Wigan North Edition
Jun/Jul 2014
The Laxey Wheel Made In Wigan? Picture Special -Shevington Where Are They Now? Colin Clarke
Photo courtesy of Manx National Heritage
Jack’s Tracks visits Burtonwood
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When you’ve finished reading your Local Life this month, could you possibly spare five minutes to do our 2014 Editorial Survey on our website? We’re doing this survey to gauge what you like about Local Life, what you dislike about Local Life and what you’d like to see more of from Local Life.
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Class from the Past - Shevington County Cast Iron Proof - The Laxey Wheel What’s On Recipe - Nectarine & Respberry Semifreddo Where Are They Now? - Colin Clarke Planning Matters Jack’s Tracks visits Burtonwood Love Your Pets Win Free Narrow Boat Hire Angie Barker Test Drive - Mercedes-Benz A-Class Puzzle Corner Good Trader Guide Useful Numbers
Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB T 01695 627 999
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The Wigan North edition is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Parbold, Newburgh, Wrightington and Hilldale. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan.
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In Memory of A Hero A fundraiser is being held in memory of a Wigan Royal Marine who was killed protecting his troops during a gun battle with the Taliban. Sgt Steven Darbyshire, 35, was shot in the neck in the Sangin district of Helmand province. Sgt Darbyshire’s troops were crossing a small canal using an extendable footbridge. He waited until all his men had crossed so he could retract the bridge. He was shot as the squadron came under attack. A coroner later hailed the Springfield sergeant “a hero”. The fundraiser is being held at Wigan Cricket Club on Bull Hey, Parsons Walk, near the college, on Saturday, July 19, from 4pm to midnight. Entrance is £2 for adults and free for children. There will be face painting, bouncy castles, a buffet and an auction, including a signed Wigan shirt and a holiday to Tenerife. All proceed will go to the 40 Commando Royal Marines, and everyone is welcome.
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Crooke Meeting
Dance Fusion
The next meeting of Crooke Village Residents’ Association takes place on Monday, June 9. It starts at 7pm and will be held as usual in the cellar bar at The Crooke Hall Inn. All residents and tenants of the village are welcome to go along to offer their support or voice any concerns, opinions or issues they might wish to raise. Suggestions as to what the village could do as a community would be welcomed.
If you want to look good on the dance floor, shape up your skills at the Dance Fusion festival which is taking place in Wigan this month. The annual celebration, which ends on May 31, offers a series of sessions for people to tap into everything from ballet to break dance.
All Welcome Newburgh Women’s Institute meets on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm to chat over a cup of tea and listen to a wide range of speakers. All welcome and for more information, contact Kath Thomas on 01257 463409 or Patsy Hey on 01257 463171.
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Vicky Fletcher, from WLCT, which organises the festival, said: “We’re going out in to local communities to offer budding dancers the chance to try out a variety of styles including street dance, ballroom and Latin, disco and rock ‘n’ roll. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to come along so take a look at the timetable and get ready to get moving!” For a timetable of dance classes, visit the community arts wellbeing pages at www.wlct.org/arts or call 01942 827404.
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JJ At The Gee Gees
Say It With Flowers
A top Wrightington venue is playing host to a charity event on Saturday, June 21. JJ at the Gee Gees will be held at Derby House equestrian centre, Mossy Lea Road, from 1pm. The day aims to raise money for the Joining Jack charity. It was set up by Jack’s parents, ex-Wigan rugby star Andy Johnson and his wife Alex, as Jack suffers from a terminal condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Thursday, June 5, sees a coffee morning held at Tunley United Reformed Church hall, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, from 10.30am until noon. There will be a talk on arranging flowers from your garden, so you are encouraged to take along some flowers and your favourite vase. All welcome.
The day begins at 1pm with a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival. Make sure you turn up in your finest though as ‘style spotters’ will be on the look-out for the best dressed couple. The racing gets underway at 2.30pm with big screen coverage from Royal Ascot. There will be a live Irish band to keep the tempo high between races. Once the racing is over, there’s entertainment from 5.45pm-7pm, featuring a hog roast, live performances and a selection of Pemps classics, so don’t forget to take your dancing shoes! The tickets are £40 each, inclusive of a £5 bet courtesy of Betfred who will be there to take your stakes throughout the day. To reserve your tickets, call the hotline on 07876 860401.
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For more information about Joining Jack, visit www. joiningjack.org.
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Happy Birthday!
Annual Fair
Orrell’s Book-Cycle library is holding a fun day to celebrate its first anniversary. It takes place on Saturday, June 28, from noon. Entry is free at the Orrell Road venue, between Orrell Post and The Mount hotel, and attractions include stalls, a barbecue and face-painting. All welcome. Call Margaret Dean for more details on 01942 665646.
St Joseph’s RC Church, on Crow Orchard Road, Wrightington, is holding its annual summer fair and fun day on Sunday, July 6, at noon. There will be children’s games, bouncy castle, archery and a selection of stalls including cakes, craft, books and tombola. In addition, there’s a raffle, tickets for which will be on sale from the church, and will be drawn on the day. Admission is by donation.
Circus Event Roll up, roll up... St Wilfrid’s CE Primary Academy PTFA is holding a circus event on Friday, July 4. Show times at the Rectory Lane school field are 3.45 pm and 5.15 pm. Tickets are priced at £5 per person and are available to buy in Standish from Autosave, Dos Mundos, Nicky’s Ices, La Mama’s, the Charnley Arms, T. J. Dolphins and the school office.
New Look for Prom Princess? Don’t mess up your little madam’s big night!
New Chapter The 5th Reading Group at Standish Library on Cross Street is now meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 11.15am until 12.30pm. Everyone is welcome to go along to chat and meet other readers. Books are provided and participants will have the use of a private room. For more information, ring Sue on 01257 424110
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Setting The Pace
Marie Curie Fundraiser
Wigan Rambling and Climbing Club is holding an Evening Pub Walk on Tuesday, June 3. It meets at 7.20pm at the Cherry Gardens pub, Wigan Lane. On Sunday, June 29, members are going on a ‘Coach Ramble’ to Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia. The coach leaves Mesnes Park Terrace at 8am prompt but picking up from Standish and Shevington Moor en route. For further details contact Jill Shilladay on 01257 421926 or visit www.wiganwalkers.com
A charity table top sale and tea party takes place on Saturday, June 21, at St James Social Centre, St James Road, Orrell. The sale will be on between 9am-noon and admission 50p for adults. While children go free. Tables cost £10 and must be pre-booked. All proceeds will go to funding Marie Curie nurses in the local area. To book or for further information, contact Pauline (07595 822875 or email paulinebbc@blueyonder.co.uk) or Marion (07803 133034 or email mazzie13@hotmail. co.uk).
Standish Writers Standish Writers welcome anyone wanting to join them to get in touch. They meet at The Crown Hotel, Bradley Lane, Standish, every third Wednesday of the month from 7pm-9pm. For more information, contact pembertonjacky@hotmail.com
Floral Gathering Wigan Floral Art Club meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7.15pm at St Michael’s Church hall, Shaw Street, Wigan. All welcome.
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Change of Date The date of this year’s Newburgh Fair has been altered to fit in with its celebration theme of education. It will be on Saturday, June 21, and celebrate Newburgh School’s 300th anniversary. The fair attracts up to 3,000 people and still has a traditional procession as well as events on the field and in the marquee. The procession starts from Back Lane at noon, travels round the village and returns for the crowning of the Rose Queen and opening of the fair. Earlier in the week the marquee on the school field, Back Lane, will be hosting other special events. On Tuesday, June 17, it’s eyes down for a bingo night and on Wednesday, Douglas Valley Lions hosts an eightpiece Swing Band Evening. The Thursday is a ‘Sparkle and Shine’ Ladies Night and on Friday, there’s the ever-popular Newburgh’s got Talent. On Saturday evening, locals can continue the theme with the over-18s only Newburgh Prom. Tickets are £25 each. Hazel Flight, committee chairman, explained: “We changed the date to a week later to fit in with school
holidays and make sure everyone can be there. We know people come from a wide area to enjoy the fair so we wanted to let them know early about the change.” For information on all the events, including how to book stalls, contact Hazel on 01257 463239/07801.427856 or e-mail hazelflight@yahoo.co.uk
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Class from the Past - Shevington County Mixed School
This month’s Class from the Past is from Shevington County Mixed School in 1955.
picture, but those pictured are likely to be in their mid60s, now. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?
The photo, from the WLCT archives, forms part of a fabulous exhibition of old photographs of the area which is on at Shevington Library, Gathurst Lane. Unfortunately, there are no names supplied with the
Remember, if you have an old class photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing editorial@locallife247.co.uk or calling 01695 627999.
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On Display
10 Mile Walk
A Standish artist is exhibiting her work at Shevington Library until Saturday, May 31. Czesia Manifold has lived in Standish for nearly 30 years and is a keen member of the local Art Group and Bolton Art Circle. A collection of her originals and prints will be on display at the Gathurst Lane facility during normal library opening hours. Call 01257 252618 or email Shevington.Library@ wlct.org for further details.
St Bernadette’s CAFOD Group is holding its annual sponsored walk from Crooke to Parbold and back on Saturday, June 14. Those who want to take part should put their names on the walkers’ list at the back of the church on Almond Brook Road, Standish.
Standish Soul Legendary Wigan Casino DJ Russ Winstanley hosts a Motown and Northern Soul Night every second Thursday of the month at Standish Unity Club, Cross Street. The evenings start at 7.30pm and entry is £2. For more information, call 01942 615883.
Music Extravaganza Wigan Music Festival, in aid of the town’s hospice, takes place on Saturday, June 28, at The Kaff Nightclub, off Wallgate. It starts from 7pm and features acts such as Mid Life Crisis, Rif Riders, Shannon Gillespie, Mossleys Banned, Kirsty Fouracre and Malc Kay. There’s also a special performance by Exley’s Dance Academy. For tickets, contact 07977 689099 or email pemsupportgroup@gmail.com
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Joining Jack Our annual fundraiser in aid of Joining Jack will take place again on Saturday 21st June. Tickets are £40 including a £5 free bet. The café will be closed on that day. For more information call the ticket hotline on
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Lifesaving Advice A leading Wigan business has welcomed tough new standards aimed at stopping child deaths from looped cords on window blinds. Harmony Blinds, on Ormskirk Road, says the new European directive will save lives, but also hopes it will raise awareness among those who have older style blinds already fitted. Research shows there have been at least 27 blind cord deaths across the UK since 1999 - 14 of which have occurred since the start of 2010. The new standard amends a previous European edict so that it covers not only venetian blinds, roller blinds, vertical blinds and pleated blinds, but also honeycomb blinds, Roman shades, Austrian/Festoon blinds, panel blinds, plantation shutters and roll-up blinds. Gary Parrish, owner of Harmony, told Local Life: “As a company, we wholeheartedly support these new standards which require that new blinds must be ‘safe by design’ or be supplied with the appropriate child safety devices installed. This means that where there is a loop present in a blind, it must be fitted during manufacture with a safety device that will break under pressure. Safety devices will also be supplied to secure the cord to a wall and the standard also imposes a maximum cord and chain length.
“We already stock a wide range of standard compliant blinds and can give advice to those who may already have the older style loops.” For more information, and to download a free blind cord safety leaflet, visit www.rospa.com/blindcords.
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Great Outdoors
Lighthouse Keeper
Members of Parbold Wildlife Group are holding a field meeting on Tuesday, July 15, at 7pm. It meets at Bramble Way car park before making its way to Chapel Lane Biological Site. This will be followed by an informal discussion at the Red Lion, Ash Brow, Newburgh, at approximately 8.30pm. For more information, contact treasurer Gabrielle Hardman on 01257 462153.
Parbold, Newburgh and District U3A’s next Horizons meeting is on Tuesday, May 27, with Gordon Medlicott who will be talking about The Last Lighthouse Keeper. On Tuesday, June 24, Roger Blaxall is giving a talk on wartime Liverpool. The talks are from 1pm-3pm at The Hut on The Hill at Parbold Hill. For more information contact membership secretary Pam Ashton on 01257 400254 or visit www.u3asites.org.uk/parbold-newburgh
WI Invite
Newfold Fair
Appley Bridge Women’s Institute meets at the Village Hall, Appley Lane North, every second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. For more information, contact Carol Hooley on 01257400075 or Joan Haresign on 01942 222338.
Newfold Primary School on St James’ Road, Orrell, is holding its summer fair on Sunday, June 22, from 11am to 2pm. Attractions include a barbecue, tombolas, hook -a-duck, coconut shy, bouncy castle and face painting. All welcome.
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Free Publicity For YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser? If so, get in touch with us today! Local Life is distributed to thousands of homes across Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire. Each edition is crammed with stories for local events, and your group could be appearing in our next edition. The types of events we publicise are as follows: - Charity fundraising events - Local school, church or community fairs - Amateur concerts or performances by community groups - Talks which are open to the public - Pleas from community groups or associations for new members
- We’re also on the look out for old school photographs, street scenes from yesterday and want to hear from you if your group is celebrating a special milestone. Simply contact our Editor David Sudworth with the details - what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can provide the information, the better the job we can do. So don’t delay – contact David today by calling 01695 627 999 or emailing him directly at editorial@locallife247.co.uk
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That’s My Mum! John Roby got a pleasant surprise when he opened up a copy of Local Life recently… and found a photo of his mum from over 100 years ago! John, from Kitt Green, spotted his mum, Maggie Evans, on a photo on our popular Puzzle Corner page. The picture is of the LeedsLiverpool Canal bridge with Appley Lane North in the background. In front of the wall is a little girl crouching down – and that girl was Maggie.
she was probably a bit worried about what it was. It was taken by someone called Miller of Orrell Post and the image used on postcards.” It transpires that Maggie, who was born in 1898 and lived to the ripe old age of 96, was born in some cottages on the canal side, just yards out of shot. John added: “The cottages are long gone now, which is a shame. She loved Appley Bridge very much. Later on, she married my dad Norman and moved to Sefton Road in Orrell. She died in 1994 and is buried in St Luke’s.”
Later Opening Bid
John told Local Life: “She told me she remembered when the photograph was taken as she was around eight years old at the time. She was crouching down because in those days, it was rare to see a camera so
Last Orders, at 71 High Street, Standish, could soon have the option of staying open longer. Nectar Taverns Plc has applied to Wigan Council’s licensing department to extend the hours for serving alcohol, playing recorded music and hosting live music. Bosses want to open until 11.30pm between Monday and Thursday, until 2am on Friday and Saturday and until 12.30am on Sunday . There’s also a proposal to add an additional hour to the finishing time on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of all Bank Holidays, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, St Patrick’s Day and St George’s Day. The public consultation deadline is Wednesday, May 28. Further details can be viewed at http://kinnear.wigan. gov.uk/licensing/
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Coffee Club
Ace of Spades?
The next dates for the regular Carolyn’s Coffee Club at Mossy Lea Village Hall in Wrightington are Fridays, May 23, June 6 and June 20. The club lasts from 10am-1pm and all are welcome.
Are you Shevington’s answer to Monty Don or Carol Klein? Local green-fingered folk are being given the opportunity to enter the area’s Best Garden Competition. Shevington Gardening Club is helping to organise the event, which is open to every household and business premises within the administrative area of Shevington Parish Council. This includes Shevington, Shevington Moor, Shevington Vale, Appley Bridge, Crooke and Lower Ground.
Three local patchwork and quilting groups will be exhibiting their work at Parbold Village Hall, The Green, on Saturday, June 7. This the second exhibition the three groups - Croston Quilters, Douglas Valley Quilters and U3A Quirky Quilters - have got together and this time proceeds will be donated to the North West Air Ambulance. The exhibition opens at 10am.Tombola, raffle and lots of handmade crafts to purchase will be on offer along with refreshments. For more information contact Liz Owen on 01704 894757.
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Entry to this competition is free and the titles up for grabs are as follows: Best front garden; best rear garden; best hanging basket or best commercial premises. Every household entering the competition will receive a discount voucher for Bewley’s hardware store on Miles Lane. Entry forms can be obtained from Shevington Library, Post Office, Top Shop, Cost Cutter at Appley Bridge, and Bewley’s Hardware. The deadline is the end of June and judging will take place during July.
Cool Katz Jacqui’s Rhythm Katz - a nine piece jazz and swing band - will be at Briars Hall Hotel, Briars Lane, Lathom on Sundays, June 22 and July 20 from 8pm. Admission is £3.50 on the door.
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Fundraiser Success A fundraiser in memory of a Standish man netted more than £1,600 for the Myeloma Foundation Appeal. Alan Carr, 72, of Edale Drive, died in April 2013 as a result of the condition, which is a cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow. An event was held at Standish Unity Club exactly one year and a day since Alan died. Alan had close ties to the Cross Street venue as he helped establish the club and was treasurer for over 10 years. Alan’s widow thanked Local Life for publicising the event in our previous Wigan North edition, and also to all the local businesses and people who so generously donated gifts and vouchers as raffle prizes Rita added: “The entertainment provided by the Paul Hayes Collection was fantastic, as was the whole evening. It was a complete sell out and consequently we raised the magnificent sum of £1,610 for the Myeloma Foundation Appeal. “I am very grateful to everyone who took part and those who attended.”
Dog Day A Fun Dog Show is being held on Sunday, June 1, at Ashfield Park, Wigan Road, Standish. Registration is open from 10am and judging starts at 11am. All welcome to go along and enjoy the displays, food, children’s entertainment and stalls.
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Was one of the world’s largest and last working pieces of Victorian engineering made in Wigan? David Sudworth looks at the evidence… History is wonderful thing. It allows us to marvel at the feats of our forbearers who, despite a lack of ‘modern technology’ at their disposal, created some magnificent constructions. In turn, the fact it is ‘ours’ can instil a sense of national pride. One such object for the people of the Isle of Man is the Laxey Wheel. Built in 1854 by Robert Casement, the 72ft high structure was originally used to pump water from a glen on the opposite side of the island to iron mines in the village of Laxey. It’s now is the largest surviving working wheel of its kind in the world, and a premier tourist attraction. Locals are justifiably proud of the Lady Isabella, as it is also known, named after the wife of the island’s Robert Casement first Lieutenant Governor. But there has also been fierce debate over the past 80 years about where it was built… with some claiming it was constructed here in Wigan at the old Haigh Foundry. Established in the late 1700s by Alexander Lindsay, the 6th Earl of Balcarres, and his brother Robert, the Foundry was situated near the River Douglas on the Haigh Hall Estate. Having initially floundered, the business eventually started getting a fine reputation for manufacturing pumping mechanisms for the nation’s burgeoning mining and locomotive industry. It’s said
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that Lancashire’s first steam locomotives were built there in the early 1800s for Winstanley Colliery Railway. One of Haigh’s more famous customers the celebrated engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. In 1838, Brunel ordered two locomotives from Haigh, called Snake and Viper, for his new Great Western Railway linking London with Bristol and Wales.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Haigh went on to produce swing bridges for the city of Hull and supplied iron work for Liverpool’s Albert Dock. In the absence of motor vehicles, the foundry’s finished products would be hauled up Leyland Mill Lane by teams of 50 horses. This practice only ceased when a rail line was built in 1860.
“reputation for quality” By the time the debate started over the Laxey Wheel, the foundry had been closed for the best part of 50 years, as had Laxey’s mineral mines. As Haigh had gained a reputation for quality, claims that the Wheel had been built there were not in themselves outlandish. And testimony at the time appeared to add weight to the argument. In September 1938, Mr T. Livingstone Lace, a director of English Tools Ltd, wrote a letter to the local press claiming: “I have visited the foundry in the Isle of Man where it is claimed the Wheel was made. I
had a long talk with the manager who said the Wheel was not made in the Isle of Man, that they couldn’t have made it either at the time or today. “The late Mr Samuel Melling JP, a governing director of the Ince Forgery and Worsley Mesnes Iron Company, told me he knew the man personally responsible who went to the island to superintend the erection. He was Tom Sharrock, a Haigh Foundry man. In confirmation, a woodworker named Dick Rowe said he had worked on the Wheel in Haigh Foundry.” Livingstone Lace added that he had spoken to other retired foundry workers, including 83-year-old Joseph Whittaker, of 42 Duke Street, Wigan, and 77-year-old Robert Chamberlain, of 30 Duke Street. He claimed both men had verified the story, with Mr Chamberlain announcing he “will bet anybody a sovereign that the Wheel was made at Haigh Foundry.” Moreover, it was claimed the shaft for the Wheel axle was forged at Brock Mill, part of the Haigh Foundry and about half a mile up the River Douglas. Mr Chamberlain added: “Wigan has never laid claim that Haigh Foundry invented the Wheel, but the man who invented it, or anyone else, could not make a wheel of these dimensions on the Isle of Man.”
Another person who appeared to add weight to the story was Eleanor Prestt, of 42 Avondale Road, Wigan, who said her late father, James Ellis, recalled that
“the streets were thronged with people” having worked on the Wheel, it was too big to get out of the door so it had to be partly taken to pieces and reassembled in the Foundry yard. And Mr E. Bradley, of 25 Thomas Street, said: “I remember the Wheel being brought down from Haigh Foundry one morning on the way to the island. My father was the then licensee of the Dog-I’-Th’-Thatch, in Wigan town centre. A lot of men who worked on the Wheel used to frequent the house. I remember one of them, Charlie Taylor, falling from the bedroom window in Church Street, reaching to see it pass; he was very badly hurt. It went on a very large road engine to Liverpool; the streets were thronged with people who had come to see this big engine.” News of this ‘claim’ on the Wheel eventually reached the Isle of Man. Among those who disputed Wigan’s version
Photo courtesy of Manx National Heritage
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of events included none other than the inventor’s grandson, John W. Casement. He told the media in 1952: “The Lady Isabella was not built at Wigan. It was designed and built by men under him at Baljean Farm in Laxey where they used a big barn as their workshop.” More than 80 years on and the debate rumbles on. We put the claims to the owners of the Wheel, Manx
The cast iron gate posts mark what was once the entrance to the old Haigh Foundry National Heritage. Matthew Richardson, the social history curator, told Local Life: “Anyone who has seen the wheel up close will understand that it would simply not be possible for something this large to be transported across the Irish Sea in one piece. The confusion has arisen because many people do not now appreciate that, in its heyday, the Laxey Wheel was
but one of many wheels operating in this valley. Water power was used for everything from pumping the mines dry to crushing ore. However all of those other wheels were eventually scrapped, which was also the intended fate of the Laxey Wheel. “It is quite possible that a wheel was indeed made in Wigan for the Isle of Man, but it was not the Laxey
“was this the wheel in question” Wheel that we know today. Research has revealed three other wheels of 50-plus feet diameter were in operation, one each at Snaefell, East Laxey and North Laxey mines. The first two can be shown to have been made at Hawarden Ironworks, Flintshire. However, no maker has yet been identified for the latter, named ‘Florence,’ which opened in 1867. By coincidence, this date tallies quite closely with one of the claims made by an eyewitness in Wigan, so perhaps this was the wheel in question?” As it’s exactly 160 years since the Wheel was erected, with the characters involved now long gone, it’s doubtful if we’ll ever find out for definite whether the Wheel was made in Wigan. In some ways, it would be nice to think that Wigan had a hand in creating what is now the largest functioning Victorian waterwheel left in the world. There’s only one thing that’s stopping anyone saying that for certain; cast iron proof…
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D-Day On Homes A decision is due soon on plans for more than 600 new homes in Standish. Wainhomes and Bloor Homes submitted separate applications to each build 300 houses on land between Pepper Lane and Almond Brook Road. A quarter of these would be classed as ‘affordable homes’. Wigan Council says its planning committee, made up of elected councillors, will meet in June to decide the applications. It’s believed the land at Almond Brook could house up to 900 properties but council say the developers have limited their applications to 300 each following talks with them. Mike Worden, assistant director of planning at Wigan Council, said: “We’ve made it clear to the developers that applications need to be sensitive to local concerns. I’m pleased to say the developers have so far taken on
board our advice. It’s up to the planning committee to decide whether these applications should be approved or refused.” The applications can be viewed on the council’s website www.wigan.gov.uk
Holiday Club Enrolment for Standish St Wilfrid’s Holiday Club takes place on Tuesday, June 10, between 6pm and 8pm. It will be based in the Parish Hall next to St Wilfrid’s Church, at the junction of Market Place and Church Street. The week itself runs from August 11-August 15, from 9.15am-12.15pm, and will feature games, craft activities, drama, songs and Bible stories. The cost is £20 per child. To find out more, visit www.stwilfrids-standish. org.uk and follow the Holiday Club links or call in at the Parish Office. Alternatively, contact Chris on 01257 426176 or Kathryn on 07909 222389.
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Bright Sparks
When it comes to finishing off that newly decorated or furnished room, it’s vital not to underestimate the value of lighting, because good lighting will bring to life the most humdrum of design schemes. Choosing a fantastic light fitting is just one element of the job. Where you place it, how it operates and the effect it has on a room is twice as important. Ask yourself this - do you really want the centrepiece of your new room to be a mass produced, common or garden light fitting available from your local DIY hyperstore? Or do you want to choose from a comprehensive range of design masterpieces which will literally light up your home? Based on Ormskirk Road in Pemberton, Pemberton Lighting have an almost unbelievable range of traditional, modern and contemporary lighting products on offer, some on site and many more available to order. The lights illustrated on these pages are just a tiny selection of the thousands of light and lighting products available. Pemberton Lighting has been trading for over 30 years and has amassed a reputation for quality and service. The owners, Alison Glover and Allison Pyke, possess an enviable knowledge based upon their many years experience and are able to offer specialised advice on what type of lighting will suit your home. It’s no wonder that many local housing developers turn to Pemberton Lighting to add the finishing touches to their showhomes. Call in and see them today – you’re guaranteed a warm welcome
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Friends Group
Old Artefacts
Local people are being asked if they would be willing to join a new Friends of Standish Library Group. The library is on the look-out for people who can help with fundraising activities which will support the library and who can act as ambassadors to support the library in the local community. There will also be an opportunity to have a role on the committee and the library service will support the group as it becomes established. For more information, please call in to the Cross Street library.
Are you a former pupil of Shevington Community Primary School? The Miles Lane facility starts its 200th birthday week on Monday, June 23, and is on the lookout for old artefacts relating to the school. If you also have any old memories as a past pupil, you are also encouraged to get in touch.
Tea and Dance Afternoon Tea and Dancing takes place at Standish Community Centre on Moody Street on Fridays at 1.30pm. Call 01257 421048 for further details and specific dates.
Once known as Broad O’Th’ Lane School, it has a proud history which pupils have recently been studying… including the old punishment books! If you can help, please contact the school on 01257 252859 or email enquiries@admin.shevingtonprimary. wigan.sch.uk
Crowning Glory Do you want to get fit and find new friends? St Marie’s Bowling Club on Almond Brook Road, Standish, holds regular sessions. There’s adult bowling on Wednesdays from 10.30am-noon. Newcomers get two free coaching sessions and free bowls hire. On Saturdays, there’s youth bowling from 10.30am for those aged seven to 17. For more information, call John Fowler on 01257 423550, Stephen Ashcroft on 01257 422690, Dave Woods on 01257 400621 or visit www.stmariesbc.co.uk
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Big Hits Screened Two massive hits are being screened at Parbold Picture House, at the Village Hall, The Green, in May and June. On Sunday, May 25, it will be showing the acclaimed multi award-winning 12 Years A Slave. It’s an adaptation of the 1853 slave narrative memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup, a New York State-born free African American man, who was kidnapped in Washington in 1841 and sold into slavery. On Sunday, June 8, Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, will be shown. This 2013 release charts the story of real-life story of Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who runs a firm which engages in securities fraud and corruption on Wall Street in the 1990s. Both films starts at 7pm and entry is £3.50. Doors open 30 minutes before screenings, and tea and coffee is available.
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Rot Alert
Spring Craft
Dog walkers have been warned over a deadly disease which has already killed two Wigan pets. Council officials have received official confirmation of two cases of Alabama Rot in the borough, with further possible incidents now being investigated.
Children are being encouraged to go along to a spring craft session at Standish Library, Cross Street, from 10.30am-noon on Tuesday, May 27.
Experts say Alabama Rot is very rare but there has been a recent outbreak in southern England. Dogs with the disease can suffer kidney failure and/or skin lesions. The cause of the disease remains unknown. You should contact your vet for advice if you notice a wound, lesion or blister on your dog’s leg or face, your dog becomes quiet, starts vomiting or stops eating.
It will give local kiddies the opportunity of planting spring flowers in a terracotta pot, as well as decorating it. The cost is £3.50 per child.
Member Call
A council spokesman said: “There’s no need for alarm but it is important owners are vigilant.”
Appley Bridge Men’s meets regularly at the Old Station House, off Appley Lane North and would like to offer a very warm welcome to anyone who would like to go along to a meeting and then possibly become a member.
For advice and information about the disease, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/alabamarot
For more details, please contact secretary Steve Hooley on 01257 400075.
Roadworks Planned Motorists are being forewarned over road works on Miles Lane, Shevington. United Utilities will carry out works opposite Shevington Primary school between Tuesday, May 27 and Friday, May 30. Highways chiefs advise that temporary traffic signals will be in operation during these works.
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What’s On in the North West Friday, May 30, - Sunday, June 1 Southport Food & Drink Festival Pop along to Victoria Park for three days of chef demonstrations cake decorating. You can also drop the children off at the ABC Family club marquee for some arts and crafts, face painting, football or ballet; while you shop around the local producers and continental markets. Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, PR8 2BZ. 11am-6pm on all days. Free entry. Friday, May 30, - Sunday, June 1 Southport Country Fair The main attraction takes place on the Sunday with the Broke FMX Freestyle Motorcross display team’s high fly jumping, but there are plenty more things to see and do, including a Fun Dog Show, food hall, donkey rides, and more. Leisure Lakes, The Gravel, Mere Brow, PR4 6JX. Price is £4 per adult, children go free. Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8 Chorley Carnival The weekend’s events kick off with a ‘70s Cabaret night in the marquee with Eurovision winners Brotherhood of Man. Saturday will see the Big Parade through the streets making its way to Astley Park. On the park there will be a Fun Fair, Catering facilities, Trade Stands, craft fair and demonstrations. Saturday night is live band night featuring Red Moon Jo plus others. Sunday will feature the same show-ground attractions plus a mystery TV celebrity. Astley Park, Chorley. www.chorleycarnival.com
Until June 30 Roy Stuart Clarke: The Northern League The latest exhibition from the Homes of Football collection by Stuart Roy Clarke features the players and fans of the Northern League. Commissioned to celebrate the league’s 125th year, Clarke travelled between the league’s two divisions and 45 clubs. His photographs capture the spirit and dedication that survives in amateur football, at the 10th tier of the English game. A film about Stuart’s work will accompany the exhibition in the Hall of Fame, daily at 2pm. National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG. Call 0161 6058200. Free entry, open daily. Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6 The Northern Home Show Held at Manchester Central, it’s the perfect place to find the right products and services to create your dream home. If you’re keen to learn a new skill then the DIY Workshops should be your first port of call. The show’s workshops are ideal for anyone wanting to learn how to tackle DIY projects around the home as well as learning preventative maintenance skills. Manchester Central, Windmill Street, M2 3GX. Tickets are only £8 per person on the door and children under 16 go free. For more information and advance tickets, visit www.northernhomeshow.co.uk
Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8 Open Studio Sale Weekend All work is hand made by glass designer Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be made to order to suit any space including splashbacks. There will be a wide range of pieces on show with many having up to 70% off. Orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off the normal retail price. 10am–4pm on both days at Morpheus Glass, Unit 11, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB. Monday, June 16 Formula Fun Family Cycle Event Dig your bike out of the shed and join in this event to celebrate National Cycling Week. Visit the bike doctor, undertake timed laps, tackle the climbing wall and there’s a kiddies bike agility course. From 3pm-8pm at Three Sisters Race Circuit, Three Sisters Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 8DD. Call 01942 488481 for more information. Sunday, June 22 Lancashire Classic Car and Motorcycle Show Classic Shows are proud to present the 31st Classic Car and Motorcycle Show at Hoghton Tower. If you wish to bring a classic car or motorcycle and take part in the show, please contact Andrew Greenwood on 01484 667776. Starts 10am. Hoghton, near Preston, PR5 0SH. Admission: adults £7, children £2.
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Sunday, July 5 Symphony at the Tower with Katherine Jenkins International classical superstar Katherine Jenkins is set to appear at our Symphony at the Tower concert in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice. Starts 6pm. Hoghton, near Preston, PR5 0SH. Prices range from £36.50 (up to and including the day before the concert), £40.00 (on the day) and VIP tickets at £149.00, all plus booking fee. Tickets are available from www.seetickets.com
Saturday, July 5 Chris Packham’s Wild Night Out Chris goes wild across the country with an entertaining and informative look at some of nature’s most popular and interesting species. Illustrated with his superb photographs from around the world and from his beloved UK, he explains the fascinating ecologies and behaviours or a range of creatures from Leopards to Barn Owls, from Cheetahs to Pond Skaters, from Polar Bears to Peregrines. 8pm at The Albert Halls, Bolton. All tickets £16 through The Albert Halls’ Box Office 01204 334400.
Wednesday, July 16, to Saturday, July 19 Disney’s Little Mermaid Presented by Chorley Youth Theatre and based on the Hans Christian Andersen story. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. 7.30pm-9.30pm at Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, PR7 2RL. 2.30pm performance on Saturday, July 19. Adults £8, children £5, family (two adults and two children) £22. Tickets on sale from Malcolm’s Musicland on 01257 264362. Wednesday, July 16, to Thursday, August 28 Cinderella Enjoy Cinderella by the seaside at it shows at Blackpool’s North Pier. Starring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Stephen Hall as The King. A fun filled day for all the family guaranteed! Tickets cost £11.25 via www.northpierblackpool. co.uk
Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 13 Wigan International Jazz Festival Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra are among the top names to feature at this year’s festival. A very limited number of returned tickets are being released on the Monday, June 16, and Friday, July 4, subject to availability. The tickets will be in the general seating (£36.50) and bench seating areas (£33). Call 01942 828271. For the full Jazz Festival programme, visit www. wlct.org/wigan/whats-on/jazz/ Sunday, July 13 Neil Young & Crazy Horse Young is acclaimed as one of the most important composers and performers of all time. His work ranges from the beautiful and moving folk sounds he has produced as a solo artist and with Crosby, Stills & Nash to the powerful & energetic rock as a result of his collaboration with Crazy Horse. Starts 7.30pm at Liverpool Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool waterfront, L3 4FP. Tickets from £35 to £55 by calling 0844 854 1355.
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Friday, July 18 Toploader Formed in 1997, Toploader achieved over two million album sales. Their cover of King Harvest’s song ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ became a global hit for the band. They’ve supported the likes of Coldplay, Paul Weller, Robbie Williams and Bon Jovi. The band line-up is four of the five original members; Joseph Washbourn, Dan Hipgrave, Rob Green and Matt Knight. St Helens Citadel, Waterloo Street, WA10 1PX. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 via the Box Office on 01744 735 436. Thursday, July 24, to Saturday, July 26 The Gruffalo Don’t miss Tall Stories’ hit musical stage adaptation of the award winning picture book, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It is the perfect family treat with plenty of songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3-plus and their grown-ups. 10.30am & 1.30pm at the Charter Theatre, Preston Guildhall, Lancaster Road, PR1 1HT. Tickets £11, schools/groups £8.50 available via www.prestonguildhall.com Sunday, July 25 The Sooty Show Izzy Wizzy Lets get busy – It’s The Sooty Show! Direct from CITV, Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty’s TV partner, Richard Cadell. 11am and 2.30pm at Parr Hall, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL. Tickets £13.65 on 0844 847 2277.
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VW Car Show
Bird Watching
Lovers of Volkswagens are in for a treat as a VW Car Show and Fun Weekend is being held in Aspull. On Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, there will be a display of VW camper vans and cars which form part of the Show ‘n’ Shine Car Show. Other entertainment includes an It’s A Knockout-style sports day and bouncy castles.
Wigan’s local RSPB group’s Wednesday Bird Watching Visit takes place in Standish on June 11 at 9.15am. This is an opportunity to visit bird sites with an experienced member of the Wigan Local Group who will help with finding and identifying the birds. No experience required. Use your own car or arrange a lift with leader and share petrol costs. Non-members always most welcome at all events. The exact meeting point is to be confirmed. Booking is essential via Tom Morton on 01942 832383.
It lasts from 10am-6.30pm on both days and is being held at Aspull Rugby Union Club, on Woods Road, Aspull. A day pass is £3 and under-16s are free when accompanied by a paying adult. For further details call 01942 207760.
Support Offered Do you suffer from visual impairment? The Macular Society support group meets every first Wednesday of the month from 10.30am-noon at MS Coffee bar in The Galleries, Wigan. Contact Carole on 01257401834 for further details.
Regular Meetings Parbold & District Flower Club meets on the second Wednesday afternoon of the month throughout the year, with the exception of January, August and December, at Parbold Village Hall, The Green, Parbold at 1.30pm. Guests are very welcome throughout the year at £6 and can join the club at any time (annual fees are £34). Call Eileen Martin 01704 893124 or Marie Hitchen 01942 825851 or visit www.flowersnorthwest.net
Improve your home in 2014 Vale of Wigan can replace or modernise your existing staircase with a traditional oak staircase with wooden spindles, a more contemporary staircase with glass and chrome or a bespoke design of your choice. Call Vale of Wigan now for a free no-obligation survey. • Add instant value to your home • A typical install takes 2/3 days • Fully guaranteed for 10 years • Family run business est.1998 Rear Mill, Wood Street, off Chapel Lane Wigan WN3 4HL
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Table Top Sale Tunley United Reformed Church Hall, on Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, holds a table top sale on Saturday, July 12, from 10am - 2pm. Stall holders will be setting up at 8.30am . It’s £10 per table and bookings must be made in advance to secure a place. Telephone 01257 463407, 425330 or 426252 for further details.
Odour Hotline A specific email hotline has been set up for Parbold residents who want to report odour smells which may be coming from Wigan Waste Treatment Works in Hoscar. Local residents have raised concerns with West Lancs Borough Council about the smell which has come from
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the works on a number of occasions in the past. Council staff organised a meeting regarding the treatment works which they say was “very positive.” The specific email address is WWTW.Odours@westlancs. gov.uk or, alternatively, people can call the council on 01695 577177 and ask for Environmental Health. Problems can also be reported to United Utilities on 0845 746 2200.
Parbold Festival This year’s Parbold Village Festival takes place on Saturday, July 12, on Alder Lane playing fields. The theme is ‘A Day at The Beach’ and there will be lots on offer to keep everyone entertained. If you want to book a stall for the event, or simply want more information, contact Anne Pryor on 01257 462176 or Steve Morgan on 01257 463772.
Saturday Concerts St Wilfrid’s Church in Standish is holding regular Saturday morning concerts. On May 31, there’s Classics Alla Standish, piano and organ music presented by John Walton. On June 7, there’s Music of the British Isles presented by Angela Pennington, Jean Stone, Katherine Massey and John Walton. And on June 14, there will be a piano recital featuring music by Mendelssohn and Schubert, presented by John Walton. Performances start at 10am and admission is free. For more information, contact the parish office on 0257 422538.
Fun Day Join in the fun – it’s free! That’s the message to local community groups and charities from Wigan Rotary Club, who will be taking over Wigan town centre on Saturday, July 12. There will be music all day from a stage in Market Place including the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, Wigan Community Choir and Willpower Theatre Group. The event will run from 10am to 4pm. The Rotary Club of Wigan meets every Thursday at noon in The Owls, Rectory Lane, Standish. Visit www.wiganrotaryclub.org.uk or call 07813 471000 for more information.
Sam’s Star Turn Wigan and Leigh Deaf Children’s Society holds its anniversary ball on Friday, July 11, at The Marquee, DW Stadium. Tickets are £35, which includes a four course meal, an appearance from Celebrity Big Brother winner Sam Evans (pictured) and live music from Silverstone. To reserve your place, contact Katie on 07872 664995, Jodie on 07817 531430 or email wiganleighDCS@ outlook.com
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Magical Makeovers Ask anyone in the know. Harmony offers the widest range of window products in Wigan. Over the last 11 years the company, run by Winstanley couple Gary and Shelley Parrish, have expanded the range of window fashions carried by their Pemberton showroom to include wooden shutters, curtains and the amazingly popular Perfect Fit® blinds. And now, after a total revamp of their Pemberton showroom, Harmony has introduced a fantastic new range of coordinated homeware for your living rooms and bedrooms. No longer should you despair about the décor of your home. You can plan to give your tired rooms a magical makeover in minutes at Harmony’s Pemberton showroom. Harmony now offer a range of carefully coordinated collections consisting of wallpaper, cushions, curtains, wall art, bed linen and blinds – everything you need, in fact, to transform your home. Creating beautiful interiors have never been easier. Call into their Pemberton showroom (near Lloyds TSB Bank on Ormskirk Road) today. The showroom is open from 9am-5pm MondayFriday (til 8pm on Thursday) and 10am-4pm on Saturday.
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Tai Chi for Health If you’d like to introduce some gentle exercise to your life, then why not consider going to the new Tai Chi classes which have just started in Shevington? Depending on your current state of health, you will have two classes to choose from, both of them with a fully qualified Tai Chi for Health instructor. Seated Tai Chi for Health is ideal for anyone who has limited walking ability or unable to stand for very long or has difficulty in breathing, getting over a stroke or heart attack, and Tai Chi for Health is for anyone who can walk and stand unaided and requires gentle exercise to help improve. The classes are held at Shevington Youth Club & Community Centre on Highfield Avenue. The Seated Tai Chi starts at 1pm and the Tai Chi starts at 2pm. The first lesson is completely free when you book your place with Lyn on 07936 527 924. For more details visit the website www.keepfitwithlyn.co.uk
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Consultants Honoured Four orthopaedic consultants at Wrightington Hospital have been honoured for achieving the very highest professional standards. The Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA) has chosen to acknowledge the following surgeons: Gold Award – Professor Peter Kay; Silver Award – Professor Raj Murali; Silver Award (Renewed) - Ian Trail; Bronze Award – Anthony Clayson (pictured). Wrightington’s chief executive, Andrew Foster, said: “It is testament to the calibre of the Wrightington orthopaedics team that just five orthopaedic surgeons in England received new awards this year….and three of them work at Wrightington.”
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Shevington’s Past Do you recognise anyone in these fabulous photos? Then why not go along to the exhibition at Shevington Library, on Gathurst Lane, which has these, and many more, local photographs currently on display? It is part of WLCT’s current theme for demonstrating health and wellbeing in the area over the years. Other pictures on display include photos from Wrightington Hospital, a photo of the nurses’ home at Billinge Hospital’s Roy Hartley Maternity Unit and a page from the 1911 census showing a staff list from Wigan Infirmary. Shevington Library is open daily except Thursday and Sunday. To check opening times, call 01257 252618.
St Anne’s Church choir around 1950
For more information on the local history archive, visit www.wlct.org/wigan/museum-archives/ or call 01942 828020.
Pupils at Broad O’Th’ Lane Senior School in 1936
St Anne’s Mothers’ Union centenary celebrations in 1976
A view of Crooke Pier
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Money & Investments - by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP)
The 8 most important points to remember from the March Budget What were the real big announcements during The Budget 2014? As a refresher we have summarised the key areas below: 1. Changes to pensions mean many more options than just buying an annuity In measures to be introduced in April 2015, pensioners will have complete flexibility on how much of their pension they want to take at retirement. This opens up many more options for what to do with your pension in your retirement years and increases the need for advice. 2. ISA revisions are great for savers The ISA limit was increased to £15,000 a year and it was announced that Stocks & Shares ISAs and Cash ISAs would be merged into a New ISA. Again, this gives savers much more flexibility and potentially allows more of their income to be shielded within the tax free accounts. 3. New additions to the bonds market A new Pensioners Bond will be introduced at the start of 2015 with what were described as ‘market leading rates’, thus giving pensioners another option for what to do with their newly released pension savings! There were also changes to Premium Bonds, with an increase in winners promised.
5. Small pension limits increased
David K Barton
APFS Cert CII(MP) Until April 2015 for any small pension pots currently held, there was an increase in the total amount to £30,000 that can be taken as a lump sum, or up to 3 individual pots of up to £10,000.
6. Flexible drawdown limits reduced In yet another pensions related matter for what was a busy Budget for the industry, savers now only need to have £12,000 (as opposed to £20,000) pension income in order to access flexible drawdown immediately. 7. Small measures for individuals and businesses; fuel duty, minimum wage and apprenticeships Whilst these might not be the headline grabbers, they will have an impact for many individuals and businesses. Fuel duty has been frozen in another attempt to get the current high costs down, whilst both the minimum wage and the number of apprenticeships were increased. 8. The new pound coin!
4. Personal tax allowance increase
Perhaps it’s not actually one of the most important points, but it will certainly be one of the more visible ones when the new coin starts to enter circulation at some point around 2017.
The personal tax allowance was confirmed as increasing to £10,500 in April 2015, with the increase at the start of the tax year in April going to £10,000. Good news in that a little more of our money is saved away from taxation!
If you require any further clarification on how the new pension rules affect you, or any other investment advice then please contact Prosper on 01257 423800.
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In The Running
The Optimists
Wigan Council has been nominated for one of the most prestigious prizes in local government. It is one of six authorities in the country shortlisted for the “Best Achieving Council” prize at the annual MJ Awards. The council’s joint adoption service, WWiSH, has been shortlisted for a prize at the awards – organised by the Municipal Journal and backed by the Local Government Association. Judges were also impressed by the high-profile “Believe” campaign relating to the town’s sporting successes.
A self-help group for the blind and partially sighted, called The Optimists, meet at Hallgate House, Wigan, every other Wednesday of the month from 1pm-3pm. During the year, they organise a variety of functions including speakers, outings, quizzes and other leisure activities. For further information, call Dave on 01942 239396 or Edna on 832586.
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Donna Hall, chief executive of Wigan Council, said: “This is a huge coup and is quite clearly a direct result of the hard work of our staff whose efforts have made it happen and deserve recognition like this.”
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David Alker, 33, from Orrell, found a new job within the council when his previous team was restructured. He said: “I worked within the housing benefits team for nine years until 2012. I then joined the customer services team and opened the new reception desk at the town hall. I enjoy my current role as every day is different. The award nomination confirms the council is making the right decisions, although perhaps sometimes very difficult ones.” The awards will be presented to winners by actor and comedian Hugh Dennis at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London on Thursday, June 19.
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Book your stall This year’s Shevington and District Fete is set to take place on Saturday, August 2. The centre of Shevington will be buzzing with around 50 local organisations, charities and businesses helping to make the day a success. The recreation field, St Anne’s Parish Rooms, Methodist Church and Youth Club will be packed with stalls, displays and competitions from welly throwing and tug-of-war to arts and crafts, artisan foods, a horticultural show and lucky dips for the children. Stall bookings are now being taken via e-mail shevingtonanddistrictfete2014@hotmail.co.uk or call 01257 253055
Somme Trip A Wigan charity is offering local people the chance to visit the D-Day Beaches and The Somme. BETA (Basic Education & Training for Adults), on King Street, was set up in 1991 by Eileen Bithell and Eileen Walsh to teach adults basic skills. As part of its basic skills teaching, students chose a project researching World War I from a local perspective. The three-day trip, which departs on October 14, is open to all and costs £299 per person. For more information, contact Eileen on 01942 829474 or email Eileen@betanetcafe.co.uk
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Accountancy - by Chris Alcock ACMA
Hands On Guide to Business Finance CMA is a proactive accountancy firm based in Appley Bridge. We provide the usual services such as company accounts, personal tax, VAT and payroll services. We can also help you with your bookkeeping if you prefer to focus on growing your business and hate doing this!! This month we are reviewing a few recent announcements that affect individuals and businesses. • Personal Allowances increased to £10,000 for everyone from 6th April 2014. It is important to check that you have the correct tax code on your wage slip. The personal allowance will rise to £10,500 in April 2015. • RTI Penalty Update – Some employers are struggling to get up to speed with this and therefore HMRC have delayed implementing automatic penalties until October 2014. CMA offers a full outsourced payroll service for businesses who wish to hand this responsibility over. • Homeworkers and Travel Expenses– A recent HMRC tribunal held that some journeys for homeworkers may not be allowable for tax purposes. If you fall into this category and need advice please contact us for more information. • Company Car Drivers – The tax paid on the benefit of having a company car will increase. There are incentives for choosing a car with low CO2 emissions and these should be looked into when selecting your next car. • Business Capital Allowances - The amount of money a business can spend on capital equipment has
increased to £500,000 per year. This is a very important area for tax planning if you are a small business and can save you £000’s if implemented correctly. • VAT – The main rate of VAT remains at 20%. If you are a business, the threshold for registering for VAT has increased to £81,000. If you are starting a new business then don’t forget to consider the flat rate vat scheme as this could save you both time and money.
Special Offer During June CMA are offering a free business review for companies who wish to kick start their finances.
Tax Tips of the Month Are you a business and employ staff? From 06 April 2014 all employers qualify to receive a £2,000 Employers Allowance that may be offset against Employer’s NIC, so reducing the cost of employing staff. If you need details of this scheme please contact CMA for further advice. If you would like to find out more about any of the issues discussed in this article CMA offers a free initial consultation, either at our office or yours, at a time to suit you. If you would like to see how we can help please get in touch.
To see how we can help you please get in touch:
CMA is a proactive accountancy firm based in Appley Bridge. We provide the usual services such as accounts and payroll services. We can also help you with your bookkeeping if you hate doing this!!
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Chris Alcock ACMA CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR Tel: 01257 255521 Email info@handsonaccounting.co.uk www.handsonaccounting.co.uk
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Recipe of the month
Nectarine & Raspberry Semifreddo with Raspberry Coulis The Italian name semifreddo refers to the fact that this is a semi frozen or half cold dessert. The fruit can be replaced with any soft fruit such as peaches, mango or apricot and the cream can be replaced with yogurt or crème fraiche.
Method Line the loaf tin with cling film. Don’t worry about wrinkles it adds character to the finished dish! Leave 5cm overhang on each side. This helps to release the freddo when serving. Drain the raspberry juice from the can into a small pan.
Ingredients Freddo • 4 good sized very ripe nectarines • 50g caster sugar • 1 egg • 3 egg yolks • 15ml lemon or lime juice • 300ml double cream Raspberry Coulis
Heat juice with the sugar until slightly thickened. Taste raspberry juice and add more sugar if it’s a little too sharp. Sieve raspberries and discard the seeds from the sieve. Stone nectarines, no need to skin, blitz in processor. Mix raspberries and nectarines. Whisk egg and egg yolks together with the caster sugar in a bowl over hot water until at least double in size and thick and creamy. Gently beat the cream until thickened, but not stiff, and fold into egg mixture.
• Small tin of raspberries
Finally add nectarine and raspberry puree.
• Tablespoon of caster sugar
Pour the mixture into the lined loaf tin. Pop into freezer and leave for 5 hours.
Equipment Food processor and large sieve. 2lb loaf tin (this will comfortably hold 1 litre of water if you’re unsure of sizing).
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Remove from the freezer, pull gently on cling film. Run water over the bottom of the tin if it’s being obstinate and sticking. Place freddo loaf onto serving dish, pour over some raspberry coulis and serve the rest in a small jug.
Legal Advice - by Platt & Fishwick
Divorced...
but financially separated? When any relationship comes to an end, the most important consideration for many of our clients is how this will impact upon their financial position. Common concerns are what support they can expect to receive from their spouse, can they stay in the marital home or will it have to be sold, will they have any financial claim on their spouse’s pension and so on. In our last family law article we explained how to bring your marriage to an end. This article will address the importance of finalising the financial aspect of marriage. Many people, wrongly, assume that once divorced, this automatically ends any financial obligations towards each other. Nothing can be further from the truth. When a couple marry, they gain certain legal rights against the income, property and pension of their spouse. Many clients assume that the biggest asset of their marriage is the family home. Nowadays, this is not always true and in many cases, the asset of largest value is, in fact, a spouse’s pension. Likewise, many clients assume that maintenance is only payable for any dependent children of the family, forgetting that a spouse can also make a claim for maintenance in their own right. Such spousal maintenance can be payable for a time limited period or longer for example, until the death or remarriage of the spouse who benefits from the payments. Whether your assets are limited, moderate or considerable, you may still want to protect them from
your spouse / former spouse. This includes not only assets which either party may have at the time of their separation, but also, assets that can be acquired in the future, such as a lottery win, an inheritance, or pension entitlement. These claims remain open, even after divorce, until such time as an order is made by a Court providing for the express dismissal of those claims known commonly as a “clean break”. The effect of a Clean Break order is to avoid future financial claims being made by either spouse against the other now and in the future. When a financial settlement is reached, be it with the assistance of legal advice, or whether you and your spouse have managed to reach an amicable agreement between yourselves, this agreement must be embodied within a formal document known as a Consent Order. If you are unable to reach an agreement by negotiation, a Court has the power to impose several different financial orders such as a lump sum order, a maintenance order, a pension sharing / attachment order, or an order transferring the ownership or tenancy of a property / other assets which would ultimately try to achieve a clean break. Another consideration that many clients are unaware of is the potential implication of remarriage to a new partner before financial matters have been resolved with your spouse / former spouse and an order has been obtained from the Court. We appreciate that addressing financial matters following a relationship breakdown can be overwhelming and worrying, but our aim is to make the process as stress free and as cost effective as possible. Wigan Office The Old Bank, 47 King Street, Wigan WN1 1DB
01942 243 281 Standish Office 11 Preston Road, Standish, WN6 OHR
01257 402 430 www.plattandfishwick.co.uk
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Blowing Hot & Cold If there’s one room in your home which is a joy to be in at the moment, it’s the Before conservatory. Seeing your back garden turn to lively colour whilst you enjoy the pleasant temperatures is one of the joys of Spring. But how long will it be though before you’re sweltering from extreme summer heat or closing the door on the conservatory for the winter months, driven out by the cold?
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Comfortable temperatures all year round 10 years comprehensive insurance backed warranty Roof is extremely lightweight and thermally efficient Choice of roof colours Skylight/Velux window options Maintenance-free Tapco Slate It looks great!
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Simply call HomeSafe Roof Solutions on 01942 522 283 and the owner John Jones will visit your home and give you a free, no obligation quotation for the job. There’s no hard sell, just honest and friendly advice on your conservatory roof replacement!
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Foster Drive A Wigan couple are backing a campaign to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers in the area. Hilary, 62 and John Logan, 63, have been fostering on and off for 28 years. During that time the retired couple,
The couple received a call from their social worker and agreed to take Katy and her unborn child in. 24 hours later and Katy arrived on their doorstep. After the little boy was born, another baby was placed in Hilary’s care so she was able to show Katy how to change nappies and feed the baby. A year later and Katy and Dave, the baby’s father, found a house of their own. Hilary and John mucked in with the decorating and helped the couple set up their first home. Hilary said: “Fostering an older child is very different to a baby. With older children you tend to stay in touch and continue to play a part in their lives after they’ve left. We see Katy and Dave quite regularly – it’s great to see how happy they are.” With record numbers of children going into care, and the need to recruit 50 more foster carers in Wigan, the council is asking residents if they have what it takes to consider becoming a foster carer.
from Winstanley, have tended to foster young babies, but a few years ago they decided to step out of their comfort zone. Katy was 16-years-old and had been disowned by her family after she became pregnant.
To find out more about fostering, visit: www.wigan.gov. uk/fostering or to chat to a member of the team call 01942 487200.
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Where Are They Now? - by David Sudworth Most rugby players would claim to have given blood, sweat and tears for their club, but how many modern-day stars could add teeth and bones to that list? During his time at Central Park, Colin Clarke lost a fair few gnashers in the 400-plus bruising encounters he played in the 1960s and ‘70s. He’s also without a scaphoid bone in his wrist, and still bears the scars from the operation.
Colin Clarke
Wigan Rugby (1963-1978, 1984-1986)
Colin, now 68, simply shrugs it off: “It’s what happened in those days. Nobody wore gum shields and as a result I had to get a few new teeth. I’ve had broken legs, three cartilage operations and a new knee. I lost the scaphoid bone when my thumb was pushed right back. When they took it out they gave it me in a little bottle but I’ve lost it, which is a shame.” We meet at Colin’s home not far from Haigh Hall. With fantastic views of Winter Hill and Bolton Wanderers’ stadium behind us, it’s been the home he’s shared with wife of 47 years, Margaret, originally from New Springs, for the past 20-odd years.
Born on June 28, 1945, Colin grew up in Wigan’s ‘Potteries’ at 23 Letterewe Street, which stood just off Pottery Road before being demolished in the 1970s. He was the youngest of six and went St Thomas’ School on Caroline Street before going onto All Saints on Frog Lane (now The Deanery) which he represented at rugby as well as Wigan Town Team.
“It was a privilege to be part of both” By sheer coincidence, our meeting is just two days before Warriors play Hunslet – the very same club Wigan only just beat in the ‘classic final’ of 1965. Colin was part of the Wigan side that day, as were legends such as Billy Boston, Eric Ashton, Brian McTigue and Roy Evans. Wigan then had to wait a further 20 years to lift the Challenge Cup, and Colin was there again this time as the coach. “These days, it would be unheard of for Wigan not to win the cup for 20 years. The 1965 match was dubbed the ‘classic final’ and then the 1985 match was also referred to as the ‘classic final’. It was a privilege to be part of both.”
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Colin (front row, second from left) with All Saints’ rugby team “We were a rugby family; my eldest brother Ken ran Potteries Amateurs. They played behind the Tippings Arms in Worsley Mesnes and had players like David Bolton and Keith Holden. The Potteries team also formed the nucleus of the Blackpool side. “I had a teacher at All Saints called Derek Hurst who was absolutely fantastic, he really encouraged me and it was
through him I spent two years at Orrell Colts from around the age of 15.” Aged 17, Colin attracted the attention of Wigan scouts and he was invited to sign on for three trials. His first match was against Blackpool’s ‘A’ side on December 1, 1962. However, a few days later, temperatures plunged across the country, which led to rivers freezing solid. It was this cold snap which prompted the setting up of the Pools Panel to determine the results of cancelled football matches. Rugby also suffered, and Wigan didn’t play a game from Boxing Day 1962 until March 7, 1963. Colin recalled: “This was in the days before undersoil heating and it meant that I couldn’t play the other two trials. It was so bad I remember the Central Park groundsman Billy Mitchell was pictured in the press using a pneumatic drill to break the ice on the pitch. “Despite not being able to play the other two games, Wigan signed me and my first match was against Castleford away on the Easter Monday.” By Colin’s own admission, his first three games, which also included contests against Hull and Warrington, were a baptism of fire: “I wouldn’t say the games were violent, but you had to stand up for yourself. You learned how to be a man very quickly. “At the time, I was a 17-year-old. Only a few years earlier, I’d have been asking Boston, Ashton, McTigue and Evans for their autographs, and here I was playing alongside my idols.” But did he ever feel
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Boarding the bus for the 1965 final overwhelmed? “Not really, I always felt confident in my ability and in the end, there are only six or seven players who made more appearances for Wigan.” As a reminder of how the game has changed in the past 50 years, Colin tells how he used to walk alongside fans from his Letterewe Street home to Central Park on match days: “It was great, all the fans would be shouting out ‘good luck’ and that would pump you up for the game. There was a lot more mixing with the fans back then and you had good banter with them.” Having bagged the Challenge Cup in 1965, Wigan returned to Wembley the following year to play arch-rivals Saints but Colin was serving a suspension and therefore unable to play: “I was really gutted that I couldn’t play. The reason was that I’d been sent off the week before for ‘hooking’ offences, but being a hooker it was an occupational hazard. I appealed against it but wasn’t successful. It was
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28 years on and Colin is still involved in the business. Despite it being his 69th birthday soon, he’s no plans to retire: “I’m certainly not ready for that. I still like to keep active. I do the gym and enjoy having the family round.”
Wembley blues in 1966 bad enough I couldn’t play but to make it worse we lost. There was a picture of me, sat on the Wembley bench, with my head in my hands, and that summed up how I felt.” By the late 70s, having notched up 417 appearances, Colin was sold to Salford. His tenure there was shortlived as he picked up an injury in his first match and was subsequently released after just 12 games. A chance meeting with Leigh secretary John Stringer saw him move to Hilton Park as player-coach in the second team and he spent two years there. After a short spell outside the game, he was lured back to Central Park by Maurice Lindsay in a coaching role, a chance which Colin says he grabbed with both hands: “I never wanted to leave Wigan in the first place as a player. The only reason I left is because they sold me.”
Of course, his youngest son, Phil, 43, followed Colin into rugby and played 154 games for Wigan between 1988 and 1995. He now commentates for Sky Sports and lives close by, as does Phil’s sibling Andrew, 44. Together, the brothers run The Sports Office, which specialises in performance management computer software for sports clubs and is based in Wigan. Colin also has four granddaughters; Sophie, 10; Anna, 7; Francesca, 7 and Martha, aged 4. It’s clear he’s proud of his family, but given his own father’s sad passing aged just 58, he is especially proud of seeing Phil’s rugby career blossom: “My dad, Bernard, died in December 1962 of lung disease and I signed for Wigan in January 1963. I always wished my dad could have seen me play for Wigan, he would have been very proud. That’s why it made me especially proud to see Phil play for Wigan, because my dad couldn’t do the same with me.”
It wasn’t long before Colin found himself in the managerial hot seat alongside Alan McInnes. They were brought in after Alex Murphy was sacked following a row with Maurice Lindsay. “It was only a few weeks before the start of the season and I suspect the thinking was that Alan and I would be like ‘good cop, bad cop’. We had different styles but it worked well, and we ended up bringing the Challenge Cup back to Wigan after a 20 year wait. It was special for me as I’d played in the last team which won the cup in 1965.” By 1986, Wigan were turning professional. But knowing how uncertain management could be, Colin, who by this point was running his own business, C & D Reconditioning, on Bradley Hall Trading Estate in Standish, left the club and was replaced by Australian Graham Lowe.
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With son Phil as a youngster
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Planning Matters Appley Bridge, Wigan Land to the south of 43/44 Herons Wharf: Plans to erect 38 dwellings with associated access and landscaping (re-submission of A/13/77898). The consultation deadline is May 27.
Appley Bridge, West Lancs 18 Glenside: Application for determination as to whether prior approval of details is required - extension of dwelling house (ref: 2014/0479/PNH). The target decision date is June 9. 13 Finch Lane: Raise height of roof to provide first floor living accommodation including dormer extensions to front. Single storey lounge extension; porch to front and pitched roof to replace existing flat roof over sun lounge. (Alterations to planning permission 2013/0396/ FUL). A decision is due in June.
Parbold Building to the rear of 10 Tan House Lane: Demolition of existing buildings and re-build as variation to current permission 2011/1120/FUL to provide a two storey detached studio apartment (ref: 2014/0343/FUL). A decision is due in June.
Standish Boars Head Filling Station, 227 Wigan Road: Plans to extend existing garage, single storey to each side together with relocation of bin store and installation of ATM (ref: A/14/79172). A decision is expected by May 29.
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58 Arbour Lane: Plans to extend dwelling house by first floor to rear (ref: A/14/79217). A decision is expected soon. 44 Pepper Lane: To extend bungalow at rear by adapting existing conservatory (ref: A/14/79225). A decision is expected soon. 1 Sedgely: To extend dwelling house - single storey to rear (ref: A/14/79240). A decision is expected soon. NatWest, 5-7 High Street: Change of use to cafe (ref: A/14/79245). A decision is expected soon. 32 James Place: To extend dwelling house by two storey to side (ref: A/14/79277). The consultation deadline is June 1. 22 Prospect Road: Creation of first floor to existing bungalow by formation of new roof with increase in ridge height (ref: A/14/79285). A decision is due soon. 64 Southlands Avenue: Single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory (ref: GPD/14/00100). A decision is expected soon.
Wrightington 6 Toogood Lane: Retention of stables, paddock (sand) and lighting for private use only (ref: 2014/0118/FUL). A decision is expected soon. For more information on the Appley Bridge, Wigan; Standish, Shevington applications, visit www.wigan.gov.uk. For information about the Appley Bridge, West Lancs; Parbold and Wrightington plans, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk
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Branches: Coppull 01257 793880, Beech Hill 01942 829200, Standish 01257 422011, Scholes 01942 820526, Leigh 01942 261415, Bryn 01942 271392, Tyldesley 01942 887312, Upholland 01695 622099
Head Office: Halliwell House, 758/768 Ormskirk Rd
Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8BB www.rbanksandson.co.uk
T: 01942 222156
Onesie Walk2014 Saturday 14th June
Commences at 10pm
Approx 6 Miles Minimum Sponsorship ÂŁ50 www.locallife247.co.uk
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Onesie Walk2014 Saturday 14th June
HOSPICE ONESIE WALK!! HOW can you help? Raise as much sponsorship as possible HOW will we use your funds? To help continue to provide specialist care to our patients and their families. HOW can we continue? Only with your kind help and support. HOW TO ENTER Please complete your details below and return with your ÂŁ10 per person entry fee to the Hospice.
Minimum Sponsorship ÂŁ50
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................. ............................................................................. Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emergency Contact Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Please make cheques payable to Wigan & Leigh Hospice. Kildare Street, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3HZ Tel: 01942 525566 E-mail: enquiries@wlh.org.uk or fundraising@wlh.org.uk
Onesie Walk2014 Saturday 14th June
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Great Access! While regular Local Life readers know how hard we work to promote Wigan’s Good Trader Scheme, we were recently contacted by Graham Ormesher, whose company Access4lofts has just won an award for positive customer feedback in a similar scheme called the Safe Trader scheme, which is run by Trading Standards at Lancashire County Council.
often in just one day! Examples of the type of feedback (including details on how punctual and tidy they are!) that won Access4lofts their award are detailed on their website www.access4lofts-preston.co.uk. If you need extra storage space and you’ve not fully utilised your loft space, or you need to install safer access whilst using your current loft then do give Graham a call on 01772 811611; he’ll pop along to look at the work involved and provide you with a fixed guaranteed quote in writing to do the work. Accees4lofts covers the entire North West area.
Graham set up Access4lofts to provide home owners with access to their lofts, so that they can store their belongings. Access4Lofts can install a loft ladder, loft hatch, board out your loft, insulate and even put in a light, and
Are you fed up with clutter? Need EASY ACCESS to your loft? Do you want to: • De-clutter Your Home • Create Up To 1/3rd More Space • Have Safe & Easy Loft Access We supply and fit: • Loft Ladders & Loft Hatches • Boarding, Lighting • Insulation We guarantee: • Professional & Friendly Service • No Mess • 5 Year Full Parts & Labour Guarantee
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01772 811611 67
Jack’s Tracks
Burtonwood If you’re looking for a handson history lesson about the North West’s 20th Century industrial past, Jack and I would heavily recommend a trip out to Burtonwood.
Situated between St Helens and Warrington, its rich coal mining past is now largely hidden under landscaped parks and trails, but look closely enough and you’ll get a glimpse of what came before. More evident are the area’s Victorian-era structures such as the canals and viaduct. Put these together and you get not only a bracing walk, but an interesting step back in time to boot.
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We start just by the Chapel House pub on Chapel Lane, Burtonwood, and head west towards Clay Lane where we then almost immediately head over the playing fields onto Wheatacre community woodland. It was here that we felt able to let Jack wander of his own free will. The path curves round to a T-junction, where we took a right and headed north towards Bold Lane. No sooner is Jack back on the lead than he’s off it again as we head over Bold Lane and into the deep woodland of the old Bold Colliery site. It’s virtually unrecognisable from its mining heyday, however like I say, there are small reminders to be found underfoot. Every so often, we come across some old capped pit shafts which usefully have the individual names on them, such as ‘Lower Florida’. A glamorous-sounding name for a very unglamorous, dangerous job.
On coming out of the park, we make our way down to Penny Lane, which housed many of the mining families associated with Bold. Date stones are very much evident in this area, so it’s not hard to think about all the changes these properties have seen over the years.
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One example is a row of terraces which, when they were built, were named Railway View… not that there’s much of a view nowadays though as another row of homes was built directly opposite shortly afterwards, thus obstructing the view. At the top, turn left onto Penkford Lane, go under the railway bridge and then straight on. Our map sent us off Penkford Lane onto something of a dirt track leading to a couple of homes. To be honest, it was more hassle than it was worth, especially as some of the resident hounds didn’t appear to be over the moon at our Jack muscling onto their patch, so my advice is stick to the main road.
Eventually, we ended up at the A572 Pennington Lane for a short while before dropping down into Sankey Valley Park. Here, we see the somewhat half-hearted attempt made to fill in this part of the Sankey Canal. It’s quite a strange, disorientating feeling to be standing in the middle of a canal, looking towards water and a towpath either side. It gets even stranger further up when we were greeted with what resembled the world’s
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largest snooker table – a perfectly smooth green plain on top of the water formed from associated debris and vegetation.
we patiently spent about 10 minutes waiting for a train. Just as we were about to give up the ghost, we hit the jackpot when a choo-choo came trundling past.
The Sankey Viaduct was now in our sights, and what a fantastic spectacle it was as well. Built between 1828 and 1830 by celebrated civil engineer George Stephenson, it’s a Grade I listed structure and said to be one of the earliest major railway viaducts in the world. For us, this was the big photo opportunity and
Following the canal again, we take a right to jump across Sankey Brook and head through the flat fields of Bradley Lane and Hall Lane. At the junction of Fir Tree Lane, we crossed and made our way onto the public footpath which winds its way through the dense residential areas until we end up back at the start.
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Bradlegh Old Hall
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Start/Finish
Postcode: WA5 4PT
Gorsey Lane
Burtonwood Clay Lane
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ane
The interesting thing about this walk is that within a 5.5 mile radius, you get a diverse flavour of the area’s past from the 1700s right up until the 1980s. The trick is to do a bit of research beforehand to appreciate what’s in front of you. If you can invest 30 minutes doing that, you’ll be sure to reap the rewards not only physically, but intellectually as well.
No Sinking the Sankey! For just over 150 years, the Sankey Canal was a key transportation link between St Helens and Widnes, where it connected to the Mersey. Following an Act of Parliament in 1755, the canal was constructed over two years and first used in 1757 to transport coal from the Lancashire mines to the chemical industries in Liverpool. In its later years, it transported vast quantities of raw sugar from Liverpool to the Sankey Sugar Works in Earlestown. This ended in 1959 and in 1963 the canal was closed altogether. For the past 30-plus years, the canal has been regenerated in parts. The Sankey Canal Restoration Society was formed in 1985 and works closely with local councils to continue proving this historic piece of heritage. For more information, visit www.scars.org.uk
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.
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wYour Pets - by Dr Shams Mir Rescuing a butterfly: why not call the vet?
BVSc&AH,MVSc,DrMedVet,MRCVS
As I was driving to work the other day, an elderly lady whose cat is under my care called for some advice. I pulled over at the first convenient parking spot and returned the call. It was not about the cat. The lady had a butterfly hovering in her bed room for a couple of days and having left the window open thought that it would fly away, but it didn’t. Quite concerned, she called to ask if I could advise how to catch and let the butterfly out safely.
had made of up her mind that rather than having the vets prescribe medications about which she had read “horrendous reports”, she tried various oils and creams for over eight weeks! I am glad to have got to see the dog and hopefully the medication prescribed will safely alleviate his suffering and gradually restore his skin back to normalcy. Just as a part of her research, had the owner called a vet to seek some advice, the possibility is that she would have been told the dog’s immune system had launched an aggressive response to something in the skin and set it ablaze, and unless that “friendly fire” was extinguished, little respite could be expected from oils and creams, and the dog would have not suffered that long. Internet is a great place to look up for information. However, it needs to be used with great caution regarding medical conditions. With all their training, knowledge and diagnostic tools, vets and doctors do not always find it easy to make diagnoses and hit the best treatment regimens straightaway because of the intricate nature of disease development and treatments. When in doubt about something regarding your pet, it may be worthwhile sometimes to give a ring and check with a vet, at least as part of the research one may be doing.
Obviously, I wouldn’t say that this was not something I was taught at the vet school. So, challenging my common sense to deal with this delicate situation, I came up with some ideas to help. No news is good news, I’m glad she didn’t call back to report how it went!
Like most other vets, I would be glad to give some advice, even if it is regarding rescuing a butterfly! Dr Shams Mir BVSc&AH,MVSc,DrMedVet,MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon
A little later a younger lady brought for check to Sunrise a lovely little dog which had developed a skin condition: patchy hair loss, scales and crusts, greasy and smelly hair, and rashes almost all over the body, with a coat on to prevent him from tearing his skin apart!
Sunrise Veterinary Surgery 6 The Common Parbold WN8 7DA Tel: 01257 463 142
The owner had done “a lot of research” on internet and
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Does your dog need day care? D We have a fun & safe environment for your dog to play & exercise D Part-day or full day – it’s up to you! D Pick up/drop off service available – call for details
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Agility classes UK Rally Obedience classes Puppy classes One to one training Puppy socialisation parties Give Jo a call today on 01257 423726 or email her on jo@standishdogtrainer.co.uk
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Win Free Narrow Boat Hire! What could be more relaxing than taking in Lancashire’s fantastic landscapes from the comfort of your own vessel? Ellerbeck Narrowboats gives you the chance to be Captain for the day with their range of daily and evening canal boat hiring options. It’s so easy, there are no locks to navigate and you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.
Ellerbeck Narrowboats prides themselves in their training and is RYA Inland Waters Helmsman certified. When you arrive, staff will conduct a safety brief, demonstrate how the boats works, offer everyone in the group buoyancy aids and will offer to come out with you to show you how to steer the boat, turn it around, moor up, tie up and explain the rules of the waterways. Once finished, you’ll be able to get underway on one of Ellerbeck’s three narrow boats, Ruston, Mirlees or Crossley, and enjoy some of the local attractions. Enjoy the fantastic country between Wheelton and Wigan, stop off and browse round the shops at Botany Bay, sample the beer and food at the Spinners Arms at Cowling, stop off for an ice cream at Frederick’s or maybe let the kids burn off some energy at Haigh Hall… the possibilities are truly endless. Each of the narrow boats can hold up to ten people. It’s perfect for that special family day out, relaxing with friends or even perhaps doing some team-building with work colleagues. Alternatively, why not gift the experience to someone as a birthday/Christmas present or even for a wedding anniversary? Unsurprisingly, those who have had the experience with Ellerbeck narrowboats, based at Rawlinson Lane, Heath Charnock, have given it rave reviews. One past user said: “Great day out with the most helpful, friendly staff you could wish to meet, who were more than happy to answer my four year old nephew’s questions!” Another happy customer commented: “Fab evening for my husband’s birthday. Thank you so much, we will definitely return – it sure beats sitting in a restaurant for hours with three small kids for a birthday meal!” Prices start from £15 per hour for 3 hours evening hire in Summer, to £115 for full day hires (£145 weekend day hire). Log onto www. BoatsToHire.co.uk or call 01257 480 825 for more details.
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Across 2. Location of Ellerbeck Narrow Boats, Heath _ 4. Popular pub in Cowling, _ Arms 6. Sail on the Leeds & _ Canal
Down 1. Mill-based shopping experience near Chorley, _ Bay 3. The name of one of Ellerbeck’s three narrow boats 5. Country park near Wigan, _ Hall
Name ....................................................................................................
Local Life has teamed up with Ellerbeck Narrowboats to give two lucky winners a day’s free boat hire each. To be in with a chance, simply complete the crossword and return your entry to Narrowboat Competition Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB Or simply email your answers, along with your name, address, postcode and contact number, to crossword@ locallife247.co.uk. Your entry must be with us by 5pm on Monday, June 30. Pictures of the lucky winners will appear in future editions of Local Life. For more information about Ellerbeck Narrowboats, please visit the company website; www.BoatsToHire.co.uk or call 01257 480 825.
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Address ................................................................................................ ..................................................................................................................... ............................... Post Code ............................................................ Phone .................................................................................................... Email ...................................................................................................... Crossword Competition Rules 1. Only one entry per household 2. Entrants must be over 18 years of age 3. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date. 4. Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for entries that are delayed or damaged in the post. 5. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition.
Narrowboat Competition Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB
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Garden Diary - by Angie Barker
Take a peek! If you’ve ever wondered what a garden designer’s garden might look like, you are welcome to take a peek at mine on Sunday, 29th June. I am opening my garden for the first time as part of the National Gardens Scheme. This organisation has been opening private gardens to raise money for nursing and cancer charities since 1927 and how much the NGS is able to donate is driven by the number of visitors that go to the gardens. The ‘Yellow Book’ is a directory of all the open gardens, there are several in Lancashire which open throughout the year and if you don’t have a copy of the Yellow Book, go on line at www.ngs.org.uk . There are all manner of gardens from village openings to roof gardens; tiny cottage gardens to rolling acres; allotments and even barges! I have to admit I am beginning to wonder why I ever proposed my garden for opening, as if I don’t have enough to do running a busy design business, but I 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.
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Award Winner
think what it comes down to is wanting to share the pleasure which my garden gives me, with other people. And raising money for extremely good causes at the same time is the icing on the cake. Entrance is £3.50 for adults, children free admission, and the garden opens from 11am through to 4pm. Car parking has been arranged at the Dray King pub car park with a 5 minute walk from there. I have a small army of volunteers manning the gate, and serving tea and cake and can you guess which job Hubby has volunteered for. Yes, manning the pub car park – hmmm something tells me he will spend more time in the pub than in the car park! So if you’re not busy do come along, don’t expect to see Tatton Park or a Chelsea Flower Show garden, we have a small ordinary plot but you may pick up some ideas for your own garden. Hope to see you there! 40 Acreswood Avenue, Hindley Green, Wigan WN2 4NJ 11am to 4pm, Sunday 29th June 2014. Entrance is £3.50 for adults, children free admission. Call Angie now for your free consultation! Author: Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk
Award Winner
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Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Quality cars are identifiable straight away. Even if a premium vehicle had its badges taped over, all you’d need to do is sit in it. Instantly you’d sense the difference between an ‘average’ and a top class motor. Take the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Inside, it’s positively palatial.
The German brand is famous for its refinement, but the A-Class is almost the runt of the litter – and therefore you might expect a more undeveloped set up inside and out. But that’s not the case at all. It may well have been the argument when the old model first appeared on our roads. It was upright, careful and dull. It certainly wasn’t a car you’d list as captivating. Nonetheless, it did sell – and that’s because it was affordable – for a Merc – and practical for parents on the rug-rat run desperate to roll up outside the school gates in a Benz. Then the A-Class was completely re-thought for 2013. It rolled off the production line a totally different car – not
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just one that had undergone plastic surgery – it was poles apart from the old version. The entry-level Mercedes is now truly enthralling and a machine you want because of its alluring aesthetics. In some ways it’s lost its no-nonsense practicality because the boot, although conveniently rectangular, is nothing to shout about space-wise. But brush that aside and take a test drive, because the new model will seduce you – especially if you go for the A 200 CDI AMG Sport. This is a real driver’s car and includes a dynamic handling package with sports suspension, perforated disc brakes and cruise control. As well as this, the Merc has athletic body-styling, 18 inch alloy wheels and a silver grille. Additionally, in A 200 CDI guise, it comes with a gutsy turbo diesel powerhouse. It also has a flatbottomed leather steering wheel, red stitching, sports
Pick U p Drop O & ff servic e availa ble
seats, rain sensors, ambient lighting and a stereo system boy-racers would be jealous of. On the move, the A 200’s oil burner gets you to a respectable speed quickly, if not sensationally. Road holding, however, is phenomenal. Steering is wellweighted and precise, and the six speed gearbox is slick, quick, and easy on your left hand. The A-Class has the vim and vigour that’s required to punch its weight in a highly competitive market. It’s an all-round performer and just the car that MercedesBenz dealers need to tempt new customers into their showrooms.
FAST FACTS • Max speed: 130mph • 0-62 mph: 9.3 secs • Combined mpg: 62.8 • Engine: 1796cc 4 cylinder 16 valve diesel
Mini? Drive a BMW or
Save £££’s on repairs, servicing and diagnostics at Wigan’s leading independent BMW & Mini Specialist. We can do repairs and services at a fraction of the cost of a main dealer, using the latest BMW & Mini diagnostic software. Our staff have over 40 years experience at the Northwest’s largest BMW dealership. Other makes and models welcome too.
• Max. power (bhp): 136 at 3600-4400 rpm • Max. torque (Ib/ft): 221 at 1600-3000 rpm • CO2: 121 g/km • Price: £25,110
184 Wallgate, Wigan, WN3 4AL (Next to Better Bathrooms) Free secure parking at rear
01942 820 378 www.bndynamix.com
Call 01257 251116 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan www.locallife247.co.uk
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Professional quality paintwork repairs at a fraction of traditional body shop costs Quick Convenient
Bumper scuffs Alloy wheels Paintwork scratches Minor dents
Unit 20 Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell WN5 7XB
For your free estimate visit
www.chipsaway.co.uk or call 0800 028 7878 or 07584 684 856
REPAIRS FULLY GUARANTEED
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Take my word for it…
I’ll get your car looking as good as new – or your money back! I visit you at home or work when it suits you
Specialists in; • Bumper scuffs • Vandal scratches • Alloy wheel repairs • Minor dents No VAT added!
Wordsearch Sudoku
Puzzle Corner
Guess where? Photo courtesy of www.wiganworld.co.uk
C O R N W A L L Q W B D B H M I O O T Y I N M L V D J U Y E H S R I L A N K A R D U R E N C V S F A W E R O D N A L R O X M T T U R K E Y E Y J K R R
Find all the holiday destinations Tenerife Menorca Majorca Algarve Crete Corfu Orlando Cancun Zante
Lanzarote Sri Lanka St Tropez Cornwall Rhodes Malta Tunisia Turkey
Answers are on page 93 of this magazine
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L A N Z A R O T E P O I G F C J L K Y U F D F E V R A G L A A T E T C X E M N G H F C D S C A R E D S T T R O P E Z Z W R P L O I U E T F D R E C E V O D T E N E R I F E E S X T B J K P U I Y C A N C U N F N W A A Q A I S I N U T W D F A Y M P R H O D E S G R T Y D Z M
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Home Services - sponsored by
• Pick up & drop off service to your home – 24 hour turnaround. • Family-run businesses, established 1990 • Call us today for more details
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For all your clothing alterations call:
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ADER SC TR
W ig a
Find the borough’s best online at www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader or phone 08454 040506 and ask for Wigan Council’s Good Trader Scheme.
D
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Trading Standards has a directory of local traders you can rely on.
GO O
Looking for a
S n ci l Tra din g
t
• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985
Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate
01695 633173 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk
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
We install
Woodburners & Multi-fuel Stoves! An extensive range of stoves to suit your home. Perfect for warmth and for hot water too! A sustainable solution to energy price increases. Traditional & contemporary stoves available. View our range of stoves online at...
Belvedere Barn Estate, Crank Road, Billinge
01744 893957 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809
W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS
01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years
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M Leonard Heating We supply, fit and service; • Woodburners • Gas Fires • Flue Liners
Call Mark for details
07956 890 351 leonard7@hotmail.co.uk
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Arley Cabinet Company Ltd • Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •
Does your home need a facelift? For a free quote to replace your; Fascias & Gutters Windows & Doors Conservatories Call Paul at PH Profiles now!
www.arleycabinets.com
We measure we make we fit and have done for 60 years. Visit our showroom or call us today for a FREE estimate
Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd 214a Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7BN Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm Sat: 9am - 12pm
tel: 01942 246190
01942 226677 / 07841 923230 www.phprofiles.co.uk
Handy Home We’ll fix a leaky tap or install a new kitchen or bathroom or anything in between! Call Tony on
• Fully insured • All mess tidied away • No job too small
01257 464548 or 07794 232168
LOFT CONVERSION SPECIALISTS
Bedroom - Bathroom/En-suite - Study - Playroom A local loft conversion company established in 1984, run by a qualified engineer who can prepare all your design drawings, structural calculations and L.A. applications, then construct your loft conversion to a very high standard.
S.J. Collier Building Contractors
Contact Stuart Collier leng AMICE
86
Office 01257 251534
Mobile 07973 143289
Web www.sjcollier.co.uk
Resurfacing, Repair & Restoration Specialists • Is your bath damaged, chipped, scratched or worn? • We can resurface, re-enamel or repair your bath, sink, worktops or uPVC • Established since 1984 – we cover the entire NW
Contact us today for more information 36 Broad Oak Road, St Helens, WA9 2EL
01744 453202
Save £££’s on your new kitchen or bathroom!
www.thebathdoctor.org
bath.doctor@btconnect.com
Great Value Bathrooms!
Deal directly with skilled craftsmen who can create great kitchens & bathrooms at low prices! Design, fit and installation Quality workmanship Supply & fit or fit only – it’s your choice! Fully insured Check out our testimonials online and then call Keith for a free quote
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 01257 425 504 or 07812 110 476 www.luna-bathrooms-kitchens.com
01942 749085 or 07801 295483 www.clbathrooms.co.uk
Fix my conservatory!
• Misted/broken panels replaced • Leaks solved and sealed • Conservatory roof replacements • Warm roof upgrades Call Mark now for a free quote
01942 737381 (office) 07763 151720 (direct)
e-mail: conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com
www.fixmyconservatory.com www.locallife247.co.uk
Specialists in Replacement Double Glazed Units Ring with sizes for FREE estimate
Open 7 days 8am - 8pm Established Local Family Company
01942 470 085 / 0800 328 8573 www.steamywindows.net
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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
• City & Guilds Qualified • Plastering services available • Competitive Rates • Fully Insured • Standish based
Lady Decorator
Call Alice or Neil on 01942 740232 or 07810 753062
Professional Interior Decorating Service Reduced rates for Pensioners Clean, tidy and conscientious Tel: 01942 366996 or 07962 422856
Just Imagine
Decorating - Interior Design - Soft Furnishings
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
Painter & Decorator Established 1990
• All aspects of Decorating • Interior & Exterior • Free Estimates
01695 632 477 | 07748 195 809
Orrell based business
Award Winner
PAINTING & DECORATING From interior to exterior - we do it all!
• High Quality • Superb Value • Outstanding Service
Ian Martland
Create your Dream Home today… Our Master Craftsman Derek and his friendly team will help you create your dream home. All aspects of decorating - from simple painting or wallpapering to complex murals. 50 years wallpapering expertise. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call Derek today for a free consultation & quote
Call 07831 505 672
email franklindecorators@gmail.com
Call today for your free quotation
01257 402045
or 07702 360597 www.ParkinsonDecorators.co.uk
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www.wigandecorators.co.uk
A J Decorating Services Experienced Painter & Decorator • Internal and External work welcomed • Domestic and Commercial work undertaken • Reasonable rates & free quotes
Call: 01942 747893 or 07749 965 047 w w w. a j d e c o r a t i n g s e r v i c e s . c o . u k
All electrical work undertaken • Rewire specialists • Extra sockets & lights fitted • Mains board upgrades
Free quotations
A.J.S.
BAILEYS ELECTRICAL
ANDY HIDDEN Domestic Electrician
01942 215 769 07739 709 005
plasterer All aspects of plastering undertaken Re-skims Dot & dab Rendering 2 coat work Unwanted artex
No Job Too Small!
• • • • • • •
Re-Wires Additional Sockets / Lights Home Safety Tests Fuse Board Upgrades Security Lighting Alarms CCTV
Good Trader Of The Year Winner in the Wigan Trading Standards Best of the Best Awards 2013/14. Certificate of Excellence Winner in the 2012/13
Award Winner 2012/13/14
07946 844 904 08000 842 394 Email: andy@ahde.co.uk
Domestic & Commercial work welcomed Quality work guaranteed 10 years experience
For a free quote, call Ian Ridley on
01942 218 160 or 07958 695 116 Orrell-based
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Award Winner
Advertise here
Advertise your business in this section for £37 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
we make it our business to help yours
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“ Very competitive quote and my new driveway looks absolutely amazing! A very professional company and I’ve already recommended to friends and family”
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Marie - St Helens
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LOCAL, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL AND HONEST • Conservatories & Orangeries • Extensions • Refurbishments & Alterations • Fencing & Decking
Building services Joinery Specialists
• Garage & Loft Conversions • Kitchens & Fitted Bedrooms • Doors & Windows • All aspects of joinery work
Call Phil - 01257 425997 or 07703 007675
DS Joiner • Doors & Windows • Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms • Loft Conversions • Flat Roofing • Real Wood & Laminate Flooring From general building & maintenance to bespoke joinery Call David on 01942 203 804 or 07851 225 876
House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request
01257 422317 or 07852 202867 www.mtjoiner ynorthwest.co.uk
Call now for a free quotation
01942 216 735
|
07725 909 257
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
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A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff
SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES
Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner • Annual Boiler Servicing Finance • Landlord & Home Owner available Gas Safety Checks • Gas Fire & Cooker Installations • Under Floor Heating Specialists • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades
7 YEAR
EXTENDED WARRANTY
ON ALL NEW WORCESTER BOILER INSTALLATIONS
Brand New Bathrooms
Boiler Installations
Central Heating Repairs Servicing & Maintenance Belvedere Barn Estate, Crank Road, Billinge
01744 893957
Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809
WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!
506515
Telephone:
01257 421 660 Registration No.
88604
TEL: MOB:
01942 504 429 07931 766 684
www.fgwelch.co.uk
C &D
Plumbing and Heating
Heating & Bathroom Specialist Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P 07973714222 01695625171
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Puzzle Corner - Solutions
‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner
The photo on page 83 is of Grove Lane, Standish
Call Ian on or
7703 01942 51 09 18 07702 80
Need thing somed? move Call Ian on
01942 517703 or 07702 801809
Advertise here
Advertise your business in this section for £37 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01695 627 999
we make it our business to help yours
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Restore your bathroyo! m to its former glor At a fraction of the price of a new bathroom After
Before
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sponsored by Total Bathroom Restoration
Medical Boston House Concourse Walk-in Centre Linacre Centre Ormskirk Hospital Parbold Surgery Shevington Clinic Shevington Surgery Standish Clinic Standish Medical Practice Beech Hill Medical Practice Wigan Infirmary NHS Direct Emergency Dental Repairs
01942 482000 01695 554260 01942 244000 01695 577111 01257 463126 01942 483100 01942 483777 01942 481380 01257 421909 01942 821899 01942 244000 0845 4647 01695 623334
Police Greater Manchester Police Wigan Policing Team Lancashire Police West Lancs Local Team
0161 872 5050 0161 856 7124 01695 566134 01257 462239
Libraries Parbold Library Shevington Library Standish Library
01257 463769 01257 252618 01257 400496
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01942 375 201 0800 988 7778
Councils and Councillors (Wigan) Wigan Council Wigan Council (out of hours) Cllr Collins (Shevington) Cllr Crosby (Shevington) Cllr Edwardson (Shevington) Cllr Gareth Fairhurst (Standish) Cllr George Fairhurst (Standish) Cllr McGurrin (Standish) Cllr Davies (Wigan Central) Cllr Hunt (Wigan Central) Cllr McLoughlin (Wigan Central)
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01695 577177 01704 894540 01257 463636 07786 806239 01257 255501 01695 624683
Local Life Magazine Advertising & Editorial Accounts & Distribution
01257 498329 01695 627999
For Roofing & Roofline we’ve got it covered! Roofing Emergency repairs General maintenance Full re-roofs Strip and re-slate Flat/pitched roof conversions Installation of Velux windows Roofline Fascias Soffits Cladding Gutters including Seamless Aluminium Gutters Supply only service available
Domestic & commercial work undertaken Flat roof problem? Don’t felt it, GRP it! This new flat roof treatment will last 30+ years!
Protec Roofing is a long established roofing company that serves domestic and commercial customers throughout the North West. Whatever your roofing requirements are, from emergency roofing repairs to new roofs to roofline, Protec Roofing are there to help you. We promise our customers; • No emergency call out fees • Emergency repairs done asap • Free consultation & estimates • Day and evening appointments • Free advice from experienced roofers • A 10 year insurance-backed guarantee If you’re thinking of improving the appearance of your property by installing new roofline, please give us a call. We can supply and fit a huge range of quality products including our revolutionary new aluminium seamless gutters. Because when it comes to roofs, we’ve got it all covered!
CALL TODAY TO GET A FREE QUOTE
01942 665 270 0774 876 7845 or 0770 221 8867 www.protecroofingnw.co.uk
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Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (Near Windy Arbour)
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