St Helens Edition
September 2016
Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Garden Diary... www.locallife247.co.uk
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Great
outdoors
W
hether it’s the time of year, I’m unsure, but this month we report on a few stories which can loosely be filed under the ‘outdoorsy’ category. Allotments in Billinge (secured and thriving), playing pitches (not enough across the area), Green Belt (under threat in Pewfall)... none of them are directly linked, but it does show that people value open space. Recently, my other half and I were flying back home following a trip abroad. As I peered down, right from the Norfolk coast to Terminal Two at Manchester, all I could see was greenery. Once on terra firma, it felt markedly different. This prompted me to do a bit of digging and I came across a very interesting statistic. According to research by the National Ecosystem Assessment, the proportion of the UK which is actually built on is a mere 2%. But before anyone starts thinking about eating into the remaining 98%, there needs to be a serious debate about where new development falls. St Helens Council, for instance, is currently in the process of creating a new Local Plan - a document which will set out which pieces of land can and cannot be developed in the immediate future. The locations will be crucial. People value outdoor space, and guard it jealously. So when, over the next couple of years, you are asked for your views, take the opportunity. Why? Because it’s not only your right as a local resident, but also your duty...
David Sudworth - Editor davids@locallife247.co.uk Next issue - October 2016
Advertising deadline - Tuesday 13 September Published - Friday 23 September
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In this issue Pewfall
Nadiya’s
28
64
protest
kitchen
Jack’s Tracks visits
Degrees of
learning
Hilldale
35
70 Test Drive - Fiat
Greenfest?
2016?
Tipo
59 ?
76
Regulars 23 Planning 26 Class from the past 62 Puzzle corner
Telephone: 01744 649 722 66 Eating out guide 67 What’s on 70 Jack’s Tracks
Sections 6 Local news 35 Education 56 Travel 64 Food & drink
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David Sudworth sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter Bretherton
design@locallife247.co.uk
Distribution: Sally Boon
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
Accounts: Sam Garrahan accounts@locallife247.co.uk
67 Leisure 74 Gardening 76 Motoring 78 Home services
Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Local Life Media
Publisher: Chris Pearce
@locallifemedia
Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis. 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. 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.
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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Allotments open
day
Plot holders are celebrating their first full growing season at Billinge’s new allotments with an open day. Families and schools have all mucked in to turn the piece of land, next to the play park on Rainford Road, into an oasis of self-sufficiency. Lorna Mitchell, who is a member of the newlyformed Billinge Horticultural Society, has a plot with her husband, Peter, and children Ewan, aged five, and Winnie, aged three (pictured). She said: “We love it here, especially the kids, as they get to spend hours in the fresh air. There’s no Pokemon Go allowed here!” The society received the keys in March 2015 following years of campaigning by local folk.
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“It has been a rollercoaster of emotions,” says Lorna. “Just a few weeks ago, the allotments were broken into, sheds vandalised, the beehive pushed over, a children’s slide and a plot owners bench stolen and burnt. This was heart breaking for many of us. The plot owner that keeps the bees was stung 19 times trying to rescue them. They were very unhappy for a day or two but have settled nicely now.” The open day is on Saturday, September 3, from 1pm-4pm. All welcome.
MONDAY 19.00 - 20.00 Upholland Methodist Church, Alma Hill, Upholland. TUESDAY 19.00 - 20.00 Highfield St Matthews CE School, Highfield. WEDNESDAY 19.00 - 20.00 Billinge Chapel End Labour Club, Main Street. THURSDAY 19.00 - 20.00 Lamberhead Green Working Men’s Club, Pemberton
All levels of fitness welcome £5.00 per class. Come along and shake what ya mamma gave ya!
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Call for more
pitches
More sports pitches are needed across local villages to cope with demand. That is the assessment from leisure chiefs who identified a lack of certain types of playing areas in Billinge and Seneley Green, Rainford, Haydock and Blackbrook. The St Helens Council Playing Pitch Strategy, which is currently being reviewed, found that, across the borough, there is a shortfall - and it is expected to rise further in the next 16 years. Sports which are fully being catered for include hockey and cricket. In contrast, rugby league and union, as well as football, has a lack of provision.
Concerns were also raised about the quality of the publicly free tennis courts in the borough, saying the state of them can often prevent them from being used. For bowls, the majority of greens are said to be of good quality and have spare capacity. The largest shortfall came in rugby union pitch provision in Rainford. For rugby league, there are shortfalls in Haydock and Blackbrook. It means the onus is now on not only creating new spaces, but protecting the ones which are currently available. Mark Dickens, head of regeneration, said in a report: “ The supply and future demand is based on match sessions rather than actual number of pitches. The strategic recommendations fall into one of three
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categories: Protect - for example through protective planning policies and securing the tenure of sports clubs; Enhance - for example pitch improvement measures such as drainage, adopting a tiered approach to the management of sites, partnership working on funding bids; and Provide - for example remarking of pitches to increase capacity, securing long term community usage at school sites and, subject to relevant planning policy, the development of new pitches such as ‘hub’ sites.”
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Distributors required Local Life magazine seeks distributors for delivery of this magazine and leaflets in the following area; Haydock
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Kings Moss Good rates paid, delivery bags and maps provided. You will be at least 13, healthy, energetic and be prepared to work for 2/3 hours once every 8 weeks.
Walk on Free health walks are now being held every two weeks in Billinge. The strolls, lasting around 30 minutes, are on Tuesdays from 6pm and start at Billinge Library, on Main Street. For more information, call 0300 300 0103 or visit www. healthysthelens.co.uk
Have your say The next Have Your Say community police meeting in Rainford takes place on Thursday, September 8. It starts at 6pm at Rainford Police Station. Locals are being invited to go along to discuss nonemergency policing matters of general interest to the village.
If you’re interested, email sallyb@locallife247.co.uk with your name, address, a contact number and your date of birth.
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Ali’s new
venture
The boss of St Helens’ famous Tyrers department store has opened her new venture in Rainford. Ali Tyrer’s Ellamore clothes shop is now open for business at the former post office and bakery building on Church Road. The married mum-of-three took the painful decision to close Tyrers, which had been trading in St Helens for 128 years, back in January. Ellamora - a name derived from her youngest daughter’s name, Ella, and Ali’s middle name, Mora, is filled with stylish clothing for what Ali describes as “yummy mummies” and also chic babywear for 0-2 year-olds. She said: “I love Rainford. Although I live in Prescot,
I have been part of Rainford for a long time – since the children have been coming to school. It has been a really positive place for us and a lot of Tyrers customers live in Rainford too. “Ladies fashion is the main thing but we will be doing babywear from newborns up to age two. My vision is for lifestyle fashions which are affordable and stylish with good brands like White Stuff and Great Plains. I will also be doing accessories like handbags, jewellery and scarves plus gifts like candles and reed diffusers.”
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Cash boost for
groups
Community groups and charities in Rainford were the recent beneficiaries of a £3,500 pay out from the proceeds of the 2015 Rainford Christmas Fayre.
Tennis Club, Rainford Scouts, Rainford Maritime Cadets, The War Memorial Fund and the Rainford Community First Responders.
As a result of all the hard work, sponsorship and support from everyone involved, the Rainford Christmas Fayre Committee handed over the cheques at a recent presentation in the Village Hall attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens.
Due to fairly horrendous weather, the 2015 Christmas Fayre had to be held indoors in the village hall, but despite this, the event was a massive success and well supported by residents. The 2016 Christmas Fayre is on Saturday, December 3, and organisers say preparations are already well under way.
A £250 cheque was presented to each of the following groups; Rainford Amateur Dramatics, Rainford Silver Band, Rainford Bowling Club, Rainford Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association, Rainford in Bloom/Scouting Allotment, Corpus Christi Primary School, Crank Bowling Club, The Heritage Society, Rainford Ladies Choir, Rainford
If you feel that you could contribute in any way, either by helping on the day or providing sponsorship/raffle/tombola prizes, then please contact one of the committee members. Any help would be gratefully accepted. Please call Elaine Stabler on 01744 601101 or James Sowler on 01744 882835 if you can help.
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Great Wall trek
Making the cut
Willowbrook Hospice is looking for intrepid explorers to join its latest fundraising challenge
Could you cut £27m from St Helens Council’s budget? Cash-strapped local authority chiefs
- trekking the Great Wall of China next year. The five day trek (October 16-20, 2017) will include walking through wild landscapes with one of the great wonders of the world as the backdrop. The trip will be rounded off with a visit to Beijing and an opportunity to visit specular sights such as Tiananmen Square. The price is a £349 self-funded registration fee, plus raising a minimum of £3,000 in sponsorship. This fee includes, among others, all meals on the trip, flights excluding taxes, all transfers and transport in China, accommodation in a hotel for three nights, tents/lodge accommodation on the trek for four nights, bottled water for trekking, professional English speaking guides, a challenge leader and a full first aid kit. For more information, contact Mark Pilkington on 01744 453798 or email markp@willowbrookhospice.org.uk
have thrown down the gauntlet to local taxpayers by urging them to use their online You Choose budget simulator to see if you could do a better job of meeting “unprecedented financial pressures”. The You Choose simulator can be found at www. sthelens.gov.uk/budgetsimulator - or give your views via contactcentre@st.helens.gov.uk or by calling 01744 676789.
Harvest lunch Rainford Parish Church’s Social Committee is holding a harvest lunch on Sunday, September 18, from noon at the parish church hall on Church Road. It’s a take your own drinks affair and tickets, which cost £12 each, can be bought by calling 01744 883904.
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Flats for medical This is what proposed flats for the Haydock Medical Centre site could look like. The Station Road location is set to be cleared when staff from the centre move to their new state-ofthe-art building on Woodside Road. In its place, a pair of residential apartment buildings - 16 flats in total - could be built. The formal proposals are now being looked at by St Helens Council, with a final decision due in November.
centre? Papers submitted on behalf of the applicant, Dr Martin Breach, said: “The buildings are designed with traditional pitched roofs, which respond to the domestic scale and appearance of the surrounding residential areas. The positions of the two buildings has been discussed at length with the planning department, with the smaller block being located adjacent to Station Road. The larger building has also been positioned to ensure the mature trees which form an important part of the Clipsley Lane street scene are not adversely effected.”
... And 36 homes planned for old cottage hospital site Objections have been lodged over a scheme which could see 36 new homes built on the old cottage hospital site in Clipsley Lane, Haydock. The outline proposal, which comes complete with an underground car park, has prompted protests. The site previously housed a cottage hospital for colliery workers. Built in 1886, it became a general hospital in the 1950s but was demolished a few years ago.
Concerns with this scheme include that the new build it is out of character with the surrounding area. However, the applicant says the new build would reflect elements of the old building which would “preserve the memory of its heritage value” with tone heads and cills, dentil courses and stone arches. A decision is due to be made by St Helens Council towards the end of October.
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20
Counting the
cost
The cost of repairs after Boxing Day floods forced a road closure in Rainford is set to exceed £¼m. Pasture Lane was shut following the deluge, which caused damage to a retaining wall, and the collapse of a footpath and an old cast iron gas main. It has now emerged that the cost of all the repairs is likely to be around £300,000. Permission is currently being sought from the Environment Agency to reconstruct the retaining wall. An ecological survey will also be commissioned to check for protected species, such as water voles, in the area.
Rainford Cllrs Allan Jones, Linda Mussell and Rob Reynolds said: “Several people have been asking us about the repairs. Although there doesn’t seem to be a lot happening at the moment, the council is working hard to get the whole issue sorted. “The job is rather complex but it is something we must get right, otherwise we could be in the same situation again. “It is estimated the whole job will cost up to £300,000 - the council is now pursuing this with the Department for Transport and other bodies. “We will do our best to keep people informed of progress as it happens. We just ask people to be patient as we are doing all we can.”
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Family support Home-Start St Helens is recruiting for family support volunteer workers. They offer friendship and practical help to local families and help parents to develop the strength and emotional wellbeing that benefits their children. Volunteers are required to keep records of visits to families and provide these to the scheme coordinator. Full training is provided, with the next course starting on Tuesday, September 20. For more information, call 01744 737400 for further information or email volunteerathomestartsthelens@outlook.com
Poetic licence A poetry evening is being held at Billinge Library, Main Street, on Wednesday, September 14. Starting from 5.30pm and finishing at 6.30pm, the hour will be spent looking at the works and lives of poets from the Liverpool area. All welcome.
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Planning Matters Billinge
Haydock
42 Coultshead Avenue: Flat to pitched roof on existing front dormer. (ref: P/2016/0611/HHFP) A decision is due by October 7.
Vans North West Ltd ,Haydock Lane: Erection of a new showroom/offices. (ref: P/2016/0614/FUL). A decision is due by October 10.
Blackbrook
Rainford
Sams Wines, 51-53 Blackbrook Road: An externally illuminated fascia sign, one hanging sign, and window and door graphics. (ref: P/2016/0583/ADC) A decision is due by September 27.
Corpus Christi Primary School, Old Lane: Erection of a timber outdoor classroom. (ref: P/2016/0590/
Garswood 85 Victoria Road: Certificate of lawfulness for a single storey rear extension. (ref: P/2016/0597/CLP). A decision is due by October 4.
FUL). A decision is due by September 29. 28 Moss Lane: Demolition of detached garage and erection of single storey side extension to both sides, single storey rear extension along with alterations to existing roof and removal of chimneys. (ref: P/2016/0615/HHFP). A decision is due by October 11.
For more information on these plans, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk
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Class from the
past
This month’s Class from the Past is from 30 years ago, we believe it’s from Rainford High. Maybe you
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Triathlon returns The Tabern St Helens Triathlon is heading through Crank and Rainford on Sunday, September 25. Starting at Eccleston Mere it will include a Standard and Sprint triathlon distance. The cycle section will tackle Shaley Brow into Orrell and back down past the Lancashire Manor Hotel through Crawford Village then into Rainford High School, who will host the second transition area. The Standard triathletes will head back out to Crank for another loop of the cycling course with the sprint triathletes setting out from the school onto a 5km course around Rainford. On completion of the 25 mile bike ride the Standard triathletes will attempt the Rainford 10k course. If you are interested in taking part, visit www.sthelenstriathlon.com
Tell us your story! Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve. Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition! Simply email us at sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk
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Green Belt
battle Families and developers are locked in a fight over the future of Green Belt in Haydock and Pewfall. David Sudworth reports...
“I
t’s not what we want to be doing at this point, but we can’t just stand by and watch it happen.”
Paul Parkinson may have retired from the legal profession, but he still speaks in the measured tones you’d expect of someone who has spent years analysing the minutiae of English law. The 69-year-old is sitting in the front room of his Springfield Park home, on the Haydock side of the East Lancs Road. He’s joined by his wife Glennis, 65 and their neighbour, mum-of-two Angela Bulger. Aside from a brief comment about recycling (it’s bin collection day on the estate), the conversation is dominated by one subject; plans to build two massive warehouses on fields between them and Liverpool Road, Pewfall. Communities, sliced apart by the thunderous A580, have come together to fit the proposals.
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On the face of it, developers Bericote look to have ticked many boxes. They claim it will create thousands of jobs (the nature and number of which is disputed by protesters), the site has good access to the East Lancs and they are - in economic jargon - “shovel ready”, promising to start building early next year. But, and it is a massive but, the fields in question are currently classed as Green Belt. “They say it’s an extension of Haydock Industrial Estate when it’s virtually doubling the size of it?” says Paul, who is committee chairman of Residents Against The Florida Farm Development. “If it gets passed, it’ll be a 24-hour operation with lorries and forklift trucks.” “We’ve lived in Springfield Park for 24 years - it used to be an RAF camp until the 1980s. There’s never been an application of this sort for the Florida Farm site in all the time we’ve been here. When we heard about it, we knew we had to do something.” Glennis, a former St Helens librarian, agrees: “We went to an exhibition about the plans at the Ibis Hotel in Haydock. When we saw the plans we just thought ‘oh my God’. There was a lovely old gentleman there and he was in tears. That’s when we decided to act.”
250 people also packed into a public meeting with the local MP and councillors, but residents are critical about what they claim is a lack of support. “We’ve just been met with a wall of silence,” says one. This means that, to a large degree, they’re using people power to make their case.
“One old gentleman was in tears” “We’ve got over 1,400 people on our Facebook page and have a fighting fund set up,” says the Parkinsons’ next door neighbour Angela. “We’ve distributed leaflets, made placards, written letters and got expert advice. We’re fighting hard.” Paul, Glennis and Angela then take me to meet some of the other protesters, who have congregated on Liverpool Road. They’ve brought along their placards. Some hand out leaflets, and they get several motorists showing their support with an enthusiastic honk of their horn, each one raising a defiant cheer.
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And it appears that even people who don’t live directly near the site are turning up to give their support. Mary Turton, 65, has lived in Haydock all her life. A former English Martyrs pupil, she now lives in Homestead Avenue, near the library, but is still concerned about the plans: “This could have a wide impact on the area. That’s why I’m here - it’s about showing your support for the fight against it.” The campaign has certainly kept Liverpool Road
One local who joined the protest was retired teacher Bernard Lazenbury, 66, (above) of Garswood Road. “If this Green Belt is taken away, we’d have no buffer between us and Newton-le-Willows. It’s the thin end of the wedge. I’ve got nothing against jobs, it’s good for the St Helens borough economy, but they’ve got to be in the right area. The sheer scale of these warehouses is ludicrous.”
resident and retired engineer Barry Greenall (pictured below) busy. The 65-year-old has made over 60 placards which have adorned the area. He’s supported by wife Catherine, 63, a former pupil and teacher at English Martyrs Primary.
Self-employed plumber Jonathan Smallshaw (below), 52, has lived on Liverpool Road since 1988. In that time, he’s seen the road get busier: “The vibrations you get from lorries will be dreadful, not to mention the effect on wildlife. “Since I’ve been here, we’ve managed to get the speed limit reduced from 60mph to 40mph. The police are well aware that it’s an accident blackspot.”
“We are up against it,” says Barry. “The developers are coming up with claims of how many jobs it will create, and when we’ve looked into it, they’re just guesses.” So what of the applicants, Bericote? A national company with offices in London , Leamington Spa and Manchester, they expect to develop over two million square foot of distribution space across the UK this year. Among their portfolio of clients are DHL, Ocado, Fed-Ex and Rolls Royce. They’re bullish about the proposals to create 135,000 square metres of employment space at Florida Farm North. Alongside the minimum 2,500 jobs they say it would create, they’re also saying it would generate £2m a year in business rates for cash-strapped St Helens Council. However, the site is still classed as Green Belt which
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a major economic development and allow the council to decide whether it should go ahead. “Since the St Helens Core Strategy was adopted in 2012, the Council has undertaken further research, which demonstrates the need for 177–241ha of land to be made available for employment uses over the next 20 years, of which 100-130ha is for logistics uses. Removing sites from the Green Belt to satisfy this requirement is unavoidable. means that, in theory, the council could refuse them planning permission on the basis that it would fall foul of current planning policy. So why would a company submit an application which runs a higher risk of being rejected than one for perhaps a brownfield site? The answer is three-fold. Firstly, the council is currently looking at updating its Local Plan, a weighty document which sets planning policy for the immediate future. Included in this will be the allocation of land for new homes and, crucially, employment. It’s generally thought that St Helens Council will have to release some Green Belt land in order to meet Government targets. Second, the owner has formally asked planners to consider reclassifying the land. The third, and arguably the most crucial element in this saga, is that there is a developer ready, willing and able to make the scheme happen - in short it’s ‘deliverable’ in planning-speak. A spokeswoman for Bericote told Local Life: The “St Helens Local Plan is currently being updated in line with higher estimates for local growth, making this an appropriate time to bring forward
“The planning statement, which is a public document, describes the ‘very special circumstances’ that justify these proposals. There is an overriding need to provide large-scale logistics buildings in St Helens, in order to meet the needs of the Liverpool Superport, the Northern Powerhouse and the objectives of the Local Enterprise Partnership and Local Authority. Large-scale logistics buildings are needed to meet these needs and
“Removing sites from Green Belt is unavoidable” there is a lack of alternative sites in St Helens. “The economic, social and environmental benefits associated with the scheme are also listed as a special circumstance. This development will create jobs for at least 2,500 people. The buildings will have world class sustainability credentials and local residents will also benefit from significant new ecological areas, including a six-acre publicly accessible woodland park.” The full planning application, and background documents, can be viewed at www.sthelens.gov. uk - case reference P/2016/0608/HYBR. The deadline for public comments is Friday, September 2. A final decision is due to be made by the end of November.
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Sportsman’s dinner
Ann’s Billinge date
Former Saints star Neil Holding will be guest speaker at a charity sportsman’s dinner at The Mansion House, Victoria Park, City Road, St Helens, on Friday, September 9. Holding, who played for St Helens between 1977-1989, will be at the event which is being held to support Mid Mersey Age UK. Tickets are £30 and can be obtained from 01744 752644 or email enquiries@aukmm.org.uk
An Irish singer who had a top 100 hit will be live in Billinge on Wednesday, September 14. Ann Breen, whose Pal of My Cradle Days song spent a number of weeks in the charts from 1983-84, will be at St Mary’s Social Club, Trent Road, from 8pm. For ticket details, call 01695 625260.
In fine voice? Haydock Male Voice Choir is looking for new members. The group meets on Tuesdays: 7:30pm: at Haydock Conservative Club, Belleraphon Way, and again on Fridays, 7:30pm at English Martyrs RC Church, Piele Rd. For more information, call David on 01925 299 972 or visit www.haydockmvc.com
Here to support you… in your hour of need. • • • • • •
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55 Main Street, Billinge 01744 892260
100 Parr Stocks Road, St Helens 01744 27928/22810
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www.fwmarshfunerals.co.uk
199 Warrington Road, Whiston 0151 431 0696
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Stylish Oak Furniture
at Great Prices! Large Range of Solid Oak Furniture
Dining Tables & Chairs, Sideboards & Occasional Furniture
Bargains Galore! In our new clearance centre Slight seconds and end of line pieces
Tony’s Promise “I guarantee that you won’t find furniture of this quality at a better price anywhere in the NW – and if you do, then I’ll beat the price!”
THE OAK SPECIALISTS www.billingefurniture.co.uk
01744 893 785 07710 487 977
Barrows Farm, Carr Mill Road, Billinge, WN5 7TX
(Carr Mill Road is next to the Texaco Garage in the village)
Call in today - we’re open 7 days a week!
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Degrees of
learning 24 page education special
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Learning
curve
W
elcome to Degrees of Learning - the Local Life guide to all things educational in your local area. Each edition will be brimming with ideas, support, interesting features and most importantly, information to guide you in making the right decisions for your child’s education or enhancing your own. We will be discussing useful topics covering everything from tips to beating the back-to-school costs to dates for college open days and adult education courses. So whether you are parent looking to cut costs when it comes to the kids or parents of a school leaver looking for their next step – we will have the information right here! We will also be bringing you all the local open event information. So if your child is finishing school in July and they’re not sure what to do next, then have a look at some of the colleges that are advertising open events – there are hundreds of full and part time courses on offer from traditional A-Levels to Public Services, Hospitality & Catering and Engineering.
Features 37 Parents ‘oversharing’ on Facebook 38 Individual tuition 42 Village school’s top marks 43 Beat the back to school costs 44 Dyslexia 48 1st Class Carmel 50 Diary dates 42 45
Primary School Crawford Village Rainford Brook
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Individual Tuition Kathryn Carman
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Further Education & Apprenticeships St Helens College St Helens College St Helens College St Helens Chamber St Helens Chamber Carmel College
Teacher Training 38 WCPSD
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Parents ‘oversharing’ on
Facebook? W
hen a baby or child achieves something fantastic - from taking their first steps to coming top in an exam - it’s hard for many parents not to jump straight on social media to share it with the world.
But have you ever thought about how your post may be perceived by others? New research shows 93% of parents believe social media encourages them to ‘overshare’ about their babies, and more than a quarter say they feel under pressure to keep up every week, with 12% admitting to feeling this pressure almost daily. The problem, it seems, is many social media fans who are also parents feel other mums and dads tend to make claims about their children that are either untrue or exaggerated. This in turn may make other parents feel bad because their child hasn’t achieved the same thing. The top culprits identified in the survey are ‘Super Mum’ posts, unrealistic achievements and new baby milestones. Mum-of-four and parenting author Sarah Ockwell-Smith points out that social media can be a great virtual support network
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for mothers, building a community on which they can lean on and turn to for advice. “For a lot of new mothers, this is an incredibly positive experience,” she says. “When your baby achieves something, you’ll likely want to shout it from the rooftops, both in the real world or on social media. “However, the comparison with others online can cause some mothers to be overwhelmed by feelings that they aren’t good enough. “Be a more ‘sensitive sharer’, particularly if you’re aware of friends having a hard time parenting or even conceiving a baby.” • Know your audience: Are any of your close friends or family struggling with something, or are there issues that would be better to avoid with them? Consider this before posting on social media - many topics or opinions are better suited to conversations in person, as you can read each other’s feelings much more easily. • Check in with friends offline Sometimes sharing with the masses means we’re lazy at communicating with friends who really matter. Some people overshare as a cry for help, so if you think someone you know might be having a hard time, engage with them directly. • Don’t dismiss friends’ concerns Pay attention - sometimes people just need a listening ear, other times you may want to help them seek professional advice. • Celebrate others’ achievements too If your friend is really proud of her baby for saying his first word, for example, share in her pride.
lack of confidence and spiralling anxiety for the child and concern for the parent/carer. Don’t panic – there is help available in the form of fully qualified tutors and tuition programmes, all designed around each student that will help to meet those gaps in understanding and learning. Whether you choose a national franchise or a local tutor here are a few points to consider: • How well you think your child would respond to tutoring • Has your child got the potential to improve his or her grades • How well you understand the National Curriculum subjects yourself and whether or not you have time to offer extra coaching
Do YOU want to teach ?
Then come along to one of our Open Evenings... Tuesday, 10th October & Tuesday, 1st November St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan All open evenings will be 5:30pm - 7:30pm We are looking for graduates who have the potential to become outstanding primary or secondary school teachers of the future. Our School Direct teacher training program, accredited by Liverpool Hope University, leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and 60 credits toward a Liverpool Hope Masters in Education.
Individual tuition How does it feel to find a subject difficult in school? Or to feel frustrated at the lack of challenge? A difficult question for a student to answer - until you ask them to draw a picture! The results can be eye opening, for parent and teachers alike. Whatever the cause of the difficulties, whether it’s a problem with reading, spelling, writing or maths, the result is usually the same. A
For further details about primary teacher training visit www.wcpsd.org.uk. For further details about secondary teacher training visit www.catholicsd.org.uk Applications for September 2017 open at the end of October 2016 and can be made via www.UCAS.com (Search for provider codes 2A4 and course code 2XT7)
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Village school’s
top marks
A local school deemed to be needing improvement just over two years ago has now been classed ‘outstanding’. Crawford Village Primary came out top for leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behaviour and welfare as well as early years provision in a recent inspection. In February 2014, Ofsted inspectors found that the school required improvement - singling out issues such as marking of work, slow progress and instability as a result of management changes. Two years on and Ofsted had nothing but praise - saying the headteacher is “a shining example of inspirational leadership” and that the teaching is
now “outstanding.” Lead inspector Kathleen McArthur added: “Standards have risen rapidly since the previous inspection. Progress is accelerating securely, and many pupils exceed the progress expected of them. Pupils are very happy in school and their behaviour is outstanding. In lessons, they are unfailingly keen, persevere and do their best.” Headteacher Gillian Wilton, who took over in September 2014, said: ““This is a wonderful achievement and is testimony to the unwavering commitment and hard work of a fantastic staff team, supported by a strong governing and parent body. We are extremely proud of our pupils who make Crawford Village Primary a very special school.”
‘This is an outstanding school’ Ofsted May 2016
Places available from Nursery to Year 6
OPEN WEEK ber w/c 26th Septem
awford Village, Crawford Rd, Cr 9QP Up Holland, WN8
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Beat the back to school
T
costs
he sun may be shining but there’s not much of a warm glow around parents’ finances at this time of year. Not only are we still trying to hammer out the dents in our budget made by entertaining the kids over holidays, but the cost of sending them back to school is also coming up fast. As well as the more obvious purchases, such as school uniforms, stationary and packed lunches, there are ‘hidden’ costs to consider too, including gifts for teachers and parking. Research suggests parents will spend nearly £1,000 on food and drink, around £590 on after school clubs and around £540 on transporting their offspring, every school year.
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Another £120 a year goes on outfits for proms and parties, as well as £150 on gifts and donations, while sports kits and uniforms often total £290. Year 7 - the transitional first year of secondary school - is the most expensive, costing parents an average of £6,800.
• Label everything to help your child keep track of their belongings and avoid having to go out and buy the same thing again.
Meanwhile, Year 4 was found to be the priciest primary school year, typically setting parents back £6,400. Interestingly, the research found boys to be more expensive than girls. The cost for parents of sending a boy to school was £5,500 a year on average, compared to £3,900 for girls.
• Pay online. Many schools provide a service that allows parents to pay for their child’s school excursions, visits and school meals online - no more sending the kids to school with cash in
• Bulk buy uniform - it could save you money on the initial purchase, and means you’ll use the washing machine less often.
hand.
Here are some Local Life tips that may help to ease the financial strain: • Buy uniforms early to give you more choice and help avoid disappointment. • Check with the school before buying new technology to find out which devices are actually allowed in the classroom.
Tackling
dyslexia
Dyslexic people are likely to find learning skills like reading and writing much harder than other people, but they can be helped by careful, systematic teaching. That’s according to the Dyslexia Association, a registered charity established in 1971 to provide support for dyslexic children and adults. It says there are well-established methods for teaching reading and writing to dyslexic people, and with patience and hard work, they are effective.
Private Tuition
Available for Reading, Phonics, Writing & Spelling For more information please email Kathryn on
Kathryn.Carman@outlook.com
Telephone: 07739 030 043
A spokesman said: “Dyslexic children learn most easily if their difficulty is identified early, and appropriate teaching methods are introduced, but it’s never too late to start. Dyslexic adults, teenagers and older children benefit from understanding their own individual learning style and pattern of strengths and weaknesses. That way, they can study and work in a way which is most likely to be successful. They can learn strategies appropriate to their learning style.” For more information, visit ww.dyslexia.uk.net
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Rainford Brook Lodge Community Primary School At Brook Lodge we want ‘MAGIC’ children. Our whole school strives towards developing these qualities so that the children can be the best that they can be.
ASPIR
GROWING
AT
IONA Our c L urricu lum a teach nd ou in g enc childr ourag r en to es be th e bes they t that can b High e. qualit y tea perso nalise ching and ensur d feed es ch back ildren challe are alw nged ays to im supp prove ortive in a mann er.
r Tadpoles Starting with ou h to Year 6, (Nursery) throug couraged en our children are how to be to as and educated hy. alt he d an fit sport this lar cu Our extra-curri t success ea gr a en year has be cipation in with a high parti d a growing tournaments an ca trophy binet!
MOT
IV
ATED ren a re m they o tiva feel s afe, h ted whe read n appy y for and a cha Our ‘G lleng e. rowt appr h Mi oach n dset t o lea child ’ rn ren t hat h ing teac dedi h a e rd w catio ork a s n are nd the s teps succ to ess. Child
INDEP
END
ENCE Whet her it b e s ettling in to o ur Ear ly Yea settin rs g or ru nning ‘Fruit a to Suit ’b in Yea r 6, we usiness are alw lookin ays g at d evelo and e ping ncour aging indep enden ce.
CONFIDENCE
We’re very proud of our ‘MAGIC’ children and the education we provide. Rainford Road, Feel free to contact the Rainford, St Helens, school ofce and book an WA11 8JX appointment to see our w onderful school in action. Telephone:
We provide a ta ilored curriculum that suits all abilities as wel l as offering a range of extra -curricular opportunities with an extensive rang e of sports, choir, musical theatre, dance, and art clubs. There’s somethi ng for everyone to he lp build confidence an d try new things.
01744 678816 Fax: 01744 678815
Email: brooklodge@sthelens.org.uk www.rainfordbrooklodge.sthelens.sch.uk
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1st Class
T
Carmel
Hundreds of A level students throughout St Helens awaited their results with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. In Carmel College’s class of 2016, students achieved a very impressive 99% pass rate with 52% of grades at A*-B and 79% at A*-C. BTEC students were also very successful with 100% BTEC course pass rate and 84% of BTEC grades at Distinction*/Distinction. Here are just a few examples of the many success stories at Carmel this year:
Lucy Hughes (A*A*A)
Eight students are continuing their studies at the prestigious Oxbridge Universities including former De La Salle student Megan Wellens (AAAA) who is off to Oxford to read Philosophy; former Cowley student Jack Huang (A*A*AA) who will study Mathematics at Oxford; former Rainhill High student Ryan Ellison (A*A*A) also off to Oxford to read Biochemistry; and former Haydock student Lucy Hughes (A*A*A) who will read Law at Cambridge.
Lee Hodgetts (AAA)
A few examples of other St Helens student achievements include former St Cuthbert’s students Samuel Fishwick (A*AA) and Connor Duffy (A*AB); former St Augustine’s student Lee Hodgetts (AAA); former Haydock students Beth Lyon (AAA), Daniel Anders (Dist*/ Dist*/Dist) and Ellie Anders (Dist*/Dist/Dist); former Rainford students Amelia Southward (AAA) and John Delaney (AAA); former Rainhill student Emma Morgan (Dist*/Dist*/Dist*); former De La Salle students Emma Fairhurst (A/Dist*/Dist*/Dist*), Jack McKeon (A*A*A*B), Edward Neal (A*AA), Lewis Gregory (A*A*A) and Helena Abbott (A*A*A). Rob Peacock, the Principal of Carmel College was delighted. He commented, “A Level results day is one of the highlights of the college year. The class of 2016 has excelled. The students’ results are first class and they are absolutely thrilled. It has been a real privilege to share their success and to have the chance to wish them all the best in the next stage of their lives. I know they will go on to even greater success.”
Beth Lyon (AAA)
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Diary dates Location
August:
September:
Enrolment Event
25th August
St Helens College
Enrolment Event
26th August
St Helens College
Enrolment Event
30th August
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
30th August
Wigan & Leigh College
Enrolment Event
30th August
St Helens College
Enrolment Event
31st August
Wigan & Leigh College
Enrolment Event
31st August
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
31st August
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
6th September
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
8th September
Hindley High School
Adult Enrolment
13th & 14th September
St Helens College
Adult Enrolment
14th September
Open Week
W/C 26th September
Abraham Guest Academy St Jude’s Catholic Primary School St Mary’s College St Mary’s College
Open Evening
29th September
Open Afternoon
29th September
Open Event
29th September
Open Event
1st October
ProCo NW
Open Evening
14th October
WCPSD
Open Evening
10th October
Open Events
19th October
ProCo NW
Open Evening
5th November
WCPSD
Open Evening
1st November
Open Events
10th & 19th November
Carmel College
November:
Event Date
St Helens College
Crawford Village Primary School
October:
2016
Carmel College
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Introducing Café
W
Millais
elcome to Café Millais, located on the Ground Floor on The Millennium Centre.
My name is Alan Renshall, and in May 2016 I was appointed Manager of Café Millais. Since my appointment, along with my Assistant Diane, we have extended our menu and now sell hot and cold food between the hours of 8.00 am – 4.00 pm. We are open to the public. We also provide a snack service, after hours, provided by our Security Staff.
We continue to increase our customer base and have introduced a Loyalty Card Scheme. At Café Millais we welcome your comments and ideas. In addition to our Menu we also display a number of Daily Specials, many of which are home-made. During periods of ‘Hot Weather’ customers can use the Café Garden to enjoy the Café Millais experience.
Catering for everyone, all our products are available to take away or relax in the pleasant atmosphere of our Café. My objective is to cater for our customer’s needs, with well-presented fayre at a very reasonable price. Please call and see us, a smile and warm welcome awaits you.
FREE
POT OF TEA
with every lunch time meal for 2 *Available between the hours of 12pm to 2pm
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Looking back
Academy’s joy The first crop of students at St Helens College’s new A-Level Academy are celebrating with some
Rainford in the 1930s-1940s is the theme of Rainford Heritage Society’s Open Day. The event is being held at Rainford Village Hall, Church Road at 10.30am on Sunday, September 11. The programme of event is as follows: 10.30am-3.45pm: Period music, displays, children’s games, Brownies’ tuck shop, pie and hot pot shop, Women’s Institute Cafe.
impressive results. The facility, set up in 2014, achieved an 98.2% overall A level pass rate with all but one subject achieving a 100% pass rate, and a 100% pass rate in subjects including English Literature, Mathematics, History and Biology. The AS results are also very strong, with more than half the subjects achieving 100% pass rates.
11am: Official opening ceremony led by Rainford Parish Council chairman Dianne Nicholls.
Principal Jette Burford, Principal of St Helens College, says, “These results highlight the hard work and dedication provided by our students and teaching staff”
4pm: Raffle draw
11.15am-3.45pm: Reception room - continuous 1930s-1940s archive video film. 12.30pm: Sihouette Dance Group 3.45pm: Citadel Arts Band
For more information about Rainford Heritage Society, visit www.rainfordheritage.co.uk
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Travel
Land of fire and
R
esearch conducted by TravelSupermarket suggests that the top five travel experiences for Britons compiling a Bucket List are; visiting the pyramids of Giza, driving along Route 66 in the USA, walking on the Great Wall of China, going on an African safari and number one on the list is, wait for it, a trip to see the Northern Lights. Named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, the aurora borealis season runs from late September, but the best time to go is between October and March. Some of the most spectacular displays occur in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Greenland and also from a small island that England football fans are still having nightmares about, Iceland. Northern Lights aside, there’s plenty to see and do in Iceland. Widely known as The Land of Fire and Ice, where else can you find volcanoes, mountains, fjords, glaciers and glacial lagoons, black sand
ice
beaches, lava caves, and towering seaside cliffs less than 3 hours away from Manchester? As the Iceland Tourist Board put it - Iceland is not a destination. It is an adventure. The island is home to both some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the most active volcanoes in the world. From the moss covered lava fields in the southwest, through the barren highlands in the centre, to the soaring fjords in the northwest, a drive around the abundant natural beauty of Iceland will be a trip to remember. Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, is an outstanding cultural hub, with galleries, theatres, museums and public gardens to satisfy the most avid of culture vultures, and with a music festival virtually every month, the city caters for virtually every music taste. But there’s a lot more to Iceland than the capital. The Blue Lagoon pools, 5 miles from the main highway between Reykjavik and International
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Airport, are on most visitors’ agendas. Formed as recently as 1976, people began to bathe in the unique water and apply the silica mud to their skin, and those with psoriasis noticed an incredible improvement in their condition. However, you will find other spectacular geothermic hot pools dotted around Iceland’s countryside, so ask locals for their recommendations. And if that’s too tame for you, you can take a ride into the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Using the type of rickety-looking lifts that window cleaners use on skyscrapers, you will be lowered down a 120-metre drop right into the belly of the volcano. The last eruption occurred thousands of years ago, but the inside of the cavern is stained with russet red scars and flashes of blackened indigo. You’ll then be given time to wander around If that gets your adrenalin going, what about trying whale watching? Iceland is Europe’s best place for whale watching. Humpbacks, minkes, bottlenose and blues ply the fish-rich North Atlantic and Arctic
See the Northern Lights from Iceland 4 days fly drive package at 4* Hotel Ranga from £825 pp 5 day break in Reykjavik from £685 with guided excursion options Now direct flights from Manchester Pop into Marken Travel or call us today for a free brochure on holidays in Iceland
Independent Travel Specialist 200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE
Telephone: 01744 893291
www.markentravel.co.uk
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waters around Iceland. The best place to see them is from Husavik on the north coast. r 99 per cent success rates for sightings, and the surroundings – a quiet, calm bay flanked by snow-capped mountains – are magical. Whilst the place used to have a reputation as expensive, the crash of 2008 hit Iceland hard and it’s now come within reach for your average British holidaymaker. Marken Travel in Billinge have teamed up with Regent Holidays with a number of tempting short break offers including a 4 day fly-drive offer at the 4 star Hotel Ranga in remote
Iceland night Tuesday, 4th October, 6.30pm Wine and nibbles Call 01744 893291 to book
Iceland from £825pp or an excursion led 5 day winter break from £685pp. These breaks include direct Manchester- Keflavík flights. For more details about experiencing the Northern Lights from Iceland this winter, come along to an evening with Regent Holidays on 4th October at Marken Travel in Billinge. The host for the evening, which starts at 6.30pm, will be John Hardcastle who has just returned from Iceland. Refreshments will also be served. For more details, call Marken Travel on 01744 893291
Going on your Hols? Manchester & Liverpool airports Comfortable & clean vehicles Can seat up to 16
Billinge Mini Travel Established 1990
01744 894 533 Incorporating H&I Travel 01744 609691 Owned & Operated by Brian Scott
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Greenfest
2016 F
estival fever hit Billinge with a passion when the annual Greenfest event took place at Greenslate Farm. Blessed with good weather throughout the day, the event on Saturday, August 4, attracted over 3,000 visitors, and the music went on well into the night. Visitors to the festival enjoyed browsing around the farm, shopping at the numerous stalls, circus attractions, tepee games, food and drink, and of course, the non-stop music from 16 acts such as Chonkinfeckle, Red Eyed Jedi, the Quaintest Show on Earth and Starjump and Moonie. Greenfest was held at Greenslate Community farm, which is a 30 acre working community farm growing fruit and vegetables and raising livestock, and sells produce direct to the community. One of Greenfest’s 2016 organisers, Dawn Heywood, said “It was a tremendous success with over 3,000 visitors attending and contributing to our most successful event yet. We are extremely grateful to the local community for their generous support of Greenslate Community Farm and all profits raised will be put towards the future upkeep of the farm and its various activities. We would like to put on records our thanks to the artists, staff and volunteers who donated their time and worked tirelessly to put on such a fantastic event�.
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Look up! And get
more space
at home for just
£287
+ 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 £287+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
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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!!! Darren & Jenny - Stockton Heath
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. I am really pleased with the outcome, with the very fair cost and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. Margaret
Puzzle
Sudoku Answers are on page 80 of this magazine
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corner
63
Legal
L
matters
ocal law firm I E Legal Solicitors in Prescot offer the full range of legal services from buying and selling property, business law, dealing with disputes through the courts, family law and wills, probate and powers of attorney. Whatever your legal needs, I E Legal Solicitors can help. Principal solicitor, Dominic Cooper explains how the firm works, “I E Legal aim to help you, no matter what your legal need is. Innovation and Expertise is our motto, and it drives everything Dominic Cooper that we do. We like to think of ourselves as a LOT more approachable than traditional legal firms, with friendly legal expertise.” Their office is in Prescot, an historic market town with a great range of local shops and historic architecture which is undergoing something of a revival. Plans to build a Shakespearean theatre in the town have been referred to by David Cameron referred to as “an excellent proposal”. “You can come to do your shopping in Prescot and simply pop-in to our office, on the main pedestrian High Street. It really is very convenient and with plenty of free parking it’s ideal.” said Dominic. “We know that people can sometimes find solicitors intimidating or stuffy, so we’ve made sure our legal
team are approachable and accessible. It’s all about convenience for our clients, but without sacrificing any legal expertise or skill.” Of course professional expertise can be expensive and many solicitors charge high fees. With cut-backs in legal aid, this can have an impact on being able to afford solicitors. Delia Leyland-Cooper is the Office Manager as well as a paralegal law graduate herself. “Being based in a local town means that we can keep our costs low, and aren’t as expensive as for example, a Deila Leylandlarge firm in the City Centre”, Cooper Delia advised. “We do whatever we can to make our services affordable. For wills, conveyancing, court cases worth less than £10,000, legal advice, solicitors letters, powers of attorney and business services, IE Legal offer fixed, low-cost fees. Delia further explains, “Wherever we can’t offer a fixed fee, we give an accurate estimate of cost and do not incur any fees without your up-front say so. Horror stories of people going to solicitors and then six months later getting an unexpected bill for thousands of pounds would never happen with us!” So whatever your legal needs, give I E Legal Solicitors a call today!
Looking For Expert Legal Advice? • Low Cost Divorce • Low Cost Conveyancing • Business Law & commercial property • Disputes & litigation • Accident claims • Low Cost Wills and Probate Our friendly and easy to appraoch advisors can deal with your issue by telephone or face to face Call FREE on
0800 612 9427
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Food & Drink
Nadiya’s
“I
kitchen By Ella Walker
don’t do fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, because that means flavour-free, and I like flavour,” states Nadiya Hussain happily.
Characteristically frank and open, Nadiya beat fellow bakers Tamal Ray and Ian Cumming in the BBC’s 2015 Bake Off final, thanks to a combination of pure charm, fantastic facial expressions (“I didn’t know my face did that by the way,” she admits with a laugh), and a knack for inventive bakes that sent saliva ducts up and down the country into overdrive. A year on, she’s celebrating the launch of her first cook book, Nadiya’s Kitchen (“My fourth baby”), has made the Queen’s 90th birthday cake, and has her own TV show in the pipeline - the brilliantly titled The Chronicles Of Nadiya - exploring her Bangladeshi food heritage. “I don’t know,” says the 31-year-old, when asked why people so instinctively warmed to her, during Bake Off and since. “I don’t even get it! Maybe because I just rattle on, talking to anyone like I’ve known them forever. “The one thing my husband said when I went on was, ‘You don’t want to go on there and not be yourself. You’re not an actress, you’re not a showman, just go on and just be yourself’, and that’s what I do - I’m only ever myself.” The Luton-born mum-of-three, who wed husband Abdal in an arranged marriage when she was 19, struggles to get her shopping done these days without being accosted by affectionate fans. “That’s what it comes with,” she says of the attention. “Everybody I meet is always really positive and somewhere in the sentence there’s always, ‘We’re really proud of you’, and for people I don’t know to say they’re proud of me, that’s a big deal.” Most impressively perhaps, this is the woman who made Mary Berry cry on national television. “No one’s ever done that, but I have!” she beams, laughing. “I can’t believe she cried.” If you’d like to cook like a Bake Off winner yourself, try one of these three recipes from Nadiya’s Kitchen...
Nadiya’s Kitchen by Nadiya Hussain is published in hardback by Michael Joseph, priced £20.
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Cod and
clementine
Serves 2 Ingredients 5 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 1/2 onion, diced 1tbsp tomato puree 1tsp fine sea salt 200ml water 1/2tsp turmeric 1tsp paprika 1tsp ground cumin 2 clementines, peel only, sliced Juice of 1 clementine
Method Heat the oil in a medium pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the crushed garlic and diced onion. Turn the heat down and cook gently until the onions are soft. Add the tomato puree, salt and water. Cook for a further five minutes over a low heat. Now add the turmeric, paprika and cumin, and cook gently for another five minutes. Keep adding small amounts of water if it starts to catch on the bottom. Add the clementine peel and cook for 10 minutes, until the peel is soft and almost falling apart. Use a potato masher to mash all the peel - breaking it up will intensify the flavour. Add the fish, cover and cook for 10 minutes over a low heat.
A large handful of coriander, finely chopped
Squeeze in the clementine juice. Once the fish is cooked, take the pan off the heat and sprinkle over the chopped coriander.
Basmati rice, to serve
This dish is best eaten with hot basmati rice.
300g cod fillets
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Eating out
guide Sing Faye Restaurant
The Stocks Tavern
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. 01744 738882 East Lancashire Road, Carr Mill, St Helens, WA11 9AE singfayerestaurant.co.uk
Warmest and friendliest of welcomes with award winning chef Mike Heap, who uses only the finest, freshest, local ingredients to ensure you leave completely satisfied. 01257 462874 16, Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN thestockstavern.co.uk
Plantation Restaurant Now Open! From wholesome breakfasts and a delicious lunchtime menu to traditional Lancastrian afternoon teas, the new Plantation Restaurant at Warbreck Garden Centre is the place to go. 01695 722960 Lyelake Lane, Lathom, L40 6JW warbreckgardencentre.co.uk
The Simms Road Inn Homemade pub food classics made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning Steak & Ale pie, supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner. 01744 894246 Garswood, WN4 0XH burtonandrew55@yahoo.com
Lovels Bistro Tasty food, happy times and great value - you’ll not be disappointed with the quality, taste and service. We’re more than just a great wedding venue. 01695 624 426 Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ hollandhallhotel.co.uk
Quattro’s 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
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Call 01744 649722
67
Events & Leisure
What’s Ormskirk MotorFest
on Ride The Lights
Sunday, 28th August
Tuesday, 30th August
Billed as the North’s biggest free motor event, the Ormskirk Motorfest is a fabulous feast of sounds, smells and automotive design and technology over the last 100 years, from thundering stock cars to the sweetest sounding vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles – all in Ormskirk town centre. See and hear a Formula 1 car start up and run! Limited free town centre parking is available but you can park at Edge Hill University for £5 per car and take a free bus ride to town in an historic bus. 11am-4.30pm Ormskirk Town Centre (Edge Hill L39 4QP) www.ormskirkmotorfest.com
Blackpool lights Illuminations preview and cycle gathering. Ride along the traffic free Blackpool Promenade and enjoy the fabulous Blackpool Illuminations before the official switch on. Trams will be running for those without bicycles. 7pm to 10pm Blackpool Promenade, Lancashire, FY1 5BD
Canal Fest Sunday, 28th and Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August Two days of free festivities and entertainment for all ages on land and water for the first annual Canal Fest at Botany Bay. This celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal will feature boat rides, a narrow boat flotilla, classic car display, swing boat rides, Punch and Judy, canoe display and vintage bus rides. 10am-4pm Botany Bay, Chorley PR6 9AF www.botanybay.co.uk
Blackpool Illuminations Friday, 2nd September – Sunday, 6th November Autumn just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Blackpool’s world famous Northern Lights. Hop aboard an open top tram for the clearest views of the lights, relax in a horse drawn carriage as a romantic treat or simply walk the 10km along the front with your bag of fish and chips! Blackpool Promenade, Lancashire, FY1 5BD www.blackpool-illuminations.net
Rainford Show Saturday, 3rd September Come and enjoy a traditional country village show in Rainford and check out the rich variety of exhibits which are the result of the enthusiasm and hard work of villagers. Classes include handicrafts, photography, confectionery, preserves, floral art, vegetables, fruit and flowers. 1.30-4.30pm Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford WA11 8HB www.rainfordshow.co.uk
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Culcheth Beer Festival
Orrell Proms
Friday, 9th & Saturday, 10th September
Saturday, 10th September
Organised by the Newton Rotary Club, the annual Culcheth Beer Festival features 40 different cask ales, various ciders and even a prosecco bar! Designated drivers enjoy free drinks. The event has live music, a hog roast and all proceeds go to Newton Rotary’s charity work – last year the event raised almost £15,000. The £5 entry fee includes a free commemorative festival glass and programme. Friday 5pm-11.30pm Saturday noon-11.30pm Culcheth Sports Club, Charnock Road, Culcheth WA3 5SH www.culchethbeerfestival.org
Orrell Cricket Club present their 2nd annual Last Night of the Proms event, held at their ground off Winstanley Road in Orrell. Performers include Brother Beyond, X-Factor’s Carolynne Poole, soul and Oasis tribute bands, Andy Crawford and, to round off the night, the Golborne Brass Band. Tickets must be bought in advance from www. orrell-live.co.uk 2pm-11pm Winstanley Road, Orrell WN5 7XF www.orrell-live.co.uk
Wigan Diggers Festival Saturday, 10th September
Southport Air Show 2016 Friday, 9th, Saturday 10th & Sunday, 11th September If you’re looking for a fun and exhilarating day out then look now no further than the Southport Air Show – recently voted the number one family day out in the North West! For the first time, there’s Friday night flying, topped by a fireworks finale. Tickets start from £6.50 on Friday, and £8.50 on Saturday/Sunday. Children under 5 go free. Southport Beach www.visitsouthport.com/southport-air-show
Charnock Richard Classic Vehicle Show Saturday, 10th & Sunday, 11th September There will be tractors, trucks, cars, motor cycles, trade stands, table tops with a vintage theme, games, refreshments, etc. This will be held during Charnock Richard Scarecrow Festival when there will be other activities throughout the village. Free admission. 10.00am to 5.00pm Church Lane, Charnock Richard, PR7 5HS
A free-fun packed open air event in Wigan town centre commemorating Gerrard Winstanley and the 17th Century Diggers’ Movement. Attracting a crowd of around 4,000, this 6th annual festival consists of live music across two stages and this year’s headliners are: The Railway Children. Other attractions include poetry, comedy, educational talks, children’s entertainment, a Digging reenactment, a beer tent and 50+ stalls. 11:00 am - 9:30 pm Wigan town centre www.wigandiggersfestival.org
Flower & Vegetable Show Saturday, 10th September The Newton-le-Willows Gardeners Association hosts their long established annual show in the village, sponsored by Newton Rotary Club. Exhibits include flowers, pot plants, vegetables, fruit, art, photography, baking, jam and chutneys. Prize giving starts at 4.15pm, and exhibits will be sold off afterwards. 2pm-5pm Penkford School, Wharf Road, N-le-W WA12 9XZ www.nlwgardeners.co.uk
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Walton Gardens Country Fair
North West Vintage Rally
Sunday, 11th September
Saturday, 24th & Sunday, 25th September
Simply Walton Garden’s biggest event of the year! With rural crafts, amazing live arena acts, live music, children’s fun fair, crafts stalls, farmers market, gourmet hot food, real ale and narrow boat rides. And if that’s wasn’t all – admission is free! Walton Gardens, Higher Walton, Warrington, WA4 6SN 10.30am-16.30pm www.warrington.gov.uk
Free family day out for all the family at Victoria Park in Widnes. The largest event of its kind in the UK, this rally has hundreds of classic cars and bikes, plus miniature steam engines, model boats, a vintage funfair and the Spitfire Grand Display team. 10am-5pm Victoria Park, Widnes, WA8 7SX www.northwestvintagerally.co.uk
Lancashire Game & Country Festival Saturday, 10th & Sunday, 11th September Lancashire’s first game and country festival, showcasing many aspects of the local game industry together with country pursuits, food halls and stalls. There will also be clay pigeon shooting, a theatre of food and a terrier show. Dogs on leads are welcome. Adults, £11, Child £6 (10-16), Children under 10 free Woodacre Lodge Farm, Scorton, Preston, PR3 1BN www.lancashiregamefestival.co.uk
Animal Magic Saturday, 24th & Sunday, 25th September Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough will be hosting their enormously popular Animal Magic weekend on these days. In addition to existing attractions, there will be the chance to meet an armadillo, baby crocodiles, wallabies, meerkats, chameleons, alpacas, snakes, bearded dragons, owls, eagles and vultures! Book online to save 10%. 9.30am-6pm Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 0TA www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
Southport British Musical Fireworks Championship Friday, 30th Sept, Saturday 1st Oct, Sunday, 2nd Oct International standard displays from some of the best pyrotechnic companies in the UK over a three night period. The fireworks are synchronised and choreographed to music and a story unfolds with every 15-20 minute display. Watch the sky over Southport become an array of colours. Tickets start from £7, children under 5 go free. Victoria Park, Southport, PR8 2BZ www.visitsouthport.com
The Family Pet Show Saturday, 1st & Sunday, 2nd October The Family Pet Show (the only indoor Pet Show that you can bring your pet to) includes dog agility displays, a mini-farm, fun dog shows and lots more. With four main interactive areas of watch, play, learn & have a go, plus areas for all pets in dog world, cat world, furries world, bird world & exotic world there is something for every pet lover. 9.30am to 5.00pm Adult, £9, Child, £7 Event City, Phoenix Way, Manchester, M41 7TB www.thefamilypetshow.co.uk
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sponsored by
Hilldale &
Hunters Hill by Chris Pearce
P
arbold is a well-known mecca for local walkers, who frequent the village each weekend from Spring to Autumn, bringing custom to the pubs and cafes in the village. This walk focuses on the area directly north of Parbold; Hilldale, Bispham Green, Mawdesley and the lofty Hunters Hill quarry, from where you can catch some magnificent views of Lancashire’s countryside. The walk isn’t a long one by Jack’s Tracks standards – just 4.6 miles – but there are a couple of killer hills to experience and your calves will be aching come Monday morning!
Hunters Hill to Cedar Farm Park up in the car park at Hunters Hill. Enter the site via a horse stile by the wooden gate, turn right then take a direct left and follow the footpath that runs parallel to the wooden fence. The views to the right are fantastic on a clear day and you can see Liverpool, Southport, Blackpool and beyond. Keep to the path which eventually descends out of the site. The footpath changes to a dirt track; follow the track downhill and it eventually becomes Hillside Avenue in Hilldale. When you get to the end of the road, turn right onto Chorley Road, and carry
71
on along the footpath for 400 yards. Once you reach Springmount Farm on the left, cross over the road and hop over the stone stile where the public footpath symbol is. Walk through the small field for 130 yards until you reach Grimshaw Green Lane. Turn right and follow Grimshaw Green Lane for 300 yards until the junction with Malt Kiln Lane. Turn left and follow Malt Kiln Lane for 450 yards ignoring the public footpath sign on the right. Just before you reach a couple of brick semi-detached houses, take a right turn down a dead end road which leads to Sills Farm. Follow this road for 200 yards then take a left turn at the public footpath sign and go across the fields. Follow this path in the same direction for ¼ mile until you cross a stile and take a few steps down to Back Lane. Turn right down and follow this quiet country lane for just over ¼ mile until you reach Cedar Farm. Turn right into the car park at Cedar Farm. Cedar Farm is a good stopping off point on the walk; there is a café and also a rather nice coffee house too. Be warned though, the coffee house is that comfortable, that you won’t want to get up after a drink and some cake! Cedar Farm to Hunters Hill Resume where you left off and head down the path on the right hand side of Cedar Farm. You’ll spot a footpath sign in the far right hand corner. Go left through the gate and follow the path until you reach a track. Turn left again and follow the track for
225 yards until you reach Back Lane once more. As you exit onto Back Lane, turn right and you’ll spot a public footpath signpost 50 yards away. Hop over the stile and follow the path which runs parallel to the line of the trees. When the trees end, carry on in the same direction, heading towards the metal gate. Cross the stile next to the gate and then turn right. You’re now on a quiet country road called Moody Lane. Follow Moody Lane to its conclusion 450 yards later with the junction with Bentley Lane. Turn left and then first right, heading up a no-through road in the direction of Lower Gauges House.
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You’ll follow this road, mainly uphill, for 550 yards. Follow the track as far as you can possibly go; and when it bends to the left near the black metal railings there is a gate. Go through the gate which takes you up a narrow footpath with a stone wall on your left. When you get to the top of the path, hop over the little stream and cross the stile. Once you have crossed the stile, take an immediate left turn uphill and then cross the next wooden stile. Try and spot a well hidden public footpath symbol on the telegraph pole to the left, but in any event stay on the left hand perimeter of the field by the wooden fence, heading uphill all the way. Hop over the next wooden stile, again keeping to the left hand perimeter of the field. Once you’re halfway up the hill, the fence will start to veer to the left;
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Harrock Hill
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Jackson’s Lan
Bispham Green
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Green Lane
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Windmill
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Cho
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Harrock Hall
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Hilldale
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Start / Finish Hunters Hill
B524
6
High Moor Lane
B5246
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Lane
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carry straight on the path towards the stile in the distance by the perimeter of the woods. Unless you suffer from vertigo, take a look behind you at this stage – there’s a breath-taking panoramic view of Lancashire on offer! Cross the aforementioned stile and follow the fenced path uphill through the woods. Once you reach the stone wall, bear right and head over the large wooden stile. Once you’ve negotiated the stile, turn right downhill. It’s worth mentioning that if you fancy seeing the disused Harrock Hill windmill, then turn left at this point and it’s a couple of hundred yards distance in the other direction. So, you’re heading downhill at this point. When the path forks bear right, and cross the wooden stile into a field. Head downhill down the left hand perimeter of the field, dodging the gorse bushes and you’ll end up at the bottom left hand corner of the field. Cross the stile, and head straight on down the concrete path. Bear to the right and follow that path until it meets the public highway 300 yards later. Turn left down Jackson’s Lane. A few yards further on, you’ll come to a fork in the road; bear right and follow Jackson’s Lane for a further 200 yards until you reach the junction with Bannister Lane. Turn left and head up a steep hill, for a calf- straining 500 yards until you reach the car park. If you want a rest (and you will want one at this point, I can guarantee), take a right turn just 40 yards short of the car park entrance and follow the pathway which leads to a couple of benches where you can have a
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well-earned rest and take in the magnificent views once more! Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.
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What
if...
by Angie Barker
Award Winner
D
o you ever have a moment when you ask yourself “why am I doing this?” I can guarantee that on the last Sunday in June, around 5am in the morning, I am asking myself that very question. That is the day when I open up my garden to the public under the National Garden Scheme. I will have spent every waking hour for the past week checking the weather forecast, weeding, mowing, pruning, staking, painting the shed, buying new plants to fill gaps in colour, pressure washing paths, putting labels on plants, ordering cup cakes and stocking up on tea and coffee. And then when the day finally comes and the hard work is done, I start to ask myself : what if nobody comes what if it rains all day what if people don’t like it what if my helpers get struck down with a terrible disease and can’t come what if we run out of cup cakes (we never do) what if someone falls in the pond
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.
Well this year, it did rain and so although numbers were down on last year, people did come. The visitors loved the garden and my wonderful helpers were fit and healthy and manned the door and made the teas. We had a surplus of cup cakes and nobody fell in the pond. Why do I put myself through this every year? Well, we raise a few hundred pounds for the cancer charities, I also enjoy answering visitors questions about the garden and people seem to enjoy their visit. I get the chance to meet other gardeners and people who live in my street and who I’ve never spoken to before. Most of all I hope it gives encouragement to people to show that whatever size of garden you have and no matter how overlooked, you can have a little oasis of your own which gives you an escape from the stresses of modern living. Thank you to everyone who came and to Hubby who was quietly in the background, telling me it will all be fine. Put Sunday 25th June in your diary for next year. That’s the day I’ll be asking myself, at 5am in the morning, “why am I doing this?”
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
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Garden Services
Garden Services & Landscaping
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Test drive
Fiat
Tipo
T
1.6 Multijet II 120
by Tim Barnes-Clay
he Italian auto-maker is blunt about its intentions: the all-new Fiat Tipo is a car without frills and, even though it’s more or less emulating Dacia’s marketing strategy, its real competitor is the likes of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback.
Now, I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the all-new Fiat Tipo is, in my opinion, better looking than the Czech-made car. This is due to its elegant nose design, and neater overall shape. The Fiat Tipo’s price begins from a remarkably low £12,995 on the road, which is bound to shake up the British motoring market. The fresh Fiat Tipo is hitting our shores in September in five-door hatchback and ‘Station Wagon’ (estate) guises. The body forms are indistinguishable from the rear doors forward and the outside of the Tipo really doesn’t ooze ‘budget’ by any means. It’s only when you step inside that the ‘no frills’ element kicks-in. Some of the all-new Fiat Tipo’s switchgear is from the Fiat 500 range’s parts bin – as is the steering wheel. These components of the car feel good to the touch – it’s the plastics at knee-height on the doors and the dash that give the game away. The synthetic material is so cheap that it sounds hollow and scratches if you run your fingernails lightly over it. But, as with many things in life, there’s light and shade – and the Fiat Tipo’s factory-fitted kit tips the car back into the good books. All 2016 Fiat Tipo models receive six airbags, electric windows, DAB digital radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
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We tested the flagship ‘High’ trim version (equivalent to Fiat’s ‘Lounge’ spec) of the Fiat Tipo hatchback at its launch in Turin. Equipment at this level includes sat-nav with TomTom LIVE services, climate control, a rear view camera and 17-inch alloy wheels - pushing the price-tag up to £17,995. The car we drove came with Fiat’s well-known 120hp 1.6-litre Multijet II diesel power unit - but the range also offers the choice of a 1.3-litre oilburner and 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines. Behind the wheel, it’s evident that the all-new Fiat Tipo has been put together so that it delivers comfort over everything else. Turin’s pot-hole ridden roads were a walk-in-the-park for the Tipo hatchback – its soft suspension enabling the car to sail over them without any discomposure in the cabin. Point the all-new Fiat Tipo’s nose into a corner rapidly, though, and body roll is perceptible. The wellweighted steering helps to make up for this slightly, but it still doesn’t make you feel as connected with the tarmac as you’d like to be. From a power point of view, the all-new Fiat Tipo’s 1.6-litre oil-burning unit is nothing exceptional, but the car’s six-speed manual transmission impresses with its positive-shift action. In lower gears lag is obvious and, while it’s a quiet cruiser, things become rowdy from 3,000rpm onwards. It tugs well, though, once that rev range is reached and is swift enough for the class of car. Its carbon dioxide emissions of 98g/km are just below the Skoda Rapid Spaceback, which in 1.6 TDI CR 115 SE Tech guise emits 99g/km of CO2. Pricing is similar - the Skoda being just £675 cheaper at £17,320. The all-new Fiat Tipo gets things right again when it comes to room. It’s even lengthier than a far more
Fast
facts
0-62 mph: 9.8 secs Combined mpg: 76.3 Engine layout: 1.6-litre 4cyl diesel (hp): 120 CO2: 98 g/km Price: £17,995
expensive Volkswagen Golf, so legroom is bountiful for rear seat occupants. The slanting roofline cuts into head space a little at the back, but this will only concern passengers over 6ft tall. The hatchback’s load-area is seriously decent, too - class leadingly so at 440 litres. In real-world terms, that’s more than enough space for the weekly shop and a couple of toddlers’ buggies. All things considered, the all-new Fiat Tipo is mediocre to drive and its cabin quality isn’t the best. But it does look good; it has bags of room; it’s comfortable and it comes loaded with kit. So even though 2016’s Fiat Tipo has a few negative points, it still represents good value for money.
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Home services
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no
Heat Pumps
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
NG...and general SERVICI Savings
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services Energy daily...
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
FREE
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS
Dennis Goulding
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
A49
and we’ll provide you with a detailed report showing the returns your
available from Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
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Natalie
Mossy Lea Road
01744 649722
LED Lighting
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
VAN CAR & motorcycles too es E ...and Lash Tan Book X y your FREE Spra H ils home survey eds A Sunb & GeTl Na Health Telephone: Check 01257 427 000 U ic Car rton Acryl and Brethe B5250
For more information call
A5209
me 7PG Check e WN5Keep Health Visit our showroom at , Billing 400 FREE Car on - 6PM Unit 4a, Road 4 619 your Shevington ford ay 10AM Book Cricket Street Business Park : 0781 Call now Saturd hone : 84 Rain - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM y 603923 off Miry Lane, Standish
, Friday & Sunda ngineers esday Thursday TwinLakesMotorE ay, Wedn Closed
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Mond
01772
REPAIR
Wigan. WN6 7TP
DING & WEL
Slash your electricity and water heating bill Protect your household from future energy price rises Reduce your household’s impact on the environment
Call us now
0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
we make it our business to help yours
Advertise
here
Advertise your business in this section from £35 + VAT a month For more information please phone
01744 649 722
80
Improving your home? • Fitted Kitchens • Loft Conversions • New Bathrooms • Conservatories If you plan to improve your home in 2016 call Gareth today for a free quotation
MultiSkilled Handyman
Billinge Based
Roofing & Roofline- repairs and replacement Decorating, Building, Gates supplied & fitted Plastering, Gardening For all your home improvements - No job too small
PlC MAINTENANCE
07847 394040 ~ 01744 606938
The Complete Answer to Building & Joinery Jobs
01744 603 231 / 07501 270 436
PLASTERER Re-skims Dot & dab Rendering 2 coat work Unwanted artex
For a free quote, call Ian Ridley on
01942 218 160
or 07958 695 116
Puzzle
solutions
01744 602931 or 07756 274503
7 Albany Avenue, Eccleston Park, L34 2QN
81
A.J.Davies
Painter & Decorator • Paper hanging a speciality • Friendly & very reliable service • City & Guilds qualified • Both domestic & commercial • Trading for over 25 years
Call Adam on 01744 755005 e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk
MARDEC Painters & Decorators
Internal and external work Domestic or commercial jobs welcomed Free inspirational advice & quotes No job too small
Domestic + Commercial Boiler + Central Heating Installs, Servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Brand New Bathrooms
Freephone 0300 3030121
Established 1992
Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809 21, Naburn Drive, Orrell, WN5 8SB
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk
www.orrellheating.co.uk
Over 40 local
506515
walks
01744 894 431 07931 282 896
FREE to download at www.locallife247.co.uk
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M H Roofing Ltd
Established over 15 years Friendly advice and competitive rates No job too small
• High Performance Felt Flat Roof Systems • Storm Damage and Insurance Work • Slating and Tiling full roofs • Poiniting and Guttering • Fascia Boards
Call 01744 884117 or 07702 693225
www.mhroofingltd.co.uk
Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees
• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985
Our Focus Is Quality & Price
Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate
01744 892732 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk
LOCAL FAMILY FIRM
From a Loose Slate to a Complete Construction
Extensions & Alterations Specialists
All aspects of Building & Roofing UPVC Rooflines References Available
Call us on... 01744 600074 Mobile: 07867 592460 13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA
83