Local Life - Wigan - May 2019

LocalLife Wigan Edition

May 2019

Win Tickets To Nile Rodgers & Chic Page 74 - 75

Picture Houses Of The Past Pages 33 - 36

Theo’s Tribe Page 26

Blue Cross Sale ONE DAY ONLY!

Thursday 23rd May 8am-8pm 806 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton WN5 8AX

www.hepworthandhall.co.uk

The Limes, Standish

£350,000

Chorley Road, Standish

£350,000

A truly exceptional and spacious four-bedroom detached family home with impressive gardens, in an exclusive cul-de-sac setting of one of Wigan’s most desirable addresses.

A traditional and well-proportioned four-bedroomed detached family home with beautifully maintained gardens and a double garage in a highly desirable location.

Wingates Road, Haigh

Bellingham Drive, Wigan

£300,000

£300,000

Formerly the Estate office for Haigh Hall, this substantial three bed semi-detached cottage in a highly prized rural setting, boasts an abundance of period features.

This simply stunning 16thC four bedroomed family home has been extensively refurbished to provide tasteful décor and is packed with period features throughout.

Earl Street, Swinley

Yellowbrook Close, Aspull

£290,000

This unique seven bedroom detached residence, within walking distance of the town centre and Mesnes Park, is arranged over three levels and offers a very versatile layout.

£240,000

This beautiful three bed family home, situated in a spacious plot and close to the M61, is superbly maintained throughout and boasts a stunning open plan kitchen/diner.

a name you can trust

Parkside Cres, Orrell

£210,000

Vicarage Road, Orrell

£200,000

This lovely, traditional four bedroomed semi-detached family home, with two receptions plus garden room, has lots of off road parking and an extensive rear garden.

This lovely, spacious, two-bed detached home, in a quiet location close to the railway station and Water Park, has ample gardens and a large integral garage.

Chisacre Drive, Shevington

Ormskirk Road, Up Holland

£200,000

£190,000

An attractive and beautifully presented three bedroomed detached family home, that is set within well maintained gardens, close to M6 and Appley Bridge rail station.

This stunning 3/4 bedroomed semi-detached home, close to the M58, is set in a spacious plot with off road parking and is perfect for a growing family.

Millbank, Appley Bridge

Kilburn Road, Orrell

£170,000

This attractive three bedroomed semi-detached family home, with an ample split level rear garden and off road parking, is just a short walk from Appley Bridge station.

£150,000

This attractive well-presented three-bedroomed dormer bungalow with plenty of off road parking occupies a good sized plot on a popular estate close to open countryside.

www.alanbatt.co.uk

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Gathurst Lane, Shevington

ÂŁ600,000

Occupying a fantastic canal-side location within ½ acre of splendid grounds, this beautiful four bed detached bungalow with mooring, offers immaculately presented accommodation including tiled underfloor heating, Smart Home installations, a large off road parking area and detached garage.

www.alanbatt.co.uk

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Local Life

Happy Easter!

There was a bit of a birthday celebration a few weeks ago, when Local Life turned 11. Although it seems like we’ve been around for ever, I realise just how young this company actually is when we start dealing with grand old Wigan companies such as Alker Ball Healds.

A recent amalgamation of Alker Ball and Healds, this time-honoured group of solicitors, and their forebears, have been providing legal advice to us Wiganers since 1852, that’s an amazing 167 years!

We’re delighted that they have joined Local Life as our resident solicitors and they will be providing their advice on different aspects of the law, kicking off with their piece about the legalities behind common law relationships on page 24.

And we also raised a glass recently to welcome back an old favourite to the area’s food scene, an extremely talented chef whose Glaswegian accent tests my lip-reading skills to the absolute limit. Of course I’m talking about Marti Cameron, who has returned to The Star Inn, Roby Mill in an ownership capacity.

Marti has agreed to provide some of his own delicious recipes to our readers every month, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with. The first creation, a wickedly indulgent Easter Egg cheesecake, is on page 53, so if you’re looking to get creative with some of your family’s Easter Egg stockpile over the next few days, this is where to look!

Remember; the best way to ensure you get hold of every single copy of Local Life is to register on our website www.locallife247.co.uk. Just scroll down to the bottom of the Home Page, leave your details and we’ll send you an online link to the magazine every single month.

Have a great Easter, see you next time.

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Local Life

In this issue

Regulars 71 Puzzle page 77 Test Drive

Picture Houses Of The Past

80 Garden Diary

Sections 49 Food & Drink 54 Travel 58 Legal & Finance 60 Property 62 Business View

33 Easter Egg Cheesecake

64 Health 72 Events2Go 77 Motoring 80 Gardening 86 Home Services

Next issue - June 2019

Advertising deadline - Thursday, 9 May Published - Thursday, 23 May

53

LocalLife

Jack’s Tracks: Carr Mill

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

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

68 Win Tickets To Nile Rodgers & Chic

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

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

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The next issue is delivered to 13,025 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.

Test Drive: Kia E-Niro

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.

77 locallifemagazine247

@locallifemedia

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News & Features

Pemberton Oasis Fun, free Oasis sessions take place every week during term-time at Pemberton Free Grace Church.

Go along to the church for hot drinks, a chat and some company while doing plenty of different activities!

Babies and toddlers are very welcome, and you can enjoy a craft and a chat while they play.

Sessions take place on Tuesday mornings from 9:30am-12pm at the Rehoboth Chapel on Wardley Street (WN5 8BU). For more information, call 01942 375 700 or email info@pembertonfgc.org.uk

Families Together Bispham Methodist Church in Billinge is launching a brand new monthly event.

Families Together @Bispham is a fresh expression of church. It’s free and open to all ages, with a varied programme each month - get involved with

creative crafts and activities, enjoy refreshments together and discuss faith matters! Part-time family worker Sandra Morris will be on hand to help.

The church group launches on Sunday, April 28 from 3pm-4:30pm, and will subsequently take place on the last Sunday of each month. For further information, email sandrafamilyworker@gmail.com or call 07711 371427.

Community Bowling Orrell YMCA Community Bowling Club is now open for the summer!

New members are always welcome to join the club on Winstanley Road. Individual membership costs £22 for the whole summer, and there’s no extra cost to join the ladies’ or men’s teams.

The club is open from 9am until late every day, and can be found behind the YMCA. For further information, call Brian on 01695 622138 or Kath on 01942 519042.

ling Are you a first-time buyer strugg to get on the property ladder?

If that’s a yes, we offer a FREE initial consultation on: • First-Time Buyer Mortgages/Purchases • Re Mortgages • Buy to Let Mortgages We have access to some of the most competitive rates on the market Your home may be repossessed if you don’t keep up repayments on your mortgage

We also provide advice on: • Home Insurance • Income Protection • Life / Critical Illness Insurance

Call Steve on: 01695 666 999

www.mortgagefactoryltd.com

Pop in to see us: 44A Ormskirk Road, Upholland (Next to Fosters Hair)

Email: info@mortgagefactoryltd.com

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Pyjama Donations Local Slimming World groups have been getting involved in a charity appeal to help disadvantaged children at Easter.

Danielle White, who runs two Slimming World groups at Clifton Street Community Centre and Appley Bridge Village Hall, got involved in helping Billinge’s Storehouse Project last Christmas. The project aimed to donate pyjama sets to children who would otherwise not get any on Christmas Eve, with members of the group donating PJs and additional 5ps from their £4.95 entry fee. The group collected 48 pairs of pyjamas and plenty of Christmas goodies for distribution.

April 1 saw over £100 donated to buy Easter eggs for the children, raised through raffles and member

donations. Later this year, the group want to double their pyjama donations – and already have over £50 towards the new sets.

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Shevington Fete The Shevington & District Community Fete has been announced for 2019.

Mark your calendars: on Saturday, June 22 from 11am-4pm, you can enjoy loads of live music, plus stalls to browse and delicious food to feast on across the village. The fete will stretch across Shevington Recreation Ground, St. Anne’s Parish Rooms, the youth club and the Methodist church.

For more info, email shevingtonfete@outlook.com

Summer Nights Two huge outdoor cinema experiences head to Dunham Massey park this summer.

Catch a special showing of Grease on Thursday, August 29 from 6:30pm with the beautiful grounds as a backdrop. Experience the friendships, romance and adventure of the hit musical like you’ve never seen it before, and have a good old singalong while you’re at it!

On Saturday, August 31, Bohemian Rhapsody heads to the park at 6:30pm. You’ll follow Queen through their huge career all through to their heady performance at the 1985 Live Aid. Tickets for the films cost £15.50 per adult, £10.50 per child under 12, or free for under-5s. For more information, visit www.summernightsfilm.co.uk

UTC to Close Wigan UTC is to close its doors for good in August.

The college is no longer in a financially viable position due to declining student numbers.

Governors are currently working to find a way forward through talks with the Department of Education, while parent meetings are set to take place to share concerns and discuss future options.

Those affected are encouraged to email Lisa Nandy on lisa.nandy.mp@parliament.uk to request an extension on the closure and allow current students to finish their education.

Grange Community Centre Highfield Grange Avenue, Marus Bridge, WN3 6SE Thursday 4pm, 5:30pm & 7pm Lynn – 07985 526934

Parbold Village Hall 2 The Green, Parbold, WN8 7DN Thursday 4pm & 6pm Carol – 07854 252 501

St Matthews Cricket Club Billinge Road, Pemberton,WN3 6BL Tuesday 7pm Lynn – 07985 526934

Standish Community Centre Moody Street, Standish, WN6 0JY Thursday – 7.30am & 9am Carol – 07854 252 501

St Aidans Social Centre Highfield Grange Avenue, Winstanley, WN3 6EE Wednesday 5pm & 7pm Lynn – 07985 526934

Appley Bridge Village Hall Appley Lane North, WN6 9DX Wednesday – 8am & 9.30am Danielle – 07917 562 485

Clifton Street Community Centre Clifton Street , Wigan, WN3 5HN Monday – 4.30pm & 6.30pm Tuesday – 5pm & 7pm Thursday – 9.15am Saturday – 7.30am, 9am & 11am Danielle – 07917 562 485 Carol - 07854 252 501

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A series of road rides to help cyclists build confidence riding off-pavement run this month.

a magical place for them to laugh, cry and celebrate their loved ones. The activities offered promote selfexpression and encourage children to bond with those around them while building confidence.

Rides travel along various routes, and range from 15 to 25 miles. They’re not suitable for cyclists with little or no experience riding, and all riders must provide their own road-worthy bike and helmet.

The group meets at Pipsqueaks Play Café in Orrell on the last Wednesday of the month from 6:30pm7:30pm. For further information, call 0161 711 0339 or email kelly@onceuponasmile.org.uk

Road Rides

Rides take place on Sunday, April 28, Sunday, May 12 and Sunday, May 19 from 9am-11:30am.

Sessions start at Wigan Life Centre and are free with an Inspired Wigan gym membership or £1 without.

For more information, call 01942 488481.

Once Upon a Smile A support group for bereaved children wants to help youngsters in Wigan cope with the loss of a parent or sibling.

Once Upon a Smile is aimed at children aged 6-11 who have lost someone close to them, and provides

Open Gardens Dalton Gardens is returning for 2019.

The first open gardens event took place some twenty years ago, when Dalton Church’s vicar decided to host a community event to get local residents involved with the church and their neighbours. Vicar Tim retired in 2015, and it seemed the event had retired with him – until now.

Gardens will be open to the public to help raise money for essential roof repairs at Dalton Church.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 9 from

CHANGE YOUR BODY, CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

If you have tried and failed with exercise and diet in the past, it’s time to try something you can stick to in 2019!

Come and try a free taster session of small group personal training or Fit Camp at Wigan’s only personal training studio for women.

• Fitness, fat loss and body reshaping 470 WARRINGTON ROAD, WIGAN, WN3 6QF PHONE OR TEXT:

07952 828280

TEAM@FITNESSUPGRADED.COM FITNESSUPGRADED.COM

• Workout with like-minded women & experienced female trainers • Beginners welcome at our friendly & supportive studio • Fit over Fifties PT sessions • Nutrition support

11 12:30pm-6:30pm, and will enable local people to visit beautiful gardens for one day only in June.

Admission to gardens will be sold in advance at ÂŁ5 per ticket or on the day for ÂŁ6, which provides visitors with a programme of entries. Food and refreshments - including a delicious hog roast will be available on the day. There will also be the chance to browse and buy various plants, jams and garden sculptures throughout the day.

Programmes can be collected from Arnold Phillips in Standish, the Do It Yourself Centre, Radiant Living and The Old Post House in Parbold, or the Prince William in Dalton.

For more information about Dalton Gardens, visit www.daltongardens.shutterfly.com

Earn extra

cash!

Local Life require distributors for the following areas; Highfield Clevedon Drive, Culcross Road areas Woodbrook/Charlotte Drive estate Winstanley Shefford/Burley Crescent area Andover Crescent, Petworth Avenue area Goose Green Crestwood/Prestbury Avenue area Upholland Ormskirk Road & Rivington Drive estate Interested?

Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

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The Amazing Extra-ordinary Gift

GOD’S Power Today!

IN WIGAN FOR 2 DAYS ONLY Hear what your future holds Meet him personally

REV MELVIN BANKS (the second SMITH WIGGLESWORTH)

Come and have prayer from this astounding man of God.

Photo courtesy of Oxford Mail

14,000 heard him in Caerphilly Castle Gardens, with one of the World’s most renowned Christian HEALERS He has astonishing – Bible Supernatural gifts

Appearing at the Living Faith Church, 25 Church Street, Orrell WN5 8TG Saturday 27th April 2019 at 6pm Sunday 28th April 2019 at 10.30am with a special afternoon healing at 2pm Full tea and buffet served free of charge – booking is recommended

He is also in Wigan on 1st & 2nd June

A true Prophet of God 3 GREAT HEALING SESSIONS ~ PERSONAL ATTENTION Prayer for all who are sick ~ BRING SICK FRIENDS Admission Free 100’s HAVE CLAIMED TO BE CURED OF ALL TYPES OF DISEASES THIS IS A SPIRITUAL GIFT Ring for FREE reserved seats on 07764 607 060 or 01695 623 212 Due to limited space and DEMAND

In pain, stressed, fears, sad? GOD CAN HELP

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St Francis Church Hall City Road, Kittgreen, WN5 0BA Monday 8am and 9.30am Jannette 07546 331235 St Cuthberts Sports & Community Club Montrose Avenue, Pemberton ,WN5 9XL Monday 6pm and Thursdays 7pm Emma 07806 815581 The Mount Orrell Orrell Road, WN5 8HQ Tuesday 6.30pm Jannette 07546 331235

Bispham Methodist Church Hall Crank Road, Billinge Wednesday 8.30am and 10.30am Karen 07789 227871 St Marks Church Victoria Street, Newtown, WN5 9BN Saturday 8.30am and 10.30am Hannah 07775 556480

Lamberhead Green Working Men’s Club 16 White Street, Pemberton, WN5 8JW (Behind White Swan) Wednesday 3.15pm, 5.00pm and 7.00pm Karen – 07789 227871

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I

Advertisement

Loving

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

15 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

your friends and families, a unique signature piece for your home décor plan or an enjoyable get together, 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

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Weekender Warrington is gearing up for the massive Neighbourhood Weekender Festival in May – and Local Life is offering you the chance to win a pair of VIP tickets.

Topping the bill are songwriting sensation George Ezra and Wigan-born Richard Ashcroft of The Verve, with acts like You Me At Six, Kate Nash and The Futureheads also appearing on stage throughout the weekend. The festival also affords you the opportunity to catch breakthrough artists like Maisie Peters, Manchester band Pale Waves and BRIT award winner Sam Fender before they make it even bigger.

The festival made its debut last year to roaring acclaim from critics, dubbed ‘everything you could wish for’ by Louder Than War, and with a fresh, exciting line-up in 2019, the Neighbourhood Weekender looks set to continue that trend tenfold.

A solid grassroots roster of local and national talent

Win

will take over three stages, with the chance to experience a thriving hub of locally-sourced food and drink with a unique community feel.

Local Life have three pairs of weekend VIP tickets to give away on our Facebook page @ locallifemagazines247. These get you into the dedicated VIP area, with posh toilets, special food traders, a VIP bar and plenty of hammocks to recline in – along with a viewing platform for the main stage. The tickets are worth a whopping £208 each, so make sure to head over to our social media to be in with a chance of winning! Just give our page and post a like, and tag in the person you’d take with you to the festival!

The festival runs across Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. For more information about the Neighbourhood Weekender or to purchase tickets, visit www.nbhdweekender.com

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Lancashire’s Best Kept

Sh

In the heart of the Lancashire countryside, just minutes away from the M6 junction 27 lies a secret delight for shoppers - JAK Hanson Shopping Outlet, at Derby House in Wrightington.

Established six years ago by Jane, Andrew and Kirsty, JAK Hanson was recently a finalist in the Lancashire Tourism Awards. Whether you are a regular visitor or new to JAK Hanson you will be sure to find some great bargains on famous brands at this 18,000 sq. ft. store which also houses the Derby House Food Hall and The Paddock Restaurant. The store offers excellent disabled access being conveniently located all on one level.With friendly staff, FREE parking, no traffic jams and outlet prices, it’s no wonder that JAK Hanson is an ever increasingly popular shopping destination for thousands of

visitors, including an ever-increasing number of coach trippers from various corners of the UK! While you SHOP, DINE and RELAX you will discover a diverse range of clothing and shoes for ladies and men’s fashion, and leisure clothing with well-known brands such as Tigi, Klass, Brook Taverner, Weird Fish and Regatta.

A massive new shoe department has been recently added with other famous brands such as Rieker, Lunar, Skechers, Remonte, Dr Keller and an extended selection of homeware such as kitchenware, quality bedding, curtains and other furnishings by Julian Charles, gifts cards for every

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opping Secret! occasion, and so much more besides with significantly reduced outlet prices, meaning savings for you and your family.

The Derby House Food Hall and The Paddock Restaurant are also on hand to offer you a range of refreshments which can be tailored to your needs with a variety of food options including Afternoon Teas.

Big savings, big brands and you’ll be spoilt for choice at JAK Hanson so why not call in soon and discover Lancashire’s best kept shopping secret!

JAK Hanson Shopping Outlet, Derby House is open 7 days a week, the opening times are Monday to Saturday 9:00am – 5:30pm Sunday 10:30am – 4:30pm, Bank Holidays 9:30am – 4:30pm.

For more details about JAK Hanson visit www.jakhanson.com

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Competition Winners Congratulations to the winners of our April competition to win a pair of tickets to see Blue Planet II - Live in Concert.

We hope you had a fantastic time!

Alexander Burgan (pictured) and Angela Green from Winstanley each won a pair of tickets to the show.

Keep an eye out for more chances to win with Local Life on our social media, or head to page 74 to check out this month’s magazine competition.

Where there’s a Will there’s a way!

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FREE REVIEW OF YOUR WILL & LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY McHale Baker is offering a free review of your Will and any power of attorney that you have in place.

To take advantage of this opportunity please give us a call on 01257 463672 We offer office or home visit appointments.

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Advertisement

Platt & Fishwick would like to extend a warm welcome to Charlotte Ford, who has joined us as the newest member of our team.

of the Family Law Panel, the Family Law (Advanced) Panel and the Children Panel.

Platt & Fishwick is a forward thinking and innovative firm of solicitors who have been in business since 1914 and are dedicated to providing quality legal services in the most cost effective way possible.

Charlotte hails from Poynton, Cheshire.

She has a strong academic background, completing her Law Degree in two years and progressing to attain her Masters Degree in Law in 2016. Charlotte then relocated to Wigan to successfully complete her Training Contract before being admitted as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales in August 2018.

We can also offer assistance in the following areas; Wills & Probate, Employment Law, Company & Commercial Law, Residential & Commercial Conveyancing, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Landlord & Tenant matters. If you need any assistance at all, do not hesitate to give us a call.

Charlotte has a wide range of legal knowledge but she is now concentrating on specialising solely in Family Law. She has joined the Family team at Platt & Fishwick headed by Director, Sandra Finch, who is a member

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Donna Gamble Solicitor

01257 228027 / 01942 409154 www.rjtsolicitors.co.uk

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Festival

Fun

A group of runners from the Wigan-based HW Moon Toyota took to the track in the Run Wigan Festival 2019.

The festival took over Wigan town centre in March in support of local charity Joining Jack, which helps raise money and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative condition affecting children across the world.

HW Moon was approached three years ago by the Joining Jack family to be the principal sponsor of the first ever Run Wigan event, and since then the festival has only grown in popularity. This year’s festival saw thousands of runners take part in the half marathon, 5km race and family mile, as well as the inaugural 10 miler.

HW Moon Toyota Centre Principal Steven Mather said: ‘HW Moon Toyota have a long history in the town and are well established sponsors of Wigan Warriors, so it felt very natural to become part of this fantastic community event. This year we had staff participation in all the running distances and sore legs the following day as proof!

‘As well as the half marathon, 10k and 5k races for the more serious athletes, there is a focus on community health and family fun in the family mile, with everyone able to come together and enjoy the fantastic entertainment provided in the town centre.

‘We look forward to the continued success of the Run Wigan Festival and are happy to announce our continued support as principal sponsor.’

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Advertisement

Myth

The of the Common Law Relationship Many people believe that living together with another person gives them the same legal rights as if they were married.

However, contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “Common Law Marriage” in England and Wales. In fact, this legal concept has not existed for centuries, and in the unfortunate situation where a relationship has broken down, the main question they will face is “What happens to the house?”

Despite the increasing popularity of unmarried cohabitation, the decline in the numbers of couples choosing to marry and reforms which now allow same-sex couples to marry, there is still a regrettable lack of “joined up thinking” in terms of the law governing the circumstance of living together.

Andrew Leah, Head of the Family Law Department at Alker Ball Healds, says:

fact find to establish what potential claims may arise from the breakdown of the relationship.

In cases where a couple has shared occupation of a privately owned property the outcome can sometimes be surprising. We always check a property’s Title Deeds first to see if arrangements were made and registered with HM Land Registry that quantify the shares which each joint owner holds in the property.

Even in cases where the property is legally owned in just one party’s name, if the circumstances are right it may be possible for the non-owner to make a financial claim against the property. It is essential that professional legal advice is obtained as soon as possible so that urgent steps can be taken where appropriate to prevent any disposal of the property by the legal owner which could frustrate such potential claims.”

“At Alker Ball Healds we are fortunate that we can provide a full legal service to all couples regardless of their legal status and sexual orientation. We look at each family unit individually and consider whether legal tools such as Deeds of Trust, Cohabitation Agreements, Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Separation Agreements or even Wills can be utilised to avoid disputes/litigation completely.

What should I do next?

For those unmarried clients whose relationships have unfortunately already hit problems, we go to great lengths to provide assistance, beginning with a detailed

Andrew Leah: aleah@abhlaw.co.uk

If you would like to know more about this complicated area of law which involves difficult legal concepts such as resulting and constructive trusts and estoppel, please call to speak with Andrew Leah or his colleague Rob Webster on 01942 246241 to arrange a free, no obligation, 30 minute appointment. Alternatively please e-mail them on:-

Robert Webster: rwebster@abhlaw.co.uk

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Our lawyers are familiar with the needs of the people & businesses in the area and our full range of services includes:

• Business Law • Commercial Litigation • Family Law • Wills & Probate

• Conveyancing • Employment Law • Personal Injury • Lasting Powers Of Attorney

Our highly experienced team provide reassurance & guidance when it is needed most. You will find a professional who is ready to listen and advise on your specific needs – and your case will not be passed to another lawyer or support staff When you face complications in your personal life or have business problems, making the correct choice of legal advisor is crucial

Make the right choice – choose Alker Ball Healds!

To find out how we can help you Contact us today on:

01942 246 241 www.abhlaw.co.uk

ALKER BALL HEALDS SOLICITORS

A1 SOVEREIGN BUSINESS PARK, KINGS CROFT COURT, WIGAN, WN1 3AP

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Theo’s Fundraiser Success A huge fundraiser took place in March for an Up Holland boy battling leukaemia.

Theo Hamilton, who is in Year 4 at St. Thomas the Martyr Primary School, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in September last year, and has since been undergoing extreme chemotherapy treatment to help fight the disease.

His godmother Louise Chu was eager to arrange an event to help raise money for the Hamilton family.

Theo’s fundraiser took place on Wednesday, March 27 and brought the whole village of Up Holland together, featuring performances from the pupils at St. Thomas Primary and Up Holland High School, guest appearances from Wigan Warriors stars Ben Flower and Tony Clubb, and a charity netball match.

The event managed to raise £1,400 for the family.

Louise commented: ‘Theo is an incredible little

boy who still manages to smile throughout his battle with this cruel illness. He is an inspiration to everyone who meets him – it was heartwarming to see Up Holland come together in support.’

If you’d like to donate, visit www.gofundme.com/ theos-tribe

27

Local Elections On Thursday, May 2, the ballot boxes officially open for the latest round of local elections. Read on to find out who’s standing in local wards.

Orrell Liberal Democrats – Denise Margaret Capstick Conservative – Steven Lyn Evans Green Party – Donald McQueen Labour – Stephen Murphy Pemberton UKIP – Craig Alan Buckley Liberal Democrats – David John Burley Conservative – Jean Margaret Peet

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Picture Houses of the

Past

Going to the cinema has been a favourite pastime since silent film premiered in front of an audience in 1895. The production was a Lumière brothers enterprise in Paris, and was the first to present moving pictures to a paying audience.

Now cinema is ruled by the multiplex, and the days of intervals and flickering projectors are long over save for a few historical mementos tucked away in bohemian backstreets. But Wigan was once home to an eclectic bunch of picture houses

The Pavilion Cinema, provided by Ken Roe to WiganWorld

– many of which have since been demolished. So dust off the lyrics to the ABC Minors song and look back on the glory days of film when it came to town in true Lancashire fashion.

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The Pavilion Wigan’s first ever cinema didn’t start as a cinema at all. The Pavilion, which stood next to Wigan Technical and Miners’ College (now the Town Hall), originally opened around 1908 as the Coliseum Skating Rink which could host up to 5,000 roller skaters at a time. In 1910 the rollerskating industry had declined, so much so that the building was converted into a cinema complete with a Jardin organ for playing music along with silent films. In its heyday, the Pavilion could fit 5,000 people sitting and a further 2,000 standing.

1930 saw a Western Electric sound system installed in the theatre, the organ removed, and the seating reduced to 2,000 people. It remained open until 1957 when it was demolished to make way for the Wigan International Swimming Pool – now Wigan Life Centre.

Princes Cinema Dating back to 1911, the Kings Electric Theatre was Wigan’s first ever purpose-built cinema. Along with movie screenings, the cinema would host live acts

and energetic musical performances from the Kings London Orchestra. Based in Clarence Yard in Wigan Wallgate, the cinema had one screen and could hold 600 people.

The cinema was leased to three different companies in its lifetime – United Electric Theatres Ltd., Elite Theatre Wigan Ltd., and The Princes Cinema Ltd., under whom the name was officially changed to New Princes Cinema. New Princes became the first cinema in Wigan to show a talkie film in 1929 – the film was Show Boat featuring Laura La Plante.

New Princes Cinema began its rapid decline in 1932, when rumours about vermin infestation swamped the local press. A monetary reward was offered for anyone who knew the instigator of these rumours, but in 1933 the theatre was leased

by Falcon Pictures and subsequently demolished.

The next incarnation of the Princes Cinema (affectionately dubbed a ‘flea pit’ by many Wiganers) appeared close nearby. The impressive building could seat over 1,100 people and was renovated in 1939 to install heating and television reception, continuing to host live acts. New Princes ceased to be a picture house in 1970 with a final showing of The Mad Room. The building still stands and is in use as Pure Nightclub.

Queens & Unit Four Built in 1916 by Eagle Picturedomes, the Queens Cinema in Pemberton could seat up to 888 people by 1953, after undergoing a huge refurbishment in 1937. In 1955 the cinema was fitted with CinemaScope technology – an anamorphic lens for projecting widescreen movies.

The Queens remained open until 1964, standing empty until its conversion into a squash club in 1979 before it was taken over by retail units.

Meanwhile, located down Ormskirk Road, Unit Four cinema began its life as the Royal Electric Theatre in 1912. Unit Four was known by many names

Princes Cinema, provided by Ron Hunt to WiganWorld

including the Halfway House Cinema and the Carlton before being renamed Unit Four in 1980 under the banner of the Apollo Leisure Group. In the 1960s the building existed briefly as the Carlton

33 Club before reverting back to a cinema in the early 1970s. The cinema had three screens and in its heyday as the Carlton Cinema could seat 689 people.

Unit Four closed in 1997 and reopened as a carpet shop.

The Lyric Up Holland was once home to its own – albeit short-lived – cinema. Not The Ritz, provided by Ron Hunt to WiganWorld much is known about the Old Lyric cinema, hearing people to listen to talkies through only that it was owned by the Dickinson brothers earphones. and closed down in June 1957 after a showing of Charley Moon. The building was then used by the MGM’s first ever 3D film was shown at the parish council as a community centre, hosting Playhouse in 1938 – Audioscopiks, directed by parties for children, dances and church functions.

Jacob F. Leventhal and John A. Norling was a The traditional building on Grove Road still stands today, now housing M&D Cleaning Supplies.

The County Playhouse Much confusion surrounds the County Playhouse’s construction. The date embossed on the front of the building reads as 1916, but the build wasn’t actually completed until 1919 due to resource shortages lingering from WWI. ‘We The 1,070 seater cinema eventually opened in December that year with a showing of The Peril Within. It was equipped with a Christie organ in 1930, which attracted many famous organists over the years. The cinema was

short film created to show off the abilities of 3D technology, using the red-green anaglyph process.

The audience at the time were taught about how 3D movies were being made, instructed to put on their 3D glasses and given a full demonstration of the wonders of three-dimensional film with objects like a baseball flying towards the camera. The film had two sequels, The New Audioscopiks that same

are the boys and girls all known as Minors of the ABC And every Saturday all line up

To see the films we like and shout aloud with glee We like to laugh and have our sing-song Such a happy crowd are we

also renowned for including

We’re all pals together

an adapted Ardente sound system to allow hard of

We’re Minors of the ABC!’

34 year, and Third Dimensional Murder in 1941.

That wasn’t the last time 3D came to The County Playhouse – 1953’s Stereoscopic release of House of Wax saw St. John’s Ambulance turn up at the back of the cinema in case of mass fainting!

By 1940 the County Playhouse was hosting regular musical interludes before film showings, with help from the Wigan Recorded Music Society. It didn’t prove as popular as the organ music, however, and was soon scrapped.

The cinema was ravaged by fire in 1949 and almost completely destroyed, but reparation work carried out by Eagle Picturedomes saved it, and the Playhouse went on to feature widescreen films from 1954. It finally closed in 1966.

The County Playhouse still stands in King Street today as Ibiza Bar.

The Ritz Probably the best known and longest lived cinema in Wigan was the Ritz Super Cinema. The cinema on Station Road opened to the public in 1938 with a showing of Lost Horizon starring Ronald Colman.

It could seat up to 2,560 patrons and was installed with a Western Electric Mirrophonic sound system, which produced ‘a beauty of sound and astounding clarity along with a wonderful illusion of reality’ as quoted in the Observer.

The Ritz building also contained a café and theatre facilities, where the likes of George Formby, Buddy Holly and The Beatles performed live on-stage.

Wigan’s Operatic Society also used the building to put on musicals between 1956 and 1964.

Change came to the Ritz in 1977, when the building was transformed into a three-screen cinema under the banner of EMI, and renamed the ABC Film Centre. The former stage area became a bingo hall, and the café was no longer. The ABC takeover did see the introduction of a local ABC Minors club –

The Ritz, provided by Darren Bishop to WiganWorld

every Saturday morning the cinema was filled with the bars of the group song before a showing of the latest movies for children.

The Ritz eventually closed its doors in May 1998, after the opening of a nearby multiplex. The building was deemed too costly to repair and too dangerous to continue operating, and was demolished in 2005.

The Majestic Orrell’s Majestic picture-house existed on Sefton Road, and will likely inspire memories of Disney cartoons like 101 Dalmatians, the Buster Crabbe Tarzan the Fearless serials of the 30s and 40s, and later Beatles flicks like Help. Members of WiganWorld fondly recall heading to Horrocks across the road for a sarsaparilla after the showing!

Majestic closed for business as a cinema around 1966, reopening as a supermarket and later a bingo hall. It existed as Majestic Windows until around 2000, when the building was demolished.

35

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38

Marathon A Billinge mum is completing not one but three World Marathon Majors this year in aid of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Carol Littler’s son Tom was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was just two years old. ‘It was definitely a challenge when he was younger’, Carol explained. ‘Chasing a two year old to give him injections every day was far from fun, but by the time he was nine Tom was doing all his injections himself.’

Tom had had over 50,000 insulin injections by his eighteenth birthday.

‘I’ve always been a fixer!’ Carol remarked. ‘But I couldn’t fix this, so I wanted to do the next best thing – fundraise for someone who can.’

In 2013, Carol contacted the Juvenile Diabetes

aqua:

Mum Research Foundation and asked what she could do to help. Their response? Run the London Marathon.

‘At the time, I couldn’t run. I didn’t even own a pair of trainers! They told me I had a year to learn, and so I did it,’ she said. ‘As soon as I crossed the finish line all I wanted to know was when I could do the next one! I’m definitely a plodder, but since I bought my first pair of trainers aged 42, I hope I can inspire people to achieve whatever they put their mind to.’

This year will be Carol’s seventh time running the London Marathon, and her second time in the New York Marathon. She’s also getting involved in the Berlin Marathon for the first time ever.

‘I’ve worked really hard to self-fundraise for my races, and this year’s no different,’ she said.

Carol needs to raise $4,500 for the New York

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39 and Standish to run a series of local events to get the donations flowing.

On Wednesday, May 1 Carol will host a delicious afternoon tea at Standish Community Centre with the help of her group. The event runs from 12pm4pm.

Sunday, June 30 sees Carol attend Parbold Flea Market at the Village Hall from 9am-2pm.

Finally, on Friday, July 19, she’ll head over to The Old Courts for a charity night of entertainment, hot food and fundraising! The event starts at 7:30pm.

Marathon. To help, she’s enlisted the assistance of her local Slimming World groups in Wigan, Parbold

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Carol has already smashed her fundraising goal of £2000 for the London Marathon and is concentrating on funding for New York. If you’d like to donate to the cause, call 07854 252501 or donate via PayPal at Caitiescloset@btinternet.com

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Joseph’s Goal Wigan-based charity Joseph’s Goal are hosting

Star players including Emmerson Boyce, Nathan

fundraising events in May and June to raise money for research into Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH).

Ellington and the iconic Bryan Robson will take part.

Local boy Joseph Kendrick was diagnosed with the condition shortly after he was born, and his family originally told Joseph wouldn’t live longer than ten days - but at nine years old, he surpassed all the doctors’ expectations.

Tickets can be obtained from the DW ticket office for £10, and the match starts at 3pm.

A charity ball to help Joseph’s goal along also takes place at Macdonald Kilhey Court Hotel in Standish on Saturday, June 15 from 7pm-1am.

His family set up Joseph’s Goal in 2012 to aid other families in similar situations.

You’ll be treated to a delicious 4-course dinner, with entertainment and a disco, plus a raffle, auction and silent auction also take place on the night.

On Saturday, May 25 the annual Legends Charity football match kicks off at Ashton Town FC. This year it’s Wigan Athletic legends vs. Manchester United.

Tickets cost £50 each or £450 for a table of 10, and the dress code is black tie and sparkles. To book, call 07702 078286 or email info@josephsgoal.org

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Orrell St. James ARLFC U-10s are looking for new players.

A new weekly walking programme has launched in Wigan for people with dementia.

School children in Year 5 are invited to come and train for the rugby league team with enthusiastic coaches and plenty of sporting fun.

Each week, take a stroll around Mesnes Park and enjoy a different theme, whether it’s local history, wildlife or photography. There’s also the opportunity to stay for a brew and a chinwag in the café afterwards. People with dementia and their carers, friends or family are very welcome to come

Training sessions run every Monday from 6pm-7pm and every Wednesday at the same time at Bankes Avenue fields in Orrell.

Players of all abilities are welcome to try it out for themselves!

For more information, call Sam on 07800 768141, Matt on 07380 117555 or Suzanne on 07463 773583.

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Walk for

Winstanley A Wigan man is walking Wainwright’s Coast to Coast in aid of Winstanley Warriors’ U11s girls’ team.

Orrell-born Danny Grundy, otherwise known as the Fell Wanderer, has had his heart set on the 192 mile journey from St. Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay for years, and now that dream is finally being realised. He and his friend Paul are camping out in the wilds as they journey along the famous walking route in the hope of raising enough to fund a trip to Barcelona for the Winstanley Warriors.

‘My 11 year old daughter is a keen footballer,’ Danny explained. ‘After being released from Liverpool last season we decided she should try a local team.

Winstanley Warriors Under-11s Girls are newly formed this season, based at Little Lane, and won their league after their last game on Saturday, March 30!’

The girls have been offered the opportunity to play in the Barcelona Girls Cup in June, competing against others in their age group from all over the world.

‘They’re a great group of girls and my daughter’s confidence has grown and grown while being there,’ Danny continued.

And what better way for Danny, an experienced mountain hiking leader, to raise the funds than by doing what he does best?

He’s since completed half of the route with Paul, but it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Weighed down by heavy rucksacks and with rocky terrain to traverse, the pair quickly learned why the C2C is so infamous.

It heads through three national parks to reach Robin Hood’s Bay, including the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, with steep inclines like Angletarn Pikes and Kidsty Pike to negotiate.

It took Danny and Paul seven days to reach Kirkby Stephen in Yorkshire, around the halfway point.

‘We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve had an

47

48 amazing journey across the Lake District in Cumbria and a small part of the Yorkshire Dales,’ Danny remarked on his blog. He’ll be completing the walk after several work commitments.

The Fell Wanderer is also hosting a sponsored family walk up to the summit of Mount Snowdon on Sunday, April 28. The walk promises to be a great day out for all the family while raising essential funds for a worthwhile cause, following the easy Snowdon Ranger Path. Entry costs £10 per adult and £5 per child, bookable at www.thefellwanderer. co.uk – all proceeds go towards Winstanley Warriors U11 Girls.

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Food & Drink

49

50

Juniper

Joy

By Jess Phillips When deciding on a place to eat out, it’s easy to fall into familiar routine and head for the same old restaurants again and again. After all – you know exactly what to expect from the menu, even if it’s hardly surprising. Sometimes, though, branching out and trying somewhere new pays off, as Nicola and I discovered as we headed for an impromptu lunch at Juniper Bar & Kitchen in Shevington.

A relatively young endeavour set in a 250 year old cottage building at the heart of Shevington, Juniper opened in July 2018 and immediately entrenched itself in the local community. Owner Bill Alty, manager James Matthews and Chef Stephen Shaw pride themselves on delivering beautifully presented, delicious food; dynamic menus; and the same high quality each and every day.

Walking into the restaurant, this much was immediately apparent – we were greeted by our friendly, enthusiastic waitress who couldn’t do enough for us, and led through to the upstairs dining room, which was artfully bedecked in

silver furnishings and beautiful mirrors, creating a polished, sophisticated atmosphere. In the evenings this room is illuminated with stylish in-floor lighting, which makes for an intimate yet relaxed dinner.

Casting our eyes down the menu, it was clear Juniper’s sophistication extends beyond the décor – the menu was really something else. With the quiet crooning of music over the speakers, and after much soul-searching, Nicola opted for Thai fishcakes served with wild rocket and aioli dip to start, while I went for the chicken and chorizo skewers in sweet chilli oil.

Nicola’s panko-crusted delights were a great start to the meal; the succulent fish fragrant and bursting with authentic Thai flavour. Skilfully encased in a thin dusting of golden brown breadcrumbs, the fishcakes provided a satisfying crunch and softer centre, and the aioli dip was a welcome change to the expected tartar dressing. The rustic skewers, meanwhile, were a meat-lover’s dream – the chilli sauce a sweet juxtaposition to the fuller spices of the chorizo and

51

chunky chicken breast pieces.

The main course was an easier decision for me – I had my eye on the poached chicken breast from the get-go. Stuffed with a creamy spinach mousse and lovingly tucked into a blanket of pancetta, the chicken was accompanied by a wild mushroom white wine sauce, dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal veg. As soon as the food arrived I knew I’d made the right choice: the chicken was beautifully cooked, the light spinach mousse contrasting well with the smokier flavour of the pancetta. Best of all, the creamy sauce drizzled over my baby carrots and Tenderstem broccoli proved a delectable backdrop for the fresh veg.

Nicola, meanwhile, was tucking into her own dish – a fillet of baked salmon with potato and leek cake in a citrus butter. Generously portioned, the salmon was expertly cooked and melt-in-the-mouth perfect, sitting on a bed of fresh, vibrant ratatouille. Nicola dubbed it ‘spring in a dish’, with aromatic notes of garlic, citrus and sweet tomato which made for a very moreish plate! The dish was nicely rounded off with a crunch from the earthy potato and leek cakes – a divine contrast.

Finally, it was time for dessert. Nicola officially ditched the diet and we dove into the two dishes we’d opted to share - an irresistibly warm chocolate brownie on a bed of chocolate soil, drizzled with chocolate sauce and accompanied by a scoop of

vanilla ice cream; and the Victoria lollipop cakes.

The lollipops were particularly intriguing - arriving with a pot of chocolate dipping sauce, the crumbly miniature cake balls were beautifully sweet; rich, but still homely enough to be comforting. The brownie was just the right proportions gooey and soft, with the chocolate soil bed providing a gratifyingly crunchy antithesis.

One thing was most obvious from our experience - Juniper Bar & Kitchen is the ideal place for an intimate lunch or evening meal. With an extensive wine list and speciality gin selection – as well as an enticing cocktail menu - the bar is just as much a part of Juniper as the kitchen, and if you’re not drinking the restaurant boasts award-winning coffee from a local supplier.

Using ‘cosy’ and ‘elegant’ in the same sentence might sound like a contradiction, but Juniper manages to balance the two perfectly. It’s evident in everything from the food to the picturesque views of Shevington Memorial Park across the way – the restaurant blends its intimate setting with a chic interior and stunning menu to create something truly fantastic.

Juniper Bar & Kitchen 7 Church Lane, Shevington WN6 8 BD Telephone: 01257 253979 Email: info@juniperbarandkitchen.com

52

Sally’s Specials

by Marti of The Star Inn

The Star Inn

Marti Cameron Local Life is very excited to introduce the new sponsor for our recipe pages: culinary connoisseur Marti Cameron.

Since then, Marti has worked as a chef for both Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors, getting to cook proper, delicious food around the country at away games; he’s even cooked for the England, Scotland and New Zealand rugby league teams. But throughout his prolific success, someone stuck in Marti’s mind: his mum.

It was Marti’s mum Sally who first inspired him to become a chef. A keen cook herself, Sally’s lifelong ambition was to open a restaurant in her name, but she unfortunately passed away at a young age in 1996 before this dream could become a reality.

Marti first launched Sally’s in her name at The Stocks in Parbold, but after returning to his Star Inn roots in 2018, wanted the brand to become synonymous with his home away from home – and it has.

Marti, owner of The Star Inn at Roby Mill, originally hails from Glasgow where he trained as a chef back in 1995. From there his long and lustrous career in food has quite literally taken him around the world. Marti served as a chef on Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth 2 before returning to his native Scotland to work his way up the ranks at various Macdonald hotels.

After several years up in the highlands, Marti headed south to England to work at the then-JJB Stadium (now DW) in Wigan as the Head Chef at Rigalettos.

This first Wigan venture gave a glimpse into Marti’s sporting future, and eventually led Marti onto his next love. Marti took over The Star Inn at Roby Mill in 2007.

Marti prides himself on delivering excellent flavour above all. Taste is what’s most important to him in any dish – even a simple soup or toastie should be tasty, Marti says, and it doesn’t take long to add a dash of flavour to make a meal stand out from all the rest. Steaks, however, remain Marti’s favourite dish to prepare – it’s all about the challenge of getting it exactly right.

Marti will be experimenting with different dishes each month and giving our readers an insight into his own busy kitchen. We’re kicking things off this month with something perfectly suited to the spring season - a delectable Easter egg cheesecake (with a healthy dose of Baileys for the grown-ups). How could we resist?

For more information about Marti and The Star Inn, visit www.thestarinnrobymill.co.uk

53 Sally’s at The Star Inn was launched in 2007 in homage to landlord and chef Marti’s mother Sally, who passed away in 1996. A great cook herself, it was Sally’s lifelong dream to have a restaurant in her name, and Marti wanted to honour that promise when he took the reins of The Star Inn at Roby Mill.

Easter Egg Cheesecake Ingredients 150g soft cheese 150g Mascarpone 100g castor sugar Vanilla essence 100ml baileys 2 galaxy bars 2 sheets of gelatine (optional) 1 small Easter egg

Method Crush the ginger nuts Melt the butter and add to the crushed biscuit and bind together Gently pack the bottom of each half of Easter egg; not too much.

Place in the fridge to set the biscuit.

Melt the chocolate in a Bain-marie ( small pot of water brought to the boil, break the chocolate up in a suitable heat resistant bowl and place on top of the pot) stir til the chocolate has melted completely and smooth; don’t over heat or stir too much.

Beat together both cheeses, the sugar and vanilla Incorporate your Baileys into the beaten mixture; not too much to overpower it Taste it for flavour and sweetness If like me you get carried away with the Baileys and your mixture is slightly loose or thin, then one sheet of gelatine softened in a little water, squeeze off the excess water, and melt it in the microwave for 5 seconds until dissolved and a syrupy consistency.

Fold (mix) it through your cheesecake mix

10 ginger nut biscuits

Now you can start filling your Easter eggs; can be smooth and level or high and messy

50g butter

Garnish with mini eggs and a sprig of mint

For children to make and have some fun,obviously omit the alcohol and use more fun ingredients. Honey for example,or try using smarties or jelly tots through your mix.

54

Travel

Fabulous Fjords

By Jess Phillips Scandinavia has long been revered for its breathtaking natural beauty. Norway in particular combines spectacular scenery – glaciers spanning more than 8,000 kilometres, sublimely sculpted fjords, and of course the unmissable Northern Lights – with modern metropolises like Oslo. There are plenty of opportunities to soak in the local culture, including the country’s Viking roots, while cruising around Norway’s highlights.

Indeed, the deck of a boat is the perfect place to appreciate the sweeping landscapes of the country and its fjords. Settle in to travel around Stavanger, Bergen, Alesund and more.

Begin in Bergen: the acclaimed gateway to the fjords. Norway’s second largest city manages to retain the classic charm of a smaller town while boasting plenty to see and do. Mount Fløyen offers amazing views over the whole city and the sparkling blue water of the harbour beyond; ride the funicular railway to its highest point at 400 metres above sea level, and offer a great viewing platform for the fjords. There’s something for everyone on Mount

Fløyen – adrenaline junkies can experience a flying zipline, while animal lovers will appreciate the nearby grazing mountain goats as they roam free.

There really is no better introduction to just how versatile Norway is.

Also not to be missed is the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site: Bryggen. Built after a great fire ravaged the city streets in 1702, Bryggen is a cultural cornucopia. Its museum is a good place to start when it reopens in June, and guided walks are offered through the streets for those wanting to soak up some heritage. Of course, the quaint, lopsided shops are also the perfect destination for some retail therapy, or to gather some bespoke gifts to take home.

Of course, the fjords are at the centre of any Norway trip – and Geiranger offers glorious views in abundance. Oscillating between snow-covered peaks and lush vegetation, Geiranger offers a world-class fjord experience, promising visitors spectacular views of cascading waterfalls like the Seven Sisters. The best way to soak up Greingerfjord

55 has to be by water: experience the thrill of a journey

by Rib boat, take the whole family on a guided kayaking trip or relax on a short ferry cruise down the fjord to appreciate the sunlight cresting the cliffs.

If sailing down the fjord isn’t for you, there are plenty of viewing platforms on land, including the Geiranger Skywalk a whopping 1,500 metres above sea level. The Norwegian Fjordcentre provides an educational introduction for all ages, delving into the history of the UNESCO World Heritage site with unique exhibits and a cinema screen offering a photographic journey through nature.

Norway has a long and varied history – its Norse roots to its union with Denmark and Sweden to form Scandinavia, there’s plenty to discover about the country’s heritage all over. But it’s the city of Stavanger which is home to the oldest cathedral in Norway, the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe, and an authentic pagan ritual site all in one.

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Begin at Stavanger Cathedral; a medieval monument dating back to the early 1100s. The building was consecrated to Saint Svitun and is still in use by the Bishop of Stavanger today. It’s certainly a must-see for any would-be architects, and offers a true insight into Norway’s theological history.

The city’s Old Town, Gamle Stavanger, is home to 173 white wooden houses and snaking cobblestone streets. Their construction harks back

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56 to the eighteenth century, and remarkable effort has been put into preservation efforts. You’ll be able to find plenty of unique galleries and boutiques nestled among the winding streets, along with the Stavanger Maritime Museum – the perfect getaway for a bit of peace and quiet away from the bustle of the main shopping district.

An hour and a half’s drive away from the city lies Pulpit Rock, otherwise known as Preikestolen. The massive rectangular cliff is almost a perfect square, formed when the glacier melted 10,000 years ago and cracked the mountain open with the removal of pressure from the ice. The ‘Preacher’s Pulpit’ was once used in covert pagan rituals, but now the 843 metre high platform hails BASE jumpers from all around looking for an adrenaline rush like no other.

You shouldn’t travel to Norway without sampling some of the local delicacies. Norway bases a lot of its dishes on fish – fresh from the Norwegian Sea which surrounds the country’s 50,000+ islands – and sheep, which are also used to produce the famed Norwegian wool. Raspeballer, a dense ball of mashed potato and flour then flavoured with stock of fatty sheep cuts, is a great place to start.

Enjoy this dish with bacon and melt-in-the-mouth butter and you’ll be kept warm through even the

chilliest Scandinavian night. Meanwhile, Rakfisk is a delicious offering of freshwater trout, left to ferment for several months and served with sour cream and soft Lefse flatbread.

For the braver among us, head to any watering hole worth its salt to sample Smalahove – a smoked sheep’s head. Boiled and salted, the head is served with kohlrabi mash and gives off a very smoky flavour, especially around the eyes and ears. It’s best served with traditional Norwegian beer.

Whether you’re looking for an insight into its vast history or the chance to get up high to appreciate the fjords, Norway is a multifaceted country where stunning landscapes and architecture abound, and what better way to enjoy it than on the deck of a cruise ship?

57

Ukulele Anniversary The Pemberton-founded Wigan Ukulele Club is

around fifty of my own songs and made loads of new

celebrating its tenth anniversary in July.

friends along the way.’

The club started out at The Railway in Pemberton back in 2009 with just fourteen players, and has since grown to include more than ninety! Wigan Ukuleles host regular social gatherings where members can strum along and have fun making music. There’s also the chance to fill the ‘Cowboy Spot’ if you’re brave enough to perform a solo!

Stephen founded the Club when he realised there was more to the instrument than just George Formby hits, and wanted to get more people involved.

The Club also perform at local venues, including a 50,000 strong crowd across the four days of the Southport Flower Show. It’s a great place for budding or experienced ukulele players to show off their skills and learn a few more.

The Club are hosting a buffet event to celebrate their 10th birthday on Wednesday, July 3. Founding members are particularly encouraged to go along and revisit their memories of the group.

‘I think the best thing about learning to play the ukulele is I now have a much better understanding of music,’ says founder Stephen Corless. ‘Since my wife first bought me a ukulele ten years ago, I’ve written

The Club regularly fundraise for various local charities including the Wigan & Leigh Hospice - this year, they’re well on their way to a massive £12,000 goal.

Wigan Ukulele Club meet every Wednesday at 7:30pm at Wigan Sports Club, Bull Hey (WN1 1RU).

For more information, visit www.wiganukuleleclub. com or email uke@wiganukuleleclub.com

58

Legal & Finance

Keep Calm &

Carry On 2018 was a challenging year for investors with most markets falling quite heavily. Brexit, US interest rate policy and US/China trade wars were key drivers behind the falls. That said, Q1 2019 evidenced a strong bounce back and consequently it would appear that volatility is back on the agenda.

Triggers for market volatility can come in many different forms - policy uncertainty, earnings reports, geopolitical unrest. Though market swings can rattle even the most seasoned investors, it is just part and parcel of longer term 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 bumpier but investors still doubled their money.* A well-defined investment plan tailored to your goals can help you be ready for the ups and downs of the market, and to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Market volatility should be a reminder to review your investments regularly to ensure that the overall risk in your portfolio fits your personality and goals.

Keep perspective - Market downturns may be unnerving, but history shows that markets have been able to recover from declines and can still provide investors with positive long-term returns.

In 2015 and 2016, this general pattern played out.

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.

Be comfortable with your investments - If you are nervous when the market goes down, you may not

be in the right investments. 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.

Do not try to time the market - 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 if they had simply bought and held the same funds. If you could avoid the bad days and invest during the good ones, it would be great - the problem is though, that 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

David Barton APFS Cert CII (MP) Managing Director & Chartered Financial Planner

59

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60

Property

Holding

Back?

When I suggested a few weeks ago that property values in Wigan would increase between 0.6% - 1.8% this year, some readers expressed surprise. After all, aren’t we in the middle of a national crisis with Brexit headlines dominating the news? Well, yes we are, but despite the predictions of the doomsayers, there is little evidence that the Brexit fiasco has affected house prices in Wigan.

Many property commentators, including myself, use actual transaction numbers (i.e. the number of houses that have changed hands) as a better measure of the health of the property market.

And looking at the transaction numbers for 2018, and comparing them with the Credit Crunch years (2008 to 2010) and the boom years (2014 to 2017) I unearthed some really interesting numbers, as you can see from the graph to the right.

An average of 261 properties per month were sold in the Wigan area from 2008 to 2010. In the ‘boom years’ of 2014 to 2017, an average of 389 properties changed hands monthly, which is a pretty impressive increase of 49%. And yet in 2018, when

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.

all the experts were expecting house prices to crash in the impending catastrophe of a Brexit, an average of 414 Wigan properties changed hands monthly, a rise of 6.4%.

So why look at transaction numbers as an indication of a healthy housing market and not at headline average values? Because most people that sell a house also go on to buy a house, so for most home movers, if your property has gone down in value, the one you want to buy has also gone down in value, meaning that you are no better or worse off.

In my view, if you are moving up market (which most people do when they move home) in a repressed market, the gap between what yours is worth and what you will buy gets lower, leaving you better off when the transactions are complete.

There are undoubtedly people who are holding back on moving house until there is more clarity on the Brexit situation, but my advice to those people is to acknowledge that Brexit isn’t an issue that will materially affect the Wigan Housing market, so you may as well move forward with your life and get that ‘For Sale’ sign up.

61 Your potential buyers are more interested in whether your home is in the catchment area for that great school or whether you have an extra bedroom for their third child than Brexit, China or whatever crisis

To book your free house valuation, email me on alan@alanbatt.co.uk or call our Wigan office on 01942 233999.

Donald Trump has instigated on his Twitter feed!

Bagging a

Bargain

So, how do you bag a bargain in Wigan?

It’s all about knowing the local Wigan market and comparing properties. The property market is like a fly’s eye, it looks like one whole, but in fact it is split into lots of micro markets; two streets adjacent to each other can vary tremendously because of factors such as school catchment boundaries or differing postcodes.

Do the research online Check out the property web-portals Zoopla and Rightmove to see what’s for sale.

Find out what properties are roughly selling for, as opposed to what they have been listed for, so Click on the ‘Include Sold stc’ in the filters, and then list properties in price order.

Then get a feel for recent sales, so in Rightmove click on ‘House Prices’ on the main menu, on the proceeding drop down menu click on ‘Find Sold House prices’ and you can specify an area down to street level. Once you have the results, place them in date order. There is a similar function in Zoopla too.

If asked, the agent has to tell you how long it has been on the market, if the property has been reduced and by how much, so make sure you ask those questions. Find out why the sellers are moving; you could cut a better deal if they are compelled to sell.

And finally, if you’re interested enough to make an offer, make sure the agent knows your situation. Are you a cash buyer, a first-time buyer, do you not have a property to sell, or is your sale chain free? It can all make a big difference to a seller.

Work the Agent

Like anything in life - buying a property bargain comes down to doing your homework, putting the hard-work in, and recognising good opportunities.

Once you have found what you think is a bargain, contact the agent and ask to view the property.

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

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

62

Business View

Happy New (Tax) Year

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy Over the past few months, we have detailed the changes that businesses face with Making Tax Digital, which went live on 1st April. If you are in business and still unsure on how this will impact you; please call us on 01257 255521 for an appointment when we can discuss this in more detail.

Don’t miss out! For a limited period we are offering all new clients Xero or Quickbooks software free of charge for 6 MONTHS if they sign up for our services.

Going forward, we take a look at individual tax planning and areas that you can look at to ensure that you take advantage of the various tax reliefs available.

• Personal Allowances – From 06 April this increases to £12,500 and the higher rate band starts at £50,000. – Part of the allowance can be transferred to a spouse, saving up to £400 of income tax per year.

• Income from jointly-owned assets – It is usually assumed that these are allocated equally for tax purposes. An election could be made to split the income to reduce income tax for higher rate partners. This may be relevant if you own a buy to let property.

• Giving to Charity – Making a charitable donation under Gift Aid reduces income when it comes to restriction of personal allowances. It is therefore more beneficial for such gifts to be made by the higher rate spouse.

• Higher Income Child Benefit Charge – If you receive Child Benefit and have earnings in excess of £50,000 then you will suffer an additional tax charge. There are ways to reduce the impact of this if you take action within the tax year. If you are a company director and receive dividends then the timing of these can impact this charge.

• Rent a Room – This provides up to £7,500 of tax relief if you let out a furnished room in your own home. This can be a great way of supplementing your income. Be careful though if you receive certain benefits as this income may affect these.

These are just a few measures that tax payers can make to help reduce their tax. CMA provides full accountancy and tax services for businesses, individuals, sole trader and landlords – to book your FREE consultation, please call us on 01257 255521.

Feel free to drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further over a coffee. Of course, there will be no charge for the initial meeting.

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

63 SA

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64

Health & Fitness

Fit at

Fifty

Attention over-fifties! When was the last time you visited a gym? You kind of know you should be making an effort, right? But do excuses such as ‘too expensive’; ‘lack of time’, and ‘no motivation’, sound familiar? Or maybe like me you have a pathological fear of lycra?

But assuming you have no major health problems we can tackle this issue in bite-size chunks.

As an over-fifty myself (quite a lot over if I’m honest) I overcame my own gym-phobia and have been reaping the rewards since.

Motivation is key. You need a specific goal. I wanted to achieve a healthier lifestyle with improved cardiovascular fitness.

Look in your diary and you will find a spare hour at least once, or better still, two or three times a week.

Exercise can be as expensive or affordable as you want. A ladies-only gym with a personal trainer can be expensive, but a mixed gym membership in offpeak hours brings the cost down considerably and you can still get instruction and advice from an onsite trainer. Most gyms now take membership fees on a monthly direct debit basis.

Lycra isn’t compulsory, but clothes must be comfortable, and this includes your undergarments.

Remember, it’s not a fashion parade and chafed tender bits will put you off exercise forever!

If you’re feeling hesitant repeat to yourself, “I can do this; I want a healthier and fitter me; I have the time to do this”. This is your Mantra. Say it often enough and you will start to believe it. Don’t be put off by glum folk who say it’s all a waste of time. Mix with positive people who will encourage you and improve your self-esteem.

Metabolism slows down as you get older and this can lead to weight gain, but exercise helps keep weight on an even keel because you build lean muscle. You also improve your immune system and cardiovascular system; reduce bad cholesterol and boost brain-power. Research shows that only 32% of men and 21% of women aged over 50 in England undertake some form of regular exercise.

In the over-65’s this drops to 17% of men and 12% of women, and in Scotland the figures are even less!

The trainers at your Gym will discuss the best way to get you back into shape. If you haven’t exercised before or for a long while they will advise that you start slowly and build up gradually.

Good instructors are enthusiastic and well-trained and will arrange a set of exercises to suit to you.

Before you know it, you’ll have a routine e.g. 5 minutes bike, 5 minutes treadmill, 5 minutes weights. It will only take a few sessions before you improve and begin to compete with yourself. You’ll notice the benefits of improved posture; glowing skin; improved breathing, zest and vitality almost immediately.

We are all living longer but perhaps we should also be aiming to live more healthily too.

65

The Perfect Pear They may look a little underwhelming with their crinkly green skin, but avocado-lovers know that the fresh creamy flesh is simply delicious and a perfect complement to eggs, smoked bacon, griddled chicken...I could go on.

They have a reputation for being ‘bad’ and high in calories. It’s true that a medium-sized avocado contains 30g of fat (as much as a quarterpound burger!) but an avocado’s fat is mostly monounsaturated fat (that’s the good kind).

Studies have shown that avocado eaters are less at risk for metabolic syndrome, which also puts them at less risk of type-2 diabetes and heart attacks.

Avocados contain folate, an important nutrient for pregnant women and infants, and interestingly have also been shown to slow and possibly reverse memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients.

If you are weaning your baby, avocados are a great first food because of their soft texture and nutritional benefits.

Avocados are high in carotenoids so offer skin protection against aging caused by UV damage.

They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for people with rheumatoid arthritis but also because inflammation has been linked to Alzheimer’s, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cancer.

So, check out the avocados on the supermarket shelf, and treat yourself to some green ‘n’ creamy goodness.

By Kath McLean

66

Give Us a Grin National Smile Month is the largest

Clean your tongue - This is an

and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health.

Between 13th May and 13th June 2019, National Smile Month will promote positive messages and to engage people with maintaining a healthy mouth.

important part of oral hygiene and works wonders with stale, smelly breath. You can use a tongue scraper or a toothbrush

Brush your teeth - At least two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.

Make sure you clean your teeth before bed, as your mouth doesn’t have the same salivary protection during the night as it does during the day.

Floss - Each tooth has five sides; a toothbrush only cleans three sides. The other two sides are where most decay and foul odours originate. To clean between the teeth requires dental floss or tiny inter-dental brushes.

Give up smoking - Smoking dries the mouth, depleting the protective saliva. It also exposes your gums, soft palate and tongue to harmful and cancer-causing toxins, and it makes your breath smell.

Use a mouthwash - This freshens breath and coats the teeth with a protective layer, helping to prevent plaque build-up. Avoid those which contain alcohol though.

By Louise Addison

67

Health & Fitness

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68

Leisure

Carr Mill

by Jess Phillips

On a glorious spring day masquerading as midsummer, we headed out on our latest 4 ½ mile Jack’s Tracks around Sankey Valley Country Park and the beautiful Carr Mill Dam near St. Helens. Begin at the Sankey Valley Visitor Centre (postcode WA11 0AB), where you’ll find a convenient free car park just behind the Ship Inn off Blackbrook Road/Stanley Bank Way (A58).

The visitor centre is also a good place to learn a bit more about the flora and fauna of the park before you head off along the trail.

First, walk onto the old canal tow path, then turn right to make your way up through the country park along the main trail. There are plenty of birds to spot along the way, plus a few monuments to the Sankey Canal’s long and lustrous history by the waterside.

As you reach the northern end of the park, pass under the East Lancashire Road and then the railway viaduct, with Carr Mill Dam in front of you. If you’re lucky, a train might pass by overhead. Continue to follow the path as it slopes gently upwards and to the right, then to the left onto Garswood Road. This is where you’ll find the Toby Carvery pub – walk towards the water’s edge and follow the path around the western side of the reservoir.

If you live locally, it’s easy to forget what a feat of engineering Carr Mill Dam actually is. It was formed by damming Blackbrook Valley, and used to power industrial mills before being enlarged for use as

a headwater for the St. Helens Canal in the mideighteenth century. Many species of birds make their home at the dam, including Grey Heron, Mute Swan and Kingfisher.

69

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70 Looping around the dam, you’ll eventually come to the bridge known as Nineteen Arches. What many people don’t know is that the bridge actually serves as an aqueduct, used to shift water from the Rivington reservoirs into Liverpool. Cross it, and head straight up the public footpath on the other side. You’ll emerge onto a farm track, surrounded by greenery on either side, and go right towards a picturesque farm house.

Take the footpath to the left of the house and follow it to the end of the hedgerow, then go straight on through the fields. Follow another farm track through the next field, then turn right to go along the back of the hedgerow.

You’ll be taken out into a wooded area with a footbridge over the brook – take the path to the right. Following it eventually brings you back out onto Garswood Road; continue past the Carr Mill Powerboat Racing Clubhouse before crossing the dam past a steep grass verge. At this point you’ll pick up the path you came along and head back into Sankey Valley Country Park.

Back under the cooler shade of the trees, take the footbridge on the left then head right, following the narrow path back down through the park. As you emerge back out onto the main path, make sure to look out for the monument to the old water wheels at Stanley Iron Slitting Mill before heading back to the car. Built in 1773, the mill used a small canal connected to Carr Forges, and was powered by the water stored in the reservoir. It worked until 1830, when it was replaced by a corn mill which lasted until around 1900.

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

71

Puzzle Corner WORD SEARCH

All the puzzle solutions can be found on page 92 of this magazine.

SUDOKU

Italian Music Terms Find the hidden words in the word search grid

ACCELERANDO ADAGIO ALLEGRETTO ALLEGRO ANDANTE ANIMATO ARPEGGIO CODA CON BRIO DA CAPO

DOLCE ESPRESSIVO FINE FORTE GRANDIOSO GRAVE LARGO LEGATO LENTO LIBRETTO

MARCATO MODERATO MOLTO PIANO PRESTO RUBATO SEMPLICE SEMPRE TENUTO VIVACE

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Bring someone new to look at it.

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

O F E S

R A Y E

I F R E

A P H S

NUMBER BLOCK

3 1 3 9

23 13 1 10 5 27 3 17

24 15 14 14 14 The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right. The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right.

72

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

Bat Walk

Big Gig

Wednesday, May 1, 7pm-9pm

Sunday, May 5, 1pm-8pm

A free night-time bat walk is the perfect opportunity to spot bats in their natural environment – a great evening for all the family. Meet in the Kitchen Courtyard. Free tickets are bookable on Eventbrite.

16 live, local acts take to the stage to raise funds for The Brick! Bands and vocalists including Leah Wallis and Bamboo Rampage will be performing, with plenty of food on offer.

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Ln, Wigan, WN2 1PE

The Stanley Arms, Ormskirk Rd, Up Holland, WN8 0AF

Pre-Summer Party

Afternoon Tea

Saturday, May 4, 7pm

Saturday, May 11, 2pm-4pm

Help raise money for Whizz-Kids at this fabulous party event and 3-course meal. Prosecco on arrival, plus auction, raffle and entertainment. Tickets £35, via 07540 811010 or sarah.cathie@hotmail.com

Go along to the church hall for a delicious afternoon tea! Everyone welcome – tickets cost £8 and can be booked on 01257 424105.

Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ

St. James the Great Church, Church Lane, Wrightington, WN6 9SP

Ladies Night

Place2Place Cup

Saturday, May 4, doors at 7:30pm

Sunday, May 12, 4:30pm

Fab performances from HotBoys and Kickback Live!

There’ll be topless waiter service and delicious hotdogs on sale, along with exciting raffles. Tickets £12 in advance or £15 on the door, proceeds to Platt Bridge Morris Dancers. To book, call 07546 285521.

A charity football match to raise awareness of the stigma surrounding male mental health – catch the exciting 90 minute match and a raffle. No ticket required but donations welcome.

DW Stadium, Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UZ

Worsley Mesnes Club, Fairbrother Av, WN3 5HL

Scarecrow Family Fun Sunday, May 5, 12pm-4pm

Ladies Lunch Thursday, May 16, 11am-4pm

Vote for your favourite scarecrows while enjoying all the fun of the fair in aid of Diabetes UK. Scarecrow maps are on sale.

Dress to impress for an elegant afternoon of drinks, fashion and a sumptuous 3-course meal. Tickets £40 per person for Derian House, bookable from 01257 271271 or fundraising@derianhouse.co.uk

Tunley United Reformed Church, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RW

Macdonald Kilhey Court, Chorley Road, Standish, WN1 2XN

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Was the Lady Floating?

Bowie Starman

Thursday, May 16, 1pm-2pm

Saturday, May 18, 7:30pm-10pm

This informative talk by Charlie Guy gives an insight into the George Joseph Smith murders. Entry £3, bookable on 01942 828128 or wiganmuseum@ wigan.gov.uk

Hear all your favourite Bowie songs performed by a talented group with over 30 years of performing experience. Packed with songs from Rebel Rebel to Life on Mars, this is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Tickets £28 from 01942 244460.

Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU

The Edge Arena, Riveredge, Wigan, WN3 5AB

Grand Summer Fayre

Steam Heritage Festival

Saturday, May 18, 9:30am-1:30pm

Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19, 1:30pm-5pm

Browse plenty of stalls stocking everything from cakes to crafts, and let the little ones embark on a treasure hunt! You can also have your car cleaned while enjoying a light breakfast or lunch! For stall enquiries, call 01695 386743.

View steam traction engines, vintage tractors, miniature engines and plenty more at the last surviving Pithead in Lancashire. There’ll be demonstrations throughout the weekend, a vintage fairground and fair organs.

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

Lancashire Mining Museum, Manchester, M29 7JBA

Big Breakfast Fundraiser

60th Anniversary Concert

Saturday, May 18, 10am-12pm

Sunday, May 19, 7:30pm

Treat yourself to a beautifully cooked breakfast in support of Christian Aid! For further information, call Sandra on 07711 371427.

Trinity Girls Brass Band perform a special concert to celebrate their 60th anniversary! Tickets £6, available on 07864 917961 or from Pemberton Band Room.

The Vale Methodist Church, Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DJ

Book-Cycle Summer Fayre Saturday, May 18, 12pm

Astley

Green,

Pemberton Band Room, Mount Zion Parish Hall, Enfield Street, Pemberton, WN5 8DZ

Evening with Maxine Peake

Orrell Book-Cycle invite you to browse a range of stalls featuring local produce and gifts, play lots

Tuesday, May 21, 7:30pm

of fun family games, and have a go on the bouncy castle at their summer fayre! There will also be a raffle and tombola to win great prizes. Hot food available throughout.

questions about her career, from her upbringing in Westhoughton to her recent film role Peterloo, with musical entertainment and supper. Tickets £15 from 01942 244309, 07964 122114 or 07570 414640.

Orrell Book-Cycle, The Library, Orrell Road, Orrell, WN5 8LY

Wigan Cricket Club, Bull Hey, Parsons Walk, Wigan, WN1 1RU

TV and film personality Maxine Peake takes

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Win tickets to

Nile Rodgers & CHIC – Live in Concert

The Jockey Club Live and Haydock Park Racecourse have joined forces to present a summer of incredible open air concerts. Jess Glynne will be appearing at Haydock Park on 7th June, Rick Astley on 20th July, and on 22nd June, the brilliant Nile Rodgers & CHIC will be playing live at the venue, and we’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away for the Nile Rodgers & CHIC concert!

The Jockey Club Live concerts at Haydock Park Racecourse have been a staple in the region’s social calendar and over the past few years hosting thousands of fans of live music. These events are renowned for combining a fun filled evening at the races with a spectacular evening concert in the informal and relaxed open-air setting of the hallowed turf.

Nile Rodgers is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multiple GRAMMY-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist by constantly

traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music. As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like “Le Freak,” sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times,” and won CHIC 11 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations.

His work in the CHIC Organization and his productions for artists like David Bowie (incl.

‘Lets Dance’), Diana Ross (incl. ‘Upside Down’, ‘I’m Coming Out’) and Madonna (incl. ‘Material Girl’, ‘Like A Virgin’) have sold over 300 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure and Sam Smith reflect the vanguard of contemporary music.

75

To enter the competition to win one of two pairs of tickets to Nile Rodgers & CHIC -Live at Haydock Park Racecourse, simply visit our website, www. locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the following question; Name the album released in 2018 by Nile Rodgers and CHIC. Over the next few months on Facebook, we’ll also be giving away an additional pair of tickets for each of the Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers and CHIC and the Rick Astley concerts, and also a pair of tickets for the Southport Flower Show – Make sure you visit Facebook and give ‘Local Life Magazines’ a ‘like’ to keep in touch Releasing their ninth studio album ‘It’s About Time’ in 2018, the release saw the band once again work the cream of the crop of the current music stars ranging from Mura Masa and Stefflon Don to Lady Gaga. Expect to hear some of the best-known pop anthems from the last four decades. With more than 200 production credits to his name, the scope of Nile Rodgers’ peerless influence is undeniable.

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Friday 31st May 2019 and the winners will be notified within five working days. 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

Tickets are now on sale for this concert via thejockeyclublive.co.uk.

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Wandering Poet Tour

Summer Fayre

Friday, May 24, 7pm-10pm

Saturday, June 15, 11am-2pm

Benjamin Guilfoyle, AKA the Wandering Poet, will perform 12 poetry shows in 12 different venues on 12 consecutive days as he walks 110 miles for charity. Donations welcome.

Help raise money for much-needed playground equipment while enjoying barbecue food, a bouncy castle, donkey rides, Morris dancers, and stalls.

The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA

Marus Bridge Primary School, Kelvin Grove, Wigan, WN3 6SP

Nocturnal Nature

Charity Ball

Friday, May 24, 8:30pm-10:30pm

Saturday, June 15, 7pm-1am

Look for the signs, sights and sounds of nocturnal nature including owls, bats and moths. Tickets free, but must be booked on Eventbrite.

Help fund research into NKH with a delicious 4-course dinner, entertainment and a disco! There’ll also be a raffle, an auction and silent auction, plus free drink on arrival. Tickets £50 or £450 for a table of 10. Dress code is black tie and sparkles. To book, call 07702 078286 or info@josephsgoal.org

Kitchen Courtyard, Haigh Woodland Park, School Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE

Chris Hodgkins Quartet Sunday, May 26, 12:30pm-3pm

Macdonald Kilhey Court Hotel, Chorley Road, Standish, WN1 2XN

Enjoy jazz led by award-winning trumpet player Chris Hodgkins and South Korean pianist Jinjoo Yoo. Tickets £12, available on 01925 727408 or 01942 243974.

Whelley Ex-Servicemen’s, Vauxhall Rd, WN1 3LU

One-off Designer Samples from £300 or less all sizes To book your consultation contact Julie on:

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Motoring

Kia

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E-Niro

by Tim Barnes-Clay

Check out the new Kia e-Niro. The Korean automaker has ushered this car into the automotive arena in the hope of putting to rest the reservations of electriccar naysayers.

The cynics tend to think that vehicles without combustion engines don’t have the range or the performance of ‘regular’ cars – and they always slam the price. Well, after having a first drive of the e-Niro in South Korea I’m pleased to report that Kia will probably turn these disbelievers into believers.

Why? Well, the e-Niro is more credible than any electric car to date, including Hyundai’s mechanically related Kona Electric. While the two vehicles have similar powertrains and platforms, the Kia houses its ingenious technology in a more traditionallydesigned and more down-to-earth bundle.

The pure-electric e-Niro looks almost the same as its plug-in and hybrid bedfellows, although there are some restrained alterations. Look intently, and you’ll spot the sleeker front bumper, a fared-in grille and 17-inch alloys. The rear of the Kia wears a modified trim to complement the nose, too, helping to provide a more slippery shape.

Inside, the car is like other Kia Niros. The dashboard is bland yet functional, there’s an ultramodern infotainment system, and importantly, there’s space for five-up. The most obvious difference, though, is within

78 the centre console. The usual gear selector has been replaced with a rotary dial. This little change in details unfurls some additional storage room, too.

The e-Niro’s 451-litre boot is larger than the ubiquitous Nissan Qashqai’s, but it’s less than the 510-litres in the Seat Ateca. Mind you, it’s still a good size, and you can store the charging cables under the load floor.

At the time of writing, there’s just one trim level to select – and it’s called the First Edition. Okay, it’s not very original, but who cares when you get a car as well kitted-out as this? The e-Niro in this guise comes with a reversing camera, heated leather seats, lane keep assist and forward collision warning. The Kia doesn’t possess LED headlights, though – and that’s a shame.

So, yes, the e-Niro is all very orthodox; that is until you examine the powertrain. The Kia gets a 204ps motor that propels the front wheels. This, as well as the 64kWh battery pack, is used in Hyundai’s Kona Electric. However, unlike the Kona, a 136ps, 39kWh variant won’t be sold in the UK. The motor’s power output boosts the Kia e-Niro’s athleticism well above the current plug-in and hybrid Niro models. What’s more, once the substantial surge of torque is taken into consideration, the car feels livelier than many ‘warm’ family-hatchbacks. There’s even enough grunt to get a squeal from the front tyres, as I found out when putting my foot down to escape Seoul’s traffic.

There are a couple of paddles behind the e-Niro’s steering wheel to regulate the force of brake regeneration. And, while you can’t drive the Kia with one pedal as you can in Nissan’s Leaf, the trio of levels allows you to make the most of the e-Niro’s charge.

What about the all-important range then? Well, Kia claims that the e-Niro can manage 282 miles on one charge. More impressively, the official figure is higher when driving around town. That means many

e-Niro drivers will only need to charge up once a week - at the most.

Granted, the topping up process isn’t as straightforward as a quick fill up at the pumps, but connect the Kia to a 100kW quick charger and less than an hour later (54 minutes) you’ll have charged the battery pack from next to nothing to 80 per cent. That’s enough energy for the e-Niro to cover between 226 and nearly 300 miles, depending on how you drive it.

So, how much does this new all-electric car cost?

Well, at £32,995 (after the £3,500 Government grant), the Kia e-Niro will only set you back around £1000 or so more than the flagship Nissan Qashqai.

There are very few drawbacks with this e-Niro. Okay, it can understeer a bit due to the weighty batterypack, but then this pack gives the Kia a low centre of gravity. So, no, there really aren’t any significant gripes from me.

At the end of the day, the all-new e-Niro is a nononsense five-door family crossover that makes electric car ownership more appealing than ever.

Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 7.5 seconds • Range: 282 miles • Engine layout: Single electric motor • Max. power (PS): 204 • CO2: 0 g/km • Price: £32,995 (after Govt grant)

79

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80

Gardening

Mind, body

...and soil

Award Winner

by Angie Barker

I have to admit that I have pinched this headline from Monty. (For those of you not familiar with the BBC programme Gardeners World, I am referring to the programme’s extremely knowledgable presenter and thoroughly nice chap, Monty Don. What he don’t know about gardening ain’t worth knowing, as they say.)

He has written an article extolling the health benefits of gardening and I wanted to bring some of his thoughts to Local Life readers. First of all we all know that gardening is good for your physical health but it also makes you feel good. It is fantastic all round exercise and it brings a real sense of well being. For example research has shown that it relieves mental illnesses such as depression. I have even heard of doctors ‘prescribing’ it to their patients.

You appreciate the workings of nature, wildlife and the seasons in a way that you just wouldn’t notice if you weren’t gardening on a regular basis. And all of that makes you feel good. And what better

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.

way to encourage your children away from computer games by showing them how much enjoyment can be had from being outside in the garden and growing plants and food.

Physically gardening activity, which includes digging, raking, sweeping, lifting, bending, carrying, kneeling, walking, stretching, and so on, can lower blood pressure through aerobic activity. It involves muscular activity which keeps you strong which, as you get older, is so important. And we all know that being outside in the fresh air is good for body and soul. As I often say to hubby, if you want to decline into old age, then sit on your back side.

Yes gardening can be hard work and I know it is not the most glamorous of activities (you will get dirty, achey, hot, scratched and tired) but the rewards are immense and you will have an outdoor space you love and take pride in.

So you young ‘uns out there, don’t waste your money on going to the gym. Just garden!

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

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07919 876 825 Workshop address: Bulldog Tools Ind. Est. Darlington Street East Wigan WN1 3BT

We also fit full bathrooms!

88

A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff

All plumbing services including services & repairs

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

No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on

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

COMBI BOILERS FROM

£999 527090

www.gphwigan.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES

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

12 YEARS

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS

Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service Central Heating Systems Boilers & Gas Appliances General plumbing Gas Safety Certificates

597379

Call Andy for a free quote on

01942 564 226 07397 391 935 acampbellheatingandgas

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

Telephone:

01942 504 429 Registration No.

88604

TEL: MOB:

01257 421 660 07515 505 501

www.fgwelch.co.uk

FINA

No call out fee

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

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

Freephone 0300 3030121 186237

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

Your one stop shop for central heating

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk

01942 221221

www.orrellheating.co.uk

434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF

info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com

506515

Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service

C &D

Plumbing and Heating

John Bailey - 01942 495785

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

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

Design & Print

AJH DECORATORS

Flyers, postcards, brochures and distribution service.

Quality work assured

l Geails N 5

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

For more information call

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

£20

Wind Turbines

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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

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

...andreturns available

from your www.dglwindows.co.uk

FREE

own solar panels

J27

Shevington

Book 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

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Over 30 years experience Free quotes

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

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

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Painting and Decorating

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

B5250

01695 627 999

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TwinLakesMotorE

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DING & WEL

Need a new look for your home?

Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices!

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

SG

PAINTING & DECORATING

Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator

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

or 07545 065119

07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971

01942 518126 Orrell based business

LTD

J&P

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

Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP

Award Winner

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

01257 426 234

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

Call us today for a free quotation Home Service available

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

01942 212096 07831 102 511 www.jpmoorcroft.com

01942 392398 or 07707 321383

90

W.Hurst & Son Ltd ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR www.whurstandson.co.uk

• • • •

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

For a free quote & advice call Jeff

01695 622 191 07850 622 191

All electrical work undertaken

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

Free quotations

A.J.S.

BAILEYS

ELECTRICAL

01942 215 769 07739 709 005

Whatever your electrical needs,

GHE have the answer!

Complete re-wires

CCTV systems

New/moving sockets

Security Light installations

All lighting needs

PAT testing & inspections

Burglar Alarm systems

No Job too Small

Domestic and commercial work welcomed

Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote.

Suite 1A, Kirkless Industrial Estate Cale Lane, Wigan, WN2 1HF

01942 836 937

www.ghewigan.co.uk

Services Ltd J.Dillon Electrical

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

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

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Call Sally: 01695 627 999 locallife247.co.uk

LocalLife

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

01942 514532 07709 490095

in matching styles

91

Is your CALL PAUL garage door LOCKSMITHS ESTABLISHED 2000 broken ?

Call us today for a free estimate to Repair or Replace it

• UPVC & WOODEN DOOR SPECIALIST • Emergency Door Opening • UPVC Door Lock Repairs • UPVC Door Lock Changes

CJM Garage Doors Ltd, Unit 10, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB t: 01942 738347 w: www.cjmgaragedoors.co.uk

GARAGE DOOR

REPAIRS

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

Doors of all ages repaired

• UPVC Door Lock Upgrades • Wood Door Lock Changes • All Work Guaranteed A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company

Call Paul for a Fast, Reliable, Professional Service

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

Having computer problems?

• We come to you!

• Computer repairs and upgrades • Internet and wireless problems fixed • Quality new systems built to specification • Virus removal from £35 • Domestic and commercial work welcomed Call us now for FREE computer advice.

Call - 01942 863448

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

l Geails N £15

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

For more information call

01695 627 999 LocalLife

money is the clear benefit!

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

£20

Wind Turbines

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that

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LED Lighting

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

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

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

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

Dennis Goulding Mossy Lea Road

No Fix? No Fee!

WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK

A49

‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner

01942MOBILE 901103 07932 718 362

B5250

www.expertcomputers.co.uk

TELEPHONE

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

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

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

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Natalie

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

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DING & WEL

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let us clean your oven so you don’t have to!

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professional oven cleaning environmentally friendly

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we’ll restore your oven to near showroom condition!

call Steven today on 07393 818 392 www.ovenrescue.co.uk/wigan

too!

prices start from £45

Orrell Laundry 11 Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP 01695 623 796

Mr Soot

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Woodburners

Open fires

Stoves

• Bedding & duvets • Domestic washes • Commercial washing • Ironing services • Dry cleaning • Team sports kits welcomed

Open 7 days Free pick-up see website for opening times

& drop off!

Serving the community for over 50 years

Free pICk-up & DrOp OFF

service to/from Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Kitt Green & Up Holland mr-soot.com 07724 311 992

www.orrell-laundry.co.uk

Puzzle Solutions WIGGLE WORDS: A FRESH PAIR OF EYES

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2 2 7 3

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93

Providing professional carpet & upholstery cleaning since 1993 Carpets Leather

Upholstery Curtains Oriental Rugs Hard Floors

For more information call:

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

www.alliancechemdry.co.uk

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

Wigan Good Trader Of The Year 2015

5 star rating with Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme

• Carpets • Rugs • Fabric & Leather Upholstery

UPVC CLEANING

• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.

CONSERVATORIES

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)

POWER WASHING • Driveways & Patios etc.

ROOF CLEANING

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

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF

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

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

Wigan’s premier domestic cleaning service

Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote

Call - 01257 251221

Mobile - 07908 770808

www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk

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

Cleaning in the Wigan area for 10+ years

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

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

94

Arley Cabinet Company Ltd

JJ Driveways

• Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •

Imprinted Concrete Specialists Huge range of colours & patterns

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

Ask about our sealing service

Call Joe for a free quotation on

01942 621 959 / 07867 697 972 www.jjdriveways.co.uk

We measure we make we fit

Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd 214a Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7BN

and have done for 60 years.

Visit our showroom or call us today for a FREE estimate

Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm Sat: 9am - 12pm

www.arleycabinets.com tel: 01942 246190

GDR Driveways Flagging • Block paving Concreting • Fencing

Want to promote your company in Local Life?

Call Gareth for a FREE quotation

Call Sally: 01695 627 999

01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754

LocalLife

locallife247.co.uk

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

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95

REDWOOD ROOFING & BUILDING SERVICES

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

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

SpeakmanpropertyServiceS.com Eas

DISCOUNTS

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

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

Tel: 01942 410 724 / 07887 901656

ix

yM

Easy Mix

SERVING CHORLEY, W EST LANCASHIRE & WIGAN

OAP

Ready Mixed Concrete

• Delivered or Collected • Perfect for builders & DIY

01942 224571 for advice Lamberhead Ind. Est., Pemberton

Number One for House Maintenance!

• UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & ROOFLINE SUPPLIED AND FITTED MISTED UNITS REPLACED • GUTTERS AND UPVC CLEANING AND REPAIR SERVICE • FLAGGING, FENCING AND POINTING • GARDENS CLEARED

No job too small!

Call Mike Darbyshire on

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

01942 513 584 / 07917 352 181 Orrell based

Home Improvements • • • •

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

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

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

01942 203 804 DS Joinery 07851 225 876

96

K Stone Building Services

28 Years Experience

Extensions & Refurbishments Kitchens & Bathrooms Conservatories & Orangeries Windows & Doors Roofs & Fascia Boards Decking & Balustrading All aspects of building works - No job too small

Call Peter for a free quotation

Day: 07961 516 677 Eve: 01942 745 428 Cambridge Road, Orrell

House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request Call now for a free quotation

All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience

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

01942 495412 / 07974 496676

• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985

Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate

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

B.A. Berry Building & Roofing Specialists

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

28 Years Experience

T: 01942 248 537 M: 07749 806 566

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

•All building work undertaken.

• From a broken tile to a full re roof.

• Flat roofs renewed and repaired.

• Extensions, Alterations, Structural repairs including Lintels.

Your local fully qualified tradesman with

30 years experience

Call us now for a free, no obligation quote

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

97

M H Roofing

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

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

Call 07702 693225 www.mhroofingltd.co.uk

Fully Insured & Insurance Backed Guarantees

3 Maggots Nook Road, Rainford

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 ROOFING & REPAIRS

01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years

All aspects of roofing & roofline

NEW ROOFS REPAIRS FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERS

Dormers and Garages Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist Guaranteed 50 years

Call for free quote

T: 01942 864 624 M: 07868 713 520 M: 07894 687 384

98

Looking for a local, reliable roofing company who you can trust and rely on?

Lords Roofing Contractors are a well established father and son business with over 40 years experience.

Re-Roofing Tiles Re-Roofing Slates Flat Roofs

UPVC Fascia & Soffits Bespoke Conservatory Warm Roofing Systems

Lead Work Dry Verge & Dry Ridge Systems Full Garage Roof Refurbishments

Galvanised Steel Powder Coated Roofing Sheets (Various Colours)

Installer of UPVC Roof lanterns Roof Repairs Guttering

ALL ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN • ALL WORK GUARANTEED

01942 446 085

lordsroofing.co.uk

• 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

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

We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters.

Clean, stylish and guaranteed for 25 years!

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

99

Come and visit the largest showroom in the North West

® Quality installations of windows, doors, fascias, soffits and gutters 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

Rockdoor Approved Installer Reg No 02767596

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established 16 years

Call us for a Free Quote Office Number: 01942 871 777 Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value Windows

Bi-Fold Doors

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs expertly fitted by accredited installers

Orangeries

©

Don’t just lock it, Rock it!

Conservatories

Manufacturers and installers since 2004

Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote

28544

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

www.orrellwindows.co.uk