrol on the scheme, please email Trading Standards at ts@wigan.gov.uk
141
Useful numbers Medical Pemberton PCT Clinic Concourse Walk-in Centre Bradshaw Street Surgery Church Street Surgery Hall Green Surgery Holmes House Avenue Surgery Hall Green Clinic Orrell Clinic Matthew Ryder Clinic Wigan Family Chiropractic Clinic Wigan Infirmary Ormskirk Hospital NHS Direct
01942 775 820 01695 588 640 01942 222 336 01695 622 982 01695 622 268 01942 483 213 01695 622 781 01942 775 750 01695 624 042 01942 498 480 01942 244 000 01695 577 111 08 454 647
Dentists Moor Road Dentist Church Street Dentist Tower Hill Dentist Hall Green Dentist St Raphael’s Dentist Emergency Dental Repairs
01942 215 091 01695 625 565 01695 622 410 01695 622 066 01695 627 617 01695 623 334
Local Life Magazine
Puzzle
Police Greater Manchester Police Skelmersdale Police Station Up Holland Police Team
101 01695 566 134 0845 1253 545
Council and Councillors (Wigan) Wigan Council www.wigan.gov.uk Cllr Ready (Orrell & Billinge) 01942 487 675 Cllr Arrowsmith (Orrell & Billinge) 01942 486 859 Cllr Murphy (Orrell and Billinge) 01942 487 688 Cllr Kenny (Winstanley) 01942 487 677 Cllr Morgan (Winstanley) 01942 486 880 Council and Councillors (West Lancashire) West Lancashire Borough Council 01695 577 177 Cllr Moran (Up Holland) 01695 550 256 Cllr Owen (Up Holland) 07908 800 550 County Cllr Fillis (Up Holland) 07811 388 153 Cllr Baybutt (Roby Mill) 01257 255501 Cllr Evans (Roby Mill) 01695 624 683 Libraries Hope Community Library Lamberhead Green Library Up Holland Library
Advertising & Editorial 01257 498329
01942 777 545 01942 705 060 03001 236 703
Accounts & Distribution 01695 627 999
solutions
The photo on page 72 is of Wigan Road, Ashton
142
Home Services
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- sponsored by
here
Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
www.expertcomputers.co.uk ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner
143
144
‘Dream To Gleam’ Domestic Cleaning Services Floors; Kitchens; Bathrooms; Dusting; Ironing; Internal Windows and more... Competitive Prices Special Rates For Over 60s Call Kath - 01744 892711 Mobile - 07931 111139 Fully Insured and DBS Checked
UPVC CLEANING
• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.
CONSERVATORIES
• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)
JETWASHING
• Driveways & Patios etc.
EXTERIOR PAINTING • Fascias, Rendered Walls etc. Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.
01942 470 089 or 07834 241 642 www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • traditional service, state of the art results •
Providing professional carpet & upholstery cleaning since 1993 Carpets Leather
Upholstery Curtains Oriental Rugs Hard Floors
For more information call:
01942 470 081 Visit our website and check out the testimonials.
www.alliancechemdry.co.uk
Wigan Good Trader Of The Year 2015
5 star rating with Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme
plus, Awarded the Certificate of Excellence in recognition of consistently high standards of feedback from customers in 2009/10/11/12
Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote
Call - 01257 251221
Mobile - 07908 770808
www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk
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Fit n Fix North West Installation, Repair or Replace Windows, Doors & Conservatories
REPAIRS • Cables • Springs • Rollers • Locks • Motor Units • Handsets...
For a free quote, call us on 0800 232 1825 or 07737 314 905 Visit us at: www.fitnfixnorthwest.co.uk Orrell Based
ALL MAKES REPAIRED, SERVICED & INSTALLED SAME DAY RESPONSE NO FIX, NO CHARGE! Established 30+ years
Strawberry Cottage,
Pimbo Road, 01744 894939 Upholland Garage and entrance doors WN8 9QL 07891 330214
in matching styles
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk
Is your garage door broken ? Call us today for a free estimate to Repair or Replace it
CJM Garage Doors Ltd, Unit 10, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB t: 01942 738347 w: www.cjmgaragedoors.co.uk
Specialists in Replacement Double Glazed Units Ring with sizes for FREE estimate
Open 7 days 8am - 8pm Established Local Family Company
01942 470 085 / 0800 328 8573 www.steamywindows.net
Advertise
here
Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
146
ANDY HIDDEN
House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments
Domestic Electrician
No Job Too Small!
• • • • • • •
Re-Wires Additional Sockets / Lights Home Safety Tests Fuse Board Upgrades Security Lighting Alarms CCTV
Good Trader Of The Year Winner in the Wigan Trading Standards Best of the Best Awards 2013/14.
All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request Call now for a free quotation
Certificate of Excellence Winner 2012/13/14/15
Award Winner 2012/13/14/15
07946 844 904 08000 842 394 Email: andy@ahde.co.uk
01942 216 735
|
07725 909 257
Home Improvements • Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms • Garage & Loft Conversions • Floors, Doors & Windows For all your home improvement needs call David on...
01942 203 804 DS Joiner 07851 225 876
Great Value Bathrooms!
Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Showers, Trays & Cubicles Relocation of Bathroom Suites 25 years bathroom experience Call Chris now for a free quotation
Arley Cabinet Company Ltd • Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •
We measure we make we fit
Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd 214a Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7BN
C L Bathrooms
and have done for 60 years. Visit our showroom or call us today for a FREE estimate
www.clbathrooms.co.uk
www.arleycabinets.com tel: 01942 246190
01942 749085 or 07801 295483
Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm Sat: 9am - 12pm
147
ing & Joinery Jobs The Complete Answer to Build
• Extensions & New Builds • Conservatories & Sun Rooms • Loft & Garage Conversions • Fitted Kitchens & Bathrooms • Other building & joinery works If you plan to improve your home, call Gareth today for
a free quotation 01257 422317 or 07852 202867 www.mtjoiner y.co.uk
K Stone Building Services
All types of building work undertaken
• Brickwork • Pointing • Garden Walls • Patios • Joinery • Flagging • Alterations • Plastering
PH 25 years experience
Billinge Based
01744 603 231 / 07501 270 436
Want to promote your business to an estimated ¼ million readers?
01942 495412 / 07974 496676
PH
WINDOWS DOORS
SUPPLIED & FITTED
• ALL ASPECTS OF UPVC • FAILED SEALED UNITS REPLACED • WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON PRICE OR QUALITY • LOCAL AND RELIABLE
A-rated windows fitted as standard FRONT DOORS FROM
BACK DOORS FROM
Fitted
Fitted
£380
£350
Chorley West Lancashire
Wigan
St Helens
Call 01695 627999
COLOURED COMPOSITE DOORS FROM
£580 Fitted
Don’t replace your windows or doors until you get a free quote from me! Ring Paul : 01942 871 631 Certificate of excellence 2015 Mobile: 07900 985 699 Best newcomer for Leigh 2015
The little magazine with a big reach
locallife247.co.uk
148
A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES
Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner • Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks • Gas Fire & Cooker Installations • Under Floor Heating Specialists • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades
10 YEARS
EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS
Finance available
WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!
Telephone:
01942 504 429 Registration No.
88604
TEL: MOB:
01257 421 660 07931 766 684
www.fgwelch.co.uk
Based in Eccleston
40 years Experience
All types of tiling work welcomed;
Bathrooms Conservatories Kitchens Ensuites Call Harry McNally for a FREE estimate
01744 739176 or 07947 802641
149
• Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites • Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling
Improve your home with our bathroom installation by calling Lee for your free quotation
01942 225771 / 07803 057940
brand New bathrooms 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 Dr Orrell wN5 8sb
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk
21 Eton Way, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8PN www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk
• Central Heating Installations • Boiler Installations • Maintenance & Servicing • Power Flushing
www.orrellheating.co.uk
506515
186237
Your one stop shop for central heating 434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF
01942 221221
info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com
C &D
Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service
Plumbing and Heating
Heating & Bathroom Specialist Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P 07973714222 01695625171
Free programmable room thermostats fitted with new Combi Boilers!
John Bailey - 01942 495785
or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan
PETER RODAN LTD • All Heating & Plumbing work • Full Heating Installations • Boiler Servicing & Repairs • Boiler Conversions • 20 year experience
Tel: Mob:
• Full bathroom/wetroom renovations
PATON PLUMBING
01257 472 385 07971 631 709
Standish based
• Complete central heating installations
& HEATING LTD
221213
• Boiler service and repairs • Landlord’s gas safety certificates
T: 01744 634 525
542856
M: 07825 323 711
150
Create your Dream Home today… Our Master Craftsman Derek and his friendly team will help you create your dream home. All aspects of decorating - from simple painting or wallpapering to complex murals. 50 years wallpapering expertise. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Lady Decorator
Professional Interior Decorating Service Reduced rates for Pensioners Clean, tidy and conscientious Tel: 01942 366996 or 07962 422856
Just Imagine
Decorating - Interior Design - Soft Furnishings
Call Derek today for a free consultation & quote
Call 07831 505 672
email franklindecorators@gmail.com
www.wigandecorators.co.uk
Need a new look for your home?
Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices! Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator
01942 518126 or 07545 065119 Orrell based business
Ian Martland
Painter & Decorator Established 1990
• All aspects of Decorating • Interior & Exterior • Free Estimates
01695 632 477 | 07748 195 809
• Conservatory repairs • Locks, handles and hinges • Replacement glass • Windows and doors installed • Replacement conservatory roofs Call MARK now on 01942 737 381 / 0776 315 1720 conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com www.fixmyconservatory.com
151
All electrical work undertaken • Rewire specialists • Extra sockets & lights fitted • Mains board upgrades
Free quotations
A.J.S.
BAILEYS J.Dillon Electrical ELECTRICAL
Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826
01942 215 769 07739 709 005
• All types of electrical work • 20+ years experience • Friendly, fast and reliable • 24 hour call out service
www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk
steve pearson your local electrician
• All types of electrical work undertaken • Friendly, fast & reliable • Free estimates
KEEP YOUR FAMILY OR BUSINESS SAFE WITH MAP SECURITY
Tel: 01744 881194 Mob: 07554 425580
• Rewires & Upgrades • Interior & Exterior Lighting • Alarms & CCTV • Extra Sockets & Lights
07531 765 529 / 01695 628 150
Alarm & CCTV specialist Security Lighting Telephone Extensions CALL NOW FOR A FREE HOME SECURITY ASSESSMENT Part P Certified
T: 01942 273396 | M: 07970 185302 www.mapsec.co.uk
ANDY HIDDEN
Electrical & Construction Building Projects from Conception to Completion • Fully fitted • 12 months Guarantee • Upgrades & Rewires • Free Maintenance • Extra Sockets & Lights • No Contract Obligation Wireless Alarm System • No Cables, No Mess WeEN50131 also supply and fit; / PD Compliant, Grade 2 • Easily Expandable, if required Alarm system • Burglar Alarms (hard wired/wireless) All aspects of electrical work welcomed
For Only
• CCTV - Security lighting
£360
We Install Solar PV
Call Graham today for a friendly, no obligation, chat about your home security requirements
We do landlord checks and all work is fully insured For a free quote and friendly advice, call Graham
Suite 1A Contact Us 01942 836 93701942 or 07557 Kirkless Ind. Est. 836 937914 788 Cale Lane Wiganghe_info@yahoo.co.uk 07928 050 611
• • • • •
Extensions & New Build Conservatories & Orangeries Fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Garage & Loft Conversions Garden Walls, Driveways & Patios Award Winner 2012/13/14/15
For a no obligation quotation call us today
08000 842 394 07946 844 904 www.ahde.co.uk
152
• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985
Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair
First Class Workmanship • All types of re-roofs • Strip & re-slate or re-tile • Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc. • Insurance work undertaken • Roofline uPVC fascias, soffits & guttering
• Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services
W.Newman
Call us now for a free estimate
ROOFING & REPAIRS
01695 633173 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk
01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years
Domestic & Commercial Roofing Number One for House Maintenance! • UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & ROOFLINE • BROKEN LOCKS & MISTED WINDOWS
• Re-roofs
• Slating & Tiling
• Fascias & Soffits • House Painting • Flat Roofs • Guttering
07710 627998 www.elements-roofing.co.uk Email: info@elements-roofing.co.uk
• GUTTERS AND UPVC CLEANING SERVICE • FLAGGING, FENCING & POINTING • GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE
No job too small! Call Mike Darbyshire on
01942 513 584 / 07917 352 181 Orrell based
• Pointing
Advertise
here
Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
153
3 Maggotts Nook Road, Rainford
154
A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on The bare truth Nearly choked on my bedtime cocoa recently when, in an idle moment, I ventured into the world of social media. I was immediately greeted by a Twitter update from Winstanley’s Cllr Paul Kenny advising his followers that he and his missus, MP Yvonne Fovargue, were spending the evening with Barenaked Ladies. First thing which crossed my mind is ‘where?’ followed by ‘how fast could I get there?’ Alas, it was then pointed out to me, by the eldest grandchild, that Barenaked Ladies are in fact a rock band from Canada. Dejected and deflated, I
returned to my recorded episode of Doc Martin on the VHS.
Wicker’s world Up here on Billinge Hill, you get used to seeing certain things; mist, graffiti and ur inating d o g s mostly. But in all my time here, I’d never noticed the strange, Wicker Man figure seemingly lurking in the Shaley Brow undergrowth. One local did however and sent this snap to our spooked-out editor. So I went to have a look for myself but didn’t manage to track it down. Maybe it was one of Crank Caverns’ inhabitants out for a day trip, or may be it was just a trick of the light. Either way, I’m keeping the curtains shut at night this winter.
Tracked off Brassed off Wigan Warriors fans not only had their day ruined by Leeds in the Super League Grand Final recently, but the incompetent planning at Manchester Piccadilly Station made getting home a three-hour misery fest. For some reason,
they’d erected metal barriers to funnel spectators onto a platform, leaving disgruntled locals having to weave their way through them to get to the non-Wigan bound trains on the other side. What a farce - bring back British Rail!
This sporting life Speaking of sport, why is it that horse racing is now the only sport where spectators get dressed up for the occasion? Come race day at Haydock Park and Ashton town centre is stuffed full of glammed up lads and lasses. Not my scene at all, but at least it’s more pleasing on the eye than the sight of 6,000 men and women walking to the DW in figure-hugging replicas.
Council of despair And finally, it appears austerity is hitting West Lancashire. Word has it that parish councils, including Up Holland, are facing a 30% cut in funding from the borough council. Civil servants are giving borough councillors the option of spacing the cuts out over the next three years, at 10% a year, or frontloading it to 2016/17. Well, it’s not as if the borough council leader is also an Up Holland Parish councillor. Oh, hang on...
155
Established 1999
We’ve got it covered! Roofing Emergency Repairs General maintenance Full re-roofs Flat/pitched Roof Conversions Velux Windows Roofline Fascias & Soffits Cladding Gutters
10 YEAR
INSURANCE-BACKED GUARANTEE
NO CALL OUT FEES Call today for a free quote
01942 665 270 0774 876 7845 or 0770 221 8867 www.protecroofingnw.co.uk
The Old Coach House, George Street, Ashton in Makerfield, WN4 8QD