Widnes - Jan/Feb 2019

The

Essential

Guide to...

Jan & Feb 2019

Widnes YOUR FREE LOC AL COMMUNIT Y & BUSINESS GUIDE

25+ Community Events Inside!

RECIPE

Tandoori Lamb with Naan HOME INTERIORS

Declutter for the New Year HEALTH

Realistic Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier New Year

Local offices in Runcorn, Widnes & Stockton Heath

www.adamsea.co.uk

Win

£100 Cash See page 6

3Rs Tuition Maths, English & Science Tuition as individual as your child • Ofsted registered Centres

• Widnes, Warrington, Culcheth & Lymm

• Experienced, well-qualified DBS checked tutors

• Individual Tuition Plans, updated every six weeks • Tuition that is as individual as your child • Separate classrooms for each tutor • Childcare Vouchers accepted

Widnes Centre 55a Widnes Road Widnes WA8 6AZ 0151 345 0530

2

Warrington Centre 69 Sankey Street Warrington, WA1 1SL 01925 555567

Culcheth Centre 457a Warrington Road Culcheth WA3 5SJ 01925 552190

www.3rstuition.co.uk

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

Lymm Centre 15a The Cross Lymm WA13 0HR 01925 759200

adamsea.co.uk We offer all the benefits of a local, traditional, professional agent, combined with the convenience of a modern, online service.

Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week RUNCORN

STOCKTON HEATH

WIDNES

54 High Street, Runcorn, WA7 1AW 12-14 Walton Road, Stockton Heath, WA4 6NL 53-55 Albert Road, Widnes, WA8 6JS 01928 574401 01925 398343 0151 420 4055 runcorn@adamsea.co.uk s.heath@adamsea.co.uk widnes@adamsea.co.uk

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3

Welcome

Hello Lovely Readers and Happy New Year Don’t save it for best….

I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday at Christmas and as ever my small but perfectly formed family did really make a big effort and I was a very lucky girl! They even wrapped my birthday presents in birthday paper (a pet hate as a child, if I did get a separate birthday present rather than ‘we’ve bought you a bigger one’ it was invariably wrapped in Christmas paper).

And do you know what… I am absolutely making sure I am using every thing I received NOW! That posh candle is burning every night, that new perfume opened and sprayed liberally every morning, the spa treatment booked and the gift vouchers spent! So many times I’ve heard of people saving things for best… and then sadly not getting to use them. So I reckon right now is our best day, so my advice to you would be - dig out your best china, your unused designer body lotion, your best shoes and get some pleasure out of them, here and now!

Good luck with any resolutions you’ve made for 2019! Looking back at last years editors letter I see I had two: firstly to declutter my paperwork and that gets a big tick and the second was to get a bit fitter… one out of two isn’t bad, is it??

Better luck this year hey?

Contents Home Interiors p24

Declutter for the New Year

Recipe p40

Tandoori lamb with naan

Congratulations to Peter who won our last competition, well done. See page 6 for details of how you can win a fab £100 - good luck!. ‘til next time Enjoy your best…

Gardening p42 Winter Colour

Jody xx and the team

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.

Motoring p58 The Wackiest Special Editions

Next issue: March/April 2019 Deadline: 15th Feb 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 0151 268 6127 or email info@essentialguide.co.uk

LITTLEMORE HOUSE | 59 CORONERS LANE | WIDNES | WA8 9JB

Widnes

Society

Where older people find care in housing Abbeyfield provides residential accommodation for older, single people who seek companionship and security, with 24-hour assistance and all meals provided.

For further information please contact us on 0151 424 3338 or visit us online at www.abbeyfieldwidnes.com www.essentialguide.co.uk

5

Competition

Win ÂŁ100 Cash!

Huge congratulations to Peter Okell who won our November & December 2018 Cash Competition!

Why not enter...

Simply find this Champagne 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 01928 739607.

One entry per person

Caravan & Boat STORAGE

0151 487 9501 0151 495 2659

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

BARN HEY FARM TARBOCK, L35 1QG

C E L E B R A T I N G

YEARS IN BUSINESS We would like to say a big thanks to all of our staff and clients for their loyal support over the last decade and look forward to welcoming them into the salon again soon!

ENJOY THE FINEST HAIRDRESSING IN LUXURY SURROUNDINGS... *T&C’s apply.

DARREN TYRER HAIRDRESSING 431 Cronton Road, Widnes, WA8 5QG 0151 422 8384

OPENING HOURS Mon-Wed 9am - 6pm Fri 9am - 6pm

Thur 9am - 7pm Sat 9am - 5pm

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Local Groups & Clubs Monday

Make-it-Mondays Every Monday - 11.00am An informal craft group held at Widnes & Runcorn Cancer Support Centre. Have a go at something creative, call into The Centre and join this friendly group. New members are always welcome.

Soroptimist International of Widnes Last Monday of each month (excluding August & December) 6.15pm Meetings held at the Everglades Hotel in Widnes. If you would like to know more please visit www.sigbi.org.

St. Helens Choral Society Every Monday 7.15pm to 9.15pm Everyone welcome to rehearsal. No previous experience, but the ability to read music would be an advantage. Held at United Reformed Church, King Street, St. Helens WA10 2JZ. Contact sthelenschoralsociety.org for more information.

Work Club Every Monday -1.00pm to 2.00pm – Lone Parent Work Club 2.00pm to 3.00pm – Available to All Drop in sessions at Widnes Library to help you improve your CV, job search and apply for employment.

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Tuesday

Widnes Wine Circle & Social Club 1st Wednesday of each month 7.45pm to 10.30pm Days Out, Wine making, Tasting Wines, Bowling, Theatre nights and more. Held at Ditton Community Centre, Dundalk Road, Widnes. Visit widneswinecircle.wordpress. com or phone 0151 424 3325.

Halton Fibromyalgia Support Group 1st Tuesday Every Month 11.00am to 1.00pm Held in Kingsway Library, 1st floor Room 11. The group offers sufferers opportunities to help themselves and then others. For more information please email emfibrogroup@outlook.com.

North Cheshire Speakers Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month (September to May) - 7.30pm The group can help with Presentation skills, from a Best Man’s speech to a business pitch.

Call or email Hilary Rylands 01928 712123, hilaryrylands@ talktalk.net for more information. Held at Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham.

Poetry Writing 2nd Tuesday of the month 7.00 to 8.30pm A small, friendly group who write and discuss poetry. We aim to write poems on the night and share any we may have written during the month. (£2.50) Held in Widnes Library.

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

Runcorn Community Choir Every Tuesday 7.30pm to 9.00pm Join our friendly group at Churchill Hall, Cooper Street, Runcorn WA7 1DH. New Members always welcome, no auditions required. All sessions are directed by qualified tutors. Just turn up or e-mail runcorncommunitychoir@ gmail.com for more information.

Sequence Dancing Every Tuesday 1.30pm to 3.30pm Tea, coffee and biscuits. Don’t forget your dancing shoes or just come and have a chat, make some new friends and listen to the music. Held at Farnworth Sports and Social Club Peelhouse Lane, WA8 6QT. Tel: 0151 424 2213 Mob: 07522772352

Wednesday

GOG’s Group Every Wednesday 12.00npm to 2.00pm “Gentlemen Only Group” for men who have been affected by cancer in any way. An opportunity to have chat, joke and generally put the world to rights! Held at Widnes & Runcorn Cancer Support Centre.

Years Ahead – Arts for the over 50’s Every Wednesday for Painting and Drawing 10.00am to 12.30pm.

Held at Ditton Community Centre, Dundalk Road, Widnes.

All abilities welcome, just turn up to have a go .First session free. Normal charge £4.

IT Clinic Every Wednesday 10.30am to 12.00pm Help with your device, emails and more. Held at Widnes Library. For more information visit- www.library.haltonbc. info/whats-on.

The Chemics Café First Wednesday of Every Month 11.00am to 12.30pm A free event hosted by Widnes Vikings to support people affected by dementia. Bringing together former players and rugby mementos, as well as specialist dementia advice.

Make friends, unwind, have fun and find vital support. Visit www.c-i-c.co.uk/chemicscafe to find out more.

Stroke Café First Wednesday of the month 10.000am to 11.00am Stroke Café is an opportunity for survivors to talk to others, and gain peer support. Held in the cafe at Naughton Fields, Liverpool Road, WA8 7HL. Contact Angela Spruce 01928 753503 angela.spruce@stroke.org.uk Alison Gilfoyle 01928 753381 alison.gilfoyle@stroke.org.uk

Widnes Wonders W.I 2nd Wednesday of the month 8.00pm Widnes Wonders meet at The Moorfield Sports & Social Club, Moorfield Road, WA8 3HQ. Anyone interested in joining can email; k.barewell@hotmail.com.

Thursday

Years Ahead – Arts for the over 50’s Every Thursday for Creative Writing 10 am to 12.30 pm, Painting & Drawing 10.00am to 12.30pm and Crafts 10.00am to 12.00pm.

Held at Ditton Community Centre, Dundalk Road, Widnes.

All abilities welcome, just turn up to have a go .First session free. Normal charge £4.

Halton U3A (The University of the Third Age) Second Thursday of the month 1.30pm Meeting are held at Widnes Masonic Hall, Kingsway, WA8 7QH. For all members and anyone who might be interested in joining Halton U3A .

Stay and Play Every Thursday 9.30am to 11.00am Drop in activity for parents/ carers and children’s ages 0-4.

There are play activities, songs and a snack. Held at Castlefields Community Centre.

Poetry Reading Last Thursday of month 7.00pm to 8.00pm Interested in Poetry? A small, friendly group who meet to discuss and unravel a varied selection of poems, chosen by us. We welcome new members. (£1.50) Held in Widnes Library.

Friday

Widnes Historical Society Second Friday of the month 7.30pm to 9.00pm Visitors and new members welcome to join an evening lectures/ occasional visits to places of historic interest. Held at Farnworth C of E Primary School, Pit Lane. Parking available in the playground.

Sequence Dancing Every Friday 8.00pm to 11.30pm All welcome, simply pay at the door. Fully licensed bar and music by Bob. Held at Farnworth Sports and Social Club Peelhouse Lane, WA8 6QT. Call 0151 424 2213 or 075227 72352 for more information.

Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Saturday

Park Run Every Saturday - 9.00am Meet and park at Victoria Park, Birchfield Road. There are signs, marshals and a tail person to ensure everyone is OK. It’s all free, you to register and print a barcode via the website www.parkrun.org.uk/widnes

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What's On...

Bat & Chat Wednesday 9th January 12.00pm to 1.00pm A free social table tennis session for over 50s. A great way to get active and socialse with new people. For more information call Jackie Coulthard 01928 716363.

Christmas Tree Collection Thursday 10th or Friday 11th January Halton Haven and a team of volunteers will collect your real Christmas tree from your home in return for a donation. Register your collection online at - www. charityxmastreecollection.com Food Fair Thursday 10th January 8.00am to 2.00pm A selection of fresh produce from a number of local independent retailers. Held in the Community Square, Shopping City.

Anti-gravity Yoga Wednesday 16th January 4.00pm to 5.00pm A young persons course 10 to 18 year olds only. Discover the power, excitement & pure joy of moving freely in all directions of open space.

Find your way to wellbeing suspended in a hammock. Visit - www.wellbeingenterprises. org.uk for more information.

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Say ‘hello’ to ‘The Big O’ Friday 18th January Barry Steel and Friends present The Roy Orbison Story at the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn.

Tickets are £24 from the Brindley box office on 0151 907 8360.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Sunday 27th January 10.00am to 1.00pm Learn the theory behind pruning your orchard trees with Katie Lowe from Heathfield Orchards. Held at Norton Priory, please call 01928 569896 to book your place – priced at £25pp.

Nurse Recruitment Day Thursday 31st January 10.30am to 4.30pm Warrington & Halton Hospitals are hosting a Recruitment Open Day to recruit fabulous staff nurses. Held at Education Centre, Halton General Hospital,WA7 2DA. Mindful Movement Tuesday 5th February 1.30pm to 3.00pm A four-week course on a way to tackle the stresses of life and put some joy in its place using mindful movement and meditation. Visit www. wellbeingenterprises.org.uk for more information.

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

Soroptimist International of Widnes Tuesday 12th February – 7.00pm Four speakers and a light supper/ raffle. Tickets are £7 on the door. Held at the Widnes Masonic Hall, Kingsway.

Valentines Day Thursday 14th February Also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is celebrated annually. Originating as a Western Christianfeast day honoring one or two early saints named Valentinus.

Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop Sunday 24th February – 10.00am to 1.00pm Learn the theory behind grafting fruit trees with Heathfield Orchards and then have a go yourself! £25.00 per person. Book by calling 01928 569896. Held at Norton Priory.

Appearance IS EVERYTHING

MID-WEEK Special Offers Monday-Wednesday only

• Eyebrow Shape & Tint • Eyelash Tint • Mini Manicure • Mini Jessica Pedicure • Blow Dry • Conditioning Treatment • Express Decleor Facial • Back Massage • File & Polish

Choose 2 treatments for

£25

Choose 3 treatments for

£35

Book now for Valentine’s Day

Please visit or call the salon We have moved 138 Albert Road Widnes, WA8 6LG Call for further details 0151 423 0809 For more offers follow us on Facebook

Angela McCarten BSc (Hons) S.R. Chs., MChs, D. Pod.

ULTIMATE PODIATRY CLINIC State Registered Podiatrists Members of H.P.C. Saturday and Evening Appts - Wheelchair Access

• Full Chiropody & Podiatry Service • Laser Therapy for Verrucae • Complete Diabetic Footcare • Nail Surgery Home Visits • Sports Injuries Available • Handcasted Orthotics • Wilde Pedique Prosthetic Nails

Tel: 0151 424 2840 Mobile: 07780 672 077 70 Halton View Road, Widnes, WA8 0TR Email: angela.mccarten@btinternet.com

DELICIOUS HANDMADE CAKES & COFFEE COFFEE SHOP FIND US AT 147 WILMERE LANE, WILmere WIDNES WA8 5UP WWW.CAKEPOD.COM

www.essentialguide.co.uk

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ÂŁ50 OFF

Complete Pairs of Specs When Choosing a Designer Frame Sale until end of February

Now the only Independent Opticians in Widnes

30% OFF

Rayban & Oakley Sunspecs Until the End Of February

Contact lens specialists, all types of lenses supplied

39 Widnes Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 6AZ T 0151 424 2141 W www.mertonbeck.co.uk 12

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

We can search 1,000s of mortgages for you 1 adviser - 90 lenders

Make an appointment to speak to one of our specialist advisers today: colin.forsyth@mab.org.uk 01928577405

The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.30% of the amount borrowed.

MAB 8367

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances.

The Auction Centre Cheshire’s leading Auctioneers and Valuers

• • • • •

Modern saleroom at Manor Park, Runcorn RICS and NAVA registered auctioneers and specialist consultants Probate and Insurance valuation reports undertaken Full house clearance service available Regional valuation centres throughout the north-west

9 Berkeley Court, Manor Park Runcorn, WA7 1TQ Telephone: 01928 579796 Email: enquiries@theauctioncentre.co.uk

www.theauctioncentre.co.uk www.essentialguide.co.uk

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We sell the finest quality: • Aberdeen Angus Beef • Free Range Chicken • Free Range Pork • Balmoral Venison • Lamb • Goat • Turkey • Sausages Telephone Orders: 0151 426 4604 576 Warrington Road, Rainhill, Prescot, L35 4LZ Opening Hours: Mon - Sat, 8.00am - 5.30pm

Free Delivery

to WA8 on all orders over £20!

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www.hayestraditionalbutchers.co.uk

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

Is Your COMPUTER BROKEN? We can also help with

We refurb or repair PCs, Laptops, Macs, Games Consoles

• Custom Building a New Computer • Supplying Computer Parts • Networking

ALPHA

COMPUTERS Tel 0151

420 8337

www.alphacomputers-sales.co.uk

FIND US AT 140 Birchfield Road

(Opposite the Widnes Train Station)

Widnes, WA8 9ED

20% OFF

for all new clients in Jan & Feb Quote ’newclient2019’

Sports Massage 45 minutes ............... £25

Express Sports Massage 20 minutes.....£15 For all other offers or to book online visit Facebook or Instagram angewinstanleysportsmassage Call Ange today on: 07855 918237

Sarah Roberts, Travel Counsellor

Your personal Travel Expert 0151 424 9464 sarah.roberts@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.com/sarah.roberts

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Because at i-Care, We Care i-Care opticians…

Providing a remarkable service where the patient is at the centre of everything we do.

You’ve probably seen or walked past i-Care Opticians but do you really know about their service and compassionate ways they look after their patients? i-Care Opticians offers an eye test following the best practice guidelines of the College of Optometrists, the optometrist is a fully qualified eye health professional. Consultant eye surgeon Dr Sen, from Warrington and Halton NHS foundation trust also works alongside Consultant Optometrist Mr Ali to look after your eyes.

Dawn Bertley, a 28 year old with a severe phobia of health checks was recently referred to i-Care Opticians by her family

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to have a routine eye check.

Dawn explains all about her amazing expericnece.

“The staff are fantastic and the optician remarkable. He put me at ease turning an experience I would usually dread into a happier one.”

The opticians manner and professionalism was second to none. Everything was explained to me in a way I could understand and all my questions answered.

An eye test not only checks your vision, it can also detect diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts and raised blood pressure, as well as other conditions which can affect general and optical health. i-Care Opticians understands the importance of your eye examination and the fact it is a vital check of both the health of your eyes and general health. i-Care Opticians have over thirty years experience in

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

caring for the needs of people in Widnes and the surrounding area. To ensure they provide a first-class service with guaranteed quality they have their very own i-Care lab which manufacture most of their glasses based locally in St helens and overseen by Consultant Optometrist Mr Ali. “i-Care Opticians are currently offering an exclusive 2for1 offer PLUS for a limited period up to 50% OFF selected frames.

Including 2 pais of Varifocals from only £149.95, 2pairs of Bifoclas from only £120.95 and 2 pairs of single vision from only £75.95.

CALL TODAY on

0151 423 6324 to make your appointment or pop down to the store to see their amazing range of over 600 top quality and designer frames.

SALE

50 UP TO

% OFF

i-Care Opticians. Because at i-Care We Care

50% off, plus 2for1 on a selected range of frames. While stocks last. T&C’s apply.

i-Care Opticians Widnes Market Hall, Green Oaks Bradley Way, Widnes WA8 6UE Opposite Morrisons in the square

T: 0151 423 6324

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm except Tuesday www.essentialguide.co.uk

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Advertise your Home Slimming Improvement World Business here

rl e be slim fowith Parklands Widnes, Chapel Lane WA8 4NX Tuesdays 6pm Jackie Bailey on 07962686548 NEW CONSULTANT FROM JANUARY 2019

The

Essential

Guide Call today on

0151 268 6127 slimmingworld.co.uk

or email info@essentialguide.co.uk

Your local chartered accountants Free no obligation consultation, For all your accountancy needs AGP provide a full range of services for all business types and sizes.

Our services include: • Accounts • Bookkeeping • Registered auditor

• VAT returns • Payroll • Advising family companies

call: 01928 707 370 visit: www.agp-accountants.co.uk email: enquiries@agp-accountants.co.uk Sycamore House, Sutton Quays Business Park Sutton Weaver, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 3EH Offices also at Warrington and Chester

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

• Tax returns & repayment claims • Tax planning and advice • Tax enquiries

e l r o f im l s e b with

Slimming World Parklands Chapel Lane, Widnes Wednesdays 7.30am till 9.00am Peter - 07762 194 165

Our Ladys Mayfield Avenue, Widnes 3 Sessions:

Tuesday at 9.30am & 5pm & 7pm Disabled Access Kate - 07931 237062 Methodist Church, Cronton Chapel Lane, Cronton Village 2 Sessions:

Wednesdays at 5pm & 7pm Disabled Access Kate - 07931 237062 slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

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airport transfers Executivetravel NW Ltd

• Why not travel to the airport in style?

• Our fleet is mainly Mercedes.

• From 4 seats to 16 seats.

• Also available for nights out • We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Call us today for a quote 0151 495 2552 Widnes Based Company 24 Deacon Road Widnes WA8 6ED

www.executivetravelnw.co.uk 20

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

NTD Electrical Services Ltd No job too small Free No Obligation Quotes Availability includes evenings and weekends 5* Rated and Reviewed - available to read on Facebook

07391 648596

20%

OFF CLEANING PACKAGES

ROOF CLEANING

• MOSS REMOVAL & BIO TREATMENT • SOFTWASHING - LOW PRESSURE

UPVC & GUTTER CLEANS

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Level 3 Qualified

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote 0151 5570020 or 07834 241 642 www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk

@StairRenovation

Transform your staircase in as little as one day • • • • • • • •

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Abbott-Wade Ltd

Q UA L I T Y

A S S U R E D

J O I N E R Y

Tel: 01744 634 442 www.abbottwade.co.uk The staircase specialists since 1996 www.essentialguide.co.uk

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Puzzle Time Suduko EASY

HARD

Crossword Cryptic Cryptic Crossword 1

2

3

4

9

5

6

7

8

18

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ACROSS 1 Box state: empty and bare (6) 4 Careful dames rue mistake! (8) 9 Flower concealed behind an ogre? (6) 10 ‘City bus’ (Latin translation) (8) 12 Inoffensive cast slams her! (8) 13 Single lady in the US or in another country (6) 15 I don’t think Ed’ll start a message (4) 16 More gut trouble for discerning diner (7) 20 European sleeps around a little (7) 21 Stop a student entering Panama, perhaps (4) 25 Tag sir redesigned for nothing (6) 26 Cue bodyguard reintroduced (8) 28 The most unpleasant Titaness around (8) 29 Sign perhaps reversed by baby (6) 30 Tuners go wild for this fish (8) 31 Kinsman detailed turnaround, that’s clear (6)

10 11

12

13 14

15

16 17 20

22

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24

25

26

28

29

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31

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127 Down

: empty and bare (6)

©puzzlepress.co.uk

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DOWN 1 This round item is a comfort (8) 2 Right answer about clergyman (8) 3 A protector said she’ll date (6) 5 Language the queen spoke inside dismissed (4) 6 Quiet strolls are a disaster! (8) 7 Josh and Rene’s good band (6) 8 Fool many avoid the clutches of (6) 11 A playwright mapmakers tolerated (7) 14 Drat, he’s wrongly criticised (7) 17 Unpopular leader forcing rebellion (8) 18 Bore trailing a male baboon (8) 19 Sling art around and become a flyer (8) 22 Reps not disheartened in a long time (6) 23 City saunas being renovated (6) 24 Bird with animal (one confused) (6) 27 A city in Morocco’s located (4)

1 This round item is a comfort (8)

Answers on p49

For your

10%

LoveLocal discount VantagePoint discount Quote Ref: Quote Ref:WID1 GO10 www.essentialguide.co.uk

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Home Interiors

Declutter for the New Year

What could be a better New Year’s resolution for your home than to eliminate mess, create space and generally have a good sort out?

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

Cooper hall tidy, ÂŁ399, www.atkinandthyme.co.uk.

If too much mess and clobber has built up in your home over the past year, then it’s time to declutter your stuff and sort your storage, so that your home will be mess-free and superstylish in time for 2017.

First, grab some rubbish bags and a few boxes or baskets.

Work methodically through each room and sort out obvious rubbish, things that can go to a local charity shop, items that could be sold second-hand, anything that needs mending, little-used things that can be put away in the garage or loft, and genuinely great stuff that you want to keep. Try to get rid of as much as possible, only holding onto things that you really need and/or love.

With what’s left, it’s now time to work out where it will go.

Label your storage if necessary, and make sure the whole family knows what’s meant to go where. If you still need extra storage after your clear-out, look for all the areas where you could fit more in, whether built-in or free-standing: from backs of doors to under the stairs, tops of wardrobes to under the bed.

Think racks, hooks and shelves as well as conventional cabinets

é Mazeballs bed, £625, www.loaf.com.

and chests of drawers and, where possible, ensure they coordinate with existing furniture.

You can also relocate some storage; for example by adding a storage unit in the living room to avoid having to tidy toys away upstairs every day.

There are a few rules of storage that might be helpful. First, store like with like and match the size and shape of the container to what’s being kept inside (in other words, find small, lidded boxes for things like Lego and big squishy baskets for teddy bears). Store as much as possible

Easy ways to banish clutter • Write a list of where you want to declutter.

• Have an intensive declutter workout and spend five minutes clearing as much as you can in one area.

You’ll be amazed at the difference you can make.

Repeat as often as you can.

• Hang your clothes up with the hooks all facing one way, and only turn the hook the other way when you wear something. After, say, six months, you can easily assess which items you never wear. You could try the same idea in the kitchen (turn mug handles in one direction, put glasses upside down, and so on), the playroom, the living room…

• Make it a family competition with prizes.

Who will be the fastest to find three things to throw away, three things to give away and three things to tidy away?

• If what you need is some emergency decluttering, pop everything into a big box and hide it somewhere until you have time to go through it properly. near to where it’s most needed, but don’t store frequently used items below knee level or above shoulder height, especially if they’re heavy. Avoid storing things on surfaces such as tables or desks, and allow yourself room to expand – but only within reason. If you have allowed extra space, and then filled it… it’s time to start all over again. ç Tickety shelves, £545, www.loaf.com. www.essentialguide.co.uk

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To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

Electrician

Do you find it difficult to get someone to do a small job?

BEFORE

Extra Lights • Additional Sockets New Fuse Boards • Rewires • New Installations Landlord & Home buyer Inspections

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We have a huge selection of rugs, with 1000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in stock

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33

Unwidow

Shall I compare thee?

By The Unwidow

Once upon a time, you decided you wanted to get something sorted.

It might have been your house, car or life Insurance, or your annual trip to Scunthorpe, or Majorca if you were very modern. It might have been you were considering a new sofa or carpet for your home, because yours is 20 years old and somewhat past its best. It was ‘Simples’.

For Travel, you acquired a brochure, even though it meant calling into the local Travel Agents. You took your brochure home and you made your choice.

For carpets and furnishing, there were local high street shops where you could ‘shop’ and choose, from three, one brown one green and one with a pattern. You made your choice and then went home to wait for delivery. January Sales were good for that.

However, that has all changed.

We should be excited!

Today you will have literally hundreds of sofas, and mile upon mile of carpet. What is more you must buy it NOW, before their closing down Sale ends today, and their new closing down Sale starts tomorrow!

Home and Life Insurance?

Sorted over a cup of tea, in your parlour with the man who called every week to collect 34

the premium. No need for car Insurance because we didn’t have a car! We did though, just like this nice man, have a bicycle, purchased from and mended by the man who kept The Bike Shop in the high street.

Holidays? A lovely young woman will tell you via your TV that her company will search hundreds, nay thousands of destinations and hotels, all over the world. All you need to do is spend the next decade or so, comparing, what is on offer. By the time you have done this, you will be exhausted and bored to distraction at the whole idea of travelling anywhere except to your own kitchen for a G & T.

Then, and here is the truly inspirational one! Two small rodents are on hand to help us choose. These two little guys have become our best friends, (although I can’t remember offhand what it is they are helping us to compare and choose).

However, I am sure it will be invaluable to us all…dot com!

They are, though, you must admit, considerably less irritating than having a

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corpulent man with a curly moustache interrupting whatever folks happen to be doing, with his rendition of his Party Piece song and dance.

Enough of him thank you!

Then, of course, there are all these wonderful people who will, at the touch of a button on your mind-numbingly expensive mobile phone, put sufficient money into your bank, (with no questions asked) to be used to meet the cost of an emergency repair. Because this is an emergency, no time to consider, or choose and compare here! Thank goodness that the 52-inch Smart TV has made us aware of these instantly generous benefactors.

Do you notice that I am becoming a Grumpy Old Person? This might have something to do with my having emptied my bag of jelly babies!

I think it is now best if I brush the tooth wrecking sugar from my teeth and then take myself off to the kitchen to compare the merits of a G&T to a glass of Chardonnay. I will become less grumpy after that!

To contact The Unwidow then please email her at: unwidow@thelocalmags.co.uk

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35

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H.Prescott & Sons Ltd

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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.

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39

Recipe

Tandoori lamb with naan

A pot of yogurt and a few spices can transform lamb steaks into a delicious spicy supper. If you prefer, serve with pilau rice or on a bed of spiced couscous.

Serves 4 Ready in 30 mins, plus marinating time INGREDIENTS 4 large lamb steaks 6 tbsp natural yoghurt, plus extra to serve 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 2 tsp each garam masala and ground cumin 1 tsp each ground coriander and chilli powder 1 tbsp lemon juice 4 garlic and coriander naan breads Rocket leaves and sliced tomatoes, onion and cucumber, to serve 40

1 Place the lamb steaks in a shallow dish. Mix together

the yoghurt, ginger, garlic, spices and lemon juice and add 1/2 tsp salt and some freshly ground black pepper.

Spread over the steaks. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours (or overnight).

2 Grill the marinated steaks under a preheated medium

grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until just cooked and lightly charred in places. Cover the cooked steaks and leave to rest for 5 minutes.

3 Meanwhile, sprinkle the naan breads lightly with water

and heat under the grill for 2-3 minutes. Top with rocket leaves and sliced tomatoes, onion and cucumber. Slice the steaks and pile on top of the salad. Serve with the extra yogurt on the side and mango chutney, if liked.

TIP To make tandoori fish, replace the lamb steaks with 4 salmon fillets. Spread the marinade over the fillets and leave to marinate for 1-2 hours. Bake the fish in a preheated oven at 200C/fan 180C/gas mark 6 for 20-25 minutes until just cooked.

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41

Gardening

Winter Colour Happy New Year to you! Despite the winter weather, with planning and strategic planting your garden can still look gorgeous, with colourful plants to add interest to your plot.

Dogwoods or Cornus are great winter stem-colour plants.

Planted in a moist sunny spot, the crimson-red stems are stunning during winter, plus in autumn you’ll get red and purple foliage. To keep these colourful stems coming, cut them back to ground level in late spring every alternate year.

and grey buds. These stems also need to be cut back to ground level every two years.

Winter classic good looks come from hollies, either green-leaved or in variegated form, such as ‘Argentea Marginata’ with silvery leaf edges, ‘Golden Queen’ with golden-yellow leaf edges, or ‘Ferrox Argentea’ with silveredged leaves covered with prickles!

Christmas Roses or hellebores, including Helleborus argutiflorus, have cup-shaped green flowers with prominent stamens, are tough and perform well. The classic Christmas rose proper is white-flowered (developing a pink tinge as they age), and look stunning against the central cluster of golden-yellow stamens. The variety ‘Potters Wheel’ has flowers up to 10cm in diameter.

Some willows can be kept quite small, and have stunning coloured winter stems. For eggyolk yellow stems go for Salix alba ‘Vitellina’, for scarlet-orange stems there is ‘Britzensis’, or Salix acutifolia ‘Blue Streak’ has purple stems with a slivery-grey bloom 42

The ghost bramble, Rubus cockburnianus, a relative of the standard bramble, has arching white stems that look great in winter sunshine. In summer it produces sprays of small purple flowers.

Snowdrops in single and double forms look great planted in drifts or naturalised on a grassy bank.

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Buy ready-to-flower snowdrops in pots now, plant them out, and then plant them ‘in the green’ in a month or two’s time, when you can get the bulbs, complete with leaves, ready for planting by mail order.

Winter aconites have bright yellow, shiny petals and

At www.pippagreenwood.com you can join ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for great vegetable plants and weekly advice, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club?

flowers like golden stars, and produce a superb display when planted close to and amongst snowdrops. Plenty of moisture without waterlogging is key.

Winter flowering pansies make a splash of colour in any garden, with just about every conceivable colour available.

Even when struck by frost, the flowers soon perk up again.

Clematis cirrhosa is a winterflowering climber with yellow to white bell-shaped flowers and a delicate lemony perfume.

The inner surface of the petals is delicately freckled, with variety ‘Freckles’ having the best dark

spotting. The flowers last from early winter until the start of spring.

Winter-flowering jasmine can be loosely trained against a wall for a great winter display of bright yellow starry flowers, and will remind you that spring is coming! www.essentialguide.co.uk

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45

Book Reviews

BOOKS TO get you talking

This month’s books are perfect for discussing at your book club, dissecting over dinner and chatting about on social media.

Once Upon a River - Diane Setterfield A man stumbles into The Swan inn carrying the body of what appears to be a dead girl in his arms.

A few hours later, the little girl stirs. But who is she?

Part adult fairy tale, part folk tale, Once Upon a River celebrates the art of storytelling and weaves numerous stories into one rich tapestry. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Sunny Side Up - Susan Calman Comedian and Strictly star Susan Calman is on a mission to encourage ‘joy, kindness and community’ with her latest book. There are anecdotes from her own life and examples of random acts of kindness that have been shared by her fans. Sunny Side Up is full of warmth, positivity and (of course) plenty of humour.

The Silence of the Girls - Pat Barker The Silence of the Girls is a vivid retelling of Homer’s Iliad. However, this time the focus is on the minor characters, namely the women taken as ‘spoils of war’. Queen Briseis is taken as a sex slave by Achilles when he destroys her city.

Through Briseis we hear of the other female slaves in the encampment – women who are forced to serve the men that killed their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons.

This is Going to Hurt - Adam Kay From 100 hour weeks to moral conundrums and emergency operations, the life of a junior doctor is far from easy. Adam Kay reveals all through six years of diary entries. Surprisingly, This is Going to Hurt is an incredibly funny book, particularly the numerous footnotes explaining hospital lingo.

However, Kay also gives us an insight into the stark reality of life on the frontline of the NHS.

46

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Plumbing and Heating Services

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TREADWELL CARPETS & FLOORING Domestic & Commercial Specialist

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49

Health and Wellbeing

Local Health and Wellbeing Walks with John O’Hara-Mee - Weston I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas. We had our annual Christmas Party at The Evenwood Farm Carvery in Sandymoor which we shared with the Recipe for Health exercise group from Brookvale Community Centre, as quite a few of us join in both activities.

We get Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, pudding, a game of Bingo, a short quiz and music for dancing to settle down a very tasty, value for money lunch. This social side is just as important as the physical exercise and fresh air.

Our meeting point in Weston today for our one hour-ish walk is on the village green near the Medieval Cross, opposite St. John’s Church which is sometimes known as “the choirboy’s church” as some of the money for its construction was raised by the choirboys back in 1897. Names are taken which are then checked again at the end of the walk just to ensure we have not lost anyone, although if ever we did, it would be a first.

All our varied walk routes include interesting facts and need to be looked into and discussed which in turn leads to the group getting strung out a bit but we always having a walk leader, usually myself, at the back covering this situation. We try to start the walk at 11.00am but will always wait for anyone running a little late.

Climbing slightly, we set off along Weston Road, passing the 1766 Weston Grange and 50

a garage on our left which often has vintage cars on its forecourt bringing back fond memories for some of us oldies.

The Weaver water in the bay glistens in the morning sun urging us onwards and upwards as we turn right into a passage between the houses, coming out at the top on Heath Road South. Straight ahead now, past the bungalows with their well tended, colourful front gardens, past the Primary School with its high safety fencing and well stocked ‘children’s play-area’ into tree lined Lambsickle Lane (what a lovely name) running between the greens of Runcorn Golf Club.

This walk is suitable for all seasons as it is mainly on good pavements and safe footpaths that we make our way through these side roads, coming out at Hope Corner and turning right along Clifton Road. The fine old houses on this road with their mature gardens are to be admired for their Autumn colours and Spring flowers.

When we reach the traffic lights at the cross roads we again turn right and walk along the dedicated footpath running parallel with the old bus-lane which has now reverted back for all motorists to use. A short distance away we can see and hear the traffic speeding along Weston Point Expressway but the much improved area has been landscaped to a high standard and has not lost that country walk feel. We are now getting quite close to our

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starting point in Weston Village.

There are still some wonderful old properties in Weston Village and we were talking to dairy farmer Mick who used to own Cross Farm before it was demolished and the Cross resited to allow improvements to the road system through the village. He was saying that there were five farms originally but this has all changed now.

Mick’s daughter Julie now lives in the early 17th century Manor Farm House which was used as a Dental Practice before she bought it. Also in the village is the Old Hall and Barn dating back to 1607 and Cavendish Farm House which is C1622, all built using local Runcorn stone which gives a warm glow to the properties.

Please come and join us and get more from your life. Please click on “Walking for Health” or ring 0151 511 8550 for further information.

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51

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Excludes forthcoming events nights, subject to availability. Non Residents only. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

Over 20 Wedding Suppliers to inspire you, Flowers, Photography, Cakes, Sweet Carts and lots more. The Vale Royal Suite and Delamere Suite will be set up with Acer Florist dressing the rooms to give you ideas on colours and themes.

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BIG Winter

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53

Health

54

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Realistic Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier New Year New Year resolutions sound like a great idea: a fresh year and a fresh start. So why do they often fail?

Setting Yourself Up for Failure At New Year, festive goodwill and New Year enthusiasm can entice us into making a multitude of overly ambitious resolutions, setting ourselves up to fail and often, give up completely on our goals. So let’s turn three popular, doomed-tofailure aspirations into realistic resolutions.

More Exercise Your Resolution: I’ll go to Pilates, do my dance DVD and walk two miles every week!

You didn’t manage any of these things every week last year - ask yourself why. Identify activities you enjoy and can most easily fit in.

A Better Resolution: I’ll do at least an hour’s exercise every week.

Weather too bad for walking?

Missed Pilates? Resolve to do your exercise DVD instead.

Anything else is a bonus. Better to do some exercise consistently than none.

Less Alcohol Your Resolution: “I won’t drink on weekdays/at home/EVER AGAIN!” Recent research shows that even alcohol intake under the recommended limits of 2-3 units daily and 14 units per week increases your risk of many serious conditions, including dementia and some cancers, so reducing your intake is great – but tough if you’re a regular drinker.

A Better Resolution: Think about when and where you drink alcohol, and reduce your intake gradually. Try:

A Better Resolution: Try the options below and keep going until you find a strategy that works.

• Matching every alcoholic drink with a soft drink, or buying a large soft drink later in the evening to last until home time.

• Visit your GP. They can prescribe some nicotine replacement products and refer you to counselling.

You can also buy nicotine replacement products; experiment and see what works best for you.

• Finding other ways to relax if you always have a drink on returning from work (or make it a Friday-only treat). Feeling you ‘need’ a drink is a warning sign; consider if you need to make changes in your work life.

• On alternate nights, swap that wine with dinner or beer with friends for low-alcohol or nonalcoholic versions.

No Smoking Your Resolution: “I smoke 30 a day, but I’m quitting for good at New Year!”

It’s probably quicker to list conditions not aggravated or caused by smoking than to list those that are, and accepting you’re addicted to nicotine can be hard. But that twitchiness you feel – the need for a cigarette to ‘calm your nerves’ - is nicotine withdrawal, which can occur very quickly.

This can make smoking hard to kick, particularly for moderate or heavy smokers. While a few successfully go ‘cold turkey’, gradually reducing your nicotine intake is the most reliable and angst-free method.

• If you don’t already, make yourself smoke outside; it takes more effort. Toxins from your cigarette linger in the air (second-hand smoke) and settle on surfaces, where they’re re-released (thirdhand smoke), so you’ll be improving the health of housemates and visitors too.

• Smoke to a timed schedule and gradually increase the time between cigarettes. Even if you smoke 25 a day and only drop one daily cigarette per fortnight, you’ll still be a non-smoker in under a year.

• Keep nicotine but eliminate cigarette toxins like cyanide and arsenic by swapping to e-cigarettes or vaporisers.

‘Resolution’ has an array of scientific and historical meanings, including ‘reduction to a simpler form’. So keep your resolutions simple – and realistic! www.essentialguide.co.uk

55

TEETH IN ONE ONE DAY DAY An exciting concept in the treatment of missing or failing teeth…

With more than 25 years’ experience in the of dental implants, the team at The Dental Academy understands the impact total tooth loss can have on personal and quality of life. Everyday functions such as eating, smiling, talking and visual appearance can all be adversely Conventional denture solutions such as removable dentures, often requiring the aid of adhesives, do not adequately address these issues. Over recent years The Dental Academy has been at the forefront in the advancement of, and investment in, dental implants, and its dedication to denture wearers more choice has led to a improvement in quality of life for its patients. One of the biggest fears people who have lost, or are about to lose, all of their teeth have is the prospect of being without any teeth at all for a period of time.

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All in One Day...

Treatment begins early in the morning. Any failing teeth are removed and the dental implants are placed. Patients can then relax in the calming and private atmosphere of the Academy or, if they prefer, may return home for a couple of hours whilst their bespoke teeth are constructed by our technician. The bridge and replacement teeth will then be expertly and patients leave with a smile, and looking forward to the enhanced quality of life that goes with it – all in one day.

To advertise in The Essential Guide please call 0151 268 6127

BENEFITS OF ‘TEETH IN ONE DAY’ • Patients acquire their new teeth in one day • The use of only four implants reduces costs • Suitable for patients who some have already bone loss as uses existing bone • Helps prevent further bone loss • Restores chewing ability and your natural smile • Taste is not compromised as nothing covers the mouth’s upper palate • No more loose dentures

‘TEETH IN ONE DAY’

Using the very latest technology and expertise the perfect solution to missing or failing teeth. A new set of teeth, complete all in one day in and a simple procedure, leaves and patients smiling naturally once again.

The whole experience has been very positive from the consultation with Kevin and Jan, through to the surgery and Your level of patient care is second to none.

For a complimentary consultation please contact us on 01925 740510 and quote ‘The Essential Guide’

T H E D E N TA L ACADEMY D A R E S B U RY

Daresbury Lodge, Chester Road, Daresbury WA4 5LR Tel: 01925 740510

THE KNUTSFORD D E N TA L A C A D E M Y Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford WA16 6ES Tel: 01565 755765

www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.essentialguide.co.uk

57

Motoring

THE WACKIEST SPECIAL EDITIONS

Manufacturers love making special editions, weird and wonderful creations that showcase what car makers can do when they let their imaginations run wild.

Here, we’ve picked out seven of the wackiest.

Volkswagen Golf Harlequin The Golf is one of the bestselling cars of all time and comes in a variety of colours, specifications and body styles.

The Harlequin, however, was slightly out of the ordinary.

Ssangyong Korando Sports DMZ The ‘regular’ Korando Sports pick-up was a success for South Korean-based SsangYong; it was impressive off-road and had a generous amount of standard equipment.

Produced for just one year from 1996, just 264 colourful Golf Harlequins were produced, made as a result of the popularity of the Polo Harlequin.

The special DMZ edition, however, came with camouflage paint and either stood out from or blended into the crowd – whichever you preferred – giving the Korando Sports a beefy, military edge.

DS3 Black Lezard The DS3 is a car built on the ability to customise its every aspect, and the Black Lezard edition is a more luxurious version.

For instance, the Lezard design, mimicking the look of lizard skin, is hand applied, taking two hours per vehicle.

The interior of the car is finished in highquality leather, and gloss black trim is used to help lift the overall look of the cabin.

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Skoda Felicia Fun The Skoda Felicia Fun came with a bright yellow exterior matched by an equally jazzy interior, with yellow accents on the steering wheel, gearstick and main dials.

The trick up its sleeve was a rear bulkhead that could be extended to reveal two rear seats with a convertible section above, meaning four people could come along for the ride.

Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham In 2012, Range Rover revealed a special edition version of its Evoque SUV made in partnership with Victoria Beckham. The exterior is handfinished in matte grey paint, while the alloy wheels feature gloss black paint and rose gold detailing.

Bentley Bentayga Falconry Another Bentayga catering for a very niche pastime, the Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner features a removable ‘transportation perch’ and has a variety of trim pieces crafted from cork.

A veneer inlaid with a falcon graphic features on the car’s passenger-side trim piece and is made up of 430 separate hand-placed pieces.

Inside, the four seats are finished in high-quality leather with contrasting white ‘baseball’ stitching. Prices were impressively high, coming in at a weighty £79,995.

Rolls-Royce Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’ Rolls-Royce is noted for staggeringly impressive – and staggeringly expensive – special editions. The Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’ was limited to just 55 examples and uses a specially-developed ‘Sunburst Grey’ exterior paint.

Inside, the main dashboard is fitted with 176 individual LEDs, designed to resemble ‘the trailing light of a shooting star’. Nice.

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Essential Index of Local Businesses...

Architect Services Fairtech 53 Asbestos Removal Fallon Pilott 35 Auctioneers The Auction Centre 13 Bathrooms JDC Ceramics 30 Bedrooms & Kitchens NYK 26 Blinds Premier Blinds 27 Business Services Inspire Excellence 6 Butcher Hayes Traditional Butchers 14 Cake Specialist Cakepod 11 Caravan Storage Caravan & Boat Storage 6 Care Home Abbeyfield Widnes 5 Carpentry & Joinery Abbott-Wade Joinery 21 Chiropodist The Ultimate Podiatry Clinic 11 Cleaning Services Daily Poppins 28 Just Clean UPVC 21 College of Further Education Priestley College 63 Computer Maintenance Alpha Computers 15 Double Glazing Repairs Cloudy 2 Clear 39 Window Geeks 51

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Electrical NTD Electrical 21 Southern Electrical 27 Estate Agents Adams Estate Agents 3 Fireplace Showroom Fireplace Factory Direct 32 Flooring Cheshire Flooring 33 Robinson Flooring 52 Treadwell Carpets 48 Furniture Branches Warrington 53 Comfort & Style 37 Garage Services VSF 23 Garden Services Brian Humphries Gardens 36 Gas Services Express Gas 41 Granite Granite4Shaw 49 Guttering Gutter Guys 41 Hair & Beauty Salon Appearance is Everything 11 Hair Salon Darren Tyrer Hairdressing 7 Home Maintenance North Cheshire Scaffolding 28 Hotels Forest Hills Hotel 52 Kitchen & Bathroom Fitters Flag Ship Kitchens 45 Lawns Lazy Lawn 41 Lock Replacement & Repair Window Geeks 51

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Loft Ladders More Than Loft Ladders 36 Mortgage Broker Mortgage Advice Bureau 13 & 64 Opticians i-Care Opticians 17 Merton Beck 12 Oven Cleaning JS Oven Cleaning 27 Ovencleaners 6 Plumbing & Heating Alpha Plumbing 47 First Choice Plumbing & Heating 45 Lady Plumber 53 Roofing SWF Roofing & Building 49 Security Systems Radium 29 Self Storage H.Prescott & Sons 38 Slimming Group Slimming World 18 & 19 Sports Massage Therapist Ange Winstanley Sports Massage 15 Taxi Services Executive Travel 20 Halton Taxis 62 Travel Agent Travel Counsellors 15 Tuition 3Rs Tuition 2 Tyre Services Tyre World 59 Waste Clearance Fallon Pilott 44 Window, Door & Conservatory Repairs Window Geeks 51

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you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the actual amount borrowed. enquiries@mab.org.uk.