Local Life - St Helens - December 2019

LocalLife St Helens Edition

December 2019

Santa Experiences Pages 12-15

Festive Events Guide Pages 40-43

Christmas Recipe Special Pages 34-37

WIN a Luxury Christmas Hamper Pages 28-29

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Local Life

So Here It Is… It’s seemed a long time coming, but the big day is just around the corner. Of course I’m referring to the general election but once that is out of the way, we can stick Noddy & Co. on loop and get on with enjoying Christmas.

Why is it so difficult for a morally upstanding, vigorous and dynamic leader, ideally with a bit of life experience, to rise to the top job in this country?

Did you know that in Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering, one of the most accomplished surgeons in this Himalayan country only practices on a Saturday, as he is busy during the week running the country? So that’s a bit of an extreme example, but you get my point surely?

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We’ll put politics to bed now and get on with sending you into December with a cracker of a Christmas issue. Don’t miss the Santa Experience feature on pages 12-15, the definitive guide to enhance your children’s/grandchildren’s Christmas, we’ve got a comprehensive festive Events2Go guide on pages 40-43, ideas for Christmas presents, festive recipes and much more.

And to thank you readers for allowing us into your homes for another year, we’ve been shopping and pulled together an amazing luxury Christmas Hamper for one lucky reader! Check out the hamper competition on pages 28-29 and don’t forget to enter online by midnight on Monday 16th December.

And my wish for Christmas?

That whatever the outcome of the election is, that we all accept it with good grace, embrace the belated season of goodwill, and resolve not to mention politics again until the New Year hangover recedes!

All the very best,

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

www.locallife247.co.uk

Regulars

In this issue

32 Puzzle Pages

Santa Experiences

40 Events2Go

Sections 6 Local News 34 Food & Drink 38 Health

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46 Gardening 44 Motoring 48 Home Services

Pick a Panto Next issue - January 2020

Advertising deadline - Friday, 13th December Published - Thursday, 9th January

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LocalLife

WIN a Luxury Christmas Hamper

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

Telephone: 01744 649 722

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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

Christmas Recipes

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

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The next issue is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Carr Mill and selected areas of Haydock.

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News & Features

Gift Appeal

his eye on Cinderella!

St. Helens Council has launched its 2019 Christmas gift appeal, and is asking residents and businesses to donate gifts to make a disadvantaged child’s Christmas a special one.

The appeal is especially looking for presents aimed at children aged under 1 and between 7 and 12 years after a shortage last year. Soft toys cannot be accepted, and toys must be new and not wrapped.

Gifts can be dropped off at St. Helens Town Hall, Atlas House, Wesley House, Sutton Children’s Centre or at any St. Helens library. The deadline for donations is Tuesday, December 17. For more info, call Tracy on 01744 676563.

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

Magical Memories Church Square Shopping Centre has a festive surprise in store for children this month!

Santa will be setting up a Christmas Wonderland – families can pass through the North Pole to meet the big man himself. The grotto runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December, then on December 23 and 24. Tickets cost £7.95 per child, bookable at churchsquaresthelens.co.uk

Get Crafty

Pirate Panto January

St. Mary’s Market will host a tabletop craft sale every Saturday until Christmas.

Live at Rainhill Village Hall from Friday, January 16 until Sunday, January 19, the wicked Bluebeard has

The market will take place at St. Mary’s Market event space from 9am-3pm each weekend - for details, or to book a stall, call 01744 677155.

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

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A Chocolatey Challenge Now in its ninth year, the Chocolate Orange Challenge returns to St. Helens to celebrate the role of emergency services and charitable causes in the local area.

Now businesses and buildings across town are signing up to be drop-off points for chocolate oranges, which will be distributed around hospitals, hospices and emergency service depots closer to Christmas, as a thank you for their hard work in the community.

John Shaw from JC Kitchens in Dentons Green

Prescot Chiropody Clinic

Chris Lamb, who organises the Challenge, came up with the idea after losing his son Elliott, who had congenital cytomegalovirus or CMV – a condition which affects around 80% of adults but is usually only harmful in pregnancy.

Drop-off points around St. Helens include JC Kitchens on Greenfield Road, Dentons Green, St. Helens College and Job Centre St. Helens.

This year’s appeal will culminate in a special Make A Difference Friday at the Totally Wicked Stadium on December 13 from 9am-12:30pm. There’ll be a final chance to donate chocolate oranges, singalong carols and plenty of refreshments to tide you over before the chocolate oranges go off to be delivered around the country.

Chocolate oranges are set to be delivered around Blackpool, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, St. Helens, Sheffield, Warrington and Wigan. In St. Helens, they’ll be distributed to the Merseyside Fire Brigade, Willowbrook Hospice, Whiston & St. Helens Hospital, Lansbury Bridge School, North West Ambulance Service.

For more information about the collection and Make A Difference Friday, visit Team Chocolate Orange on Facebook.

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Prescot Grotto The Friends of Eaton Street Park will present a 7-step interactive Christmas experience on the weekend of December 7th and 8th.

Children will be allocated an Elf Guide to take them through the fantastical experience – not only will they get to meet Santa and have their photo taken, but they’ll be able to explore Santa’s workshop, learn some magic tricks, enjoy a Christmas cartoon in the micro-cinema and enjoy performing arts with Grandfather Frost! There’ll also be Christmas crafts, certificates for each child, and of course plenty of mischief!

Tickets cost £5 per child and £1 per adult, including a hot drink and mince pie, bookable on 0151 292 4458 or from info@eatonstreetpark.org.uk

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.

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A L L T H E IN S P IR AT IO N YO U ’ L L N E E D T H I S C H RI S T M A S U N D E R ON E ROOF

This festive season sees Warbreck Garden Centre spectacularly change into one of the most inspiring and exciting shopping destinations in the region.

With a tasteful and sophisticated blend of Christmas decorations, interior furnishings and gifts everything you might need for this festive season is under one roof.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Warm regards

Richard & All the team at Warbreck

F R E E H OT D R I N K Next time you’re in the Plantation Restaurant collect your Hot Drink Stamp Card.

You will receive a FREE hot drink with every 9 purchased.

OUR CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN!

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P LANTAT ION R ESTAU R AN T Once you’ve meandered around our inspiring Christmas and Gift displays be sure to try our Winter Menu. All our meals and desserts are prepared by our team of very talented chefs using the freshest ingredients using many local suppliers. With our specials menu changing daily you can be sure of a deliciously different meal every time you visit.

FESTIV E LUNCH ES Every Tue, Wed & Thurs in December at the Plantation Restaurant

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Santa Experiences Manchester’s Ice Village www.icevillage.co.uk Until December 24 Grotto tickets £7.50 per child Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG Get in the festive mood this season with Manchester’s Ice Village! Not only can the kids go and meet Santa, but grown-ups can head to the unmissable Ice Tiki Bar, while families show off their skills at the ice skating rink. Meet a giant ice dragon in the Ice Cavern, sit in a regal ice carriage, see if you can escape a giant ice block and get a real frozen experience! There’ll also be festive market stalls to browse and delicious food on offer.

Knowsley Safari Park www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/whatson/events/enchanted-christmas-event/ Selected dates until December 23 Tickets £7.50 (under-3s go free). Santa’s Grotto must be booked separately at £7.50 per child.

Prescot, L34 4AN Get Enchanted at Knowsley Safari Park after dark! Your path will be lit with magical lights and illuminated animals as you traverse the foot safari – plus, enjoy festive food, music and meet Santa at his grotto!

You’re really in for an enchanting experience with charming animals, and the chance to make wonderful memories in time for Christmas.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest Until December 21 Tickets £10 per child, £3 per adult (under-1s go free) Shorrocks Hill, Formby, L37 2EB www.santasenchantedforest.co.uk On cold, crisp winter nights, you’ll find Santa and his elves tucked away in the enchanted forest.

Explore the Formby woodlands, discover a giant candy house, and a mini locomotive travelling through Santa’s mini village.

Families can try dancing with Dancing Davina in a purpose-built studio, write letters to Santa at elf writing school, and visit Father Christmas himself in his log cabin. Finally, capture beautiful pictures in a giant human snow globe!

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Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk Dates until December 22 Grotto tickets £6.50 per child, £7 per adult (admission to Christmas Mansion £10 per adult, £7 per child) Knutsford, WA16 6SG The fairy godmother is waiting to lead you on an enchanting journey through magical woodlands to Tatton Park’s Christmas Mansion. Follow the sweetie trail through the forest and to the servants’ quarters, where you’ll enter the Witch’s gingerbread house.

Meander through grand staterooms in the mansion itself, see Cinderella’s magnificent pumpkin coach and beautiful Christmas trees bedecked in lights!

Children can meet Santa Claus and make reindeer food at the farm, and there’ll be festive brass, choral concerts and delicious seasonal food available, as well as plenty of opportunities to stock up on stocking

fillers! Pose for a selfie on Santa’s sleigh, enjoy storytellers, face painters and a traditional live nativity – the magic really does come alive for the festive season at Tatton.

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Farmer Teds www.farmerteds.com/farmerchristmas Dates until December 23 Tickets £20 per child, £9.75 per adult, £7.50 per under-1 Ormskirk, L39 7HW Farmer Ted’s is transformed into a winter wonderland each December – visitors can stroll down magical high street Candy Cane Lane to discover an animated reindeer and donkey show or enjoy a performance from the resident elf band.

Nearby, the Reindeer Food Factory will help you make the perfect treat to leave on your lawn for Santa’s reindeers.

Later, meet Santa in his workshop, write a postcard with your festive wishes on at Elf School, build a snowman and post for a picture in the Christmas carriage! A 4D cinema will show Boris’s Christmas Adventure, there’ll be real reindeer for you to meet, and so many photo opportunities along the way. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/ features/christmas-at-dunham-massey

Dunham Massey Until December 30 Tickets £17.50 per adult, £11 per child (under-3s go free) Altringham, WA14 4SJ Dunham Massey’s winter trail is one of the most anticipated family attractions of the season. The grand avenue will be replanted with gigantic flowers, brought to life with light projections. Head through vortex tunnels, see reflections made by fire on water, and watch in awe as lights tumble from the undergrowth in a spectacular show of illuminations.

Your walk under the stars will be finished off with spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate as you gather around the fire-pit to toast marshmallows.

For the little ones, a traditional funfair with a helter skelter, Victorian carousel and more awaits; if you’re lucky, you might even spot Santa and his helpers.

Wayfarers Arcade www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk Dates until December 24 Tickets £5 per child (£14 x 3, £18 x 4) Southport, PR8 1NY Make Christmas truly magical in the traditional Victorian shopping arcade at Wayfarers, Southport.

Santa will be in residence to hand out gifts to the children in the stunning setting of the arcade.

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Traford Cenrte

Have you heard? Spread the word!

www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre/events/peterrabbits-christmas-grotto Until December 24 Tickets £8.50 per child, £5.50 per adult Stretford, Manchester, M17 8AA The wonderful world of Beatrix Potter comes to Manchester this Christmas with the immersive Peter Rabbit Grotto.

Meet Squirrel Nutkin, decorate elf biscuits with Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and keep your eyes peeled for the sneaky Mr Tod in his lair. Actors bring the world of Beatrix Potter to life as you travel to meet Santa and receive a special Christmas gift.

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Until December 15 Grotto tickets £8 per child, £2 per adult Oakmere, Frodsham, WA6 8LH Feel the crunch of winter leaves under your wellies as you follow the Christmas trails at Delamere Forest!

Whether you’re picking up your real Christmas tree, enjoying steaming cups of hot chocolate, or visiting Santa in his woodland grotto, there’s something for everyone this Christmas. Children will receive a baby tree to take home and a small gift from Santa.

AN AUTHENTIC & WONDERFULLY

Traditional Grand Grotto FOR CHILDREN BIG & SMALL Grand Grotto open throughout December with limited places available.

To book your ticket, please visit us in store.

Ellamora www.ellamora.co.uk Dates between December 7 & 24 Tickets £12 per child Rainford, WA11 8HD Ellamora is bringing back the magic of the Tyrers Grotto this Christmas! Featuring the original Santa Claus from St. Helens’ most famous department store, children can visit the man himself in his traditional annexe and receive a magical Christmas gift.

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The Dresser

Road Repaved

Rainhill Garrick Society’s first play of the new year will be The Dresser, running from February 13th15th at Rainhill Village Hall. The play, by Ronard Harwood, draws on the author’s own experiences as a dresser to Shakespearean actor Donald Wolfit.

A stretch of Prescot Road is set to be repaved in memory of Violet-Grace Youens, who died there after being struck by a speeding car in 2017. The existing pedestrian crossing point will be upgraded, with violet-coloured paving stones, while road marking alterations have already been made.

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

Charity Grotto Local charity the HoneyRose Foundation is opening a Santa’s Grotto for three days only in December.

The charity, which helps grant wishes for people over 40 suffering from cancer and other lifethreatening illnesses, invites children to come and meet Father Christmas and receive a present.

Entry costs £5 per child, and the grotto opens from 10am-1pm from Thursday, December 5 until Saturday, December 7 at the shop on Cotham St.

Elf Adventure On various dates until December 24th, families can head over to St. George’s Hall in Liverpool to embark on a special Elf Adventure.

Children can join in with music, storytelling and plenty of games to earn the title of Honorary Elf and a certificate. The challenge is aimed at children aged 2-10 years, and fun-filled sessions last approximately 50 minutes.

Tickets cost £13.50 per child and £5.50 per adult, available on TicketQuarter.

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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE IT AT CHRISTMAS! Christmas in Wayfarers Shopping Arcade is a truly special occasion.

Stunning festive decorations set the scene, making this impressive Victorian arcade a place where everyone feels the festive spirit.

SANTA’S IN HIS GROTTO

30th Nov, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th,15th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec 11am - 4pm CHRISTMAS EVE: 11am - 2pm

Lord Street, Southport PR8 1NT (opposite the Town Hall and next to Beales) Open 7 days Monday to Saturday 9am – 5.30pm, Sundays 10am – 5pm www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk

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Candidates Announced

Mission Christmas

The list of candidates standing for election as Members of Parliament at the General Election on December 12 has been announced.

Anyone who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day is invited to a festive dinner event

St. Helens South & Whiston candidates are: Brexit: Daniel Oxley Labour: Marie Elizabeth Rimmer Conservative: Richard Alan Short Lib Dem: Brian Thomas Spencer Green: Kai Anthony Taylor St. Helens North candidates are: Conservative: Charles Joel Ralph Labour: Conor Patrick McGinn Lib Dem: Pat Moloney Green: David Ian Van Der Burg Brexit: Malcolm James Webster Don’t know whether you’re registered to vote or not? Email elections@sthelens.gov.uk or call 01744 676464.

with Prescot Mission. You’ll enjoy delicious food, fabulous entertainment and transport to and from the venue if needed.

If you’d like to attend, or know someone who might, get in touch on 07522 158963 or 07759 843181 to register your interest.

Among the Books Rainhill Library hosts a series of festive events this month, kicking off with a visit from the Reeve Court Choir on Thursday, December 12 from 11am. Join in singing Christmas classics or sit back and enjoy the music!

Then, on Friday, December 20, little ones can join a Christmas Read and Rhyme party, featuring songs, party games and snacks with Bookstart Bear and another surprise guest! The event starts at 10:30am.

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by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 1st October 2019 and 31st December 2019. Prices are correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may change. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): combined 46.8 (6.0) – 47.0 (6.0). Combined CO2 112 g/km. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which replaces the New European Driving Cycle test procedure (NEDC). All CO2 figures quoted are NEDC equivalent.

This means the CO2 figures are based on the new WLTP test procedure but calculated (using a standard European calculation method) to allow comparison with the NEDC test procedure and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. All mpg figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp

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Bloomin’ Brilliant St. Helens and Whiston Hospitals really made an impression on the RHS Britain in Bloom judges this year for its North West in Bloom awards.

St. Helens Hospital gardens were named Best in the North West for the ninth year running, while Whiston was awarded Gold for the seventh year on the trot.

Willowbrook Hospice also scooped two awards for its gardens: they achieved Outstanding in the Hospice category, and the Best Hospice Award for 2019.

Finally, the villages of Rainford and Crank received the highest honours in their respective categories: Rainford won Gold in the Large Village category, while Crank achieved an Outstanding award for Neighbourhoods.

Rainford Bloomers with their award

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Panto

Head down the Yellow Brick Road to Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park in Huyton to see the wonderful Wizard of Oz from Saturday, December 7 until Tuesday, December 10. With an all-star cast, you’ll follow Dorothy and her new friends the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion in their quest to thwart the Wicked Witch of the West. Tickets start at £9 on 0151 443 2200.

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Over in Liverpool, you’ll be spoilt for choice with two all-star pantomimes taking place this December. From Saturday, December 7 until Sunday, December 29, take a trip to Neverland with Peter Pan at the Liverpool Empire. Tickets start at £11 on 0844 871 3017.

The festive season doesn’t have to end after the New Year. Rainhill Musical Theatre Company bring a whole host of fairytale characters to life as they unite on the Seven Seas in Pirates the Panto! Tickets cost £10 or £8 concessions on 07948 908693 or from rainhillmtc@hotmail.com

EC

The genie is out of the bottle at the Theatre Royal this December! From Saturday, December 7 until Sunday, January 12, join hero Aladdin as he battles the evil Abanezer and his dastardly plan to rule the world. Featuring an amazing flying carpet, a magical 3D scene and a star-studded cast, tickets start at £13 and are bookable on 01744 756000 or at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

If princesses are more up your street, you can catch Snow White at M&S Bank Arena. Tickets for the show, which features Union J star JJ Hamblett

AC U F TU N

There are plenty of pantomimes going on in the area to keep the whole family booing, hissing and cheering all winter long. Not sure which to go for?

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Secret St. Helens Ever wondered how the world’s first passenger railway and the world’s first navigable canal intersect? That question and many more are answered in local author Sue Gerrard’s latest book ‘Secret St. Helens’, which delves into the best-kept secrets lurking in the town’s streets.

From Oscar winners to motorcyclists, public parks to churches, you’re sure to find something new around every page.

Sue Gerrard is the poet in residence for the Friends of VIctoria Park and for the Len Saunders Writing Room. With more than 200 published poems under her belt, Sue has appeared on local radio and TV, along with heading across the country to attend poetry festivals and readings. Her previous book ‘St. Helens Now and Then’ celebrates the town’s heritage for its 150th anniversary, and was a bestseller at independent book shop Wardleworths.

Call us now on:

07751 000102 10 North Road St Helens WA10 2TL

The book is available from all good bookshops or at www.amberley-books.com/secret-st-helens and retails at £14.99.

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Small Business

Saturday Grassroots campaign Small Business Saturday returns this month, uniting small businesses across the UK and encouraging shoppers to support independent traders in their local area.

On Saturday, December 7, the focus will be on the successes and achievements of these local companies. Not only do you help out the local economy when you shop local, but you help to create more jobs locally and are often getting something more original than heading to the high street. Shopping locally even helps the environment, with products often locally sourced and fewer miles travelled to the store for customers too.

Last year, an estimated ÂŁ812 million was spent in small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.

In St. Helens, bespoke jewellery makers Gibneys Jewellers was founded 32 years ago in Bridge Street, before moving over to Westfield Street and finally making their home in Ormskirk Street in 2010. Carl Gibney owns the store, which is run by his partner and Manageress Kath Woods. Gibneys are members of the Small Business Saturday scheme, joining a network of other local traders in the area.

Gibneys is locally acclaimed for its on-site workshop, where their resident goldsmith works on bespoke creations, as well as remodelling and repairing other pieces.

Gibneys also stock plenty of different gift boxes perfect for the upcoming festive season!

For more information about Small Business Saturday,visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

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Sprint for Santa Registration is open for this year’s St. Helens Santa Dash, taking place in Victoria Park on Saturday, December 14 at 11am.

The 4K loop will see people donning Santa hats to sprint, hop, jog or walk around the park, with an inclusive community feel.

Dashers will also receive a special Santa medal and a mince pie at the finish line!

Entry costs ÂŁ5 per adult or ÂŁ2 per child (under-5s free), with all proceeds donated to the elderly department at St. Helens & Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust. To register, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/communitysport

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Win a

Christmas Hamper!

To thank our readers for allowing us into your homes for another year, we’ve been shopping and we’ve pulled together four amazing luxury Christmas Hampers for our latest competition! A single reader in each of our magazine areas (Wigan, Chorley, St Helens and West Lancs & Coast) will each win a luxury hamper. Just read the blurb below and answer the question online.

Launched back in 2008, the St Helens edition of Local Life is now delivered to over 25,000 St Helens homes on a regular basis, and in some of these homes, including the Rainhill area, Local Life is the only print publication received through residents’ letterboxes.

In addition to our St Helens magazine, we also publish A5-sized magazines each month for the Wigan and Chorley areas, and we also produce a premium B5-sized monthly magazine for the West Lancashire, Southport and Formby area. In addition to our magazines, we also design, print and deliver leaflets alongside our magazines too.

All this is pulled together by a small team of lovely people (see below) who are based at our offices and

distribution unit at Hewitt Business Park in Billinge, with assistance from our amazing distribution team.

In 2019 alone, no less than 483 local businesses and organisations, big and small, advertised their services and products to our readers.

We know that many of these businesses do not advertise anywhere else than in the pages of Local Life, and we are grateful to them for their support.

Without them, we wouldn’t be able to produce your magazine, so if you value Local Life then do keep a hold of your copy when you have read it, and please do make a conscious effort to call Local Life advertisers should you require their products or services.

That’s enough of the blurb! To enter the competition to win a luxury Christmas hamper, simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the following question;

In 2019, how many businesses and organisations advertised with Local Life?

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Monday 16th December 2019 and the winners will be notified within five working days. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household – any multiple entries will be void. 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.

Hamper Contents

Prosecco, Mulled wine, Black Sheep real ale, gin, Booth’s Christmas pudding, brandy butter, mince pies, shortbread, tin of Whittard’s biscuits, fudge, Lancashire Bomb cheese, Carrs crackers, selection of chutneys, tub of smoked salmon pate, box of Beech’s chocolates, tin of Uncle Joe’s, Whittard’s luxury drinking

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WIN

a

Christmas Hamper

chocolate, and a luxury Christmas cake – all contained with a Hobbycraft wooden crate that you can use again and again.

Good luck, and a very merry Christmas from all at LocalLife

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32

Puzzle Pages

Sponsored by

CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Expel from a community or group (9) 2. Liquid resulting from the thawing of ice

or snow (9)

4. Painting stand (5) 5. Spectacles (7) 6. Wheel shaft (4) 7. Archaic form of the word ‘you’ (4) 11. Inadequate in amount or degree (9) 12. Daily publication (9) 14. Public transport vehicle (3) 15. Persistently or morbidly thoughtful (7) 18. Public announcement of a proposed marriage (5) 19. Palm fruit (4) 20. Abstain from eating (4)

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13. Make sore by rubbing (5)

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WORDSEARCH THEME: Christmas Carols Find the hidden words in the word search grid

SUDOKU

Amid

Just

See

Angels

Kings

Silent

Another

Little

Sing

Away

Manger

Snow

Carol

Merry

Star

Come

Nicholas

Three

First

Night

Town

Good

Old

Watched

Hark

Rest

Winters

Herald

Royal

Wish

Jolly

Saint

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.

11

4

12 7 8 20 1 3 11 6 4 21

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: To begin from nothing at all

Trace a path through all the letters to find the word or phrase that fits the clue.

A T C T

R S H A

T O M R

F R S C

18 11 15 20 14 All the puzzle solutions can be found on page 54 of this magazine

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Christmas Recipes Festive Red Cabbage Ingredients 1tbsp vegetable oil 2 large onions, finely chopped 1 star anise

Serves 6-8

1 cinnamon stick 150ml red wine

Serves 6-8

Ginger & OrangeGlazed Baby Carrots Ingredients

1 red cabbage (about 900g) shredded 2tbsp dark brown soft sugar 2 Bramley apples, peeled and chopped Salt and pepper

Method 1 Heat the oil in a large, flameproof casserole dish, add the onions and cook on a medium heat for eight to 10 minutes, then add the star anise and cinnamon stick.

900g baby carrots, washed and scrubbed

2 Pour in the wine and let it simmer until slightly reduced.

50g butter

3 Add the cabbage, sugar and apples, and stir well.

25g piece ginger, peeled and finely grated 2tbsp clear honey

4 Season well, cover and simmer on a low heat for three hours, stirring every now and again.

Zest 1 orange

5 Once the cabbage is tender, check the seasoning.

Salt and pepper

6 Serve in a bowl with the star anise and cinnamon stick on top.

Method 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the carrots. Simmer for five minutes until slightly tender, then drain.

2 In a wide pan, heat the butter until melting, then add the carrots, ginger, honey and orange zest.

Cook over a medium heat for 25-30 minutes, turning them gently every now and then, until the carrots start to go golden and sticky.

3 Keep turning every now and again until all sides are browning.

4 Season well before serving.

7 Can be made one to two days in advance, or frozen for up to four months - simply reheat on the hob before serving.

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Triple Nut & Apple Stuffing Balls Ingredients

Serves 6-8

2tbsp linseeds 1 red onion, halved 1tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing 200g mixed nuts of your choice (we used a combination of pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios) 400g can cooked green lentils in water, drained 50g breadcrumbs Small bunch sage, chopped 1 small apple, grated Salt and pepper

Method 1 Put the linseeds in a small bowl and mix with two tablespoons water, then set aside for five to 10 minutes, until the water thickens to a gluey consistency.

2 Meanwhile, place the onion in a food processor and whizz until finely chopped.

3 Heat the oil in a frying pan, tip in the onion and cook for five minutes, until softened.

4 Tip the nuts into the food processor and whizz until coarsely chopped.

5 Sprinkle three tablespoons of the nuts over a plate and set aside.

6 Add the lentils, breadcrumbs, sage, apple, linseeds (and any liquid in the bowl), onion and plenty of seasoning to the processor.

7 Pulse to blend the mixture until just combined - don’t chop too finely or the stuffing will lose its nice nutty texture.

8 Line a baking tray with foil and grease with a little oil.

9 Remove the blade from the processor and oil your hands.

10 Scoop out walnut-sized chunks of stuffing, roll into balls, then roll on the plate of chopped nuts to coat.

11 Place on the prepared baking tray. Can be covered with cling film and chilled for up to two days, or frozen for two months.

12 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas mark 6.

13 Unwrap (if chilled) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the nuts are a little darker and the balls have firmed up slightly - they will be softer than traditional stuffing balls, but will firm up after a few minutes cooling.

14 If you’re cooking from frozen, bake for 35-40 minutes.

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Salted Maple-Roasted Parsnips Ingredients

Method

600g parsnips, peeled and quartered

1 Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/Gas mark 7.

Serves 6-8

2tbsp vegetable oil

2 Put the parsnips in a large roasting tin with the oil, maple syrup, thyme leaves and some sea salt flakes.

3tbsp maple syrup

3 Roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and sticky.

3 thyme sprigs, leaves picked

4 Scatter over a few more sea salt flakes before serving.

Sea salt

Creamed Sprouts with Chestnuts

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

Method

900g Brussels sprouts, trimmed

1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the sprouts and cook for three to four minutes until slightly tender.

2 onions, finely chopped

2 Drain and rinse under cold water.

2tsp vegetable oil

3 Meanwhile, very gently fry the onions in the oil and half the butter for about 10 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and stock cube and cook for two minutes, stirring, until everything is combined, then remove from the heat.

50g butter 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 vegetable stock cube, crumbled 250ml double cream 1tsp freshly grated nutmeg, plus extra to serve 200g vacuum-packed chestnuts, roughly chopped Salt and pepper

4 Roughly chop the sprouts by hand or in a food processor, then stir them in with the onions and the rest of the butter, along with the double cream and nutmeg.

5 Put back on the heat and cook until the cream is bubbling. Season to taste..

6 Toss in the chestnuts and sprinkle over a little extra nutmeg to serve.

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0151 426 4604 www.hayestraditionalbutchers.co.uk

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Health & Fitness

Surviving

Christmas

3. Remember: Christmas Is About Everyone Try to resolve family conflicts before the big day and consider what everyone wants from their Christmas.

1. Be Prepared Start adding a few Christmas items to each shopping list now, saving you the stress of that massive shopping expedition when shops are busiest. Only the freshest of items need to be purchased just before the big day. Bake, prepare and freeze as much as possible in advance.

Don’t rush around to prepare everything while everyone else relaxes. Ensure everyone helps out.

2. Go Easy on the Alcohol

wash their hands. Frozen foods should be properly defrosted and either cooked thoroughly, or refrigerated, immediately. Keep raw foods separate from cooked.

Alcohol is a calorie-heavy appetite stimulant linked to serious health conditions. It also lowers our inhibitions and affects our judgment and reactions.

4. Be Shrewd with Food Keep a few quick-to-prepare items in stock to feed unexpected visitors, but don’t buy huge quantities.

Food poisoning isn’t festive, so ensure all cooks

Never drink on an empty stomach and aim to have a soft drink or water for each alcoholic drink .

Don’t leave buffet foods out for more than 4 hours.

Alcohol absorption depends on speed of intake and your size, age, weight, metabolism and what else you’ve consumed, so no set amount guarantees you’re under the legal drink-drive limit.

Include some normal meals, at normal times, to avoid stomach problems and weight gain. Keep portion size sensible and stop eating just as you start to feel full.

5. Stay Festive Fit

Ensure you get a good night’s sleep whenever possible, and keep moving; a walk will burn calories and keep you feeling good, physically and mentally.

6. Finally... Keep It in Proportion

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128 Thatto Heath Road, St Helens WA9 5PE On the row of shops next to Thatto Heath railway station

T: 01744 811 890

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm

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

Lights Switch-On

Fri Nov 29, 6pm-11pm & Sat Nov 30, 12pm-11pm

Saturday, November 30, 12pm-6pm

Celebrate Christmas early with over 120 gins and live entertainment from Louise & The Love Bugs.

Tickets £14.50 including a gin copa glass and welcome drink, VIP £50.

Join Queen tribute act Bulsara & His Queenies, plus more live entertainment, an ice rink, funfair and walkaround characters to see the town bedecked in festive illuminations!

St. Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, St. Helens, WA10 1HP

Church Square, St. Helens, WA10 1BN

Christmas Fayre Saturday, November 30, 10am-2pm Browse craft stalls, enjoy festive refreshments, live music and a special appearance from Father Christmas. Free entry.

St. Helens Christian Life Centre, Atherton Street, St. Helens, WA10 2DT

Princess Tea Party Sunday, December 1, 1pm-3pm Kick start your Christmas playing, eating, dancing and singing with four Disney princesses! Come along in fancy dress and enjoy a buffet lunch, photo opportunities and more. Tickets £10 per child at www.ticketsource.co.uk/tunzaspride Tunza Centre, Boundary Road, St. Helens, WA10 2PZ

Model Railway Show Saturday, November 30, 10am-5pm Enjoy a festive model railway show with Rainhill Model Railway Club, plus stalls and refreshments.

Entry £3.50 adults, £4 children including a gift from Santa. Free vintage bus rides available.

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

Christmas Fair Saturday, November 30, 11:30am-2pm Expect all manner of craft stalls, a Santa’s grotto and delicious light lunches! Free entry.

St. Paul’s Church, Chain Lane, Blackbrook, WA11 9QF

Festive Fun Day Sunday, December 1, 1pm-6pm A Christmas market with loads of festive goodies, an appearance from Santa, and live music on the Wish FM stage! The lights will be switched on at 5pm at Ashton Library.

Ashton Market Square, Garswood Street, Ashtonin-Makerfield, WN4 9AF

Christmas Bingo Monday, December 2, 7:30pm Raise money for Rainford Young Farmers with a fun bingo night, with loads of prizes up for grabs. Free entry, bingo books £5, BYO drinks & snacks.

Rainford Parish Hall, Church Rd, Rainford, WA11 8HE

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Bispham Lights Switch-On

Santa Sensory Morning

Wednesday, December 4, 6:30pm-8pm

Saturday, December 7, 10am-11am

Meet Santa on his sleigh, enjoy music from the Trinity Girls Brass Band, participate in a raffle and enjoy mince pies before the lights switch on at 7pm.

A morning of festive family fun with sensory play, stories, songs and more! Entry £5 per family.

Bispham Methodist Church, Crank Rd, Billinge, WN5 7DT

Xmas Wreath Workshop

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

Glisten Saturday, December 7, 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Thursday, December 5, 5:30pm-7:30pm

A gentle, immersive multi-sensory experience for babies. Tickets £5 from citadel.org.uk

Fashion a festive wreath in time for Christmas!

Tickets £5 incl. materials, bookable at the venue.

Citadel Arts, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AX

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

Xmas Remembrance

Christmas Fayre

Saturday, December 7, 11am

Friday, December 6, 5:30pm-7:30pm Join the Friends of Eccleston Mere for a fabulous Christmas Fayre, with festive crafts, games, face painting, raffles and more!

Eccleston Mere Primary, Saleswood Ave, St. Helens, WA10 5NX

Disco Bingo Friday, December 6, doors at 7:30pm Play charity bingo like you’ve never played it before – disco style! Tickets £10 including bingo cards, over-18s only, bookable on 07762 552267.

Thatto Heath Labour Club, Elephant Ln, St. Helens, WA9 5QZ

Elf Hunt Saturday, December 7, 9:30am-3:30pm

Join the Friends of St. Helens Cemetery and Citadel Arts’ Sing Out Choir for a carol service to remember loved ones at Christmas. Hang a leaf with your personal message on the tree and enjoy some refreshments. Free entry.

St. Helens Crematorium, Rainford Rd, WA10 6DF

Willowbrook Xmas Fayre Saturday, December 7, 11am-3pm Help raise funds for Willowbrook Hospice with a festive fayre offering a huge range of stalls, games, food and a Santa’s Grotto (£5 surcharge for grotto).

The Living Well, Borough Rd, St. Helens, WA10 3RN

Teardrops Grotto Saturday, December 7, 11am-4pm

Raise money for Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospitals with a fun elf hunt trail – can you find the elves hidden in the trees? Tickets £6.50 per child &

Come along to the family Christmas grotto, with festive choir performances, crafts, stalls and games, plus meet Santa and his elves! Free entry, proceeds to Teardrops Supporting the Homeless.

£1 per adult on Eventbrite.

Teardrops Hub, Crab Street, St. Helens, WA10 2DJ

Allerton Manor Golf Club, Allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 3JT

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Rainford Christmas Fayre

Christmas Market

Saturday, December 7, 11am-4pm

Sunday, December 8, 10am-4pm

A community Christmas like no other, enjoy stalls, choir performances, raffles, the lights switch-on and an Ellamora grotto!

From scones to sausages and everything in between, enjoy over 50 food and craft stalls plus live music this Christmas! Free entry.

Rainford Village

Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Ln, Rainford, WA11 8AE

Winter Festival

Greenslate Christmas Fair

Saturday, December 7, 12pm-5:30pm

Sunday, December 8, 11am-3pm

See the Christmas lights switched on, enjoy live entertainment, a funfair, stalls and children’s activities, plus a Santa’s Grotto (£5 per child). Grotto tickets bookable at fovpinfo@yahoo.com

Loads of fab Christmas activities to enjoy and plenty of festive food, plus enough stalls to fill any stocking! Kids can meet Santa. Free entry.

Greenslate Farm, Greenslate Rd, Billinge, WN5 7BG

Victoria Park, St. Helens, WA10 6PZ

Winter Wonderland Saturday, December 7, 12pm-8:30pm Live music from Little Chix & Jack Bennett, plus an ice rink, real reindeer, food, games and a Santa’s Grotto! Tickets £10 on 01744 28894.

The Gerard, Dentons Green Ln, St. Helens, WA10 6SD

The Wizard of Oz Saturday, Dec 7 – Tuesday, Dec 10, various times Join an all-star cast for a fabulous family panto – it’s off down the yellow brick road! Tickets from £9 on 0151 443 2200 or on www.knowsley.gov.uk/tickets Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, Longview Drive, Knowsley, L36 6EG

Aladdin Saturday, Dec 7 – Sunday, Jan 12, various times A larger than life family pantomime – join the hero Aladdin as he battles the evil Abanazer and his dastardly plan to rule the world, helped out by a special genie. Tickets bookable on 01744 756000.

Theatre Royal, Corporation St, WA10 1LQ

Little Star Tuesday, December 10, 12:30pm & 2:30pm A stage show for children aged 6-18 months – join Little Star as she swings from shooting stars and bounces on clouds, using puppetry, music and captivating visuals. Tickets £5 at citadel.org.uk Citadel Arts, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AX

Christmas Concert Thursday, December 12, 7pm-8:15pm Raise money for the Mayor of Prescot’s charities with festive music from Brassworks Quartet and local school choirs, plus festive refreshments.

Tickets £5 on the door, U16s free.

Prescot Parish Church, Church St, Prescot, L34 3LA

Santa Dash Saturday, December 14, 11am Dress in your Christmas finery and enjoy a 4K run around Victoria Park! Entry £5 per adult and £2 per child including a Santa hat, medal, mince pie and a drink.

Victoria Park, St. Helens, WA10 6PZ

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Twinkle Twinkle

Children’s Xmas Party

Saturday, December 14, 12:30pm & 2:30pm

Sunday, December 15, 2pm

Citadel Arts present the story of Marty the puppy – told through puppetry, music and light, children aged 1-3 will be enchanted with this performance.

Tickets £5 from citadel.org.uk - adults go free.

An afternoon of seasonal fun and games with a few special guest appearances! All children will receive a gift from Santa and a snack box.

Tunza Centre, Boundary Rd, St. Helens, WA10 2PZ

Citadel Arts, Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1AX

Christmas Cracker Saturday, December 14, 1pm-4pm Join Prescot Town Council for a day of festive fun! Expect live performances, a rodeo reindeer, fairground rides, a snowboard simulator, competitions, refreshments and more! All free!

Winter Bird Walk Sunday, December 22, 10am A slow-paced, 6-mile birdwatching walk through the Rainford countryside – be on the lookout for the Pink-footed Goose and the Yellowhammer! Booking required on 01744 677772, meet at main car park.

Siding Lane Nature Reserve, Rainford, WA11 7SR

Church Street, Prescot, L34 3LA

Christmas Family Night Saturday, December 14, doors at 6:30pm A festive family quiz, bingo games, a kid’s disco, karaoke and a raffle – what more could you want? Tickets £2 per person, bookable at www. ticketsource.co.uk/tunzaspride

Carols by Candlelight Sunday, December 22, 5:30pm-7pm Join the annual carol service, illuminated by candlelight, plus readings and seasonal reflections.

Festive refreshments afterwards.

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

Tunza Centre, Boundary Rd, St. Helens, WA10 2PZ

Charity Party Night Saturday, December 14, 7pm-midnight Raise money for the HoneyRose Foundation with a night of entertainment from The Pimps, a disco and a buffet. Tickets £25 from 01744 451919.

Christmas Minifest Monday, December 23, 1pm-2pm Little ones can enjoy original songs from the Artful Playground Band, ranging from rock n’ roll to jazz!

Tickets £5 or £3 concessions from citadel.org.uk Church Square, St. Helens, WA10 1BN

Wishes Function Room, Cotham St, WA10 1SA

Santa Weekend

Pirates the Panto

Saturday, Dec 14 & Sunday, Dec 15, 12pm-4pm

Thurs, Jan 16 – Sun, Jan 19, 7pm (2pm weekend matinees)

Head off on a ride on the Christmas Bus, enjoy model railways, festive crafts and more. Santa’s

A whole host of fairytale characters unite on the Seven Seas! Tickets £10 or £8 concessions, bookable

Grotto tickets £8, day admission £4 per adult, £2.50 per child.

on 07948 908693 or rainhillmtc@hotmail.com

Museum of Road Transport, Hall St, WA10 1DU

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

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Motoring

VW

Arteon

by Tim Barnes-Clay

Volkswagen’s Arteon is a roomy coupe that chucks in some style to boost the VW Passat’s familyfriendly formula.

The Arteon’s large grille makes sure it sticks out from other coupes, but the well-built cabin isn’t quite as striking. The digital instruments are cool, but most of the interior has been appropriated from the more conservative, and cheaper, Passat.

The space inside the VW Arteon is fantastic though, and the seats very comfortable. The car will seat a family-of-five – with rear seat passengers getting masses of legroom. The boot is enormous, too.

Everyone’s luggage will fit in there – no problem.

One of the best powertrains for the model is the 2.0-litre 150ps diesel mated to a seven-speed

automatic transmission. It packs enough punch and is economical – achieving up to 50.4mpg.

On the road, the German coupe soaks up potholes well, particularly when you move the optional adaptable suspension into 'comfort' setting.

There is also a stack of technology to keep you out of harm's way. For instance, the car comes with adaptive cruise control; there’s also gadgetry that will automatically pull over and stop the Arteon if it senses you’ve dropped off at the wheel. No surprise then that this Volkswagen achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating during crash testing.

So, not only is the Volkswagen Arteon a goodlooking and practical coupe, but it is also a car well matched to family motoring.

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Pros' n' Cons • Great looks 4 • Safety Kit 4 • Ride 4 • Room 4 • Dull Cabin 7

Fast Facts (VW Arteon Elegance TDI 2.0 150PS DSG) • Max speed: 137mph • 0-62 mph: 9.1s • Combined mpg: 50.4 • Engine: 1968cc diesel turbo • Max. power (PS): 150 • CO2: 118g/km • Price: £35,440

Mobile car valeting

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

Treat your car touch to the professional

46

Gardening

Planning your Christmas

Garden

photo: James H. Miller, Wikipedia

I had a strange conversation with Hubby the other day. I mentioned I wanted to buy our grand daughter the Twirlywoos and their Big Red Boat for Christmas. You can probably imagine his reaction – and if you don’t have small children or grand children, you too are probably wondering what on earth I’m talking about! If Christmas shopping is making you feel stressed, try escaping to the peace and quiet of your garden for 5 minutes. Being outside in the fresh air and close to nature is now recognised as a great stress reliever. I often retreat to the garden at this time of year with a cup of tea and a throw to keep me warm – after all I’ve not even had the conversation with Hubby yet about the Ninky Nonk!!

I know it sounds a strange thing to say when really all you’ve got on your mind is your Christmas shopping, gardens should still hold interest and look good even in the depths of winter and the best way to achieve this is to use plants for structure and

colour. Here are some good examples: Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ grown as a half standard.

They bring height and evergreen structure and have small white flowers in the winter months – and they look great wrapped with fairy lights.

Bergenia ‘Bressingham Beauty’ or Elephants Ears. A low growing evergreen with rounded leaves which colour up red during the cold weather.

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

Skimmia ‘Rubella’ is a hardy evergreen shrub with reddish/pink bud like flowers around Christmas time. They do prefer acidic compost so I’ve got mine planted in a pot by my front door.

Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’. This small shrub will brighten even the darkest winter border If you are stuck for a gift idea, why not buy your loved one a plant which is performing at its best at this time of year and which will give them pleasure for many years to come. After all, garden centres aren’t just for Christmas decorations!

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

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01744 606 080 / 07780 801 341 51 Sandringham Drive, WA9 3TQ www.aabronlandscaping.co.uk

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

01744 649722

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48

Home Services

Home Services

St Helens’ premier domestic cleaning service

Cleaning in the St Helens area for 10+ years

We only use reliable, vetted staff • £11.95 per hour - minimum 2 hrs • Same cleaner each visit • All domestic duties provided

UPVC CLEANING

• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.

Call or email Joanne 01744 649091 joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk / www.acleanbreak.co.uk

CONSERVATORIES

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)

POWER WASHING • Driveways & Patios etc.

ROOF CLEANING

• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment • Softwashing / Low Pressure

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF

ALL CLEANING PACKAGES Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.

01744 470 051 or 07834 241 642 www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk

Fires & Stoves Swept Certificates Issued HETAS Approved Sweep Professional & Reliable

49

T: 01942 409401 M: 07881 816839 • Professional Carpet - Rug - Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Cleaning & Restoration • FREE Pre-Inspection Visit & Quotation

Providing professional carpet & upholstery cleaning since 1993 Carpets Leather

Upholstery Curtains Oriental Rugs Hard Floors

For more information call:

helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk

CALL PAUL LOCKSMITHS

01925 411 449

ESTABLISHED 2000

Visit our website and check out the testimonials.

www.alliancechemdry.co.uk

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

• UPVC & WOODEN DOOR SPECIALIST • Emergency Door Opening • UPVC Door Lock Repairs • UPVC Door Lock Changes • UPVC Door Lock Upgrades • Wood Door Lock Changes • All Work Guaranteed A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company

Call Paul for a Fast, Reliable, Professional Service Call us now on

01744 732 256

Established 1970

Visit our showroom: 2, Lingholme Road, St Helens, WA10 2NS

GARAGE DOOR

REPAIRS

ALL GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED : Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc.

Doors of all ages repaired

01744 894939 / 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE! www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, Kings Moss WN8 9QL

TELEPHONE

01744MOBILE 526 589 07932 718 362 WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK

50

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

The only St Helens company to reach NSI Gold standard

Call us today for a free, no obligation, security survey.

Unit D, Moss Park, Dairy Farm Road, Rainford, WA11 7JR

01744 607080

enquiries@best-security.co.uk

www.best-security.co.uk

Established 1984

Rainford Electrical Electrical Installations & Repairs

No job too small.

Est.1975

No call out charge – guaranteed.

All aspects of domestic work undertaken Lights, Sockets, Fuseboards etc Electric Oven & Shower Repairs P.A.T. Testing & Inspection

30 years experience.

All electrical work undertaken from full re-wires to alarms/CCTV.

Small jobs a speciality

Call Alan Leigh on

01744 883883 or 07884 496434

Call Steve on

07809 427 508

www.hjselectricalservices.co.uk

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

01744 649722

www.locallife247.co.uk/handy-contacts/

51

Heating & Plumbing Services • Boiler Installations & Repairs • Servicing & Maintenance • Gas Safety Certificates

152642

• We’re on call 365 days a year – our service & maintenance plans start from just 41p per day!

64-80 Duke Street, St Helens, WA10 2JW

01744 22331

Bartons-heating.co.uk

• Boilers • Bathrooms • Servicing

11672

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

Call Paul for advice and a free quote

07929 428 496

FINANCE AVAILABLE

42-44 Rainford Road, Billinge

ASK FOR DETAILS

Design & Print

Call-Outs welcome 24/7

ATB Plumbing & Heating

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

Broadband broken, computer slow printer packed up, virus/spyware or your keyboards gone kaput Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems in the comfort of your own home

Call Catherine Now 07540 222787

No Call Out Charges • Local Company • PC Experts Tel: 01744 778381 - 01942 418763 - Mobile - 07540 222787

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

For more information call

01744 649 722

Wind Turbines

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

ally

rm

no

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

£20

Heat Pumps

w

no

LED Lighting

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

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

es Lash Tan y Spra ils eds Sunb & Gel Na ic Acryl T A5209

s

Natalie

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

Dennis Goulding Mossy Lea Road

rainford-boiler-tech.co.uk

l Geails N £15 A49

Call Alec on 07730 735 174

Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

B5250

Boiler Installs, Repairs & Services Fire & Cooker Installations Bathrooms Fitted System Flushes Landlords Certifications 624630 LPG

www.bodtree.co.uk

All aspects of Gas Heating & Plumbing

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

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

...andreturns available

from your www.dglwindows.co.uk

FREE

own solar panels

J27

Standish

Car84 dio Y @ Stu Shevington

Slash your electricity and water heating bill

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

Health

k ChecVisit our showroom at

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

X

Call H us now

(10% typical return)

0843 A224 9555 U rton 07595S 420237

Brethe

or

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

LocalLife

R E S

, Friday & Sunda esday Thursday ay, Wedn Closed

Book your Call now on

ay, Tuesd

Mond

TwinLakesMotorE

ngineers

01772

REPAIR

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603923

DING & WEL

H. TEBB & SON French Polishers & Upholsterers of Distinction • Domestic and commercial work welcome • Free Pick Up and Delivery • Established in St. Helens since 1946 • Free estimates

01744 23074 91 Shaw Street, St Helens, WA10 1EN www.htebb.co.uk

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

Do you have Failed Double Glazing Units?

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

We also replace; Window locks, Door locks, Hinges & Handles. ...and we do conservatory repairs.

Free quote and advice provided for any remedial works needed.

For a reliable, friendly service call Matthew on

07840 096 233

Call us now for a free quotation on

Matthew Rigby

www.northwestwindowrepairs.co.uk

Damp Control Specialists

01744 810 000

Property Services

ALPINE LTD Roofing & Building Services

SERVING CHORLEY, W EST LANCASHIRE & WIGAN

OAP

DISCOUNTS

01744 602931 or 07756 274503

7 Albany Avenue, Eccleston Park, L34 2QN

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

• Flat roof specialists • Damp proof specialists • Quality workmanship • Affordable pricing • Quick response to all repairs FULLY INSURED

Tel: 01744 776880 Mob: 07730 351523

Bespoke Tiling WALL & FLOORING SPECIALISTS Top class work guaranteed For a free quotation, call Oliver on

01942 741789 07387 376 530

Garswood-based

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

Domestic & commercial work welcomed

Established in St Helens since 1958

For free advice and quotes, call Jon on 07887 603926 Bettridge’s Construction Ltd Strickland Street, St Helens, WA10 1LS

07887 603926 www.bettridges.construction

PLC MAINTENANCE

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Call Sally:

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

01744 649 722

locallife247.co.uk

For all your home improvements - No job too small

07847 394040 ~ 01744 606938

LocalLife

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

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54

Puzzle Solutions CROSSWORD ACROSS: 3. Red giants, 8. Seer, 9. Stallion, 10. Rattle, 13. Chafe, 14. Besiege, 15. Pus, 16. Species, 17. Aries, 21. Arnica, 22. Taxation, 23. Once, 24. Zeitgeist DOWN: 1. Ostracise, 2. Meltwater, 4. Easel, 5. Glasses, 6. Axle, 7. Thou, 11. Deficient, 12. Newspaper, 14. Bus, 15. Pensive, 18. Banns, 19. Date, 20. Fast

WORDSEARCH

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NUMBER BLOCK 11 3 7 2 6

4 4 1 2

2 1 3 9

3 8 5 4

12 20 11 21

18 11 15 20 14

Want to promote your business in

LocalLife?

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

locallife247.co.uk

01695 627 999 www.locallife247.co.uk

55

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Quality ~ Choice ~ Value Windows

Bi-Fold Doors

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs expertly fitted by accredited installers

Orangeries

©

Don’t just lock it, Rock it!

Conservatories

Manufacturers and installers since 2004

Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote

28544

Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)

www.orrellwindows.co.uk