Local Life - St Helens - January 2020

LocalLife St Helens Edition

WIN Saints Memberships Pages 40-41

Safe Not Sorry Pages 64-65

Keeping your home and family safe

January 2020

10 Things to Do in 2020

Pages 32-35

Lydiate Loop Walk Pages 48-50

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Local Life

M

y friends and family will laugh at this, but I’m a big believer in using the New Year as a natural point to self-improvement.

I’m happy to admit that the oft used ‘New Year, New You’ mantra, so loved by the print media as a way of filling up space in January issues, wholly resonates with me.

No-one is perfect, we can all improve one aspect or another of our lives, so why should we let the hardbitten pessimists pour cold water on our desire to better ourselves? So whether your aim this year is to lose weight and look better, stop smoking, be kinder to others less fortunate than ourselves, to get fit or any other resolution you may pursue, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours.

If you haven’t yet nailed down any firm commitments on your to-do list, there is plenty in this magazine to inspire you. Just focus on one thing at a time and don’t beat yourself up if you slip.

All the very best wishes for 2020,

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Well done Rainford £3244.94 raised for Paint Rainford Pink

Make her day special with a gift of flowers!

Keep in touch with the LocalLife Team!

LocalLife

Telephone: 01744 649 722

Valentine’s Day

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01744 885 363

National & International

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info@locallife247.co.uk

locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Billingeww WN5 7XB 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.

www.locallife247.co.uk

This month’s highlights 40. Win Saints Memberships

Contents 14. Recipe Bacon & Mushroom Risotto.

24. Save Cash this New Year Money saving tips for 2020.

46. Puzzle Pages Try these brainteasers for size.

51. Health Section Beat Type 2 Diabetes

56. Events2Go

32. 2020 Checklist

42. The Rockies by Train

Start the new year in style.

58. Motoring Suzuki Swift Attitude

60. Gardening Bring your winter garden to life.

64. Safe Not Sorry

48. Jack’s Tracks: Lydiate Loop

Wise up on the Trader Register.

66. Home Services Find a local trader for you.

52. Realistic Resolutions

64. Safe not Sorry

Next issue - February 2020

Advertising deadline - 24th January Published - 6th February

Want to promote your business in

LocalLife?

01744 649 722 www.locallife247.co.uk

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News & Features

St. Helens History

host of fairytale characters in classic panto style.

Looking to learn more about the history of your local area this year? Why not join the St. Helens Historical Society?

Sessions feature historical talks, history walks and occasional social gatherings. Most meetings take place at Friends Meeting House on Church Street one Monday a month. January’s meeting runs on January 20th and will feature a talk from Graham Wallace on the Runcorn Locks Project. It starts at 7:30pm.

For more information, call 01744 23141 or 01744 754962.

Pirate Panto Rainhill Musical Theatre Company’s production is Pirates: The Panto!

January

Live at Rainhill Village Hall from Friday, January 16 until Sunday, January 19, the wicked Bluebeard has his eye on Cinderella! The play will feature a whole

Tickets cost £10 or £8 concessions, bookable on 07948 908693 or from rainhillmtc@hotmail.com

Environmental Events Clinkham Wood & Moss Bank Gala have a series of events planned for 2020 to help tidy up the local environment and green spaces.

On Sunday, January 19, volunteers can meet to plant some trees and do some seed bombing, before heading off rhododendron-bashing and placing bird feeders on Sunday, February 16.

Later in the year, enjoy an Easter egg and litter picking competition, go treasure hunting in the woods, embark on a bat walk and much more.

Events start at 2pm on the green opposite Moss Bank Mission on Moss Bank Road. All tools and gloves are provided - just bring yourself!

For more information about the events, email neilmcmahon350@btinternet.com

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Rainford In Bloom Local gardening group Rainford In Bloom scooped a prestigious honour in the recent North West In Bloom Awards.

Rainford In Bloom successfully secured a Gold Award in the Large Village category - the highest individual award available.

look of the train station and to transform it into a more environmentally friendly space.

If you’d like to become a Rainford In Bloom volunteer, call 01744 884709.

Neighbours Crank Bloomers were awarded Outstanding in the Neighbourhood category.

Now Rainford In Bloom are looking to the New Year, with plenty planned to get 2020 off to a good start.

Throughout 2019 the group planned beautiful floral displays around Rainford, including the new border at the Spinney and the ever-changing Mossborough Bed. They also teamed up with the Friends of Rainford Station to improve the overall

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Threads of History

Though Stephanie moved to Caernarfon in North Wales in her childhood, Billinge remained close to her heart; this was where she spent the holidays with her grandfather, reminiscing about days gone by. It was perhaps one of these conversations that inspired Stephanie’s latest venture: specifically, a passing mention of the old cinema on Main Street.

Affectionately referred to by locals as the ‘Tin Can’, the cinema was a touchstone of the community between the 1920s and 1960s, and was located where Billinge Library stands today. When a cricket

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Billinge-born visual artist Stephanie Fry is investigating the better-kept secrets of the village in her latest community art project.

match was played next door, the sound of the ball bouncing onto the corrugated iron walls of the cinema building could be heard over whatever film was playing!

Delving into these secrets inspired Stephanie to search for more around the village – and it didn’t disappoint. Atop Billinge Hill lies an abandoned underground bunker harking back to the Cold War. Constructed in the 1960s, the bunker is 9-feet deep and was in continuous use for seven years, when the threat of a nuclear war loomed. A network of 1563 similar sites existed across the UK, operated by the Royal Observer Corps, and would have aimed to warn the UK military and civilian authorities of an impending attack. The Billinge site closed in 1968, but parts of the surface structure can still be seen today.

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Now Stephanie is looking for any more information and anecdotes about either of the two sites to assist in her project. If you have direct experience of working for the ROC, or if you visited Billinge Cinema in its heyday, she wants to hear from you!

She can be contacted at s.a.fry@hotmail.co.uk

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An exhibition of ‘Billinge: Threads of History’ will take place at Billinge Library from March 12th for two weeks, comprised of a reconstructed bunker room, paintings, collages, photographs and an audio-visual look at the landscape of Billinge Hill and its Cold War heritage.

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Football for Everyone Rainford Rangers FC host regular inclusive football sessions for any players with a disability - and they’re looking for new players to get involved.

The sessions were set up as a way for the community football club to expand its presence in the local area and to provide a space for people to play sports who might not otherwise have had the chance to. Organiser Andrew Castle says it’s important for the club to be able to support families and their children with disabilities, and is intending to keep sessions free for as long as possible.

Rainford Rangers JFC were recognised by the Liverpool FA in September 2019, receiving a Football Service Award for Disability Project of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The club also recently launched a women’s team - the Rainford Rangers Lionesses offer football sessions on Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm. Each session costs £3.50 and take place at Rainford High’s Astroturf pitch. For more info, call Jane on 07557 528106.

LET IT MOVE YOU

For more information on the inclusive football sessions, visit www.rainfordrangers.com

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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 call us on 01695 627999 or contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk

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The Dresser Rainhill Garrick Society’s first play of the new year will be The Dresser, running from February 13th15th at Rainhill Village Hall.

For more information or tickets, call 01744 813429 or email rainhillgarrick@gmail.com

A Genuine Winter

Couch to 5K Sports Development St. Helens launches a new Couch to 5K programme on Monday, January 13.

Entry to the 10-week course costs £12.50 or £16 including a t-shirt.

Sessions run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6pm-7pm.

Email gemmaireland@sthelens.gov.uk for details.

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READY

in 40 mins Serves 4

Bacon & Mushroom Risotto Try this for a tasty and simple New Year supper!

Serve with slices of toasted garlic ciabatta.

Ingredients

Method

1 tbsp olive oil

1 Heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Fry the onion and bacon gently for 5 minutes to soften. Add the mushrooms and cook gently for a further 5 minutes until they start to release their juices.

1 onion 8 rashers streaky bacon, chopped 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 300g risotto rice 1 litre hot chicken stock Grated Parmesan

2 Stir in the rice and cook until it begins to look translucent.

3 Add the stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring well and waiting until most of the stock is absorbed before adding the next ladleful - it will take around 20 minutes for all the stock to be absorbed.

4 Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remove the pan from the heat. Serve and garnish with extra Parmesan to taste.

TIP: You can also add finely chopped brown onions and grated garlic for extra flavour.

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Heritage Talks

Inglenook Closure

Two history talks take place at Momo’s cafe on Westfield Street early this year - but tickets are selling fast!

Inglenook Farm in Rainford closes its gates for good this month.

The first talk, on Tuesday, January 14 at 6pm, aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding the curious Crank Caverns. A hotpot supper will be served, and tickets cost £2.50 from the venue.

The second talk takes place on Tuesday, February 11 at 6pm, and details a brief history of the slave trade and how the town of St. Helens was connected to it. Tickets can be purchased from the venue for £3 from January 14.

Check out the Momo’s Facebook page for further information.

The farm, which has served the local community for eight years, was comprised of a café and several shops. It also hosted regular farmers markets and distilled essential oils.

The shops will remain open until the end of January.

Rainford Memories Rainford Heritage Society’s new book is now available for purchase.

True Stories & Memories of Rainford collects local anecdotes, perfect for any local history buffs! It costs £9 and is available to purchase from Ray Waring on 01744 885547.

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MERCURE ST HELENS

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

2020

JANUARY IS THE NEW DECEMBER

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Easter activities for the children.

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Competition Winner Congratulations to the winners of our December competition to win a luxury festive hamper packed with goodies!

The competition winner from St. Helens was Jayne Egan from Eccleston (pictured).

We hope you enjoyed your hamper!

Don’t forget to see pages 40-41 for your chance to win two Saints memberships this month!

Did you know we also run competitions exclusively for fans of our Facebook page, Local Life Magazines?

Make sure to give it a like to stay up to date!

Rainford Junction Road, Ormskirk Road & Stanley Avenue Moss Lane, Rainford Road & St Helens Road Billinge Ashfield Crescent, Garswood Road & Standish Avenue Main Street, Gorsey Brow & Ravenswood Brow Haydock Westminster Drive, Buckfast Avenue & Fountains Avenue Taylor Road, Moore Drive & Rose Avenue Interested?

Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

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Celebrating 30 Years The year was 1990. Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister; Nelson Mandela was in prison and Kieron Cunningham was still a schoolboy. It was the year that Jean Cutler, a designer at Beamans in St Helens, opened JC Kitchens in Reginald’s on Reginald Road in Sutton with the support of her husband Allan, an industrial chemist.

Jean & Allan Cutler

And an amazing 30 years later, JC Kitchens and Bedrooms is still going strong, it’s still in the family and it’s still delighting residents of St Helens with excellent quality kitchens at extremely reasonable prices.

Now run by Jean and Allan’s daughter, Jo-Anne and her husband John, JC Kitchens occupies impressive showrooms on Greenfield Road in St Helens, attracting potential customers from far and wide to view two floors of inspiring kitchens and bedrooms displays.

Backed by excellent reviews and recommendations, JC Kitchens & Bedrooms have helped transform some of the finest homes in the country and it’s no wonder that JC Kitchens & Bedrooms enter their fourth decade of business with an outstanding reputation for inspiration, expertise and quality.

If you’re looking for a new kitchen or bedroom in 2020, do call into JC Kitchens & Bedrooms on Greenfield Road for a tea, a chat and a warm welcome.

Expert advice from a friendly family business, established 30 years ago.

Browse our two-storey showrooms for inspiration.

What our customers say;

Absolutely brilliant customer service from us walking through the door to desig ning and fitting, love my new kitchen. Amanda Dixon Absolutely made up with our kitch en, it’s perfect. Thank you, we have finall y got our dream kitchen.

Sarah Preston Quality kitchen and an awesome service from Jo-Anne and John. I can’t recom mend them enough.

Matthew Hill

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JC Kitchens & Bedrooms

99-101 Greenfield Road, St Helens, WA10 6SH

Tel: 01744 24406 Opening Times Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:30 Saturday: 10:00 - 15:00 Sunday: by appointment

JC Kitchens

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Go Green The Willowbrook Hospice Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme is back for January 2020.

Last year’s collection in St Helens and Knowsley raised just over £2, 785 for Willowbrook Hospice. So why not go green, get your tree recycled and help raise money so that the hospice can continue to support its patients and their families?

All you need to do to register for your real tree to be collected is donate a minimum of £5 and call the Willowbrook Fundraising Team on 01744 453798, email events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk or go online at: willowbrookhospice.charitycheckout. co.uk/christmastreerecycling We are collecting from Monday 6 January to Friday 17 January 2020 (weekdays only) and are able to collect from postcodes: L14, L28, L34, L35, L36, WA9.

WA10, WA11, WA12 and WN5 (not Orrell).

You don't need to be in on the day! Simply leave your tree outside your house and specify where it is.

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Save Cash this I thought I’d get a bit more creative with my moneysaving tips for 2020. Here are some things that can save you cash – and could mean you could claim back some money too.

Crafty debits: It’s a standard ‘sorting out your finances’ tip to go through your bank statements and cancel or question any payments you don’t recognise. This will certainly help you spot any old insurance policies or magazine subscriptions you don’t need. However, in recent years, a new form of payment – the continuous payment authority (CPAs) – has taken over and allows retailers and businesses to dominates our debits. These payments are harder to spot as they might come off your credit card as well as from your bank account.

Often, it’s hard to tell where they’ve come from or what they’re for. The good news is a CPA must be cancelled as soon as you tell your bank or card provider to do so. They can also help you identify where it’s come from – and you can claim back the money if you’ve not authorised the payments.

New Year has you poised to be signed up to a service that costs money. So watch out for auto-renewals. Big companies like Dropbox and Amazon take a crafty approach to these services, billing you in one hit for the year ahead. This larger sum might be spotted by some people, but most of us are more likely to spot one of the 12 monthly instalments of a regular payment rather than a yearly fee. Remember, if you’re not using the service, you can prove you had no intention of ever wanting it – so ask for your money back plus interest.

If you’re disputing money that a business has debited from your account, ask them to prove that you’ve authorised it. This must be in writing or in the form of a telephone recording. If they can’t prove it, they can’t take it!

By James Walker

The price of loyalty: Just before Christmas, the Competitions and Markets Authority announced that a huge range of firms across sectors, from insurance to broadband, had been overcharging customers who stayed loyal and let policies or services automatically renew each year. Well now it’s official – this will be clamped down on.

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Auto-renewals: Whenever I see services advertised for free, I ask myself “Why do you need my card details then?” The fact of the matter is, if a firm has a way to debit cash from you, it probably

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26

Squad Success A Carmel College student has been selected for the England National Colleges hockey team.

even known about the opportunity to represent the college without being part of a team,’ Kirsten

17-year-old Kirsten Bottom has been playing hockey since she was eight years old and has played for Prescot Hockey Club for five years.

continued.

“I have always loved sport for as long as I can remember; as soon as I picked up a hockey stick I knew this was something I wanted to continue to do for as long as possible. I train six times a week with my “day off” being a game day on a Saturday.

I also take part in training camps down in Cardiff once a month for the Welsh National Squad. I have training coming up in Switzerland and the Netherlands with them too.

“It’s a genuine dream come true to be selected for the England squad. I honestly could never have even imagined getting this far but I’m so glad that the work I’m putting in is paying off.”

“I’m part of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) at Carmel. The staff in the sports department have helped me massively over the last 18 months. If it wasn’t for Dan Chapman, Carmel’s Get Active Co-ordinator, I wouldn’t have

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YEAR 10/11 OPEN EVENT Tues 4 Feb 5:30-8pm Speak to subject tutors and students Principal’s talks Pick up course leaflets and a prospectus Get info about careers, work experience, High Achievers’ Programme, Enrichment activities • Find out about our courses for young people with moderate learning difficulties and disabilities • Find out about college buses/public transport

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28

Greenslate’s New Arrivals Greenslate Farm in Billinge have welcomed three new arrivals: donkeys Grace, Candy and Freddie!

For more information about Greenslate Farm, visit www.greenslatefarm.org.uk/

In a project three years in the making, farm volunteers adopted the three little donkeys just in time for Christmas from the Donkey Sanctuary in Manchester.

Grace and her 3-year-old daughter Candy are both miniature donkeys, while Freddie is a standard.

The donkeys will be an essential part of the farm’s equine therapy scheme for adults in recovery or with additional needs. Greenslate also hope to expand on their therapeutic activities for confidence and self-esteem building through the equine scheme.

Ironically, the donkeys’ initials also match that of Greenslate Care Farm’s - GCF! Greenslate’s plans for the New Year also include the opening of the new woodwork centre for adults with additional needs to learn woodworking and upcycling skills.

Garage and entrance doors in matching styles

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Storytime Sessions

Volunteer for New Year

A free 3-week course for parents of pre-school children will take place at Momo’s cafe this February.

Willowbrook Hospice is looking for people to get cracking on their New Year’s Resolutions and sign up to volunteer at one of its charity shops.

Stories For You and Yours, supported by the Steve Morgan Foundation, helps parents find new ways of telling stories, with tips and ideas for encouraging a lifelong love of reading for your little ones.

Parents, carers, and families with English as a second language are all welcome to attend. Along with the free workshops, you’ll receive free books to take home.

Sessions take place every Wednesday from February 5th to February 19th, from 10am-12:30pm.

Pop into Momo’s on Westfield Street for more details.

The hospice has 12 shops across St. Helens and Knowsley and constantly needs volunteers to help out in various roles across the stores.

Whether you’re assisting with furniture removals and delivery or getting stuck into a retail role, there’s something to suit everyone’s skillset. Volunteering is also perfect for people who work part-time, who are having a career break or who are in retirement.

If you’re interested in volunteering, call Bev on 01744 766929 or email help@willowbrookhospice. org.uk

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New Year, New Career Why not train for a brand new career in 2020? St. Helens Chamber is encouraging people to make a

‘The Apprenticeships team are looking forward to helping plenty more people take that all-important

fresh start and the first steps into a new job.

first step into the world of work, and would encourage anyone considering their options to come along and find out more.’

A drop-in session for young people considering an apprenticeship takes place on Monday, January 13 from 2pm-5pm at the Chamber on Salisbury Street. The session provides all the information you need on taking the first step onto the career ladder, providing advice and resources about apprenticeships in the area.

For more information about St. Helens Chamber and its events, call 01744 698800 or visit www.sthelenschamber.com/startingpoint

Regular events and courses also take place at Clickworks on Hardshaw Street, providing everything from IT assistance to CV writing advice.

John Westhead, Director of Training Services at St. Helens Chamber said: ‘We’re proud to have the highest achievement rates for Apprentices in the borough, and are equally as proud of the success many of our young Apprentices have seen in St. Helens.

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32

10 things to do

in 2020 With New Year comes the usual wealth of resolutions – most of which inevitably end up broken when you realise the leftover chocolate from Christmas just won’t eat itself. Sometimes the best way to stick to those tricky promises is to break the process down into more manageable chunks: try tackling one of these tasks per month, and you’ll have a productive 2020!

Go vegan 3 Ditch the meat and dairy for a more eco- and animal-friendly diet by trying veganism, which not only introduces you to a new way of understanding and enjoying food, but has multiple health benefits.

A vegan diet can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and halve your greenhouse gas emissions.

Village Vegan Fairs host regular events at Rainford Village Hall – to find out more, visit them on Facebook. You can also check out the Wigan Vegan Community, which provides a social space for vegans to share food, ideas and resources. They meet at Beech Hill Bookcycle for regular vegan-friendly social events, campaign against animal cruelty and encourage people to grow their own produce. For more information, visit www.wiganvegancommunity.org.uk Vegan North is a cookbook that compiles delicious vegan recipes with profiles of some of the tastiest

vegan restaurants in the north of England. We have a copy to give away free on our Facebook page – don’t forget to give our page a like to stay updated on future competitions.

s ki l l 3 Learn a new Life has a way of becoming dreary when we’re confined to the same 9-5 routine. Why not spice things up a bit by picking up a new hobby or learning a skill? Pick up a camera for the first time and get out snapping photos of the local landscape or wildlife, try a craft class, or learn to code – whatever you choose, you’ll likely meet new friends in the process and spark some creativity outside of the drudgery of daily life.

Joining a club or society is a great way to get started and meet likeminded people; alternatively, why not enrol in an adult learning course?

There are some great free courses online too – www.futurelearn.com is a great place to start.

33

r CV 3 Update you New job, new you! Feel like you’re stuck in a rut? It could be time for a career change. It’s important to keep your CV updated as your current role responsibilities shift or increase, so you don’t miss anything out.

Need some advice? Clickworks on Hardshaw Street offers free digital training and IT workshops, as well as interview advice and CV writing assistance. For more info, call 01744 698800.

Join the l

rust 3 Nationa T After a winter break for some of its properties, the National Trust looks forward to reopening its historic buildings for the spring. With over 300 castles, mansions and houses scattered across the UK to discover, becoming a member helps to preserve and restore these properties for the future. Enjoy a day out to the nearby Rufford Old Hall, Quarry Bank, Speke Hall or Gawthorpe Hall to get engaged in history this year.

Membership costs £72 a year for adults, £36 per year for 18-25 year olds, or £10 a year for under17s. Family and joint memberships are also available, with lifetime memberships costing £1,730 per person or £1,295 per senior.

Create a

away 3 Garden Get According to Local Life columnist Angie Barker: ‘Your garden is an opportunity to bring you joy.

Whatever challenges it poses, whether it is small, an awkward shape, north facing, shaded by trees or over looked, there is always a design solution which can turn your outdoor space into a relaxing haven.

Life is hectic and we all need a space where we can sit and relax, and whether your dream garden is a pretty cottage garden or a sleek contemporary outdoor room, with the right plants and the right approach in terms of design, you can achieve your dream garden.

‘Think of your garden as another room in your house and suddenly you open up the possibilities. Even if you do not consider yourself a gardener, or you have limited time for maintenance, solutions are there for you to create an outdoor space in which you will want to spend time in and which brings you joy.’

34

ng Get walki 3 There’s so much to see around the Lancashire countryside and further afield – why not get out there and experience it? Our regular Jack’s Tracks features are a great place to get started: you’ll find over 60 free walks on our website at www.locallife247. co.uk/free-stuff/download-jacks-tracks/ Guided walks with the St. Helens Rangers take place around the most picturesque areas in the borough – for more information, call 01744 676789 or visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/ environmental-services. The Rangers have also compiled free trail guides around Billinge, Bold, Garswood and Rainford, which can be found online.

Alternatively, why not join the Ramblers? Head to www.ramblers.org.uk to find your local group.

Join the U3A 3 The University of the Third Age offers retirees and semi-retirees the opportunity to share and learn new skills through various groups, meetings and interesting talks. Whether you’re getting involved in book groups, sampling a new sport or making new friends dining out, there’s something for everyone in the U3A. Examples of U3A groups on offer include Beginners Languages, Walks, Yoga and Card Making.

In St. Helens, there are two U3A groups to choose from: the central St. Helens group and the Ashton-in-Makerfield & District group. For more information, visit www.u3asites.org.uk/st-helens/welcome or www.ashtoninmakerfieldanddistrictu3a.co.uk

images by Ian Bonnell

35

l Make a wil 3 No-one likes to think about death, but making a will is a great way to get some peace of mind about the future, and getting it sorted early leaves you free to concentrate on happier things!

There are a few ways of writing your will: you can use a solicitor, a will writing service or write your will yourself. Get started at www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk

ling 3 Start upcyc Fed up of the same old tired furniture lying around your home? Why not try upcycling? The art of upcycling refers to the process of transforming used products or furniture into something of value – people have even turned old oil drums into stylish chairs, or basketballs into hanging baskets.

Upcycling reduces the need to send items to landfill and helps reduce your eco-footprint along the way.

Have some old cassette tape boxes? Why not add a layer of felt or sponge to the bottom and use it to hold earrings? Old windows can be transformed into rustic display cabinets, while old mascara brushes are great at cleaning in nooks and crannies.

For ideas and upcycling help, visit the ReStore Project on Peckers Hill Road (WA9 3JQ) – they take pre-loved furniture and upcycle it to sell on, as well as teaching people DIY skills.

Fundraise

3 for a charity Whether you’re hosting a bake sale or making a vow of sponsored silence, there are plenty of fundraising opportunities out there to help fund vital causes.

Uniting for a common goal is a great way to get friends and family together too.

National causes like Cancer Research, The Alzheimer’s Society and the RSPCA always benefit from your support, but your efforts will really help local causes like Willowbrook Hospice or Teardrops Supporting the Homeless which are supported entirely through donations.

36

Looking for a

TRUSTED Local Tradesperson?

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37

38

PENSION & RETIREMENT PLANNING ARE YOU RETIREMENT READY?

When asked about retirement, most people have a vision of a comfortable lifestyle allowing them to maintain their quality of life. However, without defined goals and a clear and defined strategy to achieve these goals many will fail to realise their ambitions.

The question sometimes is not at what age you want to retire, but at what income.

At True Bearing we work with clients of all ages to truly understand their retirement priorities, aims and aspirations for them and their family.

We take an active approach in

developing a long term attainable financial plan which can be regularly reviewed.

With the UK pensions freedom legislation enforced in 2015, pensions have now become one of the most tax efficient and flexible ways in saving for and funding retirement.

With a complex array of legislative changes and retirement planning products available, it is more important than ever to seek professional and independent advice to ensure you make the right decisions for your future.

To discuss your financial planning talk to us today.

Brought to you by Chartered Financial Planners, True Bearing Ltd. Highly qualified independent financial advisers 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

39

FOR INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE Our Services and Charges: An initial meeting is at our expense. To proceed further, advice charges will apply and would be fully discussed with you.

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Pensions & Retirement Planning Investments Tax Planning Mortgages Protection Care Fees Planning Equity Release Business and Corporate Trust and Estate Planning

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

40

Saints

Memberships to be won!

What can we say! The 2019 season has been another incredible year for the Saints! Back-to-back League Leaders’ Shields and a seventh Super League title! The club has broken records with a huge margin at the top of the league table and have written another page in their glorious history.

Winning has become a habit for Saints. The club recorded an unbeaten home season last year and a return to the old Saints’ domination of Super League has been a joy to be part of!

Local Life have teamed up with Saints to give away two memberships worth a total of £686 to one lucky winner of this month’s competition! That’s right; you and a friend can play your part in another exciting chapter at Saints, by joining Kristian Woolf and the rest of the team as Saints head into an exciting new season!

Saints kick off the 2020 Betfred Super League campaign with a repeat of the 2019 Grand Final as Salford Red Devils visit the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday 31 January.

Saints had some memorable encounters with Salford last season as James Bentley went over for a last minute try before Lachlan Coote converted to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at the Totally Wicked Stadium, before the Red Vee left Old Trafford victorious following a win over the Red Devils in the Super League Grand Final.

You along with a friend can enjoy this match as well as the fierce clashes with rivals Wigan Warriors on Good Friday and at the end of July at the Totally Wicked Stadium as well as the other 12 Super League home fixtures by entering our competition to win two Saints Memberships for 2020.

41

To enter our competition just visit our website ‘www.locallife247.co.uk’, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’.

Then just input your answer to the following question; Who do Saints face in the first home Betfred Super League Fixture of 2020?

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Sunday 26th January and the winners will be notified within five working days. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

42

Travel

A Rocky Road

By Jess Phillips

Towering spruce trees, unmarred stretches of fresh snow, the perfect reflection of a mountainside in an unblemished pool of blue - there’s nowhere else it could be but Canada. Embark on a journey to the westernmost part of the country to experience the stunning mountains that comprise the Canadian Rockies; listen closely enough and you might just hear the chugging of a train as it passes through the landscape.

Whether you’re heading to the striking Lake Louise, the urban sprawl of Vancouver or the scenic Jasper National Park, climb aboard to embrace the best of what Western Canada has to offer.

Begin in Banff National Park, which successfully fuses the park’s rugged wilderness with a series of sophisticated hotels, bars and restaurants.

Framed behind a mountainous backdrop, the park offers plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with awe-inspiring wildlife such as elk, bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep, all while taking in the picture-perfect scenery. Embark on an evening wildlife safari, try horseback riding or get the adrenaline pumping with white water rafting – whichever activity you choose, Banff National Park is the perfect location to absorb some of Canada’s natural beauty.

Nearby, Lake Louise is a breath-taking oasis amidst the peaks and glaciers of the Rocky Mountains. The lake was formed over 10,000 years ago when the Victoria Glacier melted, which is what lends the lake its iconic emerald hue. There are plenty of walking trails around, including a magnificent 3.5km hike

43

Advertisement through the peaceful pine forest to unveil the charmingly rustic Lake Agnes Tea House. Located on a hanging valley on the shores of the neighbouring Lake Agnes, the quaint tea house is best viewed as the sun sets. It first opened back in 1905 and now offers over 100 blends of loose leaf tea from across the world.

The bustling streets of Vancouver may make the rolling landscape of rural Canada seem like a dream, but with so much on offer in the city, you definitely don’t want to pass this one by. Stanley Park is the third largest park in North America, situated just outside of central Vancouver. Inside the park’s limits you’ll find countless hiking trails, an aquarium and a nature centre. The park itself backs right onto the Burrard Inlet, which in turn feeds into the Pacific Ocean – take a minute to unwind and take in the majestic trees lining the famous Seawall.

If you’re in the market for shopping, check out Granville Island. Previously an industrial site, the area has now been renovated into a bohemian paradise filled with quaint stores, art galleries, cafes and food stalls. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxed afternoon, whether you’re just window

Independent Travel Specialist

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Come along to our free presentation on

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44 shopping or picking up gifts to take home.

Get a taste for Canada’s food scene with one of the many restaurants lining the Vancouver streets. The city is renowned for its seafood and specifically for Pacific Northwest salmon, which is best served fresh from the harbour. One of Canada’s best kept secrets has to be British Columbian wine; made in the many vineyards dotting the Vancouver suburbs, it’s rarely permitted to leave the province due to complex liquor legislation.

Local restaurant menus will be packed with British Columbia VQA wines from various wine regions for you to sample.

As for getting around, the best way to fully experience the Canadian Rockies has to be by train. The Rocky Mountaineer offers a luxurious and sleek mode of transport for you to witness the breath-taking scenery surrounding you. Offering panoramic views and world-class service, the train boasts full glass-dome windows and an outdoor viewing area, perfect for traversing the rugged landscape of Canada.

Hiring a car is also an option, with picturesque highways paving a challenging but satisfying trail through the best of the Rockies. Make sure to prepare for the weather and pack plenty of extra supplies if you choose this option, though.

Whether you choose to traverse Western Canada by rail or by road, there’s so much to see and do that you’ll be planning your return visit before your plane home leaves the runway.

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46

Travel

Puzzle Pages

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2. Concur (5) 3. Clergyman’s salary (7) 4. Woodland plant (4) 5. Medicated lozenge for the throat (8) 6. Burn with steam (5) 7. Graceful woodland animal (3,4) 10. God of the Sun, the equivalent of the Greek

god Helios (3)

12. Wartlike protuberance on a plant (8) 14. Pear-shaped fruit (7) 16. Filled with intense or radical enthusiasm (7) 17. Free from liquid (3) 19. Molars, for example (5) 21. Main artery of the body (5)

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ACROSS

1. Country bordering Burma &

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13. Four-wheeled covered carriage (6) 23. Live-action film about a piglet (4)

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18. Sell illicit products such as drugs

25. Lake in the Scottish highlands, the

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26. Travelled through water (4)

47

WORDSEARCH THEME: Shakespeare Find the hidden words in the word search grid Ajax

SUDOKU

Edmund

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Fabian

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Hamlet

Othello

Banquo

Hector

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Caesar

Henry

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NUMBER BLOCK The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right. The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom.

The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right.

19

7

19 3 2 15 8 3 24 4 7 21

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Something powerfully nostalgic.

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14 20 27 18 16 All the puzzle solutions can be found on page 74 of this magazine

48

Lydiate Loop

by Chris Pearce Distance: 5¼ miles Difficulty: Easy

There are a couple of factors we consider when deciding the location of our Jack’s Tracks walks at certain times of the year. We picked this particular walk for our January magazines because it’s fairly easy underfoot – it’s almost wholly-based around the gravel beds of an old railway line and on canal towpaths. And with the lack of daylight hours at this time of year, it’s important that it can be completed in good time, and so this 5¼ mile Lydiate Loop ticks all the boxes for a good winter walk which can be completed in under 2 hours.

Park up on Hall Lane by Our Lady’s Catholic Church (L31 4HH) and turn left at the main Southport Road heading towards Maghull. After 200 yards you’ll see a gate and footpath sign, so cross over the road and go through the gate.

Follow the clearly defined path round the edge of the small wood until you reach a field. Turn left and follow the path around the perimeter of the field for approximately 1/3 mile until you arrive at a single-track road (Acres Lane). Turn left and, almost immediately, you’ll see a concrete track on your right with a steel gate. Hop over the stile on the left of the gate.

Follow the track to the left-hand side of a copse until you reach the Cheshire Lines, then take a left turn down the path, which used to be an old train line.

The Southport & Cheshire Lines Extension Railway was used to transport passengers and freight from the Liverpool area up to the disused Southport Lord Street station between 1884 and 1952.

550 yards further down the Cheshire Lines path, you’ll arrive at an opening at the junction with Carr Lane (this was the actual site of the old Lydiate Railway Station). Carry on in the same direction for

49

Southpor

For those with the OS Maps app on your desktop, mobile

t Road

or tablet, this walk is named: JT-Lydiate-Loop

ane

Hall L

e Acr

Jackson’s Bridge Farm

Lee ds &

ne

s La

l ana ol C rpo e Liv

Gore House Farm

Lydiate

Maghu

ll Broo

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Bells Lane

St John Bosco school

Green Lane

Maghull

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.

50 the towpath in the same direction as previously.

Exit the towpath at Bridge 19 and turn left, crossing the canal over Hall Lane Bridge and follow Hall Lane in the same direction, passing through rural Lydiate for ¾ mile until you arrive back at Our Lady’s Church.

approximately one mile, taking in the views of Liverpool in the distance, until you arrive at Maghull Brook. Turn left here and follow the track past the farm to a dog-leg bend on Green Lane.

Turn left and follow this narrow road for just over 600 yards until you reach St John Bosco school. Take a left down the footpath opposite the school (you may have to navigate the mud here), and follow the path in the same direction until you reach Maghull Brook. Cross the brighe and then take an immediate right and go around the edge of the field until you reach Bells Lane.

Turn right and follow the road to the Running Horse pub and, before the bridge, turn left down the towpath alongside the canal. Follow the towpath for almost ¾ mile to Bridge 17a (Lollies Bridge) where you’ll need to come off the towpath, cross the bridge and descend to the better maintained towpath on the other side of the canal – following

If you’re looking for a few interesting diversions, all within striking distance of the walk’s start/finish point, you can visit the remains of St Catherine’s Chapel (see picture) on Southport Road, or you can visit Lydiate Hall Farm, where you can visit the remains of Lydiate Hall and also the farm shop and cafe.

Health & Fitness

How to beat

type 2 diabetes When his diabetes doctor suggested he should share how he put his diabetes into remission, John Spring went one better, he wrote a humorous book about it.

I’ve now been in remission from type 2 diabetes (T2D) for eight years, so I guess I must be doing something right. Being in remission means that T2D isn’t damaging me anymore. The newly diagnosed will have been made well aware of the longer-term havoc it can do to their bodies. Unless, when they were told, they put their fingers in their ears and started humming, “La, la, la, I’m not listening”. Which is exactly what I did for several years.

5% of the UK’s adult population have been diagnosed with T2D, and another 1.3% don’t know they have it yet. By the year 2035, 10% of us will be type 2 diabetic. That might make the recently diagnosed feel a little better, as there is some safety in numbers, but the NHS isn’t too keen on the prospect.

New patients may not be feeling any immediate effects of T2D, so it becomes easy to be complacent.

You can liken it to a mild acid flowing around your body, slowly eating away at your nerves, your organs and your eyes. It is the end of this slow production line of diabetic damage that the NHS is now contending with.

I’d read about rapid weight loss having a high success rate in putting T2D into remission and the NHS is now trialling liquid-based diets of 800 calories per day. There’s also bariatric surgery, but it isn’t infallible as a patient’s bad eating habits can find ways around it. Likewise, you probably don’t want to survive on liquids for the rest of your life, especially if they don’t contain alcohol.

I devised my own practical regime for losing weight fast. The most positive benefit of this workable approach was that I learned how to avoid temptation

by becoming the master of my own food. I also learned how to fit exercise into my busy life. These are the lessons that have kept me in remission.

I started by identifying the heavy hitters in my diet.

I then developed workarounds to drastically reduce my consumption of those. I also pre-prepared my own breakfast and lunch, thus avoiding the calorific temptations lurking in coffee shops and lunchtime sandwich bars. My home cooked dinners featured healthier ingredients and I soon realised that there really is no such thing as a low-calorie takeaway.

I discovered convenient exercise by walking set routes every day and I built up to being the world’s most unlikely runner. After four months I had lost four stone and my blood sugar came down from 60 mmol to 42mmol (48 mmol is the diabetic threshold). I’d also equipped myself with the knowledge of how to maintain that weight loss.

The low-calorie liquids or the surgeon’s knife may well kick T2D into remission, but they’re arduous procedures to undertake. Staying in remission is also hard work, but that has been made easier for me by using a new lifestyle to beat this lifestyle related disease.

‘How I Beat Type 2 Diabetes’ by John Spring is available on Amazon. £7.99.

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52

Realistic Resolutions

this New Year New Year resolutions sound like a great idea; a fresh year and a fresh start seem to fit together, and even if we’re determined not to make any, other people can sometimes inspire us – or shame us – into making our own.

But if resolutions are such a good idea, why do they fail so often?

At New Year, festive goodwill and New Year enthusiasm can give us a rosier view of life, tricking us into making a multitude of overly ambitious resolutions.

More Exercise Your Unrealistic Resolution: I’ll go to Pilates every week, walk at least two miles every weekend and do my dance DVD every Tuesday!

You haven’t managed to do any of these things every week this year - so it’s unlikely you’ll achieve all of them, every week this year. Be honest about why you don’t do them. The activities you’ll find the motivation or time for are those you can fit in most easily and enjoy the most.

A Better Resolution: I’ll do an hour’s exercise each week.

Perhaps you most enjoy a walk, but bad weather puts you off? Plan to walk every weekend, but commit to doing your exercise DVD instead if the weather’s awful. Or plan to fit in the exercise DVD weekly; anything else is a bonus. While it’s not the NHS recommended amount of exercise, it’s some, and it’s consistent. You can increase it later.

Less Alcohol Your Unrealistic Resolution: “I’ll give it up entirely!”

“I won’t drink at home/when I’m out/on weekdays/ until Easter!” If you rarely drink, you’ll find sticking to such drastic resolutions easy. But if you rarely drink, you’re probably not making alcohol-based resolutions...

Recent research shows that even low alcohol intake (well under the recommended limits of 2-3 units daily and 14 units per week) increases your risk of many serious conditions, including dementia and some cancers, so cutting back is well worth doing.

But going teetotal or drastically reducing your intake may be hard if you’re a regular drinker.

A Better Resolution: Think about when and where you drink alcohol, and plan to reduce your intake gradually. Here are a few strategies to try: • If you usually have 4 drinks on a night out, replace drink 3 with a large soft drink; it may last you the rest of the evening, halving your alcohol intake.

53 • Find other ways to relax if you always have a drink on your return from work, and try to make it a Friday-only treat (or reduce your measure). Feeling you ‘need’ a drink is a warning sign – a first step on a

turkey’, the most reliable and angst-free way is to reduce your nicotine intake gradually.

potentially dangerous path.

A Better Resolution: Pick or combine the cut-back strategies below to suit you, and if one doesn’t work, try another.

• Swap some alcoholic drinks for low alcohol or nonalcoholic alternatives. They’ve come a long way and there’s now a large range.

• Buy nicotine replacement products - experiment and see what works best for you. Some are particularly suitable for heavy smokers.

No Smoking

• If you don’t already, make yourself smoke outside.

It takes more effort and prevents toxins from your cigarette lingering in the air (second-hand smoke) and settling on surfaces, where they are re-released (third-hand smoke), so you’ll be improving the health of housemates and visitors too.

Your Unrealistic Resolution: “I smoke 30 a day, but I’m giving up forever at midnight, December 31st!”

It’s probably quicker to list conditions not aggravated or caused by smoking than to list those that are - and it can be hard to accept you’re addicted to nicotine. But in reality, when you crave a cigarette to ‘calm your nerves’ that twitchiness you feel is a symptom of withdrawal, which can come on very quickly with nicotine.

This can make smoking a hard habit to kick, particularly if you’re a moderate or heavy smoker – and while a few people do succeed in going ‘cold

• Swap to e-cigarettes or vaporisers; you’ll be inhaling nicotine, but not cigarette toxins such as cyanide and arsenic.

• Smoke to a timed schedule and gradually increase the time between cigarettes. Even if you smoke 25 a day and only drop one daily cigarette per fortnight, you’ll still be a non-smoker in under a year.

54

Health & Fitness

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Make Veganism Thinking of a whole month without meat and dairy can be daunting for someone who’s never sampled a vegan diet before, but it can be surprisingly easy to adapt into your lifestyle if you make a few simple switches. Get Veganuary ready with these tips: Eat indulgent People often choose to go vegan for health reasons, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge once in a while. Top off a meal with a vegan chocolate dessert, or head to a restaurant to sample a more indulgent vegan meal you haven’t had to cook yourself. Down The Hatch in Liverpool is a ‘junk food bunker’ and a great place to start, with plenty of gluten-free options and a wealth of fruity cocktails.

Use meat substitutes Tofu isn’t the only protein-rich substitute for meat on the market. Quorn offer a vast range of vegan products which don’t use egg, including fishless fillets, burgers, vegan sausages and spicy vegan escalopes. Wheat-based seitan has a meaty texture when cooked, making it perfect for inside a burger.

Easy

Enjoy healthy snacks If you’re feeling a touch hungrier from the switch in your diet, don’t automatically reach for the Dairy Milk. Vegan snacks like salted edamame, trail mix, hummus, fruit smoothies or fruit and nut bars are a tasty, nutritious alternative and will have you feeling full in no time.

Use simple recipes No need to overcomplicate things in the kitchen start off with something simple like vegan chilli or brownies. The BBC Good Food website is a good place to begin - visit www.bbcgoodfood.com/ recipes/collection/easy-vegan Add to your diet first It’s important to start adjusting your body to a vegan diet before you subtract anything from it. If you’re planning on a long-term transition to veganism, incorporate more grain, beans, vegetables and tofu into your daily meals before you cut the meat and dairy out. You can also gradually switch out milk for almond or soy to find out which kind you prefer.

Win: Vegan North!

Celebrate Veganuary with Vegan North: a collection of the best vegan businesses and restaurants up north, along with the tastiest vegan recipes and cooking tips.

The book by Katie Fisher proves that the north of England has just as much to offer vegans as the rest of the world, with tasty accompaniments and relishes from local companies.

Better yet, you can win a copy of the book on our Facebook page this month!

Visit Local Life Magazines (locallifemagazine247) on Facebook and head to our pinned post for details on how to enter. Don’t forget, we run exclusive

competitions on our social media all year round, so give the page a like to stay updated!

55

56

Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Jack & the Beanstalk

Pink Floyd Experience

Thurs, Jan 9 – Sat, Jan 25, 7:30pm (2:15 matinees)

Friday, January 17, 7:30pm

Discover what happens to Jack when he sells his cow for magic beans and meets some fearsome giants in this hilarious family pantomime. Tickets £10-£12 on 01942 242561.

A concert experience recreating the atmosphere of an authentic Pink Floyd live performance. Tickets £25 on 01744 756000.

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3SL

Crank Caverns Talk Tuesday, January 14, 6pm Hear some stories about the mysteries surrounding Crank Caverns – and work out if any of them are true! Tickets £2.50 from the venue, hotpot supper available.

Theatre Royal, Corporation St, St. Helens, WA10 1LQ

Liverpool Legends Friday, January 17, 7:30pm Iconic players Phil Thompson, Danny Murphy and Bruce Grobbelaar discuss the games, dressing room stories, managers, fall-outs and more. Tickets £27.50 on 0844 871 3017.

Liverpool Empire, Lime St, Liverpool, L1 1JE

Momo’s, Westfield Street, St. Helens, WA10 1QJ

Wellbeing Fair

Pirates the Panto

Saturday, January 18, 11am-5pm

Thursday, January 16 – Sunday, January 19, 7pm (2pm weekend matinees)

Try a wide range of holistic treatments and complimentary therapies, and take some time to pamper yourself! Entry £2, kids go free.

A whole host of fairytale characters unite on the Seven Seas! Tickets £10 or £8 concessions, bookable on 07948 908693 or rainhillmtc@hotmail.com

Rainford Village Hall, Church Rd, Rainford, WA11 8HB

Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, Rainhill, L35 4LU

Wedding Show

Northern Soul Night

Saturday, Jan 18 - Sunday, Jan 19, 12pm-5pm

Friday, January 17, 7:30pm Enjoy a night of fabulous Northern Soul and Motown music. Entry £3 on the door – more info on 07974 306180.

Garswood Labour Club, Garswood Road, Garswood, WN4 0XJ

Enjoy a weekend of shopping at the North West Wedding Show with over 150 stalls, catwalk shows and more. Tickets £10, VIP £20 in advance at www. exhibitioncentreliverpool.com Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Kings’ Dock, Liverpool, L3 4FP

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Photography Workshop

Slave Trade Talk

Sunday, January 19, 2pm

Tuesday, February 11, 6pm-8pm

Learn essential camera skills in the picturesque setting of Speke Hall’s grounds and gardens - and get off Auto mode! Tickets £85, bookable on 07845 852948.

Learn about the history of the slave trade and how the people of St. Helens were involved – were they complicit or oblivious? Tickets £3 from the venue after January 14th.

Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, L24 1XD

Momo’s, Westfield Street, St. Helens, WA10 1QJ

Tree Planting

Jersey Boys Live

Sunday, January 19, 2pm

Saturday, February 15, 7:30pm

Help the Clinkham Wood & Moss Bank Gala group with tree planting and seed bombing in the woods!

Tools and gloves provided, meet on the Green opposite Moss Bank Mission.

Internationally acclaimed Jersey Boys tribute act is heading to St. Helens! You’ll be rock n’ rolled through the ages. Tickets £24.95 including a delicious 3-course meal, bookable on 01744 453444.

Moss Bank Rd, St. Helens, WA11 7DF

St. Helens Hotel, Linkway West, WA10 1NG

Dance to the Music

Rhododendron Bashing

Tuesday, January 21, 7:30pm

Sunday, February 16, 2pm

A glorious dance show featuring X Factor’s Jake Quickenden and Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff. TIckets from £28 on 01744 756000.

Get stuck in with placing bird feeders out in nature and assist with rhododendron bashing to help the local environment! Tools and gloves provided, meet on the green opposite the Mission.

Theatre Royal, Corporation St, St. Helens, WA10 1LQ

Moss Bank Road, St. Helens, WA11 7DF

Showaddywaddy Friday, January 31, 7:30pm A night of music from the ‘greatest rock n’ roll band in the world’! Tickets £22 on 01744 756000.

The Spine Thursday, February 20, 7:30pm-9pm

Boogie Bingo

A new play about goals, brotherhood and the football academy system – Kyle, Liam and Hakeem are reaching for the same contract into the premier league, but racism and toxic masculinity take their toll. Tickets bookable at the library.

Saturday, February 1, 7pm

Prescot Library, Aspinal Street, Prescot, L34 5GA

Help fundraise for Wigan Youth Zone with a hilarious night of boogie bingo. There are plenty of prizes to be won; tickets £25 including light bites, bookable on Eventbrite or 01942 774000.

Chairman’s Quiz

Theatre Royal, Corporation St, St. Helens, WA10 1LQ

DW Stadium, Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UZ

Friday, February 21, 7:30pm-11:30pm Revise for the annual quiz with groups of 6 and enjoy a hotpot supper. Tickets £7 on 01744 884709 or clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.com Rainford Village Hall, Church Rd, WA11 8HB

58

Motoring

Suzuki Swift Attitude

by Tim Barnes-Clay

Suzuki’s Swift is a good seller for the Japanese automaker. And now it hopes the latest Swift Attitude will boost sales even higher.

the car almost enjoys being driven hard.

Of course, the Attitude is not a hot-hatch, but it’s a seriously engaging supermini – if burning along

The special edition model is anticipated to account for up to 40 per cent of all Suzuki Swift sales in Britain during 2019 and beyond.

The £14,599 Attitude is centred around the mid-spec SZ-T grade but includes a slightly sportier body kit, a new spoiler, a mesh grille and 16-inch alloys.

However, where the standard Swift SZ-T trim houses a 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit, poke in the Attitude come from a non-turbocharged 1.2 Dualjet powerplant.

This has been harvested from the basic SZ-3, driving the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

The Attitude’s engine may sound a bit lame in comparison with a turbo assisted one, but it’s still a fun, nimble hatch to drive. This is because the car only weighs 980kg and has a short wheelbase.

The Swift Attitude is forgiving, too. You can chuck the little tyke into corners at the last second without any worry that the Suzuki might have a tantrum. Indeed,

Fast Facts • Max speed: 111 mph • 0-62 mph: 11.9 seconds • Combined MPG: 51.4 mpg • Engine layout: 1242cc 4-cylinder petrol • Max. power (PS): 90 • CO2: 124 g/km • Price: £14,599

Pros’ n’ Cons • Handling √ • Ride √ • Room √ • Straight-line performance X

59 twisty rural lanes is your thing. Mind you; its offthe-line performance isn’t quite so exciting. A zero to 62mph time of 11.9 seconds isn’t going to mean you’ll be changing your underwear any time soon.

The Swift isn’t unacceptably underpowered, though - its light weight helps with this; you just need to stir the gears hard and keep your right foot down to feel the speed. The car is also economical, returning over 50mpg on an average run.

When it comes to ride quality, you’ll find the Swift Attitude comfortable, for four-up. And even though the cabin is awash with plastics and the steering column doesn’t have reach adjustment, it offers a lot for just £14,599. Certainly, for this amount, the Suzuki is a sensible second car, or it could even serve as the main car for a small family.

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60

Gardening

Bring your winter garden to life with

fragrance

by Angie Barker

photo: Magnus Manske

The garden can seem a pretty dull and lifeless space at this time of year.

The outline of bare stems of trees and shrubs and lawns either waterlogged or frozen, do nothing to lift our spirits and take our minds off that impending credit card bill.

There is a way to bring life and a little cheer into your garden and that is with winter flowering shrubs. And shrubs which are also scented really do lift the spirits at this time of year. Here are a few of my favourites, and are all best planted near a path or doorway where you can appreciate their sweet perfume: Sarcococca confusa – a relatively small shrub with tiny white flowers but what it lacks in size it makes up for with the most amazing scent. Planted near a shady front door it will bring a smile to yours – and your postman’s – face.

Daphnes are brilliant for providing winter flowers which are scented. Two of the best are Daphne odora ‘Aureo-marginata’ and Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’. The former won’t get much taller than a metre and is evergreen so apart from the lovely scent and pretty pink flowers, it is a very useful shrub in a border. They prefer a sunny spot.

Mahonia x media. These are large shrubs and can reach 4m in height. ‘Charity’ is gorgeous with attractive yellow scented flowers that sit beside leaves which look a little like Holly. Evergreen, it will bring year round structure to your garden.

Hamamelis x intermedia is a large (up to 4m) deciduous shrub with scented spider like flowers.

‘Aurora’ is one of the most fragrant with pretty little flowers which are yellow and red at the base.

So if you think your garden lacks interest at this time of year, start planning now for next winter and take a trip to the garden centre. Bypass the sale of left over Christmas decorations and head outside for the plants.

As for Hubby, well he is busy planning too. He wants to know when is the best time to open that bottle of sherry left over from Christmas!

Happy New Years gardening everyone.

61

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Safe

Not Sorry Anyone who’s ever been cheated by a cowboy tradesperson knows the impact it can have on your life and home. Trust doesn’t come easily if you’ve been duped once, knowing it can happen again.

That’s where St. Helens Council’s Trader Register comes in. Businesses who sign up to the scheme agree to abide by a code of conduct set out by the Trading Standards team at St. Helens Council, ensuring good business practice and compliance with relevant legislation. Signing up to be part of the register reassures clients and potential clients that they can expect reliable, trustworthy service when they book a job with a selected trader.

The database of tradespeople mainly covers all aspects of home improvement and repair work, including building, external property repairs,

gardening, decorating and home security, along with trades relating to disabled assistance and adaptations. One resident commented: ‘The Trader Register is a brilliant platform that allows us to retrieve information about trusted traders based in our local area. It is reassuring that all traders have been through an application process with reference from previous customers.’

If you’re a consumer looking for someone to carry out work, simply: 1. Visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/traderregister 2. Enter your postcode and specify the type of trader you’re looking for 3. Select the right trader for you based on their profile page, star ratings and reviews.

65

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A note for tradespeop

imum of uires you to have a min Joining the scheme req Liability yer , £5million Emplo £2million Public Liability details t tac st 6 customer con (if applicable) and at lea of of Pro d. ich must be returne for references, 3 of wh EIC NIC or e sations like Gas Saf membership to organi red iste reg business claims to be must be provided if the members.

luded) fee of £97.19 (VAT inc An annual membership ers trad for .58 £38 tration fee of applies, plus an adminis new to the scheme. der ut St. Helens Council’s Tra For more information abo t visi up, Register, or to sign traderregister www.sthelens.gov.uk/ tion form to fill in an online applica .

304 676 or call 01744

Here are some trades covered by the Trader Register:

• Builders

• Gardeners

• Painter/Decorators

• Electricians

• Plumbers

• Used car sales

• Tilers

• Central heating services

• Locksmiths

• Double glazing installation

• Tree Surgeons

• Carpet Fitters

• Joiners

• Disabled Aids

• Roofers

• Plasterers

For more information about St. Helens Council’s Trader Register visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/traderregister

66

Home Services

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es Lash Tan y Spra ils eds Sunb & Gel Na ic Acryl Mossy Lea Road

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Book your FREE home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a cycles CAR & detailed motorreport showing the Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS

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Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon

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from your www.dglwindows.co.uk

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Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

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Keeping your home and family safe • CCTV – Tailored high-quality CCTV solutions for your home and/or business • Alarms - Hard wired & wire-free systems security solutions • Full installation, repairs & maintenance.

The only St Helens company to reach NSI Gold standard

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01744 607080

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Established 1984

W.Hurst & Son Ltd ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR www.whurstandson.co.uk

• • • •

All types of electrical work 35+ years experience No job too small Friendly and reliable

For a free quote & advice call Jeff

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Small jobs a speciality

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30 years experience.

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Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and

w£

Heat Pumps

embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

no

LED Lighting

...and general Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...

Energy Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Savings Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced

es Lash Tan y Spra ils eds Sunb & Gel Na ic Acryl

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www.hjselectricalservices.co.uk

01744 649 722

l Geails N 5 A49

07809 427 508

Est.1975

All aspects of domestic work undertaken

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Book Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6FREE 9RS your home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a cycles CAR & detailed motorreport showing the (Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon

...andreturns available

from your www.dglwindows.co.uk

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KEYS LOCKS SAFES • Repairs & Upgrades on all locks, including UPVC • Safes supplied & installed • Key cutting service • Emergency call outs welcomed • All work guaranteed Call your local lock expert for a free quote

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Do you have Failed Double Glazing Units?

Don’t pay £££’s to replace the frame, we’ll replace the glass panes.

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Damp Control State of the art diagnostic equipment used to provide a comprehensive assessment of your damp issues.

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For a reliable, friendly service call Matthew on

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07840 096 233

Roofing & Roofline- repairs and replacement Decorating, Building, Gates supplied & fitted Plastering, Gardening

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For all your home improvements - No job too small

Property Services

07847 394040 ~ 01744 606938

Damp Control Specialists

ALPINE LTD

Design & Print

Roofing & Building Services

Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

l Geails N £15

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories, Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold DoorsSaving

For more information call

Your local roofing company from repairs to re-roofs, fascia’s, soffits & gutters.

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www.alpineroofingandbuildingltd.co.uk

A5209

s

Natalie

Book your FREE home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a cycles CAR & detailed motorreport showing the Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS

Dennis Goulding Mossy Lea Road

DISCOUNTS

LocalLife

LED Lighting

...and general Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...

Energy Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Savings Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced

es Lash Tan y Spra ils eds Sunb & Gel Na ic Acryl

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Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

ally

rm

no

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

£20

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon

...andreturns available

from your www.dglwindows.co.uk

FREE

own solar panels

J27

Standish

Car84 dio Y @ Stu

T

Shevington

Slash your electricity and water heating bill

Protect your household from future energy price rises ReduceE your household’s impact on the environment

Health

k ChecVisit our showroom at

Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park n and off Miry Lane,

X

Call H us now

(10% typical return)

0843 A224 9555 U rton 07595S 420237

Brethe

or

7PG nts of Crosto Wigan. e WN5 Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk need me! for all reside WN6 7TP , Billing 400 Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk - 6PM until you Road 4 619 ford ay 10AMKeep me : 0781 Check Saturd hone : 84 Rain Health - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM y FREE Car

R E S

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Convert your bath to a

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We also fit full bathrooms!

71

Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters - call us now for all your roofline requirements!

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• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985

Our Focus Is Quality & Price

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From a Loose Slate to a Complete Construction

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All aspects of Building & Roofing UPVC Rooflines References Available

Call us on... 01744 600074 Mobile: 07867 592460 13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA

FREE HandyContacts web listing when you advertise in LocalLife magazine Prices start from £35+ VAT per issue Free artwork Monthly payments Call us today on

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Over 60 walks FREE to download at locallife247.co.uk

All aspects of Gas Heating & Plumbing

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rainford-boiler-tech.co.uk

LocalLife

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Transform your home with a brand new driveway

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14 20 27 18 16 Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.

This issue is delivered to over 11,250 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock.

The next issue is delivered to over 14,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Sutton, Eccleston Park, Windle, Grange Park, Nutgrove, New Bold and Waterside Village.

Did you know that we can send you a link to the latest Local Life magazine every month?

Visit our website www.locallife247.co.uk to sign up to receive your monthly online magazine - the sign up section is situated at the base of the Home page.

Want to promote your business in

LocalLife?

Keep in touch with the LocalLife Team! locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia Read all our magazines online at

locallife247.co.uk

01744 649 722 www.locallife247.co.uk

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Come and visit the largest showroom in the North West

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