Wigancourieronlinejan27th16

Aqua Bathrooms celebrate 10Years in business See page 8

Courier The WIGAN

No vote, no voice email: info@courier-online.net

FROM bin collections to adoption and support for the elderly, voting at the ballot box can have a huge impact on these important topics.

This May Wigan Borough will go to the polls to choose Wigan Council councillors.

We will transfer: Your LP collection to CD Your special videos to DVD Your old Cine films to DVD Standish Video & DVD 26a High Street, Standish 01257 426937 / 07774 775877

To make sure your vote counts at the ballot box you need to register to vote by Monday 18th April 2016.

Not being registered could also have an impact on someone’s ability to get credit and people may mistakenly think that paying council tax means they are registered. This is not the case.

Those who have moved recently should also check to see if they are registered at their new address.

It is quick and easy to register and can be done online here: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

You can also update your details online such as if you have changed your name in the last year.

And any 16 or 17 year olds should be included on the register as once they turn 18 they will be eligible to vote.

Don’t forget you can also decide

La Mama Cafe

whether you want to apply for a postal vote or for someone to vote by proxy on your behalf.

Councillor Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for customer transformation, said: “Getting involved in democracy is a vital part of The Deal and we ask you to have your say on the issues that matter to you.

Every vote counts so don’t take the risk of losing your chance to make your voice heard in the local elections on Thursday 5th May. “Check you are registered to vote and that your details are correct on the electoral roll before the deadline, otherwise it will be too late.”

The deadline to register to vote is Monday 18th April 2016; postal votes must be registered by 5pm on Tuesday 19th April 2016 and proxy voting applications must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 26th April 2016 For more information or for help e-mail elections@wigan.gov.uk or call 01942 827168.

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The Good News Paper

January 27th 2016

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Issue no 266

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The Brick’s Tin Sculpture Challenge Is Back

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Courier

WIGAN Borough’s biggest and brightest charity competition is back and this year, The Brick’s Tin Sculpture Challenge promises to be bigger and better than before.

The fun competition asks children and young people from schools, youth groups and organisations to get building and create their very own metallic masterpieces entirely from tins of food.

The winning entries, voted for by the public, will get some great prizes. The grand prize is £1,000 donated by Wigan-based company Houses for Homes. All the tins of food used to make the statues will be handed over to The Brick’s Food Bank to help support people in crisis.

Last year, 17 schools and youth groups rose to the challenge and created a range of fantastic models include robots, tin-men, Minions and castles.

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The overall winners were Winstanley CP Primary’s impressive Give Hunger The Boot model and Wigan Youth Zone’s Heinz 57 Tin Man. More than 4,000 people voted in the competition.

As well as cash prizes, runners-up will receive special coaching days, match tickets and player appearances from the Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic.

The Brick’s Supports Services Manager Louise Green, said: “We’re delighted that our Tin Sculpture Challenge is back for another year. We had a great response last year and we’re hoping for even more entries this time.”

“Once again the competition has received fantastic support from our partners Houses for Homes, Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic and we’ve got some great prizes to give away.”

The Tin Sculpture Challenge also carries a serious message about issues such as homelessness and people and families facing financial hardship.

Each week The Brick delivers more than 150 food

parcels to people and families across Wigan Borough. It relies on donations from businesses and members of the public. Tins of food are ideal for the food bank because they stay fresh for longer.

Last year’s competition netted the food bank thousands of tins that were distributed to people who need them most.

Louise added: “Our food bank is well supported but there are certain times of the year when we cannot meet the demand, such as the summer

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months and school holidays. It is difficult to believe that children and families in Wigan go hungry but the truth is that some people simply don’t have the means to feed themselves and their children.”

“We are committed to ending the cycle of poverty and ensuring no child in our borough goes hungry.

That is why our Tin Sculpture Challenge is so important.”

Entering the competition is easy - all you have to do is

collect your tins and get building. Then send a photograph of your finished masterpiece to The Brick’s Food Bank Co-ordinator Daniel Pollard at: daniel@thebrick.org.uk The closing date for entries is Friday, April 29th 2016.

All the photos will be posted on The Brick’s Facebook site: www.facebook.com/TheBrick Wigan/ where they will be voted for by the public. The winners will be announced later in the year.

Louise said: “We want as many entries as possible and the wilder and more imaginative they are the better, so go for it and get building!

By supporting our you are competition supporting people in need in our borough and helping The Brick to banish hunger.”

• For more information about the work of The Brick go to: www.thebrick.org.uk Our picture shows one of last year’s winning entries from Winstanley CP Primary School

Future Medics at Wrightington Hospital

ST JOHN Rigby College’s Future Medics students were extremely excited to begin their 9-week work experience placement at Wrightington Hospital on 12 January.

Wrightington Hospital is a Centre of Orthopaedic Excellence and the College has been extremely fortunate to secure this partnership, which will support our Future Medics in their applications to study Medicine at university.

The placement allows our Future Medics students to observe operations in theatre, assist in wards and gain an understanding of the wide range of roles health professionals occupy within the NHS. Although early in the placement,

our students are already recognising the benefits of this opportunity.

Future Medic Georgia Hanson said, ‘The staff are wonderful, they took the time on the recovery ward to show me how to take a patient’s observations.”

She went on to say “This placement will allow me to experience the reality of working in medicine and give me an advantage in my university application.”

Molly Yates, also on the programme, described her first week of hands-on experience, “Working with the porter has given me a wider perspective of the NHS and I can see the importance of all of the roles within the hospital to the patient experience.”

We wish our Future Medics the best of luck as they continue to develop their skills in their chosen profession.

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WIGAN

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Royal British Legion, Standish

Meet 2nd Tuesday of each month, at Standish Unity Club, Cross Street, Standish, 7.30 pm.

All ex-service personnel are very welcome.

Wigan Rambling and Climbing Club

Standish Methodist Thursday event

The club hold social nights every Tuesday at 8.15 pm at Wigan Cricket Club, Bull Hey, Parsons Walk, Wigan.

Shevington Reading Group

Wigan Floral Art Club meet on the third Wednesday of the month at St Michael’s Church Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan.

Why not go along to the Standish Methodist Church, High Street, Standish for a chat and cup of tea, coffee, cake and crumpets. Its all free and a good way to get to meet other people from the community.

The group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, from 12 Noon till 1.00 pm.

For more details call at Shevington Library or ring 01257 252618.

Aspull and Haigh W.I.

The group meet on the 2nd Monday of each month at St Elizabeth’s Church Hall, Bolton Road, Aspull New members welcome - more details from 01942 831413.

Wigan Musical Theatre

Meet Monday evenings; new members always welcome, on stage or backstage, with scenery, lighting etc.

For more details ring 01942 204461.

Standish Probus Club

Meet 2nd Tuesday of each month at Ashfield House, Ashfield Park Drive, Standish.

From 10.30 am to 12 noon. New members welcome; for more information call 01257 424994.

New members welcome. Contact Jill Shilladay on 01257 421926.

Making arrangements

All arrangements done by qualified demonstrators.

Sing the movies

Orrell Music & Dramatic Society is on the lookout for new members to the group for its next musical production, which is a concert based on songs from the movies.

Rehearsals are every Wednesday at Salem Church Hall, Church Street, Orrell starting 7.45 pm.

More details from Carol on 01695 622713.

Thursday club

Every Thursday From 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm. St Marie’s Church Hall Standish; contact Bernie.

Looking for new members age 60 and over for a chat, games of dominoes and bingo.

Sewing circle

Every Thursday between 2.00 pm & 4.00 pm, at St Luke’s Church, Orrell.

For anyone interested in sewing, knitting, crotchet, embroidery. More details from Sybil 01695 632202.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Whats on

Standish Methodist new groups

AS well as Thursday morning coffee mornings at the Methodist Church Hall between 10.30 am and 12 Noon there are now new groups .

On Thursday afternoons the 'Happy Circle' will meet between 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. This is a small informal group who meet for a chat over a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake. The cost of this is £2.00 and this includes refreshments.

Also on Thursday afternoon between 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. at a cost of £3.00 will be 'Dancing for beginners'. This is great fun and a form of gentle exercise and no partner is needed. The main aim of the groups is to bring people together.

The Monday luncheon club kicks of the new year with the two course cooked meal which is £4.00. This is held on the first Monday of every month and the next dates are March 7th, April 4th and May 9th (2nd Monday due to Bank Holiday).

Please call Kathryn on 01257 423947 to make a reservation.

The Church recognises that their are many in our community who feel lonely and isolated, particularly the infirm and elderly.

Quite often the isolation can lead to anxiety and depression and we want to provide an opportunity for them to meet new people, in the hope that new friendships can be formed.

Everyone is welcome so please come along!

Friends of Standish library events

ON Thursday 17th March at 6.30 p.m. a chocolate making session with Gill Ebsworth from Chocolate Velvet in Manchester will take place at the library in Cross Street, Standish.

The cost is £15 per head, but everyone makes and decorates their own chocolates and takes them home in time for Easter.

On Thursday 14th April at 2 p.m. Betty Hayhurst will be giving a talk on antiques.

She has over 35 years of experience in the field and specialises in silver, porcelain, pottery and glass.

Bring along your family heirlooms for an expert opinion! This costs only £3.

Thursday 19th May at 7 p.m. there will be a talk about bee-keeping and honey and bee products entitled "Beehive Power". This event also

Association raise funds to provide festive hampers

Valentines tea dance

THE Standish Community Centre which is situated in Moody Street, Standish are holding a Valentines Tea Dance on Friday February 12th between 1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.

There will be tea, coffee and cakes served and a Chocolate and Fizz raffle prize to be won.

Everyone welcome!

DURING December, the Pemberton Community Association took Santa on his sleigh to meet local children.

As well as giving out sweets the community Association collected on the streets and the funds raised will be used to provide hampers this Christmas.

The Association raised £315 and would like to thank the residents of Worsley Hall, Norley Hall, Hawkley Hall, Orrell (Sandy Lane / Tracks Lane) and Pemberton/Badgers Wood/Redwood estate.

Highfield boys brigade also received a donation from the group to help with their projects.

costs only £3.

All events are supported by the Friends of Standish Library who provide free refreshments and a friendly welcome.

To book a place for one of the events contact Standish library on 01257 400496 or email Standish.Library@wigan .gov.uk.

If you want your special occasion to appear in the Wigan Courier call

Michelle Hafez on 01257 400026 for more details

FROM £28.00 Plus VAT

also Deaths, Best wishes and Special Days etc

Support for local community group

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Phil Lloyd and Mark Johnson are the proprietors of businesses in Pemberton who have constantly supported a local community group.

Phil Lloyd is the proprietor of P A Decorating Lloyd Services, who started out with his own decorating business when he was in his twenties, providing a professional, first class service to not only residential and business, but also undertaking council projects.

Over the years the business has grown considerably to include play area graphics and ball court markings and refurbishing parks.

More recently, Phil and his team have carried out work for the Pemberton

Courier

Community Association, which includes sleigh taking care of the memorial soldier statue in the Pemberton Memorial Garden and also the memorial bench in St John the Divine church yard in Pemberton.

Phil has also sponsored the Christmas sleigh.

Phil said "The sleigh this year was very successful, and thanks to the dedicated volunteers of the Pemberton Community Association will continue to visit local children for many years to come, I hope more people will support and join them this year".

The scope of work for Phil is varied and sometimes very demanding, but also rewarding and always completed with a job well done.

Mark Johnson and Ken Fairclough are joint partners of Fairclough Accident Claim Solicitors based in

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Pippa who wrote the ‘Winnie the Witch books’ (under the name of Laura Owen’) is the popular childrens writer and has many books to her credit.

The children from Y2 spent the morning listening to Pippa read

books and sharing her writing experiences with them. She spoke about where ideas came from and how to shape the ideas into stories and then how the books are made.

r u o y Book

WINTER CHECK Before the big freeze!

With our FREE Winter check

Pemberton and Golborne with a new office in Newton le Willows.

Although his Pemberton branch has only been opened just over a year, Mark has sponsored local events for the Pemberton Community Association.

This year his company pledged support to sponsor the Christmas Sleigh. Mark said "It's great supporting local people and giving

Author visits Wood Fold

AUTHOR Pippa Goodhart spent the day at Wood Fold Primary School on Green Lane, Standish earlier this month.

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They were then invited to a question and answer time with Pippa when the children asked various questions that they had though up themselves.

The children then set about putting their own ideas into a new story which Pippa guided them through.

Later in the after the children had the chance to buy a book and have it personally signed.

Our pictures show Miss Davies’ Y2D class and Miss Cartwright’s Y2C with Pippa Goodhart and some of the Winnie the Witch books.

something back to the community, it's a pleasure supporting the sleigh, the volunteers work really hard at Christmas to ensure as many children as possible see Santa and r e c e i v e sweets.Christmas is a magical time for children".

A spokesperson for the Association said, "We cant thank Phil and Mark enough for their generosity, with their support the sleigh can be maintained and continue for many years to come".

Our pictures show Steve Cartwright from Fairclough Solicitors and Phil Lloyd.

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Starlight pantomime brings sparkle to Rainbow Ward Courier

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Twice a year, once in summer and once at Christmas, staff at WWL’s Rainbow Ward arrange with the charity for a p a n t o m i m e performance to be put on for the children.

CHILDREN at Wigan Infirmary’s Rainbow Ward were treated to a

fun morning of entertainment, courtesy of a p a n t o m i m e

production of “ A l a d d i n ” , provided by the Starlight Children’s

Starlight, a national children’s charity, organises the pantomimes in association with “The Panto Company”. The aim is to provide a distraction for ill children, by cheering them up and making them laugh.

As well as inviting children staying on the ward, staff also invited previous patients along to experience the fun.

Therapython success!

THE Beauty Room which is on Preston Road, Standish recently held a 'Therapython' to raise money for the 'Sam Buxton Sunflower Healing Trust'.

The Charity supports cancer patients and their families by providing funds to employ Complementary Therapists (Healers) in the NHS and Hospice.

The event took place with six therapists providing treatments including reflexology, reiki, crystal therapy, head massage and hot stone back massage.

The event raised a staggering £573.00 through treatments and donations from clients of the Beauty Room.

The Beauty Room is also a training academy and offers numerous courses.

You can ring for more details on all the courses and treatments on 07798 583066.

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These included children who were once long-time patients on the ward, or who have been in and out of hospital for a prolonged period of time.

Staff members were also able to bring their children along to join in.

Those in attendance were treated to a lively performance, full of colourful costumes and traditional “panto” fayre.

The actors brought smiles to the children’s faces with their cheerful brand of family entertainment.

Diane Swindlehurst, Head of Nursing for Children’s and Midwifery Services at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust said: “As a Trust we would like to express our huge thanks to Starlight for providing a tremendous show for the

children on our ward” “Being in hospital is a stressful time for a child, and their family, so we welcome any opportunity to take their minds off it by providing some joy and laughter during their time here.”

Our picture shows the cast of Aladdin ready to perform for the Rainbow Ward.

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A staggering amount raised for Hospice

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CONTRACTORS and partners of Wigan and Leigh Homes have smashed its original fundraising target of £5,000 and have raised a staggering £11,696 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

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New Standish gateway unveiled

BRAVING the snow are the Standish Community Forum members unveiling the third Standish Gateway marker stone, which the Forum is installing on all approaches to Standish.

The latest marker is on Preston Road at the Coppull boundary following others recently installed on Rectory Lane and Almond Brook Road.

Special thanks go to local election candidate, Ray Whittingham (right) who project managed the build after raising the necessary funding to complete the project.

Ray said: "By working in collaboration with Wigan Council and local businesses we have successfully built three of these markers which people hopefully feel provide an attractive welcome to our village. We are hoping we can raise the necessary funding to see a fourth installed on the Wigan approach to Standish".

"I have identified up to £14,000 of funding which is currently being unused by our local councillors, which is there for the benefit of community groups and sports clubs."

Anybody wanting more information about accessing it can contact me at ray4standish@outlook.com Our picture show Ray Whittingham (right) with members of the Standish Community Forum at the unveiling of the third Gateway.

Make the most of your smallest room Visit our showroom for more information

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The housing organisation planned a series of events and activities to raise money in memory of Housing Options Officer and much loved friend Melanie Cochrane, who passed away last year.

Contractors A. Connolly Ltd, Rothwell Plumbling Services, Mears, Procare Ltd, Baas Construction Ltd, Hughes Brothers Building and Joinery Ltd Keepmoat Ltd and Vinci Construction all joined forces to raise the money over the last few months.

Wigan and Leigh Homes’ bake-off competition was a huge success with a total of 30 entries for two categories – the best tasting and best looking cakes. A team of 35 from across the partnership took on the Wigan 10k and 26 people, including 13 children, donned white t-shirts and got covered head to toe in colourful paint for the Hospice

Colour Run at Leyland Park in Hindley.

Janice Barton, Chief Executive of Wigan and Leigh Homes, said: “Each year staff choose a different local charity to support. Last year, following the death of one of our colleagues and good friends, it was felt that Wigan and Leigh Hospice was a highly suitable choice for our charity of 2015. I am pleased to say that our partner contractors have also supported us to raise money for this great cause. Thank you to everyone who got involved or donated.”

Katie Stevenson, Community Fundraiser at Wigan and Leigh Hospice, said: “Congratulations to Wigan and Leigh Homes and their partners and contractors for raising such a fantastic amount of money.

We are very grateful to everyone who supported them. This money will make a significant difference to Hospice patients across the borough.”

Pictured: Trevor Smith, Group Manager at Wigan and Leigh Homes, presents a cheque to (l-r): Angela Wright, Ward Sister; Alison Roberts, Hospice Nurse Specialist; and Dr Alan Baron, Chief Executive at Wigan and Leigh Hospice, in the presence of all their contractors and partners.

Aqua Bathrooms celebrate 10 Years in business Aqua.....your one stop Bathroom showroom

AQUA Bathrooms are celebrating 10 years of creating dreams...

Since launching in February 2006, owners Sue and Andy Taylor have taken Aqua Bathrooms from strength to strength to become one of the North West’s premier bathroom showroom and bathroom installers with innovative designs and high quality finishing.

They can offer you some of the best quality bathroom products available from some of Europes top manufacturers.

Aqua specialise in the design, supply and installation of bespoke bathrooms, wet rooms and cloakrooms that meet the day to day requirements and aspirations of all their customers.

Why not visit their bathroom and kitchen showroom and browse the stunning range on offer.

The displays are all within lifestyle settings and fully tiled.

Aqua supply and install a full range of porcelain, ceramic, mosaic and stone tiles.

Their in-house 3D computer design system uses the images of the products they supply; this allows you to design and see your virtual bathroom and get the layout, décor and light just right before embarking upon your remodelling.

Aqua can offer you supply only or full installation by their in house team of qualified plumbers, tilers, plasterers and electricians, the installation team is fully project managed by themselves, this gives you just one point of contact and peace of mind that your home is in safe hands.

The team at Aqua is also fully insured.

Aqua also run an apprenticeship scheme for local school leavers looking for a career within the plumbing and construction industry.

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A big ‘Thank you’ to staff who showed true community spirit during floods

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MORE than 100 staff who worked over Christmas in Wigan Borough during the floods have been thanked by the leader for their efforts.

Displaying true community spirit, many staff, who are also residents, came in and helped out on their days off to support local people and colleagues who were on call.

The waste crews did 12 hour shifts helping residents to clean up their properties. Dave Lyons and Andrea Yates from the waste service travelled across the borough to visit every property that was flooded. Dave said: “We were taking away people’s damaged household goods. We also deployed Valentines Day February 14th resources to where it was most needed and our crews did 12 and 13 hour shifts. For many residents we were the first people who had they spoke to and had come out to their property so they were grateful to Flowers for every occasion see us.”

Specialising in a full range of floristry for delivery over a wide area.

Many highways officers did 22 hour shifts on the Hospitals covered include Wrightington ground. Brendan Barr was delivering sandbags to General Hospital and Wigan Infirmary. affected areas in Leigh. He said: “We all mucked in and people realised we were doing our best.”

OPENING TIMES Mon-Tue: 10 am - 5:30 pm, Wed: 10 am - 2 pm, Wayne Reid from highways worked round the Thu-Fri: 10 am - 5:30 pm, Sat: 10 am - 4 pm clock since getting a call at 6.30am. He said: “We all just clubbed together.”

443 Gidlow Lane, Beech Hill, Wigan, WN6 7PN Geoff Wooding from the council’s central watch Telephone: 01942 247355 team said they took close to 2,000 calls on Boxing www.hannahsimonsflowers.com Day alone.

He explained: “We started with three members of staff in the office and there were 10 by the end of the day. It was manic. Every time you put the phone down it rang again. Everybody just pulled together and the highways team were SHEVINGTON fantastic.”

SHEVINGTON Lesley O’Halloran is NEW MORNING GROUPOPEN OPEN NEW MORNING GROUP the assistant director for Tuesdays at 9.30 a.m. customer services and Shevington Methodist Church, Gathurst Lane, Shevington was the senior duty also other groups here on Tuesdays at 3.30, 5.00 and 7.00 p.m. officer on call. Lesley was working with the STANDISH central watch team as Standish High School, International Language Centre reports were coming in Groups on Wednesdays at 5.30 and 7.00 p.m. thick and fast. She said: Contact Barbara on 01695 731343 “I couldn’t pick anyone out, everyone who supported me was fantastic. For me it was an absolute privilege to see how the council and community worked on that day.”

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It was a real partner response on the day with Wigan and Leigh Homes also involved making sure their tenants were kept informed. Chief executive Janice Barton and a team of WALH staff leafleted flats and homes and knocked on doors to check people were ok.

Professor Kate Ardern, the borough’s Director of Public Health, was also one of the senior leaders coordinating the wider Greater Manchester response and has described Wigan Council staff as showing “the very best of public service”.

She said: “The home of one of our rest centre staff was flooded and she still came in to help. The staff were magnificent, they were calm, collected whilst having to respond rapidly to a very fast moving Major Incident.

“The priorities were saving lives and saving infrastructure and that’s what we were doing. For example one key thing for us was prioritising Platt Bridge sub-station because we were seeing substations go down in other parts of Greater Manchester and we knew what the impact of that would be.”

The leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, gathered over 100 staff from many departments including environment, highways, waste, central watch, Public Health, Wigan and Leigh Homes and many more, to say thank you for going above and beyond duty.

While speaking to staff Lord Peter Smith said: “It was amazing how people rallied round, we really appreciate it.

What we do as a council is not just nine to five, it’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and the emergency’s come when you are least expecting them.

You responded fantastically and we thank you for that.

“The response reinforced to me that we are one

team and our sole objective is to serve the people of the borough. It’s all down to the work you did.”

Officers are still dealing with the aftermath of the floods and are now focusing on the recovery stage.

An emergency grant of £500 is available for households affected, to apply visit www.wigan.gov.uk/floodadvice Pictures attached show the teams involved with the leader, Lord Peter Smith, and Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Susan Loudon.

Poetry by Heart heat winner

SIX English Literature students from St John Rigby College bravely entered the College’s heat of the national Poetry by Heart competition.

They were required to memorise and recite two poems, one published before 1914 and one in or after 1914, in front of a panel of judges and an audience.

Last year’s winner - and SJR legend - Eva Curless was a member of the panel and also performed one of her own fantastic pieces.

English Tutor, Toby Lynch, who organized the recital said, “They all did fantastically well: the choice of poems was wonderfully diverse and the performances demonstrated genuine and sophisticated understanding.

"The winner was Jessica Mason, who now goes through to the regional finals in Manchester on Saturday 30 January. All the competitors: Ryan McCracken, Jessica Bimson, Gemma Parkinson, Jessica Drew and Lydia Smith also deserve the heartiest of

congratulations for their superb efforts.

“This was the second time we have run the competition and it really is going from

strength to strength. After two successful years, we can confidently say it will become an SJR tradition!”

11

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Revamp for the Rav4 TEL: 01257 400026 to advertise in the motors section

T O Y O T A ’ S VENERABLE RAV4 has been revamped for 2016, and the range now includes a petrol-electric model.

We tested the hybrid SUV, but what’s life like with a more conventional diesel?

The brand has chucked out the gruff old 2.2-litre D-4D engine and bumped up the power of the existing 2.0-litre diesel from 124bhp to 141bhp.

It’s not much, but it’s enough to match the 2.2’s 0-62mph sprint time of 9.6 seconds.

The engine has adequate low-down grunt; it just never feels fast. Revving doesn’t add

much pace and it becomes vocal.

It’s better at a cruise, but a Mazda CX-5 diesel is a lot more refined, smoother and quicker. At least the Toyota’s official economy figure of 60.1mpg is competitive – and over 10mpg better than the 2.2-litre’s.

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drive. Although the ride is firm in town, there’s plenty of grip and body roll is kept in check. It’s capable enough, but a CX-5 is more involving and a Renault Kadjar more cosseting. Wind noise is noticeable at motorway speeds, too.

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However, it’s best described as ‘functional’ inside; while everything is solid to the touch, it’s dark and uninspiring to look at. Our mid-spec

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A suggested donation of £10 per Bible has been made. A dedication can be written in the front of the bible giving a ’name’.

style, music, food, worship, games, themes etc. Come and try it out - everyone made welcome JAM 10-14’s Youth Club meets Wednesdays 6.308.30pm at All Saints’ church. All welcome. We also need leaders to come and get to know the children must be willing to submit to statutory checks etc.

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Church for Kids (CFK) (previously Junior Church) meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays each month. Your contact is Cath Rainford on 01257 251002.

There is a children’s area at the back of the church for the use of parents with young children in every service.

Students grill top health professional

PRESIDENT of the UK Faculty of Public Health, Professor John Ashton, visited Winstanley College to speak to students about his fascinating career.

Professor Ashton is one of the country’s foremost authorities on public health matters. He was one of the initiators of the World Health Organisation's Healthy Cities Project from 198688, during which time it went from being a European project to a global movement.

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including a syringe exchange and the Liverpool teenage pregnancy rate reduction program. Prof Ashton is also well-known for his forthright views on obesity, alcohol and regional variations in life expectancy.

Students listened intently as he described some of the high profile issues and cases he has been involved in; they were then given the chance to ask questions, choosing topical issues, such as the Sugar Tax, obesity and electronic cigarettes.

Our picture shows Winstanley College students with Professor John Ashton

St John Rigby’s dancers dazzle He is also a pioneer of public health initiatives

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ST JOHN Rigby College’s Dance students were proud to represent the College at Up Holland High School’s annual Dance Festival.

This year’s theme was ‘Legends’ which inspired the performers to choreograph routines to a range of well known classic and modern musical hits; from Dolly Parton to Michael Jackson, The Spice Girls and Beyoncé, there was a routine to cater to all musical tastes.

Performers varied in age from primary school pupils up to high school and sixth form college students, which made for a diverse evening of entertainment complete with musical interludes from Up Holland High School’s talented singers.

St John Rigby College’s first performance came from the Year 13 Dance group to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’.

The students choreographed a unique routine which was inspired by Michael Jackson’s famous music video.

Dance teacher, Rebecca McDonald, proudly said, “They have worked extremely hard to draw from the iconic movements to create a

routine that is completely original.”

And original it certainly was, as the group took to the stage in ghoulish costume complete with grave stone props that they had hand made themselves. The performance was an electrifying thrill ride of daring lifts and aweinspiring tricks.

Next up were the Year 12 group who said, “We were so nervous!

This was our first performance so we really wanted to get it right.”

The group had nothing to worry about and showed no signs of nervousness once they were beneath the spotlights. The students chose to perform to Bill Haley and His Comets’ classic hit ‘Rock

Around the Clock’, with the audience clapping along to a high energy and uplifting display of perfectly synchronised movements.

After the show, Rebecca McDonald said, “I’m so proud of them for putting on such a professional show and we are really grateful to Up Holland High School for giving our students the opportunity to showcase their talents.”

St John Rigby College would like to say congratulations to all involved in this festival and thanks once again to the staff and students of Up Holland High School for allowing us to be a part of such a spectacular event.

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Rugby Union Roundup

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Courier SPORT

Wigan 18 New Brighton 13

Wigan gained somemuch needed 'breathing space' in their battle to avoid relegation from South Lancashire/Cheshire One as they shaded New Brighton 18-13 at Douglas Valley , a result that has taken them 12 points above the relegation zone.

Trailing 0-7 early on Wigan reduced the deficit with a try from Josh Beever who pounced on a botched clearance in the in-goal area.

Unfortunately New Brighton extended their lead with penalties either side of the break but in the second period Wigan fought back with tries

by Jon Blan and Wayne Bullough before Andy Whittle sealed the victory with a late penalty.

Aspull 62 Ormskirk 3rds 5

Aspull returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over Ormskirk 3rd and maintained their position at the top of Intermediate Three North.

The pack played well giving the backs plenty of good ball and there were some outstanding tries from Ian Robertson who went in for two, Chad Boyce, John Silcock, Joel Prescott, Tom Johnson, Craig Smith, Andy Hair, Aidan Clark and Kieron Ford who also slotted six conversions.

This was a creditable performance in poor conditions. Smith and Clark were the pick of the backs with prop Alan Martin man of the match.

Orrell 16 Ormskirk 23

Not the best of days for Orrell in their first game for eight weeks going down 16-23 at home to Ormskirk in Lancashire (North) despite the introduction of former 'league' star Martin Gleeson.

From the kick off Orrell had Ormskirk under pressure resulting a penalty from Scott Robinson.

Ormskirk replied in kind with a second affording them the lead but Robinson levelled matters with his second shot at goal and added a third for a 9-6 advantage but with hooker Jon Pegg yellow carded the visitors to cross for the opening try for 9-11 at the interval.

Although Orrell were back to full strength at the beginning of the second half, they were again down to 14 within minutes when forward Andy Stott was yellow carded. However minutes later Ormskirk also lost a player to the sin bin.

Orrell picked up their game and after a series of drives, Max Huxley forced his way over, Robinson adding the conversion.

With both back to full strength Ormskirk again attacked and although initially held over the line the visitors eventually penetrated Orrell's defence to level at 16 points each.

Orrell's handling and retention had been poor at times and with 5 minutes remaining Ormskirk mounted an attack down the right for what proved the crucial try, the conversion sealing the win.

Altrincham Kersal 19 Leigh 27

After a second win of the season for Leigh in North One West the Round Ash Park club are hoping this will provide the platform for a better second half to their season

'AK' were first to score when ex-Leigh No8 Jonny Bishop was driven over for a try.

As Leigh began to get the upper hand Tom Baker scored from a driving maul. Elliott Ryan levelled matters with the conversion before Leigh took the lead with a try from Sean McDonald running onto a peach of a pass from Ryan McKinstry again converted by Ryan.

Leigh continued to dominate in the second half and were rewarded with another penalty by Ryan.

With Leigh now 'on a roll' David Wood, dropped off Matt Newton, to rampage his way over for a third, Ryan slotting the extras A further penalty from Ryan gave Leigh a 20 point advantage but 'AK' hit back with a converted try from a driving maul and added a third after engineering an overlap on the right.

This was a thoroughly deserved victory for Leigh who all worked themselves to a standstill and produced some exhilarating rugby along the way.

This victory leaves Leigh second from the bottom of the League four points clear of fellow strugglers, Widnes.

Orrell St.James 31 Orrell 2nd 0

Orrell St.James maintain their position second in Intermediate 5 North with a bonus try win over local rivals Orrell 2nd at Banks Avenue

Other results

Fylde 3rd 36 Wigan 2nd 24 - Bolton 4th 21 Aspull 2nd 7

IT SEEMS to me that there are as many viewpoints on the usefulness of preseason friendlies as there are fans on the terraces.

There can surely be no doubt that you need pre-season rugby. Some kind of warm-up is necessary. You can’t go straight into the blood and thunder of Super League from cold. But it’s after that where the arguments start.

Do you, for example, play your first team to toughen them up and get them ready for the real action? Or do you just play the spine of your first team and bring a few of the younger guys in around the edges, so you can use these fixtures as extra training games – in effect run through some moves and at the same time blood a few new faces? Or do you just fill the team with newbies, mainly to see what they can do but also to avoid injuring any of your key personnel?

Myself, I think all of these approaches have value. But the one Wigan usually seem to opt for – which comes somewhere around the middle of that list – surely has the most.

I’ve never seen the point in playing your entire first team in a friendly. Most often, these square-ups take place during the worst weather conditions of the year – it was snowing and bitterly cold at Leigh a couple of weeks ago – and players are not always completely limber at this stage anyway. There are certainly none of them who are match-fit, so the chances of suffering injuries are real – as Wigan discovered at Salford last weekend, when George Williams had to go off in the first half after taking a knock.

So you don’t want to put everyone at risk. By the same token, Wigan have a lot of young players in need of match action.

Chairman Ian Lenagan recently described the current reserves/dual registration situation in the game as ‘a shambles’.

Others have concurred, pointing out that there simply aren’t enough fixtures at that age-level.

So, given that many of Wigan’s young starlets, a significant number of whom could now on the cusp of first team selection, are seriously in need of game time, the pre-season programme is

vital.

But if this is your hardheaded approach to playing ‘friendly’ rugby league, how do you respond when, purely in terms of results, it turns out to be a bit of a disaster?

Again, I think there will be different opinions on this.

No-one was embarrassed at Leigh a couple of weeks ago, when a Wigan team crammed with kids braved a bear-pit atmosphere, came up against a strong Leigh side and toughed out a narrow 26-20 defeat.

Make no mistake; that was a commendable effort.

The 6-10 victory lover London Skolars a few days later was perhaps less so.

The Skolars are way off Wigan standard, and it might be argued that the Warriors should have topped and tailed them easily. But that said, this was a Wigan Select XIII and it bore almost no resemblance to the Wigan first team.

But Wigan’s 32-16 defeat at Salford last weekend was a tougher pill to swallow.

This was the first time in 2016 that Wigan have encountered Super League opponents, most of whose shirts were filled by firstteamers and who, on the day, looked like a very well-oiled machine. There were several Wigan firstteamers on show too, though not as many. But the Cherry and Whites were still cruising towards a heavy defeat, losing 32-0 at one stage, though they managed to claw back some respectability late in the second half with three snap tries (not that I think the Wigan training staff would have been overly impressed by that).

Head coach Shaun Wane, as always, was courteous and discrete in his response, saying of Wigan that they seemed to lack energy but expressing confidence that they’d still be ready for the start of the season.

My personal opinion is that, while from a Wigan perspective, this year’s pre-season was hardly as lamentable as last year’s, when I thought there was much less effort on view, I am a little bit disconcerted.

Wigan didn’t go abroad to a warm weather training camp during this last offseason, but instead went into a military camp in North Yorkshire, the general feeling seeming to be that the 2014/15 warm weather training failed to prep the Wigan players fully for the physically

demanding challenges of top-level Super League.

Of course, if that was the state of the Wigan coaching staff’s mind at the start of this year, I’d have expected them to be looking for a much more dominant pre-season too, something they could build on, something that would pitch the players headlong into the coming fray.

There are certain popular phrases: ‘It’s better to hit the ground running,’ and ‘Losing can become a habit’, which you ignore in professional sport at your peril.

That said, friendlies are still only friendlies, and Wigan will definitely be in a different frame of mind when the real thing kicks off. And how could they not be when their first clutch of fixtures are

Wigan Warriors Views on preseason friendlies among the most intimidating I’ve seen in quite a while?

They meet Catalan Dragons at home on Friday, February 5, the Dragons now reinforced by such star turns as Jodie Broughton, Richie Myler, Dave ‘the Coal Train’ Taylor and of course, the one and only Pat Richards (how painful is that going to be for the Wigan faithful?). And then on Friday, February 12 they are away to Huddersfield Giants, which fixture I regard as one of the toughest in the Super League calendar (the results of both these matches will be in the next time we speak, so look out of that column especially – as we’ll then be much better able to assess what’s in front of us).

After that, of course, Saturday, February 19 presents us with a real test of the best. That’s the day Brisbane Broncos role up at the DW as part of the World Club Challenge series. And I surely don’t need to say any more about that one.

It will be absolute crumper, and played out in front of a fully packed house.

So there is no doubt that despite these ‘friendly’ disappointments, Wigan will know they have to hit their straps early.

Of course, if they go on to win these fixtures, it won’t matter a jot what happened at Salford and Leigh on a couple of cold January days in preseason. Intriguing times, as always. And more than a little bit exciting.

16

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Football 4 Forces programme given cash boost

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WIGAN Athletic Community Trust Football Programme for Veterans Given Backing by Ministry of Defence.

An innovative football and health project for ex-servicemen organised by Wigan Athletic Community Trust has received a financial boost for 2016 through a new grant from the Ministry of Defence.

Football 4 Forces provides weekly football activities for working age veterans living in Wigan with the aim to improve their health and help them feel less socially isolated and has been awarded £19,970 from the Ministry of Defence’ s Covenant Fund.

The project, which is also supported by Wigan Borough Clinical Commissioning Group and Wigan Council aims to give 30 participants the chance to train to become qualified football coaches themselves.

Participant Tony Bradshaw, who served in the Army for six years before leaving in 1993, said: “I’ve really enjoyed meeting all the lads who have been through similar experiences and we all got along straight away. The sessions are great and I look forward to attending each week.”

As well as taking part in weekly football sessions, participants get the opportunity to take part in health and lifestyle workshops, become volunteers for the Community Trust, attend Wigan Athletic home games and play football matches against other football clubs and organisations.

Col Phil Harrison, Deputy Commander 42nd Infantry Brigade said: “I am delighted that the Armed Forces have been able to support the Football 4 Forces project through the Covenant Fund.

“The Covenant Fund aims to support projects which create strong local links between the armed forces and civilian communities, have

lasting benefits and are able to demonstrate real impact; it is clear that Football 4 Forces will achieve those aims and I wish the project great success.”

The scheme is also backed by Wigan Borough Clinical Commissioning Group, their Chief Officer Trish Anderson said:” “I am delighted that this project has received MoD funding and that the CCG are able to support it.

“We know that veterans are more likely to suffer from mental health issues and social isolation than the general public due to their unique experiences.

“Projects like this are a great opportunity to reduce those risks and give something positive back to our veterans”.

Football 4 Forces is part of Latics commitment to supporting the armed forces community in Wigan and follows the Club’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, in partnership with Wigan Council, in 2015.

As part of the covenant, the Club agreed to continue to back the Ticket for Troops initiative which provides complimentary match tickets for the armed forces community, support armed forces based charities through match day collections and support employees who have spouses and partners in the armed forces.

Councillor Paul Kenny, lead member for

armed forces in Wigan Borough said: “There are thousands of people in Wigan who have a direct connection with the armed forces and we know that veterans can feel cut off and socially excluded for a variety of reasons.

“By signing the covenant, Wigan Athletic made a powerful statement of support for the armed forces other organisations and businesses in our community can only benefit from.

“The club is a leading organisation in Wigan and their support will be hugely appreciated by the military personnel and their families who live in the area.”

For more information about the Football 4 Forces project please contact Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Men’s Health Co-ordinator Chris Baxter on 01942 488 530 or e-mail c.baxter@wiganathleticct.com.

Our picture shows (l-r) Chris Baxter, Wigan Athletic Community Trust Trish Anderson, Chief Officer, Wigan Borough Clinical Commissioning Group, Tom Flower, Head of Community, Wigan Athletic Community Trust, Col Phil Harrison, Deputy Commander 42nd Infantry Brigade, Cllr David Molyneux, Deputy Leader, Wigan Council, Linda Fisher, Assistant Director, Legal, Wigan Council and Carl Fisher, programme participant

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