Local Life - Chorley - April 2016

Chorley Edition

April 2016

Wai12nmonth WWT family membership Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Garden Diary... www.locallife247.co.uk

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couple of weeks ago, I did something that I vowed I’d never do – join Facebook.

I recently became involved in a pop up café initiative to raise funds for the local community and charities, and I was persuaded that if I joined Facebook myself and promoted the page it would reap benefits. This, despite me, a 50+ workaholic, having about as many friends as Adam Johnson now has, especially before’ lights out’ at whatever nick he ended up in.

Anyway, what a revelation! I look at my news feed on Facebook and see all these people having a fab time – celebrating in champagne bars, walking in the Lakes, ski-ing in the French Alps, whilst the highlight of my week is the occasional ice cream from Frederick’s! Often we’re just too busy pulling together all these exciting things in our magazines for you to do, that we haven’t time to actually do many ourselves.

So I’m going to mark the clocks moving forward by getting out there a bit more, enjoying the Spring sunshine and making the most of all the attractions Chorley and District has to offer. Hopefully I’ll see you there too!

Until next time,

Chris Pearce - Publisher Next issue - May 2016

Advertising deadline - Thursday 14 April Published - Thursday 28 April

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In this issue Let’s talk

Davina’s Smart

tinnitus

Carbs

45

60

Still

Test Drive -

Waters

Mini Clubman

54

66

Win a WWT family

Jack’s Tracks

membership

Ashton & Bamfurlong

58

68

Regulars 22 Class from the past 34 Puzzle Page

Telephone: 01257 498 329 62 What’s On 75 Useful Numbers

Sections 6 Property 12 Local News 45 Heath & Fitness 60 Food

62 Events & Leisure 66 Motoring 71 Home Services

Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB

Local Life Media

Sales: Lisa Jackson, Nicola Gray Editorial: Chris Pearce Design: Peter Bretherton

sales@locallife247.co.uk

chorleynews@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan

accounts@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.

This edition is delivered to 13,515 homes and businesses in Chorley, Coppull, Eccleston, Croston, Charnock Richard, and Heath Charnock.

The next edition is delivered to 12,500 homes and businesses in Astley Village, Buckshaw Village, Clayton-le-Woods, Euxton, Whittle-le-Woods, Wheelton, Heapey, Brinscall and Withnell.

You can also pick up a free copy at Morrisons or Tesco in Chorley.

@locallifemedia

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.

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Spoilt for Choice If you want to put your name on a stunning home from Redrow’s award-winning Heritage Collection in Chorley, there’s plenty to choose from. The homes all combine Arts & Crafts inspired architecture with bright, open modern interiors and a high quality specification. The locations are all different.

Heritage Brook, together with Heritage Court, in Buckshaw Village offers three, four and fivebedroom homes from only £159,995; The Hedgerows in Leyland has four-bedroom properties from £249,995 and Lucas Green in Whittle-Le-Woods boasts four and five-bedroom homes currently from £289,995.

“And getting the keys to one of these beautiful homes has never been easier,” says Redrow sales director Claire Jarvis.

Redrow offers incentives like Help to Buy, the Government-backed scheme through which you can buy a new home with as little as 5% . The initial cost is also reduced by a 20% equity loan which is interest free for five years.

There’s also Mastermove, aimed at those who have a property to sell. After valuation and an agreed price, Redrow instructs a local estate agent and an online agent to market the property on your behalf.

“You can potentially use both schemes together. Once you’ve sold subject to contract using Mastermove, you may be eligible for Help to Buy,” Claire adds.

To find out more about Redrow’s homes and its incentives visit www.redrow.co.uk

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LEIGH TENEMENT FARM, BLACKROD

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£335,000

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Land Swap Deal An enterprising deal could pave the way for Chorley Council’s ambitions for a major revamp of the town centre. This deal would see the council ‘swapping’ a piece of land it owns on Southport Road which is designated for housing, for the Oak House site opposite the Town Hall, currently owned by Northern Trust. The aim would be to build on other town centre development proposals and create additional parking, events space and public open space as set out in the council’s Town Centre Master Plan. Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “It is early days yet but our Executive Cabinet last night approved the sale of the land at Southport Road for development which would pave the way for us to realise our wider plans for the town centre. “We have been in talks with Northern Trust and we believe this is an opportunity which we can’t afford to miss - it may never come up again”.

The land swap would also include Chorley Football

Club’s Victory Park ground being transferred to council ownership from Northern Trust. The council-owned land on Southport Road is between Parklands High School playing fields and the entrance to Astley Park at Ackhurst Lodge. The land is already allocated for housing and as part of the sale conditions, the developer would also have to create a 100-space car park to provide vital event parking for Astley Park. A spokesman for Northern Trust added: “We have been working closely with Chorley Council on its regeneration plans for the town centre and particularly the site at Oak House. The plans are exciting and will undoubtedly improve the facilities of the surrounding area and bring further investment streams into the borough.”

Speaking about the proposed plans for the Football Club, Chairman Ken Wright said “Obviously discussions are at a very early stage with a lot still to be decided, but in principal this move represents a significant and positive way forwards for Chorley Football Club both on and off the field.”

Editor Required Could you be the face of Local Life?

Local Life is the fastest growing community magazine in the North West and we’re looking for an Editor/Editors to work from our offices in Orrell near Wigan.

The successful candidate/s will be flexible, highly motivated, well organised and be able to fit in with a small and friendly team.

We will expect you to be NCTJ qualified and be able to demonstrate experience in print media, ideally local newspapers.

To apply please email your CV to chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Closing date Friday, 9th April Previous applicants need not apply

This post is a full time position, but we also welcome applications from those candidates who are happy to job share.

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Raise the Roof It’s time to dust off your voice box and raise the roof in aid of St Michael’s Church Roof Fund. The Croston-based church is hosting a Raise the Roof concert this Saturday (2nd April) at 7pm, with songs from the worlds of musical theatre and popular opera. Refreshments will be available to keep you in good voice and tickets are available from 01772 600962.

Write On Chorley Calligraphy Group is a friendly collective of enthusiastic calligraphers of all levels who meet each month to learn and develop new skills. The group meets at Chorley Cricket Club on Sandringham Road on the third Wednesday of each month between 10am-3pm. The next meeting is on Wednesday April 20th. For more information, please contact Brian on 01606 891722.

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Go

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Following on from the popularity of the Chorley Grand Prix, local families are being urged to get on their bike this year and join in one of the many free community bike rides organised

by Chorley Council and British Cycling.

Whether you have a family of novice cyclists or expert riders, the Sky Ride Local programme has free scenic bike rides across the Chorley borough for all ages and abilities.

Councillor Bev Murray, who is responsible for community development and health and wellbeing at Chorley Council, said: “The appetite for cycling

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in Chorley is growing every year and we are delighted to be working with British Cycling again to be able to offer our residents all of these fantastic opportunities to get out and about on their bikes.

“No matter what your ability or age is, there is a bike ride for everyone in this year’s programme and I would definitely recommend you visit goskyride. com/chorley to find out more about the different routes.

The next three rides are as follows; Astley Park Potter (3 miles) – Sunday 3rd April at 2pm.

Whittle-le-Woods Circular (11 miles) – Sunday 17th April at 2pm Tatton Recreation Ride (12 miles) – Sunday 1st May at 2pm For more information, please visit www.goskyride. com/chorley

Covering all of your

Village Fair Mark a date in your diary for Saturday 14th May, for that’s the date of the annual Country Fair in the village of Hilldale, near Parbold. The traditional crowning and parade of the Hilldale Rose Queen takes place at 1.30pm and the fun never stops all the afternoon. You can look forward to a fun dog show, a marching band, Morris Dancers, donkey rides, stalls and games, a bungee trampoline and a bouncy castle.

Refreshments include cream teas and a BBQ, but feel free to bring along a picnic blanket and chairs with your own refreshments. The event takes place in Hilldale Village Hall/Field on Chorley Road in Hilldale (WN8 7AL) between 1.30 - 4pm, and entry is £1 for adults and 50p for children.

To reserve a £10 stall contact 01257 462764 or 01257 464969. For more information visit www.this-is-hilldale@btck.co.uk

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Anyone for Tennis?

Members Appeal

Chorley Tennis Club are appealing for new

Chorley & District Ladies Probus Club has appealed for new members to join their club, which meets

members to join for the 2016 season. The club is a not for profit organisation that has five all-weather floodlit courts, two short tennis courts for young juniors, a fully equipped club house and has LTA Tennismark accreditation status.

on the second Monday of the month between 10am-12pm at St George’s Club in Trinity Road in Chorley. The group consists of fully and semi-retired professional and business ladies.

They provide opportunities for social and competitive tennis and, in addition, offer coaching for juniors and adults. If you would like information about the club and memberships for 2016 then call Bob Gould on 01772 433591 or email secctc@gmail. com The courts are located off Sandringham Road, Chorley behind Chorley Cricket Club or via the marked pathway off Walgarth Drive.

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Ladies wishing to learn more about the club are invited to join as guests and will be allowed to attend up to four meetings at a fee of £3 per visit, before deciding whether to become a new member.

The next meeting is on Monday 11th April, and the guest speaker is Catherine Rae, who will give a presentation on Glass.

Nearly New Sale The Chorley & Leyland NCT are holding their next NCT Nearly New Sale (NNS) on Saturday 7th May 2016 at Parklands High School, Chorley, with early

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entry for NCT members from 11.30am. The entry fee is £1. You can expect to browse through bargains galore on high-quality, pre-loved baby, toddler and young children’s clothing, toys and equipment, such as prams, highchairs and baby carriers – with up to 75% off the original selling price of most items.

For more information or to register as a seller or volunteer, please contact nns.chorleyandleyland@ nct.org.uk

Vintage Collection

Painting Classes If you’d like to try your hand at painting simple watercolours, there’s an easel set up for you at a friendly watercolour painting class that meets on Tuesday afternoons at St George’s Church Hall on Halliwell Street in Chorley. The sessions run from 2-4 pm, but you can get there from 1.30pm to set up.

The cost is £7 a session, which is payable on the day.

For more details call Dave on 01257 261729.

Jewels May is a gorgeous independent jewellers shop nestled amongst 50 small rural retail business in Heskin Farmers Market and Craft Centre. This little treasure trove of sparkle boasts an amazing collection of antique, vintage and modern precious luxury jewellery items. The owner has a passion for old cut diamonds and precious stones in amazing unique settings, and the shop also specialises in pre-owned luxury watches.

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Bowled Over Eccleston Bowling Club, situated on The Green between St. Mary’s Primary School and the Methodist Chapel, are looking to recruit new members for the 2016 season. A warm welcome is extended to ladies and men, and also to juniors between 8 - 16 years of age. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced player or a complete beginner, you’ll be made most welcome.

Modern Collection

Free coaching is given on Wednesdays between 4- 5 pm and on Saturdays between 10.30 - 11.30am. All bowling equipment is provided free of charge, all you need to bring is a pair of flat shoes. For more information please call Elaine Thompson on 01257 451572 or 07955 423347.

Jewels May is a gorgeous independent jewellers shop nestled amongst 50 small rural retail business in Heskin Farmers Market and Craft Centre. This little treasure trove of sparkle boasts an amazing collection of antique, vintage and modern precious luxury jewellery items. The owner has a passion for old cut diamonds and precious stones in amazing unique settings, and the shop also specialises in pre-owned luxury watches.

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Heskin Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA T: 01257 450 448 E: info@jewelsmay.com www.jewelsmay.com

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Spring Fairs If you enjoy a good fair or market, then the village of Wrightington is the place to be over the next few weekends. On Saturday April 2nd, there’s a Spring Market at Tunley United Reformed Church Hall on Mossy Lea Road from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Stalls include: - Home-made cakes and pies, crafts, toys and gifts, tombola, raffle, Bric-a-Brac, jewellery, books, plants and there are also games too. Light lunches are also served and everyone is welcome!

The Friends of St Joseph’s RC Church in Wrightington are holding a Spring Fair on Sunday 10th April at 12.30pm. If the weather permits, it will be held in the grounds of the church on Crow Orchard Road, but otherwise in the Parish Hall. Admission is by

donation and there will be stalls selling home-made cakes , bric a brac, and plants, and other attractions include a bottle tombola, children’s games, a raffle, and a barbecue. The fair usually finishes around 3.30pm.

Fun Day On Sunday May 1st there’s a Fun Day for all the family at Tunley United Reformed Church on Mossy Lea Road in Wrightington from 12 noon until 4pm.

There will be stalls and games, a bouncy castle, donkey rides, refreshments and more. The Fun Day is part of the Wrightington and Heskin Scarecrow Festival which runs from Friday, April 29th to Monday, May 2nd and is in aid of Diabetes UK.

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Class from the

past

This month’s Class from the Past is from St Oswald’s School, Coppull. The photo is believed to be from the 1950s.

Maybe you can spot a familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, email chorleynews@locallife247.co.uk

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High Fashion A fashion show, organised by St Wilfrid’s Social Committee and hosted by Barbara’s of Standish will take place in St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall on Tuesday 3rd May, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 and include wine and light refreshments.

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Fashion Show Chorley Methodist Church are holding a ladies fashion show on Friday 15th April at their Gillibrands Walks (PR7 2HF) base in Chorley. The show, which will also include a pop up shop selling High Street fashion at 50% or more off, starts at 7.30pm, though the doors open at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £5, which includes light refreshments. For tickets and further information, please contact Diane Nash on 01257 794620, or pop into Marshalls Florists at 10 Pall Mall to collect your tickets.

Organ Recital St Peter’s Mother’s Union are holding an Organ Recital at St Peter’s Parish Church in Chorley at 7.30pm on Friday 22nd April. The recital is to celebrate the organisation’s 110th anniversary and will include pieces from Bach, Mendelssohn and Franck to be performed by Michael Pain who

is the Director of Music at Bolton Parish Church.

Tickets are £5, which includes refreshments, and are available from Anne on 01257 262334.

Croston Christmas The group behind the successful Croston Christmas Fair are holding their annual general meeting on Monday 11th April in the Church Hall at Croston Methodists, and have extended a welcome to Croston residents to come along to the event, which starts at 7.30pm.

The Croston Village Festivities Group would like additional help with planning and organising the fair (and also the village lights switch on) to ensure that this year’s events are as successful as they have been in the past. Every offer of help, however small, is welcome. If you are unable to attend but would like to help, please call Brenda on 01772 601363.

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Rainbow Ramble The Rainbow House in Mawdesley host their 8th successive Rainbow Ramble fundraiser on Saturday 23rd April, where participants can run, jog or walk round an 18 mile, 11 mile route or 5 mile route, starting and finishing at Bishop Rawstorne High School in Croston. Sponsorship for the Rainbow House is optional but would be greatly appreciated.

There are water and toilet stops at intervals and all finishers receive a medal and goody bag.

Entry fees were £15 for adults and £5 for children, though children in wheelchairs or pushchairs go free of charge. To enter, call 01704 823276 and for more information about the Rainbow House, visit www.thelegacy-rainbowhouse.com.

Save Cash Chorley residents are saving hundreds of pounds a year on their household fuel bills thanks to a service being run by Chorley Council. The council launched its energy switch advice service in June 2014 and since then 286 people have switched energy supplier saving a total of £69,871.

One person saved an amazing £603 a year just by switching supplier, and the average saving to customers who have switched is £244.50 a year.

Councillor Graham Dunn, who oversees people’s welfare for Chorley Council, said: “This free service we offer really is helping people make great savings on their annual energy costs as these figures are showing. However, not everyone feels confident

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enough to go through what may seem to be quite a complicated process, which is why we launched our service.

“We have an independent advisor who will ‘hand hold’ people through the whole process, find the right tariff for their needs and will help them to switch supplier if they choose to do so.”

The scheme, partially funded by Lancashire County Council through its Affordable Warmth Grant, also operates a call-back system to make sure the switch goes smoothly and so should there be any issues at all, they can be resolved quickly and easily.

Appointments are available at the council’s Union Street offices on a Monday and Tuesday.

Councillor Dunn added: “I would urge people to give us a call on 01257 515151 or email contact@ chorley.gov.uk and book an appointment - it costs you nothing but an hour of your time and it could save you a fortune on your energy bills!”

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Tell us your story!

Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about?

Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition!

Simply contact is on chorleynews@locallife247. co.uk or call us on 01942 387 720.

Arthritis Group Several local people with arthritis have come together to start a self-help group for people living with any of the many forms of arthritis. Arthritis can effect anyone at any age; it is incurable but can be managed and this is why the group are coming together to support each other, to exchange experiences, make new friends and learn coping skills.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 7th April at Wrightington Hospital in the Long Drawing Room at 7pm and light refreshments will be served. Prospective members do not need to be patients at Wrightington Hospital as the group are totally independent of the hospital or any other organisation. For more information call Barbara on 01257 791337 or Anne on 01695 721199.

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Puzzle

corner

Guess where?

Answers are on page 75 of this magazine

Sudoku

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Amazing

donations

A local building society has recently donated over ÂŁ60,000 to charity and community groups in the local area.

Chorley and District Building Society, the oldest building society in Lancashire, has calculated the annual donation on the daily balances held in the range of Affinity Accounts at the society over the past 12 months.

The mutual building society, which has a long history of supporting the local community and is engaged in numerous local fund raising activities has handed over a total of £61,700 to the following charities and community groups; St Catherine’s Hospice, Derian House, Galloways for the Blind, North West Air Ambulance, Age Concern (Central Lancashire) and Chorley FC.

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Traditional

odern world values in a m

Chorley Building Society is proud to support local clubs and charities on your behalf.

Our range of Affinity Savings Accounts not only allow you to grow your savings, the charity or good cause you choose to support from our list of Affinity Partners will also benefit from an annual donation from the Society..

Chorley and District Building Society, which was established in 1859, was originally created to help mill workers buy their homes. In those early days the Society only met once a month, when the subscriptions were collected. The Society became incorporated under the Building Society’s Act on the 6th August 1874 and the name of the society officially changed to the Chorley and District Building Society on the 6th February 1933.

The mills may have long gone but Chorley Building Society is still going strong and growing stronger.

The society now has over 37,000 customers and assets in excess of £177 million. It currently operates from three branches including the Head Office which offers full branch facilities including a ‘drivethrough’ service and employs 50 members of staff.

For more details about opening an account at the Chorley Building Society, visit their website at www.chorleybs.co.uk or call into Key House on Foxhole Road in Chorley, 28/30 High St in Chorley or 153/155 Towngate in Leyland.

The Society’s donation will be calculated on the daily balances held in the Affinity Accounts and paid annually to our Affinity Partners so the more you invest up to the maximum allowable the better.

Our range of Affinity Accounts are limited issues and may be withdrawn without notice at any time.

Our Affinity Partners

Chorley FC

Call us on 01257 235003 or visit www.chorleybs.co.uk

Chorley and District Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered on the Financial Services Register under number 206023.

Registered Office: Key House, Foxhole Road, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 1NZ. Your telephone conversations with the Society may be recorded. This is to help the Society to improve customer service and to offer additional security. Calls and electronic communications may also be monitored for staff training.

V2/04/2015

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PROTECTION

PROTECTINg yOuR INCOmE The ability to protect your income in the event of sickness or injury is a muST HAVE for most workers.

It is like the main support of a bridge.

If damaged, the bridge will collapse.

The bridge itself is your standard of living (direct debits, savings, mortgage, pensions etc).

“But my employer will still pay me”, I hear you say. Will they? If they do, for how long? Most employers do not go beyond three months. Worse still if you are self-employed, income usually ceases straight away.

Serious injuries fetch the headlines, but most claimants simply become ill. Too ill to work.

To protect your income talk to us today.

Don’t be afraid to ask us to help.

Brought to you by Chartered Financial Planner, True Bearing Ltd. Highly qualified independent financial advisors offering a professional yet personal financial planning service, built on trust, experience and transparency.

Telephone: 01257 260011 Email: enquiries@truebearing.co.uk | Website: www.truebearing.co.uk True Bearing Chartered Financial Planners is a trading name of True Bearing Ltd. True Bearing is an Independent Financial Advisory Firm, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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FOR INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE Our Services and Charges: An initial meeting is at our expense.

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To discuss your needs with no obligations, please call True Bearing Ltd today on 01257 260011

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St Pius X Catholic Preparatory School & Oak House Nursery Preston’s Prestigious Preparatory School

Every child matters thanks to highly-praised, top-quality pastoral care High standards achieved through an interesting and challenging curriculum Pupils have a strong attitude to work and a keenness to learn National test results are well above average Visit our website to read more from our latest Independent Schools Inspectorate report

An outstanding all-round education for children aged from two to eleven years For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact: 200 Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 8RD.

Tel: 01772 719 937 or 01772 713 630 Email: enquiries@st-piusx.lancs.sch.uk

www.stpiusx.co.uk

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Food Festival All roads lead to Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe next weekend for the Great British Food Festival! The festival is being held at in the college in conjunction with the popular Stonyhurst Spring Fair on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8th, 9th and 10th April. It’s a great opportunity to get a real taste of the best of Lancashire and Great British produce – to sample, enjoy and buy.

The recipe for the weekend is this; over 80 top British food producers, a big serving of stunning hot food, real ale and wine bars, add a dash of craft and gift stalls, lots of activities for the kids, top chef demos from the likes of Great British Bake Off finalist Luis Troyano, stir in a cake competition with

lashings of excellent live music and mix together to make a lovely foodie family day out.

Kids go free on Friday, and ticket prices vary.

For more details, visit the website www. greatbritishfoodfestival.com

Quiz Night St Pauls Church in Adlington is holding a fundraising quiz night in the church club at 7.30 pm on Saturday 23 April. Entry is £5 (£2.50 for accompanied children), which includes supper and there will also be a raffle. All proceeds from the evening will go to the church Fabric Fund. The church club is situated behind the church off Railway Road. Further details may be obtained by ringing 01257 482471.

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Race for Life It’s time to lace up your trainers, and walk, jog, or charge your way around Race for Life 2016. The race takes place on 12th June 2016 at Haigh Hall Country Park, and is Cancer Research UK’s womenonly events raising money for research into all 200 types of cancer. The distance is 5km; an achievable distance for all ages and abilities and participants can walk, jog or charge their way around the course.

You can sign up now at www.raceforlife.org.

Handmade at Haigh Roll up to a super handmade fair at Haigh Hall on Sunday 17th April. You can expect to visit a wide range of stalls selling handmade items from jewellery, cushions, chocolate, cards, cakes, gifts,

accessories and much more. All items sold are made by the stallholders In addition, there will be craft demonstrations such as rag rug making. The fair runs from 10am-4pm and the admission price is £1 (children under 12 go free). For more details contact 07787 316234 ot visit www.vibrantvintage.co.uk.

Vintage Fair Brockholes Nature Reserve in Samlesbury (PR5 0AG) is hosting a Crafty Vintage Fair on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April. Come along and see a magnificent showcase of classic vintage, collectibles, retro wares, quirky handmade, fine foods and delectable cuisine. A pop up cocktail bar, live music, entertainers, a magnificent magician,

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free face painting and lots of merriment ensures a wonderful weekend with something for all the family to enjoy. The fair runs from 10 am to 4.30 pm on both days and admission is £2, though under 16’s go free. For more details, visit the website www. craftyvintage.com.

Megaslam Watch out for high flying, edge of your seat moves and excitement as Europe’s Number 1 Wrestling organisation Megaslam comes back to the Civic Theatre in Oswaldtwistle next Saturday, the 9th April. Featuring challengers from the United States, Mexico, India and the Best of British, this 2 hour show is an unforgettable family experience. Tickets are £13.00 for adults and £11.00 for children. The

OPEN DAY Saturday, 7th May 10am - 4pm

show starts at 7.30pm at the Civic Arts Centre (BB5 3HZ). To buy tickets, visit the website www. civicartscentre.co.uk or call 01254 398319.

WI Fundraiser The good ladies of the Eccleston Women’s Institute are holding a charity Beetle and Domino Drive at Bateman Hall on Sagar Street in Eccleston. The date of the event is Friday 8th April, it starts at 7.30pm and all proceeds go to Derian House. Tickets are priced at £7.50, which includes a hot pot supper and a cake, and are available from Sheila Sharkey on 01257 451849. The group next meets at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th April at the primary school on Doctors Lane in the village - potential new members are welcome to go along.

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45

Health & Fitness

Let’s talk

tinnitus

W

Many of us will have experienced the sensation of hearing sounds that seem to be coming from nowhere other than deep inside our own heads and ears - perhaps a high-pitched ringing, or hissing sound.

Thankfully for most of us, these sounds will be nothing more than a mild and temporary irritation - but for some people, tinnitus can become a significant problem.

Can’t switch it off Not everybody who experiences tinnitus will be severely affected, but in some cases, the relentless noise can have a big impact on quality of life and psychological wellbeing, causing

By Abi Jackson

distress and difficulty sleeping and concentrating, in turn affecting work and relationships and, as the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) points out, can be linked with anxiety and depression.

However, while there’s currently no cure, Tony Kay, head of Audiology Services at Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool and a member of BTA’s Professional Advisers’ Committee, is keen to highlight that support is out there - and there is hope.

“The first thing is not to be alarmed, but if you think you may have tinnitus, you should see your doctor, who will check your ears and offer general advice. You may also get referred to a tinnitus clinic,” he explains.

46

“It’s also important to clarify that while tinnitus is not curable in most, it does tend to get less annoying over time for the majority. Anybody with tinnitus that is troublesome should seek a referral to a tinnitus clinic via their GP.”

Better with time Often, when ‘hidden’ problems are causing us distress, the simple step of talking to a doctor, or anybody with an understanding of your problem, and having it openly acknowledged that it’s getting you down can be a massive weight off the shoulders.

Kay, who also facilitates the Aintree Tinnitus Support Group, notes that a number of things can really help with managing tinnitus. “In the vast majority of cases, tinnitus is managed rather than cured, and modern therapies are effective for most,” he explains. “Using background noise to reduce the intrusiveness of tinnitus, relaxation, keeping active and socialising may improve things.

“Studies have shown that over time, tinnitus becomes less intrusive as the brain loses interest in it; this process is called habituation.” There’s lots of information on the BTA website too, and local support groups, Kay adds, “will probably be beneficial”.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is actually considered a symptom, rather than a single disease, “related to changes in activity or connectivity within the hearing system and brain”. Although often seen as something that affects older people, anybody can experience tinnitus, even children. However, it’s far more common in older age groups, affecting around 10% of UK adults. “The prevalence of tinnitus generally increases with age, affecting males and

47

females more or less equally. The main risk factor is hearing loss,” adds Kay. “Exposure to loud noise, ear infections, certain medications, stress and head injuries are some of the other risk factors.”

Where infections, or blockages with wax, are involved, treating these can relieve tinnitus. The link with stress is more complex, but it’s generally recognised that stress and anxiety may act as a ‘trigger’, or make people more acutely aware of tinnitus - a pattern that’s seen across a range of health issues.

Exposure to loud noise, however, is a major factor and one we can all try to prevent, by being aware of what amounts to ‘dangerous’ noise levels and taking steps to protect our hearing, by using ear guards and earplugs. This can be particularly important for

48

people who regularly work in noisy environments, but is something everybody should be aware of, as even the volumes of our TVs, and listening to music with headphones, could be putting us at risk of hearing loss and tinnitus.

Prevention better than cure “Prevention is better than cure, so being ‘sound aware’ should be your aim,” stresses Kay. “We’re not saying avoid - just be more aware of the potential hazards of loud noise. Our ears tend to be tough in most cases, but we only have one pair, so looking after them will enable us to go on enjoying music for a long time.

“Don’t turn it off but turn it down and protect, is the general rule of thumb.”

Plug’em! :: This Tinnitus Awareness Week (February 8-14), the British Tinnitus Association is highlighting the need to protect hearing with its Plug’em campaign, raising awareness of when and why we could

MUCH HOOLE WOODLAND BURIAL GROUND (Patron: Pam Rhodes, from BBC ‘Songs Of Praise’)

Offering a natural alternative to traditional graveyard or crematorium burials in an area of unique beauty. Set in beautiful cut meadowland with scenic views and where our own Shire Horses graze in surrounding fields. Resting beside a small village Chapel, where wild flowers and native trees grow, and give shelter to our loved ones.

Plots can be pre-purchased and funeral plans are available upon request – Prop. G C Whalley & Daughter Long established funeral directors & family firm. please ring for details.

TELEpHONE: 01772 612848/612900 Goose Green Farm, Moss House Lane, Much Hoole, preston pR4 4TD www.muchhoolewoodlandburialground.co.uk

benefit from protecting our ears with earplugs. To find out more, visit www.plugem.co.uk :: The charity is also marking the 10th anniversary of Tinnitus Awareness Week with ‘Tea for Tinnitus’, encouraging people to ‘put the kettle on’ and get together to talk about tinnitus and help raise funds.

To find out more, or for a fundraising pack, visit www.teafortinnitus.co.uk

49

01257 696 050

E: mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk

Care in your OWN home ASK AMANDA! Amanda Barlow is the Registered Care Manager for Independent Living – she answers your questions.

Mum is about to have an operation and is worried about being alone at night when she is discharged from hospital. What type of help is available?

ANSWER. When you are discharged from hospital you may require help at home. After an operation you may have mobility issues, or perhaps not feel as confident getting about for a while. We find this is particularly the case where our customers have had hip or knee replacements. We can help with a range of tasks, it

can include helping you wash, shower or go to the toilet. We can also carry out practical tasks such as making meals, medication prompting, shopping and housework. With some operations patients are given “mobility exercises”, we can help you do these.

Nights can be difficult. Fewer people are around if you are ill, and you may feel uncomfortable disturbing family or neighbours. You may worry about falling in the night, experiencing pain or need help going to the toilet. It could be that you just feel a little nervous for a while but know when you are feeling better it will not be an issue. We can put in place staff overnight just for a few nights, or we can arrange nights on a more permanent basis. Usually our nights are 10pm until 7pm but we can be flexible around these times.

Night care falls into two types. A “sleep-in” is where the carer sleeps but can be woken up a maximum of three times. This is the least expensive option. The alternative is a “waking watch” whereby the care remains fully awake for the whole ten hours.

If you want advice, or our leaflet on Overnight Care & “7 ‘til 7”

Please call Amanda: 01257 696 050 Independent Living can provide the best quality bespoke care in peoples own homes. We offer a wide range of services that are all tailored to suit individual needs.

We provide services such as : • Companionship • Memory loss / Alzheimer’s Support • Helping with hobbies & interests • Housekeeping • Looking after pets • Transport & travel

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50

Test ride

It’s just so

easy!

by Chris Pearce

I

shouldn’t complain because there are a lot of others worse off, but last Tuesday was a grindingly dull morning at work; a 5.30am start pulling together editorial content was followed by a meeting with the company accountant. I’m sure there are genuinely funny, laugh-a-minute accountants, it’s just that I don’t know any and, true to form, by 11am a throbbing headache had kicked in.

Next up on the daily schedule though was a trip to Bailcast, a company that’s based on Chorley North Industrial Park, to test ride their brand new range of power assisted bikes. And the two hours that followed made me realise how much I love this job. In fact, I’ve never laughed as much since my Grandma hoovered up her budgie whilst cleaning out its cage.

Let me paint the picture of the participants on this test ride; I’m a overweight 50 something who loves getting outdoors and seeing places when it’s nice out, but suffice to say that I don’t enjoy the exertion you need to ride a bike. I know that, without putting that effort in, you don’t get very far very fast, so I’ll retreat to my garden and potter around instead.

51

However, my wingman for the day, our designer Peter, is right at the opposite end of the fitness scale and is one of those annoying MAMILs (middle aged man in Lycra) who spends most of his weekend with others of his sort riding round Lancashire’s lanes holding up motorists as best they can.

For Peter this test ride would obviously be a breeze, but could I really get out and enjoy the fresh air and the countryside, and not get hot and sweaty?

So off we set from Bailcast, me on an Eazi-Rider Mountain bike and Peter on an Eazi-Rider Urban bike. This good looking mountain bike, with a sturdy aluminium alloy frame, has 5 levels of power assist powered by a 36 volt 250w brushless motor, and this is assisted by a 21 gear set from Shimano.

The main controller on the handlebars has an LCD readout for the assist functions, including cruise control – how cool is that?

Though Peter’s wheels weren’t as modern looking as the mountain bike, the upright riding position is ideal for urban use, and the bike is powered by the same brushless motor as the mountain bike.

With three levels of power assist and seven speeds, this ‘step through’ design is built for comfort, particularly its seat which is possibly the most comfortable cycle seat ever.

We negotiated the traffic near the Hartwood pub and then turned right down Euxton Lane, quickly picking up speed as we go down the hill before turning left towards Astley Village. I’d never been on an e-bike before and it took me a while to get my head around the fact that I could pedal as slowly

as I wanted, exerting little energy, and still move at a fair lick. On the flat, with virtually no contribution from me, the bike was moving at between 14-15.5 mph.

After a pit stop at Astley Hall, we rode through the park, with our bikes attracting some admiring glances, through to the gates and turned right up the hill towards the town hall. You know the phrase ‘You never forget, it’s just like riding a bike’ which is often used to describe how easy it is to do something that you used to do a long time ago, well, it’s totally apt in this situation. I never reached a point where I felt out of control. Once you stop pedalling, the motor fades out and you gradually slow down, until you decide to pick up the pace again. It’s just so easy to ride.

52

Off we go down Market Street, and up the A6. As we pass Albany Academy and take the long trail uphill to Frederick’s, Peter spots a cyclist in the distance and sets off in pursuit, like a greyhound chasing a rabbit. Believe me; those cyclists don’t like e-bikes and this one positively hated Peter for going past him with ease and chased him in vain all the way down the top road to Adlington, only to give up when Peter turned up Babylon Lane.

We stopped at Rivington to swap bikes and then set off back in the direction of Chorley. Peter was amazed at the power at his fingertips and loved the LCD display. The legal limit for the power assist is

15.5 mph, but of course, if you feel inclined to lend some leg action you can increase that speed quite a bit and in Peter’s case he hit a top speed of 28 mph; gravity assisted that is. Obviously, the more pedal power you contribute, the less strain on the battery and the greater the range you can achieve from the e-bikes.

We could have stayed out by the water’s edge all day, but eventually emerged via Limbrick, cycled down Cowling Lane and then got onto the canal towpath towards Botany Bay and returned to Bailcast. How many calories I’d burnt off at this stage I haven’t a clue, but I was having the time of my life!

These eazi-bikes come with a 12 month guarantee for the motor and battery, and can give a full charge to the battery in just three hours. The assisted range runs from 25-35 miles, more than enough for most cyclists and the specification of both bikes is top-notch.

In the humdrum of everyday life, rarely does an opportunity like this come along and make you seriously think about your lifestyle choices, but these power-assisted bikes definitely do. They take the hard work out of cycling, they get you to places ‘lazy you’ wouldn’t get too, and they are fun, fun, fun! Take a free test ride and I promise you that you’ll have a great time!

For more details and full specifications about the eazi-rider range of bikes that have been developed by Bailcast visit the website www.bailcast.com/ electric-bikes, but to get a true idea of their capabilities, take a free test ride from their Chorley base. Free test rides are available 9-4pm Monday to Friday, but call 01257 266060 to book ahead.

Bailcast Ltd. Unit 8, Chorley North Industrial Park, Chorley, PR6 7BX.

53

LAUNCH OFFER

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FREE TEST RIDES AVAILABLE Monday - Friday, 9am – 4pm T: 01257 266060 E: enquiries@bailcast.com W: www.bailcast.com Unit 8, Drumhead Road, Chorley North Industrial Park, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 7BX

54

Still

Waters

From comforting traumatised police officers to hanging out with punk rockers, Vera Waters tells David Sudworth about her life’s work

V

era Waters has books. A lot of them. 3,500 to be precise, taking in all manner of topics. From a Reader’s Digest of British Birds, to Russian author Leo Tolstoy’s seminal War & Peace, it’s all there.

“I’m glad they’re making a comeback,” says Vera, sitting down in her comfortable leafpatterned chair.

“I read about three a week, mostly anything but not chick lit. You don’t get the same sensory pleasure from reading something on a Kindle.”

Such a perceptive comment isn’t surprising, given my interviewee’s background.

Because for Vera, her life has been dedicated to understanding people; what makes them tick, how they can stay strong and overcome some of the most horrific ordeals.

She’s a relatively private person reluctant to give her age (“My own children didn’t know how old I was until I was 60!” she laughs) - and she can’t divulge too much about some elements of her work.

Discussing politics or religion is a nono, because she says it immediately makes people think about you in a certain way: “I spent the night hanging out with punk rockers at Euston Station. Why? Because I felt they were misunderstood. And you know what, they were among the nicest people I’d ever met.”

Born in north Manchester, Vera’s lived in Chorley for 19 years as it was close to the motorway so enable her to get to her private practice.

55

Her career started as a teacher and then in the 1960s she worked at a unit for teenagers, between 13-17 years, with behavioural problems.

“Things happened there which I didn’t like. For instance, it was customary in those days to automatically give the girls something to calm them on arrival.

Some of them did need calming, but some came in and were given it anyway, even though they didn’t need it.

“I campaigned outside the Home Office and we got the practice changed across the nation.”

Vera was given a top position at the hospital, as the first co-ordinator of voluntary services.

Vera also worked at Whittingtham, a pyschiatric hospital on the outskirts of Preston. An abuse enquiry in the late 1960s revealed the grotesque mistreatment of patients.

“There were people who were being locked up for no good reason at all. And there were some people who were free to leave but the truth is they wouldn’t because they’d become so institutionalised. It was inhuman. The public needed to be educated about what was going on.”

“People were locked up for no good reason” Allegations were made that some patients were dragged about by their hair, and that they were given a “wet towel treatment” - twisting a cold, wet towel around a patient’s neck until they finally lost conciousness. It closed in the mid-1990s.

Vera soon found herself helping out the police, with Lancashire Constabulary and later on for Greater Manchester, Police (GMP) with who she did the bulk of her work. She debriefied officers after the 1985 Manchester Airport disaster when 55 people died after a British Airtours jet set for Corfu caught fire on the runway due to engine failure. She was the first counsellor to be attached to a police force and in 2000, became the only civilian to date to be awarded a Commendation by GMP for her 30 years of work with them.

“I used to show police officers how to approach people who were mentally ill. For instance, if the ill person is hearing voices in their head, and they are facing to the right, then that’s where the voices are coming from, so you should approach them from the left. I also taught them about distance.

“The officers respected me because I could walk the walk. If

56

they attended a death by a canal at 3am, I’d take them back to that very spot at 3am. You’ve got to lay the ghost to rest.

“The essence of my work is empathy. You’ve got to stand in someone’s shoes and look out through their eye sockets. We don’t take enough care of each other. You only have one life. It’s a fact that a lot of people worry about the past when there isn’t a single thing they can do to change it.”

“I told them it was my anti-terrorism jacket” Vera’s work also led her to spend 14 years giving seminars in America. And she was there just a matter of weeks after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York.

Photos of Vera by Heather Nelson, nwheadshots.co.uk

“Before I went, I visited a shop locally and bought a really bright jacket with gold, big buttons. They were

so grateful to see me and when I started talking, I recounted the story of me buying the jacket. And I said that this was my anti-terrorism jacket, because there is no way some terrorist is going to stop me doing what I want to do. If we change how we live, we might as well give up.”

These days, the great-grandmother stays closer to home but likes to do local talks. She’s also penned five books and another is due soon.

As we say our goodbyes, it’s clear she’s found speaking, rather than listening, an enjoyable experience. And she’s tried to be as open as possible without breaching any confidences.

She does, however, make one concession: “For my age, put in your article that my mouth makes promises that my body can no longer keep. Yes, I like that. Will you put that in?”

Vera Waters is giving a talk at Chorley Library on Friday, May 20 at 6pm. Book your ticket at £2 a ticket on 0300 123 6703.

57

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Help find the

ducks!

Calling all kids - the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre near Burscough have lost their GIANT yellow ducks and have asked for you and your family to help find them at our WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre this Easter holiday (25 March - 24 April).

Y

ou’ll need to use all your fantastic hide-and-seek skills to track down these 25 elusive birds and be in with a chance of winning a yummy chocolate treat!

It is 50p to enter and prizes will be awarded for everyone who takes part.

We’ve got three annual family memberships for WWT worth £79 each to be won in this great competition, which will get 2 adults and up to six children free entry all year round – not just to Martin Mere, but to all WWT centres in the UK. Simply complete the crossword on the right and return your entry to Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB. Alternately, visit our website at www.locallife247.co.uk and click on the competition graphic to enter your answers. All competition entries must be received by Saturday 30th April.

Spring is a great time to visit the centre, there is so much to do and see with goslings, cygnets, chicks and ducklings popping up around the centre. You can meet 5 cheeky Asian otters as you watch them forage, swim, rest, sleep and bath in the sunshine. At 11.30am and 2.30pm; every weekend, you can grab a net and see what creatures are lurking beneath the water or delve into the nearby wood for bug hunts; you can pick up a paddle and canoe your way around or drift along on a boat tour (£6 per canoe, seats 3. £3 per boat seat).

59

Why not have a muddy adventure with wobbly bridges, mucky meadows, a reedy ramble & hidden treasures or you can swing, climb, fly, play and travel across the adventure playground ‘Rushes’ – which is suitable for all ages and abilities instead.

Visit during May half term to experience the award winning Downy Duckling Week where you can see a duckling develop inside an egg, and watch them hatch and wander through the duckling nursery.

So bring your little ones to meet ours this Spring and have a fantastic day out at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre!

And the fun continues at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre this summer when, in addition to the attractions above, you can come to nature explorers during the summer holidays and meet 11 giant LEGO brick animals.

September at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre means the return of the popular Animal Magic events, where you can get up close and personal with weird and wonderful animals. Later in Autumn and throughout Winter, you can experience the amazing spectacle of up to 40,000 Pink-footed geese and up to 2,000 Whooper swans feeding on the mere every afternoon.

Whatever the season, it’s all going on at the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre!

Across 3. What are giant and yellow at Martin Mere?

4. Autumn visitors include 40,000 pink-footed _ 5. What boat can you paddle at Martin Mere?

6. What is the name of the playground at Martin Mere?

Down 1. Which Lancashire village is Martin Mere close to?

2. September’s popular event, Animal _

Name ....................................................................................................

Address .................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................... ................................ Post Code ............................................................

Phone ......................................................................................................

Email ......................................................................................................

Crossword Competition Rules 1. Only one entry per household 2. Entrants must be over 16 years of age 3. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date.

4. Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for entries that are delayed or damaged in the post.

5. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition.

Local Life 247 Ltd is registered under the Data Protection Act and abides by the guidelines of the act. We will never sell or pass your data to any third party company. However, we will contact you occasionally to check our magazine distribution in your area.

60

Food & Drink

Time to smarten up

mealtimes?

By Keeley Bolger

W

ritten out of frustration at the confusing advice surrounding carbohydrates, Davina’s Smart Carbs seeks to simplify

the issue.

“I’ve always been telling everybody about eating a balanced, healthy diet [one that includes carbs], and then I suddenly thought, ‘Have I been telling people the wrong thing?’ Then a nutritionist told me that there are good carbs and bad carbs, and we came up with this idea of smart carbs.

“It makes total sense; there are smart carbs, ones that are good for us - and there are some very simple changes we can make.”

These changes include swapping white bread, rice and pasta for brown varieties (“That’s a no-brainer”) and using sweet potato in place of regular spuds.

McCall recalls how she thought her kids would “baulk” when she first made a chicken crumble with a cauliflower, quinoa and Parmesan topping - but actually they loved it.

“It’s interesting, you think, ‘Oh well, the kids aren’t going to like it’, but the kids have got more adventurous with the new stuff I give them. They’re into trying new things.”

She acknowledges mealtimes can be a battleground, however.

“I’ve got three kids and quite often, two of them like something and one of them

doesn’t. I don’t make them something different - I just say, ‘Have some of the veg and have a bit more of this if you don’t like that’.

“I always try and get them to try it,” McCall adds.

“The more somebody tries something, the more likely they are to like it in the end.”

Fancy trying some of McCall’s recipes yourself?

Here‘s a tasty recipe from Davina’s Smart Carbs...

Davina’s Smart Carbs by Davina McCall is published by Orion Books, priced £16.99.

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Bubble and

squeak Method Bring a saucepan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and swede and cook them for about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain thoroughly, then tip them back into the saucepan and leave them over a low heat for a few minutes, just to help steam off any excess liquid. Swede in particular can get quite waterlogged, so this is important.

Mash the carrots and swede with the butter until fairly smooth. Tip the mash into a bowl and leave it to cool, then chill it in the fridge for a while to firm it up.

Wash the greens thoroughly, put them in a saucepan with a little water and cover the pan.

Place the pan over the heat and cook for a few minutes until the greens have wilted down, then drain them thoroughly and leave them to cool.

Serves 4 Ingredients 300g carrots, cut into chunks 300g swede, cut into chunks 10g butter 150g spring greens, cabbage or Brussels sprouts, shredded 1tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped Olive oil spray Poached or fried eggs, to serve (optional) Salt and black pepper

When you’re ready to cook the bubble and squeak, mix the root veg mash and the greens together and season with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and gently fry the chopped onion over a medium heat until it’s softened and caramelising around the edges. Add this to the vegetables, then tip everything back into the frying pan and spread the mixture out into a large round.

Cook the bubble and squeak over a medium heat for several minutes until it’s nice and brown underneath and cooked through.

Meanwhile, preheat your grill to its highest setting.

Spritz the top of the bubble and squeak with olive oil spray, then pop it under the grill for three to four minutes until it’s browning around the edges and in patches on top. Cut it into wedges and serve as part of a brunch with poached or fried eggs, if you like.

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Events & Leisure

What’s Peter Pan Easter Special

on

Friday, 25th March to Sunday, 17th April

Speke Hall - Alice in Wonderland

Peter Pan will join Regal Entertainments’ long line of critically acclaimed smash hit seasonal productions, which are always chockful of glitz, glamour, songs, dance, family filled fun, silly antics and slapstick comedy. With an all-star cast, the Theatre Royal is taking panto to never before seen dizzying heights with Peter Pan; an egg-stra special Easter treat for the whole family.

This is your chance to escape everyday life into a magical oasis. Families can join the White Rabbit on a whirlwind adventure through Wonderland and experience Speke Hall as you’ve never done before.

If running around isn’t your cup of tea, why not pay a visit to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Rooms and enjoy a scone or two?

St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1LQ Tickets Adult £12.50, Concessions £12, Child £11.50, Family £46 (1pm & 5pm) Contact 01744 756000 or visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Giant Easter Duck Hunt at WWT Martin Mere Friday, 25th March to Sunday, 24th April Calling all kids - we’ve lost our GIANT yellow ducks and we need you and your family to help us find them at our WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre this Easter holiday. You’ll need to use all your fantastic hide-and-seek skills to track down these 25 elusive birds and be in with a chance of winning a yummy chocolate treat! It is 50p to enter and prizes will be awarded for everyone who takes part.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA Tickets Adult £12.60, Child £6.00, Family £33.50 (10% discount when booked on line) Contact 01704 891240 or visit wwt.org.uk/martinmere

Wednesday, 6th April to Sunday, 10th April

Speke Hall, Merseyside, L24 1XD Tickets from £7.99 Contact 0151 427 7231 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

The Wizard of Oz - Sooty & Friends Sunday, 10th April Click your heels, clap your hands and journey over the rainbow as Dorothy and her dog Toto enter the wonderful land of Oz. During their travels down the yellow brick road our two friends meet some colourful characters including a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and even a Lion, who really wants some courage. Featuring a live band, dazzling dance routines, great scenery, costumes and plenty of laughter. This Easter pantomime is the story everyone knows and loves with all new music including well known pop songs and audience participation.

Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HT Contact 01772 804440 or visit www.prestonguildhall.com Tickets £18.00, Concession £16.00, Family Ticket £58.00 (2pm)

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Breakfast at Tiffany’s Tuesday, 12th April to Saturday, 16th April Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the classic tale of Holly Golightly written by Truman Capote and so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film, is being given a new lease of life as a stage play with music in a sparkling, sophisticated production starring the multi award-winning Pixie Lott as Holly.

With memorable songs from the era, this stylish production is set to capture the hearts of audiences and sparkle like a diamond in a Tiffany’s window.

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ Contact or visit www.thelowry.com Tickets From £29.00

Robot Wars Live Show Manchester Saturday, 23rd & Sunday, 24th April The show is coming to Event City Manchester for an action packed weekend. With over 50 mechanical monsters old and new, including the 2015 current Robot Wars Champion “TR2”, previous UK champions “Ripper” and “Eruption” and of course, crowd favourite “Behemoth”. Total carnage battles, demonstrations, a chance to grab some brand new official robot wars merchandise, to drive your very own robot, plus the chance to meet some special guests from out of this world!

Event City next to INTU Trafford Centre, Manchester, M41 7TB Tickets Child £14, Adult £16, family Ticket £54 Contact www.robotwars.tv

Nordic Walking A great all-round exercise that is sociable, fun and easy to learn.

Classes in Leyland, Chorley and surrounding areas - £5 per session.

Poles provided so booking essential.

Fully qualified Instructor.

Call Loren on: 07808 157 718 www.southlancashirenordicwalking.co.uk

Liverpool Food and Drink Festival Saturday, 23rd & Sunday, 24th April Sample the best of Liverpool’s thriving food and drink scene at Sefton Park with an abundance of gastronomic delights. Sitting on the grass with a glass of Pimms in the spring sunshine, wondering whether to opt for dim sum or oysters next – it’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it. Over the course of three days, more than 160 local chefs bring their ingredients to Sefton Park, serving up a slice of Liverpool’s foodie scene. As well as cooking masterclasses and workshops, the city’s favourite bars, restaurants and cafés are also represented.

Sefton Park, off Aigburth Dr, Liverpool, L17 1AF Contact 0151 432 5652 or visit www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk Tickets from £5

Harlem Globetrotters 2016 Sunday, 1st May The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, will celebrate 90 historic years with a very special Manchester Arena show. The Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivalled in the world of family entertainment, with incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequalled fan interaction.

Manchester Arena, Manchester City Centre, M3 1AR Contact 0844 847 8000 or visit www.manchester-arena.com Tickets from £41.00

64

Tatton Park Country Show Saturday, 14th May to Sunday, 15th May Set in the beautiful parkland at Tatton, this family-oriented Country Show has something for everyone with a range of arena entertainment including Jez Avery’s Stunt Bikes & Buggies, Terrier Racing, Birds of Prey Flying Displays, Devilstick Peat Children’s’ Entertainer, Have-A-Go Dog Scurry and, on Sunday, the Companion Dog Show and much more including skilled craftsmen demonstrating their rural skills. There will also be a delightful range of arts, crafts and gift marquees.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN Tickets Adult £7.50, Child (5-16) £3, Family (2 adults and 3 children) £19 (car parking charges) Contact 01206 374400/263088 or visit www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Mamma Mia! at The Palace Theatre Tuesday 10th May to Saturday 4th June 2016 Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good musical. Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father

An Audience with Allan Beswick - Chorley Little Theatre Saturday 28th May

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BBC broadcaster Allan Beswick brings his oneman show to Chorley Little Theatre. Witty, acerbic, charming, chatty and occasionally just downright rude, he has earned plaudits, awards and even a few death threats in more than thirty years of broadcasting. He’s not sure of which he is most proud. Unlike his phone-in across the north west he will be live on stage with no ‘cut off’ button to hide behind; he’ll tell tales of life and the Universe as seen through the eyes of a working class lad from a council estate in Lancashire. Two hours of “whatever comes into his head comes out of his mouth”.

Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Ln, Chorley PR7 2RL Tickets £10 from Malcolm’s Musicland (01257 264362)

65

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Palace Theatre, Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT Contact 0161 245 6600 or visit www.atgtickets.com

Dunham Massey - Open Garden for NGS Sunday, 22nd May Enjoy the elegance of this vibrant Edwardian garden. Richly planted borders packed with colour and texture, sweeping lawns, majestic trees and shady woodland all await your discovery. Explore the largest Winter Garden in Britain and marvel at the colourful, scent-filled Rose Garden.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4SJ Contact 0161 941 1025 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey Tickets Adult £8.80, Child £4.40

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66

Test drive

Mini Cooper S Auto

Clubman

by Tim Barnes-Clay

T

he old Mini Clubman was no oil-painting, but this one could easily earn its place on the podium at Legs 11. It’s a looker alright.

The brand new Mini Clubman must have been breast fed at birth, because it’s far bigger than its siblings. That doesn’t mean it’s fat – no way. This car is well formed and its proportions are just right.

And because it’s not exactly a shrinking violet, the Clubman is likely to win over quirkier types who might otherwise have gone for mid-size family car choices, such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

The story hasn’t always been good for the Clubman, though. The first generation had a useless, single rear door that meant UK passengers were forced to step into the road. This didn’t help sales and the Clubman therefore wasn’t exactly the rock star that BMW, Mini’s owner, was expecting.

But the Germans have seen the light and the previous rear-hinged ‘clubdoor’, has been kicked to the kerb in favour of two ‘normal’ back doors. They make it far easier for passengers to get in and out of the car. Then there’s the barn-door boot. You’ll remember that from the last model. Well, that stays put, but now the doors can be released manually, or if you ticked the hands-free tailgate option, a sassy little kick under the rear bumper will open them up.

Inside, the comfortable seats are kind to your backside and feel supportive, especially during long periods on the road. The car’s uncluttered dashboard is dwarfed by a massive screen that sits where the speedometer on older Minis used to be.

The controller on the central console manages most of the Clubman’s systems, so there are fewer buttons on the dash to confuse or divert you.

As the Clubman is the largest of the current Mini litter, it has, predictably, the most capacious cabin. To be frank, with a big load area too, the word ‘mini’ seems rather outmoded. The whole motor is 270mm longer than the five-door Hatchback, allowing for oodles of room in the front and respectable space for two adults in the rear. The boot is about the same as a VW Golf’s, so you’ll get the family

67

shopping in – and a toddler’s buggy.

The Cooper S Clubman Auto is easily the most gratifying to drive. Out at the Mini’s media launch on the roads surrounding San Sebastian in northern Spain, the most powerful petrol drove go-kart-like on the straights - just as a Mini should. It’s a shame the slightly pulpy suspension can drizzle on your chips in the corners, with body roll kicking in if you enter the twisty bits too hard. But that can be forgiven, because the Cooper S generates more than enough pull to keep you cheery.

189bhp can be squeezed from the S’ 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder lump, and with the eight speed auto box, a zero to 62mph sprint in 7.1 seconds is easily achievable, finishing up with a top speed of 142mph. Even though these figures might make the car sound insatiable for fuel – it’s not. With the superb automatic gearbox you can officially get an average of 48.7mpg out of the Clubman - and the CO2 emissions are 134g/km, meaning road tax is a trifling £130 per annum.

The state-of-the-art 2015 Mini is a gargantuan stepup from its forerunner, and it puts right pretty much everything that was awry. The Clubman now has more doors, better space, good looks, and it really is exciting to drive. The Cooper S version is especially guaranteed to bring a grin to the face of anyone who slips behind its wheel.

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68

sponsored by

Ashton &

Bamfurlong

by David Sudworth

O

ur starting point for this 6.6 miler was the Three Sisters Recreational Area, off Lockett Road. We took advantage of the free parking just by the pond and play area, and started our hike by going in north easterly direction towards Bryn Hall Farm.

the same spot on the A58 later on. There’s also a few other considerations; the longer walk involves going through fields and, certainly while we in situ, there was a herd of cattle present. Regular readers will know the lack of demarcation between man and beast makes me very nervous.

Once out of the main Three Sisters parkland, it’s a short walk before turning right. At this point, you have two choices to make; you can either head north for a longer walk or simply go eastwards, past Bryn Hall Farm and down Bryn Gates Lane.

Whichever way you go, you end up at more or less

Another consideration is that the northern path throws up a red herring as the map denotes a public right of way towards the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. For the benefit our lovely Local Life readers, we went down to check it out. Not only was it massively overgrown, but once you get to the water’s edge,

69

there is no bridge. It appears that at one time, there may have been either a bridge or landing stage, hence the presence of the right of way, but take our word for it that nowadays, it’s merely a road to nowhere.

After much chin-stroking, we opted for the more northerly path. This is undoubtedly the more challenging route, even from the outset as the public right of way is not only unsigned, but it also has a gate which at first glance appears to be a sturdy, boundary fence from the adjacent house. Thankfully, a friendly farm worker was nearby and advised us to push on it, which we did, and it sprang open. Notwithstanding the nettles, brambles and aforementioned cattle, I’m glad we tested out this path because further down we got a real sense of nature when, out of the undergrowth, a young deer crossed our path. It scarpered very quickly - much too rapid for our normally super-agile lens man Peter - but what a

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Ashton-in-Makerfield 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.

70

treat. Of all the beautiful and rural places I’ve visited doing Jack’s Tracks, the last place I expected to see wild deer was on the fringes of Ashton!

We continued until our path did a bit of a dog leg. The vast expanses of wheat crops, evident in the earlier part of a walk, continued to carpet the fields as far as the eye could see. It could have been a scene from North America rather than little ol’ Wigan. If only George Orwell could have seen it.

We eventually emerged opposite Abram Bryn Gates School where there was a handy pedestrian crossing to take us over into Furlong Close, a small cul-de-sac with neat dormer bungalows. We turned right into Epsom Drive (I sensed a horse racing theme going on here) and carried on into the field in front. After two minutes, we arrived at a copse, went over the footbridge and turned a sharp left.

Although the vegetation in the area was extremely well developed and dense, the route was amazingly clear. By this point, the sound of Virgin trains whizzing up and down the West Coast Main Line could be heard up the steep embankment yonder.

Once you get to the bridge, which goes underneath the tracks, just be aware that there are a few paths and it’s therefore easy to take the wrong one. For our suggested route, stick to the path which is closest to this side of the embankment. From here, it’s a very straight route south on a formal path before it veers south west towards Riding Lane. While on this section, our eyes were drawn to the presence of a commemorative stone laid to the left of the path, and surrounded by loose bricks. It reads: “P. W. DAVIES. BORN EDGE GREEN 9 JULY 1889. DIED CHESTER 18 NOVEMBER 1944. AT HIS REQUEST HIS

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ASHES WERE SCATTERED NEAR HIS BIRTHPLACE. A WORTHY SON OF LANCASHIRE. A GREAT THINKER.” There are no further details on the background of this particular gentleman, but as far as final resting places go, he chose a lovely spot.

We finally went past some farm buildings and a house on the right before coming to Edge Green Road/Riding Lane. A combination of weary feet and the sight of a rural pub is hard to resist, and so the gravitational pull towards The Harrow Inn pub proved too much for our aching limbs to fight against. As it was a warm, bright day, we sat outside on one of the many benches, nursing a refreshingly cold cola and plotting our way back.

We found that from here, it was a virtual straight line back; down Riding Lane, back across the A58, past Lily Lane Farm and into the formal Three Sisters Recreation Area. Look out for the bird watching area on the left hand side – some of the species indicate a twitchers’ paradise. Once back at the car park, there’s the option of feeding the ducks or letting the little ones burn off any energy they may still have stored away by letting them loose in the play area.

As I said at the outset, it’s hard to believe that in an area known for its industrial past, so much countryside is still not only in place, but also actively used and harvested. As a born and bred Ashtonian, it certainly opened my eyes. Never again will I solely think of traffic jams when asked to describe my hometown. But let’s get one thing straight, despite all this I’m still not labelling the walk ‘a hidden gem.’ That would be far too trite.

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Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Our unique dry cleaning method leaves your CARPETS clean, DRY and READY FOR IMMEDIATE USE.

AG E S

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I N G PA

• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.

CONSERVATORIES

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)

JETWASHING

• Driveways & Patios etc.

EXTERIOR PAINTING • Fascias, Rendered Walls etc.

01257 600 006 / 0800 170 1510

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.

www.zerodrytime.com

www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com

01257 543 021 or 07834 241 642

PAINTING & DECORATING From interior to exterior - we do it all!

• High Quality • Superb Value • Outstanding Service Call today for your free quotation

01257 402045

or 07702 360597 www.ParkinsonDecorators.co.uk

Advertise

here

Advertise your business in this section for £30 + VAT a month For more information please phone

01257 498 329 Digital Aerials fully fitted from just

£59!

Call now for a FREE, no obligation quote!

07817 807 960 / 01257 453 133

www.qualitv.co.uk

We sell fixings to the professional trades and the general public especially DIY enthusiast.

Wood Screws, Drywall Screws, Nails, Nuts & Bolts, Washers, Rawplugs, Hammerfix, Screw Bits & Screw Bit Holders, Jigsaw Blades & Chopsaw Blades etc

Tel: 01257 263 983

Mob: 07970 974 363

Email: capfixingsltd@yahoo.com Web: www.capfixings.co.uk Unit 6 - Cockers Farm, Long Lane, Limbrick, Chorley, PR6 9EE

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Roof & Gutter Repairs

Totall Property Maintenance & Repairs Roofing & Roofline

Slates, Tiles, Ridge Tiles & Chimneys Guttering - Renew & Repair Pointing – Garden Walls & House Fronts New Roofs – Re-Tile & Re-Slate Flat Roofs, Bays & uPVC Cladding

Big Enough To Cope Small Enough To Care!

Call Phil Telephone: 01257 543 034 Mobile: 07845 325 893 www.futuraroofing.co.uk

Extensions & Porches Decorating, Tiling & Plastering Windows, Doors & Conservatories Landscaping, Decking & Fencing For a Totall solution to your maintenance and repairs, call Dave

07598 492 087 01257 277 273 (answerphone) All work guaranteed

Home Improvements Specialist in Kitchens, Windows, Doors & Floors

• Renovations • Brickwork • Re-roofing • Fencing• Patios • Pointing • Paving • Soffits & fascias • Driveways • Property repairs & maintenance • Damp Proofing & control From big jobs to little jobs we cater for all, so give Darren Finney a No obligation call.

Tel: 01772 459873 Mob: 07886 236564

Email: darrenfinney@msn.com

www.darrenfinneybuilders.co.uk

Smart Electrical Contractors - Domestic - Commercial - Industrial • Rewire • PAT Testing • CCTV • Alarms Tel: 01257 367386 Mob: 07594 240054

Domestic - Commercial - Industrial

T.G.M. Joinery Services

Internal & External • Free Estimates • No Job Too Small

T: 01257 411 473 M: 07870 922 639

C S BELFIELD

All types of Joinery and Property Repairs Doors Flooring upvc Windows Home Improvements and maintenance est over 35 yrs No job too small

T 01257 452036 M 07746 946086 charlesbelfield@ymail.com Got An Electrical Problem...

Ian Mawdesley Electrical Ltd

...Trust a professional

• Over 25 years experience • Enhanced DBS (CRB) clearance • FREE Estimates, advice & all work guaranteed

Tel: 01257 278840 Mob: 07720 894812 Info@ianmawdesleyelectrical.com

74

Everything from full bathroom & shower installations to leaks & burst pipes No job too small

Friendly & reliable service

Call Liam for a FREE no-obligation quote

07706 447 973 or email lmps@live.co.uk

A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES

Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner CROSTON PLUMBING & HEATING

Free Worcester Magnetic Filter

(worth £180) available on the next 10 boiler installations.

Automatically upgrades warranty to 8 years!

Complete Bathroom Design & Installation Boiler Installation, Servicing & Repairs Central Heating Installations 7 Year Warranty on all Boilers Power Flushing Jet washing/drain clearing service 232341

01257 452 879 or 07956 100 084 info@crostonplumbing.co.uk

www.crostonplumbing.co.uk

• Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks • Gas Fire & Cooker Installations • Under Floor Heating Specialists • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades

10 YEARS

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS

Finance available

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

Telephone:

01257 421 660 Registration No.

88604

TEL: MOB:

01942 504 429 07931 766 684

www.fgwelch.co.uk

All plastering work undertaken including: • All types of rendering • Skimming • Dry lining • Basement tanking

Fully qualified & Insured Plasterer.

Chorley based

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL Call Westley Gillett for a FREE no obligation quote

01257 413206 or 07802710685.

ALL PROPERTY REPAIRS LARGE OR SMALL

PLASTERING, RENDERING & ALL DAMP PROBLEMS

• Plastering & Rendering • Tiling • Brickwork Pointing • Chimney & Ridges Pointing • Roof Repairs Call Paul: 01257 268950

MOB: 07768 99 76 88 www.PlastererAndRenderingChorley.co.uk

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Useful numbers Charnock Richard Christ Church Primary

01257 791 490

Chorley Chorley Library Cunliffe Medical Centre Eaves Lane Surgery Regent House Surgery Albany Academy Parklands High School St Mary’s Primary School Duke Street Primary School Sacred Hearth Primary School St James’ Primary School Highfield Primary School Southlands High School

03001 236 703 01257 267 127 01257 272 904 01257 264 842 01257 244 020 01257 264 596 01257 262 811 01257 239 950 01257 262 659 01257 264 638 01257 262 783 01257 414 455

Coppull Coppull Library Coppull Medical Practice Coppull Parish Church School Coppull Parish Council Coppull Primary School Coppull St John’s

03001 236 703 01257 791 216 01257 791 669 01257 470 120 01257 791 237 01257 791 403

Croston Croston Medical Centre Croston Parish Council Croston Trinity & St Michael’s Croston Village Surgery

Puzzle

01772 600 081 01257 234 003 01772 600 379 01772 600 722

Eccleston Eccleston Health Centre Eccleston Library Eccleston Primary School Eccleston St Mary’s Primary The Surgery

01772 600 081 03001 236 703 01257 451 114 01257 451 317 01257 451 221

Heskin Heskin Pemberton C.E. Primary

01257 451 365

Euxton Balshaw Lane Primary School Euxton Library Euxton Medical Centre Euxton Parish Council Euxton Primary School Euxton St Mary’s Primary Primrose Hill Primary School

01257 278 722 03001 236 703 01257 267 402 01257 234 004 01257 263 454 01257 262 049 01257 276 688

Mawdesley Mawdesley Parish Council St Peter & Paul Catholic School St Peter’s Primary School

01704 821 703 01704 822 216 01704 822 657

General Medical Chorley & South Ribble Hospital

01257 261 222

General Council Chorley Borough Council Lancashire County Council

01257 515 151 01772 221 600

Police Lancashire Police

01257 246 225

solutions

The photo on page 34 is of Coppull railway station