Local Life - Wigan North - Dec 2013/Jan 2014 by Local Life 247 Ltd

Wigan North Edition

Dec 2013/Jan 2014

Wealth From Health Beecham’s Wigan Link

Photo by Alan Price Photography

Where Are They Now? Latics’ Tommy Gore

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Are you looking for a new independent financial adviser? Due to changes introduced by the Financial Services Authority there has been a reduction in investment and pension advisers. Consequently, there are now even more “orphan” clients than ever that need to seek out a financial adviser that they can trust to look after them over the long term.

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Glad Tidings We Bring…

In this issue

The kiddies are counting down the days, the adults are stocking up on the eggnog and far away somewhere near the North Pole, a jovial bearded man in a red suit is busy in his workshop, putting the finishing touches to his list of presents. That’s right, Christmas is well and truly upon us now, and soon we will start receiving cards bestowing peace and good will on all men… and women!

10 16 18 24 28 34 46 50 52 56 60 62 64 66 69 72 82

For some, the festive bonhomie isn’t merely confined to four weeks a year, but others are sadly more Scrooge-like when it comes to the other 11 months of the calendar. Wouldn’t it be nice though if some didn’t need an occasion to prompt glad tidings; that consideration and courtesy to others became the norm? There’s no shortage of inspiration; our pages regularly feature many local people and groups who selflessly put others first. In doing so, some help to make our community a better place. For instance, think of those in the local In Bloom teams who have put literally hours and hours of work for the local community.

Planning Ahead Home Front - Filmed In Wigan Class From The Past Soldiering On - Lathom Park North West In Bloom Beechams - Wealth From Health Christmas Cocktails Hamper Competition Where Are They Now - Tommy Gore Jack’s Tracks Puzzle Corner Christmas Events Love Your Pets Test Drive Garden Diary Good Trader Section Useful Numbers

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB T 01695 627 999

info@locallife247.co.uk W www.locallife247.co.uk

But even if you can’t spare that sort of time, a simple friendly smile, holding the door open for someone or even just calling an old friend up for an unexpected chat can really make someone’s day. Why not make that your New Year resolution?

Sales: Chris Pearce Design & Production: Peter Bretherton Accounts & Distribution: Sally Boon Editorial: David Sudworth

On behalf of the Local Life team, we would like to take this opportunity of wishing you, our advertisers and our dedicated team of distributors a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2014.

The Wigan West edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and parts of Pemberton.

Until next year…

sales@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk accounts@locallife247.co.uk editorial@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.

The Wigan North edition is delivered to over 12,500 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. Local Life is also published in the West Lancashire and St Helens areas.

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Next issue - January

Advertising deadline - Saturday 7 December Published - Thursday 2 January Local Life Media

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

When you receive the new edition of Local Life - remember to recycle the old one.

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Candlelit Christmas A new social enterprise is hoping to be on song when it holds its first ‘Candlelit Christmas’ charity concert in Wigan. Abi Smith, 32, who has over 15 years’ experience in teaching, created Smith’s Academy in a bid to bring all ages together and foster a community spirit. It rehearses at Wigan Parish Church in the town centre, which will be the venue for the concert on Thursday, December 19. The festive event will see school children, soloists and the Academy’s recently established choir perform Christmas songs and carols.

sound made together as a group. The choir performing at Candlelit Christmas is proof that this is possible! We welcome anyone from secret shower singers to those who audition for TV talent shows. There are so many people who love singing, yet don’t have an outlet. Our group singing sessions are a great place to start.” Pre-booked tickets cost £5 for adults and £2 for child. On the door prices are £7 for adults, and £3 for children. 50% of profits go to Marie Curie Cancer Care For more information, email: smithsacademy@yahoo. co.uk or call Abi Smith on 07814 193335.

St Wilfrid’s Festivities St Wilfrid’s Church on Market Place, Standish, is holding a Christmas Fair on Sunday, November 24, from 11.30am-2pm in the Parish Hall. All welcome.

Parbold Panto Abi, who lives in Wigan town centre, said: “I wanted to bring people together, mainly to just have fun, make new friends and have a good singsong, knowing that the result would probably be a beautiful collaborative

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Jack and the Beanstalk will be performed at the Parbold WI Hall, on The Common, on Tuesday, January 28, 29, 30 and 31 and Saturday, February 1. Evening performances are at 7.30pm and the Saturday matinee is at 1.30pm. Tickets are £6 for adults and £4.50 for children. They will be available from Sunday, December 1, on 01257 462370.

Seasonal Slapstick

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T’is the season to be jolly – and what better way to get your chuckle muscles active than a good old pantomime! St Michael’s Amateur Dramatic Society is now in its 67th season and presents Jack and the Beanstalk at St Michael’s Parish Hall, Shaw Street, Swinley, from Friday, January 10, to Sunday, January 19. The society promises a panto full of slapstick, silly jokes, songs and romance.

The next Standish Police Surgery will be between 5.45pm6.45pm on Thursday, November 28, at the library on Cross Street. This is your chance to go along to speak to officers about non-emergency policing matters in the area. For more information, call 0161 8567124 or email wigan.apt@ gmp.police.uk

Evening performances start at 7.30pm and will be from Friday, January 10, to Saturday, January 18, excluding Monday and Sundays. Matinee performances, starting at 2pm, will be on both Saturdays and both Sundays. Prices are adults £5, and concessions £4. Special rates are available for group bookings – please call June on 01942 236260.

Eyes Down Organisers of a Christmas Bingo in Shevington will be hoping for a ‘full house’ when it takes place St Bernadette’s school hall, Church Lane, on Friday, November 29. The evening, starting at 7.30pm, is being held to raise funds for the Over 60s Christmas Party. Tickets are £1.50, which includes refreshments and the first book. All welcome.

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Christmas Fair Vale Methodist Church, on Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, is holding a Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 7, from 11am-2pm. There will be lunches available from 11am, a tombola stall, a raffle, craft stall, jams and chutneys, cakes, tradecraft products for sale and also fancy goods for sale. It is free entry for all and is being held to raise funds for the church.

It’s Santa Time Again Wigan Rotary’s carol float will be out and about again in the period leading up to Christmas. Although he’s very busy, Santa always tries to talk to the children to make sure he knows what presents they want. The float will tour Almond Brook on December 6, Appley Bridge on December 1, Gidlow on December 4 and 16, Shevington on December 8 and 20, Standish on December 13,14,15 and 21, and Whitley on December 22. It will also be at Asda (Newtown) on November 30, December 1, December 22 and December 23 – at Tesco Wigan on December 9, 12, 18, 19, and 21 December – at Standish Co-op (Somerfields) on December 14 or you can catch it in Wigan Town Centre December 7 and 20.

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Planning Ahead Shevington with Lower Ground 28 Finch Mill Avenue, Appley Bridge: Proposal to extend existing dwellinghouse; two storey to side and single storey to rear following demolition of existing garage and conservatory (application reference A/13/78670). The consultation deadline is November 23. 296 Miles Lane, Appley Bridge: Proposal to extend dwellinghouse, single storey to side following demolition of existing conservatory (application reference A/13/78696). The consultation deadline is November 29. 90 Wigan Lower Road, Standish Lower Ground: Proposal to extend dwellinghouse, single storey to rear (application reference A/13/78698). The consultation deadline is November 29. 11 Manor Road, Shevington: Proposal to extend existing dwellinghouse; single storey to side following demolition of existing storey extension (application reference A/13/78702). The consultation deadline is November 30. 10 Woodcroft, Appley Bridge: Proposal to extend existing dwellinghouse, single storey to side and first floor to rear (application reference A/13/78703). The consultation deadline is November 30.

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Standish with Langtree Land to rear of 11 Highcliffe Court: Application for certificate of lawfulness for the continued use of land as garden curtilage (application reference A/13/78675). The consultation deadline is November 23. 13 Birch Avenue: Proposal to retain single storey rear extension (Application Reference A/13/78680). The consultation deadline is November 24. 157 Wigan Road: Application to extend the permanent footpath crossing, and extend and re-surface the existing driveway (application reference A/13/78682). The consultation deadline is November 24. 15 Birch Avenue: Proposal to retain conservatory to rear (application Reference A/13/78708). The consultation deadline is December 1. 130 Almond Brook Road: Plans for an orangery to the rear with a projection of 3.6 metres, height to the eaves 2.3 metres and height to the ridge 3 metres (application reference GPD/13/00050). The consultation deadline is November 26. 11A Douglas Road: Proposal for a conservatory to rear with a projection of 4.5 metres, height to the eaves 2.1 metres and height to the ridge of 3.2 metre (application reference GPD/13/00051). The consultation deadline is November 28. continued on page 13

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Parbold Friars Wood, Lancaster Lane: Proposed demolition of the existing dwelling and the erection of three detached dwellings with associated driveway and landscaping (application reference 2013/1098/FUL). The target determination date is December 31.

Newburgh Hazeldene, Course Lane: Plans for a single storey rear extension and extension to outbuilding (application reference 2013/1161/FUL). The consultation deadline is November 25.

Wrightington Ward 65 Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge: Proposal for a part two storey/part single storey rear extension. Plans for two new bay windows to front elevation and installation of new door and windows on side elevation

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(application reference 2013/1151/FUL). The consultation deadline is November 25. Land to the rear of 9 To 17 Broadhurst Lane: Proposed removal of condition imposed on planning permission 2013/0158/FUL relating to the erection of gateposts at the vehicular access. Visibility splay fences or walls from the gateposts to the existing highway boundary; and 45 degree splays to be provided between the highway boundary and points on either side of the drive measured 5 metres back from the nearside edge of the carriageway, should the access remain ungated (application reference 2013/1158/FUL). The consultation deadline is November 26. For more information on applications relating to Shevington with Lower Ground amd Standish with Langtree wards, visit www.wigan.gov.uk. For Newburgh, Wrightington and Parbold wards, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk

Children’s Party

The Optimists

It’s party time for the kiddies in Standish! The local community centre, on Moody Street, is holding a Christmas Party for ages 4-10 on Saturday, December 14, between 11.30am-3.30pm. Kevin the Clown will be making an appearance, and there’ll be games, food and presents available. Children must be accompanied by an adult and booking is essential. Call Alison on 01257 421048.

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.

Pensioner Club OAPs in Appley Bridge are welcome to attend regular get-togethers. Appley Bridge Pensioners Social Club meets every second Wednesday at 2pm at the Village Hall on Appley Lane North. For more information, contact Mrs Freda Roby on 01257 255856.

Tree Carols Christmas carols around the Christmas tree will be held in Parbold this year on Wednesday, December 4. Meeting at 6.30pm outside the Village Hall, on The Green, the music will be provided by Hesketh Bank Silver Band, local schools and uniformed groups. For more information, call Joan Sanders on 01257 464431.

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Back to Nature Wrightington’s Mossy Lea Primary School is set to become a ‘Lancashire Forest School’. Forest schools enable children to develop a lifelong love of the natural environment. One of the school’s teachers, Miss Hosgood, is trained as a Forest School Leader and the children will have two blocks of Forest School work per year linked into their curriculum. She said: “Children love to explore and they can enjoy the tasks within a relaxed woodland environment. These tasks help them to develop a sense of self-worth”. Anne Mains, headteacher at Mossy Lea, added: “The children at the school have always enjoyed exploring the fantastic woodland area we have within the school grounds. The Forest School idea grew from the desire to provide a high quality curriculum which would utilise this area most effectively, enhancing the children’s education and also providing them with valuable life skills.”

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Home Front A Wigan-born film enthusiast tells David Sudworth how her hometown and family history is inspiring her up and coming projects Anna Littler may have lived away from Wigan for more than 20 years, but her hometown is still very close to her heart. Born and bred here, she grew up in St Clements Road, off Wigan Lane, and went to Woodfield Primary and Gidlow Middle School before going on to secondary education at the Deanery. She moved away with work more than two decades ago, but when it came to choosing locations her heartwarming wartime film, Blitz & Bananas, Wigan was among those at the top of the list. Part of it was filmed here, around the Wigan Lane/Boars Head area, and some of the vintage props were bought from Bygone Times and Grove Mill Auction in Eccleston. Set in the 1940s, the 97-minute film follows the story of four year-old Bessie Smiley and her sisters who are inspired to do 'war work' and secretly set about helping people who have lost everything during the Blitz. “I’m passionate about history and movies, and am a member of a film club down here,” says Anna, who now lives in Bromley, Kent. “I was just interested in learning

Anna on set with Brian Murphy and Linda Regan

more about film making and it somehow became a two year project involving many, many different people! It began as a community project where I invited people to share their wartime memories. The project mushroomed and I ended up having 150 volunteers –

Jewels May is a gorgeous independent jewellers shop nestled amongst 51 small rural retail business in Heskin Farmers Market and Craft Centre. This little treasure trove of sparkle boasts an amazing collection of antique, vintage and modern precious luxury jewellery items. The owner has a passion for old cut diamonds and precious stones in amazing unique settings, and the shop also specialises in pre-owed luxury watches. Treat yourself this Christmas to affordable extravagance! Heskin Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA www.jewelsmay.com

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between the ages of one month to 91 years - offering to get involved, including many from Wigan.” Among those who star in the film is Brian Murphy, probably best known for his role as put-upon husband George Roper in the 1970s hit TV sitcom, George & Mildred. His off-screen wife Linda Regan, who played April, the glamorous Yellow Coat in 1980s comedy Hide-Hi! also starred alongside him in Anna’s film. “They were both a real pleasure to work with, and gave their time for free,” says Anna. “They live near me in Kent and I knew someone who knew them and they agreed to take part. I remember Brian from George & Mildred and he was wonderful. He’d sit and have lunch with us, chat to everyone and was just lovely. He loved the fact it is based on true stories.” Since its recent launch, Blitz & Bananas has received rave reviews, being described by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes as an “adorable” film. It’s also helped raise money for The Poppy Appeal. All this is now spurring Anna on to her next project, Poppies & Clogs, which is partially set in Wigan and inspired by her late grandmother’s childhood during World War I and the

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story of her great, great uncle who died at Ypres. “It’ll probably again take about two years but the story will focus on children whose fathers have gone to serve in World War 1, which means I’m now looking for copies of diaries and letters or stories including themes such as the suffragettes, the changing role of women, childhood, the flu epidemic, and what it was like to work in the mills, mines, workhouses of the time. “I really enjoyed filming part of Blitz & Bananas in Wigan, and looking forward to hopefully doing it again with Poppies & Clogs.” Blitz & Bananas is now available on DVD can be bought online at www.blitzandbananas.com or by writing to Anna Littler, BB WLL, 28 Gumping Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5 1RX. Each DVD costs £12, plus £2 postage and packaging.

Class from the Past - Wigan Grammar School

This month’s Class from the Past photograph is from the old Wigan Grammar School. It’s believed the picture was taken in the late 1940s. As a result, it’s likely those pictured here are in their mid 70s now. We’re always on the lookout for old class photos to feature in this column, so if you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to David Sudworth on

editorial@locallife247.co.uk with the name of the school, the approximate year it was taken and, if possible, some of the names of those on the photograph. Perhaps you’re organising a school reunion soon and want to publicise it – what better way than sending in an old class picture for us to use!

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Christmas Concert

Interested in Rotary?

Wigan Music Society’s Christmas Concert takes place on Sunday, December 8, and features Old Hall Brass Band. It starts at 7.30pm at St. Michael’s Church, Swinley Road. Tickets are £10 for visitors and £8 for members.

Does your community group want to find out more about the work that Rotarians do locally? The Rotary Club of Wigan is offering groups the chance of having a Rotary speaker at one of their meetings. The speaker would be able to give a presentation on the good work Rotary does in the community. For further information, email enquiries@wiganrotaryclub.org.uk or ring 07774 993959.

Brass Concert The rousing sounds of Pemberton Old Wigan DW Brass Band will be filling the air at a Wigan church on Saturday, December 7. The band are playing a Christmas Concert at Trinity United Reformed Church, on Milton Grove, at 7.30pm that evening. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children, including refreshments, and are available from Ted Walmesley on 01942 396285/0770 9216512 or pay on the door. All proceeds will go to Rotary charities.

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 01257 401834 for further details.

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Dickens Performance

Boer War Plea

The characters of Charles Dickens will be brought to life at Haigh Hall in December. Chris Foote Wood, the brother of Victoria Wood, will giving animated readings as performed by the author himself on Wednesday, December 4. The performance is part of Haigh’s ‘Dickens of a Christmas’ event - a family friendly evening where you can enjoy a performance by following Dickens throughout the hall for a candlelit Christmas to remember. Tickets are £6.95 adults, £4.95 children and £20 family ticket (two adults and two children). For more information contact 01942 832895 or visit www. haighhall.info

Did one of your relatives serve in the Boer War?

Probus Members The Probus Club of Standish is currently looking for new members. The membership is made up of retired and semi-retired men and women who meet on the second Tuesday of each month throughout the year at The Crown at Worthington, Platt Lane, Standish. The meeting starts at 10.30am, although members like to arrive earlier for a chat, and it ends by noon. The club has speakers on a wide range of subjects and holds lunches at midsummer and Christmas. Annual membership currently stands at £15. Further information can be obtained by contacting the secretary on 01257 424994.

Local campaigners want you to get in touch ahead of the unveiling of a new statue in Wigan to honour the Fallen. Members of The Friends of Wigan’s Boer War Memorial are in the final stages of making their dream a reality, as planning permission has now been granted by Wigan Council to install a new Boer War Memorial Statue in Mesnes Park. In preparation for the special unveiling ceremony, which will be announced shortly, the group is looking to make contact with descendants of those who fought in the war to be special guests at the event. The original statue (pictured opposite) was erected back in 1903 and paid for by public subscription.

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However, it was removed in 1968 after becoming badly damaged, leaving only the original stone plinth which is still in place. The Friends of Wigan’s Boer War Memorial was set up many years ago and members including the late Fred Holcroft, who was chairman for many years, always believed that one day they would raise enough money and gain the permissions to replace the old statue. Secretary Tony Hilton told Local Life: “The unveiling promises to be a wonderful event which will mark the culmination of years of work, campaigning and fundraising. We would like to hear from anyone with links to the war or who would like to be involved in the unveiling event.” Descendants of those who fought in the Boer War should contact Tony on 01942 235681 or email: j.a.hilton@hotmail.co.uk as soon as possible.

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Soldiering On In the final part of his look at Lathom Park’s role in World War I, Richard Houghton focuses on the men who never returned... When referring to Lathom Park, the focus is usually on the horses, rather than the men themselves. Governments start wars, but soldiers fight them, so let’s consider why men went to Lathom Park, some never to see their family again, while others never left the safe haven of Lathom at all. In 1914, with war clouds looming, reigning monarch King George V proclaimed that no man serving his country will ever be forgotten. From that defining comment emerged the 'Soldiers Died' archive and ‘Imperial War Graves’ (now the ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission’). Both are by no means 100% accurate, but are still the bedrock of all research into military casualties. One archive complements the other very well.

It’s regrettable no archive exists showing who served when at Lathom, and I’m regularly asked ‘why?’ Many men passed through Lord Lathom’s parkland, but with the demise of service/pension records we shall never know the full extent of who served there. I contend the majority of men in 1914 and 1915 went to Lathom Park originally for work. It is possible that after the late summer 1915, men actually enlisting at Lathom Park saw no active foreign service. It’s a reasonable conclusion that if any enlisted, they were unfit for foreign service as those who were capable of active service had already been signed up through the voluntary 'Derby Scheme' or its successor, the compulsory conscription scheme. The range of residential locations of those who died is a good

indication that men went there for work rather than enlistment. Of the 27 men who ‘fell’ during active service, only four died at home, one of them seeing service in France in 1915. A total of 20 were all ‘in theatre’ by mid May 1915, and all entitled to the trio of medals, the 15 Star, the British War Medal (BWM) and the Victory medal. Three men were granted the BWM and Victory medals, known as 'a pair'. Another interesting statistic is that all but two men are not credited with what is known as a 4th Digit Prefix on their service record, meaning they were 'Kitchener Men' and therefore part of the then Secretary of State for War Horatio Kitchener’s recruitment drive. A total of 18 of these died having been reposted to Infantry units after 1916. One of these was a man originally from Enniskillen called James Cassidy. He was killed in action on March 24, 1918, on The Somme, having won a coveted Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) serving as 63091 Sergeant in Machine Gun Corps. There are only two local men who are known to have enlisted at Lathom Park who subsequently died while in service. One was Lathom father-of-four Staff Sergeant TS-9064 John Westhead, of the Army Service Corps. He was aged 44 when killed. Westhead saw service on The Somme and was killed in action by shrapnel on October 21, 1916. He is buried in Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery in northern France. His address is given as Briars Lane, Lathom. Another local man who died in action was Private 32472 Harold Moorcroft, son of William and Ann, of Bickerstaffe, then later of Wigan Road, Ormskirk. He was killed with the 16th Royal Warwickshire Regiment on the October 9, 1917, and is buried at Hooge Crater in the Ypres Salient, Belgium. His service files do not exist but he was entitled to ‘a pair,' having been with the 12th Lancers originally.

A place for recuperation? Recently, the Lathom & Burscough Military Heritage Society came into possession of a large group photograph of officers based at Lathom Park, dated September 1915. It leads to speculation the depot had another military use during the Great War - that of a recuperation residence for wounded or sick officers. There are 35 officers on the photo, so six or seven more than an infantry battalion in the field with a ‘strength’ of 900-plus and at least three times the number one would expect at a depot of this size. Sporting at least four Military Cross (MC) ribbons, the diversification of the regiments is plain to see with a number Infantry and Yeomanry. Their age range is largely from the mid-20s to mid-30s, so ideally aged to command men in the field. It’s therefore not beyond the realms of possibility that Lathom Park was used as a place for recuperation. The lovely clean air of would be ideally suited for such functions, undertaking light duties gradually working their way up to full fitness, and therefore active service again. at Lathom Park. The answer was ‘no’. However, it is hoped to correct that matter in the not too distant future, with a suitable memorial in a location associated with the 'old depot' giving just recognition to its purpose and to the men who served and never returned. It doesn’t matter that any of the 27 are commemorated elsewhere as it would recognise their sacrifice as well as being a fitting tribute to the part this small area of Lancashire played in The Great War.

The intention for 2014

Richard Houghton is secretary of Lathom & Burscough Military Heritage Society. It was created in 2011 with the sole intention of recognising the military heritage and contribution of the part played by the establishments/memorials of the district.

I was asked some months ago whether a memorial existed to recognise the existence of the remount depot

For more information, visit www.lbmhs.co.uk or email secretarylbmhs@gmail.com

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At The Flicks Film and theatre fans are once again in for a treat thanks to Parbold Picture House, based at the Village Hall on The Green. In the run up to Christmas, it is showing the following: Tuesday, December 3: Frankenstein – National Theatre Live (cert 12A). Directed by Danny Boyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Starts at 7pm. Admission: £12.50. Contact the Front Row Box Office on 01257 463878. Sunday, December 8: No (Cert 15). Directed by Pablo Larrain, this is based in a true story of the General Augusto Pinochet regime in Chile. An all-important referendum to decide whether to vote ‘yes’ to stay with Pinochet’s dictatorship or ‘no’ for democracy prompts a band of advertising ‘Mad Men’ to instigate change without violence. Starts at 7pm. Admission: £3.50. No booking needed.

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Sunday, December 15: Little Women (Cert U). Starring, Susan Sarandon and Winona Ryder, this is a classic coming-of–age story about four sisters who are left poor when their father leaves to fight in the American Civil War. Admission: £3.50. No booking needed.

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Awards Night Twelve local folk who do good works in the community are set to be recognised. Shevington and District Community Association will be presenting Achievement Awards at a special celebratory ‘Lancashire Night’ evening, taking place at St Anne’s Parish Rooms on Church Lane on 29th November. Among those who are due to receive an award are representatives of a children’s charity and Shevington Football Club. Volunteers who have helped win prestigious awards from North West In Bloom will also receive achievement awards as will volunteers who help to run local organisations and individuals who have achieved in spite of considerable personal challenge. Tickets for the event are going fast, but there are a few still available at £8 from the Community Association secretary on 01257 253735.

Hive of Activity If you’re looking for something to do in Standish, why not head down to the Community Centre on Moody Street? It is open every day with lots of activities going on from Karate to Slimming World, and art groups to bingo. To find out what’s going on, locals are invited to pop in for coffee every morning 10am-noon or to call Alison on 01257 421048.

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North West In Bloom Shevington Success Shevington residents are celebrating after their community received a string of prestigious North West In Bloom honours. Representatives from the Shevington & District In Bloom team attended the 2013 awards ceremony at the Floral Hall in Southport where they were handed: • A Judges’ Discretionary Highly Commended Award • The Gold Medal in the Town category • The Preston’s of Bolton Silver Dish for Best in Category More was to follow when the judges announced Shevington would have the honour of taking part in 50th Britain in Bloom competition in 2014. It caps a very successful period for the team, which started out in March 2011. The group says it will need all the help it can get for next year’s entry into Britain

in Bloom so if you can help in any way, either e-mail shevingtoninbloom@gmail.com or ring 07594463758.

Wreath Making Event Shevington in Bloom’s popular Christmas Wreath Making Event will be held in St Anne’s Parish Hall, Church Lane, on Thursday, December 5. There will be two sessions, at 1pm and 2.30pm. Booking is recommended as it usually a sell-out. Refreshments and a raffle will also be available.

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1st Year Cheer Standish Lower Ground In Bloom’s team also has reason to be celebrating North West In Bloom success. Despite having only been in existence since March, the team decided to enter the It’s Your Neighbour section of North West in Bloom. In July, the Judges visited Standish Lower Ground and St Anne’s CE School and they have now been awarded a Level 4, “Thriving”, the maximum score being Level 5. Residents from Frodsham Close were recently invited to Wigan & Leigh Housing Gardening Competition Awards Ceremony where they were presented with a Judges’ Discretionary Award. It caps a successful first year for the Standish Lower Ground. Since March, they have been busy making the area sparkle. This includes creating two new flower beds outside St Anne’s School and two new flower beds at the bus stop at Evan House Farm. All four beds were funded by Wigan and Leigh Housing’s Better Neighbourhood Fund and planted by the pupils. The

In Bloom’ group was also responsible for creation and maintenance of two planters at Frodsham Close. The group is now working towards entering North West in Bloom again next year and will be striving for a Level 5. The group needs more volunteers so if you think you can help, contact Mark on 07810 702059.

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Are you a dab hand at tickling the ivories? Standish Women’s Institute has recently formed a Singing for Pleasure group and require a person to play their keyboard. The WI meets at The Globe pub, High Street, twice a month from 7.30pm to 9pm. If you can help out, call Ann on 01257 424251 or Hazel on 01257 425473.

If you want the crowds to come along to your next community group event, school fair or charity fundraiser, email the details to Local Life. Not only can we publish the event free in our four magazines in Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire, but we can also tweet about your event to our 1500+ followers on Twitter! Email us the details of the event (what, where, when, why, who for, how much) along with a name and contact number 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 – email us today editorial@ locallife247.co.uk.

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Christmas Craft There’s a chance to get tips on how to make Christmas decorations from Jacqueline Iddon who will be giving a talk to Parbold, Newburgh and District Garden Society on Wednesday, December 18. The talk starts at 8pm at Parbold WI Hall on The Common. Visitors welcome. For more information, contact David Iddon on 01704 821984.

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Panto Cancelled

Council Ban

A Wrightington-based group has announced the cancellation of its pantomime. St James Players Amateur Dramatic Group took the decision due to a shortage of members to play both the principal characters and the chorus. The group is, however, actively seeking new members, with a view to staging a murder mystery play in March and a variety show later in the year.

Access to payday loan websites from Wigan Council servers and council owned advertising space will be banned next month. The move follows last month’s cabinet meeting where councillors agreed unanimously to crackdown on that type of lending in the borough. Instead, the council will promote other ways of accessing financial help, including raising awareness of the support offered by credit unions and offering money management advice and personal budgeting courses to help people manage their money more effectively.

The venue for rehearsals and for the shows will be the Church Hall, Church Lane, Wrightington, and anyone interested in joining the group, either to tread the boards or to help backstage or front of house, would be more than welcome. If you can offer any help of any nature, be it large or small, please contact Pauline Chapman on 01257 453087 for further details.

Wrightington Christmas Villagers in Wrightington will have the chance to get into the seasonal spirit on Saturday, November 30, when Tunley United Reformed Church, on Mossy Lea Road, holds a Christmas Fair. It is being held between 11am and 1pm. Attractions include a ‘Guess the Weight of the Cake’ competition, various stalls, refreshments and the chance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

Cllr Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for corporate resources at Wigan Council, said: “As a council, we have a responsibility and an opportunity to prevent people from accessing these websites and subsequently applying for loans which charge extortionate interest rates. Rather than get into more debt, we want to raise awareness of the alternative options available to residents.” For more information, including advice and support, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/moneyadvice

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Creating Wealth from Health It’s a global brand recognisable to millions. But Beecham’s history is rooted in the poverty-stricken communities of 19th Century Wigan and St Helens. David Sudworth reports… when he was looking to expand his business, he knew where his products would be needed the most. Born in rural Oxfordshire in 1820, Thomas’s eye was drawn towards the power of medicine from an early age. It’s said his mother, Sarah, had healing skills which he inherited. Like many children from poor families at the time, Thomas was put to work at an early age. By eight years old, he was working as a shepherd in the county’s fields, using wild herbs and plants to cure the ailments of his sick sheep. In his spare time, he started refining his mixtures for human consumption. In 1847, he married Jane Evans in Liverpool and shortly afterwards, the couple moved to Wigan, where they set up shop at 120 Wallgate, selling groceries alongside Beecham’s own increasingly popular brands.

“Where there’s muck, there’s brass,” so the old saying goes. And in the 1800s, there was plenty of muck in the heavily industrialised North West. Factories bellowed out plume after dense plume of acrid smoke, whilst in the bowels of the earth below, men toiled for hours harvesting the ‘black gold’ of the Lancashire coalfields, their naked torsos covered in a mixture of soot and perspiration. While industrialisation provided work, health in these traditional, working class communities was poor, and remained so well into the 20th Century. Celebrated author George Orwell noted the poverty in his book, The Road To Wigan Pier, where he observed: “Labyrinthine slums and dark back kitchens with sickly, ageing people creeping round and round them like black beetles.” A hand to mouth existence prevailed. A young man who was starting to make a name for himself in over-the-counter remedies for common ailments of the time, Thomas Beecham, knew this. So

On the face of it, in a time of grinding poverty, it’s puzzling as to why paid-for medication such as Beecham’s became so popular. However, in a world where the NHS was still 100 years off, most working men simply couldn’t afford the GP consultation fees. Also, they were worried that, by going to the doctor, they would be declared unfit for a day’s labour. In the absence of sick pay, their financial positions would go from dire to disastrous, so they turned to products like those dispensed by Beecham. In 1858, disaster struck the business when Thomas’s wife, Jane, mistakenly sold a mislabelled bottle, resulting in the death of a seven-year-old local boy through overdose. In what was then a very close knit community, the family were

hounded out of Wigan. A public auction took place over two days in November that year and it was a case of ‘everything must go’. It has however puzzled historians as to why Beecham sold all his stock and equipment as he next went to St Helens and opened a shop there on Milk Street in the town centre. Due to her fatal mistake in Wigan, Jane was not allowed anywhere near the new St Helens shop. It was in St Helens where the first Beecham’s advert appeared, on August 6, 1859, in a local newspaper with the strapline ‘Worth a Guinea a Box’. When Thomas Beecham’s son, Joseph, joined the company in 1863 they raised their annual advertising budget from £69 to £382. The company weren’t averse to making some dubious claims in their advertisements, from suggesting their cures were used by reigning monarch Queen Victoria, to them simply being ‘the best pills in the world’. However, it wasn’t just newspaper adverts which saw bore the Beecham name, they exploited every method possible to get their name out there – even school books and sheet music were plastered with the Beecham logo. Although not uncommon today, back in the more genteel times of the 1800s, these marketing tactics caught the imagination.

A Man of Note

Apart from medicine, the Beecham name is also synonymous with music. Sir Thomas Beecham, the son of Sir Joseph Beecham and the grandson of the Beecham empire founder, Thomas Beecham, was a conductor and impresario best known for his association with the Royal Philharmonic and London Philharmonic orchestras. He first performed publicly in St Helens in 1899 and even performed in honour of his father when he became Mayor of St Helens. Although initially not fully supportive of his son’s musical endeavours, it is thought Sir Thomas’s performance at his father’s Mayoral inauguration helped win his father round. He was described by the BBC as Britain’s first international conductor, travelling to Australia, Canada, South Africa and America. Sir Thomas was knighted in 1916 but also received the Legion d’Honneur from France and the Order of the White Rose of Finland. He died in 1961 but even years after his death, he continued to be celebrated. In 1980, his image adorned a series of stamps produced by the Royal Mail. Last year, he was voted into the inaugural Gramophone magazine Hall of Fame. with employees regularly putting in a 60 hour week, whereas employees at nearby Pilkington’s were working around a 55 hour week.

By 1876, the family started building their own £30,000 factory on Westfield Street, which is now part of St Helens College. Working hours in the factory were long,

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Thomas was by now divorced from Jane, who had died in 1872 and was buried in a pauper’s grave in St Helens Cemetery. He went on to marry again twice. Although Thomas initially moved to a resplendent residence in Buckinghamshire, he didn’t settle so came back north.

He retired to Southport, building a house in Norwood Avenue. He died in 1907, aged 86, and is buried in St Helens Cemetery.

with its distinctive, colourful packaging, can still be seen in chemist shops and supermarkets across the world. Barely a week goes by without a Beecham’s advert popping up on TV. With the Beecham name still in the public eye, there is still a large amount of interest in the family and their story. Sue Wiliamson, Head of Libraries in St Helens, says they receive hundreds of enquiries every year about the work of Beecham and his links to the town: “Local people are very proud of their roots and the famous sons and daughters of the borough. Our local history and archives library stores a wealth of information about his life and work but also statistics and research about hundreds of people and organisations.”

Although worried he might live his life in his father’s shadow while connected to the company, son Joseph became a notable person in his own right. He was Mayor of St Helens twice, in 1889 and 1910, and was knighted in 1914. He died two years later, aged 68. Beecham’s is now part of the multinational GlaxoSmithKline company but the brand, complete

For more information on the Beechams, visit the Search Room on the first floor of the Central Library building in Victoria Square, where staff are available to provide assistance. Opening hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-7pm, and Saturdays 10am-4pm. It is closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For bookings call 01744 676952 or emailing localhistory&archivesservices@sthelens.gov.uk

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Three nights of murder, mystery and comedy await those who attend Douglas Drama Group’s latest production. They are performing Out of Sight, Out Of Murder by Fred Carmichael on Thursday, November 28, Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30, at Parbold WI, on The Common. Performances start at 7.30pm and tickets are £6 each. They can be bought from the Do-It-Yourself Centre, Parbold, or from Parbold Fruit & Veg. For more information, call Sandra on 01257 462430.

Organisers of a recent fundraising event have thanked generous folk who dug deep. St James’ Club, on St James’ Road, Orrell, was the venue for this year’s Beat Extravaganza 4, which drew a capacity audience from far and wide, including Devon!

Coffee Time Coffee mornings are held at Parbold Evangelical Church, Chorley Road, Hilldale, on the first Tuesday of each month, from 10.30am to noon. All welcome. For more information, call 01257 464347 or email 07720 062211.

The event on the night raised £3,078.35 for Dr Naqvi’s Heart Fund and the Macmillan nurses in Wigan. A further £40 donation has since been received by organisers, and the total will now be split equally between the two good causes. Musicians and artists who gave their time free of charge on the night were singer Andie Dee, The Vintage Group and The Redundant Rockers (ex-Beat Boys) who provided the music mainly from the 1960s. Organisers have said that another event is now being planned for October 2014.

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All Saints Fair Santa will be paying a special visit to All Saints School’s Christmas Fair in Appley Bridge on Saturday, November 30. Held between 11am and 2pm at the Finch Lane primary, there will also be the chance to browse the stalls, win prizes on the tombola or enjoy a cup of tea. All welcome.

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Thank You! Jane Wood, proprietor of Standish Chiropody Practice, on Preston Road is celebrating 20 years in the business by saying a big thank you to her clients. Jane began tending to the feet of local residents in 1993 on High Street, moving to her own premises 12 years ago. She said: “Many of my earliest clients are still with me today, I now consider many of them to be friends and value them all very much.” Jane followed her late grandfather into podiatry and her niece is currently studying to join the profession too. And with Jane’s twin sister, Catherine Jones, established as a clinical reflexologist at the practice, they are keeping feet firmly in the family providing a range of healthcare. The practice also incorporates The Psychology Team, headed by Tom Turner, plus a second podiatry business, run by Dorothy Nolan. Podiatrist, Jane Wood: 01257 421476 Podiatrist, Dorothy Nolan: 01257 427288 Clinical Reflexologist, Catherine Jones: 01257 425905 The Psychology Team: 07817 797376 Standish Chiropody Practice 26 Preston Road Standish WN6 0HS 01257 421476

There’s an international theme at one Standish fundraiser with an ‘Irish Bingo’ and a ‘Dutch Auction’! Wigan & Leigh Hospice’s shop on Cross Street is holding a Fun Night on Thursday, November 28, at Standish Unity Club further down the road. Tickets are £5 each including a hotpot supper, which are available from the shop or by calling 01257 426224.

Carolyn’s Coffee The regular ‘Carolyn’s Coffee Club’ in Wrightington restarts on Friday, December 6, after a three week break. It will be held again on Friday, December 20, before it finishes for Christmas. The club starts at 10am and ends at 1pm and is held at the Village Hall, on Mossy Lea Road. All proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.

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Reclaim Your Being able to look out at your garden on a Sunday morning whilst you relax with the papers and a cup of tea is one of life’s pleasures, but at this time of year, your conservatory lets you down by hosting temperatures more suitable for penguins than us human beings! We all bought into the home improvement revolution, seeing a conservatory as a costeffective way of adding space and value to a home. Sadly though, research shows that in the UK, a conservatory is unlikely to provide more than two hours of comfortable temperatures per day, which usually happen when we’re all out at work. Conservatories overheat in summer and they resemble a see-through fridge in winter. Our hard-earned cash has been invested into conservatories which, for many of us, have become, quite literally, white elephants. But now, with the help of long-established local company Freedom Conservatory Roof Conversions, you can re-claim your dream conservatory and the sunshine lifestyle to go with it. With their innovative celling modiﬁcations, they can make your conservatory up to 95% warmer in winter and up to 75% cooler in summer. Not only that, but you’ll even save money on those ever-rising energy bills!

before

The conversion work transforms the internal appearance of your after conservatory roof and you’ll be left with a clean, crisp new plastered and painted ceiling with modern spot lighting inside instead of an ugly plastic roof. Customers can even opt to have a slated roof built on top of their old roof, so that the external view of the conservatory is transformed too! The owner of Freedom Conservatory Roof Conversions, Paul Stubbs, says “The conversion process takes around ﬁve days and there will be minimal disruption to your home. In addition to the roof conversion, there are all sorts of extra options available; we can convert your conservatory into a cinema room, or even an

Well done Freedom for the best idea I have seen since double glazing! I now have a 7 metre lounge with Freedom doing a full makeover and that new ceiling looks amazing in the conservatory, especially with the new lighting system that was ﬁtted. Thanks - Mr Dale from Winstanley

www.freedomconservatoryroofs.co.uk 42

Space!

De Paymeferred nt P Available lans

10 Year insurance-backed guarantee extra bedroom. We will manage the process from start to ﬁnish, using skilled tradesmen to ensure that you’re absolutely delighted with the results”. So when you’re writing out your New Year’s resolutions, make sure the pledge at the very top of the list is to convert your conservatory roof in 2014, so that you can get use of your conservatory 365 days a year. For more details of the conversion process, call Freedom Conservatory Roof Solutions on 01942 465000 or call Paul’s mobile 07761 966 024.

Alternatively, you can view Freedom’s conversion work at the Hot Tub Outlet, at Unit 1 - JGB Investment Park, Stephens Way, Goose Green, Wigan WN3 6PG.

no deposit required prior to completion of work

Showroom: Hot Tub Outlet, Unit 1 - JGB Investment Park, Stephens Way, Goose Green, Wigan, WN3 6PG

Call 01942 465 000 | 07761 966 024 www.locallife247.co.uk

Virtuosos Perform Three of Britain’s finest musical virtuosos are to perform in Parbold at the end of November. The Trusler Carroll Wass Trio will showcase an evening of works by Beethoven at Douglas Music Parbold’s Live Music at the Weekend series in the Auditorium, at Parbold Village Hall, The Green, on Saturday, November, 30, starting at 7.45pm. Matthew Trusler (violin), Thomas Carroll (cello), and Ashley Wass (piano) formed their trio at the 2012 Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival. They will be playing three transcriptions for violin, cello and piano of Beethoven’s orchestral pieces that helped establish his reputation as a musical genius. All three musicians have illustrious international solo careers. Trusler has developed a reputation as one of Britain’s leading violinists and Carroll is currently a Professor at the Royal College of Music in London and

the Yehudi Menuhin School, while Wass is currently a Professor of Piano at the Royal College of Music, London. Tickets are priced £15, or £5 for students and young persons. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.parbolddouglasmusic.org or call the Box Office on 01257 498452 or 01257 462382.

December Date Parbold Village Hall, on The Green, is hosting a Christmas Fair between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, December 7. There will be a variety of stalls on offer from crafts and jewellery to bird boxes and homemade cakes. All welcome.

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Money & Investments - by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP)

Look before you Leap! It is a common misconception amongst new clients that I talk to that you can only purchase your annuity from your existing pension provider. You don’t have to and you are free to take your pension pot to shop around the market and get the best annuity for you. This is commonly known as taking the Open Market Option More than half of people take an annuity with their existing pension provider and this can mean missing out on potentially thousands of pounds in lost income. Exercising your right to shop around means you don’t have to accept what your pension provider offers when you receive your pension statement. It also gives you the option to buy an enhanced annuity. Enhanced annuities are a type of conventional annuity in the same way as with a conventional - or standard annuity, the company providing it takes on all the risk of providing you with a guaranteed income for life. However, enhanced annuities take into consideration detailed information about your health and lifestyle to provide you with a more personal annuity. Increased income in retirement Qualifying for an enhanced annuity could mean an increase in your retirement income of up to 40% compared to the lowest standard annuity. Just Retirement (one of the UKs leading specialists in this area) estimate that 60% of people at retirement may

qualify for an enhanced annuity. The importance of disclosing medical and lifestyle conditions

David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP)

When an annuity provider quotes for an enhanced annuity, they will pay close attention to all the factors that will affect your life expectancy. This includes where you live, whether you smoke and drink, your lifestyle and your medical history. They can then build a more accurate picture of your life expectancy on which they base their calculations. Unlike in the case of life insurance, where health problems cost you more in premiums, in the case of enhanced annuities health problems can mean a higher income in retirement All you need to do is answer 3 questions before you commit to signing up to draw your annuity. Q1 Do you smoke? Q2 Do you, or have you ever taken prescription medicine? Q3 Have you ever been hospitalised for a medical condition? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions the probability is that you will qualify for an enhanced annuity and in turn a higher level of pension income. If you do not have your own Independent Financial Adviser please feel free to give us a call. The initial meeting is at our expense and is without obligation.

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Christmas by the Glass - By Sarah Davey Christmas Day in our house starts with a leisurely family brunch, complete with a cheeky little cocktail. Cocktails at breakfast might not suit everyone, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend them as part of your usual healthy diet, but at Christmas you can indulge without guilt. A Bloody Mary is a good accompaniment to a late breakfast.

Bloody Mary Ingredients Ice cubes Vodka, double shot ½ lemon, juice only 6 dashes Worcestershire sauce 3 dashes Tabasco sauce 150ml/5fl oz tomato juice Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper Method Place the ice into a tall glass and add the vodka. Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce and tomato juice. Stir well. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper and serve straightaway.

Before lunch, it’s nice to serve champagne with a festive twist.

Champagne with Cranberries Ingredients Champagne (or any good quality sparkling wine) Dried cranberries Method Simply pop 5 dried cranberries into each glass and pour the champagne over. The cranberries ‘dance’ in the bubbles and look very Christmassy.

And finally, no Christmas Day is complete without a tumbler or two of mulled wine.

Mulled Wine Ingredients 400ml / 14fl oz red wine (Shiraz is fantastic) 400ml / 14 fl oz water 400ml / 14 fl oz good quality orange juice 80ml / 2½ fl oz brandy 4tbsp dark brown sugar ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg 3 cardamom pods Clementine 6 cloves (to pierce the Clementine) Method Make up a spice bag using muslin or a piece of thin cotton, with the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Place the red wine, water, brandy, orange juice and sugar in a large pan; add the spice bag, and clovestudded Clementine. Heat slowly and simmer over a very low heat for at least 30 minutes. Serve with mince pies in front of the fire to round off a perfect Christmas day.

Accountancy - by Chris Alcock ACMA

Improving the Numbers Hello and welcome to the latest article from CMA, a proactive accountancy firm based in Appley Bridge. We provide the usual services such as annual accounts, payroll services, help with your VAT return and of course the dreaded self-assessment tax returns. In fact the 31 Jan 2014 deadline for the 2013 SA returns is approaching fast so if you still need help please contact us and we can help you out. When it comes to working with companies we love to work with business owners who are passionate about growing their businesses. Our approach is different to traditional accountants; we want you to pay more tax by helping you to increase your profits. However, at the same time as helping you increase your profits (and the amount of tax you pay) we want you to keep the percentage of tax as low as possible. To do this we have developed a comprehensive tax planning approach which covers everything from the basics for PAYE and VAT to advance tax planning for higher rate tax payers. For a business to be successful it is vital that they have complete clarity over their business numbers. To start off we can help you set up an online accounts system, complete with regular management accounts and KPI dashboards, meaning you’ll have the best and most up to date information to base your business decisions on.

We also can show you ways to streamline your business and take advantage of new technologies that are available to make things easier. We can also help business owners to take a step back from the day to day hassle and think strategically. With our free consultation for all business owners you can have your questions answered and determine whether we would work well together without spending any money. Please contact us if you would like to discuss anything in this article. Alternatively drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further.

Tax Tips of the Month The recent changes to the Child Benefit system means that any household with someone earning more than £50,000 lose a proportion of the benefit. Households where the highest earner has a salary of £60,000 lose the benefit entirely. Parents who are in this situation must register with HMRC and complete a tax return before 31 Jan 2014. If you need any help with this we can complete your SA Return for a special rate of £99 + vat if you contact us before 20 December. 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!!

www.locallife247.co.uk

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

The Winter means more accidents –

What you need to know.

As the weather changes for the colder and wetter conditions for driving and walking also deteriorate. The number of accidents on the roads dramatically increase at this time of year. Whether it be because of icy or wet roads, darker nights or drivers being more distracted you are more likely to be involved in a road trafﬁc accident during the winter months. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in such an accident this unfortunately tends to lead to a period of stress and worry when you may not have your vehicle and even end up losing time and money with absence from work due to injury. All because of an accident that was not your fault.

The next step is to report the accident to your insurance company, it is a clause in every insurance policy that all accidents must be reported. A failure to do this may ultimately result in them not assisting you or even accepting the version of events as presented by the other motorist. Finally if you are injured visit your GP or the hospital, whiplash and neck injuries can be very painful and trip to the doctor may result in a quick referral to physiotherapy or exercises which will ultimately result in a speedier recovery.

We have all heard stories of people leaving the scene of the accident without giving their details or it later being discovered that they were not insured at all, making the whole incident even more stressful than necessary and ultimately resulting in the innocent party being out of pocket. This need not always be the case, there are some simple guidelines that you can follow to prepare for the worst should it happen while you are driving. The last thing that anybody wants is to lose their no claims discount on top of the stress of dealing with an accident.

At Craig and Co we specialise in personal injury claims of all types.

It is essential that the person at fault for the accident is correctly identiﬁed, if they are not there will be no person to pursue for any losses you may suffer and you will ultimately end up footing the bill.

We guarantee that your claim will only be dealt with by an experienced member of staff who will listen to your concerns and deal with your claim as quickly and efﬁciently as possible.

To prevent this always keep a pen and paper in your car. Write down the full name, telephone number, address and registration number of the at fault driver and car. It is also useful to note a brief description of the person driving the at fault vehicle.

We act on a “no win no fee” basis. If you have been involved in an accident call us on 01942 211670 to discuss any potential claim with our local, experienced team.

Although the person responsible for the accident may initially accept responsibility for the accident this often changes when they realise that this accident will affect their own no claims bonus. It is therefore important that you obtain evidence of the circumstances and damage to all vehicles and names of any witnesses to the accident. If anyone gives you their details as a witness take as much information form them as possible, also look around you. Is there a shop or garden near by in which someone may have witnessed your accident. If you have any concerns about either of the above telephone the police and report the accident immediately. Do not worry you are not wasting police time in doing this.

Call - 01942 211670 19 Queens Court, Wardley Street, Wigan WN5 8BF

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Competition

Win a Christ�as

Every year for the past five years, we have lovingly compiled Christmas Hampers to use as prizes for our reader competitions. And now you have the chance to win one of the eight hampers we have earmarked for readers of our magazines. Each Christmas hamper will be filled to the brim with luxury seasonal produce, much of which is made in Lancashire. The finished contents of the hamper was still being finalised as we went to press in midNovember, but we can tell you that each hamper will

include Christmas cake, chocolates, mince pies, cheese, shortbread, wine, real ale, nuts, sweets and a lot more besides. We source the produce from local manufacturers where we are able, and many of the products come from local farm shops and local farmers markets. The produce is packaged in an attractive and sturdy wicker basket and expertly wrapped in cellophane and ribbons. Even if you’re not a natural ‘foodie’, these hampers would make a wonderful present for someone special in your life, because each hamper is full of luxury items and will bring a little extra to their Christmas.

Hamper! Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8 – Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB

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To win one of these Christmas Hampers, simply complete the Christmas Hits crossword on the opposite page and return your entry to;

Or simply email your answers, along with your name, address, postcode and contact number, to crossword@ locallife247.co.uk.

Across

Your entry must be with us by 5pm on Wednesday 11th December and the lucky winners will be notified within 48 hours and presented with their prizes on the weekend of 14/15th December.

6. White _ (Bing Crosby)

We will also be giving away a further hamper to one of our Twitter followers, so follow us on @locallifemedia for another chance to win this hamper. Look out for our Twitter feed for details of the competition which will be staged on 11th & 12th December! Pictures of the lucky winners, along with their hampers, will be posted on Twitter and will also be printed in the January magazines.

1. Fairytale of New _ (The Pogues) 3. I wish it _ be Christmas everyday - Wizzard 9. _Christmas Everybody (Slade)

Down 2. Do They _ it’s Christmas (Band Aid) 4. _ Christmas (George Michael) 5. Stop The _ (Jona Lewie) 7. _ Christmas(War is Over) - (John & Yoko) 8. Mistletoe and _ (Cliff Richard)

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Crossword Competition Rules 1. Only one entry per household

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2. Entrants must be over 16 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.

Good luck to all who enter – and a Happy Christ�as to all! www.locallife247.co.uk

............................... Post Code ........................................................ Phone ............................................................................................... Email .................................................................................................

Where Are They Now? - By David Sudworth

Tommy Gore Wigan Athletic (1974-1980)

It’s a game which has gone down in Wigan Athletic folklore. On January 14, 1980, the Division 4 outfit travelled to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea in the FA Cup. If getting to the third round in itself was like winning the cup itself, then beating West London’s finest must have felt akin to lifting the World Cup. And that’s exactly what happened; a single strike from Latics’ Tommy Gore sent the Blues – including their 1966 hero manager Geoff Hurst and legendary defensive bruiser Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris – crashing out. The match merely confirmed Tommy’s place in the Latics Hall of Fame. A Wigan player for the previous six years, the Liverpoolborn midfielder was a firm favourite with fans. He’d played in Latics’ first game as a Football League team in 1978 and earned a reputation as a class player. He left Wigan for Bury in October 1980 and was unexpectedly forced to hang up his boots in 1984 following a neck injury while playing for Port Vale against Burnley.

ever met in my life, he just had this aura about him. I was fortunate to get to know him outside football through a family connection. He once lent me his big red book which he received after being on This Is Your Life. While at Liverpool, I played in the 1972 FA Youth Cup Final. On the way to the final, we played at Anfield and I scored at the Kop end. It was like a boyhood dream come true.” It turns out this was only the start of Tommy realising some of his dreams. Throughout his career, Tommy has had the privilege of playing against some of the greatest names in world football, including the undisputed greatest of all time, Pele. Tommy explains: “To make my wages up during my time at Latics, I played in the new North America Soccer League for Dallas Tornado. I’d play for Wigan during the normal English season then go over to America for the summer. At that time, Pele had signed for New York Cosmos and his first game was against us. He was

Local Life caught up with Tommy over a brew at his home in Billinge, where he’s resided for the past 30 years. Now aged 59 (he celebrates his 60th on November 26), there’s no sign the competitiveness he displayed as a player has waned: “I have a huge passion for golf. I’ve been a member of Dean Wood Golf Club in Up Holland since I finished playing, and was made Captain last year, which was a massive honour for me. Dean Wood is a huge part of my life, it’s a fantastic club and I just love the place,” beams Tommy. Signed by Bill Shankly as a 14 year old, Tommy, who is a joiner by trade, started out at his beloved Liverpool. Following a brief spell at Tranmere, he was signed by Wigan manager Ian McNeill.: “Shankly was just a marvellous man, every story you hear about him is true. Apart from my dad he was the most amazing man I’ve

Playing against Pele

Did you know? ...that you could play at one of Lancashire’s oldest and most picturesque private member golf clubs for just £11.31 per week*? That’s right - not £11.31 per round, £11.31 per week*! Dean Wood Golf Club is now looking for new members across our Mens, Ladies and Junior sections. Membership is inclusive of the following:English Golf Union and Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs Fees Comfortable and well appointed clubhouse 15% members discount on bar prices Sky Sports Full sized snooker table Recently refurbished locker rooms On site PGA Teaching Professional & well stocked Pro Shop Reduced Green Fees at over 200 courses in the UK

Call our Membership Secretary now on 01695 622 219 or visit our website for more details

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coming into the twilight of his career but those sorts of players don’t lose their skill. The pitches were awful but even so, Pele was still able to control the ball with no problem at all. It was a privilege to play against the greatest player ever. At the end of the match, I went straight over to him and we swapped shirts. I still have it to this day.” After retiring, Tommy ploughed his efforts into his Wigan town centre snooker club, which stood next to the old Central Park. He bought the building in 1981 while he was still playing. It had originally been a Labour Club but had undergone a period of uncertainty due to the fact that, at that time, the council were widening the road system and it was unclear whether the land would be needed for the development. Once the council declared the site was safe, Tommy bought it for £50,000 and set about converting it: “I got the idea from my time as a player. Most football clubs had a snooker table and there was always a mad rush to get on it once training was over. I thought it was something I could make work in Wigan, and I suppose looking back I was starting to think about what I’d do after I retired from football.” In the late 80s, Tommy sold the club and returned to joinery. This led him to refurbishing Woolworths stores and, through a series of happy coincidences, he started maintaining carpets and upholstery on ships, which he continues to be involved in to this day. His passion for competition is now channelled into golf through Dean Wood, but concedes there is nothing quite like being a footballer: “It was fantastic, every boy’s dream. The dressing room banter was brilliant, and the relationship with the fans was amazing. When I was playing at Latics, we’d finish the match and then go for a few drinks in the old social club at Springfield Park. “The players are much fitter but the game was more physical in the 70s. Nowadays, clubs have nutritionists and all that, but when I was playing our post match meal would be fish and chips from the local chippy on the team bus going home!

When I was a youngster, my hero was Ian Callaghan, who played for Liverpool. Last year, while I was Captain of Dean Wood, I was at an event at Childwall and Ian came over and gave me a big hug, which was just amazing. We’d got to know each other over the years. I don’t think that happens as much these days.” Tommy is the proud father to Michael, who lives in St Helens, and Jenni, who resides near Orrell. He also has five grandchildren and has been with his partner, Julie, for the past 18 years. Still lionised by Latics fans, he was the club’s guest of honour at the Charity Shield match against Manchester United a few months ago, and was presented to both teams on the pitch. He also comperes the Legends’ Lounge at the DW Stadium, where he gets the chance to reminisce with fans about his playing days. Like many ex-players, he is concerned the amount of overseas players now coming in is limiting opportunities for home grown talent, and that they don’t have the same longstanding ties with the clubs they play for. “Wigan is built on the fact that it brings people through the ranks. There’s still people there like Graham Barrow, and Jonathan Jackson, the chief executive, used to even be a ball boy at Springfield Park. What are the chances of that happening with other clubs?”

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Jack’s Tracks

Formby We’ve all done it. Whether it’s one slug of sherry too much in the trifle, or a slither of excess sage in the stuffing, Christmas is a time where overindulgence isn’t only acceptable, but positively encouraged. Belts are loosened and diets are quietly ignored for the day as the nation feasts on turkey, James Bond repeats and tins of brightly packaged sweets.

is available, but there’s a £5 cost per car (free to Trust members). Very limited free, on-street parking is available nearby. Fortunately, this walk is well signposted and we took the southerly ‘Squirrel Walk’ route through the pinewoods. Jack was in a bit of a sulk due to there being a ‘dogs must be kept on a lead’ rule in the pinewoods. Despite his obvious celebrity status, Jack was quite rightly given no preferential treatment but did his best to set the pace by yanking me forward at every given opportunity.

Whether it’s the urge to let our hair down after a long year, or a desperate attempt to numb the pain from having the in-laws round, I cannot comment. But as night follows day, come December 26, the nation will once again wake up and mutter a bleary-eyed vow of ‘never again!’ But help is at hand as this walk is sure to blow away the Boxing Day cobwebs. Sandwiched between the elegant Victorian seaside resort of Southport and the port of Liverpool, Formby draws visitors from all over to its fascinating pinewoods, home to the endangered red squirrel. Behind this lies a marvellous expanse of sand dunes and coast which eases out to the Irish Sea. Jack never passes up the chance to get out his bucket and spade, so we packed up the Local Life charabanc once again and headed to Formby Point. Parking at the National Trust Formby Point site on Victoria Road

We meandered through the formal paths, past a very large clearing, and then onto a predominantly sandy path which heads towards Blundell Avenue. Cross directly over Blundell Avenue and continue on. At this point, Jack looked at me quizzically as before us lay a number of informal routes. We chose to stick to those which have the odd brick on, helping us keep a grip as the terra became decidedly less firma, but whichever one you take, they all lead to more or less the same

place. On the horizon, there’s a line of pine trees acting as a useful guide to where we needed to head towards. Just past the trees, we turned right at the wooden signpost pointing towards the beach which took us to a massive expanse of grass land. On the right hand side, we could see the back of St Joseph’s Care Home. Regular readers will know that Jack loves rooting out a ‘fetch’ stick on our walks. But by the halfway point, he’d showed no signs of keeping up his playful tradition… until he spotted another dog playing ball with his owner. Within seconds he sniffed out his own new toy for the day, and normal service was resumed. The path now started to narrow, and the faint sound of angry waves became more pronounced. The only thing between us now and the coast was the fabulous dunes. The virgin sand here is a true sight to behold. Even Jack – a seasoned professional in his field - seemed impressed, so much so he discarded his stick. From here on in, my camera was going to earn its money,

Prehistoric Footprints Erosion is generally seen as a negative, but the shifting sands at Formby have actually helped uncover the area’s fascinating history with footprints dating back 7,000 years have been discovered in the past decade. The National Trust says there are currently more than 220 identified trails of human footprints in various spots across the beach. They can be seen when top layers of sand are removed by the tides to expose the prints, which are deposited in clay. The animal prints include aurochs (large wild cattle), deer, wolf, and wading birds. From these discoveries, experts have been able to steadily build up a picture of the area’s past. The average male height was 1.66 metres and average female height 1.45 metres. Most of the prints were made by children with a smaller number of women and relatively few adult males. Where males are present, they tend to occur in the same areas as red deer and have different stride patterns from the women and children. This suggests that the two groups were involved in different activities.

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lead. The sound of the sea was still ringing in my ears a few minutes later as we spotted, on the left, an area set aside for the rare, nocturnal natterjack toad. It’s clear this part of the dunes/pinewoods is used quite regularly as there was even an amusing, human-sized wooden xylophone which we couldn’t resist having a tinker with. Through the pine needled, velvet flooring of the woods, we could see the caravan park, which meant we knew we were close to the end. We bore a sharp left and before long we found ourselves back at the car park. Relief came for both of us in a bowl of water provided free of charge for dogs, and some extremely clean toilets which were also free to use.

with splendid views complemented by delicate lighting which only served to dramatize the effect. As we paced forward, the roar of the sea hit us like a Phil Spector ‘Wall of Sound’. The waves crashed against each other to produce the most vivid colours, thanks to the rays of the late year sun danced on them from above. The local windsurfers were equally appreciative as they donned their wetsuits and waded into the advancing tide. By now, there was no holding Jack back. There were other untethered dogs on the beach and to have kept him on the lead would have only meant a trip to A&E later to fit my arm back onto my shoulder. Our walk now started to take a directly northerly direction along the sands, but progress was slow due to a) Jack wanting to play in the sea and b) the stunning scenery, meaning plenty of photo ops. For those with a bit more time, there’s the chance to hunt for the recently discovered prehistoric footprints on the beach. One and a quarter miles later, we took the eastwards path signposted as Gypsy Path back over some smaller dunes and into woodland. Having had a good 45 minutes or so of freedom, Jack was now back on his

What Jack and I liked about this 3.5 mile walk is the mixture of tranquil woodland, the elegant sand dunes and the dramatic scenery of the rough sea at this time of year. This experience left us feeling clear-headed and ready to face the rest of the day ahead. So if you wake up feeling a bit groggy on December 26, instead of reaching for hair of the dog or the cafetiere, Jack and I would highly recommend you put these to one side and take a large dose of Mother Nature’s finest cure – the great British outdoors.

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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Christ�as Events Sunday, December 1,

Saturday, December 7, and 14,

Christmas Crafts and Wreath Making

Grassington Dickensian Festival

Get into the swing of the festive season and make your very own Christmas wreath and ornaments using materials harvested from the park. All children under 16 require adult supervision.

Grassington travels back in time for the annual Dickensian Festival. Visitors are treated to a glorious array of sights, tastes and smells from a bygone era. The village is adorned in Christmas lights, the square and streets come alive with a traditional market with shopkeepers and villagers dressed in Victorian costume. Visitors can revel in delight at the musicians, dancers, street entertainers and exhibitions of traditional country crafts.

Meet at the Ranger Station, Beacon Country Park, Beacon Lane, Up Holland, WN8 7RU Time: 1pm Cost: FREE Details: 01695 622794 Where:

Thursday, December 5

A Taste of Christmas at Warbeck Enjoy a welcome glass of mulled wine, Christmas displays, speciality food tasting and pick up tips from demonstrations at Warbreck Garden Centre in Lathom, near Ormskirk. Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Warbreck Garden Centre, Lyelake Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, L40 6JW 5pm-8.30pm Free, and free car parking on site www.warbreck.co.uk

Saturday, December 7,

Chorley United Reformed Church Christmas Fair Festive event to be opened by Chorley’s Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr John Walker and Marie Walker. Fun for all the fanily. Where: Time:

Chorley United Reformed Church, Hollinshead Street 11.30am to 1.30pm, followed by an afternoon concert from 2pm-3pm

Where:

Time: Cost: Details:

Grassington town centre, North Yorkshire. Park & Ride at Threshfield Quarry: BD23 5PA. No car parking in Threshfield or Grassington on the day of the event. 11am-5pm Free Email dickensian@grassington.uk.com

Sunday, December 8,

Croston Christmas Fair The village comes together once again for this festive delight. The day culminates with a torch lit procession to St Michael’s Church for Carols for Croston, a prayer and collection for Christian Aid. Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Trinity & St.Michaels Primary School, Croston Old School and Croston Community Centre 1pm-5.15pm Free, and free car parking at Bishop Rawstorne CE Academy www.crostonfestivities.co.uk

...mer�� Christ�as! 62

Guide Sunday, December 15

Vintage Market If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary then make sure you don’t miss this special event. True and reworked vintage, up cycled goods and retro designs galore! Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Address: Chapel Gallery, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QR 10am-4pm

Chester Victorian Christmas Market If you are looking for the perfect place to hunt out those special Christmas gifts, then look no further than this year’s Christmas Market in Chester with local crafts, gifts and food and drink vendors, it’s the perfect way to spend the day. This Christmas, Chester has a vibrant calendar of festive events to tempt you, with Winter Wonderland: Chester’s first ever Christmas destination, sparkly, magical lanterns, winter parades, carol concerts, festive theatre and more. City Centre, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ 10am-6pm, seven days a week Free 01244 405631

Sunday, December 22

Haigh Hall Family Christmas Carvery A very special pre-Christmas treat that no family should miss out on. Come along to Haigh Hall and join in the festive celebrations with the Christmas Brass Band, a visit from Santa with gifts for the children. Reservations essential. Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Manchester Christmas Market If you want to get in the mood for Christmas, a visit to the Manchester Christmas Market is a must. With chalet-lined streets, colourful displays and the smell of mulled wine in the year, it’s an event which all the family can enjoy. This year the market will be celebrating its 15th year and will take over nine different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. Where:

Time:

Free Email chapel.gallery@westlancs.gov.uk

Until Saturday, December 21,

Where: Time: Cost: Details:

Until Sunday, December 22,

Cost: Details:

Manchester City Centre: Albert Square, Brazennose Street, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, Corporation Street 10am-7.30pm weekdays in November 10am-8pm weekdays in December 10am-7.30pm on Saturdays in November 10am-7.30pm on Sundays in November 10am-8pm on Saturdays in December 10am-6pm on Sundays in December Free www.christmasmarkets.com

Until Sunday, December 22,

Liverpool Christmas Market Set in the heart of the city centre, Liverpool Christmas Market provides the perfect opportunity to get those Christmas stocking fillers. Where: Cost: Details:

Lord Street, Church Street and Whitechapel, Liverpool, L1 8LT Free www.visitliverpool.com

Until Saturday, January 11,

Christmas Crafts Exhibition Inspirational and unique gifts abound in this Christmas Crafts exhibition. An opportunity to find great gifts for that special someone or a treat for yourself and all handmade by talented artisans. Christmas Crafts offers a more relaxed way of Christmas shopping. Where: Cost: Details:

The World of Glass, Chalon Way East, St Helens WA10 1BX Free 01744 22766 or www.worldofglass.com

Haigh Hall, Wigan, WN2 1PE Midday-4pm £17.95 adults, £9.95 children 01942 832895

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Your Pets - by Dr Shams Mir

BVSc&AH,MVSc,DrMedVet,MRCVS

There is more to bad breath than what meets the nose The inconvenience of bad breath of a dog or cat heralds a more significant problem than a mere unpleasant feeling. Appreciating the causes and implications of bad breath might well determine how we may respond to the problem. A surprising 700 species of bacteria have been identified that resides in human mouth. Lacking matching studies, it may not be illogical to presume that bacterial species of similar magnitude may be present in the mouths of dogs and cats. The teeth provide a stable surface for the bacteria in the mouth to colonise; combined with proteins they form a sticky film on the teeth, which gradually thickens to become visible as light yellow Plaque. As the plaque formation continues, deposition of minerals from saliva and food leads to production of thick hard deposits on the teeth called dental Tartar or Calculus. The bacteria in the plaque trigger an inflammatory reaction in the gum, leading to margins of the gum turning red and easy to bleed. The worsening plaque and calculus impinge under the gum and let infection seep into the tooth root ligament, the tough fibrous structure which surrounds the tooth attaching it firmly to the bony socket. With the decay of the ligament infection reaches tooth root, leading to so called Periodontal Disease, eventually leading to abscess formation around tooth roots. The earliest symptom of gum disease is a sweet smell from the mouth, which may be associated with the red line appearing along gum margins. As the disease progresses obnoxious bad breath follows with the pet showing some difficulty eating hard food. Abscess formation sometimes leads to swelling of the face and even pus draining from the face.

A painful mouth can change a friendly pet to an apprehensive or even aggressive one. But, the impact of periodontal disease is far reaching. The continual trickling of the bacteria and bacterial toxins into the blood stream from the broken down barriers in the mouth lead to infection depositing in organs like heart and kidneys. The bacteria colonising on the valves of the heart can cause their scarring and shrinkage, leading to chronic heart failure. Infection of kidneys can damage them leading to chronic kidney insufficiency or failure. The liver, body’s main detoxifying plant, the immune system and indeed the whole body is overburdened with the persistent infection and bacterial wastes. At Sunrise, we take time to examine your pet every time you visit us, including gums and teeth. We facilitate our clients to proactively prevent dental problems. Where dental problems impact a pet’s health, our advanced anaesthetic and dental surgery facilities ensure that the procedure is carried out safely, no matter what their age, giving them a new lease of life! Dr Shams Mir BVSc&AH,MVSc,DrMedVet,MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon Sunrise Veterinary Surgery 6 The Common Parbold WN8 7DA Tel: 01257 463 142 www.sunrisevets.co.uk

Creche for Canines As the van pulls up outside, Jack trots down the garden path of his Standish home, shaking with excitement and hesitantly glancing back at his mummy. From the doorway, Kelly Mawdesley watches as her little one heads off for a full day away from her. Will he make friends? Will he like the food? Will he have an accident? Will he have fun? The van pulls away, with in the back, and — with an anxiety shared by hundreds of parents on their child’s first day — heads to work. She needn’t be concerned, however, because just a few minutes later, Jack is tearing around a garden in the heart of Standish, making friends and is as happy as can be. Making friends of a four-legged nature, that is, because Jack is a nine month old chocolate Labrador. Welcome to doggy day care, the latest must-have for busy dog owners. Doodles Doggie Day Care was opened in 2010 by dog owners Carole and Terri, who look after a maximum of 12 dogs a day whilst their owners work, lunch or shop. Some dogs stay for the full day, some for ½ a day and pick-up and drop off can be arranged too. Doodles is based at Wuff ‘N’ Stuff Pet Supplies in Market Street, Standish – call the doggy duo on 07548 560 333 for more details.

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Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay

Vauxhall Mokka The Vauxhall Mokka mixes functionality with a comfortable elevated seating position. It’s the Griffin-badged company’s answer to the Nissan Juke or the Skoda Yeti. Power to the small Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is provided by three efficient engines, all equipped with fuel saving Start/Stop technology. The petrol version comprises a 1.6-litre engine or a 1.4-litre Turbo and there is a 1.7-litre CDTI diesel. I drove the 113bhp 1.6 petrol Mokka; it has moderate pulling power, but working your way through the five speed gearbox, it eventually spins up to a decent speed. It also provides a smooth and grippy ride. Looks-wise, the Mokka is beefy and incorporates Vauxhall’s signature ‘blade’ on the body side, sweeping towards the rear. Its muscular disposition is reinforced by its higher ground clearance and 18” alloy wheels. But what I really liked about the Mokka is its cleverness. Inside, the vehicle displays archetypal Vauxhall values such as versatility and user-friendly functionality, providing up to 1,372-litres of load space and 19 storage locations. The Mokka also offers the latest generation Flex-Fix bicycle carrier. The user-friendly case is fully integrated in the rear underbody, functioning like a drawer and accommodating up to three bikes at a time.

Brilliant, if you’re into two-wheeled outdoor family fun. The SUV is available in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive. The 4x4 system wasn’t fitted to my demo, but if I was in the market for a Mokka I’d definitely want it. As you’d expect, the extra technology ensures a high level of stability and traction, extending the car’s capabilities to more rugged environments. It’s always worth having for extra safety reasons alone. Standard features that enhanced the driving experience for me included Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control as well as Hill Start Assist. Other progressive, upmarket gadgetry the Mokka brings to the table includes Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting. This increases driving safety and includes High Beam Assist. The lights cut a way through the dark like a laser - they really are that good.

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Motoring Ahead!

important to keep it local, we try to buy things from other local businesses and support each other.”

Joe Gaskell’s recipe for success is simple – look after your customers and provide a quality service. And as he now celebrates 20 years at the helm of JW Gaskell Garages, he’s vowed to continue raising standards.

JW Gaskell Garages is only one of a select few in the country which is an accredited Bosch car service centre. Bosch itself is believed to be the world’s largest supplier of automotive parts and systems.

Joe, from Up Holland, started in the early 1990s at a site on Mill Lane in Appley Bridge. Since then, he’s relocated to the old Ramsey Timber site on Skull House Lane.

Joe added: “I’ve always looked after our customers in the same way I’d want to be treated as a customer. Because of that, we get them coming from all over the area, time and time again, because they know we give a quality service. The last 20 years have been great, and I’d like to thank our customers for their loyal service.”

Wrightington Fair Wrightington Parish Council is holding a Christmas Craft & Gift Fair at Mossy Lea Village Hall, on Mossy Lea Road, on Sunday, November 24, from 11am-3pm. All welcome.

His mantra from the early days is one he continues to stick by; keep it local and provide good quality: “I’ve been in and out of garages since I was 12 years old; we had a family haulage business so I was brought up with vehicles. We’re heavily involved in the local community, sponsoring the football club and so on. I think it’s

Garden Diary - by Angie Barker

Dear Santa...

Award Winner

There aren’t too many jobs to be done around the garden at this time of year and let‘s face it we have enough to do in the lead up to Christmas.

As you might expect I include my garden in the Christmas festivities. With so many hours of darkness at this time of year, it is lovely to brighten up your outside space with strings of fairy lights and candles. Sitting around the table on our deck with family and friends with some mulled wine is one of my favourite Christmas treats – yes it may be cold but it is fun! And no matter how old I get (no rude comments Hubby please) I still get a warm fuzzy feeling in my tummy when it comes to Christmas time and you can’t beat the look on childrens’ faces when you ask them if Father Christmas is coming. To get back to gardening for a moment, one of my absolute favourite perennial plants which clients will know I always include in my planting plans is Bergenia,

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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I like to take a relaxed approach and at this time of year it is all about planning - looking through plant catalogues, making a list of which plants I want to move next spring and any new projects I might have in mind. (This is where Hubby sighs because he always thinks the garden is finished – he should know better by now!) At present I’m trying to figure out where I can squeeze in a greenhouse without losing any planting space.

otherwise known as Elephants Ears. No winter garden should be without them and Bergenia ‘Bressingham Ruby’ is a lovely one, providing glowing red winter foliage with dark pink spring flowers to follow. On the off chance that Santa is reading this, I have been a good girl this year so can you bring me a greenhouse please – oh yes and a bigger garden so I’ve got the space to put it in! I’d like to wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year – and lots of fun in the garden!

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

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The Protect your T Car Health Che household from homeBret future energy price rises herton survey and Y and we’ll provide SReduce party 84 Rainford Road,ton Billinge WN5 7PG you with a of Cros your household’s detailed Telephone: 07814 619report 400 showing me! the R for all residents never need impact on returns T available from your the environment you untilOpen: own solar k - 6PM panels Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM E Keep me stops! th Chec S Closed Thursday &Heal Sunday (10% typical return) Call us now FREE Car on S now Book your Shevington

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TwinLakesM

923 72 603Visit our showroom at

017 Unit 4a, NG LDI WEStreet Business Park & Cricket off Miry Lane, REPAIR Wigan.

otorEnginee

We also provide a cost effective leaflet distribution service. For more information call

now £1

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and

WN6 7TP

0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or

Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co. uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co. uk

HUGE SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS PARTY WEAR FOR MEN AND WOMEN T Y R E R S of ST . HE LENS

Open 7 days a week til Christmas Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

1 4 - 1 6 B r i d g e St re e t , St He l e n s , WA 1 0 1 N R 01744 26551 w w w. t y re r s . c om

01695 627 999

we make it our business to help yours

www.locallife247.co.uk

Handy Home We’ll fix a leaky tap or install a new kitchen or bathroom or anything in between! Call Tony on

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Advertise your business in this section for £37 + VAT a month

Does your home need a facelift?

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Fascias & Gutters

we make it our business to help yours

ARLEY FITTED KITCHENS & BEDROOMS • Manufacturers & Fitters of built-in Bedroom & Kitchen Furniture • Bathroom Units • Replacement Tops & Doors Visit or ring showroom to arrange for FREE estimates

Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd 214a Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7BN Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm Sat: 9am - 12pm

www.arleycabinets.co.uk tel: 01942 246190

Building services Joinery Specialists

For a free quote to replace your; Windows & Doors Conservatories Call Paul at PH Profiles now!

01942 226677 / 07841 923230 www.phprofiles.co.uk

LOCAL, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL AND HONEST • Conservatories & Orangeries • Extensions • Refurbishments & Alterations • Fencing & Decking

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Call Phil - 01257 425997 or 07703 007675 76

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Based in Newburgh

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K Stone Building Services All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience

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07725 909 257

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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

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Call Alice or Neil on 01942 740232 or 07810 753062

Lady Decorator

Professional Interior Decorating Service Reduced rates for Pensioners Clean, tidy and conscientious Tel: 01942 366996 or 07962 422856

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Painter & Decorator Established 1990

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Fix my conservatory!

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Call Mark now for a free quote

01942 737381 (office) 07763 151720 (direct)

e-mail: conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com

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Orangeries Orangeries & & Home Home Extensions Extensions • Bespoke designs to suit your home • Full Installation from design to lanscaping • All our highly skilled tradesmen employed by us • Over 45 years of experience N0 quibble insurance backed

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USE YOUR CONSERVATORY IN COMFORT 365 DAYS A YEAR Install revolutionary NEW replacement conservatory roofing

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Foundrygate

CALL TODAY FOR FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

for a more MAJESTIC way of living

Freephone: 0800 0853 987

Part of the Foundrygate Group

SHOWROOM/HEAD OFFICE/FACTORY: 95 Newton Rd, Billinge, Wigan WN5 7LB

Puzzle Corner - Solutions Wordsearch Phrase O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by

The picture is of the Boars Head, Standish

RTHGATE Vehicle Hire

Van hire ÂŁ25 per day from

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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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