Wigan Edition
December 2016
vs Wigan’s feuding
comedians Win a Christmas hamper Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Business View...
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Let Santa arrive in style! Buy now for guaranteed pre-Christmas fitting
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Looking
forward
I
can’t believe that this is the last issue of the year – 2016 has gone by so quickly!
Our company Christmas social calendar is filling up quickly; we’re all off to Wigan Little Theatre next week to watch our Editor in a production there, one of our sales staff is getting wed soon after so we’re off to rock the dance floor at West Tower, on the 19th we’re all helping out on the Rotary Carol Floats and we’ll be tucking into our Christmas meal at our local, the Robin Hood, on the 22nd. It’s not all play at Local Life though, we’ve been working hard to bring you some new goodies! By Christmas, we’ll have a brand new website up and running (www.locallife247.co.uk). You can also look forward to a new look Local Life magazine in 2017, one which adds significantly more emphasis on publicising local events of all kinds and helps event organisers to promote these events free of change. You need never again be stuck for something to do on a wet Wednesday afternoon! As always, a big thank you - firstly to our advertisers, without whom this magazine wouldn’t exist, also to our distributors for all their hard work in all weathers and, most of all, to readers for your support and feedback you have so generously given this year. On behalf of all the Local Life team, I wish you and yours an enjoyable Christmas break, and may you all enjoy health and happiness in the coming year.
Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
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In this issue Win a Christmas
hamper 22
No laughing
matter 45
Christmas
feast
Regulars 34 Puzzle Corner 38 Planning
76 What’s On 86 Test drive
40 Class From The Past 90 Garden Diary 62 Eating Out Guide 103 Useful Numbers
Sections 6 Property 8 Local News 26 Fashion 50 Food & Drink 64 Health
70 Finance 72 Business 84 Pets 90 Gardening 92 Home Services
Next issue - January 2017
Advertising deadline - Thursday, 8 December Published - Thursday, 29 December Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01695 627 999
50 Jack’s Tracks visits
Haigh
Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Clare, Nicola sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David wigannews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter, Dylan design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.
80 Test Drive - Abarth
124 Spider
This issue is delivered to 13,039 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh. The next issue is delivered to 13,034 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan.
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Local Life Media
@locallifemedia
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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School D-Day
looms
The deadline for public comments over plans to shut Shevington Community Primary School is looming. People have until Thursday, December 8, to express their feelings about the plan for the Miles Lane facility. The current proposal is to send pupils to Shevington Vale Community Primary, on Runshaw Avenue, Appley Bridge. A final decision will be made in January. Victoria Galligan, from Save Shevington Federation, told Local Life: “One of our main concerns is the journey from Shevington to Appley Bridge, which is a main road route and unsafe for lots of small children. It is nearly two miles long with a total climb of 31m up a steep hill. We are campaigning for better
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infrastructure to make the route safer and we want free bus passes for transitioned children and parents. But if Cabinet decides to close the school, we want to work alongside the council to make sure our children get what they need.” Write to School Organisation Team, People Directorate, Wigan Council, PO Box100, WN1 3DS, or via email at wsf@wigan.gov.uk
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Have a dram An Introduction To Whisky evening fundraiser is being held at The Globe pub, High Street, Standish, on Friday, November 25, at 8pm. There will be six different whiskies to taste and discuss after an introductory talk. And attendees get to take home their own authentic Glencairn whisky glass, which is included in the ticket price. Tickets are £15 each, with £2 going to Standish Voice’s fund for events, which includes Standish Christmas Market. The price includes a minimum of six different whiskies, the glass and tasting notes. Whisky samples and gift sets will be available to buy and the upstairs bar will be open all evening. You can buy tickets at The Globe pub, or by ringing 074697 28259.
Festive event Appley Bridge’s Christmas market is on Sunday, November 20th from 11am-3pm at the village hall, on Appley Lane North. All welcome.
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Tributes to brave
Kevin
Tributes have been paid to the campaigning Appley Bridge man Kevin Vardy. Kevin died at home from prostate cancer after being diagnosed with the disease in early 2015. He was just 54 years old. Despite his prognosis, he was determined to fight - lobbying the Government hard to introduce mandatory prostate specific antigens (PSA) tests which would lead to early detection. Currently, PSA tests are not proactively offered by all GPs something which Kevin believed was a scandal. His widow, Susan, (pictured opposite with Kevin) told Local Life: “We both felt his death was avoidable if screening had been in place. He campaigned until
he became too poorly to do so, achieving great things. He appeared on BBC news and radio in April. He worked with Prostate Cancer UK and Cambridge Oncometrix on developing a more accurate test. “I am proud of Kevin - he was a courageous man. He
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Bespoke Timeless Treasures
used what precious life he had remaining to help save others.” NHS bosses say that there is currently no screening programme because “it has not been proved that the benefits would outweigh the risks”. They added: “More research is needed to determine whether a screening programme would provide men with more benefit than harm.” To sign Kevin’s petition, visit www.change.org
Jules Bridal Boutique your perfect day starts with us
Standish
Join us for our Prom Extravaganza Events: Fri 20th Jan – 10am - 7pm Sat 21st Jan – 10am - 5pm Sun 22nd Jan - 10am-4pm Late night appointments available
Stockists of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses & designer prom gowns
School exclusivity on gowns is offered 35, Preston Road, Standish
01257 424624
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Jewels May is a gorgeous independent jewellers shop nestled amongst 50 small rural retail business in Heskin Farmers Market and Craft Centre. This little treasure trove of sparkle boasts an amazing collection of antique, vintage and modern precious luxury jewellery items. The owner has a passion for old cut diamonds and precious stones in amazing unique settings, and the shop also specialises in pre-owned luxury watches.
Treat yourself to an affordable extravagance! Heskin Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA T: 01257 450 448 E: info@jewelsmay.com www.jewelsmay.com
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New homes? 12 new homes could be built in Aspull. Wigan & Leigh Homes wants to build on land next to the old St John’s School, on Wigan Road. It’s proposed that the homes - a mixture of houses and bungalows will be in a cul-de-sac. The plan is for them all to be available to rent as affordable housing. A decision is due in January. However, the ownership of the homes - if built - may change soon as there is currently a consultation underway over whether to transfer the ownership of all Wigan & Leigh Homes, an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO), back into the control of Wigan Council. To take part in the consultation, visit www.walh.co.uk
Christmas Dash Wigan Christmas 5k Dash takes place on Sunday, December 11. The 3rd successful Christmas Dash will start at 11am in Mesnes Park in the town centre.
Registration is from 9.30am. The route is five laps of the park , the starting point being the statue of Sir Francis Sharp Powell. Organisers are hoping to get people to don their Santa suits and get ready to fill the park while listening to Christmas music being played. As part of the entry you will receive a Santa suit to run in and will be given a turkey sandwich, mince pie and mulled wine or water at the finish. The fee for those registering before the day is £20 for over 17s and £12 for under 16s. The cost on the day is £25 per person or £5 for under 10s. For more information, visit www.christmasdash.co.uk
Cool for cats Free neutering and microchipping is available to Wigan ‘s cat owners until the end of December. For more information, call Sue or Karen at Wigan Cats Protection on 07504 100371/07784 645850.
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Christmas at Tunley Tunley United Reformed Church in Wrightington is to hold its annual Christmas fair in the hall on Saturday, November 26, 11am-1pm. There will be various stalls and games such as ‘Win a Christmas Cake’ and ‘Guess The Name of Tunley’s Christmas Teddy’. There will also be a chance to visit Santa in his grotto! And on Friday, December 9, the church presents a Christmas Concert with Coppull and Standish Brass Band from 7.30pm in the hall. Tickets are £7.50, which includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Call 01257 463407/425330 or 426252.
Tell Us Your Story! Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition! Simply email us at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk
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A Standish first
Applications now open
Standish is to hold its first ever Christmas market this year. The event, on Saturday, December 3, will run on Market Street from 11am to 8pm and will feature a range of market stalls, an indoor craft fair from 11am to 5pm, a special Santa’s Grotto, live music and entertainment, a Snowglobe, a Christmas trail around Standish and a beer tent. The event is being held by community group Standish Voice. For more details, email standishvoiceevents@gmail.com
Wigan parents are being reminded that the application process for primary school places is now open. The deadline is January 15 with places to be confirmed in mid-April. Education bosses say parents who apply after the closing date will only find out which school their child has been offered a place at much later in the year and will be less likely to get a place at one of their preferred schools.
Market on your calendar.... Roby Mill School is holding a festive market from 10am-1pm on Saturday, December 3. There will be craft and gift stalls, Christmas trees for sale, seasonal refreshments and plenty of other Christmas cheer. If you would like to book a stall, please contact the school on 01695 622536.
Parents can apply online by registering at www. wigan.gov.uk/schooladmissions to give their three preferred schools in priority order. Alternatively parents can collect an application form from a primary school or contact the School Organisation Team on 01942 489013 who can post a form out. For parents wishing to apply to a Lancashire school, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk
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Competition
Win a
Christmas Hamper O
ur popular Christmas hamper competition is back! Will you be the reader who takes home a luxury Christmas Hamper? Filled to the brim with luxury produce, this Christmas Hamper is perfect for an indulgent Christmas. Most of the food in the hamper is sourced from our local village farm shop, Windy Arbour in Billinge, and we thank them for supplying it at cost price. Windy Arbour carries a great range of tasty local and regional produce, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
Your entry MUST be with us by Sunday 11th December, and the lucky winner will receive their hamper by the weekend of 17/18 December 2016.
The finished contents of the hamper was still being finalised as we went to press, but we can tell you that each hamper will include Christmas cake, chocolates, mince pies, cheese, shortbread, wine, real ale, Christmas pudding, sweets and lots more besides. Even if you’re not a foodie, these expertly wrapped hampers would make a wonderful present for someone special in your life.
Good luck to all who enter - and a Happy Christmas to all!
To win one of these hampers simply visit our website (www. locallife247.co.uk), click on the ‘Free stuff’ header, then click on ‘Enter Competitions’, complete your contact details and answer the question:
What is the name of the village where Windy Arbour Farm Shop is located?
Crossword Competition Rules Only one entry per household. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date. Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition.
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Talk fits the Bill!
Extra Green Belt?
He may be 94, but Swinley’s Bill Halliwell has a memory which is stil razor sharp. The World War II Arctic Convoy veteran gave a talk to Sixth Form Deanery students and invited guests recently.
Land in Standish could be designated Green Belt. Wigan Council chiefs have confirmed to Local Life that they are considering some land in the Rectory Lane area - but stress it is “very early stages”. The news came amid an announcement that 25,000 new homes are set to be built in Wigan by 2035. The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) has pinpointed land at Junction 26 of the M6 at Orrell, as well as 95 hectares close to the next junction southwards at Bryn. To deliver the targets, the council estimates it would have to released 5% of its Green Belt for development - but this may be balanced against the proposal to protect land in Standish.
Aboard HMS Bazeley, Bill had a crucial job as a telegraphist. He was 19 years old and had to be proficient in Morse Code. Joyce Holden, literacy trainer, said: “Bill’s character is cheerful and unassuming but all present realised how dangerous his job was; if a man fell overboard he would live for no more than 1 to 2 minutes in the icy waters. “Students from the Deanery said that seeing the memorabilia and hearing Bill’s talk was an amazing experience; one they shall never forget.”
Drop in sessions are being held at The Grange Centre, Winstanley, on Thursday, November 24, from 4pm - 8pm, and The Turnpike Centre, Leigh, on Thursday, December 8, from 3pm - 7pm. To read more, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/gmsf
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Latest fashions
Get in
step
by Katie Wright
C
older weather calls for more practical footwear choices, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your winter warmers. The AW16 catwalks provided ample inspiration, with animal prints and luxe loafers coming to the fore - plus some of the best boots we’ve seen in years. These are the shoes to walk tall in this season...
Lipsy Love Michelle Keegan Stripe Sleeveless Dress, £38; Over the Knee Boots, £89 (www.lipsy.co.uk)
Van Dal Antique Gold Cashmere Loafer, £75 (available early December; www.vandalshoes.com)
Ecco Shape 35 Sand Boots, £135 (www.eccoshoesuk.com)
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JD Williams Heavenly Soles Snake Side Zip Knee High Boots, £60 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)
Sosandar Floral Print 70’s Chiffon Dress, £79; Leather Snake Print Knee Boots, £179 (www.sosandar.com)
New Look Wide Fit Silver Patent Triple Strap Pointed Block Heels, £22.99 (www.newlook.com)
Next Blue Metallic Loafers, £32 (www.next.co.uk)
La Redoute Atelier R Python Leather Boots, currently reduced to £59.40 from £99 (www.laredoute.co.uk)
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Park safety
fears
A Standish community leader has thanked leisure chiefs for acting on health and safety fears at Ashfield Park - but says more needs to be done. Ray Whittingham sent a catalogue of complaints to Wigan Council about the popular facility. It included: no handrails at the top of the children’s 1.6m high slide, dog muck and cigarette ends in play areas, and a 2.3 metre drop on a climbing frame which “wouldn’t be allowed on a construction site.” Workmen have now been on site to fix some of the issues raised, while others remain oustanding. Ray, who became a Standish councillor in May, said: “All credit to the council who have since stepped
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up to the plate and have now almost completed the rejuvenation. However, in the older children’s play area, the climbing structure is very dangerous. In addition to the play equipment conditions, the waste bins should be emptied on a regular basis. I am keeping the pressure on the council and will be asking the police to undertake patrols.”
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Are you interested
in volunteering? If you are over 18 years old, can spare one day a week and would like to make a positive difference to people’s lives…
You might just be the person we are looking for! • Visit and Support families that are in crisis and at risk of incidents of Domestic Abuse • Train to enhance your knowledge and understanding of Domestic Abuse and the different services available to help • Make referrals and appointments so that families are given timely support, to develop healthier relationships
In order to volunteer for this position you will need: • Access to a car & hold a full clean driving licence • Good communication & listening skills • A desire to help other people If you would like to know more about the role then please contact Citizens Advice on 01942 267963 or email Ben Banks on b.banks@wigancab.org
If you have experienced or are experiencing Domestic Abuse, then please seek help by contacting Women’s Housing Action Group on 01942 832360 or the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525 or visit www.endthefear.co.uk
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Talk of the
town!
Aspull schools have plenty to talk about after coming top in the 2016 Junior Speaks competition. Our Lady’s scooped the first prize in the event, organised by the Rotary Club of Wigan, while third spot went to Aspull Church School. Second prize was won by pupils from Worsley Mesnes Primary. The Junior Speaks competition started in 2008 when local primaries were invited to enter a team to speak on a subject of their choice. Each team
Our Lady’s pupils with Doreen Hoddinott, who presented the Hoddinott Shield
consists of three Year 6 pupils who take on the respective roles of chairman, speaker and the person who proposes the vote of thanks, with a fourth member acting as reserve. The winning team is presented with the Hoddinott Shield in memory of former rotarian Peter Hoddinott and is held by the school for one year. Our Lady’s winning entry was about the EU referendum while Aspull Church excelled on talking about issues related to childhood obesity. Each school was presented with a certificate, and each child with an Usborne dictionary, to mark their achievement.
The team from Aspull Church School with Wigan Rotary Club president Maureen Bilsborough
Public forum
Magical Christmas event
A public forum is being held in Wigan to discuss health matters. The event, at Wigan Investment Centre, Waterside Drive, will be the first of its
The stars of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent - Deep Space Deviants with Davros - are making an appearance in Standish. They will be at My Life’s
kind from Healthwatch. It says there will be an opportunity to find out about the organisation, to meet the team and to ask questions.
Magical Christmas event on Saturday, December 10, from 10am-4pm at Thompson House Equestrian Centre, off Pepper Lane.
It takes place on Thursday, December 1, from 5.30pm-7.30pm. Refreshments will be provided, all welcome. To book a place, call Healthwatch on 01942 834666 or email anne@healthwatchwiganandleigh. co.uk
There will also be music from the X Factor’s Olivia Garcia, a funfair, artisan market stalls, an ice rink, ice bar, and the chance to meet Santa. Free admission.
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Light for a Life
Bit of brass
The lives of loved ones will be marked as part of the annual Light for a Life appeal made by Wigan and Leigh Hospice. Light for a Life dedications can now be made at the hospice as a meaningful way to remember someone special or to give thanks. Every year, thousands of local people dedicate a light for a loved one on the hospice’s Christmas Tree. Names are also entered into the Book of Dedications as a permanent tribute.
Wigan Music Society presents an evening with Trinity Girls Brass Band from Garswood on Saturday, November 26. It starts at 7.30pm at Trinity United Reformed Church, Milton Grove, Wigan. Admission is £7 for members and £8 for visitors.
Christine Edwardson, community fundraiser, said: “This is a chance to give thanks, to celebrate a special event - such as a birth or an anniversary - or remember a loved one. It is not only for those who have a connection to the hospice, but is for anyone who would like to make a dedication, The Light for a Life ceremony will be held at the hospice on Kildare Street in Hindley at 6.30pm on Tuesday, December 6.
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Christmas market Standish Methodist Church holds its Christmas market on Saturday, November 26, from 10am. Organisers are encouraging people to go along to enjoy a variety of stalls selling cakes, chocolate, jewellery, books, gifts, homemade shopping bags and much more. There will also be a raffle and tombola. Prospect Band will be playing carols, and Father Christmas will also be there. Light refreshments will be available. Entry costs 20p.
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Call 01942 216 058 / 07792445257 E-mail janemillthrop@yahoo.co.uk www.millthropcottage.co.uk
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Growing
success
Wigan’s community groups did themselves proud once again at the regional In Bloom awards. Almost 20 groups from across the area walked away with a prize following months of hard work. Wigan Borough in Bloom won a Gold medal and scooped Best in Category for Large City in the North West in Bloom awards last week. It’s a double celebration for the town after it scooped the Gold award in Britain in Bloom recently.
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www.solidsheds.com
Among those honoured were: Appley Bridge in Bloom - Thriving ; Crooke Village – Outstanding; Friends of Mesnes Park - Thriving; Shevington in Bloom – Outstanding; Wigan Flashes - Outstanding If you are interested in joining an In Bloom group sign up at www.wigan.gov.uk/volunteering or contact Nick Burdekin on 01942 489325.
Puzzle
Sudoku Answers are on page 103 of this magazine
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corner
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36
Sleigh to
go!
You’d better watch out - Santa Claus is coming to town! And Wigan Rotary Club is increasing the number of house to house collections this year to give more children the opportunity of seeing the big man come down their street on his sleigh. Local businesses are now being urged to get involved, possibly by ‘donating’ staff time to help ferry the sleigh around, and collect donations. The sleigh begins its journey around Wigan on Wednesday, November 30, and continues right up until Christmas Eve. Each year, the venture goes on to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.
was outstanding. This amount is going to take some beating, but we are up for the challenge”.
Maureen Bilsbrough , Wigan Rotary Club’s president said: “The 2015 collections raised £15,000 which
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Wed, Nov 30: Standish North - Kenyon Road, James Square, Avondale Road areas Fri, Dec 2; Shevington South – Harrington Park, Inward Drive Churchfeld areas Sat, Dec 3: Appley Bridge - Woodnook Road, Runshaw Ave, Newgate Ave areas Sun, Dec 4: Standish West Woodhurst Dr, Langham Road, Green Lane areas Tues, Dec 6: Almond Brook - Shevington Moor, Hesketh Drive, Cressell Park areas Sat, Dec 10: Rotary Choir in Grand Arcade from 10.30am–12.30pm. Shevington North – Elnup Ave, High Park, Longbrook, Parkbrook Lane areas
Mon, Dec 12: Tesco, Central Park Way (10am-8pm) and Standish Central – Cranleigh, Ash Grove areas Thurs, Dec 15: Standish East- Copeland Ave, Churchlands Ln & Rectory Lane areas Sat, Dec 17: Standish South - Boars Head Ave, Hartington Dr, Pilgrims Way Sun, Dec 18: Whitley - Whitley Cres, Hazelwood, Sittingbourne Rd, Romney Way Tours start from 5 pm at weekends and from 6pm -8pm on week nights.
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Planning Matters Aspull
22 Bentham Place: Proposal to infill existing raised
Dodds Farm, Dodds Farm Lane: Residential development comprising of five dwellings with associated garages, boundary fencing, landscaping and access following demolition of existing buildings (ref: A/16/83233/FULL) Decision due by late December.
decking to create summer room (ref: A/16/83141/ HH ). A decision is due by December 5.
Standish Macdonald Kilhey Court Hotel, Chorley Road: Proposal to erect two storey building comprising of a swimming pool on the ground floor, keep fit studio on the first floor, a new club entrance and a new raised terrace (ref: A/16/83236/FULL) A decision is due by December 23. Castelli DIY And Pet Supplies, 56 High Street: Proposal to install a new shop front (ref: A/16/83031/ FULL). Decision due by December 21.
Standish Lower Ground 10 Giants Hall Road: Proposal to extend bungalow - front and rear dormer windows, together with side extension, incorporating front and rear dormer windows (ref: A/16/83223/HH ). A decision is due by December 16. Shevington 3 Stockley Mews: Conservatory to rear projecting 4 metres, height to eaves 2.25 metres and height to ridge 2.85 metres (ref: A/16/83280/PDE ). A decision is due by December 14. For more information, visit www.wigan.gov.uk
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40
Class from the
past
This month’s Class from the Past is from All Saints School in Appley Bridge. It’s believed this photo was taken in the late 1960s. Maybe you can spot a
familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, email wigannews@locallife247. co.uk
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St John’s panto
Winter crafts
St John’s Dramatic Society’s pantomime - Mother Goose - will be held at St John’s Day School, Church Street, Pemberton, from Friday, January 27-Sunday, January 29, inclusive, and then from Thursday, February 2, to Saturday, February 4, inclusive. Performances are at 7.30pm on weekdays, 3.30pm and 7pm on Saturdays and 4pm on the Sunday. Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for school children. They are available by calling 01942 621701.
The Junior Rangers club, for ages 5-12, is holding a winter crafts session at Beacon Country Park, Up Holland, at 1pm on Saturday, December 3. Get into the swing of the festive season and make your very own wreaths and ornaments using some materials harvested from the area’s various parks. Free event but booking is necessary via anne.faulkner@ westlancs.gov.uk or 01695 570258
Search for young citizen The search is on to find Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year 2017 as part of a countywide competition. Application forms can be completed online at http://socsi.in/biWMM before January 31.
Readers needed Volunteers are needed to help people with dementia in Wigan. The Reader, a social enterprise, wants people who will help bring books and poems to life in shared reading sessions. Email christopherlynn@ thereader.org.uk or call 07807 106838.
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45
No laughing
matter David Sudworth on the feud between two of Wigan’s greatest showbiz names...
O
n the face of it, George Formby and Frank Randle could have been good pals.
They were born within three years of each other into Wigan families who lived less than two miles apart in Scholes and Aspull respectively. As adults, they climbed their way up to becoming the biggest showbiz names in Britain; feted by some of the biggest household names of all time. But the pair’s loathing for each other burned deeper than any form of mutual respect you might find from two people whose backgrounds and career trajectory were strikingly similar. These days, Formby is instantly associated with Wigan. There’s a statue of him at the Grand Arcade and no national newspaper can mention the town without giving a nod to the gap-toothed ukulele maestro. Meanwhile, Randle - arguably the bigger star who could command a £4,000-a-month fee even in the 1940s - barely gets a mention. Show a picture of him to a passer-by in Wigan town centre and most would shrug. It’s hard to believe that at one time, he was the undisputed king of comedy who was seen as a natural successor to Charlie Chaplin and influenced the likes of Ken Dood. Fame, as they say, is a very fickle mistress. Born at 50 Wigan Road, Aspull, on January 30, 1901, Randle (who was christened Arthur Hughes) never
46
known to take out his false teeth and throw them into the audience, and after being banned for one such misdemeanour he bombarded Blackpool with toilet-rolls from an aeroplane.”
Acting alongside hearthrob Diana Dors knew his father. His mother, Rhoda, a domestic servant, was unmarried; a serious taboo in Victorian Britain. He was raised by Annie Heath and her family and went to St George’s School but left at 13 to work in the cotton mills. However, he quickly moved on and by the age of 15, he’d travelled to Blackpool to rejoin his natural mother, who by then had married a soldier, Dick McEvoy. After spells as a waiter, bottle washer and even a tram conductor, he joined a local acrobatic act, called The Bouncing Randles, from which he took his stage name. By 1928, Randle was touring music halls as a character comedian in his own Randle’s Scandals Show. It was at this time that Randle started to become known for his somewhat edgy and even subversive performances. His characters included The Vulgar Boatman, The Hiker and perhaps his most popular, Grandpa; a senile and lecherous old man who enjoyed employing outrageous one-liners, which came as a shock to audiences who were used to more gentle, safe humour. Jeffrey Richards, author of a book on Randle, described how his style led to regular fights with the censors: “The essence of Randle’s act was to defy all the established canons of propriety and decorum and this brought him into regular conflict with the authorities. He fought a running battle with Harry Barnes, the Blackpool police chief, in the 1940s and 1950s and was regularly censured, censored, and banned from the stage for the use of bad language and suggestive material. He was
Randle dismissed theatre managers and script censors as ‘the mental pygmies of showbiz’ and would regularly find himself in court because he refused to have his jokes approved by Lord Chamberlain, who had powers under the 1843 Theatres Act to ban performances which were not “fitting for the preservation of good manners, decorum or of the public peace.” It’s said that touts would sell seats in the public gallery and, instead of being banned, Randle would end up getting off with a £30 fine simply because he’d been so entertaining in the dock.
“The star of stage, screen and magistrates’ court” He later boasted: “Some of my finest performances were on the stage of the Blackpool Magistrates Court.” Away from the limelight, Randle was equally bombastic. A prodigious smoker of Woodbines and a lover of Guinness, he famously took Laurel & Hardy out for a spin in his boat, which was moored to the pier. However, the trip descended into chaos when a drunken Randle couldn’t skipper the boat properly and the trio had to be pulled back to shore by air sea rescue.
Frank Randle had a subversive streak to his comedy
47
set you back at that time was being illegitimate. Beryl Formby, George’s wife, loathed and despised illegitimate people because they weren’t ‘proper’. So when both men were due to share the same bill in Blackpool at a big show promoted by Jack Taylor, Beryl stormed into Taylor’s office and said: ‘There’s no way my George is going on the same bill as that mongrel.’ “On another occasion, Taylor managed to get them on the same bill again, for a charity do, and it was decided, again by Beryl, that George would be top Beryl Formby ruled her husband with a rod of iron of the bill. The story goes that Randle got a load of 2x4 wood, and nailed the dressing room door shut so George was trapped Compared to his hometown contemporary, George inside. Randle then went on stage and goes: ‘Ladies Formby was positively cherubic, although he too and gentlemen, the management have decided had his faults.. that George Formby is a better man to entertain Born on May 26, 1904, and brought up at the you, so let’s see him get on with it’ and then walked now-demolished 3 Westminster Street in Scholes, off to go to the pub. The audience were totally Formby had showbiz in his genes. His father, bewildered.” George Snr, was a comedian and singer in his own right, although he was against his son following in his footsteps - even sending him away to Yorkshire aged just seven to work as a stable boy. When George Snr died in 1921, his widow Eliza took her grief-stricken son to London to watch a show. While there, they saw a Tyneside comedian using George Snr’s jokes, mannerisms and even billed himself as ‘The New George Formby’. This infuriated the young George who, there and then, decided to go into showbiz. So it was inevitable that Randle and Formby’s paths would cross at some point. But the experiences would be far from pleasant. Comedy expert and Randle aficionado Dr Chris Lee said: “Randle ‘owned’ Blackpool and, in fact, the hearts of a massive amount of people who went there. He was billed as the star of stage, screen and the magistrates’ court. “Randle and Formby were kind of the Yin and Yang of British comedy. The one thing which would
“He’s not going on stage with that mongrel”
Despite the personal enmity, the northern public adored both men. However, whereas Formby’s humour translated well in other parts of the country, particularly London, Randle’s frequently bombed. In later years, this would grate massively on Randle who, unlike Formby, refused to tone down the ‘northerness’ of his act. He’d apparently last a couple of weeks in London, then get in his car and drive ‘back to sanity’. Randle told friends: “Formby gives the Southies what they expect. The gormless, grinning, Lancashire tosspot with a gobful of teeth, a ukelele and bugger all else. That’s how they like to think of folk up North, and that’s what George, bless his pigskin wallet, delivers. But not me. Never.”
48
a marriage of convenience. They didn’t have anything physical but they portrayed the image of a happily married middle-aged couple. It would have caused a massive scandal if the truth got out.” Beryl died of cancer on Christmas Eve 1960. Afterwards, Formby admitted that life with Beryl had been “hell”, although it’s widely accepted that, without her drive, he’d never have hit the big time. Just seven weeks later, Formby announced he was getting married to schoolteacher Pat Howson, Chris Lee at Randle’s grave Despite their differences, both Randle and Formby had very similar problems in their private lives. Randle’s years of heavy booze and a 60-a day cigarette habit left him with liver cirrhosis and lung disease. His stage performances suffered and the public noticed. One fan, Keith Clifford, recounts a performance in 1956 in Halifax: “My dad told me ‘I’m taking you to see the greatest comic on God’s earth.’ It was a disaster. He was in the pub somewhere and they dragged him back, drunk and inaudible, while 2,000 people sat in silence. He leaned into the orchestra pit and spat. They all put down their instruments and left him to be steered off stage. People were practically in tears.” The following year, Randle died, aged just 56. And his contemporary, George Formby, was faring no better. His marriage to Beryl, an alcoholic battle axe who ruled him with a rod of iron, was never a bed of roses. It’s said that she wouldn’t let him have a drink in a pub or go out for dinner with male friends. She governed all the finances and gave him just five shillings (25p) a week pocket money, even when he signed a £500,000 film contract. All the houses they lived in were called ‘Beryldene’, she refused to have children and was prone to the most volcanic outbursts towards not only her husband, but his directors and co-stars. One of them, Betty Driver, who went on to play Betty Turpin in Coronation Street, described her as: “A monstrous woman, although very clever.” Formby’s biographer David Bret says: “It was always
but they never got to the altar. He died of a heart attack a month later, also aged 56. By the end, he’d developed depression due to his fading fame, along with an addiction to morphine.
“His performance was a disaster” These days, Formby is easily the more well-known of the two. However both men have blue plaques in their memory in Wigan. Formby’s can be found on a the high wall on Central Park Way, opposite Tesco, as it is close to the spot where his home once stood. Randle’s plaque can be found on the old St John’s School on Wigan Road, Aspull - again close to where his original home once stood. Randle is buried in Poulton-le-Fylde, Blackpool, where he lived, while Formby is interred in a family plot at Warrington Cemetery. In life, they were in close proximity and even expired at the same age. In death they are, buried a fair distance apart. Which is probably how both men would have liked it...
49
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Food & Drink
Prepare the perfect Christmas
feast By Ed Bolla
S
erving up the ultimate roast on December 25 can be a bit of a slog.
Getting the turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, Brussels sprouts and all the other essentials to the table on time often feels like a logistical nightmare. But don’t despair, it is possible to enjoy cooking on Christmas Day without turning to the sherry early - it just takes organisation. Many of the recipes we’ve picked out for you can be prepared before the big day rolls around. So if the prospect of catering for the extended family is already setting your pulse racing, take a deep breath and have a read. You’ll soon see that a little preparation can guarantee a successful, stressfree Christmas dinner.
Salted Maple-Roasted Parsnips Serves 6 - 8 Ingredients 600g parsnips, peeled and quartered 2tbsp vegetable oil 3tbsp maple syrup 3 thyme sprigs, leaves picked Sea salt
Method Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/Gas mark 7. Put the parsnips in a large roasting tin with the oil, maple syrup, thyme leaves and some sea salt flakes. Roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and sticky. Scatter over a few more sea salt flakes before serving.
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Creamed Sprouts with Chestnuts Serves 6 - 8 Ingredients 900g Brussels sprouts, trimmed 2 onions, finely chopped 2tsp vegetable oil 50g butter 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 vegetable stock cube, crumbled 250ml double cream 1tsp freshly grated nutmeg, plus extra to serve 200g vacuum-packed chestnuts, roughly chopped Salt and pepper
Method Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the sprouts and cook for three to four minutes until slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Meanwhile, very gently fry the onions in the oil and half the butter for about 10 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and stock cube and cook for two minutes, stirring, until everything is combined. Remove from the heat. Roughly chop the sprouts by hand or in a food processor, then stir them in with the onions and the rest of the butter, along with the double cream and nutmeg. Put back on the heat and cook until the cream is bubbling. Season to taste. Toss in the chestnuts and sprinkle over a little extra nutmeg to serve.
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Ginger & Orange-Glazed Baby Carrots Serves 6 - 8
Triple Nut & Apple Stuffing Balls Makes 16 Ingredients
Ingredients
2tbsp linseeds
900g baby carrots, washed and scrubbed
1 red onion, halved
50g butter
1tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
25g piece ginger, peeled and finely grated
200g mixed nuts of your choice (we used a combination of pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios)
2tbsp clear honey Zest 1 orange Salt and pepper
Method
400g can cooked green lentils in water, drained 50g breadcrumbs Small bunch sage, chopped 1 small apple, grated
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the carrots. Simmer for five minutes until slightly tender, then drain.
Salt and pepper
In a wide pan, heat the butter until melting, then add the carrots, ginger, honey and orange zest. Cook over a medium heat for 25-30 minutes, turning them gently every now and then, until the carrots start to go golden and sticky.
Put the linseeds in a small bowl and mix with two tablespoons water, then set aside for five to 10 minutes, until the water thickens to a gluey consistency.
Keep turning every now and again until all sides are browning. Season well before serving.
Method
Meanwhile, place the onion in a food processor and whizz until finely chopped. Heat the oil in a frying pan, tip in the onion and cook for five minutes, until softened.
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Festive Red Cabbage Serves 6 - 8 Ingredients 1tbsp vegetable oil Tip the nuts into the food processor and whizz until coarsely chopped.
2 large onions, finely chopped
Sprinkle three tablespoons of the nuts over a plate and set aside.
1 cinnamon stick
Add the lentils, breadcrumbs, sage, apple, linseeds (and any liquid in the bowl), onion and plenty of seasoning to the processor. Pulse to blend the mixture until just combined don’t chop too finely or the stuffing will lose its nice nutty texture. Line a baking tray with foil and grease with a little oil. Remove the blade from the processor and oil your hands. Scoop out walnut-sized chunks of stuffing, roll into balls, then roll on the plate of chopped nuts to coat. Place on the prepared baking tray. Can be covered with cling film and chilled for up to two days, or frozen for two months. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas mark 6. Unwrap (if chilled) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the nuts are a little darker and the balls have firmed up slightly - they will be softer than traditional stuffing balls, but will firm up after a few minutes cooling. If you’re cooking from frozen, bake for 35-40 minutes.
1 star anise
150ml red wine 1 red cabbage (about 900g) shredded 2tbsp dark brown soft sugar 2 Bramley apples, peeled and chopped Salt and pepper
Method Heat the oil in a large, flameproof casserole dish, add the onions and cook on a medium heat for eight to 10 minutes, then add the star anise and cinnamon stick. Pour in the wine and let it simmer until slightly reduced. Add the cabbage, sugar and apples, and stir well. Season well, cover and simmer on a low heat for three hours, stirring every now and again. Once the cabbage is tender, check the seasoning. Serve in a bowl with the star anise and cinnamon stick on top. Can be made one to two days in advance, or frozen for up to four months - simply reheat on the hob before serving.
54
Taste test
By Royal
appointment... I
t’s a sad truism that if a pub stays closed for longer than a couple of years, it’ll rarely open its doors again. There’s plenty of examples en route to one pub which has in fact risen from the ashes. The Royal Oak, on Standishgate, has been revived thanks to Wigan venues supremo Tony Callaghan, who has also been behind the rejuvenation of The Raven, on Wallgate, as well as Fifteens At The Fox at Roby Mill. The formula is simple, bring back traditional boozers but add a new twist. And boy has that happened at The Royal Oak. These days, you can find a fine selection of cask ales from local and national brewers, no fewer than 24 gins and some amazing food. Breakfast is served from 9am-noon every day, and lunch served until 8pm Monday-Thursdays, and until 6pm on other days.
made it that extra special. The meatballs were pork, apple and sage and accompanied by a rick, velvety capsicum sauce, which really helped bring out the flavourings in the meat. It was one of those sauces which, had there been a slice of bread to hand, I’d have been mopping up with gusto and to hell with the table manners. The prawn skewers were encased in a wonderfully light tempura batter and came with sweet chilli sauce. Regular readers may have heard me moan once or twice about the rubbery seafood on offer at some places. Not so here, there was plenty of meat on these wonderful fruits of the sea.
The offerings on the Christmas lunch menu are so incredibly mouth-watering that, on a recent visit, my colleague Chris and I couldn’t resist. For starters, we decided to go a bit continental and order a few dishes, tapas-style. So along came black pudding fritters, meatballs, prawn skewers and, in case our GPs are reading this, a nice salad. Tackling them in order, the fritters came with a cranberry, red onion and apple jam. A fine dish at any time of year, but heading towards Christmas
To round off the starters, the had a pleasingly refreshing goats’ cheese, walnut and pomegranate salad. Any chef who has the patience to extract
55
those tiny segments from a pomegranate deserves, in my opinion, three Michelin stars without further discussion. That said, the time taken to prise those little blighters out was well worth the effort, and it brought an excellent counterbalance to the natural dryness of the cheese and nuts. For mains, we decided, being the time of the year, turkey was in order. Chris’s came in the form of a casserole with ham and leek encased in a filo pastry, and served with mash and broccoli. My choice was the turkey Camembert and cranberry quesadilla with sweet potato chips. The mere fact that this is freely available on a Wigan pub menu shows just how far the town has come from a culinary point of view in the past 20 years. Turkey is a devil of a meat to cook correctly, but those guys in the Royal Oak kitchen clearly know what they’re doing. Suffice to say, in lesser establishments, the toughness of the meat would require a new set of gnashers.
A trip here cannot go without mentioning the decor. It’s cheeky and cheery; photos of ‘What The Butler Saw’ style photos adorn the wall along with retro 1980s water jugs, sponsored by various cigarette companies. The interior has benefitted from a full refurb in a style which truly has got the place back on its feet. The Royal Oak’s revival shows it’s not impossible to bring pubs back from the brink; it just needs vision, talent and a will to give the public something a bit different. And if that continues at other places, I’m sure we’d all drink to that...
The Royal Oak Standishgate, Wigan, WN1 1XL www.theroyaloakwigan.co.uk N.B – Christmas service is from December 1 to December 23
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Celebrate this Christmas in style! Christmas Fayre menu served
1st-23rd December
Book early to secure your table TheBoathouseAB
appleybridgeboathouse
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HOLLAND HALL HOTEL
Join us this
Festive Season 2016 Party Nights £25
Friday 2nd & 16th December - limited places left
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58
Business profile
From field to
M
fork
ost chefs would claim to know where their food comes from approximately. But David Jones can name it down to the actual field.
Because not only is the head chef and owner of the Rigbye Arms there at the time, he actually does the shooting. Together with his trusty four year old dog, Fin, they go hunting for some of the finest meats to bring back to customers at the Whittle Lane venue in Wrightington. “To me, it’s about respecting the animal and knowing where it comes from - from field to fork,” says David. “Most people eat from fast food chains and have absolutely no idea where the meat comes from. I do, because I bring them back here in full feather and prepare them for cooking.” David, a former Standish High pupil, has been at The Rigbye Arms for 25 years, and in that time it has become famous for its vast array of game dishes. “When I came here, it was a locals’ pub; 90% drinking and 10% food. Over the years, that has changed and now it’s completely reversed to 90% food and the remainder drinking.” In many ways, David was well ahead of the curve when it came to wanting to know the provenance of your plate: “It’s really changed in the last 10 years. People now want to know where their food has come from, and that’s why we do so well. And because I’m cooking it, I don’t waste anything; even down to making broth from the bones and using the feathers.” At this point, David reveals that one grateful recipient includes the legendary singer and comedian Mike Harding: “Mike does a lot of fly fishing so we supply him with some feathers. Others get used on our table decorations and a customer is making a lovely Christmas wreath out of some as well.” David, a member of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, acknowledges that getting some people to try game can be difficult. But he says
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is it about respecting the animal, it also brings out the flavour in the meat. “We also do special events, which includes a ‘Ducky Dinner’ where everything on the menu is made from duck, including the desert... we use a duck egg in it!”
that once they’ve sampled one of his tasty dishes, they’ll be hooked. “The thing about game is that it’s both healthy and sustainable. It’s low fat and free range. We serve food which you just won’t find in the supermarkets. And everything, from the shooting to the eating, puts money back in to the local community and provides jobs. “We have a really good selection of dishes, from our pheasant goujons, game terrine, our huge venison burger, breast of wild duck, breast of partridge and roast traditional grouse served with bilberry sauce. Grouse actually eat bilberries in the wild so not only
The term ‘country pub’ can cover many different aspects these days, but for David, it’s about a return to traditional values: “We are proud of what we do, and we are proud to get customers who come back time and time again. But I would urge anyone who hasn’t either had game for a long time, or not at all, to come and give it a try. They won’t be disappointed.”
The Rigbye Arms 2 Whittle Lane, Wrightington, Lancashire, WN6 9QB www.rigbyearms.com therigbye@btconnect.com 01257 462354
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Business profile
A place for all
seasons
W
hether it’s for food, location or history, the High Moor Restaurant really does leave you spoilt for choice at any time of the year.
Nestling in the quiet Wrightington countryside, the views are truly 360o with Winter Hill, the Beacon, Liverpool and Wigan all surrounding this friendly venue. Step inside and it oozes all the charm you’d expect from a building which started out life as a coaching house in 1642. The walls are a good few feet thick and there’s a gorgeous Lancashire Range cooker which is regularly fired up, adding to the homely atmosphere. The restaurant has been family-run since 2001. The owner, Simon Jones, said: “We really do pride ourselves on choice, value and quality of service.”
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are part of something special. From the original flag stone flooring and open fire to the classy dining areas with beautiful lighting, we really do cater for all tastes. “Because we are family-run, we go all out to make it a welcoming place that people enjoy returning to time and time again.” The High Moor Restaurant 5-7 High Moor Lane Wrightington, Lancashire, WN6 9QA Telephone: 01257 252364 thehighmoor@btconnect.com
“We’re not just a venue for celebrating a special event, we offer something unique all year round.” Indeed they do. They’ve got a fabulous chargrill system which is the envy of many establishments and sumptuous dishes which can please every palate. They also have a comprehensive wine list and a good selection of cocktails “We are proud to be traditional, but that doesn’t mean we are old-fashioned. Our Christmas menu, which starts on December 1, includes for example dishes such as Pheasant and Black Pudding Sausage Roll, Spinach, Feta and Pine Nut Tartlet and a Three Bird Roast Wrapped in Bacon. “We also have Grilled Fillet of Seabass, our head chef Norman, who has been here 15 years, has a great Fish Pie and there’s also Mulled Wine Poached Pear and Blacksticks Blue Cheese Salad - our full selection of menus can be found on our website.” Simon believes also that the building itself, and its location, is a massive plus. “When you come in, you can’t fail to feel that you
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Eating out
guide Divino Restaurant Traditional Italian homemade cuisine. Enjoy the friendly warm atmosphere, where you can relax or celebrate any occasion with our outstanding wine and food. See our website for more information. 01942-386140 4, Orrell Road, Wigan, WN5 8HD divino-italian.co.uk
The Simms Road Inn Homemade pub food classics made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning Steak & Ale pie, supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner. Gluten Free options. 01744 894246 Garswood, WN4 0XH simmsroadinn.co.uk
Rigbye Arms Country Inn Friendly service, delicious food and real cask ales. We offer top quality pub food, and our Feather & Fin restaurant serves the finest quality fresh fish and local game. 01257 462354 2, Whittle Lane, Wrightington, WN6 9QB rigbyearms.com
Lovels Bistro
High Moor Restaurant
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
Based in rural Wrightington, we boast an enviable reputation for superb food, outstanding wines and genuine hospitality. We offer quality ingredients, freshly-prepared food and excellent value for money. 01257 252364 High Moor Lane, WN6 9QA highmoorrestaurantwigan.co.uk
Advertise
here £30 + VAT
Call 01695 627999
The Stocks Tavern Warmest and friendliest of welcomes with award winning chef Mike Heap, who uses only the finest, freshest, local ingredients to ensure you leave completely satisfied. 01257 462874 16, Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN thestockstavern.co.uk
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533 Scot Lane, Wigan, WN5 0PS
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Health & Fitness
Gut
W
reaction By Kate Whiting
hether it’s warming up with stodgy comfort food, or carb-loading for some extra winter fuel and padding, it’s not unusual for appetites to increase at this time of year.
But this can be troublesome for sensitive digestive systems. Even healthy-seeming foods, like broccoli and lentils, can cause havoc if you’re prone to bloating. Gut issues are extremely common and often - whether due to a serious, underlying condition like crohn’s or coeliac disease, or a minor intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - the symptoms can be very similar, and sometimes very distressing. If you are experiencing persistent problems, or any alarming changes in your bowel habits, make an appointment with your GP and get them checked - they’ll be able to advise you on how to manage the problem too. Meanwhile, Dr Ayesha Akbar, consultant gastroenterologist at St Mark’s Hospital, explains the common problems our digestive systems experience, and which foods to avoid if you’re suffering.
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Why am I constipated? “Constipation usually occurs when waste remains in the intestines for too long. This causes it to ferment, producing wind, as well as making your tummy feel hard and painful,” says Dr Akbar. “Numerous factors are linked to constipation, including stress, anxiety and depression, side effects of medication, lack of exercise, not drinking enough fluids and a change in routine. In addition, if you aren’t getting enough sleep, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol, which can also lead to constipation and bloating.” Why do I have the runs? “Diarrhoea is extremely common if you suffer with IBS, often occurring soon after eating. Due to our stomachs being formed of a complex system of nerves, IBS occurs because of a loss of co-ordination,
which causes diarrhoea and/or constipation and stomach discomfort,” says Dr Akbar. “In addition, IBD [inflammatory bowel disease] conditions - crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis normally trigger an urgency to go to the loo, and uncomfortable and painful cramps. Alongside this, you may experience weight loss, bloating and
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blood in your faeces. “Gastroenteritis causes short-lived diarrhoea,” she adds. “Food allergies and intolerances, including [the long-term autoimmune condition] coeliac disease and lactose intolerance, and bile salt malabsorption can result in diarrhoea.” What about cramps and bloating? Dr Akbar says: “Cramps, bloating and wind can be a sign of IBS, IBD, a food intolerance or food allergy, or a general infection. By keeping hydrated and drinking large amounts of water, you can potentially reduce these problems, because dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can stop digestion and cause your body to hold on to excess water. If you eat too fast, you inhale air,” she adds, “which can cause bloating and result in excess gas. In addition, PMS makes you susceptible to constipation, and water retention bloating increases as ovulation takes place, as more fluids and blood builds up”. When should I worry? Dr Akbar says: “You should never ignore any continuing or persistent stomach problems especially if they get worse, you have an alteration in your bowel movements, or it is waking you up in the night. If you find blood in your faeces, you should get checked by your GP straight away, as this could be a sign of bowel cancer. Weight loss, loss of appetite, or a family history of bowel cancer should all be reasons to seek medical advice.” Most of the time, your symptoms won’t be due to anything serious, but it’s always best to get things checked sooner rather than later - so if there is something going on, it can be addressed and treated as necessary. Also, peace of mind can make a huge difference - especially as stress is known to exacerbate gut symptoms. What foods typically cause bloating? “There are numerous foods that can cause bloating, and this very much depends on the person,” says Dr Akbar. “However, there are certain key items that often cause bloating in many people.” These include: • Fruits, including apples and watermelons, cause
bloating because they contain fructose. You may suffer from ‘fructose malabsorption’ and find you bloat after eating them. Apples aren’t as bad if they’ve been cooked. • Although garlic is a great antibacterial, it contains bloating-producing fructans. • Beans contain alpha-galactosidase sugars which can cause gas, and broccoli can cause bloating for some people, as it belongs to cruciferous vegetable family. • Fizzy drinks are the most common cause of bloating, due to the high amounts of carbon dioxide they contain. • Lentils are very high in fibre that can make you gassy if you consume too many. To avoid this, you should soak lentils well and opt for light coloured ones, as they’re a little lower in fibre than the darker ones. • Some sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol, can cause digestive problems.
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01257 696 050
E: mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk
The leading provider of bespoke private care
Care in your OWN home ASK AMANDA! Amanda Singleton is the Registered Care Manager for Independent Living – she answers your questions. Do you provide private home care? YES. We are a private care company and virtually all our care is provided on a private basis, or for people who control their own budget from Lancashire County Council. We work directly with a customer and their families to provide what they want, when they want it, and to a certain extent by who they want. We believe this approach is the best way to provide quality care.
We do not carry out 1,000s of care calls to hundreds of people because we want to give you a truly personalised service. When you phone our friendly office – myself, Maria or Mark because we offer a bespoke service we will know who you are, your family and your care history and will already have an idea of what you will require. As we work with a smaller number of customers we can spend more time arranging your care and support so it more fully meets your requirements. If you are looking for care and support at home, pay privately, and want a company that works hard for its customers please give us a call in office hours. We can help you on a regular basis but we are equally happy to help if it you have a short term need. For more information on care please call Amanda 01257 696 050
If we can help with respite care for a loved one, or provide general help
please call Amanda 01257 696 050 Independent Living can provide the best quality bespoke care in peoples own homes. We offer a wide range of services that are all tailored to suit individual needs.
We provide services such as : • Companionship • Memory loss / Alzheimer’s Support • Helping with hobbies & interests • Housekeeping • Looking after pets • Transport & travel
Providing freedom at home
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• Insured transport to appointments • Personal home care • Overnight, 24 hour or live in care • Parkinson’s & Stroke support • Medication prompting • End of life care
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Financial planning
Choosing your
Financial Adviser by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP),
Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director
A
good financial adviser is like gold dust. Like your most influential teacher at school, they should inspire as well as reassure you in order that you can enjoy a better financial future. A poor adviser will put their interests before yours and will sell you a product you don’t really need and have no interest in your future. It’s about them, their ego and their sale.
A clear plan A good adviser will spend considerable time helping you define your short, medium, and longterm objectives, and will then create a financial plan to meet those objectives, ensuring that account is taken of tax-efficient planning such as pensions, and considering estate planning too, if that is a priority. You can be pretty certain that events won’t turn out exactly as the plan indicates and your adviser should review and update the plan on a regular basis.
Worryingly both advisers will be FCA registered, both have at least a Level 4 qualification (it is now the minimum standard to trade as a financial adviser ), and both will sound plausible.
So how do you select the right adviser for you? The right qualifications You want an adviser who takes professional knowledge and development very seriously and is completely independent. Look for an adviser who is a Chartered Financial Planner or a Certified Financial Planner - or is actively working towards these qualifications. These qualifications are equivalent to a university degree and are the “Gold Standard” amongst financial advisers and are an indication that advisers have demonstrated that they are capable of dealing with clients that perhaps have more complicated financial planning requirements.
Relationships count Your relationship with your adviser is absolutely key. Ask yourself whether the adviser really cares about you, genuinely wants you to reach your goals, and is willing and able to challenge you along the way. And finally, fees Fees should be open, transparent and fair. Given that a good adviser could potentially make a difference of many thousands of pounds to your financial position over time, we suggest that you base your decision primarily on qualifications, approach and relationship as opposed to price alone. Should you wish to have a chat with one of our financial planners please feel free to give us a call on 01257 423800. The initial meeting is at our expense and of course is without any obligation.
Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.
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Why should you choose Prosper? We already look after over £110 million on behalf of 500 local clients We were the first independent financial adviser in Wigan to be awarded Chartered Financial Planner Status back in 2012 and remain the only firm to achieve this accreditation
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www.prosper-ifa.co.uk
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Continuing to
Prosper
One of Wigan’s most well-established financial advisers, Prosper IFA Ltd, has appointed Ruth Smyth as the company’s new office and operations manager. David Barton, the managing director of Prosper IFA Ltd said: “I have spent 12 months trying to find the right individual and interviewing numerous potential candidates and I am absolutely delighted to secure the services of Ruth, who has previously held a variety of senior management and HR roles within the IFA sector. As we continue to expand by acquiring further IFA businesses as well as direct engagement with new clients it is imperative that
Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 6:00pm Venue – TBC See website for details
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
we continue to have the right level of resource to deliver a fantastic client experience”. Ruth said: “I wanted to work for a company that values not only its clients but also the staff working to provide that client service and Prosper delivers on both counts. In addition, I was impressed that they hold not only the minimum level of qualification that the regulator states, but have already gone that extra mile to achieve Chartered status and encourage staff to become more highly qualified. I am delighted to be offered the role and can’t wait to get started on my career with David and the rest of the Prosper team .”
Business grows A Swinley-born entrepreneur’s online healthy food snack shop is growing. Charleh Dickinson, 22, founded Designed2East in 2013.The company, which sells diet-friendly food such as grain-free cereal and nut butter, is now opening its first office in central Manchester and Salford.
Licence application Holden’s, of Unit C, Kitchen Courtyard, Haigh Country Park, has applied for a new premises licence. The proposed hours of operation and opening hours are Monday-Sunday from 9am to 11pm. A final decision is due after November 28.
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HS2 will ‘transform’
town
High speed rail will not hit the buffers in Wigan, despite a campaign against the controversial plan.
and early planning to harness these which will transform areas such as Wigan in the longer term.”
Chairman of the national project, David Higgins, has pledged that Wigan will be “transformed” by the new line, which will get people to Birmingham in 35 minutes London in 83 minutes.
Despite opposition from residents in Lowton and Golborne, where the line will be built, it has received backing from the town’s business leaders.
Mr Higgins (pictured) said: “Two years ago, local leaders asked me to make sure that HS2 was fully integrated into the existing transport and local economies. It’s an aspiration we’ve sought to realise, but even I underestimated how far that principle would take us. Much of the early focus on HS2 has been on journey times to London. However, as the Changing Britain: HS2 taking root report and Wigan’s work proves, it is the inter-regional benefits
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Richard Waterfield, chairman of the Wigan Forward Board, welcomed Mr Higgins’ intervention said: “The arrival of HS2 will be a watershed moment for the borough and help unlock further the huge potential we have here. I am confident the businesses and people of Wigan will deliver on the many opportunities it brings.”
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Business view
Here to Help You & Your
business by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy
C
MA Accountancy provides dynamic, value for money accountancy services and works alongside business owners to help them achieve their personal and business goals. Cloud Software There are so many benefits to using a cloud based accounting product such as Xero. You can conveniently manage your finances at push of a button and use your smartphone’s camera to snap and send receipts directly to Xero, which will match these with data fed from your online bank. The HMRC’s Making Tax Digital project will be rolled out shortly, and it’s vital that businesses embrace this technology as soon as possible. CMA offer a number of packages for cloud based software to all types of businesses – call us for more details. Auto Enrolment There are 1000’s of businesses that must provide a work placed pension for their employees in 2017. There is a fixed penalty of £400 for non-compliance and then a daily penalty starting from £50 per day for a business with up to 4 employees. We can develop your Auto Enrolment Action Plan by assessing your workforce for eligibility, ensuring you send the right communications to your staff, set up your pension scheme and even liaise with your existing IFA. What’s more, we’ll maintain your
Our Auto Enrolment packages include: • Essential Set Up – for those on a tight budget and want the essential things doing • Full Set Up – Our most popular option ensuring complete peace of mind • Premium Set Up – The best option for larger businesses with more complex requirements Self Assessment The filing deadline for the 2016/17 tax return is 31 Jan 2017. Remember, those who miss filing their tax return face an automatic penalty of £100 and after 3 months this increases to £10 per day! You don’t know whether you need to complete a return? Reasons you may need to complete a return include those who are self-employed (those who are not employed and pay income tax via PAYE), landlords, company directors, and those who have recently sold an asset and need to pay Capital Gains Tax. Call us on the number below to check if you need to complete a return. Please contact us if you would like to discuss anything in this article. Alternatively drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further over a coffee. There will be no charge for the initial meeting.
scheme for you. CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR 01257 255521 info@cma-accountancy.com www.cma-accountancy.com
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Pa yro ll
Accoun
ts
AE ware Soft
Do you need help and guidance with;
SA
Company Accounts? Auto Enrolment? Self Assessment? Cloud-based Software? Payroll Services?
Call CMA Accountancy today www.cma-accountancy.com info@cma-accountancy.com Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521
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Events & Leisure
What’s Manchester Christmas Markets Up until Monday 19th December 2016 More than 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets in nine separate markets spread across the city centre. All Christmas Market Sites will be open 7 days a week from 10am, and close between 7.30pm-9pm. Manchester City Centre – various venues
Liverpool Christmas Markets
on Chester Arts Fair
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th November Cheshire’s premier arts event. Visitors can view and buy art from over 50 UK & International galleries. The Fair attracts visitors with genuine passion, from serious collectors to those investing in their first piece of original art. 10.30am-5pm. Chester Racecourse, CH1 2LY
Roald Dahl Tremendous Adventures
Up until Thursday 22nd December
Monday 21st November to Sunday 4th December
Over 45 decorated wooden chalets selling festive crafts and gifts. Sample the ever popular delights
Step in to the Christmas mansion and into Roald Dahl’s magical world as his extraordinary storytelling weaves itself through the grand staterooms and into the bustling servants’ quarters. Christmas decorating and kitchen demonstrations too. Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN www.tattonpark.org.uk 01625 374400
of a Continental Christmas with the licensed bar selling Glühwein, German beers and other seasonal specialities. St George’s Plateau
The Three Towns in Concert Friday 18th & Saturday 19th November Striking the right note for everyone with a variety of Songs from the Shows, Broadway, Popular and Classical Music in relaxed cabaret setting. 7.30pm St. Joseph’s Concert Hall, Chapel Street, Leigh WN7 2PR 01942 665615 www.thethreetowns.net
Season’s Greetings Wednesday 23rd November – Saturday 3rd December Enjoy the Christmas celebrations with the archetypical dysfunctional family. This black comedy, written by Olivier and Tony Award winning playwright Alan Aykbourn, and performed at Wigan Little Theatre is about an average English suburban family having the Christmas from hell. Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan WN1 3SL www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk
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Sensational 60’s Experience
Handel’s Messiah
Thursday 24th November
Sunday 27th November
Returning by huge popular demand, for one night only. Seven legendary names take to the stage and deliver to you a night never to be forgotten. With the definite feel good factor this is a must see 60’s show. Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JE www.liverpooltheatres.com
A performance of Handel’s Messiah at Spendmore Lane Methodist Church in Coppull. Professional soloists sing main parts and a small orchestra of professional musicians accompany. Part 1 starts at 2.30pm with Parts 2&3 at 6pm following a buffet tea provided by the church. Free of charge. Spendmore Lane, Coppull PR7 5BX 01254 830854
Makers Market & Vintage Sunday
Winter Celebration
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November
Sunday 27 November 2016
Visit Ormskirk Town Centre and the town’s Chapel Gallery to discover a variety of handmade, retro and vintage wares! There are also special creative activities planned for families. A great family fun day out! Chapel Gallery, St Helens Rd, Ormskirk L39 4QR www.chapelgallery.org.uk 01695 571328
Visit the National Wildflower Centre for a Winter Celebration. The centre will have festive workshops for all the family to enjoy and much more. The Cornflower Café will be open as usual serving some fantastic festive fare. 11-4pm. Free event. National Wildflower Centre, Roby Road, Liverpool L16 3NA www.nwc.org.uk 0151 738 1913
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo Weekends of 25/27 Nov, 2/3 & 9/11 Dec, plus 16-23 Dec Your favourite animal lanterns are back at Chester Zoo for the 5th year. Stroll through the enchanted forest and catch a glimpse of Santa on his sleigh. Please book early to secure your tickets for this popular show for all ages. Chester Zoo, Chester CH2 1LH www.chesterzoo.org.
Victorian Christmas Weekends Weekends of 26/27 November, 3/4 & 10/11 December Visit Speke Hall, decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas, enjoy lots of family activities including donkey rides and Christmas trails, listen to carols in the Great Hall and see Father Christmas. 11am-4pm. The Walk, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1XD www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Leigh Christmas Festival Wednesday 30th November & Thursday 1st December Situated at Leigh Sports Village stadium, this year’s event will be a showcase of over 70 local businesses with stalls offering everything from handmade stocking fillers to gorgeous original gift ideas for the whole family. 3pm-9pm Leigh Sports Village, Sale Way, WN7 4JY FB/Leigh Christmas Festival
Christmas Celebration Friday 2nd December Join ChorusUK (Manchester) and Sheffield Pops Orchestra as they produce their festive spectaculars ‘Christmas Celebration’ featuring the songs Happy Holidays, Stop the Cavalry and Do You Hear What I Hear? 8-10pm. Tickets £11-£22.50. Royal Northern College Of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9RD www.rncm.ac.uk 0161 907 5555
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Winter Arts Market Saturday 3rd December Merseyside’s largest arts and crafts market with over 200 incredible artists, designers and makers. Includes other activities such as a vintage fair, kidfriendly craft workshops and live music. £2 entry, kids go free. 10am-7pm St George’s Hall, Liverpool Cathedral, St james Mount, L1 7AZ www.winterartsmarket.com
Rainford Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd December Rainford’s 3rd Christmas Fayre takes over much of Church Street. Market stalls and local shops will be selling Christmas gifts and crafts, and there will also be food, a fun fair, donkey rides, Santa’s Grotto and festive live music. 11am-3pm. Church Road, Rainford WA11 8HE
Standish Christmas Market Saturday 3rd December This market runs from 11am-8pm and will feature a range of market stalls, an indoor craft fair (running from 11am-5pm), a special Santa’s Grotto, live music and entertainment, a Snowglobe, a Christmas Trail around the village and a beer tent!. Market Place,Standish WN6 0HN 07877 869700
Chorley’s Santa Express Saturday & Sunday 3/4 10/11 & 17/18 December Chorley’s Santa Express is back to whisk families the town centre through Astley Park to meet Santa at Astley Hall. Every child who meets Santa will receive a special Christmas gift and there will be some festive face painting and arts and crafts in Astley Farmhouse too. £7 children (u-12’s), £3 adults. Tickets must be booked in advance. www.chorley.gov.uk
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FREE modern easy read Bible Discover for yourself the real God, - without the religion or hassle. Available now. You’re under no obligation and won’t get pestered! Contact wiganchristadelphians.wordpress.com/bible-study/ or post to 66 Dicconson Street, Wigan, WN1 2AT
Faulty Towers: The Christmas Dining Experience Sunday 4th to Wednesday 7th December When the audience become diners in the ‘Faulty Towers’ restaurant, pretty much anything can happen – especially with two-thirds of the show improvised. Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve a ‘70s-style 3-course Christmas dinner with crackers, pudding and a good dollop of mayhem. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ 0843 208 6000 www.thelowry.com
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - The Musical Tuesday 6th December - Sunday 15th January 2017 Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Starring Jason Manford, Michelle Collins and Phill Jupitus, this fun-filled production promises laughs and magic galore. The Lowry, Salford Quays M50 3AZ 0843 208 6000 www.thelowry.com
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sponsored by
Haigh
Circular by Chris Pearce
F
or Wigan kids in the 1970’s Haigh Hall was by far the best attraction in the town. After decades of decay since, a private/public sector partnership, helped along by a volunteer group called Friends of Haigh Country Park is breathing new life into the place. The hall itself, a Grade 2 listed building, is being transformed into Haigh Hall Hotel and the 250 acres of surrounding grounds now boasts a new play area, a high ropes attraction, a new crazy golf course and the Kitchen Courtyard, a base for artisan food and drink producers. This 5 mile walk will give you an opportunity to check out the progress so far in restoring this historic country house and grounds.
Park on or near to Higher Lane (WN2 1EA) and stroll in the direction of Haigh Hall. Once you have crossed a bridge, turn right down a bridleway. Follow the path past a house and round a left hand bend. Walk for 0.7 miles, skirting the edge of Crawford’s Woods, until you eventually arrive at the handsome St David’s church, built in the 1830’s and, along with its lych-gate and stone wall, listed as Grade 2 structures by Historic England. Cross over the busy Haigh Road and continue in the same direction. When Haigh Road reaches a sharp bend left, carry on in the same direction down Toddington Road. This road transforms into a
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Haigh Country Park
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear while walking. While 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.
82
direction and then look out for a gate on the left.
pathway just as the magnificent views open up over Winter Hill. Keep left and follow the track downhill and turn right 200 yards later. Follow this winding track gently downhill until you reach Freezeland Farm; after the old farmhouse and just before the new barn conversion, take a 90 degree left turn through a newish gate, which is part of some new fencing. Bear left, then cross the double stile and keep in the same direction along the left hand perimeter for 650 yards until you come to a steel gate with a stile alongside. Hop over the stile and then head right towards the corner of the field. Carry on round the right hand perimeter of the field and after 150 yards you’ll come to an opening on the right; cut through to the next field and then walk straight across that field until you climb up onto a tarmacked path. Turn left and follow this path to the main road at Little Scotland. Cross the road carefully and head down the footpath opposite, bearing right past the garage onto a track. Follow this track until a stile on the left hand side appears. Cross the stile and head across the field diagonally to the right, looking carefully for the stile. Hop over that stile and head round the field, heading again for a stile on the far side of the field. Cross this double stile and head directly towards the steel gate near the farmhouse. Go through the gate, past the farmhouse in the same
Go through the gate and walk towards the wooded area; go through the woods and exit via a bridge over Arley Brook. Bear left up the hill and head for the left hand corner of the field. Cross into the next field, carry on in the same direction and you’ll eventually arrive at Meadow Pit Lane. Turn right for 100 yards and then cross over the road and hop over the stile. Walk uphill on the left hand perimeter of the field right to the top, over the stile, bear left and you’ll walk round a house to a single track road. Turn left and walk up the road and you’ll eventually arrive at a car park; turn right directly after the car park and follow the road downhill until you reach Haigh Hall. Walk round the Hall and down the majestic driveway away from the hall. Once you reach a ‘Whistle’ sign bear right off the main path. Eventually you’ll reach an enclosure with a seat outside; take a sharp left into the woods and you’ll eventually surface opposite a Georgian house. Turn right and you’ll end up by the bridge where you started the walk.
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84
Top tips to avoid a festive
fiasco
A
s preparations begin for the big day, it’s time to remember that the festive season can be full of potential hazards and stresses for your furry friends: • Too much “festive cheer”? – Remember that all those guests can stress out pets. It is a good idea to make sure your pet has a safe place to slink off and hide when it all gets a bit much. If your dog or cat can become aggressive or upset when approached by someone new, it might be worth making sure all your guests are aware it’s best to let them approach on their on their own terms. • Similarly, loud noises such as music, crackers and fireworks can really frighten some pets. Again, make sure they have a safe refuge to retreat to, perhaps somewhere they have hidden before. Some familiar smelling bedding or clothing may help them feel more at home. Make sure that the house is secure, and don’t walk your dog if you expect fireworks. If your pet’s phobia is severe, you might want to speak to your vet about the many options available to help. • “Decking the Halls” – Christmas trees can be
particularly enticing for cats, who love nothing more than to take a flying leap! Make sure your tree is well secured, and remember that tinsel and beaded string etc, if eaten, can be very serious indeed. Glass ornaments and lights can also be dangerous. If you have a dog (or a greedy cat) you may also wish to avoid edible decorations. • Christmas is a time for over-indulgence – but be careful when it comes to your pet. Cases of stomach upset, and more seriously, pancreatitis are unfortunately common over Christmas. Avoid changing your pets usual diet, and especially avoid high fat foods such as sausages. Also avoid feeding your animal bones which can cause lifethreatening gastro-intestinal obstruction. • Poisons – Chocolate, raisins (in Christmas cakes and puds), alcohol, grapes and onions are all potentially toxic. Keep these foods out of reach of your pets, and remember… If all else fails: all vets have a duty to provide their clients with access to out-of-hours emergency care 24/7, 365 days a year. So if your pet needs urgent care over the festive period, there will always be someone you can call.
01257 367550 01257 276517 10, Mill Street, Coppull, Chorley, PR7 5AZ
23, Crown Street, Chorley, PR7 1DX
www.pinewoodvets.co.uk
85
Our services include: • Dog walking • Home visits • Pet checks • Holiday care • Pet photography
Call Silke Klingenhagen for more details
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17 Ormskirk Road, Upholland, WN8 OAH
07530 119263 / 01695 228306
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Leader of the Pack Dog Services “Let me lead your pack”
Dog Walking Dog Sitting/Boarding Small Pet Holiday Visits/Boarding Pet Taxi/Bathing Service Telephone: 07801 455266 or 01942 620417 www.facebook.com/leadmypack
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www.garymulvaney.co.uk
Over 40 Lancashire
walks
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Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
LED Lighting
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
...and general NG SERVICI
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own solar panels Y S 84 of Crostonwww.dglwindows.co.uk (10% typical return) J27 dio residents me! R Stu T @ for all7PG me until you needCheck E e WN5Keep S HealthVisit our showroom at , Billing 400 FREE Car on - 6PM Unit 4a, Road S 4 619 your ford ay 10AM now Book Cricket : 0781
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86
Test drive
Abarth 124
Spider by Tim Barnes-Clay
T
he Abarth 124 Spider is cast from the same die as the Fiat 124, and to improve it Abarth has used the same tactic as it did to change the Fiat 500 into the Abarth 595. In other words, it has added lithe looks, noise and, most importantly, muscle. The Abarth 124 Spider uses the same platform as Mazda’s MX-5 and Fiat’s 124. However, while the Fiat has been constructed to be more of a cruising vehicle, the Abarth is more hardcore – and the most performance driven of the three brands. The Abarth uses the same 1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine as Fiat’s 124 - except in the Abarth it produces 170PS, compared with the Fiat 124’s 140PS. The Abarth’s power unit spins with the proper Italian sports car vigour you’d hope for. It feels wayward and entertaining at high revs - and you’re aware of the turbocharger when you push on. The sports car is quick to respond and the gear change is rapid and exact.
87
The best thing about the 124 Spider, though, is the noise it makes. Popping burbles emit from the quad tailpipes when doing the 0-62mph gallop, as I found out testing the car at Silverstone Circuit, in Northamptonshire. The two-seater Abarth will reach the magical figure in 6.8 seconds, on its way
to 143mph. Fold the roof, via a simple fastener, and the Abarth 124’s sound is even more delectable. For an added dose of pleasure, the Abarth 124 has a Sport setting. Hit the button and things become louder, tighter and faster. The throttle feels more insistent, and weight is also added to the steering,
88
making you feel even more united with the road – or race track. The 124 Spider feels most pleased driven hard, with the tail-end hunkered down over the rear wheels. Even when you go too brutally into a bend and lose traction for a jiffy, the Abarth 124 continues to play nicely. Working out what the rump of the car is going to do soon becomes second nature. On the whole, the Abarth 124 Spider is a grin maker, although your beam might falter for a moment when you see the price-tag - £29,565. Yes, it’s a large lump of cash, but once you’ve heard the melodious tailpipes, felt the performance and experienced the handling for yourself, you’ll appreciate that this car is worth every single bank note.
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Car Paintwork Repairs
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We’ll beat any quote! Call Chris on
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90
A hidden
by Angie Barker
gem...
Award Winner
I
had a phone call the other day quite out of the blue, from Jim, a previous client of mine. He told me he was now working as head gardener at Wigan and Leigh Hospice in Hindley. He was hoping to be accepted into the National Gardens Scheme* and wondered if I had any tips as he knew I open my garden every year at the end of June. Having shown him around my garden, we arranged to meet at the Hospice so he could give me a tour. To be honest I didn’t even know Wigan and Leigh Hospice had any grounds, so imagine my delight when I discovered a wonderfully tranquil space with neatly manicured lawns, a stream, large pond area, colourful borders – and even Teletubbies hills! I expected to see Tinky Winky emerge from the horizon at any moment. (I wish you could see the look on Hubby’s face as he tries to fathom out what a Tinky Winky is. I explain to Hubby that the Teletubbies are a mythological species of toddlers with Tinky Winky being the largest and oldest of the group, colour of purple and with a triangular antenna on his head. I dare not even mention the Noo-noo! ) The Hospice garden is lovely – thanks to Jim and his
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.
small band of volunteer gardeners and I don’t think Jim will have any problem being accepted by the NGS. The grounds are large and so volunteer gardeners are always welcome and if you would like to give some of your free time, working in a lovely environment and helping to lift the spirits of patients and visitors then please contact Jim Nicholson at Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Kildare Street, Hindley WN2 3HZ. Tel. 01942 525566. Have a very lovely Christmas everyone and a peaceful new year. *The NGS is a charitable organisation which encourages garden owners to open their doors to the general public to raise funds for nursing and cancer charities.
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
91
•
•
• Gates and railings • Repairs and restorations • Ironwork and welding • Traditional forge work over 20 years experience
Garden maintenance ~ General tidy ups Hedge cutting ~ Pressure washing ~ Fencing
Call - 01942 225711 or 07773 296880 Tel: 01695 721877 Mobile: 07951 764202 The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland
Give your garden a makeover! We offer high quality landscaping, garden design and ground maintenance services Quality work and reliability at competitive prices
01942 510 986 07710 405 214 www.ashlandscapingandmaintenance.co.uk Established 1994
Qualified Tree Surgeon NCA RFS NPTC All types of Tree and Hedge Work Fully Insured Felling, Reducing, Pruning, Shaping
Local Life is now welcomed into 130,000 quality homes in; Wigan, Chorley, Warrington, St Helens, Leigh & West Lancs Little mags, BIG reach
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01942 367170 / 07900 738637
SMN
Tree and Landscape Management West Lancashire District Council approved contractor
Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121 www.smntrees.co.uk
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92
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Design & Print
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Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Solar Thermal & Solar PV
The party never stops!
Flyers, Postcards, Posters and more!
Wind Turbines Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
VICING Lashes VAN SER CAR & motorcycles too Heat Pumps E ...and Spray Tan LED Lighting X Sunbeds H ...and general Telephone: 01257 427 000 A k Energy Savings Acrylic T& GelHeal Nails th Chec
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FREE
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS
Dennis Goulding
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A49
Mossy Lea Road
We also provide a design and print service; from 5000 single colour flyers to the design and production of a full colour glossy magazine; we can meet your needs.
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Natalies
Standish
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Telephone: 07814 619 400
Call
01772
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM orEngineers Closed ThursdayTwinLakesMot & Sunday
available from your
23solar panels 6039own
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DIN & WEL REPAIR
(10% typical return)
Visit our showroom at Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan. WN6 7TP
Uwww.dglwindows.co.uk Slash your electricity and S water heating bill TProtect your household from future energy price rises T Y R E R S S of ST. HELE NS Reduce your household’s impact on the environment
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we make it our business to help yours
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94
TV Aerials installed & repaired Sky, Freesat, Talk Talk & BT Setup Service Telephone/Broadband repair Tv Wall mounting & CCTV
Ring Paul on www.wiganaerials.com 01942 514532 - 07709 490095
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Quality Security systems for your home or business • Burglar Alarms • Digital CCTV • Wireless Alarms
Highest Standards of workmanship & aftercare
Systems serviced
0800 069 9350
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Wireless Alarm System ONLY £345 1x Live LED GHE Bell box 1x dummy GHE bell box 1x Mains panel with battery back up 1x wireless door contact 2x Wireless PIR Motion detectors 2x Wireless setting fobs Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est. Cale Lane Wigan
01942 836 937 or 07557 914 788 www.ghewigan.co.uk
95
All electrical work undertaken • Rewire specialists • Extra sockets & lights fitted • Mains board upgrades
Free quotations
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BAILEYS ELECTRICAL
01942 215 769 07739 709 005
• All aspects of electrical work welcomed • From new sockets to full re-wire - no job too small • CCTV/Alarms/Security Lighting a speciality
24 hour Call Out Service
Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est. Cale Lane Wigan Contact Us: 01942 836 937 / 07557 914788 www.ghewigan.co.uk
J.Dillon Electrical Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826 www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk
• All types of electrical work • 20+ years experience • Friendly, fast and reliable • 24 hour call out service
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Design & Print
normally
£20
5
now £1
Saving money is the clear benefit!
Flyers, Postcards, Posters and more!
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
Solar Thermal & Solar PV
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Wind Turbines Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
VICING Lashes VAN SER CAR & motorcycles too Heat Pumps E ...and Spray Tan LED Lighting X Sunbeds H ...and general Telephone: 01257 427 000 A k Energy Savings Acrylic T& GelHeal Nails th Chec
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
FREE
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS
Dennis Goulding
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
A49
Mossy Lea Road
We also provide a design and print service; flyers, posters, postcards and more; we can meet your needs.
Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories, Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
B5250
Did you know that Local Life isn’t just about publishing great little magazines?
Gel s Nail Car
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
erton
J27 and Breth Y Book on of Crost your FREE me! R for all residents you needsurvey me until k @ Studio 84 andhome E Keep h Chec we’ll provide Healt you with a Cardetailed SRoad, Billinge 84 Rainford WN5 7PG FREE on report showing the nowreturns Book your A5209
Natalies
Standish
Shevington
Telephone: 07814 619 400
Call
01772
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM orEngineers Closed ThursdayTwinLakesMot & Sunday
Uwww.dglwindows.co.uk Slash your electricity and S water heating bill TProtect your household from future energy price rises S
available from your
Reduce your household’s impact on the environment
G
Call us now
23solar panels 6039own
DIN & WEL REPAIR
(10% typical return)
Visit our showroom at Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan. WN6 7TP
0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
we make it our business to help yours
We also provide a cost effective leaflet distribution service. For more information call
01695 627999
96
Ashurst Building & Roofing Services All types of building and roofing work undertaken including;
TELEPHONE: 01942 Extensions 832747 & Conservatories Mobile: 07747 725999 New roofs & Roof repairs Family run business with 25 years of experience 01257 422317 or 07852 202867 www.mtjoiner y.co.uk
Call David today for a free quotation TELEPHONE: 01942 832747 Mobile: 07747 725999
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
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here
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01695 627 999
PP
Building services Joinery Specialists
• 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
LOCAL, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL AND HONEST • Conservatories & Orangeries • Extensions • Refurbishments & Alterations • Fencing & Decking
• Garage & Loft Conversions • Kitchens & Fitted Bedrooms • Doors & Windows • All aspects of joinery work
Call Phil - 01257 425997 or 07703 007675
97
…for a more majestic way of living Extensions - from design to completion Orangeries & Conservatories Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Paving Garden Buildings Conservatory roof replacements Highly experienced ~ no job too small ~ Orrell based
Call us today for expert advice and a free quotation
0800 085 3987 MOBILE 07917 735 686
FREEPHONE
www.majesticbuildingservices.co.uk
K Stone Building Services
All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience
• Brickwork • Pointing • Garden Walls • Patios • Joinery • Flagging • Alterations • Plastering
01942 495412 / 07974 496676 House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request Call now for a free quotation
01942 561 848 | 07725 909 257 www.freshbuildconstruction.co.uk
98
Elite Bathrooms Installation & Tiling • Bathrooms • Wall Tiling • Floor Tiling FREE Estimates
• Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites • Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling
01942 225771 / 07803 057940 07703 448890 01942 208926
Eton Way, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8PN www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk
APPLEY BRIDGE HEATING & PLUMBING • BOILER replacement • SERVICE and repair • FULL system installations • BATHROOM replacements • SHOWERS • TILING and ELECTRICS
Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Call Dave now for a free quote... Telephone
201323
07814 639 430
Great Value Bathrooms!
Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Showers, Trays & Cubicles Relocation of Bathroom Suites 25 years bathroom experience Call Chris now for a free quotation
C L Bathrooms
01942 749085 or 07801 295483 www.clbathrooms.co.uk
99
A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff
brand New bathrooms boiler + Central Heating Installs, servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Domestic + Commercial
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
Freephone 0300 3030121 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809 21 Naburn Dr Orrell wN5 8sb
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk
www.orrellheating.co.uk
506515
Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service
John Bailey - 01942 495785
or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan
10 YEARS
EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS
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TEL: MOB:
01257 421 660 07931 766 684
www.fgwelch.co.uk
IAIN LOWE 01695 623236
Award Winner
• Central Heating • Plumbing • Gas Appliances • Gas Safety Checks • Landlord’s Certificates • Maintenance/Breakdowns
C &D
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Heating & Bathroom Specialist Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P 07973714222 01695625171
• Central Heating Installations • Boiler Installations • Maintenance & Servicing • Power Flushing
186237
Your one stop shop for central heating 434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF
01942 221221
info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com
Ian Martland
Painter & Decorator Established 1990
• All aspects of Decorating • Interior & Exterior • Free Estimates
01695 632 477 | 07748 195 809
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here
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01695 627 999
J&P
LTD
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MOORCROFT Professional Painting and Decorating • Domestic & Commercial Work • Interior & Exterior work welcomed • Old/listed buildings a speciality
Call us today for a free quotation Home Service available
Choose from 1000s of paint & paper samples in the comfort of our own home
01942 212096 07831 102 511 www.jpmoorcroft.com
Sg
PaiNtiNg & decORatiNg Interior painting & decorating Specialise in standard wall coverings, extra wide vinyl, lincrusta & coving Free estimates. References available upon request
07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971 Sefton Road Orrell WN5 8UP
Award Winner
Exterior & Interior Decorating Domestic & Commercial work undertaken Competitive rate Call Graham now - free estimate provided
01257 426 234
www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk
H AT E D E C O R AT I N G ? We don’t - we enjoy it so much that we make a living out of it! We are a husband and wife team, CRB cleared with references available. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Wigan Council Trading Standards
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
• City & Guilds Qualified • Plastering services available • Competitive Rates • Fully Insured • Standish based
Call Alice or Neil on 01257 435412 or 07810 753062
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• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985
Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services
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
W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS
01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years
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01695 633173 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk
Garage and entrance doors in matching styles
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
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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Cracking story Members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Local Press Corps (Wigan branch) were a proud bunch. Fearless, independent and serious-minded folk, they’d spend honours pounding the streets, sniffing out scandal and exposing wrongdoing at every turn. After filing their wordperfect stories, from their pristine Pitman shorthand notebooks, they’d retire to a local hostelry where prodigious amounts of fortified lubrication would be taken until well after last orders. Quite what these guardians of taste, decency and local liquor laws of yesteryear would think of the dreadful ‘clickbait’ culture which now pervades many news websites is anyone’s guess. For the uninitiated, this is the term given to stories which have a completely sensationalist title which bear little resemblance to the content (bit like national newspapers, come to think of it). However, Wigan’s own attempt at this recently had a distinct ‘local’ feel to it. Wigan man finds TEN double yolkers in a dozen eggs screamed the headline on one online story recently. I groaned inwardly before clicking, thus taking the aforementioned
bait. I can’t say reading it added to my sum of knowledge, other than confirming “they didn’t taste any different” and that the man in question hadn’t been ill from eating them. Now, I realise local news can be thin on the ground some days and you have to take what’s on offer. But if this isn’t a case of over-egging a story, I don’t know what is...
You’ve bin framed It’s well-known that George Orwell, as well as making Wigan famous for all the wrong reasons, also coined the term ‘Big Brother’. CCTV is synonymous with the saying, and the installation said cameras on our streets has, over the years, become the norm. But who knew that the Metro, not content with having them on almost every corner, has kitted out bin lorries with them as well? Apparently, this is, among other things, to “improve the efficiency of service” and to “develop a more positive attitude and behaviour of the operational workforce.” Yes, Big Brother is everywhere...
Petition drive There’s been a fair amount of bellyaching done about the introduction of 20mph speed
limits. So it was unsurprising to learn that an e-petition has been set up on Lancashire County Council’s website calling for them to be abolished. Despite the protests, at the time of writing just one solitary person had signed it so far. I say so far, because it has been going since June but, to be fair, more could join in before the December 9 deadline. By which time, it may have risen to two, or maybe a heady three. A rare case of more speed, less haste I guess.
High-flier Finally, I’d like to wish my loyal readers a Merry Christmas. Many thanks to all of those who have taken the trouble to put pen to parchment over the past year, usually to comment on my grumbles or to pass on snippets of information and gossip. Keep them coming - all contributions are gratefully received! You can reach me via the nice people on the Local Life newsdesk at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk who then print out your musings and send them to me via pigeon carrier to Lump Towers. Modern technology knows no barriers when it comes to interacting with my burgeoning fanbase!
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Useful Numbers Councils and Councillors (Wigan) Wigan Council Wigan Council (out of hours) Cllr Conway (Aspull & Haigh) Cllr Hilton (Aspull & Haigh) Cllr Ready (Aspull & Haigh) Cllr Collins (Shevington) Cllr Crosby (Shevington) Cllr Edwardson (Shevington) Cllr Debbie Fairhurst (Standish) Cllr Whittingham (Standish) Cllr George Fairhurst (Standish) Cllr Davies (Wigan Central) Cllr Hunt (Wigan Central) Cllr McLoughlin (Wigan Central)
01942 244 991 01942 404 040 01942 486 853 01942 736 215 01942 736 218 01942 487 684 01942 486 860 01942 487 674 01257 423 212 07917 277 964 01257 407 078 01942 486 864 07766 478 296 01942 487 686
Councils and Councillors (West Lancs) West Lancs Council 01695 577 177 Lancashire County Council 0300 123 6701 Cllr Baybutt (Wrigh’ton & App. Bridge) 01257 255 501 Cllr Evans (Wrigh’ton & App. Bridge) 01695 624 683 Cty Cllr Fillis (Wrigh’ton & App. Bridge) 07876 844275
Local Life Magazine
Puzzle
Libraries Aspull Library Standish Library Shevington Library Medical Beech Hill Medical Practice Boston House Concourse Walk-in Centre Linacre Centre Ormskirk Hospital Aspull Surgery Shevington Clinic Shevington Surgery Standish Clinic Standish Medical Practice Wigan Infirmary NHS Direct Emergency Dental Repairs
01942 821 899 01942 482 000 01695 554 260 01942 244 000 01695 577 111 01942 831 263 01942 483 100 01942 483 777 01942 481 380 01257 421 909 01942 244 000 08 45 46 47 01695 623 334
Police Greater Manchester Police Wigan Policing Team Lancashire Police
01618 725 050 01618 567 124 01695 566 134
West Lancs Local Team
01257 462 239
Advertising & Editorial 01257 498329
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01942 831 303 01257 400 496 01257 252 618
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