Wigan Edition
April 2012
Family Fun at Easter See pages 54-57
Shevington Walk - 4½ mile circular walk
NEW
Then & Now Local scenes revisited
S Win Family Tickets U L P for Farmer Teds! www.locallife247.co.uk
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Bottoms Up! Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB Advertising Sales: 01257 498329 sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: 01257 498329 editorial@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: 01695 627999 accounts@locallife247.co.uk The May issue of Local Life will be published on Thursday 26th April. The copy deadline for this issue is Thursday 12th April. Local Life is published every month. Distribution areas will alternate each month between two separate edition areas; Edition 1 is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Standish, Whitley, Shevington, Appley Bridge, Parbold, Wrightington, Newburgh and Hilldale. Edition 2 is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton. You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life, on or around the first weekend of the month, at Tesco Extra in Wigan or at Sainsbury’s in Marus Bridge. Or you can check out our online publication at www. locallife247.co.uk. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication, including pictures, 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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One of my favourite days of the year happened last Sunday when British Summer Time began! You can keep Valentine’s Day or May Day, and you can definitely keep birthdays (!), because BST Day beats them all. BST Day marks the start of those lighter, brighter and, hopefully, warmer days ahead! If you’re ready to emerge from hibernation, this month’s Local Life is for you; it’s full of things to do over the Easter holiday period, a Jack’s Tracks walk around the picturesque peripheries of Shevington, Standish and Appley Bridge, you can bake some delicious hot cross buns, win tickets to Farmer Teds, and lots more! Next weekend we have Easter to look forward to, and hopefully most of you will take a bit of time off to enjoy some Easter traditions with your families. Try our recipe for home-made hot cross buns on page 24 or for some inspiration on where to go over Easter check out pages 54-57. If you’ve ever wondered about what strange traditions our European neighbours have for Easter, I can enlighten you! In some parts of Germany people save their Christmas trees and burn them in a ceremonial Easter bonfire. In Finland children blacken their faces and go begging in the streets, rather like our Halloween, whilst Latvian children hold egg fights, using decorated eggs. The fights are similar to our conker fights and the egg which cracks first loses. But by far my favourite tradition is one that is prevalent in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. On the morning of Easter Monday the unfortunate women who live in these countries are spanked. Local custom has it that a good spanking on Easter Monday ensures a woman’s beauty and health will be preserved during the following year! I have suggested this to ‘er indoors but she says she’ll have me for assault, so it looks like I’ll have to be happy with a Chocolate Orange instead! See you next time!
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
In this issue 12 1st lesson free at Staves! 13 £10 off all colours at Hair by Vision 17 50% off conservatory Perfect Fit Blinds! 24 Dish of the Month - Hot Cross Buns 28 Good Trader Scheme 40 Then and Now Picture Feature 42 Money and Investment with Prosper 45 Top Tax Tips from CMA 46 Great offer from Orrell Roofline! 48 Got2Go Travel Offers! 54 What’s On 56 The Hunt is On - Easter Feature 58 Jack’s Tracks to Shevington 62 Win Tickets to Farmer Ted’s! 64 Angie’s Garden Diary 66 On the Road – the new Mazda CX-5 68 Motoring Services 70 Home Services 77 Jobs
12 13 17 24 28 40 42 45 46 48 54 56 58 62 64 66 68 70 77 Local Life
Wainhomes return to Standish with two brand new select developments When you have been building homes of character and distinction throughout the North West for over 40 years, you know precisely what people come to expect from buying a new home. Whatever your choice of property, from a stylish one bedroom apartment to a luxurious five bedroom detached house, Wainhomes' buyers can rest assured that quality is inbuilt wherever they look. With its head office operations once primarily based on Bradley Lane Trading Estate, Wainhomes are no strangers to the local area and have experienced success with developing homes in Standish and other Wigan areas over many years. More recently, The Brambles on Primrose Lane and Brookfields off Almond Brook
Road, which both proved to be very popular residential locations.
bedroom family homes, will be coming soon to Almond Brook Road in Standish.
Wainhomes currently have close to thirty developments under various stages of construction, located throughout the North West, including two brand new developments in Standish itself. The recently released 'Bradley Gardens', on Bradley Lane, consists of 3 and 4 bedroom family homes and is already in demand with a number of reservations made off plan. Wainhomes hope to launch a showhome for viewing in May 2012. In addition 'Belmont Grange', comprising nine 4
All Wainhomes properties are constructed to the highest standards with quality integrated in every aspect. The specifications include beautifully fitted kitchens complete with oven package and integrated fridge/freezer. Purchasers will enjoy making their choices from an impressive range of kitchen finishes and Porcelanosa wall tiles to the wet rooms. All properties come with a 10 year NHBC warranty and are constucted in accordance with the latest build regulations. As a
result new homeowners will benefit from extremely high energy efficiency standards. Each of these intimately sized developments are perfectly positioned on the periphery of the town centre but close enough to take advantage of the local amenties Standish has to offer, including an adundance of independent shops and boutiques along with numerous restaurants and local public houses. Residents will also be spoilt with the excellent commuter links, being within close proximity to junction 27 of the M6 and a 10 minute drive to the M61. The location is both ideal and convenient for travel throughout the North West. Sharon Wood, Regional Sales Director of Wainhomes commented "We are extremely excited to be developing new homes again in Standish. Bradley Gardens and Belmont Grange are traditional exclusive developments which will appeal
a range of fantastic deals available, there has never been a better opportunity to choose to purchase a stylish new Wainhome".
to both families and couples looking to move up the property ladder. Careful consideration has been given to the design of the schemes, and the homes that feature, to compliment the location and satisfy local demand for new housing. With
For more information on these featured developments please contact the sales and marketing suite at Brookfields, Almond Brook Road, Standish, where the final few 2 bedroom apartments are also released for sale. The friendly sales executive can be contacted on 01257 427616 Thursday through to Monday, inclusive, 10am to 5pm. Alternatively please contact Wainhomes Head Office, Tuesday and Wednesday, on 01925 859650. Visit www.wainhomes.net for further details and to view other nearby developments in the Wigan area such as the newly lanched and extremely popular 'Badger's Wood' and 'Hurst Farm Mews' in Pemberton.
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New Year, New Premises! The same high-quality service in a new and prominent location For the last 15 years Linda Regan Finance has been providing professional financial services to our many clients from our offices within Regan & Hallworth on Library Street, Wigan. We are delighted to announce that we have invested in new and larger premises on Hallgate in the town centre which we will be occupying from March 2012. We have always prided ourselves on our 100% independence across all areas of financial services but this move also allows us to offer more services to a wider range of customers. We not only provide mortgage and protection advice to clients irrespective of who they may be using to buy or sell their properties, but our specialist Elanor Hill can offer advice on Pensions and Investments to ensure that your money is working for you even in this difficult climate. We offer a truly comprehensive and independent financial services package that will ensure you are in the best position possible for a successful future. So, if you are thinking of buying or selling your property, are a first time buyer, looking at your retirement options or looking for the best place to invest your money, then come and see us and be sure that you will be getting advice that is truly independent.
30 Hallgate, Wigan WN1 1 t: 01942 739999 m: 07590 333880 e: admin@lrfinancenw.co.uk w: www.lrfinancenw.co.uk Independent Financial Advice, Mortgages, Pensions, Protection & Investments
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Local Life
Craft Date
Cotton, Canal & Cake
For a fascinating afternoon out, check out the Cotton, Canal and Cream Cake afternoon being run by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust at Trencherfield Mill. You can see the mighty steam engine at Trencherfield Mill and then enjoy a relaxing trip on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal on Kittywake (pictured), followed by a short talk and a delicious cream tea! The trip is being run next Wednesday (4th April) between 2pm-4pm, the cost is just £6 and you can book by calling 01942 828128. Don’t worry if this trip is booked up, because there are further opportunities on Wednesday 9th May and Wednesday 6th June.
Don’t miss the Gift and Craft Fayre being held at St Anne’s Parish Centre in Shevington this Saturday 31st March. The Fayre runs from 10am-3pm and will feature all manner of craft and gift stalls, a Fair Trade stall and craft demonstrations too. Refreshments and light lunches will also be available. St Anne’s Church, which is next to the Parish Centre, will also be open for people to enjoy the window displays which have been decorated by local schools and organisations to mark the 125th anniversary in 2012.
Dalton Dinkies
If you look after a pre-school child then you’ll be pleased to hear that the Dalton Dinkies have been formed to help you and your child! The group meets in the new hall at Dalton St Michael’s School from 9.30am-11am during term time. All pre-school children and babies are welcome to go along with their parents/grandparents or child minder to join in the fun and games. For more information please call 01257 462082.
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Shaken, not Stirred
If you fancy yourself as the ideal replacement for Daniel Craig but don’t fancy auditioning in your speedos on a beach, then you can have a chance to strut your stuff at the Casino Royale event being held at the DW Stadium on Saturday 21st April. The evening, which is in aid of the Mayor’s Charity Appeal and runs from 7.30pm-1.30am, is black tie only and will set you back £30 a head, but included in the price is a three course meal and you’ll get a chance to get
your picture taken with a James Bond car! The aftermeal entertainment includes casino tables, a singer, an auction and a disco until late. The appeal will be raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Wigan Branch of the MS Society. For more information and tickets please contact Sarah Hurst on 07951 869777 or Janet Lumley at Wigan Town Hall on 01942 404149.
Country Road
Appley Bridge will reverberate this Sunday (1st April) with the sounds of the late John Denver, one of the most popular acoustic artists of the 70’s, when sounda-like artist Chris Bannister visits the Village Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm, the concert begins at 8pm and the ticket cost is £7. For more information or to reserve your seats call 07973 802 637. The Village Hall is based on Appley Lane North and no drinks will be served, so bring along your own drinks and glasses.
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Local Life
Shevington Speaks
Congratulations to the Shevington High School team on their success in winning the 2012 Rotary District Youth Speaks Shield, in a very keen competition hosted by Forest Hills Hotel, Frodsham. The team (pictured with teacher, Stuart Lunt) of Laura Whitter (Chairperson) Ben Foster (Speaker) and Matthew Turner (Proposer) were excellent. Their teacher Stuart Lunt said “This team were a great credit to themselves, the school and their parents who were there to support them�. The team was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wigan. The team now go through to the Regional Final, which was held earlier this week, after Local Life went to press. If you would like more information about the Rotary Club of Wigan or one of the other 100+ Rotary Clubs across the Greater Manchester area please visit WWW.ribi.org. For all other enquiries and further information contact 07774993959 or enquiries@ wiganrotaryclub.org.uk
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Local Life
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Step out this Spring!
Why not join the Wigan Rambling and Climbing Club on their coach ramble from Wigan to Ambleside in the Lake District on Sunday 29th April? Climbing to the tops, or just strolling along the valleys, this beautiful part of Lakeland looks great this time of year and you have a choice of three different walks to suit your taste. The coach leaves Wigan town centre at 8.00am, picking up at Standish en route and we arrive back
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at approximately 7.30 pm. Reservation for this trip is essential and the cost? Just £10! The club also has a car ramble on every other Sunday this month; for further details go to : www. wiganwalkers.com or contact the secretary, Jill Shilladay 01257 421926 or via email jill.shilladay@ btinternet.com.
Nurses Reunion
A group of nurses who trained and worked at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan between 1966 and 1976 are holding a reunion on Friday 6th July at the Bowling Green Hotel on Wigan Lane at 7.30pm. So if you’re interested in meeting up for an informal evening with old friends and colleagues, or if you know of anyone else who worked at the Infirmary during this period please let them know about the reunion. If you’d like any further details about the reunion either email raei1967to75@talktalk.net or phone 07888 941850 or 07724 916482.
Local Life 11
Rock n’ Soul
They have appeared on Holby City and Eastenders, sung on BBC Radio two and have a string of celebrity endorsements as long as Southport Pier, and now they are coming to St John’s Church in Pemberton. They are, of course, Souls of Prophecy, one of the UK’s top Gospel Choirs. Souls of Prophecy will be performing in the Church on Saturday 28th April 2012 and tickets are now on sale.
Tickets priced at £15 each are strictly limited and available from Stephen Southern by telephoning 01257 423801 or 07766 862756. However, you will need to hurry as this event is likely to be a sell out. You can listen to Souls of Prophecy in all their glory by by visiting their website www.jkcreativearts.com.
Described by singing star Paloma Faith as “Amazing”, by TV and radio presenter, Dr Fox as “Superb” and entertainer Lionel Blair recently stated that Souls of Prophecy are “Quite simply, one of the best and most compulsive Gospel Choirs I have ever seen.”
If you’ve been spending winter polishing your woods in anticipation for the new bowling season to begin; the moment has arrived! And bowlers in the Shevington area haven’t got far to go because the bowling green on Forest Fold, off Miles Lane opens this Saturday (31st March). The green will be open from 8am until sunset until 30th September, and if you haven’t yet applied for your membership, then pick up a form from Shevington Library or from the green itself. Membership for the season is a bargain £14; for more details please contact the Parish Council Clerk on 01257 473022.
Concert organiser, Stephen Southern, is hopeful that the visit by Souls of Prophecy will enthuse the parish to embrace the new style of service but is keen to point out that just because they are a Gospel Choir does not mean they will only be performing religious songs.
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Local Life
Hard of Hearing?
If you’re hard of hearing, you are invited to a free open morning of Standish Lip Reading Society this Tuesday (3rd April) from 10am to 12noon, to be held at Standish Community Centre in Moody Street off Church Lane. Colin Roberts from the charity Action on Hearing (formerly R.N.I.D.) will be happy to demonstrate a wide range of gadgets featuring new technology that can make a difference to people who are hard of hearing. For more information please ring Olwyn on 01257 424249.
Bowled Over
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Even the captain’s Roger’s seemingly perfect marriage to Miriam hits the skids when she discovers he was playing away from home in more ways than one. Just when it seems things can’t get any worse for them, rain stops play. Tickets are available from the Fruit and Vegetable Store and the DIY Store in Parbold; tickets are £6 each.
Charity Concert Caught & Bowled
The Parbold Douglas Drama Group are warming up for their Spring production, Outside Edge, which will take place at Parbold WI Hall on Wednesday 25th, Friday 27th and Saturday 28th of April. Outside Edge is a tragic comedy about a cricket team preparing for a big match against the mighty British Rail Maintenance Division (Yeading – East), whilst most of the team are experiencing marital difficulties of one kind or another.
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The Parkside Colliery Male Voice Choir comes to Wigan for a charity concert next month. The concert on Saturday 21st April, which is aid of Macmillan nurses and the Mission Aviation Fellowship, will be held at Trinity United Reformed Church on Milton Grove in Wigan (opposite the Cherry Gardens pub). Tickets are £5 for adults and £4 for concessions, which includes tea and biscuits, and can be reserved by contacting Gill Brimelow on 01942 515791. The concert starts at 7.30pm.
Local Life 13
Join us for
Easter Fun at
The Farmers Market & Craft Centre
Heskin Hall Estate, Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA Tel: 07599 831 907 www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk E: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk 14
Local Life
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Garden Date
Calling all Mums
If you’re interested If you want to know more about local children’s in gardening and groups and services, and you want to find out about you’d enjoy a social events happening for parents and carers in the evening with likeStandish and Shevington area, then check out the minded enthusiasts, Facebook group – Shevington & Standish Mums. then pull out your Dads, childminders and carers are welcome too. diary and mark If you’re struggling to find the group see facebook. down the evening com/groups/320533054634423. of Monday 9th April! The Shevington Photos Required Gardening Club is Local Life are always on the lookout for pictures to holding a talk on that use in future editions of the magazine, and would night by John Woods particularly like to hear from amateur photographers NVS on Tips for who can supply scenic shots of the local area at Growing Vegetables various times of year, both in a portrait and landscape at St Anne’s Parish format, and we’d also like to hear from people who Centre on Church have old scenic photographs that we can use. Please Lane in the village, starting at 8pm. There will be a email your details to editorial@locallife247.co.uk or raffle and a draw for members of the club; there1will29/02/2012call17:53 us on 01257 498329. 100049_Enchanted_garden_PrimaryTimes_135x184.pdf also be refreshments on the night and everyone is welcome!
Enchanted Garden
Haydock Park’s Easter Family Fun Raceday Uncover the magic of a secret world at our Enchanted Garden themed family fun raceday. With FREE activities for children of all ages, it's the secret to a great value Easter day out. ;dY^Wdj[Z =WhZ[d 9hW\j Mehai^ef ;Wij[h ;]] >kdj <kd WdZ =Wc[i
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…and lots more!
Tickets from only book now
£13
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Local Life 15
The Help
morpheusglass.co.uk
An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African-American maids’ point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis. Kathryn Stockett’s inspirational and courageous best seller was the catalyst behind this 2011 movie, which stars Emma Stone, Viola Davies and Octavia Spencer, and this is being screened this Sunday (1st April) at Parbold Village Hall, starting at 7pm. The doors open 30 minutes before screening and all seats are priced at £3.
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Local Life
If you’ve got some time on your hands on Wednesday afternoon (4th April) and you’d like a bit of company then pop down to Parbold Village Hall and take part in the Wednesday afternoon Film Circle. There’s a talk and the screening of the 1927 musical Showboat about Riverboat gamblers on the Mississippi. Refreshments are available and everyone is welcome!
Distributors Required
Local Life requires distributors (aged 13+) to deliver the magazine. We currently have vacancies for distributors in Hilldale, Parbold and also the Preston Road area and the Ash Grove/Ashfield Park Drive area of Standish. We welcome applicants from all other areas for our waiting list too. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every 8 weeks, delivering in their own neighbourhoods. You must be fit, enthusiastic and reliable. Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk.
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Morpheus Glass Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB
t/f 01695 624182 e info@morpheusglass.co.uk www.locallife247.co.uk
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Local Life 17
Heroes Wanted
If you’ve ever fancied dressing up and parading about dressed as a superhero, you seriously need help. But once you get back from the doctors, log onto www. derianhouse.co.uk and you’ll discover details of the hospice’s annuals Starlight Stroll to raise money, a 10 mile sponsored walk which takes place from midnight on May 19th. Starting from the courtyard of the Coach House in Astley Park, the walk takes in some of the wellknown landmarks around the area including Astley Village, Euxton, Top Lock and Wheelton, and ends with the final stroll through Astley Park back to Cafe Ambio in the Coach House for breakfast. The walk is suitable for the whole family and no, dressing up isn’t compulsory! Call the Appeals Team on 01257 271271 for more details.
Charity Concert
Preston-born singer songwriter Stephen Bayliss, who has performed at major venues throughout the North West for the past 20 years, visits Aspull Civic Hall this weekend to perform a charity gig in aid of the Mayor’s Charity. The singer, who has toured with Cliff Richard
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in the past and even has a street in Preston named after him, performs on Saturday 31st March at the Woods Lane venue. The money raised by this year’s mayoral charities will be split between Marie Curie and the Wigan branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Tickets to the concert are priced at £15, the evening starts with a reception at 7.30pm and the ticket price also includes a hot buffet. Tickets are available from Janet Lumley at the Mayor’s Office on 01942 404149 or from Trevor Edmondson on 07947 510659.
Circle Dance
If you’ve come to the end of the line with line dancing and square dancing is too, well, square for you, why not try out circle dance? The Circle Dance Group meets in Up Holland most Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.00pm at Up Holland Methodist Church on Alma Hill. The cost per session is £6 and if you haven’t circle danced before you can come and try your first session for free! Circle dances can be gentle and reflective or energetic and lively. Anyone of any age or ability can circle dance. Each dance is taught, there is no audience and everyone is welcome. So come on your own, or with a friend, and join in - you do not need a partner. The Up Holland group celebrated its 25th birthday and they are always keen to welcome new dancers Please contact Cindy at cindy@myrriadd.com or call her on 01925 733603 for more details.
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Local Life 19
Join the Academy!
If you want to divert your kids away from the temptations of the X-Box or Facebook this Easter, then send them to the Academy! The Academy of Sports, who also host the Academy of Dance too, are running a series of Multi Sports and Dance Camps this Easter. Next week (2nd -5th April) they are running a Multi Sports Easter Special at Millbrook Primary in Elmfield in Shevington, and are also running camps in Haydock, Ashton and Newton-leWillows. From Tuesday 10th-Thursday 12th April, the company are running an Easter Dance Special at Millbrook Primary in Shevington, and have multi-sports camps going on in Hindley and Ashton. The multi-sport camps have over 10 sports to choose from and there are also games, prizes and competitions. Camps run from 9am-3pm and are for children aged between 4-14 years.
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For more details about the camps, please call 01942 522333 or visit the website www.academyofsports. org.uk. Places at Easter are limited, so call now to avoid disappointment.
Walk On
If you enjoy walking then the Parbold Ramblers would like to hear from you! This friendly and sociable group are looking for new members to join them. Walks are on the 1st Sunday of every month leaving the shops on The Common at Parbold to go to that month’s destination. Membership is £15 per year, but a Day Membership is also available for first time joiners at just £1.25. Further details and a list of future walks can be obtained by calling Jimmy on 01257 463057 or Liz on 01257 462121.
Hair Today – Gone Tomorrow!
If your hair is disappearing faster than spare building land in Standish but you haven’t got a bank balance the size of Wayne Rooney’s to rectify it, you may well be interested in a revolutionary new laser hair treatment being introduced at Radiant Living in Station Road in Parbold. The company are holding an Open Day on Thursday 19th April – see their advertisement on page 11 for details. If you don’t want to wait until then, give them a call now on 01257 783518. If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk.
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Ashfield Park Drive Standish Wigan WN6 0EQ t: 01257 473500
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Local Life 21
Ashfield Park
Unless you’ve been holed up in your garden shed for the past couple of weeks you can’t have failed to see in the news that Ashfield Park is under threat of housing development. Property developers Morris Homes have had preliminary talks with Wigan Council’s top chiefs about exchanging land off Rectory Lane (the site of Standish Golf Club) plus cash, for the Ashfield site – park and recreation area - in order to build houses.
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More than 300 residents packed into the Unity Club in Standish to form an action group to oppose the proposals. The campaign is being led by Gareth Fairhurst, the former Shevington Councillor, who has been working on the campaign alongside his father George Fairhurst, the Independent Councillor in Standish. A protest website www.saveashfieldpark.co.uk has been launched to help publicise the fight to save the park, and the group has joined the Open Space Society prior to submitting an application for Village Green status for the popular Standish park. The petition against the plans is gathering pace and you can sign the petition online and also keep up with the campaign’s progress at www.saveashfieldpark. co.uk. The petition has also been placed in many Standish retailers and pubs. If you’d like to help to collect signatures for the petition in your area, please email Gareth on info@saveashfieldpark.co.uk.
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Local Life 23
Dish of the Month Hot Cross Buns What better way to treat the family this Easter than to serve up some lovely hot cross buns? Once you’ve tried these beauties, with lashings of Lurpack, you’ll never buy hot cross buns again! Prep time: 20 min, plus 3 hours proving.
Cooking time: 25 min
Ingredients
For the crosses 75g plain flour Water to make a paste.
500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting 1 ½ tsp salt 75g caster sugar 7g sachet dried yeast 300ml mixed milk and water 50g sultanas 100g raisins Zest of 2 oranges 80g mixed peel 2 tsp ground cinnamon 75g plain flour
Makes 15-20 buns
For the glaze 50g sugar 50 ml water
Method
1. Put the yeast and sugar into a bowl. Sieve the flour and salt into the same bowl. Slowly add enough of the milk and water mix to achieve pliable dough. Tip out onto a lightly floured surface and knead well for 5 minutes, then put the dough back into the bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour. 2. Incorporate the sultanas, mixed peel (or substituted fruit), orange zest and cinnamon into the dough and leave to rise for 1 hour. 3. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 15-20 pieces and roll each into a ball. Put them on a baking tray and leave to rest for 1 hour. 4. Set the oven to 220°C/gas 8. 5. To make the crosses for the buns, mix the plain flour with enough water to make a smooth, thick paste. You can either make a piping bag out of parchment paper or use a piping bag with a plain nozzle to pipe the paste onto the buns in a cross-shape. 6. Bake the buns for 25 minutes until golden brown. Combine the sugar and water together to make a syrup and brush this liberally all over the buns. Serve immediately.
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Murder in Crompton Street
Wigan Little Theatre’s next production, which runs from 2nd-12th May at the theatre in Crompton Street is the Peter Gordon play Murdered to Death. This hilarious spoof of the Agatha Christie genre is set in a country manor house in the 1930’s. The play is the first of a trilogy starring the inept and bungling Inspector Pratt, who battles against the odds and his own incompetence to solve the murder of the house’s owner. It soon becomes
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clear that the murderer isn’t finished yet, but will the miscreant be unmasked before everyone else has met their doom, or will the audience die laughing first? To book your tickets, call the Box Office or visit in person the week before or during a show, or call them on 01942 242561. For more information about Wigan Little Theatre, visit the website www.wiganlittletheatre. co.uk.
Buy a Brick
The Hut on the Hill is up and running in Parbold, but the ‘buy a brick’ fund raising drive is still needed to keep the Hut operational. For a minimum of £50, you can have a small plaque erected with your name, your family’s name or to commemorate a loved one. For more details please call Nadine Downhill on 01257 464809 or Sandy Smith on 01257 464307.
Local Life 27
Feedback about the tradespeople on the scheme is submitted by customers to the Good Trader website, and the Trading Standards team had the unenviable task of picking out the winners from the 244 registered members of the scheme.
Good Trader
Dozens of the boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful tradespeople packed into Wigan Town Hall recently to collect awards from Wigan Council for the quality of their work at an annual presentation for the Good Trader Scheme. The tradespeople were all members of the scheme, a scheme run by Wigan Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trading Standards team that helps residents make informed decisions when choosing a tradesperson.
28 Local Life
Local tradespeople recognised for their skills and aptitude included Bon and Ben McWilliam from Manor House Carpet Cleaning in Shevington, Alice and Neil Burwood from Glonab Painting and Decorating in Standish, Mike Haslam from Expert Computers in Abram (pictured), Dave Fletcher from Keyed in Services in Hindley, Paul Jayne from PLJ Garden Services in Orrell, Sean McHugh and Stephen Shaw from Orrell Roofline, Andy Abraham from Shevington Electrical Services (pictured), and our own Local Life columnist Angie Barker, from Angie Barker Garden Design in Hindley Green. The overall winner of the Good Trader of the Year was Chris Smith from Chris the Builder in Orrell.
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For more information about Wigan Council’s Good Trader Scheme visit www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader or call 01942 827476. For more information about Lancashire’s Safe Trader Scheme visit www. traderregister.org.uk or call 0303 333 1111.
Local Life backs Scheme
When Local Life first launched, we built up a Home Services section with tradespeople who we knew personally. As the number of advertisers grew, this became more difficult to monitor, but then we found out about Wigan Council’s Good Trader Scheme. We have backed this scheme because it’s good news for householders. The thorough checks carried out by Trading Standards on each tradesperson joining the scheme, and the feedback facility on the website soon helps identify those tradespeople whose work isn’t up to scratch. And it’s a source of great pride to us that a far greater proportion of Local Life’s advertisers are in Wigan Council’s Good Trader scheme than any of the local newspapers. Now we are going one step further and, as from 2013, all the advertisers in our Home Services section (black pages 70-77) will have to be registered with either Wigan Council’s Good Trader Scheme or the Lancashire Safe Trader Scheme.
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Local Life 29
Victorian Day
Visitors to Ashfield House’s Victorian Day recently were greeted by staff who had all dressed appropriately for the occasion. The popular Standish restaurant hold the event each year and this year it was also part of the Wigan Food and Drink Festival, and was a complete sell out! The menu included dishes such as roast hog, English mutton and lime jelly, which was reputedly Queen Victoria’s favourite dessert! The staff played their roles perfectly, dressing in uniforms that were self-made by the hotel and, as you can see from their expressions, adopting a solemn type of servitude not often seen in today’s UK restaurant trade!
Budget Boost?
The next meeting of the Wigan Borough Business Club takes place at Haigh Hall this Tuesday (3rd April) at 6.30pm, when the focus of the meeting is George Osborne’s Budget. The main speaker is Clare Jady from PA Hull Accountants, who have sponsored the event. For good refreshments, advice and networking opportunities for your business do pop along; it’s
completely free to companies in Wigan. For further details about the meeting and about the Business Club visit www.wiganbbc.org.uk.
Rigoletto At Haigh
A tale of passion, kidnap, curses, seduction and murder! In this dramatic opera, the Duke of Mantua makes a habit of seducing young maidens, and his eye is taken by a lovely girl, Gilda, who he has seen whilst out on one of his many incognito jaunts. She falls for him, believing him to be a poor student. She happens to be the daughter of the Duke’s court jester, Rigoletto, who has kept her shielded from the sordid goings on at court. Things turn nasty when the Duke’s henchmen kidnap Gilda in order that he might have his wicked way. Heritage Opera return to Haigh Hall this Wednesday (4th April) after a smash hit 2011 season. This production of Verdi’s dark masterpiece starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £20, at £19 for concessions and at £10 for under 16’s, and are available by calling 01785 850419 or by visiting the website www.heritageopera.co.uk.
Barn Dance
The Toll Bar Band will be returning to the Parbold Festival Barn Dance, which will take place this year on Friday 13th July in the marquee on Parbold Douglas playing field. Tickets are £13.50 and include an all you can eat barbeque! Numbers are limited, so please call Steve Morgan on 01257 463772 to secure your tickets.
a need s s e n si our bu y s e Do
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. UPVC Doors, Windows, Conservatories . Police approved composite doors . Bi-folding doors . Double glazed units, Manufactured . Full design & fitting service . Mirrors, Greenhouse glass in stock . Soffits & Fascias I can’t believe another year has gone and spring is on it’s way! Can I say a big “Thank You” to all our valued customers for supporting your local glass, glazing, window and door Company. Last year our list of projects was long and varied from a tiny 2 inch by 2 inch mirror for a handbag to a complete wall of glass filling a Liverpool Development.
“We love our new Conservatory, French Doors, Front & Rear Compostite Doors. Thanks for a 1st Class Service!” - Mr & Mrs Smails, Standish
Our stylish French Doors continued to replace your old aluminium sliding patios. Our Police Approved Composite Doors were also a big favourite. Through the summer months we built several porches which certainly do add curb appeal.Conservatories were also in big demand giving space & added value to your home. We have invested in new equipment and machinery to enhance our manufacturing capabilities. We have strengthened relationships with our suppliers to ensure that all of our customers continue to receive the very best products possible, couple this with our fast, friendly and efficient service, you can rest assured that an order placed with us will result in your total satisfaction. All of our UPVC Installations meet the new BRFC Energy Ratings, with Pilkington Planitherm Total Argon Gas Filled Double Glazed Units supplied as standard. This year we will keep you informed of the latest trends with lots of pictures to give you ideas on your next home improvement. May we wish you a great 2012 summer, which is hopefully on the way! Stuart Goulding
Call - 01257 427000
Dennis Goulding ltd. Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road Wrightington, Wigan, WN6 9RS open - Mon - Fri 7.30 - 5.00 / Sat 9.00 - 12.00
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Local Life 31
bring along at least four of your poems and prepare to dazzle to win the Slam! Thursday 12th April 8pm at the Tudor House Hotel in New Market Street.
Words
The next performance by the youngsters at Willpower Youth Theatre commemorates the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The Titanic is a new play which is being staged at St Michael’s Church Hall on Shaw Street in Wigan on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th April starting at 7.30pm. In a macabre twist, tickets are now on sale in the form of boarding passes, priced at £5 for adults and £4 for concessions; you’ll be given the name of an actual passenger of the fated liner, and at the end of the play, you’ll find out whether or not you were one of the lucky survivors. Willpower’s productions are just part of the popular Words Festival 2012 run by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust between Monday 9th-Saturday 21st April. Other events include; Day of Folk N’ Verse – An open-mic day at The Orwell starting at 2pm on Monday 9th April. Bring along your own songs or poems – Dutch courage is readily available at the bar! The Poetry Slam – Prospective poets are drawn against each other in a cup knockout type format,
The Beer God
Beer God April is shaping up to be a good month at The Crown with lighter evenings and better weather; well we can live in hope about the weather! In honour of the Titanic anniversary, this month we are delighted to be featuring a range of ales from the Titanic Brewery. This is a well-established microbrewery from Burslem in Stoke on Trent that took its name because Captain Smith of the Titanic hailed from there. They do a huge range of beers including the popular Pale beer Iceberg at 4.1%, this fantastic wheat beer will leave a hole in any passing thirst. Also on offer is Captain Smith’s at 5.2%, this is a full bodied bitter with a sweet and roast malt flavour. For those of you with more adventurous taste buds we will have some interesting dark beers on offer, 32 Local Life
Poetry in the Park – bring a picnic and get set for an indulgent Sunday afternoon in Mesnes Park, where the NW’s best poets, storytellers and prose writers entertain you from the renovated bandstand. Event starts at 1pm on Sunday 15th April in Mesnes Park. Impropriety – a night of fun and frolics at the Tudor House Hotel where professional improvisers from Wigan’s Casino and Liverpool’s Impropriety will be joined onstage by other brave souls. This event is held at the Tudor House Hotel on New Market Street at 8pm on Thursday 19th April. For details of the many other events being held across the borough as part of the Words Festival 2012, please visit www.wlct.org/festivalfever
Tai Chi
If you’ve ever fancied trying out the Chinese martial art of Tai Chi, beginners are always welcome at the class being held at St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall in Church Street, Standish. The group meets on Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm – for more information please call 07849 334 039. If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk. like Cappuccino Stout and Plum Porter. These are occasional brews so pop in and try them while you can! My favourite of our Titanic offerings is a lovely strong, golden ale called Nine Tenths Below at 5.9%. This ale is clean and refreshing in taste with a hint of citrus hops. From Friday 13th to Sunday 15th April the full range of 15 Titanic beers will be available, as we are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship. On the Saturday night we will be serving a special dinner. We will be serving the banquet that was served to the first class passengers on that fateful day. So it just leaves me to say ‘come down and sink a few’. See you soon and wherever you be drinking good ale, let me know your ale tales! www.crownatworthington.co.uk
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Local Life 33
Plant a Tree
The environmental group Red Rose Forest is on the lookout for new members. The group, which is a non-profit making charity supported by Community Forests North West, plants trees wherever they are needed in urban areas. They turn ugly land into green space and even create green roofs on buildings. In addition to their own tree-planting, they also work with schools, volunteers, community groups and businesses to help their green projects. If you would like to become a Friend of the Forest, visit their website at www. redroseforest.co.uk. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get to hear about latest green news and events, you can search through the opportunities to volunteer and you can get free stuff too!
First Response
If you live or work in the West Lancs area and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to give something back to your local community, then perhaps you can make a huge commitment and become a Community First Responder? Community First Responders are local volunteers who react quickly to local emergencies, often arriving at emergency situations in more rural areas prior to the arrival of an ambulance, and can make the difference between life and death. Full training and support is given to the First Response team by the North West Ambulance Service. For more information on becoming a responder, call Alan Rudge on 01257 462167 or visit the website www.nwas-responders. info.
Same day dental repairs Pick up & drop off service available Stephen Lander Designs, 28 Parliament Street, Up Holland.
Call - 01695 623334
34 Local Life
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Local Life 35
Staying Power
With a summer of sport fast approaching it isn’t just Wigan’s own Olympic hopeful Jenny Meadows that will be training hard at Wigan Harriers. Currently celebrating its 50th year, the club has recently expanded to add a road racing Endurance group to its well established pedigree on the track and field. From 5k fun runs to 10k, the marathon and beyond, the Endurance running group caters to all levels of road, trail and fell based running from beginner to experienced competitors. Qualified coaches are on hand to organise expert training sessions to help runners achieve their personal running goals in an inclusive and encouraging group environment. UKA qualified coach Dave Waddington explains, “Wigan Harriers Endurance Group is open to anyone interested in pulling on a pair of running shoes whether it’s to target a race distance, break a PB or simply get fit and enjoy the company of like-minded souls as they train”
36 Local Life
The group meets 3 times a week in various locations around Wigan, with the main club-night based outside the Robin Park Arena on Thursday evenings. Running with the group offers the advantage of great advice and encouragement from a range of fellow runners, and for lady runners it provides a greater sense of safety than training alone. Saturday mornings see members meeting up at Haigh Hall, whilst Tuesday sees the group taking advantage of the floodlit running track at Robin Park. For the more advanced runner, the club offers structured interval and tempo based training sessions with UKA qualified coaches. Club members regularly compete in the red and black Harriers vests in the Mid Lancs Cross country League as well as road trail and fell events across the country. “A lot of new runners assume that a running club is only for elite or super speedy athletes, but that couldn’t be further from the truth” says Dave “We have a wide spread of ages from 15 to 65, both men and women, with some members yet to complete their first 10k, whilst others were finishing marathons back in the 1980’s”. Wigan Harriers also cater for those who want to keep things a little shorter, from 100m to 1500m, from long jump to hurdles and much more in-between. Anyone interested in joining in a session is encouraged to contact the group via their website at: www. wiganharriersendurance.wordpress.com or say hello via Wigan Harriers Endurance on Facebook.
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Shakespeare : Lost and Found? is the theme for part two of the evening. Tickets are priced at £10 and are available by calling 07500 727398. The proceeds from the evening go to the Rufford – Shakespeare Bell Project. Parking is available at Rufford Old Hall and access to the church is through the National Trust Gardens.
Spring Fundraiser
Bard Night Out
If a Saturday night with Shakespeare sounds like your idea of a good time then you’ll want to read on; Ringing Back the Lost Years is an evening of readings, music and drama being held in Rufford on Saturday 21st April from 7pm. The fun kicks off in Rufford Church and the theme is Celebrating our Shakespeare Heritage, and then the action then moves on to Rufford Old Hall where ‘Young
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The good people of the PFTA at Our Lady & All Saints in Parbold are holding a Spring Dinner Dance on Saturday 21st April at The Beeches in Standish to raise funds. Tickets for the event, which are priced at £25 each and include a three course meal are available from the school office at Our Lady & All Saints; call 01257 462466 for further details. If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@ locallife247.co.uk.
Local Life 37
Your Health Eating meat: Is your health at steak?
No doubt many of you will have seen the recent newsreels extolling the evils of eating red meat. Just as likely, you may have yawned in response and pondered “well, just what can I eat these days!” Like many health features in the popular media, the presentation of such material is alarmist and biased to put it mildly. Such ‘scare’ stories aren’t really very helpful – we either shrug our shoulders and remain indifferent, or become increasingly perplexed as to what we can safely eat and drink. The most recent study to ignite controversy was conducted by the prestigious Harvard University and followed the diets (in relation to red meat), diseases and death rates occurring in well over a hundred thousand individuals who were doctors, nurses and other health professionals, over the course of 28 years. The study monitored these individuals by asking them to complete a questionnaire once every four years. This questionnaire was intended to cover everything meat-related that they had eaten over the preceding four years. Participants were asked to recall over the entire preceding four years how often they had eaten certain meat products and give responses such as ““never or less than once per month” to “6 or more times per day.” Is there a reader out there who can accurately recall what they had just for their evening meals over the last month, or even week? No? Well how did the study volunteers remember four years’ worth of menus then? If nothing else, the study is perhaps more usefully considered more one of memory and recall than diet and disease.
Images Online
Wigan Archives Service, based at Leigh Town Hall, hosts Wigan Borough’s photographic archive of around 80,000 images which covers all aspects of life in the Borough. It includes everything from glass plate slides of Victorian walking days, prints of postwar rugby matches, to digital images of life in the 21st century. 5000 of these images have now been digitised and are online for everyone to enjoy; you can even buy a copy of the photographs you like in various sizes. The old images on the centre pages of this magazine were taken from this collection. New images are constantly being accepted by the Archives. If you would like to donate or loan a photograph for copying, please contact the Archives Service on 01942 404431. It could be a photograph taken last week, or 100 years ago, as long as it records a part of the area’s history. The entire collection is also available to view at the Wigan Archives Service in Leigh Town Hall. For the range of images currently online, please visit http:// wiganimages.wlct.org/.
My point is that in asking people to recall everything that they ate over four years and condense it into one questionnaire, could anyone really be even vaguely accurate? By extension, it may be tenuous to link any conclusions from such studies to serious diseases. There are a number of other studies out there which highlight that processed meats (i.e. sausages, pies, bacon) contain chemicals which are known to cause cancer. They also contain a lot of bad fats. It would be sensible to limit consumption of these to perhaps an occasional English breakfast. Lean red meat contains good quality protein, vitamins and is low fat – clearly a healthy choice as part of your diet. Most nutritionists will tell you to include fish (especially oily types, like salmon) a few times a week, as well as poultry. Increasing your fruit and veg intake decreases the risk of cancer significantly, and so your Grandmother was right when she said to eat up your greens. I’m not so certain what she would make of the other adage, “if you don’t eat your meat, you won’t get no pudding!” Dr Mike Paull, Chiropractor
38 Local Life
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suFFeRING WITH MusCLe, jOINT OR NeRve PAIN?
What sorts of problem can you help me with? We can relieve pain that is caused by a variety of muscle, joint and nerve problems. This includes both new and old pain resulting from your job, sports, poor posture, accidents and some types of arthritis or wear & tear. We specialise in treating neck and back pain as well as pulled muscles, stiff joints and trapped nerves.
How soon can you help me? We are open six days a week and offer appointments the same or the next day. We are open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturdays 8am-4pm.
Why do we offer gentle treatments? Because we treat young children and senior citizens, we know that people prefer gentle, painless treatments.
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Why do you have a digital x-ray department? We have our own digital x-ray department at the clinic so that we can take and show you your pictures within 24 hours. This helps us to show you the underlying causes of your problem, allowing us to start treatment quickly and get you out of pain.
Mike Paull Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr Matt Birch Doctor of Chiropractic
• Consultation & Examination £59 • Digital X-ray pictures (per area) £59 • Treatment sessions (each) £35
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t Wigan Family Chiropractic Clinic, our team of Chiropractors and therapists can help to relieve most types of muscle, joint and nerve pain.
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Local Life 39
The Broad oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;th Lane junction, with the Plough and Harrow pub in the distance, taken from Shevington Lane
Market Street crossroads in Standish circa 1900, taken from School Lane. 40 Local Life
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A street scene in Appley Bridge circa. 1904. The view going up Appley Lane North.
d Station Roa ay and the railw crossing in h the Parbold, wit l ote Railway H t. on the lef
Local Life would like to thank Wigan Archives Services for the old pictures featured. For the range of images currently online, please visit http://wiganimages.wlct.org/.
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Local Life 41
Money & Investment The times, they are a-changing… Did you know that the financial services industry is currently going through major change and many financial advisers are leaving the industry as a result? The Financial Services Authority is driving forward the changes (known as the Retail Distribution Review) so that people can be sure that their financial advisers are fully skilled and perfectly equipped to help them with planning their retirement/ investments, and can clearly demonstrate a transparent charging system for clients. In order to achieve these aims the FSA have published new rules that will require: • advisory firms to explicitly disclose and separately charge clients for their services. • advisory firms to clearly describe their services as either independent or restricted; and • individual advisers to adhere to consistent professional standards, including a code of ethics. These changes will come into effect after the 31st December 2012 and will apply to all advisers in the retail investment market, regardless of the type of firm they work for (banks, product providers, independent financial advisers, wealth managers, stockbrokers). In other words… the FSA are changing the way that many financial advisers work with their clients and these changes need to be implemented by 1st January 2013. RDR is changing the way that advisers are paid as well as the minimum qualification thresholds for advisers. In the run up to summer 2011 the FSA confirmed that 8% of advisers had left the industry since the
announcement of RDR and they have suggested that this number could increase to 20% before the 31st December deadline. The probability is that advisory firms that have relied upon very high levels of commission will struggle to make a profit post 2012 and will need to make significant structural changes to their business’s to survive.
FSA expect up to 20% of advisors to leave the industry So what are the changes for financial advisers from 1st Jan 2013? •
Advisers will no longer be able to take commission on all new pension and investment business and must charge fees instead.
•
Advisers must achieve higher levels of
42 Money & Investment brought to you by Prosper Independent Financial Advisers
qualification to continue operating in an authorised advisory capacity. •
Advisers must hold a Statement of Professional Standing from a recognised professional body within the financial services industry.
The FSA have suggested, and I am inclined to agree, that that moving to a “fee based only” advisory world will increase transparency and enable clients to make a better informed decision with regards to investment and product choices. Additionally, raising the bar with regards to qualifications can only be a good thing for customers.
Changes will increase transparency How will the changes affect Prosper?
to a strict code of ethics, reinforcing the highest standards of practice in their business dealings. This is a code which we have always adhered to. ‘Independent Advice’ will no longer be a viable option for a number of Independent Financial Advisers after 2012, but Prosper remain committed to independence for 2013 and beyond. We feel that these changes will carry significant benefits for the vast majority of clients and we are looking forward to the continuing prosperity of our clients. If you deal with an Independent Financial Adviser you should check now if they are making the necessary changes to implement the Retail Distribution Review. Should you need to discuss any aspects of the Retail Distribution Review, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
We started to change the way we worked 3 years ago in order to ensure that we operated in the majority of cases on a fee based system rather than commissions. Working in this way ensured that there is no product bias and that our clients get the best fit for their requirements. Our on-going review service incentivises us with regards to working with our clients to achieve growth on your underlying investments. If our clients do well, so do we….! Qualifications We will achieve the new benchmark qualification criteria by the end of this year end I am also very hopeful that we will also be awarded the coveted “Corporate Chartered Status” by the Personal Finance Society. Out of broadly 20,000 financial services firms just 3% hold this title.
Prosper on the way to ‘Chartered Status’ Only those companies that meet rigorous criteria relating to professionalism and capability are given the award. All firms with the “Chartered Status” commit
Choosing a financial partner may be the most important decision you’ll ever make. ● Financial Advice ● Investment Solutions ● Portfolio Management ● Inheritance Tax planning ● Regular Financial Reviews Call Prosper today on 01257 423800 to arrange your FREE no obligation initial consultation.
Brought to you by David Barton of Prosper Independent Financial Advisers. David is a specialist in retirement and investment planning for the over 50’s
Prosper Independent Financial Advisers Ltd Prosper House, 99a High Street, Standish. WN6 0HD 01257 423 800 www.prosper-ifa.co.uk
Visit us online at www.prosper-ifa.co.uk 43
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44 Local Life
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CMA Accountancy Guide to Internet Selling
7. You may need to consider registering for VAT if your turnover exceeds the current limit of £73,000 per year. VAT applies if you are selling goods throughout the EU.
Nowadays it is very popular for people to enjoy a second income by selling goods on the internet.
If you have recently started to trade online or are thinking about this and would like to ask any questions then please get in touch and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to find out more about any of the issues discussed in this article CMA offers a free initial consultation, either at our office or yours, at a time to suit you. If you would like to see how we can help please get in touch.
Hello and welcome to the latest article from CMA, a proactive accountancy firm based on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge. This month we are looking at the area of Internet Selling.
Don’t worry if you just sell personal items such as books or records that you find when you are clearing out your loft. This is not seen as a business and you do not need to declare these sales but if you purchase goods with the intention of reselling them for a profit then you must register as a business with HMRC. Here at CMA we help a number of businesses that trade purely online. Given the ease with which you can sell goods via eBay, the attraction to potential entrepreneurs is obvious. The start up and running costs are minimal, and you can easily run your business if you still have a regular job. However, despite how appealing setting up an eBay business may be, you need to be aware of your legal obligations – particularly when it comes to paying tax on your profits. Things you should DO when starting an eBay business: 1. Set up accounts at wholesalers, preferably a credit account. This way you buy from the wholesaler, sell it on eBay, get paid and then pay the wholesaler 30 days later. 2. Open an account with eBay and get their free listing tool for your adverts. 3. Open a Paypal account so you can take payment via credit card. 4. Look for deductions that can offset against your income for example: Equipment Purchases, Business Expenses, Motor Expenses, Home Office Expenses and Travel Expenses.
Contact Details
Chris Alcock ACMA, CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR Tel: 01257 255521 Email info@handsonaccounting. co.uk web www.handsonaccounting.co.uk Top Tax Tips ● HMRC is issuing new codes for the 2012/13 tax year. Check that yours is correct or you could end up paying too much tax! ● Make the most of your capital gains tax exemption limit each year (2011/12 £10,600) -Consider transferring assets into joint names prior to any sale to utilise both annual exemptions or spread the disposal over two separate tax years if possible. ● Salary sacrifice schemes – by redirecting, or sacrificing, some of your salary you can benefit from tax and national insurance savings on employee benefits such as pensions, cycle to work schemes and childcare vouchers.
5. Keep good records of everything that is bought and sold. This will also help in keeping track of orders. 6. Invest in an accounting software package that will help you with your business accounting.
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Local Life 45
The Real Deal “Do you notice anything different
about me?” is a phrase that strikes the fear of God into most men. You quickly run through a mental checklist; hair, eyebrows, weight, clothes. And usually by the time you cotton on, you’re in the doghouse again! Well, it’s a bit like that when you spot a house that has had the Orrell Roofline treatment; you know it looks nicer and more attractive than the other houses but it takes you a minute to figure out why. It’s those seamless aluminium gutters!
Before
They make the house look clean and stylish, and there’s no unsightly joins or any of those fiddly plastic clips which are a nightmare to clean properly. As Sean McHugh, the co-owner of Orrell Roofline, tells everyone; “You just don’t realise the difference until you see it with your own eyes!”
When you have aluminium gutters fitted, they are made to measure to on site by Orrell Roofline, who use a nifty bit of expensive kit that forms the gutters to exact size, eradicating the need to use any joins. So if you need a 20 foot run of guttering, you get a single 20 foot run; not three 6 foot runs and a 2 foot run with 3 joins and numerous clips. Not only does the aluminium guttering look better, it lasts longer too! These aluminium gutters are guaranteed to last for at least 25 years. In comparison, you can expect UPVC gutters to last for just 10-15 years and unlike plastic guttering, aluminium will not discolour, lose shape or become brittle. The aluminium is powder coated, so will never need painting, just a quick clean with a jet wash, and it comes in three colours, white, black and brown, which complements the standard fascia board colours. And just as you wouldn’t get a roofer to fix your electrics or a plumber to mend your washer, why would anyone get a builder or a window company to install roofline? Orrell Roofline are the real deal, a roofline company that specialise only in roofline; fascias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and those aluminium gutters.
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After
Orrell-based Sean, and his business partner, Stephen Shaw, have over 45 years of roofline experience between them and the company is a member of the Wigan Council Good Traders Scheme, where they have attracted 5 star grades and rave reviews for the quality of their work, Seamless aluminium guttering is normally 10-15% more expensive than its UPVC equivalent. This makes economic sense; after all, it looks better, lasts longer and it’s maintenance free. However, Orrell Roofline has again put together a special offer only for Local Life readers – you can have aluminium gutters fitted for the same price as UPVC gutters! Just call them before the end of the year and quote ‘Local Life offer’ to qualify for your discount.
Call Orrell Roofline now on 01942 735515 or 07917 352182.
www.orrellroofline.co.uk
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Local Life 47
Passion for Travel! What has Got 2 Go Travel in Standish got that most other travel agents haven’t? We’re an independent family-run business with a passion for travel! The company was founded just four years ago with the aim of finding our customers the perfect holiday, and as many of our customers can testify, our aim remains straight and true – we’ll bust a gut to find you the best holiday at the cheapest price! Based on the High Street in Standish, Got 2 Go Travel are proud to be independent and would urge all world travellers to see what an independent travel agent such as Got 2 Go Travel can do for you. Unlike most other travel agents, we’re not restricted in which tour operator we promote; we’ll choose from a range of operators – wherever we can source the best deals from to pass onto our customers. We also build our own unique and exciting holidays for our customers,
often taking on the role of the tour operator and therefore cutting out the middle man. “The internet is always cheaper”, some people say, and many will swear its “cheaper to go direct”. This simply is not the case and we have many customers who will testify that Got 2 Go Travel strive to find the cheapest price, always offer the best advice and the highest quality of service…which is everything you could ask for from your travel agent! When we started the business, we specialised in Florida Holidays, and since then have grown our specialist portfolio to include many other suppliers, destinations and products. We are delighted to be one of only two travel agencies in the entire UK who is able to build our own ATOL protected Florida Disney Holidays, customised perfectly for your requirements.
Celebrate Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence Leaving 21st or 28th April for 11 nights Grand Pineapple Beach All Inclusive £899pp (Brochure price £1395pp) Sandals Carlyle Luxury Included All Inclusive Package £1065pp (Brochure price £1815pp) Sandals Grande Ochrios or Sandals Montego Bay £1399pp (Brochure Price £2446pp) Direct Flights Included 48 Local Life
Mediterranean Family Cruise on the new fun-packed Carnival Breeze Leaving 21st July, 2nd or 14th Aug for 12 nights Family of 3: £2,949 Family of 4: £3,998 Direct Flights Included www.locallife247.co.uk
Southern Mediterranean and Morocco 9 nights (8 nights Southern Med/ Moroccan Cruise + 1 night stay in the centre of Barcelona) Departing 02nd or 18th October 2012 Total Cost £495 p.p. Direct Flights Included Red Sea Cruise + Sharm El Sheikh The perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxation – visit 5 wonders of the world in one trip! 12 nights (7night Red Sea Cruise + 5 nights in 5* all-inclusive hotel in Sharm El Sheikh Leaving on various dates in Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb Total Cost only £659 p.p.! (7night Fly/Cruise £599pp) Please note that Christmas and New Year sailings carry an additional supplement
Direct Flights Included
Miracle on 57th Street 12 nights (4 nights in New York & 8 night Caribbean Cruise) Fantastic Central NY Hotel on 57th Street and Cruise on the stunning Refurbished Carnival Miracle Leaving 26th November Total Cost £1,298 p.p. Direct Flights Included
As we have evolved as a company, we have developed close relationships with our suppliers to bring our customers the best prices and quality, and we are really excited to be working very closely with our cruise partners at a time when there is more choice than ever before in the cruise market.
If you’re looking for a more traditional family holiday though – perhaps an all-inclusive over the summer holidays then we have a great selection for you in Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and many more. All inclusive prices for a 14 night holiday at peak period start at £1998 for a family of three and £2389 for a family of four.
We are also proud to call ourselves Certified Sandals Resort Specialists. In our opinion, these resorts represent some of the best luxury properties in the Caribbean. Our exciting & strong relationship with Sandals means we can guarantee to bring you the lowest prices and are currently promoting Sandals resorts at up to 40% off (departures up to March 2013). We are even cheaper than booking with Sandals Direct! Sounds crazy I know, but it is absolutely true!
We have a selection of fantastic deals for you this month, there are some absolutely unbelievable prices here, but they are limited, so call in and see us as soon as possible at 22 High Street in Standish or call now on 01257 472113.
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Local Life 53
The What’s On Guide Now on
Wonderful Town Running until Saturday 21st April at The Lowry theatre in Salford Quays, the Lowry, the Royal Exchange Theatre and the Halle Orchestra combine their artistic forces to present this remarkable choreographed production of the Leonard Bernstein’s musical comedy. Connie Fisher (winner of the BBC’s How To Solve A Problem Like Maria?) plays aspiring writer, Ruth Sherwood who arrives in New York with her beautiful younger sister Eileen. The untameable pair meet an array of colourful characters along the way, creating chaos at every turn in their search for romance, success and a free meal. Cost: £26.50-£42.50 Contact: 0844 815 4873 Sat Nav Ref: M50 3AZ
Wednesday 4th April
Rigoletto Heritage Opera return to Haigh Hall with a tale of passion, kidnap, curses, seduction and murder! This dramatic opera contains possibly the best known tenor aria, ‘La Donna e Mobile’. Heritage Opera follow their smash hit 2011 season with Verdi’s dark masterpiece. Mark Saberton reprises his criticallyacclaimed Rigoletto, and Nicholas Sales portrays the dastardly Duke. Time: 7.30pm Cost: £20/£19 concession, £10 under 16s Contact: 01785 850419 or visit www.heritageopera. co.uk Sat Nav Ref: WN2 1PE Cirque du Soleil – Alegría Running until Saturday 7th April at Manchester’s MEN Arena is Alegría; a classic Cirque du Soleil production that has received international acclaim and wowed over 10 million people worldwide since it premiered in 1994 in Montreal. The spectacular 2 ½ hour show features an 54 Local Life
international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 17 countries and showcases breath-taking acrobatics. Cirque du Soleil has dazzled and amazed almost 100 million people in 300 cities across five continents since its humble beginnings in Quebec in 1984, and its return to the UK in 2012 is set to be one of the entertainment highlights of the year. Cost: £56.50 Contact: www.ticketmaster.co.uk Sat Nav Ref: M3 1AR
Saturday 7th April
Dale House Gardens - Open Garden for NGS This is one for the gardeners – a NGS Open Garden weekend at Dale House Gardens in Goosnargh near Preston. Dale House consists of ½ an acre of tastefully landscaped gardens comprising of limestone rockeries, well stocked herbaceous borders, raised alpine beds, well stocked Koi pond, lawn areas, greenhouse and polytunnel. The garden specialises in alpines, rare shrubs and trees, and a large collection of unusual bulbs. There’s also a large indoor budgerigar aviary. Garden is also open on Sunday 8th April Time:10am-4pm Cost: £3.50, Child free Contact: 01772 862464 or visit www.ngs.org.uk Sat Nav Ref: PR3 2BE
Saturday 7th April
Haydock Park’s Easter Family Fun Raceday Fun for all the family at Haydock Park on Easter Saturday, with an Enchanted Garden themed raceday. You can expect stilt walkers, bouncy castles and slides, pony rides, funfair rides, Easter Egg hunt and an Enchanted Garden Craft Workshop to entertain the family…oh, and a full race card too at this popular venue! Don’t miss it! Cost: Tickets from £13 (children 17 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult) Contact: 0844 579 3006 or www.haydock-park.co.uk Sat Nav Ref: WA12 0HQ www.locallife247.co.uk
What’s on Guide events key
Saturday 7th April
Southport Country Fair Running until Monday 9th April, this well established Country Fair is being held at Stanley Sports College in Marshside, Southport and there are lots of events on offer for all the family; Sheep Racing, Donkey Rides, Army Aerial Rope Slide, Paintball Range, American Car Display, Fun Dog Shows and there will be over 70 trade stands and of course a shopping and craft marquee. The events held are on throughout the weekend but some events just take place on single days so please visit their website for further details, tickets can also be paid for on-line at a lower price than on the door. Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Adult £5, Senior £4.50, Child £1, Family Ticket £12 (2 adults, 3 Children) Contact: 01704 212734 or visit www.gardenfestivals.com Sat Nav Ref: PR9 9TF
Sunday 8th April
The Razzle Dazzle Travelling Vintage Fair Don’t miss the The Razzle Dazzle Travelling Vintage Fair held at Cedar Farm in Mawdesley on Easter Sunday. This fair is a veritable feast of antique, handmade and vintage curiosities, and visitors will be delighted with music, romance and nostalgia, sweet treats, memorabilia, mirth and merriment. The vintage parade includes Artists, Designer-Makers & Dealers in glorious vintage and antique treasures. Time: 10am-4pm Cost: £1.00 Contact: jillbrindle@btinternet.com Sat Nav Ref: L40 3SY
Sunday 8th April
A Traditional Walton Gardens Easter If you fancy treating the kids to a more traditional Easter then get yourself and the family down to Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington. You can enjoy two full days of Easter entertainment over the Sunday 8th and Monday 9th of April. The activities www.locallife247.co.uk
Events and Festivals
Walks & Nature
Family
Special Interest
are suitable for all the family and include live music, children’s entertainers, craft stalls, ‘eggy’ games and much more. If you have tried all the Easter activities and are still looking for something to fill your time, why not take a stroll down to the free access Children’s zoo and say hello to the new spring arrivals. Also takes place on Monday 9th April. Time: 10.30am-4.30pm Contact: 01925 601617 (option 2) or visit www. warrington.gov.uk/waltongardens Sat Nav Ref: WA4 6SN
Monday 9th April
Easter Egg Rolling at Avenham Park The people of Preston and beyond have been rolling their Easter eggs down the big hill in Avenham Park for centuries. Inspired by the Victorian heritage of the event, Easter Egg Rolling 2012 will be a great family day out with exciting stalls, lively entertainment, hands on creative activities, horse and carriage rides and delicious Lancashire food. The famous Easter Bonnet Competition will once again be open to all ages, giving you an opportunity to show off your amazing bonnet making talents too. Time: 10am – 4pm Cost: Free Contact: 01772 253731 Sat Nav ref: PR1 8JT
Thursday 26th April
Harrogate Flower Show Running until Sunday 29th April, the Harrogate Spring Flower Show hosts the UK’s largest floral art marquee with hundreds of beautiful, intricate works of art created by flower clubs, colleges and individuals. This year’s show will be better than ever for ideas and inspiration this spring, visit the beautiful show gardens and plant nurseries from across the country will be creating spectacular displays. There will be fruit and vegetable growing demonstrations, crafts and gifts, a food marquee and a cookery theatre. Cost: Thur/Fri/Sat £16.00, Sun £14.00, under 16’s Free Time: 9.30am to 5.30pm Contact: 01423 546157 or visit www.flowershow.or.uk Sat Nav Ref: HG2 8PW
Local Life 55
The Hunt is On… business and after two weeks with the Entertaining the kids over the holidays can be a tricky sounds familiar and you’re worried this If out. hair your tearing left little cherubs you can be Easter break - fear not because the over time about how you’re going to fill your children’s help is at hand!
and compiled a handy guide for a variety Here at Local Life we have put our thinking caps on es are sure to keep your Easter bunnies activiti these All area. the in es of family-friendly activiti very happy indeed.
Rufford Old Hall
You can’t celebrate Easter without a good old Easter Egg Hunt, if you can remember running round your front room searching for chocolate then you’ll know just how fun they are! If you want to bring some Easter magic to your family then you can join in with the Easter Egg Trail at Rufford Old Hall. The activities include a Gnome hunt, face painting and Easter craft sessions. The activities are suitable for all ages and will run from Friday 6th April to Monday 9th April between 11am-5pm. Please check the website for prices. Rufford Old Hall, 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, L40 1SG 01704 823812 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rufford-old-hall
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Market Heskin Hall Farmers t has plenty to
rke Heskin Hall Farmers Ma entertained over keep the family the Easter weekend including a mobile farm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Between 11am-3pm on these days you and the family can al with a variety of get up close and person selection of miniature a ing farm animals includ my goats, ducks, ponies, dwarf rabbits, pyg piglets to name but and s pig ns, sheep, chicke a few. nce for the kids to There will also be a cha e and join in with design their own cupcak aster Sunday from n E nt o Hu the Easter Egg something a little for g 11am. For those lookin the Heskin Hall to oss acr pop , ate more sed browse around. a e hav and Antiques Centre Craft Centre, The Farmers Market & od Lane, Heskin, Wo Heskin Hall Estate, 5PA 7 PR Chorley, 07599 831907 rket.co.uk www.heskinfarmersma
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Tatton Park
Cheshire cat smile Prepare to wear your widest in Wonderland e as Tatton Park hosts an ‘Alic l to Monday 9th Apri 7th rday Satu Easter’ from e across the plac g takin April. Activities will be tea party, a er’s Hatt Mad the ding inclu Park magicians and Cheshire Cat Easter trail and meet the spring there will even be a chance to lambs.
expected at the A very warm welcome can be rts will be weaving Hea of en Que Farm where the bamboozle will Bim Mr some magical stories and e themed Alic his with kids the ing be entertain n daily ope is park The Punch & Judy show. check the website se plea pm m-7 10a een betw for prices. shire, WA16 6QN Tatton Park, Knutsford, Che 01625 374400 www.tattonpark.org.uk
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Samlesbury Hal
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If you’re looking for the perfect Ea ster family day out then loo k no further than Samlesbury Hall in Preston. They have a fun -packed Easter eggstravaganza planned for Sund ay 8th and Monday 9th April and you will be sure to find something to en tertain every me mber of the family. The children can enjoy a wide rang e of activities from a Punch an d Judy Show, ma gic from Merlin, face painting an d lots more. On Easter Sunday, there is also a foo d and craft fair plu s live music. Please check the website for price s. Samlesbury Ha ll, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Pr eston, PR5 0UP 01254 812010 www.samlesbu ryhall.co.uk
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Shevington Start & Finish
Gathurst Golf Course
Welcome to our 2012 series of Jack’s Tracks – a selection of circular walks taking in the local countryside. This month Jack heads off to the peripheries of Shevington and Standish on a fairly gentle 4¼ mile walk taking in local beauty spots such as Elnup Wood and notable historical waypoints such as Standish Hall. If you have a favourite local walk, then email details to editorial@locallife247.co.uk and we’ll try and feature it in the magazine.
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Vicarage Lane – Calico Brook Park up around the Vicarage Lane area in Shevington, cross Gathurst Lane and take the footpath directly opposite Vicarage Lane. Carry on down that path for 150 yards until you get to Naylor Farm Avenue. Cross this road and continue down the path, go around the corner and take the bridge over the M6. You are now on Gathurst Golf Course, and will need to follow the yellow public footpath signs right through the middle of the golf course, crossing the fairways on the way. Watch out for stray golf balls coming in your direction! Once you reach the far edge of the golf course, you will go through a wooden swing gate and go straight on, following the right hand perimeter of the field until you reach another swing gate. Go through another swing gate, walk 50 yards and you’ll come across a tarmac path, which is the path to Broadridings Farm. Take a left toward the farm buildings and walk for 150 yards. Once you come into the left hand bend you will come across a couple of stiles in close proximity, take the second one with the official public footpath symbol on it. Once you have reached the end of that path, turn left and go 30 yards until you reach Broadriding Road. Then turn right and follow the road until it meets Miles Lane.
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Turn right along Miles Lane for 30 yards and then take a left down the clearly marked path. Stick to the left hand perimeter of the field, going gently downhill into Shevington Vale. Go down the dip and cross Calico Brook via the metal bridge and walk on up to The Nook, which is a quiet narrow country lane.
Calico Brook – Standish Hall Cross The Nook onto another field and stick to the right hand perimeter of that field. Carry on around the field, which has a wooded area on the right hand side of the path. Once you have gone round a right hand bend and are about to go through a large ungated opening onto another field, take a 90 degree left turn and walk away from the wooded area following the path towards the housing in the distance. Follow the footpath round the field. About 50 yards after the corner of the field there is a public footpath symbol and the path bends around to the left, go down there and you will soon come to a green metal bridge; don’t take the bridge but carry straight on uphill. Go through the wooden swing fence at the top and you are in another field. Turn left and head uphill. Running parallel on the left hand side are the backs of the houses on Newgate Avenue. You will come to the top left hand corner of the field, go through the swing gate, cross the path and you will come across a metal gate with a stile; hop across the stile and carry on uphill in the same direction.
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Once you reach the top right hand corner of this field, climb over the fence and turn right down the path. You are now heading slowly downhill in the direction of the motorway. After 125 yards, take a 90 degree left turn just before you are about to enter a wooded area. Follow the path up the slope so that the wooded area is on your right hand side. The path bends to the right, and just after the bend there is a path on the right which dips into the woods; take that path and continue in the same direction through the woods until you reach the motorway. There’s a multitude of little pathways branching off from the main path through the woods, but if you head towards the noise, you won’t go far wrong.
yards, there is an entrance to Elnup Wood on the left hand side just before the bend. Take that turn and enter the woods.
Cross the M6 bridge and when you come out into the open again, take a right turn and follow that winding path for almost half a mile until you exit the footpath on a main road directly opposite Shevington High School. Turn right at this point, walk 150 yards and take the first left down Park Brook Lane. After 300
Standish Hall – Vicarage Lane
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Follow the main track through the woods. After you have passed the coal trucks on the left hand side, the track forks; take the left fork. Go through the swing gate on the left hand side of the five bar wooden gate and follow that path past the cottages on the right hand side and out into the open countryside. Go through the next gate and you’ll come to a T-junction; turn right at this point. After 75 yards you’ll come to the track between Standish Hall and Beech Walk in Standish.
You need to cross that track and hop over the stile which is straight ahead. Cross the field on a very rough track heading towards the yellow footpath symbols in the far distance. Once you have crossed that field hop across over another stile and carry on
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Standish Hall
In 1574 Standish Hall became the ancestral home of the Standish family, whose family line can be traced back to 12th century. The prominent Standish family played major roles in English history; John Standish fought at Agincourt, whilst William Standish became the ringleader of a group of Jacobites who wanted to restore the Stuarts to the throne and was accused of treason. Myles Standish, a distant relative of the Standish family based at the Hall, sailed with the Pilgrims on the Mayflower and helped them establish and run a settlement at Plymouth Bay in Massachusetts. Several additions to the hall were built in 1792. After the last member of the Standish family died in 1920, parts of the estate where broken up and sold. The Hall itself didn’t reach the reserve at auction, but was sold piecemeal instead. Offers for the chapel and the old Tudor wing of the house were accepted and these buildings were dismantled and shipped to America to be re-built, but efforts to find the new location of the buildings in the States have come to nothing.
down the path. Hop over yet another stile and take an immediate right turn down a well concealed path – look out for the telegraph pole. Once you have reached the bottom of that path, cross the opening to the field and continue in the same direction on the right hand perimeter of the field right to the top. Once you’ve walked down the hill you’ll come to a wooded area. Don’t go into the wooded area, instead carry on past the stile and take the path which follows the perimeter of the woods, so that the woods are on your right hand side. When you get to the tight corner of the field, carry on following the path right round the perimeter until you reach an opening where a path runs. Turn right and follow the track and you’ll come to a little roofed monument on your right hand side. Don’t turn right at the monument; just carry on in the same direction. You’ll pass a pond on the right hand side, just carry on down that path, down and up the dip and once you are at the other side of the dip bear left. You
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are heading down hill at this point, towards Wigan Road. Once you have reached the main road turn right, and then after 20 yards turn left; go past the private driveway and turn right where you see a little pond – you’re heading for the gate on the other side of the pond. Go through the gate and follow the path. You’ll soon be feeling those calf muscles tighten as you climb the seemingly never ending succession of steps. Once you exit the wooded area onto the track, turn right and follow that track for approximately 600 yards and this will bring you to the start point on Vicarage Lane. 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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Win one of ten family passes to Farmer Teds! If you’re looking to entertain your little ones then a day out at the award-winning Farmer Ted’s Farm Park is a must! We’ve got ten family day passes, each worth £25, to be won in our special Easter competition on the opposite page! Simply fill in the crossword and return it to;
Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Orrell, Wigan. WN5 7XB Or simply email your answers along with your name, address, postcode and contact number to crossword@ locallife247.co.uk. The closing date for the competition is Monday 30th April 2012 and details of the lucky ten winners will be published in the June issue of Local Life! Farmer Ted’s is an interactive children’s activity park, sited on a working farm in the huge grounds of Worrall House Farm, in Downholland, within the Lancashire countryside. The family-run attraction is so popular it has been recognised with a number of local and national awards, picking up the 2009/2010 award for Best Small Visitor Attraction for Lancashire and National Farm Attraction 2009. Farmer Ted’s provides fun for the whole family. Take a journey round the farm and meet Larry the llama and Molly the Shire horse, not to mention plenty of cows, sheep, hens, Shetland ponies. They even milk a cow every day – you can even spot a pair of water buffalo splashing about!
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A huge animal barn is home to pigs, goats, lambs, chicks, ferrets and guinea pigs, and the farm also boasts a Mini Beast Centre where you can get up close and personal to lots of creepy crawlies, from a boa constrictor, tarantula and scorpions to giant snails and Madagascan hissing cockroaches! You can explore the fields by tractor, and hop on the 100ft- long quad barrel-train ride. There’s also a 400m-long field trail where you can learn more about nature. Farmer Ted’s also specialises in providing educational day trips for the North West’s schools, teaching thousands of children about farming, animals and food. And afterwards they can let off steam in the adventure play area. Set in a two-acre field there’s swings, pedal go-karts, a huge spider’s web to get tangled up in and Charlie the Combine climbing frame. It’s a great attraction to take the kids, whatever the weather, as Farmer Ted’s boasts huge farm sheds providing indoor play areas to explore including an undercover sandpit. Meanwhile, parents can relax and enjoy a cuppa and some delicious home cooking at Farmer Ted’s Grill, where all the food is freshly prepared. The Farm is also busy providing children’s birthday parties and holds other exciting events through-out the year. Check out the website www. farmerteds.com or call 0151 526 0002 for more details.
Farmer Teds is proud to be the home of Farmaggedon, the North West’s Premier Halloween event.
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Across EclipseCrossword.com 3. 4. 6. 7.
Friday before Easter is known as _ Friday Eaten on Good Friday, Hot _ Buns Forty day penitence period which ends on Easter Sunday Furry long-eared creature that brings eggs, the Easter _
Down
1. Chocolate treats, Easter _ 2. Easter is a religious festival for the _ faith 5. Sunday before Easter is known as _ Sunday
Name Address
Post Code Telephone Number Email Crossword Competition Rules 1. Only one entry per household. 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 any 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. Local Life 247 Ltd is registered under the Data Protection Act and abides by the guidelines of the act. We will never sell or pass your details to any third party company. However, we would like to contact you by email with news of great local offers and also to check our magazine distribution in your area. If this is acceptable to you, please tick this box
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Local Life 63
Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants. Call her now for your free consultation!
Award Winner
Attention fairweather gardeners! Even I know that not everyone is keen on gardening. But if there is one piece of advice I can give at this time of year, it is to get outside into the garden because the more time you spend now getting the garden into shape, will mean you have more time for relaxing in it when summer comes (you know, that sunny weekend we get around June!) The longer days coupled with the weather norm at this time of year (sun and rain - well OK, sometimes a bit of hail and snow) mean there is an incredible surge of growth in the garden. Don’t miss a moment of this time in your garden - get outside at every opportunity and I guarantee you will feel good. If you’re not sure where to start and this is the first time your thoughts have turned to the garden since winter, it can be helpful to make a list. I love making lists - it drives Hubby mad - but I love the process of the tick as I check off a completed task - nerdy I know but effective! I usually have several lists running at the same time, mostly to do with the garden but not entirely - and I love those little sticky yellow post it notes - very useful for list making.
Anyway, sorry I digress, the following list may be useful: ● Pick up the last of the winter debris, leaves and twigs which have fallen onto borders and lawns ● Cut back and tidy dead perennial leaves to reveal new growth ● Prune out frost damaged shoots and stems ● The taller grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis will have started growing now, so if you haven’t already trimmed away last year’s dead stalks, this is your last chance ● Give the lawn a haircut and tidy up the edges to give a crisp finish, weed and feed ● Lightly fork over the borders and lay a mulch of compost or bark chippings ● I hope this inspires you to nip outside … while I prepare a list of jobs for next month! 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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5 LIVE 5 Live It’s no sports car, but the all-new, techpacked CX-5 could be the most exciting Mazda for years. David Vivian checks it out. The CX-5 is Mazda’s third SUV, following on from the larger CX-7 and much larger CX-9 (not sold in Europe). It’s also the most important and interesting. Important because it competes in the key compact SUV sector, tasked with taking on impressive newcomers like the Audi Q3 as well as established stars such as the Land Rover Freelander and Ford Kuga. Interesting because it’s the first production car to implement Mazda’s new Skyactiv technology, which seeks to save fuel and the planet by matching rigid, lightweight construction with new super-efficient powertrains. Mazda’s claim at launch is that CX-5 is the most eco-friendly compact SUV you can buy. All-new Skyactive engines, then: a 2.0-litre petrol unit and a twin-turbo 2.2-litre diesel. Both versions are available with manual or automatic transmissions and the lower-powered unit also serving under the bonnet of a lower-priced front-wheel drive model. The 66 Local Life
true entry-level CX-5, though, gets the 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is only available as a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. Predictably, the higher-powered 2.2-litre twinturbo diesel is the star performer. With one small and one large turbocharger working sequentially, it supplements its 173bhp with 310lb ft of torque, hauling lustily from low revs to deliver the sort of instant on-tap urge - massaged by the responsive sixspeed auto - that removes the stress from overtaking. The chassis has some impressive moves, too, in some respects feeling more like it belongs to a wellsorted family hatch than a high-riding SUV, even if the steering is a little dead around the straight ahead. There’s plenty of grip, a pleasing reluctance to run wide when negotiating tight bends and tautly controlled body movements. The suspension system is refreshingly straightforward - MacPherson struts up front, multilink at the rear and passive dampers - with none of the ‘adaptive’ electronics found on some rivals. The ride is on the firm side but, even rolling on 19-inch alloys, never uncomfortable. It’s a good-looking little SUV, the CX-5. Very much in the current Mazda idiom, it’s a tautly contoured, cohesive design with a minimum of brightwork. It’s exceptionally well packaged, too. Although significantly smaller than the CX-7 on the outside, www.locallife247.co.uk
trim with heated front seats, an electrically operated driver’s chair and a reversing camera.
there’s actually more leg room in the rear and the materials used in the cabin are of higher quality. Not only is the rear seat roomy enough to carry two full-sized adults or three children without complaint, but the backrests have a useful 40/20/40split arrangement to accommodate long or bulky items. Up front, the driving position offers a fine, elevated view down the road while still feeling comfortably car-like. And front seat occupants will appreciate the upgraded infotainment equipment which comprises a 5.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and the usual USB and auxiliary connections. With two model lines and three engines to choose from, expect to pay between £21,000 and £29,000 for your Mazda CX-5. There are two trim options for each engine, starting with the 2.0-litre petrol unit which comes with a six-speed manual transmission. The diesel models (148 and 173bhp) are offered in both two and four wheel drive - the front-driver using the 148bhp motor while 4x4 customers can stick with that or go for the 173bhp powerplant and gain the option of a six-speed auto transmission. The base trim level includes 17-inch alloys, front foglights, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, privacy glass and Smart City Brake Support, which is Mazda’s emergency braking function. Sport trim adds 19-inch alloys, active xenon headlights, leather www.locallife247.co.uk
As you might hope, given the build up, the Mazda CX-5’s economy and emissions stats are pretty spectacular. Best in range is the front-drive 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel which, when teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox, returns 61.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 119g/km of CO2, which puts the car in the £30 per year road tax band C. It’s hard to see how the CX-5 can avoid being anything other than a big hit for Mazda. An altogether more advanced prospect than the CX-7, it delivers understated style, excellent packaging, class-leading economy and emissions and very competitive equipment and pricing. If isn’t quite the best drive in a highly competitive sector, it has everything it needs to be the best all-rounder. For more details on the Mazda CX-5, which is set for a UK launch in May, visit www.mazda.co.uk or visit Bolton Motorpark on Manchester Road in Bolton (0844 692 6927) or Warrington Mazda on Bewsey Road in Warrington (0844 692 8499)
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