Local Life - St Helens - October 2019

LocalLife St Helens Edition

October 2019

Education Special From Page 27

Albert Pierrepoint: Hangman Extraordinaire Pages 24-26

Jack’s Tracks: Sandstone Trail Pages 51-53

WIN Tickets to Gulliver’s World!

Pages 54-55

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Local Life

The Power of Dog Over where we live, there is a piece of waste ground where all the neighbourhood’s dogs and dog owners congregate on a daily basis whatever the weather. I couldn’t honestly tell you a single name of any of the owners or what they do in life; I just know them as the fellow with the two Jack Russells, or the chocolate Lab lady or the Lancashire Heeler couple and so on.

When we converse, the subject matter ranges from the weather, to Brexit, sports and obviously all sorts of doggy talk. We listen to each other, have a bit of banter, put the world to rights and then we all go our own separate ways.

Would the world be a better place if our leading politicians were to walk their dogs and meet up on Westminster Green for a similar chinwag every day? No tribal politics allowed, just getting to know each other and learning to respect each other’s views. It would be a welcome change for politicians to actually engage with each other face to face, without any goading from fellow politicians or a running commentary from the media.

Or would they use their dogs in a power play to intimidate, like President Putin allegedly did in 2007 when he introduced his big black Lab to Germany’s Angela Markel, who is apparently terrified of dogs.

Autumn Arrivals

Ok, so the answer to the world’s problems may not lie with dogs, but after 3½ years of Brexit paralysis, surely anything is worth a try to stop our country’s politicians dominating the TV schedules. It’s not for nothing that politics is known as showbiz for ugly people and, if the last few months are anything to go by, showbiz luvvies will soon be setting up group therapy sessions, heavily traumatised by their lack of airtime...

See you next time

38 Church Road Rainford WA11 8HD 01744 881 588 www.ellamora.co.uk

38 Church Road/ellamora38 Rainford WA11 8HD Tel: 01744 881 588

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

In this issue

Regulars 14 Puzzle Pages 51 Jack’s Tracks

Scarecrows in Rainhill

56 Test Drive 48 Events2Go

Sections 10

6 Local News 44 Food 46 Health

Pierrepoint: Hangman Extraordinaire

56 Motoring 58 Gardening 60 Home Services

Next issue - November 2019

Advertising deadline - Friday, 18 October Published - Thursday, 31 October

24

LocalLife

Education Special

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

Telephone: 01744 649 722 27

Sales: Chris sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: Jess sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Mary Anne design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Christina accounts@locallife247.co.uk

Sandstone Trail Walk

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

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

51

The next issue is delivered to over 11,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock.

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News & Features

Stepping Out Rainhill Garrick Society’s October play is Stepping Out: a rollicking comedy following former professional dancer Mavis as she attempts to teach tap dancing to a motley crew of amateurs ahead of an upcoming concert.

With work already started on the Shakespeare North Playhouse and various historic buildings undergoing restoration, the cash boost is certainly a welcome one.

The play takes place from Thursday, October 17 until Saturday, October 19 at 7:30pm at Rainhill Village Hall.

The venture will complete the UK’s Shakespearean triangle of theatres, the others being located in London and Stratford-upon-Avon. Construction is set to be completed in 2021, and will feature a 350seat Jacobean-style theatre, outdoor performance garden and educational facilities.

Tickets cost £7 per adult or £6 concessions, and are available from Rainhill Post Office or at the Village Hall. For more information, call 01744 813429.

It will appear on the site of the current Mill Street car park, close to Cockpit House, in the heart of Prescot town centre.

Prescot’s Cash Boost Prescot town centre has been selected to receive £1.5 million in Historic England funding to protect its historic buildings and revive the high street.

The grant is part of a national scheme worth £95m, which will be shared across 69 town centres.

Prescot was in fact the first place in the UK outside of London to have an indoor playhouse, so the construction of Shakespeare North is quite apt indeed.

Northern Heritage Chester Lane Library will host a St. Helens heritage exhibition in November and December as a tribute to Northern Soul, street and breakdancing.

Visitors can explore the music and dances of the period, the fashion and culture, and how local venues linked it all together.

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A launch night takes place on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30pm-8:30pm with live street dance performances, graffiti workshops, DJing practice and break dancing battles. The main exhibition then runs until Thursday, December 5.

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Get excited, because the Absolutely Fabulous Gin Festival returns to St. Helens Town Hall this November!

With 119 amazing gins to sample, including the Absolutely Fabulous Pink Gin created by the organisers themselves, you won’t want to miss the gin-tastic event, which takes place across three sessions on Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30.

Tickets cost £14.50 including a gin copa glass, a bag and a gin guide, bookable on Skiddle.

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Christmas Markets

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Countdown to Christmas Turkey & Tinsel

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Festival Fun! November sees the welcome return of Rainhill’s charity Beer Festival.

The 17th annual festival run by Rainhill Rotary Club will offer the usual wealth of ales and ciders.

Chairman Mal Steward says: ‘We have always been complimented on our beer selections and this year will be no exception. I can’t say any more under the penalty of death, but the variety of ales will be amazing.’

The Club have been successful in donating over £350,000 to local charities from previous festivals and Christmas float collections.

Rainhill’s is the biggest charity beer festival in the North West, and all organised by the Rotary Club.

They’re always looking for more volunteers and barrel sponsors – if you’d like to get in touch email enquiries@rainhillbeerfest.org

on Victoria Terrace on November 7th, 8th and 9th (7pm-11pm on Thursday and Friday, then 1pm11pm on Saturday). Entry costs £6 on Thursday and £7 on Friday and Saturday.

The event takes place at Rainhill Recreation Club

For more info, visit www.rainhillbeerfest.org

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Competition Winner Congratulations to the winners of our August competition to win a family wristband to Blackpool Pleasure Beach!

The competition winner was Jenni Lavender from Rainhill.

Don’t forget to see pages 54-55 for your chance to win a family ticket to Gulliver’s World this month.

Did you know we also run social media competitions exclusively for fans of our Facebook page, Local Life Magazines? Give it a like to stay up to date!

Harvest Lunch St. Ann’s Church in Rainhill will host a lunch for all ages after their Harvest Service on Sunday, October 6. Adults receive poached salmon with trimmings, with child-friendly meals available for younger ones.

There’ll also be a quiz and Generation Game activity.

Tell Us Your Story!

Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve.

Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition!

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

Tickets are £7.50 per adult or £2.50 per child, available from the church or St. Ann’s Centre.

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Bell Ringers Wanted St. Ann’s Tower in Rainhill is looking for bell ringers to join them. New ringers are welcome - just drop into the Tower on a Wednesday between 7:30pm and 9pm to have a look around and a chat.

For more information, call Joyce on 0151 426 3220.

Photography Competition Have a knack for taking photos? Why not enter Rainhill Eco Garden’s photography competition?

You can submit photographs of the Eco Garden, portraying how the seasons shape its flora and fauna. Whether you’re snapping pictures of trees, wildlife, mosaics or plants, they’d love to see your best work.

Entries cost £1 and there’s a maximum of 5 entries per person. There are separate categories for adults

Scarecrows in Rainhill

Rainhill is getting its very own scarecrow festival thanks to local resident Lindsey Smith.

Anyone who wants to create a scarecrow to display can get in touch at Rainhillscarecrowfest@gmail.com providing your name, address and the name of your scarecrow. Houses on the main roads around Rainhill are volunteering their gardens for scarecrows to be displayed in if you don’t have the space yourself – just let Lindsey know.

Scarecrows can be displayed from Friday, October 25, but all must be ready for the weekend of the festival, which runs from Friday, November 1 – Sunday, November 3.

Visitors will be able to grab a scarecrow trail map to tick off all the scarecrows they spot.

and under-16s. Photographs of up to A4 size can be submitted with payment and contact details to 22 Weaver Avenue, Rainhill before the deadline of Friday, November 15.

Charity Clay Shoot A charity clay pigeon shoot will take place in aid of Willowbrook Hospice on Sunday, October 13.

The event at the Rixton & Astley Shooting Club in Manchester, is open entry. Beginners can take part in a have-a-go clay pigeon shoot (£25), while a fun archery session also takes place on the day.

Entry costs £37 per person, with a £200 high gun cash prize available, along with prizes for the highest lady and junior guns. All proceeds go to Willowbrook, and the day begins at 9:30am.

To sign up, call 01744 453798 or 07785 995526.

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Arts

Awoken

The closure of St. Helens’ iconic venue The Citadel in June was an undoubtedly melancholy time for the town centre, but this month sees the launch of associated venture Citadel Arts, with a programme packed full of art and entertainment.

The new scheme will pop up in unexpected and non-traditional spaces across St. Helens, with a calendar to interest every young person and family in town. It kicks off in October with the Big Imaginations Festival, when three whole weeks of family shows take over the Winter Wonderland Store in Church Street. Following this is the Christmas Festival in December, which is a truly festive treat for the people of St. Helens.

Children can also enjoy pre-show crafts before many of the productions.

Citadel Arts’ first show is Emily Rising, which takes place on Saturday, October 19 – join Emily as she wakes up one morning to discover her feet can’t touch the ground! October’s schedule also includes iPet, a look into how technology and apps are

shaping modern society for a young audience, Halloween special The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps, and free production The Musical Botanist.

Ticket prices start at just £3, with free entry offered for adults at certain shows. See our Events2Go guide on page for a full list of October’s shows.

Photography Exhibition

Rainford 10K

Explore Rainford’s heritage with an exhibition of photographs from a bygone era this month.

The Rainford 10K in memory of Rainford High student George Faulkner will see people gearing up for a run around the Linear Paths and trails once more on Sunday, October 6.

Rainford Heritage Society are hosting the event from Friday, October 4 - Sunday, October 6 at the Village Hall on Church Road. Visitors can expect plenty of old photographs, a model of the village in the 1840s and refreshments.

Admission is free, and the exhibition is open from 10am-7pm on Friday and Saturday, then 11am-4pm on Sunday.

Proceeds raised from the event are split between three charities - Henshaws, TCF and Tommy’s and there’ll be a fantastic carnival atmosphere on the day, with stalls, music and family activities at Rainford High where the race kicks off. There’ll also be a 1K fun run for all ages.

To enter, head to therainford10k.co.uk

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Puzzle Pages CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Boundary, rim (4) 2. Railway carriages (7) 3. John ___, English painter and decorative

designer best known for his stained

glass in Coventry and Llandaff cathedrals (5)

4. Raise in a relief (6) 6. Slang of thieves and vagabonds (5) 7. Reckless or malicious behaviour (8) 8. Hindu deity (6) 13. Panel of buttons used to operate a computer (8) 15. Game played on a court (6) 17. Former capital of Pakistan (7) 18. Decanter (6) 20. Crust-like surfaces of healing wounds (5) 22. Rice and raw fish wrapped in seaweed (5) 23. Small area of water-surrounded land (4)

ACROSS

1. Put into code (8)

12. Emerge from an egg (5)

5. Salve, ointment (4)

14. Inferior substitute or imitation (6) 24. Shrub that yields coffee beans (7)

9. Clench, clutch tightly (5)

16. Item that fastens together two

10. Robert ___, Poet Laureate 1913–30 (7) 11. Trousers that end above the knee (6)

21. Preposterous (6) 25. Items of footwear (5) 26. Item of crockery (4)

ends of a belt (6)

19. Bowl-shaped vessel (5)

27. Characteristic of a woman (8)

WORDSEARCH THEME: Vegetables Find the hidden words in the word search grid Artichoke

Marrow

Radish

Aubergine

Onion

Shallot

Bean

Parsley

Spinach

Beetroot

Parsnip

Sprouts

Broccoli

Pea

Sweetcorn

Carrot

Peppers

Tomato

Celery

Potato

Turnip

Kale

Pumpkin

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SUDOKU

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

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

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3

20 2 8 18 4 1 16 7 6 22 All the puzzle solutions can be found on page 66 of this magazine

26 15 17 18 20

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Write On

Cats!

The Friends of Victoria Park have launched their Young Writer of the Year Competition for 2019.

The Rainhill Musical Theatre Company youth section present their version of the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats in November.

Young people aged 5-11 who live or attend school in the St. Helens borough are invited to submit up to 1000 words for a short story or up to 40 lines for a poem on the topic of ‘How Green is My Town’.

The winner of each section (fiction and poetry) will be awarded a £25 book token and a book of poetry by author in residence Sue Gerrard, along with having their work published on the FOVP website.

Runner-ups will receive a £15 book token, while the top 20 entrants in each category will be awarded a special certificate.

Watch T.S. Eliot’s famous Jellicle Cats as they take over the junkyard, featuring iconic songs like Memory and The Rum Tum Tugger.

You can catch the musical at Rainhill Village Hall from Friday, November 15 – Sunday, November 17, with evening performances beginning at 7pm on Friday and Saturday, and a 2pm matinee on Sunday.

Tickets cost £8 per adult or £6 concessions and are available on 07948 908693 or from www.rainhill. mtc.weebly.com

A presentation ceremony will take place at the Orangery in Victoria Park on Friday, December 13.

Entries must be submitted by Friday, October 18 – to obtain an entry form, email fovpinfo@yahoo.com

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Winter Feed Funds Greenslate Community Farm in Billinge are hosting a fundraiser in November to help buy feed for their animals during the winter.

The lavish fundraising dinner event includes entertainment from singer James Norton and a fundraising auction, with plenty to bid on and funds going to an incredibly worthy cause! Resident chef Mark is keen to show off just how good Greenslate’s food is, offering a sumptuous 3-course meal at the black-tie fundraiser.

The event takes place on Saturday, November 2 from 7pm, at Greenslate Farm on Greenslate Road.

Tickets cost £29.50 per person, bookable on 07551 642001 or from www.greenslatefarm.org.uk

Christmas Choir A choir has launched in Rainhill in preparation for the festive season, and they’re currently looking for singers to join them.

Meetings will take place on October 8th, 15th and 22nd, then December 3rd and 10th at 7:30pm at St. Ann’s Church, ahead of the performance on December 15th at 6:30pm.

The ability to read music is not essential, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Paula on 07817 036695.

River of Light Liverpool’s River of Light festival returns this November, illuminating the city’s waterfront with a spectacular fireworks display on Sunday, November 3. The River Mersey becomes a stage for Titanium Fireworks, one of the world’s leading pyrotechnics companies.

In addition, from Friday, November 1 until Saturday, November 9, ten pieces of artwork from some of the most exciting international light artists will be on display across the city.

Visit visitliverpool.com/riveroflight information and updates.

for

more

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Author Daly Visits Thriller author Paula Daly visits Chester Lane Library on Thursday, October 24 to discuss her new book Clear My Name, the ITV adaptation of her books, and her life in the Lake District.

Two of Paula’s novels, Just What Kind of Mother Are You? and The Mistake I Made, were recently adapted into hit ITV drama Deep Water.

It’s sure to be an evening of intrigue, with a free prize draw and refreshments available, as well as copies of Paula’s books to purchase. Tickets for the event, which starts at 6pm, cost £6, £5 for library card holders or £3 concessions. Tickets are bookable at the library or on Eventbrite.

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Xmas Appeal An appeal has been launched in time for the upcoming festive season to give less fortunate children a happy Christmas.

this month, as Yvonne Taylor details her mother’s experiences of Siberian slave camps during WWII. It takes place on Tuesday, October 15 at 6pm.

Crafty Christmas

St. Helens Baptist Church and the Capstone Project are asking for donations of new, unopened pyjamas and small selection boxes for children to open in time for Christmas Eve.

Keen crafters will flock to the Mansion House once more on Sunday, November 24 from 10am-4pm for a Christmas fair like no other.

Donations can be dropped off at the church on Hall Street Thursdays from 11am-2pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm. For more information, call Clare on 07851 921471.

In the intimate setting of the mansion in Victoria Park, you can expect fabulous stalls offering handmade and bespoke gifts, cards and plenty more, with over 50 stalls. Santa will be tucked away in his Grotto for the little ones too!

A Polish Story

For more information or to book a stall, call 07460 304327.

Momo’s on Westfield Street will host a lecture

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Pierrepoint: Hangman

Extraordinaire

By Jess Phillips For children considering future career paths, you’d generally expect answers of ‘athlete, ‘soldier’ or ‘teacher’. ‘Hangman’ would be pretty far down the list – but that’s exactly what a young Albert Pierrepoint – who would later be known as ‘the Southport Hangman’ - announced he would become when asked at school. In his long career as a hangman, Pierrepoint would go on to execute one of Wigan’s most notorious killers: Norman William Green.

Both Albert’s father Henry and Uncle Thomas were official executioners in the early twentieth century; Albert cited the ‘steady hands’ that ran in the family as his reason for following in their footsteps.

Henry Pierrepoint was an alcoholic, removed from the list of executioners in 1910 after turning up to a prison drunk the day before a hanging was scheduled to take place. In 1917 Henry’s health

declined, leaving him unable to work and forcing young Albert to learn a trade as a learner tuber at Marlborough Mills.

Henry began to train Albert in conducting executions using rope and sacks of corn, as he’d trained his own younger brother Thomas. Albert’s own career in executions began in 1931, training for four days at Pentonville Prison in London with a dummy. He became assistant executioner by 1932 and assisted in his first execution in Dublin that December, under the instruction of his Uncle Tom. Albert was promoted to Head Executioner in 1941, and became renowned for his accuracy when conducting a hanging. Ahead of the execution he’d evaluate the prisoner’s build through a Judas Hole – a one-way peephole - in the condemned cell, before testing the equipment in the execution chamber next door. Prisoners were taken to the yard or to the chapel so they didn’t have to hear the practice runs taking place, a dignity Pierrepoint was adamant they receive.

The length of each drop was calculated using the Home Office Table of Drops, allowing Pierrepoint to achieve a nearperfect Hangman’s Fracture every time. He recorded these calculations in a diary that was auctioned off along with a plaster cast of his face and hands in June this year. The collection sold for £20,000.

Thomas Pierrepoint & Albert Pierrepoint

Following the Second World War, Pierrepoint was responsible for

25 hanging numerous war criminals including the notorious concentration camp commandant Josef Kramer – known as ‘The Beast of Belsen’ – and Irma Grese, the ‘Hyena of Auschwitz’. Infamous for her brutal treatment of female prisoners at Auschwitz, Grese would allegedly select only the most beautiful women to go to the gas chamber out of jealousy. It was also said that she had gruesome lampshades made from prisoners’ skin in her quarters.

Among Pierrepoint’s later hangings was Wigan man Norman William Green, known for stabbing two young boys to death. The first victim was William Harmer, found in a field off Miry Lane in 1954 by a passer-by. Harmer later died in hospital from the eleven stab wounds Green inflicted.

On that same night seven year old William Mitchell was also stabbed by a man fitting Green’s description, but two men came to his rescue and chased the attacker away. Not so lucky was ten year old Norman Yates, who Green attacked a year later in Back Hope Street, Ince. Yates died from his injuries.

Green pleaded insanity in court but was convicted after confessing to the murder of the two boys. He was hanged by Pierrepoint in July 1955 at Walton Jail in Liverpool.

The last woman to be hanged in Britain also met her end at Pierrepoint’s noose. In London, former model and club manager Ruth Ellis shot her ex-lover David Blakeley five times. Despite her solicitor appealing to the Home Secretary, Ellis declared she wanted no part in appeal proceedings and regardless, was told she would not be reprieved. Her execution was carried out in 12 seconds.

26 One of the most famous – and most controversial – cases in Pierrepoint’s execution history was the Rillington case. 25-year-old Timothy Evans was said to have the mental age of a 10-year-old when

Irma Grese

he first confessed to the murder of his wife and daughter at number 10, Rillington Place in Notting Hill, and then later protested his innocence. After Evans was hanged by Pierrepoint, it transpired that his landlord John Christie was responsible for the murders of several women in the area and had hidden their bodies in the house. Evans was later posthumously pardoned. Both a film and TV miniseries about the case were released, in 1971 and 2016 respectively.

Pierrepoint resigned from the list of executioners in February 1956 and retired to Preston New Road in Southport. Locals describe him as a friendly man, often passing out sweets to Southport children and never short of a smile. For a time he was also landlord of the Rose & Crown pub in Much Hoole.

In total, ‘the Southport Hangman’ executed between 400 and 600 people in his career as a hangman. Despite this, his friends described him as a far cry from the sombre executioner figure; rather, they described him as ‘very jovial’ – the ‘life and soul of the party’.

One of these friends was a regular at Pierrepoint’s first pub, Help The Poor Struggler in Oldham. The duo would perform duets together and nicknamed one another ‘Tish’ and ‘Tosh’. Corbitt strangled his mistress Eliza Woods in 1950 and scribbled the word ‘whore’ on her forehead; Pierrepoint was tasked with executing his friend when he pleaded guilty at his trial in Liverpool. In the death cell, Corbitt and Pierrepoint exchanged their usual greeting, and when leading him to the gallows, Albert said kindly, ‘Come on Tish, old chap’.

Of the incident, Pierrepoint wrote in his 1974 autobiography, ‘[Tish] was not only aware of the rope, he had the man who handled it beside him singing a duet. The deterrent did not work.’

It was perhaps the hanging of his friend that began to shift Pierrepoint’s view on capital punishment.

He declared: ‘I now sincerely hope that no man is ever called upon to carry out another execution in my country […] All the men and women whom I have faced at that final moment convince me that in what I have done I have not prevented a single murder.’

Ruth Ellis

Albert Pierrepoint died in 1992, aged 87, at Melvin Care Home in Westbourne Road, Birkdale. His death was registered in Liverpool, though his burial place remains undisclosed.

27

Degrees of Learning

16 PAGE EDUCATION SPECIAL

28

Get

Creative Whether they’re slaying dragons or discovering new worlds, children’s imagination knows no bounds.

When it comes to creating stories with characters and plots though, it can be difficult to get started when faced with a blank page. A few props and story prompts can really help to get those creative juices flowing.

Creating characters Fill a cloth bag with accessories, such as perfume and aftershave samples, a silk tie, an old pair of glasses, a toy, a brooch, a hat, a watch and other personal items. Scour your local charity shops and ask friends for donations. You could also add a few fantastical items to the bag, like a pirate hat, fairy wand, bottle of witch’s potion, toy spaceship and so on.

Ask your child to choose two or three items from the bag, without looking. Then ask them to create a character based around the items. Ask questions to help. What does the character look like? Are they male or female? How old are they? What do they like doing? Where do they live? Your child can then write about their character, or draw a picture of them, or both.

Short Story Prompts: • Going to space • Getting lost • Inventing something • A wish comes true • Discovering a superpower • Finding an injured animal • Discovering a secret door

Creating stories If your child is struggling to think of a story, creative prompts can help them to get started. You could come up with a scenario and ask them to think about what might happen next. For example, ‘Your character finds a door hidden behind a bookcase.

It’s only two feet high, so they have to crawl through it. What do they find when they do?’

Fold each story prompt up so it can’t be read, and ask your child to choose one or two. They can then use the prompts as the basis for their story. Don’t be too rigid. If they don’t like the prompt, let them pick another. If they have a different idea for a story, even better!

29

Extra resources There are lots of free online resources to help you. A good place to start is www.youngwriters.co.uk, which offers downloadable workshops and activities.

Creativity for Kids makes fun craft kits, including Create Your Own Pop Up Books.

The kit includes two books, several colouring pens, stickers and pop-

up elements. It kept our young testers entertained for a good couple of hours, and the results have become treasured keepsakes. The kit costs ÂŁ16.50 and can be bought from Amazon, Hobbycraft and independent arts and craft shops.

If your child needs a bit of motivation, they could enter a competition. Libraries and literacy organisations often organise or advertise children’s creative writing competitions, as do: Writing Times: www.writingtimes.co.uk Young Writers: www.youngwriters.co.uk Families Magazine: www.familiesonline.co.uk

30

OUTSTANDING RESULTS FOR THE CLASS OF 2019

98.42% LEVEL 3 PASS RATE

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HIGH GRADES (A*-C / Dist* -Merit)

OPEEN EVENTS OPEN OP EVEEN EV NTTS TS 20P 19-20 O2019-20 EN EVENT WED 16TH OCT 2019 5:30-8:00pm

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A Catholic College for the Community

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31

How to

Save and Make Money at University

One of the trickiest but most important parts of university life is managing your money. Budgeting for food, clothes, nights out, books and study materials can be overwhelming at first, but there are ways you can help yourself.

Apart from the extra cash in your pocket, you can still be sociable without the expense of eating out, impressing your friends with gastronomic delights.

It’s a good idea to plan your meals ahead and only buy what you need each week, avoiding ready meals if possible, as although they’re convenient, they’re generally bad for your health. Also, stick to buying own-brand products that can usually be found on the lower shelves in supermarkets, where you might not normally look.

Ways to make money at university Get a part-time job

Here are a few tips to help you spend less, save more, and earn money at university, so you can stop worrying about finances and make the most of this precious time in your life.

Ways to save money at university Make use of technology All you need is your mobile phone. There are apps to help you save on food, that show you how to budget, and that keep an eye on your data usage.

Keep your food costs down by making a list of your favourite ingredients, and an app will let you know the cheapest places to buy them locally. You can also track your expenses with a budgeting app.

Just type in how much you spend each day, and what you’ve bought – at the end of the month, a report gives you a round-up of where your money is going, so you can adjust your spending if necessary.

Learn how to cook Learning how to cook from scratch is a valuable skill for life, but as food is one of the highest student expenditures, it’s also a vital part of saving money.

Retail, catering, and hospitality are just three areas where you could pick up a part-time job with fixed hours that fits in with your studies. Although you may need to forsake some evenings and weekends, payday could make it worthwhile to miss out on a few social occasions.

Another idea for part-time work, and one that’s a little more flexible, is mystery shopping. You sign up with a mystery shopping agency, or directly with an independent company, and get paid for checking the level of service provided in their outlets.

Promotion work and flyers Handing out flyers around campus and promoting club nights or events on the streets of your university town can earn you some extra money, but be sure to find out whether you’re working on a commission or a ‘per hour’ basis.

If you’re sociable and good at marketing, you could even apply to become an on-campus ‘brand ambassador’ for a household brand name. You might be able to organise your own promotions and events for the brand, and make a name for yourself in marketing.

32

Feeling the

Madlove St. Helens-based arts organisation Heart of Glass is taking over the vacant Argos store in the town centre to combat poor mental health.

Since being labelled ‘England’s suicide capital’ in April this year and over 80% higher than the national average for people taking their own lives, St. Helens authorities have been trying to come up with a way to combat the problem. This is where Heart of Glass comes in – they’re inviting local people to come and celebrate life, love and community with a series of exhibitions and performances.

Over the course of November, 13 local, national and international artists will head to the former Argos shop in The Hardshaw Centre. Project lead artist James Leadbitter has experience translating mental health into art – he’s just completed a 6-month project at Great Ormond Street Hospital, helping patients maintain healthy minds and contribute to a healthy society.

Among the visiting artists are Hana Madness, who will cover the town in colourful bipolar monsters, Kim Noble, who wants to end loneliness, and local artist Hwa Young Jung, who will be mapping places across town where you can experience care – even something as casual as a chat at the chippy. Opening the festival is writer and artist Jess Thom, the Tourette’s Hero, with comedy that proves you can be both the most persistent heckler and the main act.

Artist James Leadbitter commented: ‘By taking over the now closed Argos store and producing a colourful, exciting and welcoming space together, I hope we can create somewhere for people to go to try and rebuild that sense of community that has been lost.’

The takeover space is open for a cuppa and a chat throughout November from 11am-6pm, TuesdaySaturday. Everything is free to attend and everyone is welcome.

33

34

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winstanley college

Thursday 26th September Thursday 17th October Wednesday 6th November Tuesday 4th February ARE

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No need to book, just turn up. We look forward to meeting you soon.

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37

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN

APPRENTICESHIP PROVIDER If you’re thinking about starting an Apprenticeship, there are a few things you should consider. One important factor is choosing the correct Apprenticeship provider, which is key to ensuring you get the best training and support possible.

Here’s a few things you should think about when you’re making your choice:

OFSTED Grades You should be looking for providers with a “Good” or “Outstanding” rating so you can be sure that the provider’s standard of training is high. High grades also show that the provider is committed to the development of Apprentices.

Visit www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk

Customer satisfaction rates A high score is a great indication of how a training provider really operates. As reviews like this are unbiased, you can get a good view of how people like yourself found the training to decide whether this provider is right for you.

Visit www.gov.uk/government/collections/ fe-choices

Employers the provider works with You want the best possible chance of getting an Apprenticeship with a top local company, so a provider with strong links to local employers is a must. Be sure to ask the provider who they work with to see if these companies match your career goals.

How many Apprentices achieve their full Apprenticeship You should look for training providers who have over 75% Apprenticeship achievement rates.

This means that Apprentices have completed all the training and qualifications they need to complete their Apprenticeship; a high score means the provider is committed to supporting Apprenticeships through their training.

Visit www.gov.uk/government/collections/sfanational-success-rates-tables

Specialism in your sector Does the Apprenticeship provider specialise in your sector? If you want an Apprenticeship which requires specific skills or abilities, such as Construction or Hairdressing, then you should consider whether this provider is equipped to teach you all you need to know.

Visit findapprenticeshiptraining. apprenticeships.education.gov.uk

St Helens Chamber APPRENTICESHIPS St Helens Chamber is an OFSTED “Good” rated provider and we can guide you towards achieving your career goals.

Our strong links with local employers and having the highest Apprenticeship achievement rates locally mean that we can help you not only train, but start your dream career.

If you would like to know more about St Helens Chamber Apprenticeships, call us today on 01744 742045 or email apprenticeships@sthelenschamber.com

38

Making STEM

Fun

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are the fastest growing industries in the world. Even if your child doesn’t fancy a career in STEM, they will need to use elements of it throughout their working life.

According to The National Science Foundation, “To succeed in this new informationbased and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.”

So how can you help your child to develop a real enjoyment for STEM? Science There are lots of children’s science sets available to buy, but you don’t actually need any fancy equipment to conduct simple experiments at home, such as: • Asking your child to add a few drops of oil to a glass of water. Discuss what they think will happen.

Will the oil and water mix or stay separate?

• Finding four old, dull two pence coins. Soak each one in a different liquid (water, coke, vinegar and lemon juice) for a few minutes to see which liquid cleans the coin the best.

Technology Computer programming now features in the National Curriculum and many schools offer basic coding clubs from Key Stage 2. Paul Lyons, IT Director at Ebuyer.com, explains, “Even if your child has no interest in becoming a software developer, they will benefit from skills such as problem solving and following instructions - which can be applied to other areas. Many parents may not know where to begin, but introducing educational aspects into children’s technology use at home can have a real impact on a child’s ability.”

39 There are lots of resources available to help your child at home. Useful websites include: • scratch.mit.edu, which lets children aged six and up learn the basics of creating games online.

• codecombat.com: while this American site is mainly aimed at teachers, you can sign up as a parent or student to access a free short course.

• www.codeclub.org.uk, which lists coding clubs for 9-13 year olds across the UK.

Maths Kjartan Poskitt, author of Murderous Maths and Ambassador for the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards 2017, says, “I always say that maths is like broccoli. You either like it or you hate it, but you have to have some because it’s good for you. If learning the tables is driving your child mad, what can you do to sauce them up? The secret is to play around with numbers and get to know them.

Engineering K’Nex model building sets are a fun way to introduce engineering concepts. The K’Nex Education Introduction to Simple Machines: Levers and Pulleys Set, for example, contains more than 170 pieces, and instructions for building eight mini machines.

You can also help your child to make simple structures using household items. Straws and play dough are ideal for building model bridges. Or try searching www.instructables.com for instructions on making structures out of lolly sticks or toothpicks.

Here are a couple of little facts and tricks to get you started: • If you write out the digits 1 2 3 4, you can turn them into 12 = 3 x 4. You can also do this with 5 6 7 8 because 56 = 7 x 8.

• Pick any three consecutive numbers (e.g. 4, 5 and 6). Multiply the smallest by the biggest, and then add one. (So here we get 4 x 6 = 24, then 24 + 1 = 25). The answer is always the same as the middle number squared (5 x 5 = 25).”

Could you be one of tomorrow’s outstanding teachers?

Join us at our open evenings at; St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Hardybutts, WIGAN, WN1 3RZ

Individuals who are passionate about working with young children.

Monday, 28th October

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Accredited Study days will be at Liverpool Hope University leading to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching.

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Provider code 2A4 - Course code 2XT7

40

Are you thinking of teaching as a career?

Become a Teacher with North West Learning Partnership School Direct.

(Previously known as St Mary and St Thomas C E Primary Alliance)

Who are we?

North West Learning Partnership School Direct is an established School Direct Provider working in partnership

We offer a range of courses for both Primary and Secondary Primary General

with Liverpool John Moores University.

We offer a unique primary general teacher training

As one of only 40 Maths Hubs in the country, we are

programme. Training with the North West Learning

able to provide outstanding training at the forefront of developments in mathematics education.

The North West Learning Partnership continues to be above the National norm for School Direct provision and are classed as a high-flying alliance in terms of numbers of applications and successful recruitment.

Why train with us?

We are committed to ongoing development of all trainees for at least 3 years.

Trainees have access, free of charge, to our highly effective NQT and RQT programmes.

Partnership means you become a staff member from day one whilst receiving academic and University support.

Student feedback is key to ensuring quality and is paramount to ensuring the quality of our programme.

Apply for this training programme through UCAS: http://www.ucas.com Training Provider 13N | Course code DF23 Primary

Primary General with Mathematics Specialism We are excited to offer this primary general programme with mathematics specialism in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. Trainees will engage with our successful

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and unique primary general teacher training programme

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with additional training units in mathematics.

are used for placements • Placement schools are across St Helens, Wigan, Bolton, Halton & Knowsley • Gain PGCE with Masters credits and QTS • Highly effective school based tutors. All of a senior level

Trainees will receive a PGCE with Masters credits and QTS. Apply for this training programme through UCAS: http://www.ucas.com Training Provider 13N | Course code SDKJ

with a wealth of experience or are Specialist Leaders in

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This salaried School Direct programme is suitable for

• Personal support structures in place

experienced, non-teaching staff and career changers.

• Quality Assured by several external agencies & as a

Applicants are recommended to have the support of a

result the alliance provision continues to be graded as ‘Outstanding’.

school. The trainee is employed by the school as a nonqualified teacher for one academic year.

The trainee teacher receives a personal training programme, accessing our outstanding training at the North West Learning Partnership and gains a PGCE with Masters credits and QTS at Liverpool John Moores University.

This qualification includes 60 credits at Masters level.

Apply for this training programme through UCAS: http://www.ucas.com Training Provider 13N | Course code 3BFS

41 Secondary Mathematics

Secondary MFL

We are excited to offer a School Direct Secondary

This course is offered by the lead schools Rainford High

Mathematics in school one-year teacher training

and Up Holland High in association with the North West

programme. You will be awarded PGCE with Masters

Learning Partnership and Liverpool John Moores University.

credits and QTS. The course is offered by the lead schools

Due to the outstanding teaching in our schools, results in

Rainford High and Up Holland High in association with

MFL are significantly above national average and both

the North West Learning Partnership and Liverpool John

schools offer unique and dynamic training and teaching

Moores University. This unique training programme offers

opportunities for the right teacher training candidates.

exciting opportunities to be involved in:

• Training with high quality relevant professionals with an

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outstanding track record for delivering the highest grades

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for young people at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 as well as

an outstanding track record for delivering the highest grades for young people at Key Stage 4 & Key Stage 5.

• Opportunity for leadership training and development of strategic curriculum design.

• Commitment to develop examination expertise at KS4 and KS5 • Teaching opportunity across KS2,3, 4 & 5. Subject specific and career impacting professional development • High quality subject specific CPD opportunities with nationally recognised speakers • High quality guest speakers to support pedagogical and subject specialism • The discussion club focused on high quality academic research linked to educational discussion at some of the leading local restaurants and venues throughout the year.

Apply for this training programme through UCAS: http://www.ucas.com Training Provider 13N | Course code JL80

delivering exceptional transition for young people.

• Opportunity for leadership training and development of strategic curriculum design.

• Commitment to develop examination expertise at KS4 and KS5 • The opportunity to take part in cultural language exchange visits and programmes.

• Teaching opportunity across KS2, 3, 4 and 5.

• Subject specific and career impacting professional development. Such as high quality subject specific CPD opportunities with nationally recognised guest speakers to support pedagogical and subject specialism.

• The discussion club focused on high quality academic research linked to educational discussion at some of the leading local restaurants and venues throughout the year.

Apply for this training programme through UCAS: http://www.ucas.com Training Provider 13N | Course code SD90

Kathy Carman - North West Learning Partnership School Direct Strategic Lead kathy.carman@three-saints.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/nwlpschooldirect/ Sarah Knowles - North West Learning Partnership Administrator sarah.knowles@three-saints.org.uk For further details of all programmes please see our website: http://www.northwestlearningpartnership.co.uk/index.php/workstreams/ school-direct

42 42

Learning through

Play

From science kits to marble runs, toys can be as educational as they are fun!

Learning through play sees your child developing key mental, physical and emotional skills, as well as a real appetite for knowledge. Most toys can be educational, whether they’re helping your child to learn maths, or just to improve their hand-to-eye coordination.

A simple football can help your child to develop their coordination and become better at working in a team. If your child isn’t particularly sporty, the new Scriball from Mitre (£10) might just tempt them. Each kit contains a football decorated with a picture to be coloured in.

Marble runs are fantastic for encouraging a child’s creativity, as well as helping to develop their problem solving skills, spatial awareness and handto-eye coordination. Prices start at around £10 for a small kit, but if you fancy splashing out, the Hape Quadrilla Space Run is likely to prove a hit. The 176 pieces allow for plenty of combinations and the glow in the dark stickers add extra excitement. £120 from www.amazon.co.uk.

While children seem to choose their comics based on the free plastic toy, most children’s magazines do include educational activities, from craft ideas to recipes, puzzles and colouring in.

• National Geographic Kids Magazine is aimed at the ‘explorers, archaeologists, scientists, artists and astronauts of the future’. Your child could read about endangered animals, lost civilisations, deep sea dives and lots more. A subscription costs from £36 for 12 issues from www.ngkids.co.uk.

• Whizz Pop Bang! is a monthly science magazine aimed at 6-11 year olds. It’s packed with fun facts, craft activities and experiments. Each issue costs £3.75, including postal costs. Subscription offers are available, visit: www. whizzpopbang.com.

• The Week Junior is a current affairs magazine for children aged 8+. It covers news in bite sized chunks, specially written to appeal to children. There are also features on a range of subjects, from geography to technology and film.

Subscriptions cost from £22.99 for 15 issues, visit www.theweekjunior.co.uk.

Lots of board games have an educational element. However, the ones by Orchard Toys are undoubtedly amongst the best. Their games are always well-designed, robust and great fun to play for children and parents alike. The bestselling Pop to the Shops sees players move around a board to spend their coins at different shops. Priced from just £4.50, games are available from toy stores, supermarkets and www.orchardtoys.com.

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Food & Drink

READY

in 50 mins Serves 4

Sticky barbeque chicken wings Chicken wings are perfect for a TV dinner or speedy supper, Serve with a home-made coleslaw or rice salad.

Ingredients

Method

1 kg chicken wings

1 Preheat the oven to 200C, 180 fan, gas 6. Place the wings on a metal rack set over a roasting tin and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

8tbsp tomato ketchup 2tbsp Worcestershire sauce 3tbsp smooth mango chutney 2tsp Dijon mustard 1tbsp sunflower oil FOR THE DIP 150ml soured cream 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped 1tbsp fresh snipped chives

2 Meanwhile, make the sticky glaze by mixing together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mango chutney, mustard and oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3 Remove the roasting tin from the oven and liberally brush the glaze all over the chicken wings.

4 Return the roasting tin to the oven and roast the wings for a further 15-20 minutes until the wings are golden brown and slightly charred in places.

5 Mix together the dip ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with the chicken wings.

TIP: You can cook the wings on a hot barbecue for an al fresco supper. It’s best to cook them in the oven for the first 15 minutes then glaze and just place them on the barbecue for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

45

Don’t compromise on taste,

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46

Health & Fitness

Skin

Deep

It began with an insect bite on my right cheek. At least I thought it was a bite though I didn’t remember being bitten. I dabbed it with tea tree oil and waited for it to heal up. It sort of did, but then grew a little and flaked a little. It was tiny, maybe 2-3mm across but something about it bothered me. I told myself that if it hadn’t gone in a month, I’d see the GP. It didn’t change much over that time, but neither did it go away so, listening to my gut feelings, I went to see my GP feeling a little foolish (I wasn’t sick after all) and fully expected to be dismissed as one of the worried well, but after inspecting it the GP looked thoughtful.

I do like to be outdoors, cycling and kayaking but I

“I think it might be a BCC. A basal cell carcinoma.”

always wear sun protection and a hat. I’m a natural

I was shocked. Carcinoma was cancer, right? I was

redhead though, with freckles so I am in a higher

only 50. Was I going to die?

risk group.

A basal cell carcinoma is indeed a type of skin

BCCs vary in appearance, from small red flaky areas;

cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer:

scabs that bleed but don’t heal, or pearly little

melanoma and non-melanoma. BCC is a non-

lumps, often with a central depression. They are

melanoma type, and accounts for more than 80%

generally painless, although sometimes they can

of skin cancers in the UK.

be itchy or bleed a little if you catch them with your

As with most skin cancers, exposure to ultraviolet

nail.

(UV) light from the sun or from sunbeds is the

I had to undergo a skin biopsy under local

cause, which is why they often appear most often

anaesthetic

on the face or head of fair skinned people like me. I

dermatologist was at pains to reassure me that BCCs

am not a sunbather, nor have I ever used sunbeds.

rarely spread to other areas of the body and can be

to

confirm

the

diagnosis.

The

47 cured in almost every case, although treatment can

My BCC was removed surgically. I was worried I

be more complicated if the BCC has been present

would have a large scar as the wound seemed very

for a long time, or if it occurs in an awkward place,

large in comparison to the size of the lesion but six

such as close to the eye or on the nose or ear.

months later it’s faded so much that you can barely

The commonest treatment for BCC is surgery under

see it.

local anaesthesia. The BCC is cut away, along with

Treatment is easier if a BCC is detected early. So, if

some surrounding skin. There are generally just a

you notice a new lesion on your face (or anywhere

few stitches but sometimes a skin graft is needed.

on your body) which is growing, or which bleeds

Sometimes radiotherapy, curettage (scraping),

and never really heals, or if your skin appearance

cautery (heat treatment), cryotherapy (freezing

has changed in any way don’t wait, consult your GP.

treatment), photodynamic therapy (PTD), or creams

It’s worth it.

may be used instead.

By Aoife Brennan Mobile:

07475 004637

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

• • • • •

Depression & Anxiety Bereavement Work Related Stress Relationship Issues Infertility

• • • • •

Trauma Addiction Eating Disorders Self-Harm Anger Management

www.empathycounsellingservices.co.uk info@empathycounsellingservices.co.uk

Prescot Chiropody Clinic

48

Leisure

Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events

Waiting for Godot

Oliver!

Friday, October 4, 7pm

Thurs, Oct 10 – Sat, Oct 12, 7:30pm (2pm matinee on Sat)

A production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot – a classical piece of absurdist theatre. Tickets £6, £5 for library card holders or £3 concessions from the library.

Parr Library, Fleet Lane, St. Helens, WA9 1SY

Quiz Night Fundraiser Saturday, October 5, 6:30pm Help raise money for DanceBeatz Academy’s new costumes with a fun, family-friendly quiz, disco and a raffle. Entry £4.

Rainhill Ex-Services Club, Warrington Rd, L35 4LS

Motown Charity Night Saturday, October 5, 7:30pm

Pilkington Musical Theatre Company present Oliver the musical. Tickets £17.50 per adult or £15 per child,on 01744 756000.

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

Stepping Out Thurs, Oct 17 – Sat, Oct 19, 7:30pm Follow Mavis on a hilarious adventure as she tries to teach tap dancing to a crew of amateurs, performed by Rainhill Garrick Society. Tickets £7 or £6 concessions, available on 01744 813429.

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

Beetle Drive

Raise money for Willowbrook Hospice with a night of Northern Soul and Motown, with guest DJs and the Rainhill Soulies. Entry £5.

Friday, October 18, 7pm

West Park Rugby Club, Prescot Road, St. Helens, WA10 3AG

St. Ann’s Centre, View Road, Rainhill, L35 0LE

A fun game of Beetle Drive, plus hotpot supper and a raffle. Tickets £5 from 07812 373780.

Emily Rising Rainford 10K Sun, Oct 6, 9am-1pm (10K at 10:30am) Run the 10K route around Rainford and enjoy entertainment. Entry £24 per adult. Fun run at 9:45am, £2 per child, £5 per adult - enter at www. therainford10k.co.uk Rainford High, Higher Lane, Rainford, WA11 8NY

Saturday, October 19, 11:30am & 2:30pm Emily wakes one morning to discover her feet can’t touch the ground. Tickets £5/£3 concessions at citadel.org.uk Winter Wonderland Store, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AX

49

Charity Gala Dinner

Family Spooky Walk

Saturday, October 19, 7pm

Saturday, October 26, 5:30pm

Enjoy a 3-course meal with entertainment, a raffle and Saints auction to raise money for Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group. Tickets £35 on 0151 236 1895.

Umbrella Arts invite families on a spooky walk, with plenty of jump scares and zombie appearances!

There’ll also be stalls, a funfair and a spooky choir, plus refreshments. Entry to the walk is £1.50.

Totally Wicked Stadium, St. Helens, WA9 1JJ

Jubilee Park, Wigan Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 9BH

Annual Race Night Saturday, October 19, 7pm A night of racing in memory of Adam Ellison and in support of the #NoMoreKnives campaign. There’ll be food, a DJ and a raffle with great prizes. Tickets £5 from the venue.

Rainhill Ex-Services Club, Warrington Road, Rainhill, L35 4LS

Spooky Murder Mystery Saturday, October 26, 7pm Big Stage Productions present an evening of intrigue, suspense and murder! Tickets £25 including a 3-course meal, bookable on 07779 248044.

The Nelson, Bridge Street, St. Helens, WA10 1NU

iPet

Classical Concert

Sunday, October 20, 11:30am & 2:30pm

Saturday, October 26, 7pm

A look into technology and how it makes us complacent for a young audience. Tickets £5/£3 concessions from citadel.org.uk

Classical violinist and Chernobyl survivor Mischa Lindan presents a night of music from The Beatles to Bach. Tickets £8 including refreshments with proceeds to charity, bookable on 01744 362260.

Winter Wonderland Store, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AX

Author Talk: Paula Daly Thursday, October 24, 6pm Thriller author Paula Daly discusses life in the Lake District and the new ITV drama based on her books. Tickets £6, £5 for library card holders or £3 concessions from the library.

Chester Lane Library, Four Acre Lane, St. Helens, WA9 4DE

St. Helens Baptist Church, Hall Street, St. Helens, WA10 1EL

50

Autumn Song Saturday, October 26, 7:30pm Glorious soprano Lynne Rogers presents a session of music accompanied by Angela Thompson on piano, in association with St. Helens Sinfonietta.

Tickets £10, under-16s £1.

United Reformed Church, King Street, St. Helens, WA10 2JZ

Raddlesham Mumps Sunday, October 27, 11:30am & 2:30pm

Cricket Club Fireworks Saturday, November 2, 7:30pm Sutton Cricket Club invites you to a fantastic fireworks display and laser show. Tickets £4 on TicketPole or from the venue.

Sutton Cricket Club, New Street, St. Helens, WA9 3UU

Tales with a Twist Thursday, October 31, 10:30am, 12pm & 1:30pm

A young orphan inherits a spooky house. Tickets £5/£3 concessions at citadel.org.uk

Favourite stories from around the world with a twist.

Tickets £5 per child, adults free at citadel.org.uk

Winter Wonderland, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AX

Winter Wonderland, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AX

Patchwork Wonders

Paul Harfleet Q&A

Monday, October 28, 11:30am & 2:30pm

Friday, November 1, 7pm-8pm

Be transported into the magical, wonky world of the Stitch Brothers. Tickets £5/£3 concessions at citadel.org.uk

Paul Harfleet plants pansies at the site of homophobic abuse to create a photographic exhibition. He presents a talk and Q&A.

Winter Wonderland, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AX

Chester Lane Library, Four Acre Lane, St. Helens, WA9 4DE

Stargazing Night Friday, November 8, 7pm-9pm A free illustrated talk from the Liverpool Astronomical Society & Knowsley Rangers about the wonders of the solar system, with powerful telescopes available for public use.

Stadt Moers Park Environment Centre, Pottery Lane, Whiston, L35 3RG

51

Sandstone Trail

by Chris Pearce

Distance: 7 miles Difficulty: Medium/Hard A head for heights and a sure-footed nature are necessary for this 7-mile walk which, in parts, follows part of Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail. The Trail stretches for 34 miles through Cheshire, it has been voted by ITV viewers as one Britain’s Favourite Walks, and it’s easy to see why. On the first half of the walk there are a couple of flights of steep steps to navigate, which are set in the sandstone cliffs, and some breath-taking sheer drops, but you also need to be aware of lots of protruding tree roots and random sandstone rocks.

Park up at the free car park off Simons Lane (WA6 6HQ) near Frodsham – look for the phone masts.

At the entrance to the car park turn left and follow Simons Lane downhill until you see a bungalow (Overhill) and turn left up the shared driveway/ footpath.

Follow the footpath right up to and over the driveway to a care home (Heathercliffe), and carry

on down a wooded path downhill. Once you reach Bellemonte Road, turn right and turn left when you reach the Bellemonte pub.

Look out for the footpath sign on the right and follow this down into a wooden area. You’re faced with a fork almost immediately and you need to bear left. You’ll pass a Frodsham Hill Wood sign and straight after a fingerpost; head for Delamere/ Beeston and carry on in that direction on the ridge of the wooden area, ignoring various turn offs (including one uphill for the Sandstone Trail).

Tantalising glimpses of the Mersey coastline appear through the trees as you follow the path, and uninterrupted view are far and few between at this time of year. Shortly after passing Alf and Grace’s bench you’ll arrive at a fingerpost, go down the wooden stairway and then you’ll come to a fork; bear left if you want to clamber down some very steep and large steps set in the sandstone cliffs or carry straight on if you want to go the much safer route and follow the path down two flights of metal

52

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

Overton

or tablet, this walk is named: JT-Sandstone-Trail

Netherton

Overton Hill

6

A5

Beacon Hill

P

Sim

on

sL

an

e

Fivecrosses

Woodhouses Woodhouse Hill

Higher Mickledale Farm

Arboretum

Dob

ers

La

Manley Road

ne

Newton

Kingswood Cliff Farm

e

an lls L

he

Bus

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.

53 steps. Either way, you’ll arrive at another fingerpost and you should follow the sign to Delamere.

A few yards further on you’ll cross a wooden bridge and come to sign number 596, indicating you need to climb up the steep cliff steps on the right (towards Whitchurch). Once you’ll get to the top, you’ll be by the 10th hole of Frodsham Golf Club.

Follow the path until you come to another bench, this one dedicated to David Nicholls.

At this point the Sandstone Trail itself weaves uphill, but instead carry on in the same direction until the wood opens up somewhat, and look out for a ½ fingerpost sign; take a 90 degree left turn here and, when you come to a ‘proper tree’ sign, bear left uphill and when you arrive at the next fork, bear right staying on somewhat level ground.

Once you arrive at the next fingerpost, take a 90-degree right turn and follow the Sandstone Trail all the way downhill for over ½ mile until you reach The Ridgeway Road. Turn left uphill for 150 yards and once you arrive at the Ridgeway Country Holiday Park, look for the footpath opposite. Climb up the steps of the footpath, then more steps downhill and bear left when you reach a brook follow the path parallel to the brook and cross the wooden footbridge a little further on.

Take the path uphill and follow the path round the edge of the woods, bearing left until you reach Commonside. Cross over and, after a short climb up the hill, you’re following a footpath on the edge

of more woodland. You’ll take a newly created diversion round Austerson Old Hall and arrive at a single-track road (Yarrangall Green), turn left and then turn left again when you get to the main Manley Road. Follow this busy-ish road uphill for 250 yards and then turn right down a track to Claim Farm. Once you reach the dog-leg bend to the right, take a 90-degree left turn, go through the gate and head along the side of field.

Once you’ve crossed a track/gallops, bear right slightly and follow the overgrown path round the left-hand side of this field uphill towards a house in the distance. Once you’ve reached the road, cross and head up Bushells Lane until you reach a staggered crossroads; turn left up Waterloo Lane.

At the end of Waterloo Lane, take a right turn. At the back end of a slight right-hand bend, you’ll need to take a track on the left and head up towards the ridge. Once you reach the next crossroads, take a left and follow the track past a covered reservoir until you reach Manley Road. Turn right and look for a gate built into the hedge approximately 250 yards on the left-hand side.

Take the path which cuts diagonally through a field until you reach the driveway to Higher Mickledale Farm. Go straight across the driveway to another path and follow in same direction all the way to Simons Lane. Turn left and walk uphill; you’ll see the car park from where you started the walk on the right-hand side.

54

One lucky family is going to win a fabulous day out this October half term when they experience Monster Magic, featuring UglyDolls, at Gulliver’s World Theme Park in Warrington.

The last week of October will be filled with spooky surprises and treats as Gulliver’s World teams up with UglyDolls for a Halloween event like no other.

UglyDolls will be making special appearances alongside all of your favourite Gulliver’s characters.

Look out for some seriously scary monsters as the

activities then don’t forget to visit The Lost World area. This Jurassic section of the theme park will be open during the spooky season so be sure to discover the tail-thrashing, roaring dinosaurs. Hop aboard the observation tower for the most epic views and join the dino safari tour to get up close to

park is ghoulishly transformed for one week only.

the giant dinosaurs.

Gulliver’s World is the ideal day out for families with younger children. Rides and attractions are designed for kids aged 2- 13. Gulliver’s guests can enjoy water rides, indoor attractions and plenty of shows.

Monster Magic at Gulliver’s World Warrington will be taking place from 25th October until 1st November. For the best value tickets, it’s always best to book at least two days in advance.

Get ready to enjoy one of their biggest ever rides this Halloween, Desperado Drop. Located in Western World, this brand-new drop tower is a thrilling new addition to the theme park, giving guests incredible views before a sensational descent.

If you want to take a break from the Halloween

For a bigger adventure why not try a stay and play short break? Choose from a huge selection of themed accommodation including the Swizzels Sweetie Suite. Stay and play packages have everything you need. Combine theme park entry, an overnight stay and resort extras to make your Halloween trip the perfect treat.

55

To enter the competition, simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then complete the name of the new Halloween attractions at Gulliver’s World

Ugly The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Sunday 20th October and the winners will be notified within five working days. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition. Prize is valid for up to 6 people and includes access to all the rides and attractions on the theme park. Valid for visits until 1st November 2019. There must be at least one adult and one child within the group. Valid for Gulliver’s Warrington, Milton Keynes or Matlock Bath.

Visit gulliversfun.co.uk for details on theme park tickets and short break options.

56

Motoring

Suzuki Swift Attitude

by Tim Barnes-Clay

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

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

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

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

This has been harvested from the basic SZ-3, driving

only weighs 980kg and has a short wheelbase.

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

Of course, the Attitude is not a hot-hatch, but it’s a seriously engaging supermini – if burning along twisty rural lanes is your thing. Mind you; its off-

Pros’ n’ Cons • Handling √

the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

• Ride √

The Attitude’s engine may sound a bit lame in comparison with a turbo assisted one, but it’s still a fun, nimble hatch to drive. This is because the car

• Room √ • Straight-line performance X

57

Fast Facts • Max speed: 111 mph • 0-62 mph: 11.9 seconds • Combined MPG: 51.4 mpg • Engine layout: 1242cc 4-cylinder petrol • Max. power (PS): 90 the-line performance isn’t quite so exciting. A zero to 62mph time of 11.9 seconds isn’t going to mean you’ll be changing your underwear any time soon.

• CO2: 124 g/km • Price: £14,599

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

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

Mobile car valeting

Tel: 07803 053 715 e: cjvalet@yahoo.co.uk www.cjvaleting.net

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58

Gardening

Pots your

style?

by Angie Barker People often underestimate the impact that pots can have on your outside space. Whether your garden is big or small, or even a balcony, then pots can really enhance the look of it by introducing colour and style, in terms of the pots you choose and the planting.

There are a few things to remember though with container gardening. First of all think big. Two or three large pots look so much better than a large collection of small ones – and they will need less watering. Then choose your style. If your garden is more of a cottage garden with lots of perennial planting in an informal style, then terracotta is the obvious choice. If however you have a contemporary, sleek garden perhaps with decking, then stainless steel or black ceramic would fit in perfectly.

You also have to bear in mind that plants in containers rely on you for their water. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the rain will keep them watered. In summer especially you will need a watering regime to stop the plants drying out.

Adding water retentive gel to your compost can really help preserve water content.

Hubby’s favourite is an Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’ we have growing in a pot by our conservatory door.

Acers of all descriptions do well in pots because they are slow growing. Just site them somewhere protected from harsh winds in part shade and they should do well.

It is especially lovely to have a pot or two by your front door to cheer you up when you come home – even more so in winter when there is little

happening in garden borders. Sarcoccoca confusa is a small evergreen shrub which will thrive in a shady spot and has the most wonderful scent during late winter to welcome you home.

My latest project this summer was to grow a Silver Birch tree in a pot! My plan is that by keeping it in a pot it will stay relatively small but enables me to site it close to the house where I can appreciate its lovely bark and fine foliage. Yes, when it comes to pots all you need is your imagination.

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Installations, Upgrades & Maintenance Established 30+ years ~ emergency call outs

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42-44 Rainford Road, Billinge

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01942 741789 07387 376 530

Garswood-based

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enquiries@best-security.co.uk

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Established 1984

Rainford Electrical Electrical Installations & Repairs

No job too small.

Est.1975

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H. TEBB & SON French Polishers & Upholsterers of Distinction • Domestic and commercial work welcome

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For all your building needs • New Builds & Extensions • Kitchen & Bathroom Refurbishments • Loft & Garage Conversions • Painting & Decorating Contractors

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Bi-Fold Doors

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