Local Life - Burscough & Villages - Jan/Feb 2013

Burscough & Villages Edition

Free!

Jan/Feb 2013

Just Do It!

A-Z Activities in West Lancs

Jack’s Tracks visits Burscough

Taste Test Photo: Austin Thomas

in Parbold

www.locallife247.co.uk

70

UP TO

%

OFF

bespoke fused glass design

morpheus glass

January sale Saturday 19 th & Sunday 20 th

At our January sale open studio weekend there will be a wide range of pieces on show and many items will have up to 70% off plus all orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off the normal RRP. All our work is handmade by glass designer Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be made to order to suit any space including splashbacks. So come and join us on the 19th and 20th January 2013 open from 10 - 4 both days.

Unit 11, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB t/f 01695 624182 w www.morpheusglass.co.uk e info@morpheusglass.co.uk splashbacks | panels | coasters | jewellery | hangings | sculptures | bowls

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Kick Start Required?

Finding local news and events to publicise in January is much like looking for a black cat in a coal bunker - pretty difficult to find! So, in the absence of much of the usual content, I hope you can find enough in this January issue to help you kick start your New Year. However, if you don’t want a kick start and you’d rather sit at home in the warm (like I will be!), then I’m sure you’ll find other things to enjoy in this issue too!

If you own a local business and you want to promote your products and services in 2013 to local residents, then do pick up the phone for a chat. We do have a long list of happy customers, many of whom have been astonished at the level of support that we can offer at a local level.

Though we have only been publishing in the West Lancs area for a matter of months, Local Life is five years old this year! We’ve gone through the sleepless nights, the teething problems and the terrible twos, and come out the other side with a magazine that is read and referred to by residents in Wigan, St Helens and now, the West Lancs area.

Hopefully you too have exciting plans of your own for 2013; if so, let’s drink to a successful year for us all!

See you next time,

In this issue 10-11 12 16-17 20 22 28-29 30-31 32-35 38 40-41 42-45 46 47 48 51

Competition Winners Winter Blues M.BARK.K on Great Dining Returning a Gift – Your Rights Marmalade & Chocolate Shortbread Money & Investment Taste Test at Il Viandante Just Do It! A-Z Activities Martin Lewis on Credit Cards Test Drive - Rapid Response Jack’s Tracks visits Burscough Puzzle Corner Angie’s Garden Diary Home Services Useful Numbers

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB T 01695 627 999 @

info@loccallife247.co.uk

W www.localife247.co.uk

Sales & Editorial: Chris Pearce, Nicola Gray Design & Production: Peter Bretherton Accounts & Distribution: Sally Boon

sales@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk

accounts@locallife247.co.uk

The February issue of Local Life will be published on Friday 8th February. The copy deadline is Monday 28th January.

Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.

The Ormskirk & Aughton edition is delivered to 9,750 homes and businesses in Ormskirk, Aughton, Westhead, Halsall, Haskayne and Bickerstaffe.

The Burscough & Villages edition is delivered to 8,000 homes and businesses in Burscough, Parbold, Croston, Rufford, Mawdesley, Scarisbrick, Bescar, Newburgh, Bretherton, Mere Brow and Holmeswood.

You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life, on or around the second weekend of the month at Morrisons in Ormskirk, Tesco’s in Burscough or at farm shops in the West Lancs area. Alternatively, you can check out our online publication at www.locallife247.co.uk.

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Local Life Media @locallifemedia

www.locallife247.co.uk

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

When you receive the new edition of Local Life - remember to recycle the old one.

3

Use it or Lose it

Carol Young, the Manager of Burscough Library, has appealed for local residents to support local library services or risk losing them. Carol spoke to Local Life before Christmas to say; ‘I am sure you know how much libraries are under threat of closure across the country so I am trying to boost the user numbers of our very own library in Burscough. The more people that use it the less likely that it is to close’.

Burscough’s library (pictured) is based on Mill Lane, right next to the public car park, but Carol feels that some local residents aren’t aware that the library exists, ‘Unfortunately we are slightly hidden away off the beaten track. I am always surprised when I talk to people and many of them didn’t even know that Burscough had a library!’

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Once you have become a member at Burscough Library, you automatically become a member of all the libraries in Lancashire. You can borrow up to 20 items from the library and help yourself to free internet access and, for those wishing to trace their family tree you can enjoy free use of the Ancestry Library service. Joining the library is free and everyone is welcome. No ID is needed and you can also join online at www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries.

The library also holds a Bounce and Rhyme session for babies and toddlers every Thursday, and a Knit and Natter group meet every Friday at the library too. Regular free craft activities for children are held at the library during the school holidays. For more information call 01704 892334 or email Burscough.library@lancashire. gov.uk.

Farmers Market

Glass Class

If you’re fed up of being stuck indoors to escape the cold January weather, then don’t miss the Mere Brow Farmers Market which is held on the 2nd Saturday of the month inside Mere Brow Village Hall between 10am - 2.30pm.

You can browse and buy fresh meats, poultry and game, fruit and veg, cheeses, seafood, cakes, plants and more.

Please telephone 01704 212734 for more information.

If you’ve ever wanted to develop your craft skills, then here is your chance! On the Stained Leaded Glass Introduction workshop run by Mike Allen, you will cut stained glass and then lead, assemble, solder and cement a small leaded glass panel which is yours to take home with you. All tools, safety equipment and materials are included in the cost (£65) of the workshop, as are tea, coffee and biscuits, at Mike’s workshop which is situated next to Burscough Library. Please call Mike for more details on 0750 212 0453 or visit the website www. mikeallenglass.co.uk for more details.

Sleeping Beauty A production of Sleeping Beauty will be staged at the WI Hall on The Common in Parbold from Tuesday 29th January until Saturday 2nd February. Performances start at 7.30pm and there is also a Saturday matinee which starts at 1.30pm. Prices for the performances are £6 for adults and £4.50 for children and tickets are on sale at Coffee etc on every Saturday in January.

If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk

Good Nose If your New Year’s resolution is to develop a taste for the finer things in life and you want to be able to tell your Riojas from your Reuda (that’s Spanish wine, so I’m told!), then you will enjoy a wonderful Spanish 4 course dinner being held at Haigh Hall on Saturday 26th January. The dinner, which is served at 8pm, is accompanied by wines from the regions of Spain and you will receive expert advice from the experts too. To buy your £29 ticket for this Spanish Wine Tasting Evening, please call 01942 832895.

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www.locallife247.co.uk

5

Budding Thespians

Warm Welcome

Ormskirk Pleasure Folk has been performing in the town for over 40 years and have built an excellent reputation for high-quality amateur theatre. The group are now rehearsing for their upcoming musical, Me and My Girl, and are appealing for budding thespians to come and join them. The auditions are being held this Monday (7th January) at a venue yet to be decided at the time that Local Life went to press (either Ormskirk Civic Hall or the Village Hall in Westhead). In particular, the group are looking for males over the age of 18 for the forthcoming production.

If you’d like to make some new friends in 2013, then the Mere Brow and District Women’s Institute have a warm welcome awaiting you. The group meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Mere Brow Village Hall, starting at 7.45pm. You will learn new skills, enjoy the chance for trips out, and lots of fun is guaranteed! For more information please contact Margaret Aspinall on 01704 823939 or Susan Prescott on 01772 814627.

During their 40th anniversary celebrations in 2012, Pleasure Folk welcomed back master impressionist Jon Culshaw, who was a member of the Ormskirk Pleasure Folk during his formative years. Their dedicated and friendly cast meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Ormskirk Civic Hall or at the Village Hall in Westhead. For more information please contact Gemma Briscoe on 07821 588849 or email info@ pleasurefolk.co.uk.

Health Walks January is a great time to kick start your fitness and Sefton Council have organised a series of walks to help you achieve this goal. The Heritage and Health walks are a great way to get out there see the countryside and raise your fitness levels.

On Thursday 17th January from 1.30pm the group will be taking a 3 hour walk from Formby Train Station to Freshfield Train Station, through woodlands, sand dunes and the beach – good walking shoes are a must! On Saturday 26th January at 10.30am the group will meet at Ainsdale Train Station and take a 2 hour walk along the beach to Birkdale Train Station. The last walk of

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the month will take place on Thursday 31st January – meeting at 1.30pm at Birkdale Train Station, the 2 hour walk will take you over the sand dunes and along the beach to Southport Train Station. For more information about any of the walks please call 0151 934 2964 or e-mail landscape.partnership@sefton.gov.uk.

Calling Community Groups Local Life needs your help in compiling a directory of community and sports groups for a new project that we’re launching in 2013. If you’re involved in any not-for-profit group from sports teams to knitting groups, from toddlers play to history societies, from quiz leagues to camera clubs, then we want just ten minutes of your time.

In under 100 words, email us details of your group to editorial@locallife247.co.uk. Don’t forget the basics; what, where, when etc. You don’t have to give us more than the basics, but if you can, then please use this opportunity to let our readers know more about your club. If you have a logo, then please also email your logo as a separate attachment. Finally, don’t forget to include a contact number, contact email or website if possible. For those groups who don’t have access to email, then please write to Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8 – Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB.

Distributors Required Local Life require distributors (aged 13+) to deliver the magazine and associated products in the Square Lane and Chapel Lane area in Burscough. Distributors will work once every eight weeks for 2/3 hours. You must be fit, reliable and enthusiastic. If you’re interested, please email your name, address, contact number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk. Local Life also welcome applications from distributors in other areas for our waiting lists.

Open Weekend

Morpheus Glass, based at Hewitt Business Park off Winstanley Road in Orrell, is staging an Open Weekend on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th January, where members of the public can visit their studio, inspect their collection of glass fusion work and pick up some unbelievable bargains with up to 70% off retail prices!

You’ll be able to browse through some original pieces of glass art, perfect for a unique present for your family and friends. Gifts on offer will include handmade jewellery; earrings, bracelets and pendants, coaster sets, colourful hangings and other interesting pieces. If your budget is a bit more considerable, you can pick up glass splashbacks, sculptures and wall panels at a fraction of the price you’ll pay elsewhere! For more information about the Open Weekend or Morpheus Glass please check out the website at www.morpheusglass.co.uk.

01257 367 404 www.locallife247.co.uk

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8

Happy Birthday!

Keep it under your hat but a certain local publishing company celebrates their 5th birthday later this year. First produced from a front bedroom on Sandy Lane in Orrell, Local Life turns 5 years old in May! Since those days, we have moved just 900 yards away onto the Hewitt Business Park off Winstanley Road, and we now produce three magazines which are delivered to over 67,000 homes over a two month period in Wigan, St Helens and West Lancs.

To celebrate our anniversary, we have now made the leap feet first into social media; so please do come along and say hello! Search for ‘Local Life Media’ on Facebook or follow us @LocalLifeMedia on Twitter.

We’ll have exclusive competitions just for Facebook fans and Twitter followers, you’ll be the first to know when there’s a new Jack’s Tracks available, we’ll be

telling you about forthcoming community events, keeping you up to date with the local news and letting you know what’s in the next magazine. We’ll also be keeping you up to date with special offers from our advertisers, so follow and friend us and you could save a few quid too!

Bothy Folk Club The Bothy Folk Club meets every Sunday night at the Park Golf Club on Park road West in Southport. The group enjoys a lively meeting with regular well-known guests, with a singer’s night if you would like to get up and strut your stuff. The club meets at 8pm – for more information about the club or membership please contact Clive Pownceby on 0151 924 5078 or visit the website at www.bothyfolkclub.co.uk

Chance to Dance If you’re finding that dance classes are just too sedate for your taste, then why not let your hair down and learn how to Vintage Jive at the Walmer Bridge Village Hall?

Authentic American GI jive lessons tale place every Tuesday between 8pm-9.30pm at the Village Hall, and these suit all ages and all fitness levels. The price of the class is £5 per week; for more details call 07854 621522.

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Competition Winners!

We had an enormous response to the two competitions we ran in the November issue of Local Life. The winners of the Lancashire Day competition were Marion and Tim Miles (pictured) from Bescar Lane in Scarisbrick, Mrs Jean Kellet (pictured) from Moor Road in Croston and Barbara Morgan from Burnside in Parbold; the prizes on offer were three meals for two at the Rufford Arms, a restaurant known for its excellent regional cuisine.

For a top quality deep clean carried out by experienced specialists Traditional service - state of the art results Shevington based family business 5 star rating with Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme plus Awarded the CertiďŹ cate of Excellence in recognition of consistently high standards of feedback from customers in 2009/10/11 The most thorough clean, or it’s free!

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The winners of our popular Christmas Hamper competition were as follows; Simon and Helen Catterall (pictured) from Manor Avenue in Burscough, Mary Livingstone (pictured) from Wigan Road in Ormskirk and Denise Dixon (pictured with husband John and sons Andrew and Michael) of New Lane in Aughton. The winners won a luxury hamper stuffed with regional foods and drink. Well done to all the winners and thanks to all who entered.

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11

WINTER BLUES

by Ken Teppin (MCPH)

Whilst many of us do not relish the thought of winter, for an increasing number of individuals this season fills them with dread.

My second product is a supplement of Folic Acid and B12. These two vitamins have been identified as a deficient in sufferers of depression of all types. Significant improvements have been noted when they have started taking these supplements and either one will make a difference. Taking the two combined however seems to work to a far greater degree.

Although the days are gradually lengthening by now, spring still feels a long way off. In recent years the worst cases have been clinically diagnosed as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). So this month I would like to offer some tips on how to overcome, or at least lessen the impact of the winter blues.

The first thing I would like to mention is what I call a ‘seasonal perspective’. Observing nature shows us that it is a time for slowing down and resting. However it is clear that we humans completely ignore this; because we have the electric light bulb (alias ‘Edison’s Curse) we continue a frenetic lifestyle 365 days a year.

We should take time to relax, wind down and reflect on the year gone by. Yet in general we will have been working harder, partying later and more frequently and pushing ourselves beyond our natural resources. I think that this is a huge contributor to SAD. So whenever you can rest, take a nap, go for a walk or have an early night.

I promise you will quickly notice the difference.

Products that I can suggest to support you physically are St. Johns Wort (Hypericum Perforatum). Already a household name due to many testimonials from people suffering with general depression, it is widely available and can be taken in capsules or drops. Always look for a good quality brand and take the whole course.

The final suggestion is Aloe Vera Drinking Gel or as it is called in our house ‘liquid sunshine’. Many people take Aloe Vera for a wide range of complaints. It relieves many of today’s aches, pains and stomach problems but also improves energy levels, immune balance and moods. So I now recommend it for Winter Blues as well.

Good Natural Health Ken Teppin (M.C.P.H.)

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shfield House Hotel has a lovely atmosphere perfect for celebrating, our function rooms are elegant and filled with beautiful period features.

We can cater for private functions, daytime or evening, from 5 to 200.

Ashfield Park Drive Standish Wigan WN6 0EQ t: 01257 473500

Our food is outstanding quality and all home cooked from scratch, with buffet menus starting from £5 and 3 course set menus from £14.95 you are sure to find something to suit your event, taste and budget.

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9th Pendle Beer Festival The ever popular Pendle Beer Festival returns on Thursday 31st January - running over three days the event is sure to quench your thirst for real ale, pulling in the very best breweries from Lancashire, Yorkshire and beyond.

The theme for this year is the ‘Great Outdoors’ – there will be more than 100 real ales for you to taste as well as a great selection of Ciders, Perries and Bottled Beer. There will also be food, live music, free soft drinks and a charity prize draw with some of the proceeds going to Pendleside Hospital.

The festival will be held at The Muni Theatre on Albert Road in Colne and will be open on Thursday 3at from 5pm-11pm, Friday 1st from 11.30am-11pm and Saturday 2nd from 11.30am-11pm. Entry is £3 on the door except for Friday after 6pm when the cost is £5. For more information about the festival please contact Peter Fort at beers_peter@pendlebeerfestival.co.uk

Wharf Win A Burscoughbased photographer has won first place in the Ormskirk Camera Club open competition for November 2012 with his picture of Burscough Wharf at sunset. Colin Woods, whose company Photography 59 is based at Martland Mill on Mart Lane, also won 2nd prize in the Markets category with his picture of a bull. The judge, Doug Bennison CPAGB, was very complimentary saying ‘This is a superb image. There is nothing about it that I would change’. For an insight into the quality of photography that Colin can produce, visit his website www.photography59.co.uk.

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Set in Burscough Wharf’s converted provender and chop house, on the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, the recently refurbished M.Bar.K offers visitors a warm welcome in a relaxed atmosphere. The passion for great food and drink takes precedence at M.Bar.K and the strive for perfection means that this friendly bar is the perfect venue to either spend your entire evening, or simply meet for coffee or a glass of wine and a natter.

Inside, the bar’s slight rustic feel combined with a modern twist creates a comfortable environment to relax, whilst outdoor seating allows for al fresco dining during warmer months.

Using locally sourced produce, M.Bar.K’s menu features a wide selection of authentic, freshly made Spanish tapas alongside a few of their own creations.

A favourite new addition to the menu is the camembert sharing platter of warm melted camembert served with a redcurrant jelly accompanied by locally made bread – great for dipping and sharing. For those of you with a more traditional palate you will always find a homely Roast Dinner served on a Sunday, complete with all the trimmings - the perfect end to a stroll along the canal.

For visitors looking for light bites, there’s a selection of snacks, pastries and afternoon tea available, whilst the stand-alone bar offers a wide selection of teas and freshly ground coffee, beers, fine wines and spirits.

A popular attraction recently launched is the M.Bar.K boat trips.

16

M.BAR.K

For an hour and a half guests can sit back and relax on-board a barge while they take a leisurely trip along the canal, before arriving back on dry land for afternoon tea served in the bar.

During the evening the bar takes on quite a different personality with a 2 for 1 cocktail menu served all night on

on some great dining!

Fridays. There’s also a programme of events throughout the year with live entertainment both during the evening and during the day at weekends. Last year saw the bar’s first charity raft race which was a huge success and is set to be repeated again this year – just one example of how M.Bar.K is more than just a bar, it plays an important part in bringing the local community together, both within the Wharf and throughout the village.

Owned by Burscough born Andrew Lamb and managed by niece, Meegan Lamb this family run business is supported by a friendly team committed to offering a relaxed, warm and welcoming ambience whilst providing diversity, quality and great service at an affordable price.

Andrew told Local Life, “I wanted to create a venue that made people feel welcome to come and spend the night with us, or simply drop in and enjoy good food and drink in an easy-going, comfortable environment - M.Bar.K offers just this. Many people visiting for the first time say M.Bar.K is somewhere that once you have been, you will want to return again and again – and it’s true, people do keep coming back!”

M.Bar.K is definitely a culinary adventure; you’ll discover new and authentic tastes and fall in love with new ones.

So book yourself a table and enjoy the taste of Spain this New Year.

www.locallife247.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday - 10am-6pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday – 10am -LATE Opening times are subject to change once the spring arrives Food served: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday - 10am-3pm Thursday - 10am-3pm & 5pm-8.30pm Friday - 10am-3pm & 5pm-9pm Saturday – 10am – 9pm Sunday – 10am - 8pm

M.Bar.K Bar &Restaurant Unit 8 Burscough Wharf Liverpool Road North L40 5RZ Tel: 01074 896360 ask@mbarkburscough.com www.mbarkburscough.com M.Bar.K

@mbark_burscough

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Jacobite Talk

Watch this Space

The West Lancs Heritage Association kick off their 2013 programme with a talk at Hurlston Hall Golf Club about the Scarisbrick family and the Jacobite Network of the 1750’s. The talk, which is presented by local historian Veronica Massam, takes place at the club on Wednesday 16th January at 7.30pm. The Association have a varied programme of events planned for 2013 including a monthly talk of local and historic interest, a St George’s Day Dinner and a historic walk in the Summer. For more information and tickets, please contact Linda Ebrey, the on 01704 821304 or email ebrey@talktalk.net.

Martin Mere has teamed up with the Liverpool Astronomical Society to offer a special astronomy evening on Saturday 19th January. The star gazing event will start at 7pm and will include special talks about space and the stars, before giving you the opportunity to look through telescopes and look into the wonders of the solar system and beyond. The event is free but you must book your place in advance. The cafe will be open throughout the night serving hot drinks and soup - to book, please call Lucy or Belinda on 01704 891220.

Chess Chance If your precious progeny has the potential to be the next Gary Kasperov or Magnus Carlsen, then you might be interested to hear that the Leyland Chess Club provide Chess Coaching for Juniors in Croston every Tuesday between 6pm to 7pm (School term time only). The sessions take place in the Yarrow Room at Croston Old School, off Church Street. All abilities of juniors are welcome, from absolute beginners to advanced tacticians.

For more details contact David Clayton on 01772 434060.

All Welcome Is your beloved offspring ready to socialise with other children this year? If so, then Mawdesley’s Baby and Toddler Group would like to welcome you to their Tuesday afternoon sessions at Mawdesley St Peter’s School.

Sessions run from 2.15pm to 3.30pm at the school, which is located in Hurst Green in the village, and all parents, carers and children aged 0-5 are invited. For more information about the group and the school, please visit the website www.mawdesleystpeters.co.uk.

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01257 462787

www.locallife247.co.uk

19

Returning a gift – know your rights

By Dean Dunham

If you are likely to change your mind about buying a gift, it pays to shop on the web. It’s vitally important to be aware of your rights when it comes to returning or exchanging presents.

But what are your legal rights if you need to return goods? The answer is that it depends on whether you bought the item in a shop or over the internet.

If you buy something that is faulty then you are automatically entitled to a full refund regardless of where you bought it. So if that gleaming new toy that you’ve brought for a child is flawed when they open the box, take it straight back.

It’s slightly different if you want a refund for something because you’ve changed your mind – and it depends on where and when you bought it.

High Street Unfortunately, when you buy from a physical shop you are not entitled to a refund just because you change your mind. Last year I bought a jumper for my wife. I gave it to her on her birthday, but when she opened it up she absolutely hated it. When we took it back to the shop and asked for a refund, the shop said no.

Annoyingly, they were fully entitled to refuse. Lots of people think you should get a refund for changing your mind, but this isn’t the case.

Most retailers will, however, allow you an exchange if you have proof of purchase.

A right to exchange is not a legal requirement, but often it’s part of the retailer’s own terms and conditions.

It’s therefore a good idea to always check the shop’s exchange policy before you buy.

Online When you buy goods and services online you have enhanced rights, which entitle you to a seven day cooling off period if you change your mind. I purchased a camera online last year. I’d ordered it on the Monday and by the Tuesday I’d seen an advert for a brand new Sony camera, and I thought: “Oh, actually I would rather get that one.”

20

When the first camera arrived I telephoned the website and I told them I’d changed my mind and asked for my money back. At first they refused, but what you need to know is that when you buy online your rights are different to if you walk into a shop, because of the cooling off period.

When you are shopping on the net, you have seven days to change your mind from when you receive the goods.

So if you have second thoughts when you get the item, you can get your money back and get something else in time for the special occasion instead.

If a member of the public does not know their rights, they are often refused a refund and that’s the end of the matter. So you should say the following: “Under the distance selling regulations, you have to give me seven days cooling off. I know my rights and I want my money back.”

If they still refuse to allow you to return the goods for a full refund, then make a note of date and keep a copy of any emails. You can then contact your local trading standards office.

You can find more info about your consumer rights on my website www.youandyourrights.co.uk or by joining me on twitter @deandunham.

Happy shopping!

West Lancashire’s award-winning leisure, Member of arts and retail complex in the MARKETING LANCASHIRE heart of Burscough Village

Winner of the West Lancashire Design Awards and set on the Leeds Liverpool Canal, Burscough Wharf has so much to offer: • Arts and Crafts • Health and Beauty • Retail – ladies & mens clothing, gifts and florist • Food and Drink – tea room, tapas bar, restaurant, bakery, traditional sweet shop • Entertainment – cinema, theatre, comedy, live music and much, much more • A function room for hire, FREE parking, open daily from 10am until late All this complimented by exciting and varied events in our courtyard makes Burscough Wharf the perfect venue for all the family, all year round.

Burscough Wharf, Liverpool Road North, Burscough, Lancashire UK L40 5RZ Tel: 01695 576844 www.burscough-wharf.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

21

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Marmalade & Chocolate Shortbread January is the season for blood oranges. This recipe was a favourite childhood tea time treat, made with our Gran’s special home-made marmalade. If you make your own marmalade then you’re good to go: if not buy the best quality marmalade you can.

Makes 24 Preparation time: twenty minutes plus 30 minutes chilling time.

Cooking time: 40-45 minutes

Ingredients • • •

• • • • •

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300g plain flour 50g finely ground rolled oats 250g unsalted butter (slightly softened and chopped into cubes) ½-1 tsp salt.

110g caster sugar Zest of an orange 115g good quality orange marmalade 100g good quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Method Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular baking tin (non-stick is best). Mix the flour, rolled oats and salt together. You can process them if you want a really fine mix or if you only have normal oats.

Beat the butter, sugar and orange zest together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the flour until the shortbread mixture sticks together in small clumps.

Press a little more than half the mixture into the greased tin. Level and smooth the top. Spread this base with the marmalade and sprinkle the roughly chopped dark chocolate over the top. Crumble over the remaining shortbread mixture then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 150C / Gas Mark 2. Bake shortbread for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan and cut into 24 before it cools completely.

Notes Milk chocolate can be used instead of dark. The resulting shortbread will be sweeter.

Lime marmalade can be substituted with equally delicious results.

The shortbread will keep in an airtight container for up to three days.

Blitz the ! m o o r h t Ba

There is nothing more satisfying then having a squeaky clean bathroom! A new bathroom might not be at the top of your to-do list straight after the hectic Christmas period - but what if we told you that you can have a gleaming new bathroom without having to rip out the old one?

Total Bathroom Restorations are experts in restoring baths and shower cubicles to their former glory and all at a price that will keep your bank account happy. Owner Ian Read believes that your bathroom doesn’t have to be the enemy – and that any bathroom can be saved from the clutches of unsightly mould and mildew that occur naturally over time. So whether its mouldy silicone, cloudy shower screens or grout failures that make you shudder, Total Bathrooms can put the gleam back into your bathroom.

Ian and his team have bathroom restoration down to a fine art; cloudy shower screens are returned to crystal clear, tiles are polished to perfection and there will be no more scrubbing at mouldy silicone. You can be back in your bathroom in no time at all – and most importantly the work won’t cause you any added disruption.

Don’t let a dull and lacklustre bathroom ruin your New Year, give it the wow factor with a Total Bathroom minimakeover. Think ice-white silicone & grout, perfect tiles and a bathroom to be proud of. Book now to give your Bathroom a new lease of life by calling the team on 01695 228021 or 0800 803 0990 or for more details visit the website at www.TotalBathroomRestoration.co.uk

Before

After

£40 worth of M&S Vouchers When you book your mini-makeover before January 31st 2013

Here’s what some of their recent customers had to say…

“We couldn’t have asked for a better service. Not a straight forward job at all but they always kept me informed.”

Anne Barber, Liverpool.

“It was so clean and white and shining! There was no mess, everything was cleared away and the bathroom was immaculate.”

Mr Keith Henry, Wigan “The estimate provided was very helpful and Ian knew exactly what we wanted doing.”

www.locallife247.co.uk



Mr Mullan, Ormskirk

You can be proud of your bathroom again – just give us a call on

01695 228 021 or 0800 803 0990

www.TotalBathroomRestoration.co.uk

23

Bike to Fitness Why not kick start the fitness campaign next Saturday (12th January) with a challenging bike ride? British Cycling has launched a series of bike rides to get you in the habit of cycling to fun, fitness and friendship in 2013.

The ride on Saturday is for women and children only and starts from the canal side at Trencherfield Mill in Wigan at 10am. The estimated duration of the ride is 2 hours and 20 minutes, of which an hour is scheduled for rest stops.

The ride is leisurely paced along traffic free cycle paths and canal towpaths and is approximately 8 miles in total.

This bike ride goes along cycle paths/canal towpaths/ quiet roads and is best suited to mountain bikes or bikes with off road tyres as there are some sections of the canal which if have experienced rain during this time of year and can have a few bumps and puddles along the way.

There will be a cafe stop en route at the Orchid Room.

There will still be the climbs as we get to the rest stop as well as downhills to take us back to the start point.

Helmets are advised to be worn during the ride and also wear suitable clothing taking account of the weather. It’s advisable to bring along an inner tube just in case of punctures as it isn’t always easy to fix on the trail with a puncture repair kit.

Chorley Bottle Gas Ltd

www.chorleybottlegas.co.uk

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Balloon & Gas Express www.theballoonshop.co.uk

Wholesale balloons & party goods.

Public & Trade welcome. Balloon printing specialists Balloon gas in easy to use cylinders - 5 sizes - FREE Delivery All areas covered / 6 days a week - open to the public

Tel: 01257 795700 Mobile: 07903 061661

Compoun d1

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W ,Enterprise Centre Coppull Chorley R7 5B

Children are welcome on this ride but all children must be accompanied by an adult taking part and must wear a helmet or will be unable to take part in the ride. Children must be able to ride their bike confidently on cycle paths, along the canal towpath and quiet roads.

If you have any queries about the ride, please contact Sandra via breezenetworkwigan@gmail.com.

Wills & Probate Benjamin Franklin famously said that two of the few certainties in life are ‘death and taxes’. Whilst neither subject is particularly pleasant to talk about, both are issues that need addressing and the sooner they are, the better placed you and your family will be to deal with them.

Planning for the future and making a will is one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to ensure your affairs are in order.

Most people in England and Wales do not have a valid will in place. If you fall into this category, then on your death your estate will pass in accordance with the intestate succession laws which are a set of rules, laid down by the government, stating how your estate will be distributed. These rules may not reflect your wishes and can make the administration of your estate much more complicated than it would be if there were a valid will in place.

Making a will can also lead to Inheritance Tax savings and a discussion of other issues such as Lasting Powers of Attorney and organising your estate in such a way to reduce the likelihood of having to sell the family home to pay for care home fees.

When somebody does die, the surviving family will often have to administer the estate of the person who has died. This process is commonly referred to as ‘Probate’. Dealing with the estate of somebody who has died can be stressful and there are many pitfalls that somebody, who is not experienced with administering estates, can fall into.

An experienced private client solicitor can add value to the Michael Prendergast administration of an estate LL.B (Hons) TEP Partner and also ease the burden on mprendergast@dphlaw.co.uk surviving family members at a TEL: 01695 574201 difficult time. This can include discussing the options in relation to a deed of variation which can have tax advantages and assisting with the ongoing running of any trusts contained within a will or as part of an intestacy.

If you have recently experienced a bereavement one of the first things you will need to do is register the death and contact a funeral director. Once this has been completed you should then contact a solicitor to assist with the administration of the estate.

Our team of private client solicitors can assist with all matters relating to wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of an estate. The department is headed by Mr Michael Prendergast who is a member of the Private Client Section of the Law Society, Solicitors for the Elderly and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

If you would like more information on any of the issues covered in this article or would like to arrange an appointment please call our offices on 01695 574 201.

Dickinson Parker Hill Solicitors 22 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2BZ Telephone: 01695 574201 www.dphlaw.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

25

Conservatory living is a myth!

There – I’ve said it! All those glossy colour Sunday supplements extolling the virtues of having a conservatory; extra family space to relax in the sunshine without actually braving the outside elements are just an overblown sales campaign to sell conservatories.

Whilst they are high on our wish list when it comes to improving our homes; conservatories rarely live up to expectations. A conservatory is supposed to be a calm and tranquil space, one that lets us linger over the Sunday papers without having to put on an extra layer or jumping up to retrieve the lifestyle section from the rose bushes.

In reality you probably have a love hate relationship with what can only be described as your glass box. They overheat in the summer and winter temperatures rival the North Pole during the winter months; all in all you start to feel like you haven’t benefited from the extra room you paid for. In fact, research shows that, in the British climate, a conservatory is unlikely to provide more than two hours of comfortable temperatures per day.

the problems associated with plastic ceilings. Freedom has already helped people save on their energy bills and given them a room that they can use 365 days of the year. The process does not alter the external appearance of your roof or remove any part of your conservatory causing a minimal amount of disruption to your home and because the work is internal there is no need for any planning permission.

Paul says “Following our three-day installation you will no longer need to look at an ugly plastic roof, you will have a plastered and painted ceiling with a bespoke lighting and audio package of your choice. Before we plasterboard we lag the plastic roof with insulation that helps to deflect heat away and keeps heat in and the material we use meets all the current building regulations and fire certificates.”

Paul is dedicated to designing new Conservatory concepts and is constantly looking at other ways of improving your Conservatory living. In a short space of time his team have now created a Plasma TV wall, which will carry your TV and give you extra floor space; cables can be hidden were possible

Well, before you seal those French doors shut for good we’d like to tell you about a local company who might just have the answer to all your conservatory woes. Freedom Conservatory Roof Conversions promise to give you back the extra room you have always dreamt about. With their innovative ceiling modifications they can make your conservatory up to 90% warmer in the winter and up to 75% cooler in the summer!

After suffering with the same problems in his own conservatory, the Billingebased owner of Freedom Conservatory Roof Conversions Paul Stubbs came up with a revolutionary idea to combat

We offer deferred payment plans and accept all major credit & debit cards

26

Conservatory roof before “Conservatory overheats in summer and winter temperatures rival the North Pole!”

Conservatory roof after “...save on their energy bills and given them a room that they can use 365 days of the year”

and they can fit full surround sound cinema systems using ceiling speakers and mood lighting.

Paul added, “We have also designed a Wood Burner that can be safely vented through either our roof conversion or existing polycarbonate; this will not only heat your conservatory but save you money on energy especially in the winter months. All the burners are DEFRA approved and fitted by approved tradesman.”

So if you would like to claim back the use of your conservatory and possibly save on your energy bills, call the team now on 08456 860542 for more details.

Freedom did our porch and conservatory and we now have balanced heat throughout the down stairs and I am saving £15.00 per week alone on Gas. The fitting team were brilliant and had it all done in 3 days. Our best room in the house is now our conservatory, which before Freedom came along, was unused - Mrs Gillbanks from Poolstock

Call

08456 860542

www.locallife247.co.uk

Well done Freedom for the best idea I have seen since double glazing! I now have a 7 metre lounge with Freedom doing a full makeover and that new ceiling looks amazing in the conservatory, especially with the new lighting system that was fitted. Thanks Mr Dale from Winstanley

or

07761 966 024 27

Money & Investments New Year Resolutions!

Firstly, happy New Year to all Local Life readers, let’s hope you will all ‘Prosper’ throughout 2013. Apologies for the plug but it’s the only time of year that I think I can get away with it. With the festive season behind us and 2013 underway, your New Year’s resolutions are still normally in place by now. Amongst the favorites listed are, more exercise, dieting, less drink etc.

Sadly, all these involve an element of pain and deprivation, and it is hardly surprising that most resolutions tend to fail by midFebruary at the latest.

One resolution that you may want to retrospectively add to your list, which importantly involves very little pain but can have significant benefits is to have an investment health check. Every January, I notice a significant increase in the number of enquiries from Local Life readers wanting to review their investments.

What prompts this increase?

Perhaps time off during the Christmas holidays, completion of tax returns, and the end of the tax year looming or the feeling of optimism moving into the New Year. Whatever the trigger, reviewing and revamping your portfolio now could make a significant difference to your portfolio value. Apart from weeding out the poor performing funds and checking you’re still on track, you might find your finances could be arranged more tax-efficiently.

I was chatting with a family friend over the Christmas period who was moaning about the amount of paperwork he was receiving from all his different investments and his ability to keep on top of this. At the heart of the problem was that “everything was all over the place” - for every investment he was dealing with a different company. He’d lost control of his

28

Before

portfolio and the piles of paper in his study continued to grow. No action was being taken, potentially costing him money.

He didn’t have a clue what his up to date valuations were and didn’t know how well his investments had been performing. Having pondered this for some time I asked him what his “ideal” would feel and look like.

Here are some of his comments.

He wanted to…..

• Retake full control of his investments rather than getting swamped with paperwork and information • Have “peace of mind” knowing that an expert was also keeping an eye on his investments • Invest in a wide choice of leading companies without being tied in to a single company/fund • Just deal with “one firm” for all of his different investments rather than having to speak to different companies for his various funds • Have a system that would give him a “bird’s eye” view of his entire portfolio rather than manually piecing together his different statements and constructing his own spread sheets • Have access to his entire portfolio valuation 24/7 without any lengthy telephone calls to numerous call centres, no wading through paperwork or need to wait weeks for an out of date valuation to arrive by post.

After

It probably does not come as a great surprise to learn that we have the solution to all these issues with much, much more. Our Wealth Management Service delivers on all the points above. Indeed one of our clients described the difference between the old way of managing investments and using the Prosper Wealth Management Service as “an absolute revelation”.

As I mentioned in my last article, the 1st January 2013 has heralded massive changes for the financial advice industry resulting in a significant number of firms deciding to withdraw from giving advice because of the changes being forced upon them. I am pleased to report that we are certainly not one of them. If your adviser is no longer looking after you or you just feel that our service could be of benefit please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01257 423800.

If you would like to know a little bit more information before getting in touch please feel free to visit our website www.prosper-ifa.co.uk or email us to request a free “Putting you back in touch with your wealth brochure” The cost of the initial consultation is met by ourselves and is without obligation.

Brought to you by David Barton of Prosper Independent Financial Advisers who is a Chartered Financial Planner specialising in investment and pensions advice to the over 50s.

Choosing a financial partner maybe the most important decision you’ll ever make.

• Financial Advice • Investment Solutions • Portfolio Management • Inheritance Tax planning • Regular Financial Reviews

David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP)

Call Prosper today on 01257 423800 to arrange your no obligation initial consultation.

Prosper Independent Financial Advisers Ltd. Prosper House, 99a High Street, Standish, WN6 0HD Telephone: 01257 423 800 www.prosper-ifa.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

29

A Losing Battle Have you made your New Year’s resolution yet?

If there’s one thing I’d like to change in 2013 it’s my rapidly expanding waistline! It’s been so damn difficult to lose that weight since The Wayfarer in Parbold started to feature so heavily on my ‘Favourite Places to Eat’ list.

My latest visit however, was my first to The Wayfarer’s Italian Restaurant, Il Viandante (Italian for, what else, The Wayfarer!). For those of you who have yet to visit this old country pub, which is located in the picturesque village of Parbold, the Wayfarer has three distinct sections; the Wayfarer a’ la carte restaurant, the pub and Il Viandante, the Italian restaurant. Decor-wise, Il Viandante has an abundance of chrome, marble tables, a huge showpiece

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window and wild carpeting on the walls; the Il Viandante has bags of modern style.

We started our culinary quest with a dish that never quite tastes the same at home as it would in a good restaurant - risotto. Served with a tasty deep fried sage leaf, the risotto was indeed exquisite. Who would have said that a dish comprising of garden peas, cheese, rice, butternut squash and onions could taste so good? Topped with some rather nice crispy parsnips shavings to add texture, I mentally noted (for my next visit) that the risotto is also available as a main course!

Meanwhile, my partner had opted for the Confit garlic mushrooms, which were served in a ramekin dish with a mix of pangrattato, roquette and pesto and topped with some parmesan fluff. Accompanied by a large chunk

commitment to provide a comprehensive selection of dessert to diners.

It didn’t come as any great surprise to discover that competition judges at the Wigan Food Festival recently concluded that The Wayfarer was their choice for the best restaurant. The only question was whether the ‘quality of the environment, quality of food and quality of customer attention’ that the judges praised would suffer with the resulting publicity, as so often happens.

of bread, these hot garlic mushrooms were a delight, with the seasoning adding an additional bit of bite to an already tasty dish.

Pork has never been my favourite meat but the Pork Loin Saltimbocca, which was served next, was a revelation!

This is a classic Italian dish, usually made with veal, but this generous portion of tender and succulent pork, wrapped in Parma ham for some added smokiness, was absolutely delicious. My mushrooms I like wild, so I was delighted to see an assortment of wild mushrooms along with chargrilled Mediterranean vegetables including some juicy peppers too. The dish was accompanied by a rich and incredibly more-ish masala sauce, which complemented the dish perfectly without overpowering it.

Whilst I was enthralled with the Pork, my partner was tucking into a delicious and meaty Wild Boar Ragu. This was served with Penne pasta in a rich Chianti sauce, along with fresh oregano, topped with chilli Parmesan crumbs and those parsnip shavings made a welcome return too. The boar’s intense and juicy flavour combined perfectly with the pasta. Did visitors tuck into wild boar on this very spot in the 1700’s – who knows, but if it tasted as wonderful as this dish did, then I’m sure that they hurried back to Parbold when their journeys were complete!

Now, regular readers will know that I have a real issue with desserts at restaurants. There are so many guilty of treating this course as an afterthought, as they ‘tart up’ Costco’s finest with a dusting of this and a swirl of that.

The price tag is often a hefty one too, so that diners go home with, both literally and metaphorically, a nasty taste in the mouth. Not so here! Our desserts are duly served and both resemble works of art.

The Chocolate and Orange semi-freddo was served on a slate and accompanied by biscuit crumbs, clotted cream and fresh blackberries. It tastes just as good as it sounds, with the components combining perfectly. I opted for the Damson Pavlova, again a beautifully constructed dish served with fresh blackcurrants, dusted with icing sugar and topped with a decorative biscuit. A sweet and tasty end to the night ensued and both dishes illustrated a real

www.locallife247.co.uk

Based on our experience, the answer to that question is an emphatic no! So, I suspect that resolution, made in good faith just a few nights ago, is one battle that I’m doomed to lose. With top quality restaurants like this one on the doorstep, life’s just too short to deny pleasures such as this!

Il Viandante @ The Wayfarer Alder Lane Parbold WN8 7NL 01257 464600 www.wayfarerparbold.co.uk

Winter Offer!

Starter Pasta or Pizza dish Drink Ju Served Monday - Thursday 12pm - 2pm & 5pm - 8pm

st £10

Offer expires 28th February 2013 Offer not applicable on Valentine’s Day Drinks from a selection of soft drinks, tea, coffee, wines and beers (including cask ales)

The Wayfarer, Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NL

01257 464600

www.wayfarerparbold.co.uk

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Just Do It!

D

Dancing

Life is not a dress rehearsal, as the saying goes, so let 2013 be the year when you leave your comfort zone way behind you and try something new. Local Life has compiled an entire A-Z of activities, most of which are right on your doorstep, so that you can spend a bit of time in January working out what you’d like to try. You could discover a hidden talent or a lifetime hobby, you could master an activity that will make you a bit of cash and you could make some new friends along the way. What have you got to lose? Just do it!

What better way to kick of your New Year fitne ss then by having a right old laugh learning to dance. The Lathom and Burscough Old Peo ple’s Club on Lord Str eet in Burscough is the place to go and every Tuesda y is the time to be there. Bookin g is essential and you can do this by contacting Maure en Park on 01257 464 285 or e-mail Maureen.park2@ btinternet.com

E

A

Ar t

at the ready! Parbold Get your paint brushes and pens you brush up on help to like d woul Art & Craft Class group meets every your painting skills. This friendly -12.30pm second Monday of the month at 10am . For more Lane n Gree Town on ch Chur at Hilldale 01257 463423. on ett Secr d Davi call e information pleas

Badminton

B

Do you fancy getting back into Badminton? Or perhaps you’ve never played before and want to try it out – whether you’re looking for coaching, or just somewhere to play with your mates then head to Mawdesley Badminton Club.

The club plays at Burscough Leisure Centre on Mart Lane ever y Thursday from 7.40pm.For more information please e-mail contact@ mawdesleybadmintonclub.co.uk

Cheerleading

C

get the idea but on a Give me a C, give me an H – you can be a whole lot of es class ing rlead Chee serious note at Coppull Enterprise t mee ters Twis e fun! The Lancashir is an enjoyable, and ull Centre on Mill Lane in Copp For further energetic group for 5-19 year olds. p on 07871 509499 information please contact the grou m ail.co hotm ers@ twist or e-mail lancashire

32

Egg Crafting

ing, you’re not alone.

If you’ve never heard of egg craft e a crafty type you’ll you’r if and art erful wond a But it is hold occasional ers Craft Egg d Woo love it! The Joan in Orrell; contact Hall ch Chur workshops at the Salem details.

Wendy on 01942 216552 for more

F

Freegle

Is recycling at its best! If you’ve got stuff you don’t need and you want to de-clutter in the New Year, don’t throw it away – join the Southport or Chorley Freegle group and give it away!

The group was set up to save useable stuff from going into the landfill. Lurking in sheds, attics and cupboards all over West Lancs there are items that are too good to throw away and Freegle group can help! For more information or to join the group please go online at www. ilovefreegle.org and search for Southport or Chorley.

Going Out

G

l life in 2013 then If you want to enjoy more of a socia just the ticket! is ute Instit en’s the Newburgh Wom of the month Members meet on the third Monday in Newburgh, Lane Back on ol Scho h burg New at new friends and giving everyone the chance to make information more For est. inter of organise activities 01257 463242 or please contact Mavis Sudworth on Jackie Kindon on 01257 463848.

Jewellery Making

J

Have you ever wanted to make jewe llery for yourself or for a gift? Then go along to Ceda r Farm on Back Lane in Mawdesley and join the regu lar jewellery making classes and learn how easy it is to make fabulous pieces of jewellery that everyone will think you have bought! For more informatio n about the dates and cost of classes please contact Samantha Taylor on 07962 200038 or e-ma il Samantha@ bebeady.co.uk.

K

Hatha Yoga

H

If you would like to start the year with less stress and a clearer outlook on things, why not join the Hatha Yoga class held at the Parbold WI Hall on The Common?

The benefits of yoga can include a reduction in tension, lower blood pressure and can offer more flexibility and toning. Classes are held on a Sunday from 10am-11am - for more infor mation about the class please contact Kathy on 0780 1 922028.

I

Indoor Bowling

and Road in Scarisbrick Bowling Club on Falkl ut for new members looko the on ys alwa is t hpor Sout club runs an indoor and during the winter months the make some new can You e. team in their local leagu bowl everybody friends, get out of the house and dly and sociable. over – this lively group is very frien t the club please abou more learn to If you would like il admin@ e-ma or 81 5303 4 contact them on 0170 scarisbrickbowlingclub.co.uk.

www.locallife247.co.uk

Kitesurfing

aspects This energetic water sport combines gliding and of wakeboarding, windsurfing, para ent types of kite gymnastics. There are many differ course racing, d, spee tyle, frees ding surfing inclu looking for are you If . jumping and wave riding t or kite equipment lessons, information about the spor ng on Ainsdale get down to West Coast Kite Surfi mation please infor more for – t hpor Beach in Sout il info@ e-ma or 25 0179 3 contact Chris on 0791 westcoastkiteboarding.co.uk.

L

Luncheon Club

Perhaps in 2013 you might want to become a bit more social and make a few new friends –then why not consider the Age UK Luncheon and Social Club at the Ecumenical Centre on Northway in Skelmersdale?

The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 12noon, and offers older people the opportunity to enjoy a freshly cooked two course lunch prepared by experienced and welcoming staff.

The cost is £2.50 and booking is advised – for more information please contact the centre on 01695 7250 14.

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Movies

M

established group Bretherton Film Society is a wellol on South Scho wed based at Bretherton Endo unity with a great Road, which has provides the comm lms commence fi All lms. fi lar popu h watc to place n is £4 and there at the school at 7.30pm, admissio available. For more are refreshments including wine of films please information about the new season on 01772 601455 or tt Pigo John and aret Marg ct conta e-mail brethertonfs@btinternet.com

N

Needlewor k

The new sewing course held at Ceda r Farm on Back Lane in Mawdesley is a six week course starting on Wednesday 23rd January from 10am -12noon – the cost is £20 per session but the cour se does need to be paid in advance. Go and learn in a relaxed and friendly environment, no experienc e is required and the course is suitable for all abilit ies. If you would like a sneak peek there is a FRE E taster session on Wednesday 16th January from 10am -12noon. For more information please contact Caroline on 07752 703356 or Louise on 07845 9029 99.

O

Orienteering

s a bit of a challenge, If you’re a keen walker who want at the world of then you might like to take a peek teering Club has Orien le Ribb h Sout The ng. teeri orien with lot of local e ashir Lanc ss acro all members from is a friendly This pied. occu activities to keep them to the sport. For club that is looking for newcomers the Club Secretary at more information please contact org secretary@sroc.

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P

Powerboat Racing based at

Club is The Lancashire Powerboat Racing Road in St Helens.

Carr Mill Dam on Garswood Old ns for new racing The club is currently taking applicatio between the is child your if so, bers and skiing mem to know more about ages of 9-16 and you would like e e-mail them at the clubs training packages pleas m ail.co t@gm rboa powe shire lanca

Quilting

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Quilting is enjoying a renewed popu larity and many groups are full to new members.

If you’re interested, try the Quirky Quilters Group who meets every second Wednesday between 10am-12pm at the Grove Youth and Community Centre on Station Approach in Burscough. For more details pleas e contact Julie Gudgeon on 01704 894757 or Liz Owen on 01704 894313

Reading

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self for an afternoon Reading is great way to lose your on the lookout and Parbold Reading Group are ts on the first for new members. The group mee Hut on the Hill in The at th mon y ever of ay Wednesd read a variety of bers Mem .

-3pm 1pm Parbold between mmendations reco ome welc general novels and always more information for new and interesting reads. For 7 400046. please contact Pat Tarver on 0125

Secret Cake Club

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Calling all cake lovers in and around the West Lancashire area –The Clandestine Cake Club is a worldwide club but Formby has its very own branch. Homebakers and professionals gather together in secret locations, mostly to enjoy their favourite cakes and have a good natter, plus they never go home empty handed. To become a member of the Clandestine Cake Club please go online at www. clandestinecakeclub.co.uk and sear ch for the Formby group.

Tai Chi

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fit and increase your Tai Chi classes can help you get icks, just quality gimm no are e self-confidence. Ther s in a relaxed and tuition so you can learn the basic group trains on a un-intimidating atmosphere. The Hall on The Common WI old Parb at ing morn Thursday more information For .

1am am-1 in Parbold from 9.30 on 01257 424095. please contact Maureen Thomas

U UC Crew

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Yes, that’s a bit of a cheat, but there ’s nothing fake about Extreme element, who are the UK’s leading extreme sports specialist, offering over 800 Extreme Sports Courses and Outdoor Activ ity Days, across the UK. Fancy a tandem skydive, flying lessons, rock climbing, motocross or quad bikin g…visit the website www.exelement.co.uk

Youth Football

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boys and girls Croston Juniors runs a team for both surrounding and ton Cros from form the age of 6-16 Standard Club and villages. They are an FA Charter fied coaches with al teams are managed by FA quali development of the and t men enjoy on an emphasis ton Sports Club Cros at plays club football skills. The would like to join a on Westhead Road. If your child club through their family friendly please contact the rostonjuniors. .uk/c ite.co webs .club www at website

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a wide range of Lancashire County Council offers g activities for exciting, innovative and challengin You can get teer. volun to want who you of those new skills, learn , unity comm local involved with your could that e rienc expe meet new people and gain teer in areas such help you get a job. You can volun home visiting. For as marketing, leisure, caring and rtunities please oppo these t abou n further informatio e-mail volunteer. or 18 2481 7 contact the team on 0125 services@lancashire.gov.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

The West Lancashire Wildlife Group was set up in 2009 as a friendly, informal natural history habitats of Wet group, focusing on the wildlife and tings every month at Lancashire. They run indoor mee a variety of field trips Edge Hill University and organise year. For more the t ghou throu ions sess ing and train group please the or ife wildl local information about .westlancswildlife. have a look at the website at www 01704 833538. org.uk or call Shelagh Parsons on

X-treme Spor ts

The UC Crew have been working in the community since 2005 and have taught more than 1000 young people to break dance and D.J! Usual activities include practice sessions, workshops, performances, trips and club nights – the group meets every Saturday at Base Dance on Langley Place in Burscough from 10am-12pm. For more information on workshops, shows and practice sessions please send an e-mail to hello@uccrew.co.uk.

Volunteering

W ildlife

Z Zumba-mania has swept the natio n and 2013 should be the year you get involved.

Pop down to the Bretherton Endowed School Hall on South Road every Monday night from 8pm – classes are just £4 on the door. For more information pleas e contact Jane Douglas through her website at www .janedouglas. zumba.com

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Your Pets & Food for Thought Ian Hinckley There is an old expression ‘You are what you eat’. Nowhere is this more important than when feeding your pets. As a pet nutritionist, I am all too aware of the many benefits or potential damage of a poor diet to your animals.

Good nutrition is vital to a pet’s wellbeing. Simple changes in diet can make a positive difference to an animal’s appearance and their energy levels. And it’s not just the physical effects. Proper nutrition can improve animal’s behaviour, too. Happier, healthier pets are often less aggressive and more obedient.

Quality nutrition also affects the owner’s life. Older animals, those with sensitive stomachs or even those with gluten issues can all be made happier with the right food, so reducing worry and time looking after them. Even their mess is less – better absorption means smaller, more solid faeces that are easier to pick up.

The difficulty is always finding the exact nutrition for any pet. They may happily eat the food they’re given without any indication of the damage it might be doing or the long-term effects it might have. Constant supervision is needed to ensure that problems are spotted quickly and owners can share their concerns or seek advice.

I regularly visit customer’s homes to deliver pet food and keep an eye on their pets. Seeing at first-hand the difference proper nutrition can make to a pet never ceases to amaze me nor my customers. The same goes for the cost. Everyone immediately assumes better quality means paying more, yet the opposite is true. Animals absorb quality food more completely so they need less.

And chances are you’ll save money on vet’s bills, too!

Oscar Pet Foods is a leading nutritionist and pet food supplier. My name is Ian Hinckley, I live in Rufford and I’m the local franchisee for Oscar Pet Foods in this area. We offer free delivery and personal pet advice on your doorstep. I’m specially trained to offer a range of quality pet foods to suit all animals. Every customer receives a free taste trial to ensure they are completely happy with the food, as well as advice about costs – for example, feeding a Labrador with Oscar’s premium range is only 71p per day. For more information, give me a call on 01704 335007 or 07538 619066.

For more information visit www.oscar.co.uk

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If you believe that ‘you are what you eat’, then giving your pets high quality food is a must for a healthy life. Just as you would when shopping for you or your family, check you’re giving your pets the food they deserve – and see the difference.

Jewellery Workshops

Fair Trade Tea Dance

If you envied your friend’s hand crafted jewellery at Christmas and you fancy learning how to make your own, then two Saturdays you might want to make a note of are 9th February and 23rd March. Heather Scott is holding a Silver Jewellery Making Workshop on those days at her Cedar Farm base near Mawdesley.

Enjoy a couple of hours of music and dance in a friendly atmosphere, as Preston Guild Hall hosts their popular tea dance. While away the afternoon with a selection of familiar tunes on the organ, there will be opportunities for mixed ballroom and sequence dancing. Those who don’t enjoy taking a spin around the floor are welcome to go along, listen to the music and make new friends.

The dance starts at 2pm on Tuesday January 8th, tickets cost just £4 and refreshments will be available. For more information or to book please call 01772 203456.

All items are made from scratch, and you’ll be making a silver cuff bangle and matching ring at the workshop. The cost of the workshop is £75 which includes the material costs. For more information, please call Heather on 01704 823355 or email infor@heatherscottjewellery.co.uk.

Parbold AGM The AGM of the Parbold Community Association takes place next Sunday (11th January) in the Village Hall in Parbold. If you fancy getting involved in what happens in the village, then do come along and join the association. It costs just £1 to join. The elections for the officers will take place at this meeting; if you require nomination forms then please call the Secretary, Clare Gillard on 01257 464533.

The meeting starts at 7pm.

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37

Let me say it loud and proud – hoorah for credit cards! Most people think of credit cards as a way to borrow. Yet, used right, they’re also by far the best way to spend.

Some plastic gives 5% back on all your spending. That’s right, they PAY YOU, and we’re not talking pennies.

Here are the 10 need-to-knows.

Neuter the card’s interest-charging ability.

Just set up a direct debit to repay IN FULL each month.

That way you avoid any interest, so it’s all profit (also, never withdraw cash, as then you pay interest even when you fully repay). If you’re not going to do this, please stop reading now.

Use for Everything With the direct debit set up, the credit card’s effectively like a debit card that’s paid monthly from your bank account.

So provided you can always clear in full, use it for ALL normal spending.

Capital’s Cashback Capital One’s Aspire pays newbies 5% back for the first 99 days (up to a maximum of £100). So apply now to get the 5% and take advantage of the winter sales. After the 5% ends, the rate’s ‘up to 1.25%’ depending how much you spend. If you already have a Capital One card, check out the best buys at moneysavingexpert.com/cashbackcards.

Poor credit score?

Most cashback cards require a decent credit score, but if you don’t have one, you needn’t miss out. The Aqua Reward card offers 3% cashback, up to a maximum of £100 a year. As it’s primarily a card to rebuild your credit, even some with past CCJs or defaults can get it.

Heavy Traveller?

Get big money back on petrol and train fares. The Santander 123 credit card pays a permanent 3% on up to £300 a month on petrol, diesel and rail. You also get 2% on department store spending and and 1% on supermarkets.

Due to the £2 a month fee, this is a card that’s only best for heavy drivers/commuters who shop in supermarkets . Still, that’s a lot of people.

In a trusting relationship?

Imagine Janet applies for a 5% cashback card. She can make John the second cardholder, so he can take advantage too. After the three month higher rate ends, John can then do the reverse for a further three months at 5%. After that, both partners should use one card, as cashback rates are tie-ed.

38

Cashback Cards

by Martin Lewis How’s the cashback paid?

It’s usually taken off the statement annually. Most cards do this on the anniversary of when you opened the account – though Capital One does it every January, and Santander does it monthly.

Credit Score Impact Every application you make for credit marks your file. One isn’t a problem, but many applications in a short period of time can be damaging. So if you’re imminently applying for a more important credit facility, such as a mortgage, it’s best to wait until after your mortgage application is cleared.

Free consumer protection By law, buy anything from £100 to £30,000 and pay, even in part, on any credit card and Section 75 laws mean the card firm’s jointly liable with the retailer for the whole amount. Therefore, if an item’s faulty, or the retailer goes bust, go to the card provider for refunds. This can be valuable extra protection.

Cashback on council tax, mortgages, energy bills & more!

With the Santander 123 bank account (not the credit card) you get 1% back on water, council tax, Santander mortgage payments, and 2% on gas and electricity. It’s 3% on mobile, broadband, phone and TV bills. Plus there’s tiered interest up to 3%. There’s a fee of £2 a month, but for many, this is a winner earning £100s a year. Full info at www.moneysavingexpert.com/bankaccounts

Get Martin’s FREE tips and money-off vouchers emailed directly to you each week by signing up to www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips

Martin Lewis Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, is an awardwinning campaigning TV & radio presenter, newspaper columnist and a best-selling author. An ultra-specialised journalist, focusing on cutting bills without cutting back, he runs and founded the UK’s biggest money site, www.moneysavingexpert.com with 13 million monthly users.

Each month, Martin will be writing a feature for Local Life - advising our readers how to save thousands of pounds every year! Don’t miss it!

www.locallife247.co.uk

39

RAPID RESPONDER? There won’t be too many who remember the launch of the 1935 original Skoda Rapid.

The badge will be more familiar to those who recall it on the rump of the rear-engined Rapid Coupe from the mid-80’s. Those in the know loved the way it drove and motoring writers affectionately dubbed it the poor man’s Porsche 911. Yes, it was a bit rough and ready but it was great fun and just stuffed to bursting point with character.

Fast forward to 2012 and we have a new generation Rapid. You’d probably peer under the Rapid and conclude that there’s not a lot that’s too exciting about this car. And you’d be right. There’s a simple strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear end with tried and trusted Volkswagen Group engines plumbed under the bonnet. The front end is a modified Polo platform, whereas the rear end comes from the

40

Beetle. The result is a car which rides firmly, has light steering and excellent all-round visibility making the Rapid an easy car to drive.

The entry-level engine in the range is a 1.2-litre threecylinder petrol unit that packs 75PS and will thrash its way to 60mph in 13.4 seconds. A more satisfying option can be found in the rather brilliant turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI four units, while there’s a seven-speed DSG-gearboxed 122PS 1.4-litre TSI at the top of the range that looks a little redundant but which is the only car in the line-up that can crack 10 seconds to 60mph. Diesel drivers get a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with 105PS. So, as you can see, rapidity isn’t big on the Rapid’s agenda.

The Rapid is an unusually proportioned car. Fairly long and relatively narrow, it’s a hatchback that looks much like a saloon and is also a good deal bigger expect at its price point. It’s not extrovertly styled in any way and this feeling of sparse utility is really rather refreshing in a market rammed with gaudy attention seekers.

Those with long memories will recall Skoda’s last Rapid.

This one is nothing like it. Andy Enright reports. passenger seat, rear electric windows, chrome interior detailing and a four spoke multi-functional steering wheel.

The engine line-up is clearly geared towards economy rather than excitement and the 1.2-litre TSI powerplant may well work out as the most cost-effective for the lower mileage user, especially as it’s the cheapest variant to insure, ratings starting from 7E. The diesel is sure to be popular, putting out 114g/km of CO2.

The interior is unconventional in its own way as well.

Touch many of the cabin plastics and they’re rather hard and scratchy, but it looks well built. It looks elegant. It looks, above all else, as if it’s not trying too hard. And if there’s a better definition of cool than that, I’ve yet to hear it. Rear legroom is excellent although shoulder room is a pinch for three. Headroom is good as well, while the boot is bigger than that of a Ford Mondeo and accessed through a huge tailgate.

The Rapid might seem unremarkable on the face of things but Skoda has in fact built something rather intriguing. It has brought to market a car that doesn’t rely on gimmicks in any way. That presupposes a real maturity from its customers and it would be heartening to see the Czech brand’s faith repaid. The Rapid is a car that can only be bought by the self-assured customer; the sort of person who doesn’t need to hide behind a badge to impress others.

Overall? Well, perhaps we are entering an age of pared back utility. After all, 2012’s coolest car may well have been the Dacia Duster. The Skoda Rapid isn’t that pared back but it will still appeal to the buyer who’ll never be deemed a try-hard. We like that.

Pricing start at around £13,000, so you’re paying a lot less than you would be for a basic Ford Focus. Despite this, the standard specification runs to remote central locking, curtain airbags, daytime running lights, rake/ reach-adjustable steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and electric front windows.

SE trim starts at around the £15,000 mark and adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors and handles, air-conditioning, a Maxi-dot trip computer, an MDI (Multi Device Interface), a leather steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity. Buyers opting for range-topping Elegance models benefit from 16-inch alloys, cornering front fog lamps, cruise control, a height-adjustable

www.locallife247.co.uk

41

Burscough Priory & Lathom

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On a cold wintry Sunday morning in early December, we loaded the dogs up in the boot of the car and set off to Burscough to try this 5½ mile walk. It’s a well known local walk which takes in two places of worship that are connected to the historic Lathom Estate; Burscough Priory, which is in ruins and Lathom Park Chapel, which is still active and in a well kept condition.

The walk’s a bit muddy in parts, particularly going through Mill Dam Woods at the back end of the walk, so do wear waterproof walking boots. Please also take great care at the unmanned railway crossing near Burscough Priory.

Park up on Lordsgate Lane near to the Bull and Dog pub, and head back to the A59 (Liverpool Road South). Cross this busy road, and turn right. Take an immediate left turn down Abbey Lane. Pass the landfill site on the left and then bear right when you reach a fork in the path. The concrete road eventually becomes a dirt path which leads to the Wigan - Southport Railway line. Cross over the unmanned railway crossing, taking care to look and listen as you cross.

Once you have safely crossed, take a look to your left and, in the distance, you will see the ruins of Burscough Priory. Go through the gate at the end of the path. Once upon a time, you could turn left at this point and walk past the ruins, but there is a diversion in place at the moment and the path is barred. Instead walk straight on through the peaceful Abbey Farm Caravan Park. Carry on past the barrier signifying the front entrance to the Park and carry straight on until you reach Dark Lane.

Turn left for 175 yards along Dark Lane. Once you have crossed Abbey Bridge, cross over the road immediately and take a right turn as indicated by the public symbol.

Following the footpath, which runs parallel to Abbey Brook for 425 yards. Once you reach the corner of the field by a telegraph pole, you’ll meet a track running across your path. Turn right and go over a little bridge over a brook.

Within seconds you’ll reach a driveway to a house (Shaker Lady Hey House). Exit the driveway and turn left onto Sandy Lane. After 250 yards you’ll reach the T junction at the end of the road (ignore the public footpath symbol a few yards before the junction). Turn left down Cranes Lane.

Follow Cranes Lane for its entirety, which is just over a mile, passing Ormskirk Golf Club on the right. It’s quiet and peaceful here, with only the odd shout of ‘Fore!’ disturbing the silence. We took in the fabulous views of the snowy tops of Longridge Fell and beyond. When you get to the end of Cranes Lane, cross over the road (Hall Lane) and into Lathom Park.

After 300 yards you’ll reach Lathom Park Chapel on your left. In the distance on the right at this point, you’ll spot the West Wing - the only remaining part of Lathom House.

Turn up the entrance to the Chapel and you’ll immediately

Burscough Priory Burscough Priory is situated just 1/4 mile from the main A59 and around 150 yards from the Wigan to Southport railway line. It was founded in 1190

by Robert Fitz-Henry, the Lord of Lathom. For 350 years, the priory flourished and was a vital part of everyday life. In 1286, the monks at Burscough Priory were awarded a Royal Charter by Edward I that permitted them to hold a twice weekly market in nearby Ormskirk, a market that still attracts locals and visitors to this day.

This all came to an end in the mid 1500’s. The Dissolution of the Monasteries act came into force in 1536. This was the set of administrative and legal processes instigated by Henry VIII which disbanded monasteries, priories, convents and friaries, appropriated their income and disposed of their assets. At the time of its dissolution, the Priory maintained a prior and five canons of the Augustine order.

The Priory was the burial place of the Lathoms and their successors, the Stanleys of Lathom, Earls of Derby, but after the dissolution of Burscough Priory many of the bodies were moved from the vault at Burscough to the vault in the Derby Chapel at Ormskirk Church, which itself was built by Edward, the third Earl of Derby. The bells of the Priory were moved to the Church too, where a tower had to be built to support them, which is the reason why the church has a tower and steeple, one of only three churches in England to do so.

www.locallife247.co.uk

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spot Cromwell’s Stone on the right. Walk past the chapel and the adjoining Almshouses. As the road bears left, go straight on and follow the well defined pathway that takes you between two fields.

Go through the metal kissing gates and carry on down the path. Once you reach the pair of black metal bollards at the end of the path bear left. You now exit Lathom Park and reach Hall Lane once again. Take a right turn, cross over the road and follow Hall Lane for 325 yards.

Just before you get to the sharp right hand bend, look ahead and you’ll see (though partially obscured behind the chevron road sign) what is thought to be the smallest cottage in Lancashire. This former post office also used to be the childhood home of the wife of the Local Life Publisher! Just before Watkinsons Farm you will reach a public footpath sign on your left; so take a left at this point. After 30 yards down the farm track, you’ll see a red sign on the left which directs you to the path which takes you right through the field.

Cross over the wooden bridge over the brook and take an immediate right turn. A few yards later you’ll meet a track; turn left and follow the track in the same direction for ½ mile up the right hand perimeter of the field. On your way, you’ll pass through some wooden posts - just follow the well defined path in the direction of the telegraph poles.

When you reach the dirt track known as Lady Alice’s Drive, bear right for 100 yards and then turn right again.

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A5209

Lathom Chapel Follow the track for 600 yards until you reach Blythe Lane. Cross the road and walk up the track to Warmrow Farm. Once you reach the top of the track, look out for a garden gate on the left where the brick wall is. Go through the gate and carry on down the path, which takes you downhill into Mill Dam Woods.

Cross the bridge over the stream, then turn left and walk through the woods on the pathway which runs parallel to the stream. Once you reach the corner of the woods, follow the path as it makes a right turn uphill. After a short climb, you will soon reach a wooden stile on your left, hop across and head straight across the middle of the field towards Mill Dam Farm. To the right of the farm, there’s another stile, so cross this and turn right. Head uphill over the railway bridge and straight on up Mill Dam Lane until you meet the junction with Liverpool Road South. Turn left, cross the road and you’ll eventually arrive back at the Bull and Dog pub.

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

www.locallife247.co.uk

The Chapel of St John the Divine was founded by the Earl of Derby in 1500, and it stands within the Lathom Park estate. This handsome chapel is set in well-tended gardens, and has several adjoining Almshouses. The chapel was restored in 1810, at a cost of £1200 and today holds regular Anglican services. Various plaques in the chapel commemorate the residents of Lathom House, whose remaining west wing lies within 200 yards of the chapel.

Whilst the quiet Lancashire parish of Lathom is now a rural backwayer, it was once an administrative and power centre. The Manor of Lathom once formed the most important of 17 manors in the North West and the Lathom family owned lands throughout southern Lancashire, extending as far afield as Manchester. The lordship passed through marriage from the de Lathom family to the Stanley family who used the Wars of the Roses to enrich themselves and enhance the importance of Lathom.

In 1643, the Royalist James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, was despatched to the Isle of Man to defend the island, leaving his wife, Charlotte de la Tremoüille, behind at Lathom House. The Roundheads demanded that she surrender the house, but she defended Lathom House with 300 men against 2,000 Parliamentarians in the Seige of Lathom which lasted from February to May 1644. Royalist reinforcements arrived and this allowed Charlotte to flee Lathom House to the Isle of Man. Lathom House again came under siege from July 1644 and it finally fell in December 1645, when it was mostly destroyed. Knowsley Hall later succeeded Lathom House as the main residence of the Stanley family.

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Room for improvement?

January is always a flat month for me. All the excitement of Christmas has gone, there are the New Year resolutions to stick to (and the guilt when you don’t!) and worst of all - there is little opportunity to get out into the garden.

Which new plants do I want and where can I plant them - what conditions do they need to thrive (sun, shade, aspect) and which plants will they look good next to, how big do they grow and so on (there is more to this garden design lark than meets the eye you know!)

Don’t get me wrong, as a garden designer (which includes planting) I work in all weathers and I don’t mind it at all. But working in the garden at this time of year can actually do more harm than good. For example walking across frosty or wet lawns may cause irreperable damage and working on wet borders will only end up compacting the soil. No, the best type of gardening in January is in a greenhouse sowing seeds - but not many of us have that luxury. So January for me is all about planning.

It’s usually at this point that Hubby says “I thought the garden was done”. I try to explain that a garden is a living growing thing which changes with the seasons and needs redecorating every now and then, just like rooms in a house. Talking of which, I’m thinking our front room could do with a bit of a makeover… hear Hubby groan.

Curled up in front of the fire, I make plans for the coming months and consider whether there is any room for improvement in my planting: Have I got any plants which are not living up to my expectation - and is there a reason for this (for example are they in the wrong place) Are there any plants which have outgrown their space.

In which case can I move them - and where to - or can I prune them or (as a last resort) will they have to go

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01695 632942 or 07736 389409

Re-upholstery Repair Large range of materials to choose from Domestic & Commercial work undertaken

Master Upholsterer with over 30 years experience Unit 7, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB

01695 682029 / 07787 900353 email: ken@oldfieldupholstery.co.uk

A J Decorating Services Experienced Painter & Decorator • Internal and External work welcomed • Domestic and Commercial work undertaken • Reasonable rates & free quotes

If you need a new heating system or replacement boiler, call the installation specialists now for a free quote!

Call: 01942 747893 or 07749 965 047 w w w. a j d e c o r a t i n g s e r v i c e s . c o . u k

Our friendly family company has been serving the Lancashire area for over 25 years. For more details on our services please visit www.fgwelch.co.uk Our other services include; i Annual servicing i Landlord Gas safety checks i Home efficiency upgrades i System power flushing i All general plumbing

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

Awarded winner of the Good trader scheme, for consistently high standards of customer feedback 2011

Telephone:

01257MOBILE: 421 660

Registration No.

88604

07931 766 684

www.fgwelch.co.uk 48

Thinking of extending or enhancing your home? telephone

01695 322318 mobile

07811 470577

pride in the job

Stuart Calland • Plastering & Coving • Bathrooms & Tiling • Decorating & Plumbing • Insurance Work undertaken • Full House Refurbishments

aExtensions aKitchens/Bathrooms aLoft Conversions aConservatories Fully insured local family business with over 30 years experience All time-served qualified tradesmen Call Tony now for free professional advice, ideas and quotations

Building, Heating & Plumbing Contractors

01695 572525 / 07885 490890 54 Cottage Lane, Ormskirk, L39 3NG

General Building & Maintenance Work • General Joinery • Fascias, Gutters, Roofing • Plastering & Texture Rendering • Double Glazing • Flagging Driveways & Patios Check out my 5 Star reviews at www.traderregister.org.uk Call Paul for a free quotation on

01695 578495 or 07944 550268 www.precisionbuildingservices.org.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

49

S TA I N E D G L A S S R E PA I R S

Restorations & repairs • New Commissions welcomed Stained glass craft workshops – ask for details

Mike Allen Glass

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The Old Stables, Mill Lane, Burscough, L40 5TJ Call: 0750 212 0453 E-mail: mikeallenglass@hotmail.co.uk www.mikeallenglass.co.uk

Too busy to go the hairdressers?

Let the salon come to you!

Qualified for all aspects of hairdressing – at a price you can afford!

Your hair – In your home

Call Nikki now on:

07528 523374

w w w. o r m s k i r k h a i r d r e s s e r s . c o m

Suffering from poor reception?

SK Installations are accredited experts in Aerial & Satellite work We also install wall mount TV’s, phone extensions, home entertainment systems & CCTV

Fast response and quality work guaranteed!

Tel: 01704 89 40 89

www.sk-installationsltd.co.uk 01695 577754 0779 597 3267

www.ovenclean.com

We use non-caustic + non-corrosive material which are safe and fume-free.

Call us today for a free quote!

Will remove grease, fat and burnt-on carbon deposits!

50

The photograph in Puzzle Corner is of the war memorial in Burscough

Useful Numbers Medical Ormskirk & District Hospital Chorley & South Ribble Hospital Southport & Formby General Hospital Skelmersdale Walk In Centre Burscough Health Centre Lathom House Surgery Croston Village Surgery Croston Medical Centre Parbold Surgery NHS Direct

01695 577111 01257 261222 01704 547471 01695 588640 01704 894997 01704 895566 01772 600722 01772 600081 0844 811 0909 0845 623334

Police Burscough Area Croston, Mawdesley & Bretherton Parbold, Newburgh & Skelmersdale

01695 566444 01257 246103 01695 566501

Libraries Burscough Eccleston Parbold Tarleton

01704 892334 01257 451825 01257 463769 01772 815179

Councils West Lancs Borough Council Chorley Borough Council Lancashire County Council

01695 577177 01257 515151 01772 221600

Primary Schools Bretherton Endowed C o E Burscough Bridge Meth.

Burscough Lordsgate C of E Burscough Village Primary Burscough St Johns C of E Burscough St John Cath.

Croston Trinty & St Michael’s Dalton St Michael’s Holmeswood Meth Lathom Park Mawdesley St Peters C o E Mawdesley St Peter & Paul Cath.

Newburgh C of E Parbold Douglas Parbold Our Lady & All Saints Parbold Richard Durnings Pinfold Primary Rufford C of E School Scarisbrick St Mark’s C of E Scarisbrick St Mary’s Cath.

Tarleton Mere Brow C o E

01772 600431 01704 892307 01704 892374 01704 895403 01704 893323 01704 893523 01772 600379 01257 462082 01704 821360 01704 892375 01704 822657 01704 822216 01257 462916 01257 462007 01257 462466 01257 462968 01704 840338 01704 821300 01704 880636 01704 880626 01772 812689

n i t u O e Liv cks? the Sti Pick up your Local Life every month from our stands at; Burscough Wharf

Liverpool Road Nth, Burscough www.burscough-wharf.co.uk

Diglake Far m Shop Southport Road, Scarisbrick www.diglakefarmshop.co.uk

Heskin Hall Far mers Market Wood Lane, Heskin www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

Homestead Far m’s Shop Wiggins Lane, Holmeswood www.homesteadfarmsshop.co.uk

Nelsons Far m Shop Moss Lane, Burscough www.nelsonsfarmshop.co.uk

Taylors Far m Shop Hall Lane, Lathom www.taylorsfarmshop.co.uk

Toogood Far m Shop Toogood Lane, Wrightington www.toogoodfarm.co.uk

The Far m

71 Martin Lane, Burscough www.thefarmburscough.co.uk

The Home Far m Shop

The Eagle & Child, Bispham Green www.ainscoughs.co.uk

Warbreck Garden Centre Lyelake Lane, Lathom www.warbreck.co.uk

Or read your copy at www.locallife247.co.uk

Secondary Schools Bishop Rawstorne Burscough Priory Ormskirk School St Bedes Tarleton High School

www.locallife247.co.uk

01772 600349 01704 893259 01695 583040 01695 570353 01772 812644

51

01695 52300ncs.ac.uk www.westla

R A E Y W NE S E S R U O C 2013

013, G NEW IN 2 IN H T E M O S RSES? DO RT-TIME COU OOKING TO L PA E R ’R O U L O L Y U F IF UR Y ONE OF O WHY NOT TR

WE OFFER A RANGE OF NEW YEAR COURSES INCLUDING: Autocad, Beauty, Body Massage/Aromatherapy, Bridal Hair, Cake Decorating, Car Maintenance, Cookery, Caring for Children, Computing, Digital Imaging, Drawing and Painting, Dressmaking, ECDL, English GCSE, False Eye Lashes, Flower Arranging, Food Hygiene, French, German, Guitar Acoustic, Hairdressing, Italian, Maths GCSE, Nails, Photography, Photoshop, Plastering, Plumbing, Portuguese, Pottery, Princes Trust, Sign Language, Spanish, Woodwork and Yoga.

ENROL IN PERSON OR BY TELEPHONE AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES: 7-18 January (Monday-Friday) 10am-3pm @ Skelmersdale Campus, College Way, Skelmersdale WN8 6DX sat nav.

A full list of courses is available online www.westlancs.ac.uk For further details please contact Course Enquiries on 01695 52300.

Design and production by Local Life 247 Ltd Publishing • Design & Print • Leaflet Distribution