Local Life - Wigan - April 2017

LocalLife Wigan Edition

April 2017

Win a copy of

Just One More Win a year’s

lawn care Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Event2Go Home Services locallife247.co.uk

Photo by Frank Orrell

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Giving back

R

eading through this magazine before it set off to print, it was sad to read that the lack of volunteers in Shevington has dealt a double blow to the village; the August Fete has been scaled down somewhat and the village won’t be entering the In Bloom contest this year.

In today’s busy life, it’s difficult for many to spare the time to volunteer. Family commitments come first and rightly so. But putting aside the benefit to others, volunteering benefits the volunteer too.

As the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest, and donating even a few hours a month to help a good cause can make a positive change to your life. I got involved in a weekly pop-up breakfast café last year and, although it is hard work; I’ve made new friends, had a few laughs and helped raise money for local community groups.

Shevington has always had a marvellous community spirit and much of this is due to the readiness of Shevingtonians to roll up their sleeves to support community initiatives. Fingers crossed that the dearth of volunteers is a temporary one, and the village will bounce back to greater glories.

This month’s read includes some amazing shots from notable Shevingtonian Frank Orrell; there’s a chance to win his visual chronicle of old Wigan, so dont miss that.

Also worth a mention is our new Events2Go, which is a dual print/online local What’s On guide. To get the latest information about events, just ‘like’ our events2go page on Facebook or visit our website www.locallife247.co.uk.

See you next time

Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

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In this issue Exercising during

pregnancy

Regulars 40 Events2Go 78 Garden Diary 48 Puzzle Corner 82 Test Drive 50 Class From The Past 98 The Lump

Sections 52 Just one

more!

6 Property 10 Local News 20 Fashion 52 Health 56 Legal & Finance

58 Business View 68 Food & Drink 77 Pets 78 Gardening 86 Home Services

Next issue - May 2017

Advertising deadline - Thursday, 13 April

63 Doing

France

68 Jack’s Tracks visits

Cuerden Valley 74 Test Drive

Toyota C-HR 82 locallifemagazine247

Published - Thursday, 27 April

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: Chris, Sally sales@locallife247.co.uk Editorial: David wigannews@locallife247.co.uk Design: Peter, Dylan 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 13,039 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.

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

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

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Draft on the

way

A draft blueprint to help shape future development in Standish is likely to be made public in summer.

It comes after community group Standish Voice, which is driving the process, asked residents for their views on potential future uses of The Rec playing fields.

One of the possibilities is that part of The Rec could be used to create car parking spaces.

Standish Voice has stressed that, at this stage, it is merely asking for feedback so it can draft a policy which would be fed into the wider Neighbourhood Plan. Regardless of whether the policy became part of the final document, any change of use at The Rec would be the subject of further consultation

through the planning process.

A spokesman added: “The Rec is seen as an inadequate site for organised team sports and we are concerned that over the lifetime of the Neighbourhood Plan – up to 2030 – there would be increasing pressure to turn this redundant area into a housing development.

“We believe a park with a small car park would create an improved recreational facility for the whole community and help to solve the parking problem.”

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Blooming

disappointment

Shevington’s run of horticultural success won’t continue this year - due to a lack of volunteers.

The local In Bloom group has decided not to enter the North West In Bloom Awards 2017. This is because they haven’t got the numbers to fulfil the judging criteria.

In previous years, they have won gold at both regional and national level.

A group spokesman said: “We are very disappointed that we are unable to enter North West in Bloom.

This is due to not having enough volunteers to comply with judging criteria. The group only has 5 volunteers who will continue to do their best, to

maintain the beds and planters in our village, to the high standard so far achieved. Without more volunteers there is a possibility, that in the not too distant future, standards will drop and some beds or planters could be lost.

“New volunteers can do as much or as little as they like; an hour a week for a few months a year would greatly help this organisation to continue.”

If you are able to help, ring 01257 401997 or e-mail shevingtoninbloom@yahoo.com.

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Roadworks announced Wigan highways chiefs have announced details of forthcoming roadworks in the area: Hall Lane, Aspull: On Sunday, April 23 Hall Lane will be closed between property numbers 43 and 83 while United Utilities carry out repairs.

A diversion will be in place as follows: Hall Lane - Bolton Road – Wigan Road, Aspull – Whelley – Scholes – Warrington Lane – Darlington Street East – Manchester Road, Ince – Wigan Road, Hindley – Market Street – Ladies Lane – Hall Lane Woodhouse Lane: United Utilities will be working outside property number 65 on Saturday, April 15, to repair a manhole frame and cover. A lane closure will be in operation while the work takes place.

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Snap happy

Junior cricketers wanted

New members are being welcomed to join Aspull

Standish Cricket Club is looking for new junior

Amateur Camera Club. It is open to anyone, whether they are merely interested in taking photos with their iPhone or have a top-of-the-range DSLR camera. All aspects of digital photographer are covered, including landscapes, portraits and pets, as well as basic instructions on how to use Adobe Photoshop. The club is free to join, meeting times and location are to be confirmed. Call Chris on 01942 494117 or email chriswinkfoto@hotmail. co.uk

members. For those aged between eight and 15 years old, there is the chance to be coached by qualified players. For further information, visit www. standishcc.co.uk or email juniors@standishcc.co.uk

Car thieves alert Owners of high-performance cars in are being urged to stay alert to potential thieves. Police advise that owners have adequate home security and keep all their doors and windows locked and secure, even when at home. It follows a spate of thefts in villages close to Wigan.

GP appointments Out of hours appointments for GPs are now available in Wigan. Those needing to see a doctor between 6.30pm-8pm on weekdays and 10am-4pm on weekends and Bank Holidays can get access to GPs in different locations, including Shevington, Hindley, Pemberton, Ashton, Golborne, Leigh and Tyldesley.

To be able to use this service, you must be registered with a GP in the Wigan borough area already. For more information, call 01942 482848 or visit www. wigangpalliance.org/home

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Hole load of

fun

It’s golf - but not as you see on the TV! The Friends of Haigh Country Park Crazy Golf course is reopening following a refurbishment. It will be open from 11am on Saturday, April 1 - just in time for the Easter break.

An official opening by the Mayor of Wigan takes place on Sunday, April 9. Music will be provided by members of the Greater Manchester Police Band and there will be a Mad Hat Competition judged by the Mayor, with prizes for best adult and child. There will be other activities and treats for the children.

Weather and volunteers permitting, the crazy golf facility will be open throughout the holiday from 11am until 4pm at a cost of ÂŁ1. For more

information on the Friends of Haigh Hall, visit www. facebook.com/friendsofhaighcountrypark or call Wendy on 01942 254219.

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Digging deep for tribute Campaigners calling for a memorial to thousands of Wigan miners are holding a launch night in April.

Wigan Heritage and Mining Monument (WHAMM) members believe the town’s industrial past has largely been forgotten.

They are in talks with Wigan Council about possible locations for the statue, which could cost up to £100,000 and may depict a mining family.

WHAMM members Ray Hinds, from Whelley, Neil Cain, of Haigh; Tom Walsh, of Aspull, with Sheila Ramsdale (front A grand campaign launch is being held left) and Marianne Howell, both of Swinley in Swinley, with MPs Lisa Nandy and Ian Lavery set to attend. Ian, who represents Wansbeck in Northumberland, was the only Group chairman Shelia Ramsdale told Local Life: apprentice in the North East who refused to work “This is something I’ve been raising for a number during the 1984-85 miners’ strike of years now. It seems the powers that be have, perhaps in the past, wanted to move on from the mining image of the town. But other areas have monuments and we feel it’s time Wigan had one as well.”

Records show that coal was being mined in the district as early as the 14th century. It has even been suggested that Romans made use of coal they found in the area. Over 750 million tons of coal were extracted from over one thousand pits in the area.

Group member Tom Walsh said: “As a lad growing up in Scholes, you’d see old miners walking down the street and they’d have to stop every few yards to catch their breath. We also want to recognise the woman and children who also suffered. Wiganers paid a heavy price for the town’s mining past.”

An artist’s impression of how the statue may look

The campaign launch will be held on Friday, April 28, 7.30pm at Swinley Club, Wigan Lane. There will be a talk from ex-miner Eric Foster, music from local band Billy Green and the Temperamentals, and hot food. Tickets are £7 from Sheila Ramsdale on 01942 244309 or 07964 122114.

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Debbie becomes leader A Standish woman claims she has made history by becoming the first female to lead a political group on Wigan Council.

leader in the 1990s, although nobody could confirm this before Local Life went to press.

Debbie Fairhurst, of Littleton Grove, is the boss of the newly-formed Wigan Independents.

Cllr Debbie Fairhurst, who represents Standish, said: “I was humbled to be proposed as the new leader, and I got the full backing if all the other councillors in the group.”

With four councillors - made up of Cllr Fairhurst plus Cllrs Bob Brierly (Hindley Green), Steve Jones (Bryn) and George Fairhurst - they are now just one member short of being neck and neck with the Conservatives, who are the official opposition.

It’s unclear whether Cllr Fairhurst is the first female group leader in Wigan Council’s history. It’s believed there may have been a female Conservative group

There are no Wigan Council elections this year.

However, voters will take part in the first ever Greater Manchester Mayoral elections. For more information on this, visit www.greatermanchesterca.gov.uk

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1st CLASS TRAVEL

Tree-mendous idea BookCycles across Wigan are offering fruit trees to community groups as part of a council approved scheme. Incredible Edible seeks to encourage communities to get together and plant fruit trees that are accessible to the public. BookCycle are encouraging communities to create a map on the app Falling Fruit with #bookcycle incorporated into the tag line. Plants are already available from most sites and should be planted by the first week in April. For more information, call into your local BookCycle or search Incredible Edible on the Wigan Council’s website www.wigan.gov.uk

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Bin charge goes live

Show that you care

West Lancashire’s controversial green bin charging

Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre is looking for

scheme goes live on June 5. From that date, householders will have to pay an extra £30 per year, per bin. Any additional bins cost £25 each.

Payments can be made as of April 19.

volunteers. The organisation, based in Fredrick Street, Hindley, has a Befriending & Buddying scheme which offers a way to help combat isolation for carers by offering them support, encouragement and a listening ear. It now wants to swell its ranks by adding new volunteer befrienders.

The council says it will deliver a leaflet to every household in the borough in April, giving information about how to sign up and pay, and further details of the service. Information is also provided on the website at www.westlancs.gov.uk/ gardenwaste In Wigan, the frequency of green bin collections will be changing later this year. For more information, visit www.wigan.gov.uk

Catherine Ellis, scheme coordinator, said: “Befriending a carer who feels isolated or in need of a listening ear is very rewarding and makes a massive difference to local people.”

To find out more contact catherine@ wiganandleighcarerscentre.org.uk or phone 01942 705959.

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Sports in the spotlight Nominations are now open to find Wigan’s finest athletes.

The 2017 Believe Sports Awards are now open to anyone who is dedicated to sports in the town.

This year’s ceremony will take place at the DW Stadium on Friday October 6.

Categories include: Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Sports Achiever of the Year, Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, The Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award, Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award, Team of the Year, The Martin Lynn Special Contribution to School Sport Award and Sports Apprentice of the Year.

Nominations can be made by filling in the online form at www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/ believesportsawards The closing date is Friday, August 18.

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Bringing lawns to

S

life

lowly, but surely, the winter darkness is receding and we’re gradually seeing daylight again. There’s not much as satisfying as returning to your own patch of God’s Earth in the spring and spending a bit of time pottering about in your own garden. Sometimes though, we need a bit of help getting that lawn as lush and green as it should be, and that’s where GreenThumb come in.

the presence of any underlying existing problems such as excess moss, thatch and compaction etc and you’ll get a free, no obligation, report on its state.

GreenThumb is Europe’s leading provider of lawn care services and has been providing UK customers with healthier, greener lawns for over 30 years.

Using their unique ‘no scorch’ fertilisers, selective herbicides and other lawn enhancing products,, they carry out in excess of 2 million treatments on UK lawns every single year!

To win an entire year’s free seasonal treatments for your lawn (up to 150sqm), or one of 20 runners up prizes of a single lawn treatment (up to 150sqm), just visit our website locallife247.co.uk/free-stuff/ competitions/ and enter your answer to this question;

And the best part is, the seasonal treatments that GreenThumb provide are not expensive. In fact, the four seasonal treatments start from just £15 each, (based on a lawn size of up to 40 square metres) so to keep your lawns in tip-top shape all year round, you’ll pay just £60 per year!

Closing date for the competition is Sunday, 30th April 2017. The competition is open to postcodes WN1, WN3, WN4 (0 sector), WN5, WN6. Winners/ runners up will be announced in subsequent issues of Local Life.

Owned and operated by local couple Ian and Andrea Johnson dealing with GreenThumb Wigan is easy; just give them a call at their Billinge HQ and they will come out and inspect your lawn, noting

GreenThumb will apply your lawn care treatments and, in time, you end up with a lawn that’s the envy of the neighbourhood! Bring your lawn to life by calling 01695 627578 today.

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Share your photos What a grand sight - a scene from yesteryear of Hope Street Church, Wigan town centre, which was demolished to make way for new indoor market.

Smiths of Wigan can be seen on the right in the

background (now British Heart Foundation). Did you know you can now upload your photos of the area, both old and new, directly to our new website? Just visit www.locallife247.co.uk/share-your-photos/

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Historical spot campaign The historical spot which led to a boom in Wigan’s fortunes is set to be spruced up.

A group has been formed to regenerate Parbold Dry Dock, just off the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

Originally, the canal was to bypass Wigan by going straight from Parbold to Leyland. Work had already started when the detour to Wigan was agreed. That meant the small headway towards Leyland, which had already been started, became redundant and the dry dock at Mill Leat was born.

Kathryn Georgeson, a former Parbold Douglas pupil, is spearheading the campaign and has support from the parish council and the Canal & River Trust.

“It’s really overgrown now, but when I was little, it was clear and I‘d play in it all day during the summer,” says Kathryn.

The Canal & River Trust won’t let volunteers access the site for health and safety reasons.

“There’s a risk of water from the canal flooding the dry dock,” says Bill Froggatt, heritage adviser for the Trust.

“The only thing which keeps it dry is clay and timber banking, but that needs replacing. That would be part of any restoration works to the dock.”

There’s also a move to improve Lathom Dry Dock, which is further up the canal towards Burscough.

Mike Allen, who is from the Lathom campaign, said: “Both docks are in a sorry state these days, Parbold

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“Myself and Kathryn are promoting this project in a voluntary capacity and have met a number of times.

“The main aims of this project are to clean up both docks and immediate surrounding areas by removing overgrown vegetation, later non original additions, upgrading footpaths where necessary and providing historical and heritage information about the docks and the impact of the canal in the growth and development of these villages.

“Once the project is completed this will link both villages with a walk worth making, bringing more visitors into both villages and improving the environment.”

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Planning Matters Haigh 18 Woodlands Park Close: Plan to extend dwellinghouse - first floor to side, with raised balcony to side (ref: A/17/83614/HH). A decision is due soon.

Shevington Vale Primary School, Runshaw Avenue: Proposed single storey extension to south elevation with 2 canopies to the north and east together with a 2.4m high weld mesh fence to the north (ref: A/17/83675/LA). A decision is due soon.

Appley Bridge

Standish Lower Ground

NWW Pumping Station, Back Lane: Installation of new additional antennas to existing tower (overall height 33.86m), together with radio equipment housing and ancillary development (ref: A/17/83629/FULL). A decision is due soon.

65 Wigan Lower Road: Change of use to mixed use offices and training centre (ref: A/17/83681/CU). A decision is due soon.

Standish 20 Wheatsheaf Walk: Plan to extend dwellinghouse first floor to side (ref: A/17/83741/HH. A decision is due soon.

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

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

events2go

Wigan Arts Festival

Wrightington Pensioners

Friday, March 31 – Sunday, April 16

Tuesday, April 5, 7.30pm

Two weeks of live music, art, theatre, dance, poetry, comedy, family events and workshops.

A friendly and sociable evening for residents within Wrightington, with games such as Bingo, Whist and Dominoes. There is also a monthly coach trip.

The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA. Visit: theoldcourts.co.uk

Dusty’s Giant Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 1 – Monday, April 17, 9.30am – 5pm Calling all kids – WWT Martin Mere has lost our GIANT yellow ducks and Dusty Duck needs you and your family to help him find them. (50p to enter).

WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, LancashireL40 0TA. Contact: 01704 891240

Former 9th Scout Reunion Saturday, April 1, 7pm

Wrightington Pensioners Hall, Chisnall Avenue, Wrightington, WN6 9RR. Contact: 01257 452979.

Hysteria Wednesday, April 5 – Thursday, April 6, 7.30pm A hilarious farce explores the fallout when two of the twentieth century’s most brilliant and original minds collide.

Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT. Contact: 01772 804444.

Wigan Voices in Harmony

An invitation to anyone involved with 9th Wigan Scout Group, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures, Parents’ Committee. The event will take place at St. Matthews Parish Hall. Please book early - £10.

Friday, April 7, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

St Matthew’s Parish Hall, Billinge Road, Highfield.

Contact: 01257 431045.

St Anne’s Church, Church Street, Shevington WN6 8BD. Contact: 01257400852.

From Pemberton to Bogota

Animated Clay Stories

Sunday, April 2, 7.30pm

Friday, April 7, 10.30 – Noon

Brian Cannon will be telling the story of Microdot from humble beginnings to the complete madness of the 90’s and beyond.

Fun animation workshop aimed at children aged 5 – 11. Children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. £1 per child, booking essential.

The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA. Visit: theoldcourts.co.uk

Wigan Library, Wigan Life Centre, The Wiend, Wigan WN1 1NH. Contact: dcircus@wigan.gov.uk

The next concert by Wigan Voices in Harmony will be “All in the April Evening”. Admission will be payable on the door and is £6 (or £5 for concessions)

41

The Kell Wind Trio

Craft Session

Saturday, April 8, 7.30pm

Monday, April 10 , 11am – Noon

Wigan Music Society presents The Kell Wind Trio, with Stephen Reynolds on the piano. Includes music from Haydn, Beethoven, Finzi and Rossini. Admission is Members £7, non-members £8 and students £1.

Taking place throughout the Wigan Borough during the Easter Holidays, these sessions give the opportunity for children to craft their own Easter bonnets. Booking is essential.

Trinity United Reformed Church, Milton Grove, Wigan, WN1 2PG.

Shevington Library, Gathurst Lane, Wigan WN6 8HA. Contact: 01257 252618

Re-opening of Crazy Golf

Mayor’s Tea Dance

Sunday, April 9, 11am

Tuesday, April 11, 1pm – 4pm

The official re-opening of the Haigh Hall Crazy Golf with the Mayor of Wigan doing the opening honours, music by Greater Manchester Police Band and a “Mad Hat” Competition with prizes for best adult and child. Price per player is just £1.

Dance the afternoon away alongside the Mayor of Chorley, under the direction of Jason Parkinson from Dance with Passion and featuring Blackpool Tower Ballroom organist, Chris Hopkins. Tickets £6 includes tea, coffee, homemade cakes and scones.

Haigh Hall Country Park, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Contact: committee@friendsofhaighcountrypark.co.uk

Chorley Borough Council, Town Hall, Market Street, Chorley, PR7 1DP. Contact: 01257 515151

42

Soccer School

Alice in Wonderland

April 11, 12, 13, May 20, 31, June 1, 10am – 2pm

Saturday, April 15, 2.30pm

Chorley Football Club presents a soccer school for boys and girls aged 5 – 12 years. This three day school is £20, with fully qualified coaches.

A fast-paced, highly entertaining Easter Pantomime, featuring pop songs, magic, puppets and your favourite Wonderland characters.

The Chorley Group Victory Park Stadium, Duke Street, Chorley, , PR7 3DU. Contact: 07804 145055

Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT. Contact: 01772 804444.

Appley Bridge WI

Chorley Cycling Grand Prix

April 12, May 10, June 14, 7.30pm

Saturday, April 15, 11am – 5pm

A vibrant and friendly group of ladies who meet once a month for friendship, trips, education and more.

Join Chorley town centre to cheer on Britain’s professional cyclists as they race-off on a 100 mile course around the Chorley Borough.

Appley Bridge Village Hall, Appley Ln N, Appley Bridge, WN6 9AQ. Contact: admin@lfwi.org.uk

Curious Critters Thursday, April 13, 10.30am Curious Critters Easter Special with baby chicks, ducklings, rabbits and more. For children aged 4 years and over, £2.00 each, booking is required.

Standish Library, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HQ. Contact: 01942 400496.

Creative Crafts Thursday, April 13, 10.30am – 12.30pm Be creative with wool and other natural materials. A family activity, recommended for children aged 7 and over. Price includes materials. Must be pre-booked.

National Trust, Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6QN. Contact: 01625 374428

Easter Shopping Fair Friday, April 14 Noon – 5pm – Monday, April 17, 10.30am – 5pm

Chorley Borough Council, Town Hall, Market Street, Chorley, PR7 1DP. Contact: britishcycling. org.uk/events/details/141081/Chorley-Grand-Prix

Handmade Fair Sunday, April 16 and Sunday, May 21, 10am – 4pm Stalls selling handmade cushions, cakes, chocolate, crafts, paper craft, jewellery, knitted items, pens, wood craft, button craft, jams, cards and more.

Mercure Hotel, Manchester Road, Blackrod, Bolton, BL6 5RU. Contact: 07787 316234

Big Brocket Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 16, 10am Tickets will be £5 this includes breakfast, Easter egg hunt, colouring competition and more games.

38 Mesnes Road, Wigan WN1 2DD. Contact: 01942 403500.

Salt of the Earth Wednesday, April 19 – Saturday, April 29, 7.30pm

Free admission to the Tenants Hall packed with

A richly humorous, affectionate and touching

gifts, specialist foods, craft, fashion and more.

portrait of life in a northern mining community.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN. Contact: 01625 374400.

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

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45

Manitoba Hal and Friends

Shakespeare abridged

Wednesday, April 18, 7.30pm

Monday, April 24 – Saturday, April 29, 7pm

The Canadian ukulele bluesman, returns with support artists ‘ricmacfeegle’ and a slimmed down ‘Quaintest Show on Earth’. Limited Tickets £10 each.

Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.

Tap ‘n’ Barrel, 16 Jaxons Court, Hallgate, Wigan, WN1 1LR. Contact: 01942 386966

Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, PR7 2RL. Contact: 01257 264362.

Great British Food Festival

St. Helens Business Fair

Friday, April 21 – Sunday, April 23, 10am – 5pm

Thursday, April 27, 10.30am – 3pm

Explore new flavours and beautiful venues, all at the same time!

The largest b2b networking event in the area.

Stonyhurst College, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, BB7 9PZ. Contact: info@greatbritishfoodfestival.com

Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 0HQ. Contact: rachel.wellens@ sthelenschamber.com

Race Night

Bee Safari

Friday, April 21, 7pm

Saturday, April 29, 2pm – 4pm

The 1st Standish Scout Group are raising money by hosting a Race Night. Ticket price includes supper.

Families are welcome but children must be over 16.

Tickets from Bumbles Gifts, Preston Road, Standish.

Take a stroll with experts from Lancashire Wildlife Trusts “Plan Bee” project and find out more about local bees, their importance and what you can do to help them. Free and booking is not required.

Unity Club, 2 Cross Street, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQ. Contact: standishcubs@gmail.com

Beacon Ranger Service, Beacon Lane, Dalton, Wigan, WN8 7RU.

Volunteer Gardeners

Retro, Vintage & Crafts Fair

Friday, April 21, May 5, 19, 10am – Noon

Sunday, April 30, 10am – 4pm

Friends of Standish Library invite volunteer gardeners to help spruce up the gardens around the library.

All things retro, vintage and handmade. With food and drink available. £1.00 entry and under 12s free.

Standish Library, Cross Street, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HQ. Contact: 01257 400496

Monaco Ballroom, Atherton Rd, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3EU. Contact: facebook.com/Fairlyretro

Coffee Club

Horwich Music Festival

April 21, May 19, June16, 10am – 1pm

Friday, May 5 – Sunday, May 7

Join The Coffee Club for a coffee and a chat. They also have raffles, gift and book stalls and refreshments.

Performances throughout the weekend in afternoon and early evening, with a wide choice of

All proceeds go to cancer research UK.

genres to listen to. Times and ticket prices may vary.

Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington. Contact: 01257 423128

Horwich Community Centre, Beaumont Road, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 7BG Contact: 01204 668157

46

Open Day

Blithe Spirit

Saturday, May 6, Noon – 4pm

Wednesday, May 24 – Friday, May 26, 7.30pm

Performances from the Wigan Ukulele Band and lots of activities for the children; it’s the perfect chance for parents to have a look around!

An improbable farce by Noel Coward, directed

by Ruth Mcloughlin. Tickets £6 adults or £5 concessions.

Roby Mill Pre-School, 4 Roby Mill, Up Holland, WN8 0QF. Contact: 01695 632816

St Michaels Hall, St. Michaels Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan, WN1 2BQ. Contact: 07806 787250

HMS Pinafore

The Gin Society

Tuesday, May 16 – Saturday, May 20, 7.30pm

Friday, May 26, 6.30pm – 11pm, Saturday, May 27, 12.30pm – 5pm and 6.30pm – 11pm.

Dynamite songs, memorable foot-tapping melodies and a highly entertaining story.

St Josephs Club, 132-134 Chapel Street, Leigh, WN7 2DB. Contact: 01942 676594

Latics Legends v Dutch Masters Friday, May 19, 7.30pm Friendly football match in aid of charity Joseph’s Goal.

Edge Green Sreet, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8SL. Contact: 01942 724448

Bolton Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RJ. Contact: facebook.com/ginfestivals

Storyplay – Fantastic Mr. Fox Friday, May 26, 4.30pm Your little ones will be transported on a literary journey of fun and adventure – meeting all of their favourite characters, brought to life by actors.

The Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft Street, Bolton BL1 1SB. Contact: 01204 520661

Handmade Fair Sunday, May 21, 10am – 4pm Stalls selling handmade cushions, cakes, chocolate, crafts, paper craft, jewellery, knitted items, pens, wood craft, button craft, jams, cards and more.

Mercure Hotel, Manchester Road, Blackrod, Bolton, BL6 5RU. Contact: 07787 316234

LEARN TO PLAY PIANO Study for music exams or just for enjoyment. No age limit!

Over 90 different gins, prosecco cocktails and live entertainment. Tickets cost £7.50 + booking fee.

DBS Checked

Call Louise McAleer GMus PGCE 01257 421056 or 07908 614664 louise.mcaleer29@yahoo.co.uk

Boltfest Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28, 11am – 10pm Two days of the best tribute bands on the planet.

An extremely fun filled safe family environment.

Queens Park Lodge, Queens Park, Park Road, Bolton, BL1 4RU. Contact: Boltfest.com

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Contact wiganchristadelphians.wordpress.com/bible-study/ or post to 66 Dicconson Street, Wigan, WN1 2AT

47

Worm Charming Day

Over 50s Jammers

Saturday, June 10, 11am

Every Wednesday, 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Ever thought of yourself as the best worm charmer in town? There will also be entertainment and a variety of stalls. A fun day out.

If you have a passion for music, can play an instrument and would like to meet like-minded people, then this is the group for you. £3.50.

St Elizabeths Vicarage, Bolton Rd, Aspull, WN2 1PR.

The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA. Contact: 01942 410499.

Fashion Show

Saturday Breakfast

Friday, June 16, 7.30pm Tickets are £4 each, available from The Hoot (open Wednesday to Sunday), Mrs Lyon’s Tearoom (open Tuesday to Sunday), the Friends of Standish Library,.

Every Saturday, 9am – 11.30am

Unity Club, 2 Cross Street, Standish, WN6 0HQ. Email: standishneighbourhoodforum@gmail.com

St Lukes Vicarage, 10 Lodge Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7AT. Contact: 01695 627999.

Pop-up breakfast cafe with assorted stalls. This event raises funds for local community organisations.

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Puzzle Corner WORD SEARCH Find the hidden words

1

9 7

1

5 7 3 9 4 3 5

8

4 1 2

8 9

9 7 3 5 2 3 6 1

SUDOKU

CLUE: A less direct route WHEEL PEDAL CHAINSET FRAME CHAIN

HELMET MOUNTAIN TYRE HANDLEBAR MUD

FORKS SPOKE PUNCTURE LEVER HUB

LOGIC PROBLEMS Can you work out each one’s full name and their favourite dishes?

CLUES 1. Mrs Green’s favourite dessert is cheesecake 2. The woman who prefers cottage pie also has a liking for ice cream; her first name is not Tracie 3. Anne, whose surname is not Sunday, does not care for lamb hotpot 4. Lorna Hilton’s favourite main course is not roast chicken, she avoids apple crumble as she thinks it may have too many calories

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

I N A R

O T W O

U Y A U

B A D N All the puzzle solutions are on page 80 of this magazine

WIGGLE WORDS

49

50

Class from the past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Standish Grammar School. It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1950s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?

20 St Georges Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2AA 01257 367 899

Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact us today by emailing wigannews@ locallife247.co.uk

*Subject to size and colour. Pictures for illustration only.

Sefton Meadows Garden Centre, Sefton Lane, Maghull, L31 8BT 0151 531 0056

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52

Health & Fitness

Exercising during

pregnancy

By Abi Jackson

B

eyonce and Amal Clooney are expecting twins, Olympic cyclist Laura Trott just announced she’s pregnant, while Amanda Seyfried, Natalie Portman and a string of other celebs - not to mention millions of non-A-list women out there - are sporting blooming bumps.

While not all of their announcements may have made the headlines, their news was no doubt cause for much joy for their own family and friends. And whether or not you have the budget for personal trainers and 5-star gyms, keeping well is a priority everybody deserves to honour.

But exercising during pregnancy is a subject that throws up a lot of confusion, across the board.

Is this safe?

“There certainly is a good deal of confusion surrounding what’s safe and what’s not safe exercise-wise in pregnancy. There’s a tendency for everyone to voice their views, especially when celebrities share their workouts on social media suddenly the whole world has an opinion. It’s almost as if when people fall pregnant, they become public property, others consider it their right to advise and even criticise,” says pregnancy and postnatal fitness expert Dr Joanna Helcke, the brains behind the award-winning FitBumpBox and FitBumpBall exercise and wellness packages for mums-to-be (www.joannahelcke.com).

It’s a subject being highlighted in the reboot of Sport England’s hugely successful ThisGirlCan campaign.

“We know there can be confusion about being active during pregnancy, and sadly, some examples of women being criticised for remaining active whilst pregnant. We want to show the normalness of being active during pregnancy,” explains Kate Dale, Sport England’s head of brand and digital strategy.

What women want Research ahead of the campaign relaunch found 80% of pregnant women would like to be more active. However, 13% had been questioned or received negative comments for doing exercise, and 34% confessed they were worried that being active could harm their baby.

Pip Black and Joan Murphy, co-founders of ‘fitness destination’ Frame, have just launched a new online platform for their ‘Mumhood’ classes, which feature yoga, Pilates and barre classes for different pre and post-natal stages (www.mum-hood.com).

53 “Mumhood was born out of the fact that when Joan, and then I, became pregnant for the first time, even working in the industry, we found it really hard and at times very confusing to find information about exercising during pregnancy that didn’t contradict itself, or err on the side of caution. As people who were used to being active and needed to be to keep us sane, we started to do a lot of research ourselves into the risks and what type of exercises were safe, and which also would benefit you in terms of preventing pregnancy-related aches and pains, helping with the birth and with post-natal recovery.”

It’s personal Pregnancy - as with most things - does not affect every woman in the same way. Sometimes there are also long-term health concerns that might flareup or affect somebody’s needs or limits in terms of physical activity during pregnancy.

The Royal College of Midwives’ official advice is clear: it is important to keep physically active during pregnancy - and this is the over-arching message.

But that doesn’t mean heaping a ton of pressure on pregnant women to make sure they meet some predetermined fitness target, and neither should those who are able to be pretty active get criticised.

The guidelines also note that everybody consults with a healthcare professional for individualised advice, and also that their activity and fitness levels before pregnancy be taken into account.

“Every woman brings to pregnancy her own individual fitness levels, so what might be right for one person could well be entirely inappropriate for another,” says Dr Helcke. “The key is to ensure you’re not throwing new stuff at your body, and that you’re working at a level that is moderate by ‘your’ standards.”

The Royal College of Midwives’ advice for women who weren’t regularly active before pregnancy is to chat with their GP or midwife, and then ideally aim to begin exercising for 15-minute bouts or less, three times a week, increasing gradually to daily 30-minute sessions.

“Whilst ‘listening to your body’ may sound a little

54 unscientific, it is absolutely essential when it comes to keeping exercise safe during pregnancy,” says Dr Helcke. “Women should be on the lookout for telltale signs such as feeling more fatigued than usual and taking longer to recover from a workout.

Never attempt to work through these signs - they’re our body’s way of telling us to ease off. If this means working out less intensively, for a shorter period, or even moving to a more gentle form of fitness, then so be it.”

• Wear loose fitting clothing, and comfortable nonslip supportive shoes.

9 TOP TIPS

• Your metabolism speeds up during pregnancy, so remember to eat a well-balanced diet.

Hugh Hanley, father-of-two and national personal training manager at Virgin Active (www.virginactive. co.uk) offers these tips for starters...

• Your body produces a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy. This hormone softens joints and ligaments to make the birth process easier, so be careful not to overextend joints that may result in injury.

• Before you begin, talk to your doctor. They should be able to give advice specific to you.

• Drink plenty of fluids, before, during and after any exercise, and avoid overheating. Be sure to always warm-up and cool down.

• Keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minute.

• Past the first trimester, avoid exercising flat on your back - the weight of your uterus reduces the blood and oxygen flow to your baby.

• During aerobic exercise, you will find you have less oxygen available, so lower the intensity of your normal routine.

• Do pelvic floor exercises every day and you’ll help keep your back and spine strong, and alleviate problems with bladder and bowel control that are common after childbirth.

55

01257 696 050

E: mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk

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Mum wants to get out of her home more in 2017? How does this work?

ANSWER. Now that we have left February behind I am noticing it is much lighter earlier in the morning, and it is staying light beyond 6pm. Having said that it is still cold and damp! Given that the weather is getting better we are finding more of our customers want to go out.

Many of our customers have given up driving now that they are in their 70s or 80s but still want to go out in the better weather.

Favourite places to visit include: Botany Bay, Heskin Hall, Cedar Farm, Rivington, Derby House, Birkacre, Golden Days or supermarket shopping. Our customers have practical appointments, hospital outpatients can be difficult on your own because it hard to get around the site and uncertain how long it will take – our staff can help. Other appointments include: hairdresser, doctors, dentist etc…

All our staff have insured vehicles, and if necessary we have a lightweight wheelchair. If you want us to help get out and about please give us a call, from this we can discuss where you want to go, at what times, and whether any special arrangements need to be made.

“Out and About Services”, please call Amanda 01257 696 050.

If we can help with respite care for a loved one, or provide general help

please call Amanda 01257 696 050 Independent Living can provide the best quality bespoke care in peoples own homes. We offer a wide range of services that are all tailored to suit individual needs.

We provide services such as : • Companionship • Memory loss / Alzheimer’s Support • Helping with hobbies & interests • Housekeeping • Looking after pets • Transport & travel

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56

Financial Planning

Avoiding Investment

Mistakes

by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP),

Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director

D

o you manage your own investments and have you been happy with their performance? Whilst investors have endured a rather lively 12 months fundamentals have remained unchanged. There are a number of common errors that investors make and therefore I thought it useful to familiarise readers with just a few of them.

Time Horizons How long do you think you will live?

With medical treatment becoming far more effective, most people are now living far longer than they imagine they will. Clearly the danger is that funds will be prematurely depleted so it is important to have a sound financial strategy that will provide income needs until the end of your life.

Investment Objectives and Portfolio Strategy Aligning your objectives with your portfolio strategy is critical to determining your long term investment success. Generally, the longer the investment time horizon, the more risk one is able to take on. Those who are in it for the short term should not overly expose themselves to risk because a short term period of volatility can put their entire financial future in jeopardy.

Overlooking Unintended Risk Factors Managing a diversified portfolio of assets can be fraught with hidden risks. Factors such as sector, country and currency all play a role in a sensibly diversified portfolio. Quite often two different securities that “on the face of it� appear different, can have similar correlation and consequently market factors such as interest rate movements or commodity price changes can affect both holdings in the same way. Too high a concentration of any of these can expose your assets to risks you never intended Ignoring Global Markets As a result of globalisation there are a significant number of investment opportunities out there. If you suffer from a home country bias, the returns are still in part linked to the overall economic performance and political climate of the home country. Geographical diversification is a key part to building a well constructed portfolio that will grow your assets.

Over Confidence It is only natural to experience emotional fluctuations as you watch the ups and downs of the market each day. This can cloud judgement and hamper the ability to make rational decisions.

That is why it is vital to create an environment that is detached from emotion, one that relies on data and impartial analysis to make the right decisions.

Have you made any of these mistakes?

It is very difficult to avoid all of the investment pitfalls. Many investors simply do not have the time or resource to process the vast amount of data available and then to apply it to their personal investment requirement.

If you need help please do not hesitate to give us a call.

The value of investment and the income from them can fluctuate which may result in clients receiving less than initially invested. Past performance should not be seen as an indication to future returns

57

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58

Less dough prompts bakery move Hovis is set to move out of their Cale Lane depot - with the plant being cleared for a new housing development.

Crumpet production is due to cease at the site this month. Bosses say that, by summer, all 100 jobs will be switched to the company’s Golborne depot.

A planning application has now been submitted for outline permission for up 149 homes.

Hovis cited discount stores as being part of the reason for the move. In a statement to Wigan Council planners, the company said: “Overall, bread demand has continued to decline year on year over the past five years, but production capacity has not adjusted with the fall in demand leading to increasing excess supply.

“Retailers are fighting for share as the discounters grow in the market, and are using the price of household staples like bread to signal value to shoppers. Excess capacity coupled with retail deflation has led to a highly competitive

environment where retailers look to buy for less and manufacturers compete to fill bakeries.

“For Hovis, the impact of changes in the bread market over the past five years has resulted in a loss of business where Hovis has been unable to compete on cost price. It has also resulted in a margin reduction on remaining business where Hovis has had to invest to protect the business it has retained.

“Notably, the current position is not unique to Hovis’ Cale Lane site.

The business has had to vacate and/or dispose of 14 separate bakery or milling sites in the UK over the course of the last nine years.”

“The cost to refurbish/reconfigure the units would be highly prohibitive. A report demonstrates the cost for a short term refurbishment to bring the premises to a good standard, would be in excess of £4m, while the cost for a full refurbishment would be in the region of £9m.”

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Business fair a racing cert Local businesses are under starters’ orders to attend a business fair.

It is being held at Haydock Park Racecourse, just outside Ashton-in-Makerfield, on Thursday, 27 April. The event, organised by St Helens Chamber, runs from 10.30am-3pm, and is set to see 100 companies exhibiting. Throughout the course of the day a programme of free business seminars will take place.

Tracy Mawson, deputy chief executive of St Helens Chamber, said: “The fair is an excellent opportunity for businesses to meet with potential buyers and suppliers from across the borough and beyond. Last year’s event saw more than 450 people through the door on the day and with an even more accessible venue, we are hoping to top that this year.”

VAT for non-members. For more information or to book a free place visit ww.sthelenschamber.com/ businessfair For more information on exhibiting, contact Rachel Wellens on 01744 742028 or email Rachel.wellens@ sthelenschamber.com

Admission to the event and all of the activities is free. For companies wishing to exhibit, it is £99 plus VAT for St Helens Chamber Members and £149 plus

Get a piece of the action The next Action for Business Wigan event takes place on Tuesday, April 25, at the DW Stadium, Loire Drive. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce members can attend A4B events free of charge with additional places available at £10 plus VAT. Nonmembers are also welcome to attend for £15 plus VAT. For more details, email events@gmchamber. co.uk or call 0161 393 4343.

Hair-raising warning Wigan hairdressers are being warned of a crackdown

by TV Licensing officials. They are looking for salons which have TV or use BBC iPlayer but haven’t paid. A spokesman said: “Cutting corners, rather than hair, could land the owner in court and a £1,000 fine.

Free, no obligation discussion for all your bookkeeping needs Contact Petra on Telephone Mobile

60

Business View

Making tax

W

digital

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

elcome to the latest article from CMA. We provide dynamic, value for money accountancy services and work alongside business owners to implement cloud based solutions that enable them to work efficiently and achieve their personal and business goals.

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

This is a government initiative that sets out a vision for ‘a transformed tax system and the end of the tax return’ by 2020.

Following a period of consultations, there are plans to go ahead with an April 2018 launch for quarterly reporting for sole traders and buy-to-let landlords with a turnover above the VAT threshold.

The current plans, in brief, are: • The smallest businesses will be exempt from MTD. Following the review the government has agreed to set the threshold at £10,000.

• Taxpayers will send in summaries of their income and expenditure at least four times per year.

Three line accounts will be supported for those sole traders who want to report the minimum information. You will have an opportunity to adjust these records up to 10 months after your year end.

• Businesses will be able to use spreadsheets for record keeping but may need to combine these with some other software to submit the data. We recommended using online accounting software.

• The government have indicated that there will be a soft landing period of 12 months for penalties for those businesses that don’t comply.

A pilot of roll-out starts in April 2017 and these changes quickly follow;

• April 2018 – Self employed sole traders, and landlords with a turnover above the VAT threshold start updating quarterly information. This means from July 2018 they will have a obligation to file new reports to HMRC. • April 2019 – VAT registered businesses start updating HMRC quarterly for through their accounting software. Also MTD starts for VAT figures and returns.

• April 2020 – Companies report their income and expenditure through digital tax accounts.

The government have indicated that free software will be available to businesses with the most straightforward affairs. The details for this have not yet been released and we will provide more information in our next articles.

Clearly there are major changes ahead for all sole traders and companies. It is important to start planning for these changes now as they will soon be upon us.

CMA are developing our cloud based accountancy packages to enable our clients to be fully prepared for these changes. We are offering a free consultation for any sole trader business, landlord or company that would like to speak to us about these changes.

Alternatively drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further over a coffee. There will be no charge for the initial meeting.

Talk to us about your business today: 01257 255521 info@cma-accountancy.com www.cma-accountancy.com 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR

61

Free Consultation Did you know that, in just 12 months, the annual tax return will disappear and most businesses will have to file their return online every quarter?

CMA Accountancy has helped many local companies digitise their accounts systems.

Can we help your company?

Plan now for the 2018 changeover and call us for a FREE consultation.

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

62

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Frank’s photographic

memories David Sudworth talks to the Shevington photographer who witnessed some of Wigan’s most historic events

H

e was pitchside when Wigan made Wembley their second home in the 1980s.

He captured the day Princess Diana came to town.

But for Frank Orrell, one of his toughest assignments came when we had to illustrate a green phone box armed with just a black and white camera.

“It was 1973 and in the days before colour newspapers. The phone box was green and, at the time, they were normally red. So the editor wanted a photo because it was unusual. I was on the way

to the job in Billinge with a reporter thinking: ‘How the hell am I going to do this?’ Eventually I got two locals to pose with a watering can and spade next to it, as if it was a living, green plant!”

Frank, who worked as a local press photographer for almost 40 years before retiring in 2009, has now published a book with some of his most famous snaps from the 1970s.

Unbeknown to the ex- St Marie’s Primary pupil at the time, he was chronicling the changing face of

64

School children walking up Scot Lane, Aspull, on June 21, 1972 Wigan. The book is awash with scenes which have long-since disappeared. And there’s plenty of faces in the pictures to make it a must-read for any Wiganer.

Frank, 68, was born at 84 Shevington Lane to his Irish-born mother Foila, who died of TB when he

“My grandmother, Annie, moved in and brought us up. I’ve got a sister Kathleen, who lives in Standish, and a half sister, Ann, who lives in Billinge.”

Grandfather-of-two Frank’s journey into photography was a little unconventional: “I went to Blessed St John Rigby School but I didn’t enjoy it.

was just four, and father Jim, a joiner.

Shops on the right hand side of Wallgate just before being demolished in October 1979

65 “I left in 1965 with little ambition so went to the Labour Exchange in Orrell. They sent me to Bradley’s Menswear Shop in Market Street where the manager was actually called Mr Wigan.

“I was never much good at selling socks, underpants and cardigans but my dad was a keen amateur photographer. He suggested I write to the papers to see if they had any vacancies. They didn’t but said they’d keep my details on file.

“A couple of years later, a vacancy came up in the dark room - where the pictures were processed - so I left. I was based at Brock Mill at Leyland Mill Lane and got £8 and three shillings a week.”

The Castellii family from Gunnells Fold Farm, Arbour Lane, Standish, in 1974

From the dark room, Frank progressed and, in the early 1970s, became a full-fledged lensman.

“I left the film on the pitch at Wembley” Of all his assignments, he preferred sports: “I liked the spontaneity of it. However, you’d get drenched at Springfield Park. On one occasion, I was so wet that my camera started taking pictures by itself as it was short-circuiting!

“I remember the 1985 Challenge Cup final well because at that time we were starting to experiment with using colour photos. So at half time, I changed the rolls of film and put them on the turf beside me. It was only when I got back to Wigan I realised that those rolls, which included the two tries from Aussie winger John Ferguson, were still on the pitch at Wembley.”

Molly Dandy in her sweet shop on Broad O’Th Lane, Shevington, in April 1972

Before this latest book - Just One More: Early Days and 1970s - he’d already published a book of Wigan Rugby and Latics photographs.

And he’s planning to release some more general picture books covering the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s soon.

“I’ve really enjoyed looking at the old photos, they bring back some great memories. These photos were stored away for years in the archives at Leigh Library, so it’s been a long process of sorting them out.

Steve Austin, from Standish, who shared his name with TV character The Six Million Dollar Man

66 “Wigan has changed a lot over the past 40-50 years.

At the time, I didn’t realise I was taking photos which would have any historical relevance - I was just doing a job.

when they shouted at me ‘Keep yer bloody ‘ead down - we’ve paid fot come in’ at a rugby or football match, it was all good fun.”

“These days, I really only take photos of my grandchildren, Joseph, 10, and Lucy, who is seven.

Just One More time is priced £15.99 and available from Ryding’s News Stall on Wigan Market, the Museum of Wigan Life, Pemberton Flowers on Ormskirk Road and the Pyshio and Foot Surgery, Broad O’Th’ Lane, Shevington. Alternatively order online at www.michaelorrellphotography.uk/ photos/just-one-more/

“But the 42 years I spent doing photos were enjoyable, and I was lucky to have seen things of local and national importance.

“But more than anything, it was the interaction with local people that was the most enjoyable part. Even

Competition Time We have three copies of Just One More to give away. To be in with a chance of grabbing a copy, just answer the following question: What primary school did Frank attend?

Log on to www.locallife247.co.uk/free-stuff/competitions/ Enter your answer, your details and click on ‘Enter’.

Closing date April 30, 2017

James Marsden pictured sitting on a mounting stone at the junction of Robin Hood Lane and High Moor Lane, Wrightington, in January 1976. Locals were furious when a similar, 200 year old stone was thrown away by workmen during the widening of Moss Road. The stones, which were found at one mile intervals, were laid by the Gerard family when they lived at Wrightington Hall.

67

68

Food & Drink

Doing

France

By Kate Whitin

S

aturday mornings couldn’t be more different for James Martin, now he’s longer getting up at 5am to host Saturday Kitchen.

“For 10 years, I was waking up thinking about scripts and who’s on the show; now I get up in the morning and I just want to go for a pee,” the bubbly Yorkshireman confides with a chuckle.

“When it was compared to One Direction splitting up, that was a bit excessive, but you don’t realise,” he says. “People around me said, ‘You’re going to be missed’, and I went, ‘Oh, I doubt it’. All I saw was seven cameramen, I never saw three million people.

It’s very humbling, but what can you say? It’s just a food show.”

Those who’ve been missing Martin’s cheekychappie persona have no doubt been watching him cook his way around France, in new ITV series James Martin’s French Adventure.

Over the course of 20-episodes, he’s visiting foodie regions from Provence to Brittany and paying tribute to his late friend - and “still the best” TV cook - Keith Floyd, who made his home in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, and in whose old Citroen 2CV Martin drives around the country.

“He was one of the first ones, where he took that bench away. Before that, it was almost like a school lecture,” Martin recalls of Floyd’s pioneering role in TV cooking. “He never pretended to be a famous chef, he was an amazing foodie, with a vast knowledge and he was brilliant with people.

“I’m getting older! I get excited about going to the osteopath because my back’s killing me - I walk my dog now on a Saturday morning. I miss the buzz, but then 10 years is a long time.”

When it was announced last year that Martin, 44, was stepping down as the face of the popular BBC cookery show, there was a national outpouring of emotion, which took him by surprise.

“[Watching Floyd], you never knew what would happen, it was edge-of-the-seat stuff, where the irate woman in Marseilles is kicking off about the omelette, or he gets p***ed off and downs tools. He made food fun and accessible.”

The same could be said for Martin, who grew up on a farm on the Castle Howard estate in North Yorkshire, and first fell in love with France on family holidays. At just 12 years old, he started training in the kitchen at the Hostellerie de Plaisance in St

69 Emilion - and makes an emotional return in the series.

He also called up old friend and mentor Michel Roux Sr, and spent “one of the most memorable days of my life” cooking in his garden near St Tropez.

“The weather was beautiful, we cooked [quail with sausages and confit tomatoes] outside on a barbecue on his terrace, I went swimming in his pool and beat him at petanque! Now he doesn’t want to speak to me any more,” he says, chuckling

lunch, easy.

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The book that accompanies the series is bursting with French classics - you’ll find French onion soup, moules mariniere, steak au poivre and, of course, creme brulee and pain au chocolat, which Martin admits he once had an unhealthy addiction to.

“When I was pastry chef at Chewton Glen [the fivestar hotel in Hampshire, where he’s set to open a new cookery school and eatery in the spring], I could eat about two dozen pain au chocolat before James Martin’s French Adventure

by James Martin, photography

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70

Baked eggs with bayonne ham & parsley cream

Serves 4 Ingredients 40g butter, softened 4-8 slices Bayonne ham 8 eggs 2tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley 100ml double cream Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Crusty French bread, to serve

Method Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/gas mark 2.

Generously butter four individual ovenproof dishes or ramekins and place on a baking tray. Divide the ham slices between the dishes, laying them over the base and up the sides. Crack two eggs into each dish and then top with some of the parsley and the cream. Season with salt and pepper and bake for 12-15 minutes until the eggs are just set.

Scatter over a little more parsley and serve warm, with crusty French bread.

71

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72

Boeuf Bourguignon

Serves 6 Ingredients 1kg shin of beef, cut into 5cm cubes

Method

2tbsp plain flour

Toss the beef with the flour and some salt and pepper.

2tbsp olive oil

Place a large saute pan or flameproof casserole over medium heat, add half the olive oil and the pancetta and fry for one to two minutes until golden brown. Add the beef and fry until browned on all sides.

150g pancetta, cut into small chunks 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 onions, sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed 75ml brandy 750ml Burgundy red wine 500ml beef stock 1 bouquet garni - 2 bay leaves, 2 sprigs of thyme, 2 sprigs of flat-leaf parsley, tied with string

Add the shallot, onions and garlic and fry until just softened.

Add the brandy and gently shake the pan - this will ignite the brandy and burn the alcohol. When the flame dies down, pour in the red wine and beef stock and bring to a simmer. Add the bouquet garni, then cover and cook over very low heat for two hours or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

200g chestnut mushrooms

Heat a frying pan until hot, add the butter and the remaining oil and fry the baby onions until just golden. Add to the casserole, along with the chestnut mushrooms, and cook for a further 20 minutes.

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Check the seasoning before serving.

25g butter 110g baby onions, peeled but left whole

73

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sponsored by

Cuerden C

by David Sudworth

uerden is one of those words which, the longer you look at it, the stranger it seems.

Theories are mixed as to its etymology. Some say it’s from the Welsh for ‘rowan’ (cerdinen). Others think it could be an Anglicisation of coeur de lion (French for lionheart).

Also, is it ‘kew-er-den’ or ‘curden’? What a palaver - I’m sure the locals take great pleasure in hearing visitors mangle its pronunciation!

Anyhow, regardless of these minor matters, Cuerden is a lovely spot to spend the afternoon.

Its country park - all 650 acres - is owned by a Trust and was bought to create a park for the New Town developments in Chorley, Preston and Longridge.

Although bisected by no fewer than three motorways - M6, M65 and M61 - the noise from these tend to melt into the background fairly quickly.

We head off from the car park at The Barn, Berkeley Drive, Bamber Bridge, (PR5 6BY) and follow the path down into the park.

As we approach the first gate we turn left, taking the path towards Cuerden Hall. This fine building, which dates back to 1717, is now a Sue Ryder home.

In World War I, it was used as a hospital and during the 1939-1945 conflict, it was used by the Territorial Army.

Passing the front of the hall we head out along the

75

driveway until we reach a small path on our right.

This takes you onto the Cinder Path - a walled walkway which is actually a bit surreal. The walls are fairly high on both sides and, at one point, I was convinced we’d stepped into a drained moat.

Follow the Cinder Path until it emerges on to National Cycle Route 55. Here we go right, heading back into the park and down to the river. If you have wellies on, it’s a great chance to test them out for watertightness as there’s a ford crossing the river.

Be aware though - the current is strong and anyone who is of a nervous disposition would do well to give it a miss!

After confirming that my wellies (a tenner from a well-known supermarket) were free of any water ingress, we crossed the footbridge and headed up the path through the trees. We passed the pond on our left and climbed up through the field.

I am known in the office for my loathing of anything steeper than a mole hill, so this proved a bit testing, although I persevered. I can hear the praise from my GP now.

Going through the gate we keep to our right and follow the path. Before you know it you are walking along a lane which emerges on Sheep Hill Lane. At

this point cross the road and head right until you reach the first road on your left.

This is Glenmore, which you turn into and follow for a while until you reach the gated path on your left.

Go through the gate and follow this path, keeping to the left where the path splits. From here you

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76

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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.

FB

FB

Site of Lower Kem Mill

77 continue down the hill, round to your left, over a footbridge and up the hill.

you go right, through the woods and out around the fields, down towards the river.

Here you go right, taking the path out onto Back Lane. Cross the road and go left until you reach the public foot path by the side of the farm track.

Follow this path, keeping to the left where it splits and crossing Wood End Road. The path continues to wind its way along to another split, where this time

Crossing the foot bridge you emerge at the site of Lower Kem Mill. From here you go right along National Cycle Route 55, following it back up the valley. Where the path meets the main road you cross over, go right, over the bridge, and left into the park again. Continue along NCR 55 until you reach a path on your left. Take this path over the bridge, up the hill and back to the car park.

In total, this five mile walk is a pleasant way to pass the afternoon. There’s a good mixture of history and rural/semi rural scenery. My only gripe, as alluded to at the beginning, is that Cuerden should be easier to pronounce for us non-locals. But when set against such lovely scenery, I admit it’s a small price to pay...

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Cinder Path A straight line with walls at either side, the Cinder Path immediately sets enquiring minds racing.

Apparently, the story of the path can be traced back to December 1816 when 21-year-old Robert Townley-Parke took possession of Cuerden Hall.

Local historians say the Cinder Path was a local right of way, and could even been part of a Roman road. Townley-Parke is said to have tried in vain to close the path so he built a high stone wall along its length so that people using the path could not see into his property. Where the path crossed his driveway, he built a tunnel which is now a bat roost.

The Townley-Parkers were very private and apparently employed several gamekeepers.

Trespassers and poachers were vigorously prosecuted. One local legend has it that a man, who visiting someone in Bamber Bridge one evening, was using the path as a short cut when he came across a couple of poachers who, thinking the man was a gamekeeper, savagely beat him to death in the tunnel.

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78

Take a seat, or

by Angie Barker

two Award Winner

O

ne of my top garden design principles is always to include more than one seating area in a garden. We have a tendency in this country to sit near the back door of the house which is fine but it severely limits the possibilities of engaging with our gardens and using them to their full potential. Having more than one seating area gives you a different view of the garden and also means you can make the most of sitting in the sun as it moves around your plot.

Whenever possible I include some planting around a seating area whether this be a border or a raised bed. If you have a raised bed you can incorporate impromptu seating or a bespoke built in bench to give extra seating when entertaining family and friends.

encourage you to venture out into the garden and beyond the patio near the back door. You will be amazed at how different your garden looks from a different angle and it can become a retreat, a little hideaway – see the arbour seat in the photo taken from my garden.

When you have decided on where you want your seating area, try and find furniture that can stay outside all year round. There is nothing quite as depressing as seeing a patio in winter, bare of furniture because it has been stacked away in an already burgeoning shed.

So now that spring has most definitely sprung, revisit your seating areas and add an extra one.

If you have a small garden, you can still have more than one seating area, even if it is just a bench or Arbour seat in the corner of the garden. It will

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.

I recently bought a new garden chair from John Lewis and Hubby was not at all impressed when I told him it cost £125. (Well it is very swanky). On unpacking the delivery to my surprise, the chair came as a pair so I’d actually bought two chairs for £125. Fantastic value I thought and Hubby - well he is now a very happy man. He just loves a BOGOF!

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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

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WIGGLE WORDS: IN A ROUND ABOUT WAY

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2 9 7 6 3 1 5 4 8

8 6 3 4 7 5 9 1 2

7 5 9 1 6 4 2 8 3

FIRST NAME

SURNAME

LORNA ANNE TRACIE

HILTON GREEN SUNDAY

3 1 8 2 5 7 6 9 4

6 2 4 3 9 8 1 7 5 MAIN

4 8 1 5 2 6 7 3 9

9 7 2 8 1 3 4 5 6

5 3 6 7 4 9 8 2 1

DESSERT

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82

Test Drive

T

Toyota

oyota aims to bring something fresh to the growing compact Crossover segment with its C-HR. Here, concept car looks are matched to proven mechanicals that include a hybrid powerplant. If you’re thinking of buying something Qashqai-sized in this class or one of the trendier compact models, then this fashionable contender could be exactly what you’re looking for.

What if you want a fashionable little Crossover like a Nissan Juke? If that’s the case, you may have been a little put off by the cramped interior and rather average build quality. So what if another contender came along that was even trendier, better made, more efficient and not that much more expensive?

You’d be interested wouldn’t you? Well that’s exactly what’s being offered here in the form of Toyota’s C-HR. ‘C-HR’ is supposed to stand for ‘Coupe HighRider’ and sure enough, this car has a very coupestyle look.

C-HR The C-HR is being offered with two familiar engines from Toyota’s Auris hatch. The most affordable variant gets a 114bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic - and front or all-wheel drive.

Alternatively, buyers can choose a full hybrid powertrain with 120bhp, but that’s 2WD-only.

For the C-HR, Toyota has made its hybrid system lighter and more efficient, and engineered it to give sharper performance. Detailed design changes to the 1.8-litre hybrid engine have resulted in 40% thermal efficiency - a world-beating level for a petrol unit.

As for handling, well the major issue with taller Crossovers of this sort related to bodyroll and its detrimental effect on ride comfort. Huge efforts have therefore gone into structuring this model’s TNGA platform and giving it a low centre of gravity

83 so that the car doesn’t pitch about through the corners. Steering feel has been emphasised too, something else that tends to be lacking on this class of car.

Toyota’s first proper entrant in the Crossover segment should cause quite a stir, styled with a combination of a coupe-like upper body and the powerful underpinnings of an SUV. This styling contrasts with the pronounced flaring of the wheel arches which gives C-HR a wide and powerful stance. Inside, layered architecture for the instrument panel aims to create a warm and welcoming feel and there’s an 8-inch ‘Toyota Touch 2’ multimedia system that’s angled slightly towards the driver.

Overall, there’s a high quality feel to the cabin and decorative parts around the dash are finished in high-quality piano black and satin silver trim.

A hybrid-powered C-HR can return up to 78.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 82g/km of CO2.

The alternative engine is a 1.2-litre petrol turbo unit.

In front-driven form, this manages up to 51.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 125g/km of CO2.

Specify the CVT auto gearbox and those figures fall only slightly to 48.7mpg and 134g/km. Go for

the CVT gearbox and AWD and you’re looking at 45.6mpg and 143g/km.

We can see a ready market for this C-HR. We think the styling will attract many, but there are other product strong points too. Proven hybrid technology brings the potential for impressive efficiency and we rate the more conventional 1.2-litre petrol engine too. Plus C-HR buyers will like the sharp handling and the strong standards of safety and media connectivity. Style and sense combined then? Quite a few buyers in this segment may well think that.

84

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cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect

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Natalie

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

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Car84 dio Y @ Stu

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Shevington

Slash your electricity and water heating bill

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Health

k ChecVisit our showroom at

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X

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0843 A224 9555 U rton 07595S 420237

Brethe

or

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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

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25 years experience Tel: 01257 251 534 Mob: 07973 143 289

www.bryantparkconstruction.co.uk

Home Improvements • • • •

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

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

01942 203 804 DS Joinery 07851 225 876

PP

Building services Joinery Specialists

LOCAL, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL AND HONEST • Conservatories & Orangeries • Extensions • Refurbishments & Alterations • Fencing & Decking

• Garage & Loft Conversions • Kitchens & Fitted Bedrooms • Doors & Windows • All aspects of joinery work

Call Phil - 01257 425997 or 07703 007675

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

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

W.Newman

All aspects of roofing & roofline New roofs Repairs Fascias, soffits & gutters

ROOFING & REPAIRS

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Micro/Mini diggers Tracked hi-Tip dumper WiTh or WiThouT driver doMestic or coMMercial work

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Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist Guaranteed 50 years

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B.A. Berry Building & Roofing Specialists •All building work undertaken.

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Call us now for a free, no obligation quote

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

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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Taxing times Asking people to vote for tax rises is guaranteed to make you as popular as Pol Pot. Or Nick Clegg. Which is why councils are avoiding the 5% referendum limit like the plague.

Some crafty councillors have raised bills to 4.99%, thus neatly sidestepping the need to ask the great unwashed (aka you and me) what we think of this raid on our pockets.

Others have been a bit smarter.

Step forward West Lancs Borough Council who have been patting themselves on the back for their seemingly small hike of 2.68%. For a Band D property, this is an extra fiver a year. Less than a glass of tap water in London.

Yet some residents will end up paying a whopping 18.74% more.

That’s because the borough council has imposed a £30 charge per year to empty your green bin. Ironically, green bins were introduced around 10 years ago and billed as a way of saving the council money, as less waste would go into landfill.

Of course, there’s the argument that not everyone has a garden, so a pay-per-use system is fairer.

But you could say the same about most public services, and what would that lead to?

Expect to see more of these sort of stealth taxes in years to come austerity isn’t dead yet!

Changing lane Rectory Lane in Standish is changing. I had cause to wander down there recently and couldn’t believe the pace of change.

New homes everywhere. Nearby businesses will be pleased at the possibility of extra custom. Less pleasing is the extra traffic going through Standish at rush hour.

Isn’t it about time they built that bypass?

Weathering the storm Praise be - British Light Nights are here. I refuse to call it summer time as it merely tempts fate. For the past few years, we’ve had some exceedingly wet summers, and even flooding. I wouldn’t mind that so much we didn’t also have to put up with the eco-bores. Yes, those who wear knitted yoghurt jumpers, eat tofu for breakfast, partake in home schooling of their offspring and have an aversion to shampoo products. Mark my words, they’ll be hogging the

airwaves again soon with their tales of how my daily splash of Hai Karate is contributing to the human race’s extinction. Funny how these shroudwavers are nowhere to be seen when I’m scraping ice off the Ford Anglia windscreen in December...

Harold’s Royal flush And finally, a lovely tale about Aspull legend Harold Farrimond.

Harold, who died in 2002, was a press photographer and highly regarded in local newspaper circles. He was known for his ability to return from even the most routine of assignments with a fantastic photo. Shevington’s Frank Orrell, a colleague of Harold, has now published a book of Wigan photos, called Just One More. In it, Frank recalls: “Harold once attended an event around Wigan where Princess Alexandra was opening something, and was on the lookout for a different picture. He was wandering outside the VIP marquee - the press weren’t allowed inside. But Harold decided to creep under a flap of the marquee. He pointed his camera and said: ‘Just look this way love’ and got an exclusive picture of a flabbergasted Royal!”

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Come and visit one of the largest showrooms in the northwest First for quality • First for service First for reliability No contractors • No salesmen Just a smile and a honest price From a family run business

Want to feel safe in your own home?

Want a door that provides ultimate style & security?

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Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk