About the Town Minizine - Issue 1 - July 2022

July - West Lancs - Issue 01

M I N I Z I N E

Grab a Brew & Click to Flick Through!

Lifestyle, Community, Health, Wellbeing & Travel

Co-Editor’s Note

Welcome to the first issue of About the Town’s monthly Minizine!

I’m Andy, a qualified Journalist and Co Editor for About the Town!

Andy Forsyth, Co-Editor

WIN!

To celebrate the launch of our brand new online magazine, we are running a competition to giveaway a £50 shopping voucher!

To enter, all you need to do is offer us some feedback on what you think about the Minizine; what you love, what you hate, or how you think we could improve on!

Please send your feedback to editor@ aboutthetown.co.uk we will then put your name into a draw to win on 22nd July 2022. *Any email addresses will be used to notify you if you’ve won, and we will add you to our subscriber list - you can unsubscribe at any time. The closing date is July 22nd and the winner will be contacted on or before the 25th.

This competition is not associated with Asda in any way, T&C’s apply.

I’ve been working alongside Bev and the team for three months now, and as a lifelong resident of Skelmersdale, I’m keen to get more involved in the community work they do.

Being a wheelchair user, I’m a big advocate for disability rights and awareness; I’m familiar with some of the difficulties of access and facilities for people with additional needs – I hope to use this platform to bring awareness to this and hopefully make some positive change.

I’m eager to show off my skills within journalism, and so Bev and I decided this new project, aka the Minizine, would be a great way to do this! We are always inundated with articles and stories, so much so that we’ve not been able to fit them all into the printed magazine, so we decided to launch this online publication, which means we’re giving you more than ever before!

So, I’ll be fronting the Minizine and bringing you a variety of content on a monthly basis, with the ethos to Connect, Inspire and Celebrate!

So, what can you look forward to in this issue? We’ve got an inspiring article on a Charity fundraiser for Cancer Research UK, which involved a novel way of doing 100 miles throughout May! In addition, we’ve got The Beacon Photography Club, Zumba, money-saving tips, travel and more! On our events page, you can also keep up with what’s happening in Skelmersdale.

You asked, we listened, and we delivered! More and more of you were asking for a place where you could quickly find a number for a local service, whether that’s a plumber, an electrician, or even a place to eat. That’s why we have introduced our Business Listings! Check out pages 14-17! We think you’ll love it!

With so much exciting content, there’s virtually something for everyone!

Happy reading!

Andy - Co-Editor

Mission Macy’s Wheels for Charity

on

from worker Healthcare A Skelmersdale recently took on a challenge to wheel 100 miles for Cancer Research U.K. Macy O’Shaughnessy, 22, runs a group called S.H.I.N.E. that aims to support and celebrate all aspects of the community, rather than just one specific area. Because of this, the group takes part in various charity events to raise money for different charities.

Macy explained why she wanted to do this latest challenge: “The dreaded ‘C’ word affects many of us daily. I lost my uncle back in March, and when I saw the Cancer Research challenge, I knew it was the next project.”

The gruelling challenge took place throughout May, and Macy decided to split it into sections: “I did some miles on a bike, some on a manual scooter and some on skates. I also did the last few miles in Liverpool because that was very important to my uncle. The last time I did anything like this was in 2017 when I did the English Half Marathon for Blossoms Legacy.”

Due to Covid and having surgery last year, Macy says she hasn’t been as active as she once was, so this challenge motivated her to get back on track.

She explains that although she did the challenge on her own, other people across the country also got involved, and she’s been able to

connect with them through Shine’s Instagram page using #Wheel100.

Macy hopes to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research U.K. However, she has another motivation for doing the challenge: “I wanted to prove to myself that I can still do things like this, it’s another good deed to add to the list, and it’s in remembrance of my uncle.”

If you would like to donate to Macy’s cause, you can do so through her sponsor form or online https:// fundraise.ca ncerresearch uk.org/ p a g e / m a c y s - w h e e l - 10 0 - m i l e s challenge-giving-page.

Be picture perfect with Beacon Photographic Club

Are you interested in photography and looking to develop your skills? Beacon Photographic Club invites you to come along and meet likeminded people.

Set up in 2014, co-founder Danny Jackson wanted to make the club accessible to all ages and abilities. Danny believes that members should share their knowledge and says: “Nothing should be a secret, as we all love photography.”

Because of this, Danny says that they’ve seen members come and go over the years.

The club holds weekly events, including photographing sunsets, street photography, landscapes and more. In addition, the club plans to hold a stall at the Green Fayre in July.

Danny says: “We also have studio nights, which might be a model, still life or even a product. In addition, we have competitions and critique nights to help members improve their skills and so much more.”

Find out more about the Beacon Photographic Club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BeaconPhotographicClub or email them at beaconphotographicclub@outlook.com

Dance Into Summer with Zara & Cody!

If you’re looking for exercise groups in Skem, why not check out Zumba Fitness with Zara & Cody?

With 17 years of dance experience and seven years teaching Zumba, Cody Barnes and Zara Latham will guide you through every step!

For those unfamiliar with Zumba, it’s a fitness programme that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance, including Merengue, Cumbia, Salsa and more!

There are many benefits to Zumba, including: Boost your mood: Zumba is performed in groups, providing an ideal opportunity for people to make new friends, reducing loneliness and isolation. Because of this, your mood improves.

Improve your memory: People who practice Zumba have improved memories.

Improve your stamina: Zumba is intense, so it helps you keep going for longer!

Improve your mental and physical health: Exercise has been proven to make us feel better mentally and physically.

Classes are £4 per session and are held each Monday (Bank Holidays excluded) between 7-8pm at the Greenhill Community Hub. To find out more, check them out on Instagram @Zumbaskelmersdale or search for Zumba Skelmersdale on Facebook.

Cast North West Garden Centre

Donations needed for Skelmersdale Food Bank About The Town Co-Editor Andy Forsyth popped by to chat with Julie Roberts, the Warehouse Manager at The Skelmersdale Food Bank, to have a chat about the current situation.

From this meeting, it was clear that with the cost of living rising and the crippling effects this is having on people, the Skelmersdale Food Bank, based in the Ecumenical centre, is under immense pressure to keep up with the demand and desperately needs donations.

The Skelmersdale Food Bank have been working hard to help fill the needs of those relying on them to get them through some of the most challenging times, particularly through the pandemic. This hard work and dedication was recognised when they were awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the High Sheriff of Lancashire and a Certificate of Achievement by the Mayor of West Lancashire.

Julie has praised the local community for their efforts in donating to the Food Bank thus far, saying, “The Skelmersdale community has been fantastic. Sadly, there are a lot of people who rely on us, and there are many more who will hesitate becasue they feel others are more deserving of the service. This isn’t the case and we welcome you all.”

If you can help, please make any donations to any of the three drop-off points: -Ecumenical Centre (Foodbank Warehouse - Oak House - Burscough Methodist Church

Have you been to Cast North West lately? If you haven’t, you’re seriously missing out!

The on-site garden centre is a great place to pick up everything you need to give your garden the TLC it deserves, and their knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

For animal lovers, there’s also a farm where you can feed the animals, there’s an on-site park, and even a dessert bar!

While you’re there, why not have a browse around the gift shop! With plenty of products on offer, many of which are handmade and locally sourced, there’s something for everybody! If that’s not enough, there’s also a cafe serving hot and cold food, snacks and drinks.

Did you know that when you purchase anything from Cast North West you are also helping them support our local communities? Cast North West is a not-for-profit organisation, and so all profits go towards improving the facility, funding equipment, and helping them improve the education facilities they offer.

Parking is available for £3, including a free drink.

Open daily from 10-3pm.

8 ways to reduce your shopping bills...

It seems that everything is going up in price lately, whether it’s petrol, gas, electricity or food! That’s why About the Town decided to go digging for some tips on how you can save money on your food shopping!

1. Supermarket own brands have a stigma that has been unfairly placed on them. Ok, not all things taste the same as your usual brands; some are better, some are worse, but things like branded herbs and spices, for example, can be hugely overpriced, whereas the supermarket alternative can work out so much cheaper and practically has the same thing in the jar! There are loads of little swaps like this that can be made, allowing you to keep your odd luxury brand and still save money on your bills.

2. Keep your eye out for coupons! Most major supermarkets offer first-time customers a huge discount - search online to find ones local to you!

It’s more of a short term saving really, but usually by the time you’ve been around them all they send you a ‘please come back’ coupon to tempt you to order again. Either way, every little helps!

3. Look out for items that are on offer. There are plenty of 2-For-1 deals or similar in the supermarkets. Be aware, however, that these offers are not always the healthiest options!

4. If your weekly budget is tight, try buying from a local greengrocer or butcher instead of a supermarket - this will help reduce waste and cut costs as you will only buy what you need.

5. If you are buying more than you need, make a little extra where you can to save for lunch the next day or freeze and use at a later date. The other option is to buy bulk and batch cook in advance this can save you £, plus it saves you time!

6. Check out the ‘reduced’ sections in supermarkets. Meat can be cooked and frozen, and you can make some fantastic soups with reduced price veg!

7. Visit a local food waste reduction shop such as the one they have at Birchwood, Skelmersdale.

Here you can pick up some great products on a pay-as-you-feel basis.

8. Always check the bottom shelves at the supermarket. Martin Lewis says there’s a theory that supermarkets tend to put more expensive brands in the shopper’s eye line. He found that if you look lower down on the shelves, you could save loads! There is a story online about a man that used this tip and saved himself £35!

JULY EVENTS

What’s Happening About the Town?

Skelmersdale 2nd Veterans’ Hub | 10am-12pm West Lancs Diner (Subject to change) Xander And The Peace Pirates | 8pm E-Rooms, Westgate, Skelmersdale 2nd/9th/16th/23rd/30th Toddler Group Story Time | 9am-1pm Upholland Community Hub Get Creative Saturday Club | 10.30am Skelmersdale Library 3rd/10th/17th/24th/31st M.A.T.E.S Male Mental Health Support Group | 7pm-9pm Pampered and Polished, Blythewood, 4th/11th/18th/25th Tea & Bingo | 2pm Tanhouse Community Centre Late night Lego | 5pm Skelmersdale Library Zumba | 7pm-8pm Greenhill Community Centre 6th/13th/20th/27th Helping Hands Bingo | 1pm Lambourne, Ashurst Birchwood Social Inclusion Cafe | 12pm Tanhouse Community Centre 7th/14th/21st/28th Carousel Hope Street Choir | 5.30pm-7.30pm Trinity Methodist Group 8th Make Your Own Pamper Hamper | 10am12.30pm Skelmersdale Library 13th and 15th-16th Wind In The Willows | 7pm every evening 1.30 Matinee (Saturday only) West Lancashire College

23rd Jeremiah Ferarri + Support | 8pm E-Rooms, Westgate 23rd-24th Green Fayre | 11am-5pm Beacon Country Park Outside Skelmersdale 2nd 80s On The Farm | 3pm-8pm Thompson House Equestrian Centre Pepper Lane | Wigan 2nd/9th/16th/23rd/30th Saturday Markets | 10am-4pm Cedar Farm | Mawdsley 4th-5th Artisan Markets Cast NW | Cobbs Brow Lane | Newburgh 9th Crawford Annual Community Summer Fair 12pm-5pm Crawford Village 15th-16th and 29th-30th Bat and Barn Owl Nights | 8.30pm-11pm (15/16) | 8pm-10.30pm (29/30) Martin Mere | Burscough 16th-17th Great Eccleston Show | 9am-9pm Garstang Road | Eccleston 17th Wildlife Photography Workshop | 10am-4pm, Martin Mere | Burscough 23rd Dan Nightingale’s Working It Out | 7.30pm10.30pm The Chapel, Ormskirk Throughout July Junior Wetland Rangers | 9.30am-6pm

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Sun, Sea, Sand and Cypriot Delights!

Back in September 2019, I took a trip to Polis in the North West of Cyprus.

I stayed at a place called C&A Apartments, a familyrun complex with apartments tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. There is even a hoist to help people get into the swimming pool.

Chris Neophytou is one of the owners and has worked tirelessly to improve wheelchair access in the town. This includes an accessible path from the apartments all the way down to the fishing port of Latchi, which is about a 30-minute walk or stroll away. The path not only benefits wheelchair users but also mothers with prams or older people with mobility issues.

Chris is also responsible for making it possible for people with disabilities to do activities that would not be practical elsewhere. For example, I was able to fulfil a long-term dream of going sea fishing on a boat, and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done!

I’ve always loved being by the sea and watching the waves roll in and out. I’ve also always liked the idea of getting in the sea, but this has not always been possible. A machine called SeaTrac, situated at Latchi Beach, enables those with less mobility to get into the water and swim independently.

In addition, it is also possible for the less able to go parasailing.

Other trips that can be arranged at C & A include a visit to Kourion, an archaeological site where excavations have taken place over the years, unearthing many fascinating finds, including the impressive mosaic floors.

Alternatively, you might prefer a drive through the picturesque Troodos mountains with stunning scenery throughout or visit the more touristy area of Paphos to do a spot of shopping and dining. There is also an opportunity to take a trip to a winery for a wine-tasting session. This is something I’d like to do next time.

Polis is a beautiful old town with taverns, restaurants, and plenty of other amenities local to the area. One place I can thoroughly recommend is the Herb Garden restaurant which serves delicious Mediterranean and Cypriot fayre. The nearby Art Cafe offers great alfresco dining in stunning surroundings for coffee and cakes.

If you’re hungry, you’re not short of places to eat!

Nearby Latchi has a great seafood restaurant with spectacular views of the Mediterranean that does the most amazing grilled octopus and other tasty dishes. Of course, being a seafood lover, I was in my element.

At the Apartments, Eva, who is Chris’s Mother, cooks the most delicious traditional Cypriot food on certain nights, and there is usually a BBQ at some point within a week’s trip.

One of the mantras of the Neophytou family is that people arrive as guests and leave as friends; how amazing is that??

Even if you don’t have any mobility issues, I would fully recommend staying at C&A apartments and experiencing the beauty of Polis.

Written By Andy Forsyth

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