Local Life - Wigan - June 2021

LocalLife Wigan Edition

June 2021

Glasson Dock Walk Pages 66-68

WINl ea aformtwo!

Discover the Duggie Pages 20-23

Pirates in Parbold!

Pages 26-27

6 of the Best – Walks Pages 49-52

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A

fter months of holding our collective breaths waiting for the Sat Nav to malfunction on this road map, it now looks likely that June will be the month where most COVID restrictions in the UK will be dropped. Finally, it is time to look forward and once again enjoy life in full.

On that positive theme, this month’s Local Life has a new feature series called ‘6 of The Best’ as we look forward to visiting the region’s best venues for arts and culture, leisure and shopping. As this magazine drops through your letterbox, we’re not quite there on the road map, so we’ve taken a safe option and kicked off this month with 6 of the best walks in the North West.

These walks are taken from our Jack’s Tracks archives and available for free download at www.locallife247.co.uk.

I must confess to a feeling of trepidation whilst eating out over the past few weeks, but it is important that we all do our best to support the local hospitality sector.

Hospitality has been badly (and some say unfairly) hit by the pandemic, so much so that that some businesses have yet to open again. Our competition this month, featured on pages 60-61gives you a chance to win a meal for two at one of four local eating places!

After a long arduous journey, we’re coming out of the tunnel now; it’s time to get out and enjoy life to the full!

See you next time.

Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Keep in touch with the LocalLife Team!

LocalLife

Telephone: 01695 627 999 info@locallife247.co.uk

locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia Local Life 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, Wigan WN1 9UB 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.

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This month’s highlights 20. Discover the Duggie

Contents 14. Father’s Day No socks please!

28. Outdoors Cycling with bionic legs.

44. Home Add colour to your kitchen.

56. Puzzle Pages Try out our new word ladder!

26. Pirates in Parbold

30. Island Escapes

60. Competition Win a meal for two!

62. Recipes A lemony risotto and glazed salmon.

64. Health Let’s talk about the perimenopause.

70. Motoring

66. Jack’s Tracks visits Glasson Dock

Making the switch to electric.

73. Home & Garden Services Find the best local traders for you.

38. Bold Summer Vibes

49. 6 of the Best Walks

Next Issue - July 2021

Advertising deadline - 16th June Published - 30th June

Want to promote your business in

LocalLife?

01695 627 999 www.locallife247.co.uk

6

Pic Competition It’s a fabulous time to be out and about in Haigh Woodland Park, with lots of spring colour and if you fancy yourself as a budding David Bailey, then here’s your chance to win £50.

All You Knead, the Lancashire-based independent bakery and owners of a café at Haigh Hall Courtyard, are running a photography competition to highlight the scenic beauty of Haigh Woodland Park.

The rules are simple; the competition is open to amateur photographers only and photographs must be taken within Haigh Woodland Park. You have until Monday May 31 to submit your images and photographs can be emailed to haigh@allyouknead.co.uk.

NEW LADY MEMBERS OFFERS • NEW 7 Day Full Member - Pay £800 (discount of £170 from £970 for 2021/22 subscription year) • NEW 7 Day Restricted Member - Pay £700 (discount of £170 from £870 for 2021/22 subscription year) • NEW 9 Hole Member - Pay £360 or £30 per month as part of the Ladies Get into Golf programme (discount of £95 from £455 for the 2021/22 subscription year) • Other discounted rates are also available for younger golfers joining the club from Juniors through to the age groups 26-30, 31-35 and 36-40.

For full details please contact the Club Manager on: 01257 255235 or email: secretary@gathurstgolfclub.co.uk

The best selection of entries will be selected by All You Knead, and these will then be subject to a public vote on their Facebook page and at the cafe to find the winner.

The winner will be announced no later than Sunday June 20, for more information please go online at www. allyouknead.co.uk

Bridal Event Wigan Bridal specialist Melissa Marie is holding a Trunk Show for brides-to-be at their Library Street store. The Trunk Show will feature creations from the Richards Design 2022 collection and will run from Saturday 22nd May through to Thursday 3rd June, with fabulous discounts and goody bags available for those who place an order within two weeks of the show.

Brides can book an exclusive appointment to try on the gowns, together with their wedding party if desired, by calling 01942 826001 or by messaging via the store’s social media accounts. For more details about the store visit www.melissa-mariebridal.com.

Artisan Market AppleCast’s monthly artisan market returns on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June from 10am-3pm. The Newburgh farm will be host to lots of artisan stalls showcasing their products, along with all the usual fun of the animal farm, birds of prey, garden centre and gift shop. Entry is £3 per car which includes one free drink. More information can be found online at www.castmw.net or by emailing mary@applecast.co.uk

Swim Tots If you’re looking to introduce your little ones to the water and have some splashing good fun this summer; then the Swim Tots classes at Wigan Life Centre are perfect for you. The fun packed sessions help to introduce the basic swimming techniques through nursery rhymes and are ideal for children aged 0-2. The sessions are instructor-led and aimed at helping children adjust to water.

Each session is £2.90, and this includes one child and one adult, sessions run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information on times and to book, visit www.bewellwigan.org.

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Senior Administrator Required An opportunity has arisen for an experienced administrator to join our Wigan office.

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• Salary in the region of £25,000 dependent upon experience • Discretionary bonus scheme of up to 10% of salary • Employer pension contributions of up to 5% of salary • Death in service (4 times salary) • 25 days holiday • Flexible benefit scheme The role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has ambitions to progress into senior management as there will be a new team leader role created within the next two years.

Please email your CV to ruth.smyth@prosper-ifa.co.uk or telephone us on 01257 423800 and ask for Ruth quoting the Senior Admin Vacancy Closing date for applications is Friday June 11th

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Radio Wigan The team behind the Old Courts in Wigan is looking to develop a community-led small scale digital audio broadcasting (DAB) project. If the bid is successful, this could mean over 20 new community and local stations based in, and focused on, the Wigan and St Helens area.

The team at The Old Courts, who will lead on this project, are interested to hear from, existing community or commercial radio stations; new and emerging community or commercial radio projects; and community members.

Jess Rotherham, The Old Courts Development Manager, said, “Small-scale DAB is an amazing opportunity to ensure that our local radio is inclusive, diverse and reflects the wants and needs of local communities.

“Particularly over the past 12 months, we have seen just how important radio is to keeping people in touch and informed. We are really interested to hear from local and community radio stations who are interested in joining

us on this project.”

To take part in these conversations participants need to complete an online expression of interest form. Anyone already operating a digital radio channel, interested in starting one or simply want to find out more can visit www.theoldcourts.com/wiganradio to find out more and get in touch.

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AB Book Launch Three local residents have written a book about life in Appley Bridge during the war. Steven Smith, Barbara Dix and Anne Fletcher launched ‘Appley Bridge and the Second World War’ earlier this month.

The book carries details about life during WW2 in the village and memories of those who lived through the war.

There are tales of bravery and kindness, and also details of the men whose are named on the war memorial.

The book is available to order at a price of £6 and all profits go to the Royal British Legion. For more information about ordering a copy of the book please contact the Appley Bridge Community Association by searching @ Appleybridgecommunitycentre on Facebook.

Summer School The first days of secondary school have always been scary for most kids, but an initiative at Shevington High School aims to ease that anxiety this year. Pupils currently in Y6, who already have a place at Shevington High School in September are invited to register their interest in Summer School 2021.

This is a fantastic opportunity for children to meet their peers ahead of starting school in September. The week will take place from Monday 26th July to Friday 30th July, and places will be free due to the introduction of government funding. Parents can register their interest by following this link https://forms.gle/56FkR5jAtjLmcYFn9 and submitting the requested information, or call the school on 01257 400900 for more information.

Jewels May is a wonderful independent jewellers. The shop has recently expanded so as to offer customers more on site specialist services, one-to-one consultation, specialist design and re-modelling advice and manufacturing.

Their jewellery range is extensive from antique and vintage to modern and one-off bespoke luxury pieces, set with diamonds and precious stones. They also boast an impressive range of engagement and wedding rings as well as preowned luxury watches.

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The playgroup is suitable from newborn to 4 years old and also serves as a support group for parents. There are toys and soft play for the children and some sensory toys for the babies. The cost is £4 a family and this includes tea or coffee for the adults.

The sessions need to be pre-booked now but will soon be drop-in sessions. For more information or to book your space please contact Amy on 07546 823772 or search for @TheTeaandTotsPlaygroup on Facebook.

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Men’s Health

Pink Link

A new group focused on improving men’s mental health issues has been launched. Walk&Talk4Men (WAT4M) was created in 2019 in Cambridgeshire and the Wigan group, led by Ben Heaton, met for the first time in April.

A business networking group for women has launched in Wigan. Pink Link was created in 2009 by Coral Horn and now has 14 groups throughout the North West area.

WAT4M Wigan gets together a couple of times a month for a stroll and a chat. The group promises to ‘give guys the opportunity to offload, get things off our chest and talk about how we are feeling rather than bottling it up and suffering in silence’. The next event is this Saturday (22nd May), meeting at Haigh Hall car park at 10.30am.

Pink Link is a supportive community for all women in business, and owners, freelancers, and employees are all welcome. In addition to the local online meetings, you can access an online business community which brings together members to share news and tips.

If you have a man in your life who you think is struggling mentally and you want to find out more about the group, please search for ‘Walk&Talk4Men’ on Facebook.

Pink Link Wigan will be holding online networking meetings, hosted by Pink Link Network Facilitator, Rachel Riches. The next meeting is on Wednesday 2nd June from 9.30am-11am. You can book your space here www. pinklinkladies.co.uk/networking-wigan/.

Rugby Recruits

Dance Returns

Shevington Sharks are on the lookout for any budding rugby players who would be interested in joining one of their teams. Coaches are looking to welcome players of all ages, from 4 years old to open age. With the club moving into their purpose-built facility at Vicarage Lane, there’s never been a better time to join this up and coming club.

The floors at St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall in Standish will once again resonate to the sounds of dancers, all making up for lost time, as the restrictions ease.

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Renown Wigan dance company Hurst Dance have just restarted their sessions at all their Wigan venues including St Wilf’s on Church Street. Children’s Strictly Beginner Ballroom and Latin classes run from 5.30pm for 6-16 year olds. Adults Latin Line classes run at 6.30pm and again at 7.30pm and Adults Strictly Ballroom and Latin classes run from 8.30pm.

For more details call Phil on 07745 685548 or visit www. hurstdance.co.uk

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No socks please...

From pocket money treats to push-the-boat-out presents, we’ve got plenty of ideas for Father’s Day gifts…

Whether your father is an avid runner or needs some encouragement to get off the couch, a Garmin Forerunner 35 might give him extra motivation. It’s £129.99 from www.very.co.uk

A handcrafted, refillable pen will last for years.

If you’re on a budget, try the Wood Wirkshop, which offers a range of wooden and acrylic styles from just £12. See www.facebook.com/TheWoodWirkshop

Ooni Fyra portable wood-fired outdoor pizza oven, £249, www.cuckooland.com

Glamis bat box, £8, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

Dad will love a weekend relaxing in a hammock, available for £75 from Habitat It’s easy to pick up chocolate from the supermarket, but a personalised bar is so much more special. These luxury handmade chocolates cost £3.50 to £15 from www.cocoas.co.uk

If dad is hoping to indulge his travel lust a bit more this year, this T-shirt should whet his appetite.

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Classic car biscuits, £45, www.biscuiteers.com

Photo reveal new dad mug, £9.99, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Jolie espresso coffee machine, £79, www.lavazza.co.uk

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A full 12 months of lockdown restrictions have taken their toll on many local communities, with many people desperately in need of something to look forward to.

With most restrictions now liifting, why not take the initiative and celebrate by throwing open your doors, or taking to your gardens, driveways, parks and community spaces for a good old British knees-up?

The Big Lunch is an annual community-led event that connects people over a love of food and fun; Big Lunches come in all shapes and sizes, small and simple or large and loud, the how, where and when are totally up to you.

chance to strengthen those neighbourly bonds.

This year the Big Lunch weekend will take place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June. All you need to do is decide how you’re going to join in with the event; you can have a natter and a nibble online, a socially distanced BBQ, set up a food stall on your driveway, share recipes with your neighbours, raise money for your chosen charity or go the whole hog and arrange a street party.

Last year more than 6 million people took part in the Big Lunch, with 4.5 million of those people saying that the event helped them to feel less lonely.

For inspiration to stage your own Big Lunch, just visit the website www.thebiglunch.com and download the pack.

The celebrations for 2021 are set to be extra special this year as the nation emerges from lockdown and community events and activities take on a life of their own. This is great chance to create a sense of occasion where you live and a

Don’t forget, if you want to go one step further and apply to close the street for a big party, you’ll need to conact your respective council in order to do so.

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Discovering the Douglas

By Nicola Gray

River level monitoring station

Aqueduct 16

Parbold Windmill Bridge 37

Alder Lane Bridge 38

The River Douglas, also known as the River Asland, can be found flowing from the West Pennine moors at Winter Hill, past the urban centres of Horwich and Adlington. It enters Worthington Lakes and remerges from a tunnel below the reservoir dam, passing to the East of Chapel Standish.

House Bridge 39

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Gillibrand Bridge 40

s Bridge over River Douglas

Hand Lane Bridge 41

The river continues Southwards to Wigan, where it passes under the railway near the Wigan North Western station and heads north-west closely paralleled by the Leeds and Liverpool canal. It is crossed by the M6 motorway and the railway line at Gathurst, passes through Appley Bridge and at Parbold, crosses the canal for the third time.

The river then turns northwards through largely agricultural areas and is joined by the River Tawd, south of Rufford and the River Yarrow north of Rufford. It meets the Ribble estuary north of Tarleton, near Preston and the waters then flow northwards towards the bathing waters of the Fylde Coast.

Local Life is taking a look at the history of the river, the wildlife living in and around its waters and the groups who work hard to maintain it. We pick up the River at Wigan Pier and follow it through to Aqueduct 16 at Parbold.

Aqueduct 16 at Parbold

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River Levels In the section of the river, we are looking at, there are four monitoring stations that consistently keep track of the river levels and can help with flood warnings and flood forecasts. There are monitoring stations at Parbold, Red Rock, Appley Bridge and Wigan.

Parbold - The usual range of the River Douglas at Parbold is between 0.10m and 2.93m. The highest level ever recorded at Parbold is 3.60m, reached on Saturday 26th December 2015 at 4:15pm.

Red Rock - The usual range of the River Douglas at Red Rock is between 0.11m and 1.10m. The highest level ever recorded at Red Rock is 2.19m, reached on Saturday 23rd June 2012 at 10:30am.

Appley Bridge - The usual range of the River Douglas at Appley Bridge is between 0.37m and 3.35m. The highest level ever recorded at the River Douglas at Appley Bridge is 2.85m, reached on Saturday 26th December 2015 at 2:00pm.

Wigan - The usual range of the River Douglas at

Appley Bridge 42

River Douglas at Appley Bridge with Herons Wharf in the background

River level monitoring station

Appley Bridge

River level gauge at Appley Bridge

Wigan is between 0.09m and 1.35m. The highest level ever recorded at the River Douglas at Wigan is 2.55m, reached on Saturday 26th December 2015 at 2:00pm.

Finch Mill Swing Bridge 43

Rannicars Swing Bridge 44

Fishers Swing Bridge 45

Bridge over the River Douglas, between Appley Bridge & Parbold

22

Gathurst

Rail Bridge 45A

Gathurst Bridge 46

Gathurst Weir

a Leed s & L i v e r p o o l C

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s

Viaduct M6 Motorway

Crooke Bridge 47

Fact File • The River Douglas is a tributary of the River Ribble.

• The river is 35 miles long and rises as a series of springs on Rivington Moor near to the summit of Winter Hill.

• The name Douglas is derived from the Brittonic elements ‘dub’ meaning black and ‘glẹss’ meaning watercourse.

• In 1720 Thomas Steer and William Squire started to make the River Douglas navigable by small ships, between Wigan

and the mouth of the river. Due to financial problems this wasn’t completed until 1742 and by 1772, it had been bought out by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal company.

• Aqueduct 16 at Parbold was designed by John Longbotham and dates back to 1791 and allows the canal to flow above the river.

• On the upper reaches of the Douglas, the riverbed is relatively steep, and the river level can change quickly because of rainfall.

• The remains of several locks can be seen between Parbold and Gathurst.

• The last 10 miles of the river are tidal.

• In 1892 the river was diverted in Wigan to allow for the construction of Wigan Central Railway.

Groups & Projects: Canal & River Trust: Website: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Facebook: @canalrivertrust Parbold Flood Group: Email: parboldfloodgroup@outlook.com Douglas Valley Lions: Website: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/douglas_valley/ Facebook: @douglasvalleylions Appley Bridge Community Association: Facebook: @Appleybridgecommunitycentre

River Douglas Catchment Partnership: Website: www.groundwork.org.uk/projects/riverdouglas-catchment-partnership/ Twitter: @DouglasPilot Your River. The River Douglas Facebook: @douglasriverassociationcic Twitter: @River_Douglas_ Email: douglasriverassociation@gmail.com

23

Wildlife & Nature Martland Mill Bridge 49 49A Scot Lane Bridge

• • • • • • • • • •

Railway Bridge 49A

Rubbish at Green Street

Water vole Dragonfly Swans Moorhens Hedgehogs Minks Ducks Butterflies

Gathurst Weir

Fish including Chub, Roach, Dace, Pike, Perch & Bream Birds including Dippers and Yellow Wagtails

Ri

Salmon used to be prevalent in the River Douglas, and it is said that 150 years ago Wiganers would catch their own Salmon for tea. The Douglas Catchment Partnership is helping to build 8 fish passes, with 5 of those in our area: Gathurst Weir, Pottery Terrace Weir, Scholes Weir, Red Rock Weir and Worthington Weir. This project, due to be fully complete in 2022, will improve the ability of fish populations to Pagefield spawn, reach a larger range of Bridge 49B food resources, and recover from high flow or pollution disturbances quicker than as before. ve

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Seven Stars Railway Bridge 49C

Seven Stars Bridge 50

Wigan Pottery Terrace Weir

Pottery Road Bridge 51

The River Douglas Association CIC recently organised the Wigan Plastic Challenge, which saw a big clean up of the siphon at Green Street in Wigan Town Centre. The group teamed up with Douglas, River Association, Stormwater Shepherds UK, Douglas Catchment Partnership, Groundwork, Environment Agency, Canal and Rivers Trust, Wigan Council, Bithels Skips and RAM Safety to fill 2 skips with plastic waste that had accumulated there for years.

24

Community Day A popular community event in the town centre returns this year thanks to Wigan Rotary Club.

A free stall is available in Wigan town centre on Saturday 18th September for any local community group or charity as part of Wigan Rotary Club’s Community Day. Rotary President Rosemary Charles explained, “We are providing this ‘free of charge’ opportunity for local groups to raise their profile, make some money, and recruit new members. Every participating group will be allocated a frontage on Standishgate or Market Place to erect a table or gazebo and benefit from this opportunity”.

She continued “The Community Day gives voluntary and community organisations the opportunity to showcase the fantastic work they are doing in our local communities. This is the eighth year we have organised this event and each year it becomes more popular and we have had some fantastic feedback. Wigan Rotary have been helping the Wigan community since 1924 and this is

just one of the ways for us to carry on the tradition”.

More details and a booking form for community groups can be found on Wigan Rotary Clubs website www. wiganrotary.org.uk or for more information, just call 07813 471000 or email WiganRotaryCommuntyDay@ outlook.com

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Head Office: Halliwell House, 758/768 Ormskirk Road Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8BB www.rbanksandson.co.uk

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25

Luxury Coach Holidays & Excursions Here’s a small sample of our luxury coach holidays and day excursions Luxury HoLidays

Luxury HoLidays

Cricket St Thomas

Isle of Man

28th June ~ Dinner, B&B

1st July ~ HB

4 nights £459 p.p.

6 days £539 p.p.

Return to the scene of the TV comedy To The Manor Born, now a country hotel operated by Warners Leisure and set in splendid parkland with colourful gardens, lakes and a unique woodland area. looking out across Sandown Bay. What’s included: 3 Home Pick-up 3 Executive Coach Travel 3 Leisure Facilities

3 Nightly Entertainment 3 Excursions to Lyme Regis & Honiton, and the Sidmouth Vintage tram ride.

The Rutland Hotel is located on the sea front at Douglas and has a full range of modern facilities and accessories The Carvery restaurant at the hotel offers both a buffet breakfast and a hearty Manx roast in the evenings.

What’s included: 3 Home Pick-up 3 Executive Coach Travel 3 Leisure Facilities

3 Day excursions including, Castletown, Peel, MER train experience, Laxey Wheel

for more details about our luxury coach holidays, call 01942 728 960 for a holiday brochure or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Our SPACIOuS AND COMfOrTABLE Luxury COACHES HAvE; 3 Full air-conditioning 3 Onboard entertainment system with DVD screens and WiFi 3 Individual Reclining Seats fitted with Seat Belts, Foot & Arm Rests 3 Toilet facilities, fridge, sink and boiler 3 Huge luggage space with driver assistance

day Excursions

day Excursions

Oswestry & Llangollen

Anglesey Circular

Arriving in the border town of Oswestry in the morning to enjoy market day, before moving on to Llangollen for sightseeing in the afternoon, before we return home via the majestic Horseshoe Pass.

A day exploring the beautiful island of Anglesey: stopping off for coffee and shopping at Pringles in Llanfair PG, before travelling up the scenic NW cost to Amlwch Port before calling at the pretty town of Beaumaris on the way home.

Saturday 24th July ~ £19 p.p.

Saturday 31st July ~ £25 p.p.

for more details about our day excursions, call 01942 728 960 for an Excursion Supplement or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk All excursions will pick up from the closest main road to your home.

Please note that this is a tiny selection of our luxury coach holidays and day excursions available – for more details call 01942 728 960 or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Moss Industrial Estate, William Way, Leigh WN7 3PT

01942 728960 • www.memorylanetravel.co.uk Memory Lane Holidays is a trading name of Ashcrofts Mini Travel Ltd. Company Number 06950361

26

Ooh Arrr, it’s u3a Day! Ask the question ‘What is the u3a?’ to someone of tender years and the answers might range from a religious cult to a collective of Ugandan rappers. To those in the know though, the u3a, whose ethos is ‘learn, laugh, live’, is an organisation that can truly claim to have improved the quality of life of thousands of its members.

According to Wikipedia, the University of the Third Age (u3a) is an international movement whose aims are the education and stimulation of those no longer in full time

employment, but it’s really taken off in the UK with over 1,000 u3a’s containing over 450,000 members. A typical u3a will be home to many activity groups covering hundreds of different subjects - from art to zoology and everything in between.

The organisation is hosting its first ever national u3a day in June and to mark the occasion local groups are holding various events.

The only criterion to join this lowcost organisation is that you are no longer in full-time employment, although many members join pre-retirement to sample a few groups as part of the transition process.

Parbold u3a have organised a Walking Treasure Hunt, which will take place in the village on Saturday 6th June.

Families and groups will be able to discover clues whilst exploring the village, and prizes, including a large, tinned hamper and various bottles, are up for grabs too. All children dressed as pirates will share in the bountiful treasure on offer, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

To whet your appetite, the group has provided the first clue from the treasure hunt; ‘What is the address of the householder in Mill Lane who seems to think that Parbold is close to the sea?’

27 Because of Covid restrictions, groups will have to register to get a time slot and the cost per group is £10. Time slots are limited so please book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment – call Chris on 01257 422238 for details.

All proceeds from the treasure hunt will go to the Derian House, the children’s hospice in Chorley. Funding for Derian House has dropped significantly during the pandemic, and the organisation is in desperate need of donations.

As restrictions ease, the Parbold u3a will be re-starting a wide range of activities from their base at Hut-on-theHill including, family heritage, bowling, walking, reading, walking netball, trips out and much more. For more details, check out their website www.u3asites.org.uk/ parbold-newburgh or contact the membership secretary on 01257 463320.

Upholland u3a are hosting a Heritage Trail on Wednesday 2nd June.

An open-air information display stand will be located by the Co-op store in Ormskirk Road in the village from 10am to 4.30pm. Visitors to the stand can also pick up a details of a heritage trail for the Upholland area. Members and their friends are invited to attend a virtual Variety Show in the morning and a virtual quiz in the evening.

Wigan u3a

has several groups including topics as diverse as the members who enjoy them from local history, theatre, IT for beginners, urban sketching, photography and visits to places of interest. In Wigan u3a there are also a couple of very active walking Groups, to suit all abilities, as well as crown green bowls and cycling.

Whilst u3a has a very informal structure and is run by members for members, there are also opportunities in the Wigan u3a to join the committee and help with membership support which fills a gap for those seeking greater involvement.

“I first joined a walking group at Wigan u3a when I moved to the area about 3 years ago”, said John. “I‘m now in several different groups, most of which have continued online via Zoom during lockdown and it has really helped to boost morale. There’s something here to interest everyone and we’re always looking for new ideas.”

Wigan u3a are holding several events locally on Wednesday 2nd June, for more details visit www.u3asites. org.uk/wigan/, email enquiries@u3awigan.co.uk or call Alan on 01942 324430 or Ray on 07483 247 775.

Quiz

Theme: Land and Sea

1. Which country is sometimes referred to as the “land of the rising sun”?

2. Who used the stage name “the Sea Monster” when she first began her career in stand-up comedy?

3. Which act won the 2004 Brit Award for Best British Album for their debut album, Permission To Land?

4. Marked by dropping a ring into the sea inscribed with the Latin for “we wed thee, sea, as a sign of true and everlasting domination”, the Marriage of the Sea ceremony is an ancient ceremony that is still performed today in which European city?

5. What is the only landlocked country with a name ending in “land”?

6. The Sea of Marmara separates the European and Asian parts of which country?

7. The poem The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot begins by saying that which month of the year “is the cruellest month”?

8. The Suez canal links which two seas?

9. According to the book of Genesis, which “land” was Cain exiled to by God after murdering his brother, Abel?

10. Which famous fictional bar is located directly below a restaurant called Melville’s Fine Sea Food?

Quiz solutions can be found on page 75 of this magazine

28

Cycling

with bionic legs!

An introduction to e-bikes E-bikes are like normal bikes given super powers: you still pedal them, but they have an electric motor that gives you some extra help. It feels rather like having bionic legs: you can pull away from traffic lights quickly and easily tackle steep hills.

That makes them brilliant for commuting and urban cycling, and a great choice for people who want to improve their fitness and haven’t been on a bike for years.

What kind of e-bikes are there?

Commuter bikes are all-rounders while MTBs are mountain bikes and road bikes are racing bikes. The former have big tyres and great suspension, while the latter use super-light materials and aggressive geometry to achieve high speeds. Cargo bikes are for carrying loads that are too big for panniers or a backpack, and usually have bigger tyres and better brakes.

How do I get the right e-bike size?

E-bike sizes are usually expressed as S, M, L and XL. Small bikes are generally suitable for riders up to 5’5” while XL bikes are designed for six footers and above. Some e-bikes have very adjustable seats and handlebars that enable them to skip between sizes.

Swifty E-Mountain Bike, £799 from Amazon.co.uk

Volt Metro Folding Commuter Bike, £1,599 from Voltbikes.co.uk

Cyrusher XF690 folding fat bike £1,799 from Cyrusher.co.uk

Is there more than one kind of e-bike motor?

Crank drives connect directly to the bike chain, while hub drives sit in the wheel hub – usually the rear wheel. Crank drives are more energy efficient and feel more natural when pedalling but hub drives are usually much cheaper.

What about gears?

E-bikes come with the same kind of gear systems as ordinary bikes and the gears adjust how much pedalling is needed.

With e-bikes you’ll usually be able to control the assistance level the motor gives you. You might choose Turbo for fast pulling away from traffic lights but Eco (or equivalent) when on a relaxing country ride.

Which battery should I choose?

Most manufacturers provide a battery range estimate, or you can calculate the range by dividing the battery’s power by 20 – a battery with a 400Wh rating should give about 20 miles on full assist, which is when the electric motor is operating at full power. Most e-bikes have a little bike computer that shows battery charge and the range remaining before recharging is needed. When the battery runs out of power, your e-bike behaves like a normal bike, albeit a heavier one. Typical recharge time is three to four hours and batteries typically last for two to four years.

How much should I spend?

You can get perfectly decent e-bikes for around £500, or you can spend over £4,000 on a carbon road bike.

The more you spend the lighter the bikes become and the better the hardware: where cheaper e-bikes are designed for everyday use, the most expensive e-bikes are serious bits of sporting equipment with matching price tags. Whatever you buy, make sure you acquire a very good U-lock: sadly, all e-bikes are targets for bike thieves.

29

30

Island escapes in the UK

Islands are synonymous with holidays. But did you know that you could get your dream island escape without needing to leave the UK? It’s time to discover some of our most beautiful islands.

The UK is home to not hundreds but thousands of islands, big and small. From Scotland’s archipelago of rugged isles to sun-soaked islands off the south coast, these hidden gems could be perfect for your next escape. Here are three islands you won’t need your passport for.

Visiting the Scillies is like stepping back in time. Quiet, beautiful and completely unspoilt, you’ll have almost every pristine beach to yourself.

The walks are outstanding and the islands are popular with nature-lovers too, thanks to the Isle of Wight Atlantic grey seals that breed here, not to mention the flocks of rare seabirds.

You can reach the islands by ferry or plane. Planes depart from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airports, or you can take the three-hour ferry crossing from Penzance to St Mary’s.

Isles of Scilly

Isle of Wight

If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track, the Isles of Scilly are just the ticket, a peaceful pocket of paradise just 28 miles off the coast of Land’s End in Cornwall.

Easily accessible by ferry from Southampton, Lymington and Portsmouth, a mere two-hour journey from London, there’s no better place for a British bucket-and-spade break than the Isle of Wight.

With white-sand beaches, subtropical gardens and some of Britain’s best weather, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve left the UK entirely. There are five main islands: St Mary’s is the largest, followed by Tresco, with very few people living on Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes.

It may be our biggest island, but it’s still small enough to explore in a few days. Start in the west with a walk to the Needles, three stacks of chalk and a lighthouse rising impressively out of the ocean. Soak up the views across Tennyson Down before jumping on a speedboat at Alum Bay to see the Needles up close.

Hugh Town Harbour, St. Mary’s, Scilly Isles

31 Then there’s the magnificent Osbourne House in the north, Queen Victoria’s family home, and Ventnor and Shanklin beaches in the south. With zoos, dinosaur trails, museums and adventure parks, there’s plenty for families too.

Isle of Skye Scotland has no shortage of beautiful islands, but most visitors will agree on which is the most breathtaking: Skye.

Spanning 50 miles from top to bottom, Skye is adored worldwide for its lush green moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs.

The weather up here is not always cheery, but the frequent shrouds of mist only add to the island’s serene, mystical presence. On good days, climb to the iconic Old

Isle of Skye

Man of Storr for one of the island’s best viewpoints, or trek along the Quiraing, drinking in the outstanding scenery.

When the mist closes in, rest up in one of the island’s cosy pubs or take a tour of a castle or two. Come rain or shine, Skye won’t let you down.

family fun

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Call your personal travel expert 01942 912334 / 07786 311 282 julie.moss@notjusttravel.com @NJTJulieM

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32

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33

The Big Toddle Big Toddle Week, the annual fundraiser for children’s charity Barnardo’s, returns this year from 28th June – 4th July and your family is invited to take part.

A Big Toddle is a short, sponsored walk for under 5’s. This year, it is a safari-themed event that you can do either as a part of a group (Toddle Together) or as a family (Home Safari) to support Barnardo’s, the charity that protects and supports the UK’s most vulnerable children.

You can apply for a digital Big Toddle fundraising pack that is jam-packed with lots of free activities, resources and games to help take your little ones on a wild safari adventure. Resources also fit into the Early Years

Foundation Stage framework, providing some great learning opportunities along the way.

Children taking part can use sponsorship forms or you can help them to set up a JustGiving page for the event.

You’ll find all the information on how to do this in the Fundraising Pack.

With lots of opportunities for inventive dressing up, creative arts and crafts and heaps of indoor and outdoor fun, The Big Toddle will make sure you have a whale of a time.

To download a pack or for more details, visit www. barnardos.org.uk.

34

How to Spot a

Committed Buyer The Wigan Property Market is on fire with an average sale time of just 26 days!

agent should arrange a second visit to see if they are still as keen as mustard.

The buyer should be quizzed about their plans for the property to see if they’ve thought through the purchase.

With demand currently outstripping supply, it is truly a sellers’ market.

Interest levels are so high, that sellers are experiencing viewing fatigue and are closing viewings early sometimes before potential buyers have had a chance to view.

Do the admin.

What is also clear though is that the number of sales falling through is rising, so it’s never been more important to ensure your viewers are genuine committed potential buyers.

In a hot market, it’s not uncommon for panicky buyers to make an impulsive offer and go beyond their financial limits. A buyer might do this because they fear that prices are rising and the market is getting away from them. Or perhaps they’ve been outbid in the past and don’t want to lose out again.

Whatever the motivation, the end result is the same: the buyer isn’t committed and drops out weeks or months into the sales process. Not only is it hugely frustrating for the seller, but it could also cost them financially if they’re part of a chain which then collapses because the parties involved grow impatient.

So here are some tips to help you identify genuine buyers.

Arrange a second viewing.

If the buyer makes an offer after the first viewing, your

Ensure your agent gets the buyer to fill in an offer form that includes details about their mortgage provider and solicitor. It’s preferable to go with a buyer who already has their ducks in a row.

What’s their story?

Chat to the buyer about why they are moving. If they’re expecting a baby and have family in the same street, it’s a fair bet that they’re the real deal. If they know little about the area or their story keeps changing, question if they are committed to the sale.

Ensure the lines of communication are open.

Ideally, your buyer will keep you informed of their progress on the survey, searches, and chasing solicitors.

Be wary if things go quiet quickly.

Work with an experienced agent.

Experienced agents sell hundreds of properties a year, so it stands to reason that they’ll be good at spotting the genuine buyers from the chancers. Even though it’s a buyer’s market, a good agent can streamline the process for you, and ensure you get the best possible price for your home.

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.

Alan Batt

For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the Wigan property market, check out his blog at

www.alanbatt.co.uk

Computers for Schools An industry-wide initiative by estate agents to supply laptops/tablets to children without access to a PC at home has been enthusiastically supported in Wigan by Alan Batt Estate Agents.

The Computers for Schools initiative was spearheaded by industry figures Stephen Brown at Stephen J Brown Consultancy and Jerry Lyons at Estate Agent Content and has raised more than £61,000 since being launched in January this year. The money is being used to provide free laptops and tablets to schools around the UK, helping children without access to a home computer.

So far, 486 free laptops have been delivered to schools throughout the UK, and Alan has already delivered free laptops to Standish and Shevington High Schools, and has 10 more tablets to deliver to these Wigan high schools in the next few days - The Deanery, Dean Trust, Hawkley Hall, St Peter’s and Upholland.

Wigan Office 78 Market Street, Wigan WN1 1HX • 01942 233 999 www.alanbatt.co.uk

36

Wigan Bandits

Babies & Beyond

How do you fancy trying sport state-side style and playing American Football? Wigan Bandits are an American Football team, and they are looking for new players and coaches to join their ranks.

The My Life charity, based at Thomson House Equestrian Centre in Standish, is hosting a course to help babies and small children to enjoy the great outdoors. The course will run on Tuesdays 8th-29th June between 10am-12pm.

All teams are now recruiting so anyone aged from ages 7-19, male or female, any shape, size and athletic ability are welcome! You won’t need any experience of playing American Football and all the equipment you will need is supplied.

Sessions will take place in the beautiful orchard and are designed for children of all abilities. Activities include cloud watching, den building, making mud pies and meeting the animals. The cost is £10 per session for the family. Price includes coffee, juice and toast. For more information, please call 01257 472 900 or email info@mylife.org.uk.

Subscription fees for U11s, U14s, U17s are only £5 a month and the U16s and U19s are only £10 a month with the full kit supplied.

Games start in June, so there is still time to join and start training. Training takes place at Ashfield Park in Standish and Leyland Park in Hindley.

Is 2021 going to mark the start of your American Football Journey? if you are interested in coming along to give it a try or want more information, please email wiganbanditsyouth@outlook.com or visit @wiganbandits on Facebook.

Hip Hop

If your child likes to dance, try out the new Hip Hop classes at St Anne’s Parish Centre in Shevington. The classes are run on Saturday mornings (10.30 & 11.30am) by the Carol Barton School of Dance, and offer a free taster session.

Classes are suitable for all ages and take place in a relaxed and fun environment. To book on these classes please contact Zoe on 07951 606101.

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37

Fun at Heskin Hall Heskin Hall on Wood Lane, Chorley, have announced a string of dates for entertainment, leisure, shopping and food events, aimed to brighten up our summer.

If you are a lover of open-air theatre, then there are a couple of great performances coming up; A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Wednesday 16th June at 6.30pm and Little Red Riding Hood on Wednesday 18th August at 2pm. Tickets cost £15 for adults and £12 for children.

On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June, the hall will be hosting a festival of history from 11am -4pm each day. The day will see re-enactors from WW2, the English Civil War and Medieval times. There will be living history displays,

stalls and lots of entertainment for the children.

There will also be a five-course medieval banquet with genuine 15th Century recipes to enjoy on the Saturday.

The cost of the banquet is £30pp, but those who opt to dine will get free entry to the festival.

There will also be a Sunday Market on 13th June from 11am-4pm, with stalls selling a selection of goods, children’s rides, birds of prey displays and a beer garden for the adults!

For more information about any of the upcoming events or to book tickets please call 01257 452044 or go online at www.heskinhall.com

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38

Bold Vibes Set the mood for summer with gorgeous furnishings and accessories in bright and cheerful shades.

Intentionally clashing colours and patterns add drama and interest.

Frida Kahlo-style Flower Crown canvas art, £102; Aziza gold console table, £255; Marilyn Blush velvet armchair, £545; colourful Berber-style rug, from £172; all audenza.com

GO ALL OUT FOR COLOUR

• Update any room instantly with some vivid wall art. There is a huge choice available both in the high street and online, including very affordable printable art that you simply download and print out yourself. Alternatively, you might even want to make some art of your own: buy blank canvases from an art shop and choose co-ordinating tester pots of paint for some modern abstract originals.

• Accessories such as throws, cushions, vases, plant

This colour collection by Dulux mixes standout pinks and reds with subtler shades of the same tones – a palette that will add verve and vitality to any home. dulux.co.uk A colourful, marbled jesmonite lamp base contrasts with a bright red fabric cable. Immediately eye-catching.

Marbled jesmonite table lamp, £60, nineangels.co.uk

pots or lamp bases can make all the difference, even in a relatively neutral room, adding colour to liven up your day. Group small items together for greater impact, and don’t worry too much about conventional good taste – a few clashing colours can be exciting and uplifting.

• The floor is one of the largest visible areas in any room, so a new rug will have a dramatic impact and can completely change the look and feel of the space. A flat-woven rug in a single block or colour, wide stripes or a geometric pattern is a great choice.

•

A rainbow vase handmade from jesmonite.

Brunswick vase, £39, concretecandy.co.uk

If you are feeling particularly bold, consider repainting wooden furniture, such as chairs, wardrobes, chests of drawers or even kitchen cabinets. To do the job properly, remove handles, knobs or other hardware first, sand down thoroughly and prime before painting. Use a mini foam roller on any large, flat surfaces for a perfectly flat finish.

39

An eye-catching artwork in fresh, modern colours will look great in any room.

Bold Jungle Tiger art print, £15, abstracthouse.com

Group houseplants in a variety of pots against a brightly coloured wall.

The range pictured is from dobbies.com

Add a bold throw to the back of a sofa or chair for a pop of brilliant colour and pattern.

Arizona terracotta throw, £23, albertandmoo.com

A contrast trim helps accentuate vivid colours.

For real impact, add a large item of furniture upholstered

Mardi Gras cushion in tangerine,

in a colour that you adore.

£19.99, dobbies.com

Reece armchair in orange velvet, £229.99, daals.co.uk

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42 and align with important issues in their local area.

Funding Opens A £2m Wigan Council fund will help community organisations, groups and clubs disrupted by the pandemic get back up and running. Open to bids from all grassroots and voluntary initiatives, the Our Community Recovery Fund (OCRF) was unveiled as part of the council’s 2021/22 budget.

A second round of applications – with allocations of up to £500 available – will open on Monday 5th July and all applications for this round will need to be returned

by Sunday 15th August. Further rounds are planned for October 2021 and January 2022.

Potential recipients are being encouraged to show how their projects will boost community spirit, engage volunteers

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities, said: “We want groups, clubs and organisations of all kinds to come forward and tell us why they need help to get back on their feet”.

Community organisations, groups and clubs can apply for what they will need to help them get back up and running following the COVID-19 pandemic and will need to outline on an application form what they want to do, how the funding will be spent and what positive outcomes the activity will provide.

To apply for funding, visit https://communityrecoveryfund. wigan.gov.uk/. If you need further details about the scheme, or you need further help and support with the application process please email thedealforcommunities@wigan.gov.uk.

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Add Colour to Your Kitchen If your kitchen is feeling bland and boring, it could simply be missing a dose of interesting colour. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or just want a quick fix, there are plenty of ways in which to introduce bolder, brighter shades.

Kitchen cupboards and appliances Add colour with glossy, flat-fronted modern units or commission a traditional painted kitchen in any paint colour under the sun. Alternatively, just specify a coloured island unit combined with plain cupboards elsewhere. If replacing free-standing appliances, consider less usual colours – ice cream-coloured retro fridges, for example, or an Aga in a jewel-bright enamel. This look is best teamed with neutrals in other areas of the room so as not to overwhelm.

Worktops and splashbacks Teamed with understated kitchen cupboards, a colourful worktop or splashback can give a welcome lift. Sleek toughened glass can be painted on the back in a range of shades with some showrooms offering a colour-matching service at extra cost. Others options include a dramatic shade of natural stone, stone composites (often called quartz), man-made solid surfaces (such as Corian), and

Painting free-standing furniture is a quick and cost-effective way to change your colour scheme.

These pieces are by The Painted Furniture Company: 01285 656 041; paintedfurnitureco.co.uk

laminates (generally the least expensive option), all in a range of interesting shades.

Walls and floors A simple way to add oomph is to paint a wall or two in a strong colour, or replace wall tiles – choose dramatic colours for impact even over a relatively small area.

Another cheap trick is to use plain white tiles with brightly coloured grout (lemon yellow and sky blue are great). One way to add instant colour for flooring is with a small, washable rug with an underlay to stop it slipping.

If it’s a complete renovation, vinyl and rubber flooring is available in many colourways, while poured floors – polished concrete or resin – can be dyed in any colour.

A vividly coloured seating area and a painted island unit add colour to this otherwise neutral space.

Twickenham Framed Handleless Shaker kitchen, Higham Furniture: 020 73810 488; higham.co.uk

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Free-standing furniture Painting wooden furniture is straightforward but needs preparation – sanding, cleaning and priming – and a steady hand for painting. It can make a phenomenal difference, especially with a change of knobs, handles, hinges and other hardware.

Window treatments and soft furnishings Roller blinds are practical and inexpensive where humidity and splashes are inevitable; alternatively, wooden shutters can be bright and breezy. Add colour to seating areas in the form of upholstery, fabric-covered chair seats or scatter cushions.

Finishing touches Create colourful displays in glass-fronted cabinets or on shelving, perhaps cookbooks arranged in a rainbow or some vintage glassware. Add colourful pendant shades over a kitchen island or dining table, or accessories such as bread bins, canisters, knife blocks, cupboard handles, plant pots, wall art or flowers to bring more colour into the heart of your home.

A stylish chevron splashback introduces a dose of blue to this minimal white kitchen.

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49

Six of the best

WALKS to enjoy post-Lockdown

To mark the impending end of the restrictions, we’ve pulled together a ‘6 of the Best’ series, highlighting some of the region’s best locations to experience arts, culture, leisure and shopping.

Here are our favourite circular walks from our collection of Jack’s Tracks walks. Check the website below to download these and other walks free.

H FT E

O

SIXT BES

You can download these and over 60 other walks free from our website

www.locallife247.co.uk

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DARWEN This 3½ mile route is the shortest Jack’s Tracks we’ve ever done, but as much of it is uphill it’s not an easy route. The starting point is by the Royal Arms pub, from where you’ll dip into woodland surrounding Roddlesworth’s reservoirs, before tackling a gentle incline prior to walking around the perimeter of Earnsdale reservoir and you’ll also pass close to Sunnyhurst Hey reservoir.

FACTS Starting Point BB3 OPA Miles 3.5 Difficulty Moderate to Hard OS Maps Ref: JT Darwen Points of Interest: Jubilee Tower, Reservoirs, Royal Arms pub Summary: Gentle at first, thigh-aching breathlessness up the hill and a deserved pint at the end.

Then comes the steep climb up to the peak of Darwen Hill, which is 1,220 feet above sea level, and you’re rewarded by amazing views of the North West. The octagonal Jubilee Tower atop the hill was built in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and also to celebrate the victory of the local people for the right to access the moor.

FACTS Starting Point M29 7QP Miles 4.5 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate OS Maps Ref: JT Astley Green Points of Interest: Mining Museum, Morley’s Hall, Bedford Moss, Bridgewater Canal.

Summary: Not the prettiest walking route around but one that tries hard with what it has got.

ASTLEY GREEN The sight of the last surviving pit headgear (a Grade II monument) of Lancashire’s coalfields at the start and end of the route evokes strong memories amongst those above a certain age. A visit to the 15-acre Colliery Museum site, now run by the Red Rose Steam Society charity, is a great place to end the walk.

You’ll also see Morley’s Hall en-route, an early 19th century moated hall site, which is a Grade II* listed building, and Astley Moss is a rare area of peat bog, which is one of the last remaining fragments of Chat Moss.

Astley Moss was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1989.

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WINTER HILL & RIVINGTON FACTS There is so much to distract you on this walk on Rivington Moor. A fairly gentle and steady ascent up Rivington’s slopes can easily be interrupted by exploring the Terraced Gardens or popping up to the Pike. Then once you have passed the distractions of Rivington, a short, steep scramble uphill brings you to the site of mining activity, aeroplane disasters, murders and (believe it or not) UFO sightings – Winter Hill.

Winter Hill is 1,496 feet above sea level. There is more hardware up there than you can shake a stick at – numerous masts for TV transmission and telecommunications – and there are a few historical plaques on the hill too, one marking an air crash in 1958 where 35 people died.

Starting Point BL6 7RU Miles 6.5 Difficulty: Moderate OS Maps Ref: JT-Winter-HillRivington Points of Interest: Rivington Terraced Gardens, Rivington Pike, Historical plaques on Winter Hill.

WHEELTON MOOR FACTS Starting Point PR6 8QU Miles 6 Difficulty: Moderate OS Maps Ref: JT Wheelton Moor Points of Interest: Picturesque White Coppice, desolate moorland and old cottages, Brinscall village Summary: Steep climb at start, levels off on moor and a pleasant wander back along The Goit to Brinscall.

The starting point for this walk is the traditional Lancashire village of Brinscall, with its delightfully quaint swimming pool, two pubs and an extremely tasty chippy. Leaving all that behind, you tackle the steep incline to the desolate and hauntingly beautiful moors which are littered with stone ruins. These derelict smallholding cottages were issued with a CPO by Liverpool Corporation in the early 20th century to protect the purity of the water in their nearby reservoirs.

After a slow descent from the moors, you emerge at White Coppice, hailed as the most picturesque cricket ground in Lancashire, where you have time to rest with refreshments available at the café at weekends and back holidays during the cricket season. You return to Brinscall via a gentle stroll along The Goit.

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PARBOLD EIGHT Parbold is known as the walking capital of West Lancashire and this route epitomises why that is the case. Starts at Hunters Hill, a former quarry that is known for its pleasant woodlands and its diverse wildlife.

You will then travel across open countryside and ancient woods to the very popular Fairy Glen, with its waterfalls and cliff faces.

FACTS Starting Point L40 3SR Miles 7 Difficulty: Moderate to Hard OS Maps Ref: JT-Parbold-Eight Points of Interest: Fairy Glen, Hunters Hill Quarry, Parbold Hill Summary: Leave the heights of Hunters Hill and slowly fade down to the Douglas Valley floor, and then you face a steep climb back up.

Follow the route downhill until you reach the Leeds Liverpool Canal, before then starting the steep climb up Parbold Hill and beyond. On reaching High Moor, you travel up the Harrock Estate driveway and climb to the highest point of the walk, Harrock Hill reservoir. The route again fades downhill before another steep climb to the starting point.

FACTS Starting Point L40 1TB Miles 8 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate OS Maps Ref: JT-RuffordCrostonCircular Points of Interest: Picturesque Croston, little-used stretch of Leeds & Liverpool Canal, good pubs nearby.

Summary: Solitude central and flat as the proverbial pancake – quiet stretches of canal and Moss areas, interjected by a stroll through Croston.

RUFFORD & CROSTON CIRCULAR If you like your canals to be without the hordes of fishermen and cyclists, the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which runs from Burscough up to the Ribble estuary, is the place for you. A pleasant stroll past Rufford Old Hall and up to Sollom on the canal is followed shortly afterwards by an amble up the riverbanks of the Ribble to Croston.

After a walk round the outskirts of Croston, or if you prefer, a stop off at one of the many village pubs, you’ll arrive at the big skies, open spaces and total silence of Croston Moss before meeting up once more with the Ribble which takes you back to Rufford.

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Look before you Leap With businesses taking action to re-organise their staff to adapt to new post-COVID trading patterns, it’s expected that more people than normal will be leaving the UK workforce in 2021.

Since the pandemic hit in early 2020, we’ve seen an increase in clients needing advice around the multitude of options that are now available for retirees when looking to draw their pensions.

Specifically, we had approaches by clients that had been offered and had accepted very attractive early retirement and redundancy terms from their employers. Heinz, Royal Bank of Scotland, British Aerospace to name just a few... and for most of them this was the first time in their lives that they been in possession of such large capital sums.

Without exception, they all needed to make very important decisions as to how best they should invest their lump sums (£200,000 plus in some instances) to meet their needs in retirement. Unfortunately, quite a few approached us too late which ended up costing them many thousands of pounds in unnecessary tax as they had already taken their redundancy payments.

Any element of redundancy over and above £30,000 will be taxed at the employees marginal rate of tax.

Consequently a redundancy payment of say £100,000 to a 40% tax payer is likely to result in a net payment of just £72,000 after tax has been deducted. With some forward

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

Additionally, many employees are normally presented with a number of options as to how they want to draw their pensions.

Pension with a tax-free lump sum?

Pension without a lump sum?

Annuity - Fixed or escalating with/without widows pension?

Flexible access drawdown?

It is extremely important that individuals ‘look before you leap’ as the wrong decision going into retirement could cost them tens of thousands of pounds.

As soon as you receive your retirement paperwork from your pension provider or you are approached by your employer with a potential deal to finish, either through retirement, redundancy or both - you should contact a financial adviser before committing to a course of action.

Should you not have a professional adviser and you would like to speak with one of the team just give us a call on 01257 423800. The initial consultation is at our expense and is without obligation.

David Barton APFS Cert CII (MP)

Chief Executive Officer Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.

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Puzzle Pages CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Person drafted into military service (9) 2. Activity of making things out of iron,

steel, etc (9)

4. Ringworm (5) 5. Two-wheeled horse-drawn battle vehicle (7) 6. Metropolis (4) 7. External structure of a vehicle (4) 11. Bird-frightening effigy (9) 12. Act of mass destruction and loss of life (9) 14. Tow boat (3) 15. Register of victims to be eliminated (3,4) 18. Flying insects with a formidable sting (5) 19. French for ‘father’ (4) 20. Sean ___, US film actor and director (4)

ACROSS

16. False hairpiece fashionable in the 17th-18th centuries (7)

3. Block of compressed meat, fish or vegetable extract (5,4) 17. Greta ___, film star (1905-1990) (5) 8. Call used three times by a Town Crier (4)

21. Tree with sharp thorns (6)

9. Less than average surge of the sea (4,4)

22. Branch of biology that studies heredity and variation

10. Meeting of spiritualists (6)

13. Tree also known as the mountain ash (5)

23. British explorer of the Arctic and Antarctic (4)

14. Leaves dried and prepared for smoking (7)

24. Enquiry into finances of a person applying for

15. Temporary military shelter (3)

in organisms (8)

monetary aid (5,4)

WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns.

Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET EXCELLENT: 25 or more words GOOD: 20 words FAIR: 16 words

O E

J

E

V B

I C

T

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WORDSEARCH

APERITIF APPETIZER BILL CASHIER CHAIRS CHEF COOKS CUPS CUSTOMER DRINKS FORK

SUDOKU

GLASSES KNIFE MEAL MENU NAPKINS ORDER PLATES SALAD

SPOON TABLECLOTH TABLES TEA TIP WAITER WAITRESS WATER WINE

WORD LADDER Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

TEAR

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: in an agitated state of suspense.

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

N E E D

D S E L

N O N P

A S N I

DROP All the puzzle solutions can be found on page 75 of this magazine

58

The Road to

Financial Recovery

By Kieran Fitzgerald – CMA Accountancy

As we pass the anniversary of the first lockdown there finally appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel for business owners. Now is the time to take an in-depth look at your business and form a plan on how you envisage moving forward in to a Post-COVID economy.

There are a number of support schemes that are now available to businesses: • Job Retention Scheme – The furlough scheme will be continued for pay periods up to the end of September. The government will continue to pay 80% of your employee’s unworked hours until the end of June. From July employers will have to continue 10% towards this, increasing to 20% from August until the scheme’s end in September.

• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – In a continuation of the SEISS, a fourth grant will be issued covering the February to April period, with a fifth grant covering May to September. Eligibility has increased to support individuals who have filed their 2019/20 tax returns who were previously ineligible.

• Time to Pay – If you think that you may struggle to pay your tax bills on time, you can avoid penalties and interest by arranging a payment plan with HMRC before the tax is due to be paid. However, if you have still not paid the 2019/20 tax bill that was due on 31st January 2021, it is too late to arrange a payment plan - an immediate payment should be made to avoid further penalties.

track your cash positions, review the need for a payment plan with HMRC and apply for any additional business support.

At CMA Accountancy we are adept at using the powerful cloud-based tools that our clients love. We offer a service combining the Xero accounting software with Dext, an intuitive online receipt capturing software. Utilising a combination of Xero and Dext will provide you with many advantages: • Automated Bookkeeping – by linking Dext directly to Xero, your purchase invoices can be automatically captured and transferred into your Xero account. The software reads the data on the receipt, and over time builds up a knowledge of how you previously categorized the expenditure to produce further time savings.

• Invoice Fetching – connect your Dext account with your online supplier accounts and each week the software will sign in to your account and automatically retrieve all of the invoices issued to you in the past week, pulling them straight into your Dext platform.

• 24/7 Access, from anywhere – Readily available mobile apps allow you to capture receipts on the go, without the worry of accidentally misplacing them, and create a digital record in the cloud. Say goodbye to boxes of invoices in your loft for years to come!

• Recovery Loans – A new recovery loan scheme launched on 6th April 2021, which will allow loans of between £25,001 and £10million, 80% of which will be government-backed. For loans less than £250,000 there will be no personal guarantee.

• Online Sales invoices, automatically chased – Create simple, professional looking Sales invoices within Xero, which are able to be sent digitally directly to your customers. Avoid the delays and awkward phone calls to chase up payment by utilising automatic reminder e-mails, taking the stress away from you.

The continued existence of these schemes has benefitted businesses extensively over the previous 12 months and will continue to do so.

If you have any questions regarding Xero, Dext, other cloud-based accounting solutions, or the various means of COVID support on offer at present, please get in touch.

Who are CMA and what can we do for you?

Through our partnerships and extensive knowledge of cloud-based accounting solutions, CMA Accountancy are able to deliver a hands on, proactive services to our client base. We specialise in cloud-based systems so clients can access real-time information and can then liaise with us to

Kieran Fitzgerald – CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR 01257 255521 kieran@cma-accountancy.com www.cma-accountancy.com

59 SA

Do you need help and guidance with;

de

ad

Benefit

lin

s

e

AE VAT

Company Accounts?

Auto Enrolment?

Self Assessment?

Cloud-based Software?

Payroll Services?

Making Tax Digital?

SA

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

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

60

Win a meal for two!

Local Life has teamed up with four of our favourite local eateries to present you with a chance to win a meal for two worth up to £50. We have four prizes to give way, one from each of the four eateries featured on these pages.

It’s been a tough 15 months for our cherished pubs and restaurants, but step by step, the hospitality sector is reopening.

To enter the competition to win one of four meals for two, simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the following question;

What’s the name of the BBC cookery competition presented

by Gregg Wallace and John Torrode?

www.lilyandarthurs.co.uk

www.foresters.pub

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www.wayfarerparbold.co.uk

www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk

The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Wednesday 30th June 2021, and the winners will be personally contacted within five working days and the results will be posted on our Facebook account within 5 working days. Prize consists of the food only portion of a meal for two and the maximum value is £50. The prize can be used up to 30th October 2021 on MondayThursday only and your table must be booked in advance with the restaurant. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Strictly one entry per household – multiple entries will be disqualified.

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.

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Lemony Pea and Broad Bean Red Rice Risotto Serves 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 49 minutes

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 red onion, finely chopped 500ml hot vegetable stock 125g Camargue red rice Zest of 1 lemon 1 tbsp lemon juice 100g frozen peas 100g shelled broad beans (fresh or frozen) 4 asparagus spears cut into 2cm pieces 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

A delicious, comforting dish. Red rice has a wonderful nutty flavour and is rich in fibre and antioxidants, making it a healthier option than white refined rice.

Method 1. Heat the oil in a large shallow pan and sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil.

2. Add the vegetable stock. Bring to the boil then simmer covered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the lemon, peas, broad beans and asparagus and cook for a further 4 minutes until tender.

4. Spoon into bowls and scatter over the Parmesan to serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: calories 403kcal, fat 9.9g, carbohydrates 59.4g, protein 14g

Chilli Glazed Salmon

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With Cucumber, Herb & Lime Salad Serves 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 7 minutes

Wild Alaskan salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fats and protein.

In this dish, fillets of salmon are marinated in a tangy Asian-style dressing and accompanied by a light refreshing cucumber and bean sprout salad.

Accompany with some seasonal leafy greens.

Ingredients 1 pickled chilli (or ½ fresh deseeded chilli) 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp tamari soy sauce 2 tbsp xylitol or honey 2 boneless salmon fillets, skin on 2 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp xylitol or honey 1 tbsp mirin Handful of bean sprouts or sprouted seeds 1 cucumber, halved and thinly sliced Small handful fresh mint leaves, chopped Small handful of coriander leaves, chopped 2 spring onions, finely sliced 1 tbsp chopped cashews

Method 1. Place the chilli, garlic, vinegar, tamari, xylitol or honey in a food processor and process to combine. Put the salmon fillets in a shallow dish, pour over the marinade and set aside in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Make up the dressing by mixing the lime juice, xylitol or honey and mirin together (if using xylitol make sure it has dissolved). Put the bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, coriander, spring onions, cashews and the dressing in a bowl and toss until well combined.

3. Preheat the grill to high. Remove the salmon from the marinade. Place the salmon on a lined baking tray. Grill for 7 minutes or until the fish is golden and just cooked through. Place the remaining marinade in a small pan and simmer to form a glaze. Pour over the cooked salmon.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: calories 305kcal, protein 23.4g, carbohydrates 26.9g (of which sugars 24.4g), total fat14.9g(of which saturates 2.6g).

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Let’s talk about the

Perimenopause

By Kate Duggan

I was 39 when I started having menopausal symptoms. By 42, hot flushes were a daily annoyance: I was waking up several times a night with joint pain or because I needed to run to the loo, and I just felt generally old. In short, the perimenopause was proving a royal pain in the backside.

The average age of the menopause is 51. Before 45 is considered young, but the perimenopause (the time leading up to the menopause when levels of oestrogen and progesterone are decreasing) can last for years.

Symptoms If I listed all the possible menopausal symptoms here, there wouldn’t be space to write about anything else. The most common ones include: • Irregular periods • Hot flushes or night sweats • Mood changes (e.g. feeling sad for no real reason or having sudden rages)

myself dancing around the kitchen again, my joints no longer ache and the hot flushes have gone (thank goodness). I’m also sleeping better.

• Urinary problems

Dr Louise Newson is a leading menopause specialist and the founder of the Balance app. She recommends seeking help early: “The perimenopause is when hormone levels start to reduce, so this is actually the best time to start taking HRT. When hormone levels reduce, symptoms commonly occur and also health risks start, such as an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.”

HRT

Supplements

Some types of HRT may slightly increase your risk of breast cancer, but HRT could decrease your risk of other serious illnesses, such as osteoporosis. Some studies have also shown that it may help to protect against severe COVID . Whether or not you take HRT is very much a personal decision to be made in consultation with a doctor. Given my age, my GP felt the benefits outweighed any risks.

If HRT isn’t for you, supplements may help to ease symptoms. Before starting HRT, I took turmeric and evening primrose oil, which did seem to help. Other people swear by black cohosh or other herbal treatments.

However, there is little scientific evidence about how effective supplements are, and some should not be used if you have certain health conditions or are on medication.

So do your research, speak to your doctor and only buy from a reputable retailer.

• Fatigue • Loss of libido • Joint paint

Honestly, as my symptoms were pretty mild, I haven’t seen a huge difference since being on HRT, but I do notice

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Dealing with hot flushes Hot flushes are vile. I kept a bottle of rose water in the fridge to spritz on my face when the heat hit. An electric fan can help, as can wearing layers that are easy to whip off so you can cool down quicker. The NHS also advises reducing alcohol and caffeine. (Neither of which I succeeded at.)

by logging your progress on Strava. (And if you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, you need to try the ‘Zombies, Run!’ app…)

If you’re not keen on running, there are thousands of exercise videos on YouTube, from Yoga With Adriene to high-energy dance workouts.

Useful info

If hot flushes are making your life a misery, do talk to your doctor, as they should be able to prescribe something to help.

• The Menopause Doctor website (www. menopausedoctor.co.uk) has lots of resources on everything from HRT to contraception.

Exercise

• The Balance app (www.balance-app.com) can help you to keep track of your period and symptoms.

Weight-bearing exercise (such as running) can help to strengthen your bones, thus giving you some protection against osteoporosis. Exercise (particularly outdoors) is also good for your mental health. I started Couch to 5K a year ago. To begin with, 30 seconds of running was a struggle. I’m never going to be a mega-fit gym bunny but a few days ago I ran 7km (slowly), which would have been unthinkable a year ago.

Ideally, find a running partner to keep you motivated.

Otherwise, try podcasts or music, and challenge yourself

Always Listening • Micro-Suction Wax Removal • FREE Hearing Tests • Claim your FREE trial of the latest digital hearing aids – technology that can’t be bought on the high street • Hearing Aids & Repairs Rest assured you are in safe hands in our family owned, state of the art clinic.

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• www.healthandher.com offers a wealth of advice and relevant products, from vitamins to cooling nightwear.

• If your friends aren’t at the same stage, why not join a forum? ‘Totes Merry Peri’ on Facebook is my personal favourite.

(Please note that this article is intended to give a general overview of the subject and is not intended as medical advice.)

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Glasson Dock

by Chris Pearce Distance: 5½ miles Difficulty: Easy Finally let loose out of the parish after lockdown lifted, we hot footed it up to the M6 to Glasson Dock, an interesting little village in the Morecambe Bay area which is a curious mix of leisure resort and working dock. The harbour at Glasson opened in 1787 to replace the dock at Lancaster and was, at its height, the largest port in the north west. This pretty village has much to commend it for an afternoon out and there are many great walking routes around this mainly flat area; here’s a fairly easy 5½ mile one for you.

Follow the B5290 into the village and park up in the car park on the left overlooking the marina (LA2 0BT). Cross the swing bridge and walk up to the top of Tithebarn Hill. As hills go, it’s not that steep but because the area for miles around is flat as the proverbial pancake, you’re rewarded with an impressive view of the Lune estuary when you get to the top.

Turn left at the top of the hill and follow the road downhill to a dog leg bend. Cross over and take the single-track road called Marsh Lane. Pass the caravan park on the left and go through the gate into the field beyond. Follow the clearly worn path which veers to the left towards another gate in the distance, right by a small pond.

Go through this gate and follow the path up a slight incline and there, peering over the top at you is Plover Scar lighthouse. A few yards further and you’ll pass by Crook Farm and reach the coastal path, along with a disused sea mine.

Turn left and follow the coastal path. At Abbey Lighthouse Cottage (which is also the site of the old Abbey Lighthouse) bear right to stay on the coastal path.

Round the headland and then, as you pass by the slipway, take a diagonal path inland towards Cockersand Abbey.

Go past the Abbey and look for a stile that will help you enter the farmyard. Follow the path through the farm and, once you reach the front, go through the gateway and follow the driveway to the road. Bear left onto Moss Lane, which zigzags 1/3 of a mile until you reach a junction with the brown Cockerham Sands sign. Bear left here, and follow the road up to Abbey Lighthouse Cottage.

Turn right and follow the coastal path once more for 300 yards until you reach Crook Cottage. Turn right and cross over the two high stiles onto and out of the property’s boundaries and follow this path for ¾ of a mile, crossing footbridges and switching field perimeters, but heading in the same direction all the time, following the path all the way.

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Dobs Lane

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Crook Farm Kendal Hill Farm

Kenhill Lodge Moss Grove

Abbey Lighthouse Cottage

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For those with the OS Maps app on your desktop, mobile

Remains of Cockersand Abbey

Go through the green garden gate onto the farmyard of Kendal Hill Farm and turn left, following the driveway past Kenhill Lodge for 200 yards. Once you reach the old Fresian sign, turn right onto a stony track. 300 yards later, when you arrive at a right-hand bend in the track bear left towards the brook and follow that path round the perimeter of the field.

or tablet, this walk is named: JT-Glasson-Dock

Hop over the stile onto Jeremy Lane and turn left. Follow this single-track road for almost ½ a mile and, as it joins with a larger road, carry on in the same direction up to the canal bridge. Cross over to the left at the top of the bridge and drop down to the towpath. Follow the tow path for 200 yards and you’ll arrive at the car park where you started.

68

Cockersand Abbey In 1180 this lonely spot, built on a low island of clay in the middle of undrained marshland, housed a hermitage occupied by Hugh Garth.

Garth’s reputation as a holy man prompted the foundation of a hospital to care for sick people, including lepers.

A decade later the hospital was enlarged to become a priory. The priory attracted enough endowments that it was raised to the status of an abbey. Cockersand Abbey owned estates across Lancashire and into what is now Cumbria.

In 1539, Henry VIII’s Reformation Parliament passed the Proclamation of The Crown Act which sounded the death knell for England’s remaining monasteries and the last abbot of Cockersand, Robert Poulton, and his 22 canons signed the document of surrender, marking the end for Cockersand Abbey.

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

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Making the switch to an electric vehicle:

what you need to know Government announcements mean more EVs will be on our roads, but what do you need to know about them?

Last year’s announcement by Boris Johnson that sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be phased out by 2030 means that electric vehicles are going to become a more important part of our driving lives very shortly.

But even with this change, there remains a level of

mystery surrounding all things electric. Fortunately, we’ve got some of the key things you need to know about making the leap to an EV.

How much range do you need?

Range is a word which has great importance in the EV world, as it’s what governs how far you’ll be able to travel in between trips to the plug. However, there’s no need to get worried about a car’s range if you think carefully about how far you travel.

If you’re someone who only does shorter trips around town and does fewer than 100 miles a week, for instance, then a car with a shorter range will suit you down the ground.

However, if you’re a driver who travels further afield, then a car with a bigger battery might make more sense. Don’t be scared of cars with shorter ranges, though, as they’ll still offer more than most people do on average each week. Plus, cars with smaller batteries offer quicker charge times.

71

How do I add charge when I get home?

Home charging is one of the crucial aspects of owning and running an electric car. Being able to add energy to the vehicle while it’s at your home really does make things a lot more flexible – and cheaper, too.

Whenever you buy a new car, there are incentives in place for charging at home. Government grants and even manufacturer schemes will make installing a home wall box much cheaper. Yes, you can use a three-pin socket, but this isn’t as quick or as safe as having a wall box.

therefore, relaxing to drive around in. You’ll notice quite a difference compared with a petrol or diesel car, in fact.

Will it actually be cheaper to buy and run an electric car?

Another positive is performance. Even lower-powered EVs really zip away from the line, and they give acceleration that regular cars simply can’t hope to match.

Of course, the initial upfront cost for an EV is often more than an equivalent internal combustion-engined car.

However, as the technology progresses, this is becoming less common. The new Renault Zoe, for instance, is priced from £26,495, which though still relatively expensive is more in line with the segment.

The Prime Minister also outlined up to £582 million in extra grants to help those buying zero or low-emissions vehicles to lower the cost.

It’s charging where the cost savings really come into play.

As with petrol, the prices do vary between chargers, with some costing from around 25p/kWh up to around 35p/ kWh. For around 100 miles of additional charge, you’ll be looking at about £6-7.

When it comes to charging at home, that really depends on your own energy tariff. Plenty of companies are now offering EV-friendly plans that take advantage of lowerpriced charging times, such as in the middle of the night.

However, for an average EV with around 200 miles of range and a 60kWh battery, you’ll be looking at around £8.40 for a full charge. It represents good value compared with petrol and diesel.

Are there any benefits that aren’t as obvious?

Though the cost-saving benefits are quite easy to see, there are some other positives to owning an electric car.

One of them is simply refinement – EVs are quiet and,

But isn’t the UK lacking in charge points?

The number of charging stations in the UK has grown enormously in recent years. According to ZapMap, there are over 35,000 connectors across the country, made up of around 20,000 charge points in about 13,000 locations.

In terms of how they’re spread out across the country, 26 per cent are in central London alone, with 13.5 per cent in the south east and 12.3 per cent in Scotland. This figure is only set to rise, too, as government funding looks to make fast chargers more widespread across the country.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister has stated that an extra £1.3 billion in investment will be rolled out in order to improve the country’s charging structure and thus make charging easier.

Doesn’t the energy for electric cars only come from fossil fuels anyway?

Of course, an electric vehicle is only as environmentally friendly as its energy source. However, many energy and charger unit suppliers are working to ensure that their energy comes from green suppliers. All of BP Chargemaster’s charging stations, for example, are certified as providing renewable energy, while home energy providers like Octopus Energy provide power that is completely green.

72

Things that are

good for the soul

by Angie Barker

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I recently came across an article entitled 10 things that are good for the soul. These included:

• Breathing in fresh air • Soaking up sunshine • Turning off electronic devices • Embracing seasonal moments • Finding something inspiring • Being in nature Have you twigged yet? Yes! All of these things can relate to being outside in a garden I have previously banged on about the health benefits of gardening I know but at this moment in time when lots of us are struggling with mental health issues, and no wonder after what we have all been through in the last year and a half, I thought it worth making the point again. 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. Research has shown that it can help relieve mental illnesses such as depression.

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 is good for the soul. And what better 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.

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

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 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 – you will I promise find it is good for the soul.

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01744 894939 / 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE! Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Lane, Upholland WN8 9QL

www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk

• Inspection & Tests • Repairs • Solar PV • Alarms Call now on: 07983 387448

Email: jonwrightelec@live.co.uk Certificate of excellence winner 2017, 2018 & 2019

A.J.S.

Alarm installations, repairs & upgrades Domestic and commercial work welcome Free security assessment provided Emergency lock openings Lock changes No call-out charges 24-hour service 60 mins response

Call 01942 669505 www.uklocksandalarms.co.uk info@ianwalkerservices.co.uk

BAILEYS

ELECTRICAL

All electrical work undertaken Free quotations

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01942 215 769 07739 709 005

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ToTal ElEcTrics for your HomE or BusinEss Installation Service Maintenance Repairs

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call us today for friendly advice and a free quotation

01942 836 937 www.ghewigan.co.uk

4 ccTV systems 4 security light installations 4 PaT testing & inspections 4 no Job too small

check out our facebook reviews @ghe.info

07557 914 788

suite 1a, Kirkless industrial Estate, cale lane, Wigan, Wn2 1Hf

4 NAPIT part ‘P’ registered 4 JIB Approved Technician 4 38 Years Experience

Call: 0800 6446100 or 07904 127663

4 Local, Honest & Reliable 4 Domestic

Covering all North West Areas

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

4 Industrial & Commercial

J.Dillon

Electrical Services Ltd Electrician ~ Standish • All types of electrical work • 30+ years experience • Friendly, fast and reliable • 24 hour call out service

Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826

www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk

JIB Approved Electrician All domestic electrical work 24/7 call out service FrIEndly, rElIABlE & proFEssIonAl

Call 07557 795 892

www.johnboughey-electrical.com Parbold/Wigan Areas

a Installation & Maintenance a Inspection & Testing a Nest Pro Installer a CCTV & Alarms

Tel: 07738 117712 Orrell bAsed

82

Aerial & Sky Services RX-12 Digital TV Aerials £75 supplied & fitted

• TV Aerials Installed • TV Wall Mounting • Telephone Lines • Setup Service

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Aerial Multi-room System at £45 per room

TV Wall Mounting Service Level 5 in Signal Path & Fault Diagnostics

Domestic & Commercial work welcomed

Ring Paul on

01942 514 532 07709 490 095

30+ years experience

01942 257804 07966 488585

Tel: 01942 441221

Askus@LJTelecomServices.co.uk www.LJTelecomServices.com

Call anytime for a quote or email: andy@aerialandskyservices.co.uk

www.aerialandskyservices.co.uk

Having computer problems?

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Design & Print

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rural Village NUrSErY

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NEWLY rEFUrBISHED in 2019

term time 8am till 5.30pm the for Open Mon-Fri: a booking system We operate saves you money holidays which entitlement 30 hours free We deliver day £29 for a full available Flexible sessions from 2 years old We take children beautiful woodland in a01744 Call gain Sarah on to more situated 886166 childfor Nursery is information or admin@cranknursery.net for your Little Acorns vibrant place s. a safe and l experiencewww.cranknursery.co.uk setting. It is educationa in the forest lots of wonderful being down outdoors & well-being on the great health and child’s We are big for your which is good

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LocalLife

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

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Arley Cabinet Company Ltd • Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 • We Measure ~ We Make ~ We Fit Drop into our showroom or call us for a free estimate 214a Gidlow Lane, Wigan, WN6 7BN

01942 246 190

www.arleycabinets.com

83

StoveS Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Plumbing Services Wall & Floor Tiling Ceiling Panelling

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

by Andy

& Wet Room Installation

Save £££’s on your install • InStallatIonS • MaIntenance • ServIcIng

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01257 369 685 07899 752 225

• Bathrooms • Wet Rooms • Wall & Floor Tiling Please call for a FREE Estimates

stovesbyandy@gmail.com

07703 448890 01942 208926 Convert your bath to a

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£30 + VAT

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Quality bathrooms at reasonable prices Complete bathroom installations from design to completion.

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

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Large outdoor PLAY ArEA

We cater for CHILDrEN 3 months - 4 years

NEWLY rEFUrBISHED in 2019

term time 8am till 5.30pm the for Open Mon-Fri: a booking system We operate saves you money holidays which entitlement 30 hours free We deliver day £29 for a full available Flexible sessions from 2 years old We take children beautiful woodland in a01744 Call gain Sarah on to more situated 886166 childfor Nursery is information or admin@cranknursery.net for your Little Acorns vibrant place s. a safe and l experiencewww.cranknursery.co.uk setting. It is educationa in the forest lots of wonderful being down outdoors & well-being on the great health and We are big for your child’s which is good

All Saints’ Primary

Nursery Bridge | WN6 9DT Little Acorns Lane | Appley

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www.littleac

Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Showers, Trays & Cubicles Relocation of Bathroom Suites 25 years bathroom experience Call Chris now for a free quotation

C L Bathrooms

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

84

Want a new boiler with ZERO upfront cost?

We’ve got you covered for all aspects of plumbing and heating

Boilers

Gas

Heating

Pay monthly with servicing and warranty included.

Call us now to find out how!

01942 575730 07565 060530

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166 Gidlow Lane • Wigan • WN6 7EA 626792

www.blueflameltd.co.uk craig@blueflameltd.co.uk Family run business with 20+ years experience.

Check out our reviews:

Installation • Maintenance • Repairs

ShOwROOM NOw OpEN at 19 Preston Road, Standish WN6 0HP

All plumbing services including services & repairs

• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted • Specialists in Disability Installations & Conversions

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BOILER SERVICING

FROM

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No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on

01257 473026 07515 894281

527090

www.gphwigan.co.uk

A Genuine Family Run Business With Friendly & Courteous Staff SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES

• Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks Accredited Installer & Service Partner

• Mechanical Power Flushing • Thermostatic Valves Radiators Fitted • All-in-One Air Conditioning & Heating Units for Home & Work

Telephone: 01257 421 660 TEL: 01942 504 429 MOB: 07515 505 501

www.fgwelch.co.uk

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS! Registration No.

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available

Boiler Installation Credit Cards accepted Boiler Servicing & Repairs Boiler Finance Available Landlords Gas Safety Reports Experienced, Reliable & Friendly Service

01942 221 996 07769 203 056 hartheatingwigan@gmail.com Winstanley-based

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Central Heating Systems Boilers & Gas Appliances General Plumbing Gas Safety Certificates Call Andy for a free quote on

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FULL BOILER SERVICE FROM JUST £58

• Brand New Bathrooms • Boiler + Central Heating Installs, Servicing + Repairs • Extended warranties available FINANCE • 24 Hour Call-out

OPTIONS

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• Domestic + Commercial Freephone:

0300 3030121 Dave: 07769 942218 Matt: 07969 183809 21 Naburn Drive, Orrell wN5 8SB Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk www.orrellheating.co.uk

4 Boiler Servicing & Maintenance 4 All aspects of plumbing and heating work.

4 Gas Safety Inspection reports undertaken.

10238

HIVE HEATInG SYSTEM InSTALLEd COMPLETE FOR £205

Call MIKE on 0787 113 1012 Established since 1967 ~ WIGAn BASEd

Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathrooms

EmErgEncy call outs wElcomEd

4 Installations, Services

& Repairs 4 Boilers

506515

4 Central Heating

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4 Bathrooms

company here for just

£30 + VAT

Call 01695 627 999

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John Bailey 01942 495785 or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan

573747

Call nico for a free quote on

07818 335 441

86

GDR Driveways ALL ASPECTS OF PAVING & tuRfING

4 Block Paving Clean & Re-seal 4 Indian Stone service available 4 Flagging 4 Turfing 4 Artificial Grass Winstanley-based

www.gdrdriveways.com Call Gareth for a fREE quotation: 01942 217 113 or 07715 177 754

JJ Driveways Imprinted Concrete Specialists

Huge range of colours & patterns • Resin Driveways • Block Paving • Indian Stone • Flagging

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£30 + VAT

Call 01695 627 999

LocalLife

www.locallife247.co.uk

Specialists in Replacement Double Glazed Units

We can also revive your old drive!

Ask about our sealing service

Ring with sizes for a FREE estimate Open 7 days 8am - 8pm

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www.jjdriveways.co.uk

• Conservatory repairs • Locks, handles and hinges • Replacement glass • Windows and doors installed • Replacement conservatory roofs Call MARK now on

Promote your company here for just

£30 + VAT

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01942 737 381 0776 315 1720 conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com www.fixmyconservatory.com

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

rural Village NUrSErY

All staff paediatric & first aid QUALIFIED

y Little AcornsYOUNurser CAN TRUST! QUALITY CHILDCARE

Call 01695 627 999

LocalLife

oPEN Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM

rated by oFStED as oUtStANDINg FUNDED PLACES Available for 2/3/4 year olds

£37.50 per day

LANgUAgE & SPortS LESSoNS for pre-schoolers

Large outdoor PLAY ArEA

We cater for CHILDrEN 3 months - 4 years

NEWLY rEFUrBISHED in 2019

term time 8am till 5.30pm the for Open Mon-Fri: a booking system We operate saves you money holidays which entitlement 30 hours free We deliver day £29 for a full available Flexible sessions from 2 years old We take children beautiful woodland in a01744 Call gain Sarah on to more situated 886166 childfor Nursery is information or admin@cranknursery.net for your Little Acorns vibrant place s. a safe and l experiencewww.cranknursery.co.uk setting. It is educationa wonderful in the forest of lots being down outdoors & well-being on the great health and We are big for your child’s which is good

All Saints’ Primary

Nursery Bridge | WN6 9DT Little Acorns Lane | Appley

School | Finch

01257 252647 sery.com

www.locallife247.co.uk orns-daynur

www.littleac

87

No job too small!

K Stone Building Services All types of building work undertaken

Quality Handyman Service from a qualified Joiner All aspects of maintenance; 4 Flat-packs assembled 4 Laminated Flooring laid 4 Door Hanging

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And so much more..

01942 387 090 / 07568 195 033 Fixouse Property Maintenance

Home Improvements • Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms • Garage & Loft Conversions • Floors, Doors & Windows • Composite Doors • Garden Gates For all your home improvement needs call David on...

01942 203 804 07851 225 876

DS Joinery

fixouse@gmail.com

HANDS ON Property Maintenance & Handyman Services 3 Kitchens & Bathrooms 3 Painting & Decorating 3 Joinery 3 Electrical 3 Building 3 Paving, Decking & Fencing 3 Tiling 3 Plumbing

Telephone Keith on

07812 110476

• Brickwork • Pointing • Garden Walls • Patios

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25 years experience

01942 495412 07974 496676

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All Building / Joinery jobs considered Plastering / Tiling Plumbing / Roofing Flatpack Assembly

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Superior craftmanship at competitive rates • Home improvements • Loft conversions • Garage conversions & Extensions • Staircases • Windows & Doors For all aspects of renovations and maintenance -

no job too small!

For a free quote, call MT Joinery now.

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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

M: 07894 687 384

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• From a broken tile to a full re roof.

• Flat roofs renewed and repaired.

28 Years Experience Extensions & Refurbishments Kitchens & Bathrooms Conservatories & Orangeries Windows & Doors Roofs & Fascia Boards Decking & Balustrading

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Your local fully qualified tradesman

with 30 years experience Call us now for a free, no obligation quote

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All aspects of building works No job too small Call Peter for a free quotation

Day: Eve:

07961 516 677 01942 745 428 Cambridge Road, Orrell

NEIL SIMPSON BUILDER

• WILSON •

Can’t find a reliable local builder?...look no further

Est. 1985

brickwork joinery roofing plastering internal alterations

BROS

Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair

all types of building work undertaken

• Fascia & soffit installation

garden construction garden walls patios gravel gardens flagging decking pergolas

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P P

First Class Workmanship 4 All types of re-roofs

Your Reliable, Friendly, Professional & Honest Building & Joinery Specialists

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4 Strip & re-slate or re-tile 4 Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc.

• Conservatories & Orangeries • Extensions • Refurbishments & Alterations • Fencing & Decking

4 Insurance work undertaken 4 Roofline uPVC fascias, soffits & guttering

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01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND

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Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters

Established Over 30 Years

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

rural Village NUrSErY

All staff paediatric & first aid QUALIFIED

y Little Acorns Nurser QUALITY CHILDCARE

Call 01695 627 999

LocalLife

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rated by oFStED as oUtStANDINg FUNDED PLACES Available for 2/3/4 year olds

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YOU CAN TRUST! oPEN Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM

£37.50 per day

Large outdoor PLAY ArEA

NEWLY rEFUrBISHED in 2019

term time 8am till 5.30pm the for Open Mon-Fri: a booking system We operate saves you money holidays which entitlement 30 hours free We deliver day £29 for a full available Flexible sessions from 2 years old We take children beautiful woodland in a01744 Call gain Sarah on to more situated 886166 childfor Nursery is information or admin@cranknursery.net for your Little Acorns vibrant place s. a safe and l experiencewww.cranknursery.co.uk setting. It is educationa in the forest lots of wonderful being down outdoors & well-being on the great health and child’s We are big for your which is good

All Saints’ Primary

We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters.

Nursery Bridge | WN6 9DT Little Acorns Lane | Appley

School | Finch

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www.littleac

Call: 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 www.orrellroofline.co.uk

ALPINE LTD Roofing & Building Services

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WIN a luxury Spa Day for Two!

© David Bancroft Photography

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALkS | COmpETiTiON S | HOmE & GArDEN SErViCES

WIGAN NORTH

NEXT ISSuE DEADlINE

July 2021

16th June

LocalLife Wigan North Edition

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ST HELENS

Also available at; Tesco Extra (Wigan) and Sainsburys (Marus Bridge)

FR

tracking

16th June

Wigan Edition

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July 2021

LocalLife

Orrell, Orrell Post, Upholland, Billinge Higher End,

LocalLife All our magazine distribution is monitored using

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Promote your business in

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september 2019

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St Helens Edition

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Jul/Aug 2021

LocalLife Ballooning

september 2018

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want to book advertiSinG? Call us on 01695 627999 for more details or email sales@locallife247.co.uk

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91

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

Transform your conservatory into a home office

NEW Generation Rockdoor now available

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established since 1999

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

Representative example: Total cash price £1164, deposit £0, amount borrowed £1164 over 12 months. 12 monthly repayments of £97. Interest rate 0%. Total repayable £1164. Credit is subject to the lenders T&C. Warmlight Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 7700524. We are a credit broker, not a lender and have a facility with one lender.

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Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value Windows

Bi-Fold Doors

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs expertly fitted by accredited installers

Orangeries

©

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Manufacturers and installers since 2004

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28544

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

www.orrellwindows.co.uk