Local Life - St Helens West - Oct/Nov 2014

St Helens West Edition

Oct/Nov 2014

Still Riding High Bernie Clifton Taste test in Rainhill Class from the Past Whiston Secondary Jack’s Tracks visits Crank www.locallife247.co.uk

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Best Foot Forward

In this issue

Is it me, or is this year going a bit too fast?

20 28 29 31 36 38 40 44 48 50 51

Spring feels like just a few weeks ago, while summer seemed painfully short, probably because the weather was, as always, consistently inconsistent.

And you don’t have to look too hard to see Christmas-related items nudging their way onto the supermarket shelves. Once the clocks go back in the wee small hours of October 26, they’ll be going into Yuletide overdrive. Before we know it, we’ll be saying hello to 2015 without even getting to know 2014 all that well.

On the upside, autumn is always a special time.

Schools and churches are a hive of activity with their harvest festivals, and many local farms - having reportedly had a decent year - are working hard to gather in the fruits of their labours before the first frost bites.

I find it’s also a great time for going on a walk.

Stepping out into the countryside, you see Mother Nature at her best. Forget jazzy smartphone apps that can turn a picture into 50 colours of the rainbow, you can get your own 3D version – complete with surround sound - by spending an afternoon in the wilds.

Taste Test - The Four Winds Restaurant Puzzle Corner Class From The Past Still Riding High - Bernie Clifton What’s On Planning Matters Jack’s Tracks visits Crank Motoring - Mazda 3 Fastback Home Services Recipe of the Month Useful Numbers Next issue - November

Advertising deadline - Friday 17 October Published - Thursday 30 October Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB T 01744 649 722 @ info@locallife247.co.uk W www.locallife247.co.uk

Sales: Chris Pearce, Nicola Gray Editorial: David Sudworth Design & Production: Peter Bretherton

sales@locallife247.co.uk editorial@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan

accounts@locallife247.co.uk

The slight chill in the air, a faint whiff of a log burning stove in the distance, the sound of conkers and acorns underfoot... nothing beats it. Take a look at this month’s Jack’s Tracks column for one suggested local route.

Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.

After all, it’s a well-known fact that the best things in life are free. And with both Local Life and the great outdoors falling into that particular category, who are we to argue?

The St Helens edition is delivered to over 12,000 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, Haresfinch, Laffak and selected areas of Haydock. Copies are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Peasley Cross.

David Sudworth - Editor editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

Local Life Media

@locallifemedia

...call us now on 01744 649 722

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Prescot Bonfire

WW1 Commemoration

This year’s Rotary Club of Prescot Bonfire Night celebrations have been confirmed for Saturday, November 1. The not-for-profit fireworks and music event is being held once again at Whitaker’s Garden Centre, on Liverpool Road, Prescot. Gates open at 5.30pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6.15pm. To ensure this ever-popular event goes off with a bang, there will be fireworks from 7pm.

St Helens Choral Society is holding a World War I centenary commemoration at the United Reformed Church, Ormskirk Street, on Saturday, October 18.

Starting at 7.30pm, it will feature music from Sir Edward Elgar, Karl Jenkins and Howard Goodall, under the musical direction of Peter Kwater, organist Michael Wynne, soloist Ruth Anderson and soprano Paul Chamberlain Bass. Tickets are £10 or £1 for under 16s.

They can be ordered via info@sthelenschoralsociety.org or by telephoning 01695 625500.

Tickets go on sale from Monday, October 20, and if purchased at Whitaker’s beforehand, £1 will knocked off the gate price, which are as follows - £16 for a family ticket (two adults and two children), £7 for an adult, £6 for concessions and children, with under-fives going free. Funds raised on the night will go to local and international charities.

For more information, visit www.rotary-ribi.org and search for the Prescot group’s page.

Wedding Fayre Sunday 26th October 2014 12pm - 4pm Holiday Inn Haydock M6, Jct23 Lodge Lane, WA12 0JG 01942 868 330 meetings-haydock@ihg.com www.hihaydockm6j23hotel.co.uk

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Check Mates St Helens Chess Club meets at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at Sidac Sports & Social Club, Wheatsheaf Avenue, Sutton Leach. For further details on membership, call 01744 813822.

Free Admission Complimentary Parking Catwalk at 2pm

Ellie’s On The Case!

A kind-hearted Rainhill student is set to embark on a mercy mission to help poor families in Tanzania.

Ellie Case, 16, has been busy selling arts and crafts, working on car boot sales, cleaning and ironing, selling unwanted items on eBay - and has even become a Local Life distributor in a bid to raise the £3,500 needed to get her to Africa.

Earlier this month, she helped organise a Robbie Williams tribute night fundraiser at Blundells Hill Golf Club with fellow team members. So far Ellie, who went to St Ann’s and now attends Rainhill High Sixth Form, has raised £1,600 for the trip, which is planned for next summer.

Her mum, Pam, said: “Ellie has always wanted to make a difference in life. She set up a fundraising club with a few friends when she was just 10 years old and they raised so much money for World Emergency Relief that the chairman of the charity actually sent her a handwritten letter.

“Ellie has been thinking for a quite some time about spending a year out after university. So when a company called True Adventure came along and offered a trip to Tanzania in 2015 if enough 16 year old students would take part, she immediately signed up with other students from college and each of them are working hard to raise their target.”

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Pam added: “If any businesses would like to donate prizes, we’ll have a super-raffle and all businesses will be credited via online social media. Donations of cash or great fundraising ideas are also very welcome as are offers of one-off or Saturday jobs. Anyone wishing to get involved can call me on 0782 8899241 – and I’ll make sure the whole team get the benefit!”

Comedic Capers The Unnamed Players present a night of comedy at Prescot Methodist Church hall, Atherton Street, on Saturday, October 11, from 7.30pm. There will be scenes from plays such as Last Tango In Little Grimley, Say It With A Sausage, Little Magic Man, The Examiner and Three Old Ladies.

Tickets are £6, including a free raffle. For more details, Ring Eric on 01744 26415 or ericlawton1@hotmail.com

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Ellie (centre) with fellow team members Hannah Davies and Sam Simpson handing out raffle prizes at the Robbie Williams Fundraiser

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RNLI Thanks Four members of the St Helens Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution have received awards for their dedication and commitment to raising money for the Institution. Mary Parry, Patrick Boyle and Barbara Lyons received the Silver Badge after 15 years’ service.

Di Collins, who took over as branch secretary two years ago, has received a Certificate of Thanks for her hard work and commitment to the post.

at Brookfield Care Home, Park Road, St Helens. Anybody who would like to go along and find out what they do will be made very welcome. Alternatively, the branch is always looking for people to help with its supermarket bucket collections, so if you have an hour or two to spare, contact Di Collins on 01744 735147.

Distributors Wanted Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above for this edition of our magazine. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. The areas we currently require distributors is as follows: Eccleston Park – Fairholme Avenue, Gorsey Croft and Albany Avenue Rainhill – Old Lane, Calder Drive, View Road, Lowther Drive, Deepdale Drive, Swaledale Avenue, School Lane, School Lane and Warrington Road Nutgrove – Heatherleigh, Hedworth Gardens, Nutgrove Hall Drive, Norton Grove and Easington Road

Tony Sayer, branch chairman, said: “I am absolutely delighted the dedication of members of the branch has been recognised by the RNLI. These awards are very well-deserved.”

Branch meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, apart from December, commencing at 7.30 pm

Sutton Heath – Elton Head Road, The Broads, Sutton Heath Road, Hawarth Road and Foxfield Road Windle – Coronation Road and St Georges Avenue If you are interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@ locallife247.co.uk

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Open studio sale Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th October

At our open studio sale weekend there will be a wide range of pieces on show and many items will have up to 70% off plus all orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off the normal RRP. All our work is handmade by glass designer Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be madeto order to suit any space including splashbacks. So come and join us on the 11th and 12th October 2014 open from 10 - 4 both days.

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Bereavement Support

Town Centre Events

A support group for parents who have lost a child, no matter how old, is holding its next meeting on Monday, October 27. The Compassionate Friends Bereavement Support Group offers an opportunity to talk about your loss in a warm and caring environment with others who have also experienced the death of a much-loved and precious child.

St Helens’ European Gifts Market returns to the town centre from Tuesday, September 30, to Saturday, October 4. Open between 9am and 5pm, shoppers can sample authentic European sausages, rich and creamy cheeses, sun-ripened Mediterranean olives, oven fresh bread and much more.

The next gathering, on October 27, is from 6.30pm/7pm at Alpine House, 28 Church Road, Rainford. For more information, contact Sue on 07976 357 063 or email susan_faulkner@btconnect.com

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The event, including refreshments, is free and all are welcome.

Other attractions include sci-fi fest The Aliens are Coming on Saturday, October 18, and the Olde Tyme Funfair, on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, November 1, featuring a giant wheel and a host of vintage funfair.

St Mary’s Market will also be hosting weekly Makers’ Markets, starting from Saturday, October 4, regular Family Art Clubs plus a new Vintage Fair on Saturday, November 1.

AC U F TU N

Christ Church in Haydock is holding a World War I experience every Saturday from October 18 and every Wednesday from October 22 up until Remembrance Sunday (November 9). The West End Road church invites locals to take a walk through the trench to experience a little of how soldiers lived. Also available will be memorabilia, photographs, and a 1914 tearoom. The Saturday events start at 9.30am and the Wednesday events are at 1pm.

This is just one of the many events taking place in the town centre this autumn.

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10k Sign Up There’s still time to sign up for the Rainford 10k. The event, in memory of George Faulkner, 17, who died six years ago while crossing the East Lancs Road, is held on Sunday, October 5.

Around 350 people took part last year, including George’s parents, Sue and John, and brother Bob. Another 140 runners took part in a one kilometre run on the same day. More than £3,000 was raised in total for Help For Heroes and road charity Brake.

This year’s charities are the Oliver King Foundation to get defibrillators in schools; the Compassionate Friends, which supports bereaved parents and families, and Sands, a stillborn and neo-natal charity.

It starts from Rainford High on Higher Lane from 9.45am. The cost to enter is £20 for adults, £18 for affiliated club runners, £2 for child 1k fun run entrants and £7 for adult 1k run entrants. For further information, contact Terry Bates on 077990 33323 or visit www.beurbest.com

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New Treatments Dr Adrian Clewes is giving a talk on new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis at the St Helens support group’s meeting on Tuesday, November 25. It starts at 6.30pm in Room 8, St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square.

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Wellington Coffee

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The Wellington pub on St James’ Road, Eccleston Park, is holding a coffee morning in aid of Cancer Research.

It will be on Saturday, September 27, from 10am, and there will be kiddies’ entertainment from Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Rainhill Women’s Institute holds its annual general meeting, which includes a charity raffle, on Tuesday, October 21, at 7.30pm in the Teak Room, Rainhill Village Hall, Weaver Avenue. Visitors are welcome - entry is £1 on the door.

Prize Bingo

Beecham Talk

St Helens Heartbeat Cardiac Support Group is holding a prize bingo on Friday, November 21, at the Unison Social Club, Bishop Road, St Helens. Doors open at 6.45pm and it’s eyes down at 7.30pm. Tickets are 50p and available from Beryl (01744 734483), Elsie (01744 739535), Joan (01744 602724) or Brenda (01744 602747).

Mrs Pauline Hurst will be giving a talk on the history of the famous St Helens family, the Beechams, on Thursday, October 23. The talk, which forms part of Prescot Historic Society’s programme of events, starts at 7.30pm at the parish church hall on Church Street. Tea is served from 7pm and the cost for visitors is £1.50, or you can take out an annual membership for £10.

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Author’s Battle An author who battled depression will be in St Helens to help mark World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10. Matt Haig (pictured) is at Central Library on Victoria Square to open Tight Modern; a touring miniature replica of London’s iconic Tate Modern Gallery which showcases 60 marginalised artists, many of who are from St Helens, in what is believed to be the world’s smallest temporary gallery.

Matt suffered a breakdown in his early 20s, and eventually turned to writing. His novels include bestsellers The Last Family in England, The Radleys and The Humans. Among his fans include QI presenter Stephen Fry. The timetable for the day is as follows: 10am-3pm Information, stalls and advice from partners from across the borough. 2pm - Launch of Tight Modern by Matt Haig and performance by Stand Up To Stigma comedians. 3pm Performance of Peter and Wendy in Sainland by Other Ways of Telling. 6pm - Author talk by Matt Haig .

Tickets for Peter and Wendy in Sainland and Matt Haig must be booked online at www.culturalhubs.eventbrite. co.uk or call 01744 677446. All other events are drop-in.

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Taste Test - by Nicola Gray

Blown Away!

For me eating out is one of life’s great pleasures. I want an occasion to remember and with so many places to choose from, sometimes we’re guilty of sticking to what we know to avoid disappointment.

So, when the call came in to re-review one of my favourite restaurants my taste buds jumped at the chance!

I have to confess trepidation set in a little bit when it was revealed that the Four Winds Restaurant at Blundells Hill Golf Club had undergone some staffing changes. Newly appointed Head Chef Ricky Dunn had taken the helm in the kitchen and was showcasing his new menu. I’ve dined here numerous times and have never been disappointed, so I was more than a little curious why there had been a change to a winning formula.

As we arrived at the restaurant we were greeted warmly by new restaurant manager Lyndsey O’Neil, who showed us to our seats. As soon as we were handed the menu I had a quick glance and quickly relaxed – for someone who doesn’t cope well with change, I was immediately looking forward to trying Ricky’s culinary creations.

We took the opportunity to sit back, relax and peruse the mouth-watering menu. Should we try dishes like Salt and Pepper Calamari, Hot Cheese Board, Moroccan Lamb Shank Tagine or Wild Mushroom Risotto – or did we opt for an Isle of Man Fillet Steak, complete with all the trimmings.

After a gruelling session of to-ing and fro-ing I plumped for the Trio of Pulled Pork Bon Bons served with carrot, cabbage and a crispy noodle salad with a honey and

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soy dressing. The fear with any pulled pork dish is that it can become stringy and dry in the wrong hands.

What was served to us was anything but. This was salty tender Pork, with a satisfying crunch on the outside, accompanied by a sweet and sour salad - delicious.

My colleague Sally was tucking into the hot cheese board. Usually served cold and as a grand finale, curiosity had won and she was desperate to see how this would fare as a starter. The cheese board was a master class in how to create the perfect starter – crispy golden parcels gave way to molten loveliness to create a melt in the mouth moment. There was a good range of artisan cheeses with Goat’s Cheese, Cheddar and Brie all making an appearance, all served with a generous dollop of sweet onion chutney.

This was followed by one of my favourite dishes from the a la carte menu, Pan-roasted Breast of Duck with dauphinoise potatoes, caramelised shallots and a black cherry jus. The duck was served just how I like it, tender but not too pink and the skin was delightfully crispy.

The meatiness of the duck was offset nicely with the fruity black cherry jus – the flavours were intensely sweet and savoury at the same time, showing just how sophisticated Ricky is in the kitchen.

Sally ordered Trio of Pork Medallions in a brandy, port, honey and apricot jus with chive pomme purée. This could very easily have been a bog-standard pork dish, but Ricky’s finesse is what makes the difference and finishing touches can transform a dish from interesting to gourmet! The pork was quality meat and succulent to boot – complimented nicely by the fruity apricot jus, which was a welcome change from the tried and tested pork and apple combination.

For dessert I couldn’t help but be tempted by the White Chocolate Raspberry and Honey Samosa complete with Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream and Lemon Syrup. This was the perfect dessert for all-out indulgence - creamy white chocolate melded perfectly with the slightly tart raspberry and I could have eaten it all over again.

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Sally was drawn to the Chocolate Orange and Brandy Cheesecake with a Drambuie Syrup and Bitter Chocolate Garnish. She happily confirmed that this was a warming and ever-so-slightly boozy dessert – yet the flavours weren’t overpowering, and overall the cheesecake was deceptively light.

We left with smiles on our faces, stomachs full and an eagerness to shout about just how fantastic this restaurant really is. And just in case you didn’t know The Four Winds is open to the general public - so there is no excuse to neglect this chic, relaxed restaurant and its modern and moreish cuisine. Trust me you’ll be blown away!

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100 Hymns St Helens Ladies Choir invite you to witness their non-stop performance of 100 hymns for charity on Wednesday, November 19, at Toll Bar United Reformed Church, Freckleton Rd, St Helens, from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Anyone can go along and join in, and stay for any length of time they wish. Hymn books will be provided, as well as tea and biscuits. The choir is also on the look-out for new members. The group meets at the United Reformed Church, King Street, on Wednesday afternoons. Contact Patricia Lewis on 01744 731639.

Raise A Glass Cheers! The 12th annual Rainhill Rotary Club Beer Festival returns from Thursday, November 6, to Saturday, November 8, at Rainhill Recreation Club on Victoria

Terrace. Organisers say 100 countrywide beers will be available, accompanied by a selection of European lagers, wine and a very wide choice of ciders. Soft drinks at the Drivers’ Bar are provided free of charge. For the third successive year, the event will take place under canvas. See www.rainhillbeerfest.org for details

Crime Writers Ever wondered where authors get their ideas for dark plot lines from? If so, it would be a ‘crime’ to miss this event at Central Library on Victoria Square on Thursday, October 2. The Best of British Crime Panel sees writers Steven Dunne, Sarah Hilary and Michael Morley giving their top tips for aspiring wordsmiths. The event, which starts at 7pm, is free but booking is essential.

Contact Karen Thornburn on 01744 677446 or email karenthornburn@sthelens.gov.uk

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Class from the Past - Whiston Secondary Modern

This month’s Class from the Past is from Whiston Secondary Modern School. It’s believed this photo was taken in the late 1960s. Maybe you can spot a familiar

face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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"I want to be valued for what I can do, not judged for what I can't.�

Disability Hate Crime is unacceptable.

No one deserves to be targeted.

Report it to Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625 or Merseyside Police on 101 For more information visit: www.safersthelens.org.uk

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Still Riding High!

Showbiz legend Bernie Clifton talks to David Sudworth about being caned by ‘experts’ at West Park Grammar, his career and why he was St Helens’ Worst Ever Plumber…

There’s a fabulous scene in TV comedy classic The Office when the boss from hell David Brent greets his demotivated and lethargic staff on Red Nose Day while riding an ostrich.

Of course, it’s all a bit of visual trickery, but given his child-like desire to please, the efforts from Ricky Gervais’s character are able to raise a smile, albeit a doleful one. Like many comedies in the early noughties, some of the jokes were plucked (no pun intended) straight from the stars of stage and screen from the 1970s and 80s. Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights was perhaps the ultimate exponent of the art of the gentle pastiche.

So it’s no surprise then that both Gervais and Kay have, in their own ways, paid homage to St Helens-born star Bernie Clifton. For it was him who rode Oswald the ostrich on TV variety shows, and then found himself reprising the role for Kay’s famous music video Is This The Way To Amarillo?

“I got the phone call and found myself one morning at the Granada Studios in Manchester with no idea what was afoot. There was, however, a lot of famous faces milling about. After an hour of waiting, I met Keith Harris and it was our turn. So on either side of Peter, there was Keith carrying a yellow duck and me sitting on an orange chicken, as you do.

“We set off down a corridor chasing a film crew who had obviously been trained to Olympic standards in the art of running backwards. After 50 yards we ran out of corridor and the crew literally hit the wall. So following various adjustments to their equipment, not to mention treatment to minor bruising, they picked themselves up and we repeated the routine several times.

“As we packed to go I saw even more A-listers being prepared for their event. Subsequently I was amazed to find I’d been, if only in a minor way, in the charts at Number One for seven weeks! It was great fun and Peter was great to work with, if you could call it work...”

In familiar pose with Oswald the ostrich

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I meet Bernie, now aged 78, at his home in the beautiful North Derbyshire Dales. It’s been 50-odd years since

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Bernard Quinn, as he was then called, left St Helens, but his memories growing up here are razor sharp.

Born on April 22, 1936, at Peasley Cross Hospital, Bernie grew up at 59 Charles Street with his four brothers; Danny, who now lives in Dentons Green; John, who sadly passed away; Michael, who lives in the Isle of Wight and Anthony, who is now in Leyland. Their dad, Danny, worked as a foreman at United Glass Bottles (UGB) while mum Margaret was a housewife. They moved to Billinge in the 1960s and are now buried at St Mary’s Church.

Aged 4 at 6 Globe Buildings, Ormskirk Street “While I was at Holy Cross School, one of my teachers told me that the day I’d pass my 11-plus, little pigs would fly. So everyone was astounded, most of all me, when I passed and got into West Park Grammar. I must have just fluked it.

“On my first day, I walked into class had two options, I could sit at the front with Billy Forshaw or sit at the back with Tommy Anderton, and I chose the back. There we were; me, Tommy, Arthur Cunningham, James McGann and Tommy McNamara, we were complete toe rags! I was a total dunce and spent the next four years being caned by ‘experts’ - that’s the kindest way I’d describe them!

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“I remember there was one lad, Anthony Harrison, who lost the top of his finger in a farming accident and the teachers decided they couldn’t cane him six times on his bad hand, so they’d do it four times on his good hand instead. It’s amazing to think they probably held a meeting to decide that. We were hammered we deserved it though- but it was just what happened in those days.”

As if enduring corporal punishment wasn’t enough, even his first attempts at romance were doomed: “I must have been around seven or eight and fell for a girl called Pat Jenkins. One day me and a friend, Moira Creevey, who lived near me in Vincent Street, followed Pat home on the Moss Bank bus. But we had no fare so got thrown off at Haresfinch and had to walk home. I don’t think Pat ever knew the reason I was on the bus that day, but if she’s reading this, she will now!”

Bernie jokes that at 15, he left the school “by mutual consent” just before the exams, and got a job delivering bread for the Co-Op shop on Baldwin Street: “I was one of the original Hovis lads. I had the interview and a few days later I was pushing a bike round. On my first day, I was stopped at the lights on Cotham Street and the West Park bus came by.

Almost simultaneously, I spotted a mate Christopher Boydell, and we just pointed at each other as it went past. It was one of those comedy moments as if to say: ‘What are you doing delivering bread?’ It didn’t get much better after that. In those days, the bread was unwrapped and because all the weight was at the front of the bike, it took a lot of getting used to.

I remember falling off on College Street while it was raining and all these loaves spread out onto the wet pavement. That’s probably when I decided it was time to move on.”

Bernie’s next job was as an aerial fitter at Rothery Radio in Ormskirk Street, but the move was shortlived: “After a few months, I was driving back down the East Lancs Road with the manager, Mr Jacques, who told me I wasn’t displaying any aptitude for the job.

I hadn’t a clue what he meant, I had never heard the word’ aptitude’ before, but got the gist.

“I then ended up getting a job at St Helens Corporation in the building department as an apprentice plumber, working on the newly-built houses in Sutton and Peasley Cross. It was staffed mainly by Catholics so I pretty much got the job based

on that, but I was St Helens’ worst ever plumber. I had no dexterity at all.”

However, within the Corpy, Bernie’s love of larking about and playing pranks found a natural home: “There was a sort of humour at the time on Merseyside, perhaps with a bit of Irish influence, of being up for the craic. On the building sites, we’d play practical jokes on each other, like hiding each other’s tools, throwing breezeblocks into puddles. There was a guy called Johnny Pendlebury, who was a joiner, and we pinned him down and nailed him to the scaffolding through his clothes.

“As a kid, we’d go to the Rivoli or the Savoy where they’d show these pretty awful films at 10pm on Sundays, so when they started someone would shout ‘10’o clock rally!’ and you’d make a huge cacophony of noise. It was all just good fun and mischief.”

In May 1957, Bernie was posted to RAF Lindholme near Doncaster as part of his National Service - a move which, unbeknown to him at the time, would set him on the road to fame: “Back then, Donny was the heart of clubland in South Yorkshire and so I was immediately ensconced in it. I knew I could sing because I was in an act in St Helens with Terry O’Connor, from Fingerpost.

He’d be on the accordion and we’d play the clubs in Haydock.

“I’d played rugby for Saints’ B team so carried on playing while in Yorkshire. On the way back from games, there

An early publicity photo would always be a pub stop off, and in those days they’d have a singing room. I eventually auditioned for an agent and started doing clubs, miners’ welfares, and so on. I’d get to them by ‘borrowing’ the Flight Sergeant’s bike, thankfully he never knew. I soon realised that instead of getting £3 a week from Her Majesty, I could earn the same from doing the clubs.”

After being demobbed, Bernie spent a while selling vacuum cleaners door to door but the lure of a life in the entertainment industry proved too much, so he decided to pack it in the day job. His mum was not best pleased: “I remember to this day her saying to me: ‘Bernard, you’re going to the divil’. Nobody I knew did this, and if you didn’t have a trade you’d just be a navvy or a labourer, so it was a gamble. But I’d be earning around £15 a week as a tradesman but as an entertainer it would be £20 a week.”

On a day out at Carr Mill in August 1953 with Bernard Moore, Gordon Spencer, James O’Connor, Johnny Duffy and Tommy Anderton

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It was while doing the clubs that an unfortunate incident with a booking in Yorkshire persuaded Bernie to adopt a different second name: “Someone had heard my name ‘Bernie Quinn’ over the

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These days, Bernie is still providing entertainment across the world.

He’s part of the Official England Band and was out in Brazil recently.

He also presents a weekly show on Radio Sheffield and stars in panto in Newark.

His wife passed away 14 years ago but his children Tracy, Michele and Stephen live in Derbyshire. His other son, David, lives in Dubai but visits regularly.

He’s currently 20,000 words into his autobiography, and when not writing material for his show, he likes to take to the skies above the On the set with Peter Kay and Keith Harris village of Barlow, where he lives, in his microlight aircraft. I ask him if he will ever fully phone but when I got there, it said that ‘Burma Queen’ retire: “I hope not, I’ve still got my health, touch wood, would be appearing. It sounded like some exotic dancer and that’s the most important thing. I’m a great believer so I knew I had to change it. I just went through the in fate and I’ve been very lucky. I sometimes wonder phone book and picked a two syllable surname. It was what would I have become if I hadn’t been posted to going to be Lipton but in the end I decided on Clifton.

Doncaster. I probably would be an old, bitter pub singer Dad wasn’t pleased at all.” and St Helens’ Worst Ever Retired Plumber...”

In the late 1950s, the place to make your name was Blackpool, so Bernie headed there, as well as doing the variety clubs. While performing in Batley, he was spotted by Bernie Colehan, who produced the longrunning BBC show The Good Old Days, and was offered a slot.

He also started rubbing shoulders with household names, including the legendary Les Dawson: “In the early 1970s it was the time of The Comedians, jokes about mothers-in-law, the Irish and so on. Les pulled me to one side and sort of told me off, saying there were 100 comedians out there who were doing the same material. He asked me what I wanted to do, and I mentioned I liked visual props, so he told me to concentrate on that. Years later, he said to me: ‘I didn’t put you wrong, did I?’ and he was right.”

Many other TV appearances followed, including on kids’ TV favourite Crackerjack, as well as the introduction of ‘Oswald’ the ostrich. However, Bernie reveals that far from it being a new idea, it is in fact an old gag: “It’s almost medieval, I think in one book a pub landlord used it to get people out of his pub. A model maker called Peter Pullon from Coventry made it for me, and to test it out I ran into the city centre at rush hour.”

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Bernie today at home in Derbyshire

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What’s On in the North West Friday, October 3, to Saturday, November 1 Farmageddon Scaredy cats look away now Farmageddon is back! This popular annual event once again takes place at Farmer Ted’s on Flatmans Lane, Downholland.

But be warned, it’s billed as an ‘extreme experience’ and you are recommended not to enter if you are of a weak or nervous disposition.

This year’s Farmageddon is entitled Revenge of The Dead, and there’s the all-new ‘Meat Locker’.

Farmer Ted’s, Flatmans Lane, Downholland, Ormskirk. Tickets from £20. Call 0844 736 0152 or visit www.farmageddon.co.uk

Friday, October 3 Singalong Sound of Music Is the Sound of Music one of your ‘favourite things?’ Or do you think Edelweiss is an Austrian foodie delicacy? Whatever your knowledge, you’re sure to enjoy this rapturous singalong from tunes everyone knows.

Altogether now... ‘Doe, a deer, a female deer...’

7.30pm at Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street Bolton, BL1 4TG. All tickets £10 and available from The Albert Halls’ Box Office on 01204 334400.

Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5 British Musical Fireworks Championship Seven magnificent firework displays over three nights of entertainment, but only one winner! Southport’s sky bursts into light as some of the country’s top pyrotechnic teams compete to win the prestigious industry title of UK Champions. The British Musical Fireworks Championship is no ordinary competition, each competitor is required to synchronise their display to music making each display no ordinary display and this event one of a kind in the UK! Tickets from £5.23 via www.visitsouthport.com or call 01704 533333. Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, PR8 2BZ.

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Friday, October 3 to Saturday, November 1 The Old Courts Halloween Tour Take a trip through the bowels of the Wigan’s historic underbelly. Running through the heart of Wigan’s late Victorian courthouse, prisons, corridors, hallways and cellars, the tour ends in the courtroom itself for a Halloween fair with chilling fun for people of all ages. The Old Courts Halloween Tour has been written by local writer Julie Mckiernan, who has woven a tale that encompasses the history of Up Holland Priory, the Courthouse itself and creates a world in which the gargoyles and grotesques of the Wigan Parish Church come to life.

Performers have been drawn from across the borough with a vast wealth of performance experience in stage, TV and film to create what organisers says is a unique and terrifying experience in which you’ll never know what lurks around the next corner.

Tickets are £12 for adults with £7 concessions plus free entrance to the Halloween fair. Visit: www. oldcourtsevents.co.uk Wednesday, October 8 Omid Djalili – Iranalamadingdong He’s back on tour with a new show, following a sell-out four week West-End residency and a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Festival. A firm favourite with his legendary performances, Omid’s stand-up awards include the Time Out Award and ‘EMMA Award’ for Best Stand Up. 7.30pm at Pyramid, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL. Tickets priced at £23 via www. pyramidparrhall.com Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12 Open Studio Sale Weekend Held at Morpheus Glass in Orrell, Wigan, there will be a wide range of pieces on show and many items will have up to 70% off. In addition all orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off the normal recommended retail price. All work is handmade by glass designer Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be made to order to suit any space including splashbacks.

Morpheus Glass, Unit 11, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB. For more information, visit www.morpheusglass.co.uk Wednesday, October 15 to Sunday, October 19 Disney On Ice Get ready to celebrate in style! Disney On Ice is proud to present a scintillating skating spectacular at the Phones 4u Arena. You will see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from Disney’s Mulan, Lion King and Pinocchio, and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story all take to the ice. This fanfare production features more than 60 unforgettable Disney stars that span the decades, a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate sets and beautiful costumes.

Tickets from £16.50 via www.eventim.co.uk or call 0844 847 8000, Phones 4u Arena, Manchester, M3 1AR.

Saturday, October 18 Voulez Vous - 40 Years of Waterloo After their unforgettable performance at The Dome, Brighton in 1974, ABBA’s hit Waterloo has since been voted the all-time best song of the Eurovision Song Contest 40 years on from smashing their way onto the international music scene, ABBA fans and music fans alike are coming together to celebrate the Swedish superstars’ longevity!

Voulez Vous have been masters of the ABBA scene for the past 23 years, and will transport you back to the 1970s and early 1980s with hits such as Take A Chance, Dancing Queen, SOS, and Fernando and, of course, Waterloo!

7.30pm at the Charter Theatre, Preston Guildhall, Lancaster Road, PR1 1HT. Tickets £17.50, concessions £1.50 off. www.prestonguildhall.com Monday, October 20, to Saturday, October 25 The Ladykillers A CADOS production from the black comedy based on the classic Ealing Studios film. Posing as amateur musicians, Professor Marcus and his gang rent rooms in the lopsided house of sweet but strict Mrs Wilberforce. Mrs Wilberforce becomes wise to their ruse and Marcus concludes that there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet.

Performances from 7.30pm-10pm. Tickets MondayWednesday £6, Thursday-Saturday £8. Groups of 10 or more: deduct £1 per ticket (Monday-Friday). Buy 10, get the 11th free. On sale now from Malcolm’s Musicland 01257 264362 Friday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26 North West Food Lovers’ Festival If you have never been to an event like this before than you really don’t know what you are missing! You enter in to a football pitch0sized giant marquee where you are met by some of the North West’s finest food and drink producers for a mecca of taste sensations.

For the last four years, the Academy of Culinary Arts team has provided free cooking classes for the children who have gone to the festival, where they learn various cooking techniques and many help prepare a dish.

Noon-5pm on the Friday, and from 10am-5pm on the Saturday and Sunday. Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6QN. Tickets from £6. For more information, visit www.nwfoodloversfestival.co.uk Saturday, October 25 Serenade To Music The latest instalment of the RLPO’s Strauss Edition is the spectacular climax of a concert that begins with the knockabout humour of Elgar’s cockney overture, and showcases the Phil’s choir in Vaughan Williams’ rapturous Serenade to Music. In between, Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO make history with the world premiere of a brand new work by the sensational young American composer Nico Muhly.

7.30pm at Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mount, Liverpool, L1 7AZ. Tickets £25, £7 students/under 25s/claimants. Must be booked by calling 0151 709 3789 or in person only.

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Sunday, October 26 Hey Presto!

Presto, the cat, is a very talented magician, so when he and his best friend Monty, the dog, join a funfair and start a magic show things look good for the duo. But fame goes to Monty’s head and soon Presto loses his friend and his show! Will true friendship prevail? Is there a touch of magic in the air?

A heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship, adventure and a little bit of mischief accompanied by catchy songs, this is the perfect treat for everyone aged 3 onwards.

2pm. Tickets £7 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. Telephone 01744 735436.

Until Sunday, November 9 Blackpool Illuminations Blackpool Illuminations sees this seaside city of fun still buzzing with excitement and laughter long after other resorts have gone into winter hibernation.

At 10 kilometres long and using over one million bulbs the Blackpool Illuminations are an awesome spectacle. Take a tram for a grandstand view – arguably the best way to see this electrical extravaganza.

Blackpool seafront. For more details, visit www. blackpool-illuminations.net Wednesday, November 26, to Saturday, December 6 Gaslight A Victorian thriller set in fog-bound London in 1880 at the home of Jack Manningham and his wife Bella. The play opens in the late afternoon, a time which is described as being the time “before the feeble dawn of gaslight and tea”.

At the opening of the drama, Bella is clearly on edge, and the reproaches from her husband make matters worse. What most perturbs Bella is Jack’s unexplained disappearances from the house; he won’t tell her where his is going. The appearance of a police detective called Rough and his tale of a previous owner of the house named Alice Barlow, a wealthy woman who was murdered for her jewels that the murderer apparently never found, lead to a chilling set of suspicions and recriminations.”

Written by Patrick Hamilton and directed by Colette Kerwin.

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton St, Wigan, WN1 3SL. Tickets from £8. Visit www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk or call 01942 242561.

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Planning Ahead

Festival Returns

Eccleston

Rainhill Music Festival is back for its fifth year between November 9-15 with what organisers say will be a fantastic week for young and old. One of the changes this year sees the Young Musician of the Year take centre stage, with more competitors from further afield. There will also be as high profile adjudicators, including Naomi Atherton from the BBC Young Musician of the Year.

5 Walmsley Road: Conversion of existing attached garage to form a habitable room along with alterations to flat roof to form pitched roof (ref: P/2014/0693). The consultation deadline is October 1.

Prescot 112 Manchester Road: Change of use from video store to cafe (ref: 14/00409/COU). The consultation deadline is October 6.

Rainhill 17 Stapleton Avenue: Single storey wraparound extension to rear and side (ref: P/2014/0697). The consultation deadline is October 3.

For more information about the Prescot application, visit www.knowsley.gov.uk.

For the other applications, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk

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Ending the competition week are two concerts; a band night headlined by Liverpool’s newest indie sensation, The Hummingbirds, and a special performance of Carmina Burana. In addition, there’s also the Musical Theatre Medleys, sang by a youth choir of over 100 children as well as some international soloists and musicians.

The festival is the brainchild of international tenor Andrew Dickinson, who grew up on St David’s Close, Rainhill, and went to St Bartholomew’s Primary. It follows on from the old John Houghton Trust yearly event competition, which ceased in 2007.

This year’s programme of events is as follows: Sunday, November 9, (3pm) The Hummingbirds, plus special guests including The Mono LPs Rainhill Cricket Club (Rainhill Rotary Marquee), Victoria Place Book in Advance for £5 or pay £8 on the door.

Monday, November 10, to Thursday, November 13 (6.30pm) Rainhill Young Musician of the Year - 1st Rounds (Brass, Woodwind, Piano, Voice, Strings and Percussion) St. Ann’s Church, View Road, Rainhill Free entry

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Afternoon Recital St Helens Sinfonietta hosts an afternoon recital entitled Elephant In The Room on Thursday, October 23. Held at the United Reformed Church, Ormskirk Street, from 2pm, it includes music from Koussevitzky, Dittersdorf and Bottensini. Andrew Monk will be on double bass for the performance, and Kate Mercer on the piano. Entry is £6 on the door.

Raising The Roof A Songs of Praise event is being held to mark the restoration of Prescot Parish Church’s roof. It takes place at the Church Street venue on Friday, October 24, from 7pm-8.30pm. Entry is free.

Friday, November 14, (6.30pm) Rainhill Young Musician of the Year - Finals Evening

Music And Poetry

St. Ann’s Church, View Road, Rainhill Adults £5, under 16s free Saturday, November 15, (7.30pm) Carmina Burana/The Music of the Night St Helens Parish Church, Church Street Adults £10, Under 16s free For all booking enquiries, please call 0845 257 7763, or email info@rainhillmusicfestival.com

An evening of music and poetry to commemorate 100 years since World War I is being held at Prescot Parish Church, Church Street, on Friday, September 26, from 7pm. Music, including organ classics by J.S. Bach, Vierne, Elgar and Widor, will be performed by Tim Hall on the organ, plus others. Tickets are £5, in aid of church funds, and includes cheese and wine. Visit www. prescotfestival.co.uk

Rainhill Garrick Society presents...

A Murderously Funny Comedy

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime

by Constance Cox

Adapted From The Short Story By Oscar Wilde Directed by David Hedges

Showing on 16th/17th/18th October 2014 Ticket prices adults £6 Concessions £5 7:30pm start (Doors open at 7 o’clock)

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Rainhill Village Hall, Dane Court, off Weaver Avenue, Rainhill, L35 3LU Parking FREE After 7pm

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39

Jack’s Tracks

Crank Caverns Here at Local Life HQ, we’re always thinking of places to take Jack. Some suggestions, he turns his cold, wet nose up at; others he’s off to get his lead before we can say Ordnance Survey Map.

But for this particular outing, it was the humans who were a little bit reticent. See, it was the word ‘caverns’ which made me wary; I instantly thought of bats, darkness and ghosts, not to mention the myths and legends associated with the place. And boy, are they numerous - so much so they’ve even been debated on David Icke’s website forum. Mr Icke, you may recall, was a 1980s BBC Breakfast Time presenter who later went a bit… err… strange. This probably had something to do an incident in April 1991 when he declared to Terry Wogan, in front of a live studio audience, that he was in fact the Son of God. Not only did he say this with a completely straight face, but while also casually donning a multi-coloured shell suit. This fashion fauxpas in itself can end mainstream careers, but coupled with the religious stuff, it completely sealed his fate.

However, after months of thinking of other places to go - anywhere in fact - I plucked up the courage to take a look.

This walk starts on Alder Lane where, on the way into the woods which hide the caverns, we got a fabulous view of Billinge Hill, referred to locally as ‘the Lump’.

Once inside the woods, which in the summertime are covered in ferns, the caverns become visible fairly soon.

Without a care in the world, Peter, our fearless cameraman, bounded towards them like a duck to water on a hot summer’s day. After a few external snaps, he was inside having a good old nosey. Being mindful

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The increasing presence of turbines in the countryside divides opinion; some see them as blots on the landscape, others see them as works of art which help reduce our carbon emissions. Like everything, it largely depends on location but there’s no denying they are a talking point.

of the stories, I decided to ‘keep watch’ while Peter ventured inside, bouncing off each piece of rock like a ping pong ball on Red Bull.

There’s a fair bit of graffiti at the site, but given it’s the perfect teeny hideaway for those who like to indulge in a few illicit cans of fortified apple juice, it’s not unsurprising and didn’t take away anything from the experience.

Once we’d stood and marvelled for about 10 minutes, without a soul in sight, let alone anyone bedecked in early 90s leisurewear, it was time to press on. We headed towards High Wood where, again, the views were impressive, Not only could we see Fiddler’s Ferry in the distance we also spotted some wind turbines.

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To our left we could also see the main settlement of Billinge nestling into the hills as we passed some sheep basking in the sunshine. We made our way past Shoot’s Delph Farm and shop and onto Moss Bank Road, where we turned right to head down the hill. This is the old part of Moss Bank and it’s not long before we pass Moss Bank Mission. If it looks a bit like an old school, that’s because it is. The school closed in 1978 and is now a community hub for all sorts of activities.

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As we made our way down the road, Clinkham Wood could be seen from the left, which dates back to the early 1800s and has a real diversity of flora and fauna, including the Great Spotted Woodpecker, bluebells and Marsh Marigolds. If you’ve got time, it’s worth a quick detour.

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Start/Finish WA11 7SQ

Crank Caverns

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A bit further down, you take the public footpath that runs between numbers 59-61 Moss Bank Road and cuts across a corner of the Rainford Hall Estate. The path eventually joins up with another at the bottom of Sandy Lane. Further down, you cross over the brook and eventually join up with Crank Road. Turning left, you eventually come to Berringtons Lane. If there’s one place to grab a bag of blackberries at the right time of year, this is it. The hedgerows positively burst with handsomely formed fruits, certainly enough to make a few pies or even a jar of jam. It was quite amusing because, as we got to the end of the lane, we noticed a

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North West National Golf Club

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Crank Ro ad

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Moss Bank Mission

Moss Bank

portable road sign which implored people to go SLOW. Given the abundance of berries on the stretch, we were of course happy to oblige to this request...

Stories or Gospel Truth?

Once on Mill Lane, it is a fairly straightforward route up to the B5205 Higher Lane then back up towards our starting point. Well, I say straightforward, but the truth is that life on a Jack’s Tracks walk is far from dull, and so it proved yet again on this occasion. While we stopped for a mini-breather on Crank Hill, we inadvertently hailed a bus. For a split second, the driver must have thought he was picking up a few fares. Memo to self: always check your surroundings and don’t hang around bus stops if you’ve no intention of using one.

The walk finished pleasantly with direct route through a field of sprouts which, by the looks of them, are destined for the Christmas dinner plate.

In all, this walk was 6.3 miles long and, when factoring in the longish stop around Crank Caverns, took us around two and three quarter hours. The main lesson I took from it was that, in a world where ‘progress’ is usually a euphemism for destruction, sometimes the need to move with the times can be done sensitively.

For instance, I didn’t think the wind turbines looked particular intrusive. Also, the housing visible from our route, many of which were built in the much-panned 1960s, seemed to blend in very well with the rural surroundings.

And the other lesson? Don’t necessarily believe everything you read on David Icke’s website…

From the sublime to the ridiculous, the amount of legends attached to Crank Caverns could probably fill this entire magazine. What we can be certain of, however, is that the caverns were originally called Delph Quarry and were used for mining in the early 1700s until circa 1865. After this time, it is said to have been used by the Earl of Derby as a game reserve. At the outbreak of World War II, the caverns were used to store ammunition.

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

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Among the myths and legends are that King Henry VIII took refuge there during the mass persecution of Catholics. It’s also claimed than ‘vicious dwarves’ were once said to have lived there. This came from a supposed tale where four children decided to explore the caverns, but three went missing. The surviving child subsequently told of being chased by small, old men with beards, and stumbling over human bones before escaping.

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Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay

All New

Mazda 3 Fastback

If you’re a company car driver, the chances are you’re looking to shrink your tax bill and free up cash to meet other outgoings. If this is the case, fret not, because the new Mazda3 has arrived.

You see, 2014/15 company car benefit-in-kind tax bills, lower than a host of rivals, are set to make the Mazda3 the sensible financial choice for fleet managers and drivers alike.

Word must be getting around because Mazda posted sales of 8,576 cars in March. That’s a surge of 40 per cent over the same month last year, well ahead of the industry rise of 18 per cent. Much of that is down to the Mazda3, which was launched at the beginning of the year. Total sales of the motor in the first quarter of 2014 are now approaching 3,000.

What’s more, data from vehicle valuation experts CAP Automotive, reveals that the Mazda3 beats numerous similar sized rivals in terms of average forecasted pound note depreciation. Trounced competition includes the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Toyota Auris, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.

So let’s hold a magnifying glass over the spanking new model to see why it’s so popular.

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Due to its low-slung stance, the Mazda3 is curvaceously distinctive and creates a powerful visual link with its fresh Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 siblings.

With kerb weights starting at 1,347kg - that’s for the petrol-powered 2.0-litre 120 SKYACTIV-G Fastback that I drove – it’s one of the lightest members of its class. Much of this weight-saving is attributable to the increase in the proportion of high-tensile and ultrahigh tensile steels in the Mazda3’s bodyshell. It’s been boosted from 50 to 60 per cent to create a strong and impact resistant structure.

FAST FACTS • Max speed: 123mph • 0-62 mph: 8.8 secs • Combined mpg: 55.4 • Engine: 1998cc 4 cylinder 16 valve petrol • Max. power (bhp): 118 at 6000 rpm • Max. torque (Ib/ft): 154 at 4000 rpm • CO2: 119 g/km • Price: £19,895 on the road

Behind the wheel, the Fastback petrol powered version offers precision handling, with 0-62mph arriving in 8.8 seconds. Disappointingly, it doesn’t feel as rapid as that and the top speed is a measly 123mph.

Of course, when you’re on the road, gobbling up thousands of miles a year, your own wellbeing is never far from your mind. Therefore, it’s reassuring to know the up-to-the-minute Mazda3 is officially one of the safest cars on the road in the UK after receiving a top five star safety rating in the Euro NCAP tests.

The brand’s all-time bestseller achieved outstanding marks, scoring 93 per cent (for adult) and 86 per cent, (for child) occupant protection (both among the highest scores recorded in Europe this year), and 65 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively, for pedestrian protection and safety assist.

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The Mazda comes with many airbags as well as gadgetry known as Smart City Brake Support, which helps to reduce or prevent low-speed collisions by automatically applying the brakes if you fail to act. The motor also has Hill Hold Assist fitted to prevent roll back on inclines.

Further standard equipment includes alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power-folding heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, trip computer, radio/CD with six speaker audio system, seven-inch colour touch screen, USB/iPod connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

All in all, the four-door, front wheel-drive saloon has exceptionally generous interior cabin space, and a sporty design to give standout appeal both on the road and in the company car park.

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Save £££s

© M93 / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 (DE)

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Recipe of the Month

Parsnip Quiche with Blue Cheese

Equipment This dish can be eaten hot or cold and it’s great for lunch boxes. You can use up leftover cooked veg from the Sunday roast instead of the freshly cooked parsnip. Sweet potato or carrot can be exchanged for the parsnip.

23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan dish. Rolling pin

Ingredients

Cook the parsnip in boiling water until soft. Leave to cool. Fry off the shallot until soft. Set to one side to cool. Line a 9 inch greased flan dish with the rested pastry. Prick the bottom of the base gently with a fork to stop air bubbles forming. Bake blind (this will avoid the famous “soggy bottom”!) by crumpling baking parchment and placing it in the pastry case being careful not to tear the pastry. Then fill with ceramic baking beans spreading them out evenly. Cook at 450º F for 20 minutes until lightly brown and a little crisp.

Shortcrust Pastry: • 100g salted butter • 200g plain flour • 4-5 tbps cold water

Filing: • 200g parsnip, peeled & sliced • 1 shallot, diced • 3 eggs • 175ml crème fraiche • 290ml milk • 1/2 tsp mixed spice or korma curry powder • 50g good blue cheese • 50g ham or cooked bacon

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Method Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour until it resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry together into a ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour covered in the fridge.

Remove the paper and beans. Whilst the pastry case is cooking beat the eggs together and add the creme fraiche and milk, incorporating all together with a whisk.

Puree or mash the parsnip with the spice or korma and gradually add to the egg mixture until thoroughly mixed. Once the pastry case has come out of the oven dot the base with the blue cheese, onion and ham. Pour the egg mixture into the pastry case and bake on 180ºC for 45 minutes, or until the centre doesn’t wobble.

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