Issuu

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Issue 141 - January 2017

The voice for local business

and Frodsham at your fingertips! Serving The Areas Of: Alvanley // Dunham Hill // Elton // Frodsham Hapsford // Helsby // Kingsley // Manley // Mouldsworth // Norley // Overton

HOME MOVE

PACKAGE

105 Main Street, Frodsham

HuntersFrodsham

@HuntersFrodsham

Please mention Helsby to Hand when to adverts Your local magazine - 7100 copies FREEresponding every month | tel: 01928 727 1651

s r n e i f o l j o o t G e m i t d o o g a s ’ It b u l c r u o

Helsby

A superbly maintained, par 70, mature parkland course designed by James Braid, offering every golfer both a challenge and a chance to shine. Regarded as having the best finishing 6 holes in the county

Golf Club

is Cheshire’s best kept golfing secret!

ALL THIS AND

EE NO JOINING F ly limited period on

Not only a fine course, but our members also enjoy many other benefits:Established 1901 * Our club is owned and run by our members. * No need to book tee-times. Active Gents, Ladies, Junior and Senior sections. * Opportunities galore for comps, roll-ups & social golf. * Full programme of social events for members & guests. Why not come and see for yourself You’ll be very welcome. Just off the A56 a 2 minute drive from the M53 & M56 Phone Steve our club secretary or Chris our Professional

Helsby Golf Club

Towers Lane, Helsby Cheshire, WA6 0JB

Telephone: 01928 722021 www.helsbygolfclub.org To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Hello and Happy New Year! Best wishes to you all for 2017. You may remember in the November edition there was an article about Ellie Hayes who had set herself the challenge of a 24 hour row in aid of The Children’s Society. I’m delighted to tell you that on 17th - 18th December, Ellie not only completed her challenge but she also got the British record, by rowing 202,761 meters in the 24 hours! Well done Ellie. Weekend Buffets are coming very soon to The Dunham Arms, so keep an eye out for that and on pages 26-27 there’s an article and photo’s following the refurbishment of The White Lion pub in Alvanley. New Year / New You is often the topic of conversation in January. New Year resolutions sound like a great idea: a fresh year and a fresh start. So why do they often fail? 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. Alison Runham talks further about this on pages 8 and 9, take a look for realistic resolutions for a happier, healthier New Year by taking it one step at a time. Good luck!

Sarah x

p8-9

p40

p19

p49

p22

p70

p35

p78-79

PLEASE NOTE COPY DATE FOR ADVERTISING IN THE FEB EDITION

IS 18TH JAN (COMMUNITY EVENTS 15TH)

Have a great month. Until next time, Best Wishes

This month in pictures...

@helsbytohand Helsby to Hand

TO ADVERTISE PLEASE RING SARAH ON 01928 727165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com If you don’t have a copy ’to hand’ check out the website: www.helsbytohand.co.uk

Helsby to Hand - Kerrowmoar, Manley Road, Alvanley, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 9DE Tel: 01928 727165 Email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

“Helsby to Hand” is produced by an independent organisation; which is not connected to any other organisations, publications or groups. All material is copyright and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, photographic or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without written permission of the copyright holder. Please note that we do not endorse any product or services of any advertisers. All advertisements and their content are accepted in good faith. Responsibility for copyright and the accuracy of the information provided lies with the advertiser.

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

“DANCE YOURSELFFIT” FIT” for “DANCE YOURSELF forthe theNew NewYear… Year…

“DANCE YOURSELF FIT” for the New Year… Make 2017 the year of Positive Change for YOU… “YOUR DANCE FLOW ON” at CHESHIRE FLOW!

Cheshire Flow

Make PositiveChange Changeforfor YOU… Make2017 2017the theyear year of Positive YOU… “YOUR DANCE FLOW ON” “GET YOUR DANCE FLOW ON”atatCHESHIRE CHESHIRE FLOW! FLOW!

Contact Name: Amy Richards Email: cheshireflow@gmail.com Phone: 07711249732 ‘LIKE’ us on Facebook: Cheshire Flow

NEW “DANCEFIT FLOW” DANCE FITNESS CLASS LAUNCHING JANUARY 24TH Due to popular demand, we are excited to be launching “DANCEFIT FLOW” a NEW dance inspired fitness class in Frodsham for 2017! “DANCEFIT FLOW” is a fun, vibrant, dance fitness class, styled to songs of the movies and musicals that you can’t help but dance to!

“LATIN FLOW” Dance Fitness Classes Our popular “LATIN FLOW” ‘Strictly’ style dance fitness classes, teach a fusion of Latin, Ballroom and Salsa dance styles, through fun energetic dance routines! Our popular classes are welcoming of all ages and fitness abilities and run twice weekly in Frodsham – TIMETABLE below!

Unlike traditional keep fit classes, “DANCEFIT FLOW” is taught by a qualified dance teacher, who uses Dance Movement to create fun dance fitness routines, which target & tone muscle groups, get your body moving and fitness levels up! Whether ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ with Hairspray, ‘Wanna Live Forever’ with Fame, or are ready to ‘Have The Time Of Your Life’ with Dirty Dancing – these are smile filled fitness classes where you’ll “Dance Yourself Fit – Having Fun!”

NAME OF CLASS “DANCEFIT FLOW” “LATIN FLOW”

DAY AND TIME TUESDAY 7-‐8PM (launching 24th January) MONDAY 7-‐8PM THURSDAY 7-‐8PM

LOCATION FRODSHAM PARISH HALL FRODSHAM PARISH HALL

If you’re waiting for a sign to start

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

FRODSHAM’S NEW WALK-IN CREATIVE CRAFT STUDIO

CERAMIC PAINTING / DECOPATCH SAND ART / CANVAS ART / BAG DECO CERAMIC PAINTING / DECOPATCH SAND ART / CANVAS ART / BAG DECO

Children’s Parties Grown-up Nights Hen Parties Social Groups Baby Sessions Team Building

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

FREE WI-FI

40 Main Street, Frodsham CERAMIC PAINTING / DECOPATCHFREE SQUASH T: 01928 890094 FOR CRAFTING ART / CANVAS ART / BAG DECO E:SAND thecraftbox@btopenworld.com KIDS facebook.com/thecraftboxfrodsham www.thecraftboxfrodsham.co.uk Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

Serenity Beauty & Skin Clinic 242 Chester Road, Helsby

Open Monday - Saturday with late nights Wed / Thurs / Fri â€˜til 8pm

New Elemis skin treatment packs now in stock. Celebrate a New Year with great skin... from Elemis treatment facials to microdermabrasion, oxygen and micro needling. We will be offering great packages on all skin treatments and massages. Call us to book in a free skincare consultation.

Tel: 01928 727907 www.serenityforbeauty.com

Word Ladder

Hairdressing at Serenity

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

F O R K

242 Chester Road, Helsby

for a free consultation or a chat about the cruelty free products that I use

ÂŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

Please feel free to pop in or contact me, Jane on: 07825 416896 / 01928 727907

D I S H

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

MORE DANCING MORE LAUGHING MORE LIFTING MORE RUNNING MORE SPLASHING MORE ROWING MORE SPINNING MORE FRIENDS MORE BRIO Show 2017 whoâ€™s boss by getting

TWO MONTHS FREE! with an Annual Membership Sign up NOW! Speak to the team at Frodsham Leisure Centre about our range of Annual Membership packages today! brioleisure.org/morebrio

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Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Realistic Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier New Year leSS alcohol Your unrealistic resolution: “I’ll give it up entirely!” “I won’t drink at home/when I’m out/on weekdays/until Easter!” If you rarely drink, you’ll find sticking to such drastic resolutions easy. But if you rarely drink, you’re probably not making alcohol-based resolutions...

New Year resolutions sound like a great idea; a fresh year and a fresh start seem to fit together, and even if we’re determined not to make any, other people can sometimes inspire us – or shame us – into making our own. But if resolutions are such a good idea, why do they fail so often?

I’ll go to Pilates every week, walk at least two miles every weekend and do my dance DVD every Tuesday! You haven’t managed to do any of these things every week this year - so it’s unlikely you’ll achieve all of them, every week this year. Be honest about why you don’t do them. The activities you’ll find the motivation or time for are those you can fit in most easily and enjoy the most.

Recent research shows that even low alcohol intake (well 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 cutting back is well worth doing. But going teetotal or drastically reducing your intake may be hard if you’re a regular drinker. a Better resolution: Think about when and where you drink alcohol, and plan to reduce your intake gradually. Here are a few strategies to try:

• If you usually have 4 drinks on a night out, replace drink Setting YourSelf up for 3 with a large soft drink; it failure may last you the rest of the At New Year, festive goodwill evening, halving your alcohol and New Year enthusiasm a Better resolution: I’ll do an intake. can give us a rosier view of hour’s exercise every week. • Match every alcoholic drink life, tricking us into making a with a soft drink. multitude of overly ambitious Perhaps you most enjoy a resolutions. They reverse the walk, but bad weather puts • Find other ways to relax if you positive effect of goal setting you off? Plan to walk every always have a drink on your by setting us up to fail - making return from work, and try to weekend, but commit to doing us more likely to give up make it a Friday-only treat your exercise DVD instead if completely. (or reduce your measure). the weather’s awful. Or plan to Here are some tips for turning Feeling you ‘need’ a drink is a fit in the exercise DVD weekly; three popular, doomed-towarning sign – a first step on anything else is a bonus. While failure aspirations into realistic a potentially dangerous path. it’s not the NHS recommended resolutions. Consider if you need to make amount of exercise, it’s some, changes in your work life. and it’s consistent. You can More exerciSe • If you drink wine with dinner increase later.165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com Your unrealistic resolution: To advertise call: 01928it727 8

every night, change to alternate nights (or alternate it with non-alcoholic wine). • Swap some alcoholic drinks for low alcohol or nonalcoholic alternatives. They’ve come a long way and there’s now a large range. no SMoking Your unrealistic resolution: “I smoke 30 a day, but I’m giving up forever at midnight, December 31st!” It’s probably quicker to list conditions not aggravated or caused by smoking than to list those that are - and it can be hard to accept you’re addicted to nicotine. But in reality, when you crave a cigarette to ‘calm your nerves’ that twitchiness you feel is a symptom of withdrawal, which can come on very quickly with nicotine. This can make smoking a

hard habit to kick, particularly if you’re a moderate or heavy smoker – and while a few people do succeed in going ‘cold turkey’, the most reliable and angst-free way is to reduce your nicotine intake gradually (and/or tackle your toxin intake). A Better Resolution: Pick or combine the cut-back strategies below to suit you, and if one doesn’t work, try another. • Visit your GP, who 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. Some are particularly suitable for heavy smokers. • If you don’t already, make yourself smoke outside. It takes more effort and prevents toxins from your

cigarette lingering in the air (second-hand smoke) and settling on surfaces, where they are re-released (third-hand smoke), so you’ll be improving the health of housemates and visitors too. • Swap to e-cigarettes or vaporisers; you’ll be inhaling nicotine, but not cigarette toxins such as cyanide and arsenic. • 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. ‘Resolution’ has an array of scientific and historical meanings, one of which is ‘reduction to a simpler form’. So keep your resolutions simple – and realistic!

FOREST HILLS LEISURE CLUB BEST WESTERN FOREST HILLS HOTEL Join with a friend in January and receive our full membership for just £30pp (Normally £57pp) This price includes gym, pool, over 30 exercise classes, induction and personalised training programme * Terms and Conditions apply

For further information please call 01928 735430

For further information please call 01928 735430 Best Western Forest Hill Hotel, Overton Hill, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6HH www.foresthillshotel.com @ForestHillsLC @foresthillslc @foresthillslc Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

Elizabeth Arnold Sewing Studio

Contact Dawn on

07967 117 978 dawnmbrindle@outlook.com (Based in Helsby) Free No Obligation Quotations!

Clothing alterations ● Bridal ● Curtains & Blinds ● Sewing Lessons ●

● Range of fabrics NOW in stock ● Sewing lessons - age 5 upwards ● Bridal, Prom, Gents, Ladies & Children‛s alterations

● Curtains & Blinds made from customers own fabrics

D.T. Turner

Independent Funeral Directors of Frodsham

● Soft furnishings One to one sewing lessons from £15 Sewing lesson vouchers Fabric vouchers Pre cut bunting packs Fat quarter bundles from £2

Open Tues - Fri 11am - 4pm and Saturdays by appointment FOR ALL FITTINGS PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Sympathetic and friendly approach 24 hours service, 365 days a year

Our Family Helping Yours 11 High Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 7AH

Telephone: 01928 735533

Established at Lady Heyes Craft Centre Kingsley Rd, Frodsham Since 2004 Phone Dawn: 07968

302884

elizabetharnoldsewingstudio@gmail.com

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

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DERMAL FILLERS & ANTI WRINKLE INJECTIONS

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J L Moston Joinery & Property Maintenance - Fully accredited electrician - All electrical work undertaken - Local family run business - Free estimates - No VAT 07792 991799 or 01928 610073 www.jmcrenovations.co.uk

Kitchen Fitting ● Window Fitting Wall & Floor Tiling ● Doors Sofﬁts & Facias ● Gutter Cleaning Flagging ● Fencing ● Decking All aspects of joinery undertaken Fully Insured & References available

Contact Jason: 07742 266739 01928 209 722 (Langdale Way, Frodsham)

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Fussy Eaters by Kate Duggan

Ah, fussy eaters. Don’t you just love them? And don’t you just love those parents who gloatingly tell you that their child eats whatever they’re given, or goes to bed hungry? (Obviously these people have never been woken up at 3am by wails of, “I’m so hungry. Please can I have some porridge?”) Remember the days when your kids would eat most things, as long as it was blended with carrot? Or when you smiled smugly because your nine month old would happily chew on broccoli? It’s like they hit two and then develop taste buds that despise anything other than pasta, bread and sweets. Forget five a day, sometimes you wonder whether your child has eaten so much as a grapesized portion of fruit and veg all week. If you’re at your wits end trying to get them to eat some vegetables, these tips might just help.

ice-cream and uses up those bananas the kids have been turning their noses up at. Or, even simpler, buy a readymade smoothie, pour it into lolly moulds and freeze. While too much fruit juice isn’t great for a child’s teeth, one glass is fine. Ideally, give it to them with a meal. Keep an eye out for mixed juices and smoothies too. (Some even have added multivitamins.) Contrary to popular belief, not all kids like tomato-based sauces. Most do however. Cooked tomatoes are even healthier than raw, so try whizzing up a batch of sauce with a few hidden veggies. Cook a couple of cans worth of chopped tomatoes, along with some salad peppers, carrots, leek and any other vegetables you have languishing in the fridge. You can add a tiny bit of sugar if you want. Blend until smooth if your kids are particularly fussy, then use it as a pasta sauce, or add it to mince to make bolognaise, or cottage pie. Freeze what you don’t use – it’ll keep for months.

We know it’s winter, but there are few kids who’ll refuse ice-cream or lollies, even if it’s snowing outside. Try blending two small frozen bananas with a couple of handfuls of You can also disguise veggies frozen raspberries or mixed in other ways. Cauliflower fruit, and about a third of a cup well with potato for of yoghurt. It makes a great Helsbymixes Please mention to Hand when responding to

example. Or try finely slicing a sweet potato, tossing it in olive oil and roasting it to make ‘intergalactic orange crisps’. (It’s all in the name.) Kids often prefer raw vegetables to cooked. You could offer them raw carrot, cucumber and salad pepper crudities as a side dish or snack. Some kids will surprise you by loving quite strong flavours. (Mine go mad for olives for example.) And strong flavours can be great for masking the taste of vegetables. So try pesto, garlic or mild curry. Children also like having some control. You could give them a list of five vegetables some days, and ask them to choose two for dinner. Or start a reward chart where they get a sticker for each type of vegetable they eat that week. And try setting out various raw veg with tortilla wraps and letting them make fajitas. Or doing the same with pizza bases. When all else fails, my fussy five year old will eat most things if I pretend it’s a fish that doesn’t want to be eaten, and he’s a shark. The things we do as parents… 13 adverts

www.lesharrisjewellers.co.uk

90 Main Street, Frodsham, 01928 734223

COMPLETE SECURITY SERVICE Est. 1983

Domestic & Commercial Intruder Alarms installed to PD6662 STANDARD Specialist in monitored systems City & Guilds qualified staff 24hour emergency service Award winning company

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Tel: 01928 724422 Open Tues - Sat with late nights Wed & Thurs

Colours • Perms • Bridal Hair Ladies • Gents • Children Over 60’s special rates on Tuesdays Appointments not always necessary

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live happy! with

Slimming World MONDAY

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Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane. 5.00pm & 7.00pm Tel: Jody 07734 037835

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slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

Can you spot the 10 differences?

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

10% OFF

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Valid on any Sunday throughout January 2017

Please bring this page into the shop to receive the discount

Check out this tasty winter warmer! Rosemary roast chicken thighs, new potatoes, asparagus & garlic... Delicious! Our British Red Tractor Thigh Meat is only £4.50 per kg! Ask in store for a recipe card. Also available at Forresters: Chicken Fillets • Sandwich Fillings • Chicken Nuggets • Chicken Goujons • Chicken Burgers • Chicken Kebabs • Chicken Drumsticks • Chicken Wings • Chicken Legs • Chicken Thighs • Prepared Chicken Meals • We also sell a large variety of locally sourced cheese, butter, sausages, bacon, black pudding, jams, pickles, pate, marmalade, biscuits, desserts & ice-cream!

Telephone: 01928 789217 Mill Lane, Kingsley, Cheshire Post Code: WA6 8HY

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7 DAYS A WEEK Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

SLIM DOWN FOR THE NEW YEAR WITH ULTRASOUND FAT CAVITATION SPECIAL OFFER £30 per session

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Short Story The Science of Snow Shovelling Mrs Harby’s comings and Maurice laced his boots up goings. eagerly, pleased with himself for remembering to get the “I didn’t ask.” Dale kicked a snow shovel out of the shed pile of snow. last night. “I’d better lend a hand.” Thanks to a thick blanket of Maurice strode purposefully snow, this Sunday morning was across with his shovel. It was the perfect opportunity to win time to impress the lady by back the favour of Mrs Harby, taking control of the situation. his comely neighbour. What “You know what would get woman could resist a man with this done quicker?” Dale said, a shovel? And when it came stumbling into a snow drift. to snow and the shovelling of “Chucking down some hot it, Maurice considered himself water.” quite the expert. “That’s where you’re wrong,” He opened his front door and Maurice said. “The only way was met with an unwelcome to clear this drive is with hard sight. Mrs Harby’s teenage work. Hot water will do more grandson, Dale, was already harm than good.” pacing her drive wielding a “Yeah, right,” Dale said shovel of his own. Maurice’s sarcastically, throwing down his last encounter with Dale shovel. “I’m off to get some.” had ended with a line full of Mrs Harby’s sheets going Good lord, Maurice thought, up in flames. The boy was a don’t they teach them anything menace, and, by the looks of at school these days? At least things thought Maurice, his with the boy gone for a few snow shovelling technique minutes he could get on with was a disgrace. Rather than the job properly. methodically working down the Dale returned with a freshly driveway, Dale was randomly boiled kettle. throwing snow everywhere. “Out the way,” he said, “I’m “Can I give you some advice going to pour this.” young man?” Maurice called “Don’t,” Maurice said. “It’ll just over. “You’re going about that make matters worse.” all wrong.” “Course it won’t,” Dale said. “Nah, I’m alright,” Dale called “Just to prove it, do a patch back. test,” Maurice said. “Pour a “You’re just making more work,” small amount somewhere that Maurice said. “I’m sure your your grandmother won’t tread grandmother would like to get and see what happens.” her car off the drive at some “Good plan,” Dale said. “But if it point.” works we’ll pour it everywhere.” “Yeah,” Dale said, hacking at If it works I’ll eat my shovel the ground. “She’s going out for Maurice thought. Sunday lunch.” “Somewhere she definitely “Anywhere nice?” Maurice tread?” Daleresponding said. Mrs liked to keep abreast of all Helsbywon’t Please mention to Hand when to

Harby opened the front door, elegantly dressed for her lunch date. “Morning!” Maurice gave a dignified bow. “We’re conducting an experiment.” “How lovely,” she said. This is wonderful Maurice thought, not only will she be pleased with me for clearing her drive, she’ll be impressed by how I’m educating her grandson. “Go ahead lad,” he said indulgently. “Whenever you’re ready.” Dale stood next to his grandmother’s car with the kettle held high, a cloud of steam coming out of the spout. Then, before Maurice could stop him, Dale poured the scalding water all over the windscreen. There was a sickening crack as the glass shattered into a thousand irreparable fragments. Maurice’s face drained of all colour. “Oh mate!” Dale laughed. “You were totally right.” Mrs Harby scowled and stormed back inside the house, slamming the front door behind her. Maurice’s next challenge to impress Mrs Harby was how to get a windscreen replaced on a snowy Sunday morning. And the less Dale was involved in that the better. By Jackie Brewster

adverts

Portable Vintage Afternoon Teas 19 High St 19 High Street, Frodsham Frodsham Tel: 01928 731410 Tel: 01928 731410

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To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

Cake and Bake Mulled Pears This is a lovely winter pudding that tastes just as delicious served warm or cold. Choose firm but ripe small pears, and use a vegetable peeler to scoop out the core from the base of each one.

Ingredients: • 450ml red wine (see Tip) • 150g caster sugar • 1 pared strip of lemon rind • 1 cinnamon stick • 2 whole cloves • 8 small Conference pears • 2tsp arrowroot • Softly whipped double cream or crème fraiche, to serve

Serves 4

1. Pour the wine into a large pan

and add the sugar, lemon rind, cinnamon stick and cloves. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.

2. Meanwhile, peel the pears, leaving the stalks on.

Gently lower the pears into the hot liquid. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes until the pears are tender.

3. Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and

set aside in a heatproof serving dish. Blend the arrowroot to a paste with 1tbsp cold water and stir into the poaching liquid. Simmer gently for a further 5 minutes, stirring, until syrupy. Remove the lemon rind and cloves from the syrup.

4. Pour the hot syrup over the pears and leave for 30

minutes. Serve the pears and syrup, warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped double cream or crème fraiche.

TIP

Choose a full-bodied red wine such as Merlot or

Ready in 1 hour, plus Burgundy. If you prefer, replace half of the red wine cooling time To advertise call: 01928 727 with 165 clearorapple or cranberry juice. email:juice helsbytohand@btinternet.com 22

Flaym Fuels www.ﬂaymfuels.co.uk

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Your project progressed promptly

 One point of contact  Information on costs up front

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• Gardening & Maintenance • Grass Cutting • Lawn Feeding • Block Paving • Flagging • Decorative Brickwork • Garden Walls & Arches • Brickwork Repointing • Pressure Washing • Internal Decorating • Coving • Flooring • Flat Pack Assembly Full quote given before any work is started & fully insured call Gary on

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THE WHITE LION ROARS AGAIN WITH NEW LOOK

Darren Crawford Behind the bar at The White Lion

Licensee Darren Crawford has welcomed back his loyal regulars to the White Lion pub in Alvanley, Cheshire, following a substantial joint investment by Robinsons Brewery and The Broad Oak Pub Company. The pub, which was closed for 3 weeks, has been completely transformed internally with a rustic country style design featuring exposed timber beams, roaring fires and a stunning panelled bar.

The Dining Area at the White Lion

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

“Whilst our last investment was around 6 years ago, we wanted to freshen the pub up a bit so it was really important that the refurbishment kept a real timeless Cheshire look whilst modernising throughout” explained Darren. “The new look is a contemporary throwback to a warm, homely country pub that feels welcoming as soon as you step through the doors.” The pub is full of cosy pockets throughout with quiet areas to catch up with friends or enjoy a meal from the White Lion’s ample menu. The new menu is packed full of British classics including a selection of delicious homemade pies and mouth-watering burgers. “Our menu is really perfect for every occasion” explained Darren. “We’ve got plenty of classics to suit everyone’s taste and some more premium pub dishes for special occasions. We’ve always prided ourselves on the quality and value of our menu at The White Lion so we are always proud when we can share new dishes with our customers.” The bar is rightfully the heart of the pub. The new panelled bar offers a rotating range of Robinsons cask ales from 6 hand pulls alongside a selection of premium lagers, handpicked wines and an impressive selection of spirits including a gin selection that is guaranteed to impress all ‘ginthusiasts’. Closing, Darren said: “We want to thank our customers who have been patient throughout the whole refurbishment. We are proud of the new look and to hear such positive feedback from our regulars has been wonderful. The White Lion truly is a pub for the community around us and we are happy that, with this new look, we can continue to provide the perfect destination for our customers for many years to come.”

Dining at the White Lion

The White Lion in Alvanley is open now serving a rotating range of cask ales, craft beers, lagers, wines and spirits alongside a homecooked fresh menu. For more information, please visit: www.whitelionalvanley.co.uk, like The White Lion on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitelionalvanley and follow the pub on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BroadoakWhite 27 Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

Enjoy the start of 2017 at the

Netherton Hall Village Pub & Dining

GREAT FOOD, GREAT DRINK AND A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU Take shelter from the cold weather and enjoy your favourite tipple, a great bite to eat and the warmest of welcomes at the Netherton Hall. Bring your friends, family or work colleagues – we’d be delighted to welcome you all. z TWO real fires – our fires are lit every day and we reckon we’re possibly the warmest pub in Cheshire! z Fantastic menu – featuring a wide range of mouth-watering dishes and daily specials

PLUS z 3 Fabulous offers for you to benefit from during January – see below! Darren and the team look forward to welcoming you at the Netherton Hall Chester Road, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 6UL | Tel: 01928 732 342 | www.nethertonhallpub.co.uk

Netherton Hall

Enjoy

Chester Road, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 6UL.Tel: 01928 732 342

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On presentation of this voucher Offer valid 3rd January to 3rd February 2017. Excludes Bank Holiday weekends. Cannot be To other advertise 28 used in conjunction with any offer.

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your total food bill

Chester Road, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 6UL.Tel: 01928 732 342

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On presentation of this voucher

Offer valid 3rd January to 3rd February 2017. Excludes Bank Holiday weekends. Cannot be

call: 01928 727 165 orany email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com used in conjunction with other offer. used in conjunction with any other offer.

Enjoy the start of 2017 at the

White Lion at Alvanley

GREAT FOOD, GREAT DRINK AND A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU Take shelter from the cold weather and enjoy your favourite tipple, a great bite to eat and the warmest of welcomes at the White Lion. Bring your friends, family or work colleagues – we’d be delighted to welcome you all. z FOUR real fires – our fires are lit every day and we reckon we’re possibly the warmest pub in Cheshire! z Fantastic menu – featuring a wide range of mouth-watering dishes and daily specials

PLUS z Don’t forget - we’ve got a great new look after our refurbishment. z 3 Fabulous offers for you to benefit from during January – see below! Craig and the team look forward to welcoming you at the White Lion Manley Road, Alvanley, Cheshire WA6 9DD | Tel: 01928 722 949 | Web: www.whitelionalvanley.com

White Lion

Manley Road, Alvanley, Cheshire WA6 9DD. Tel: 01928 722 949

Enjoy

25% off

your total food bill

On presentation of this voucher

Offer valid 3rd January to 3rd February 2017. Excludes Bank Holiday weekends. Cannot be Please used in conjunction withmention any other offer.

25% off

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Offer valid 3rd January to 3rd February 2017. Excludes Bank Holiday weekends. Cannot be

29other offer. Helsby to Hand whenwith responding used in conjunction any other offer. to adverts used in conjunction with any

Stonehouse Farm New Pale Road, Manley Common (on The Sandstone Trail)

www.stonehousefarmbandb.co.uk

Tel: 01928 740586 Mobile: 07561515618 Email: stone_house_farm@yahoo.com

Stonehouse Farm will be closed as of January 3rd 2017 until March 28th 2017. Future bookings will still be being taken during this time. tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2014, 2015 & 2016

Established since 1978

J. SAWYER, 10 Station Avenue, Helsby, FRODSHAM, Cheshire. WA6 0AG

Tel:- 01928 725104

ROOF CONVERSIONS ROOFING REPAIRS STORM DAMAGE NEW ROOFS, SLATES & TILES FLAT ROOFS USING HIGH QUALITY FELT POINTING AND LOWERING CHIMNEY STACKS NEW VALLEYS AND LEAD WORK NEW UPVC PLASTIC FASCIAS PLASTIC CLADDING NEW GUTTERING POWER WASH & CLEANING OUT GUTTERS POWER WASH & MOSS REMOVAL

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Beauty Beauty Resolutions

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk it seems you can barely pick up a magazine without reading about another new skincare ‘miracle worker’, from skin softeners and beauty essences, to micellar water. most of these are ‘nice to haves’ rather than essentials. if you are looking to up your skin care regime though, i’d recommend adding a serum. they’re more concentrated than a moisturiser, and designed to target specific concerns, from fine lines to blemishes. French brand ekia’s sérum fermeté – highly active firming serum, is designed to tighten and lift skin. The ‘magic ingredient’, a tree extract called dragon’s blood sap, is said to help firm skin, smooth fine lines, increase moisture and aid skin renewal. My skin certainly felt tighter and more hydrated after using the serum. £48.99 from www.hollandandbarrett.com.

buy. Give it time to show you what it’s made of. van cleef & arpels so first (from £32) is a nice one to try. Light, fresh and feminine, it’s bursting with floral notes, such as freesia and frangipani, with a warm base of vanilla and sandalwood. Many of us are guilty of splashing out on top of the range hair straighteners and styling products, then throwing whatever shampoo and conditioner is on offer in our basket. My top hair care recommendation is to go for a gentler, decent shampoo and conditioner. Personally, I avoid any that contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as I find it leaves my hair dry and brittle. JasÖn do some great haircare products, priced from around £6.50 for a half-litre bottle that will last for ages. If you’re looking to treat yourself however, I can recommend saach organics hair strengthening shampoo and nourishment conditioner. They’re packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as almond oil, coconut milk and hibiscus, and leave my highlighted hair feeling soft and healthy. Prices start from £9.95 at www.saachorganics.com.

Makeup bags and brushes can be a bit of a breeding ground for bacteria, and that can lead to spots and skin irritation. So if you haven’t given them a wash for a while, now’s the time. Clean brushes with a gentle hand It’s easy to get stuck in a perfume wash or baby shampoo, pat them dry rut. Rather than play it safe and then leave to air dry. Alternatively, if with your favourite scent, why they’re looking a bit worse for wear, treat not head to a local perfume yourself to some new ones. The nanshy shop and try a few new ones? range is a good choice. They’re made Ideally, spritz a perfume on a with premium synthetic fibres (so card first. If you like the scent cruelty-free), assembled by hand and immediately, and still do after rigorously tested. They’re also lovely half an hour, then try it directly and soft and great for blending. on your skin. Fragrance is Nanshy brushes start from £5.95 at designed to change over time, www.myshowcase.com. so don’t just spray, sniff andHelsby to Hand when responding to adverts 31 Please mention

your

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specialists

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Pennine garage doors

If you are looking to change your garage door, why not let Pennine help you choose from a vast range of styles and colour finishes. ● Up and over ● Sectional doors ● Roller doors ● Side hinged ● All colours ● Automatic or manual For free quotation call Wirral Office - 0151 336 7136 Mobile - 07786 682152 www.penninegaragedoors.co.uk Head Office:

Birch Lane, Dukinﬁeld, Cheshire, SK16 4AJ

Paul Armitstead Handyman Service Building, Decorating and Gardening. No job to small Over 20 years experience an honest, reliable and skilled workman

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Full Bathroom Design and Installation

MainStreetDental 69A Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 7DF Telephone: 01928 733974 Email: mainstreetdental@hotmail.co.uk

We are currently welcoming new patients to the practice. Contact a member of the reception team for more information on how to become a registered patient.

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Ballards SALES AND LETTINGS AGENT

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Call now for a free, no obligation, market appraisal T: 01928 263083 M:07900 322 966 E: info@ballardsproperties.co.uk www.ballardsproperties.co.uk IfIfyou contract that that you you have have signed signed to to ensure ensurethat thatyou youare are youhave havealready already instructed instructed another another agent, agent, check check any any contract not as your your agent. agent. Fees Fees are are not not subject subjectto toVAT. VAT. notliable liablefor formore more than than one one fee fee by by instructing instructing Ballards Ballards as Offer is subject to terms and conditions.

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Stephen Rose Clocks MBHI

Repair & Restoration of Clocks & Barometers • Collection and delivery • Setting up • Home visits • Free estimates Please call Stephen Rose:

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Do You Let Your Age Do The Talking? by Kate McLelland

The invitation arrived via social media: “A group of us are going to Glastonbury Festival for the day. Do you fancy coming along, too?” I had been to the festival twice in the early 1980s, watching sets by artists like Elvis Costello and the Style Council. I’d loved it all - the mud, the dodgy burgers from a van, the opportunity to bond with thousands of other young music fans, but now, at the age of 56, I just couldn’t see myself fitting in (even though I still have the same pair of wellies). Almost without thinking, I replied, saying that I would be busy on the day my friend had suggested. It was an instinctive reaction, but as I pressed ‘send’ and watched my reply appear online, I immediately regretted my decision.

This reaction made me think about other times when I have refused to do something, or hesitated to take part in an event, because of my age. I realised that since turning 40 I have begun to censor everything I do, looking at life through an ‘age appropriate’ lens rather than thinking about what I really wanted. It was a sobering thought, but within ten minutes I had come up with a list of things I could do differently in future: mum and dad dancing The jokes about “Dad dancing” have no doubt been responsible for millions of older men making an excuse to visit the loo as soon as the music starts playing at a family wedding.

on the dance floor. From now on, although I may not be the first on the dance floor, I certainly won’t be the last. don’t be an ageconscious shopper Worries about not dressing appropriately for our age can hold us back when choosing what to wear. We opt for ‘safe’ styles that often have the effect of making us feel even older than we are. It may have been different in the Seventies and Eighties, but these days you’ll find a real cross-section of ages browsing through the clothing rails: what’s more shop assistants don’t seem to care that the person entering the fitting rooms isn’t a size 10, aged twenty-something.

We’re all probably a little Short skirts, revealing tops, self-conscious when it comes body-hugging clothing and to dancing, particularly if huge heels will still be out our kids are watching, but My husband and I have for me, but I’m giving myself provided you’re not planning watched Glasto on TV many permission to drop into to moonwalk or point at the times in recent years and some of the more youthful ceiling, Saturday Night Fever we’ve often remarked on the stores I used to shun, just in style, there’s no reason why number of older people we case there’s something that shouldn’t strutoryour stuff see in40 the crowd. To advertise call:you catches my eye. 01928 727 165 email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

you’re never too old for adventure We may be less physically able than we once were, but this doesn’t rule us out from ever enjoying another adventure, whether that’s climbing Machu Picchu or pony trekking in Bridlington. Nowadays we may be more inclined to stay in a hotel than camp out at a music festival, but at least we are still taking part. It’s important that we keep our minds and bodies active, staying open to experiences and interests that enrich us. Next time I receive an invitation from friends to go somewhere unusual, I won’t come up with the kneejerk response of saying (or thinking) “I’m too old for that.”

don’t disappear into the crowd A lot of my older friends complain about feeling invisible, and that’s because they’ve lost confidence. Their body language says “don’t look at me, I’m not worth your attention”, so it’s hardly surprising that people no longer notice them. A long, hard look in the mirror at home showed me that I was beginning to slouch - shoulders rounded, tummy sagging, head down – but when I lifted up my head and straightened my shoulders, I seemed more alert, more engaged with the world and – dare I say it – more youthful. I’ve decided to join a local yoga class that will not only

help me with my posture, but keep my body flexible. As older people we have surely earned our place in society? That means we have every right to enjoy life and express ourselves without fear of an adverse reaction. The truth is that we are often the harshest judges of our own behaviour, setting limits and curtailing our ambitions to avoid the slightest risk of criticism. Teenagers are blissfully unconcerned about the views of their elders, and recently I’ve come to the conclusion that older people should take a leaf out of their book. I’ve decided that even if I live to be 100, nothing can stop me from living my life to the full.

THE DUNHAM ARMS

Restaurant Opening Hours

RESTAURANT, BAR & TAKEAWAY Chester Road, Dunham On The Hill, WA6 0LN

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Services Services include include • • Airport Airport Transfers Transfers • • Corporate Corporate accounts accounts • • Sports Sports fixtures fixtures and and events events • Race days • Same day courier service service

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TOO HOT IN SUMMER? TOO COLD IN WINTER? We can give you your room back all year round!!

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Hobbies

Live like Tish the Fish (Or how to keep your goldfish happy) By Kate McLelland Almost everyone has kept a goldfish at some time in their lives. Whether it was won as a prize at a funfair or bought as a pet, most of us have a memory of watching our fish swim around its new, watery home for the first time. The trouble is, many of us also have a memory of our first fish dying - sometimes within weeks or months of bringing it home. Keeping goldfish is not as easy as it seems, although with proper care and attention some can live for as long as 25 years. A record-breaking goldfish called “Tish”, from North Yorkshire, actually lived for 43 years. With their bright scales, varied colours and graceful moves, goldfish can make delightful pets. If you are thinking of keeping goldfish, here are some useful care tips. too darned hot? Goldfish need to be kept in clean, cool water that mirrors their original habitat of freshwater rivers, ponds and lakes. The temperature should ideally remain between 10° C to 22° C, so a heater should not normally be necessary. It’s important to avoid sudden changes of temperature, Please mention Helsby

especially when adding fresh water that is colder than the water currently in the tank. If you are worried about temperature swings, buy a thermometer. a clean fish is a happy fish Fish from the carp family (to which the goldfish belongs) produce a large amount of waste matter. This means that harmful toxins build up in the water, so buy a filter and make sure that it is regularly cleaned. The chlorine in tap water is dangerous to fish, so leave water to stand for 24 hours or add a dechlorinating product. It’s impossible to tell whether water is healthy by just looking at it, so test the water at least every four weeks with a kit that screens for ammonia and nitrate. give me some space A simple way to calculate the amount of space your goldfish needs in a tank is to allow 2 litres of water per 0.5cm of goldfish length. The RSPCA is very clear that ‘decorative’ tanks, such as goldfish bowls, are not suitable for fish. Round bowls are particularly harmful because surface area is to to Hand the when responding

very small, limiting the amount of oxygen that can enter the water. feed me Make sure you buy the right kind of food for your fish and never feed a goldfish with tropical fish flakes. Goldfish require a plant-based diet, whereas tropical fish need protein. Remove food after five minutes if it remains uneaten, as it will rot and pollute the water. If you are not sure how much to give your fish, start with a small amount, then add a little more if they still appear to be hungry. All these guidelines may make goldfish care seem complicated - particularly if you thought you could just pop your fish into a bowl of tap water and watch it swim around. There may be a certain amount of work involved in keeping goldfish, but you’ll be rewarded by the sight of happy, healthy fish that - like Tish the Yorkshire goldfish - will live to a ripe old age. Your fish may not survive until they are over 40, but with good care they will certainly give you many years of pleasure. 49 adverts

your

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experts

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KEN LEACH JOINERY

Cobwebs Pest Control Problems with rats, mice, wasps, ﬂies or ﬂeas?

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Home & Interiors Declutter for the New Year holding onto things that you really need and/or love.

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? 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 super-stylish in time for 2017.

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 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.

By Katherine Sorrell 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. 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…

There are a few rules of storage that might be helpful. First, store like with like and • Make it a family competition match the size and shape of with prizes. Who will be the First, grab some rubbish the container to what’s being fastest to find three things to bags and a few boxes or kept inside (in other words, throw away, three things to baskets. Work methodically find small, lidded boxes for give away and three things through each room and sort things like Lego and big to tidy away? out obvious rubbish, things squishy baskets for teddy • If what you need is some that can go to a local charity bears). Store as much as emergency decluttering, shop, items that could be sold possible near to where it’s pop everything into a big second-hand, anything that most needed, but don’t store box and hide it somewhere needs mending, little-used frequently used items below until you have time to go things that can be put away knee level or above shoulder through it properly. in the garage or loft, and height, especially if they’re genuinely great stuff that you heavy. Avoid storing things Main image: Mazeballs bed, want to keep. Try to get rid on surfaces such as tables £625, loaf: 0845 468 0698; of as much only call: or 01928 desks, and yourself www.loaf.com To advertise 727 allow 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 54 as possible,

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KINGSLEY INTERIORS IS A RECOMMENDED

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FAIRVIEW WE ARE OFFICIALLY ‘A’ RATED

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Great people to buy your Windows & Conservatories from!

f you’re thinking about brightening up your home with new windows or extending and increasing the value of your property by adding a conservatory, our new guide ‘The Seven Costly and Potentially Disastrous Mistakes People Make When Buying Conservatories and Windows’ will help you ensure you get exactly what you pay for.

Is this what’s on your mind? After installing 92,500 double glazed units and 3,814 conservatories David says he knows what’s on your mind when you’re considering buying windows and conservatories. 1. You don’t want to be pressured into buying – so we don’t employ those high pressure salespeople that double glazing companies have become infamous for. Instead, our designers will work with you, at your own pace and help you to maximise your budget and have complete peace of mind. 2. You worry about the safety of your money – so we don’t ask for big up front payments. As a long established, financially stable company, we’re not desperate to get our hands on your money.

Window and door designs to capture your imagination

3. You’re concerned about the mess that might be caused – so we employ a ‘tidy up system’ and we clean as we go, window by window, day by day. 4. You don’t want to be let down by missed start or completion dates – so we employ one of the industries top installation managers to manage our ten highly experienced fitting teams, some of whom have now been with us for over thirteen years. 5. And of course you want a fair price – our quotations speak for themselves… see for yourself by phoning for a free quotation or visiting our showroom for a no hassle browse.

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And Another Thing... Tom’s New Year Resolution by Tom Hughes @groomsdaybook

January - a new beginning, a new start. Sarah, my Dearly Beloved, plonked a cup of green tea in front of me and announced: “Tom I have decided that 2017 is the year of change. I have new dreams for this family. But before I go on, I want to hear all about your New Year’s resolutions.” Replacing my copy of Diesel Injectors for Dummies on the coffee table, my thoughts turned for the first time to the impending twelve months. “Well for starters, I am determined to avenge Nigel for his 4-0 whitewash on the pool table in the bar of the Old Paraffin Lamp. But of course that means more practice, so...”

“Welcome to Whitefield Gardens, your new Johnson Ian Home. What on earth is this?” “Come on, grab your coat - we’re going house hunting.” Weaving the Mondeo around the exposed ironworks of an unadopted road, I eased my chariot into the visitor’s car park. Slaloming through a strange wrought iron maze, Sarah guided me into an office adjoining a newly constructed house. “This is the show home, Tom, isn’t it lovely?” “The architect hasn’t half gone to town on the study hasn’t he? I could fit three desks in here.” A middle aged lady wearing an azure blue suit, sporting Shirley Temple curls and a face the colour of burnt ochre rose from behind her desk and announced, “Sir, this isn’t an office, this is the garage.”

Mondeo through the double glazing, I followed Shirley Temple and Sarah through a white door into a white kitchen. I was about to step onto the shiny marble floor when our host span round and, holding up two blue plastic bags, requested that we put them on so as not to bring in any dirt into the show home. I dutifully complied and followed the two ladies towards the beautiful surroundings. As Sarah engaged Miss Temple in a conversation about light fittings, I decided to chip in with my twopenn’orth. “So how much is this pad anyway?” The two ladies turned to face me. Shirley Temple smirked, Sarah was appalled. “Tom, those blue covers are not for your head - take it off!”

Apparently, my punishing training schedule on the threadbare green baize in the “Oh right, I wondered why I bar of our local was not the had two anyway.” kind of resolution Sarah had “No, not on your hands, on in mind. A glossy tome was your feet!” unceremoniously plonked Wondering how easy it Suitably protected, I popped be727 to smash into my To advertise call:would 01928 165 orthe email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 62lap.

my head into a cupboard under the stairs. “Someone’s left a toilet in here.” A stony-faced Miss Temple corrected me. “That’s the downstairs cloakroom, sir. And through here is the lounge.” I followed Sarah into a modern-day front parlour where I nestled into the soft furnishings. “This armchair is very generous, I bet with a squeeze we could both fit on here.” “Tom, that’s the sofa. By the way I love the wallpaper.” Shirley Temple beamed. “Thank you! We’ve had the whole house dressed by our interiors team.” “When are they going to

finish it off? What about the rest of it?” “Tom - that is called a feature wall.” Suitably chastised we adjourned upstairs to a collection of pokey rooms, most of which seemed to contain toilets. “Look Sarah, there’s another loo in here!” “Tom, they are en-suites. I just love the way they’ve designed it all.” “Bit cramped though isn’t it? Imagine shoehorning all our stuff into here?” “Well that’s the whole point, isn’t it dear - we are going to have to declutter!” Miss Temple, irked at my candid remarks, through the most insincere of smiles said,

“Maybe, sir, our Heritage Range of homes has not been aimed at people...like you.” “Then who have they been aimed at? Lilliputians with weak bladders?” On the way home (conducted mainly in silence), I detoured to our local DIY store in an effort to repair marital relations, where I allowed myself to be frogmarched into the home interiors section and vigorously schooled on the benefits of the ‘feature wall’. And that, dear reader, is the story of how your narrator became the owner of a) one wallpaper table, and b) one rather unwelcome New Year’s resolution…

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WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

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Ltd Ltd

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0800 191 0490 / 07747 087 156 Regus House, Herons Way, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QR www.jnfroofing.co.uk Email: jnfroofing@yahoo.com Specialising in all aspects of rooﬁng including: New roofs - Rubber flat roofs - Wall coatings - Fascias - Guttering - Repairs

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Finance

Interest Rates Are Low, So What Are Your Best Options For Saving? By Ann Haldon are a few of the different accounts available at the time of writing. Bank current accounts

With interest rates set to remain low for a while, it’s worth considering what you could do with the spare cash you might now have. It’s always a good idea to pay off your debts first, but there is also some benefit to starting a small nest-egg. From April 2016 everyone has a Personal Savings Allowance, which means that many people won’t need to pay tax on their savings (subject to a maximum limit). This makes the Individual Savings Account (ISA), although still a good choice, perhaps no longer the automatic first choice for savers. This broadening of your options means you could switch your current account to benefit from the credit interest offered by a different bank, or perhaps opt for a fixed-term ISA that removes the temptation to spend.

It’s not something that we are used to, but currently some banks are offering high credit interest rates on their current accounts. Most of these deals only last for a year, however, and are used to attract new customers, but many also offer cash back or a monetary incentive. • Nationwide offers 5% AER fixed on their FlexDirect account for balances up to £2,500. This rate lasts for one year only and then drops to 1%, so you’ll need to be prepared to swap again if you want to get a higher rate after this. To be eligible for the account you have to pay in at least £1,000 per month.

regular savings accounts As the name suggests, these accounts require a regular payment in order to benefit from the higher interest rates. They are often linked to a current account with the same bank, in which a minimum balance needs to be held, so this could affect your eligibility if you’re not able to maintain this balance. Again, some high interest rates are only available for a year as the banks use them as ‘loss leaders,’ assuming their new customer won’t be inclined to move once the rate falls. • First Direct offers 5% AER for one year, to customers holding a First Direct 1st Account. You’re allowed to save between £25 and £300 per month, but if you miss one deposit your savings account will close and the balance will be placed into a low-interest account. • The HSBC Regular Saver is available to current account customers (Advance Account or Premier Account). It offers a credit interest rate of 5% AER on savings up to £3,000 per year, but if you miss a payment your money is put into an account with low interest.

• Tesco Bank pay 3% variable AER on balances up to £3,000. There is no minimum pay-in amount with this account, and you get cash isa Clubcard points when you Once the obvious choice to spend using your debit card. maximise your savings, a cash Bear in mind that this rate is ISA can be a good place to With each bank applying their variable, however. start your nest-egg if you don’t own rules here To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 70 for eligibility,

want to switch bank accounts or save a regular amount each month. In the 2016/17 tax year the ISA limit is £15,240, and you have a choice between a variable and fixed rate account. • The Coventry Building Society Easy Access ISA offers a rate of 1.1% AER. There is no limit on the number of withdrawals, and you can replace money that you’ve taken out in a tax year without it becoming part of the ISA limit. • Paragon Bank’s three-year fixed term ISA pays 1.5% AER at the time of writing, with a minimum of £500 being required. Although you can access your money in a fixed term ISA if you need to, the banks make hefty charges for doing so.

Fixed-rate accounts If you want to guarantee your rate of interest and are sure you won’t need the money for some time, a fixed-rate account could be a good option. You need to factor in the likelihood of rates rising again in the future, however, and try to determine the best length of time to lock your money away, otherwise you might lose out if the interest rate goes above that of your account.

offering 1.2% AER. You can open it online with a minimum deposit of £2,000. Savings accounts offer a guaranteed return on your money, which can grow surprisingly quickly, especially if the interest is applied monthly. Having some cash to one side gives you a degree of control to deal with unexpected life events such as redundancy, or simply the reassurance that you have a ‘cushion’ to fall back on.

• Atom Bank offers 1.4% AER for a one-year term, but you must open the account with their Android or iOS app, which won’t appeal to everybody. You can deposit between £50 and £100,000, and the interest is applied either monthly or annually.

http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/banking/compare-bestbank-accounts#interest

• Tesco Bank has a fixed-rate account over three years,

http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/savings/fixed-rate-savings

http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/savings/best-regularsavings-accounts#bb http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/savings/best-cashisa#manipulate

Contact us: Paul D Clarke FPC, Unit 18 Barrowmore Enterprise Estate, Barnhouse Lane, Great Barrow, Chester, CH3 7JS Email: pauldclarkefpc@talktalk.net

Openwork Limited offers insurance and investment advice on products from a limited number of product providers and advice on mortgages representative of the whole market.

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P.TURNER ROOFING LOCAL ROOFER WITH 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE

CB Tiling A specialist in Natural Stone, Porcelain and Ceramic Tiling along with Wooden, Engineered and Laminate Flooring.

NEW ROOFS AND REPAIRS FLAT ROOFS, INSURANCE WORK CHIMNEY STACKS REBUILT OR REPAIRED FASCIAâ€™S, SOFFITS AND GUTTERS REPLACED ALL AT COMPETITIVE RATES FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL PAUL ON: 07734543719

All Natural Stone, Porcelain & Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles: Travertine Marble Slate Limestone Percelain Ceramic Re-grout and Cleaning Service Available

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BB Construction BRICKWORK SPECIALIST

4 Repaired o 4 Rebuilt o 4 Repointed o NO JOB TOO SMALL

Many of you already know Paul Hughes of

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I come to you … I measure ...I fit!

who until a few years ago worked for a well know national blinds company. Paul saw an opening to provide customers with a wide range of British made quality blinds at realistic competitive prices with a personal belief in a ‘top notch’ customer service.

For a free no pressure quote call Paul on

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Local family run business -

Hard working, reliable, friendly team with over 39 years service in the British forces

Tree felling Dismantling & rigging Crown reduction Crown thinning Crown lifting Dead wooding Stump grinding Hedge cutting Site or garden clearance Emergency tree work Protected tree applications • Supply of quality seasoned logs at competitive prices. • Free local timed deliveries. • Bulk order discount. • Delivered in manageable dumpy bags 45cmx45cmx60cm

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via Website: www.frodshamtreesolutions.com 75 Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

Your Local Private Hire Company Serving the community with a professional and reliable service. Seats 1-‐8 people • • Airport Transfers • Race Days / Nights out • Corporate Accounts Fully Licensed, CRB checked, and insured. Pre-‐bookings only

Email: Peter@kingsleytravel.co.uk www.kingsleytravel.co.uk

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M PA N Y

SOLID FUEL PRICES WINTER 2016/17

HOUSECOAL - suitable for open fires BRITISH DOUBLES • Value fuel 1 x 20kg £7.00 • High heat 10 x 20kg £65.00 • Medium ash ½ tonne £152.50

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Gardening Fighting the Frosts

by Pippa Greenwood put on a bit of new growth. So, there’s definitely a very good reason to brace yourself, get out into the garden and take some precautions.

looking rather nice! If very harsh weather is forecast or there has been a spell of mild weather which may have promoted some soft, new growth that will be particularly frost prone, drape a double layer of horticultural fleece over the top growth of the plants and anchor it well. If you want to make life a lot easier then invest in some Easy Fleece Jackets: they come in three sizes and each one has a draw-string and toggle so that you can easily insert the plant and then secure it. You can find out more on my website www.pippagreenwood.com/ products/protect-your-crops.

Plants in containers are particularly vulnerable to freezing or frosting as their roots are not protected beneath the soil, but are relatively exposed with just the container and a bit of compost to cover them. Thinwalled containers pose the greatest threat, especially A double fleece layer can of those made of metal. The frosts are here, and in course be used on plants in Thicker wood or ceramic the weeks ahead the worst beds and borders too, or to pots provide a little extra of the winter is likely to arrive protect slightly tender wall insulation, but even these too. Added to that there shrubs. Larger individual may need a bit more. Where is often a fair bit of rain or plants in borders, which are possible, plunge your pots even snow at this time of too big for even the large by digging a hole in the soil year, so our gardens can fleece jackets, can be given and placing the plant in its be in for quite a battering. longer term protection with a pot into the hole. If it is too Now most of the plants you home-made protective ‘cage’. heavy to move then wrap grow in your garden are Just use four stakes or sturdy it up well in several layers probably fairly frost-resistant, canes to create a framework of bubble wrap, polythene but what can you do to which you wrap with netting or old curtains – it may not ensure that damage to those or chicken wire, then fill the look pretty but it’ll do the which are not so hardy is central space around the job. If the container is in a kept to a minimum? Some plant with dry bracken, straw very prominent position and deterioration may already or leaves. you want it to look more have occurred, but it is the Evergreens in containers appealing, buy some hessian last frosts and those which hit and in open ground may and use lengths of this to the plants in spring that are suffer from drought as well likely to be most damaging, create an outermost layer to as foliage or stem growth as they catch plants out hide the insulation material To advertise call: 727 165 or up email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com – during the cold weather 78 have already when they – it01928 can actually end

they continue to need a fair amount of water and if this is frozen solid in the soil, they soon suffer. So it is essential to continue to water these, especially if they are in a spot where they are sheltered from a lot of the rain which does fall, or if the weather has been dry. A deep mulch applied to the soil or compost surface before the ground becomes frosted will help too. Once frozen, soil moisture becomes unavailable, so this mulch will help to keep the water available. Although most fruit trees - like apples and pears, cherries and plums - are hardy, they are also prone to damage. The main risk is to newly-opened blossom, though the buds themselves may be damaged too, with

late frosts being the most harmful as by then the buds are further developed. If you are planting new fruit plants, it really pays to buy them from a specialist nursery and try to get late-flowering varieties where possible, as they are less likely to be flowering when there is still a risk of frost. Finally, don’t forget to use fleece to cover any seeds already sown out of doors. A double layer of well-anchored fleece or a fleece-covered pull-out EasyTunnel is quick and easy to install, and will help to provide protection and that bit of extra warmth for germinating seeds and any seedlings brave (or foolhardy) enough to poke their heads above ground before the cold weather is

over! If you are planning on sowing any early varieties of crops such as broad beans or lettuce, then I’d also suggest that you cover the soil before you sow. A layer of well-anchored polythene will keep off excess rain and allow a little warmth to build up, so when you sow the seeds they won’t suffer from excess sogginess and won’t get such a cold shock. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and book Pippa for a gardening talk or peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items, including pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, fleece jackets for plants, pull-out EasyTunnels, ‘Grow Your Visit Pippa’s website: Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher cards, signed www.pippagreenwood.com books and lots more besides.

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

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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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FP S

No job too small!

•

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www.frodshamplasteringservices.co.uk Based in Frodsham 14 Church Street WA6 6QL

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ANTIQUES BOUGHT AND SOLD £15 SCRAP METAL COLLECTION (local)

Call Ben Hirst Today... Tel: 01928 734051 Mob: 07701 065770 Frodsham, Cheshire

Review Of The Year 2016 1. After winning their first ever Olympic medal in 2016, which country's prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, announced they would no longer be progressing plans to change the country’s flag and that the union jack would stay part of it? 2. On March 1st, screenwriter Tony Warren died at the age of 79. Which longrunning TV show did he create? 3. Which three members of the Spice Girls reunited in 2016 and launched a new website called "The Spice Girls Gem"? 4. After a 12 year absence, which TV show returned in 2016 and was won by Apollo? 5. Words such as wondercrump, snozzwanger and scrumdiddlyumptious were included in a new dictionary that was compiled to mark the centenary of which author's birth? 6. Who was in the news in March 2016 for her use of meldonium? 7. In football, which Englishman refereed the final of Euro 2016? 8. Which country won the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest with a controversial song about Joseph Stalin's deportation of the Tatar people from Crimea in 1944? 9. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie separated in September 2016, with which one of the two filing for divorce? 10. In the week following the death of David Bowie, which five of his hit singles reentered the UK top 40 singles chart?

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

FRODSHAM CHIROPODY / PODIATRY CLINIC 103a Main Street, Frodsham, WA6 7AB

Tel: 01928 733 300

email: info@frodshamchiropodyclinic.com Opening hours: Mon 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-5pm, alternate Sat 9am-1pm

Colin Burgess BSc (Hons) MChs HCPC Registered Podiatrist Treatments include: Nails Corns Callus / hard skin Nail Surgery Nail Reconstruction Orthotic Therapy Routine appointments from ÂŁ25 and home visits available

All Aspects Of Your Family Footcare Provided.

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LPW PLUMBING SERVICES Your Local Emergency Plumber • 24 HOUR PLUMBING • ALL GENERAL PLUMBING REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN • PLUMBING MAINTENANCE • ALL BLOCKAGES • BATHROOMDESIGN&INSTALLATION • ALL WORK FULLY INSURED WIAPS - Water Industry Approved Plumbing Scheme Call Lawrence on:

07738 462315

01928 898375 (After 6pm) www.lpwplumbingservices.co.uk info@lpwplumbingservices.co.uk

Just What Does It Take for Us to Realise? Recently, a lorry driver was convicted of causing the deaths of three children and an adult due to his use of a mobile phone when driving. After the verdict, the police issued a video of the parents urging drivers to stop using their phones whilst driving. It makes harrowing viewing, particularly the images of the impact and the crushed cars. I am sure we’ve all seen bunches of flowers or even cemetery-style ornate planters placed on the roadside. Whatever form they take, each has been left there by someone to mark the site of a loved one’s accident and, most probably, death on the road. Irrespective of our opinion of them, they serve as a warning that we should take extra care.

Over 7,000 copies delivered EVERY month! Call today 01928 727165. But still the accidents happen: on the same roads and usually by us breaking the same driving laws. I wonder what it will take to get into our thick heads the destructive power involved in traffic accidents and their impact on the human body. For us to slow down, to stop drinking and to stop texting. Not long ago I rounded a slight bend on a road I know well to see an engine on the left verge and the twisted remains of the car it was from on the right. The accident had been dealt with, but what I saw left me thinking “Someone must have died there”. Perhaps that mangled wreckage should be left there as a sharp reminder of what happens when you fail to heed the rules of the road. If it saves just one life it would have served its purpose. By Iain Betson

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

NORTHWICH SHOWROOM

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VISIT OUR 2 SHOWROOMS ELECTRICAL WHOLESALE SUPPLIES (NORTHWICH) UNIT 3, BLOCK 3 RIVERSIDE TRAD ESTATE, NAVIGATION ROAD, NORTHWICH CHESHIRE CW8 1BE

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www.electricalwholesalesupplies.co.uk 01606 781811 (Northwich) Authorised Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts 2016 Stockist 01352 733200 (Flint)83

Squash & Spinach Lasagne Serves 4

Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes

If you fancy a meat-free supper this week then try this delicious filling vegetarian lasagne. Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.

Preheat the oven to 200C, Fan 180C, Gas Mark 6. Place the diced butternut squash, onion, garlic and oregano in a large roasting tin and drizzle over 2 tbsp of the olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss to mix. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the squash is very tender. Cool for 10 minutes.

Ingredients: • 1 butternut squash, peeled and flesh diced • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

Transfer everything from the roasting tin (including any pan juices) to a food processor and process until smooth, adding a little hot water if needed to give the mixture a spreadable consistency.

• 1 tsp dried oregano • 3 tbsp olive oil

Steam the spinach for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Place the lasagne sheets in a large shallow heatproof dish and cover with boiling water. Leave for 3-4 minutes to soften then lift out of the water and drain on kitchen paper. Mix together the ricotta and cottage cheeses in a bowl along with half the mozzarella cheese.

• 200g baby spinach leaves • 250g pack fresh egg lasagne sheets • 250g ricotta cheese • 300g cottage cheese

Spread a third of the squash mixture in the base of a square medium-sized ovenproof dish. Top with a layer of wilted spinach followed by a layer of the cheese mixture and a layer of lasagne sheets, cutting them to fit if necessary.

• 150g ready-grated mozzarella cheese • 25g pine nuts • Green salad, to serve

Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with lasagne sheets and a thin layer of the remaining cheese mixture. Scatter over the rest of the Instead of the spinach you mozzarella cheese and the pine nuts, and drizzle could use lightly fried slices of over the rest of the olive oil. Bake for 25-30 courgette or sliced beefsteak minutes until the cheese topping is golden and tomatoes. To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com bubbling. Serve with green salad. 84

TIP

Digital Aerials supplied and tted Aerial repairs Multi - room installations Aerial repairs Satellite TV links Multi room installations Moving home installations Digital SatelliteRepairs TV links No call out charge Moving home installations ree quotations FDigital Repairs No call out charge Free quotations

Call Martin:

01928 589766 or 07917 724475

18265857

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Motoring

By James Baggott

Ferrari California T Handling Speciale and you lose all rear legroom – which means even carrying a five-year-old requires the front seat passengers to perform some gymnastics for the journey. The boot is pretty cramped too. If you don’t want to use the roof, you get a little more space, but if you do then you’ll be restricted to two small bags at best. Weekly shopper, this isn’t.

Meet the California T HS – the tweaked version of the manufacturer’s folding hard-top family Ferrari. With two seats in the back for small children and a V8 turbo-charged lump up front, this is the convertible Italian supercar for those that need to carry more than one significant other. New for the Handling Speciale model are some stiffer springs, louder exhaust and some ever-sosubtle design tweaks – for which you’ll be charged £5,568 to add to an ever-expanding list of options.

to drive. Even with the louder exhaust system on this HS model, on the road we found it just a little too quiet. In fact, we found the California lacked a lot of the excitement you’d expect to find in a Ferrari – despite its impressive performance credentials it just didn’t feel as involving as we’d hoped. That said, it was certainly a comfortable companion over distance and never failed to draw a crowd whenever we parked it up. The quality of its build is without question too – perfectly demonstrated with a wonderfully dramatic roof mechanism.

Behind the wheeL For long distance motorway journeys, the California T HS is a comfortable companion. The 552bhp turbo-charged V8 has impressive breadth to its power delivery and although the feeling of acceleration is somewhat numbed in the cabin, it can hit 60mph in just 3.6 seconds. Sadly, the turbo engine loses some of the charms of a normally aspirated unit – it may offer improved performance, but lacks some of the aural pleasure you expect from a Ferrari.

Those stiffer springs and louder exhaust come into play when you select the ‘Sport’ setting on the Manettino switch on the Looks and image steering wheel. Hit the bumpy The California is aimed at road button on the steering a certain type of buyer and wheel too, and you’ll be space and practicaLity as such it has the ability to rewarded with a compliant ride OK, so a Ferrari isn’t going to disappoint behind the wheel, that’s just about perfect for our win any accessibility awards unless you drive it in context. rutted roads. A parking camera like a Citroen Berlingo might, This is a GT car designed for makes backing the Ferrari comfort, looks and kerb appeal however this is a sports car into spaces a pretty simple and comes with sports car above driving entertainment, compromises. Put the front affair and despite its sports car unlike its thoroughbred 488 seats back to anything less credentials the visibility isn’t too stablemate. That means it’s than a knee crushing more comfortable than exciting call: bad either. To advertise 01928 727 165 or position email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 86

VaLue for money The California T Handling Speciale costs £155,244 – pitching it against the Audi R8 Spyder and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. But that base price soon increases once you start ticking some options boxes. Two tone exterior (£4,320), carbon fibre dash inserts (£3,744), Scuderia Ferrari side shields (£1,056) and front and rear parking cameras (£4,032) are just a few of the options that can soon add up. In fact, our test car had no less than 29 options added – including titanium wheel bolts at £1,810 – which pushed the purchase price up to a staggering £215,011. That’s a whopping £59,767 on extras. One well worth adding, though, is Apple CarPlay (£2,400) which makes the infotainment system far more usable.

Ferrari’s standard system isn’t a match for the likes of Audi or Porsche, so the addition of Apple’s integrated software is well worth selecting. who wouLd Buy one? California buyers are family men or women who need the occasional flexibility of carrying more than one passenger. OK, so that might mean compromising on space for everyone, but at least the option is there should they need it. Verdict It’s hard not to be a little disappointed by the driving thrills the California fails to serve up, though what that’s down to is difficult to pinpoint. The turbo-charged engine isn’t as evocative as it could be: the sound certainly lacks the excitement of a Ferrari, that’s

for sure. It’s not as emotive to drive either – more functional long-distance GT than out and out sports car. However, for families that need flexible space, want the style of a convertible but with the added refinement of a folding hard top, and for whom anything less than a Ferrari badge simply won’t do, the California will hit the spot. Throw in the fact the Handling Speciale pack looks like a bargain when compared to the other options on the list and buyers would be simply foolish not to opt for the HS option when signing the order form.

DAVID EDWARDS (Established 1981)

GARDEN & GROUND MAINTENANCE Grass Cutting

Mini JCB for Hire

Fully Insured

Hedge Cutting Regular Maintenance 1 Off Tidy Up Tree Pruning Gutters Cleared Power Washing

01244 301696 / 07971 359867 WOOD FARM, WIMBOLDS TRAFFORD, CH2 4JP

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Why It’s Important To Socialise Your Puppy Socialising your puppy is important to its general development, and encourages a calm, confident and friendly personality that’s accepting of change and new situations. It also makes life with a dog easier for you, and helps with general training. Vary the activities You’ll retain your puppy’s interest by introducing plenty of variety, such as meeting new people and other animals in different environments, but take care not to overload their nervous system. Keep hold of your puppy at first when you meet new people, letting them gently approach your dog with a small treat. This will make it a constructive experience for the dog, and they’ll retain positive associations. a few activities to try It’s also worth remembering that until your puppy has its first vaccination, you may

QUICK CROSSWORD Across

PETS

need to avoid certain situations, but here are a few suggestions for places to go and people to meet once it is safe: • Busy, noisy streets as well as quiet countryside areas. • Young and older children (under close supervision). • Paddling in the sea. • Meeting a variety of dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. • People on motorbikes, cycles and skateboards. The noise of household appliances can scare a young puppy, so it’s a good idea to expose them to the vacuum cleaner and washing machine very carefully, in short stages. Dog training classes are a great way to meet different dogs, and also provide a good support network for you. http://blog.petplan.co.uk/01/2016/advice/dogtraining-socialising-puppy-puppies-with-peopleother-animals-canines/

By Ann Haldon

7 Long sea journey (6) 8 Muscle used for swallowing (6) 9 Type of fruit (4)

10 Killed (8)

11 Holiday destination (7) 13

Hold tight (5)

15 Type of bread (5)

19 20

17 Two-wheeled transport (7) 20 Point out (8) 21

Close (4)

22 Poisonous snakes (6) 23 Assault (6) Down 1 Compliant (6) 2 Foundation (4)

3 Relies upon (7)

14 Broad minded (7)

4 Speak (5)

16 Female relative (6)

5 Yearly (8)

18 Set in motion (6)

6 Purchasers (6)

19 Lightweight wood (5)

12 Sample (8)

21 Badger's den (4)

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Laurence Jones Covering all local areas, and just minutes from all addresses * Independent family run firm, priding ourselves on attention to detail, and personal service. * Professional, Dignified Funeral Services at Reasonable Prices * Beautiful, tranquil funeral home with private chapels of rest and free parking * Religious or Non - Religious services arranged * Home visits always available

Cresswell House Funeral Home, Ince Lane, Elton, CH2 4LU For help or advice, please telephone

01928 72 63 64

www.funeraldirectorscheshire.co.uk

Please send me more information about Prepaid Funeral Plans Name ................................................. Address ................................................. ................................................. .................................................

Telephone No ........................................

any time day or night

ÂŁ50.00 Donation Made to the Church or charity of your choice, with every prepaid plan purchased through requesting information from this advert. Simply fill in the form and post to the address above or call 01928 726364

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A Fresh Start The start of a new year is often the time when we take a critical look at our lives and think about making some changes. Whether you want to take up a new hobby or start your own business, this month’s books are for you… the Life-changing magic of tidying: a simple, effective way to Banish clutter forever – marie kondo If you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of ‘stuff’, this book might help. Kondo encourages us to only keep those possessions that ‘spark joy’. There is some waffle in places, but stick with it. There are some great tips and tricks. Most importantly, Kondo helps the reader to think about the emotions connected to items, and the kind of life they could have if they lived in a simpler, less cluttered space.

this genre, it’s also actually enjoyable to read. the girl in the garden – melanie wallace A single teenage mum, a grieving widow, a photographer, a recluse, a man trying to do what’s right. Characters with very different outlooks and lives, but their stories are all entwined. And their flaws, hopes and buried dreams are all too identifiable. They all need to allow themselves to heal and trust if they’re to take those first tentative steps towards a better life.

dress. Aimed at all abilities, this could well prove to be indispensable for new and experienced sewers alike. Bloom: navigating Life and style – estée Lalonde Beauty and lifestyle vlogger Lalonde has gained a legion of fans, and much critical acclaim, for her daily musings on style, beauty, food and life in general. In Bloom, Lalonde talks about the highs and lows of her life, including overcoming depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. A beautifully designed book for dipping in and out of when you need a bit of inspiration.

the idea in you: how to find the great British sewing it, Build it, and change your Bee: from stitch to style making it up as i go along Life – martin amor and alex – wendy gardiner – marian keyes pellew Those looking to indulge their In this collection of essays, If you’re fed up with the daily creative side in 2017 could Keyes gives us a hilarious grind and thinking of starting find plenty to tempt them insight into her daily life and your own business, this book here. The companion book to thoughts. While it’s laugh-aloud could give you the kick start the fourth series of the BBC2 you need. It’s packed with show The Great British Sewing funny, there’s also a good dose of reflection. Keyes isn’t afraid advice and encouragement Bee, the book offers advice to poke fun at herself and for turning ‘your daydream on everything from choosing reveal her own vulnerability. into dynamite’. There are case fabric to altering designs. By doing so, she reminds us studies, exercises, and useful There are also more than 25 that often we’re our own worst resources, along with plenty patterns included with the critics and sometimes we need of practical information. And, book, with projects ranging to just go easy on ourselves. unlike in call: from a Babygro cocktail advertise 01928 727 165tooraemail: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 90many otherTobooks

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Pop the kettle on....

AB R W L E You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

Pictograms 4 words

3 letters: 14 4 letters: 13 5 letters: 3 6 letters: 1

A.M.

Sudoko Easy

Hard

2 words

COM PANY 2 words FETA Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic you donâ€™t have to guess!

CODEWORD

Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

26 19

3 5

3 20

24 26 2 14

21 8

26 21

14 2

4 2

6 2

11 9

3 25

17 5

25 19

22 23

21 10

17 7

10 26

25 16

17 10

19 25

17 3

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

Cryptic Crossword 1

10 11

13 14

16 17 20

Across 1 Grey letters on small sign (6) 4 A river occupant is rude! (8) 9 Curt sort of brat bearing up (6) 10 Champion more vulgar about South Africa (8) 12 A horde is directed past Zimbabwe (8) 13 Bananas are inside like curry (6) 15 /HJ EURNHQ QHDU ¿UVW YDOOH\

16 Soft pillow’s initially likely (7) 20 Medical treatment, it’s said (7) 21 An eyepiece from Ireland isn’t complete (4) 25 Seafood swindle one investigates (6) 26 Renovated local’s so very big! (8) 28 Sect insiders still over the moon (8) 29 Sides ordered to start or stop (6) 30 Bent porter opening entrance (8) 31 Unorthodox ads get put on (6)

Down 1 Finery pleased teases (4,4) 2 A person going into a dorm oddly deserted (8) 3 Relative to write about cut (6) 5 Emperor not really embracing the Queen (4) 6 A barrier to cables dealt with (8) 7 Take a side and rue change (6) 8 Rubbish about Thor’s second hammer (6) 11 Lost rings – some simply turned up (7) 14 Animal ascending to Arthur’s place (7) 17 Hit-and-run is very careless (8) 18 Greedy wingback, roughly speaking (8) 19 Remote ladies to put straight (8) 22 6OXPEHULQJ VQDNH JLYHQ ¿VK EDFN

23 Unusual apron’s for a clergyman (6) 24 The son used to be sincere (6) 27 6KRUW ¿E DERXW D ODUJH FDW

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(N.B Full page Community Event adverts do incur a charge)

For all race information including road closures: http://www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk/halfmarathon/index.htm Community Events kindly sponsored by YOUR

MOVE Andrew Hayes

Make your move with Frodshamâ€™s local property experts Call 01928 739777 for a FREE valuation

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

FRODSHAM PANTO GROUP ARE TO PRESENT AN AMATEUR PRODUCTION OF

Helsby and District Caledonian Society BURNS’ NIGHT SUPPER Monday 23rd January 2017 Helsby Community Centre 7.00pm for 7.30pm

AUTHOR : LORRAINE MASON

( BY ARRANGEMENT WITH LAZY BEE SCRIPTS )

3 Course Meal with coffee / tea £16.50

at FRODSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

SUNDAY, 08TH TO SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY,2017 BOOKING FORMS AVAILABLE FROM FRODSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE, www.FRODSHAMPANTO.ORG.UK OR TILLY PATEL on 07971 606 409

Piping in the Haggis and all the traditional toasts - followed by Scottish Dancing VISITORS WELCOME Contact: 01352 754102 / 07732 797814 / 01928 722554 by January 15th

Alzheimer’s Training and Dementia Family Workshop This free session will provide people with the awareness and information about and on people improving of life for This dementia free session willfocus provide with the the inclusion awarenessand and quality information people with dementia. about dementia and focus on improving the inclusion and quality of life for people with dementia. The workshop will also include an Introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and Other Dementias; Activities Techniques to The workshop will also include to an Encourage Introduction toEngagement; Alzheimer’s disease and Manage Behaviour and the skills, knowledge and tools to support people to Other Dementias; Activities to Encourage Engagement; Techniques to help individuals, with dementia, to live well in the community. Manage Behaviour and the skills, knowledge and tools to support people to help individuals, with dementia, to live well in the community.

Date Thursday 26th January 2017

Venue Home Instead, Office 5, Fraser House, Bridge Lane, Frodsham, WA6 7HD (opposite Chinese Delight Restaurant)

Time 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Refreshments will be provided.

Limited spaces available - if you would like to book a place, or have any further questions, please call Eula on 01928 733020 / 07825913168

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Front: Zoe Sherlock, Matthew Betteridge, Eleanor Goodridge. Back: Andrea Jones, David Snow, Ali Wheeler and Joe Youds.

Kingsley Players back on stage with fantasy musical ‘A Mouse’s Tale’ The musical tells the story of a remarkable country mouse called Timothy (Matthew Betteridge). He has an amazing IQ and spends all his days reading and learning which makes him very unpopular with the other mice. Forced to leave his country community, he heads for the city and invents an ingenious Early Warning Device to save his new friends from the evil cat Claudia (Catrin Jones). Moneygrabbing entrepreneurs Charles (Jake Powell) and Amandapie (Ali Wheeler) spot the potential of this brilliant invention, set up the ‘Catastrophic Corporation’ and go into mass production. But can undercover reporter Rebecca Rat (Sue Elliott) expose their ruthless exploitation of the worker mice? A Mouse’s Tale will play for ﬁve performances at Kingsley Community Centre, Wednesday 25th – Saturday 28th January, 2017, including a Saturday matinee. Tickets cost £7/£8, with £5 concessions available on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinee. Book in advance through the website www.kingsleyplayers.co.uk or by ringing the box ofﬁce on 07724 892154.

Chase away the winter blues It’s a

Ceilidh With

Flaxmere Ceilidh Band Saturday 28th January 2017 Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin lane, Frodsham WA6 7QN

7.30 - 11.30pm Scottish Supper. £15.00 per person (Under 12s £7.00) Tickets available at: The Centre Telephone : 01928 732222 Email: events@frodcomm.org.uk Online : centre.frodcomm.org.uk & Dandelion Gifts, Church Street.

Please note:ToCommunity events deadline isor 15th January for the February edition advertise call: 01928 727 165 email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com 96

Puzzle Solutions Cryptic Crossword G L A D R A G S

E M A B R O H O N L E D

I N E U P H D E W N S C L A M P D T A S C H

A P S C A R L E C S O E P E N

I N E C R O A C I A M M E L C O T C

M S I S P L A A I D I L T I O A N T

S O B U S T M A C B L E D H L O N D E S S T

L E N A D U D R E E G I R A S S P S I N A G

Sudoku

Easy

N T H E R A A S H I I S O A L A S T E E D

Word Ladder

Review Of The Year 1. Fiji’s 2. Coronation Street 3. Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Mel B (“Gem standing for the first letters of their first names”) 4. Robot Wars 5. Roald Dahl’s 6. Maria Sharapova (after failing a drugs test) 7. Mark Clattenburg 8.Ukraine 9. Angelina Jolie 10. Heroes, Life On Mars, Starman, Let’s Dance and Space Oddity

3 Letters ALE ARE AWE AWL BAR BRA EAR ERA

Hard

LAB LAW LEA RAW WAR WEB 4 Letters ABLE BALE

BARE BAWL BEAR BLEW BREW EARL REAL WALE WARE

(other solutions may exist) FORK pork park dark dirk disk DISH Wordwheel

PRESUMING

WEAL WEAR 5 Letters ABLER BLARE BRAWL 6 Letters WARBLE

Code Word 12

Word Search Hidden phrase:

Pictograms

Hidden phrase: You can’t get too much winter in the winter Percy Bysshe Shelley

1. Top Of The Morning 2. Part Company 3. Say Cheese

W O

Quick Crossword 1 7

M E

N T I

E I E N

D S

L A

T E R

E 17

O C 13

U T

M P

E 10

C D

D P

U I

A S

C L

R A

E 23

T T

E Y

E 2

R P

A H

N H

26 21

14 2

E T

N G

R E

2 4

A C

10 3

N E

21 8 9

E X

M P 3

V O

9 7

S E

U G

6 2

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P T

6 2

P A C

15 3

K A

17 3

M E

M V

A L

O O

20 4

R M U

16 3 3 1

U E E Z

26 19

10 23

26 17

N G 5

23 2

N G 3

H O

O N Q W X D

Index of advertisers Accountants / Business Support agp 79 Applegate & Co. 64 Accomodation Stonehouse Farm B & B 30 Alarms & Security Complete Security Services 14 Aerial Engineer/Sky TV Latham Aerials 85 Architecture / Design Cheshire Planning Solutions 24 Scott Architecture 46 Beauty / Holistics / Tanning Sanctuaire Aesthetics 12 & 18 Serenity Beauty & Skin Clinic 6 Builder / Merchants /Joiner / Plastering BB Construction 74 Cheshire Building & Roofing Services 25 DMB Plaster & Painter 10 Frodsham Plastering Services 80 Ken Leach Building & Joinery 52 Mad Jak Joinery 44 Timâ€™s Plastering 74 Butcher / Farm Shop Forresters 17 Car Repairs /MOT/ Tyres/ Valeting JPW Body Repairs 58 Oâ€™Neill Dent Repair 68 Cleaning Clean at Ease 4 The Carpet & Oven Cleaning Co. 46 Clock Repairs Stephen Rose Clocks 38 Crafts The Craft Box 5 Dentist Main Street Dental 36 Electrician / Lighting Cheshire Boiler & Electrical Services 43 Electrical Wholesale Supplies 83 Frodsham Electrical Services 48 JMC Renovations 12 KDE Ltd 32-33, 50-51 Trinergy 66 Woodhouse Plumb & Electric 15,21,39,47 Estate / Letting Agent / Houses for Sale Ballards Sales & Letting Agent 37 Hunters Estate Agent 1 Your Move Andrew Hayes 94 Financial / Mortgage Advisor Karen Bushell Wealth Management 23 Paul D Clarke FPC 71

Flooring Kingsley Carpets 56 Lee Rodgers 67 The Little Carpet Shop 91 Fuel Flaym Fuels 23 Solid Fuel 76 Funeral Directors / Monumental Masons DT Turner 10 Laurence Jones 89 Furniture / Kitchen / Bathroom / Beds A-Design Kitchen & Bathrooms 38 Curtains of Frodsham 55 Granite Transformations 11 Kingsley Carpets - Beds 57 Matt Finish 42 NYK Kitchen, Bedroom, Mirror Doors 73 Panda Blinds 74 Unique Design Kitchen & Bathroom 77 Garage Doors Pennine Garage Doors 34 Gardening David Edwards - garden & groundwork 87 Frodsham Gardens 44 Frodsham Tree Solutions 75 Hazelwood Landscapes 58 Hillside Garden and Tree 38 WOW - Design 68 Gift Shop Candles Plus 45 Hairdressing / Barber Hair by Design 20 Headlines 14 Little Jay Hairdresser 6 Health / Care Feet First - foot health care 18 Frodsham Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 81 Hillcrest Care Home 53 Jewellers Les Harris 14 Odd Jobs / Property repairs Cheshire Handyman 18 James Gribbin 64 JL Moston - Maintenance & Joinery 12 Odd Jobs - John 72 Paul Armitstead 34 The DIY Man 24 Painter & Decorator DMB Plaster & Painter 10 Roy Lamb 30 Stephen Bishop 66

Pest Control Cobwebs Pest Control 52 Target One Pest Solutions 48 Plumbing & Heating Ark Services 24 Cheshire Boiler & Electrical Services 43 Gasmarc 68 Indigo Heating, Plumbing & Gas 59 32-33, 50-51 KDE Ltd LPW Plumbing Services - 24HR 82 M.Bunting Plumbing & Heating 48 RAC Gas 36 Trinergy 66 Woodhouse Plumb & Electric 15,21,39,47 Removal Service Man and Van - Ben Hirst 80 Restaurants / Pub / Catering The Dunham Arms 41 The Netherton Arms 28 The Vintage Teapot 20 The White Lion 26,27 & 29 Roofing All-Mighty Roofing 65 Altitude Roofing 30 JNF Roofing 69 P Turner Roofing 72 Total Roofline Solutions 63 Williams 44 Sewing Alterations, lessons, haberdashery Elizabeth Arnold 10 Sport & Leisure Brio - Frodsham Leisure Centre 7 Cambridge Diet 4 Cheshire Flow 4 Forest Hills Leisure Club 9 Frodsham Panto 95 Helsby Golf Club 2 Kathryn Smith School of Dance 34 Runcorn Town Hall Wedding Fayre 100 Slimming World 16 Tiling CB Tiling 72 Taxis Cheshire Travel Services 42 Frodsham and District Taxis 99 Kingsley Travel 76 Turners Travel 64 Windows/Conservatories/Canopies Fairview Windows 60 - 61 Kelsall Windows 73 Wrought Iron Work Dunham Hill Smithy 20

Advertising deadline is 18th January for the February edition Helsby to Hand

@helsbytohand

www.helsbytohand.co.uk

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com

DISTRICT

TAXIS

CHEAPEST IN THE LOCAL AREA Airport run prices fora1-4 seater To From area Manchester Frodsham Runcorn Helsby Widnes Elton

To Liverpool

£28 £28

£20 £20

£28 £28

£20 £20

£28 £28 £35 £30 £30 £30

£20 £20 £20 £20 £24 £24

Airport run prices for a 5-8 seater To From area Manchester Frodsham Runcorn Helsby Widnes Elton

To Liverpool

£38 £38

£28 £28

£38 £38

£28 £28

£38 £38 £40 £35 £40 £40

£28 £28 £25 £25 £30 £30

Returns from Manchester Airport will incur a £2.80 Car Park Charge Drop Off and Pick Up for Liverpool Airport will incur a £2.00 Car Park Charge

Silver Service for Executive Travel please enquire

All above prices are on a one-way basis, return prices should be doubled and conﬁrmed at time of booking

01928 733 733 01928 735 353 www.districttaxisfrodsham.co.uk

Please mention Helsby to Hand when responding to adverts

12pm-4pm

www.weddingsinhalton.co.uk www.facebook.com/haltonregistrationservice 10459

100

To advertise call: 01928 727 165 or email: helsbytohand@btinternet.com