Local Life - St Helens - September 2015

St Helens Edition

September 2015

Cover photo by David Sudworth

Marie McCourt: My Helen at 50

Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Garden Diary...

www.locallife247.co.uk

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Lessons in

life

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ecently, I met up with an old friend who I’d not seen since the day we left school.

What was meant to be just a quick catch up finished around 12.30am, purely because we had so much to talk about. Well, they do say school days are the best of your life!

This month’s edition features the exam successes of local students, and each picture tells its own story.

All those years of hard work, revision and sacrifice culminate in receiving that piece of paper. No wonder they have beaming smiles, and deservedly so.

I admit it’s hard not to feel slightly envious of them as they set off on the next stage of their journey. Some may stay local, others may move away - perhaps even abroad. While to some people the unknown may be slightly daunting, for others it’s very exciting.

I remember one of my favourite teachers at school impressing the benefits on us to get out there and see as much of the world and life in general as possible. “Don’t be frightened of making mistakes,” she would say. “It’s the only way you will learn - by doing it for yourself.”

So much pressure is put on students and teachers now to deliver results, but the different experiences of life are equally as important. Whatever they decide to do, I wish them all the very best.

David Sudworth - Editor Next issue - October 2015

Advertising deadline - Tuesday 15 September Published - Friday 25 September Local Life Media

@locallifemedia

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In this issue Mind over

Jack’s Tracks

matter

Entwistle

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54

My fight for

Test Drive

Helen

Ford Mustang

41

62

Cheese & Apple

Garden

Pie

Diary

51

64

Regulars 22 Class from the past 14 Planning Matters 66 Puzzle Corner

Telephone: 01744 649 722 57 What’s On 71 Useful numbers

Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David Sudworth editorial@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter Bretherton

design@locallife247.co.uk

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk

Sections

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

6 Local News 54 Leisure 22 Children & Education 62 Motoring 30 Health 64 Gardening 50 Food & Drink 67 Home Services

This issue is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Peasley Cross.

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

The next issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Prescot Road and parts of Nutgrove and Sutton Heath. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Extra Stores in Peasley Cross and Prescot.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

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Distributors wanted

Village improvements

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 in the following areas:

Improvements to Rainford Village centre are due to be completed by mid October. The project, a collaboration between Rainford Parish Council and St Helens Council, seeks to deliver a number of improvements, some of which are now starting to take shape.

Blackbrook; Wedge Avenue, Gleneagles Drive, Harty Road and Littler Road.

Haresfinch; Buckingham Drive and Dearham Avenue.

Garswood; various areas

These include renewal of footways and the front area to shops and business in similar materials to ensure continuity through the village rather than the current piecemeal effect.

Moss Bank; various areas Email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Other improvements include new street furniture, tree planting and the removal of the loop road to the rear of the bus stop in the centre, and also the creation of an amenity area.

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Tom’s a winner!

Congratulations to Elsie Green, of Garswood Road, Garswood, Tom Larkin, (pictured) of Hawthorn Close, Billinge, and Pauline Birkett of Loweswater Crescent, Haydock, who recently won a pair of tickets to Southport Flower Show in our competition.

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Friends’ new

goal

A new group has taken over a major fundraising push in Billinge following an appeal in Local Life.

The Billinge Old Fellows Football Organisation (BOFFOs) are a five-a-side team who have been together since 1993. They will now take over from local band H & The Avons, who held charity gigs since 2004, raising over £20,000. Their final gig last November was featured in Local Life, as well as an appeal for a new batch of friends to carry on their good work. That’s when BOFFOs stepped in, and their first event will be held this November in aid of Willowbrook Hospice. However, before then the friends - Paul Webster, Paul Cronin, Steve Greenall, Peter Murphy, Stan Newell, Dave Cairns, Ged Kennedy, Roger Kirkby and John Moriarty -

will embark on a long weekend bike ride along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Both events are being held in memory of Paul Fairchild, from Billinge, who died at Willowbrook last November. The money raised from the bike ride will be pooled with the cash raised at a special fundraising event on Friday, November 20, at St Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, and donated to Willowbrook. The evening, featuring music from the Deltatones starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 including a hotpot supper.

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Duo’s

swim

Two friends from Rainford are preparing to tackle a gruelling 5.25 mile swim in Lake Coniston for charity.

Ian Read and Craig Sumner, who both went to Brook Lodge Primary, will take to the water on September 5 in aid of Frank Water Projects, which works in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Ian, who owns Total Bathroom Restoration on Church Road, and Craig, have spent the last few months in training and recently swam the Dee Mile.

Ian said: “As of June 2014 the furthest I had swam was 25 metres, I think it was a swimming association green badge in 1982/83. My brother did 800m and I remember how impressed I was watching him age about 10/11 doing such an epic distance! I remember reading about Steve Prescott

who had done some brilliant things since being diagnosed with cancer so I signed up for a 5K No Ego Challenge, the Rainford 10K and St Helens 10K, each time getting faster and faster and stronger.

Then I did the Tough Mudder and really got the taste for these ‘weekend warrior’ type events.

“It’s great to be raising money for people who don’t have the luxury of clean water; I can’t imagine what that’s like. I will be swimming with a Tow Float and my lucky mascots, three yellow ducks representing my family who have been a great support while we do all the training.”

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Care home

sold

A buyer has been found for Billinge’s Birchley Hall - ending months of speculation about its future.

As revealed by Local Life, the Sue Ryder care home was put up for sale earlier this year. The reason cited was that as Sue Ryder’s only residential care facility for the elderly, it didn’t fit in with the charity’s national strategy.

In a joint statement to Local Life, Mike Smeeton, director of health and social care at Sue Ryder and Paul Smith, managing director at MBi Social Care, said: “We are pleased to confirm that contracts have been exchanged between Sue Ryder and MBi Social Care to purchase Birchley Hall.

“MBi Social Care is a provider of elderly care homes and is looking to expand its residential services to offer more specialised care for people living with dementia and related conditions which includes individuals with end-of-life care needs.

“Sue Ryder has been assured that the future vision of the company is to replicate this model

Church extension appeal An appeal over plans to extend Billinge Family Church is now entering its final stages. The Crank Road venue took its case to the Planning Inspectorate after Wigan Council knocked back its proposals for a two storey extension at the back and a single storey extension to the side. The Inspectorate’s job is to determine whether the council’s decision was sound. A decision is due soon.

£15 waste charge?

Residents should pay St Helens Council up to £15 a time to take away all excess waste, according to local civil servants. They suggest £15 per pick up for

of service at Birchley Hall and for it to become an enriched dementia care centre for the elderly with a relationship focused approach.

“Residents at Birchley Hall who do not have dementia will still always be able to call it their home, as MBi is committed to continuing to provide personalised residential care for all residents at Birchley Hall for the rest of their lives, irrespective of their condition.

“MBi also aims to make the transition as smooth as possible for staff and will not be proposing any measures or changes to their existing terms and conditions of employment.”

a maximum of three items, (such as tables, chairs and wardrobe) with additional items incurring an extra £5 each. For white goods and TV sets, it’ll be £10 per item. St Helens councillors were due to make a final decision on the officer proposals as Local Life went to press.

New practice building Rainford Dental Practice, on Church Road, is to move to a new building on the same site. Permission has been granted by St Helens Council for them to move into the current dental laboratory, off Thickwood Moss Lane, while the existing practice building will be converted into a residential dwelling. The business itself will be unaffected by the move.

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Planning Matters Rainford 113 Higher Lane: Single storey rear extension (ref: 2P/2015/0545) A decision is due soon.

5 St Mary’s Avenue: Single storey front extension along with new front porch. (ref: P/2015/0552). A

Billinge

decision is due soon.

26 Coultshead Avenue: Single storey rear extension,with first floor dormer extension and first floor rear balcony extension. (ref: P/2015/0544). A

23 Carr Mill Road: First floor extension to bungalow to form house, along with alterations to existing conservatory to form sunroom. (ref:P/2015/0548. A decision is due soon.

decision is due soon.

Hillside, Main Street: Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey extension to the side and rear; extension to the loft and erection of an attached garage to the side. (ref: P/2015/0546). A decision is due soon.

2 Stretton Avenue: Erection of first floor side extension. (ref P/2015/0574) . A decision is due soon.

For more information on these plans, visit www. sthelens.gov.uk

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RAINFORD

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Do you have a vision or idea that could make a difference to the people in your community?

The Rainford Christmas Fayre Committee in association with Rainford Hub is proud to launch Rainford Dreams, a scheme that will help individuals and community groups in Rainford by funding selected initiatives every year that would make a positive change to the Rainford area.

The funding for Rainford Dreams will come from the proceeds of the annual Rainford Christmas Fayre, and be distributed to deserving causes.

If you have a dream that will benefit the Rainford community, then please pick up a bid form from: Houghton’s Newsagents on Church Road.

Or download the form from: www.rainfordhub.com/rainford-christmas-fayre/ Or just email: info@rainfordhub.com Closing date for applications is 30th September each year.

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WI’s

party

The ladies of Crank Women’s Institute celebrated the national organisation’s 100th birthday.

Local member Margaret Davies made a celebration cake for the occasion. The movement was started on September 16, 1915, by Madge Watt, a Canadian widow who brought it to the UK. The Crank branch formed seven years later and is still going strong today. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 2pm at Rainford Parish Hall, Church Road. New members are always welcome - for more information email crankwi@gmail.com

Sue lays down the law!

AC U F TU N

E TH MA

Sue said: “I have been passionate about serving my community and acting as a spokesperson for local people for many years and I am honoured that I will now be able to fulfil this role for Merseyside. I am really excited to start work.”

DIR ER

T FROM

chosen following an open process involving seven applicants. The part-time role will see Sue, who is also a councillor for Billinge and Seneley Green, deputise for the Police Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, when necessary as well as focussing specifically on victim support services, community safety issues, and restorative justice.

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EC

Garswood mum Sue Murphy will be laying down the law in a different way from now on - as Merseyside’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner. Sue, from Hamilton Road, was

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Plans leave bitter Controversial proposals for two new convenience stores on pub car parks are hanging in the balance.

Planners have refused to grant permission to New River Retail for a shop to be built at the side of the Stag Hotel on Station Road, Garswood, citing parking concerns. It has since emerged that New River have withdrawn similar plans for a Co-op to be built on the car park at the Stork Hotel, at the corner of Main Street and Newton Road, Billinge.

taste “We acquired a national portfolio of public houses and recognise the value pubs can have both as a trading asset and in serving their community. The presumption in reviewing the opportunities is to retain the pub as a key part of the overall plot.”

The company can now either appeal the Stag decision and/or submit an alternative plan for both sites.

Both plans prompted letters of objection from the local community. One Billinge resident, objecting to the Stork plan told the local council: “The proposed development would be built in an area of significant historical interest. We must retain our local history.”

However, New River defended the plans, saying:

Free publicity for YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser?

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Local Life is distributed to over 100,000 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 community groups

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- 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 emailing him directly at editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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Pick n’ Mix

D

id you know that whilst the average size of a family home has shrunk by over two square metres over the last decade, the number of bathrooms per home has actually increased?

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Yes, we all love an extra bathroom or two don’t we? Research from Prime Location has found that house buyers want an average ratio of at least two bathrooms for every three bedrooms. Which is all well and good, but what happens when the bathrooms need replacing?

Who can afford, in this age of austerity, to replace two or three bathrooms every five years or so?

And that’s where the chaps from Rainford’s Total Bathroom Restoration come in handy. Using German technology and high quality products, the company have helped canny householders throughout the North West save a small fortune over the last six years, completing the highest quality bathroom restorations and refurbishments.

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Their mission is to delight you with a luxurious bathroom that’s as good as new, for a fraction of the price of a new bathroom. You could have a nice holiday with the money you save!

Their classic restoration service is exactly that – a deep clean and restoration service where silicone and grout is stripped and replaced, tiles and other areas, such as shower screens, are subject to a deep clean which brings them up to a good as new condition. Total Bathroom Restoration reckon to extend the life cycle of your bathroom for a minimum of 7 years.

That’s impressive isn’t it?

However, Total Bathroom Restoration goes one step further by giving customers the option of replacing new taps right through to the latest high quality performance shower wall and wet walls (see pictures). No more grouting projects on your To Do list! New flooring, ceilings, lighting, shower Screens /Cubicles and Enclosures are all possible options.

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With 60% of Brits showering daily, a popular option for Total Bathroom Restoration is a complete or partial re-vamp of a shower area, using any combination of high quality wetwall panels, new trays, wipe-clean UPVC ceilings, flooring, lighting, shower screens or cubicles.

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The

A-team!

Carmel College has once again secured its place as one of the top five sixth form colleges in the country.

Its students achieved a 99.3% pass rate with 58.2% of grades at A*-B and 81.2% at A*-C in A-levels. Among those with outstanding results were former Haydock students Andrew Prescott (A*A*A) - pictured - and Joshua Downey (AAB) as well as former Rainford students Louise Sayah (A*A*A*) - pictured - and Mel Prescott.

Rob Peacock, principal at Carmel, said: “A-Level results day is one of the most important days in the College calendar and yet again Carmel College students have come through with flying colours. These results are outstanding and are even better than last year. It is a real joy to share the excitement and enthusiasm. Congratulations to them all! I know they will go on to great success in the next stage of their career and I wish them all the best.”

Class from the

past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Rainford Brook Lodge School. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1970s. 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

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Making the

grade

Rainford college students Elizabeth Botcherby and Daniel Cahill are celebrating after achieving A grades in all their A-level subjects.

They were among the many who made the grade, including Kathryn Rogers, who gained an A* in mathematics, and is now preparing to study at Durham.

Principal Ian Young said: “We are delighted with the results and that so many of our young people have achieved life changing grades. “We are particularly proud of the high percentage of students who have got into Russell Group Universities, and the number of

Elizabeth Botcherby (centre). Photo by Bernard Platt young people who are continuing to follow their dreams that we have worked hard to support and develop, while they have been members of Rainford High.”

David with Rainford High students. Photo by Rebecca Thompson

Editor David gives talk to students Local Life editor David Sudworth gave a talk to Rainford High students thinking of a career in journalism. David, who previously worked in the local and regional press as a news reporter, led a one hour presentation, and Q&A, on his own experiences and how to get a foot in the door of a very competitive industry.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity of meeting the students and listening to what kind of journalism they may wish to pursue. A number of them actually came forward with some great ideas for stories and feature articles, some of which may end up in the pages of Local Life at some point in the future!”

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Continence

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in 3 women and 1 in 10 men will experience a form of incontinence at some stage in their lives. It can cause inconvenience or embarrassment whilst playing sport, sneezing or even when you laugh. For a woman, key times are after childbirth or during the menopause.

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Pads… highly absorbent, suitable for men and women. Includes pull-up pants for travelling and more absorbent pads for use at nights.

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At night you may need products with a slightly higher absorbency. You should consider using bed pads.

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Health & Fitness

Mind over

matter

By Claire Spreadbury

D

epending on your personal circumstances, retirement can be seen in a number of ways: a necessity, a luxury, or simply an inevitability. But not everybody wants to stop working.

EastEnders actress June Brown, who plays Dot Branning, is a case in point. According to reports , she has recently been approached by producers to cut her hours. But despite being 88 years old, the star is having none of it.

She’s not the only older person still clocking up hours in the showbiz world, of course. There’s Bruce Forsyth, 87, and - as more glamorous examples - Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, who are both 80. Then there’s the Queen, who, while she’s scaled back a bit in recent years, at 89, still has a very packed schedule.

But if your health allows, and you enjoy your work, could sticking at it be the answer to staying young?

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“Our minds need stimulation,” says renowned hypnotherapist and author Georgia Foster. “They need to be stretched as much as possible. When you stop utilising parts of your mind, it learns that it’s not needed.

“I think self-esteem is key to continuing to work as long as you want. Everybody wants to belong and the older generation in particular need to connect as much as possible. Loneliness can be a horrific burden and working can alleviate that.”

Annie Kaszina, coach and author of Do You Choose Your Dog More Carefully Than Your Husband? adds: “Retirement means you have to ‘reinvent’ yourself.

For some people that works really well, for others it does not; they struggle to find a sense of meaning

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and purpose. They become less valuable in society’s eyes. One of the questions we hear all the time is: ‘What do you do?’ It’s a question that presupposes your worth and interests are intimately connected with your working role, not who you are.

“While the capacity for heavy physical work may decline with the years, the capacity for creative thinking does not. June Brown is a case in point.

She is perfectly capable of deciding for herself when she needs to scale back. The country needs more icons like her and Bruce Forsyth in the public eye, to remind us that older just means more years on the clock. It doesn’t have to mean physically or mentally infirm.

“Besides, working longer may well also save the Government money. An interesting report from the French government suggests that people who work longer are significantly less likely to suffer from dementia.”

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35

Where there’s a will,

there’s a way

L

ocal law firm I E Legal Solicitors explains why having a will is so important, and what you can do to protect your loved ones.

Talking about making a will is not the number one topic at the dinner table. But, as Benjamin Franklin said in 1789 - the only things certain in this world are death and taxes!

Yet every year, thousands of people die without making a will – leaving loved ones to deal with sorting out affairs in what is bound to be a traumatic time. But making a will is not difficult at all. Penelope Craxton, specialist wills and probate solicitor with I E Legal explained “making a will through a specialist solicitor like myself is a rather simple process. All that anyone needs to do is make an appointment to pop into the office for a chat and I basically go through all the issues. Whilst there is a lot to think about, my job is to make the process easy and avoid any complicated legalistic phrases. The cost is only £90 plus VAT for one will, and £120 plus VAT for two wills for a couple. Once I have seen my clients it usually takes around one week for the will to be drawn up and properly signed, and that’s the process done!”

Of course some people try to do a home-written will, but lawyers do caution against that. “The problem

with home-made wills”, said Penelope, “is that people often don’t think about all the possibilities.

For example, they may appoint a person as the ‘executor’ who has to look Penelope Craxton after the affairs, but not Probate Solicitor think what will happen if the executor is ill or incapacitated or can not act. Or the money may be left to the husband or wife, without thinking about tax implications, or what would happen if both spouses died together, in an accident for example.”

Home-made wills also run the risk of being declared invalid: “the requirements as to who may witness a will being signed, and how it is done are very strict” Penelope confirmed, so any savings now may turn out to be catastrophic in the future.

To talk about making a will (home visits are available) or any other legal work, including conveyancing, business and family law, call one of I E Legal’s friendly team on 0800 612 9427, or pop into their office at 25 Eccleston Street, Prescot, on the pedestrian shopping street.

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25 Eccleston St, Prescot, L34 5QA

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36

37

38

Look up! And get

more space

at home for just

£277

+ VAT

We’d all like more room at home. But not everyone can afford to move or extend. So what if there was a way to get extra space for just a few hundred pounds, ready to use in less than a day? In truth, that space is already there.

It’s just not being used to its full potential.

For most, the loft is a dark and dingy place visited on rare occasions; a precarious scramble across dusty beams with torch in hand, grabbing what’s needed then clambering back past boxes filled with long-forgotten belongings. But that dark and dingy place is worth thousands. In fact, it takes up a third of the floorspace in an average home.

Storage space that can be quickly and easily accessed can be really valuable to homeowners who now need the spare bedroom for a new arrival, or who find getting the Christmas tree down each year just a little bit harder. So shouldn’t we be making the most of that space over our heads ?

And that’s where More Than Loft Ladders (MTLL) comes in. Founded in Bolton six years ago, MTLL specialises in generating space by making our lofts easily accessible. The latest MTLL franchise to open covers the St Helens area and is run by skilled local, Paul Langley, who says the company’s no-frills approach is what most people are looking for.

“We’re not selling £15,000 loft conversions,” says Paul. “This is a low-cost and simple solution that’s affordable to most, and certainly more cost effective than locking your possessions away in a remote warehouse. For just £277+VAT you can get a ladder that slides easily up and down, as well as a proper light and some boarding to make the space safe and secure. We can also fit a draft-proof loft hatch if required from only £55.”

The price customers are quoted is the price they will pay, with no additional call out charges. Paul provides a free guarantee on all parts and labour and the quality of the work is monitored independently by the Guild of Master Craftsmen. Already a trusted name in the North West, over 2500 homeowners have enjoyed the benefits we offer, with more having the work carried out every day.

There are a range of packages available to suit all pockets – so whether you just want a ladder installing or you want ladder, boarding and light, call More

39

My wife is also very impressed with how clean and tidy you all left the place too. I will have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone!!!

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Than Loft Ladders now for a free survey and quotation with no obligation.

Call 0800 03 59 880 or visit the website at www.morethanloftladders.co.uk What our Customers Say; I just wanted to say a massive thanks to you and the guys from More Than Loft Ladders for the wonderful job you have made of our loft today. What had been a dirty and unusable space for the last 10 years, is now light, safe and absolutely HUGE!!

Paul and Simon have this week extended my loft opening, boarded my loft and installed a loft ladder. Just a run of the mill occurrence for some but I live in a tiny terraced cottage, over 160 years old with a really shallow loft you can only stand up in one place and with an opening that has to come into my bedroom because there is no landing area. I didn’t think it could be done, but they have and I now have a home for the suitcases, Christmas tree and decorations and any number of other items I don’t really need.

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41

My fight for

Helen

David Sudworth meets the Billinge mother who, almost 30 years on, refuses to give up searching for her daughter

I

n the churchyard at St Mary’s in Billinge, a beautiful stone bench bearing the inscription ‘Loved Every Minute, Missed Every Day’ stands in memory of Helen McCourt.

Helen would have been 50 this year. Although it’s almost three decades since the ex-St John Rigby student was murdered by Ian Simms, the landlord of her local pub, her body has never been found.

“That man has deprived us of the chance to grieve properly,” says mum, Marie.

“I remember when he was being sentenced, Mr Justice Caulfield said: ‘You have taken the life of a young and happy girl. You cast her garments to the rats and denied her parents the right to respect her corpse’.”

Back in 1988, Simms was the boss of the old George & Dragon pub on Main Street. He had a reputation locally, and it’s said he tried to make advances towards Helen, which she rejected.

“There are many stories about Simms.

It’s known he had a gun and we were told that on one occasion, he put a wad of cash on the bar and challenged one of the regulars to put the gun in his mouth and pull the trigger. If he did it, he could keep the money. The man refused so Simms took the gun, pointed it towards the wall and fired.

The bullet was later dug out of the side of the doorframe by forensics.”

42

On Tuesday, February 9, 1988, a severe storm was sweeping the area. Helen, 22 at the time, was working at Royal Insurance in Liverpool and rang her mum that afternoon.

“She said she’d be home early as she was going out with her boyfriend, and asked me to have her tea ready. We’d heard that some trains were delayed, but Helen’s was unaffected. As time went on, I started to worry. Helen was always very punctual and if there had been a problem, she would have rang. I was worried that she’d been hit by a piece of masonry and lying somewhere unconscious.

“We went to Lime Street Police Station and when we told them that she hadn’t returned, they said she’d probably gone for a few drinks after work. I knew Helen wouldn’t do that without telling me, so they filed a report and told me to come back to Billinge in case Helen returned. It’s strange but in situations like that, you revert to being like a child, so, almost asking permission, I said: ‘Can I ring you?’

“He heard Helen’s last scream” The police officer said yes, and when I asked how often, he said ‘every hour’ so I did.”

By next morning, and still no sign of Helen, more police were drafted in: “I remember seeing through the blinds some brake lights and two policemen getting out. I was at the door before they could knock, expecting that they had found Helen and she was with them, but of course she wasn’t.”

It’s known Helen got her usual train and bus back to Billinge. Getting off in Main Street, she then started heading up the hill towards the family home in Standish Avenue. As she was about to turn into Garswood Road from Main Street, it’s believed Simms saw her from the window of his flat above the pub, and called her over: “A witness told police that he’d heard a scream which stopped all of a sudden, like when someone puts their hand over another person’s mouth. He heard Helen’s last scream. She was never seen again.”

Within 48 hours, police had traced everyone on the bus, and even knew which seat she had been sitting in. Door-to-door enquiries focused on properties between the bus stop and Helen’s home, with particular emphasis on those occupied by lone men. That’s when Simms first came on to the police’s radar.

“I believe at first he was cool and calm but then started getting agitated at their questioning, particularly when they asked to see upstairs.”

When detectives arrived, they found Helen’s blood on the walls, with Simms’ fingerprint in it.

Meanwhile, near Warrington, a place Simms used to go fishing, a dog walker discovered blood-stained clothing dumped by a canal.

When his car was impounded, they discovered fibres from Helen’s clothing and one of her earrings in the boot.

Even though the evidence was starting to mount up, Simms, a former shop steward at Pilkington’s, refused to admit any involvement - a stance he maintained throughout the two week trial at Liverpool Crown Court. The jury returned a guilty verdict - one of the first times a defendant was convicted through DNA evidence without the presence of a body.

43

Born on July 29, 1965, Helen grew up in Bryn and Billinge.

She went to Our Lady’s Primary on Downall Green Road before going on to St Edmund Arrowsmith in Ashton. Marie had only moved to the area from Huyton a few weeks before Helen was born. They lived in a bungalow in The Paddock, Bryn, before moving to Standish Avenue in 1978.

“When Helen was born she had a shock of black hair and I said it’s no wonder I had heartburn while I was carrying her!” smiles Marie.

“Because I’d only just moved up here, Helen was born at a care home in Balliol Road, Bootle, and the staff there completely adored her. She was lovely; always really friendly and outgoing right from being a baby to a young woman. She loved her brother Michael and when she died, it really affected him.”

After leaving St John Rigby, she worked at the DHSS offices in Brocol House, King Street, Wigan, before landing a nursing job in London.

“She didn’t like it down there; Helen was a home bird really and she used to ring me in floods of tears saying she wanted to come home. She was only down there for about six months and when she came back, she started selling Avon products and doing some babysitting.”

Following this, she had stints working behind the bar at The George & Dragon, before Simms started there, and also at the old Conservative Club, which is now Squires Bar. She eventually went to Royal Insurance, based in Old Hall Street, Liverpool.

“I won’t let her be forgotten” “She was really happy. She had a boyfriend, her friend was getting married and she had a good job. Simms had no right to take any of that away from her. Before he stood trial, Canon Ripley from St Oswald’s Church in Ashton, where we went every Tuesday, wrote to Simms on our behalf to ask where he’d buried Helen, and he refused to say. I wrote to Simms as well in 1992, but the reply I got back was horrible. He talked about ‘you and your Christian family’ and said ‘I read the Bible and I believe in a tooth for a tooth - I will have justice’.

“He’s a control freak - you can’t reason with him.”

It’s now 27 years since Helen disappeared.

Understandably, much has changed since 1988.

Marie is now 72 years old and a grandmother.

She’s since married her partner, John, and they dedicate a lot of time to keeping Helen’s memory alive and working with Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM). Helen’s brother, Michael, now works for the police. However, some things remain the same. Marie and John still live in the same house; Helen’s bedroom is still there and photos of her - frozen in time - adorn the walls.

Meanwhile, Simms, now in his late 50s, remains

44

in prison; still refusing to reveal where he hid her body.

Marie is now pushing for a change in the law: “Simms has appealed his sentence many times but I don’t think any murderer should be released unless they disclose where their victim is buried.”

Despite living just yards from where her daughter died, Marie has stayed put: “I did put the house up for sale shortly after the trial but the estate agents didn’t even get the chance to market it before I took it off again. I couldn’t go through with it.

“I know the pub is only around the corner and I do my best to avoid going past it, even walking on the other side of the road.

“Before all this, I wasn’t the sort of person to speak to the media, but I do it to keep Helen’s name out there. I think if I hadn’t done that, Simms would have been quietly released by now, as the minimum tariff for his sentence was 16 years.

“Even when I married John, I wanted to keep the name McCourt. Some people call me Helen

by mistake, and are then really apologetic, but I don’t mind because it shows that she’s not been forgotten. I won’t let that happen.”

Help from SAMM The local Support After Murder & Manslaughter branch was set up in 1994. Marie and her husband John has been involved for 20 of those years.

“It is a difficult time straight after losing someone on those circumstances, “ says Marie.

“You just want your family but you don’t get that because you have all the media contacting you, and in some cases you are faced with banks of TV cameras. We advise families to speak to the media because that ensures that the facts are circulated, and not gossip. We also help families prepare for court cases - back in 1989 we didn’t get any help and it is an ordeal in itself.”

For more information on SAMM, call 0151 207 67 67 or visit www. samm-merseyside.org.uk

45

0151 531 0056 / 01257 367 899 SEFTON MEADOWS GARDEN CENTRE, SEFTON LANE, MAGHULL, L31 8BT 20 ST GEORGES STREET, CHORLEY PR7 2AA

46

Travel

Rediscovering

Croatia

Local holidaymakers are rediscovering the charms of this Adriatic country

A

s a destination, Croatia has been overlooked for a large part of the last 25 years. But that is now changing as holidaymakers rediscover the beautiful resorts and cities sprinkled along the country’s Adriatic coastline.

Croatia is one of Europe’s youngest countries, having only gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. But it has plenty of history. For instance, the region of Dalmatia is the setting for Shakespeare’s play the Twelfth Night. And did you know limestone from Croatia was actually used for the columns at The White House in Washington DC? Perhaps the best-known place in Croatia is Dubrovnik, in the south of the country. Meaning ‘oak grove’, George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, proclaiming that: “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik”.

It’s unsurprising then that its old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

The Stradun or Placa is the city’s main street, a limestone paved road running some 300 metres through the old town, which is surrounded by the Walls of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik also has not only an impressive cathedral, but the oldest pharmacy in Europe.

In terms of gastronomy, food lovers are in for a real treat. For authentic cuisine, try smoked ham, cheese kept in oil, octopus salad, zelena menestra (smoked meat and cabbage stew), sporchi macaroni, fried sprats and grilled sardines.

The Roman city of Split, which as Croatia’s second largest conurbation also has an

47

airport, is home to the Diocletian’s Palace. The grand structure is an imposing sight and stepping inside continues to impress. A guided tour of the city will ensure you miss none of the highlights.

Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity.

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Split also has a unique setting. With its dramatic coastal mountains acting as the perfect backdrop to the clear, blue waters of the Adriatic.

Another city with lots of history is Zadar, which goes back around 3,000 years. The modern and vibrant atmosphere of the town provides an interesting contrast to the intense history that surrounds it.

Admire the fortified walls which were built by the Venetians to protect the city from Ottoman invaders. You can also see the remains of the Roman Forum and the church of St Donat – the focal point of the town.

But Croatia isn’t just about cities - venturing outside its walls can reveal many delights for the intrepid

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tourist. Close to Zadar is Petrcane, a small, 900 year old fishing village with stunning beaches. . It has a bay surrounded by two peninsulas; Punta Radman and Punta Skala. There are many trails leading through the olive fields around the village, which are perfect for trekking and biking. Traditionally,

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48

inhabitants were farmers and fishermen, but today tourism is one of the main industries.

Nearby is Krka National Park, a lush parkland which includes the breath taking Skradinski Buk falls. Many wildlife species and mammals make their home in the park including the endangered European otter so if you’re lucky you may see one of these endearing creatures.

If you enjoy a glass of wine or two, why not pay a visit to the Bibich Winery? Croatian wine has an excellent reputation yet it is rarely exported.

Perhaps the reason is that it’s so good, the locals like to keep it for themselves!

No visit to Croatia is complete without experiencing the idyllic Makarska Riviera, a 60km stretch of coastline which boasts sparkling waters and long, pebbly beaches.

Croatia’s coastline is also well known for its many picturesque islands, including the two largest; Hvar and Brac. You can also visit the popular town of Bol on the island of Brac, where the Golden Horn Beach juts out into the Adriatic, then take a stroll around Hvar’s old port town of Jelsa.

Finally, like everywhere, Croatians love it when you try to use even just a few basic, native phrases. As a Slavic language, Croatian can appear a bit daunting

Croatia Checklist Language: Croatian Currency: Croatian Kuna Time difference: +1hour Cost of a beer: £1.20 Cost of a cappuccino 90p 2 Course meal: £19

at first, but a simple ‘Dobar Dan’ (Good Day) or Hvala (thank you) will delight the locals.

Billinge’s Marken Travel has teamed up with Just You to offer single travellers an eight day holiday to Croatia and The Makerska Riviera, from £1148.

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49

50

Food & Drink

Core

Blimey!

I

f you lived at the Vickery residence, you’d certainly be spoilt for choice at dinner time. Not only does This Morning chef Phil have an array of dishes up his sleeves, it turns out his wife, TV presenter Fern Britton, is a dab hand at cooking as well.

“My wife does a brilliant roast, and the best roast potatoes in the world,” says Vickery, 53.

“Even after so many years cooking, I still can’t get them like hers.”

The TV cook has recently got into championing Bramley apples. Last year, he launched The Great Bramley Bake In, a nationwide search to find the best Bramley apple recipe, with foodies posting their fruity offerings on Facebook.

Vickery may not have his TV presenter wife’s knack with spuds, but there’s no time for chips on his shoulder in the kitchen when the four children are all at home.

While most of the time, the kids (twins Jack and Henry, and Grace, from Britton’s previous marriage, and youngest daughter Winnie) can’t be “bothered” to whip up meals for the family, Vickery has noticed that when there is a compelling reason to, they do step up to the plate.

“I think the lads thought it was quite cool to cook for mates and prospective girlfriends,” he explains. “The girls are pretty good at cooking.

“I went through a stage of not wanting to cook, But now I really enjoy it again.

I think all the years of pressured cooking gets you down a bit. Now it’s just good fun.

Plus cooking on telly is great!”

If you fancy pulling your nearest and dearest together for a meal, here are two of Vickery’s personal favourite Bramley apple recipes.

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Lancashire Cheese and Bramley Apple

Pie

Serves 8 Ingredients

Method

1 x 500g ready-made dessert pastry (rolled out into 2 discs to fit your tin)

Heat a saucepan then add the butter and melt. Add the chopped apples, sugar, black pepper and spices, and then cook until the slices begin to soften.

5 large Bramley apples (1kg), peeled and roughly chopped, not too small 50g unsalted butter 2tbsp soft brown sugar Pinch or two of black pepper 1/2tsp cumin 1/2tsp allspice 250g thinly sliced Lancashire cheese 2tsp fresh sage, chopped 1 lightly beaten egg Pre-heat the oven to 190C/gas mark 5.

Line a loose-bottomed 24cm pie tin with one of the discs of pastry. Lay the cheese and fresh sage in the base of the dish.

Fill with the thick apple stew and then lightly brush the egg along the lip of the pastry dish.

Top with the other disc of pastry. Trim the edges, crimp them to seal and make a steam hole in centre.

Brush the pastry with the beaten egg.

Place in the pre-heated oven and cook for 35-40 minutes or until well golden. Cool slightly before serving.

52

Bramley apple

Cheesecake Method Peel and core the Bramley apples, place in a pan, add the sugar and water and cook until you have a thick pulp, then cool.

Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted chocolate and then lightly press the mixture into the tin to make an even layer. Chill for 20 minutes.

Serves 8-10 Ingredients 2-3 large Bramley apples (500g) 100g caster or granulated sugar 100ml water 200g Rich Tea biscuits, crushed 50g melted chocolate, any will do 1 x 397g tin condensed milk 2 x 250g tubs mascarpone cheese Juice of 3 large lemons (about 100ml) Dusting of icing sugar For the Bramley apple and lime syrup topping: 225g granulated or caster sugar 250ml cold water Approximately 1 medium Bramley apple (150g), finely chopped Juice and finely grated zest of 3 large limes Grease and line the base of a 20cm springform tin.

Use an electric whisk to beat the condensed milk with the mascarpone cheese until the mixture is smooth. Add the lemon juice and combine thoroughly.

Spread half the cream mixture onto the biscuit base. Spoon over about half of the apple stew but leave a 3cm gap at the edge.

Top with the remaining cream mixture, covering the edges to seal in the apple stew, then chill for four hours (eight is better, though).

Once chilled, remove from the tin, place on a plate and spoon the rest of the stew into the centre of the cheesecake. Carefully spread out again to 3cm away from the edge and dust heavily with icing sugar.

To make the syrup, place the sugar, water and finely chopped apple into a saucepan and gently cook until you have a soft thin puree. Blitz in a liquidiser for a good five minutes, until you have a velvety smooth puree/sauce. Pass through a fine sieve and cool.

Once cooled, add the lime juice and zest and stir well. Then drizzle over the cake and serve with thick-set cream.

53

Eating out

guide Sing Faye Restaurant Dine at Sing Faye and enjoy a taste of Oriental Cuisine. Amazing Sunday banquet, Early Bird & A la Carte menu. Open 7 days a week. Book a table to avoid disappointment.

East Lancashire Road, Carr Mill, St Helens, WA11 9AE 01744 738882 singfayerestaurant.co.uk

Houghwood

Quattro’s

In a perfect setting, Houghwood’s restaurant has panoramic views across the course and over to the Welsh hills. A modern British menu is served Wednesday to Sunday.

Monthly tribute events and theme nights. 5 star food hygiene rating.

01744 894754 Crank Road, St Helens, WA11 8RL houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk

A family run Italian restaurant situated on the Rainford By-pass at Bickerstaffe. Being just off the slip road of the M58 makes this an ideal location for meeting friends and business lunches.

01695 720800 54 Rainford Road, Bickerstaffe, Ormskirk L39 0HF quattros.co.uk

Delph Tavern Award-winning CAMRA freehouse with a fast growing reputation for excellent quality food at reasonable prices. Traditional British classics served, plus some exotic surprises too. Food served Wed-Sun only.

01695 622239 Tontine, Orrell, WN5 8UJ facebook.com/TheDelphTavern

The Simms Road Inn Traditionally homemade classic pub food using locally sourced produce.

A selection of wines, cask ales, quality lagers and premium spirits.

Lunch and dinner served every day (Sunday all day). Proprietor Andrew Burton F.B.I.I. Garswood, WN4 0XH 01744 894246 burtonandrew55@yahoo.com

54

Turton &

Entwistle

by David Sudworth

M

Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something about pinewoods that feels distinctly continental.

Perhaps it’s because of the preponderance of them across the Channel. But coupled with the stunning views - reminiscent of the lower parts of the Rhine this walk certainly has a certain je ne sais quoi.

All photos by Peter Bretherton

There’s a couple of parking options at the start. There’s a pay and display (£1 for up to two hours, £1.50 for over two overs, free for disabled badge holders) or you can park for free on the small layby just before the car park on Batridge Road, BL7 0NF. Whichever you choose, it’s easy to find the gate, directly opposite the car park, which enables you to start off the journey. Picking up the public footpath, which hugs the south shoreline, it’s not long before you are greeted with the large expanse of water.

At this time of year, foxgloves are out in force, and what a beautiful sight they are.

The reservoir itself curves round to the right, and is hemmed in on both sides by pines; giving it that European feel. What struck us was just how quiet it is, although we did go on a weekday. In fact, it was so peaceful, the gentle lapping of water on rock could be heard in glorious stereo.

Eventually, the waters narrow into Cadshaw Brook.

Our walk missed out the first bridge, almost at the mouth of the brook, in favour of one further up. I’d recommend doing this, if only to have a careful boots-still-on paddle, in the brook, which is very shallow in parts.

You’ll notice here the colour of

55

Entwistle Fly Fishers via 01254 706713 or log on to www.entwistleflyfishers.co.uk for further details.

However, it’s not just fly fishers who are after the trout; for we noticed a heron standing by, waiting no doubt to catch some early dinner.

You do have to be alert here as it’s easy to walk past the footpath, which links to Edge Lane, as it’s a smallish opening in the trees. Once you’re at the top of the path, turn right onto Edge Lane itself and follow the road down towards the station, which has hourly Northern Rail service on the East Lancashire Line between Manchester Victoria and Blackburn. As an interesting aside, the station is

the water is brown; a legacy from the widespread mining of lead, copper and galena (a natural form of lead) which took place from the late 1600s.

Once across the bridge, you need to head straight on, not right as you’ll simply follow the northern shoreline, and head up to Fox Hill. This gradient does start to climb here, but the presence of those pine trees does give welcome respite on a hot day. Soon enough, we picked up the shoreline again, this part seeming to be a popular spot for fishermen, eager to land some native brown trout and rainbow trout. Day tickets are available from

actually a bit famous. Having been used as a filming location. In the 1986 film adaptation of Jeffrey Archer’s novel, First Among Equals, it is portrayed as Redfern Station. And more recently, it was Middlewood Station in the Phoenix Nights spin-off, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere.

Go past the Strawbury Duck pub and over the railway bridge, following the road down the hill.

As the road turns to the left look for the footpath on the righthand side of the road just before the reservoir. Again prepare for a bit of an uphill hike, until eventually the route leads you onto a bridge over the neighbouring Wayoh Reservoir. From

Wayoh Reservoir

ow Cr ad s Ro ore

B6391

rsh Ove

Strawbury Duck Inn

Entwistle Station

Turton & Entwistle Reservoir

Again, we found ourselves straining a few sinews to make our way up the valley back towards Batridge Road. As we battled the topography, it occurred to us that throughout this walk, we hadn’t seen one piece of litter, yet hadn’t seen any bins either - quite remarkable given that, even in the most beautiful areas, someone always seems to find it acceptable to discard their crisp packets/drinks bottles etc. Another reason to recommend this route.

Edge Lane

here, you get excellent views of the Armsgrove Viaduct, built between 1847 and 1848. The route back towards the car park takes you under the viaduct, enabling you to marvel at this huge structure and ponder just how they manage to create such elegant and long-lasting pieces of architecture when bridges these days seem flimsy by comparison.

Trees Lane

56

d Roa Arm s

Turton

ens

So if you’re thinking of a European break anytime soon, I’d recommend a trip to Entwistle;

Gre

In all, this walk was 3.7 miles long but with breaks for photography, it look us around two hours and 25 minutes. If you prefer to cycle, this route can easily be adjusted to suit because of the amount of rights of way in the area.

Fox Hill

Finally, we got back on to Batridge Road, turned left and we were back at the start.

continental-style views right here Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk in theensure Northyou West. 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.

57

Events & Leisure

What’s

on

Hollow Dog Sunday, August 30, Three -piece band at Bispham Hall Club, Smethurst Road, Billinge, from 5pm. Includes a charity raffles in aid of Crohn’s & Colitis UK.

Ormskirk MotorFest Sunday, August 30, From 11am-4pm. Put yourself in pole position to enjoy the North West’s premier free motoring spectacular and a fantastic day out for all the family.

This free event takes place around Moor Street, Aughton Street, Coronation Park, and Ormskirk town centre.

Blackpool Illuminations Friday, September 4 - Sunday, November 8

Promote your event

here!

Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in St Helens Ad prices start from £30 + VAT Call 01744 649722 for details

This year’s switch on will actually be a Switch On Festival, held over three days! The Friday will be the traditional free switch on concert. This will be headlined by Little Mix. They will also be joined by Texas who are celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Chart stars Pixie Lott, Union J, Neon Jungle and George Ezra will also be performing. Further details at www.blackpool-illuminations.net

Car Boot Sale Monday, August 31 Billinge Residents’ Association event at Birchley St Mary’s Club Car Park, Trent Road, Billinge, from 9am-1pm. £8 per car. Call 01744 603210 or 01744 893260. Toilet and refreshments available.

58

Rainford Show Saturday, September 5 From 1.30pm to 4.30pm in the village hall, Church Road. Annual competition for handicrafts, photography, confectionary, preserves, floral art, vegetables, fruit and much more. Prizegiving takes place at 4pm. For more information and entry forms, visit www.rainfordshow.co.uk

Guide Dogs & Staffie Angels Fun Day Sunday, September 6 Event starts with a dog walk around Orrell Water Park, Lodge Road. Registration will be open in the car park from 11am at £5 per adult. Dogs and children free. The walk starts at noon and will end at Orrell St James School and Social Centre at about 1pm where the Family Fun Day will start. The day is for everyone with or without dogs. There will be dog competitions, Billinge Dog Agility Team, Cruff Qualifiers, Phoenix Stars Dance Academy, barbecue, cream teas, bouncy castles, face painting and more.

Simon Weston: My Story Sunday, September 6 The Falklands War veteran tells his life story at Warrington’s Pyramid venue on Palmyra Square South. Tickets priced from £13-£14.50 and the event starts at 7.30pm. For more information, visit www.pyramidparrhall.com

Summer Fete Sunday, September 6 Held at Newton Community Centre, Park Road, Newton-le-Willows, from noon-3pm.

Free admission. Call 01925 224731 for more information.

Heritage Open Day Friday, September 11, - Sunday, September 13 Three open days to see Prescot Parish Church. This Grade I listed building has a long and varied history, with Jacobean ceiling and panelling, and Saxon font. Opening times: Friday, noon to 3pm; Saturday, 11am to 3pm; Sunday 1pm to 3pm.

Lancs Game & Country Festival Saturday, September 12 - Sunday, September 13 This new event will showcase many aspects of the local game industry as well as featuring countryside crafts, artisan food stalls, game cooking demonstrations, gadgets and technology.

Car parking is free on the 30 acre show site.

Admission is £10 for over 16s, those aged10-16 cosy £5 and under 10s go free. Location - is Woodacre Lodge Farm, Gubberford Lane, PR3 1BN.

Songs of Praise Sunday, September 13 Join Rainford Parish Church’s congregation as they sing their top 10 hymns from 4.30pm. All welcome.

Free Zoology & Nature Event Saturday, September 19 Held at Greenacres Woodland Burial Park, Blindfoot Road, Rainford. Over fives can enjoy an educational workshop with Knowsley Safari Park while adults listen to herbalist Diane Brown talk about the wonders which exist in the location environment.

Three slots are available; 10am, 11.30am and 1.30pm - all talks will be followed by a tour of the woodland and free refreshments. Booking necessary on 01744 649189.

59

Family Day Sunday, September 20 North West Museum of Road Transport,Hall Street, St Helens, from noon-4pm. Entertainment includes tombola and face painting. Organisers say it is an ideal afternoon out for the family and you can see the museum exhibits as well. Family tickets cost £10 (two adults and three children) under fives go free.

Adults £3.50, concessions £2.50 and under 16s £2.

Refreshments available,served from a World War II canteen van. Free heritage bus rides.

Newton-Le-Willows Flower & Vegetable Show Saturday, September 12 Open to the public from 2pm, at Penkford School, Wharf Road, Newton-le-Willows. Competitive classes for flowers, pot plants, vegetables, fruit, art, photography, baking, jam, chutney, flower arranging and also classes for children to enter.

There will also be a tombola and a raffle. The show will end with the presentation to the winners and an auction of the produce. Admission and parking free within school grounds. Refreshments available.

Contact Chantelle Seaborn at chantelleseaborn@ gmail.com call 07415 942418 or www.nlwgardeners. co.uk

CRAFT & VINTAGE BOUTIQUE Sunday 27th September Chalon Court Hotel, St Helens, WA10 1NG Craft & Vintage Fair Live music from Suzie Sequin Free Entry 10am-4pm riajewelsevents@yahoo.co.uk

Table Top Sale Saturday, September 19 Prescot Parish Church Choir holds a Table Top Sale in the Parish Meeting Room in Vicarage Place from 10am to 2pm. There will be a wide variety of stalls. Admission is free. and refreshments will be available.

Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning Friday, September 25 World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Houghwood Golf Club, Crank Road, Billinge, from 10am-noon. £5 per person all proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Tickets available from Houghwood, Billinge Café & Ice Cream Bar, Marken Travel in Billinge,The Shake Bar in Rainford, and Nik’s Hair Studio. Duke Street, St Helens.

Orrell Last Night Of The Proms Saturday, September 12 Outdoor music event at Orrell Cricket Club, Winstanley Road. DJ from 2pm, Crawford & Brown from 2.15pm, The Houghton Weavers from 3.30pm, Andy Crawford from 5pm, Take That tribute act from 6.30pm and Golborne Brass Band from 8pm10pm. Tickets £20 for adults, juniors (14-17 years) £7.50, under 14s free with a paying adult, gazebo spaces £5. Available from the cricket club bar, via www.orrell-live.co.uk or by calling 07545 501447.

Rainford Ladies Choir Saturday, September 12 Live at St Thomas’s Church, Warrington Road, Ashton, from 7.30pm as part of the Ashton Festival.

Worlds of Enchantment Wednesday, October 14 - Sunday, October 18 Enter the dazzling world of Disney magic, live on ice at Manchester Arena! Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favourite Disney stories; Frozen, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid and Cars. Tickets are priced between £16 - £41, booking fees apply. Visit www.manchester-arena.com

60

Annual Fundraiser Friday, September 25 Regular event organised by veteran fundraisers Kath McGuire, Edith Berry and Anne Hurst is to be held from 7pm at St James’ Social Club, St James’ Road, Orrell. Entertainment includes Skelmersdale Brass Band plus vocalist Stephanie Wood. Tickets £5 - call Kath 01695 721038, Edith 01695 623686, Anne 01942 515409 or buy tickets at the club.

Variety Show Saturday, September, 26 Fundraiser for Billinge’s Storehouse Project to be held at St James’ Club, St James’ Road, Orrell, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 - advance bookings would be appreciated on 07816 623612.

Wine Tasting Evening Friday, October 2 At The Blue Mango, Dane Court Rainhill. £29.95 per person which includes a set menu, live entertainment and disco until late. Call 0151 493 2875.

British Musical Fireworks Championship Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4 This is no ordinary firework display; over three nights you will see some of the best pyrotechnic companies battle it out to be the winner. Held at Southport’s Victoria Park between 6pm-9pm each day. Tickets cost up to £20.90 for seated and £7.32 for standing. Under fives go free. Log onto www. visitsouthport.com

Rainford 10k and Fun Run Sunday, October 4 Annual event in aid of the Steve Prescott Foundation, the Compassionate Friends and the still birth and neonatal charity Sands. The fun run starts at 9.45am, and the 10k starts at 10.30am. For more details and to sign up, visit www.therainford10k. co.uk

Living With Diabetes Wednesday, October 7 St Helens branch of Diabetes UK talk by Alan Melville with music by Les Jones. Starts at 7.30pm at St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square. For further details call 0151 480 0821.

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Thursday, October 8 Held at Knowsley Hall, Prescot, from 10am-noon.

Tickets £7 each. The hall will be fully open for guests to wander through. Contact Bernadette Platt on 01744 753478 for tickets or email sisthelens@gmail. com

Bottom’s Up Challenge Walk Saturday, October, 10 West Lancs Long Distance Walkers Association challenge to run or walk either the 13 or 22 mile route within the time limit of nine and a half hours, beginning at Hoghton Village Hall and visiting Hoghton Bottoms and Salmesbury Bottoms.

61

The walk includes field paths, woodland, canal towpath and moorland. Walkers are supported with refreshments at four checkpoints on the way round, and hot food at the finish. Certificates for all finishers. Advance entries £8 per person (profits supporting the North West Air Ambulance). Entry forms and more information at http://www.ldwa. org.uk/WestLancashire/W/1846/bottoms-upchallenge-2015.html or call 01282 690363.

Coffee Morning Saturday, October 17 Held at Rainford Parish Hall, Church Road, in aid of the Helen Marie Charity for sick and disabled children. Admission is 50p and the event includes a cake stall, tombola and raffle. 10 am start.

Indoor Meeting

Poppies: Weeping Window Sunday, November 1, - Sunday, January 31 Liverpool’s very own St George’s Hall will be the location for the travelling sculpture Weeping Window, created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper which attracted millions of people to the Tower of London.

Monday, October 12 Rainford Heritage meeting at the Junction pub, News Lane, Rainford, at 7.30pm. Ron Martin will present a short film about Liverpool Overhead Railway. Admission is £2.

Promote your event

here!

Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in St Helens Ad prices start from £30 + VAT Call 01744 649722 for details

Ben Fogle: Call of The Wild Thursday, October 22 Held at Warrington Parr Hall, Ben will recount how the self-confessed urbanite became drawn to, and so enamoured with, adventure, travel and the harsh challenges associated with a life in the wilderness.

Begins at 6.45pm Ticket price: £22/£19. Visit www. pyramidparrhall.com

Murder Mystery Evening Friday, October 23 Starts at 7.30pm at Inglenook Farm, off the Rainford Bypass. With professional actors in all roles, there is a huge emphasis on fun and laughter. Costs £39.90 per person - book via www.inglenook-farm.co.uk

Charity Beer Festival Thursday, November 12 - Saturday, November 14 Rainhill Rotary Club event to be held at the Recreation Club, Victoria Terrance, Rainhill. Opening times are 7pm-11pm on the Thursday and Friday, and 1pm-11pm on the Saturday. Entry prices are as yet to be decided. Visit www.rainhillbeerfest.org for more information.

62

Test drive

2015 Ford

Mustang

by Tim Barnes-Clay

I

love this car. Don’t get me wrong; it is always a delight driving press cars, but this is a motor I’ve yearned for since I was a kid.

My toy Mustang just doesn’t do it for me anymore – and with a price-tag of just £28k(ish) upwards, the mighty motor is affordable for many people.

But, money-aside, the big difference - no, the colossal difference, is that the 2015 Mustang is now obtainable in right hand drive.

sprint in 4.8sec – quicker than any Ford coupé in Europe since the limited Ford GT supercar came out ten years ago. The Ford Mustang 2.3-litre EcoBoost fastback manual does the 0-62mph time in 5.8sec.

time in its fifty year history – is presented with a 5.0-litre V8 block, or a fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. The 5.0-litre fastback with six-

You can enhance the Mustang’s performance to suit your frame of mind using selectable drive modes. And, away from the public highway, you can use Track Apps to keep an eye on driving performance. These can be controlled via the steering wheel and seen in the instrument panel.

They include accelerometer, acceleration timer and brake performance, which assess braking time and distance from a set speed.

speed manual transmission does the zero to 62mph

But what’s really out of the ordinary is the

The Ford Mustang – on sale in Europe for the first

Billinge &

Rainford Service and MOT Centre

Free pick up and drop off service available

Interim service and MOT from £95 inc VAT

MOT - £34.95 MOT Class 7 - £38.95 84 Rainford Road, Billinge, WN5 7PG and Sandwash Close, Rainford, WA11 8LY

Call - 01744 895 333 or 01744 886 720 Mobile - 07918 138 231

when you have a service and MOT at our garages Offer valid on production of this voucher Any make or model welcome

#

Full service and MOT from £130 inc VAT

£5 off

Billinge &

Rainford Service and MOT Centre

Part of SGN Autos Ltd

63

as standard with 19-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate control, LED tail lamps, and a rear diffuser.

The first 2015 Ford Mustangs are set to reach dealerships in Britain from October. I’m already starting to save up and tidy my garage. I need one – and it has to be the Fastback 5.0 litre V8.

Save £££s

on servicing costs for your German car!

Launch Control system, offered on the 5.0-litre manual model. It keeps the engine at a pre-set value between 3,000rpm and 4,500rpm with the accelerator pressed into the carpet. When the clutch is released, torque delivery to the rear wheels is harnessed for greatest traction and unfailing standing starts. The V8 Mustang is wicked off the line. Its muscle welds the back of your head to your headrest, and it’s all complemented with a tremendous musical engine note.

Experienced ex-Mercedes and Volkswagen Audi Group technicians will service your car at a fraction of main dealer costs!

We even pick up and drop off your motor free!

All repairs, exhausts, tyres, clutches, diagnostics, MOT work.

But the Ford isn’t just rapid in a straight line; the ride and handling are a revelation. A decent chassis and advanced technology help optimise driving dynamics to deliver the kind of sporty event you’d expect to have behind the wheel of a Mustang.

The new Ford Mustang is available in fastback and convertible bodystyles with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and features classic design elements including three-dimensional, tribar taillamps, signature trapezoidal grille and sharkbite front fascia.

Ford will start right-hand drive production of the first European specification Ford Mustangs in Michigan, U.S., in 10 exterior colours and equipped

84 Rainford Road, Billinge, WN5 7PG

01744 895 333 or 07918 138 231 19 Tatton Court, Kingsland Grange, Warrington, WA1 4RR

01925 818 180 or 07918 138 231

Part of SGN Autos Ltd

64

It’s been quite a

Award Winner

summer

by Angie Barker

T

hose of you who are regular readers will know that I’ve had quite a summer, so I thought I would let you know how it all went. On Sunday 28th June I held my second garden open day for the National Garden Scheme. We had over 130 visitors to the garden and raised £520 for the NGS cancer charities. The sun was shining (well eventually!) and we had a brilliant day. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came, NGS members, clients – past and present – and neighbours and my helpers. Hubby too played his part washing up and nipping to and from the shop when we ran out of tea bags.

The following week was my daughter’s wedding.

She looked stunning and what a lovely day we had. Hubby looked very handsome in his tails, the weather was perfect and even the BBC turned up to film a piece about Wigan Councils Registrar office.

The following week the happy couple flew off on honeymoon whilst Hubby and I took our four year old grand daughter to Anglesey where we’d spent many happy holidays when my daughter was small. Back then we used to get good summers – this year it was freezing cold and Nana (that’s me)

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.

was wrapped up in jumpers and cagoule whilst the little one happily skipped in and out of the sea even though her legs were blue – why is it children never feel the cold? We had a great week but do you know - the child NEVER stops talking – she even talks in her sleep! Then, with the happy couple back from honeymoon, it was mine and Hubby’s time – time to relax, time to reflect on the events of the previous few weeks – time for a weeks holiday in the Cotswolds. A lovely little cottage, surrounded by fields, was just the ticket.

Yes, its been quite a summer – and I’ve loved every minute, I’m a very lucky lady.

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk

Award Winner

65

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Puzzle

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Answers are on page 71 of this magazine

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67

Home services

Decorators, plumbers, builders...

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UPVC CLEANING

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69

Need An Electrician?

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70

• WILSON BROS •

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Est. 1985

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71

Useful numbers Billinge & Garswood Cllr D McDonnell Cllr S Murphy Cllr J Pearson Billinge Medical Practice Garswood Surgery Billinge & Garswood Police Team Billinge Parish Council Clerk Seneley Green Parish Council Clerk Billinge Library Garswood Library

01744 678 061 01942 743 098 01942 743 021 01744 892 205 01744 621 670 0151 777 6054 01744 892 355 01744 892 167 01744 677 535 01744 677 797

Blackbrook Cllr L Maloney Cllr P McQuade Cllr A Cunliffe

01744 677 036 01744 678 937 01744 677 280

Haydock Cllr Banks 01744 676 109 Cllr A Burns 01744 677 295 Haydock Med Cen. (Dr Breach & Prns) 01744 624 360 Haydock Med Cen. (Dr Roberts) 01744 22 272 Haydock Library 01744 677 801

Puzzle

Moss Bank Cllr J Fletcher Cllr J Fulham Cllr P Lynch Windermere Medical Centre Moss Bank Library

01744 884 984 01744 616 253 07986 484526 01744 739 645 01744 677 988

Rainford Cllr A Jones Cllr R Nichols Cllr L. Mussell Rainford Health Centre MacRae Medical Centre Rainford Library Rainford Parish Council

01744 893 367 01744 676 109 07740 422 764 01744 882 855 01744 882 606 01744 677 820 01744 884 709

General Medical St Helens Hospital Wigan Infirmary Whiston Hospital Minor Injuries Walk in Centre Police & Councils Merseyside Police Greater Manchester Police St. Helens Council

01744 26 633 01942 244 000 0151 426 1600 01744 627 400 0151 709 6010 0161 872 5050 01744 676 789

solutions

The photo on page 66 is of Eagle & Child Inn on Church Road, Rainford