Birchwood - July/Aug 2019

The

Essential

Guide to...

July & August 2019

Birchwood YOUR FREE LOC AL COMMUNIT Y & BUSINESS GUIDE

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• Central Heating Power Flushing • Boiler Service only £50 • We can offer 15 years warranty on new boilers

UP TO 15 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY ON GLOW-WORM BOILERS FITTED BY US 24 HOUR CALL OUTS • OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE • LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

Call Mike for a FREE quote:

M: 07909 116926 T: 01925 766400

Proud members of

Email neptuneheating@yahoo.co.uk

www.neptuneplumbingheating.co.uk Fourteen Successful Years Connecting Local Business to Local People

We are specialists in installing loft ladders and hatches. We also supply and install loft boarding, lighting and insulation – to help you to escape all that clutter (and avoid the summer time blues of doing it yourself!)

Call Phil to book a FREE survey & quotation

01925 878473 2 *with every To advertise infitted The Essential please call 01925 670 731 loft ladder subject to Guide availability

BIRCHW M Car & Light Commercial Vehicle MOT Test Centre

D T

• Servicing • Repairs • Tyres • Diagnostics • TerraClean • DPF Cleaning • Class 1 & 2 Motorcycle testing • Latest DVSA approved equipment Car or light commercial (Class 4) MOT

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25 Trinity Court, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6QT Please call 01925 81 91 41 www.birchwood-mot.co.uk3

www.essentialguide.co.uk *T&Cs apply

Welcome

Hello Lovely Readers and welcome to our July & August magazine.

If only I could remember where I’d put it….

Is it only me? I find myself getting to the top of the landing and thinking… what did I come upstairs for? Open the cupboard… what am I looking for? And the worst one, driving to the supermarket and find myself driving in the opposite direction? Is it my age, should I be worried? Then I remember once when I was a teenager finding a packet of biros in the freezer and a box of beefburgers in the stationery drawer and realise that ‘Mirror, Mirror on the wall I am my mother after all’.

I love putting our articles together for the magazine and particularly love the interiors one this time - Is Green is the New Black? Would love to introduce some ‘Neo Mint’ into my home.

And then remember I have a big slobbery boxer and wonder if it would be worth it after all. Will definitely be trying the Summer Berry Sponge though, sounds delicious.

Please don’t forget to tell our advertisers that you got their number from the Essent Guild magazine, it’s great to have such a selection of trades, services and products right on our door step!

Contents Gardening P26 Prolific Pests

Home Interiors P18

Is Green the New Black?

Until next time, where’s my pen…..

Jody xx and the team

Local News P22

Birchwood Lions assist North West Search and Rescue Teams

The Essential Guide magazines are published by: Hawk Publications Ltd R10 Frodsham Business Centre Bridge Lane, Frodsham WA6 7FZ Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication.

Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Hawk Publications Ltd does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior consent of the publisher.

Next issue: September/October 2019 Deadline: 23rd August 2019

Want to advertise?

For more information, call us on Runcorn: 01928 739 607 Warrington: 01925 670 731 Widnes: 0151 268 6127 4www.essentialguide.co.uk To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731 or email info@essentialguide.co.uk

MOT work (cars & light vans)

MOTs for £40 plus a free mini valet with MOTs and services

Service + MOT from just £99

Full range of services

ü Service repair work ü Brakes ü Diagnostics ü Tyres ü Air Conditioning ü Suspension ü Batteries

01925 320468 www.lowtonmotorcompany.com Lowton Motor Company Units 18/19, Adlington Court Birchwood, Warrington WA3 2ET www.essentialguide.co.uk

5

Competition

Win ÂŁ100 Cash!

Huge congratulations to Andrea Maguire who won our May & June 2019 Cash Competition!

"Wow, that's fantastic.

I love the mag and the comps in it!"

Simply find this Ice Cream symbol in the magazine!

To enter we require; Your Name, Postcode, contact telephone number and the advert that the symbol is hidden on!

You can enter online at www.essentialguide.co.uk via email at comp@essentialguide.co.uk or call us on 01925 670731.

One entry per person

Carol Carter’s

Home & Pet-Sitting Service Dog Walks and Visits Cat Visits Read what our clients have to say on Yell Reviews

M 07745 277743 E carolcarter2@hotmail.co.uk 6

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

The Planet Coffee House & Grill

Birchwood Shopping Centre, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7PG Opposite the new Home Bargains Superstore

Tel: 01925 852068 Join us at The Planet Coffee House and Grill from morning to afternoon for a great range of delicious sandwiches, home cooked meals & freshly brewed coffee.

Plenty of parking and a huge seating area.

Voted Best Cafe in

Warrington 2011 by www.essentialguide.co.uk

7

Local Groups & Events Local Groups

Culcheth Croquet Club New members welcome, all equipment is provided free of charge along with instruction. Contact Alan 01925 765945 or Anne 01925 765194. at Culcheth Sports Club.

The Birchwood Walking Group Find out more, please contact Bernadette Bell on 01925 856680.

Monday…

Birchwood Lions Club CIO (inc Culcheth) 2nd & 4th Monday – 7.30pm to 9.30pm A group of community minded people who, work voluntarily, for Lions Club International. To see what they do and have loads of fun! Meet at Cinnamon Brow Community Centre, Fernhead.

Contact 01925 417294 for more info.

Warrington Athletic Club Mon, Wed & Thur - 6.30pm Held at Victoria Park. Contact Dave Spencer 01925 261999.

Warrington Bridge Club Monday & Thursday -7.00pm Duplicate Bridge held at Belong Village, Loushers Lane, WA4 6RX. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Mike 01925 268553 for more info.

Tuesday…

Gemini Musical Theatre Company Tuesday - 7.30pm to 10.00pm Held at Hood Manor Community Centre, Dorchester Road All welcome.

Contact Liz Priest 07710 235896.

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Newton & District Jubilee Rotary Club Tuesday (except after Bank Holidays) 7.00pm to 7.30pm Held at Culcheth Sports Club (Daten), evenings. New members welcome. Call 01925 733893 or 01942 671563 for more details.

North West Casual Classics 2nd Tuesday each month - 7.30pm A family friendly multi manufacture car club with over 100 active members with cars from 1920 through to 2000. New members welcome! Held at the Penketh Conservative Club, Meeting Lane, WA5 2BG. For more info ring Bob 07749 100007.

Spectrum Striders Running Club Birchwood Tuesday & Thursday – 6.45pm Contact Chairman Liz 01925 271301 or Membership secretary Graham 01925 766550. New members welcome.

Soroptimists of Warrington 3rd Tuesday of every month 7.15pm to 9.00pm An international women’s service organization. For more details about this almost 100 years-old group, contact Jackie Alexander on 0753 105 8013. Held at Statham Lodge Hotel, Lymm.

Tai Chi Tuesday - 6.30pm to 7.30pm Newcomers welcome, free for your first session. Relax, heal and energise with this body and mind internal art form. Held at The Old School Fairfield and Howley, WA1 3AJ. Contact Anna Kiriakoulakis on 07904 186541 for more details.

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

Warrington Round Table 2nd & 4th Tuesday We’re a social society that also fundraises for local charities, we meet at various locations depending on the event, and run a full programme throughout the year. New members always welcome. Contact Colm Buteux: 07775 540059.

Wednesday…

Birchwood W.I. 2nd Wednesday of the Month 7.30pm All women are welcome to come along at just £3 for a visit (tea and biscuits included!). For more details call Jane on 01925 821565. Held at Birchwood Leisure & Tennis Complex, Benson Road, Birchwood WA3 7PQ. Friends of Padgate Library - Free Lego Club 1st Wednesday of every month - 3.00pm to 4.30pm Wednesday - 2.30pm to 4.00pm (during school holidays) Held at Padgate Library, Call the library on 01925 818096 for more details.

Thelwall Morris Men Wednesday- 8.00pm to 10.00pm Traditional English Morris dancing group. New members welcome - try this energetic activity. Call/Text 07479 266907 for more information.

Held at Thelwall Parish Hall, Thelwall, WA4 2SX

Thursday…

Embroiderers Guild Warrington 1st Thursday of the Month (except January & August) – 7.30pm to 9.30pm Meetings are either led by a speaker talking on a technique or can be ‘hands on’ where the members learn a new technique/skill. Held at Padgate Methodist Church, Padgate Lane. Contact Cathy Johnson; 01925 815932.

Thelwall Crafters 2nd Thursday - 8.00pm Held at The Quays Community Centre.

Stitchers. Crafts 4th Thursday - 8.00pm Held at The Quays Community Centre.

Warrington Tangent Ladies Group 4th Thursday Varied events programme. Contact warringtontangent@gmail.com for more information.

Friday…

WASPS Drama Club Friday - 7-30pm to 8.30pm Held at Padgate Community Centre, Station Road, Padgate. This group is for people with Aspergers , a warm welcome guaranteed.

Saturday…

Warrington Craftworkers’ Guild 3rd Saturday of the Month – 1.00pm to 4.00pm (except June & August) This friendly group of craft workers meet at Fairfield Neighbourhood Hub, Old School, Fairfield Street, WA1 3AJ. A small admission fee applies. Visitors and new members of all abilities are welcomed. Tel: Miriam on 01925 815646 for more details or simply drop in to see what you are missing!

Sunday…

N & M C Ramblers Association Warrington Group Fortnightly on a Sunday Do you like walking, want to get fit or enjoy a day in the countryside?

Join us on one of our coach outings.

For more info ring Peter Hathaway on 01925 262340.

Damsels & Dragons Sunday 4th August – 2.00pm to 3.30pm Searching for some of the 17 species of dragonflies and damselflies recorded at Risley Moss (WA3 6QX) as well as chance to ID some butterflies in the woodland and out on the moss land. Places are limited so book in advance on 01925 824339.

Local Events

Forest Fun – Birchwood Forest Park Tuesday 13th August – 1.30pm to 3.30pm A free event - pick up a map from the Ranger Centre and explore the fabulous Forest Park on this self-guided trail. Follow the clues to solve the puzzle and win yourself a tasty prize.

40th Anniversary Summer Party Saturday 13th July – 7.30pm Held at Birchwood Golf Club, member and non-members welcome.

Dementia Carers Advice & Support Group Tuesday 16th July – 1.30pm to 3.00pm Held at Birchwood Town Council office, Parkers Farm, Delenty Drive, WA3 6AN. Contact Estelle Linney – info@estellelinneycounselling.co.uk for more info.

Free Summer Holiday Lego Club

by Friends of Padgate Library Every Wednesday from the 24th July until August 28th - 2.30pm to 4.00pm Bricks for all ages, held at Padgate Library.

Duck Fest - Birchwood Park Thursday 25th July – 11.30am to 2.30pm Don’t forget to pick up your duck to be in for a chance to win best dressed duck, or win the big race look out for our team selling ducks at reception areas soon.

Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Friday 26th July – 10.00am to 3.00pm A fabulous day of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first astronaut on the Moon.

Held at Birchwood Shopping Centre.

Mini Beasting Wednesday 14th August – 2.00pm to 3.30pm A chance to explore the secret world of mini-beasts which are found in our meadows, woods and mosses. Held at Risley Moss visitor centre. Places are limited so please book in advance on 01925 824339.

Birchwood 10k Sunday 18th August – 9.15am (fun run) 10.00am 10k Warrington’s premier 10k road race.

Visit www.spectrumstriders.org.uk to book your space/ info.

Summer Treasure Trail Wednesday 21st August – 2.00pm to 3.30pm Treasure hunt with prizes for the winners! Held at Risley Moss Visitor Centre. Places are limited so please book in advance on 01925 824339.

Mum 2 Mum Market Sunday 8th September – 11.00am to 1.00pm Baby, Children’s & Maternity Nearly New Sale. Held at Newchurch Parish Hall, Common Lane, Culcheth. www.essentialguide.co.uk

9

Ovenu Warrington to take the heat out of the kitchen this summer!

Ovenu Warrington, the town’s leading oven valeting firm, is to take the heat out of the kitchen this summer.

Paul and Andrea Clark, owners of Ovenu Warrington, will be on hand to offer their professional services to homes and businesses in the town over the course of summer.

Paul said: “the oven is the focal point of many homes, which needs to be properly maintained and cleaned to avoid any potential health risks or house fires. It may be barbecue season, and with hotter weather (hopefully!) On the way, cleaning the oven should be seen as a priority!”

“Our business has been created to literally take the heat out of the kitchen, and people would much rather be enjoying days out in summer with family and friends, than cleaning their ovens!”

Paul and Andrea were recently recognised for their long service

by Ovenu and presented with a special, commemorative pin for more than 10 years’ service, as the franchise celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Over the last 12 years, Ovenu Warrington has completed more than 10,000 oven valets and amassed 3,000 testimonials, as well as more than 100 5-star reviews on google.

Paul added: “we have continued to enjoy a great deal of success and happiness operating throughout Warrington, and we can’t thank our loyal customers for their invaluable support.

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Paul and Andrea Clark, owners of Ovenu Warrington

It was a proud moment to be recognised by Ovenu for our long service and we are now looking forward to celebrating more milestones in the future!”

The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven such as the door, interior panels, fan and shelves and placing them into design-registered equipment, which uses environmentallyfriendly, non-caustic products to clean the oven parts.

The whole process takes between two and three hours and leaves the oven, hob and exterior in immaculate condition. Ovenu is accredited by the british accreditation bureau to iso 9001 and all cleaning products used by Ovenu are environmentally friendly, bio-degradable and conform to the latest government reach regulations.

Ovenu’s carbon remover is also approved by the vitreous enamel association.

For more information about Ovenu, or to make a booking with Paul or Andrea, call 01925 453377, email ovenuWarrington@hotmail.co.uk or you can visit www.ovenuWarrington.net.

You can also like the company’s Facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com/ovenuWarrington.

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

J & P SEWING MACHINES Family run business established in 1985

Stockists of leading brands of new and used sewing machines, overlockers & embroidery machines

SALES, SERVICE & FREE ESTIMATES 01925 633831 2, Suez Street, Warrington, WA1 1EG www.jpsewingmachines.com

www.essentialguide.co.uk

11

am Recipe 955905

Beef Koftas MAKES READY IN

8 koftas 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 1 tsp cumin • ½ tsp paprika • ½ tsp turmeric • ½ tsp cinnamon • ½ tsp cayenne pepper • 2 tsp garam masala • 500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less) • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped FOR THE CHILLI SAUCE: • 5 medium green chillies, deseeded • ¼ tsp ground white pepper • 1 garlic clove, peeled • 1 tsp white wine vinegar • Handful of baby spinach leaves FOR THE YOGURT DRESSING: • 6 tbsp fat-free natural Greek yogurt • 1 tsp lemon juice • ¼ tsp ground white pepper • 1 small red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 12

Free Middle Eastern spiced beef koftas with a green chilli sauce and cooling yogurt drizzle METHOD 1 Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

2 To make the koftas, put all the spices in a large bowl, add ½

tsp each of salt and black pepper and mix well. Add the beef, onion and garlic and mix well with your hands. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a sausage about 10cm long. Put the koftas in a baking tray and cook in the middle of the oven for 30 minutes, turning halfway.

3 Meanwhile, put the chill sauce ingredients in a small food processor or blender, season to taste with salt and blitz to a paste. Chill until needed.

4 Put all the ingredients for the yogurt dressing in a small bowl, season to taste with salt and mix well. Chill until needed.

5 Arrange the koftas on a serving dish, drizzle with the chilli sauce and yogurt dressing and serve hot with couscous and salad.

This recipe and more can be found on www.slimmingworld.co.uk

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

surprised! be with

Slimming World

SATURDAY WEDNESDAY BIRCHWOOD BIRCHWOOD Birchwood Community College, Birchwood Community Centre, Brock Road, Birchwood Delenty Drive, (Opposite Police Station) WA3 7PT WA3 6AN 8.30am, 10.30am 10am, 12pm, 5pm and 7pm Tel: Andrea 07881 955905 Tel: Nicky 07765 915148

slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000

Looking at starting your own business?

Then look no further than CPS Shopping Centre we have a couple of units available at very reasonable rates.

For more information contact the office on 01925 762237 or email cpscentre@googlemail.com CPS Shopping Centre, 7-9 Common Lane, Culcheth, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 4EH www.cpscentre.co.uk

@centrecps

www.essentialguide.co.uk

13

Changes to Private Residence Relief affecting Income from Property What Is Private Residence Relief?

Private Residence Relief was introduced in 1980, targeted at homeowning tax payers to help reduce the impact of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the profit made from the sale of their main property, particularly if the property has been rented out during a period of ownership. Along with lettings relief, the terms of the current tax exemption mean tax-paying homeowners can avoid paying a hefty tax bill on any ‘chargeable gain’ once the sale of their only or main home is complete.

How Will Prr Changes Affect Taxpayers?

The 2018 autumn budget announced two changes that will alter how PRR and Lettings Relief are claimed. Intended to better target owner-occupiers to receive the tax benefits of PRR, individuals who have become ‘accidental landlords’ by letting a property that they’re having problems selling are likely to be amongst the most affected by the changes. The reform of PRR and Lettings relief is due to come into effect from the 6th April 2020.

Final period exemption The final period exemption will be reduced from 18 months to 9 months. Although this end period will always qualify for PRR, giving taxpayers CGT free time to sell the property, a reduced exemption period will increase the amount of ‘chargeable gain’. This will ultimately leave sellers paying more in capital gains tax, especially if lettings relief is also not applicable.

Lettings relief Lettings relief will now only apply where the owner is in shared occupancy with the tenant. It doesn’t apply to buy-to-let landlords or owners who have never lived in a rental property. From the 6th April 2020, any property being sold whilst claiming relief under PRR, must be lived in at the time of sale by the owner of the property.

Only the periods when the owner was in shared occupancy with the tenant will qualify for lettings relief.

If you’d like to find out more about the changes to PRR and Lettings relief and how this may affect your finances, speak to our expert Corporate and Personal Tax team in Warrington on 01925 830 830, who’ll be able to give you helpful advice in relation to your individual circumstances.

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

A SECOND OPINION COSTS NOTHING BUT COULD SAVE YOUR BUSINESS THOUSANDS. ARE YOU GETTING THE BEST ADVICE?

Leavitt Walmsley Associates Ltd provide a range of business solutions to a national client base including: Audit and accountancy Business support and networked services Company secretarial and payroll Corporate and personal taxation Non-executive Finance Director solution Specialist audit and compliance expertise for Academies

For a no-obligation opportunity to find out how LWA can help you with a FREE business review illustrating your business’ growth potential, please get in touch to book your appointment quoting ‘ESSENTIAL’.

Leavitt Walmsley Associates Limited Suite 113, Newton House, Birchwood Park, Warrington WA3 6AE t: 01925 830830 e: mail@lwaltd.com

www.lwaltd.com

www.essentialguide.co.uk

15

ROOF CLEANING

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UPVC & GUTTER CLEANS

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Windows, fascias, gutters etc

CONSERVATORY CLEANS

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Exterior & interior cleaning Glass roofs/orangaries

POWER WASHING

•

Driveways & patios etc

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote 01925 223547 or text 07834 241 642 www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

Don’t take our word for it… see our 5 STAR reviews on Google & Facebook Facebook Review

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17

Home Interiors

Is this green the new black?

‘Neo mint’ is set to take over the worlds of fashion and interiors in 2020, say trend forecasters, aligning the world of nature and technology at the dawn of a new decade.

Made from 100% polypropylene, these carpets combine luxury and practicality, and come with a lifetime stain warranty. Soft Touch Saxony carpet In Mint, £44.99 per sq m, carpetright.co.uk 18

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

HOW TO DECORATE WITH NEO MINT • Pale shades of green work beautifully with soft pink or dove grey – a great combination for a restful bedroom, for example. If, on the other hand, you prefer more drama, add a jolt of colour in the form of fuchsia, orange or acidic yellow.

• Keep things calm and fresh by using mint as a backdrop on walls or floors, whether painted or papered. On wooden floors, why not add a feelgood, fresh green rug or two?

• Include some natural textures for a delightful contrast. Pale wood goes beautifully, as do stone, marble and rattan.

• This green works particularly nicely on glossy wall tiles. Bear it in mind when renovating a bathroom or a kitchen.

Elegant yet playful, the design of this lamp was inspired by illustrations and characters from Norwegian children’s literature. Muuto Mhy pendant in Mint by Norway Says, £155, rume.co.uk è

ç Pure alpaca throw in soft mint green, £149.95, annabeljames.co.uk Winchester Residence Chateaux in Ormeaux Blue on Mint, £280.25 per sq m, originalstyle.com è

Inspired by the iconic 746 British phone, this contemporary model maintains the bold curves of the original in a striking range of colours. Swedish Green telephone, £50, wildandwolf.co.uk. è

Rollo Push Bin 50L, in Mint, £59, made.com è

ç The slender arms are space saving, but there’s enough depth in the seat to snuggle comfortably.

Slim Jim love seat in Powder Green Clever Linen, from £1,045, loaf.com www.essentialguide.co.uk

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LIVING•DINING•SLEEPING•FLOORING•OCCASIONAL

SUMMER SALE O

UP T

25% OFF

Carpets & Furniture HUGE

LIVE LOCAL BUY LOCAL

THROU E DISCOUN GHOUT THE ST TS ORE

Cheshire 2019

20 25 20 % OFF

selected beds

% OFF

% OFF

selected carpets

selected suites

Swing

Warrington

A49 Bridge

town centre

Wa

n Rd

l Ln

20

Lymm

A56

Chape

A56

Rd

Londo

n lto

M56 J10

London Bridge Pub

FREE Parking OPENING TIMES: Mon-Fri 9am - 5.30pm, Sat 9am - 5pm

FURNISHINGS Chapel Lane, Stockton Heath, Warrington WA4 6LL

www.smart-furnishings.co.uk

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

T: 01925 267518

ADVERTORIAL

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement.

Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems.

Now, you may think you need to replace the

whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!!

If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you

how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee.

Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors.

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Richard Burke and he services Warrington and the surrounding areas.

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21

Birchwood Lions assist North West Search and Rescue Teams Birchwood Lions took a lead role in supplying the North West Search and Rescue teams with two new trailers and new equipment. Past District Governor Barry Collins of Birchwood Lions met with the Rescue teams after hearing that the teams had lost a lot of equipment in the floods during Storm Desmond He was determined to do something to help. Following a period of fundraising, which saw many of the North West Lions Clubs getting involved, the Lions were able to fund £65,000 which covered the cost of two trailers and equipment. Barry was invited to a demonstration of the equipment at Newby Bridge in May this year. The trailers and equipment are now available for any emergency need throughout the country.

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

FIXIT

Storage Solutions

Cheshire

Turning Unused & Unlit Areas into Huge Storage Spaces at the Cost of an Average Wardrobe

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Hatches • Ladders • Lights • Boarding Insulation • Velux • and More No Job Too Big or Too Small Free Survey Available • All Work Guaranteed Call Now For Your Free Survey

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23

Need new tyres?

Servicing Also Available Bronze Service From £70 Recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles Oil & Filter change 50 point check

A tyre fitting service that is that is second to none.

New mobile tyre fitting van is now up and running, ready to come to your home or place of work.

Call us on...

01925 766 380

www.culchethtyres.co.uk Unit D1, Taylor Business Park Risley, Warrington, WA3 6BL

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 01925 670 731

Silver Service From £120

Recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles Oil, air and pollen filter change 79 point check

Gold Service From £160 Recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles Oil, air pollen and fuel filter change Spark plugs replaced Full Diagnostic health check 79 point check

ProDec

Lady Qualified Plumber & Husband Team

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Professional Decorating Services Residential & Commercial

• Painting • Papering • Feature Walls • Bespoke Hand Painted Kitchens • Fencing & Decking Cleaned & Painted For a free quote or advice call

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or email prodeccheshire@outlook.com @ProDecCheshire WA HALF LOOK UP OL.pdf

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06/11/2017

17:14

NO CHARGE NO CALL CALL OUT CHARGE Telephone 01925 01942 369019 Telephone 598207 Mobile 07789 07789 541145 541145 Mobile

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25

Gardening

Prolific Pests Bugs and beasties thrive in warmer weather, so how should these common problems be dealt with?

Aphids Aphids such as greenfly and blackfly suck sap from plants and can transmit viruses, sometimes with disastrous consequences.

You can use a strong jet of water to blast aphids off plants, but be thorough or they will soon be back! Alternatively, spray with a suitable insecticide – I prefer a more environmentally friendly soap-based insecticide.

Biological controls such as native two-spot ladybirds and their larvae can also be introduced – see www.pippagreenwood.com/ products/protect-your-crops for more information.

Aphids breed rapidly, so regular control is necessary.

26

Caterpillars Caterpillars can do a lot of damage to plants and vegetable hearts.

One of the best methods is to pick the pests off and either squash them or place them on the bird table. Caterpillars are easier to spot at dusk or very early in the morning.

You can buy a mixture of nematodes to spray onto your plants and kill the caterpillars without harming humans or pets.

Some caterpillars produce quantities of fine webbing to bind leaves or other plant parts together to create shelters. It is hard to get a pesticide or nematodes mix to reach them,

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so hand-picking or squashing is often best.

For susceptible vegetables such as calabrese, broccoli and other brassicas, stop the adults laying their eggs with horticultural fleece, netting or very fine Micromesh, either as pull-out tunnels or sheets of material cut to shape and pegged down.

These keep a wide range of pests, including caterpillars, away from the plants.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening items: Nemaslug, ladybirds and other great natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, planters, Grower Frames, signed books and more!

Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?

Woodlice Woodlice are rarely responsible for causing damage and are rather like vultures, moving in to clear up debris created by other pests. I say leave them be.

Earwigs Earwigs cause damage to petals or leaves, particularly on the flowers of plants such as clematis and dahlias. They can be controlled with contact insecticides but many prefer to trap the earwigs. One of the best ways to do this is with an inverted flowerpot – stuffed loosely with hay, straw or similar material – on top of a bamboo cane, and positioned amongst susceptible plants. The earwigs climb in and the pots can be emptied regularly.

Mildew Powdery mildew coats plant leaves, stems, buds and petals with a white flowery deposit, and can prevent fruits from swelling normally or cause leaves to distort or fall early. Prompt action is essential and suitable fungicides are available.

Keep the damage to a minimum in the first instance by ensuring that the plants are kept well-watered – plants which are dry around the roots seem particularly prone to mildew attack. In addition, try to ensure a good flow of air around the plants, as stagnant, moist air seems to have a similar effect and can make matters worse very quickly. Careful pruning or weeding often solves the problem. www.essentialguide.co.uk

27

North Cheshire RSPB visit to Anglesey Despite the abysmal weather four members made the trip to South Stack RSPB reserve on Anglesey. When we arrived the rain was lashing down, so we sat in the car hoping that the forecast improvement would materialise, and it did.

The rain stopped, but a cold wind persisted as we walked down the steps to look over the cliff at the sea bird colony. The wind was roaring up the cliff face bringing us the distinctive smell of auk guano, and when we looked over the edge there they were. Most numerous were the Guillemots, the lower ledges where covered in the six thousand pairs that nest there; higher up we saw some of the thousand or so pairs of Razorbills which seem to prefer to nest in small groups

rather the than massed ranks of Guillemots. Six pairs of Puffin also nest on South Stack, but the only one we could find was a lone individual on the sea, very difficult to spot among the hoards of Guillemots.

The few Kittiwake that nest there seem to nest out of sight of the view point, but we saw several flying in to the cliffs.

Also nesting in front of us were lots of Herring Gull, some with quite large chicks, and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull. The speciality bird of the reserve is the Chough, and a pair shot over us uncharacteristically silent.

Having marvelled at the seabird colony we decided to walk along the path to the lower car park, and here we encountered a family of Stonechat watching us from the top of the heather, a small flock of Redpoll flew in and several Meadow Pipit treated us to their display flight.

A single Rock Pipit was seen, but the highlight was two Chough which wheeled around in the sky above us uttering their piercing “kyaah” call and showing us their fingered wings in flight. One then landed not twenty yards from us and we were able to clearly see its curved red beak and red legs.

However many times one sees a spectacle like this, it still manages to thrill.

We then moved to our second port of call, the old harbour at Holyhead to see if we could see the Black Guillemots which nest in holes in the harbour wall, and, sure enough, when we arrived there was one quite distant on the far side of the harbour , but before we could train our telescopes on it it moved even further away and

28

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drifted round a bend. So a bit of a disappointment, but just as we decided to move on, another came and landed just in front of us. They really are smart birds, jet black with brilliant white wing patches and crimson legs and bill.

And so onwards the ten or so miles round the top of the island to Cemlyn Bay to eat our lunch and look at terns. The first accomplished we walked along the pebbles to overlook the tern colony. A small flock of Sandwich Tern were bathing just in front of us and we could clearly see their large black beaks with a delicate pale yellow tip. Lots of terns, mainly Sandwich were flying in with fish, to their nests on the two islands in the water over the shingle ridge. On the first island we were able to clearly identify nesting Arctic Tern with their thin red beaks without any black on the tip and a little further on Common Tern, with much more robust profile and with beaks that had, in most cases, an obvious black tip. We also saw a couple of first summer juvenile Arctic Tern again easily identifiable by their thin, though in this case black beaks. Also on the island were lots of nesting Black-headed Gull, some with large chicks, and on the water a male Red-breasted Merganser and in the margins a single Redshank.

We had planned to move along the shore to do some sea watching, but it started to rain again and we decided against and so proceeded home. Our list was not very long, but we had seen all the special birds that we had come to see and had all enjoyed a good, albeit damp day.

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29

Essential Index of Local Businesses...

Asbestos Removal Fallon Pilott

Estate & Letting Agents 17

Boilers 1st Choice Plumbing & Heating

Oven Cleaning 32

Financial Advisor 24

Cafe

Leavitt Walmsley Associates

7

Car/Vehicle Services Birchwood MOT

3

Lowton Motor Co

5

Carpentry & Joinery Abbott-Wade Joinery

23

Cleaning Services Just Clean UPVC

16

22

25

Double Glazing Repairs Cloudy 2 Clear

Garage Doors Garolla

16

Garden Services Active Surfaces

29

Kitchen Planning & Installation Transform Your Kitchen

Landscape World

21

Access 4 Lofts

6

Plumbing & Heating 1st Choice Plumbing & Heating

24

Lady Plumber

25

Neptune Plumbing & Heating

1

Fix-it Cheshire

23

PCG Property Maintenance

30

Sewing Machines J&P Sewing Machines

11

Sheds & Garden Buildings 31

Solid Sheds

23

More Than Loft Ladders

25

13

Slimming Group Slimming World

2

29

Shopping Centre CPS Centre

29

In-Loft Storage Solutions

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11

Pet Care

Property Maintenance

Loft Ladders

Decorators ProDec Cheshire

20

Landscaping

Computer Maintenance AED Computer Services

Smart Furnishings

OvenU - Warrington Carol Carter’s Pet Sitting Service

15

Furniture

Planet Cafe Catering

30

Courtyard Property

13

Tyre Services Culcheth Tyres

24

Yoga Tuition Foxy Yoga

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15 Jackson Avenue, Culcheth Warrington, WA3 4EJ T 01925 767000 E ask@courtyardhomes.co.uk

In the uncertain economic times with political chaos causing a lack of confidence in the property market, people are understandably resistant to move.

There are varying factors causing a sluggish market and a supply shortage of homes being advertised for sale!

So what are the facts?

According to Rightmove, during the last year sold prices in Birchwood were down by 11% on the previous year.

Last year, terrace properties sold for an average of £119,950, semi-detached £156,837 and detached £239,130.

Good news is Birchwood is still buoyant where other areas are not.

Due to an increase of business in the area, demand is still high, but you must be priced correctly, despite the short supply, potential purchasers are not daft, they research and make it their business to know what is a fair price!

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So what can you expect to achieve?

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32

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