Local Life - Wigan - January 2019

LocalLife Wigan Edition

Change your Life Page 36 - 38

Sporting Saint Pages 24 - 26

Lytham Walk Pages 72 - 75

January 2019

Warriors Season tickets to be won!

Pages 62 - 63

Gathurst Lane, Shevington

£600,000

Ashfield Park, Standish

£475,000

This beautiful detached bungalow, set in ½ acre of canal-side location with mooring near Gathurst Rail Station, has been totally renovated and has bespoke fixtures and fittings throughout.

Beautifully presented and offering warm and spacious prestigious living accommodation, this five bed detached property has 2514 sq ft of space surrounded by ample private gardens.

Greenbank Avenue, Billinge

£325,000

Coniston Park Drive, Standish £240,000

This traditional four bed detached home, located in the prestigious Moss Road area near Orrell Water Park, offer spacious accommodation throughout and has beautifully maintained gardens.

A traditional three bed semi-detached home with two bay fronted reception, set in a desirable cul-de-sac near the village centre with stunning views of nearby countryside.

Coppice Drive, Billinge

Arbour Lane, Standish

£210,000

Tucked away on a generous plot in a quiet cul-de-sac off Crank Road, Billinge is an impressive four bed semi -detached dormer with well-presented accommodation.

£190,000

Overlooking lovely gardens and farmland, this three bedroom semi-detached house is brimming with character and has beautifully maintained and mature gardens to three sides.

a name you can trust

Pickthorne Close, Platt Bridge £190,000

Manse Avenue, Wrightington £180,000

This individually designed five bed detached family home in a quiet location has spacious and wellpresented accommodation with a new fitted kitchen and a beautiful conservatory.

This two bedroom chalet bungalow, though needing modernisation, is located in a pretty cul-de-sac in semirural Wrightington, and has mature gardens to the front and rear.

Moor Road, Orrell

£180,000

Cleveland Avenue, Winstanley £180,000

This Accrington brick built, two bed detached true bungalow has beautifully presented accommodation including a stylish conservatory, utility and a modern fitted kitchen.

This three/four bedroom semi-detached family home, located in a popular part of Winstanley, is spotless and stylish throughout, with a south facing rear garden.

The Dell, Upholland

Sandway, Springfield

£160,000

This three bed detached true bungalow, located in a cul-de-sac close to a thriving village centre, has wellarranged accommodation and a spacious rear garden.

£140,000

This spacious and modern two bed semi-detached with nice gardens is perfect for first time buyers and is located on a cul-de-sac in a quiet residential area.

www.alanbatt.co.uk

2

Ravencrag, Hall Lane, Wrightington

ÂŁ650,000

This simply stunning residence, located on a generous plot near Parbold Hill, is a magnificent five bed detached house over three floors which has been extensively refurbished recently and offers stunning internal presentation throughout and open countryside views at the rear.

www.alanbatt.co.uk

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Local Life

Changing Lifestyles Each month I sit down and read the first proof of this magazine before pulling together this column.

Whilst I enjoy it, I try not to witter on about my personal life because the world has enough selfpublicists without me joining the crowd. I’m going to make an exception this month though, and if it inspires just one reader towards better health in 2019, then it will have been worth it.

Early in 2018, after a random retinal scan at the opticians showed up anomalies, I visited the doctor and received a diagnosis of diabetes – type 2 after tests showed that my blood sugar levels were running at 87. It was an almighty shock, because I’ve never had a problem with my health.

Sure I was overweight and my lifestyle is mainly sedentary, but, probably like most people in that position, I never thought it would happen to me.

After the shock wore off, I decided that I would try and reverse the diagnosis. So I ordered a meal plan and recipe book from www.carbsandcals.com and (with a lot of help from my darling wife, Sally) lived off 800 calories a day for six weeks. It’s a radical diet and I lost around 2¾ stone. My next blood sugar test showed up at 41, the doctor agreed that I could bin the diabetes medication and, five months on, I feel so much better.

If you have been diagnosed with a lifestyle illness like diabetes type 2, do seriously consider changing your lifestyle to reduce or reverse the effects. You must take medical advice first, but taking drastic steps like this to change your lifestyle, can potentially add years to your life.

Happy New Year, and good health to you all!

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life

In this issue

Regulars 44 Puzzle Corner 79 Test Drive 56 Class From The Past 82 Garden Diary

Sporting Saint

Sections 23 Food 30 Property 48 Travel 60 Legal & Finance 64 Business View 66 Health

24 Change Your Life With U3A

73 Pets 76 Events2Go 79 Motoring 82 Gardening 86 Home Services

Next issue - February 2019

Advertising deadline - Thursday, 10 January Published - Thursday, 24 January

36

LocalLife

Stay Dry This January

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

Telephone: 01695 627 999 Publisher: Chris chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Sales: Nicola sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: Jess wigannews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Christina accounts@locallife247.co.uk

66 Jack’s Tracks: Lytham

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

This issue is delivered to 13,299 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton.

72

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Test Drive: Mercedes A Class Mk 4

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5

6

News & Features

January Panto Missed out on the annual pantomime at Christmas?

Not to worry! St. Michael’s Amateur Dramatic Society are running their January production of Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves from Friday, January 11 – Sunday, January 20.

A talented, energetic cast of adults and juniors bring the classic story to life with great costumes, dancing and songs in true slapstick manner.

The show starts at 7:30pm or at 2pm for the weekend matinees, and takes place at St. Michael’s Hall on Shaw Street, Wigan. Call 07806 787250 for more information and tickets.

Manchester Beer Fest Traditional and modern brewing combine in the North’s largest celebration of beer. Whether you’re a real ale drinker or a cider lover, you’re sure to find something to tickle your tastebuds at the Manchester Beer & Cider Festival.

The festival runs from Thursday, January 24 to Saturday, January 26 at various times, and this year is located in Manchester Central on Windmill Street.

CAMRA members receive complimentary beer tokens on entry with a valid membership card.

Tickets range from £7-£10 and can be booked on Eventbrite.

Beginners’ Line Dance Are you looking to keep fit or just find a new hobby this New Year? A new Billinge line dancing course could be just the ticket.

Starting on Wednesday, January 16 and running every week, the beginners’ line dancing course takes place between 10:15am-11:45am. You don’t need to bring a partner – just yourself, some suitable footwear, and a smile!

Admission costs £3.50 per session. Sessions are run by fully qualified instructors and take place at Birchley St. Mary’s Club on Trent Road in Billinge.

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8

To The Movies!

Award-winning Leigh Film Society is teaming up with The Old Courts in Wigan to bring spectacular screenings to new audiences in 2019.

Argentine period drama. Screenings start at 7:30pm (doors at 6:30pm), with tickets costing £5 for adults or £3 for students.

The partnership, Inspired By Film, invited artists from Cross Street Arts in Standish to show films that have a place in their hearts, with insightful introductions explaining how cinema influences their artistic practice. Films will show every two months, starting on Thursday, January 10 with The Colour of Pomegranates, a 1969 Soviet arthouse film of poetry, music and oppression.

Leigh Film Society also runs a monthly classic cinema club showing all-time favourite films and musicals aimed at people living with health challenges or mental illness, with all volunteers trained in dementia awareness. Screenings take place on the last Friday of the month at the Turnpike Centre in Leigh at 7:30pm. They’re also aiming to open a classic cinema club in Wigan. Annual membership costs £33.

The screening schedule continues right up until January 2020, and includes cult hit The Rocky Horror Picture Show, black comedy Heathers, and sci-fi horror They Live. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for students, and films are open to over-15s only.

Running in conjunction with Inspired By Film is an International Film Programme, showing films on the second Thursday of every other month beginning on Thursday, February 14 with Zama, an

The Society hosts its annual short film festival to raise money for community filmmaking projects, celebrating international low-budget filmmaking from up-and-coming talent.

To book tickets for any of the Old Courts screenings, head to www.theoldcourts.com or call the box office on 01942 834 747.

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Church Services Orrell Post Methodist Church host regular services and events for the community.

Along with regular Sunday morning services, which take place at 10:45am and offer Sunday school for children, the church’s midweek events calendar is jam packed with community activities. The first Monday of each month sees a book exchange and coffee morning take place in the church between 10:30am and 12pm, while the second Tuesday of the month introduces a soup lunch with accompaniments from 11:30am-2pm for a small charge of £2.

Other activities include sequence dancing (with a small surcharge of £1.50), ladies fellowship, Bible study and ladies choir.

The church is fully wheelchair and pram accessible.

For more information on any of the social events, call Anne Parkinson on 01942 386365.

Embroiderers’ Guild Interested in embroidery and textiles? The Parbold Embroiderers’ Guild welcomes new members.

The Guild enables local people to meet new, likeminded friends while learning new embroidery techniques and skills, as well as putting on regular exhibitions of their work. Meetings also include talks and demonstrations from textile experts.

The group meets every second Saturday of the month at 2pm in Parbold Village Hall. For more information, contact Nicky on 07713 119790 or email Sue at suechisnall@btinternet.com

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Young at A Pemberton-based art group is on the lookout for new members.

The group was originally formed in 2003, and found a home at Norley Hall until the group grew so large it had to split in two – a morning session and an afternoon session. Now dubbed ‘Young At Art’, the 24-strong afternoon group meet in Pemberton Masonic Hall every Tuesday except the second of the month.

‘We pride ourselves on being a very welcoming group,’ says Secretary Dorothy Moulson, who offers me that very same welcome. ‘We want to bring people out of their homes and into the community, have great fun doing painting and drawing, and make new friends in the process! One of the best things about Young At Art is that there’s always someone who can help out if you’re stuck on something, so we all learn from each other.’

Members get involved in all sorts of artwork, from painting their own greetings cards to still-life on canvas. One artist has even begun producing an annual calendar showcasing everyone’s work, which has been a real boost to the group.

Along with regular meetings, during which members can work on their own projects, the group also invites local artists to come along to lead workshops and give demonstrations.

‘We

Art

have artists come in from Wigan, Warrington and St. Helens,’ Dorothy told me. ‘We also organise trips out and about for our members.’

Walking around the spacious, well-lit room Young At Art occupy in the Masonic Hall, the talent in the room is clear to see. From beautifully painted Christmas cards depicting Victorian scenes to hyper-realistic sketches of pensive expressions, members are constantly striving to improve their artwork, giving each other tips and advice along the way.

‘Painting is the perfect way to come out of yourself and ease the stresses of everyday life. Even Winston Churchill said painting helped him de-stress!’

Dorothy continues.

‘The group not only helps ease loneliness for older people, but being able to create something boosts your confidence and self-esteem. We had one lady

11 Along with new members, Young At Art are also grateful for any donations which help fund rent on their room at the Masonic Hall and keep the group going. The cost of meeting attendance is only £2 per week, with a £1 contribution requested if members miss a week – this includes the cost of refreshments, which are provided each Tuesday.

come who had breast cancer, and she told me that for two hours a week she completely forgot about it and lost herself in her art.’

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The new year can be a new start, so what better time to make new friends, learn new skills and get out and about in the community?

If you’re a budding artist looking to see what Young At Art have to offer, go along to one of their sessions at Pemberton Masonic Hall every first, third and fourth Tuesday of the month from 1pm-3pm.

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12

MIND

Matters

An Orrell family are putting on their running shoes for mental health awareness this January.

Julie Aubrey-Williams and her some fifty-strong clan are heading out for the Garstang 10K on January 13th to raise money for MIND, the mental health charity.

‘My brother took his own life in July 2018,’ Julie told me. ‘He was a runner himself, and his birthday weekend would be in January, so we wanted to do something to celebrate his life and raise awareness of mental health issues, which MIND already does so much of.’

MIND helps to support people who suffer from mental health issues, and want to erase the stigma around talking about psychological health. They support over 513,000 people in the UK by providing supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres and counselling.

The charity focuses on empowering people with mental health problems, campaigning to improve services offered both locally and nationwide - and they pride themselves on never giving up until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Around 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year. Furthermore, a recent study carried out over people living in private housing found that around 20 in 100 people have

considered suicide in their lifetime – so it’s more important than ever to open up a dialogue about mental wellbeing.

‘Most of us have run before,’ Julie continued. ‘We’ve competed in local events before and have raised money for charities such as Derian House in the past, but this is our first year running for MIND. This year a lot of friends and family are getting involved for the first time, and have started training from scratch. Some people will be walking the route, some people will be jogging, and some of us will be running.’

The Garstang 10K starts at Garstang High School at 11:35am on Sunday, January 13. Entrance costs £16.

To donate to their JustGiving page, head to www. justgiving.com/Damien-Nicolson.

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Christmas Champions Community champions in Orrell and Billinge were rewarded with an oversized cheque at Christmas.

The Orrell & Billinge Community Network was recognised by ASDA Wigan for their tireless work in the local area, and secured £500 by their Community Champion Charlene Frodsham in December. The funds raised went towards their Over 75s Christmas Party, which provided festive cheer to older people in the Orrell and Billinge area.

2018 saw a whopping 71 guests attend the party, which took place at St. Luke’s Parish Hall. Everyone was treated to a full Christmas dinner with entertainment by staff from Winstanley College, and received a Christmas gift to take home.

ASDA employee Charlene said: ‘It’s a privilege to be able to bring joy to the people in our community who deserve it most at this special time of year. I love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces – ASDA is delighted to reward the volunteers who make a difference throughout the year.’

Orrell & Billinge Community Network member Dorothy Walls commented: ‘Charlene has seen first-hand how our coffee mornings bring people together and her help at the Christmas Party was very welcome!’

The O&B Community Network coffee mornings take place at the Living Faith Church on Church Street, Orrell, at 10am on the last Friday of every month.

14

Adios

Evergreen

It’s January. Chances are your tree is still up, albeit a bit worse for wear after the festivities. You’re going to take it to the tip at some point. But did you know that a 2 metre tall tree that ends up in landfill has a carbon footprint of 16kg? It’s estimated that every single Christmas tree that gets dumped costs the local authority £2.32 in fees – while this might not sound like a lot, with around 7 million real trees bought each year, it definitely adds up.

So how do we ditch the tree? There are plenty of eco-friendly ways to do the Christmas clean-up: here are some suggestions.

Treecycle. Recycled trees are usually shredded into chippings, which can be used in parks or woodland areas. Take your tree to any recycling centre, or look

out for charities offering tree recycling schemes in your area. For a small donation, staff will usually come to pick up your tree and take it to be recycled, saving you the hassle of squeezing it into the car.

Rainbow House in Ormskirk will shift your tree for a minimum donation of £10 to the hospice, which works with disabled people in the community. See www.thelegacy-rainbowhouse.com/ for details.

A bit nostalgic to see your tree go? Why not replant it instead? If your tree has a healthy root (this doesn’t apply to cut trees), remove any coverings over the root ball and plant it, covering the hole with mulch and watering. Christmas trees only need to be fertilised in springtime, so they’re relatively low maintenance for the winter. The only downside

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15 is that replanted trees should only be kept indoors for a maximum of one and a half weeks to be able to re-adapt to outdoor conditions.

Donate your tree. Christmas trees can be used for a lot more than decoration. Some organisations utilise them as barriers against floods, including Pickering in North Yorkshire.

National Trust Formby actually used to plant trees in the sand dunes to encourage the growth of Marram Grass and prevent dune flattening, which damages the fragile eco-system of the beach. However, the change in the dunes since planting started has been spectacular, and adding more trees will no longer be beneficial. Instead, see if any local causes can make use of your evergreen after Christmas to help with conservation.

If you’re tired of the fuss of having a real tree, why

not opt for an artificial one next year? Recreate the smell of pine with a scented candle or some incense – there are even Christmas scented room sprays to keep your whole house smelling festive.

If you invest in a sturdy enough tree, you’ll be able to use it again and again, saving you money in the long run.

By Jess Phillips

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Scouting Centenary The Upholland Scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary.

First formed in November 1918, the group has provided countless young people with essential life skills, as well as an aptitude for adventure. The Upholland Scouts are one of the oldest local Scout groups, and hosted an exhibition to commemorate the achievement.

A display of Scouting photographs across the eras was available for public perusal in November, with a celebration party for the Scout group in the evening. A brand new group photo was taken to mark the occasion.

John Lechmere, long-serving Cub Scout Leader, said: ‘Anyone who has ever been involved with the group was welcome on the day to look at our exhibition and enjoy afternoon tea.’

Scouting has been an iconic British passtime for children since 1907. With around 500,000 children involved in Scouting in the UK alone, it’s a great opportunity to make new friends while learning essential life skills.

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Fundraising SKILS SKILS CIC in Wigan is celebrating a year of successful fundraising efforts.

The centre, in Cross Street, Billinge, specialises in offering opportunities to people with support needs aged 18+ to enhance their quality of life through creativity and positive thinking.

In May 2018, the centre raised £101 for the British Red Cross UK Solidarity Fund, which was set up following the terrorist attacks in London and Manchester in 2017.

An impressive £200 came from the Macmillan coffee morning, when the public were invited into the centre for raffles, a tombola and a cake sale with goodies made by SKILS members.

SKILS’ efforts at cake baking for Children in Need in November saw a total figure of £115.50 raised, with fundraisers also getting involved in the BBC’s Duck

Race – a challenge to see whose rubber duck was fastest to the finish.

For the Armistice centenary, the CIC designed and created a 3D poppy to be placed at Orrell Cenotaph in remembrance of the fallen.

For more information about SKILS, visit http://www. skilscic.co.uk

19

20

Couch to 5K

Motorway Madness

A new ten week course aims to get people off their sofas this New Year.

The M6 is due to undergo a whopping three years of disruption while it upgrades to a smart motorway.

Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and Wigan Council invite residents from across the borough to participate in the sessions, which run across various areas starting on Sunday, January 6. Each session costs £1 and is intended for ages 16+ - here’s when the sessions are coming to you:

Major roadworks will span for 60 miles between Wigan at Junction 25 and Coventry at Junction 2, and won’t be finished until 2022.

Wigan Life Centre – Sundays, 10am & Tuesdays, 5:15pm Orrell Water Park – Mondays, 10am Ashton Leisure Centre – Thursdays, 6:30pm Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre – Thursdays, 6:30pm & Fridays, 10am Three Sisters Recreation Area – Fridays, 9:30am For further information, email julie.barton@ihlmail. org – or just turn up to one of the sessions!

Work occurs in four separate stages, the first of which has already begun between Junctions 16 and 19. The next phase hits Junction 21A (Warrington and the M62) and Junction 26 at Orrell around summertime 2019.

The upgrades aim to make the motorway safer and more efficient, including a conversion of the hard shoulder into an extra lane and the addition of variable speed limits to better manage traffic.

For more information and to keep up to date with the M6 upgrades, see the Highways England website.

21

22

Lose Weight with Salmon Shed the Christmas pounds this January with delicious fish.

(‘bad’) fat and cholesterol, while the low fat protein helps to keep blood sugar levels steady.

Salmon in all forms is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can imply that it’s a high-fat food, but that’s not the case. It is full of the ‘good fats’ that help us fight heart disease and high blood pressure - and only around 150 calories per serving, which makes it about half the fat and calories of a cheeseburger while offering more protein and vitamins.

According to the World’s Healthiest Foods website, 100g of salmon contains 58 per cent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein. It is also a good source of phosphorous, magnesium and selenium.

Omega-3 fatty acids have higher levels of HDL and lower triglycerides and are also linked with lower levels of cholesterol, while some studies show that a diet rich in these fats reduces the risk of arthritis, certain cancers, osteoporosis and depression.

Eaten grilled or baked, nutrient-dense foods such as salmon are keys to successful weight loss because the high protein value helps curb cravings between meals. Red meat and poultry often have saturated

What is particularly good about this fish is its availability and versatility. Most supermarkets stock good quantities of fresh, frozen, canned and smoked salmon and it can be cooked in a variety of ways. Leftover salmon can be used in sandwiches or salads, or made into salmon fishcakes, pasta dishes or a low calorie topping for pizza.

Experimenting by substituting salmon for meat in any dish can be a healthy and fun way to lower animal fat in the diet.

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Food & Drink

23 23

Tray-baked Chicken with Root Vegetables Serves 4 ~ Preparation time: 20 mins + Cooking time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Method

1 small celeriac, peeled and cut into 2½ cm/1in chunks

Preheat the oven to 200C / gas 6 / fan 180C. Put the chunks of celeriac, swede, sweet potato, parsnips and garlic in a large roasting tin. Sprinkle liberally with the olive oil and cumin, and season well with salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables together so they are lightly coated in oil. Put in the oven towards the top and roast for 30 minutes.

1 small swede, peeled and cut into 2½ cm/1in chunks 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 2½ cm/1in chunks 2 medium parsnips, scrubbed and quartered lengthways 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 tbsp olive oil olive oil ½ tsp cumin seeds a few sprigs of sage 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin on)

Meanwhile, lightly oil then season the chicken skins, and lay a couple of sage leaves over each thigh or drumstick.

Remove the roasting pan from the oven and turn the vegetables over. Lay the chicken pieces on top. Roast for 30- 35 minutes more, until the vegetables are tender, and the chicken skin is nice and crispy. Serve with creamy mash and lightly cooked Savoy cabbage.

24

Sporting

Saint

Jess Phillips sits down with ex-Orrell St. James star Jonny Lomax to talk rugby, injuries, and how it all could have all been very different.

It’s no secret that Lomax’s sporting career has been a turbulent one – from the soaring success of signing for a major Super League club straight out of high school to the crushing low of his ligament injuries back in 2014 and 2015. But the Saints star, who competed in 189 games for the club before being awarded his testimonial for the 2019 season, could have ended up playing for Wigan Warriors.

‘I’ve lived in Billinge all my life. We moved from Brown Heath Avenue in Chapel End to Beacon Road in Higher End, and now my wife – who’s originally from Standish – and I both live in Chapel End again,’ Lomax explains. ‘It’s its own place – whenever anyone asks me where I’m from, I make sure I say Billinge. I love living there – everyone’s known me from when I was young, walking around with a rugby ball, but I usually keep my head down when I go to spend time with family and friends, and since I wear a headguard on the pitch I don’t tend to get recognised too much.’

‘Back then the trials you went to depended on service area, so as a Billinge lad I was actually invited to try out for Saints and Wigan,’ he adds.

Lomax began his early rugby career at Orrell St. James RLFC, following generations of his family before him. ‘I actually used to play football, like most kids who played out in the street, until I was 11 or 12, but my dad did rugby league at Orrell when he was younger. His dad – my grandad – used to coach there, so it was really a generational thing, and my dad suggested I go down and give it a go,’ Jonny says. ‘Being a shy kid, I was a bit nervous but I was always pretty quick on the playground so I ended up being quite good at rugby too.’

I ask Jonny, who has been cheerfully telling me about various dislocations of fingers and shoulders from rugby injuries, whether he ever wishes he’d stuck at soccer.

‘I did sometimes miss it,’ he admits. ‘Especially when I think quite a few of my injuries probably wouldn’t have happened if I’d carried on with it, but it definitely wouldn’t have been the journey it has.’

‘We did do a charity football match with a few ex-professionals, and I like to think I’ve still got it,’ Lomax continues. ‘Ex-United player Denis Irwin crossed it in and I managed to jump and volley it into the top corner and scored! That skill might’ve diminished a bit now though.’

25

There’s no doubt rugby was his true calling, and Lomax continued to play Orrell St. James from being just five years old, right up to under-16s when he was scouted for professional rugby. It’s clear to see the club is still dear to his heart. ‘We were always scrambling around for a pitch, but we all stuck together which was quite rare in those days. You usually saw lads moving on to more “fashionable” clubs, but we pretty much stayed together at Orrell.

I still go and do training sessions with the kids there – they have a great set-up now in Bankes Avenue, and they’re pretty spoilt in my opinion!’

most lads, I enjoyed missing lessons for rugby, but mum made sure I even got my A-levels with 30% attendance.’

‘I’m glad I kept at it in the end, because it’s allowed me to do my physiotherapy degree in my off-season.

A lot of people who play sports professionally end up in their mid-30s only knowing one way of life, which is quite scary. I wanted to do something a bit different, even if I did get a bit of stick from my teammates.’

Playing rugby league at Orrell was also how Lomax picked up his first injury. During secondary school, he suffered from an extradural haemorrhage when parts of his skull pierced an artery and left him bleeding for five days. He now wears the logo of Tru Rehab – a brain injury rehabilitation facility – on his signature headguard to raise awareness of the cause and remind himself how lucky he was to recover and go on to play professionally.

After a gruelling series of injuries which left him fearing for his Super League future, Lomax is understandably grateful to have a back-up plan in place. ‘I don’t think anyone realises what it was truly like’, Lomax says. There’s certainly a shift in the air when he casts his mind back to that period. ‘I did one ACL’ – that’s an injury of the anterior cruciate ligament – ‘and went through physiotherapy and my leg was still giving way when I was walking round, so I had to undergo an operation to get it reconstructed.’

His injury meant Lomax missed out on a lot of school, and was warned he’d potentially have to resit years of studying. ‘Thankfully I didn’t have to, and I got my GCSEs at my mum’s insistence. Like

Doctors warned Lomax that if the gap was too wide where the new ligament was placed, they could end up taking bone from his hip and revisiting the surgery in another three months.

26 do it,’ Lomax admits. ‘The physiotherapy came out of that fear that I’d never play again. Some of the lads have taken up trades like plumbing or engineering, but physiotherapy has a special place in my heart and I’m really enjoying doing it.’

‘They managed it, though. I was ill for fourteen days after it, and when they took the staples out they told me it was infected, so I was in hospital for another four weeks on a PICC line. It was a really, really difficult time, and that doesn’t always get disclosed.’

Despite it all, Lomax’s lowest period culminated in one of his highest. ‘I think the highlight of my entire career – even better than playing for England - was scoring on my return after almost two years out. I scored as soon as I touched the ball essentially, which was a bit of a fairytale! All of my family were there, everyone who supported me through that difficult time, and I went to see my sister afterwards and just burst out crying.’

‘There were times I just wanted to quit.

I told my parents I never wanted to play rugby again, but I felt good before the game and knew I had to

But Lomax’s rugby career is still at the forefront of his mind for now, and with his testimonial year ahead, the future looks bright once again. ‘I want the whole thing to be very family-orientated, because that’s who I am,’ Jonny says. ‘I’m planning to go back to Orrell St. James and do a bit of an open day with the kids there.’

If you want to get involved with Jonny’s testimonial, email lomaxtestimonial@gmail.com, and you can get updates at Jonny Lomax – 2019 Testimonial on Facebook or jonny_lomax_testimonial on Instagram.

27

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28

Flower Power

Family History Course

Wigan Flower Club has announced a change of venue for their monthly meetings.

Parbold Library is running a 6-week course to help trace your ancestors.

The society will now meet in the Pemberton Band Room in Mount Zion Hall on Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, WN5 8DZ.

Starting on Thursday, January 10, the course helps family historians who have already made a start on tracing their family tree and are aware of basic resources and research methods.

Meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:15pm.

New members are encouraged to come along to meetings, which include floral arrangement demonstrations by NAFAS to be raffled at the close of the evening, a Trash and Treasure stall to pick up anything from books to crafts, and light refreshments.

Annual membership costs £28. For further details, contact Linda on 01942 514229 or Elizabeth on 01942 732728.

New members are very welcome to turn up to a session!

The course is free to everyone aged 19+, but booking is required at the library or via Eventbrite.

Sessions take place from 1:30pm-3:30pm.

Friends of Rivington The Friends of Rivington Terraced Gardens are open to new members.

If you’re interested in getting more involved in Lord Leverhulme’s legacy, why not join the group?

Membership costs £10 per year, and enables you to have your say on all things Rivington.

For more information about the Friends, email explore@rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk.

the auction centre The leading Auctioneers and Valuers

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4th Wednesday of Every Month St Thomas Church, Peter Street, WA10 2EB 9.30 – 12 noon Check website for Details Call 01744 881 477 for more information

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29

Do Your Bit for Dementia The Alzheimer’s Society has launched a new smartphone app to aid dementia research.

Led by University of Oxford, the GameChanger app offers fun, free brain training games for anyone aged 18+ without dementia.

It aims to find out more about how the brain works and to help spot early signs of dementia with the view of developing new treatments.

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store today and help change the future of dementia.

Glassterclass 2019 sees an introductory glass fusing course head to Love It Gallery in Billinge.

The course teaches basic skills like glass cutting, as well as the best techniques on firing your glass, best materials to use and fusing skills.

Participants come away with a set of coasters, a small wall hanging and a wall panel.

It costs ÂŁ135 for the all-day course, including morning refreshments and a light lunch at Bag & Bean coffee-shop. All materials and the glass firing are included.

Classes run on Saturday, February 16, Saturday, March 2 and Saturday, April 27. To book your place, pop in to Love It Gallery or call 01695 622322.

Dive In Always dreamed about learning to dive? Why not join the Mid-Lancs Sub Aqua Club and make that dream a reality?

The club runs in accordance with BSAC guidelines and offers everyone from the age of 12 the opportunity to discover scuba.

The Wigan-based club meets every Monday at 8pm in the Unity Club on Cross Street, Standish (WN6 0HQ) and trains in the pool at Wigan Life Centre (WN1 1NJ) every Tuesday at 8pm.

For more info, visit www.divemidlancs.co.uk

30

Property

2018 – A Property Review It’s now commonly agreed amongst economists and the general public that the dramatic rise in property prices of the last six years has come to an end.

The doom and gloom of the UK housing market is portrayed in the national press on a regular basis and they cite the following reasons for the slowdown; • Strained buyer affordability (property prices increasing at a far faster pace than average salaries) • A lack of new properties being built • Brexit uncertainties over the last two and half years Yet in the last 12 months in Wigan, people have still been moving, buying and selling at levels similar to the last six years. So let me share with you what, exactly, is happening in the Wigan property market, and more specifically, who is moving and why.

The majority of sales in Wigan during the last twelve months were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £134,300. Terraced properties sold for an average of £93,900, with detached properties fetching approximately £235,600.

Alan Batt Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has worked within the Wigan property market for over 30 years.

In 2018 1,086 households moved within the tenure (i.e. sold the home they owned and bought another one) and 211 new households were created (i.e. they moved from living with family/friends and bought their first home).505 households moved out of the private rented sector be become home owners, whilst 398 Wigan households moved to the private rented sector from owner occupation, which appears on the face of it, a reduction in the private sector.

My research has calculated that in 2018, an additional 526 new households in the Wigan private rental sector were created...and it will continue to grow at those levels for the foreseeable future.

So, whatever is happening in the world with Brexit, Trump, China, and the stock markets … the Wigan housing market is in decent shape for the medium to long term. If we do have small corrections in values in the next 12 to 18 months, in the long term, house prices have always returned ... and returned with a vengeance.

Like I say to anyone buying a property, be they a first time buyer, landlord or homeowner ... property is a long game ... and if you play the long game, you will always win (although isn’t that true in most aspects of life?).

What Sells Quickest?

A few months ago it was taking on average 49 days from the property coming on the market for it to be sold subject to contract and today its 93 days. That’s the current picture from Wigan estate agents.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, selling

31 your property quickly gives you great leverage when it comes to buying a new property, so what influences the prompt saleability of a property?

So, I did some research on the whole of the Wigan property market. These were my findings on how different property types influence the promptness of the sale. As you can see, the star players are the terraced/town house and semi-detached variants, whilst apartments seem to be sticking in the Wigan housing market.

Next my research looked at how the number of bedrooms in different property types influences the promptness of the sale in Wigan. As you can see, five bed properties seem to be taking the longest time to sell and the star seller is three bed properties!

So, when you are buying a house, always have the end game in sight and consider the type of property and the number of bedrooms it has – this might make a difference when it comes to selling.

Top Tips There were 262 owner-occupied households in Wigan sold last year where the homeowners had passed away. Some of these properties can be a potential goldmine, as their former owners have spent money on high capital items, such as double glazing and central heating, but their tastes when spending on low-ticket items such as flooring, kitchen, bathrooms and especially decorating, is often outdated. These properties can often be bought cheaply because most buyers can’t see past the avocado or brown bathroom suite, so if you were to buy wisely and do the works, you could sell it on for a healthy profit.

There are more properties on the market in Wigan than there were 18 months ago. It’s not because more houses are coming on to the market, it’s because they are also taking a little longer to sell, so it’s beginning to be a buyer’s market in some sectors of the market. If you are looking to buy then take a look at the Wigan properties that are sticking as there could be some bargains to be had there?

I will let you in on a nifty little trick to find all the properties that are sticking – just drop me an email and I’ll share it with you!

Email me on alan@alanbatt.co.uk or call on 01942 233999

For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the Wigan property market, check out www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk

32

The Razzle Dazzle

Pemberton Panto

It’s your last chance to sail on one of Liverpool’s iconic Dazzle Ferries this month.

Pemberton-based theatre group St. John’s Dramatic Society have chosen Sinbad the Sailor for their annual pantomime.

The ferry was created as part of Liverpool’s WW1 commemorations to remember those used in the First World War with bright patterned paintwork to baffle enemy ships and make the ferries difficult to target.

‘Everybody Razzle Dazzle’ is currently the only operating dazzle ship in the UK, and was commissioned by the Liverpool Biennial 14-18 NOW art commemoration.

River explorer cruises are available until Saturday, January 19th, before the ferry goes into dry docking to be re-painted to its original livery. For further information, visit www.merseyferries.co.uk

Join Sinbad on a magical journey across the seas this January - the whole family are invited to enjoy some swashbuckling fun at St. John’s School Hall in Pemberton (WN5 0DT), with plenty of slapstick, comedy characters and hilarious costumes.

The show runs from Friday, January 25 until Sunday, January 27 and then again from Thursday, January 31 until Saturday, February 2. Matinee performances are available at 2pm and 3pm depending on the date, or 7pm/7:30pm for evening performances.

Tickets cost £7 per adult and £5 per child.

To book, call Anne Parfitt on 01942 621701.

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34

Scottish Celebration Wigan’s Thistle Society is holding a special Burns Night supper in celebration of all things Scottish.

To honour Scottish national poet Robert Burns, the dinner begins with the sound of pipes, followed by a delicious meal of Cock-a-Leekie soup, a choice of haggis, chicken or a vegetarian option served with neeps and tatties, and a dessert option of Scottish trifle.The meal will be followed by a series of speeches and songs - and plenty of dancing.

Tickets for the event cost £24 or £16 for under-16s.

It will be held at St. Teresa’s Church Hall on College Road, Upholland (WN8 0PY) on Friday, January 25 from 7pm.

place on Saturday, February 2 where the award for the winner will be presented.

Artworks must be either A4 or A3 in size and must be flat so they can be framed. Entry forms can be obtained from Wigan Youth Zone reception.

The deadline for entries is Monday, January 14.

RED January Wigan Athletic are encouraging residents to get involved with RED January.

In association with MIND, the mental health charity, RED January is a community initiative that encourages physical activity to improve mental wellbeing.

To book tickets, call Margaret on 01942 247403.

Young Artists The deadline for Wigan Youth Zone’s Young Artist of the Year competition has been extended.

Young artists from primary school, high school and

aqua:

college, or artists aged up to 25 with additional needs, are invited to submit a piece of artwork to the competition. All entries will be exhibited until the end of June, with a private view event taking

You can register for a free welcome pack and help to raise vital funds for MIND by visiting https:// football.redtogether.co.uk/.

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35

Pop Into the Pop-Up A new pop-up shop has opened in the Wigan.

The previously vacant shopfront, next to the Uptown Diner in the Makinson Arcade, can be rented out for up to six weeks for businesses and start-ups wanting to target a local market.

The Pop-Up Shop is ideal for businesses who want to sample property renting in Wigan town centre without the commitment of a longer lease, or whose businesses peak at certain times of the year.

A potential hub for new campaigns or organisations to raise awareness of what they do, the new venture looks to be a great boost for Wigan’s town centre.

It also offers the public the chance to experience a range of new and exciting stores at a convenient location.

If you’d like to find out more about the Pop-Up Shop and what it can offer your business, call Peter Hadfield on 0161 711 0514 or see the Wigan Council website at www.wigan.gov.uk

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Wild About Story Wild About Story present the latest production in their Unruly Tongues storytelling club series.

Daniel Morden’s ‘Stolen’ is performed by The Devil’s Violin, a spellbinding group of storytellers, and follows a kaleidoscopic fairy-tale format. From a beautiful old woman trapped in a huge claw to horses missing their riders in the Land of No Return, the performance is accentuated with live music and a haunting string soundtrack.

Next on the bill is Clare Muireann Murphy’s ‘UniVerse’ in April.

‘Stolen’ takes place at Parbold WI on Wednesday, January 23, from 7pm-10pm. Tickets cost £9 – for further information or to book, visit www. wildaboutstory.co.uk

36

Change your

Life

by Jess Phillips The New Year is a time of resolutions. Whether you’re a stickler for sticking to them or often let standards slide after January, there’s no better time to effect change than the start of another year. And there’s no better way to make that change than by joining a U3A. One of the best ways to stay positive is to surround yourself with friends, and meeting new people through the U3A is the perfect way to make new ones. You’ll try new things together, go on trips out together, and make strides towards improving your physical and psychological wellbeing in 2019.

The UK’s incarnation of the University of the Third Age was founded 35 years ago, inspired by a similar movement in France. The organisation has a strong focus on people in retirement or part- time employment who are no longer raising a family – people who now have time to devote themselves to learning for its own sake. Its core principles are to

promote lifelong learning through self-help interest groups, which cover a wide range of subjects and take full advantage of the varied skillset of their members.

‘Learning Not Lonely’ research carried out by the U3A found that 3.7 million people aged over 65 live alone, and 41% of older people feel out of touch with modern life. Furthermore, 1 in 5 older people suffer from depression, which is often caused by isolation in the community - that’s where the U3A comes in.

Samantha Mauger, U3A National Chief Executive, said: ‘U3A members reported major benefits to being part of our learning model, feeling supported, learning new skills and combatting loneliness.’

Upholland U3A’s visit to Norway

37 Better yet, there are around 1,000 U3A groups nationwide, and over 400,000 members – so whatever your interests, you’re sure to find someone you get along with.

The Wigan area has various U3A groups on offer. Wigan U3A runs 16 regular activity sessions, from walking to fishing, while the larger Upholland & District U3A boasts 52 distinct groups, including theatre trips, heritage railway and flower arranging. A little further north, try language learning or singing for fun at the Parbold, Newburgh & District U3A, which offers 23 activities. Whatever your niche, you’re sure to find someone else who shares it.

Wigan U3A Walkers the new friends that have been made and the large number of groups has been amazing! Long may it reign!’

Annual membership to the Upholland & District U3A costs £10, with a one-off payment for the first year only of £12.50 for administration.

Upholland & District

Wigan

Formed in 2005, the Upholland & District U3A has grown to 850 members from around the area. Along with the smaller activity sessions, members of the group meet for a coffee morning on the first Thursday of each month at St. Teresa’s Hall on College Road between 9:45am and 12pm; guest speakers take to the stage on the third Tuesday of each month at the same venue.

The youngest of the bunch, Wigan U3A is only in its first year of operation but already boasts over 200 members and 15 interest groups, including urban sketching, model making and ancestry.

‘Members have the advantage of being part of a large family of like-minded people, which helps to reduce isolation. Ours is a vibrant, active, social group and a lot of effort is put in to maintain that,’ says Alma Harrison, leader of the Communications Team at Upholland U3A. In terms of popularity, Alma says the walking groups are particularly well attended. ‘They cover various mileages and difficulties. The gardening, photography, local history and musical groups are all popular as well – the input of members is most important so they can learn together.’

One member said: ‘It has been thrilling to see how much the U3A has grown since its inception – all

One of the reigning benefits of Wigan U3A is its ability to keep members busy. Vice Chairman Angela Grundy particularly enjoys the U3A’s lively atmosphere: ‘It’s surprising to find myself so busy after my retirement’, she says. ‘There is always a good atmosphere filled with chatter and laughter – you really feel lifted. I’m amazed at the different activities I find myself doing and sometimes I look around at everyone and see them all smiling and it gives me a real sense of belonging.’

The Wigan incarnation of the U3A invites its members to regular coffee mornings which act as membership meetings and speakers meetings.

Hosted at The Edge Conferencing Centre, meetings allow members the chance to catch up with the goings-on of the U3A, new members to sign up, and visitors to hear guest speakers lecture on a huge range of thought-provoking subjects. Entry to

38 we provide a friendly, welcoming environment so people can do just that.’

Parbold U3A Tai Chi speakers meetings costs £1.

These meetings afford members the opportunity to learn something new whilst socialising with a huge range of different people from all walks of life. Beryl Cheetham, who runs the Local History group, points out that the U3A caters for a wide range of interests, which often eases the pressure of socialising because everyone has at least one thing in common – their desire to learn.

‘Some members just attend the bigger meetings,’ she says. ‘They take the opportunity to learn something new and interesting at the speakers meetings or have a coffee and a lively chat at the members meetings. Some just enjoy the trips out!’

It’s true – joining a U3A is perfect for anyone with the travel bug. It’s never too late to see the world, and Wigan’s U3A just goes to show that retirement might be the perfect time to get out and about. There are already various outings planned for 2019, including a visit to Blackburn Chocolate House in February and a walking tour of Manchester in March.

Wigan U3A membership costs £15 per year.

Parbold, Newburgh & District ‘I’ve always said that joining a U3A should be prescribed by doctors,’ says Mervyn Saunders, Chairman of the Parbold, Newburgh & District U3A. ‘In fact, one of the doctors in Ormskirk recommends it for anyone over the age of 55 in the area! Joining a U3A can be hugely beneficial to anyone who’s on their own – it can be daunting to walk into a room of people ¬¬when you’re by yourself, but

The Parbold, Newburgh & District U3A was formed in 2012, and meet at the Hut on the Hill behind Christ Church car park on Parbold Hill on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Meetings take place betweeen 1:30pm-3:30pm and get the whole U3A involved - general meetings can be a great place to catch up with other members and get involved in new groups.

‘I think one of the best things about our U3A is its size,’ Mervyn continues. ‘We’re quite a small group of around 180 members, and of them I’d call around 40 my personal friends, and more still acquaintances!’

You don’t have to stick to a schedule to join – members can dip in and out of sessions whenever they choose. ‘It’s very informal,’ explains Mervyn.

‘Everyone chucks in their own bits of knowledge and we all learn together.’

Annual membership to the Parbold U3A costs £13.50, with small group fees of around £1-£2 per session to cover room hire and refreshments.

Joining a U3A really couldn’t be simpler. Just head down to one of the general meetings or coffee mornings of your chosen area and make yourself known to the friendly team! Alternatively, you can contact the U3A via their website - if you’re interested in a particular group, contact details can usually be found in the ‘Groups’ section.

If you’re sick of trying and failing to stick to the same tired New Year’s resolutions, give the U3A a go this January. You never know - it might just change your life. www.u3a.org.uk www.uphollandu3a.org/ u3asites.org.uk/wigan/home u3asites.org.uk/parbold-newburgh

39

40

Competition Winners Congratulations to the winners of our December competition to win family tickets to the Jack & the Beanstalk pantomime at The Old Courts! We hope you had a fabulous night!

The competition winners were Rory Clarke from Wigan, Wendy Scriven from Wigan (pictured), Phil Jarrett from Standish, Frances Clucas from Standish and Anita Else from Hindley!

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41

Aladdin

Carrott Gold

A hilarious production of Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp takes place in Leigh this month.

Comedy legend Jasper Carrott OBE is heading to Wigan in April.

Presented by St. Joseph’s Players, the pantomime offers slapstick fun for all the family across 9 dates, and pulls out all the stops to ensure you leave laughing.

Presenting his new show ‘Stand Up and Rock’, the TV star returns to the stand-up stage for a night you won’t want to miss. The show combines comedy and music with Carrott and Birmingham rock legend Bev Bevan - original member of Electric Light Orchestra and The Move.

On various dates between Wednesday, January 23 and Saturday, February 2, the pantomime takes place at St. Joseph’s Hall on Chapel Street, Leigh (WN7 2PR). Matinee performances are available at weekends.

Tickets cost £10 for adults or £5 for children aged 16 and under, and can be obtained from Spectrum Blinds on Chapel Street – email stjosephsplayers1@ gmail.com for additional information

The show takes place at The Edge conferencing centre in Riveredge, Wigan, on Saturday, April 27 – doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm.

Tickets range from £25-£30 and can be booked at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/theedge/.

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Address: 434 Ormskirk Road, Wigan, WN5 9DF Phone: 01942 221 221 Email: info@premiergas.com Website:

premiergas.com

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Holocaust Memorial Day Wigan Rotary Club encourages people to come together to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on Sunday, January 27 in remembrance of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust, as well as the following genocides across the world and those killed under Nazi Persecution. The date marks the liberation of Auschwitz, the largest Nazi concentration camp.

There will be two acts of commemoration held in January. The first takes place at the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh on Monday, January 28 at 11am, while the second starts at 2pm on the same day in the Atrium of Wigan Town Hall.

Participating in the ceremonies will be Sacred Heart RC Primary School and St. John Fisher RC Secondary School, along with the Leigh Paperback Writers

Group, and will follow the theme of ‘Torn from Home’ through spoken word, dance, music and drama.

Following the outpouring of support for Remembrance Day events in November, Wigan Council want to encourage as many people as possible to show their support for the victims of genocide.

For further information about Holocaust Memorial Day, visit https://www.hmd.org.uk

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Modernise your stairs in just two days Vale of Wigan can replace or modernise your existing staircase with a traditional oak staircase with wooden spindles, a more contemporary staircase with glass and chrome or a bespoke design of your choice.

• Add instant value to your home • A typical install takes 2/3 days • Fully guaranteed for 10 years • Family run business est.1998

FREE SURVEY WITH Call 01942 246553 NO OBLIGATION

Visit our showroom at...

Rear Mill, Wood Street, off Chapel Lane, Wigan, WN3 4HL

NEXT LEFT AFTER THE RANGE www.moderniseyourstairs.com info@moderniseyourstairs.com

Step up in style

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Puzzle Corner

SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH - European Cities Find the hidden words in the word search grid

NUMBER BLOCK LONDON EDINBURGH DUBLIN VENICE CARDIFF

BARCELONA ROME PARIS PRAGUE LEEDS

MILAN MUNICH LISBON ATHENS HAMBURG

WORD MIX UP - European Cities Unscramble the letters to make a word

3 1

22

2

21 3 19 2 7 21 6 20

13 24 24 20 19 The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.

NEATRPW

The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the

STREAMCHEN NYLO SAWWAR

totals to the right.

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Merry Christmas...

MADMASTER NAIVEN PHONECEGNA NEBRIL

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

D A P P

N H A Y

A E Y N

R A W E

All the puzzle solutions are on page 83 of this magazine

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46

Look up! And get

more space

at home for just

£297

+ VAT

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

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

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

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

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

“We’re not selling £15,000 loft conversions,” says Mark. “This is a low-cost and simple solution that’s affordable to most, and certainly more cost effective than locking your possessions away in a remote warehouse. For just £297+VAT you can get a ladder that slides easily up and down, as well as a proper light and some boarding to make the space safe and secure. We can also fit a draft-proof loft hatch if required from only £55.”

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

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

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

Darren & Jenny - Stockton Heath

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

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

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

I am really pleased with the outcome, with the very fair cost and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

Margaret

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Travel

Peruvian

Wonders

By Jess Phillips

Steeped in history, Latin America is the ideal destination for experiencing something different this New Year, whether you want to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World or immerse yourself in the region’s spectacular topography. Set on the western side of South America and sharing a border with Brazil, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia, Peru is a microcosm of what the wider continent has to offer – and often underestimated as a tourist hotspot. Whether you’re discovering the remains of the Inca Empire, experiencing the Amazon firsthand, or doing some city sightseeing in Lima or Arequipa, you’ll be planning your next trip back before the holiday’s over.

Peru’s capital city, Lima, is known for its beautiful churches, monasteries and mansions, but it’s also a great spot for taking in the best museums and scenery in the country. From the bustling metropolitan hub of the city centre to vibrant cliffside beaches making way for the unblemished ocean, Lima is an ideal place to begin your Peruvian adventure. The world heritage site actually predates

the Inca Empire, and immediately presents you with that quaint sense of Latin American charm.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Museo Larco, which exhibits ancient treasures and a renowned erotic pottery collection – one of Peru’s most famous attractions. Just a short drive or bus ride away, the Miraflores Boardwalk spans six miles along the cliff-tops of Lima, with gorgeous views of the Pacific Coast. Although quite a hike, the boardwalk is spotted with a series of parks to take a breather in, including Parque del Amor, an iconic lovers’ meeting place with an artistic homage to its romantic roots in the centre.

If you’re keen on heading outside of the City of Kings to experience Peru’s agricultural regions, consider exploring the ancient city of Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Cusco was at the heart of the Inca Empire, and today boasts a diverse itinerary of both historical sites and modern adventures. The ancient ruins there are magnificent in their own right, but also act as the perfect warm-up to the acclaimed Inca citadel itself – Machu Picchu.

49 Set high in the mountains and dating back to the mid fifteenthcentury, Machu Picchu was originally home to around 750 people during its reign as a royal estate. The complex ruins highlight surprising feats of engineering, including man-made farming terraces which helped ensure soil fertility and good drainage while protecting the mountain from erosion. The Inca civilisation were forced to abandon Machu Picchu only a century after it was built during the Spanish Conquest, and most outsiders remained ignorant of its existence until 1911.

There are so many iconic landmarks around Machu Picchu that you’ll probably struggle to fit them all in – taking a tour around the area might be your best

Discover South America A Presentation Evening Come and discover what you can expect from a South American holiday

Wednesday 23rd January 2019 - 6pm Free wine & nibbles RSVP by Monday 21st January 2019 - just call Marken Travel

Independent Travel Specialist

200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE

Telephone: 01744 893291

www.markentravel.co.uk

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bet to cram in all the highlights. Horseback riding excursions get up close and personal with the mysterious Temple of the Moon and the winding river at Devil’s Balcony – see if you can spot a native llama or two on the way!

alike. Crunchy corn and sweet potatoes go really well on the side, or try it with avocado sauce for an even cooler flavour. For the braver among us, roasted guinea pig or cuy is a Peruvian delicacy – and apparently tastes similar to duck!

Nestled deep in the mountains, south of Machu Picchu, rests Colca Canyon – a spot that’s definitely worth the trek from the more populated parts of Peru. Thankfully regular tours operate out to Colca, which boasts unparalleled opportunities to witness condors taking flight from the rocky ridges of Mirador Cruz del Cóndor. Don’t forget to pack your camera, because these birds of prey – with a wingspan reaching up to ten feet – are a sight to behold.

Whether you’re hankering for second-to-none sightseeing or want to take a moment for introspection this New Year, Peru is the perfect location for both. You can discover more about Peru and other South American countries at a Presentation Evening by Latin Routes tour operator, which is being hosted at Marken Travel in Billinge – see the advertisement on the previous page for details.

It wouldn’t do Peru justice to neglect its gastronomical delights – and there are many.

Peruvian food is largely traditional, with a focus on pit-roasted meats and vegetables, which tend to incorporate the nation’s love of spice. Nowhere is that more apparent than in ceviche, Peru’s national dish – cold-cooked sea bass marinated in lime juice, hot chillies, salt and onion make this an instant favourite amongst locals and travellers

Cost of Living - Peru 3 course meal: £7 Beer (0.5l): £1.50 Coffee: £1.80 Bottle wine: £6.50 Water (1.5l): 72p

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54

Do you need a Social

Detox?

January is the perfect time for a detox after the indulgence of Christmas, but it can also be the best time to cut toxic people out of your life for good.

Here’s how: Identify – Toxic people are manipulative and selfish.

They rarely apologise for or own their mistakes. If you dread spending time with a person, they are probably toxic and it’s time to move on.

Be determined - The person might be part of your social circle, or your immediate superior, or they might recognise that you are distancing yourself and try to claw back the friendship. You need to be clear in your own mind and create a mental separation, even if you can’t create a physical one right now.

Set boundaries – Don’t respond to texts, block their number if you can. If it’s a work colleague, only respond to work-related matters and keep the relationship strictly professional. Social media is trickier. I would suggest you unfollow rather than unfriend, and don’t interact with them. The algorithms of most social media sites tend to flag up people you interact with regularly, so by not commenting or responding to them they will gradually disappear from your online world.

Accept you can’t save them - Toxic people show up when they need something: attention, money; a

shoulder to cry on. Be determined and maintain your boundaries. If they are in real straits direct them to resources that specialise in the help they currently require. Solving their problem is not your responsibility.

Family matters - Toxic family members are particularly difficult to deal with as a clean break is often impossible, but you can still establish clear boundaries, even if they are in your head. Limit interactions, perhaps only phone a toxic parent once a month for 20 minutes, or restrict visits to three times per year, whatever works for you.

IMPORTANT - Please note that there is a difference between people who are truly toxic and people who have a negative outlook because they struggle with depression. Most of us can tell the difference between toxicity and depression. If your friend or family member suffers from clinical depression let them know that you love and support them. Don’t cut them out of your life.

By Louise Addison

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56

Class from the Past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Highfield Secondary Modern school from 1956. Do you have an old class photo you’d like to share? Email wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

Thanks to Wigan World for providing the photo, which was posted on their website by T. Darbyshire.

For more local schools and other old photos visit www.wiganworld.co.uk

Could you be one of tomorrow’s outstanding teachers?

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

Individuals who have the potential to be outstanding teachers

Tuesday 15th January 2019, 4-6:00pm

Individuals who are passionate about working with young children.

Tuesday 12th February 2019, 4-6:00pm

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

For more information and updates visit

www.wcpsd.uk

Provider code 2A4 - Course code 2XT7

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Pitch Perfect A joint effort between Orrell RUFC and Winstanley Park Cricket Club aims to raise a further £40,000 to

facilities and a bar. The project’s third phase will eventually see an extension to the club.

fund a new community sports hub in 2019.

‘It’s really a community venture,’ says Glynn Worley, former Head Coach at Orrell RUFC. ‘The new clubhouse isn’t just for sports – it’s a place for community groups to meet and for holding local events.’

Homeless since 2007 and 2001 respectively, the clubs found themselves scattered across the local area, including games at St. John Rigby College, Winstanley College, and Upholland High School.

A saving grace came when a 13-acre piece of land became available by Winstanley Scout Hut, leading the clubs to team up to form Orrell & Winstanley Community Sports Club.

Part of the planning also includes extending the 30 mph speed limit around the club’s entrance on Winstanley Road to make the area safer.

The venture has already raised around £160,000, and aims to appeal to Sport England for further assistance.

The two clubs are aiming to have access to the land

by October 2019, with work starting in June 2020 and the aim of starting rugby games in September 2021 and cricket in mid-2022.

A 3-phase plan is in place if the additional £40,000 of funding can be secured, which will begin with the building of a cricket pitch and two rugby pitches, followed by a brand new clubhouse with changing

To donate to the venture’s crowdfunding page to help raise these essential costs, visit www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/buildthedream.

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Make the Most of the

Sales

shipping aren’t usually included in discounts.

Factor this in and keep checking your cart before you hit the ‘Pay’ button.

Force yourself to try things on. If it’s worth queueing for the changing room, and you still love it when it’s on, it’s probably a good find!

If you can’t be bothered to queue then put it back - you don’t love it that much.

We all love a bargain, and by the time the Sales roll around that leftover Christmas money is burning a hole. It’s important to shop smart to take proper advantage of the discounts and avoid buying things you don’t need.

Do your research. Many retailers market their sales beforehand and some even let you fill your shopping cart before they officially open. This means you can plan to make sure that your purchases are relevant to your needs. Goodbye post-sales regrets!

Shop your wardrobe first. Take stock of what you already own. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of snapping up a great deal only to find that you already own three almost identical items to the bargain you just bought. If you go sales shopping armed with the knowledge that you DON’T need brown boots, or another leather jacket, you’re more likely to make wise buying choices.

Don’t forget postage costs. If you’re shopping online, extra costs like postage, customs and

Set a budget. If you don’t start with a limit you’re almost guaranteed to blow your budget. Because - new clothes! Also treat your budget as a limit, not a target.

Beware of returns policies. Most retailers won’t let you return sale items just because you don’t like them once you get them home but...

Know your rights. If a sale item is faulty then your rights as a consumer are exactly the same as if the item was full price.

Take a friend. Make sure they are the rational, honest type of friend who will tell you if something doesn’t suit you or doesn’t fit you. to keep you from blowing your budget on things you shouldn’t.

Wear clothes that are easy to get in and out of.

You don’t want to have to spend half an hour in the changing room taking off boots with fiddly catches and tops with twenty buttons multiple times. ‘Nuff said!

By Sarah Davey

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60

Legal & Finance

Look before you Leap Firstly, let me wish a Happy New Year to all Local Life readers - I hope you all had a peaceful Christmas break and that you are fully refreshed for the challenges 2019 will bring us.

Throughout 2018 we were approached by a significant number of new clients who had been offered and had accepted very attractive early retirement and redundancy terms from their employers.

Staff from Heinz, Royal Bank of Scotland, British Aerospace and Vauxhall approached us for advice and, for most of them, this was the first time in their lives that they been in possession of such large capital sums.

They all needed to make really important decisions as to how best they should invest their lump sums to meet their needs in retirement, and some of these people had over £200,000 to invest. Unfortunately, quite a few approached us a little too late which ended up costing them many thousands of pounds in unnecessary tax because they had already taken their redundancy payments.

with a potential deal to finish, either through retirement or redundancy, you really need to be engaging with your financial adviser before committing to a course of action. In most instances, once you commit, it is unlikely that you will have the option to reverse the decision.

Additionally, at this stressful time, many employees are normally presented with a number of options as to how they want to draw their pensions. They will need to decide on these options; Pension with a tax free lump sum?

Pension without a lump sum?

Annuity – Fixed/escalating and with/without a widow’s pension?

Flexible access drawdown?

It’s all quite daunting really, probably one of the biggest financial decisions you ever take, so it’s important that you ‘look before you leap’, as the wrong decision could cost you many thousands of pounds.

Any element of redundancy over and above £30,000 will be taxed at the employee’s marginal rate of tax. Consequently, a redundancy payment of, say £100,000, to a 40% tax payer is likely to result in a net payment of just £72,000 after tax has been deducted.

Should you not have your own professional adviser and you would like to speak with one of our team please give us a call on 01257 423800. The initial meeting is at our cost and is without any obligation on your part.

With sensible planning it is likely that in many instances this tax liability could be avoided or at the very least significantly reduced.

David Barton APFS Cert CII (MP)

As soon as you are approached by your employer

Managing Director & Chartered Financial Planner

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62

Competition

Warriors Season

All the Christmas festivities are over for another year, the dreaded credit card bill is on the way, and the next holiday seems far into the distance. But never fear, the new Betfred Super League season is just round the corner and we’ve teamed up with Wigan Warriors to give away two season tickets worth a total of £380 to one lucky winner of this month’s competition!

That’s right; you and a friend can play your part in another exciting chapter at Wigan Warriors, by joining Adrian Lam and the rest of the team as

Warriors head into a new era. In what promises to be an exciting start to the 2019 season, Wigan will play St. Helens away on 31st January before hosting 2017 champions Leeds Rhinos on Friday 8th February in the first home fixture of the year at the DW Stadium.

Wigan Warriors’ Executive Director, Kris Radlinski said “Derby games are always special occasions, so facing St Helens on the opening day of the season is a great way to mark the beginning of the new campaign in what is shaping up to be an exciting new-era for the competition. To then host Leeds Rhinos and David

63

tickets to be won!

Furner at the DW Stadium for opening home game and then welcome another big club, Hull FC, the week after the World Club Challenge against Sydney Roosters means we have some mouth-watering games to look forward to in the opening weeks of the season.”

Then just input your answer to the following question;

Your season tickets will enable you and a friend to watch the full 13 Wigan Warriors home fixtures in the Betfred Super League and to enter our competition just visit our website ‘www.locallife247.co.uk’, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’.

per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us.

Who do Wigan Warriors face in the first home Betfred Super League Fixture of 2019?

The expiry date for the competition is Thursday 31st January 2019 and the winner will be notified by Monday 4th February 2019. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

For further information about buying a Wigan Warriors season ticket for 2019, visit: www.wiganwarriors.com/seasontickets

64

Business View

Self Assessment in time

saves fines!

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

Hello and welcome to the latest article from CMA, a proactive, hands-on accountancy firm based on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge.

Over the past few months we’ve worked hard to make businesses aware of the introduction of Making Tax Digital in April 2019 (just 4 months away!) and next month, we’ll update you on the HMRC’s latest guidelines for this.

This month we address a more urgent problem Self Assessment Returns - which are now due for year ending 05 April 2018. If you have been issued with a tax return notice you must file this return online before 31 January 2019 to avoid being hit with a penalty. The deadline for submitting a paper tax return has now passed.

Those who miss filing their tax return face an automatic penalty of £100, and after 3 months these fines increase to £10 per day! HMRC will impose a 5% penalty on late payments. If you haven’t yet addressed your tax return, then act now and give us a call on 01257 255521. We have a special discount of 15% off our standard fees for SA Returns if you contact us before 10 January 2019.

Remember, Self Assessment isn’t purely for the selfemployed. You may have a permanent job but earn some income on the side such as selling goods on ebay or at a car boot sale, rental from the Airbnb service, or any other activities where you receive gross income. If you are making more than £2,500 annually then you’ll need to complete a tax return.

As a reminder, the following are the main reasons you may be required to completing a return: • Anyone who is self-employed, that is they are not employed and pay income tax via PAYE. • If you receive rental income from a property.

• Company directors must complete a return.

• You have Capital Gains Tax to pay as you have sold an asset.

• You have received income from overseas such as pensions that are liable to UK tax.

You may have all this in hand, but we may be able to advise you about certain tax reliefs that you have not considered and help you get a refund from HMRC, and you will sleep better at night because this is not on your mind anymore!

We have a special discount of 15% off our standard fees for SA Returns if you contact us before 10 January 2019. Please quote reference “Local Life Jan 15%” to qualify for this rate.

Call us today or drop in at our office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge.

CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR Tel: 01257 255521 Email info@cma-accountancy.com web www.cma-accountancy.com

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Do you complete a Self - Assessment

Tax Return?

Time is

running out!

Key Dates

Online Returns 31st Jan 19 Tax Due

31st Jan 19

If you don’t file your tax return on time you’ll face an automatic penalty of £100. After 3 months, this increases to £10 per day.

Make sure you are not fined!

Call CMA today on 01257 255 521 www.cma-accountancy.com info@cma-accountancy.com Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521

66

Health & Fitness

Stay Dry This

January Every year, millions of people nationwide give up alcohol for an entire month.

Dry January might not sound like much of a challenge to some people – but, considering the average person in the UK spends around £50,000 on alcohol in their lifetime, it can be harder than first meets the eye. That’s without mentioning the some 600,000 who are dependent on alcohol to get through the day.

There are plenty of reasons staying sober this New Year can benefit you – you’ll avoid nasty hangovers, spend less, and feel healthier in yourself. Plus, if one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to lose weight, Dry January can help you bust that beer gut. If you’re up for the challenge, here are some top tips for staying sober this month – and beyond.

Don’t bottle it up. Alcohol is a great way for temporarily forgetting your problems, but forgetting them isn’t solving them. Instead of putting your stresses on hold, confront them head on. Chat to someone you trust and share your feelings with them – a support system can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re majorly cutting back.

Take your mind off it. What better time to bust out that shiny NYR gym membership than Dry January? Hit the treadmill instead of the bottle to get those endorphins going and take your mind off any cravings.

Download the app. The free

Dry January app is available on the App Store and the Google Play Store, and offers useful tools like a calorie calculator, unit tracker and a tool to show how much money you’ve saved to encourage you to keep at it. You’ll also get regular email support to keep you going all through the month.

Treat yourself. The good news about all of this is that with all that money you’re saving on booze, there’s plenty left for a little treat or two. Dine out with friends or head to the January sales to reward yourself for a month of hard graft. Go on – you deserve it.

Dry January is a great opportunity to feel better in yourself – but it can also benefit others. Get sponsored for your efforts and fundraise for a cause close to your heart this New Year; for more details, visit https://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/dryjanuary.

By Jess Phillips

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Dementia Support From regular cafes and carers’ support sessions to activity groups, there’s always something going on in Wigan to remind dementia patients and their carers that they aren’t alone.

In Billinge, the Memory Arms runs on the first Tuesday of the month at the Hare & Hounds pub on Upholland Road, while a carers hub takes place in Pemberton on the last Wednesday of every month.

For further information, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/ Resident/Health-Social-Care/Adults/Communitysupport/dementia

RNIB Coffee Mornings RNIB offers a weekly coffee morning for people with visual impairments or hearing loss in Wigan.

If you’re keen on some company and a chat, with hot drinks and biscuits provided, head down to Wigan Library every Friday from 10am-12pm to meet new people and relax over a coffee.

Introducing ICare Meals on Wheels

Try a complimentary Hot Lunchtime meal and sweet delivered to your home.

Call 0845 6041125

or to place an order on line visit www.icarecuisine.co.uk All our staff are fully Police and DBS checked

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Youthful

Yoga before going into the rest of the workout to get yourself warmed up.

The Warrior Pose is probably the most famous – stand with your legs apart and your right foot turned out 90 degrees, your left foot facing slightly inwards. Relax your arms, then extend them out to the side, palms down. The right knee should bend 90 degrees over the ankle, while the other stretches – hold this for around a minute.

If you’re feeling braver, try a Bridge Pose. Lie down on the floor with your knees bent over your heels and your arms at your sides. Breathe out as you lift your hips and press your feet into the floor, clasping your hands under your lower back. Hold this for another minute.

We all know habits are difficult to break – but getting into a good one can be just as hard. Yoga offers plenty of health benefits, and can be a great routine to get into this January.

The benefits of practising yoga are countless. Bad posture from sitting at a desk all day? Try yoga. Want to be more flexible? Yoga’s the answer. Feel the ache in your arms carting shopping bags around?

Regular yoga can increase your strength! The practice is also said to protect your spinal cord and increase blood flow around your body, preventing poor circulation.

Whether you’re thinking of starting attending yoga classes or just having a go of a sequence at home, here are some great poses to begin with.

For Mountain Pose, stand with your feet together and pressed into the ground, arms by your sides.

As you breathe deeply, raise your arms above your head with palms facing each other, and stretch your fingertips up. You might want to repeat this pose

Downward Dog starts on all fours, with your hands under your shoulders and knees under hips. Walk your hands a few inches and bring your hips up so your body forms a triangle with the floor, feet apart and knees slightly bent. Hold this position for three deep breaths.

Most yoga sequences end with Corpse Pose. Not as alarming as it sounds but often hailed as the most challenging pose, lie on the floor with your arms at your sides, palms turned towards the ceiling, and slowly let your body relax. Close your eyes, concentrate on breathing deeply, and consciously release any tension you’re holding in your frame.

After 5-10 minutes, stretch your body and bring your knees to your chest, rolling over into a foetal position before you sit up.

There are plenty of local yoga classes on offer, and YouTube is a great resource for visual direction at home. Go on – give yoga a chance in 2019.

By Jess Phillips

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Wouldn’t family life be better without back pain and sciatica?

Dr Mike Paull & Avissa (Doctor of Chiropractic)

Chiropractors specialise in the care of your nervous system and spine so that you and your body are better able to heal.

Call 01942 498 480 for further details or visit us at www.ChiroHospital.com or on Facebook: wiganfamilychiro WIGAN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC HOSPITAL, 27 BRIDGEMAN TERRACE, WIGAN, WN1 1TD

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Try

Vegan

January is all about trying new things – why not make veganism one of them? Veganuary encourages people to ditch animal produce for a whole month and see how it benefits you and the world around you.

The transition into veganism can be difficult, especially if you’re concerned about what is and isn’t allowed. Ditching meat and dairy is one thing, but you also need to watch out for other products you probably use without thinking, such as cosmetics, which often contain animal fats.

Look out for cruelty-free brands and labels when shopping for skincare.

However, the benefits of veganism can outweigh its challenges. Not only will you have a positive impact on the environment – veganism helps prevent the excess pollution that comes from meat production – but a vegan diet is a great way to lose weight and feel healthier in yourself, as you’ll be eating plenty more fruit and veggies. Plus, it’s estimated that each vegan saves around 200 animals per year: a pretty impressive statistic.

Tofu, lentils and chickpeas are a great source of protein, but you can also check out Quorn’s vegan range (which ditches the egg) if you think you’ll crave the taste of meat. Bean burgers and vegan sausages taste great and provide you with essential proteins to keep your energy levels up, but if you are feeling a bit less energised, vegan protein supplements are also available on the market.

When you’re considering going vegan, creativity is key. Don’t bore yourself with the same meals over and over – experiment with vegan ingredients in the kitchen, and be brave! Recipe sites and blogs with a vegan twist can be a lifesaver during the transitional phase, and might inspire you to try something completely new. If this seems a bit

too much to tackle head on, research vegan cafes and restaurants in your local area for when you’re feeling uninspired.

Cravings aren’t the only thing you’ll need to combat when switching to a vegan diet. Plantbased minerals aren’t as easy for the body to absorb as those from animal products, especially iron, which has poor bioavailability and can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. This can be combatted by consuming more Vitamin C – your GP might recommend taking vitamin supplements to increase your iron intake.

Whatever Veganuary brings, it’s important not to be too hard on yourself. Going cold turkey – pun intended – can be challenging, and you might slip up from time to time. Plus, if you decide veganism isn’t for you, that’s fine too! Everyone has individual needs, and even just following a vegan diet for a few days a week can have plenty of benefits for you and the environment.

For more information on Veganuary, visit https:// veganuary.com/

By Jess Phillips

71

Health & Fitness

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72

Leisure

Lytham

by Jess Phillips

Lytham is a picturesque seaside town steeped in history, from its iconic windmill to the beautifully ornate train station (FY8 4TQ). It is here we begin our 3.15 mile wheelchair accessible walk - and why not save the environment (and the petrol!) and travel via public transport?

When you leave the station, turn left and up the steps to the main road. If you’re in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, there’s an option to follow the road around instead, and head left over the railway bridge at the top. The first stop on our walk is Lytham Hall – hidden away behind the town centre, this historical gem can be found by heading through the gates and entering the park, following the drive around to the Hall.

The Grade-I listed country manor dates back to the eighteenth century, and was called home by the Clifton family. In its long and lustrous career as a family property, the Hall also served as a military hospital during the First World War before falling into neglect in the early twentieth century. It has since undergone huge restoration efforts, and offers regular guided tours – see the Lytham Hall website for more information.

73 The Hall also boasts a cosy tea-room and plant shop, with public toilets off to the right. This was a great spot for a delicious bite to eat after the train journey – after refuelling, head out behind the hall past the disabled parking area and down the track to the left.

To the left of the path you’ll find Lytham Mound, which would have acted as a great lookout to see the ocean before the trees grew higher than its sightline – have a climb if you’re feeling brave!

The road here eventually emerges on Forest Drive – cross over, go left and immediately right to the cut-through into Maplewood Close. Cross the road again and turn right, then immediately left into Ringwood Close. Follow this through until you come to the first left – this brings you to the path over the railway and onto Church Drive. Left again, and follow the drive out onto Church Road this time, then a final left where you’ll eventually pass St. Cuthbert’s and the Victory Hall.

You’ll be able to see Lowther Park from this spot, with its ornate arches welcoming you onto the main path.

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74

This is a great spot to take a breather in no matter the weather – with a children’s play area, a café and a beautiful fountain, you’ll be glad you did. Don’t miss the huge cobble clock set into the vibrant flowerbed on the left either – the timepiece was gifted to the people of Lytham to celebrate the park’s centenary.

Now head from the north-west corner of the park to the south-east, emerging on the main road. There’s a zebra crossing which takes you straight out onto the promenade – heading left delivers you to Lytham’s famous windmill.

Originating in 1805, the windmill has had a turbulent past. In 1919 it was ravaged by fire, which left the interior gutted and derelict for two years, when it was handed over to the council. It underwent restoration work in 1989 and is now open to the public as a free entry museum, with local milling and lifeboat history Length of walk: 3.15 miles Difficulty: Easy.

Accessibility: Wheelchair/mobility scooter friendly.

75 available to view. It certainly cuts an amazing sight with its sails blazing in the winter sunlight. Visiting hours are seasonal – for details of opening times, see the Lytham Windmill website.

The promenade also used to be home to Lytham’s very own pier, which existed in the town from 1865 until it was badly damaged by a storm in 1903.

A fire in 1928 only worsened the damage to the pier’s pavilion, which never reopened, and the pier itself finally closed just before the Second World War, eventually being demolished in 1960. Now the closest pier is down the road some in Lytham St. Anne’s – best experienced in the summer months,

when the nearby paddling pool opens.

After taking in the views of the estuary and the windmill, head to the main road and cross, up to Station Road. Taking another left brings you out onto Clifton Street, which is the ideal spot for a bit of retail therapy on Lytham’s thriving high street.

Continue along Clifton Street into Market Place before crossing and heading down to Hastings Place.

Follow the road round until you come to the railway station at the far end of the road. Now home to the Station Bar & Grill, the refurbished station is the perfect place for a late lunch or early tea before you catch the train home.

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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.

76

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

Ali Baba Pantomime

Friday, January 4, 10am-4pm

Friday, January 11 – Sunday, January 20, 7:30pm (2pm matinee on weekends)

Start your journey into wellness with a holistic treatment or nutritional consultation, from Reiki to ear candling. Book at www.wellbeingwigan.co.uk.

Wellbeing Wigan CIC, Gidlow Lane, Wigan, WN6 7EA

St. Michael’s ADS present their annual pantomime – Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves. Enjoy slapstick fun this January: call 07806 787250 for more info and tickets.

St. Michael’s Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan, WN1 2BQ

A Taste of France Thursday, January 10, 10am-12pm A flavour of the language, lifestyle and food of France. Learners begin with easy words and phrases in French, learn about life in France, and sample some French food. Booking required on Eventbrite.

Parbold Library, The Common, Wigan, WN8 7EA

New Year Birdwatch Sunday, January 13, 10am-12pm March into 2019 with a winter walk at Wigan Flashes, one of the best places in the borough to see the waterfowl and wildlife – and to experience how nature reclaims the industrial landscape. Meet at the Greenheart carpark off Poolstock Lane.

Colour of Pomegranates

Wigan Flashes, Poolstock Lane, Wigan, WN3 5HL

Thursday, January 10, 7:30pm (doors at 6:30pm)

Intro to Vintage Crafts

Artist Jane Fairhurst introduces a screening of The Colour of Pomegranates – a Soviet arthouse film of oppression, music and poetry - in association with Leigh Film Society’s Inspired By Film. Tickets £5 for adults or £3 for students, over-15s only.

The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA. Tel: 01942 834747

Tuesday, January 15, 10am-12pm Explore a variety of art and craft techniques using a selection of materials to upcycle and reuse a range of objects. Free to attend but booking required on Eventbrite or at any Lancashire library.

Parbold Library, The Common, Parbold, WN8 7EA

50 Years Not Out

History Talk

Friday, January 11 & Saturday, January 12, 7pm

Tuesday, January 15, 7:45pm

The Orrell Musical and Dramatic Society present five decades of musical hits that will knock you for six! Tickets £7 or £6 for under-16s.

Chris Rowe presents ‘How the Bolsheviks won control of the Russian revolution’ in association with the Douglas Valley Historical Society. New members welcome, visitors entry fee of £2.50 applies.

Pemberton Masonic Hall, Chapel Street, Wigan, WN5 8JP. Tel: 01695 622713

Parbold Women’s Institute, Station Road, WN8 7NU

77

OMD Tribute

Burns Night Dinner

Friday, January 18, 7:30pm-midnight

Friday, January 25, 7pm-10:45pm

Manoeuvres – the premier tribute to OMD – present

Wigan Thistle Society present a Burns Night Dinner

all their hit songs from Enola Gay to Souvenir.

Tickets £8 in advance or £10 on the door.

of traditional Scottish food, followed by dancing.

Everyone welcome – tickets £24 or £16 for under16s, bookable by calling Margaret on 01942 247403.

The Grand Vault, The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA. Tel: 01942 834747

The Soul Rays Saturday, January 19, 7:30pm-midnight

St. Teresa’s Church Hall, College Road, Upholland, WN8 0PY

Quiz Night

Straight up Funk band with RnB & Hip-Hop influences The Soul Rays bring an energetic live show with their enormous line-up. Tickets £6 in advance or £8 on the door.

Friday, January 25, 7:45pm-11pm

The Grand Vault, The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA. Tel: 01942 834747

St. Anne’s Parish Centre, Church Lane, Shevington, WN6 8BD

Stolen Performance

Sinbad the Sailor

Wednesday, January 23, 7:30pm

Fri, January 25 - Sat, February 2, various times

A fairy-tale performance of ‘Stolen’ by Daniel Morden and The Devil’s Violin. For tickets, call 07305 806741 or visit www.wildaboutstory.co.uk.

St. John’s Dramatic Society present swashbuckling fun in this pantomime - tickets £7 per adult and £5 per child. Call 01942 621701 to book.

Parbold Women’s Institute, Station Road, WN8 7NU

St. John’s School Hall, Church Street, Pemberton, WN5 0DT

Friends of Shevington Memorial Park present a quiz night to raise funds for the park. Enjoy a buffet and a raffle, and bring your own drinks. Tickets £5.

Burns Night Celebration Saturday, January 26, 7pm-10pm Enjoy a welcome drink, Scotch broth, haggis with neeps and tatties, cranachan and whiskey toast. The bar is open from 5pm and kilts are very welcome. £15 per person, bookable at www.wellbeingwigan.co.uk.

Wellbeing Wigan CIC, Gidlow Ln, Wigan, WN6 7EA

Jumble Sale Sunday, January 27, 9am-1pm Grab a bargain in aid of Wigan & Leigh Hospice – including clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac and much more! Plenty of refreshments on offer, plus a raffle!

Wigan & Leigh Hospice Oak Centre, Kildare Street, Hindley, WN2 3HZ

78

Fab Fifties

Ghost Hunt

Friday, February 1 & Saturday, February 2, 7:30pm (doors at 7pm)

Saturday, February 2, 8:30pm-2am

Enjoy snapshots of life in the 1950s through song, dance and comedy in a fabulous performance from Upholland U3A’s Variety Theatre Group. Everyone welcome – tickets £6 for adults or £3 for under-16s.

Call 01942 744156 to book.

Experience a supernatural special at Leigh Spinners – a Grade II listed cotton mill with its fair share of spirits. Tickets £21.25 for Supernatural Diaries members or £25 for non-members. Visit www. supernaturaldiarie.wixsite.com to book.

Leigh Spinners Ltd., Park Lane, Leigh, WN7 2LB

St. Teresa’s Hall, College Rd, Upholland, WN8 0PY

Boutique Baby Sale

Upholstery Workshop

Sunday, February 3, 11am-12:30pm

Saturday, February 2, 10am Learn the best techniques for upholstering a chair seat or footstool pad with an afternoon tea-style lunch! Booking essential at www. thelittlevintagehouse.com, tickets £75 each.

Come along and buy some preloved bargains for your little ones! With over 30 stalls packed with toys, prams, clothes and equipment, you’re sure to find something you love. Entry £2 for adults, children go free.

Chic Interiors, High Street, Standish, WN6 0HA

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Motoring

79

Mercedes Mk-4

A Class

by Tim Barnes-Clay

The A-Class has become sexier with each incarnation – and 2018’s Mk4 is a car oozing desirability.

It’s a classy hatch with one diesel option – the A180d.

Then there are the A200 and A250 petrols. All are offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. But, from 2019, manuals and more powerful engines will join the party.

A-Class on rear seat space, comfort is better than that offered by the rival. The seating and dash materials are marginally better, too – and that takes some doing. Indeed, I’d go as far to say that this Mercedes-Benz has set the bar one notch higher in the compact class.

The A250 I’m reviewing here gets your juices flowing tastefully. It’s got a bit of ‘oomph’ to it – as you’d expect from a car with a 224PS 2.0-litre lump under the lid.

On the move, the sporty sound the new A-Class makes is gratifying, and it’s always eager to please – especially in ‘Sport’ mode. But the hatchback delivers a calmer experience in ‘Comfort’ setting, soothing the parts that some other compact cars fail to reach.

Inside, you feel like a King, with a digital set-up that you’d expect to find in a chauffeur driven luxury limo. The brand’s clever ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control responds well to pretty much anything you ask of it. Additionally, although the Audi A3 trumps the

The auto ‘box can sound a bit strained when you give the Merc the beans, but most of the time it’s a smooth operator. What’s more, the shift paddles on the steering wheel - if you want to use them - are highly responsive.

80

As handling and ride go, this small Mercedes is perfect for everyday motoring needs. I drove it on motorways and rural roads and felt satisfied all day. Even the potholes on the Cotswolds’ test route didn’t rain on the parade. The A-Class handled them with aplomb.

The car holds its own at 70mph, and there’s quite a bit of fun to be had when you point it at twisty tarmac. The front-wheel-drive Merc hunkers down, relaxes and then pings you out of the bends accurately and pleasingly. All this makes it an easy hatchback to like.

So, if sexy looks, a charming cabin, great handling and a premium-badged hatch float your boat, then the new A-Class comes highly recommended.

Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 6.2 secs • Combined mpg: 45.6 • Engine layout: 1991cc four cylinder petrol turbo • Max. power (PS): 224 • CO2: 141 g/km • Price: £30,240

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82

Gardening

Up the garden

path

by Angie Barker

Award Winner

Now that the festivities are behind us (Father Christmas was very good to me – thanks Hubby) we can turn our attention to the coming year and start to make plans with fingers crossed for a decent spring and summer. This is the perfect time to assess your outside space, particularly if you have a small garden as this will pose certain challenges which aren’t apparent in a larger space.

Courtyard gardens can be dark, inhospitable places – for people and plants. And yet with some good design and by following the mantra “right plant right place” small or courtyard gardens can be very charming, characterful spaces.

The first thing to think about is where (if any) in the garden you get some sun and at what time of day.

This is important for assessing where you put your seating area and which plants are most suitable for this spot. If space really is tight I would think about not having a lawn as it will not be practical and will likely to be damp for most of the time. There are lots of paving choices available and if the budget is tight, consider mixing paving up with gravel or slate chippings. Go for light colours to make the space feel larger. Here are some more tips to help make the most of your little gem:

Angie is a qualified award-winning garden designer who will plan your garden to your needs from start to finish, supplying reputable contractors and the ideal plants.

• Use a small number of large pots rather than many small ones. They will have more impact, look less cluttered and will need less frequent watering.

• Raised beds are brilliant for lifting the plants to seat height and can also be used for perching on.

• Use all vertical opportunities. Climbers on trellis will make the garden feel larger because you are hiding the boundaries and Jasmin and Honeysuckle will fill the evening air with perfume.

• Consider the garden as an outside room so use weather proofed pictures on the walls and garden rugs to zone a seating area.

• Mirrors are fantastic for creating the illusion of space and for bouncing light around a dark space and paint brick walls white.

Whatever the size of your garden there is always scope to make it beautiful and welcoming so let 2019 be the year you make the most of your outside space.

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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

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83

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Is your CALL PAUL garage door LOCKSMITHS ESTABLISHED 2000 broken ?

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prices start from £45

as seen

ON TV

Ovenclean will transform your oven and put the sparkle back into your kitchen!

• • • •

Ovens Grills Extractors BBQ’s

• • • •

Hobs Ranges Microwaves AGA’s

Call today to book your oven clean

0800 840 7127 or 07724 694337 www.ovenclean.com

Mr Soot

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Woodburners

Open fires

mr-soot.com 07724 311 992

Stoves

Wigan’s premier domestic cleaning service

Cleaning in the Wigan area for 10+ years

We only use reliable, vetted staff • £10.75 per hour - minimum 2 hrs • Same cleaner each visit • All domestic duties provided

Call or email Joanne 01942 203442 joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk / www.acleanbreak.co.uk/wigan

89

PB

Power Washing

PROFESSIONAL EXTERNAL CLEANING

Driveways Patios & decking Conservatories Gutters & fascias Bricks and walls

UPVC CLEANING

• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.

CONSERVATORIES

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)

POWER WASHING • Driveways & Patios etc.

Call Paul today to arrange a free quote

01257 402 113 ~ 07736 396 374 www.pbpowerwashing.co.uk

T: 01942 409401 M: 07881 816839 - Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning - Specialist Leather Cleaning - Fully insured and trained member of NCCA - FREE no obligation pre-inspection and quote www.carrolls-carpetandupholstery.co.uk

ROOF CLEANING

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

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF

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

01942 470 089 / 07834 241 642 www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • traditional service, state of the art results •

Wigan Good Trader Of The Year 2015

5 star rating with Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme

• Carpets • Rugs • Fabric & Leather Upholstery Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote

Call - 01257 251221

Mobile - 07908 770808

www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk

Providing professional carpet & upholstery cleaning since 1993 Carpets Leather

Upholstery Curtains Oriental Rugs Hard Floors

For more information call:

01942 470 081 Visit our website and check out the testimonials.

www.alliancechemdry.co.uk

90

Picture Perfect!

Digital Aerial & HD CCTV Installer

Digital Aerials installed from only £59*

TV Aerials Installed TV Wall Mounting Telephone Lines Setup Service Ring Paul on

01942 514532 07709 490095

*dependent of property size & signal strength.

HD CCTV Installed from only £295 View your property on any smartphone or tablet from anywhere in the world Wireless Alarm System Wired systems also installed & serviced

Call now for a FREE, no obligation quote!

07817 807 960 / 01257 453 133 www.qualitv.co.uk

Having computer problems?

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

• We come to you!

• Computer repairs and upgrades • Internet and wireless problems fixed • Quality new systems built to specification • Virus removal from £35 • Domestic and commercial work welcomed

locallife247.co.uk

Call us now for FREE computer advice.

Call - 01942 863448

www.expertcomputers.co.uk ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner

No Fix? No Fee!

ARANTEC Telecom & Broadband Engineers

• Installations • Broadband & Wifi • Repairs & Faults

• Home & Business • Cabling & Sockets • Upgrades & Alterations

For expert service & advice call today:

01257 427507

07711 819009

www.arantec.co.uk

Call Sally: 01695 627 999

LocalLife

91

W.Hurst & Son Ltd

Services Ltd J.Dillon Electrical

Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826 www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk

• All types of electrical work • 20+ years experience • Friendly, fast and reliable • 24 hour call out service

All electrical work undertaken

• Friendly reliable service • Mains board upgrades • Extra sockets to full rewires

Free quotations

For a free quote & advice call Jeff

01695 622 191 07850 622 191

ELECTRICAL

01942 215 769 07739 709 005

l Geails N £15

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

For more information call

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

ally

rm

no

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

£20

Heat Pumps

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

w

no

LED Lighting

with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

...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 B5250

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

Dennis Goulding A49

Mossy Lea Road

A5209

s

Natalie

Book Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6FREE 9RS your home survey VICING SER Telephone: 01257 000 and we’ll VAN provide 427 toowith you a cycles CAR & detailed motorreport showing the (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

R E S

, Friday & Sunda esday Thursday ay, Wedn Closed

Book your Call now on

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REPAIR

All aspects of electrical work undertaken inc; Installation, Maintenance and Repair Building regulations work CCTV and Security Alarms Inspections and PAT testing Call Andrew to discuss your requirements

Office 01695 625669 Mobile 07850 956229

T S

603923

From new sockets to entire re-wires Burglar Alarms & CCTV PAT testing and inspections

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Over 30 years electrical experience

DING & WEL

Complete Electrical Installation & Maintenance Service

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL WORK WELCOMED Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est Cale Lane Wigan

All types of electrical work 35+ years experience No job too small Friendly and reliable

A.J.S.

Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

LocalLife

www.whurstandson.co.uk

• • • •

BAILEYS

Design & Print 01695 627 999

ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR

24-Hour Call Out Service

Wireless Alarm System

From £395

Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote

01942 836 937 or 07557 914 788

www.ghewigan.co.uk

92

597379

Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service

No call out fee

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Central Heating Systems Boilers & Gas Appliances General plumbing Gas Safety Certificates

Call Andy for a free quote on

01942 564 226 07397 391 935 acampbellheatingandgas

Design & Print Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

01695 627 999

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

£20

Wind Turbines

1

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

ally

rm

no

w£

Heat Pumps

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

no

LED Lighting

with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

...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

Dennis Goulding

A5209

s

Natalie

(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

Shevington

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

Mossy Lea Road

LocalLife

For more information call

A49

locallife247.co.uk

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

B5250

Call Sally: 01695 627 999

l Geails N 5 Standish

Y @ Stu

Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park n and Miry Lane, Crosto of off Wigan. residents WN6 7TP

7PG e WN5 for all , Billing 400 - 6PM Road 4 619 ford ay 10AMKeep : 0781 Saturd hone : 84 Rain - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM y

LocalLife

ay,

Mond

R E S

, Friday & Sunda esday Thursday ay, Wedn Closed Tuesd

Slash your electricity and water heating bill Protect your household from future energy price rises ReduceE your household’s impact on the environment

(10% typical return)

k h ChecVisit our showroom at

Healt Car84 dio

X

Call H us now

0843 A224 9555 U rton Brethe 07595S 420237 me!

TwinLakesMotorE

or

Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk T you need Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk me until Check

Health FREE Car Book your Call now on

01772

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603923

DING & WEL REPAIR

ngineers

Elite Bathrooms Installation & Tiling • Bathrooms • Wall Tiling • Floor Tiling FREE Estimates

07703 448890 01942 208926

Great Value Bathrooms!

Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Showers, Trays & Cubicles Relocation of Bathroom Suites 25 years bathroom experience • Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites • Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling

01942 397173 / 07803 057940 Douglas Drive, Orrell, Wigan www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk

Call Chris now for a free quotation

C L Bathrooms

01942 749085 or 07801 295483 www.clbathrooms.co.uk

93

A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff

All plumbing services including services & repairs

• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted • Specialists in Disability Installations & Conversions • Emergency Call outs welcome

No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on

07515 894 281 14 Lyefield Avenue, Whelley, Wigan, WN1 3UL

COMBI BOILERS FROM

£999 527090

www.gphwigan.co.uk

Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service

John Bailey - 01942 495785

or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan

C &D

SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES

Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner • Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks • Mechanical Power Flushing • Thermostatic Valves/Radiators Fitted • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades

12 YEARS

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

Telephone:

01942 504 429 Registration No.

88604

TEL: MOB:

01257 421 660 07515 505 501

www.fgwelch.co.uk

Plumbing and Heating

Heating & Bathroom Specialist Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P 07973714222 01695625171

• Central Heating Installations • Boiler Installations • Maintenance & Servicing • Power Flushing

FINA

NCE Brand New Bathrooms OPTIONS AVAILABLE Boiler + Central Heating Installs, Servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Domestic + Commercial

Freephone 0300 3030121 186237

Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809 21 Naburn Drive, Orrell, WN5 8SB

Your one stop shop for central heating

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk

01942 221221

www.orrellheating.co.uk

434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF

info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com

506515

94

Award Winner

Exterior & Interior Decorating Domestic & Commercial work undertaken Competitive rate Contact Graham now - free estimate provided

01257 426 234

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior painting & decorating Specialise in standard wall coverings, extra wide vinyl, lincrusta & coving Free estimates. References available upon request

07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971 Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP

J&P

LTD

graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk

SG

MOORCROFT 01942 392398 or 07707 321383

Need a new look for your home?

Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices!

Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator

01942 518126 or 07545 065119 Orrell based business

Des Pilling Plastering Plastering – Skimming – Artexing Coving & Cornice work also welcomed Orrell based – Established 1986

Call Des on 07787 513 235 www.lakelandplastering.co.uk www.despilling.org.uk

Professional Painting and Decorating • Domestic & Commercial Work • Interior & Exterior work welcomed • Old/listed buildings a speciality

Call us today for a free quotation Home Service available

Choose from 1000s of paint & paper samples in the comfort of our own home

01942 212096 07831 102 511 www.jpmoorcroft.com

AJH DECORATORS Painting and Decorating Quality work assured Over 30 years experience Free quotes

Mob: 07784 876 338 Email: ajhdecorators@sky.com Quality work at a competitive price

PLASTERER DRP Plastering Re-skims Dot & dab Rendering 2 coat work Unwanted artex

For a free quote, call Ian Ridley on

01942 218 160

or 07958 695 116

For a reliable & professional plasterer

Call Daniel

07841 531 197

drpplasteringnw@gmail.com Based in Shevington

95

GDR Driveways

JJ Driveways

Flagging • Block paving Concreting • Fencing

Imprinted Concrete Specialists

Call Gareth for a FREE quotation

Huge range of colours & patterns

01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754

• Resin Driveways • Block Paving • Indian Stone • Flagging We can also revive your old drive!

Ask about our sealing service

ix

yM

Easy Mix

Eas

Call Joe for a free quotation on

01942 621 959 / 07867 697 972

Ready Mixed Concrete

• Delivered or Collected • Perfect for builders & DIY

www.jjdriveways.co.uk

01942 224571 for advice Lamberhead Ind. Est., Pemberton

Home Improvements • • • •

Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms Garage & Loft Conversions Floors, Doors & Windows Garden Gates

For all your home improvement needs call David on...

• Home improvements • Loft conversions • Garage conversions & Extensions • Staircases • Windows & Doors

01942 203 804 DS Joinery 07851 225 876

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Call Sally: 01695 627 999

01257 422317 or 07852 202867 www.mtjoiner y.co.uk

Design & Print Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

l Geails N £15

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

For more information call

Heat Pumps

LED Lighting

with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

...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

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 A49

Mossy Lea Road

LocalLife

Wind Turbines

w

no

B5250

01695 627 999

£20

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

ally

rm

no

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

Slash your electricity and water heating bill Protect your household from future energy price rises

ReduceE your household’s ...andreturns available impact on the environment from your www.dglwindows.co.uk own solar panels X (10% typical return) Call H us now A k ChecVisit our showroom at T Car84 Health U or Unit 4a, rton dio Cricket Street Business Park Brethe Y n and S @ Stu Miry Lane, Crosto of off 7PG Wigan. e WN5 R for all residents WN6 Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk need me!

T 7TP , Billing you 400 6PM Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk Road 4 619 ford ESaturday 10AMKeep me until : 0781 Check S hone : 84 Rain Health - 7PM, Open Telep 10AM yS FREE Car on , Fridayay & Sunda now Book your A5209

s

Natalie

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

J27

Shevington

Standish

FREE

Call

esday Thursd ay, Wedn Closed

ay, Tuesd

Mond

TwinLakesMotorE

ngineers

0843 224 9555 07595 420237

01772

REPAIR

603923

DING & WEL

locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

96

• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985

Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services

All aspects of roofing & roofline

NEW ROOFS REPAIRS FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERS

Dormers and Garages

Call us now for a free estimate

01695 633173 Colin: 07958 302 166 Brian: 07760 160 988 www.wilson-bros.co.uk

28 Years Experience

• Brickwork, Extensions, Re-pointing • Garden Walls, Decorative Walls • Platform Steps, Paths & patios

T: 01942 248 537 M: 07749 806 566

Call for free quote

Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist Guaranteed 50 years

T: 01942 864 624 M: 07868 713 520 M: 07894 687 384 House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request Call now for a free quotation

• All aspects of home improvements • One stop for all the trades you require • Joinery, Building, Kitchens & Bathrooms WE DESIGN AND MANAGE YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH

Call Jonathan for a free quotation TEL: 01257 401 243 / MOB: 0777 602 4045

SpeakmanpropertyServiceS.com

01942 561 848 | 07725 909 257 www.freshbuildconstruction.co.uk

K Stone Building Services

All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience

• Brickwork • Pointing • Garden Walls • Patios • Roof Repairs • Flagging • Alterations • Driveways

01942 495412 / 07974 496676

97

Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters - call us now for all your roofline requirements!

We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters.

Clean, stylish and guaranteed for 25 years!

01942 735 515 / 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 www.orrellroofline.co.uk

B.A. Berry

First Class Workmanship

Building & Roofing Specialists •All building work undertaken.

• From a broken tile to a full re roof.

• Flat roofs renewed and repaired.

• Extensions, Alterations, Structural repairs including Lintels.

• All types of re-roofs • Strip & re-slate or re-tile • Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc.

• Insurance work undertaken • Roofline uPVC fascias, soffits & guttering

W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS

Your local fully qualified tradesman with

30 years experience

01695 627 212

Call us now for a free, no obligation quote

01695 622 704 / 07968 652 320 www.baberry.co.uk

MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years

M H Roofing

Established over 15 years Friendly advice and competitive rates No job too small

• High Performance Felt Flat Roof Systems • Storm Damage and Insurance Work • Slating and Tiling full roofs • Poiniting and Guttering • Fascia Boards

Call 01744 884117 or 07702 693225

www.mhroofingltd.co.uk

Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees

98

Come and visit Showroom in

Over 40 doors on display

®

OPEN 7 DAYS Monday-Friday 8-5 Weekends 10-4 Victoria Industrial Estate Victoria Street Leigh WN7 5SE

Call us for a Free Quote

01942 871 777 warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk

99

the Largest the North West

BEFORE

AFTER

Conservatory Roof Conversion System Transform your conservatory into a comfortable living space

Charcoal

Moss Green

Antique Red

Ebony

Burnt Umber

Rockdoor Approved Installer Reg No 02767596

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established 16 years

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!

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