Widnes Local - Sept & Oct 2012 by Hawk Publications Ltd

KEEP ME HANDY!

Sept & Oct 2012 Issue 40

Beware of the Evil Weevil Lamb & Aubergine Curry Recipe Wonderful Wet Rooms Local Groups & Events WIN £50 CASH INSIDE! Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes in Widnes & the Surrounding Areas

Exciting new range exclusively at... Neil & Barker Prices starting from just £49 Now in stock. 1 Greenoaks, Widnes, WA8 6UD |

0151 424 3343 | www.neilandbarker.co.uk

Please mention Widnes Local when responding to any adverts

July & August 2012 | Widnes Local

Your fav ourite brands at Neil & Bar ker...

Neil & Barker Jewellers

0151 424 3343 1 Greenoaks, Widnes, WA8 6UD www.neilandbarker.co.uk

Inspired by diamonds... Surpassing brilliance. Enchanting beauty.

Trend

Paâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ve

Classic

C ocktail

Solitaire

Exciting new range exclusively at...

Neil & Barker

Prices starting from just ÂŁ49 Now in stock. Tel: 0151 424 3343 1 Greenoaks, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 6UD Web: www.neilandbarker.co.uk

Scan me with your smart phone!

. . . r e d a e r o l l e h ...and welcome to the very latest edition of Widnes Local. I can’t believe that there’s so much of the year gone already! The next magazine will be our Christmas edition! I don’t know about you but I have to say I was on the cynical side of the fence when it came to the Olympics… but WOW… after that amazing opening ceremony followed by our athletes overwhelming performance, I completely, utterly and totally changed my opinion. How blinking amazing were we? I don’t want them to go to Rio – I want to keep them for us! We get 100’s of entries to our competition every time, and although our winners are chosen completely at random, we always seem to pick someone lovely to win! This time it was Janet Brewer – well done Janet. Remember you can email your entry or phone us to enter – as Bob Hoskins used to say in that 80’s ad… It’s good to talk! Do you remember it? This month I’m ending my introduction with YET another inspirational message, I love both the design, colours and sentiment of this one.. one to look at and remind ourselves of when we’re feeling a little bit undervalued! What motivates you? Until next time…

ags Team x The Local M

Win £50 Cash! This sun is hidden in the magazine somewhere! To enter, we need: 1. Your name? 2. Your postcode? 3. Your contact number? 4. Which advert it’s hidden on? Email us your answer to: comp@thelocalmags.co.uk or call us on 01928 739607 to enter (office hours only, please.) The winner will be chosen at random will be notified by 12th October 2012. Last issue’s winner was Janet Brewer - well done Janet - £50 is on its way to you!

Advertising Deadline for the next issue, is Friday 12th October. The Local Magazines are published by Hawk Publications Ltd. Hawk Publications Ltd, C3 Frodsham Business Centre, Bridge Lane, Frodsham, WA6 7FZ. tel: 01928 739607 | email: info@thelocalmags.co.uk | web: www.thelocalmags.co.uk 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.

A note from the team

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

HOMEOWNERS AGED 50+

You can legally protect your home from future Care Home Fees!

Lines open: Monday - Thursday 9am - 7pm, Friday 9am - 4.30pm, Saturday 10am - 1pm

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Homes & Gardens

Business & Professional

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

Are you looking for an accountant who will help add value to your business? We offer bespoke, tailored accountancy solutions, to ensure you maximise your tax savings and profits

FREE

half hour finance consultation

Simply call Emma & quote 'The Local Mag Promotion' to arrange your consultation about adding value to your business.

Emma Lodge ACMA Chartered Management Accountant

t: 01928 730035 m: 07983 983677 e: emma@balanceaccountingsolutions.co.uk

Office C1, Frodsham Business Centre, Bridge Lane, Frodsham WA6 7FZ

www.balanceaccountingsolutions.co.uk Self Assessment • Management Accounts • Limited Company Accounts Corporation Tax Returns • Payroll • Budgeting and Forecasting • Strategic Financial Management

COL-AD-HOME1 Frodsham 131x87_Layout 1 28/10/2011 1 Good advice costs, bad advice10:42 costsPage even

How far does your home insurance stretch?

We know your garden is part of your home, so our home insurance covers items you may have in your garden for up to £2500, even if they normally belong inside. We also cover trees, plants and shrubs for up to £2000. That may seem on the generous side, but when you come to make a claim we prefer not to disappoint.

For a home insurance quote, call NFU Mutual in Frodsham on 01928 735967 and ask for Katie. Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Business & Professional

Graduates rewarded for achievements and words of wisdom... STUDENTS who have offered advice and support to others in Priestley College have been rewarded for their efforts. Nine members of the College’s Graduate Enrichment Programme – designed to support applications for Russell Group universities – received certificates and vouchers to mark their achievements. Senior Tutor Mark Salmon presented the prizes to the graduates who have advised fellow students on writing personal statements, university life and preparing for interviews. “All of you have been role models for the first year students and the support you have offered them and the College has been really excellent,” said Mark. “We hope you will remain in contact with us and that we can visit you at university.” Priestley College’s Graduate programme is designed to raise students’ aspirations as well as help develop independent learning skills that are highly valued by employers and universities. Among this year’s successes was 18-year-old Jamie Farrington, from Latchford, who is going on to study Ancient and Modern History at the University of Manchester. The former Sir Thomas Boteler student wrote a blog for the College website offering advice on what to expect from university. Rebecca Rowlands, 17 and from Penketh, was rewarded for winning a great debate after successfully arguing why suffragette Emily Pankhurst should be saved, if there was a chance to save only one person from history. Also honoured during was Sophie Fleming from Warrington. The 18-year-old was a constant support to other students during her time at Priestley.

Children, Pets & Education

Priestley College’s graduates who offer support to others while working towards a university place. “I wanted to get people involved and make sure they were happy at College and excited about university if that is what they wanted to do,” said Sophie. All the graduates are going to study at universities including Manchester, Warwick, Leeds and the London School of Economics. Mike Wrench, 18 from Latchford, helped other students with personal statements and preparing for university. He is now heading to Warwick University to study Classical Archaeology and Ancient History.

“It felt like the right thing to do and was very rewarding,” Former Penketh High School pupil Joe Brown’s blog also offered advice on best practice in interviews. Joe has been offered a place at Oxford University studying law.

Runcorn’s Conor Bennett, 18, offered support to countless students during his time as President of the College Council. He wanted to be involved in the council because it had supported him during his first year at Priestley. Finally, Jenny George, 18 and a former Bridgewater High School pupil, was rewarded for offering advice on graduate presentations and interviews.

“I always loved Priestley and wanted others to have as good an experience as I did,” she said. For an application pack, you can contact Priestley’s Admissions Team on 01925 415415 or visit their website at: www.priestley.ac.uk

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

We clean so you don't have to!

Alpha

Plumbing & Heating Services

We supply honest, reliable, hard working, friendly cleaners to work in your home. Our service is ﬂexible: just let us know your requirements!

Boiler Installations

bed An average 3-4 rs at house takes 3h at’s £12 per hour th only £36!

Full Central Heating Powerflushing Landlord Safety Checks Full Bathrooms & Kitchens

New shop now open at 98 Albert Rd, Widnes, WA8 6LG! Offering Domestic Cleaning, Alterations & Dry Cleaning FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY IRONING SERVICE • References Supplied • Local FAMILY Business

Free Estimates All Aspects of Plumbing & Heating Work Undertaken

• Fully Insured • FREE In House Estimate

www.khldomestics.co.uk Call Karen on:

T: 0151 510 4815 M: 07894 290333

Widnes Based

t: 0151 420 8480 m: 07515 571918

The kind of plasterer you’d want in your home. Why use me?

My services:

Because I’m clean. Because I’m reliable. Because I care. Because you’ll get a great job done at a great price.

• Reskim over your tired plaster • Skim over artex • Water damage • Full replastering • Damp proofing work

Widnes Based

No job too small Free quotations

15 Years Experience • NVQ (Level 3) Certified Call Colin on:

Domestic & Commercial

PLASTERER

0151 510 2217 / 07886 458622 10

Homes & Gardens

Forget the rest, just use the best!

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

Express Gas

Heating, Barbeques, Patio Heaters Commercial & Domestic Open 7 days, 8am til late Same day delivery New heaters on

SPECIAL OFFER A fast efďŹ cient service Now also stocking CO2 and Mixed Gases

Fast FREE delivery 7 days a week

Call NOW ON: 0151 487 0570 or 0151 280 4511 12

Homes & Gardens

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

WAVELL

Quality Garden Landscape Products

New Paving Display Area

D E C O R ATO R S

Interior & Exterior Work

Widnes Based Family Business

37 Years Experience

We know your home is your castle and will treat it as such! Call Gary on:

0151 495 1810

or:

07749 815854

■ Paving ■ Block Paving ■ Walling & Edging ■ Decorative Gravels ■ Bark & Sleepers Sankey Street, Off Waterloo Rd, West Bank, Widnes, WA8 0PY

0151 424 6111 www.landscapeworld.co.uk

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Homes & Gardens

They’re hip, they’re hot and they’re wet, wet, wet – and no, we’re not talking about an Eighties pop band, but the aspirational trend for bathrooms. Katherine Sorrell looks at what you need to know before installing a wet room or walk-in shower.

WetRooms Just what is a wet room anyway? In a conventional wet room, the whole bathroom is, potentially, the shower area. There’s no step up into the shower cubicle – in fact, there’s no shower cubicle; instead, the room is tanked (treated to make it completely waterproof ) and given a floor drain and a decent-sized shower head. Add a conventional loo and basin, and bingo, you have a wet room. Why would I want one? Wet rooms done well are stylish, contemporary and seen as the last word in luxury, and some say they add value to a property – though it must be added that this seems to apply mainly to high-end, urban homes rather than your average suburban semi or country cottage. If you enjoy an indulgent shower then a wet room gives you an 14

Homes & Gardens

unparalleled sense of freedom and space (you can even design it so you have a view); and if your bathroom is on the small side then removing the bath will give you loads more room. Wet rooms should be easier to keep clean, too – no fiddling around the screen or tray, just a mop over as necessary, which is especially easy if you fit a wall-mounted basin and WC. Finally, wet rooms can be better for older people or anyone with impaired mobility, as there’s no step up into the shower to negotiate.

create problems for small children. As with all home improvements, adding an inappropriately overthe-top wet room to an otherwise ordinary house is not a good idea. Without good ventilation a wet room can all too quickly become musty and mouldy. And, last but by no means least, there’s every wet room owner’s nightmare – a failure in the tanking resulting in leaks and damp patches.

What can go wrong?

Absolutely. You can create a walk-in shower, which is larger than usual, at floor level for ease of access, and just as streamlined and chic. The advantage is that it has its own below-floor drainage area and is enclosed by a good-looking glass panel: thus the water is contained in one area (so no soaked loo roll), and the room won’t need such

It’s not advisable to convert your only bathroom into a wet room – potential buyers tend to want at least one bath and, what’s more, you do need access to a dry loo and basin, especially if there’s more than one of you in the household. In a family bathroom a wet floor may

Can I have a wet-room without the potential problems?

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

extensive preparation with regard to drainage and tanking. The risk of leaks is reduced – though there are no guarantees. The disadvantage is that a walk-in will take up more space than a standard shower cubicle. What are the technicalities? Wet rooms are often recommended for ground floors and basements, where the sub-floor is more likely to be solid. In a first-floor installation it’s more tricky. You may need to strengthen joists in order to bear the load of heavy stone tiles; you’ll certainly need to ensure that the floor is stable, as wooden joists that flex could create cracks in tiles or waterproofing. In all cases you need to create a suitable drainage slope, either with a ‘former’ and suitable levelling compound, or a pre-formed tray set into the floor. To accommodate waste fittings, you may need to raise the entire floor level of the room, which could mean having to re-size the

doorway. Really good tanking is vital. It may be in the form of impermeable sheeting or a trowelled-on sealant, and should be applied to the entire floor of the wet room or walk-in, the walls that are likely to become wet, and extend beyond by 50cm each side. Another option for walls is to use prefabricated water-resistant boarding. In both cases it is necessary to seal vulnerable areas (corner joints and pipework penetrations) using a special sealing strip. Then there’s your water supply. If you have low water pressure or a small tank, for example, you may need to fit a bigger tank or add a pump. Finally, ventilation. Fit a really good extractor fan, following building regulations religiously (ask advice from your local planning authority), and avoid condensation by also having some form of heating in the room, whether underfloor or radiators.

Do you feel safe in your home?

ALARMS

• Intruder Alarms • CCTV • Security Lighting All with 12 Month Guarantees

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT SERVICE FREE CONSULTATION Local Widnes Business Call Peter on 0151 420 2104 or 07725 327907 Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Homes & Gardens

TURN YOUR YOUR CONSERVATORY CONSERVATORY TURN TURN YOUR CONSERVATORY INTO A GARDEN ROOM INTO A GARDEN ROOM INTO A GARDEN ROOM All-year-round practicality - Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter Run by Local People......For Local People......Supporting Local Business Run by Local People......For Local People......Supporting Local Business Run by Local People......For Local People......Supporting Local Business

All-year-round practicality - Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter All-year-round practicality - Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter The Process...

The Process... We remove the whole roof and replace it with an insulated lightweight The Process... We remove structure the whole roof and replace it with an insulated lightweight aluminium We removestructure the whole roof and replace it with an insulated lightweight aluminium aluminium structure

Not a makeover of your old roof - a complete new structure Not a makeover of your old roof - a complete new structure Not a makeover of your old roof - a complete new structure

RED ROSE DIRECTORIES

RED ROSE

The widest read local directory publications in Lancashire The widest read local directory publications in Lancashire The widest read local directory publications in Lancashire

DIRECTORIES

Installed by our professionals, with roof tiles that are guaranteed for 40 years! Installed by our professionals,Roof with roof tiles that are guaranteed for 40you years! A Guardian Conservatory will transform your home, giving the Installed by our professionals, with roof tiles that are guaranteed for 40 years! A Guardian Conservatory Roof will transform your home, giving you the conservatory you’ve always wanted A Guardian Conservatory Roof will transform your home, giving you the conservatory you’ve always wanted conservatory you’ve always wanted

See how easy See how easy it is how to install... See easy it is to install... Company it Reputable, is to Professional install...

 Reputable, Professional Company Reduce your heating bills  Reputable, Professional Company  Reduce your heating bills Optionalyour opening roof windows  Reduce heating bills  Optional opening roof windows Choice of finishesroof to suit your home  Optional opening windows  Choice of finishes to suit your home  Choice of finishes to suit your home

www.guardianconservatoryroofs.co.uk Call now for a FREE quick quote

Call Call now now for for a a FREE FREE quick quick quote quote Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: 01204 326115 01925 596101 01204 326115 01204 326115

Head Office & Factory: Unit A6, Cuba Industrial Estate,Head Bolton Road Ramsbottom, Lancashire BL0 0NE Office & North, Factory: Unit A6, Cuba Industrial Estate, Head BoltonOffice Road&North, Ramsbottom, Lancashire BL0 0NE Factory:

l a c i t r e V Blinds

FREE Measuring FREE Fitting

£90

3.5” drapes & Luxury Track Extensive range of special offers

5 for

Over 300 fabrics in our range Replacement Louvres from 50p each All other types of blinds supplied including: Roller Blinds •Venetian Blinds • Wood Venetian Blinds

07704 625 716

Homes & Gardens

£75 4 for

Up to 96 inches wide, any drop

For a FREE no obligation survey call Graeme anytime on:

3 for

£110 Unit 29 St Michaels Industrial Estate, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8TL

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

W N

NorthWest Contracts

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION... ...We offer the complete package

Domestic & Commercial • Extensions • Insurance Work • General Building • Roofing • Maintenance Work • Disability Adaptations • Highly Reputable Local Building Company References Available Complete Design & Drawing Service Local Authority Approved Disability Approved Contractor

UO66889Z003 25-Jan-2012 18:57

T: 0151 424 1123 M: 07801 289131 www.northwestcontracts.co.uk 16 Upton Rocks Avenue, Widnes, WA8 9DB

The Evil Weevil The vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is notorious, especially for gardeners who concentrate on pots, and always feature in any gardening poll of ‘top pests’. Both the adults and their grubs do damage, but it’s the innocent looking grubs that give the vine weevil its bad reputation. They’re an immensely successful pest; there are only females and each one is capable of laying about 1,000 eggs during the summer. Now that they’re being controlled successfully commercially, they’re perhaps less of a problem to gardeners than they once were but if you have them in your garden, whether you like it or not, you probably need to get to know.

Do You Have Vine Weevils? The adult vine weevil is just under 1cm long, matt black with tiny gingery brown flecks on its wingcases. They’re a classic weevil shape with elbowed antennae and a phenomenal ability to grip on to nearly any surface; a brilliant feature as, despite the wing-cases, these pests cannot fly, so rely on their climbing to access the foliage on which they feed. You’re likely to notice the notches around the leaf margins before you see the weevil itself. They tend to feed in the evening or at night, usually doing most damage on the lower, most accessible leaves. The young stage weevils or grubs are about 1cm long, creamy white

Homes & Gardens

by Pippa Greenwood

in colour and often curled into a ‘C’ shape, with no legs but a gingery brown head. You’re likely to find them in the compost or soil, usually close to the roots or tubers that they’ve been feeding on. They eat the roots, burrow in to tubers and on woody plants may even eat the tissues at the stem base and on larger roots. Unless you’re removing a plant from its pot, or digging one up you’re unlikely to notice the grubs; it is when a plant suddenly starts to wilt or die, or you realise that something is no longer firmly rooted that alarm bells ring. What Do Vine Weevils Attack? Vine weevils will attack nearly any plant you try to grow, particularly in containers, probably because it’s easier for them to move through compost than garden soil. They’re a greater problem on perennial plants and those with fleshier roots or tubers. Alpines, cyclamen, primulas, fuchsias, hydrangeas, begonias, rhododendrons, euonymus, and strawberries seem to be particularly prone to attack. The adult beetles emerge mostly between March and May, but also at other times in greenhouses. The eggs are tiny and dark brown, each less than 1mm diameter and are placed close to a suitable host plant. The eggs hatch to produce the creamy coloured grubs which feed and grow until they reach full size. The grubs pupate in the soil or compost where they have been feeding and within the pupae, if you look carefully you can see adult features developing – the antennae, the legs and the wing pads are often clearly visible. The adults then appear, start to feed and lay eggs. What Can You Do? Try to avoid getting vine weevils in the first place. Check plants carefully for foliage damage and check the roots before you introduce anything new to your garden. Buy plants only from reputable sources. Avoid re-using compost in containers as it might

contain grubs or eggs, which are impossible to spot. As vine weevils cannot fly, making barriers is relatively easy. Put a ring of non-setting glue around the rim of containers as this should prevent the female from reaching the compost surface to lay her eggs. Similarly a gritty mulch may reduce the number of eggs that are laid and hatch. Try creating miniature moats around the legs of greenhouse staging, by standing each leg in a bowl of water. Vine weevils can’t swim and won’t be able to access the plants provided the staging doesn’t touch the sides of the greenhouse. I’m a fan of the biological nematode controls. They’re available from mail order suppliers (including www.pippagreenwood.com) and some seed catalogues and are applied as a compost or soil drench. To work effectively the area must be kept constantly moist, so that the nematodes can move through the compost to attack the grubs. They enter the grubs’ bodies and produce a bacterial infection which kills them. The nematode controls need to have a soil or compost temperature of 5-21C and you’ll have the best effect if you use them during the coming months. Visit the new products area on Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great selection of products - signed copies of Pippa’s books, Grower Frames, cloches, pop-up plant cloches, raised bed kits, delightful terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, Nemaslug and other natural pest controls and lots, lots more! You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and receive a free ebook on organic gardening.

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

Grow your love of food.

As gardening experts since 1865 you’d be right to think that Dobbies know a bit about quality produce. Right now our Farm Foodhall is brimming with delicious seasonal produce from local suppliers, who share our passion for naturally good food. You’ll find everything from quality local meats to freshly baked bread, scones and cakes, not to mention our delicious artisan cheeses and delicatessen selection. In fact, everything a foodie would love.

www.dobbies.com

The Meaning of Luxury... For some it’s a pair of Jimmy Choos or a Louis Vuitton handbag. For others it’s a weekend shopping trip with friends or a home cooked meal lovingly prepared by your other half. For me, it’s got to be a brand new bathroom – my own sparkling clean private dreamland where I can enjoy a long, hot heavenly soak, away from the stresses of everyday life. As time goes by though, your bath time pleasures will be spoiled when you notice the deteriorating condition of the silicone and the grout; black spots and mould will appear. And even when you put some serious elbow grease into scrubbing away at the grotty bits, you’ll get that ‘painting the Forth Bridge’ feeling - the work never ends, particularly if you’ve got more than one bathroom.

grout failure, mouldy silicone, chipped bath trays and cloudy shower screens, and he subsequently embarked on a period of research and development with the aim of offering a complete bathroom restoration service to home owners. And the result is a series of tried and tested methods, carried out by a skilled team that can restore any bathroom to its original state whilst causing you the minimum amount of disruption. Ian says “We’re genuinely passionate about what we do and we’re eager to show you exactly what can be achieved without replacing fixtures and fittings”. As well as traditional baths and tiles, Ian and

Now you might think that the only solution to this is a costly new bathroom every five years or so, but you’d be wrong! We’ve discovered a local company called Total Bathroom Restoration, who can justly claim to put the gleam back into your bathroom at the fraction of the cost of a new one! Since launching in March 2010, Ian Read, the owner of Total Bathroom Restoration has seen his business thrive to become one of the North West’s premier bathroom restoration companies. Ian believes that almost any bathroom can be rescued from the damage caused by unsightly mould and mildew that occurs naturally over time. Ian, who used to present a home makeover show on the Discovery Home and Leisure TV channel, is passionate about the services his company offers. From his experience in property management he realised that most bathroom problems showed a consistent pattern; leaks,

Bath Before

Bath After

This is what our latest customer had

to say…

Mr Murphy of Rainhill told Local Mag s, “My sister saw my new bathroom how she wishes hers was so clea makeover and said n because her shower cubicle was black with mould and the old silicone was coming away. “I decided to give my sister a bath room makeover for Christmas, Ian was very friendly and informative, looked at the job and agreed a date and time. He and his team cleaned out all the old mouldy silicone and grout; they worked very professionally and exp ertly with all the correct tools and materials. Every single detail was scoured and by the end of the day the shower cubicle had been transformed and my sister and her husband were amazed!” his team can tackle almost all bathroom related problems that some tradesmen would shy away from. These might include problem shower trays, shower cubicles and screens, natural stone tiles and more recently they have expanded their services to include other problem areas around the house such as kitchen worktops, sinks and tiles/grout. Think ice-white silicone & grout, perfect tiles and a bathroom to be proud of; that’s the service that Total Bathroom Restoration can offer to you. If you don’t want to fork out thousands for a new bathroom but want to breathe a new lease of life into the one you have, just call Total Bathroom Restoration now on 0151 345 0362 or 0800 542 9984 and for more details visit their website at: www.totalbathroomrestoration.co.uk

And here are some of our other recent testimonials…

“Ian and his team made a mas difference in the our shower room sive , I could not believe that it was the sam e bathroom.” Al Elliott, Widnes “Professional job and complete d in a day. Very Impressed!” Caroline Mos s, Runcorn “Fantastic job, cant recommend them enough!” Paul Williams, Rainhill “…looks like a brand new bath room!!!” Joe Anthony, Ormskirk Road, Wiga n “…as good as new” Chris & Allan Birchall, Rainford “…value for money” Rita & Barrie Critchley, Eccleston “…surpassed all expectations” Jerry Rowlands, Rainford “…fast, clean and reliable” John Hunter, Eccleston, St Helens “…would definitely recommend them” Angela Taylor, Rainhill

Shower Before

Shower After

Total Bathroom Restoration 0151 345 0362 or 0800 542 9984 www.totalbathroomrestoration.co.uk

Inventions: Lawn Movers Whatever the weather, one thing is certain - grass grows! From town house mini-lawn to school playing fields to stately home green acres, every patch has been mown time after time through the summer. Now imagine that task undertaken with scythes and hand shears and we begin to appreciate an undervalued invention, the lawn mower!

The first patent for a mechanical lawn mower was granted in August 1830 to engineer Edwin Budding of Stroud, Gloucestershire. Budding’s design was based on a cutting tool used for trimming carpet, with a series of blades arranged around a cylinder. An unpatented 17” grass cutter designed to be pulled by a pony was built by Scotsman Alexander Shanks in 1841.

Formal lawns with short cropped grass first appeared in France in the early 1700s and the idea quickly spread to England, across Europe and the world. Lawns were first kept neat by animals and servant gardeners armed with scythes, sickles and shears.

The first chain driven mower was produced by Thomas Green in 1859 and mass production followed in the 1860s. In 1870, Ellwood McGuire of Richmond, Indiana designed a lightweight hand-pushed machine which was an instant commercial success.

By the 1800s, progress in mechanical engineering produced machines with revolving blades.

The basic design of the cylinder mower has changed little since the 1930’s although a light,

Homes & Gardens

efficient rotary mower was developed in the 1950s. Petrol driven mowers were improved with smaller more powerful engines, but the problem of maintenance and pollution remains. Electric mowers are now popular, but for limitations by cable length to the power source. Today, as we give our lawns that last autumn cut, let’s thank Mr. Budding for his foresight. © Leon F. Jones. 2011.

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

www.dailypoppins.com

It doesn’t have to be spring to spring clean

Areas Covered:

St Helens Widnes Haydock Moss Bank Rainford and all surrounding areas

DP014

• Too tired from work to deal with domestic cleaning?

• Not enough time in the day to do your cleaning and ironing?

• Looking for a Quality Cleaning Service

at affordable prices? And someone who is reliable and trustworthy?

•

Contact your local office on

01744 644 061 0151 268 6047

and make cleaning a chore of the past!

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Homes & Gardens

From Budget to Prestige

CARPETS

we have designs to suit all pockets...

TREADWELL Carpets & Flooring

Do you want...

Family firm established in 1976

• FRIENDLY ADVICE?

Don’t choose the flooring that isn’t right for you: we’ve been open for 35 years and can help you decide.

VINYL

• GREAT CHOICE?

We have literally 1000s of ranges from which you can choose your new floor.

• FREE PARKING?

No need to get stressed trying to park - we have free customer parking at the rear of our showroom.

• WELL FITTED FLOORING?

Your new floor will be expertly fitted - this is something we guarantee.

• QUICK TURNAROUND?

For some ranges, your new floor can be fitted within just 48 hours.

Then come to Treadwell! Your trusted local supplier of:

www.treadwellcarpets.com Call us on:

0151 423 4482

44 Albert Road, Widnes, WA8 6JT Fax: 0151 495 2179

WOOD

Local family win £1000 worth of furniture in Branches’ competition... Mr and Mrs Dickens of Appleton were delighted to receive a call from local furniture retailer Branches of Warrington to learn they had won the top prize of £1000 worth of furniture of their choice from the Warrington store. The competition was part of Branches Anniversary, celebrating ten years in their premises on Wilderspool Causeway. The prize draw was open to visitors to their store and website www. branchesofwarrington.co.uk over the last six months. Mrs Dickens commented: “It was a lovely surprise to receive the call from Branches to say we had won the prize and to be able to make our choice from such a wide

selection of oak and pine furniture. We are really looking forward to furnishing our living room with the Normandy, French style, oak furniture.” Howard Ashwood, owner and Director of Branches also commented: “During our year of celebration we wanted to say thank you to the people of Warrington and Cheshire for their support over the years, by offering a genuine chance to win a fantastic prize. We are delighted that Mr and Mrs Dickens will make their selection from our extensive range of dining, bedroom and occasional furniture. We hope they have many years of enjoyment using the furniture in their home”.

The happy winners!

Visit Branches of Warrington at Wilderspool Causeway, Stockton Heath, Warrington WA4 6QP or shop online at: www.branchesofwarrington.co.uk

THE NORTH WEST’S OAK & PINE SPECIALISTS

• •

Extensive showroom on 2 floors Over 20 stunning room sets displayed

• •

Expert advice & personal friendly service Direct delivery to your home or office

Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington WA4 6QP Store open: Mon to Sat 9am-5.30pm Sun & Bank Holidays 11am-4pm

Tel: 01925 241869

GREAT SUMMER SALE ENDS 4th SEPT!

Online store: www.branchesofwarrington.co.uk Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Homes & Gardens

LM03

HIGH QUALITY BATHROOM SUPPLIES

Bathroom to suit AL tastes an pockets!

e are a Widnes-based, family run business who offer a one-stop-shop for your bathroom makeover.

We’ll remove your existing suite, tiles and floor covering and make good any surfaces before re-tiling and installing your new fittings. We even dispose of your old suite, tiles and any building rubbish leaving your home clean and tidy for you to enjoy your fabulous new bathroom!

Bathroom Refurbishment All Wall & Floor Tiling Electrics & Plumbing Supply & Fix or Labour Only Underfloor Heating Systems

full bathroo suites on display

Fully Qualified Tradesmen 12-Month Workmanship Guarantee Disabled Bathroom Specialist

We offer a full CAD SERVICE See exactly how your new bathroom will look in 3D before you make a decision. Automatic cost breakdown so that you can see exactly where your £s are going.

Call us today for a FREE quote: 015

Unbeatable quality bathroom supplies for the trade or consumer!

Visit our BRAND NEW SHOWROOM

Now Four times BIGGER than the previous showroom

ms LL nd

Trade discounts available

Adhesives Grouts Silicons Tiles Underfloor Heating Plus much more...

Huge selection of tiles!

om n

KINGSWAY

KINGSWAY KINGSWA AY VICTORIA VICT ICTORIA RD

Email: info@jdcceramics.co.uk

Bar Barker kerr VICTORIA RD

NHS NHS DropDr Drop op In Centre Centre In Centre

WE AREWE ARE HERE HERE

ALEXANDRA ST ST ALEXANDRA

Jim

Moor Lane Moor Lane B siness Centr e Business Centre Business Centre

Jim Barker

MOOR LANE MOOR LANE WITT RD

M: 07876 648 178

LOWER LO OWER OW W HOUSE LN

(Opposite NHS Resource Drop In Centre)

Y (A533) QUEENSWA

visit our showroom at:

C1 Moor Lane Business Centre, Widnes

HOUSE LN (A533) AYLOWER N WAY NSW EN EE UE QU Q

We are proud to use British Manufactured Products

51 257 8671 www.jdcceramics.co.uk

• Easy-access town centre location • FREE local delivery! • Ready assembled furniture in a wide range of finishes • Wide selection of beds and furniture to suit all tastes.

Solid Pine Furniture BEDROOM, DINING & OCCASIONAL

Oak Bedroom Furniture

At Comfort & Style we have friendly and knowledgable staff who will help you select the furniture and beds that best suit your needs, tastes and requirements. Whether it’s Solid Oak, Pine or High Gloss furniture you’re looking for, we can help you out.

The store that goes the extra mile to help you put life back in to your bedroom... Visit us today at:

5 Albert Square, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 6JW

Tel: 0151 257 8028

CAR PARK

We Are Here!

Albert Square WIDNES ROAD

WH Smith

Quality beds at affordable prices

Is Your COMPUTER

BROKEN? We refurb or repair PCs, Laptops, Macs, Games Consoles We can also help you with: ■ Custom Building a New Computer ■ Supplying Computer Parts ■ Networking

ALPHA COMPUTERS

Tel : 0151 420 8337 www.alphacomputers-sales.co.uk

142 Birchfield Road, Widnes, WA8 9ED

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Homes & Gardens

Cheshire Flooring Ltd Tel: 0151

424 0144

Family business, established in 1976 Over the years we have built up an unparalleled reputation for excellent value and service Come and see our two floors bursting with fantastic stock We have new stock arriving weekly Finest & Largest Rug Selection in the North West

Visit our website to receive a fantastic... 10% DiSCOuNt VOuCheR ON ALL RugS www.cheshire-flooring.co.uk

Our NeW Rug WeBSite is now online:

www.rugstocks.co.uk

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC FLOORING SPECIALISTS Why should you visit us? • You’ll be spoilt for choice with the 2000 high-quality rugs in our large showroom.

• We have the rug for you... Whether it’s made-made or wool fibre!

• Whatever your budget, large or small,

there is a design to suit your purse or pocket.

• Be assured

that you’re buying quality as all of our rugs come with a full guarantee.

FREE UNDERLAY & FITTING over £10 per sq yd or £12 per sq metre

Find us at: 95-97 Widnes Road Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 6BJ

Opposite ‘Quality Save’ in Widnes Town Centre

cheshireflooring@btconnect.com

Unlock YOUR Business Potential with The Magazines

You can now promote your business in: Warrington West Warrington South Great Sankey, Penketh, Westbrook & Callands

Widnes Magazine

The Little Magazine With The Big Distribution

What’s Inside This Issue?

Warrington West

Local Groups and Events Titanic Things Your Didn’t Know About The How to Grow Your Own Peppers How to Relieve Pain Naturally Delicious Salmon Skewers Recipe And of course: Bursting With Local Businesses

Magazine

The Little Magazine With The Big Distribution

Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes in Widnes & the Surrounding Areas

Warrington South

Local Groups and Events Titanic Things You Never Know About The Show Top 5 Cars From The Tokyo Motor The Key to Open Plan Living Delicious Salmon Skewers Recipe And of course: Bursting With Local Businesses

Magazine

The Little Magazine With The Big Distribution

in Penketh, Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes Great Sankey, Westbrook & Callands

Norton & Sandymoor, Beechwood etc... July

What’s Inside This Issue?

Issue 3 Mar & Apr 2012

Local Groups and Events Local Student Columnist Top 5 Cars from Tokyo Motor Show Grow Your Own Peppers Delicious Salmon Skewers Recipe And of course: Bursting With Local Businesses

Issue 3 Mar & Apr 2012

July

What’s Inside This Issue?

Issue 37 Mar & Apr 2012

July

Runcorn

Stockton Heath, Walton, Daresbury, Appleton

What’s Inside This Issue? Local Groups and Events How To Do Open Plan Living Titanic Things You Never Knew About The Book Reviews by Curiosity Bookshop Delicious Salmon Skewers Recipe And of course: Bursting With Local Businesses

Runcorn Magazine

The Little Magazine With The Big Distribution

in Stockton Heath, Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes & Thelwall Walton, Stretton, Appleton, Grappenhall

Issue 33 Mar & Apr 2012

Widnes Upton Rocks, Cronton, Grosvenor Park etc...

in Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes Runcorn and the surrounding areas

Win

£50 CASH Insid e!

Win

£50 CASH

Inside!

Win

£50 CASH

Inside!

5000 A6 Postcard Flyers

Treat someone you love this Easter at Neil & Barker... Stunning gold & silver jewellery Please mention Widnes Local when

responding to any adverts

Full colour, double sided, 350gsm

card

5000 A5 Leaﬂets

6UD 1 Greenoaks, Widnes, WA8 Tel: 0151 424 3343 o.uk

Full colour, double sided, 170gsm

glossy paper

Just £150+VAT (£180)

www.neilandbarker.c

Mar & Apr 2012 | Widnes Local

1 Please mention Warrington West Local

when responding to any adverts

Including FREE design & delivery!

Full colour, double sided, 350gsm

card

5000 A5 Leaﬂets

Call us on:

01928 739607

Full colour, double sided, 170gsm

Or email:

Mar & Apr 2012 | Warrington West Local

glossy paper

Just £150+VAT (£180)

info@runcornlocal.co.uk

17/02/2012 14:51

1 Please mention Warrington South Local

when responding to any adverts

Including FREE design & delivery!

Treat someone you love this Easter at Neil & Barker...

Call us on:

01928 739607 Or email:

info@runcornlocal.co.uk Local Mar & Apr 2012 | Warrington South

17/02/2012 11:34 WW_MAR_2012.indd 1

WL_MAR_2012.indd 1

5000 A6 Postcard Flyers

Stunning gold & silver jewellery 1 Please mention Runcorn Local when

6UD 1 Greenoaks, Widnes, WA8 Tel: 0151 424 3343 o.uk www.neilandbarker.c

responding to any adverts

Mar & Apr 2012 | Runcorn Local

17/02/2012 13:29 WS_MAR_2012.indd 1

17/02/2012 14:55 RL_MAR_2012.indd 1

Delivered FREE door to door • Wide Distribution Area covering 40,000 homes Filled with: Articles, Features, Puzzles, Competitions • Many customers advertise long term

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS

‘The Local Mags’ reach 40,000 homes in Widnes, Runcorn and Warrington. For low cost effective advertising call us on 01928 739607. Email: info@thelocalmags.co.uk or visit www.thelocalmags.co.uk

Full colour glossy adverts from just: full page

half page

quarter page

eighth page

£90

£50

£30

£20

per month

THE UNICORN GALLERY LTD One of the UK’s leading Fine Art Galleries, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. A family business run by Peter Hart and daughter Rebecca. The Unicorn Gallery offers a unique selection of the highest quality paintings by the most talented artists.

Mark Spain, signed limited edition ‘Breeze III’ £420 Framed Michael Ashcroft, as seen on BBC ‘Show me the Money’

Nigel Cooke, original ‘Morning in Amsterdam’ £695 Framed

Braaq (Brian Shields), Original ‘Siblings’ £2250 Framed

Original ‘Blue Horizon’ £695 Framed

FRAMING

We offer a bespoke framing service to conservation standards. Whether it’s reframing a painting you have seen in the gallery to suit your decor or a precious family photo, we have the expertise along with a large variety of mouldings to help you pick the perfect frame.

Opening Times: 9am - 5pm, Closed Sundays & Thursdays 38 Victoria Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7RJ, Tel: 0151 495 1194

www.originalpaintings.com

Your local locksmiths are happy to help with all your security needs... • Emergency Locks • Opening Service • Lock Replacement • Key Cutting Service

• Safes & Locks Supplied • CCTV Security Systems • Access Control Systems

32 Regent Street, Runcorn, WA7 1LF lockitsecurity@btconnect.com

01928 580991

Need a Website Building? Our website service is extremely popular. We will provide you with a professional web site that will enhance your business image and get you noticed on the web...

The Basic Package includes:

Start Up Package includes:

• 2 page professionally designed brochure site • Including stock photography & advice on content • 12 months website and email hosting • Domain registration, i.e. www.yourbuiness.co.uk • One email address, i.e. info@yourbusiness.co.uk • Submission to major search engines • One off payment, no monthly recurring fees

• 4 page professionally designed brochure site • Including stock photography & advice on content • We will optimise the site for keywords • 12 months website and email hosting • Domain registration, i.e. www.yourbuiness.co.uk • One email address, i.e. info@yourbusiness.co.uk • Submission to major search engines • One off payment, no monthly recurring fees

Only £199

ex VAT

Only £499

ex VAT

Simply give us a call and we will be happy to have a chat about your requirement and advise on the next step to getting your website live.

01928 739607 info@thelocalmags.co.uk 36

Homes & Gardens

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

Blueshield... Your Protection from the Cold! John Kenwright and Joe Woodward set up Blueshield just over 3 years ago because they wanted to offer a real alternative to some of the bigger names you might buy boiler protection from. They understood that people like to have reliable breakdown cover in place so that if you do have a problem with your boiler or radiators you won’t have to fork out for potentially expensive repairs! But they also realised that they could offer you the same (probably better…) service but for much less, in fact it’s only £10 per month! And this includes an annual boiler service.

This is typically half what you might expect to pay with the big national companies. Between the team they have over 45 years experience so you can trust that they know what they doing. But you don’t have to just take their word for it.. they’re backed by the industry governing body GAS SAFE REGISTER which ensures all their work is compliant to gas safety regulations and all new appliances are registered. Not only that but you’re sure to be greeted with a smile and good old fashioned customer service! They genuinely pride themselves on how they look after their customers. They

won’t sell you a boiler unless you need one and can source genuine approved parts for older boilers from an extensive network of suppliers for most makes. If you do need a replacement boiler the lovely guys from Blueshield will only fit top quality boilers as they believe buying cheap is expensive in the longer term – how many times have we said to ourselves buy cheap, buy twice! Don’t get blue with the cold this winter – call Blueshield now before the winter grips us!

Protect Your Boiler, Protect Your Pocket... • Boiler Controls

Gas Central Heating Breakdown Cover

• All Parts & Labour • Replacement of boiler parts

with an Annual Boiler Service ALL FOR JUST

• Unlimited callouts • Annual service

£10 Per Month

0151 420 3722

• £10 per month

07803 590257

& most other boiler makes Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

505691 Homes & Gardens

This month’s selction of great books...

Haunted Liverpool 18 He’s done it again! Tom Slemen’s latest offering, Haunted Liverpool 18 will send a shiver down the most sceptical of spines. From unseen terrors confronting night workers to the nightmares proving to have more substance than imagination, these supernatural stories raise far more questions that they answer. “Its face was grotesque: bulbous, white as porcelain, with no nose, just four gaping black nostrils… and a ghastly odour of death and decay.” Dare you walk down Hanover Street at night? (£6.99)

The Curiosity Bookshop in Runcorn have kindly supplied us with a list of five great reads for this month...

Wiggsters Reunited

Narrow Dog to Wigan Pier

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Halton Borough Council’s Area Forum, Wiggsters Reunited is a ‘must have’ addition to every collection of local books. Packed full of photographs of Wigg Works workers and memories of working lives now a thing of the past. The main product was sulphuric acid – not a pleasant environment to spend time in, but as the book shows, the workforce managed to enjoy many a laugh, especially the Jelly Girls of the Gelatine Plant! This very limited edition also contains a DVD featuring children from Woodside Primary School. (£4.99)

Close on the heels of Narrow Dog to Carcassonne and Narrow Dog to Indian River comes Narrow Dog to Wigan Pier. A little nearer to home and just as funny. “We’ll start with Liverpool,” said Monica. “Wirral. Manchester Ship Canal, the Mersey… It will be a good start for your book.” There’s no book for me in the North… No one will be interested…” He’s wrong. They will! From the electro-convulsive therapy to Jim, the whippet with the broken ear, the journey from madness to Wigan Pier is pure entertainment. (Terry Darlington, £14.99)

Cheshire’s Favourite Wildlife

All Teachers Great & Small James Herriot meets Gervase Phinn in ‘All Teachers Great and Small’ by Andy Seed. Moving from town to countryside as a newly qualified teacher, the scenic environment was everything he and his new wife anticipated. But Primary School children, not to mention builders, threw up more than a few surprises. All the anecdotes and events are real, though the names may have been changed too protect the innocent, producing a heart-warming and humorous memoir for teachers and ex-pupils alike. £7.99)

Cheshire’s Favourite Wildlife has been produced to support the conservation work of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Commissioned by David Norman, the book contains fifty examples of wildlife to be found within the boundaries of Cheshire, each suggested by individual enthusiasts and conservationists to celebrate the Wildlife Trust’s fiftieth anniversary. From the scarlet Corn Poppy to the mighty Marton Oak of East Cheshire, aged at least 1,200 years old, the sleepy dormouse in his nest to the bright red eyelash fungus and the nation’s favourite robin, these personal stories and full colour pictures illustrate the wealth of nature that surrounds the inhabitants of Cheshire. (£9.99)

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Health, Beauty & Lifestyle

Image courtesy of Estee Lauder

We all love to try the latest beauty products and if you believe what you read on the packaging, you’ll wonder how you’ve ever lived without them. There’s no doubt there are some great products out there that go a long way in making our hair shiny, keeping our skin moisturised and fighting off lines and wrinkles, and there’s certainly no doubt that we fork out a lot of money for them...

Naturally Beautiful Home vs. High Street If you venture away from the High Street and look for a more ‘homemade’ approach to beauty, you’ll find cheap and surprisingly effective natural solutions that don’t rely on fancy packaging and big promises. Instead, they inspire you to start reaching into your kitchen cupboard rather than your bathroom cabinet whenever you fancy a beauty treat. There’s no need to give up on your favourite products, but trying out some homemade hair, skin and body treats from time to time can leave you looking and feeling great and help with the budget too. Because they’re all created with completely natural ingredients, homemade face-masks, scrubs and treatments make use of what nature has to offer and what’s more, they smell good enough to eat. Try out our selection of the best... Fresh Faced Peach and Honey Face-mask Reap the rewards of this totally nourishing and revitalising natural

Health, Beauty & Lifestyle

face-mask that smells good enough to eat. You’ll need: 1 peach 3 teaspoons of honey 2 tablespoons of natural yoghurt It’s really easy to create the mask, simply skin the peach and mash the flesh with the honey and add the natural yoghurt. Work the ingredients in to a smooth paste and apply to a cleansed face and neck. Sit back and relax for 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Your skin should be left feeling soft, supple and nourished. Luscious Locks - The Natural Way Thanks to its natural conditioning and moisturising properties, coconut oil is the perfect treat for damaged hair. It has a soothing and softening effect on both the scalp and lengths of hair. You’ll need: A cup of coconut oil Massage the oil into the hair, paying particular attention to damaged lengths and ends. Apply sparingly to the scalp - or not at all if your hair is in fairly

good condition. Wrap the hair in clingfilm and cover with a warm towel for maximum conditioning benefit - the heat opens the hair shaft and allows the oil to penetrate. Wash out with shampoo and condition as normal. Glowing Skin - The Ultimate Homemade Exfoliator for the Body You’ll need: Sea salt Almond oil Grapefruit Known for its deep cleansing and therapeutic properties, sea stalt is an essential part of this naturally nourishing scrub. Mix it together with grated grapefruit peel - to stimulate circulation and finish with almond oil that’s rich in essential fatty acids and the antioxidant vitamin E. After soaking in a warm bath, dry off and apply the mixture to the skin. Thoroughly exfoliate, paying attention to the areas that need it most. Rinse off and moisturise.

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

DARREN TYRER FP SEPT 2012.pdf

09/08/2012

10:18

Darren Tyrer was previously a senior stylist/director of Andrew Collinge in Liverpool. After 23 years in the hairdressing industry, he decided to take the plunge and open his own salon. The stunning conversion of the old Post Office building in Cronton now houses his salon that prides itself on offering styling worthy of a city centre salon right at your convenience. M E E T T H E T E A M...

Darren

Nicola

Helen

Gemma

Katie

Claire

Hannah

We now offer ‘BOTOX for HAIR’

Rewind years of damage with this fantastic treatment

CMY

BLOW CUT &

DRYS.

Starting at just

Now Stocking Mythic Oils Shampoo & Conditioners Provides a refreshing cleansing experience, leaving your hair feeling tamed, manageable & looking shiny.

£22.50!

“Although I was a bit nervous, I fancied a new look... Darren’s staff took the time with me to discuss different styles and I’m chuffed with my new style!”

Sarah Miller

Gift Vouchers Available 431 Cronton Road, Widnes WA8 5QG

T: 0151 422 8384

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Health, Beauty & Lifestyle

NOW OPEN

THE MEN’S ROOM The Men’s Room state-of-the-art Barber Salon now open in Widnes! Our second Salon has been designed to offer Gentlemen a place to come to de-stress and enjoy a haircut and a relaxing hot towel shave - whilst never missing that all important goal on Sky Sports! Why not try a Swedish Massage at our Treatment Rooms at Westbrook – call for appointments.

• American Crew Grey Blending (match to your own natural hair colour and blends any unwanted grey away – in minutes!) • Hot Towel Shaves • All aspects of Men’s Colouring • Massages

The Men’s Room, Widnes welcomes our newest Barber, Steph.

American Crew products and Gift Sets available • Complimentary Drinks • Sky Sports • Gift Vouchers Available

Come in and see her and Carolyne – no appointments necessary, just walk in for the next available Barber.

Gents

Widnes Men’s Room

www.themensroomwidnes.co.uk Open: Mon, Tues, Wed, 9am-5pm Thurs & Fri 9am-6pm Sat 8am-4pm

Tel: 0151 422 0749

The Men’s Room, 86 Derby Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 9LQ

Westbrook Men’s Room

Cut & Finish .............................. £8.50 Wash, Cut & Finish .............. £11.50 American Crew Grey Blending, Wash, Cut & Finish .............. £18.50 Boys

Cut & Finish

..............................£7.50

OAPs

Cut & Finish

..............................£6.50

www.themensroomwestbrook.co.uk Open: Mon, Tues, Wed 9am-6pm, Thurs & Fri 9am-7pm Sat 8am-6pm

The Men’s Room rewards our Loyal Customers with our Hair Cut Loyalty Scheme.

The Men’s Room, top floor inside Westbrook Tanning, 9 Westbrook Centre, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 8UG

Widnes Salon Hot Towel Shave offer

Tel: 01925 417675

Hair Wash, Cut, Finish & Hot Towel Shave

£21

Karina Burns Dance Academy

CHILDRENS SELF DEFENCE

... where dreams become reality

CLASSES NOW STARTING IN

The Dance Academy offers the highest standard of dance training through the Imperial Society Teachers of Dancing.

WIDNES

•

• •

For 7-11 yea r olds Our JUNIOR programme works hand in hand with a Child’s school work, providing many benefits. Through dedicated intense work our students are taught that all worthwhile goals in life are possible. Our award winning children’s programme is specifically designed to help teach children the important qualities of Respect, Discipline, Self control and Confidence. They will also learn great character and self-defence skills.

CHILDREN &

ADULTS

•

ATTENTION PARENTS!

Classes can be taken from 2 1/2 years old and can be taken in Tap, Modern, Ballet, Street Jazz, Zumba, Gymnastics, Singing and Drama. All students are encouraged to take part Shows, Exams, Competitions and Auditions. The Dance Academy offers Dance Teacher Training in Ballet, Tap, Modern and NVQ's in Fitness. No previous experience is necessary as we have specially devised courses from beginners to advanced students. Through our carefully selected tram of dedicated professionals we bring the best out in every student and provide them with a foundation that will stay with them throughout their dance career. New to the Dance Academy 'Zumba Express Childrens Parties.' Give your child a party to remember with a fun fusion of dance moves from the Zumba Program! Watch their excitement and energy levels soar as they celebrate your child's birthday in true Zumba style!!!! For more information call

0151 420 7897 or 07722 588308 www.karinaburnsdanceacademy.co.uk Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

We teach kids from 3 years and above essential life skills and self defence.

CALL NOW

TO BOOK YOUR SPACE ON OUR OPEN DAYS

SPECIAL CLASSES FOR 3 TO 6 YEAR OLDS!

Our award winning MIGHTY MATT’S programme is specifically designed to help teach 3 to 6 year olds the important qualities of Respect, Discipline, Self control and Confidence. They will also learn great character and self-defence skills.

Call the hotline now or text

“Punch MF11” plus your nam

e to 60066

www.mattfiddes.com www.mattfiddescheshire.co.uk Oakfield Primary School, Edinburgh Road, Widnes WA8 8BQ

Health, Beauty & Lifestyle

wid01

Morocco Deep in southern Morocco, the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs is a fabled land where ancient forts of mud and straw mingle their reflections in the sparkling waters of the river Dadès. Balancing on the rocks, sprinkled like sandcastles from village to village, they take on the colours of the earth, red, mauve, ochre and gold. Rainstorms and floods have long threatened their walls but they still stand, like proud sentinels from the past. In this tortured land shaped by earthquakes, the hills are bare, baked dry, but along the river are almond groves, luminous patches of young wheat and mud houses with zigzag patterns on their walls and ornate grills on their windows. Pink roses bloom in a secluded grove and in the little town of El Kelaa M’Gouna, every shop sells rose water and scented lotion. There, women cover their faces as you approach but their veils are fringed with silver trinkets. Where the roads from the valleys meet at over 3000 feet, Ouarzazate greets you with the most illustrious

Motoring & Travel

kasbah, once home of a wealthy lord. Inside, a forbidding maze of dark alcoves and latticed windows recalls centuries of history while storks rattle their beaks on the battlements. Follow the road and you could dine pasha-style in Tifoultout kasbah, gaze at turrets and wall tattoos in Taourirt or explore the World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou where the fragrance of mint tea lingers in the air and locals speak of Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of the Nile and other epics filmed on the spot. Suddenly, the desert wind rages through the streets, shaking the fig and pomegranate trees. Shops close their doors and the boys fishing in the river look at the sky and pack up their gear. It’s time to escape and climb to the spectacular Ait Saouen pass in the Anti-Atlas before tackling the steep descent to the Draa valley, stopping now and then to allow an iguana to crawl across the tarmac. To many visitors who come this far, Draa is the loveliest of the oases

on the kasbah trail. Green palms, red earth, blue sky, it unfolds like a tapestry along a river draped in oleander. Adobe villages and kasbahs grow out of the land in a jumble of tapering towers and passageways, courtyards and crenellations. Men in white djellabas sit under the trees, putting the world to rights, and goats and chickens roam unconcerned while in the shrine of Tamegroute, pilgrims consult holy books written on gazelle skin. After the long drive south, Zagora rises like a mirage in the hazy heat, a bustling little place with a vast palmery, as lush as velvet, and camels offering rides along the river. Bunches of dates glow like gold in trees and in the late afternoon light, the lonely Zagora hill takes on a magical purple shade. Only the brave venture to M’Hamid at end of the road where toffeecoloured houses are almost buried in the sand. No more oases, no more kasbahs, only giant dunes encroaching on the land, wave upon wave, the domain of scorpions and snakes and lonely caravans on their way to Timbuktu, 52 days across the desert. Solange Hando To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

Diamond Diamond amond mond onnd S Standard tandard andard ndard dard ard rd C O S M E T I C

C L I N I C

LADIES & GENTS COSMETIC INJECTABLES B*T*X Anti-wrinkle Injections

Non-surgical Face Lift

Dermal Fillers

Scar Refining/Facial Wasting Treatment

Lip/Cheek Enhancement

‘Sad Mouth’ Treatment

Treatment of Underarm Sweating

FREE NO OBLIGATION ASSESSMENT PRIVATE WIDNES BASED CONSULTING ROOM Confidential advice and appointments

07521 756027 www.jemcosmeticclinic.co.uk info@jemcosmeticclinic.co.uk

Debbie’s Beauty We specialise in Facials including

Microdermabrasion and Ultrasonic All beauty treatments available at fantastic prices Come along and relax in a friendly, professional, calming environment whilst being pampered. Please Call

0151 420 3160 / 07513823084 to make an appointment

www.debbiesbeautywidnes.yolasite.com

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Jewellery Specialising in Fascinators and Tiaras! Orders taken for fascinators in specific colours. Jewellery for all occasions Children’s hair accessories for school and all other occasions Unit V5/V6 Widnes Market 07956 133 995

Health, Beauty & Lifestyle

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

We are a group of local businesses who work collaboratively and also support and help each other in business...

Alder Spring Pure Spring Water £5 Locally

produced

SPECIAL OFFER

£2.00 off your first order

FREE

home delivery

per case

24 x 500ml sport or screw cap only £5.00

It’s easy to place an order just Text or call: 07505 088013 or call 0151 422 0643 Check out our website: www.alderspring.co.uk follow us on facebook

SPECIAL OFFER

£40 A MONTH

UNLIMITED CLASSES UP TO 11 CLASSES EVERY WEEK!

Classes at: Optimum Fitness, Mill Brow SSC, The Foundry and Our Ladies Social Club Contact Karren Fraser-Knight 07539 307769 zumba-instructor@hotmail.co.uk

3 Different Class Types:

Zumba Zumba Gold

Zumba Toning

Zumba Lievable

FREE Martial Arts Class Ladies with this VOUCHER

Classesll to suit a ages & s abilitie

M: 07957 222443

info@kuksoolwonwidnes.co.uk www.kuksoolwonwidnes.co.uk

Bootcam courses p

kuksoolwidnes

Widnes Traditional Martial Arts Centre, 1st Floor – Unit 2, Sunset Business Centre, Waterloo Road, West Bank, Widnes WA8 0QR

ke ta

This quick curry is so easy to make and much cheaper than a take away. We’ve used lean lamb steaks but you could replace the lamb with pork fillet, chicken or turkey.

erve

LAMB AND AUBERGINE CURRY...

IN S

WHAT TO DO... • Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a large deep frying pan. • Add the lamb chunks and fry over a high heat until browned all over. • Remove the lamb from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. • Add the rest of the oil to the pan and fry the onion and aubergine for 7-8 minutes, stirring all the time until golden. • Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute then pour in the sieved tomatoes and bring to the boil. • Return to the lamb to the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer.

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED... • 3 tbsp sunflower oil • 650g lean lamb steaks, cut into chunks • 1 onion, peeled and chopped • 1 large aubergine, cut into cubes • 2tbsp Rogan Josh curry paste • 400g sieved tomatoes • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish • Chapattis, sliced tomatoes, cucumber and onion, to serve 48

Food & Drink

• Cover and cook gently for 25-30 minutes until the lamb is tender. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if needed. • Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. • Serve the curry in warmed bowls garnished with coriander and with chapattis, sliced tomatoes, cucumber and onions.

Food & Drink

Now taking bookings for the Christmas Period for both the Cu Restaurant & our Trafalgar Suite Book early to avoid disappointment

Cu Restaurant at the Hillcrest Hotel 75 Cronton Lane Widnes WA8 9AR For bookings please call

0151 424 1616 info@cu-restaurant.co.uk www.cu-restaurant.co.uk

The team at the Hillcrest Hotel are very much looking foward to the Festive Period this year as 2012 will be the first Christmas that they will be welcoming customers to celebrate in their fabulous Cu Restaurant.

special 3-course menu has been prepared. Priced at £17.95 for adults and £7.95 for children, it really represents great value for money. Oh, and there is a special visitor on 16th December - Santa will Cu in his grotto!

Those of you who have already had the opportunity to visit the restaurant will know that it is almost unrecognisable from when it was previously Palms Restaurant. Richard Greensmith, the General Manager of the hotel felt that Widnes was crying out for an exciting new restaurant serving great food. They have invested a good deal of money and great deal of TLC in their quest to transform the old and tired Palms into what it is today. And it really shows.

Reservations are also being taking for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. I would recommend booking early if you’d would like to dine on one of these days as demand is likely to be high.

So what can you expect from the Hillcrest this Christmas? Well, firstly the Cu Restaurant will be hosting ‘Cu at Christmas’ evenings which start on 29th November. For just £42.95 you will be welcomed with Champagne and canapés on arrival. A sumptuous 4-course menu has been selected that you can enjoy whilst being entertained by live musicians. You can then continue your evening in Nelson’s bar, if you wish to. Fitting with the new sophisticated setting and menus, you will not be interrupted by a DJ this year. Should you wish to take advantage of this brilliant restaurant that is right on your doorstep on a Sunday in December (2nd-16th) then you will be pleased to know that a

For those of you looking for more of a party atmosphere - the Trafalgar Suite is just perfect for you. Again, starting on 29th November and running right up to Saturday 22nd December you can enjoy a fourcourse dinner and half a bottle of wine followed by DJ and dancing until 12.30am! Prices vary but start at just £27.95. Another great idea for a get together with your friends is the ‘Golden Oldies Christmas Lunch’. You will enjoy a pre-lunch tipple, a four-course meal and after lunch there will be entertainment, sing-alongs, dancing, and bingo with real prizes! All of this costs just £14.95 per person and there are two dates to choose between: Tuesday 4th or Tuesday 11th December. To view their full festive booklet, visit the website at: www.cu-restaurant.co.uk or simply call in to the Hillcrest and pick up a copy.

To make a reservation enquiry, please call:

0151 424 1616 As a special offer to all local readers, The Hillcrest are offering a massive

25% Off Christmas Bookings Valid for parties up to 8 people. Simply quote ‘WIDNES LOCAL’

Jacob’s Unique Memory Pot... So what is JUMP? JUMP is a North West based children’s charity that provides children with life threatening health conditions with memory packages captured through photography and film, across the UK. As an everlasting gift the memory photo books and DVDs are a lasting tribute recognising an individual child and their place in their family. JUMP was inspired by Jacob Hawthorn. Jacob was born in June 2000, with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle wasting disease that severely affects movement and mobility. Jacob’s family worked hard to overcome the barriers that got in the way so he could have lots of positive experiences in his life. Sadly, Jacob passed away in 2004 aged just 3 years. His family found a small amount of comfort in the wonderful collection of photographs and video clips they had of his short life. JUMP was born from the idea of capturing those special memories of children that face health limitations so their family can cherish them forever. The support they offer families is not available from any other organisation; it is unique and invaluable for the children they work with. The JUMP vision is that their memory package service is accessible to enhance the life of every child with life threatening health conditions. The JUMP team are highly experienced in capturing memories and working with children with life threatening health conditions. Every child and family is treated with real care and respect and the team pay huge attention to ensure that each child’s memory day is tailored to them and creates an environment where the children are made to feel incredibly special.

Children, Pets & Education

What can YOU do to make a difference? JUMP relies on voluntary donations. They could not provide the unique and special service for families and children without the support of individuals and corporate support. Would you like to join JUMP at one of the events held throughout the year? Or organise an activity or event yourself? Are you a member of a club, school or group in the community that wants to work with and support a charity? For more details see the website: www.jumpchildrenscharity.co.uk Contact details p 0843 658 0162 e ask-us@jump.uk.net Follow us at: facebook.com/jumpchildrenscharity twitter.com/jumpcharity linkendin.com/company/ jumpchildrenscharity jumpcharity.blogspot.com

Join JUMP and representitives from Football and the regions soaps for a spectacular night of entertainment and auction prizes. This autumn JUMP are organising an amazing charity event, Jacob’s Moonlight Ball. the event is being sponsored by the Professional Footballer’s Association and is proving to be extremely popular so why not join us on: Thursday 25th October For more details see: www.moonlight-ball.co.uk Follow us twitter.com/moonlight_ball To buy tickets call: 01925 846400 To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

The menu at Delgados manages to cater for everyone whilst still remaining authentic. All their dishes are freshly prepared using Children's Menu local seasonal produce and in addition they import some extra Delgados believe that eating out should be special ingredients direct from fun for the whole Italy itself ! family, that's why the children can make & create their Own Pizza! All day every day. From only ÂŁ 4.95

Available Sunday - Thursday

19 Honiton Way Penketh Warrington WA5 2EY TEL: 01925 790000

Food & Drink

Unlock YOUR Business Potential with The Magazines

You can now promote your business in: Warrington West Warrington South Great Sankey, Penketh, Westbrook & Callands

Widnes Magazine

The Little Magazine With The Big Distribution

What’s Inside This Issue?

Warrington West

Magazine

The Little Magazine With The Big Distribution

Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes in Widnes & the Surrounding Areas

Warrington South

Magazine

The Little Magazine With The Big Distribution

in Penketh, Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes Great Sankey, Westbrook & Callands

Norton & Sandymoor, Beechwood etc... July

What’s Inside This Issue?

Issue 3 Mar & Apr 2012

Local Groups and Events Local Student Columnist Top 5 Cars from Tokyo Motor Show Grow Your Own Peppers Delicious Salmon Skewers Recipe And of course: Bursting With Local Businesses

Issue 3 Mar & Apr 2012

July

What’s Inside This Issue?

Issue 37 Mar & Apr 2012

July

Runcorn

Stockton Heath, Walton, Daresbury, Appleton

Runcorn Magazine

The Little Magazine With The Big Distribution

in Stockton Heath, Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes & Thelwall Walton, Stretton, Appleton, Grappenhall

Issue 33 Mar & Apr 2012

Widnes Upton Rocks, Cronton, Grosvenor Park etc...

in Reliably Received by 10,000 Homes Runcorn and the surrounding areas

Win

£50 CASH Insid e!

Win

£50 CASH

Inside!

Win

£50 CASH

Inside!

5000 A6 Postcard Flyers

Treat someone you love this Easter at Neil & Barker... Stunning gold & silver jewellery Please mention Widnes Local when

responding to any adverts

Full colour, double sided, 350gsm

card

5000 A5 Leaﬂets

6UD 1 Greenoaks, Widnes, WA8 Tel: 0151 424 3343 o.uk

Full colour, double sided, 170gsm

glossy paper

Just £150+VAT (£180)

www.neilandbarker.c

Mar & Apr 2012 | Widnes Local

1 Please mention Warrington West Local

when responding to any adverts

Including FREE design & delivery!

Full colour, double sided, 350gsm

card

5000 A5 Leaﬂets

Call us on:

01928 739607

Full colour, double sided, 170gsm

Or email:

Mar & Apr 2012 | Warrington West Local

glossy paper

Just £150+VAT (£180)

info@runcornlocal.co.uk

17/02/2012 14:51

1 Please mention Warrington South Local

when responding to any adverts

Including FREE design & delivery!

Treat someone you love this Easter at Neil & Barker...

Call us on:

01928 739607 Or email:

info@runcornlocal.co.uk Local Mar & Apr 2012 | Warrington South

17/02/2012 11:34 WW_MAR_2012.indd 1

WL_MAR_2012.indd 1

5000 A6 Postcard Flyers

Stunning gold & silver jewellery 1 Please mention Runcorn Local when

6UD 1 Greenoaks, Widnes, WA8 Tel: 0151 424 3343 o.uk www.neilandbarker.c

responding to any adverts

Mar & Apr 2012 | Runcorn Local

17/02/2012 13:29 WS_MAR_2012.indd 1

17/02/2012 14:55 RL_MAR_2012.indd 1

Delivered FREE door to door • Wide Distribution Area covering 40,000 homes Filled with: Articles, Features, Puzzles, Competitions • Many customers advertise long term

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS

‘The Local Mags’ reach 40,000 homes in Widnes, Runcorn and Warrington. For low cost effective advertising call us on 01928 739607. Email: info@thelocalmags.co.uk or visit www.thelocalmags.co.uk

Full colour glossy adverts from just: full page

half page

quarter page

eighth page

£90

£50

£30

£20

per month

Food & Drink

es l z PuzParis in

1 4

Ad ge d n th e in er, igh to a bo to cir nd uri fin cle pu ng n d b t nu th elo the um w e m a be be ma th ns rs r! gi em we c r

WO RD S EARC H

h ug hro h the ? tt ge eac ower T ou o r n y e t fel Ca maz e Eif the of th top

I B E E A C E E I E C O E O B T B E F R B E I I E T R T C T F E I T Y B T M I E C F I A N U L R I I R G E A W G E A I N E R E B T C L E F F I E BERET BAGUETTE METRO FRANCE WINE EIFFEL BICYCLE

X R T

Can you work out which letters are missing and then re-arrange them into a word related to flying?

MAG N UMB IC 7 4 ER 1 5

H Q M

J V

O P

NG I Y FLFUN!

Maze Time!

st ju at , r h be t m her and u n et , ic og er ag s t oth into m er h r e b c e th um ea sw w d n to an elo n b ! fi he xt e To d t ne t th ircle hem d t a are pu c

Merc E63 AMG If you asked a bloke to build a car – the sort that drinks real ale, has a hairy chest, likes football (maybe rugby) and ‘birds’ – you could probably guess what you would end up with. It would have a big engine. Actually, scrap that. It would have a MASSIVE engine. It would need to be rear wheel drive. It would have lots of toys to impress his mates and confuse his wife/bird/life partner. And it would need to look flash. Oh, and probably be German. Let us introduce you, then, to the car that Dave Down The Duck built the Mercedes E63 AMG must have been built by someone with more testosterone than an end of school prom. Let’s talk numbers first. Under the bonnet you will find a 5.5 litre V8 with two turbos. It produces a frankly ridiculous 557bhp and, with the AMG pack (£6,495) fitted to our test car, 800Nm of torque. This is about the same as a Harrier Jump Jet. Probably. It will hit 60mph in just four seconds and is limited (quite heavily) to 155 mph. Oh, and it has seven gears. Even the price tag is whopping – off the shelf it’s £74,695, but our test car with what appears to be every optional extra box ticked, weighed in at £91,245.

By James Baggott, editor of CarDealerMag.co.uk

Inside, the switchgear – and the fact there’s a Boeing-load of it – takes a while to get used to, but it’s incredibly comfortable. That’s probably something to do with the heated, cooling and massaging seats. The seats are so clever that they even inflate the side bolsters to hold you in place when you go around corners. And talking of clever, that’s one thing that gets up my nose a little about the Merc. It’s all a little bit too smart. No one wants their car to be cleverer than they are and at times the Merc certainly feels a bit too Skynet for my liking. However, as super saloons go, this Merc certainly has the right ingredients. It’s stupidly fast, sounds amazing and is long-haul comfortable. It’s just a little tougher to get to grips with than its biggest rival, the BMW M5, which is why we’d go for the Beemer instead. Model: Mercedes E63 AMG Price: £91,245 (as tested) Engine: 5.5-litre, V8 Power: 557bhp, 800Nm Max speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 4.0s MPG (comb’d): 28.8 Emissions: 230g/km Verdict: Bonkers fast, bonkers sound and bonkers price tag.

And what does all that mean? It means this is one scary super saloon. Not only does it sound like a Spitfire at full chat, but it’s football hooligan lairy. At 70 mph on a wet road it has the grunt to spin up the rear wheels. In fact at any speed, on pretty much any road, it has the power to spin up the rear wheels. Which is scary and smile inducing in equal measures. On the road, traction control fully engaged, it flickers its warning lights on the exit of even supermarket car parks. On the track, with the safety nets disengaged it is weapons grade bonkers. But bloody brilliant.

Motoring & Travel

To advertise please call us on: 01928 739607

EXTRA MILE TRANSPORT COMPANY

Volunteer Drivers Are Always Needed Please get in touch if you think you can help us out. Are you unable to use public transport? HCT can take you anywhere, door-to-door in the Halton area. Are you a local community group? HCT have minibuses & coaches with wheelchair access available to hire with driver. Tel: 0151 257 2410 33 Ditton Road, Widnes, WA8 0PP Email: bookings@haltoncommunitytransport.co.uk Web: www.haltoncommunitytransport.co.uk Fax: 0151 420 1355

Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

MOT Station

PCV, CPC & Midas Training

Garage Services

LPG Sales

MOTs just ÂŁ29

On production of this advert! Valid until 30/11/12

We are the trading arm of Halton Community Transport - all profits go to support the community transport schemes that we deliver in Halton!

33 DITTON ROAD, WIDNES, WA8 0PP

CALL US NOW ON:

0151 257 2419 Motoring & Travel

Regular Local Events Local Groups Soroptimist International Widnes Last Monday of each Everglades Hotel, Derby Road month at 6pm Contact: Sheila Guthrie on 0151 (Excluding Bank 510 2658 or Linda Redhead 01928 Hols, August & 716807 December. Widnes Kids & Dads Every other Saturday A group for Dads & male carers of morning, 10amchildren. 12pm Contact: Jacqui Meadows Warrington Road Tel: 0151 495 3958 Children’s Centre Bookstart Rhymetimes Every Wednesday Activities designed to encourage 10am-11.30am parents & carers to share rhymes & at songs with babies. Ditton Library Halton Bereavement Drop In Every Tuesday If you are feeling low and would like 4.30pm-7pm someone to talk to then drop in for at Widnes Fire Safety a coffee and a chat. Centre, Lacey Street ...or Every Thursday 4.30pm-7pm at the Runcorn fire station please ring 01928 791221 for details. Widnes Rotary Club Every Monday Hilcrest Hotel, Cronton Lane, 5.45pm-7.15pm Widnes, WA8 9AR Contact: Dale Kenningham widnesrotaryclub.webeden.co.uk Live Country Music & Line Dancing Every Monday night United Services Club Prescot Road, Widnes Tel: 0151 424 4978 Live Country Music & Line Dancing Every Thursday night Our Lady’s RC Social Club, Mayfields Ave, Widnes Tel: 0151 424 3437 Line Dancing Every Friday Chapelfield Community Centre 7:30pm-9:30pm Liverpool Road, Widnes Tel: 0151 423 3121 Live Country Music & Line Dancing Every Thursday The Village Club, Appleton Village from 8:30pm Tel: 0151 424 3657 Nearly New Sale Every Saturday St Mary’s Parish Community Centre, 10am-11am West Bank, Widnes (excl Bank Hol Tel: 0151 423 3881 weekends) Tae-Kwondo Every Monday and Chapelfield Community Centre Thursday Liverpool Road, Widnes 5:30pm-7:00pm Tel: 0151 423 3121 Yoga Every Thursday Chapelfield Community Centre 7:00pm-8:45pm Liverpool Road, Widnes Tel: 0151 423 3121 Nifty Fifties Every Monday & Upton Community Centre, Wednesday Hough Green Road, Widnes 10am-11am Tel: 0151 423 1386 Table Top Sale Every First Saturday St John’s Church Centre, Greenway of the Month Road, Widnes. Tel: 0151 423 6375 10am-12pm

Warrington Road Bambini Day Care Centre offers a high standard of quality childcare and education. The 44 place Day Care centre has provision for children aged 3 months up to 4 years 11 months. Contact: Steph Speakman, Phone: 0151 422 0049 Email:daycare.warringtonroad@halton.gov.uk Halton Voluntary Group is a group whose aim is to help the people who have diabetes. We hold our meetings on the 3rd Weds of each month, when we have speakers who give a talk on the care of diabetes. At St. Paul’s Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Widnes and the Old Police Station, Mersey Road, Runcorn starting at 7.30 pm 0151 424 9432 HALDS (Halton Adults with Learning Difficulties Support) Support group for parents/carers of adults with learning difficulties. Contact: Pam Roberts Tel: 07583 694671 Email: p.roberts@ntlworld.com Widnes & Runcorn Cancer Support Centre 21-23 Alforde Street, Widnes, WA8 7TR Tel: 0151 423 5730 Email: dee.graal@tiscali.co.uk www.widnesruncorncsg.co.uk HAFS (Halton Autistic Family Support Group) Trinity House, 78-80 Victoria Road, Widnes, WA8 7RA Tel: 0151 495 3540 Email contact@hafs.org.uk Halton Haven Hospice Barnfield Avenue, Runcorn, WA7 6EP Tel: 01928 712728 Halton Parkinson’s Support Group Helps improve quality of live for people with Parkinson’s disease, we meet once a month. Contact: Margaret Smith Tel: 0151 423 4782 ChAPS – Cheshire Aspergers Parents Support Aims to support parents and carers of dependants with Aspergers Syndrome or Autistic Spectrum Disorder whether diagnosed or not, living in Cheshire. Contact: Jo Garner Tel: 01928 722384 Mind in Halton Halton Association for Mental Health Sep up with the aim of providing day care and residential services to those people living in Halton who had or were experiencing some form of mental distress. Widnes Tel: 0151 495 3991 Runcorn Tel: 01928 563612 Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community Action Help grow and strengthen the voluntary, community and faith sector in both Halton and St Helens Halton Voluntary Action - Sefton House, Public Hall Street, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1NG. Tel: 01928 592405 Halton Nightstop For Young People Aged 16 – 25 years Nightstop believes that all young people have the right to access safe and secure accommodation that is appropriate for their needs. The service is committed to making this happen wherever possible through Volunteer Hosting and Family Mediation. Ship Canal House, Percival Lane, Runcorn Contact: Terri Tel: 01928 238420 The Kings Cross Project The Kings Cross Project exists to enhance the lives of children, young people and families in areas of Halton by working alongside local people through community development principles to find local solutions to locally identified needs. Tel: 0151 420 4905

Know of any other regular events or groups that you’d like to see on this page? Let us know on 01928 739607

Doctor Numbers NHS Direct (24hr Helpline) Widnes GP Health Centre Health Care Resource Centre Oaks Place, Caldwell Rd, WA8 7GD The West Bank Medical Centre 2 Lower Church Street, WA8 0NG Peelhouse Medical Plaza Peelhouse Lane, WA8 6TN Appleton Village Surgery 2-6 Appleton Village, WA8 6DZ Highfield ENT Clinic Highfield Road, WA8 7DJ Upton Rocks Surgery Widnes Rufc Car Park, Heath Road Widnes, WA8 7NU The Beeches Medical Centre 20 Ditchfield Road, WA8 8QS Hough Green Health Park Hough Green Road, WA8 4NJ

School & College Numbers 0845 46 47 0151 495 5249

0151 424 3113 0151 424 6221 0151 423 2990 0151 511 5732 0151 422 9794

0151 424 3101 0151 511 5805

Halton MP Derek Twigg MP is Member of Parliament for Halton He can be contacted as follows: Derek Twigg MP House of Commons London, SW1A OAA Tel: 0151 424 7030 Email: derek.twigg.mp@parliament.uk

Library Opening Times Widnes Library 0151 907 8383 Victoria Road, WA8 7QY Opening Hours Mon-Thurs: 09:00 - 21:00, Friday: 09:00 - 17:30 Saturday: 09:00 - 16:00, Sunday: Closed

Local Vets Andale Veterinary Centre Ditchfield Rd, Widnes, WA8 8RF Companion Care Vets Inside Pets at Home, New Mersey Retail Park, Speke, L24 8QB Halton View Veterinary Centre 208 Warrington Rd, WA8 0AX Deacon Rd Veterinary Surgery 61 Deacon Rd, Widnes, WA8 6EF

0151 423 1388 0151 427 7902 0151 423 3557 0151 424 2852

Local Entertainment The Brindley Theatre High Street, Runcorn, WA7 1BG Catalyst Museum Mersey Road, Widnes, WA8 0DF Norton Piorory Tudor Road Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1SX

0151 907 8360 0151 420 1121 01928 569 895

Riverside College (Kingsway) Riverside College (Cronton) Fairfield High Saints Peter & Paul Catholic College The Bankfield Wade Deacon High All Saints Upton CE Ditton Primary Fairfield Infant Fairfield Junior Farnworth CE Hale CofE Primary School Halebank CE Lunts Heath Primary Moorfield Primary Oakfield Community Primary Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Simms Cross Primary Spinney Avenue CE St Basil’s Catholic Primary St. Bede’s Catholic Infant St. Bede’s Catholic Junior St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic St. John Fisher Catholic Primary St. Michael’s Catholic Primary West Bank Primary

0151 0151 0151 0151

257 257 423 424

2800 2020 3571 2139

0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151 0151

424 423 424 424 424 424 424 425 424 423 424 424 424 424 424 424 424 424 424 424 424 424

5038 2721 7248 5861 4879 0123 3042 3023 4878 3322 3108 4958 6130 5031 4234 7839 3112 3386 2879 7794 4468 2799

School Term Times

Autumn term 2012 Open 3rd September | Close 19th October Half term 22nd - 26th October Open 29th October | Close 20th December Christmas holidays 21st December - 4th January Spring term 2013 Open 7th January | Close 15th February Half term 18th - 22nd February Open 25th February | Close 28th March Easter holiday 29th March - 12th April

Council Numbers 24 Hour - Halton Direct Link Halton Housing Trust (Not council) Planning Services Police Station (Non Emergency) Social Care (Adult) Transport & Highways Waste Management Division

0303 333 4300 0151 510 5000 0151 907 8300 0845 458 0000 0151 907 8306 0151 471 7600 0151 907 8300

Household Waste Johnsons Lane 0151 495 1251 Widnes, WA8 OSJ Opening Hours 1st October - 31st March: 8am to 6pm 1st April - 30th September: 8am to 8pm For any large items, contact the Waste Management Disivion of Halton Borough Council on 0151 907 8300 to arrange collect, fees from £10 per item.

Know of any other useful numbers or information that you’d like to see on this page? Let us know on 01928 739607.

Index of Advertisers Accountants Balance Accounting Solutions Art Unicorn Gallery Barber/Hairdresser The Men's Room Bathrooms Total Bathroom Restoration JDC Ceramics Beauty Salon Debbies Beauty Beauty Treatments Jem Medical Aesthetics Bedrooms & Kitchens NYK Blinds Premier Blinds Bridal Shop Butterfly Brides of Cheshire Building & Construction North West Contracts Business Networking Business of Being in Widnes Car Repairs Chips Away Cleaning Dirtbusters Daily Poppins KHL Domestics College of Further Education Priestley College Computer Maintenance Alpha Computers Computer Peripherals Cartridge World Dancing School Karina Burns Dance Academy Decorators Wavell Decorators

Community

7 35 42 22 28 45 45 11 18 43 19 47 59 18 25 10 9 31 6 43 13

Estate Agents Abbeyfords 64 Fitness Halton Stadium Fitness 46 Flooring Treadwell Carpets 26 Cheshire Flooring 32 Furniture Branches Warrington 27 Comfort & Style 30 Garage Doors Amazon Garage Doors 59 Garden Centre Cronton Garden Centre 25 Dobbie's Garden Centre 21 Garden Services Brian Humphries Gardens 13 Gas Services Express Gas 12 Glass & Glazing Cohens Glass 31 Hair Salon Darren Tyrer Hairdressing 41 Heating & Electrical Engineering Blueshield Heating Care Ltd 37 Home Improvement Specialist DJ Home Improvements 15 Hotels & Inns Forest Hills Hotel 49 Insurance Services NFU Mutual 7 Jewellers Neil & Barker 1,2,3 Jewellery & Accessories Sparkle Jewellery 45 Kitchen & Bathroom Fitters Flag Ship Kitchens 12 Landscaping Landscape World 13

Legal Services Bespoke Legal Services Locksmiths Lock-It Security Martial Arts Matt Fiddes Mobile Hairdresser hair@home Opticians Merton Beck Oven Cleaning Ovencleaners Pharmacy Widnes Late Night Pharmacy Plasterer Elite Plastering Plumbing Alpha Plumbing Print & Media Solutions EverMedia Restaurants Ring of Bells Cu at The Hillcrest Delgado's Roofing PCL Ltd Security Systems Carna Alarms Takeaway Food Cronton Fish Bar Taxi Services Halton Taxis Transport Halton Community Transport Upholstery Armchair Reupholstery Halton Community Transport

5 36 43 46 63 13 39 10 10 6 55 50 53 16 15 49 62 59 31 51

Established over 40 years ago, Merton Beck Opticians is now owned by dispensing optician and contact lens specialist Colin Jones FBDO(Hons)CL with over 25 years experience. We have a small but dedicated team committed to making your visit a pleasurable one by treating you as an individual. Our EYE EXAMINATIONS take around 30 minutes; allowing for an unhurried and personal service. We can PHOTOGRAPH YOUR RETINA; this provides a permanent image of the back of your eye which is kept on file to monitor any changes. Sports eyewear available to your prescription for adults and children.

Large choice of frames from budget to designer for all ages, including Ted Baker, Converse, Radley, Emporio Armani. NHS customers welcome.

I have had a number of trips to Africa as a volunteer with Vision Aid Overseas, going to remote areas to carry out eye examination and provide spectacles to people who normally have no access to eye care. PLEASE CALL IN TO SPONSOR ME IN THE GREAT NORTH RUN FOR VISION AID OVERSEAS AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT! Alternatively go to www.justgiving.com/Colin-Jones8

Radley Sunspecs are now in stock! Buy a pair of Radley Sunspecs before 30/9/2012 and be entered into a draw for the chance to win a Radley Handbag.

Special Discount For Contact Lens Wearers Under 18 Years Of Age. We specialise in all types of contact lenses. No one is too young or too old to try. Multi-focal daily disposable contact lenses now available. ASK FOR NO OBLIGATION FREE CONTACT LENS ASSESSMENT AND TRIALS. Handbag shown is for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual bag given as the prize.

39 Widnes Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 6AZ

Tel: 0151 424 2141 www.mertonbeck.co.uk Please mention The Local Mag when responding to any adverts

Health, Beauty & Lifestyle