Local Life - Wigan - August 2016

Wigan Edition

August 2016

Win tickets to

n for the Witickets

Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Business View...

Cover photo courtesy of Southport Flower Show

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4

Busted

flush

E

veryone likes to think of themselves as an expert in their own field. Just as a butcher would notice a particular cut of meat, a fashionista would notice the quality of seams on clothing, I notice stuff like logos and branding.

So I had a bit of a double take recently when I went past my local Co-Op and realised that the whole store branding had changed to the Co-Op circa late 60’s. My initial reaction was astonishment; the CoOp of my childhood was back!

The value of using retro marketing like this though, to try and re-assure your customers of your traditional values, when really nothing fundamental has changed is, IMHO, a bit of a busted flush.

Those sandwiches still taste of plastic, the fruit and veg is still pretty mediocre and it’s still easier getting a seat on the Shadow Cabinet than it is to get a parking space at the store at peak times. So, thanks for the memories, but I’ll still be spending as little as I possibly can with you.

However, bring back the Co-op stamps which my mum used to let me stick in the book when I behaved myself whilst helping her shopping, and I’ll be there quicker than you can say ‘Co-Op boss in Class A drug rent boy scandal’.

See you next time.

Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Next issue - September 2016

Advertising deadline - Thursday 4 August Published - Thursday 18 August Local Life Media

@locallifemedia

5

In this issue Summer days

Jack’s Tracks visits

out

Entwistle

39

76

Next stop

Win tickets to

Rio

Southport Flower Show

58

86

Perfect Persian

Test Drive - Suzuki

food

SX4 S-Cross

70

92

Regulars

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

32 Puzzle Corner

88 Garden Diary

75 Eating Out Guide

106 View from the lump

Telephone: 01695 627 999 Sales: Clare Glover, Nicola Gray Editorial: Mark Taylor

80 What’s On

Design: Peter Bretherton

Sections 6 Property

68 Pets

14 Local News

70 Food & Drink

18 Fashion

76 Leisure

48 Heath & Fitness

92 Motoring

62 Legal & Finance

88 Gardening

64 Business View

96 Home Services

sales@locallife247.co.uk

wigannews@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan

accounts@locallife247.co.uk

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

This issue is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.

The next issue is delivered to over 14,000 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Ashton, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton.

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

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

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Saturday Dance You’re invited to come dancing at St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall on Church Street in Standish every Saturday night.

It’s a chance to meet new friends and get some exercise. Admission is £4 including supper on most nights and even if you can’t dance, people there can show you how. Alternatively you can just sit, chat and enjoy the music.

You can take your own drink with you for the dancing which starts at 8pm.

Union help needed Unify Credit Union in Shevington is on the search for volunteers to join their advice team.

For the last three years, pairs of volunteers have been available every Saturday between 10.30 and 11.30am in Shevington Library on Gathurst Lane.

A credit union is a savings bank owned by its

members, not by shareholders. You can pay money into it as savings, or take money out as a loan. Savers or borrowers are all members. Borrowers pay 1-2% a month on loans (on the reducing balance); savers get around 1% interest per year on their savings. It is probably most useful for loans of between £100 and £5,000.

Volunteers have to collect payments from members, record them and pay them into a Post Office. It’s relatively simple. The rota for volunteers is two weeks on four weeks off. Volunteers who cannot manage a particular week arrange swaps with other volunteers.

One or two more pairs of volunteers are needed to maintain the rota, so that duties do not come round too often. The more volunteers there are, the less frequent the duties will be.

Volunteers would need to be trained, probably at Shevington Library. If you can help, get in touch with John Whiteley, 01257 423342, 07513 558722, or e-mail shevyc@blueyonder.co.uk.

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Properties of Distinction

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WOOD LANE, PARBOLD

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A high specification new build home with detached double garage on a large private plot.

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A detached, four bedroom cottage with double garage in a stunning, rural setting.

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An impressive family home located in one of Parbold’s premier locations.

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COPELAND DRIVE, STANDISH

£259,000

An extended and individually designed 4 bed detached house on village development.

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HAIGH ROAD, HAIGH

£250,000

HAMPSON GREEN, HAIGH

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Wonderful 1930s semi-detached home with large south facing rear garden.

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A three bedroom cottage in rural Haigh with stunning views towards Winter Hill.

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GROVE LANE, STANDISH

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With over 40 years’ experience in the Property sector, Pearson Ferrier have specialised in offering a personal touch that is unique and tailored to suit your needs.

At Pearson Ferrier we always aim to offer the best customer service possible.

Our highly skilled team of employees have a wealth of experience in sales, lettings and management and offer a pro-active style whether you’re looking to buy, sell or let a property.

As an Estate Agents, we like to take ownership. Therefore, we provide a range of services from domestic lettings to commercial property management and maintenance – making sure we have all bases covered.

With our wealth of experience and advanced operating systems, we can offer you more for less. That is one of the reasons Pearson Ferrier has successfully opened a number of branches throughout the UK in addition to its presence within the North. We currently have a number of specialist agents operating locally in areas including Wigan, Preston, Bolton and Bury, providing a full range of estate agent services.

Currently, we have a number of buyers and tenants looking for properties. We would love to hear from you if you’re looking to sell or let a property in the Wigan area covering Orrell, Winstanley, Standish, Shevington, Ince, Ashton-inMakerfield, Hindley, Skelmersdale, Leigh, Lowton and Golborne.

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Vibrant vintage

Picnic proms

If you’re a lover of all things vintage, then head for Haigh Hall which is hosting another retro fair on Sunday, July 17.

Enjoy a night of classical music and fireworks at the Mesnes Park Picnic Proms on September 3. A fantastic night is promised with performances from a number of musicians including the Tyldesley Brass Band. Bring along your picnic, your food and drink, wave your flags and enjoy the great end of summer family evening in Wigan’s historic park.

The fairs have a wide range of stalls selling vintage and retro clothing, accessories, home wear, collectables and china dating from 1920s to 1980s as well as handmade jewellery, gifts, cupcakes and chocolate.

There will be live entertainment throughout the day from various entertainers including Bexi Owen and Vintage Vocals.

Admission is £1 (children under 12 free) and the event is open between 10am and 4pm. For more details call 07787 316234.

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Gates open at 6pm and the event starts at 7.45pm.

Advance tickets cost: Adults - £10.00, children – aged 5-15 years old - £7.00- (4 and under go free); Family – two adults, two children - £28.00, Concession – 65 years old and over £7.00.

On the night, ticket prices cost: Adults - £11.00, Children – aged 5-15 years old - £8.00 (4 and under go free). Family – 2 adults and 2 children - £32.00, Concession – 65 years old and over £8.00.

For tickets ring 01942 828508 or visit the website: www.boxoffice.wlct.org.

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Summer theatre

Tuesday, August 2; Tales from the Gypsy Caravan on Tuesday, August 9; The Dragon Who Lost His Home on Tuesday, August 16 and Treasure Island on Tuesday, August 23.

Haigh Hall plays host to a series of outdoor performances during July and August which are sure to appeal to children and adults alike.

Tickets cost £7.50 or £15 for a family ticket (three people). For more information, call the box office on 0800 788 0526 or email: boxoffice@haightickets. co.uk. Performances will be in the walled garden.

Pendle Productions is bringing five productions to the country park and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and blanket! There will be two performances a day at noon and 2.30pm.

On Tuesday, July 26 it’s The Railway Children.

This enchanting tale follows the fortunes and adventures of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis after they move from London to a house near a railway line in the countryside. Roberta reads an old newspaper and discovers where their father really is and all the children take part in the adventure of a lifetime.

Distributors Required Local Life requires distributors aged 13 and above in the areas below; Appley Bridge Miles Lane, Back Lane, Finch Mill Avenue & Dingle Avenue Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. If you’re interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Using song, gripping and dramatic action you too will be transported back to the golden age of steam.

Other productions scheduled for Haigh Hall include: Alice Through the Looking Glass on

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Youngsters are walking

tall

Woodfield Primary School children are going the extra mile to keep fit and healthy, thanks to their own purpose-built walking track.

Each day, pupils, teachers and other staff from the Wigan Lane school will walk the 15 minute course.

It gets them moving, it’s keeping them fit and also helping to boost their performance when they return to the classroom.

It’s all part of a new initiative that’s being pioneered locally by Wigan Council and delivered by Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles as part of the Deal for Health and Wellness. The leisure services provider is encouraging all primary schools across the borough

to sign up to the national project called The Daily Mile.

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While every school that is part of the scheme is already reaping the rewards, Woodfield is the only one so far to take the extra step of installing a dedicated walking route. The path was made possible thanks to a grant from businessman and Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan, which was match-funded by the school.

Mr Whelan said: “It’s really important that we encourage children to adopt healthy habits and take exercise from a very early age. We can only do this if we make it fun and accessible to everyone.

This scheme does exactly that through the simple act of going for a walk. It gets the children out in the fresh air, gets them moving and sets them up for the rest of the day. When I heard about Woodfield’s plan I was happy to get involved. I’m sure it will inspire generations of healthy, happy children.”

Woodfield Primary School Headteacher Julie Charnley said: “The children are all very excited about their daily walk, it’s a great time for them.

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18

Latest fashions

Wedding

clashers

by Katie Wright

W

hen it comes to getting dressed up for a wedding, there are so many ‘rules’ to follow that most end up being a sea of men in boring grey suits and women in humdrum floral frocks.

But unless you’re at an ultra-conservative church do, most of this so-called protocol is outdated, and actually, pushing the boundaries can pay off style-wise, helping you stand out from the play-it-safe crowd.

Here’s how to (tastefully) break the rules this wedding season...

Flash a little flesh The rule: Never wear a crop top The crucial word here is LITTLE: a V-neck halter crop top and mini skirt are going to attract stares for all the wrong reasons, but a tiny sliver of midriff is acceptable.

That sliver shouldn’t include your belly button, however - pair high-waisted trousers, a pencil or full prom skirt (no shorter than knee-length) with a crop top in a structured fabric, like jacquard.

There are lots of matching co-ords in the shops at the moment that are the perfect proportions, thereby taking out the suitability guesswork.

Miss Selfridge Crop Top, £22; matching Skirt, £25 (www.missselfridge.com)

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Be the black sheep The rule: Don’t wear black If your everyday wardrobe consists of black, black and more black, don’t think you have to abandon your go-to hue for someone else’s big day - but remember that wearing it head-to-toe in a church is going to look decidedly funereal.

Instead, look for a dress that breaks up the expanse of black with a print or texture - lace is ideal - and add intensely coloured accessories to lift the look.

Blair Strappy Scallop Lace Midi Dress, £139 (LittleBlackDress. co.uk) Office Ava Knotted Red Suede Sandals, £68 (www.office. co.uk)

Be red-y for anything The rule: Don’t wear red Red used to signify vampish and vulgar, but as long as you don’t turn up in a thigh-slit Jessica Rabbit-esque number, you needn’t worry.

A pretty red lace or modern minimalist dress is totally wedding-appropriate, especially when teamed with more traditional floral footwear. It’s all about balance.

Little Mistress Tall Coral Crochet And Lace Bodycon Dress, £68 (www.littlemistress.com) Ted Baker Caleno Multi Floral Print Two Part Sandals, £95 (www. dunelondon.com)

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Play your strong suit The rule: It has to be a dress ‘I’ve got to get a dress for a wedding’, we so often whine, but why not use the occasion to step out of your comfort zone and try a suit?

Tailoring is having a huge fashion moment, so the shops are full of gorgeous floral and pastel two-pieces that you can jazz up with jewellery and heels.

The other advantage of a suit is that you’ll get more post-wedding wear out of the separates, unlike the glitzy gowns that mostly hang unworn in our wardrobes for months (years, even) after the big day.

Get the look

Navabi Straight Cut Blazer, £169.99; matching Wide Leg Trousers, £99.99 (www.navabi.co.uk; top and shoes, stylist’s own)

Talk about a BELTING look: the tiny bags sitting snugly on models’ waists on the Kenzo SS16 catwalk are a far cooler way to do this season’s bumbag revival. Try the trend with a snakeskin Dany Hipster

Wave the white flag

bag from Helmer, available in four colours, from £230.

The rule: Don’t wear white It’s the most contentious etiquette question of all: is it ever OK for a guest to wear white to a wedding?

Modern manners dictate that you can, but with caution.

The key is that it can’t look bridal in any way, so steer well clear of frothy all-white looks, in favour of sharp modern cuts and prints.

Use the 50/50 rule (no more than half of the outfit should be white), and make sure you include a bright jacket or scarf in the mix.

Helmer Dany Hipster Cruise Black & White Bag, £290 (www.hel-mer.com)

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Seeds of

success

Here’s food for thought - the first seeds in an exciting project coming to Wigan Borough have been planted.

to In Bloom and committed to maintaining the planters in the future to do their bit for The Deal.

Community volunteers recently joined forces with Wigan Council and the Incredible Edible team for a planting session at Believe Square.

Incredible Edible is a national scheme that aims to make local food accessible to all, with volunteers encouraged to plant in communal areas such as grass verges, gardens, parks and schools and colleges.

The scheme is quickly catching on with groups across the borough wanting to get involved and help create Incredible Wigan.

Founder of Incredible Edible Pam Warhurst is originally from Leigh. She said: “Wigan is going to be the first borough in the whole country to

Groups including Fur Clemt, Daisy Chains CIC and Standish in Bloom took part in the session planting small flowers and herbs.

become Incredible Edible and that means each and every person will be able to get involved and help grow more of their own produce. It’s about putting food at the heart of public places. If there was ever a time to do it, it’s now.”

Two local businesses based on Believe Square, Gallimore’s and Casino De Cuba, have signed up

Community volunteers with Pam Warhurst and Cllr Chris Ready on Believe Square.

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Summer fun If you are looking for activities to keep your children busy during the summer holidays, the My Life centre at Thompson House in Standish might be worth a look. Between July 21 and September 2 between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, the centre is offering a range of things to do including learning about animals and horticulture and dance and drama. The promise is that no two days will be the same and children aged eight and over are welcome to sign up. Call 01257 472900 for more details.

Somme commemorated July marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and a number of community groups in Wigan have achieved funding from the World War One Community Grant Scheme to hold commemorative events. Wigan Council pledged to spend £250,000 between 2014 and 2018 to mark the centenary of

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the First World War and a number of community groups applied for a slice of the grant to go towards their commemorative events. The borough will see a number of World War One activities throughout the year and Battle of the Somme events between July and November. You can see the full list of armed forces events and their times at www.wigan.gov.uk/ armedforces and clicking ‘Latest news and events’

Holiday activities If you are looking for activities to keep your children busy during the summer holidays, the My Life centre at Thompson House in Standish might be worth a look. Between July 21 and September 2 between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, the centre is offering a range of things to do including learning about animals and horticulture and dance and drama. The promise is that no two days will be the same and children aged eight and over are welcome to sign up. Call 01257 472900 for more details.

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Using their

loaf

The new Haigh Hall Kitchen Courtyard has welcomed its first business.

Artisan bakery All You Knead produces a range of breads, pastries and confectionary - alongside gourmet sandwiches, salads and platters of cheese, meats and olives from the deli counter. The bakery also serves coffee and afternoon tea.

Having extended their business portfolio into Wigan, husband and wife team Julie and Craig Dugan formed All You Knead in 2012 following increasing demand for real bread. The company currently produces their wide range of handmade, preservative-free, products from their bakery in Chorley.

Park and we have brought together some of the best artisan produce that Lancashire has to offer including a great selection of cheeses to complement our extensive bread selection.

Julie said: “The deli and coffee shop are exciting additions to the new bakery at Haigh Woodland

Visit www.allyouknead.co.uk or Facebook page: All You Knead Bakery and Deli to find out more.

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31

Building bridges Wigan Bridge Club are hoping to attract new members by staging free taster sessions.

The club is 80 years old and prides itself on a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The new course of first stage lessons are being run in the day and repeated in the evening to try and attract as many people as possible.

It costs ÂŁ75 for a course of 10 lessons and this includes free membership for one year. The classes are due to start in September but for more information go to the website: www.bridgewebs. com/wigan or ring Margaret on 01257 423493 or Des 07534 482047.

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Puzzle

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Guess where?

Answers are on page 85 of this magazine

Sudoku

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Volunteer search Shevington Luncheon Club, which meets every Wednesday, is looking for some help.

The club meets at Shevington Youth Club, Highfield Avenue, Shevington between 11.30am and 3pm.

Around 20 people aged 60 and over attend and enjoy socialising and playing games like bingo or dominoes. Members pay £4.75 each week which covers the cost of the meal, the prizes, hire of the hall and the trips.

The club is looking for some secretarial and administrative help. Each week there are the contributions to be collected and totalled before being banked.

In addition, orders for the following week’s meals need to be taken and phoned in to Leigh Infirmary kitchens. Could you spare an hour a week on about 30 occasions a year to help collect and bank money, and also help organise the meals?

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Summer days

Out!

With the holiday season around the corner, Local Life looks at some of the many attractions in the North West that are perfect for a day out this summer.

We’ve included some for sunny days and some for the showery ones too!

Blackpool Zoo

Acorn Farm

East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP.

Depot Road, Kirkby, L33 3AR

01253 830 830

0151 548 1524

www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk

www.acornfarm.co.uk An award-winning, family-friendly attraction in Kirkby where you meet a wide range of animals, many of which you can feed and stroke.

Sheep, cows, goats, pigs, horses, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and even meerkats are all waiting to meet you. As a working farm, there are often baby animals including lambs, goat kids, piglets and chicks to see too.

The farm also has two outdoor play areas, a woodland walk, plant sales centre and farm shop.

Blackpool Zoo is still going strong and is home to more than 1,000 animals plus birds and reptiles.

Providing fun and education for all ages, the zoo is a short ride from the Promenade.

The scenic 32 acre park is set amongst mature trees, lakes and spacious lawns where the kids can burn off their excess energy. The elephants are always a big draw and there are also giraffes, sealions, gorillas, orangutans, camels, zebras and many, many more. The Orangutan Outlook allows visitors to get up close and personal with the apes.

Apple Jacks Adventure Park Stretton Road, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4NW 07980 973 475 www.applejacksfarm.co.uk A family farm on the outskirts of Warrington with attractions aimed at children plus rides and zip-wires for older children. There’s also a massive maize maze to challenge your powers of direction.

The park has a big free car park and places to eat but you are allowed to take a picnic if you prefer. After 5pm, the park changes its focus with scary horror rides and amusements for older children.

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Blue Planet Aquarium Cheshire Oaks, CH65 9LF 0151 357 8800 blueplanetaquarium.com Home to one of Europe’s largest collection of sharks, Blue Planet offers the chance to get up close and personal with a world of underwater action.

The Aqua Theatre offers a spectacular view of life in the depths around the reef with a presenter on hand to tell you all about the fascinating creatures of all shapes and sizes in front of you.

There’s also an underwater view restaurant plus three live shows everyday.

Bolton Museum Le Mans Crescent, Bolton 01204 332 211 www.boltonmuseums.org.uk Bolton’s Museum is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Ancient Egyptian objects in the UK. There’s also an impressive Local History collection that tells the story of the town’s industrial heritage and one of the best Natural History collections in the UK covering Botany, Entymology and Geology, and a fine Art collection of over 3500 objects including 20th century oils, watercolours, prints and sculptures.

The building is also famous for its aquarium which specialises in tropical freshwater fish.

Chester Zoo Chester Zoo, Moston Road, Upton, Chester.

01244 380280 www.chesterzoo.org Chester Zoo is the UK’s number one charity zoo, with more than 12,000 animals and 400 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet.

With 1.4 million visitors every year, the zoo is an all-year round, full-day visitor attraction for everyone.

After four years away the awardwinning Dinosaurs - The Next Adventure attraction has returned and will be there until September 4. Here you can go back to the Jurassic age when these gigantic creatures roamed and ruled the earth.

You’ll walk amongst the predators and their prey, not knowing what is lurking around the next corner…

Chill Factore Trafford Way, Manchester 0161 749 2290 www.chillfactore.com Enjoy the thrills and spills of an indoor snow park which has agespecific attractions to ensure nobody is left out.

Get a taste for skiing or snowboarding in a safe, fun environment and maybe sign up for lessons. There is also a climbing wall, shops and restaurants.

Crocky Trail Cotton Abbotts, Waverton, Chester, CH3 7PH 01244 336084 www.crockytrail.co.uk Get the whole family outdoors and enjoy a mile long adventure of pure adrenaline drenched fun as you run along the famous Crocky Trail scrambling through trees, climbing over crooked bridges and swinging over the fast flowing Crocky stream.

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East Lancashire Railway Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY 0161 764 7790 www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk The East Lancashire Railway is an immaculately preserved slice of British history, from the shining steam and diesel engines and the cosy compartment carriages to the excellent customer facilities and passionate and knowledgeable volunteers .

Trains run every weekend and Wednesday to Friday until September with more than 160,000 visitors every year. The railway has a 12-mile route from Rawtenstall to Heywood, stopping off at Irwell Vale, Ramsbottom, Summerseat and Bury.

Eureka!

Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk This is a fun, interactive children’s museum and educational charity where children play to learn and grown-ups learn to play. Hundreds of interactive, hands-on exhibits designed to inspire children aged 0 to 11.

Gulliver’s World Warrington, WA5 9YZ 01925 444888 www.gulliversfun.co.uk Warrington’s family friendly theme park has this year unveiled its latest attraction – the Apacahe Falls water ride. The family-run park is specially designed for families with children aged between two and 13.

The age-appropriate rides and attractions make Gulliver’s one of the best days out for toddlers and older children in the North West. Older kids will enjoy the dodgems, log flumes and tree-tops swings. There’s also Splash Zone, an indoor water play centre.

Families are welcome to bring along their own picnics, and parking is free.

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Imperial War Museum - North The Quays, Salford 0161 836 4000 www.iwm.org.uk Don’t go expecting to see tanks and spitfires because this is a museum that tells the stories of people whose lives have been shaped by conflict.

Housed within a striking aluminium-clad building, the museum features regular exhibitions, films and events. This summer, the featured exhibition is Fashion on the Ration: 1940s Street Style.

Legoland Discovery Centre - Trafford

National Football Museum Urbis, Manchester 0161 605 8200 www.nationalfootballmuseum.com Housed within Urbis in Manchester, the National Football Museum is the biggest football museum in the world.

The unique museum brings the history of the sport to life across four floors of interactive games and displays. More than 2,500 objects are on display including the ball from the 1966 World Cup final and iconic shirts worn by Diego Maradona and Pele.

There are interactive exhibits plus a shop and café.

Tatton Park Tatton Park, WA16 6SG 01625 374400

Barton Square, Manchester, M17 8AS

www.tattonpark.org.uk

0844 844 8181

Set in 1,000 acres of open parkland, the former Egerton family home is regarded as one of the most complete historic estates in the country.

www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/Manchester If you’re a Lego fanatic, the Legoland Discovery Centre provides you with the ultimate playground.

Based in Barton Square close to the Trafford Centre, the Discovery Centre includes a Lego Factory and themed areas for different ranges such as City, Duplo, Ninjago and Friends.

You can uncover centuries of history at the Tudor Old Hall and wander through the impressive gardens as well as the working farm. In the stableyard are shops and restaurants while there is plenty of space for picnics, cycling, sailing or just walking.

There’s also a Build and Test zone where you can create your own car then see how fast it can go on a specially designed track. A Master Model Builder is on hand to help you learn new building techniques and help you create incredible models.

There are more than 100 events each year at Tatton with many of them during the school summer holiday period. 2016 is also a special year as the park celebrates the centenary of the great Roald Dahl.

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Warriors on the run Do you like getting up to your knees in mud while keeping fit? If so, the Warrior Mud Run is perfect for you. Taking place in Aspull on Saturday, August 20 the run gives you the chance to raise money for charity either as an individual or as part of a group.

The Warrior Mud Run is a 3K course designed by former Wigan rugby player Stephen Wild who now runs Wild Bull Fitness. It will test your strength, stamina and character. Prepare to get wet, sweaty and very muddy. It is a fun event that is open to both children (aged 12 and over) and adults.

There will also plenty of fun things to do, so it promises to be a great day for all of the family.

A donation from ticket sales will be going to Our

Pride, a support group for children with Down Syndrome/Additional needs. The event runs from 10.30am to 4pm at Woodshaw Park in Aspull. Visit www.facebook.com/Wildbullfitness/ for details.

Junior rugby Wigan Rugby Union Club is holding a juniors registration day on Sunday, September 18. There will be lots to do on the day from 1pm including an inflatable obstacle course, body zorbing and a bouncy castle.

Families are welcome on the day and players aged six to 16 can go along to Wingates Road and sign up. For more information, call Ian on 07525 389104 or email wiganrufc@gmail.com

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Hoping for Holland

Back to the forties

Aspull Warriors Wrestling Club have been invited to a wrestling training camp in Utrecht, Holland later this year. The club say “it is a fantastic opportunity for their young wrestlers to experience the sport at an international level”.

Haigh Hall is stepping back in time for a special Fabulous Forties afternoon of nostalgia on Sunday, August 14.

The club pride themselves in enabling wrestlers to take part in activities through financial subsidies wherever possible. With this in mind, members are taking part in various sponsored events including a

This is a free event which is being staged by the Friends of Haigh Country Park between 11am and 4pm. Pemberton Old Brass Band will be providing the music and there will be singing and entertainment from Antony Mason and his Red Hot Ukelele. Other attractions on the day include Ricardo’s Punch and Judy, community stalls, vintage vehicles, tombola, a raffle and more.

sponsored bike ride from Aspull to Liverpool.

The club is now looking for donations to help them make the trip and has set up a fund-raising page: https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/ AspullWarriors

There’s a chance to get dressed up in your glad rags and spiffing prizes are promised for the best outfits.

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Health & Fitness

Cystitis

By Lisa Salmon

T

he urge to rush to the toilet all the time can be annoying, inconvenient and even embarrassing - and also painful, if you have cystitis.

Usually caused by urinary tract infections, cystitis means inflammation of the bladder.

Anyone, including children, can get it, though women tend to be far more prone to cystitis than men - believed to be due to anatomical differences, including a shorter urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) and the fact the urethra opening is closer to the back passage, both of which mean bacteria can get to the bladder more easily.

Feel the burn As well as a constant urge to pee, the main symptoms are a painful, burning or stinging sensation when urinating, dark, cloudy or smelly urine, pain in the lower abdomen, and generally feeling unwell.

Susannah Fraser, spokesperson for the Cystitis & Overactive Bladder Foundation (COB Foundation; www.cobfoundation.org) says: “Cystitis is a common problem, and while it can go within a few days, it’s normally very painful and people will often go to the doctor for antibiotics to help clear it up.

“It can make you feel nauseous and shivery and give you a high temperature. It’s an infection of the body, and in elderly people it can even give rise to dementia-type symptoms.”

Antibiotics aren’t required for every urinary tract infection, but it’s important to see your GP if you’re suffering chronic infections, symptoms don’t clear up or are very

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severe - especially if you have blood in your urine, if you’re pregnant, or if a man or child has symptoms.

If left untreated, in severe cases, cystitis can lead to more serious kidney infections, plus symptoms could also be a sign of other problems that need to be checked out.

Ensuring you wipe from front to back after bowel movements, not wearing thongs, and drinking plenty of fluids can all help keep urinary tract infections at bay.

Chronic concern Most women only experience cystitis once or twice in their lives, and thankfully it’ll be easily treated with antibiotics. However for others, the problem can be more chronic, whether that’s frequent infections, or a condition called interstitial cystitis, or bladder pain syndrome (BPS).

Mr Jonathan Goddard With this type of cystitis, there’s no obvious infection, antibiotics don’t work, and as well as the usual symptoms, there’s intense pelvic pain.

It’s a long-term condition with no known cure, and while the exact cause isn’t clear, one theory is that it

may be linked to a defect or failure in the bladder’s protective glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer, which increases bladder wall permeability and allows toxic substances through, leading to chronic inflammation.

Other theories include pelvic floor muscle problems, the immune system mistakenly attacking the bladder, or even that it’s an allergic reaction.

One thing’s for sure: it can be very difficult to live with.

“Interstitial cystitis is horrible, it can be very painful and really very miserable,” says consultant urological surgeon Mr Jonathan Goddard, who works at Leicester General Hospital. “It is still said to be rare, but as it is increasingly being seen in medical studies, it may not be as rare as we thought.”

Complex condition Interstitial cystitis sometimes occurs alongside other medical problems, including irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, vulvodynia (chronic pain around the vagina opening), recurrent urinary tract infections and depression.

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Mr Goddard says any treatment should target the related conditions as well as the bladder. “Patients often have associated conditions, and the bladder mucosa may not necessarily be the primary source of their pain,” he notes.

Treatment for interstitial cystitis is much more complex, and may include psychological support and antidepressants, as many people also experience anxiety, stress, depression and sleep problems. Antihistamines, painkillers and antiinflammatory drugs, plus GAG layer replacement therapy using drugs or physical therapy, may also be considered.

Lifestyle changes can also play a big role in managing the condition, including stopping smoking and making necessary dietary changes.

“Avoidance of food that worsens painful bladder syndrome is a basic, and often overlooked, management technique,” says Mr Goddard. “The list of possible exacerbating foodstuffs is exhaustive

and different for each individual; however common culprits are caffeine, alcohol, spices and acid, including fruit juices.”

Mostly women Fraser says there are thought to be around 400,000 people in the UK with interstitial cystitis, and 90% of them are women.

“The pain from interstitial cystitis is terrible; it really is extremely debilitating,” she says. “More research is desperately needed to stop the suffering, but because people often aren’t aware of this condition and the utter misery and despair it brings, there’s very little money available for research.

“So nobody understands why it occurs, and if you get it, you’re stuck with it.”

For more information and advice about cystitis or BPS, contact the COB Foundation advice line on 0121 702 0820 or visit www.cobfoundation.org

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Avoiding

constipation

Holidays are meant to be all about relaxing, reviving and restoring that sense of calm and contentment. But, blessed as we are to be heading away for a stint in the sun, holidays can be fraught with stress too - and it seems one big concern is constipation.

One in five women (21%) admit they worry about constipation disrupting their holiday, according to a new survey from Dulcolax.

Being backed up weighs heavy on people’s minds, as well as their guts: 18% of the survey respondents fear constipation will stop them enjoying precious time with friends and family; 49% confess they’d avoid the sun lounger if they were constipated

(some said they’d skip wearing a swimsuit entirely, and avoid taking a dip in the pool), and 17% said the condition makes them depressed.

What is constipation?

Constipation is very common and, the vast majority of the time, not serious - though it can be distressing, uncomfortable and even painful. It basically means you’re not pooing regularly enough. Stools remain in the large intestine for too long, and may become very hard, large or small, and difficult - possibly painful - to pass. It can also cause bloating, cramps and loss of appetite.

What causes it?

Most people experience constipation at some point or other. For some, it can be more of a chronic problem, and may be linked with other conditions,

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like IBS or IBD, or illnesses - so make sure you see your GP if you’re experiencing any ongoing changes in bowel habits or digestive problems, especially if you’re also experiencing other symptoms, such as weight loss, blood in the stools and fatigue. Usually though, constipation’s linked with dietary and lifestyle factors, like not eating enough fibre and not drinking enough fluids, or can be triggered by changes in diet or routine (which explains why it often strikes on holidays), stress, being inactive, overweight or underweight, and ignoring the urge to go to the toilet when you need to.

Don’t suffer in silence “Constipation is no fun, especially when it threatens to ruin your well-deserved holiday. It can make you feel uncomfortable and not yourself. The condition

can usually be treated quite easily so there’s no need for it to become a problem, provided people seek advice early on and don’t suffer in silence,” says Kate Arnold, a nutritionist with 18 years’ experience specialising in gastrointestinal disorders.

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Kate Arnold’s top 10 tips for managing constipation on holiday 1. In the week before you go away, try and get a good bowel routine going. You don’t want to go on holiday already constipated, as that might make you even more anxious.

2. As soon as you start travelling, whether by car, plane or boat, get up, stretch and walk around. The key is to get into a rhythm and don’t sit down for long stretches.

3. It’s easy to start drinking alcohol early while getting into the holiday spirit. Try and have one glass of water for each alcoholic drink, and keep hydrated at all times. Being dehydrated can cause constipation and bloating.

4. Try and eat at the same time as at home, this will help you stick to your usual pooing regime.

5. Whatever the local cuisine, try and include fresh fruit, vegetables, some wholegrains and pulses. If you are struggling to find any fibre, eat apples or keep some oatcakes in your bag.

6. Probiotic yoghurts might also help prevent bloating.

7. Where possible, choose wholegrains like wholemeal bread, brown or basmati rice, and wholemeal spaghetti.

8. Keep moving and active, walking, swimming, even stretching, anything to help your gut move.

9. Avoid loads of white bread, pastries, cakes, and if you are on an all-inclusive holiday, it’s easy to be tempted to eat too much, which can lead to bloating. Choose wisely and don’t overload your plate.

10. Certain foods can slow digestion: red meat, high fat foods and unripe bananas. Caffeine can have the opposite effect if you are dehydrated as well, so if drinking coffee, drink a glass of water too.

To help manage constipation and ensure it doesn’t get in the way of summer plans, Dulcolax has launched a free guide. Visit www. myconstipationrelief.com

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01257 696 050

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We are looking to book a holiday but we are worried about my elderly parents. Can you help?

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Today families can be spread throughout the country and it is not always possible for them to help out.

We can provide a range of services. At present a lady client is taking a 10 day break abroad, and we are looking after her husband overnight when he feels most vulnerable. For people with an appropriate budget, we can provide 24/7 care and we have done this for a lady in Chorley recently who felt unsafe after a fall. We can also look after someone for just 1-2 days, and recently we took care of a lady whilst her relatives attended a family wedding elsewhere in the UK. Many elderly people may be safe spending time on their own, but just need someone to pop in a couple to times a day to check if everything is alright and we can put in place a morning visit and an evening visit just to keep an eye on things. If, whilst you are on holiday, a loved one has an appointment such as the dentist or hospital outpatients, we can take them as our care staff have fully insured car insurance.

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Next stop

by Mark Taylor

A

Rio

packed summer of sport will soon reach its peak when the world’s top athletes head for the Olympics and Paralympics in Brazil.

And while all eyes will be on who wins the medals, behind the scenes a sports massage therapist from Clayton-le-Woods will be making sure the British competitors are primed for action and on top of their game.

Sally Barker will be working with Team GB as a masseur at the Paralympic Games, looking after around 200 athletes. And when the games have finished, her mum will be flying out to join her in Brazil for a hard-earned holiday.

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for Sally who balances her business with sport all year round. As owner of SB Sports Massage, she started off with a practice in Leeds but now runs clinics in Chorley and Bolton. There are plans for one in Wigan next.

In recent years she has become involved with a string of elite sports teams – most notably the British Cycling Team with whom she spends one day a week at their training base in Manchester. Sally also works with the GB Mountain Bike squad and has travelled altitude training camps in Switzerland and to World Cup events in Canada and the USA. In 2009 and 2011 she worked with the touring New Zealand rugby league team and has also worked in squash and netball.

Sally said: “Working with the British cycling team gave me a foot in the door as far as the Olympics are concerned. Once you are in the network and you do a good job, your name gets about.

“Going to the Paralympics will be the pinnacle of my career as a sports massage therapist. As an athlete you can’t get any higher and it’s the same as a practitioner. It’s the ultimate.

I went for an interview in February 2015 but didn’t actually get the job. Two girls got the job above me but since then one of them has got pregnant so is unable to

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travel because of the concerns about the Zika virus.

I must be one of the only people in the world who is grateful for the Zika Virus!

“So the process started a long time ago and since then I have been in the system through British Cycling. Over the years I have been able to work with the Great Britain Mountain Bike team which recently went to Canada. I have also been to places like Belgium and Italy for training camps.”

Originally from Standish but schooled in Orrell, Sally graduated from Nottingham University in 1995 with a degree in Sports Science. After a successful 12-year career in sales and marketing with the sportswear brand Reebok, Sally took a leap of faith away from the job. But sport was never too far away and she decided to study for UCAPD Advanced Diploma in Sports Massage, specialising in Biomechanics.

The business was founded in 2009 and has enjoyed sustained growth with new practices and the recruitment of more therapists. When Sally’s not at one of her three clinics or away with sport, she is a keen runner and has completed marathons in Paris, London and Edinburgh.

In her career, Sally has worked with a host of top level sportsmen and women but has so far avoided getting too starstruck.

She said: “I helped Chris Hoy in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012 and I regularly work with people like Jason Kenny, Mark Cavendish and Laura Trott who are all household names. But when you’re involved on a weekly basis they’re just another client. The people who I tell are more blown away than I am. I think that’s why I’ve found it hard to shout about the fact I’m going to Rio. It’s just my job.”

While Sally has been involved with some big events, she has been told the Olympics are on another level and is understandably excited about working in Rio. “I have been at really high profile events where the athletes have been on edge and everything gets a bit fraught,” said Sally.

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“Yes, they are elite athletes but they are also human beings so they want to be with people who they can talk to about things other than sport and de-stress.

When people are relaxed and on a treatment table, they tell you all sorts of things. It’s their shutting down time so they don’t want to talk about their sport.

“I hope I will get the opportunity to go to the opening and closing ceremonies because everyone tells me it will be mindblowing and of course Brazilians love a good party. The athletes get together in a holding camp in Wales for two weeks before the event where they eat and train together before flying out to Rio.” Sally says she is lucky to have a good team who keep the business on course while she is away though will miss her family who are based in Croston.

She said: “I am in a nice position because the business can survive when I’m not here because of the therapists and staff I have working for me. There was a time when everything had to come to a halt when I was away. Though I will miss people at home I will be so busy while I’m there the homesickness won’t kick in. You bury yourself in the work and the time goes really quickly.”

When the Olympics are over, Sally is looking to expand the business, explaining that the majority of her clients come to her with everyday complaints.

She said: “A lot of people who come through the door are people who sit at a desk all day and have poor posture and get back and neck pain. A large proportion of our treatments are not sports related so it’s not all glamour.”

For more information about her business, visit www.sb-massage.co.uk.

61

The perfect time to think about a funeral plan is today Did you know the average funeral costs 88% more than it did ten years ago?* With a Funeral Plan you can secure the cost of your funeral directors services included in your plan at today’s prices.

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62

Financial planning

Drawdown or

Annuity?

by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP), Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director

A

fter taking 25% tax-free cash, two common choices for accessing the remainder of your pension are drawdown and annuities. Both options offer their own advantages and drawbacks, which is why many people use a combination of both, depending on their circumstances. You may benefit from consulting a financial planner before making a decision, but this is our guide to the pros and cons of both options.

Flexibility & Control Drawdown - You have complete control to access as much of your money as often as you like. You can also choose your own investments, but this could mean additional time unless you choose a managed solution.

Annuity - Some annuities will let you choose your frequency of payment, but you have no other control over your income and once you’ve purchased an annuity you cannot change your mind (this is expected to change from April 2017). However, there are no investments to manage.

Security Drawdown - There is no guaranteed level of income – the investments within your SIPP remain invested and can go down as well as up in value.

Annuity - Your income will usually last for at least the remainder of your life, regardless of how long you live and how the markets perform. However, you may not be protected against inflation.

Choices Drawdown - You will normally have a very wide choice of funds to choose from within your self-invested pension to match your attitude to investment risk.

Annuity - Every provider offers different rates on the different types of annuity, so it pays to shop around.

You can use our annuity service to compare live rates before buying an annuity.

Value for Money Drawdown - Most SIPPs and funds will charge you annual fees, although your returns could be higher with drawdown than an annuity however this cannot be guaranteed.

Annuity - You make a one-off purchase for a guaranteed income that usually lasts until you die.

This could prove to be good or bad value depending on how long you live.

What happens when I die?

Drawdown - Your pension can be passed on to beneficiaries as a lump sum or an income. The money may be subject to tax, depending on your age at death.

Annuity - Usually there are no more payments, unless you purchase a joint life or guaranteed period annuity in which case a pre-agreed level of income will be paid afterwards.

Health & Lifestyle Drawdown - Your health and lifestyle will not affect your level of income.

Annuity - If you smoke, have a health condition or take prescribed medicine you could get a higher level of income by purchasing an enhanced annuity.

Many of our clients benefit from using both an annuity and drawdown to provide retirement income. The annuity is used for your essential living expenses, with the remainder of the fund accessible through drawdown as and when they need to. This can be a complex area, so if you are unsure please get in touch with one of our qualified financial planners on 01257 423800

The value of investments, and the income derived from them, can go down as well as up and you can get back less than you originally invested.

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64

Dragons’ Den

awards

This year the Rotary Club of Wigan were able to donate £5000 to community groups in the local area through a Dragons’ Den style event.

Adverts were placed in the local press earlier this year inviting local groups to apply for up to £500, which is part of the money raised on the Carol Float in December. The Club received 23 applications totalling over £9000. The Dragons met and after consideration 12 groups were invited to come and pitch for a share of the £5000. The event was held at St Cuthbert’s Rugby Club, Montrose Avenue, Wigan.

From support for a pre-school to help for an art group, ten local groups went away with a donation from the Wigan Rotary Club after the three Dragons, Rotary President Keith Trencher, former Children’s Centre manager Aukje Clegg OBE, and chartered accountant Peter Cheetham listened to their pitches for a share of £5000.

Wigan Rotary President Keith Trencher said, ‘It was a tremendous evening and Wigan Rotary Club was delighted to be able to help the wonderful work undertaken. In these hard economic times it is surprising the difference a few hundred pounds can make. It was also humbling to see how many people are prepared to give up their time to help others.’

The three Dragons

All the winners with the Three Dragons

He continued ‘However this event would not be possible without the generous donations of the Wigan residents, mainly last December when we accompanied Santa and his sleigh around the area. We hope this event demonstrates we are using their donations wisely and for the benefit of the local community.’

A full list of the donations together with more information about the work of Wigan Rotary Club can be found on their website www. wiganrotaryclub.org.uk or ring 07813 471000.

One of the lucky winners with Dragon Peter Cheetham

65

Live music Enjoy the music of the King’s Regimental Band in the stunning setting of Mesnes Park on Sunday, August 28. Between 1 and 3pm, you can listen to the band as part of the William Higham Military Band Series.

Admission is free and you are welcome to bring your family and friends and enjoy a picnic or an ice cream from the Pavilion. This concert has been made possible thanks to the kind generosity and benevolence of former Wigan businessman, William Higham.

Festive Fair Christmas might seem a long time off but plans are already moving quickly for the Standish Christmas Market.

The search is on for stall holders, crafters and hot food vendors to join the Market which takes place on Saturday, December 3.

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

As well as stalls selling items there will also be people selling food and refreshments plus live entertainment.

Indoor and outdoor pitches will be available.

Email standishvoiceevents@gmail.com for more information.

Fete date One of the highlights of the local summer calendar, Shevington Fete returns on Saturday, August 6.

Between 11am and 4pm, you will be able to take part in traditional games, buy from speciality stalls and sample a variety of tasty treats.

The fete is staged at the Recreation field and neighbouring buildings including St Anne’s Parish Rooms, the Methodist Church and the Youth and Community Centre.

For more details, email shevingtonfete@outlook. com

66

Business view

Making tax

digital

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

A

lthough we are currently amidst great turmoil and the political landscape is changing from one day to the next, you can be sure that one thing will never change, and that’s the determination of government to collect taxes.

The major benefits of Xero are:

A number of significant changes to the tax and selfassessment systems have already been announced and these will have a massive impact on how individuals, landlords and small businesses declare their income in the future. Whilst most of these are still at the consultation stage it is clear that there will be major changes from 2018/19 onwards

> Compatible with computers, laptops, tablets & smart phones

This is all part of the government’s drive towards “Making Tax Digital” The aim is for most businesses, self-employed people and landlords to update HMRC on a quarterly basis via their digital tax account. It is not yet clear whether tax will be paid on a quarterly basis.

You can prepare for this by utilising modern technology and this is where CMA can help you.

We have always been focused on delivering a modern, forward looking, proactive Accounting and Business Advisory Service to our prospects and clients.

Cloud based technology is now common place in both peoples personal and business lives – after all, over 75% of us now use a smart phone. All modern businesses will be using some form of cloud based technology and an important area will be their accountancy software.

CMA are partners with Xero, the leading provider of cloud accountancy software in the UK.

> Promotes efficiency with bank feeds and automated tasks > Simple and easy to use > Secure 24/7 access

> No installation or IT maintenance required > Real-time collaboration with your Accountant > Smart reports giving the business owner visibility and clarity on its numbers Why not give it a try, free of charge? We can offer you a free initial consultation and demonstration, either at our office or yours, at a time to suit you.

It is our belief that for a business to succeed in the future it must engage with modern technology.

This will enable it to meet its future obligations with regards to Making Tax Digital and stay ahead of its competitors.

Contact us today for a no obligation demonstration:

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68

D

Barking

mad

oglessness is defined as ‘the state of being without a dog’.

It’s the little things that you miss the most: the soft weight of a head on your lap while watching TV, the wagging tail that only your presence can generate, a wet nose as your early morning alarm call and those big eyes.

Then there’s the loss of the almost telepathic understanding, that only a canine companion is capable of and the complete, unconditional love that dogs bestow upon us. Without a dog your home seems empty.

Pet ownership has been shown to reduce stress and help a person become more physically and socially active. If your dog has died, emotions or circumstances can prevent you from wanting the commitment of owning another dog. Perhaps you have never had your own dog and considerations such as your job and family commitments make dog ownership an impossible dream. Is doglessness unavoidable in these circumstances?

There is a solution that you may not have even considered. Barking Mad, the UK’s leading dog sitting company, organises dog holidays as an alternative to kennels. They offer the opportunity of becoming a ‘host’ by providing a loving home environment for somebody else’s dog whilst they are away. Our hosts range from people who are retired and have plenty of free time, to families who love having a dog to stay just for the Summer holidays, as an exciting and educational experience for their school age children.

Everything is set up and organised by your local Barking Mad branch, Wigan and St Helens, who take this often informal arrangement and make it fully safe, insured and easy to take part in, without costing a penny.

The Barking Mad system works to match dog lovers, often active retired people with a furry pal on a temporary dog holiday (as an alternative to kennels). Host dog sitters benefit from the proven medical advantages exercising and looking after a dog can have. As the dog host, all you need to do is meet with your Barking Mad dog holiday agent and you agree together the type of dogs you want to care for.

You provide the regular exercise and companionship and the cost, administration and transport is dealt with by your local representative, Andrea Gupta. It is up to you which dog you would like to look after and when you are available. Email andrea.gupta@ barkingmad.uk.com or phone 01942 316472 for a chat. For more information please visit www. barkingmad.uk.com/pet-holidays/our-hosts/

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Agility classes KC Rally Obedience classes Puppy classes One to one training Puppy socialisation parties Give Jo a call today on 01257 423726 or email her on jo@standishdogtrainer.co.uk

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70

Food & Drink

Perfect Persian

Y

food

By Keeley Bolger

asmin Khan is taking Iran’s image to task.

A former human rights campaignerturned-cookery writer, Khan spent much of her childhood in Birmingham, where she was raised on slow-cooked stews and sweet pomegranates - mealtime mainstays from her family’s Persian heritage.

Her passion for Iranian food is such that she took to crowdfunding site Kickstarter to get her first book The Saffron Tales - about Persian cuisine - off the ground.

“You ask the average person what they think of Iran, and its bombs and chador-clad women,” explains Khan, whose family hail from northern Iran.

“Iranian food is all about really fresh and bright flavours,” she enthuses. “They use loads of fresh herbs, lots of citrus and nuts to flavour foods.

“If you never heard about our music, our beautiful nature, our really cool artistic stuff, if you only heard

“It’s not overpowering. It’s delicate saffron or dried limes, or cinnamon or rose water... these evocative scents mixed with nuts and dried fruits. It’s that sweet and sour flavour that best epitomises Iranian cooking.”

about one aspect of a country, why would you know anything else? That’s why I wanted to write the book; because I felt there isn’t anything that showed that.”

Clearly lots of people agreed with her; Khan achieved 100% of her funding target within 24 hours, proving there’s an “appetite to find out what Iran is like”.

“Food is such a great window into a culture,” adds the writer, who travelled extensively around Iran, taking in Tehran, Tabriz and Gilan, while researching for the book.

“We can all relate to sitting down over a good meal and enjoying it. It was so important to show the common thread of our humanity, from us in the UK to the people in Iran. That’s what this book is about.”

Growing up with a nutritionist mum, who “always cooked us a big meal”, Khan and her family were spoiled at mealtimes.

Up until four years ago though, cooking was just a happy pastime. For a decade, work for Khan was running campaigns for international development charities, but she reconsidered her career options after taking a sabbatical.

“I had a really bad burnout,” she admits. “I was working on issues to do with conflict zones and war.

“I had to do something positive and creative using the experience I have, so the book came out of that.

Luckily I’ve recovered now, and I’ve got a book for it. Now I’m just really enjoying immersing myself in the kitchen.”

If you fancy immersing yourself in the kitchen too, here are three lovely recipes from The Saffron Tales to try at home...

The Saffron Tales by Yasmin Khan is published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £26.

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Fragrant mixed herb & flatbread

salad

Serves 4 as a starter Ingredients 100g Persian flatbread (or toasted tortillas or pitta bread) 50g walnuts, roughly chopped 100g feta cheese, crumbled 25g bunch mint, roughly chopped 25g bunch basil, roughly chopped 25g bunch tarragon, roughly chopped 3tbsp pomegranate seeds, to garnish For the dressing: 2tbsp balsamic vinegar 3tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/4tsp golpar (optional) 1/2tsp sea salt 1/2tsp black pepper

Method Using a pair of scissors, cut the flatbread into small jagged pieces and place them in a large bowl.

Toast the walnuts in a small pan over a medium heat for two minutes. Add them to the bowl, along with the crumbled cheese and chopped herbs.

To make the dressing, whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and golpar (if you are using it) with the salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and then get your hands in there, giving the whole thing a good stir to evenly distribute it.

Leave the salad for 10 minutes for the flavours to soak into the bread, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with a generous sprinkling of pomegranate seeds just before serving.

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stew

Chicken with spinach & prunes Method Heat three tablespoons of oil in a large casserole pot and fry the onions over a low heat for 25 minutes, until they are soft and beginning to caramelise. Add the garlic and fry for another two minutes.

Serves 4 Ingredients Sunflower oil 2 medium onions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 8 chicken thighs, on the bone, skin off 200ml good-quality chicken stock 1tsp turmeric 1/8tsp ground cinnamon Sea salt and black pepper 1/2tsp saffron strands A pinch of sugar 2tbsp freshly boiled water 800g spinach Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 orange Pared zest of 1/2 orange, sliced into thin strips 150g prunes 11/2tbsp flaked almonds, to garnish

Turn up the heat and add the chicken. Cook for a few minutes to brown the chicken on all sides. Lower the heat, then add the stock, turmeric, cinnamon, a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper.

Cover with a lid and cook for 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, make a saffron liquid by grinding the saffron strands with a pinch of sugar using a pestle and mortar and then adding the boiled water. Leave to steep.

In a large pot or wok, cook the spinach over a high heat until it has wilted and then place in a colander to drain.

You’ll probably have to do this in a few batches, unless you have an extremely large pot. Let the spinach cool and then squeeze it dry with your hands. Roughly chop and set aside.

After the chicken has been cooking for 35 minutes, add the chopped spinach and the lime and orange juice, along with the orange zest and saffron liquid. Place a lid on the pot and leave to simmer for 10 minutes.

Fry the prunes in one tablespoon of oil until they just start to plump up and caramelise. Add them to the stew and cook for a final five minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper to your preference.

Toast some flaked almonds in a small pan over a low heat for one minute, until they start to go a golden brown colour. Sprinkle the toasted nuts onto the stew just before serving.

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74

Persian love

cake

Method Serves 6 Ingredients 200g unsalted butter 150g caster sugar 4 medium eggs 12 cardamom pods 100g plain flour, sifted 275g ground almonds Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 1tbsp rose water 1tsp baking powder A generous pinch of fine sea salt For the drizzle topping: 2tbsp caster sugar Juice of 1/2 lemon 1/2tbsp rose water For the icing: 150g icing sugar Juice of 3/4 lemon 2tsp cold water To decorate: 2tsp sliced pistachios 2tsp dried rose petals (optional)

Pre-heat the oven to 160C/Gas 3. Grease a 22cm cake tin (with a removable base) and line it with baking parchment.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. When the mixture is thoroughly combined, beat in the eggs.

Place the cardamom pods in a mortar and work with a pestle to get the seeds out of the pods. Discard the pods and grind the seeds to a fine powder.

Add them to the cake mixture, along with the flour, ground almonds, lemon zest and juice, rose water, baking powder and salt. Mix well.

Pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. To check if it’s ready, stick a fork in the middle of the cake - it should come out dry.

Towards the end of the cooking time, make your drizzle topping. Place the caster sugar, lemon juice and rose water in a small pan over a low heat and heat until the sugar melts.

Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Poke holes all over the top of the warm cake and drizzle over the syrup.

When the cake is completely cool, make the icing by combining the icing sugar, lemon juice and a few teaspoons of water until you have a smooth, thick icing. Spoon the icing over the cake and finish with a sprinkling of sliced pistachios and, if you like, rose petals.

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Eating out

guide Lovels Bistro

Papa Luigi’s

Tasty food, happy times and great value - you’ll not be disappointed with the quality, taste and service.

We’re more than just a great wedding venue.

01695 624 426 Holland Hall, Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ hollandhallhotel.co.uk

Traditional Italian cuisine at its best!

Enjoy a little bit of Italy in elegant surroundings and a warm friendly atmosphere, where you can relax and unwind or celebrate in style. See our website for more information.

01942 231558 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 1JP papaluigiswigan.co.uk

Fifteens @ The Fox

Divino Restaurant

This quirky and popular pub dates back to the 17th century and offers fabulous home cooked food using recipes developed by our chefs. The real ale selection is superb too.

01695 628178 Fifteens @ The Fox, Roby Mill, Up Holland WN8 0QF fifteensatthefox.com

Traditional Italian homemade cuisine. Enjoy the friendly warm atmosphere, where you can relax or celebrate any occasion with our outstanding wine and food. See our website for more information.

01942-386140 4, Orrell Road, Wigan, WN5 8HD divino-italian.co.uk

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Call 01695 627999

The Paddock Informal dining in Wrightington.

Locally sourced, freshly made food served daily. Theme nights with live entertainment. In house butcher and fruit & veg shop.

01257 426514 Derby House, Mossy Lea Rd, Wrightington, WN6 9RE thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk

76

sponsored by

Turton &

Entwistle

by David Sudworth

M

aybe it’s just me, but there’s something about pinewoods that feels distinctly continental.

Perhaps it’s because of the preponderance of them across the Channel. But coupled with the stunning views - reminiscent of the lower parts of the Rhine this walk certainly has a certain je ne sais quoi.

There’s a couple of parking options at the start. There’s a pay and display (£1 for up to two hours, £1.50 for over two overs, free for disabled badge holders) or you can park for free on the small layby just before the car park on Batridge Road, BL7 0NF.

Whichever you choose, it’s easy to find the gate, directly opposite the car park, which enables you to start off the journey. Picking up the public footpath, which hugs the south shoreline, it’s not long before you are greeted with the large expanse of water.

At this time of year, foxgloves are out in force, and what a beautiful sight they are.

The reservoir itself curves round to the right, and is hemmed in on both sides by pines; giving it that European feel. What struck us was just how quiet it is, although we did go on a weekday. In fact, it was so peaceful, the gentle lapping of water on rock could be heard in glorious stereo.

77

those pine trees does give welcome respite on a hot day. Soon enough, we picked up the shoreline again, this part seeming to be a popular spot for fishermen, eager to land some native brown trout and rainbow trout. Day tickets are available from Entwistle Fly Fishers via 01254 706713 or log on to www.entwistleflyfishers.co.uk for further details.

However, it’s not just fly fishers who are after the trout; for we noticed a heron standing by, waiting no doubt to catch some early dinner.

Eventually, the waters narrow into Cadshaw Brook.

Our walk missed out the first bridge, almost at the mouth of the brook, in favour of one further up.

I’d recommend doing this, if only to have a careful boots-still-on paddle, in the brook, which is very shallow in parts. You’ll notice here the colour of the water is brown; a legacy from the widespread mining of lead, copper and galena (a natural form of lead) which took place from the late 1600s.

Once across the bridge, you need to head straight on, not right as you’ll simply follow the northern shoreline, and head up to Fox Hill. This gradient does start to climb here, but the presence of

Photos by Peter Bretherton

You do have to be alert here as it’s easy to walk past the footpath, which links to Edge Lane, as it’s a smallish opening in the trees. Once you’re at the top of the path, turn right onto Edge Lane itself and follow the road down towards the station, which has hourly Northern Rail service on the East Lancashire Line between Manchester Victoria and Blackburn.

As an interesting aside, the station is actually a bit famous. Having been used as a filming location. In the 1986 film adaptation of Jeffrey Archer’s novel, First Among Equals, it is portrayed as Redfern Station. And more recently, it was Middlewood Station in the Phoenix Nights spin-off, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere.

Go past the Strawbury Duck pub and over the railway bridge, following the road down the hill. As the road turns

you’re

thinking

of

a

Wayoh Reservoir

ow Cr ad s Ro ore

B6391 d Roa Arm s

Turton

if

European break anytime soon, I’d recommend a trip to Entwistle; continental-style views right here in the North West.

ens

So

Gre

In all, this walk was 3.7 miles long but with breaks for photography, it look us around two hours and 25 minutes.

Fox Hill

Finally, we got back on to Batridge Road, turned left and we were back at the start.

Turton & Entwistle Reservoir

Again, we found ourselves straining a few sinews to make our way up the valley back towards Batridge Road. As we battled the topography, it occurred to us that throughout this walk, we hadn’t seen one piece of litter, yet hadn’t seen any bins either - quite remarkable given that, even in the most beautiful areas, someone always seems to find it acceptable to discard their crisp packets/ drinks bottles etc. Another reason to recommend this route.

rsh Ove

Strawbury Duck Inn

Entwistle Station Edge Lane

to the left look for the footpath on the righthand side of the road just before the reservoir. Again prepare for a bit of an uphill hike, until eventually the route leads you onto a bridge over the neighbouring Wayoh Reservoir.

From here, you get excellent views of the Armsgrove Viaduct, built between 1847 and 1848.

The route back towards the car park takes you under the viaduct, enabling you to marvel at this huge structure and ponder just how they manage to create such elegant and long-lasting pieces of architecture when bridges these days seem flimsy by comparison.

Trees Lane

78

79

Water Feat The reservoir was built in 1832 and, at that time, the highest in Britain. It was also the first to have an outlet tunnel driven through the rock side of the valley, as distinct from a cut-and-cover under-bank culvert or pipeline.

The reservoir was designed by Thomas Ashworth and overseen by Jesse Hartley (1780-1860), the man who engineered Liverpool docks, including its famous Albert Dock.

It was first used for local mill owners who needed the water for their textile businesses.

Containing almost 750,000 imperial gallons it now - along with neighbouring Wayoh Reservoir - contributes to around 50% of Bolton’s drinking water supplies.

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.

It’s great fun, all of the benefits of dog ownership without the emotional or financial commitment.

We carefully match dogs to your home.

andrea.gupta@barkingmad.uk.com

01942 316 472

80

Events & Leisure

What’s

on

Chorley Flower Show July 30-31 Fans of floral displays will be able to enjoy a blaze of colour in Astley Park.

Some of the best exhibitors from across the country will be in town after the success of the first ever Chorley Flower Show, which attracted 10,000 people to Astley Park.

New elements for the 2016 show will include introducing show gardens to complement Chorley’s award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit ‘The Evaders’ Garden’ and increasing the variety of horticultural stands in the vicinity of Astley Hall.

There are a range of ticket options and discounts for booking in advance.

Call 01257 515151 for details.

The Proclaimers Friday, July 29 From the booming chorus of (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles to the poetic beauty of Sunshine on Leith, The Proclaimers have the ability to lift you up or reduce you to tears. Twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have enjoyed global success and continue to tour relentlessly. Their live shows are famously good natured affairs and often they meet fans for a pint after the show. On Friday, July 29 they come to the Parr Hall and tickets cost £29.50 including booking fee.

Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1BL Contact 01925 442345

Lytham Festival August 1-7, 2016 Rock legend Bryan Adams and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds are the two headline acts for this year’s Lytham Festival.

There will also be performances from pop stars including The Village People, Bay City Rollers and Earth Wind & Fire and a host of West End stars will take to the stage over three nights at Lytham Festival 2016.

The headline act for Thursday, August 4 is Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. It will be the first time he has played live on the Fylde Coast since October 1995 when his former band Oasis performed at Blackpool’s Empress Ballroom.

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On Friday, it’s Mix Tape night with live music from disco giants The Village People and Earth, Wind and Fire, Scottish rockers Bay City Rollers, 90s popstars Liberty X, Toploader and 911 and 80s chart-toppers 5 Star.

Saturday night will see multi-platinum recording artist and Canadian rock giant Bryan Adams headline. With classic hits such classics as Summer of 69, (Everything I Do) I Do It For You and Run To You, Adams is sure to be a crowd favourite.

The Traditional Last Night of the Proms showcase will be on Sunday August 7 and bring the festival to a colourful close.

The programme will also include West End performers such as Jodie Prenger and Ruthie Henshall signing songs from such shows as Miss Saigon, Les Miserable and the Phantom of the Opera.

Tickets for Lytham Festival are available from www.lythamfestival.com or by calling 0844 888 0200.

Hollywood Special Effects Show Friday, August 12 The Hollywood Special Effects Show is an interactive science and special effects family show.

MoDCrown Copyright 2015

Blackpool Air Show August 7-8 Watch planes classic and modern take to the skies in Blackpool’s famous air show. Gasp at spectacular wing walkers and admire some beautiful flying machines form the past and present - a marvellous family day out for young and old.

Expect to see The Red Arrows along with appearances from the Typhoon, Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster Bomber.

The free seafront show, which features a whole host of incredible flying machines and attracts tens of thousands of people to the Promenade each year, will take place on Sunday 7 and Monday 8 August.

Call 01253 478222 for details.

Promising to be bigger and better than ever, the dangerously explosive school holiday treat is in the middle of a UK tour. This includes a visit to the Charter Theatre at Preston Guild Hall on Friday, August 12 at 2:30pm.

Audiences will be able to get closer to the action than ever before as this interactive and explosive family show goes behind the scenes of many favourite blockbusters films to discover the science and secrets of creating movie magic.

Live on stage, the show’s team will give a revealing insight into the world of special effects, taking families on an exciting journey as they feel the heat of an onstage inferno, marvel at gruesome sci-fi monsters, are blown away by apocalyptic weather and hold on.

For tickets, call 01772 80 44 44 or visit the website: www.prestonguildhall.com

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Reet good

D

etails of the second Reet Good Beer Festival have been unveiled with a packed schedule of events spanning four days.

Yes there’s beer and cider and even prosecco – and lots of it – but there’s also live music for all ages as the Wigan Youth Zone opens its doors to the wider community.

More than £15,000 was raised by the first festival and organisers hope to top that amount in 2016 with another a great weekend.

More than 100 beers and ciders will be available to sample along with the exclusive Prosecco Bar – sponsored by Metrorod. The bar will be for those who want a little extravagance with their pie and peas.

Also new for this year, will be the Gin Bar, showcasing a host of different Gins for the festival. There will be tasty food served up during the festival with dishes like curries and chillis plus a barbecue.

beer

The report also noted a marked decrease in Antisocial behaviour locally due to the work done by youth zones.

Sponsors • The Festival will be showcasing beers from local Wigan brewers including Prospect Brewery, Wily Fox and Martland Mill Brewery. All of which are sponsoring the event.

• WCP are sponsoring the lager bar.

• Metro Rod are sponsoring the Prosecco Bar, open every day of the festival.

• The Original Somerset Cider Company are donating all the cider for the event, sponsoring our Cider Bar for the entire festival.

• Walmsleys Insurance are sponsoring the event’s Beer Bar. • MyFresh are sponsoring the Beer And Brass Family event.

At least five acts will be performing live on every day of the festival which kicks off on Thursday, September 22

There are still a number of barrels available to sponsor for local businesses, contact our Fundraising team to find out more – 01942 612 061.

Proceeds from the Festival go towards the running of Wigan Youth Zone, a state-of-the-art purpose

To find out more about Wigan Youth Zone, go to www.wiganyouthzone.org

built facility for young people of Wigan and beyond.

Currently Wigan Youth Zone has 4,815 members.

Tickets

Last year the Youth Zone saw 70% of young people go into work or further education via the Get a Job employability course, run at the Youth Zone for older teens not in education or employment. A report released in 2015 by Amion Consulting, the study indicated that the social return on investment of Wigan Youth Zone was more than 200 per cent.

Tickets are available to purchase from the event website: www.reetgoodbeerfest.co.uk Pie-Eater packages Also available to purchase for each day of the event is Pie-Eater packages, these packages include fasttrack entry for your chosen day of the festival, £8 beer voucher, £3 food voucher and free glass and programme. All for £15.

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Ormskirk Motorfest Sunday, August 28 See vintage and classic cars close up at the ever popular Ormskirk Motorfest.

Around 10,000 people are expected to enjoy the free motoring extravaganza, which will feature between 250 and 300 vehicles on display. These include 1950s bubble cars, rally, racing and stock car competition vehicles, and classic, vintage and competition motorcycles.

For details see www.ormskirkmotorfest.com

on earth has been a major part of Blackpool’s attraction since 1879 when they were described as ‘Artificial Sunshine’.

The annual Festival of Light compliments the traditional Illuminations with a contemporary look at the concept of light and art working together to create entertainment. You can even get involved with some of the interactive installations designed to amuse and provoke thought.

September 2 marks the The Big Switch On party though this year’s line-up had not been finalised at the time of going to press.

The Who Wednesday, August 31 One of the biggest legends in rock history, The Who, bring their Back To The Who Tour 2016 to the Manchester Arena. With a string of unforgettable hits such as My Generation and Won’t Get Fooled Again, original members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend remain at the top of their form.

Tickets cost from £67.75 – see www.eventim.co.uk for more details.

Blackpool Illuminations September 2 – November 6 Depending which way you look at it, Blackpool Illuminations marks the end of summer or the beginning of autumn.

Either way, the lights continue to enthral millions of visitors every year. The greatest free light show

Squeeze Tuesday, September 6 Warrington Parr Hall welcomes Squeeze, one of the country’s most enduring bands on Tuesday, September 6.

A captivating live act, Squeeze have a vast catalogue including hits such as Cool For Cats, Up The Junction and Tempted. But it’s their most recent work which has been winning them plenty of prais. The album Cradle To The Grave is their first collection of new tracks since 1998 and showcases songwriting duo Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook at the peak of their powers.

For tickets starting at £32.50 plus booking fee, visit the website: www.gigsandtours.com/tour/squeeze

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Puzzle

solutions

The photo on page 32 is of Scot Lane, Aspull

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Win Tickets to

the show holding a ‘Super Kids Saturday’, which will include performances from Children’s TV star Mr Bloom as well as children’s workshops throughout the day.

Gardening attractions include the Grand Floral Marquee, amateur grower displays and more than 20 stunning show gardens, including a garden from Chelsea Flower Show. And you don’t want to miss masterclasses from top British gardeners Joe Swift, Carol Klein and Christine Walkden.

R

The Food Village will follow a varied programme of demonstrations from experts and professionals including

unning from the 18th-21st August, this year’s Southport Flower Show will be bigger and better than ever, with live music, stunning garden displays, a food festival, a shopping village and spectacular entertainment.

Brass bands, swing bands and rock choirs will serenade the crowds from the bandstand, while dog displays, bike stunts and dancing Spanish horses are a must see in the Arena.

THREE of our readers in the Wigan area will each win a pair of tickets to this prestigious show, the country’s largest independent flower show, which is held every year on Victoria Park in Southport.

Simply complete the crossword on the right and return your entry to; Southport Flower Show Competition Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8 - Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB

celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott, who will open the show, Aiden Byrne and Andrew Nutter.

The closing date for the competition is Friday 12th August 2016.

Ainsley said: “I’m really excited to have been asked to appear at the famous Southport Flower Show.

I’ve heard so much about it over the years and, as I’ve always been interested in gardening and growing my own vegetables and herbs, I’m hoping to pick up a few tips while I’m there.”

There is plenty for the children to enjoy too with

Other special experiences at the Show include a

Alternately, to save on postage – visit our website at www.locallife247.co.uk and click on the competition graphic to enter your answers.

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# glamorous Gala Preview Evening. The Gala is a black tie event which will see more than 300 guests gather to enjoy a champagne reception, a four course meal and a range of entertainment. Guests to the Gala also get a sneak preview of the Southport Flower Show before it opens to the public including a tour of the Grand Floral Marquee.

The Friday of the show will also have a special Ladies

Across 1.

4.

5.

6.

The Friday of the Show is _ Day Show opened by TV Chef, Ainsley _ Appearing at the Show, Childrens’ TV star, Mr _ Gardening attractions include the Grand _ Marquee

Down 2. UK’s largest independent flower show is in _ 3. Show held on _ Park in Southport

Name ....................................................................................................

Address ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................... .................................. Post Code ..........................................................

Phone ....................................................................................................

Email ......................................................................................................

Day, with a two course lunch, entertainment and a best dressed competition. For more information on tickets and details on special experiences such as the Gala and Ladies Day, visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk or call 01704 547147.

Advance tickets to the show are currently available at just £19 per person and children under 16 get in free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Crossword Competition Rules 1. Only one entry per household 2. Entrants must be over 16 years of age 3. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date.

4. Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for entries that are delayed or damaged in the post.

5. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition.

Local Life 247 Ltd is registered under the Data Protection Act and abides by the guidelines of the act. We will never sell or pass your data to any third party company. However, we will contact you occasionally to check our magazine distribution in your area.

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What’s in a

name

by Angie Barker

Award Winner

W

hat’s in a name? Well with regard to the Latin names of plants quite a lot actually. Part of my job as a garden designer is to think about the plants which will complement a design. This also means choosing those plants which will suit the particular location in the garden in terms of size, colour, texture, flowering season and growing conditions. (There is more to this garden design milarky than meets the eye). Sometimes I find that when I am presenting the planting plan to a client, after a while their eyes tend to glaze over. This I suspect, is all down to the Latin names of the plants which can be long, and at first sight meaningless.

We have history to thank for the continued use of Latin plant names in an otherwise ‘dead’ language, but when you delve deeper, you can actually begin to understand the properties of a plant and where it originates from, just by its Latin name. Below are some examples of Latin words used to describe plants - you may recognise some.

Mollis means soft and/or hairy – hence Alchemilla mollis

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

Bonariensis denotes that a plant originates from Buenos Aires, Argentina. As in Verbena bonariensis Sempervirens means evergreen – so we have Buxus sempervirens (Box) Gracilis is graceful or slender – as in Deutzia gracilis Reptans means creeping – Ajuga reptans Angustus refers to narrow leaves and so we have Lavandula angustifolia Macrophylla means large leaves – Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ for example Niger means black and so we have Sambucus nigra Nanu means dwarf so if you are looking for a smaller version of a Berberis you need to look for Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea-Nana’ Only those of a certain age (yes I include hubby and myself in this) will remember doing Latin at school, but far from being a dead language, it certainly lives on in the plant world. If however you would rather refer to Aquilegia vulgaris as Granny’s Bonnet, or Digitalis purpurea as Foxglove, I wouldn’t blame you. On the other hand, if you find Latin derivatives as fascinating as I do, then Carpe diem!

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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

Award Winner

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New beds

inspire

Staff volunteers from the Council’s greenspaces team have made Believe Square bloom this summer ahead of the judges from The Royal Horticultural Society coming to judge Britain in Bloom.

And when they were being planted they caught the eye of seven-year-old Niamh Short who wanted to get involved and help the team with their volunteering.

The staff gave Niamh some plants to take home with her and now Niamh and older sister Ellie, aged nine, have been recruited to In Bloom and are planning on working with the team to do some planting where they live and improve their community.

Niamh’s mum, Lisa Woodger, said: “We were just walking past when Niamh offered to help with the planting. She got really excited because she loves gardening.”

To join your local In Bloom group or find out more contact inbloom@wigan.gov.uk

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Test drive

Suzuki

SX4 S-Cross

by Tim Barnes-Clay

C

rossovers are popular in today’s motoring marketplace. But what is a crossover? Well, it’s a sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a chassis more similar to a car than a traditional truck-based SUV.

Most come with either two or four-wheel-drive, and having the fundamental elements of a car means a more contented ride. They also tend to return better fuel economy because of lighter construction and smaller engines.

Suzuki’s SX4 S-Cross is one of the better value choices of this type of motor, although you may not have heard much about it. That’s because the Japanese automaker is a fairly small player within the UK car scene.

Suzuki punches pretty hard above its weight though and, if the S-Cross is anything to go by, the manufacturer is only going to grow in strength in Britain. It’s a well made machine, packed with equipment and, even at flagship level, it only costs £25,149.

The SX4 S-Cross’s bold and sporty design offers ample room for passengers and luggage. The front seats offer excellent support and hold you firmly in place, even on tight curves.

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Behind the wheel, the instrument cluster, although surrounded by a little too much cheap looking plastic, helps you focus on driving. For instance, an outsized speedometer and tachometer border a multi information display that shows anything from fuel consumption to time and outside temperature.

High-rigidity in a car’s body is essential to handling, comfort, safety and performance. That’s why the SX4 S-Cross incorporates a large proportion of hightensile steel for strength and lightness, helping to provide greater handling stability.

The engine options are 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel. I drove the latter, in top of the range SZ5 DDiS 120 guise and equipped with Suzuki’s fourwheel-drive ALLGRIP system.

The four-wheel-drive technology leaves no room for doubt that the SX4 S-Cross is the perfect fusion of family-friendliness, safety and performance.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s no hardcore mud-plugger, but it’ll handle dirt, grass, snow, sand and a bit more – so it’s perfect for mini-adventures.

The four-wheel-drive system is so adept because it has a variety of settings – AUTO, SPORT, SNOW, and LOCK. You can select your desired mode for the terrain you find yourself on via a push and turn dial on the centre console.

It works like this: AUTO prioritises fuel economy in typical driving conditions. The system uses twowheel-drive by default and will switch to fourwheel-drive if wheel spin is detected. The SPORT setting is best for twisty roads. It makes maximum use of four-wheel-drive in response to how hard you press the accelerator. The SNOW option is optimal for snowy, unpaved and other slippery surfaces and uses four-wheel-drive all the time. LOCK is designed for extricating the car from snow, mud or sand. It does this by distributing high turning power to the rear wheels continually.

Safety equipment hasn’t been overlooked either.

Features include seven airbags for occupants and the bonnet provides impact absorption which lessens injury if the car hits a pedestrian.

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In fact, the SX4 S-Cross has been rated one of Europe‘s safest cars, according to independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP, receiving the maximum five-star rating.

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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Euro-hash Despite the hysteria, warnings and overall panic the sun still rose the day after the EU referendum.

I don’t know what changes people were expecting to see in the wake of the vote which signals the UK’s ‘Brexit’ from Europe. It’s not like when you change broadband suppliers and have to wait a few days for a password and then you start again.

As we saw when Labour swept to power and Tony and Cherie Blaire

waved to the crowds on Downing Street back in 1997, there is a thirst for instant change which in reality just can’t happen. The mechanics of bureaucracy are such that we are unlikely to see significant changes within two years.

The whole thing put me in mind of some deliciously sharp dialogue from the classic sitcom Yes Minister. Despite being broadcast in 1980, it’s just as relevant today…

Sir Humphrey: Minister, Britain has had the same foreign policy objective for at least the last five hundred years: to create a disunited Europe. In that cause we have fought with the Dutch against the Spanish, with the Germans against the French, with the French and Italians against the Germans, and with the French against the Germans and Italians.

Divide and rule, you see. Why should we change now, when it’s worked so well?

Hacker: That’s all ancient history, surely?

Sir Humphrey: Yes, and current policy. We ‘had’ to break the whole thing [the EEC] up, so we had to get inside. We tried to break it up from the outside, but that

wouldn’t work. Now that we’re inside we can make a complete pig’s breakfast of the whole thing: set the Germans against the French, the French against the Italians, the Italians against the Dutch... The Foreign Office is terribly pleased; it’s just like old times.

Hacker: But surely we’re all committed to the European ideal?

Sir Humphrey: [chuckles] Really, Minister.

Hacker: If not, why are we pushing for an increase in the membership?

Sir Humphrey: Well, for the same reason. It’s just like the United Nations, in fact; the more members it has, the more arguments it can stir up, the more futile and impotent it becomes.

Hacker: What appalling cynicism.

Sir Humphrey: Yes... We call it diplomacy, Minister.

The fallout from the vote has been well documented with everyone deciding to resign. Even the England football manager.

Though some would argue that his players packed in after about 10 minutes against Iceland.

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