Wirral Focus Magazine 16th Edition by Gill Stock

Wirral Focus 16th Edt 6.1.14_Layout 1 06/02/2014 15:23 Page 1

16th edition

Delivered to 10,000 targeted homes and 2,000 business and retail outlets in Wirral Miss Wirral Focus Winner Amy Matthews Read more on page 26

Local Heroes The Coral

FOCUS GUIDE on local Food & Drink

LOOK OUT FOR

st e this Voucher Stamp! b Great offers e s waiting for h t al you. g in l de ur r e iv oca o yo or l De l t do PAGE 28 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

PAGE 29

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Happy New Year Wirral! Hi All Well it’s our first edition of 2014 and it’s great to be back! Hopefully you are all coping with the wet weather and looking forward to the year ahead. The team at Focus would like to wish you all the best for 2014. February already? Where does the time go?! Christmas seems a long time ago but many of us will still be feeling the pinch from the festivities. Focus aim to help as much as possible again this year, by bringing you more great deals available through our website www.focusbestdeals.co.uk and this great magazine which drops directly through your door! Take a look at what your local businesses in Wirral are offering you online and in the following pages. Festival season is also on the way! Farm Feast Festival is back, previously called the Wirral Food & Drink Festival in 2012, and Andrew Pimberly from Claremont Farm is making some great changes this time around. Make sure you pick up our next edition to read all about his plans! Happy reading! Gill Stock - Editor

FEATURES

Where are the deals?

Focus on Bromborough

4-13

Support your locus in this great area.

Age uk

10-11 We take a look at thier Dementia respite centre which has recently been opened.

Spotlight on a Business - Northwood 14-15 Northwood gives you an insight on who thier great instant guaranteed rent scheme works.

Local Heroes

The Coral.

Miss Wirral Focus

26-27

Our first winner of the Miss Wirral Focus Competition Amy Matthews.

What’s This?

Look out for this stamp throughout the magazine! If you find this stamp you’ve also found a great deal! Go to:

www.focusbestdeals.co.uk to download your voucher for FREE. Simply print and redeem the voucher at your chosen venue or business! Enjoy!

What is a QR Code?

A QR (quick response) code, will send you directly to a website when scanned from your smart phone. You will see many of our advertisers now include them on their adverts to connect you faster.

Contact Details Sales and Advertising: Simon Furneaux and Pete Webb T: 0151 329 2813 E: sales@focusbestdeals.co.uk Editor: Gill Stock T: 0151 329 2813 E:sales@focusbestdeals.co.uk Advertising Design: Scott Brayley T: 0151 329 2892 E: studio@focusbestdeals.co.uk

How does it work?

Only smart phones can use QR Codes. If you have a smart phone, download a QR Reader App first. Hold your phone over the QR Code and scan. The code will connect you to the website of the advertiser.

Delivered to 10,000 targeted homes and 2,000 business and retail outlets in Wirral Wirral Focus Magazine is published every 6 weeks by SKR Services Ltd. Office: Units 4 & 5 Lumina Business Park, Martindale Road, Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside CH62 3PT. SKR Services Limited cannot take responsibility for unsolicited submissions, editorials and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and SKR Services Limited take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

PAGE 3 To advertise call: 0151 329 2813

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FOCUS ON

Brom

HISTORIC BROMBOROUGH Located on the south of the Wirral Peninsula, the large, thriving town of Bromborough started out just a small collection of dwellings. Bromborough was originally a medieval settlement, formerly known as Brunburg. Many historians agree that Bromborough is the place where the violent, bloodthirsty battle of Brunanburh took place in 937AD. Known as the greatest Anglo-Saxon battle before the battle of Hastings in 1066, the Battle of Brunanburh was a great Anglo Saxon victory over the Vikings who had invaded the land and had partially taken over the Wirral. Brunanburh is said to be the battle that established the whole of England as Anglo Saxon land. “Never yet on this island has there been a greater slaughter” So reads the Old-English poem written about the battle that supposedly took place on our very doorstep. Despite its early formation, there is no direct mention of Bromborough in the Doomesday Book of 1087. It is thought that the settlement was listed under Eastham in the historic book and was under the jurisdiction of Earl Hugh who, in 1152 passed it onto the Abbot of St. Werburgh (now Chester Cathedral) as compensation for some injuries he had inflicted to the monks there. At this time Bromborough consisted of a very small population and a parish church. During the late 1200’s, Edward I granted the monks of St. Werburgh a weekly market to be held in Bromborough every Monday. The market was held in the very place that the Bromborough cross stands today. The market was held beneath the cross in the hope that the cross would encourage people to participate in dealing honestly with each other. The market cross still stands today although not completely in its original form. The cross itself is a reproduction however the ancient steps to the cross are a genuine relic from Bromborough’s ancient past. As a result of the market, Bromborough began to expand. The town remained in the possession of the Abbot until the protestant dissolution.

BROMBOROUGH TODAY Starting out as a small hamlet, Bromborough has grown and expanded over the centuries and has become the large town that we now know. With a population of over 12,000 people and many prosperous businesses. Business has always been an important part of life in Bromborough. It was due to trading beneath the market cross all those centuries ago that allowed Bromborough to be the successful town it is today and although trade no longer takes place beneath the archaic cross, Bromborough does boast a number of impressive business PAGE 4 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

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mborough parks where many successful companies are based. As well as the businesses on the parks, there are also numerous local businesses dotted around all over the town catering for the everyday needs of the local residents. Colour Spray, Easy Way Mobility, Craft Auto Centre, Arnold’s Interiors, B&M Waste and Pinnacle Glass are to name but a few of the town’s prosperous local businesses. To keep the little ones occupied you may want to visit Monkey Bizness, which is part of the Cheshire based, family run company Fun4All, offering a wide range of activities for children including Baby Yoga, Diddi Dance, Jo Jingles and more. Located on the retail park, Monkey Bizness also has a large soft play area for the energetic little ones to run around and play. For a bit of family fun, Bromborough also has to offer The Bowl. The Bowl, as the name suggests is a bowling alley. It consists of 16 lanes, soft play facilities, a wide range of arcade games, a pool table and a bar and dining area. The Bowl has its own car park and also has a pro shop. Situated on Bassendale Road, just off the A41 close to the retail park, The Bowl is easily accessible for people from other areas. For the shopper, Bromborough is home to an outstanding retail park, with massive names like Asda, Smyth’s Toys, Argos, H&M, Topshop and many more. All your favourite high street names are within the same vicinity and most shops are open until 8pm. Bromborough and Bromborough Rake are the two railway stations in the area. This makes the town easy to access, even for the commuter. Transport to and from Chester, Ellesmere Port and Liverpool run regularly from both stations.

Visiting Bromborough

Bus Service: ✓ Parking areas: ✓ Restaurants, Pubs and Cafes: ✓ Banks: ✓ Railway Stations: ✓

Did you know? Aggrotech musical artist Knife Fight grew up in Bromborough and started his project here as well.

So, whether you are a budding historian, a happy shopper, a busy parent or just looking for something different, Bromborough can cater to your needs. Not bad for what once was a tiny, medieval town that was likely built on a long forgotten, bloody battlefield. PAGE 5 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

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PAGE 6 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

V O U C H

Phone Deliveries at Eastham shop Only 4.30pm - 10.30pm

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When you spend £18 or more use this advert or download www.focusbestdeals.co.uk voucher for £5 gift discount at HUNGRYS.

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Sa Save ave av e mo money oney y on unnecessary u unnece essarry veterinary vete erinarry bills

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Many problems can be helped by adjusting your pets diet. We offer a range of natural pet foods which no one else locally supplies!

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At Natural Pet Centre we provide an expanding range of natural food and treats for your pet. We specialise in helping to reduce skin and digestive problems naturally, of course all our products are ideal for healthy pets!!

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Specialist advice from in-house veterinary nurse Jayne. X Toys, Beds and Accessories X Grooming X Behavioural consultations.

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X Unit 7, Carrock Road, Croft Business Park, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 3RA X 13 Milner Rd, Heswall, Wirral CH60 5RT

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Wirral Focus 16th Edt 6.1.14_Layout 1 06/02/2014 15:24 Page 8

Family run Business

Phone: 0151 343 9027 Mobile: 07947 892 122 PAGE 8 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

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*Book your Party at Monkey Business and the Party child will receive receive a one month pass for ro om free. from free. Download this voucher fr www.focusbestdeals.co.uk www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

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We also have a lovely lounge area with a choice of chairs or sofas, with a large TV. For guests who prefer a quieter time there are smaller cosy areas within the centre. Our dining room has a pleasant outlook over the garden, guests will enjoy home cooked traditional meals, which can be served in their own room if they prefer. Guests can enjoy a daily newspaper and visitors if they wish, visitors may also join our guests for a meal. Our purpose built Active Age centre is an integral part of the building so guests can join in on exercise classes, flower arranging, computer classes and much more should they choose to. Meadowcroft | 304 Spital Road | Bromborough | CH62 2DE PAGE 10 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

“Home from Home”

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Every room is en suite and have all the fittings and fixtures you would expect of a high quality respite facility. We have purpose built assisted bathrooms, which have lifts and hoists should we need them, we are able to accommodate wheelchair users as well.

“High Quality Respite Facility”

BROMBOROUGH

Looking after only 8 guests at a time we are able to offer a very personal service during your stay with us.

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We have 8 individual bedrooms all lovingly decorated and furnished to provide a real ‘home from home’ feel each room has a different theme and they all have a coloured door so guests can identify their own room. All rooms are on the ground floor level and all have views of the gardens or courtyard.

BROMBOROUGH

We at Age UK Wirral know how hard it can be for carers to get a break and recharge their batteries so they can give the best possible care to their loved ones, we also know how hard it is to hand over the care to someone else, which is why we have opened our specialist Dementia respite care wing at Meadowcroft in Bromborough.

BROMBOROUGH

Meadowcroft in Bromborough

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Where do you turn if you need a break from caring for someone with Dementia?

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Bromborough’s Dementia Centre offer affordable luxurious accommodation. EVERY ROOM OFFERS

BROMBOROUGH

• En suite • Flat screen TV • Bath Towels • Appropriate bed & bedding with a bedside lamp • An easy chair • Wardrobe & chest of drawers • Radiator with individual thermostat • Nurse call point

Our guests can also enjoy a range of relaxation therapies such as: • Massage • Reflexology • Reiki • Indian Head Massage

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PLEASE CALL MARK JONES FOR MORE INFORMATION

BROMBOROUGH

0151 482 3456 Meadowcroft | 304 Spital Road | Bromborough | CH62 2DE Registered Charity No. 1034510

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PAGE 11 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

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Wirral Focus 16th Edt 6.1.14_Layout 1 06/02/2014 15:24 Page 13 BROMBOROUGH â&#x20AC;¢ BROMBOROUGH â&#x20AC;¢ BROMBOROUGH â&#x20AC;¢ BROMBOROUGH â&#x20AC;¢ BROMBOROUGH â&#x20AC;¢ BROMBOROUGH

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Wirral Focus 16th Edt 6.1.14_Layout 1 06/02/2014 15:24 Page 14

Spotlight on Northwood Northwood is a letting agency that was opened January 2010 by Deryck Highet and Joanna Diamond who have 40 years combined experience within the property industry. Based on Telegraph Road in Heswall, Northwood is a letting agency with a difference. ‘Sleep soundly with Guaranteed Rent’ is Northwood’s slogan as they cut out all the hassle and the risk out of letting your property. Here’s why; “As a landlord, there is always that worry of your property lying vacant or tenants not paying. Having a contract with us takes that worry away.” Said Director Joanna Diamond. “How we do this is by entering a twelve month contract for us to in effect, become your tenant. We can also offer a 2 and 3 year contract now and with the 3 year contract we will pay the rent instantly. So, regardless of whether the property is occupied or not, or if the tenant fails to pay, this does not affect you as a landlord for the duration of the contract because we have it covered.”

Other beneficial reasons to let with us “We pride ourselves on offering a dutiful, honest service. We do not charge to set this unique contract up. We do not charge commission nor are there any legal fees and absolutely no hidden costs.” advised Director Deryck Highet. “We also deal with the tenants for you. The tenant will come to us with any problems or repairs so you don’t have to worry about phone calls at inconvenient times. Northwood will also ensure that your property is returned to you in the same condition as it was at the start of our contract together.”

Come and meet the team! “We are holding a Landlord Open Day. So if you are looking to rent out your property or would like some more information about us, or any aspect of property management head down to Northwood, 78 Telegraph Road, Heswall, Wirral CH60 0AQ on Thursday 10th April between 2pm-8pm. Call us on 0151 348 4527 to let us know you will be there. We look forward to meeting you!”

PAGE 14 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

Wirral Focus 16th Edt 6.1.14_Layout 1 06/02/2014 15:24 Page 15

Instant Rent Inst ant Re nt and Guaranteed its Gu arraanteed for 3 ye ars! years! Our Guaranteed R Rent ent contract cuts all the hassle and risk out of letting. So you can rest safe in the knowledge that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be everyy single month. paid on time, ever Terms T eerms and conditions and minimum contracts apply apply. y. Find out how we can help Find you at northwooduk.com 78 T Telegraph elegraph R Road, oad, Heswall, W Wirral, iirral, CH60 0A 0AQ Q

T: 0151 348 4527 E: wirral@northwooduk.com www.northwooduk.com www.northwooduk.com

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Best quality ty wheel restoration re est sto tora rattion n at the best b price e guaranteed! guara anteed! HOW IT WORKS! 1. Choose your colour. 2. Drop your vehicle off. 3. Wheels and tyres removed. 4. Sandblasted - This procedure will cure any pressure loss you may have experienced. 5. Each wheel is powder coated giving you a longer lasting DQG GXUDEOH ÀQLVK 6. Pick up your car or bike within 24 hrs.

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WALLASEY INDEPENDENT RECYCLING ENTERPRISE WIRE is a charity. We collect items of unwanted furniture free of charge, from any Wirral residence, and then make them available to everyone. We also take bric-a-brac, workable white goods.

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Local Heroes.....

....Brilliant band The Coral

How it all began! Ian Skelly and Paul Duffy were two fourteen year old school friends at Hilbre High school in West Kirby. It was here that the foundations of the band that would later be known as The Coral were formed. Ian, a drummer and Paul, a bass player jammed together throughout their latter years at Hilbre High. In 1996 the two friends began jamming in the basement of the old Flatfoot Sam’s pub in Hoylake. Little were they to realise, their journey to success was about to begin.

The Coral - 2002 Magic and Medicine - 2003 Nightfreak and Sons of Becker - 2004 The Invisible Invasion - 2005 Roots and Echoes - 2007 The Singles Collection - 2008 Butterfly House - 2010

After leaving school, the friends funded their band by glass collecting in a pub. The band was later joined by Bill Ryder-Jones on lead guitar, Ian's older brother James Skelly on vocals and main song writing duties and finally Lee Southall on rhythm guitar. Together they formed The Hive. They were known as The Hive only briefly before their name was changed to The Coral. Over a year after Ian and Paul had first began playing together in the basement of the pub another member Nick Power joined the band as keyboard player and by 1998 the band The Coral was complete.

The Coral’s rapid rise to stardom was no doubt propelled by the omnipresent single Dreaming of You, their eponymous debut album, The Coral charted at number five in the UK album chart and sold half a million copies. It was also nominated for the Mercury music prize and the single Dreaming of You was featured in the US sitcom Scrubs. The release of the Coral’s debut album was followed by a successful UK tour which resulted in the band securing slots at various festivals.

at the beginning of 2006 and the album was shelved. Now that Bill was back they began working on a new album, Roots & Echoes which was released in August 2007, shortly after the band had toured with the Arctic Monkeys during their summer festival gigs. The Coral went on to work with John Leckie of the band The Stone Roses for their sixth album, Butterfly House which was named UK Album of 2010 at the music producers guild awards.

By 2003, their second album Magic and Medicine was ready to be released. Totally different from their debut, Magic and Medicine was a collaboration of more dreamlike acoustic music By Spring 2012, and was an instant hit, chartering number one in the UK album The Coral charts. Shortly after their second album was released the Coral announced the toured again. This time their horizons were broadened. Not only band was to split did the band tour the UK, they proceeded to tour Japan, Europe indefinitely as to and the United States. Although all this was a far cry from those allow members to days jamming in Flatfoot Sam’s or playing pool in rehearsal concentrate on rooms, the success was beginning to take its toll on the band individual projects. members. After cancelling a gig in Japan because they were The bands seventh too tired they all began to feel the strain. James Skelly in and final album to particular felt disheartened that they had no private life, hated date was shelved travelling on planes and wanted to spend time with his girlfriend. only half finished. In 2004 The Coral began recording the album, The Invisible The Coral - released July 2002 Invasion. It was released in 2005 followed by a string of tours across the UK, Europe, Japan and America. By June 2005 Bill Ryder- Jones announced he was taking a break from the band and would not tour again, although it was stated that he may continue to help with future recordings. Indie rock, psychedelic folk, He was replaced by David McDonnell for the tour ahead but only one album was neo-psychedelia, jangle pop written (The Curse of Love) without Bill before he was persuaded to re-join the band

[

PAGE 22 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

]

Info & images: Wikipedia.

The Coral were stumbled upon by former drummer Alan Wills of Liverpool bands Shack and Top. Alan first encountered the band while they were playing pool in a rehearsal room. Wills thought that they looked cool and in his own words “that was pretty much it”. Wills went to see The Coral play live. The band had no sort of fan base nor had they released any singles but Alan Wills thought they were great. Wills went on to create the successful record label Deltasonic and released the band’s first single Shadows Fall in 2001 which was which was quickly followed up in the same year by the EP The Oldest Path and then the following year The EP Skeleton Key.

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Meet the winners of the Miss Wirral Focus Competition! Following a fantastic night at Jack Rabbit Slims Bar on the 29th November, Focus Best Deals and Frame are proud to announce the winner of the first Miss Wirral Focus competition. We had a great turn out, so thank you Wirral for all of your support. Over 150 people attended the final at Jack Rabbit Slims Bar in Hoylake. The competition's judges, Laura Seymour from Frame, Simon Furneaux from Focus and Phil Perez from Jack Rabbit Slims were delighted at the high standard of the contestants. This only added to the difficulty of judging the competition when the contestants completed a fashion walk and answered questions about themselves. "The night was brilliant" said Frame Director Laura Seymour, "I am so pleased for the winners and delighted that so many people entered the competition and were given so much support from the crowd. The girls looked amazing!" Music was provided by DJ Sean Hughes, photography by Nicky Murray at Frame The Day Photography and hair and make-up by Deborah Alfa at The Hare Barn.

Thanks also go to the following for providing fantastic prizes on the night:

•

£100 voucher from Escape Beauty www.facebook.com/EscapeBeautyAesthetics

•

£160 voucher from TopLiner www.caldyclinic.co.uk

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FIRST PLACE Amy Mathews

SECOND PLACE Abbie Minnis JOINT THIRD PLACE Jodie Beauchamp (left) and Taylor

Over 1000 people voted online at www.focusbestdeals.co.uk to help the following contestants win this fantastic competition! PAGE 26 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

Wirral Focus 16th Edt 6.1.14_Layout 1 06/02/2014 15:27 Page 27

OUR FIRST WINNER OF THE MISS WIRRAL FOCUS

Amy Matthews

We get to know the winner of our first Miss Wirral Focus competition, Amy Matthews As you all know, back in October we began the hunt for our very own ‘Miss Wirral Focus’. Thanks to all your votes we crowned our winner ‘Amy Matthews’ at the finals that were held at Jack Rabbits in Hoylake at the end of November. By winning 1st place Amy was offered a two year contract with Frame Modelling Agency and the chance to be the face of Wirral Focus’ January edition and more throughout the year. We thought we would give our readers a chance to get to know the person behind the face of this months’ directory. Name: Amy Matthews, From: Pensby Age: 22, Favourite Colour: Orange Favourite Film: Shutter Island, Favourite Music: London Grammar So Amy, now that it has sunk in how do you feel about winning Miss Wirral Focus? I didn’t expect to win. I entered the competition with an open mind. I am over the moon about winning. What made you enter the competition? People at work had heard about the competition and they told me to enter. If it wasn’t for them I probably would not have gone for it. Well, we are happy that you did. What are your likes and interests? Well, I really like fashion and make up and I absolutely love Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, I like things to be clean and organise, I enjoy going to the gym to keep fit and like to have a positive attitude. Okay, so do you have any dislikes? Yes, I don’t like rainy days and I don’t like fake people. I hate having nothing to do. I cannot stand goats cheese, yuk. Oh and I hate spiders too. Great, would you say you have any unusual talents? Unusual talents? Well, I always take off accents in work or at least I try to if that counts. Back to the competition, do you think winning Miss Wirral Focus has helped your career? Oh yes, definitely. I won a contract with Frame because I won the competition and through Frame I secured a part in a production of Aladdin. I recently played the part of Jasmine in the play. That’s fantastic news. What does Focus have lined up for you this year? Well, I’m have a busy year head! I will be helping to promote the Farm Feast Festival at Claremont Farm and also the Kids pageant with Frame in the summer, plus many more! PAGE 27 www.focusbestdeals.co.uk

Wirral Focus 16th Edt 6.1.14_Layout 1 06/02/2014 15:27 Page 28

Wirral Focus 16th Edt 6.1.14_Layout 1 06/02/2014 15:28 Page 29

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Taking home a cheque for ÂŁ5,850, the lucky winners of Saint-Gobain Glassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; final cashback competition was John and Edna Cromby from Bebington. Having had to cancel a holiday cruise unexpectedly, the Crombyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decided to instead use the money to have a set of front windows and a door installed. Registered installer Bebington Glass & Glazing answered the call, fitted the windows, and entered the couple into the quarterly draw in the hopes that they would win the cost of the installation back. Admitting that she was excited when she got the call from Saint-Gobain Glass to confirm the Crombyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win, Kay Aspinall of Bebington Glass & Glazing offered a little advice on how to spend some of the winnings when informing John of the win: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I called the Crombyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it was John who took the call. He told me his wife was out having a pedicure and that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be excited to learn of the win. I laughed and told him that he should call her and tell her to get a manicure as well being that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just won a cheque for ÂŁ5,850.â&#x20AC;? As with most Saint-Gobain Glass cashback winners, the Crombyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe their luck. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was a joke at firstâ&#x20AC;? admitted John. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I got the call I thought perhaps something was wrong with the windows or the installation. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never won anything before but it seems as if good luck comes in twoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, besides as this week also won ÂŁ200 at the local pub.â&#x20AC;? Besides having some extra spending money for Christmas, the Crombyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also plan on rebooking the cruise that they originally had cancelled.

www.bebingtonglass.co.uk ;LS! Â&#x2039; -H_! 78a Bebington Road, New Ferry, Wirral, Merseyside CH62 5AE

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New Year's NAME THE PLAC CE ACE Traditions Trad Tra adit iti tions tions 1. The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year's eve, "Auld Lang Syne" is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns's homeland. 2. The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year. 3. The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new. 4. Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter. 5. Resolutions: It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year.

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