Local Life - Wigan - March 2018

LocalLife Wigan Edition

March 2018

Water legacy for

Orrell Pages 37

Health Centre Update Pages 54

March For Men Pages 56

Chorley Walk Pages 74

Win tickets to The Beatles Story Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Event2Go Home Services locallife247.co.uk

Ince Hall Avenue, Ince

£300,000

Lordy Close, Standish

£280,000

A truly impressive 3 bed detached bungalow with a beautiful open plan lounge diner and a stunning fitted kitchen set within ¼ acre of land.

Set in a quiet residential close this beautiful 4 bed detached home with attractive gardens has stunning open views to the rear over Haigh County Park.

Hesketh Drive, Standish

Fairholme, A-in-Makerfield

£260,000

£250,000

This modern 4 bed detached offers neutrally presented accommodation in a private close near the M6, and has a spacious plot with a generous rear garden.

This 4 bed detached true bungalow occupies a generous corner plot with gardens to three sides plus a double garage, and offers fabulous scope for extension.

St Annes Court, Shevington

Ashgrove Crescent, Billinge

£250,000

Positioned in a cul-de-sac off Gathurst Lane, this 4 bed detached home boasts a magnificent 25 feet through lounge, large conservatory and a modern kitchen.

£190,000

Located in the heart of Billinge lies this very versatile well maintained 3 bed bungalow with a fully fitted modern kitchen and mature gardens.

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Pemberton Road, Winstanley £180,000

Warnford Street, Swinley

Located on the highly desirable Pemberton Road is this traditional 3 bed family home with well-maintained gardens available with no upward chain.

This impressive and substantial 3 bed terrace, located near Mesnes Park, boasts charm and traditional features a plenty, as well as a stunning family bathroom.

Karen Road, Ince

Toulston Road, Springfield

£150,000

£160,000

£150,000

This modern and stylish 3-4 bed family home, located within a quiet cul-de-sac, is stunning throughout with a fabulous kitchen and spacious open plan lounge/diner.

This well presented 3 bed semi-detached family home is located on a popular estate and occupies a large corner plot with a lovely UPVC conservatory.

Lincoln Drive, Aspull

Grove Lane, Standish

£140,000

This 2-3 bed semi-detached bungalow with private gardens and off road parking is located in a lovely quiet cul-de-sac in the popular village of Aspull.

£125,000

This lovely 2 bedroom top floor apartment is situated on a secure development near the village centre and is floored throughout. Perfect for 1st time buyers.

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2

Main Street, Billinge - ÂŁ375,000

This beautiful four bed cottage retains many original features and viewing really is essential to truly appreciate this stunning family home. Its lovely rear garden, complete with stone patio, is perfect for al fresco entertaining.

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3

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4

Birthday

I

shout out

couldn’t let this month’s issue go without a timely plug for the Saturday Breakfast fundraisers.

Saturday Breakfast is two years old in March and by the time you read this, the organisation will have donated over £8,500 towards community projects and groups in Orrell and Billinge.

The concept is simple; Come and have breakfast on Saturday morning between 9am-11.30 at the Straw Bale café at Greenslate Farm in Billinge. Meet up with family and friends if you like and you can even bring the dog too. Pay a reasonable price (£2.25-£4.95) for a freshly cooked breakfast with quality produce at cost price from commercial supporters H Greaves Butchers and Windy Arbour farm shop, and cooked and served by a team of dedicated volunteers.

All appetites and tastes are catered for – amongst the dishes served are the usual full (or small) English, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Hebridean, bacon and sausage barms, and even teas cakes for the lighter appetite.

And you can eat knowing that all the profits from your breakfasts go towards community projects in Orrell and Billinge.

The amount donated so far has gone to help transform Orrell station, build a memorial garden, tidy up Orrell Water Park, perform a theatre show, buy new tents for the local scouting movement and much more. It’s a great way of contributing to your local community and all are welcome.

See you there soon?

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

5

In this issue Water a great

legacy

Regulars 24 Class from the past 46 Planning 52 Puzzle Corner

78 Garden Diary 83 Test Drive 98 The Lump

Sections 37 FODMAP

diet

6 Property 48 Travel 54 Health 58 Legal & Finance 60 Business View

68 Events2Go 77 Pets 78 Gardening 86 Home Services

Next issue - April 2018

Advertising deadline - Thursday, 8 March

64 Win tickets to

The Beatles Story 70 Jack’s Tracks visits

Chorley

74 Test Drive

Audi A4 Avanti 3.0 83 locallifemagazine247

Published - Wednesday, 21 March

LocalLife 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: David, Niamh wigannews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter design@locallife247.co.uk Distribution: Sally sallyb@locallife247.co.uk Accounts: Sam accounts@locallife247.co.uk Local Life is published every month and distributed into the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.

This issue is delivered to 13,034 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton.

The next issue is delivered to 13,039 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.

You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys or Tesco Extra in Wigan.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

@locallifemedia

events2go

£249,950

WHITECROFT RD, HAWKLEY HALL

£230,000

HEYES ROAD, ORRELL

£230,000

Traditional, bay fronted three bedroom semi detached house with extension to the rear.

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A traditional Victorian semi-detached family home in an outstanding location.

MEADOW VIEW, ORRELL

£199,950

Highly impressive three storey home providing 1460 SQFT of light, contemporary living space.

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PARK CRESCENT, WIGAN

£239,995

Exceptionally presented & impressively sized detached true bungalow in highly prized setting.

NEW

Stunningly presented detached family home with modern conservatory & south facing aspect.

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HARSWELL CLOSE, ORRELL

NEW

NEW

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GREENSLATE ROAD, BILLINGE

£164,950

A very spacious two bed semi-detached house in prestigious location by Orrell Water Park.

Wigan town centre showroom

01942 205555

£155,000

SILVERDALE, SWINLEY

£149,995

Superb semi-detached home tucked away in a highly prized cul-de-sac.

NEW

Impeccably presented semi-detached home located in one of Orrell’s most popular settings.

£135,000

NEW

Impressive 3 bed home providing a generous 938 SQFT of light, modern living space.

MAYFAIR DRIVE, HAWKLEY HALL

£130,000

Superb semi-detached true bungalow with southwesterly facing plot & detached garage.

OXHOUSE ROAD, ORRELL

£134,950

Large 2 bed terrace with stylish, contemporary presentation & separate garden available to rent.

NEW

COBMOOR AVENUE, BILLINGE

NEW

GREENFORD CLOSE, ORRELL

NEW

NEW

7

WARRINGTON RD, MARUS BRIDGE £115,000 Newly renovated two bed semi-detached home located close to town centre and transport links.

8

Glimmer of hope?

Locals left shocked following the closure of Shopmobility Wigan and Leigh have been given a glimmer of hope.

The service, which started in 1986, closed last month. However, Wigan Council said it is looking whether a similar service could be provided.

Shopmobility Wigan & Leigh had been through a tough time since Wigan Council cut its £100,000 a year support package to the charity in 2011.

And despite staff agreeing to take a pay cut, Shopmobility was running at a loss and bosses have now “reluctantly” decided to close for good.

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Focus Insolvency Group, based in Appley Bridge, has asked to manage the closure of the charity.

A statement from Shopmobility Wigan and Leigh said: “The Trustees of Shopmobility have reluctantly decided that the service will have to cease trading in Wigan and Leigh as the funding available to secure its continuation no longer exists.

“Since 2011, dedicated staff and volunteers have worked to raise additional funds by means of operating two retail outlets, establishing cafes in their offices, using eBay to sell specific items, marketing more aids and adaptations to the public and working long hours in the two offices. Staff have also worked for lower rates of pay than when

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9 the council operated the scheme in order to assist in the financing of the charity.

“However, despite these efforts the dropping off of sales through the shops, inflation applying to utility costs and prospective increases in salary and pension costs this Spring means that expenditure is exceeding income, with no realistic prospect of this trend reversing.

“While the directors regret the need for closure, the requirement on them to trade responsibly under company and charity law means that there is no alternative to this course of action. The remaining funds in the charity should enable it to close via a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation, which will ensure that staff salaries, notice and redundancy monies are paid out.

“With the realisation of the assets of the company along with remaining funds all outstanding debts should be cleared.”

Cllr David Molyneux said the council is now looking at whether a similar service could be provided in the wake of Shopmobility’s demise.

“Although the provision of mobility scooters is not a service the council are required to provide, we do recognise its importance in helping to make our centres accessible for all.

“We are working with mobility scooter providers in both Wigan and Leigh to see whether this service can be provided in a different way.

“We will ensure our residents are notified once arrangements are confirmed. “

10

Tributes to ‘inspirational’

Alan

Warm tributes have been paid to a Billinge man.

Alan Swift, who grew up on Claremont Road, died last month, and was known to many for his active involvement in community life.

Born and raised in Billinge, he lived on Crank Road and enjoyed sport, was involved in his local church and also in the University of the Third Age. An ex-Up Holland Grammar School pupil, he helped organise reunions.

Alan (left) promoting the 2014 grammar school reunion with David

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His former school friend, David Robinson, told Local Life: “Alan was in the year above me, but we only became good friends after he offered to help me organise our big 2014 reunion which was attended by over 300 ex-pupils. Through this we raised over £1300 for the cancer charity at Clatterbridge Hospital, where Alan was receiving treatment. After that we organised several afternoon reunions at Gathurst Golf Club, helped Winstanley College with their Jubilee celebrations, and both of us became trustees on the UpHolland Grammar School Education Foundation at Winstanley College, with Alan taking on the job of treasurer.

“Alan was an inspiration; always wanting to help, always jovial, and had a really positive attitude to life. He loved all sports, supported Everton Football Club and loved watching horse racing. He enjoyed travelling and spent many breaks visiting different places in Europe and the UK. It was a mark of the esteem in which Alan was held locally in that at his funeral on January 25, at St Aidan’s Billinge the church was full to overflowing with people standing in the aisles and rear of the church. Alan’s jovial nature, helpfullness, and love of life will always be an inspiration to me.

“I will greatly miss his help and friendship.”

11

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12

Joanne’s marathon

efforts

A loving daughter has taken on numerous fitness challenges in aid of The Christie Foundation.

Joanne Platt, 36, from Pemberton, decided to take on 16 fitness challenges to raise money for the Christie after the help they gave her dad.

Joanne said: “My dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer over six years ago and he was told he wouldn’t reach 60, and last year he had his 61st birthday.

“He had a heart attack in October last year, but he is well and he has itchy feet to get back to work.

People are amazed at how he is.

“That keeps me going really because he is keeping active.

The chemo is more a stabiliser, to keep him as he is.

“This wasn’t just down to my dad’s determination and positive mind but from the support and work the Christie do on a daily basis!”

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13 Joanne has already taken on a year’s worth of challenges, but her final showdown? The London Marathon in April.

Tell Us Your Story!

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

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

She said: “I felt strained towards the end of last year.

I said to my husband ‘What should I do next? And he said I think you need a break.’

“My last event was in November, and my next one is the St Helens 10K on Sunday, March 4.

“Dad is a big supporter so he is always on the side lines and where possible gets involved.

“But with the fact he had a heart attack, we tell him to take it easy.

If you’d like to donate to Joanne’s fundraising page, please visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/joanne-platt2017

Simply email us at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

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14

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I’m your

Venus

enus Beauty Studio has recently undergone a rather impressive renovation. More than doubling in size, the Orrell-based salon is bigger and better than ever before and mother daughter duo, Donna and Clare Roughley are excited to invite customers to enjoy quality treatments in their newly refurbished salon.

Donna and Clare took over Venus Beauty Studio more than six years ago. The salon has always offered the latest innovations when it comes to beauty but the expansion means this will now extend to a full menu of spa treatments.

Included in the modern and stylish refurb, is a large comfy seating area, a spray tan room, a separate treatment room for Microblading/ Aesthetics, and three extra treatment rooms which can be used as a dual or triple treatment room.

With the extra space upstairs,mini pamper days will be on offer so clients can relax,

unwind and forget all of their troubles.

The salon is based within GYM ETC at Abbey Lakes, meaning that clients can make full use of the spa facilities including the steam room, sauna and jacuzzi, when booking a spa day.

Robes, slippers and towels are included to ensure you have a relaxing and comfortable experience.

Don’t miss out on the Holistic treatments, Reflexology and Crystal Healing available at the salon. And for all your intimate waxing needs, Donna and Clare will have you swimsuit ready using the techniques perfected by waxing specialist Kim Lawless “The Wax Queen”.

As we edge towards the summer months, some of us are conscious of our lumps and bumps and so why not get a little help courtesy of Bioslimming? A Bioslimming body wrap is £59, a course of 3 is £160, or a course of six is £295.

15 The salon still has two treatment rooms downstairs, as well as a double nail station, and pedicure station, so it’s safe to say all your beauty needs will be fulfilled at Venus.

Venus offers the original HD BROWS to customers too. The unique treatment will ensure you leave the salon with wellgroomed, HD eyebrows. HD Brows are £25 and maintenance is £20 (up to five weeks between treatments).

To celebrate the salon’s expansion, Donna and Clare would like to invite both new and existing customers to their open day/evening on Thursday, March 1 between 11am-8pm.

So why not pop along and see the improved salon and take advantage of some of the great offers which will be available, including 10% off all treatments and huge savings on all courses. But don’t worry if you can’t make it, as offers will be running until the end of March.

There will be huge savings on a range of treatments such as the CACI non-surgical courses, Dermaplaning, LVL Lashes and much more.

Customers who attend the open day will be entered into Venus’ prize draw to win a pamper day for two people with Cream Tea, and who doesn’t love a prize? Staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and carry out free consultations or just come and enjoy a glass off bubbly.

gymetc, Abbey Lakes, Orrell Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8QZ Tel: 01695 624 623 www.venusbeautystudio.co.uk Emal: venusbeautysalon@talktalk.net

16

Pamper Time for Mum Package for two Win a

Choose from some of our sumptuous pamper packages and really spoil her this Mother’s Day

at Venus Beauty Studio

To celebrate the expansion of the Salon, Venus Beauty Studio are giving you the chance to a win a pamper package for two people just in time for Mother’s Day! The winner and their guest will receive a 1/2 hour treatment, with a choice of mini manicure, mini pedicure, facial, neck & back massage, back scrub or scalp massage. Tea, coffee, juice & nibbles will be available and all pamper packages include the use of GYM ETC facilities, slippers, robes & towels.

To enter the competition, visit www.locallife247/ freestuff and click on competitions and just answer this question: When is the official opening of the expanded salon?

The entrant must also follow one of Venus Beauty Studio’s social media platforms, i.e. Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and then share the competition post. Closing date: Monday, 12 March 2018 Employees of families of Local Life 247 Ltd or Venus Beauty Studio are not allowed to enter this competition.

Pamper package 1: Choice of one 1/2-hour treatment Mini Manicure, Mini Pedi, Facial, Neck & Back Massage, Back Scrub or Scalp Massage, Tea/Coffee/Juice & Nibbles £39 per person

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Or 2 of the following 1/2-hour Facial, Mini Manicure/Pedicure, Neck & Back Massage, Back Scrub or Scalp Massage Cream Tea £54 per person All pamper packages include use of GYM ETC Facilities*, Slippers, Robes & Towels

March Offers: Caci - 50% of ALL Courses Crystal Clear Luxury Facial - 30% off course of 10

gymetc, Abbey Lakes, Orrell Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8QZ. Tel: 01695 624 623 www.venusbeautystudio.co.uk Emal: venusbeautysalon@talktalk.net

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17

It’s Wigan Pier -the musical!

Wigan’s answer to the Road to Wigan Pier will be hitting the stage this April.

The new musical ‘Beyond Wigan Pier’ is written, produced and performed by Wiganers showing that the town has come a long way since Orwell’s seminal book.

‘The Road to Wigan Pier’ celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2018, and the upcoming musical hopes to put Wigan on the map and show the town is a cultural force to be reckoned with.

‘Beyond Wigan Pier’ is written by Alan Gregory, a local music teacher and composer who is chief executive of Pianos, Pies and Pirouettes. And the concert debut on Friday, April 27, 7pm will feature Wigan Jazz Youth Orchestra and a number of well-

known Wigan performers, including Olivia Garcia, Scott Chapman, Chonkinfeckle and Janette Monroe.

George Orwell’s adopted son Richard Blair will also perform as the narrator in the community musical at The Edge, Wigan. But for the show and its initiative to be a success, organisers need help from the public. By supporting the appeal, donors will see the exclusive concert debut of the musical at The Edge, a stone’s throw away from Wigan Pier. If the £25,000 target is reached, the full production of the musical will be staged in 2020. The Arts Council needs to see that organisers can raise 10% of the £250,000 funding required for the much bigger project.

Visit pier-1

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/beyond-wigan-

18

ADVERTISEMENT

Loving I

n this day and age, when all retailers seem to be generic and faceless, it’s great find somewhere a little bit different, and Love It Gallery in Billinge is a unique jewel in the seas of globalisation.

In 2015 Winstanley couple Stephanie O’Brien and Ian O’Brien moved their thriving Morpheus Glass business onto the derelict Billinge Garden Centre site and opened the Love It Gallery and Bag & Bean café to complement it on the site. A brave move indeed, and for those well versed in film, it was a real ‘build it and they will come’ moment. Local residents quickly supported the venture and three

it!

years on, the couple now employ 15 staff from the local area to help them manage the site.

Love It gallery displays a plethora of original giftware and hand-crafted pieces from designers and craftspeople, and much of the merchandise is exclusive to Love It. Visually, the gallery is extraordinary; high ceilings, original timber frames and exquisite lighting that shows off the attractive merchandise perfectly.

The pride of place in the gallery goes to glass art, handcrafted by Morpheus Glass in an on-site workshop, from wall panels and splashbacks to

19 bowls, coaster sets and mirrors. Using pieces of art such as wall panels and/or splashbacks is an innovative way of creating an interior focal point, and if the pieces on show don’t quite fit the bill, you can also commission a piece specially for your home. See www.morpheusglass.co.uk for details or ask in-store.

And to round off your visit, why not pop into Bag & Bean café which has quickly established itself as the most popular meeting place for miles around, with its friendly warm welcome and a good selection of handmade sandwiches and soups, accompanied by delicious homemade cakes. For those special occasions, Bag & Bean will serve you a most indulgent afternoon tea! See www.facebook.com/ BagandBean/ for more details.

Whether you’re looking for imaginative gifts for Mother’s Day, a unique signature piece for your home décor plan or an enjoyable get together with friends or family, do take a trip out to Love It Gallery in Billinge – a unique destination for all the family to enjoy.

Love It Gallery Open: 9.30am-5pm Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm Sunday Winstanley Road, Billinge, WN5 7XG Telephone: 01695 622 332

20

21

Security call for St Insurers for the derelict St Joseph’s College in Up Holland have demanded that security is beefed up.

Episodes of vandalism and trespass have caused “significant” cost and damage to the Grade II listed building. A retrospective planning application has now been submitted to West Lancs Borough Council for extra security fencing at the College Road site, which has been vacant for 16 years.

Papers submitted on behalf of the site owners,

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Joseph’s Anglo International Upholland Ltd also reveal that talks are underway over possibly bringing the site back into use: “The applicant is seeking to work with the council to agree an active use of the building with associated development, and views this fencing as effectively an interim measure until that process has been progressed.

“It is not concluded by the applicant to be a permanent addition but is essentially a ‘meanwhile’ addition to preserve the building while those more substantive matters are resolved.”

22

Debra to help

others

A Winstanley resident is setting up a peer support group for the disabled people of Wigan.

Debra Baxter, 52, has lived with cerebral palsy all her life. The peer support group, which will meet at Debra’s home, is aimed at sharing knowledge with disabled people, their carers and anyone who is struggling.

She said: “It’s a life-long condition that has got worse with age. But I’ve had a real life out there; quite an extraordinary life. I just want to spread my knowledge and help people out.

“Our remit is wide as we find that people that struggle the most don’t fit other organizations criteria and can’t get the help and support they need. That’s where we step in. We have someone on the team who understands mental health issues, and we have knowledge of other organisations too.

“All of us are volunteers and do this because we want others to have the same opportunities we have. If someone has a meeting with social services, they don’t have to be on their own.

“It’s all about living the life we want to live. A lot of people want to live independently but don’t know how, and that’s where I want to help.

“We don’t have any premises, but everyone is welcome in my home for a chat and a cuppa.”

If interested, please contact Debra on 01942 735962; 07834 597302; or email baxterdebra65@ gmail.com

23

24

Class from the past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Abraham Guest. It’s believed the photo was taken in the early 1960s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?

Do you have an old class photo you’d like to share? If so, why not email it to us on wigannews@ locallife247.co.uk

25

£10k for mining statue A local history group passionate about commemorating Wigan’s mining heritage with a statue have been given a £10,000 cash boost.

Wigan Council presented Wigan Heritage and Mining Monument (WHAMM) with the cheque, bringing them one step closer to their £150,000 target. The money will fund a statue featuring a miner, pit brow lass and a child, which will sit near Wigan Town Hall, which was the old mining college.

The group needs to raise £40,000 more to turn its dream into a reality. If you’d like to donate to the page, visit www.wiganminingstatue.org.uk where you will find a link to the group’s JustGiving page.

26

Funding available

Summer sport

Funding for projects or community groups in Orrell

The YMCA Community Bowling Green, located just

and Billinge is now available from the Saturday Breakfast Community Fundraisers organisation. The group, who have donated over £7,000 since March 2016, now have £1,500 available. Applications for the funding must be received by 28th February and you can pick up application form from the Local Life offices on Hewitt Business Park on Winstanley Road in Orrell or email Michael Winstanley on mwinstanleym@aol.com.

off Winstanley Road, opens on April 1, and will be then open throughout the summer until the first week in October. The cost for the entire season is £22 and everyone is welcome to join. For more details please call Brian Atherton on 01695 622138.

Saturday Breakfast is now open every Saturday until the end of June, and is served at the Straw Bale Café at Greenslate Farm on Greenslate Road in Billinge between 9-11.30am. The Saturday Breakfast operation is run wholly by volunteers and the group is always looking for willing additions so if you think that you would like to get involved, email Alison Butlin on alisonbutlin@me.com or call in to the café between 9-11.30am on Saturday.

More parking An extra 92 parking spaces will be made available from this May at Wigan Infirmary. Some concessions will be available, including to those who are visiting patients who have been in for more than 14 days.

Looking to target new customers in 2018?

Leaflets delivered from only £24.50 per 1,000 Delivered to areas throughout Wigan, Chorley, St Helens & Leigh Design, print & distribution packages also available

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Property

Long term

bet

by Alan Batt

N

ow it’s certain the Wigan housing market in 2017 was a little more subdued than 2016 and that will continue into 2018. Property ownership is a medium to long-term investment so looking at that long-term time frame; the average Wigan homeowner who bought their property 20 years ago has seen its value rise by a staggering 197%. In monetary value that means that the profit made by the average Wigan property owner over the last 20 years is

Taking a look at the different property types in Wigan and the profit made by each type, it makes interesting reading.

£380.78 per month!

This is important, as house prices are a national obsession and tied into the health of the UK economy as a whole. The majority of that historic gain in Wigan property values has come from property market growth, although some of that will have been added by homeowners modernising, extending or developing their Wigan home.

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.

If you’re looking at this as a potential first time buyer, you may be in wondering what your chances are of ever becoming a home owner. There is hope on the horizon though, with a number of factors making it easier for first time buyers to get onto the housing ladder.

One important factor has to be the building of new homes both locally and in the country as a whole.

This has picked up in 2017 with 217,350 homes coming on to the UK housing ladder in the last year (a 15% increase on the previous year’s figures of 189,690). However, Philip Hammond has set a target of 300,000 a year, so as housing supply goes up, demand should ease and house price increases will probably be tempered too.

31

32 The Council of Mortgage Lenders expects the number of buy to let mortgages to drop by 34% from levels seen in 2015. This is because of taxes being increased recently on buy-to-let and harder lending criteria for buy-to-let mortgages, which means I foresee a gradual move in the balance of power in favour of first-time buyers rather than buyto-let landlords.

I

First time buyers will also be helped by The Chancellor eradicating Stamp Duty for all properties up to £300,000 bought by first-time buyers in the recent budget.

Put all these factors together and 2018 could be a good year for first time buyers to take their first step on the housing ladder.

The year

ahead...

t shouldn’t surprise you that Wigan property values are 3.2% higher than a year ago. Mortgages are cheap, Wigan has a low unemployment rate of 4.4% and the number of properties for sale in the town has remained limited.

However, moving into 2018, there will be greater pressures on people’s incomes as inflation starts to eat into real wage packet growth, which will be a strain on consumer confidence. In terms of what will happen to Wigan property values in the next 12 months, a lot will be contingent on the type of Brexit we have and the impact on the whole of the UK economy.

homeowners and Wigan landlords should be aware of what happens in the rollercoaster housing market of Central London, they shouldn’t panic if prices drop suddenly there in 2018.

At least we have the Brexit divorce settlement

The Central London property market will be under scrutiny in the coming year, and if the banking and finance sectors are negatively affected with a poor Brexit deal, then the London market is likely to see more of an impact.

sorted and, as the UK economy and the UK housing market are intertwined, it all depends on how we deal as a country with the Brexit issue. However, we have been through the global financial crisis and emerged reasonably intact ... I am sure we can get through this together as well.

Over the last 8 years, the Central London property market has been in a world of its own with an 89.6% increase, so we might see a heavy correction in house prices in that area. Although Wigan

Oh, and house prices in Wigan over the next 12 months? I believe they will end up between 0.5% lower and 1% higher, although it will probably be a bumpy ride to get to those sorts of figures.

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

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34

Czech out Zoe’s challenge University student Zoe Ball is getting ready for her biggest sporting challenge yet.

Zoe, from Orrell, will be taking on the Pedal to Prague challenge alongside her team to reach their whopping £12,000 goal. The Pedal to Prague Challenge is a 700 mile bike ride from Leeds to Prague, organised by Leeds Raise and Give (RAG) Society.

Zoe said: “We are cycling as part of Leeds RAG Society; raising money for Leeds University chosen charity Candlelighters – a Yorkshireman based charity who supports the families and children suffering from cancer. I did a degree in Leeds and I was a part of the Athletics Society. And I recently started university again in Sheffield and joined the

cycling society.

“I like taking on new challenges, I tend to do something new every year. I’ve done the Leeds Half Marathon, Tough Mudder, and the Leeds Triathlon, but in the past I have always raised money for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) Association, due to family connections.”

Zoe needs help to reach her £400 fundraising goal to contribute to her team’s £12,000 target, to help make a difference to many people’s lives.

Please visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ zoeball1 to help Zoe reach her target.

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37

Water great

legacy J

David Sudworth meets the man who helped erase the scars of industrialisation from Wigan’s landscape...

ohn Harris remembers the day he knew Wigan had to shake itself out of its postindustrial slumber.

“I was travelling home on a train and the chap behind me told his girlfriend that it was apparent we were approaching Wigan because of the slag heaps and dereliction – it was hurtful yet truthful.”

This was the reality of everyday life for thousands in the 1970s. While TV channels beamed out images in glorious technicolor for the first time, Wigan’s landscape was decidedly monochrome by comparison. Hundreds of years of heavy industrialisation had made the town a thriving centre for coal production, but at the same time it had severely scarred its landscape.

38 Orrell resident John, now 64, was one of those tasked with beautifying the borough.

Originally Pemberton, John grew up on Ridyard Street and later moved to Marsh Green. He attended Scot Lane Primary before moving to Gidlow Secondary Modern, which he left aged 15 without any qualifications. After four years working at a Lord & Sharman Ross Works shoemaker’s in Campbell Street, Pemberton, he got a job with Wigan Corporation’s Parks Department.

“The double digging was relentless” The initiation was a baptism of fire: “I was sent to Haigh Hall to do ‘double digging’. It was relentless, no wonder it was actually known as ‘b*****d trenching’ but I liked being outdoors.

“I started with two guys who had been in prison and one old seasoned navvy from the building trade. I was only 19 at the time so it was all a bit intimidating.

“We were among the very first members of the newly-formed landscape section of the council and we were the pioneers who transformed that bleak

and often ridiculed landscape into a garden city, because that’s how I saw it after we became a huge Metropolitan Borough.

“In those days, the parks teams had an John in the ‘70s incredible number of employees; money was literally thrown at us.

“The spoil heaps looked like scenes from a distant barren planet and could have been ideal settings for sci-fi films.

“When you look at old pictures, the public parks looked great, and they were. But they were patches of brightness on a very grey landscape. It was our job to ‘colour’ those patches in.”

One of the first projects he was involved with was the regeneration of the Wallgate and Scholes areas: “It was around 1975 when we started ‘greening up’ the borough. There were a lot of new communities being built. Scholes was like a new garden city and we’d move in once the building works had finished.

It was almost like we were following the builders

Spoil heaps, such as this one in Southern Street, Pemberton, were commonplace in 1970s Wigan

39 around the area. There was also a heck of a lot of tree planting. It’s something we take for granted now but there are many more trees now than there used to be. We used to get whips for a few pence each so if any were pulled up - and there was a lot of vandalism around at that time - we’d simply plant another one.”

“It was pure slack... with clay underneath” The programme of regeneration was painstaking work, done over a number of years. In the late 1980s, attentions turned to making Orrell reservoirs into an attraction. But the geology of the land, coupled with its industrial use in the past, proved challenging: “All the area was mostly spoil; you’d dig into and it was pure slack. And then underneath it, there’s naturally occurring builders’ clay. That makes it even more challenging.

“The streams had to be cleaned and we put in three control flow dams which are still there to this day.

“The wetlands were really welcomed by the community and we had a lot of help from local

During the demolition of Scholes in the 1970s

The creation of the wetlands at Orrell Water Park in the late 1980s

40 initial task was to find a ‘Pulham’ expert. However, this proved futile so I ultimately assembled a small team to research the work of the Pulhams.

volunteers. The good thing for us was that once we’d done the basic work, nature took over very quickly.

Within 12 months, wildlife had been attracted to the area and there were even nests filled with egs. It was a remarkable transformation.”

These days, John, of Parkside Crescent, runs his own consultancy business; using his considerable expertise on projects right across the UK. Thanks to his work in Wigan’s Mesnes Park, John is a respected authority on Pulham, who are best remembered for the picturesque rock gardens, ferneries, follies and grottoes they constructed during the Victorian era.

“Some years earlier I had investigated a ‘lost garden’ of rock scenery and cascades at the edge of the lake in Mesnes Park. This area had been enveloped by ivy for many years, but the initial clearance work by volunteers revealed not only a recognisable ‘Pulham’ rockwork but one of real significance with noteworthy trademarks. I then worked with a small team to decide on the best practice for returning this rock scenery to its former splendour and the

“It was strange to suddenly be in the position of having to make crucial decisions, but it forced me to step out of my comfort zone. Before long I had gathered enough evidence to confidently inform the restoration of the rock scenery at Mesnes Park - and true to the style and methods of the Pulhams.”

“It’s a legacy for the people of Wigan” It’s clear that, even after six years since he retired from the council, John still gets a massive sense of pride for helping the area become well-known for more than positive things than grime and misery: “There’s a whole generation of people now who don’t realise what Wigan was like at one time. We’ve got parks and public open spaces which are the envy of many.

“I travel all around Britain with my work and people often remind me of how great our Borough is – particularly the wildlife around the Wigan Flashes, Pennington Flash and Orrell Water Park. It’s a legacy for the people of Wigan. Nowadays, nobody on a train to Wigan talks about slagheaps and dereliction.

It’s all about the sport or going shopping.

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42

Fundraising event

Saturday church

Regular readers will need no introduction to Kath

St Luke’s Church on Lodge Road, Orrell, is now

Maguire, Edith Berry and Anne Hurst, who have raised tens of thousands of pounds by hosting fundraisers for the Macmillan charity.

open every Saturday, from 10am-noon, to provide a quiet place for people to go and pray or just sit quietly. As well as space for private prayer, there will be information about the church and its activities, access to the church library where anyone can borrow books, access to the church book and card stall, and refreshments. There is parking available and the event is dog-friendly.

This fundraiser however, is looking to raise funds for their church, St Thomas the Martyr in Church Street, Up Holland. Promising an evening of song and fashion, the event is held on Friday, March 23, at the church, starting at 7pm. Stalls will also be selling fancy goods, cakes and vegetables.

To buy tickets, or for further information, please call Kath on 01695 721038.

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44

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45 With a strong emphasis on design and quality, TurfCoUk has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s leaders in artificial grass installation and landscape design and build. In 2016 TurfCoUk won a regional award with Marshalls and in 2017 at the Marshalls landscaping awards held at St. Georges Park (The home of English football and the FA) came national runners up in their category!

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Planning Matters Billinge 1 Park Road: To convert garage into a small cattery and pet grooming room (ref: A/17/84908/CU).

Pemberton White Lion, 736 Ormskirk Road: Change of use from Public House to Children’s Day Nursery (ref: A/18/85049/CU).

Wigan Central 2 Bishopgate: Change of Use of premises to authentic Thai massage use (ref: A/17/84997/CU).

57 Kenyon Road: Change of use from A3 Restaurant and Cafes to A4 Drinking Establishment, to include glazed extension to front and side (ref: A/17/84872/ CU).

Wigan West Unit 1, 263 Woodhouse Lane: Change of use to car dealership, together with the installation of new bifold door to front elevation (ref: A/18/85013/CU).

For more information on these plans, visit: www.wigan.gov.uk

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48

Travel

NYC’s the place

N

ew York, New York... so good they named it twice.

Of course, that’s not strictly correct. One refers to the city, and the other refers to the state, but nevertheless it’s a place where you can double up on everything. From the food portions to sheer size of the buildings, NYC likes to go big.

From its earliest days, New York was linked with power and fame. It was named after the then Duke of York, who later became King James II. It became the gateway to immigrants seeking a better life in the New World. Today, it’s a city of 8.5m people. Some experts believe there’s about 800 different languages spoken in the city. Spend even

to be

an hour in New York and you’d swear they were all being spoken at once. It wasn’t dubbed by the city’s best-known crooner, Frank Sinatra, as “the city that doesn’t sleep” for nothing...

As for places to visit, New York leaves you spoilt for choice. ‘Friends’ enthusiasts from across the globe can re-enact the TV shows opening credits and frolic in the fountain found in Central Park. And while we’re on the subject of the enormous man-made open space running through Manhattan almost cutting the city in two, Central Park offers locals and tourists alike a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Whether picnicking in the summer, or enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow in the winter.

49 And Christmas in NYC is one like no other. Picture ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre around the beautifully dressed Christmas tree worthy of giants, window shopping (or blowing your dollars) along Fifth Avenue, scaling the heights of the Empire State Building and seeing the concrete jungle twinkling below. You never know, you may have your very own ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ moment.

More than 15 years have now passed since the devastating terror attacks of 9/11 but Ground Zero still remains a place of reflection. The new World Trade Centre and 9/11 Memorial are living tributes that honour the lives lost and celebrate New York City’s resilience.

Travel back in time on Ellis Island and put yourself in the shoes of 12 million immigrants from Ireland, France, Italy and beyond hoping to make a new life for themselves in the land of the free, as Lady Liberty continues to stand tall and proud on Liberty Island, watching over inhabitants as she has done for more than a century.

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Lovers of the arts must make a stop on Broadway, whether you’re catching a Musical or a play. Think London’s West End on steroids, where it’s all razzle dazzle all the time. And while you’re in the vicinity, head on down to Times Square and see for yourself how many neon and LED lights and signs the square really has. And as we all know, this is one of the most iconic locations in the world to ring in the New Year.

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50 And if it’s culture you’re after, put the Metropolitan Opera House, Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art on your to-do list.

Big kids must make a stop at FAO Schwarz – one of the oldest and most iconic toy stores in the world – where a visit feels like a trip to the theatre. And let’s not forget about the M&M’s and Hershey stores for all your candy needs.

Why not walk the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and imagine what your life would be like if you had a golden ticket to the annual Met Gala rubbing elbows with artists, fashionistas, and musicians alike.

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There are many landmarks in New York that are beloved not for their exterior, but what they hold inside. Take Grand Central Terminal for example, used in many films and TV shows when a dramatic exit from the city is needed, but there’s so much more to the beautiful train station. You can eat some lunch or shop till you drop, but many travellers go to take in the scenery.

In a city as vast as New York, there are different things that appeal to different visitors, whether it’s visiting Brooklyn to experience the more low-key or hipster vibe the lower east side has to offer, or visiting the Chelsea of New York and strolling through the meatpacking district near the West Village, there is something for everyone.

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Race against time for centre Campaigners are in a race against time to secure a brand new health centre for Orrell.

Orrell Methodist Church - the preferred site for a new centre - is set to close on the final Sunday in May. Local church leaders are now hoping that, before responsibility for the site transfers back to the national Methodist Church body, they can present a case for using the land at Church Drive as a health centre.

However, Local Life understands that the project’s viability rests on whether local GPs at Orrell Surgery are willing to move.

If they don’t, it’s been suggested that any funding set aside for the building would be lost and the site would be put up for sale on the open market. The site is widely seen as the only viable location for a health centre in this part of Orrell.

A meeting between the key players was scheduled to take place as Local Life went to press.

Keith Trencher, of Orrell Methodist Church, told Local Life: “After the end of May, responsibility for the church falls back to the national Methodist Church organisation. So we have until then to put together a plan to present to the national body who can then take it forward. After May, it would be out of our hands locally.

“Orrell has needed a health centre for 40 years, and we hope this site can provide it.”

MP Yvonne Fovargue confirmed that she’s held talks with a representative from the surgery, and reiterated her call for the doctors to sign up.

As Local Life went to press, Orrell Surgery had not responded to our request for a comment.

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56

Health & Fitness

Prostate

by Niamh Ollerton

cancer

New figures released by Prostate Cancer UK in early February 2018 found prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer – about one in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives – meaning the male-only disease is now the third most common cancer to die from, after lung and bowel cancer, with one man dying every 45 minutes.

The research from Prostate Cancer UK revealed that 11,819 men now die from prostate cancer every year in the UK, compared to 11,442 women dying from breast cancer.

The prostate gland sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube men urinate and ejaculate through. It is usually the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older.

When cells in the prostate begin to grow in an uncontrolled way, prostate cancer can develop. The cancer often grows slowly to start with and may not cause problems, but in some cases the cancer is more likely to spread and treatment is necessary to stop it spreading outside the prostate.

If contained within the prostate (localised prostate cancer or early prostate cancer) there usually are no symptoms, but some men may suffer from urinary problems. These can be mild and happen over many years and may be a sign of a benign prostate problem, rather than prostate cancer.

The risk Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and the risk increases with age, and the average age for diagnosis is between 65 and 69 years. Men under 50 can get it, but it isn’t common. But, you may also have a high risk if you’re over 45 and have a family history of prostate cancer or are a black man. If

you’re worried about your risk, do speak to your GP. March for Men Official fundraising events will be held across the summer months in aid of Prostate Cancer UK known as ‘March for Men.’ On Sunday, June 10, March for Men will be making its way to Wythenshawe Park, Manchester. Walkers of all abilities are invited to take park in the short (2k), medium (5k) or long (10k) walk through one of Manchester’s finest parks. The event site opens at 10am and the walk starts at 11am. It’s £10 to register with a £50 suggested fundraising target.

There’s also the Liverpool March for Men taking place on the same day at Croxteth Hall and Country Park. Again you can take on either the short, medium or long, walk making your way around one of Liverpool’s most important heritage sites.

The short route on both walks are fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. So round up your loved ones and register now to help stop prostate cancer being a killer.

For more details and to register for either walk visit prostatecanceruk.org Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity and they aim to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life.

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58

Financial Planning

Putting the

by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP),

Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director

T

riggers for market volatility can come in many different forms - Donald Trump saying something he shouldn’t, policy uncertainty, earnings reports, geopolitical unrest. I fully understand that market swings can rattle even the most seasoned investors however it is just part and parcel of stock market investing.

The best time to invest in recent years was 2009, just after the financial crisis giving a return of 110% by the start of 2017. But investing before the crisis in 2006 was not bad either; the road may have been rougher, but investors still doubled their money*.

Instead of being worried by volatility, be prepared.

A well-defined investment plan tailored to your goals can help you be ready for the ups and downs of the market, and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Market volatility should be a reminder to review your investments regularly and make sure you consider an investment strategy with exposure to

time in different areas of the markets to ensure that you match the overall risk in your portfolio to your personality and goals. Your time horizon, goals, and tolerance for risk are key factors in helping to ensure that you have an investing strategy that works for you.

It’s time in the market, not timing the market which creates wealth.

Market downturns may be upsetting, but history shows that the stock markets has been able to recover from declines and can still provide investors with positive long-term returns. Take 2015/16 in the U.S. stock market as an example; U.S. stocks experienced sharp drops in August 2015 when China devalued its currency; in January 2016, as oil prices dropped; in June of 2016, after the “Brexit” vote; and in the run up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Still, during the 2-year period, the market was up close to 8% cumulatively.

Attempting to move in and out of the market can be costly. Studies from independent research firm Morningstar show that the decisions investors make about when to buy and sell funds cause those investors to perform worse than they would have had the investors simply bought and held the same funds. It is impossible to consistently predict when those good and bad days will happen.

The adage goes it’s time in the market not timing the market which creates wealth. We’re here to make it as comfortable as possible but the market’s gains are only there for those who can ride out a few bumps on the way. * FTSE UK Private Investor Balanced Index The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested

59

60

Eggs-cellent

gesture

A Pemberton retailer has pledged to gift a chocolate egg to every child attending Pemberton Community Association’s Easter party this year.

Land of Beds responded to the not-for-profit group’s Facebook appeal for donations towards their Easter celebrations, where 80 local children are expected to attend.

The news was welcomed by Helen Arrowsmith, chairman of the association, who said: “Funding is always a challenge, so we really appreciate every single donation we receive throughout the year. Our children’s party is set to be another great family occasion within the local community, and Land of Beds’ Easter eggs are sure to go down a treat!

‘On behalf of the association, I would like to thank Land of Beds’ managing director Mike Murray and all the team at Ellesmere Road, who have only recently moved into Pemberton.”

The children’s party is set to take place at the Pemberton Masonic Hall on Chapel Street from 1pm-3pm on Easter Monday (April 2). Admission to the event is by ticket only; these are available to purchase from Pemberton Lighting at a cost of £4 per child.

An entertainer and spot prizes will be provided, as well as lunch for every child with a ticket.

Recently voted Britain’s ‘Retail Family Business of the Year’, Land of Beds invited junior members of Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band to play at the grand opening of their store, which is located at the former Abbott & Smith premises.

Discussing his latest community contribution, father-of-two Mike said: “My children, who are aged eight and four, absolutely love Easter, so when we heard about Pemberton Community Association’s appeal, my wife and I instantly knew that we wanted to get involved.

‘Family values are at the heart of everything we do at Land of Beds, so we are delighted to be contributing to a local event that we know will bring a lot of happiness to families in Pemberton.”

Sponsorship opportunities and donations continue to be welcomed by Pemberton Community Association. To express an interest or pledge support, contact Helen on 07925 867070.

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Nursery plan for former Pemberton pub A former pub in Pemberton is set to be given a new lease of life if planning permission goes ahead.

Proposals have been made to change the use of The White Lion pub to a children’s day nursery, which will be open from 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year.

Papers submitted to Wigan Council say children will have access to the ground and first floor and walled outdoor area to the rear. But the changeover to a nursery will also provide job opportunities for the equivalent of 13 full-time staff. Four full time staff will have access to the secure car park on Major Street, Pemberton, and parking is available for 15 staff on Church Street car park. But car sharing will be promoted among staff.

Parents/carers will be able to use drop off parking

Out of sight An Orrell student has been named as the UK’s top day release student by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.

Rachel Millbank (pictured) from Church Street, has combined working at Hepworth and Hall opticians on Ormskirk Road in Pemberton with studying one day a week at Bradford College. Rachel, who is 28, recently graduated with a degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing and was shocked to hear that she had won the national award, “I was shocked to learn about the national award but I was very proud of myself. The course has been hard work but the achievement makes it all worth it”.

between 7am-8.30am on the large car park to the left of the building, with short stay drop off and pick-ups on Major Street and Worsley Street.

For more information on this planning application, please visit https://apps.wigan.gov.uk/planapps/

No so sweet charity Growth in the number of charity shops is hurting Wigan Council’s coffers. A report to councillors outlined the numerous issues facing the authority’s ability to raise revenue.

And although Business Rates collected local can now be retained by Greater Manchester councils, rather than going back to the government, the amount raised is affected by the amount of charities operating in the borough.

The report said: “An implication for the council is the increasing number of businesses being classified as charitable organisations. This classification is subject to an automatic 80% relief on business rates with the remaining 20% being subject to local discretion.”

The report also warned again of the number of successful appeals against Business Rates, and warned that was likely to remain the case for some time: “The council has lost in excess of £5.5m business rates income since 2010 as a result of successful appeals.”

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Business View

How we

can help

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

C

MA provide dynamic, value for money accountancy services and work alongside business owners to implement cloud based solutions that enables them to work efficiently and achieve their personal and business goals.

Despite all the uncertainties of Brexit, 2018 presents opportunities for company owners to build their business and for individuals to improve their financial position. Here at CMA we can help make the coming year more successful for you.

For Business Owners we can: • Streamline your bookkeeping records by introducing you to cloud based software that will save you both time and money.

• Show you how to conveniently manage your finances at push of a button by using your camera on a smartphone and send receipts directly to your accounting software • If you want to focus on growing your business then why not outsource your bookkeeping to us.

You’ll be surprised how much extra time this will free up.

• Provide management accounts which will allow you to plan for your tax payments and see how you are performing before your year end.

• Help you plan for the upcoming changes being introduced under Making Tax Digital and the General Data Protection Regulations.

• Advise business on how pension auto enrolment will impact their business.

• Act as a sounding board for business owners to bounce ideas off.

For Individuals we can: • Ensure that you have fully utilised your tax allowances for 2017-18 particular in regards to capital gains tax and pensions contributions.

• Look at salary sacrifice opportunities for high income individuals • Advise property owners with buy to let properties on the impact of the changes being introduced for interest charges and other deductible expenses.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss anything in this article. We don’t make a charge for an initial meeting and it is a good way to see how we can work together. So drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further over a coffee.

Contact Details Chris Alcock ACMA CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR Tel: 01257 255521 Email info@handsonaccounting.co.uk web www.handsonaccounting.co.uk

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

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Food & Drink

FODMAP

By Gemma Dunn

diet

F

ODMAPs - fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols - are types of short-chain carbohydrates that can be tricky to digest, and they can wreak havoc for some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common condition associated with digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and cramps.

They can be found in a wide range of foods, including certain fruits, veggies, grains and nuts - onions, garlic and apples are prime examples (though not everybody with IBS is affected by the same foods in the same ways). But cutting out, or cutting down on key culprits can help - and if anyone can vouch for the effective of a low FODMAP diet it’s Hatcher, a long-term sufferer of IBS and a sensitive gut.

for countless others in a similar position, via her brilliantly titled lifestyle blog, She Can’t Eat What?!

Now, Hatcher’s sharing her insights in her debit cookbook, The FODMAP Friendly Kitchen.

“It was a light bulb moment of, ‘Oh my God, this could actually really help’,” the 23-year-old recalls of her dietician’s suggestion to try the plan, following years of cutting out various foods to no effect.

“I’m not a chef, so if I can make them, anybody can,” she insists. “These 100 recipes were designed to be that foundation; they’re all completely low FODMAP, people can tailor them depending on their personal tolerances, and they’re all really easy.”

“You don’t realise quite how much it affects your life until after your symptoms have gone, and you think, ‘Wow, I’m not thinking about when I’m next going to need the bathroom, or what I’m going to eat on my work lunch break today’.

Discovering that the information available was minimal - she recalls initially being handed “a very uninspiring, four-page leaflet with a big long list of foods to cut out” - the forward-thinking millennial embarked on a one-woman mission to show that the diet needn’t be restrictive.

She’s since been a pillar of support

As well as avoiding processed foods and sugars, Hatcher devised a menu of simple, healthy and delicious dishes, that all require no unobtainable ingredients.

A self-confessed chocolate lover, she adds: “It’s such a cliche, but it is all about balance and maybe eating healthier on a weeknight and then having that doughnut that you really want on a Friday or a weekend. “It’s not a sugar-free diet, it’s not a fat-free diet,” she concludes. “You can still eat the foods that you could eat before, you just have to make those simple swaps, which might actually be better for your gut in more ways than one.”

Intrigued to give low Fodmap eating a go? Here are three tasty recipes from Hatcher’s new book to try at home...

The FODMAP Friendly Kitchen by Emma Hatcher is published by Yellow Kite in hardback, £20.

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Lightened Up Lasagne

Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 parsnip, peeled and diced 3 carrots, peeled and diced

Method In a large saucepan, heat one tablespoon of the oil and saute the parsnip, carrot and pepper until soft.

Add the mince and cook until browned.

2tbsp olive oil

Pour in the tomatoes and water and stir in the oregano, bay leaves and basil. Simmer for roughly one hour until the meat is tender and saucy.

1kg minced beef

Taste and season.

2 tins (each 400g) chopped tomatoes

Preheat the oven to 180C (gas 4). Peel and cut the squash into thin slices, as if lasagne sheets. Bake in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil for 15 minutes.

Once tender, you can get to work on layering the lasagne, just quickly fish out your bay leaves from your meat first. In a baking dish, add one layer of the mince mixture, one layer of spinach and one layer of squash, repeating until all of the ingredients are used up. Sprinkle with the cheese and bake in the oven at the same temperature for 30 minutes, or until the top is crispy.

1 red pepper, diced

120ml water 2tsp dried oregano 2 bay leaves 20g basil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 butternut squash 200g spinach 100g grated mozzarella

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Buckwheat Risotto with Macadamia Cream

Method

Serves 4 Ingredients 1 large aubergine, chopped into small chunks 2tbsp garlic-infused oil 255g buckwheat groats (available from good supermarkets) 80ml dry white wine 470ml vegetable stock or hot water

To make the macadamia cream, add all of the ingredients apart from the water into the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. While the processor is still running, pour in the water bit by bit, until you reach a thick, cream-like consistency. Leave to one side whilst preparing the rest of the dish.

To make the risotto, heat the garlic-infused oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the aubergine and saute for about 10 minutes or until softened and starting to brown. Add the buckwheat groats to the pan. Toss and let cook, ‘toasting’ the buckwheat, for one to two minutes.

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Add the wine, stir and let cook until completely absorbed. Ladle in the vegetable stock, a little bit at a time, keeping the mixture at a low simmer.

1/2 small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Each time the liquid is absorbed by the buckwheat,

Grated parmesan, to serve (optional)

add a bit more, until you’ve used up all the stock and it’s been absorbed fully by the buckwheat. Have a quick taste. The buckwheat should be tender at this point, but not mushy. Add in the spring greens and lemon juice and cook for another couple of minutes.

Take the pan off the heat and stir the macadamia cream.

150g spring greens

For the macadamia cream: 40g macadamia nuts, soaked for 5 hours or overnight 35g sunflower seeds 160ml water 1/2 tsp sea salt 1tbsp lemon juice

Divide into bowls and serve topped with parsley, lemon zest, and a little parmesan, if you like.

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Mother’s Day at Holland Hall

Sunday 11th March from 12 noon to 6pm

3 course meal created by our Head Chef Set in our Newly Refurbished Garden Suite Adults £19.95, Children £9.95*

*3 course half portion Mother’s Day Menu or children’s menu

Every Mum receives a gift on the Day!

Bookings now being taken - contact the Holland Hall Events Team

T: 01695 624426 E: info@hollandhallhotel.co.uk

Check out our Taste Test review by Local Life in the West Lancashire, February edition www.locallife247.co.uk

The Perfect Wedding Day

Holland Hall Hotel is set in private grounds of the Historic Village of Upholland. The Original Manor House dates back to 1654 offering original features such as open fireplace and original beams.

The Contemporary Garden & Terrace Wedding Suites offer a modern setting leading onto a private garden patio. The Suites are also licensed for Wedding Ceremonies including the Garden Pergoda.

Perfect Wedding Day Package £5495 Please contact Holland Hall Wedding Co-ordinator Karen Caddock to arrange an appointment to discuss your Perfect Day

HOLLAND HALL HOTEL

Holland Hall Hotel Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN5 OQZ

info@hollandhallhotel.co.uk

01695 624426

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Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook

events2go

Racing Scholarship Qualifier

60’s Charity Night

Sunday, February 25, 9am-7pm

Friday, March 2, 7.30pm

You could become a racing driver in 2018. You’ll race a fully funded season in the National Formula Ford Championship plus a testing programme by driving on the simulators at Three Sisters Circuit, Wigan. Book at www.jmrscholarship.co.uk to secure your place in advance.

Enjoy a 60’s themed charity night with food, fun, a raffle and auction. Local band T’OTHERS will be performing all night. All proceeds will go to the Storehouse Project, a local charity helping the most vulnerable in our community. For tickets call 07816623612

Three Sisters Circuit, Three Sisters Road, Ashton in Makerfield, WN4 8DD. Tel: 01942 719030

St Judes Social Club, Poolstock Lane, Wigan, WN3 5JE. Tel: 01942 241401

Audience with Murder

Pink Floydian

Wed Feb 28, 7.30pm to Sat, Mar 10, 7.30pm

Saturday, March 3, doors open 7pm, starts 9pm

It’s been called ‘A Russian doll of a play’, as layer after layer, it moves from a seemingly innocuous domestic play, through a murder mystery, to an unexpected climax. Tickets and info from www. wiganlittletheatre.co.uk/performances/audiencewith-murder/ *The play contains strong language.*

Pink Floydian is one of the most authentic Pink Floyd tribute bands playing their inconic songs including “Shine on you crazy diamond” and “A Great Gig in the Sky.” To book the band call Ian on 07427 611 957 or email info@pinkfloydian.com Tickets are £8.80 (incl. booking fee) www.seetickets.com

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3SL. Tel: 01942 242561

The E Rooms, 14 Westgate, Skelmersdale, WN8 8AZ. Tel: 01695 731016

Tallula Vintage

Junkhouse Dog Blues Band

Thursday, March 1, 4pm-11pm

Saturday, March 3, 7.30pm-11.30pm

Tallula Vintage specialises in one-off garments, accessories, retro style pieces and hand-made clothing. Tallula pride themselves on being unique with a collection of clothing from all over the globe.

Free event, but register interest at www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/tallula-vintage-tickets-41943573357

The Manchester-based Blues Band was founded and fronted by British Blues Harmonica Champion Luke Shaw. Junkhouse Dog mixes shuffles and electric swing with vintage Chicago style grit.

Tickets are £8 in advance www.eventbrite.co.uk or £10 on the door.

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

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

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Stay & Play - Wigan

Pizza & Pint night

Monday, March 5, 5pm-7pm

Friday, March 9, 6pm-10pm

Free Stay & Play for children with additional needs and their siblings. Come have a coffee and a chat while the kids play! No need to book. First Monday of the month (term time only).

An evening of artisan pizza and craft beers. Slow proved sourdough wood fired artisan pizza from the vintage horse trailer. The beer sommelier carefully pairs each menu with a selection of craft beer along with a selection of gins and fine wines.

Hop, Skip & Jump, Wigan Youth Zone, Parsons Walk, Wigan, WN1 1RU. Tel: 01942 807373

Ladies Luncheon & Fashion Thursday, March 8, doors open from 11.30am

Two Left Feet Tap, Kitchen Courtyard, Haigh Woodland Park, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828 280

Night at the Races

Ladies luncheon with fashion show by Barbara’s of Standish. The event has been organised by Wigan Flower Club. Tickets are £28 each and can be purchased by calling Barbara’s of Standish on 01257 425480.

Saturday, March 10, 7pm-11.59pm

Ashfield House, Ashfield Park Drive, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0EQ. Tel: 01257 473500

Honeysuckle Inn, 75 Pool Street, Wigan, WN3 5BT. Tel: 01942 241551

Martin Taylor MBE

Artisan Market

Thursday, March 8, 7.30pm-11.30pm

Saturday, March 10, 10am-4pm

Solo Jazz guitarist, self-taught since the age of 4 Martin Taylor MBE has made a mark in the industry. The Grammy nominated, virtuoso player and composer, has a 50 year career with 14 British Jazz Awards and multiple collaborations including Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, George Harrison, and Dianne Schuur. Tickets are £20 on the door or £18.98 in advance www.eventbrite.co.uk Over 14’s by an adult.

Wigan Auction House on Miry Lane Wigan has announced a new monthly market day on the second Saturday of each month. There’ll be stall holders selling organic meat and dairy, artisan pies and cakes, arts and crafts, bespoke children’s’ clothes, vintage traders and more. Free entry.

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

Rio Carnival in Liverpool

The GMP Band

There’ll be Latin parade performers, Carnival Samba with infamous Rio beats and rhythms and international DJ’s. As well as a range of South American Street food stalls, Brazilian beers, and a face paint artist. Find out all you need to know at www.facebook.com/events/510369545981463/

Friday, March 9, 7.30pm-11pm St John Rigby College is pleased to welcome back the GMP Band for the third year! It’ll be an evening filled with pop, soul and funk! Free entry.

St John Rigby College, Gathurst Road, Orell, WN5 0LJ. Tel: 01942 214797

Everyone’s a winner at this race night. You can buy horses with the owners of the winning horses winning prizes, have a bet and win pennies galore, as well as lots of fun and games.

Wigan Auction House, Miry Lane, Wigan, WN6 7TG. Tel: 01942 230460

Friday, March 16, 10pm to Saturday, March 17, 4am

Liverpool

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Competition

T

he award-winning ‘The Beatles Story’ is the world’s largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of The Beatles’ rise to fame and Local Life has three pairs of tickets for The Beatles Story to give away in our latest competition.

Located in the Fab Four’s hometown of Liverpool on the stunning UNESCO World heritage waterfront at the Albert Dock, The Beatles Story takes visitors on an immersive journey through the lives, times, culture and music of the world’s greatest band.

Join The Beatles on their journey; first conquering Liverpool, and then the world, through recreations of key locations from the band’s career including The Casbah Club, The Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios.

Multi-media audio guides are available in ten different languages including Mandarin, Brazilian Portuguese, French and German, and are beautifully narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia. The FREE guide is packed with information, imagery, and features video

71 interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, giving visitors a unique insight into the story of the Fab Four.

A must for any music fan, The Beatles Story features an impressive collection of fascinating memorabilia including the band’s original instruments, John Lennon’s New York piano, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves, photography and original lyrics.

New items recently introduced include the original Strawberry Field Gates, the ‘Holy Grail’ record that launched The Beatles, Brian Epstein’s Jacket and to mark 50 years since the release of Sgt Pepper, a range of new memorabilia including a full set of authentic replica suits.

Finish your perfect historical experience in one of two Beatles-themed Fab4 Cafes or browse through a fantastic range of products available from one of the Fab4 Stores.

In 2018, The Beatles Story celebrates 50 years since The Beatles travelled to India with the launch of a special exhibition. ‘Beatles In India’ looks at this key period in time with new memorabilia, imagery and personal accounts from people who were there with them.

To win one of three pairs of tickets for The Beatles

Story, simply visit our website www.locallife247. co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’.

To enter the competition just input your answer to the following question; On which famous Liverpool dock is The Beatles Story located?

The expiry date for the competition is Saturday 31st March 2018. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

For more information and to buy tickets please visit beatlesstory.com

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Crazy Golf Re-Opening

1940s Night

Saturday, March 17, 11am-4pm

Friday, March 23, 7.30pm-11pm

To celebrate St Patricks Day the Crazy Golf at Haigh will be open for the day. The Friends of Haigh Country Park built and manage an 18-hole course opposite the High Ropes adventure course in Haigh Woodland Park. A round of golf is £1 per player.

Helen Marie Charity presents a 1940s Night with Katz Korner. There’ll be a hotpot dinner and dessert, raffle and tombola. Tickets are £12 and all proceeds go towards sick and disabled children. Call 07724 995298 for tickets.

Haigh Woodland Park, School Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828280

St Mary’s Club, Trent Road, Billinge, WN5 7QT. Tel: 01744 892836

Family Charity Night

Fundraising Event

Saturday, March 17, doors open at 6.30pm

Friday, March 23, 7pm

St Patrick’s Day Family Charity Night in aid of Little Angels Staffie Rescue. There’ll be bingo, a quiz, raffle, Irish games and a delicious hotpot. Tickets are £6 for adults and £3 for under 12s. Contact Susan Finch on 07944 084971 for more info and tickets.

Enjoy an evening of song, fashion and much more including fancy goods, cake and veg stalls and an Easter Bonnet competition. Tickets are £5. For further information and tickets please contact Kath McGuire on 01695 721038.

St James Social Centre, St James’ Road, Orrell, WN5 7AA. Tel: 01695 623902

Church of St Thomas the Martyr, 7 Church St, Up Holland, WN8 0ND. Tel: 01695 728091

Run Wigan Festival 2

Easter Weekend

Sunday, March 18, 9.30am-2pm

Friday, March 30, 3pm to Sunday, April 1, 3pm

Joining Jack has organised Half Marathon, 5k and Family Mile races all starting in Market Street for you to spectate or take part. There’ll be live music and entertainment and European food markets too. To register your place for any race visit http:// runwiganfestivals.co.uk/

Join the Easter weekend celebrations at the Poacher, where there’ll be something for all ages, big kids included.

Market Street, Wigan

Build a Unicorn workshop

Artisan Market

Wednesday, April 4, 10.30am-11.30am

Sun, Mar 18, Sun, Apr 22, Sun, May 20, 10am-4pm Haigh’s monthly artisan market rocks back to the park and there are monthly dates available until December 2018! There’ll be more than 80 art, food, craft, and drink artisans, as well as street food, live music and great community atmosphere.

Haigh Woodland Park, Haigh, WN2 1PE. Tel: 07789 181677

The Poacher Winstanley, Holmes House Avenue, Winstanley, WN3 6JA. Tel: 01942 214648

Step into colourful Unicorn Land to build a 16” cuddly unicorn to take home, and design T-shirts for your little ones to wear! £15 per child suitable for 3+ (inc drink and unicorn biscuit). Booking is required.

Whittle Vintage Tea Room & Café, 34 Chorley Old Road, Whittle-Le-Woods, PR6 7LD. Tel: 01257 367260

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Much Ado About Nothing Wednesday, April 11, 7.30pm to Saturday, April 21, 7.30pm (7.30pm showings every day) Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into rejecting Hero at the altar. The first Wednesday & Thursday are £10, Monday is £10, and other nights are £12. Online bookings subject to 60p per ticket www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk Wigan Little Theatre, 44 Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3SL. Box Office: 01942 242561.

ST JAMES SOCIAL CENTRE St James Road, Orrell

PRESENTS

Star NIGHT Friday 6th April, 2018 Doors open 7.00pm - starts 7.45pm

In aid of

Robinson OBE Thursday, April 12, 7.30pm-11.30pm Jason Robinson OBE will be speaking and taking part in a Q&A offering an insight into his career of rugby league and union. Compère for the night is comic John Lebbon. Tickets are £18(+£1.26 booking fee) via www.eventbrite.co.uk or £23 on the door.

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

The Wizard of Oz Thursday, April 12, 6pm-8pm; Friday, April 13, 2pm-4pm; Friday, April 13, 6pm-8pm This Easter treat is fun for all the family. Ticket prices vary from £12.50-£15 from www.quaytickets.com The Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU. Tel: 01204 332157

Capturing tender special moments to cherish and treasure

Newborn Weddings Christenings

Featuring Wigan’s own John Martin and 5 star Comedian Tony Roscoe, plus fantastic duo Crawford & Brown Tickets £10

Available at the club - 01695 623 902 or Frank 01744 345 073

Special Parties Please contact Eleanor T: 01257 792745 M: 07510 612926

StJamesSocialCentreOrrell

74

Chorley

by David Sudworth

B

eing too young to appear on the TV show Krypton Factor, I always thought I’d missed the chance to tackle its famous assault course.

Although I wouldn’t go as far as saying this walk resembled it, there are certainly some more ‘challenging’ parts to it. Not that this should deter you.

Simply think of it as ‘forewarned is forearmed’.

We park up at Yarrow Valley Country Park at Birkacre. From the car park head out along Birkacre Road, crossing the B5251, and continuing along to Butterworth Brow. Here go right and then cross over the road to enter the field.

This is where your wellies come in, as a large part of this section is very wet and extremely muddy in places. I don’t mind mud, but after a few miles it can get tedious. Pick a day when the ground is likely to be firm and you’ve got no worries.

Continue along the footpaths, heading north between the River Yarrow and the B5251. After about three quarters of a mile you should be walking around a large meadow area, and you need to head for the northwest corner, where there’s a footbridge to carry you over the river. It can be difficult to get your bearings here, so pay close attention and you will be fine.

Follow the path up the hill, past Yarrow Farm and onto the lane. I always feel a sense of unease going through farms, mostly because it feels like you’re loitering in someone’s private space. However, we got a cheery hello from someone working close by so I imagine it’s something they’re used to!

You pretty much cross straight over the lane and follow the path around the field. As you go from on field to the next, make sure you keep to the right

75 of the tree line until you reach Parkers in the Fields Farm. Follow the track through the farmyard and once out and onto the lane, take the footpath on your left. Here, there’s a little more mud as you enter the field. Continue along the left of the field to the path that runs along the perimeter of Yarrow Valley 9-Hole Golf Course. The path soon takes a sharp left, leading you down into a woods and down to the river. As you make your way along this section you’ll find a few fallen trees blocking your way, and again it can be muddy. As our fearless photographer Peter said at the time, it’s kind of bordering on an assault course at this point, but that’s what makes it fun, right? Eventually you’ll emerge on to Butterworth Brow, where you go right, up the hill.

Just as you’re reaching the top of the hill, cross over and into Sharratts Path. Follow the lane down and into the path, that takes you down to the B5251 and crossover the main road, going right a short distance, until you reach the footpath on your left.

Take this path and follow it through the woods to Birkacre brow and back to the car park.

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All in all, this is a short walk at just 3.25 miles but you do get a sense of having really explored the area.

Some of these routes don’t seem particularly well used so there is a feeling of discovery as you literally beat a path through the landscape. Yarrow Valley is a beautiful part of Chorley, and even in the darkest of months, it brings enjoyment to many. So long as you’re prepared for the patches of mud, you’ll get as much enjoyment out of it as we did.

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear while walking. While 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.

Length of walk: 3.25 miles Difficulty: Short but difficult in sections due to muddy sections and fallen trees.

Accessibility: We did the walk after some prolonged rainfall and there was some very muddy sections.

When can we go back to Dukes Barn Farm?

Boarding kennels and cattery.

Heated accommodation.

Recommended by vets & clients for over 38 years.

Local authority licensed & approved.

Open 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday Closed to customer visits on Sunday

DUKES BARN FARM Animal care at its best

Brook Lane, Pemberton, WN5 8JQ

Call - 01942 217752

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Plan now for

summer scent

by Angie Barker

W

hen I was a little girl (Hubby is chuckling to himself as he ponders just how long ago that was!) our garden had a large Lilac tree. The flowers were pale mauve with the most wonderful perfume and now that I have a Lilac growing in my garden, I look forward to every spring when I can breathe in its perfume and be transported back in time to my childhood. It’s funny how scent is so closely linked to memory.

This is the perfect time of year to start planning for summer scent in your garden and I think these are some of the best plants: Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ is one of the nicest. They do like good drainage so if you garden on heavy clay, best to put them in pots with free draining compost. A line of them edging a path looks lovely and as you brush past you can take in the perfume.

Sweet Peas – annuals have the best perfume and there are lots of colours to chose from. Remember with these that you can’t plant them out until the last frost has passed.

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.

Award Winner

Herbs – these are a wonderfully fragrant group of plants, Thyme. Mint and Rosemary being my favourites. A word of caution, don’t plant Mint in a border as it will completely take over – keep it in a pot.

And of course you can’t mention perfume without thinking of Roses. You need to be careful when selecting your Rose because not all of them are scented and some more so than others. David Austin has a wonderful selection and the website is excellent, giving lots of detail of each one’s particular perfume. One of the best is Rosa ‘Munstead Wood’ Pergolas and trellis will give you the opportunity of growing scented climbing plants. Jasminum officinale (needs a warm sheltered spot) and Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ (Honeysuckle) are fabulous.

Place near a patio and before you know it you’ll be sitting in your garden on a warm summer’s evening, not only sipping a glass of wine but drinking in some heady perfume – life doesn’t get much better!

(Hubby agrees).

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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

Award Winner

79

Garden maintenance ~ General tidy ups Hedge cutting ~ Pressure washing ~ Fencing

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80

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83

Test Drive

Audi

A4

Avant 3.0 TDI quattro 218PS

by Tim Barnes-Clay

F

itted with a 3.0 litre V6 engine, the latest Audi A4 Avant becomes almost too powerful for its own good.

You get a lot of kit for the cash, though and Audi is well-known for its upmarket, understated interiors that are both perfectly finished and intuitive.

Don’t get me wrong; the diesel lump is a real pearl, but there’s no way it returns the claimed 57.6mpg when riding on 19-inch wheels. I found the car thirsty, and mid-30s was more realistic for me when driving two-up, with no luggage, on a mix of motorways, A and B-roads.

This A4 doesn’t dissatisfy; it has upscale materials everywhere and a straightforward, intelligible dashboard arrangement. Technology is plentiful, too. It includes: a reversing camera, parking sensors, three-zone climate control, heated electric seats, and a powered, hands-free boot.

The A4 estate model that Audi sent me came in top S line trim, and starts at £38,895, but with a few thousand pounds of options thrown at it, my test car was waving a £46,395 price-tag.

The A4 Avant is among the best-looking estates on the market in Britain. It’s undeniably classy, and the large 3.0 litre diesel engine is so smooth that it feels more like a hard-hitting petrol unit.

84

What’s more, indiscernible wind and road noise make the A4 the quietest cruiser in its class – by a long chalk. The ride is wonderful, and easily a match for BMW’s 3-series. The same goes for the car’s bobon handling.

This practical five-up estate comes with Audi’s

standard seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.

It changes slickly, keeping the revs low except when Dynamic mode is selected. A moderate push of your right foot is all that’s required to build momentum hastily; stamp down hard, though and you’ll get to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds.

Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 6.4 secs • Combined mpg: 57.6 • Engine layout: 2967cc, six-cylinder turbo diesel • Max. power (PS): 218 • CO2: 126 g/km • Price: £38,895

85

JW Gaskell Garages

NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS We are now open for services and repairs at our brand new premises in Up Holland.

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Car Paintwork Repairs PCP or lease coming to an end?

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no Vat Charged we’ll beat any quote!

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86

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• Conservatory repairs • Locks, handles and hinges • Replacement glass • Windows and doors installed • Replacement conservatory roofs Call MARK now on 01942 737 381 / 0776 315 1720 conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com www.fixmyconservatory.com

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Providing professional carpet & upholstery cleaning since 1993 Carpets Leather

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Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service

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

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brand New bathrooms boiler + Central Heating Installs, servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Domestic + Commercial

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01942 221221

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91

Great Value Bathrooms!

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Award Winner

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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

w no

no

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

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Mossy Lea Road

A5209

s Natalie

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k ChecVisit our showroom at

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X

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Home Improvements • • • •

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

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• Delivered or Collected • Perfect for builders & DIY

01942 224571 for advice Lamberhead Ind. Est., Pemberton

Number One for House Maintenance!

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

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Want to promote your company in Local Life?

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LocalLife

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28 Years Experience

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

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All aspects of roofing & roofline

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Call for free quote

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B.A. Berry Building & Roofing Specialists

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Ashurst Building & Roofing Services All types of building and roofing work undertaken including;

E: 01942 Brickwork, 832747 Joinery, Flagging 07747 725999 Plastering & Renovations Family run business with 25 years of experience

Call David today for a free quotation TELEPHONE: 01942 832747 Mobile: 07747 725999

•All building work undertaken.

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K Stone Building Services

All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience

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

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Est. 1985

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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Let’s skip that idea

Child’s play

When the kids were little, they loved nothing more than an afternoon down the council tip.

This was in a much less formal age when the lads minding the skips would happily turn a blind eye by going for a six hour tea break while a few of us ‘chosen ones’ would have a good rummage for any discarded gems.

And so it looks like yet another former pub will be turned into a nursery. Yes, I hear there’s plans in the offing to convert the old White Lion in Pemberton. It’s recently become something of a trend of turning pubs into nurseries.

Squires Bar in Billinge recently became a nursery, and my mate in Burscough laments the loss of one of his local boozers, The Junction, to the next generation.

Sadly, those days have long gone.

Everyone’s an Environmental Advice Officer now and CCTV cameras watch your every move.

So it’s hardly surprising that Wigan Council’s announcement that those of us with trailers or vans will soon be able to print our own permits off at home got a muted response. Granted, it’s better than having to wait for the creaking cogs of bureaucracy at Wigan Council to spring into action, but to be honest I object to having to have a permit in the first place.

It’s the kind of petty officialdom which grates on people. I accept that maybe the blatant pilfering of yesteryear may have had its day, but at least let’s put an end to this pen-pusher’s paradise. After all, so much waste paper isn’t good for the environment...

It always amuses me though the planning process classes such projects as a ‘change of use’.

Swapping one lot of rowdy folk, desperate for their fix of sugarinfused beverages and the occasional scrap, for another?

Doesn’t sound much like change to me...

Up the junction Isn’t it about time there was a roundabout near Windy Arbour?

The amount of crashes and near misses on that two mile stretch is getting beyond a joke.

I know being so close to Skem, roundabouts have got a bad name in these parts, but surely if there were ever a place which merited one, it’s at the junction of Billinge Road and Winstanley Road? I’m

hoping some eager-eyed local election candidate will spot this and run with the issue. At least until Friday, May 4...

Here comes the sun I’m now counting down the days until the clocks go forward. As I’ve got older, I increasingly detest the short days. I’m not sure why because, as a child, it didn’t bother me in the slightest. Then again, we’d stay out playing football even in the dark, rain lashing down and ensuring a full linen basket for mother that evening (this was in an age before men could work a Hotpoint, and those who did were generally shunned by their mates). Maybe my decreasing levels of mobility since the age of 17 - the precise time I passed my driving test - have something to do with it.

But unfortunately, I’ve never been a morning person and there’s precious little point going out at 1pm only for the sun to be beating a retreat 90 minutes later. You may think these are pitiful excuses, but I’m genuinely looking forward to getting a bit more Vitamin D into my bones. It’ll make a change from looking as pale as a rice pudding.

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