Local Life - Chorley - Dec 2014/Jan 2015

Chorley Edition

Dec 2014/Jan 2015

‘Sinners’ & Saints Chorley’s Catholic Martyrs Class From The Past Bishop Rawstorne Jack’s Tracks visits Westhead & Lathom

WIN A

CHRISTMAS HAMPER www.locallife247.co.uk

Step into Christmas

In this issue

I have a confession to make – I’m actually looking forward to Christmas. I realise this is a very un-blokey thing to say, but it happens to be true.

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As a kid, I loved Christmas, but as a teenager I did the usual sulky stuff. Then, as an adult with a young child, it was more manic than anything else and I didn’t have time to stop and think.

But this year is a tad different. The little ‘un is more grown up and would, if truth be told, rather sit in her bedroom with the iPad. As I write this, I can hear the voices of thousands of parents murmuring in agreement.

The other night, my beloved and I even cracked open a bottle of mulled wine - I’m not ashamed to say that, yes, it was on a school night too. I’m not quite ready for Fairytale of New York just yet, but I sense it won’t be long before my best Irish accent will be murdering the line: “It was Christmas Eve babe, in the drunk tank…”

I suspect this happens to many of us who have young kids in our lives, whether they be children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Once they reach a certain age, Christmas becomes about all of us again rather simply focused on the kids.

That said, I know I’ll spend the vast majority of Christmas morning prising toys from their packaging (why are those plastic ties so damn tricky?) and hunting round for a pair of AA batteries. But once that’s done, they’ll trundle off to their rooms, their heads buried deep in their pressies from Santa. At least that’s the plan.

And while they do that, we may just find time to open another bottle of mulled wine…

Merry Christmas

Win A Christmas Hamper Puzzle Corner Class From The Past - Bishop Rawstorne ‘Sinners & Saints’ - Catholic Martyrs Planning Matters Jack’s Tracks visits Westhead & Lathom Christmas Events Garden Diary Test Drive - Hyundai i30 Tourer Home Services Recipe - Granny’s Christmas Pudding Useful Numbers Next issue - January

Advertising deadline - Friday, December 12 Published - Saturday, January 10 Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB T 01257 498 329 @ info@locallife247.co.uk W www.locallife247.co.uk

Editorial: David Sudworth Sales: Chris Pearce / Nicola Gray / Lisa Jackson Design & Production: Peter Bretherton

editorial@locallife247.co.uk sales@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. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.

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

The Chorley North 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 in Chorley or Tesco Buckshaw Local Life is also published in the Wigan, West Lancashire and St Helens areas.

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.

David Sudworth - Editor editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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

Local Life Media

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Good Elf There’s still time to sign up for the first Mental Elf 5k run taking place on Sunday, December 21, in Chorley.

Mental health and wellbeing charity, Lancashire Mind, is recruiting people to take part in its first ever mass participation event to be held at Astley Park. It is open to everyone; Big Elves, Little Elves, Mini Elves even elves in prams and doggy elves! On offer will be hot chocolate, mince pies and leg massages for those weary post-race legs.

Big Elves are £10 per person per entry, Little Elves, aged 10-16, are £5 each and there are a limited number of free places for Mini Elves who are aged 9 and under.

Mini Elves must be accompanied by a full paying Big Elf. Anyone interested in taking part can book their place by visiting www.fyldecoastrunning.org

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Midge Hall Methodist Church, on Longmeanygate, Leyland, is holding a charity concert in the run-up to Christmas.

On Monday, December 15, Chiho Sunamoto - described as the Vanessa Mae of the keyboard - will be doing a turn in aid of Cancer Research.

The event starts at 7.30pm and for more information, contact Liz on 07814 261983 or Cathy on 07977 519597.

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Marching On

Distributors Wanted

There’s no let-up in Chorley Ramblers’ Activities over the festive period. On Sunday, December 21, they will be in the Tarleton/River Douglas area, meeting at St Michael’s Church, Liverpool Old Road, Much Hoole, at 1.30pm.

More information is available from Pat on 01257 241134.

Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows:

On Tuesday, December 30, there’s a Pudding Walk to Darwen Tower, which starts from Brinscall Baths, Lodge Bank, at 9.30am. Contact Brian on 01257 263841 for more details.

And on Saturday, January 3, there’s a 7.5 mile walk, which includes some steep climbs, around Tiger’s Clough and Wallsuches, Horwich. For this walk, contact Rod on 01257 470466.

New visitors are welcome to three free walks, after which they are invited to join The Ramblers’ Association.

Visit www.chorleyramblers.co.uk for more information.

Chorley - Athol Grove, Canterbury Street, Cranbourne Street, Bagganley Lane, Eaves Lane, Carrington Road, Letchworth Drive and Gillibrand Walks Heath Charnock – Rawlinson Lane, Chatsworth Court and Heathfield Charnock Richard – Town Lane, Croston Lane and Preston Road If you are interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@ locallife247.co.uk

Dom’s Storytime Dom Conlon, the author of the Tiny the Giant picture books, will be leading a dads and kids’ storytime at Eccleston Library, at the Carrington Centre, on Saturday, December 6. You are invited to go along to enjoy a fun filled hour with Dom’s books and puppets, starting at 10.30am.

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Art Exhibition

Reel-y Good

Lodge Artists Society’s 36th annual art exhibition is on at Astley Park until Sunday, December 14. It is open from noon-4.30pm each day and there is a selection of original paintings in assorted media by local artists.

Bretherton Film Society’s autumn season has now started - and here’s a couple of treats they’ve got lined up.

For more information, visit www.lodgeartistschorley.org. uk or email laschorley@gmail.com

Brindle Brass Brindle Brass Band Christmas concert is being held on Saturday, December 6, at Brindle Community Hall, Water Street. The bar opens at 7pm and the concert starts half an hour later. Tickets are £6 including mince pies and mulled wine. Contact Susan Burgess on 01772 311418, Susan Horrocks on 01254 852173 or Eileen Bannister on 01254 852713.

Forest Whittaker as The Butler On Friday, December 12, they will be showing The Butler, starring Forest Whitaker, Vanessa Redgrave, Oprah Winfrey, Lenny Kravitz and Robin Williams. It follows the story of Cecil Gaines as he serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler at the White House. The era spans the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events affect this man’s life, family, and American society.

And in January, on a date yet to be confirmed, the society is showing The Hundred-Foot Journey. Starring

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Helen Mirren, Om Puri and Juhi Chawla, it follows the Kadam family’s clashes with Madame Mallory, proprietress of a celebrated French restaurant, after they open their own nearby eatery.

All films will commence at 7.30 pm (doors open 7pm) at Bretherton Endowed School, South Road.

Refreshments are available, including wine. For further information contact John Piggott, Margaret Piggott on 01772 601455 or Gwyneth Lloyd on 01772 600705.

Alternatively email brethertonfs@btinternet.com

Three Part Handel A three-part performance of Handel’s Messiah is being staged at Spendmore Lane Methodist Church in Coppull on Sunday, November 30. The first part will be at 2.30pm while parts two and three start from 6pm onwards. Tea will be served in between the performances and all are welcome.

Band Date Coppull and Standish Band is holding a Christmas concert at Tunley United Reformed Church on Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, on Saturday, December 13.

The event starts from 7.30pm in the hall. Tickets are £7, which includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Christmas Coffee Eccleston Methodist Church’s grand Christmas coffee morning takes place from 10am-noon on Saturday, December 6. There will be homemade cakes and brica-brac stalls. Proceeds from the event go to The Green church’s funds.

For more information or tickets, call 01257 463407/425330/426252.

Goodbye 2014 You can dance 2014 away at Mawdesley Village Hall this December 31. The Hurst Green venue is hosting a New Year’s Eve party dance with Laura Wilson and the Andy Summer Disco. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £30, including a buffet meal. The dress code is black tie for men and party dress for ladies. Tickets are available on 07557 818803.

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Haunted Heskin

CADOS Panto

Are you feeling brave? There’s a scare tour of Heskin Hall, on Wood Lane, Heskin, on Sunday, November 30, which is being held in conjunction with Runshaw College.

The Elves and the Shoemaker is Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society’s pantomime production this year. It is on at Chorley Little Theatre, on Dole Lane, each night from Friday, December 12, to Saturday, December 20, apart from Monday, December 15.

This experience is for adults only and not for the faint hearted. There are lighting effects, areas of low lighting & you will need to be reasonably physically fit.

Organisers say you will be given a tour of the hall and grounds during which you can expect many surprises.

Tickets are £15 per person or £19 including a hot pot supper, or concessions at £10 and £15.

Times are allocated on booking. Visit www.heskinhall. com for more details.

Get A Grip There’s been plenty of political tussles at Chorley’s town hall over the years - and now locals are getting ready for the real thing!

American Wrestling arrives at the Union Street venue on Saturday, December 6, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Tickets are priced £10 for children and £12 for adults.

These are available from Malcolm’s Musicland, Chapel Street, Chorley, on 01257 264362. For more details visit www.worldwidepromotions.org.uk

The cast say it’s packed with laughs, songs, silliness, thrills and dances for audiences of all ages.

Tickets are £10, and a family ticket is £35. Book at Malcolm’s Musicland, Chapel Street, (01257 264362) or via www.chorleytheatre.com

VAMP Production Buckshaw Village Amateur Musical Performers (VAMP) are putting on a production of Jack and The Beanstalk.

Performances will be held over two weekends; December 6 (at 5pm) and December 7 (2pm), and the following week, on December 13 (at 5pm) and December 14 (at 2pm and 7pm).

It takes place at Buckshaw Community Centre, Unity Place, and tickets are £9 for adults and £5 for children, while a family ticket is £20.

They can be purchased from Malcolm’s Musicland on 01257 264362.

For more information, visit www.buckshawvamp.co.uk

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That’s Entertainment

Festive Brass

The Amanda Roocroft Theatre, part of Runshaw College, has announced a programme of festive treats.

Leyland Band are in concert at Chorley Town Hall, Union Street, on Sunday, December 7, from 2pm to 5pm.

Tickets are £10 on the door or £8 in advance. These are available from Malcolm’s Musicland Chapel Street Chorley; Electra, Hough Lane, Leyland; Music Cellar, Fox Street, Preston, or by telephoning Jan Doran on 01772 813895.

On Wednesday, December 10, A Christmas Celebration will be held from 7pm at Leyland Methodist Church, Turnip Green Lane. This free event features the theatre’s choirs and instrumentalists, poetry, music and readings combine to mark the start of the Yuletide period.

And from Tuesday, December 16, to Thursday, December 18, it’s ‘Showdown’ featuring solos, duets and large chorus numbers from everyone’s favourite musicals. Apart from the Christmas celebration event, the Showdown is chargeable. Tickets are priced at £7 and £5 for concessions (child, student and over-60s).

Card payments can now be taken over the phone – call 01772 643038 or email boxoffice@runshaw.ac.uk

Parkinson’s Help Parkinson’s UK Chorley and South Ribble Branch meets at 2pm on the first Tuesday of every month at Tatton Community Centre, Silverdale Road, Chorley.

The Branch offers support, information, friendship, education, entertainment and activities to those with Parkinson’s, their carers, family and friends.

New members are assured of a warm welcome.

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Charnock Richard Rambling Club has issued an appeal for new members. The group undertakes walks every other Sunday by coach, which picks up at Chorley, Charnock Richard, Euxton and Bamber Bridge. For further details, ring 01772 436494.

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Neville’s Cup of Cheer A Heath Charnock man scooped first prize in a gardening competition. Neville Bamber came out on top for his garden display in the annual Best Kept Garden competition run by Chorley Council in conjunction with Chorley Community Housing (CCH) and Chorley and District Gardening Society.

And the winners were presented with their certificates and vouchers at a special ceremony at Birkacre Garden Centre by Councillor Adrian Lowe who oversees floral displays for Chorley Council, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Chorley, Councillor Roy and Mrs Margaret Lees.

There were joint winners of the Best Shop Floral Display, sponsored by Chorley Chamber of Trade and Chorley Traders’ Alliance, with both the Derian House Children’s Hospice shop and the Cancer Research UK shop both catching the judges’ eyes; and the winner of the Best Pub Floral Display, sponsored by PubWatch, went to the Rose and Crown.

Cllr Adrian Lowe, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chorley Cllr Roy and Margaret Lees and Chris Richardson from CCH, second left. The winners are, from the left, Andrea Smith (Rose and Crown), Gemma Hart (Derian House), Sybil Johnson (best small garden), Michelle Wade (Derian House), Neville Bamber (best large garden and overall winner), Trish Thorp (Cancer Research UK) and Neil Wilson (Cancer Research UK). Mr and Mrs Miller (best medium garden) were on holiday.

The Best Kept Garden category winners, who received certificates and vouchers, were:

3rd – Mrs Marron, Chorley.

Best large garden: 1st – Neville Bamber, Heath Charnock; 2nd – Michael Banks, Heskin; 3rd – Mrs Adshead, Chorley.

Best small garden: 1st – Mrs Sybil Johnson, Charnock Richard; 2nd Mrs Bothamley, Euxton; 3rd – Mr and Mrs Holden, Chorley

Best medium garden: 1st – Ken and Lilian Miller, Eccleston; 2nd – Ray Norris, Ulnes Walton;

Best community garden: 1st – The Fields, Eccleston; 2nd – Lancaster Court, Chorley; 3rd – Arcon estate, Coppull.

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By The Book...

A local, independent optician has thanked kindhearted customers who raised more than £400 for the blind.

Over the past few months, Suzanne Dennis’ four practices in Eccleston, Coppull, Parbold and Standish have been hosting a book swap in aid of eye health charities Galloways Society for the Blind, The Macular Society; RNIB and RP Fighting Blindness.

Customers were encouraged to take in their unwanted books and in return could browse the selection and donate 50p for any book they wanted to take home and read.

The book swap was organised to encourage more people to read, and highlight any problems with vision as part of the optometrist’s ‘See, Read, Learn’ ethos.

Suzanne Dennis with the books The book swap was initially only supposed to be in the practices for two months, but was extended due to its popularity. The £400 will be split equally between the four charities.

Suzanne said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have raised so much money for these worthwhile charities. It proved

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Lights On

extremely successful and we hope the diverse range of books we were given encouraged more people to pick up a book and read.”

Emma Russ, senior fundraiser from Galloways Society for the Blind, added: “We’re thrilled that Suzanne Dennis Optometrists’ book swap went so well and were delighted to collect a donation of £100. It’s only with generous support like this from our local community that we are able to continue our services to local blind and partially sighted people which includes our talking newspapers, drop in days, guided holidays, outdoor pursuits programme and much more. We’d like to thank Suzanne Dennis and her customers for their generosity.

The money donated to us will go towards helping people of all ages with sight problems.”

For further information on Suzanne Dennis Optometrist, visit www.suzannedennisoptometrist.co.uk

Croston will be all a-glow on Sunday, November 30.

That’s the day when the village’s Christmas lights will be officially switched on. Residents are invited to meet on the village green from 4.15pm onwards when Charnock Richard Brass Band will be playing. The actual switch on, which is being undertaken by reception pupils at Trinity & St Michael’s Primary School, takes place at 5pm.

eBook Help Chorley Library, on Union Street, is holding an introduction to downloading and using the eBook service. It takes place on Tuesday, December 9, at 2pm.

Places are free and a space can be reserved by popping into the front desk with your library card and pin number.

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Extra Places

one form entry expansion of Southlands, thus providing some of the additional places required for the future.

Extra school places are set to be created in the Chorley area to cope with burgeoning demand. Southlands High getting an extra 30 places with effect from September 2015, taking the published admission number from 190 to 220. Local education authority officers have also been authorised to hold talks with other schools to deal with longer term demand.

“It is also proposed that officers meet with the headteachers and chairs of governors of the Chorley district secondary schools to open up a debate as to how the longer term need for places will be met, which at this stage is assessed as a further three forms of entry. There are six secondary schools in Chorley, one community school, one voluntary aided catholic school and four academies, therefore a negotiated and agreed solution to providing the additional places is needed.”

A report to Lancashire County Council’s education chief, Cllr Matthew Tomlinson, said: “The increase in births, coupled with large scale housing in some parts of the county, will shortly begin to impact on the secondary sector across most districts to varying extents and according to varying timescales. The Chorley district is the first where the demand for places is expected to outstrip supply and, therefore, requires remedial action to secure sufficient school places in the future. “It is proposed that the local authority proceeds with the

Vintage Fair A vintage and handmade fair will be at Cedar Farm, Back Lane, Mawdesley, on Sunday, December 14, from 10am to 4pm. There will be over 40 stalls of antique, vintage and handmade goodies. Entry is £1.

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Highland Fling Buckshaw Fling will celebrate Burns Night on Saturday, January 24, at Buckshaw Village Community Centre, Unity Place, between 7pm and 10pm.

Organisers say it will be an evening of ceilidh dancing, hot pot supper and true Scottish spirit! It’s for all the family with tickets from £10 per adult and £5 per child. Take your own drinks. Contact the organisers on BuckshawFling@gmail.com

Good Friends Chorley and District Over-50s Friendship Centre is looking for new members. The centre meets at St Peter’s Church meeting room on Harpers Lane, Chorley, on the last Wednesday of the month at 2pm. It offers a wide range of social activities including coffee mornings,

lunches, theatre visits, speakers and visits to places of interest. For more information or a programme of events ring Jennie on 01257 265721.

Mawdesley U3A Prospective new members are welcome to go along to Mawdesley and Neighbouring Villages U3A’s community morning held every Wednesday from 10.15am-11.45am at Mawdesley Village Hall, Hurst Green.

It is an informal get-together where new members are made welcome and have the chance to talk to group leaders and other members to find out what is going on, when and where.

Formed in 2006 and with currently around 700 members, it caters for interests ranging from books to boules. For more information, visit www.u3asites.org.uk/ mawdesley

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Fairtrade Push Chorley Fairtrade Group is urging local people to get involved in the organisation. They are compiling a directory of outlets and organisations, where Fairtrade products are sold or used, or places where Fairtrade is being supported or promoted in some way in the Chorley area. They say this information will help them to compile the directory and if you are a business or organisation who stocks, sells, serves, promotes or supports Fairtrade, then you should also get in touch.

If you want to get involved please email contact@ chorleyfairtrade.org.uk

Village Fair Croston’s popular annual Christmas fair will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 1pm to 5.15pm in the village. As well as a Land Train to Santa’s Grotto there will be brass bands, singers, Morris dancers, a ukulele band, archery, a climbing wall and much more. Children will love the donkey rides and magic show while their parents can shop for last minute gifts at the many craft

stalls. Food and drink will be provided by stallholders and local hostelries. The event will end with a torchlight procession from the village green. Everyone welcome.

For more information visit www.crostonfestivities.co.uk

Natural Choice Chorley and District Natural History Society is holding its members evening, to which non-members are invited on Thursday, December 18. There will be a quiz, an annual photographic competition and some short presentations by members. It is held from 7.30pm at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Devonshire Road, Chorley.

For more information visit www.chorleynats.org.uk or ring Phil Kirk on 01257 266783.

Christmas Fair Chorley United Reformed Church, Hollinshead Street, holds its Christmas fair on Saturday, December 6, from 11.30am to 1.30pm. There will be a wide range of stalls, with raffles and a visit from Father Christmas. The fair is followed by an afternoon concert from 2pm to 3pm.

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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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Free Publicity For YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser? If so, get in touch with us today!

Local Life is distributed to thousands of homes across Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire. Each edition is crammed with stories for local events, and your group could be appearing in our next edition. The types of events we publicise are as follows: - Charity fundraising events - Local school, church or community fairs - Amateur concerts or performances by community groups - Talks which are open to the public - Pleas from community groups or associations for new members

- We’re also on the look out for old school photographs, street scenes from yesterday and want to hear from you if your group is celebrating a special milestone.

Simply contact our Editor David Sudworth with the details - what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can provide the information, the better the job we can do.

So don’t delay – contact David today by calling 01257 498 329 or emailing him directly at editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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Water Good Idea Chorley Lions will be holding their annual Swimarathon on Saturday, February 8, at All Seasons Leisure Centre, Water Street, Chorley, from 10am. Organisers are welcoming entries from local schools, clubs and societies. The idea is to complete as many lengths in a set time with a sponsorship amount per lap. Participants keep 30% of all monies raised with the rest distributed by the Lions to local charities. For more information please contact Peter Hankin on 07952202973.

Road Disruption Heath Charnock Parish Council is reminding locals that, due to rail improvement works in the area, the bridge on Chorley Road will be closed from December to June 2015, with precise dates to be confirmed. They say some one-way working controlled by traffic lights may be

possible during the initial stages of reconstruction. The parish also says it has been informed that Rawlinson Lane bridge will be closed from Monday, January 5, to Friday, May 22, and talks are ongoing about how a bus service can serve Chorley Road.

40th Anniversary Panto From Thursday, December 4, to Saturday, December 6, Mawdesley Amateur Dramatics Society presents its 40th anniversary pantomime. This year MADS invites you to take a magic carpet ride to ancient Persia as it presents a brand new version of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves It starts at 7.30pm at Mawdesley Village Hall, Hurst Green, but there is also a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Tickets are ÂŁ8 for adults and ÂŁ4 for children and can be obtained from Mawdesley Post Office or by emailing mawdesleydrama@yahoo.co.uk

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Home Care & Assistance

Care in your OWN Home ASK AMANDA! Amanda Barlow is the Registered Care Manager for Right at Home – she answers your questions.

but can be woken up a maximum of three times. This is ideal if a carer is needed for reassurance or for a few one-off tasks such as helping a person to the toilet or prompt medication and is cheaper. Both these options can be long or short term.

A legal ruling concluded that carers must be paid at least the minimum wage – even when sleeping -because they are at work. Right at Home complies with the law, we pay our staff above the legal hourly rate so you can be sure with us everything is done properly.

“Are care services available throughout the night?”

Right at Home also offers a “7 til 7” emergency call out service. If you need help in the night, for example after a fall, if you feel ill or need to go to hospital a carer can visit to help – even at 2am!

YES. Two types of care are available. A “waking watch” - the carer is alert and available to work throughout the night. This is used when someone is very ill and requires constant attention. A “sleep-in” is where the carer sleeps

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Competition

Win a Christmas

Our popular Christmas hamper competition is back and this year, we’ve got TWO Christmas hampers to be won by readers of our Chorley magazine.

Each Christmas hamper will be filled to the brim with luxury produce, much of it made in Lancashire. Our main supplier is our local farm shop, Windy Arbour Farm Shop in Billinge, which is located just down the road from our office.

Windy Arbour carries a great range of tasty local and regional produce, particularly in the run up to

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Christmas. For more details about their store, visit their website www.windy-arbour.co.uk. We would like to thank Windy Arbour for supplying these goods at cost price.

The finished contents of the hamper was still being finalised as we went to press in mid-November, but we can tell you that each hamper will include Christmas cake, chocolates, mince pies, cheese, shortbread, wine, real ale, nuts, sweets and lots more besides.

The goods are packaged in an attractive and sturdy wicker basket, and expertly wrapped in cellophane and ribbons. Even if you’re not a foodie, these hampers

Hamper!

To win one of these hampers, simply complete the Christmas Carol crossword on the right and return your entry to us at; Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8 – Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB

Across 5. O Little Town of _ 6. Silent _ 7. Ding _ Merrily on High 10. Once in Royal _ City

Or email your answers along with your name, full address and contact number to crossword@locallife247. co.uk

Down 1. Away in a _ 2. Hark, The Herald _ Sing 3. We Three Kings of _ Are 4. Whilst _ Watched Their Flocks 8. _ King Wenceslas 9. The Holly and the _

Your entry MUST be with us by 5pm on Monday 15th December, and the lucky winners will receive their prizes on the weekend of 20/21 December 2014.

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

Address ............................................................................................

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.

............................... Post Code ........................................................

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

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

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

Good luck to all who enter – and a Happy Christmas to all!

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would make a wonderful present for someone special in your life. Each hamper is full of luxury items and it will bring a little extra to their Christmas.

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Class from the Past - Bishop Rawstorne, Croston

This month’s Class from the Past is from Bishop Rawstorne, Croston. It’s believed this photo was taken in the early 1980s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?

Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing editorial@ locallife247.co.uk

Eccleston Homes Plan

“The proposed development offers 18, two and three bedroom affordable rented dwellings.

Plans have been unveiled for 18 new, affordable homes on green field in Eccleston. Partner Construction has submitted its proposal to Chorley Council which, if successful, could see land west of 77 Doctors Lane developed.

“This scheme would go some way to addressing the identified undersupply of smaller, social rented housing stock.

Under the plans, four of the homes would front directly on to Doctors Lane while the remainder would be located on either side of the new access road.

In papers lodged with the council, agents on behalf of Partner Construction say there is a need for housing in the village: “The Chorley Rural Housing Needs Survey 2011 recommends an annual requirement of 22 affordable homes in Eccleston or 110 homes over the five year period of the survey, the largest requirement in the rural Parishes.

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“The cul-de-sac layout is consistent with the surrounding area, with similar layouts on Banner Close to the north and Chaucer Close to the east. “The design of the dwellings is sympathetic to the wider streetscene in Eccleston. The dwellings have been carefully designed and offer a number of features.”

The planning application is now out for public consultation, and the deadline for representations is Friday, December 5.

For more information, log onto www.chorley.gov.uk the application reference is 14/01157/FULMAJ

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Santa Express Jump aboard the Chorley Christmas Express Land Train and meet Father Christmas.

The train ride begins outside Chorley Council’s offices on Union Street, Chorley town centre, as it travels through Astley Park to meet Father Christmas at Astley Hall between 10am and 4pm every Saturday from Saturday, November 29, until December 20.

Every child who meets Father Christmas will receive a special Christmas gift.

Chorley’s Christmas Express and meet Father Christmas tickets must be purchased in advance at £5 for children (aged 12 and under) and £2 for adults.

When you purchase your ticket you will need to choose the date and time slot that is suitable for you and please bring an electronic or paper copy of your confirmation email with you on the day as proof of purchase. To book your ticket, please visit www.chorley.gov.uk If you would simply like to take a ride on Chorley’s Christmas Express between Chorley town centre and Astley Hall, you can pay on the day at the land train stop outside Chorley Council’s civic offices on Union Street or at Astley Hall at £1 for children and £2 for adults.

Winter Wonderland St Catherine’s Hospice is holding a Christmas festival over the weekend of Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. The specially-created winter wonderland in the Lostock Lane facility’s grounds will include a festive market full of gifts, and ice rink, Santa’s grotto, games and music.

There will also be the obligatory mulled wine and festive treats at The Mill Café.

The Saturday event is from noon-5pm while on Sunday, it’s from noon-4pm. The latter also features a sponsored Santa Dash and Rudolph Rumble at 1pm.

For further details, call 01772 629171 or visit www. stcatherines.co.uk

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12 Days Hoghton Tower will be the setting for a Christmas show with a difference this year where The Twelve Days to Christmas can be seen twice in one day on Sunday, December 7, at 2pm and 6pm.

This show is billed as great for all the family. Set in 1895, Mr Edward Fitzwilliam is in love with Miss Fairfax, but since she is a ‘most charming and dear creature; no ordinary wooing will do’. Watch as Miss Fairfax tried to cope with a few ‘extraordinary’ presents and the most ridiculous 12 days of her life!

Tickets are £14 for adults and £10 for students and children (plus booking fee). Book via 0844 888 9991 or visit www.ticketline.co.uk

Bush Walk

Bit Of A Do

Learn the secrets behind successful tree and shrub identification during Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s winter ID twig walk. This takes place in Yallow Valley Park on Sunday, December 14, from 1pm. The walk is two hours, it starts at the Treeface Cafe and takes in the lodges and woodlands of Birkacre. For more information, call 07967 820744.

All are welcome to Lower Burgh Meadow Conservation Group’s Christmas do, which is being held at Hunters’ Lodge, Preston Road, Charnock Richard, on Friday, December 12. The event features music from local band Committed To Blue. Tickets are £10 including a buffet, and the fun starts at 7.30pm. For more information, contact Eddie Langrish on 01257 232100 or email edwinlangrish@btinternet.com

Head’s Honour Daniel Ballard, headteacher at Mawdesley St Peter’s Primary School, is to officially open St Peter’s Church’s Christmas fair on Saturday, November 29. It starts at 10.30am at Mawdesley Village Hall, Hurst Green, with children singing at 11.10am, followed by the official opening. Admission is £1 for adults and children go free.

St Agnes Event St Agnes Church, on The Green, Eccleston, is holding its Christmas fair on Sunday, November 30, from 2pm onwards. There are plenty of attractions, including tombola, fancy goods, books, cakes, Christmas cards and even a chocolate fountain.

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‘Sinners’ to Saints…

David Sudworth looks at how Chorley fought back against religious persecution – and the brave men who died for their faith

“Horrendous and heart-breaking” - just two words used by Prince Charles to describe religious persecution around the world.

Opposition to this was at its highest in the North West, particularly Lancashire. Indeed, the Chorley area played a big part in this movement, and were linked to two men who were later made Saints after being executed for their faith.

They came in a message to the House of Lords at the launch of the Religious Freedom in the World Report 2014 this month. Its findings make for grim reading at any time of the year, but have an added poignancy so close to Christmas.

John Rigby was born at Harrock Hall near the Eccleston/ Wrightington border, around 1570. He’s believed to have been the sixth son of Nicholas Rigby and his wife Mary Breres.

Of the 196 countries in the world, 41% of those are identified as places where religious freedom is either impaired or in decline, while a further 18% are giving cause for concern. Among those singled out are Egypt, the Maldives and China.

“Catholic recusants were led by gentry, though in Lancashire there were an unusually large number of recusant yeomen and farmers, but the overwhelming majority in all classes were women.”

However, it wasn’t that long ago that such persecution of Catholics was not only allowed in England, but positively encouraged by the law.

Recusancy - the act of refusing to attend Church of England services - was outlawed in 1593. It was the start of a period of persecution which was to last around 230 years. The beginnings can be traced back to serial groom Henry VII’s desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon.

As England was a Catholic country at the time, Henry needed permission from the Pope which, historians say, wasn’t immediately forthcoming. This eventually led to the Reformation which severed ties with Rome and turned England into a Protestant country.

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John Hilton was, aptly, former head of history at St John Rigby College in Wigan, and wrote about his upbringing in his book, Catholic Lancashire: “An individual like John Rigby might be brought up a Catholic then abandon the practice of his faith only to later recover it.

In Rigby’s case, he was caught almost by being too honest. In 1600, he was working for Sir Edmund Huddleston, one of Cambridgeshire’s landed gentry.

Sir Edmund’s daughter was summoned to the Old Bailey for recusancy but couldn’t attend as she was ill. Rigby went in her place, and records show he was compelled to confess that he himself was also a recusant.

He was promptly sent to Newgate Prison, which formed part of the wall around the City of London. The next day he signed a confession and, after twice refusing to become a Protestant, was hanged on June 21 that year.

Another man who was later made a Saint was Edmund Arrowsmith, who was some 15 years younger than Rigby. Arrowsmith was from Haydock, near St Helens, and trained as a priest. According to Brindle Historical Society, in 1628 he was betrayed of the landlord of the old Blue Anchor Inn, which used to stand opposite

Quaker Brook Lane at Hoghton, and soldiers were sent to capture him.

He made off across the highways and byways Hoghton and into Brindle. However, the game was up when his horse stalled at a ditch on Brindle Moss. It’s said he was taken to the Boars Head, on Blackburn Old St Edmund Arrowsmith was Road, and nine shillings captured at Brindle Moss of his money was spent on drink. The following day, he was taken to Lancashire Castle and charged with high treason.

It’s said the situation came to light as they were possibly betrayed by a cousin of Thules, and sent to Lancaster Castle. However, it’s claimed they almost managed to escape death by scaling the castle walls and making off.

The Blessed Roger Wrenno lived on Market Street, Chorley. Image courtesy of St Anthony Communications

Having been convicted, his final confession was heard

by Samlesbury-born St John Southworth, who was also a prison inmate, and he was duly executed on August 28. His hand was preserved and kept as a relic by the Arrowsmith family. It now rests at St Oswald’s Church in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

According to the Documenting Dissent project, which looks at the history of Lancaster Castle and its links with religious and political dissent, the pair seemingly got lost and were recaptured close to the town. The inevitable soon happened, and they were both put to death, but not without a few final twists.

Both Rigby and Arrowsmith were beatified by the Pope in 1970, but it wasn’t until 1987 that a third recusant with links to this area was decorated by the late Pope John Paul II.

It’s said some attempts were made to turn Thules away from his Catholicism. The renowned Puritan rector William Leigh of Standish was brought in to dispute with him but to no avail. Thules’ godson offered him £20 a year to renounce his faith, but again he refused.

After death, his head was fixed on the walls of the castle as a warning to others while quarters of his body were displayed in Wigan, Preston, Lancaster and Warrington.

Wrenno was killed immediately after Thules, but the rope broke and he immediately fell to the ground. The authorities offered him a final chance to convert, but Wrennall was steadfast: “I am the same man I was, and in the same mind; use your pleasure with me.” He was dead less than a minute later.

Pope John Paul II blessed Wrenno in 1987 By comparison, Roger Wrenno (or Wrennall as he is sometimes referred to) was poor - he was born in Chorley in 1577. He lived in Market Street and worked as a weaver. The first 38 years of his life were fairly uneventful until he was arrested at home for harbouring a Catholic priest from Up Holland, Father John Thules.

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Planning Matters Bretherton Orchard Farm, Back Lane: Prior approval application to change an agricultural building to a dwelling (ref: 14/01197/P3PAO). Consultation deadline: December 10.

Blackhurst Hall, 201 South Road: Erection of glazing to enable the existing car port to be used as a sun room (ref: 14/01183/FUL). Consultation deadline: December 5.

Chorley A plaque in Chorley commemorating the life of Wrenno

51 Redwood Drive: Erection of single storey rear extension (ref: 14/01186/CLPUD). A decision is due by January 8.

Earlier this year, a film entitled Faith Of Our Fathers: In Search of the English Martyrs was released by Pembrokeshire-based Catholic media company, St Anthony Communications.

Eccleston

Its managing director Christian Holden, who hails from Preston, said he found the Wrenno story one of the most inspiring: “It was quite profound that even in the face of death, he actually turned around and ran up the ladder, almost saying that if his Christian Holden: “Wrenno executers had seen what story is profound” he had just seen, an image of God, that they too would be eager to die.”

23 Middlewood Close: Single storey rear extension (ref: 14/01075/FUL). Consultation deadline: December 4.

The Catholic Relief Act of 1829 is seen as the end of such persecution by the state in the United Kingdom.

It may have been much too late for the likes of Rigby, Arrowsmith and Wrenno, who all paid the ultimate price for their faith. And the sad fact is that although Britain went through a very dark period which only finished 185 years ago, there remains places in the world today, including small parts of Europe, where religious persecution is still alive.

The Faith Of Our Fathers: In Search of the English Martyrs DVD is available from www.saintant.com at £14.95 each. For more details, call 01834 812643.

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9 Cricketers Green: Proposed single storey side and rear extension (ref: 14/01161/FUL). Consultation deadline: December 1.

7 The Fields: Retrospective application for the erection of a single storey rear extension (ref: 14/00671/FUL).

Consultation deadline: December 1.

Heath Charnock Ferndale House, 64 Lower Hill Drive: Erection of a two storey front extension, two front dormer windows, first floor rear extension and single storey side extension (ref: 14/01101/FUL).Consultation deadline: December 3.

Railway bridge east Of Frederick’s Ice Cream, Bolton Road: Proposed reconstruction of Spencers Bridge (ref: 14/01201/PNOT). A decision is due by December 15.

For more information on these applications, visit www.chorley.gov.uk

Carer Help Do you look after someone and need a helping hand?

Free advice, information and practical support from Lancashire County Council and Carers Lancashire is now available. The scheme was developed with the support the Lancashire Carers’ Forum, which meets regularly and gives carers the opportunity to share information, raise concerns and be directly involved in shaping carers’ services across Lancashire.

The services available also include a carer’s assessment, which identifies the particular support individual carers need to help them in their caring role.

For more information, call 0345 688 7113 or visit www. lancashire.gov.uk

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Jack’s Tracks

Westhead & Lathom Maybe it’s a sign of age, but the overuse of some words really seems to grate these days. Take ‘historic’ for example.

It’s totally unnecessary, particularly when bolted onto place names. After all, given the fact it’s now zillions of years since some gas and rocks had a heated argument one day and created this place we now call Planet Earth, doesn’t everywhere have a history?

I suppose it’s what happens though when you let loose sharp-suited marketing bods, probably called Hugh and Tabitha, on unsuspecting identikit towns to do a ‘rebranding exercise’...

Of course, Lathom has a bona fide history which doesn’t need any such hard sell. Indeed, it’s in front of your very eyes at regular intervals during this six mile walk. And because its history is far from dull, I’ll excuse the use of ‘Historic’ on its local signage.

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We started by parking up on Vicarage Lane. Word of warning here though - be aware that next to Ruff Woods there are time limits of two hours. As we knew it would take around three hours to complete, we parked up further down the lane where there were no prohibitions.

Once booted, we headed down the path towards Ruff Lane before taking a sharp right just before the gates which directed us around the boundary of the property.

The Right of Way took us down to Crosshall Brow, at which point we made a right and followed the A577 down into Westhead Village. As a settlement, it has managed to retain its charm despite the fact it is on an

increasingly busy route. Keep an eye out for some of the old buildings, particularly the Old Post Office and the black-and-white Grapes Cottage, built in 1746. Carry straight along until you reach Greenacre, at which point you turn in. As you walk down Greenacre, there’s a bit of a drop on your right which is signed as Meadowbridge Close. Go down here and follow the path.

A point of interest here is that had you gone down this road 60 years ago, you’d have been walking across the old railway line which ran from Ormskirk to Rainford via Skelmersdale. Rail buffs will remember this is the line the old Skem Jazzer train, so called because of the humming noise it made on the tracks, used to run.

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Carrying on, the path sweeps round to the right and then goes past a house with private paddock at the side. The left turn off which takes us over the field was a bit hidden, but we eventually discovered a small sign on the post holding the electrical cables. So if in doubt, follow the pylons.

route, follow the path which to all intents and purposes, gives the appearance of a private driveway. It is in fact a route which services a number of dwellings but of course is a public right of way. We come out at Blythe Lane, directly opposite the imposing gates to Blythe Hall.

This impressive, Grade II listed pile was built somewhere between the late 16th Century or the early 17th Century. It was remodelled by the 3rd Earl of Lathom as a residence to replace Lathom Hall, and apparently used in the 1920s for entertaining his theatrical friends such as Ivor Novello and Noel Coward.

Before we start making our way back, we head to the junction of Abbey Lane to take a quick look at the site of the Ancient Priory Cross. The cross was only reinstated recently, and it’s believed the original cross could have been an ancient boundary marker or a place where funeral processions rested on their way to the nearby abbey.

Again, it’s a straight route across to Lodge Farm, at which point you take a straight right towards Hall Lane.

This is now where the area’s ‘historical’ tag is wellearned. But first, we pass on the right the Pilkington research laboratory. Pilks, as they are referred to locally, have been here since 1960 and the facility is set within 50 acres. Although it’s slightly odd to see such a large site of this kind in a rural area, it does blend in reasonably well. Just a bit further down, opposite the junction of Cranes Lane, is the entry to Lathom Park.

This is the site where hundreds of thousands of horses were trained ahead of being sent to the fields of conflict in France. In fact, Cranes Lane was used as the main route to transport the mules to and from Ormskirk Train Station. Although Steven Spielberg has given their story the Hollywood treatment in his 2011 film War Horse, the area seems more popular for resting drivers than film buffs. Indeed, while we were there a Dutch family parked up with their caravan to have a flask of Douwe Egberts and some Edam butties. Probably.

After stopping for a few photos (of the park entrance, not the Dutch family), we carry on down the unadopted Cranes Lane before veering right across the fields in a north-westerly direction. Once at the top there are a variety of directions but if you are following this exact

42

Back over Abbey Bridge, we follow the sign which sees us follow the brook. For this part of the walk, it can be a little bit daunting for those who aren’t used to informal paths. There is no clearly defined path for this, indeed, the only way we could fathom it out was by some recent cutting back of the vegetation. Again though, the overhead electrical cables provided a useful guide as they more or less followed the route.

We headed over a stile and through a small copse before we ended up facing a tennis court. We were convinced we’d taken a wrong turning as we now appeared to be in someone’s back garden. Indeed, we were but said garden contained a public right of way.

Mercifully for us, someone (presumably the owner) was out weeding the path and not only helped guide us, but cheerfully asked where we’d come from and then ended up wishing us well for the rest of our walk.

I don’t think I’d have been as jovial to find two stranger trampling over my neat lawn, but this gent was joviality personified. If you are reading this, many thanks!

I recognise though that not everyone will be as lucky as we were so, if you find yourself in the same spot and can’t seem to find a way out past the locked gates, the following tip should help. Next to the gates, there is a small cluster of trees. Walk into the cluster and ahead of you will be some wire fencing which you follow, and will eventually lead you out at the side of the gates, and onto the formal driveway. Once at the end, you come to a crossroads where you need to take the road ahead (Lathom Lane). Bear left at the first public footpath you come to and you’ll be on the concrete access towards Charlesbye Farm. Whereas the farm route veers leftwards about a quarter of the way down, the public access carries on over the fields, so don’t take your eye off the ball here.

The beauty of this walk is that is can be taken in either direction, it’s fairly flat and it presents a few challenges which, although puzzling at first, aren’t insurmountable.

Also, a perhaps most importantly, it gives you a proper sense of the area’s history rather in a way which Hugh and Tabitha could only dream of…

From here to is a now virtual straight line up to Crosshall Brow, across the road and into the path into Ruff Woods. Once in the woods, turning left and keeping to the path which adjoins the wood boundary will take you straight out onto Vicarage Lane and, once you take a final left, back to the car.

Otherwise, there’s a few other paths where you can explore the woods, if your aching feet can take it.

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.

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43

Christmas

Now ‘til Sunday, December 14

Friday November 28 to Sunday November 30

Chester Victorian Christmas Market

Vintage & Handmade Christmas Event

Shoppers will be able to revel in the choice of stalls at the free Christmas Market with over 70 traditional wooden chalets.

The market will offer a variety of quality local and regional products including crafts, clothing, jewellery, giftware and local food and drink from carefully chosen suppliers. New for this year is the 40ft sparkling Christmas Tree on Town Hall Square, which will provide a magical centrepiece to the market.

Visitors will be able to enjoy delicious hot food and drink, including hog roasts, mulled wine and hot chocolate; the perfect way to keep warm whilst enjoying the market.

Library Square, St Werburgh Street and other central locations in Chester, CH1 2HJ. 10am-6pm, seven days a week. Admission free. More information on 01244 405631.

Now ‘til Friday, December 19

Liverpool Christmas Market

Travel the world this Christmas on just one street! Featuring more than 50 of the finest craft and food stalls from across five continents, Liverpool’s new and improved Christmas Market is offering treats from as far as China and South America. There’s also a Food & Craft Village in Williamson Square.

Lord Street and Paradise Street, Liverpool.

Admission free. For more information, visit www. visitliverpool.com Now ‘til Sunday, December 21,

Manchester Christmas Market

Don your Santa hat, dust off the mulled wine glass, and get into the festive spirit - it’s time to head down to Manchester’s world famous Christmas Market. Attracting shoppers from all over the UK and beyond, the market has put Manchester city centre firmly on the Christmas map – the Christmas Market has become not just a fabulous place to shop but also a hugely popular leisure destination in its own right. No winter is complete without a wander through the chalet-lined streets of the markets.

Manchester City Centre: Albert Square, Brazennose Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, The Corn Exchange and Corporation Street.

10am-7.30pm in November, 10-8pm in December, apart from Sundays, when it closes at 6pm.

Admission: Free. More information: www. christmasmarkets.com

44

You are invited to a magical Vintage & Handmade Fair with over 40 stalls.

This year’s event has been themed to commemorate World War I and offers retro, vintage inspired, true vintage and handmade goods, plus warm mulled wine and artisan foods.

Across the weekend, there’ll be free activities for children, live music and competitions with retro hair and make-up styling plus craft demonstrations.

Friday - noon to 8pm, with a special event from 6pm8pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm Chapel Gallery, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QR. 01695 571328.

Sunday, November 30

Samlesbury Hall Christmas Fair

Samlesbury Hall showcases a wonderful array of traditional and contemporary crafts - a wonderful family day out. Food and craft stalls, Father Christmas, Christmas lunches, hot mulled wine and mince pies, hot turkey sandwiches and lots more.

Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, PR5 0UP. 11am-4pm. Admission: adults £3, children £1. More information: www.samlesburyhall.co.uk Saturday, November 29, - Sunday, December 21

Father Christmas at the Farm

Take the family down to Tatton Park Farm to greet Father Christmas and his rare breed farmyard friends, some of who are the star attractions in the nativity scene. Once the children have received their free gift from Father Christmas there is so much to keep them occupied :- an outdoor play trail and den-building area, an indoor playbarn with ride-on tractors and music from brass bands or choirs. Families will love milking the wooden cow in the shippon, story-telling and visiting Aunt Mary in her cottage.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN. Saturday and Sundays, 11am-4.30pm. Last entry 3pm. It’s free to enter, but car entry charge applies.

More information: www.tattonpark.org.uk

...Merry

Events Guide Saturday, November 29, December 6 and 13

Friday December 12 to Saturday January 3

Grassington Dickensian Festival

Sleeping Beauty

For three Saturdays before Christmas, Grassington travels back in time for the annual Dickensian Festival. Visitors are treated to a glorious array of sights, tastes and smells from a bygone era. The village is adorned in Christmas lights, the square and streets come alive with a traditional market with shopkeepers and villagers dressed in Victorian costume. Visitors can revel in delight at the musicians, dancers, street entertainers and exhibitions of traditional country crafts.

Grassington town centre, North Yorkshire. The Postcode for the Park and Ride at Threshfield Quarry (for sat nav users) is BD23 5PA. There is no car parking in Threshfield or Grassington on the day of the event. 11am-5pm. Admission free. Email dickensian@grassington.uk.com Friday December 5 to Sunday January 11

Jack And The Beanstalk

Jack is a young lad living with his widowed mother and a milk cow who is their only source of income.

When the cow stops giving milk, Jack’s mother has him take her to market for sale. On the way, he meets an old man who offers “magic beans” in exchange for the cow and Jack makes the trade...

Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St.Helens.

Merseyside. WA10 1LQ. Booking and general enquires - 01744 756 000

This year, for the first time, pantomime is brought to Southport by one of the country’s top pantomime producers, Imagine Theatre, with a script written by the BAFTA Award winning writing team of Iain Lauchlan & Will Brenton.

Southport Theatre, Promenade, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0DZ. For more details and tickets visit: www.liverpooltheatres.com/southport.htm Sunday, December 14,

Croston Christmas Fair

The Croston Christmas Fair is a beautifully traditional village Christmas celebration organised by local people for the village. This traditional fair recommenced in 2008 following the decision by a number of villagers to put together Croston Village Festivities Group to plan, organise and run the day.

Croston Village, 1pm-5pm. For more information, visit www.crostonfestivities.co.uk Sunday, December 21

Merchant of Hoghton Christmas Market

Hoghton Tower is the venue for a Christmas Farmer’s Market from 10am to 2pm. There will be lots of lovely food for your Christmas celebrations.

Admission is £1 per car to the market. Pedestrians 50p. Tea room and gift shop open.

Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, near Preston, PR5 0SH. For more information visit www.hoghtontower.co.uk or call 01254 852986.

Christmas!

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45

Garden Diary - by Angie Barker

Planning your Christmas garden

Award Winner

Is now is a good time to take stock of your garden? Yes! I know it sounds a strange thing to say when really all you’ve got on your mind is your Christmas shopping, however gardens should still hold interest and look good even in the depths of winter and the best way to achieve this is to use plants for structure and colour.

colour up red during the cold weather and are followed by pink flowers in spring.

The following is a list of plants which I use all the time in my garden design planting schemes to achieve just this:

Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’. This small shrub will brighten even the darkest winter border and also makes a good, low growing evergreen hedge. The small leaves are yellow and bright green but have a tinge of pink during the colder months.

Buxus sempervirens or Box. Can be used as low hedging or topiary shapes to give really good winter outline. It looks good throughout the year as well as a contrast to softer perennial planting.

Sarcococca confusa or Christmas Box. A medium sized evergreen shrub with highly scented white flowers in winter.

Skimmia ‘Rubella’ is a hardy evergreen shrub with reddish/pink bud like flowers around Christmas time.

They do need acidic compost so I’ve got mine planted in a pot by my front door.

Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’ is a contemporary looking plant with strappy yellow, evergreen leaves.

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ grown as a half standard or lollipop tree as I like to call them. They bring height and evergreen structure and have small white flowers in the winter months – and they look great wrapped with fairy lights.

In fact if you are stuck for a gift idea, why not buy your loved one a plant which is performing at its best at this time of year and which will give them pleasure for many years to come. (Do you think Hubby has taken the hint?) After all, garden centres aren’t just for Christmas decorations!

Bergenia ‘Bressingham Beauty’ or Elephants Ears.

A low growing evergreen with rounded leaves which

Have a very lovely Christmas everyone and see you next year.

Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants.

46

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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47

Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay

Hyundai i30 Like its slightly older hatchback sibling, the latest generation Hyundai i30 Tourer, launched two years, offers excellent levels of comfort, refinement and efficiency.

What’s more, the car adds a greater load-carrying capability to the i30’s overall package. Space is amongst the best in the class, with the Tourer boasting a larger luggage capacity than the majority of its key rivals.

includes: Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition, multi-function steering wheel and air conditioning, body coloured door handles and mirrors, along with those aforementioned LED daytime running lights.

But who’s it aimed at? Well, the i30 Tourer is able to meet the demands of both retail and fleet customers as it offers versatility along with a range of clean and fuel efficient engines. Running costs are also low, not only compared with the older pre-2012 i30 Estate, but with major competitors too.

There is a choice of two engines in the range, with motorists able to choose either the 120PS petrol unit, or alternatively the 1.6 CRDi diesel in the form of a 110PS or a higher-powered 128PS variant. Both engines are coupled to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The car on test here is the flagship ‘Style Nav’ 1.6 CRDi 128PS version, with a manual gearbox.

Like the hatchback, the i30 Tourer comes specified with a generous list of standard features. The catalogue of kit

48

The range-topping Style Nav model adds touch screen navigation plus a rear view parking camera. It also has alloy wheels - and luxury touches such as cruise control with speed limiter, parking sensors, electric rear windows, climate control and a leather steering wheel and gear knob.

FAST FACTS • Max speed: 120mph • 0-62 mph: 11.2 secs • Combined mpg: 64.2 • Engine: 1582cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel • Max. power (bhp): 126 at 4000 rpm • Max. torque (Ib/ft): 192 at 1900 rpm • CO2: 115 g/km • Price: £22,115 on the road

Slip behind the wheel, and there are no major complaints apart from the lack of a lumbar support adjustment. That said, the seats are moulded nicely and it’s easy to achieve a good driving position. The binnacle houses clear and simple dials and the car’s fuel gauge takes forever to shift from full. It’s just a shame some cheap looking cabin plastics are in keeping with the car’s unexceptional exterior.The touch screen navigation system isn’t that intuitive and therefore frustrates, but, like all things, once you get the hang of how the gadgetry works, it’s fine.

There’s more technology to spice things up on the steering wheel too. Unlike the satnav, there’s a simple button you can push that changes the steering feel from normal to sporty. I kept it in ‘sport’ mode because in an otherwise bland, albeit practical and efficient vehicle, it offers a welcome spark of dynamism to the drive.

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53

Recipe of the month

Granny’s Xmas Pudding

The stout in this recipe will add the moisture to the pudding and the cocoa powder makes the pudding look lovely and dark.

Method

Ingredients 1oz mixed peel

4oz plain flour

1oz ground almonds

4oz breadcrumbs

2 medium sized eggs

4oz beef suet

¼ teaspoon almond essence

4oz brown sugar

2 teaspoons brandy

4oz raisins

1 can of stout

4oz sultanas

2 teaspoons cocoa powder

4oz glace cherries

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 grated lemon rind

¼ teaspoon baking powder

½ apple grated

¼ teaspoon mixed spice

½ carrot grated

Equipment 2 pint pyrex bowl, pudding bowl, clean tea towel or pudding cloth.

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Place all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Add the eggs and the brandy and mix then pour in the stout gradually and keep stirring until your mixture is the consistency of a loose cake mix. Grease your pudding bowl with a little butter and pour in the pudding mix. Cover with foil and then a tea towel or pudding cloth and tie it to the top of the bowl, this is to prevent any water getting in. Place in a large boiling pan and fill with water ¾ of the way up the side of the bowl.

Boil on a moderate heat for 6 hours keep topping up the water with boiled kettle water if the level starts to drop.

When the pudding is ready turn it out and leave to cool.

These puddings can be stored wrapped in foil from now until Christmas, to reheat just place the pudding back in the bowl and boil for another 2 hours on Christmas day. Can be served with a sprinkling of icing sugar on the top or pour on ¼ brandy and light for a flaming Christmas pudding.

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