Local Life - Wigan - August 2021

LocalLife Wigan Edition

August 2021

WIN tickets

to Tom Jones!

Pages 46-47

Canoe Safari at Martin Mere

Days Out with the Kids Pages 70-73

The Generous Gidlows Pages 31-34

Camping Special Pages 38-41

Bella & Brave Pages 42-43

Tech for Healthy Living Page 26

Bringing the Indoors Out Pages 58-59

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALKS | COMPETITIONS | HOME & GARDEN SERVICES

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4

L

ife is always better when you have something to look forward to.

Because of restrictions though, it’s been difficult to safely plan for any foreign travel, big events or family parties.

Whilst everyone is surely grateful for the fantastic and extremely efficient way that the vaccine rollout has progressed, full freedoms remain elusive and that may be the case for some months to come.

But as you read through the following pages, you’ll get the impression that things are beginning to open up again; village fetes, music concerts and sports matches are amongst many more events scheduled for this summer, I’m sure you would join us in saying a big ‘Thank You’ to those event organisers who have bravely taken a chance and decided to push forward with their plans. Every event, big or small, gives us something else to look forward to.

And here at Local Life HQ, whilst we’re a bit sad at not being able to travel easily to our favourite holiday destinations, we’re all looking forward to doing something different this summer in different parts of the UK that we haven’t visited before.

So no matter whether you’re staycationing, birdwatching in the South Sandwich Islands, or parking up on the front at Southport with your butties and a flask - it might not be the summer break of your dreams but it’s something to look forward to and to be thankful for.

Til next time, Chris Pearce, Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

Keep in touch with the LocalLife Team!

LocalLife

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

locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia Local Life 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, Wigan WN1 9UB Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

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This month’s highlights 70. Days Out with the Kids

Contents 12. Recipe Peach and passionfruit ice cream.

16. Beauty Skin saviours.

26. Health Best tech for healthy living.

50. Recipe Flaked trout with rocket and lychees.

38. Camping Special

42. Bella & Brave

62. Books Celebrity authors.

66. Puzzle Pages Try these brainteasers for size!

74. Motoring History of the Landrover Discovery.

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

31. The Generous Gidlows

46. Win Tickets to Tom!

58. Indoors Out

Next Issue - September

Advertising deadline - 11th August Published - 25th August

Want to promote your business in

LocalLife?

01695 627 999 www.locallife247.co.uk

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Village Fete Returns Excitement is building in Shevington as villagers look forward to the return of the Shevington Village Fete in early August.

The fete will run from 11am4pm on Saturday 7th August and everyone is invited. The hub of the show is once again the Shevington Recreation Ground, and the surrounding buildings, namely the Youth Club, St Anne’s Parish Centre & Shevington Methodist Church, will also host numerous activities.

There will be lots of stalls, children’s rides and entertainment, farm animals and birds of prey to keep everyone entertained.

Musicians will play live in a music marquee, and there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy food and drinks.

Organisers Shevington & District Fete Committee

are planning the event to current Covid restrictions and Wigan Council is offering support to ensure that the fete is run safely.

Chair Vicky Galligan said: “We will be ensuring the area is Covid-safe and will have all the measures in place to make sure social distancing can take place.

“We are looking forward to bringing the community together again and helping local business and organisations to reconnect with the public.

“The fete is always a fun day out for all the family — everyone is welcome!”

If you’d like to book a stall at Shevington Village Fete on Saturday 7th August for your business or organisation then please email your details to Vicky Galligan at shevingtonfete@outlook.com.

The friend ly place in village the heart of Standish The Unity Club

• Foot Measuring • Quality Brands • Low Price Offers Open 10.30am-4pm Mon-Sat

01942 244100 www.mcnultyshoes.co.uk

31, Library Street Wigan WN1 1NN

• large function room or cosy lounge room available for hire • games room with a full-size snooker table, pool table, darts & dominoes Cask Ale Club of the Year awarded by

CAMRA

11 Years running 2010-21

Open: Sun-Thurs: 7.30-11pm Fri & Sat: 5.30pm-12am If you are interested in becoming a member, hiring the function room or using the facilities for meetings please call for further details.

01257 424007 Cross Street, Standish, WN6 0HQ www.standishunityclub.com

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Improvements on Way Wigan Council have committed £1 million for improvements to local district centres. The money has been reserved for 12 district centres, excluding Wigan and Leigh, the borough’s two main towns.

The funding will be earmarked for public realm, streetscene and environmental projects, such as better street signs, more litter or recycling bins and more attractive shop fronts. The package includes replacement bins and additional bins, repainting and replacing street signs and benches, new or improved street lighting and repainting road markings.

Each area will get a deep clean, including jet-washing, weeding and pruning to tidy up the streets. New trees will also be planted in each district and new flower planters installed.

Work has already started on the schedule and workers will be at each district centre for approximately three weeks.

Remaining locations where work is scheduled include; Ashton (June/July), Lowton (July), Hindley (July/August), Aspull (August), Orrell (August/September), Platt Bridge (September), Tyldesley (September/October), Standish (September/October).

Free Trees!

Free trees are available in a tree planting initiative to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Organisers of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative are encouraging planting to start October 2021, but you can register for your free tree/s now.

The Queen’s Green Canopy was launched by Prince Charles earlier this year and will create a network of individual trees, avenues, copses and whole woodlands in honour of The Queen’s service. This will create a green legacy of its own, with every tree planted bringing benefits for people, wildlife and climate, now and for the future.

You can apply for trees as an individual or part of a community group, school or other organisation, and the trees can be planted between October to March.

To apply for a free tree pack, visit www.woodlandtrust. org.uk.

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

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

Repairs & Alterations Rhodium Plating Cleaning & Polishing Design & Manufacturing Engagement & Wedding Ring Specialists Insurance Valuations Watch Servicing, Repairs, Refurbishing & Batteries Good Prices Paid For Your Scrap & Unwanted Jewellery

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Family Fun Day Haigh Woodland transforms into Jurassic Park on Saturday July 10th when two life size dinosaurs – Raptor and Roxy – arrive along with a brood of baby dinosaurs.

A family friendly event in one of the region’s best loved woodland parks. Have a roaring good time with life-size dinosaurs and their rangers roaming the park.

Raptor is the first animatronic Velociraptor in the UK, measuring just over four metres long, whilst Rexy is a juvenile T-Rex. She is a handful, but she loves to meet people and sometime chase them.

The rangers will be on hand to share all their amazing knowledge and facts for any aspiring palaeontologists.

Song and dance shows with the rangers and baby dinosaurs will take place throughout the day.

You’ll be able to download an app which will help you hunt down the dinosaurs on your phone and see them come to life when you find them. There will be prizes for the best photos submitted from the day. There will also be 20 dinosaur eggs hidden around the park and woodland.

outside so participants can paint clay models of dinosaurs and fossils, though charges do apply for this activity.

Otherwise the event is free and car parking for the day costs just £3.

Parbulele Returns Parbold will once again reverberate with the sound of ukuleles as Lancashire’s biggest and brightest ukulele festival returns to the village this summer. Events take place over the weekend of 30th July to 1st August at the village’s pubs: The Wayfarer, The Stocks and The Windmill.

In addition, there will be music at the main festival venue at Mill Leat and at the community café Café Etc. on Station Road.

For those who fancy learning or improving their ukulele skills, workshops will be running throughout the weekend. All profits from the weekend will be donated to NHS Charities Together.

For more details about the Parbulele Ukulele Festival, please visit @Parbulele on Facebook.

Haigh Stables Gallery will be bringing their workshop

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

The role is suited to candidates that have financial services experience, specifically 4yrs plus in IFA Wealth Management.

Computer literacy and an excellent level of communication, both written and verbal, is essential.

• Salary in the region of £26-£28k dependent upon experience • Discretionary bonus scheme of up to 10% of salary • Employer pension contributions of up to 5% of salary • Death in service (4 times salary) • 25 days holiday • Flexible benefit scheme The role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has ambitions to progress into senior management as there will be a new team leader role created within the next two years.

Please email your CV to ruth.smyth@prosper-ifa.co.uk or telephone us on 01257 423800 and ask for Ruth quoting the Senior Admin Vacancy Closing date for applications is 31st July 2021

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Volunteer Required If you’re lucky enough to be green-fingered and you have some time to spare, then Book-Cycle in Orrell would like to hear from you. The Charitable Trust, which is based at the old library at Orrell Post is seeking a local volunteer to help look after their gardens.

Lawn mowing, hedge trimming and general tidying are all part of the role. All equipment is provided and Book Cycle just need someone who’s interested in joining the team of volunteers, so here’s your chance to meet new people, make new friends and help out in your community.

If you’re interested, pop into Bookcycle on Orrell Road in Orrell and leave your details at reception.

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Peach and Passionfruit Yogurt Ice Cream Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Freezing time: 2-3 hours

Ingredients 4 passion fruit 4 fresh peaches (you can use bag of frozen peach slices if wished) 300g full-fat Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt) 1tbsp / 15g honey or maple syrup

Rich and creamy tasting, this is a simple healthy ice cream. Using full-fat Greek yogurt creates a delicious rich texture without the need for eggs and custard. For a dairy-free version use coconut yogurt.

Method 1. Scoop out the insides of the passion fruit. Strain the juice into a bowl. You can discard the seeds or use them to top the ice cream when serving.

2. Place the passion fruit juice, peaches, yogurt and honey in a blender and process until really smooth. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the instructions. Alternatively, pour into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every hour to break up the ice crystals that form.

3. Allow the ice cream to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: calories 148kcal, fat 7.7g, carbohydrates 13.8g, protein 5.1g

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Boundary Blues Constituency changes proposed by the Boundary Commission as part of a review into the sizes of parliamentary constituencies have been unveiled and have attracted a storm of local criticism. The Commission was tasked with trying to make every constituency within 5% either way of the average number of electors (just under 73,400) except for a handful of ‘protected’ seats, such as Anglesey and the Isle of Wight.

Somewhat bizarrely, the proposed new constituency boundaries for Makerfield excludes the entire town of Ashton-in-Makerfield, which moves into a newly formed Leigh South & Atherton constituency. Going in the other direction from the old Leigh constituency is the west half of Leigh. The Firs Lane and Plank Lane areas and half of Leigh town centre will, as proposals stand, be part of the Makerfield constituency.

Members of the public are encouraged to go online to www.bcereviews.org.uk/ where they can provide feedback before the consultation closes on 2 August 2021. People can comment on anything from where the proposed new boundary lines are to the names of

They’re

back!

the constituencies. There will be a further two rounds of consultation in 2022 and following this entire consultation process the Commission will look at all the evidence received and form its final recommendations.

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

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

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Skin

Saviours Whether you’re suffering from dry hands, cracked heels or sunburn, we might have the solution…

I was aiming for bronzed goddess, but I got cooked lobster…

Ouch! Have a cool bath with a handful of porridge oats tied up in a thin cloth. The water will help to cool your skin and the oats will soothe irritation. Then apply aloe vera gel. It’s sticky, but effective.

Don’t have any aloe vera or aftersun to hand? Use a gentle moisturiser, such as unscented baby lotion.

Avoid Vaseline and other petroleum jelly, as it’ll lock the heat in. You’ll want to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and cover up outdoors until the burn has gone.

When you’re ready to brave the sun again, arm yourself with a decent sunscreen and make sure you reapply it regularly, even if it’s waterresistant.

Sunscreen gives me spots Sunscreens are often too rich for facial skin so can lead to breakouts, redness and irritation. Try switching to a lighter face cream with a high SPF. Hello Sunday’s

The One That’s a Serum (£20, www.hellosundayspf.com) is SPF 45, lightweight, non-greasy and enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to boost hydration.

Help, my hands are really dry and sore!

First off, switch to a gentler soap.

Look for a more natural one that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate. Generally, bars of soap tend to be kinder to skin than liquid ones. You may also want to swap your hand sanitiser for one with added botanicals. (It’ll still need to be at least 60% alcohol to work.) I like Bramley’s Hand Sanitiser Gel, which includes rosemary, spearmint and peppermint essential oils. It’s kinder to skin and smells gorgeous (£4, www.bramleyproducts.co.uk).

It can be tempting to pile on the hand cream, but some lotions can end up irritating your skin even more. Look for an unscented cream designed for sensitive skin, or just reach for a natural seed or fruit oil. Almond oil is ideal, but olive oil will also do the job and we’re guessing you may already

have a bottle in the kitchen. Just massage a few drops of it into your hands before bed.

My cracked heels look awful in sandals Soak your feet in warm water for fifteen minutes before gently exfoliating. You can use a loofah or a homemade foot scrub (mix a handful of brown sugar with a tablespoon of olive oil). Avoid any areas with open wounds.

Rinse and pat dry, then apply a thick moisturiser or balm. Lyonsleaf’s Calendula and Marshmallow Balm (£10.95, www.lyonsleaf.co.uk) is a good choice, as it’s designed to soothe and repair dry, cracked and irritated skin. It can also help skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis. Pull on some thin cotton or bamboo socks to keep the balm from greasing up your bed sheets.

Do this every night and you should see an improvement pretty quickly.

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Pop Up for Jabs

that this is no less than eight weeks after your first vaccine dose.

Residents of West Lancashire have been urged to take advantage of COVID-19 pop up sites and a vaccine bus that is currently visiting the area.

On Friday 2 July and Saturday 3 July between 9am-5pm, there will be a pop up at the Food Court in the Concourse Shopping Centre in Skelmersdale.

The local NHS is working with GP practices and West Lancashire Borough Council to provide the service in areas where vaccine uptake is lowest in a bid to ensure as many people as possible are protected against COVID-19.

On Wednesday 7 July the Vaccine Bus will be at the Clock Tower in Ormskirk from 10am–5pm and on Friday 9 July, the Vaccine Bus will be at The Artz Centre (formerly Upholland Library) in Upholland between 2pm – 7pm.

Councillor Vickie Cummins, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing at West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “I would encourage anyone who is yet to make an appointment for their COVID-19 vaccine to pop over and get a vaccine at one of our pop-up sites or via our vaccine bus, so they are protected against the virus.

We all want to see a return to normality and to make sure as many people as possible are vaccinated”.

Bookings are not required for any of the pop-up sites or vaccine bus and vaccines are available to anyone who is 18 or over.

If you are attending for a second vaccine, please ensure

Out on the Floor Northern Soul nights are returning to Garswood on the 3rd Friday of every month.

Hosted by Brian James, the next Northern Soul and Motown night will take place at Garswood Sports and Social Club on Garswood Road in the village on Friday 17th July from 7.30pm until late.

Admission is £3. For more information call Brian on 07974 306180.

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Ashton Rocks

Quiz Theme: Stars

1. The football team Red Star Belgrade are based in which European country?

2. What colour is the star on the flag of Israel?

3. Together with his wife, who owns and runs The Hand And Flowers in Marlow, which, in the 2012 Michelin Guide, became the first ever pub have two Michelin stars?

Indie Rock hits Ashton-in-Makerfield this month when the Brighton rockers Porridge Radio strut their stuff in the sedate surroundings of Ashton Library.

Billed by The Guardian as one of the top 40 new artists of 2018, Porridge Radio were planned in for a huge US Tour after their second album Every Bad was released early in 2020.

With COVID trashing those US plans, the group are due to kick off a nationwide tour at Ashton Library on Saturday July 17th, starting at 8pm. Ticket prices start at just £7 + booking fees. For tickets visit www.seetickets.com or www.ticketlab.co.uk.

The concert is part of an award winning project called Get It Loud In Libraries, designed to give people who love music the chance to see top-notch artists in their local library.

Artisan Market

4. What type of animal goes before “star” to give a name by which Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, is commonly known?

Bispham Methodist Church are running an Artisan Market to support local businesses. The market will be held on Saturday 3rd July from 10am to 3pm at the church on Crank Road in Billinge.

5. What is the main colour of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

On offer for visitors will be a variety of local crafts and children’s games, food and refreshments will be supplied too via a barbeque, cafe and cake stall.

6. What is the Queen’s star sign?

7. Released in 2016, Blackstar is the 25th and final studio album by which famous singer?

8. How many “lucky star” numbers do you have to select when you buy a EuroMillions lottery ticket?

9. What is the name of the closest star to Earth?

10. In a 1953 film, what fictional land would you reach if you followed the directions “second star to the right and straight on till morning”?

Quiz solutions can be found on page 86 of this magazine

Fete Returns St Luke’s Summer Fete returns to Orrell this year. The annual fete, which takes place at the church hall next to St Luke’s Church on Lodge Road, is scheduled for Saturday 3rd July between the hours of 11am-4pm.

Organisers promise a large variety of artisan craft stalls, traditional fete fun and games and say that entertainment will be running throughout the day.

There’s a grand prize raffle with a good variety of prizes donated by local businesses. Car parking will be available for the event at the old Orrell Rugby Club on Edge Hall Road or at Winstanley College.

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23

Drinks Donation

Help Needed

The Brian Boru Club has donated crates of drinks to residents at Ashton View Care Home. Staff and residents at the Care Home took delivery of the drinks and thanked the management team at the Brian Boru for their generosity.

If you’re interested in community gardening and live in the Orrell/Billinge area, then local community group Brighter Better Orrell area want to hear from you. The group have entered this year’s RHS In Bloom under the ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ category, ideal for bringing members of the community together to make positive changes to they place where they live.

Demelza James, Care Home Manager, commented, “These drinks will be used for our next party. Thank you so much for the donation!” Wellbeing Coordinators Stacey Sharples and Gary Grimes, along with domestic Colleague Ann Marie are pictured with the management team at the Brian Boru.

Ashton View is a welcoming, purpose-built care home with 58 beds that works closely with the local hospice to assist in providing specialised end-of-life care.

The group are expecting the judges to visit Orrell/Billinge at the end July or early in August and want volunteers to tidy, litter pick, weed, plant and water over the next few weeks. If you can spare some time this summer then please contact the group via the Facebook page ‘Brighter Better Orrell’ or email info@brigherbetterorrell.org.uk.

The group are also appealing for local businesses to get involved in their drive to make Orrell/Billinge a cleaner and greener place to live. If you can sponsor planters and/ or hanging baskets, or even donate some bedding plants to the In Bloom effort then please contact the group via their Facebook page.

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Bat & Chat Expands Wigan Table Tennis Club are delighted to announce that following funding from Sport England, the club is expanding their successful Bat and Chat programme for the over 55’s. The Bat and Chat sessions take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:00 to 13:00, and now from Sundays 9:30 am to 11:00. These sessions will also include input from our team of coaches and are open to all abilities.

TV Presenter Dr Miriam Stoppard hailed the benefits of table tennis in her blog, claiming that “Table tennis is the perfect activity to keep you happy, healthy, active and in good spirits”. Dr Stoppard continues “It doesn’t only keep your body fit; it keeps your brain fit and all that complicated hand-eye co-ordination works its magic with brain cells and helps prevent dementia”.

The club also runs informal general practice sessions for players of all ages and abilities on Saturday morning (10:00 to 12:00) and Wednesday evening (19:00 to 21:00), as well as a junior coaching session on Wednesday evening (18:30 to 20:00). The club is situated in Platt Bridge Community Centre, Victoria Street in Platt Bridge (WN2 5AH) and the friendly group welcomes new members of all ages and abilities.

Please contact Norman Smith on 07590 289302 to discuss the Bat and Chat sessions, call Paul Clarke on 07932 035586 or Tim Holland on 07505 549272 for details on the Saturday and Wednesday sessions. You can also check out the club’s website at www.wigantabletennis.com or the Facebook page ‘Wigan Table Tennis Club’.

Want to try Table Tennis?

Bat & Chat

Mondays & Thursdays 11-1pm Sundays 9.30-11am NEW! Call Norman Smith on 07590 289302 for details on Bat & Chat

General Practice Saturday 11-12 noon Wednesday 7-8pm

Junior Coaching Weds 6.30-8pm Call Paul Clarke on 07932 035586 or Tim Holland on 07505 549272 for details These sessions are open for players of all ages and abilities. A warm welcome is guaranteed!

Check us out on Facebook or visit our website for more details.

Wigan Table Tennis Club Platt Bridge Community Centre Victoria St • Platt Bridge Wigan • WN2 5AH www.wigantabletennis.com

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The best tech for healthy living

From fitness to fat monitoring, smart trackers and smart tape

APPLE WATCH SERIES 6

Health technology is big business: we all want to live healthier, happier lives, and gadgets range from the relatively simple, such as smart scales, to all-singing devices such as the Apple Watch with its built-in heart rate monitor, blood oxygen monitoring and fitness tracking – tracking that can include dancing as well as more traditional forms of workout. There’s a wide range of stand-alone health devices too, such as Omron’s blood pressure monitor, and a whole host of infrared thermometers that give you instant results.

You don’t need to be an athlete in training to benefit from a fitness tracker: a dedicated tracker such as a Fitbit is a great way to motivate yourself to walk more, and the kid-focused Fitbit Ace 3 has our young ones charging around the garden trying to beat each others’ step counts. More advanced models for the grown-ups, such as the gorgeous Fitbit Luxe, include a wide range of health-tracking features including sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, GPS route recording and blood oxygen saturation monitoring.

Smart scales can be a useful way to monitor your progress, because weight alone is a terrible indicator: if you start working out you’ll often find you put on weight because muscle is heavier than fat. Eufy’s Smart Scale C1 connects to your phone and to fitness apps, enabling you to measure and track your body composition over time – and with support for sixteen different users you can use it for the entire family. And you can team it up with a smart measuring tape such as Bagel Labs’ Pie, which you can use to measure and track the size of biceps, bust, calves, hips, thighs, waist and shoulders. It’s not cheap – it’s around £70 – but it’s clever and there are similar, cheaper alternatives that do much the same thing. As with smart scales, smart tapes connect via Bluetooth to an app on your phone, so you can track changes over time as you become more buff.

The Apple Watch has evolved into an elegant, powerful and very useful health tracking device thanks to its mix of sensors and a world of healthrelated apps. It looks great too. £379, apple.com

ANKER EUFY SMART SCALE C1 Eufy comes from electronics giant Anker and the C1 is a typically well-made product that does exactly what you’d expect and does it really well. It’s great for tracking body composition. £29, shop.bt.com

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PIE SMART TAPE The Pie is no ordinary tape.

It’s a Bluetooth tape with an app designed to track changes in specific bits of your body, such as your biceps or your thighs. £70, amazon.co.uk

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28

On the Ball A local football club is appealing for new players to join their Women’s Walking Football sessions.

Women Warriors Walking Football Club, who are based at the Winstanley Warriors football complex on Little Lane in Goose Green, launched earlier this year and their Friday afternoon sessions are now open to all women, regardless of age or ability, and sessions are free. Walking football is an excellent way of staying fit and healthy and is one the UK’s fastest growing sports.

Sessions are run by experienced female coaches who are practiced at coaching from beginner level of walking football. Each session will include a warm-up and 30-minute dedicated coaching session on a 4G pitch to help you develop skills followed by a small-scale group game. Free coffee, tea and biscuits are available after the sessions.

As walking football is played at a slower pace with only limited physical contact the aim of the club is to make the sessions safe and enjoyable for all players.

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Local Life caught up with Coach Paula Johnson at a Friday

afternoon session, who told us, “Many of our players were denied the chance to play football at school and had to play netball or hockey instead. They love football, they follow football and we just give them the chance to play football”.

Paula, an FA Approved Playmaker Coach who has played for Manchester City Ladies, and has also represented England at Women’s Walking Football, added “Our hosts Winstanley Warriors have been so helpful and have provided us with all the equipment we need, along with a chance to play at these superb sporting facilities at Little Lane”.

Sessions take place at the Little Lane Complex (WN3 6PZ) every Friday between 2.30-4pm and all players from the open age group (18+) are welcome to come along and join in. For more details join the Facebook Group ‘Women Warriors WFC’, or email Paula at warriorwwfc@outlook.com.

And for those men (50+) who would like to try Walking Football - Winstanley Walkers FC are based at the same Little Lane Complex and their sessions take place every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30am until 12:00 noon.

For details email Steve Halliwell on winwalkfc@gmail.com

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31

The Generous

Gidlows

by Nicola Gray

From The 7th Earl of Balcarres to Margaret Park to GH Bankes to Martin Ainscough, Wigan has been blessed with its fair share of philanthropists over the years. Pre-empting that worthy quartet though were two sisters, born over 200 years ago, whose philanthropy made, and continues to make, a huge difference in improving the health of Wigan people.

As a family they were understandably wealthy, the sisters lived a life of education and refinery befitting of the era. On his death in January 1851, William passed down his portfolio of railway shares to the sisters, inevitably securing them for life. The shares provided large sums of annual income and gave Margaret and Amelia the opportunity to donate to charitable institutions.

Margaret Eleanor and Amelia Gidlow were born at Derbyshire House, Amberswood, Ince. Their father, William, was descended from Robert Gidlow of Gidlow Hall in Aspull. It seems there was always wealth within the family, but William also owned several collieries in the town, including a three-storey cotton mill, he also invested extensively in railway shares.

They later moved to Arley Hall, known today as the home of Wigan Golf Club, with their brother William in 1856.

The focus, it seems, for Margaret and Amelia was always their hometown. They ploughed money into various institutions and services to better the lives of those who lived around them.

Arley Hall

32 Wigan Infirmary - 1873

Their first recorded charitable act came in February 1856, when the sisters gave a £10,000 loan to Wigan Council for the improvement of the water and sewerage works in the town. And later in February 1860 gifted more than £6,000 to the building work and redecoration of Christ Church on Ince Green Lane, with Margaret laying the foundation stone herself on Easter Monday.

Margaret and Amelia eventually moved out of the Wigan area and the 1861 census shows them living together at an address in Newton Abbot in Devon. Wigan evidently meant a lot to the sisters, and the church opened in 1864 with a full house listening to the sermon of Rev Canon Fergie. Other gifts to the church included a silver communion plate, further funds to renovate the vicarage and contributions to an Easter fund for the curates and assistants.

Their biggest and most influential donations amounted to more than £43,000 given to Wigan Infirmary, worth several million pounds in today’s money. Access to medical care isn’t something that we think too much about, if we need help, we can walk into a hospital or be straight on the phone to our doctor. This hasn’t always been the case and life had the potential to be very grim, especially if you were poor and sick.

When all this is considered, the sisters concern for the health and welfare of the people of Wigan must have impacted many lives for the better. Margaret and Amelia made regular donations to The Wigan Dispensary, the predecessor to the Infirmary, on King Street. It was a place where the poor could get free medicines but only

if they were referred there by a priest or other official person.

There had been talk of opening a hospital in Wigan as far back as the 1830’s and finally in 1866 after substantial backing by Margaret and Amelia things started to happen. The idea gained momentum and a committee was formed, chaired by Wigan MP John Lancaster, alongside millowner and Conservative Party politician, Nathaniel Eckersley. During one of the initial meetings a letter from the sisters was read aloud, in that letter they had pledged an initial donation of £1,000, further donations from various individuals amounted to £15,000, half of the projected total cost of building the hospital.

The letter and promise of funds kickstarted the initiative and Margaret and Amelia turned out to be the main facilitators in the building of the Infirmary. Plans were put into place; the foundation stone was laid by the Earl of Crawford in 1870 and the hospital was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1873.

There were many more additions to the hospital over the years, including a children’s ward in 1877 and the hospital also retained the name of The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary and Dispensary until the creation of the NHS in 1948, when dispensary was dropped.

Little is known about the movements of the sisters during the following years; Margaret died on 20th December 1877, aged 64 at her home in Eastbourne. Margaret was brought home to Wigan in a saloon, she was then taken by horse-drawn hearse to Ince Cemetery, where her coffin was interred into a vault belonging to the sisters.

Amelia, who was living in Southport at the time, was named as sole executor of her estate. Obviously not one to rest on her laurels, Amelia went on to help add more facilities to the Infirmary in the shape of the Gidlow Wing extension in memory of Margaret.

In July 1883, Amelia was identified as the anonymous donor of £6,000 that had been pledged to help build the extension. The extension was officially opened on the

33 20th August 1885, marked by an opening ceremony and a garden party in the grounds of the hospital.

Lord Crawford presented Amelia with a silver key inscribed with the date of the opening, telling her that this day, “would be long remembered, not only in the history of the Royal Infirmary but in the history of Wigan.

The new building would be a most useful addition and would add very much to the comfort of the patients and the nurses.”

Newspaper reports of the day mention that Amelia accepted the address and gracefully bowed her head before replying, “It is with great pleasure that I give the Gidlow Wing as an addition to the main institution, and I hope that all sufferers who are brought here will always find relief, comfort and kindness within these walls.”

A large marquee was erected on one of the lawns and guests enjoyed music from The Lancashire Hussars and The Old Borough Band. Tours were given of the new wing and other wards within the Infirmary, later that evening the public were given tickets to be able to go in and view it for themselves.

In the years to come Amelia, again at her own cost, would renovate and refurbish the Gidlow Wing, with the local press reporting that she, “beautified, the whole of the

Wigan Infirmary donation board fabric, externally and internally giving great evidence of a generous and sympathetic interest in the great institution.”

On 29th July 1893 Amelia died at her home, Ince House in Milverton, near Leamington at the age of 70. As her last act of compassion, she left in her will, £3,000 to Ince Parish Church and all her shares in the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire railway companies to the Infirmary, amounting to £32,135.

Amelia was laid to rest in the same vault as her sister Margaret.

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Wigan Local History & Heritage Society Due to the enduring kindness of the sisters, there were various tributes bestowed upon them in the places that they donated to. The Wigan Local History and Heritage Society have been trying to locate these historical pieces.

The Infirmary In gratitude to Margaret and Amelia, a stained-glass window was commissioned, and installed at the eastern end of the inner corridor of the Gidlow Wing. The window was accompanied by an inscription in memory of Margaret from Amelia.

“Over the past few months, we have been in contact with Infirmary officials to somehow get the airbrushed Gidlow name back into the Infirmary.

And we are delighted that the Gidlow name has been resurrected by the naming of the Gidlow Lounge.

“We would also appreciate any help from the public in locating the missing paintings and the stained-glass window.”

Ince Church In 1888, Margaret’s servant, William Clayton donated a bell to Ince Church while Amelia paid for the renovations of the church and the vicarage, two brass plaques commemorate the date.

In addition, oil paintings of the sisters were acquired by the hospital board and hung Christ Church Stained Glass Window in the Infirmary board room.

In January 1892, a beautiful Peter Fleetwood, from the stained-glass window was Heritage Society, told Local Life, “Initial enquires with installed at Ince Church, portraying ‘The Two Sisters of Wigan, Wrightington & Leigh NHS to locate the above Bethany’. Canon Fergie commissioned the window, paid proved fruitless and the current map of the Infirmary for by the church in recognition of the sisters and their shows no reference to the name of Gidlow. “substantial aid to the churches and schools in the village”.

Brass plaques Christ Church

For more details about the Local History & Heritage Society or to help with their enquiries please go online at www.wiganlocalhistory.org/ With thanks to Wigan Archives and Wigan Local History & Heritage Society

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Camping with kids Top tips to making sleeping under the stars a whole lot more enjoyable…

Fly the flag If, like me, you have the navigation skills of Nemo’s best friend Dory, you may find yourself getting lost occasionally. A telescopic flag pole and windsock is a useful marker, particularly if you’re planning to give the kids a bit more freedom.

To wee or not to wee No one enjoys a 3am trek to the loo, so a portable toilet is your friend. A potty is fine for younger children, but you’ll need something a bit more substantial for older kids (and adults). If you have room, a bucket style loo is ideal.

Otherwise, try a collapsible toilet. We recently bought the Bivvy Loo, which folds down small, supports up to 23 stone and comes with biodegradable bags and powder to transform liquid to gel.

Let there be light You’ll need headtorches for after dark. A rechargeable camping lantern is also useful for evenings (and 3am toilet breaks). A string of solar fairy lights around your door will help you to identify your tent at night.

OTHER ESSENTIALS WORTH PACKING INCLUDE: • Washing line – string it between your tent and a tree to dry swimming costumes on • Baby wipes • Dustpan and brush • Doormat • First aid kit • Extra-thick thermal socks • Gaffer tape for tackling leaks • Travel games, a ball and a frisbee

A decent night’s sleep If you’re only planning to camp occasionally, air beds are usually fine. However, they do tend to deflate somewhat overnight and don’t exactly have the longest lifespan.

While camping beds are more expensive, they can work out far better value in the long run. And you’re likely to get a much better night’s sleep.

Dress for the occasion Even the hottest British summer’s day can turn cool at night. Close-fitting PJs will help to keep the warmth in.

Make sure you pack plenty of layers. You’ll appreciate a fleecy jumper when you’re huddled up sheltering from the rain. Speaking of rain, it can be difficult to get dry in a tent, so waterproofs are a good idea.

Eat, drink and be merry A camping stove is essential for anything longer than a weekend break. Stick to easy-to-cook meals, from breakfast fry-ups to fajitas. Don’t have an electric hook up? A cool box with ice blocks makes a useful fridge.

You’ll need to refreeze the blocks each day, which you can usually do in the site shop.

My kids love ‘camping cereal’ (aka mini variety packs).

Pour the milk directly into the cereal bag. No bowl = less washing up.

Ideally, start collecting condiment sachets a few weeks before your holiday, so you have plenty of ketchup, mayonnaise, vinegar etc. to see you through.

And what camping trip would be complete without toasting marshmallows?

39

Haigh’s Back!

Ownership of Haigh Hall reverted to Wigan Council on the 18th June, and early proposals its future look promising.

Described as the ‘jewel in the borough’s crown’, early proposals for the hall’s future will see it restored to its former glory 150 years ago, say Wigan Council, when the 25th Earl of Crawford, Alexander Lindsay lived there with his wife, Elizabeth, but unlike Lindsay, the council will need to secure external funding to turn the proposals into a reality.

In March the National Heritage Lottery Fund awarded Wigan Council £256k to explore the second phase of the Haigh Woodland Park project, which is hoped will result in a £6m project of improvements to the visitor experience in the woodland park.

Discussions are being held about the importance of the Hall alongside that investment.

If funding is agreed, the proposals will reveal hidden histories and resurrect lost stories.

From the Hall’s library which housed the largest private

collection of precious manuscripts, rare books and bibles in Britain, all the way down to the underground network of cellars which are a maze of medieval remains and tunnels.

The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux, welcomed the plans, commenting: “I am delighted that we’ve got the hall back in the hands of the people and excited to see what the future holds. The hall is a special place where many cherished memories have been made and where they will continue to be made for years to come.”

Over the next few months, proposals will be developed in more detail in consultation with residents.

One of the first projects is the creation of a contemplation garden next to the plantation gates, which if approved will provide a quiet space for reflection, particularly for those visiting the hospital opposite.

A pilot scheme for a Sunday bus service has also received approval – helping to give more residents the opportunity to enjoy the already popular visitor destination.

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40

Forest holidays in north England and Scotland From the starry skies of Galloway Forest Park to Kielder’s wildlife-rich woodland, some of our country’s most magical forests can be found in northern England and Scotland.

We’ve put together three of our favourites, perfect for your next staycation.

Galloway Forest, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland Where better to start than with the UK’s largest forest?

At 297 square miles, Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park is a sprawling playground of ancient woodland, magnificent scenery and an astonishing range of wildlife.

Light pollution is so low here that the forest has been recognised as a Dark Sky Park – meaning that its skies are perfect for stargazing. After a night camping out under the stars, start your adventures from one of the park’s three visitor centres.

Kirroughtree is your gateway to more active adventures, including the award-winning 7stanes mountain bike trails. If wildlife spotting is more your scene, look out for

Galloway

roe deer and rare red squirrels, or visit the park’s Red Deer Range.

Galloway isn’t just woodland either.

Kielder There are around 250 lochs to discover as you explore the park’s scenic walking and cycling trails.

Kielder Forest, Northumberland, England When it comes to size, Northumberland’s Kielder Forest is also a front runner. Spanning 235 square miles, it’s the largest forest in England – and the second largest in the UK. Kielder is also home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, making it a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. With miles of beautiful trails, including forest walks and adrenaline-boosting mountain bike tracks, Kielder invites you to have your own mini adventure.

The forest is a haven for wildlife too. Around 50% of England’s native red squirrels call it home, and rare wildlife including ospreys, pipistrelle bats, roe deer, salmon otters and water voles can also be found here.

Just like Galloway, Kielder is famous for its dark skies.

The forest’s remote location in Northumberland means it’s virtually unaffected by light pollution, making it a stargazer’s paradise. Don’t miss a trip to Kielder Observatory, where you can book ahead to attend a number of fascinating astronomical events.

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Glen Affric, Inverness, Scotland A medley of native woods, glittering lochs, snow-capped mountains and dramatic moorland, Scotland’s Glen Affric could easily have been plucked out of Canada.

With over 30 miles of ancient pinewoods, the forest has one of the largest ancient Caledonian pine woods in Scotland. The woodland is so treasured, it’s become part of the Scottish government’s regeneration project, with a target of 25% forest cover to reach by 2050.

Wander amongst the pine trees to the sound of woodland birds, looking out for ospreys, otters and red deer stags.

Or tackle some of Affric’s hiking trails, punctuated with thundering waterfalls and jagged canyons. This is Scotland at its most spectacular.

Glen Affric

Dog Falls are a must-see and provide a good starting point for several walking trails. Climb the gradual ascent to the spectacular viewpoint overlooking Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin, or picnic beneath the pine trees by Coire Loch.

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Bella & Brave

by Nicola Gray

When we think about rehoming and rescuing animals we think of homeless dogs and stray cats; Bella & Brave Animal Sanctuary have thought outside the pen and set up a haven for unwanted goats and sheep in the heart of Newburgh village.

The sanctuary is a vegan-run enterprise and the main aim of owner, Alison Dennigan, is to educate the local community on the true purpose and potential of these animals. Alison told me, “We believe that all life matters and these animals can have a space without being used by us.”

before I started the sanctuary. There was nothing particularly special about Bella or Brave, but that’s what our sanctuary is all about – appreciating all animals just for being themselves.”

Alison & Freddie

Alison, along with a few volunteers, set up Bella & Brave four years-ago after caring for sheep of her own at home. She was approached by the widow of an owner who wished to rehome their animals and with eight elderly Soay sheep, the sanctuary was born. Alison added, “Lots of people dream about winning the lottery and starting an animal sanctuary, but why wait? I already had eight sheep and I wanted to be able to share that experience with others.”

“I named the sanctuary after two of the sheep that I lost

She added, “Since February 2017 we have mainly taken on unwanted pets, you’d be surprised how many people buy these animals with a view to having them as family pets. Lots of people ask me how old sheep usually live to, and the answer is six months, but naturally, they can live to 20 years plus.

“My passion is giving the oldies somewhere to live out their natural lives. It’s easy for people to rehome young sheep and goats, who are still cute and bouncy, but I want to take the animals no one else wants.

Most of the animals that come to Alison are old and need care but along with a dedicated band of volunteers, they ensure that the sheep and goats are vaccinated, fed, sheared, receive medical care when needed, and most importantly, that they live happy and peaceful lives.

Alison said, “All the volunteers are really important to me,

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Bella & Brave Volunteers

Alison with her children & Johnso n the

Goat

43 they’re like family. The time they spend with the animals is important, because that’s how we pick up any problems, and how we gain their trust.”

There are currently fourteen sheep and nine goats in residence at Bella and Brave, located in three acres of land behind the Red Lion Pub in the centre of the village. Alison added, “We don’t always have someone on site, but people are free to walk up to the gate to see the animals at any time.

They are free-roaming in the field, so it’s up to them if they want to come up and have a nosey.”

So, with four years already under her belt, what does the future hold for Alison and her beloved Bella and Brave?

Alison muses, “Our dream was to move to larger premises, but I think we’ve found a permanent home in the Red Lion.

The pub has a big vegan menu, so people can go there for food, and then see the animals. They can even sit on our benches and eat and drink while watching the animals - it’s perfect.”

Bella and Brave isn’t your run-of-the-mill animal farm, the goats and sheep aren’t there to be put on show. It’s evident that the setup is for the animal’s benefit, and not for human entertainment, the education surrounding animal welfare is a happy by-product.

Alison adds, “Rather than expanding into a larger site, I’d like us to have several small sites, in different places. I want Bella & Brave to be your local sanctuary, so you don’t have to travel far to see rescue animals.”

So how can you help? Pop down and show your support, enjoy the space, or simply make a small donation. Alison added, “We are always very grateful for donations, shares, likes and comments, hopefully you like what we do and will support us to help these beautiful animals.”

Bella & Brave Animal Sanctuary The Red Lion, Newburgh , WN8 7NF bellaandbrave@gmail.com www.bellaandbraveanimalsanctuary.weebly.com

Donations via PayPal animals@bellaandbrave.org.uk

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CAZ on Way

Youth Group

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has confirmed that it will push ahead with a Clean Air Zone that would see drivers of heavily polluting commercial vehicles hit with daily charges. The Clean Air Zone will cover all 493 square miles of Greater Manchester.

Shevington Youth Club is now open every Tuesday evening for junior club for children in Y3-Y6 from 5.15 - 7pm and seniors club for children in Y7-Y8 from 7.15 9pm. Subs are just 50p a week. Organisers run different activities each week and are currently following the European Championships. Activities currently include playing team sports, practicing football skills and trying new games and challenges.

The CAZ was due to come into effect in 2021 but was delayed due to a funding row. The GMCA have confirmed that they have received £150m in funding and £120m of this will help businesses pay for new cleaner vehicles or upgrade their old ones, while the rest will be spent on infrastructure such as cameras to monitor the roads.

For more details on the Clean Air Zone visit www. cleanairgm.com

It’s not all football though, there are lots of different team games and challenges, so come on and join in the fun.

There are 15 children allowed in each group, so to book your child’s place, please go online at www.shevingtonpc.gov.uk/Attendance

46

Win Tickets to

Tom Jones!

Summer just wouldn’t be the same without live music from Haydock Park and, after a year-long hiatus due to COVID, live music is back with a bang with some huge names, including Tom Jones and Olly Murs, to look forward to this summer. Local Life have four pairs of tickets for the Tom Jones concert on Saturday 28th August to give away to readers!

But first up at Haydock Park this summer is Olly Murs. Local Life caught up with the legend himself earlier his month for a chat about his return to Haydock Park on Saturday 17th July.

Are you looking forward to finally getting back out on the road again?

Yeah, I can’t wait! I did Haydock Park a few years back, great energy, great vibe so it will be good to get back on stage, get my mic out, get my ears in, get my dancing shoes on, and just get out there and perform. Can’t wait!

This has been the longest period that you’ve gone without live shows or touring. How are you going to get rid of the rustiness?

It’s been two years as I hadn’t toured since 2019, but I’m born ready - there’s no rust here, get the WD40 out! I’m actually excited to get out there again and start singing - I think it’s just something that I’m born to do, I enjoy it.

What was it like to go out in lockdown wearing a mask and not get stopped every five minutes?

I hated it because I like seeing people’s faces, it felt really eerie. Everyone didn’t really speak and was really quiet, you couldn’t really see people’s facial expressions, and I didn’t enjoy it very much to be honest. I just get this really weird vibe when I go shopping. I know we’re all doing it for a good reason, but I can’t wait to see people’s faces again. That’d be nice.

A lot of people know you from The Voice but you have a new TV show coming soon, Starstruck Yes, I’m hosting the show. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time to get back on TV again, on a primetime Saturday night. It’s pretty much a modern-day version of ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ but it’s got a new format, it’s got new ideas, we have a celebrity judging panel on there.

Did you think back when you did your first audition for X Factor you would, a decade later, become this all-round entertainer doing television, voiceover acting and of course singing?

I never expected any of this, I was very lucky. I knew I was an entertainer more so than just a singer, I knew there was a few more strings to my bow, that I was a jack of all trades! Singing is

47 obviously what I love doing, I never chased being a presenter of a TV show and I never chased being a voiceover artist. These were things that people just asked me to do and I was like, “Yeah, why not? Let’s give it a go”.

So what can we expect from your Haydock show?

Just a fun, energetic show - I’m going to give everything, I want people to be smiling again. I miss seeing lovely smiles and that’s why we’re on stage.

It’s just so people having a good time, enjoy themselves. You’ve had such sadness over this last year, such difficult times as a nation so it’d be great for me anyway, I’d love to come to Haydock, have a great night with everyone enjoying themselves everyone have a good time and I can’t wait - bring it on!

A stellar line-up talent has been announced for the Tom Jones concert on Saturday 28th August.

The concert, which will be taking place on a nonraceday, will see Dublin-born Imelda May and television personality-turned bona fide star Megan McKenna joining the bill.

Tom Jones’ career has spanned over half a century and has seen him win many accolades including a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music and a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement.

A global star, who was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006, he has amassed 36 top 40 UK hits and has a continued worldwide reputation as one of the great vocalists, earning the nickname ‘The Voice’. He continues to be a coach on the hit ITV show of the same name.

Returning to Haydock Park he will be performing from his huge repertoire of hits, spanning genres and generations including ‘Kiss’, ‘Delilah’ and ‘It’s Not Unusual’.

Released last month, Imelda May’s sixth studio album ‘11 Past The Hour’ is a record that brims with sensuality, emotional intelligence, spirituality and intuition, marking a new chapter for Imelda and showcasing her at her most authentic. Imelda has toured extensively and performed with the likes of Van Morrison and U2, appeared on multiple shows (notably some jaw-dropping performances on Later… With Jools Holland), and hosted her own programme on Irish TV, The Imelda May Show.

Megan McKenna first came to prominence as a television

personality on shows like ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ and ‘Celebrity Big Brother’. After her debut country album ‘Story Of Me’ was released in 2018, two singles from the album debuted at #1 & #2 on iTunes and the following year she won ‘The X Factor: Celebrity’. She has proven her talents in the live arena too, completing two nationwide headline tours and is booked to play the main stage at the Isle of Wight Festival this summer.

To enter the competition to win one pair of the four pairs of tickets on offer, simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer the following question; In what year was Sir Tom Jones knighted by the Queen?

The expiry date for this competition is midnight on Sunday 8th August 2021.

The winners will be personally contacted within three working days and the results will be posted on our Facebook account by 13th August 2021. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. Strictly one entry per household – multiple entries will be disqualified.

Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.

Tickets are on sale now for these concerts via thejockeyclublive.co.uk. There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets and you can book with confidence as The Jockey Club Live offers a money back guarantee if cancelled. Please note that the Tom Jones concert at Haydock Park is a standalone concert and does not feature racing prior.

48

First Homes - An Overview

The Government have recently launched the First Homes initiative, their latest scheme for prospective home buyers, and one designed to give first-time buyers in England, and key workers in particular, a chance to buy homes within their local area for a 30-50% discount.

This sounded too good to be true, so I took a look over the scheme and here’s an overview at what this means for future homeowners in the Wigan area.

The background First Homes is just the latest in a range of initiatives that the Government has launched to help people buy homes. The government’s target is to make 1,500 First Homes available by the end of 2021, with a total of 10,000 eventually. Some previously frustrated homebuyers will get lucky and gain a foothold on the property ladder, but many will not as demand is likely to be fierce.

The first properties available through the scheme have been put on the market in Bolsover in the Midlands, and the government has asked developers to ring-fence 25 per cent of all new homes built, so most parts of the country should have at least a few of these affordable homes coming on-stream soon.

Are you eligible?

The scheme is only open to first-time buyers. If you’ve never owned a property but your partner has, then you won’t be eligible for the First Homes scheme. It must be your first non-rented home.

The combined annual income of all the buyers can’t exceed £80,000 (£90,000 in London).

You must have some sort of ‘local connection’. This is where it gets a little bit hazy, and the criteria will differ from area to area. It may be something as simple as

having family in the area or being employed locally, but each local authority will be able to set their own criteria and they are also responsible for setting the discount levels. However, it is expected that, in all areas, the priority will be given to key workers, so if you are deemed as a key worker, then you have a better chance of securing a property.

Main benefit According to a recent survey published by Dataloft using the UK House Price Index, a 30% discount in the North West would be worth £47,342 to first time house buyers whilst a 50% discount would be worth £78,903.

These are substantial discounts for any person, but massively so to a first-time buyer. Effectively this means that first-time buyers may be able to secure a home for as little as half the market price.

Main drawback The discount is ‘for keeps’ – all subsequent buyers of the property will receive the same percentage discount, not just the first buyer. When a buyer comes to sell their First Homes home, they must pass on the same percentage discount that they themselves received, and the buyer must also be someone who meets the eligibility criteria at the time.

Most first-time buyers will not be deterred by this rule, but it’s something to consider when looking at the longer term. As there is less scope for making such a big profit, buyers under the First Homes scheme may struggle to climb the housing ladder as quickly in future.

Summary Depending on your personal circumstances and the level of discount you can secure, the benefits of the First Homes scheme generally outweigh the drawbacks and any first time buyer, particularly those already in the rental sector, should carefully consider the scheme.

For details on this and other Government schemes targeted at house buyers, check out www.ownyourhome.gov.uk.

Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has worked within the Wigan property market for over 30 years.

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Flaked Trout with Rocket, Lychees and Sweet Lime Dressing Serves 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 seconds

Ingredients 225g hot smoked trout 150g mangetout 2 large handfuls of rocket leaves ½ cucumber, cut in half lengthways, seeds removed and sliced 10 lychees, peeled, stoned and cut in half Handful of basil leaves, roughly chopped Handful of mint leaves, roughly chopped Handful of coriander leaves, roughly chopped 1 red chilli, deseeded and diced ½ red onion, diced 60g toasted cashew nuts

The oily richness of the trout contrasts beautifully with the sweet lychees and peppery rocket leaves. Hot smoked trout requires no preparation, making this an ideal speedy healthy lunch or evening meal. Use any lettuce leaves in this dish and plenty of fresh herbs. You could use smoked mackerel or hot smoked salmon instead of the trout if wished.

Method 1. Blanch the mange tout in boiling water for 30 seconds, drain and refresh under cold water.

2. Place the mangetout in a bowl with the rocket, cucumber, lychees, herbs, chilli and onion. Break up the trout and scatter over the top with the toasted cashew nuts. Mix together the lime juice, xylitol or honey and fish sauce.

3. Season the salad with a little black pepper and drizzle over the dressing to serve.

Lime Dressing Juice of 2 limes 2 tsp xylitol or honey 1-2 tbsp fish sauce to taste

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: Calories 449kcal, protein 36.6g, carbohydrates 35.8g (sugars 30.5g), total fat 20.1g (saturates 4g)

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Re-Start Funding There are still around 140 businesses in Wigan Borough that have been flagged as eligible for Restart Grant funding that are yet to benefit from their award.

Over recent weeks, Wigan Council have distributed more than £13m funding to over 2,000 businesses in the borough to support them to re-open following easement of the Covid-19 restrictions.

The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

A national criteria has been set meaning Wigan Council has to gather information from businesses before paying, and all eligible businesses the council have information for have been contacted directly.

However, there is a small pocket of businesses across the borough who have not yet responded to the Council’s emails to take up the funding.

If you own a local business and believe you’re eligible

but haven’t been contacted, please check your email inboxes (including your junk folders), and then email businessrates@wigan.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Moo Music Have you and your child tried the magic of Moo Music yet? These sessions of interactive music and movement classes take place every Wednesday afternoon at the Community Centre on Captain’s Lane in Ashton (WN4 8PG). Babies and toddlers can sing, dance, dress up, make music and learn at the sessions.

There are two separate sessions, depending on age. The Mixed Moo session starts at 1.10pm for all ages up to preschool, and the Baby Moo session that starts at 2.15pm is targeted at pre-walkers.

The sessions are £5.50 per child and there is a discounted £3 price for extra siblings. Booking for the sessions is essential and you can do this online at www.bookwhen. com/moomusicharn

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Songs from the Shows The Unity Club in Standish will be filled with the best of music from the West End and beyond on Saturday 9th October with Victor Michael and The Two Sopranos performing a wide range of songs.

The performers are all full time professional singers who have performed together for several years. And for one of the sopranos it will be a special night, Pemberton born Lisa Davis, a former Chetham’s School of Music pupil, will be singing for the first time at The Unity Club having performed all over the world.

Lisa said ”It will give all my family and friends the opportunity to come and hear me sing, for some of them

it will be for the first time and I know that they are in for a treat with the quality of my fellow performers”.

Organised by Wigan Rotary Club, the Club President Santi Nandi said “All the singers perform regularly both in public and at private functions. Just before the lockdown Victor returned from a season in the Caribbean, so we are confident of a great night of music”.

All the profits from the concert will go into the Rotary’s Charity account so that the club can continue helping the Wigan community.

Tickets priced at £12 are available online by going to the club’s website www.wiganrotary.co.uk

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Bringing the Indoors Out Get truly comfortable in the garden by turning it into a fully functioning outdoor living room, warm and well-lit, with relaxing seating and lovely finishing touches.

This decorative textured rope light has a warm white solar bulb with an amber filament. After charging during daylight hours, it works for up to eight hours at a time.

This tiled table contains its own fire pit (or ice bowl) and is surrounded by four low-level dining chairs with weather-resistant cushions.

Ava four-seater tile firepit outdoor living set, £899, dobbies.com

ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR AL FRESCO LIVING • If you’re planning on spending lots of time outdoors this summer, and keeping those sunny days going well into the evenings, think first of providing shady spots, and

LED solar garden light, £65, ellajames.co.uk

then of some form of warmth. Pile up blankets and throws, for sure, but consider a gas or electric heater or – more romantically – a fire pit.

• To extend day into night you’ll need outdoor lighting: some functional, simply to see what you’re barbecuing or pouring into a glass, and some decorative, just to make the space look and feel gorgeous. It may be relatively easy Woven around a strong metal frame in a smooth egg shape, this hanging chair is made from durable materials that look just like rattan. It’s big enough to snuggle up in with a book and a glass of wine.

Indoor outdoor hanging chair, £425, coxandcox.co.uk

to add a protected outdoor plug socket (ask a qualified electrician), and add a dramatic floor lamp or set of fairy lights. Alternatively, there’s a vast range of good-quality solar lights to choose from these days and, of course, candles and night lights look incredibly pretty, and can be protected from breezes with lanterns and jars.

• Seating is all-important, whether it’s upright seats and a table for dining, bar sets for informal drinks with friends or sofas and squashy chairs for lounging. These days, outdoor furniture can look just like your upholstered living room furniture, but of course there are always the classics of outdoor rattan, wood and metal. Look for versatile furnishings such as rise-and-fall tables that take you from coffee to dining, or pieces that are grouped around their own fire table. Have fun by adding cocoons, hammocks and swing seats as occasional spots for relaxation.

Made from recycled plastic bottles, this rug can withstand moisture, mildew, mould and UV light. Its design is reversible: simply flip over for a new look.

Fab Hab Tokyo outdoor rug in burnt orange, £59.95, cuckooland.com

• Finishing touches pull the whole indoor/outdoor look together, from patterned outdoor rugs to piles of cushions, plus quirky outdoor eating sets and colourful glassware.

With imagination and flair you can have great fun setting up a welcoming garden ‘room’, a truly special place to spend the days – and nights…

57 This retro-meetsmodern garden bench features a traditional peacockstyle metal frame and an ultra-chic pattern in a playful shade of pink.

Pretty pink metal garden bench, £195, rockettstgeorge.co.uk

A rust-resistant steel frame holds a 3m polyester canopy for protection from sun and rain. Elegant and practical.

Sail shade gazebo, £299, dobbies.com

When a real lawn just isn’t possible, a spot of fake turf can add a splash of colour and a quirky sense of comfort.

Bute artificial grass, £14.99 per square metre, carpetright.co.uk

Hand-made in the UK using high-quality British steel, this fire pit comes with a detachable barbecue swing arm and in seven sizes.

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Startwell Sessions

musical mayhem and as restrictions continue to lift more sessions will be added.

If you’re struggling to entertain your little one/s then you‘ll be pleased to hear that the Startwell sessions run

by Wigan Council are now up and running again after the pandemic.

Booking is essential for all sessions due to number restrictions, so to book your place, please call 01942 767503 and select option 2.

There is a small selection of classes available to children aged 8 months to 4 years, see what you fancy and book your space, it couldn’t be easier!

Bookstart Corner runs at Standish Library on Cross Street every Monday from 1.30-2.30pm.

The session is aimed at children aged 12-30 months and is designed to help your child with language development and pre-reading skills.

If you’ve got a budding scientist in your home then don’t miss the Supersonic Science sessions being held at Mesnes Park in the town centre.

This fun and engaging session will suit children aged 2-4 years where they can take part in lots of science experiments every Thursday morning between 9.3010.30am.

Makers Market Lancashire Mining Museum in Astley, near Leigh, will be hosting a Makers Market over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The market will run on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday August 29th & 30th and is organised by SPG Events, with profits going to the Museum.

In addition to the makers stalls, there will be children’s rides and a birds of prey attraction. The train rides to and from the museum will also be operational on those days.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm on the Sunday and Monday and Lancashire Mining Museum is based on Higher Green Lane in Astley (M29 7JB). For more details about the Lancashire Mining Museum, visit www. lancashireminingmuseum.org

Other sessions include forest school, diddi dance and

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Family Art Club

parkrun Returns

Wigan Steam have announced dates for their family art club throughout July. The art gallery on Marsden Street are arranging a fun art activity every Saturday, suitable for all ages. You’ll be getting messy with paint, creating sculptures, weaving and more – basically anything that encourages self-expression and creativity is welcome.

Weekly parkrun events are due to return in July after a 15 month pause. The popular 5k events were due to restart in June but following the delay to lift the restrictions, the events will now restart on Saturday 24 July.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 people, and parents are required to stay for the whole session and are encouraged to join in the fun! For these events, household bubbles will be needed, each bubble can consist of a maximum of three participants.

To book your tickets, please email hello@wigansteam. co.uk.

The free parkrun events are held at Haigh Woodland Park, Pennington Flash in Leigh (with both runs starting near the respective park’s children’s play areas), and the Tawd Valley parkrun starts outside the Nye Bevan Pool. All events start at 9am every Saturday, runs are timed and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

To join in the parkruns, first visit the website www. parkrun.org.uk to register your details.

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Celebrity authors Actors and other celebrities often try their hand at fiction writing, with various degrees of success (and often a lot of help from a ghost writer). The authors we’re looking at this month have all managed to prove their writing skills to both readers and critics, in some cases carving out a whole new career for themselves.

Neil Patrick Harris – The Magic Misfits 1 & 2 The How I Met Your Mother star has written several books, including a choose your own adventure-style autobiography. His children’s series follows a street magician who teams up with other like-minded kids to stop villains in their tracks. Aimed at children aged eight and up, The Magic Misfits series is ideal for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch and Lemony Snicket. It’s very well-written, very different and very funny.

Us Three – Ruth Jones Ruth Jones brings her usual Gavin and Stacey wit and warmth to her second novel. Us Three centres on a trio of women who became best friends at primary school. We follow their lives over the next 40+ years, through love and loss and all of life’s usual ups and downs. Like any relationship, friendship isn’t always easy, and this one is stretched almost to breaking point.

Because of You – Dawn French While Dawn French’s latest novel contains a dash of humour, it’s also heart wrenching, dealing as it does with stillbirth, abduction and grief. Two women give birth at the same hospital. Only one mother leaves with a baby. As the baby, Minnie, grows into a teenager, she becomes pregnant herself and discovers that everything she thought she knew may well be based on a lie.

A Bright Ray of Darkness – Ethan Hawke The actor Ethan Hawke has returned to fiction writing after a break of almost two decades. A Bright Ray of Darkness draws on his own experiences and tells the story of a celebrated actor, William, whose personal life is crumbling around him, much to the delight of the press. William turns to the theatre, throwing himself into the world of Henry IV. A fascinating glimpse into the world of acting, privilege and fame.

Troy – Stephen Fry The third book in Stephen Fry’s series retelling the Greek myths centres on probably the most famous myth of them all – the battle of Troy. Whether you think you know the full story or can just recall something about a queen called Helen and a wooden horse, this book is well worth a read. Fry really brings the tale to life, adding his own wry humour to the mix.

Uncommon Type – Tom Hanks Uncommon Type is Tom Hanks’ collection of seventeen short stories. Most offer a slice of American life, whether it’s from the viewpoint of a ten-year-old boy or a war veteran. Each one references a typewriter and some characters appear in more than one story. Other than that, the stories are very diverse, ranging from one about a bowling whizz who becomes an unwilling celebrity, to time-travelling sci-fi.

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Keep Calm and Carry On….!

2020 was a very challenging year for investors with most markets falling heavily in March/April on the back of Covid 19 only to see an incredible recovery assisted by the vaccine announcement in November.

healthy profit due to the active management and the strong market bounce. Those investors that ignored the market noise and held tight have been very well rewarded.

Covid 19, Brexit worries and the US elections created significant uncertainty resulting in high levels of volatility in portfolio values last year. Triggers for market volatility can come in many different forms - policy uncertainty, earnings reports, geo-political unrest and how could we forget, global pandemics.

Be comfortable with your investments

I fully understand that market swings can rattle even the most seasoned investors however it is just part and parcel of longer-term stock market investing. Whilst intuitively the temptation is to ‘do something’ whether it is to reduce risk, change the funds or dare I say move to cash , often the best advice is to sit tight if you have a properly diversified portfolio and wait for recovery.

A well-defined investment plan tailored to your goals can help you navigate the ups and downs of the market, and to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Market volatility should be a reminder to review your investments regularly to ensure that the overall risk in your portfolio fits your personality and allow you to sleep at night.

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

In 2015 and 2016, this general pattern played out. U.S. stocks experienced sharp drops in August 2015, when China devalued its currency; in January 2016, as oil prices dropped; in June of 2016, after the “Brexit” vote; and in the run up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

If you are nervous when the market goes down, you may not be in the right investments. Your time horizon, goals, and tolerance for risk are key factors in helping to ensure that you have an investing strategy that works for you.

Do not try to time the market Attempting to move in and out of the market can be costly. Studies from independent research firm Morningstar show that the decisions investors make about when to buy and sell funds cause those investors to perform worse than they would have had the investors simply bought and held the same funds.

If you could avoid the bad days and invest during the good ones, it would be great - the problem is, it is impossible to consistently predict when those good and bad days will happen. The best days typically come very shortly after the worst days.

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

If you would like more information, please feel free to get in touch on 01257 423800.

Still, during that 2-year period, the market was up close to 8% cumulatively.

More recently, despite the covid impact client portfolios have not only recovered but are indeed showing a very

David Barton APFS Cert CII (MP)

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

66

Puzzle Pages CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. Australian term for a young kangaroo (4) 2. State of extreme delight or exaltation (7,6) 3. Heavenly body also known as Sirius (3,4) 4. Small canoe made watertight with animal

skins (5)

5. Period of the French Revolution marked by

extreme repression and bloodshed (5,2,6)

6. Sleeveless dress resembling an apron (8) 12. Pile of waste matter from coal mining, etc (4,4) 14. Flower associated with alpine regions (7) 17. Craftsman who works with stone (5) 20. Singing jazz where nonsense syllables are

substituted for the words of the song (4)

ACROSS

7. Spanish dance in triple time (6)

15. Racing vessel (5)

8. Acid found in vinegar (6)

16. Small falcon that hovers in the air (7)

9. Funeral pile (4)

18. Long-tailed game bird (8)

10. Chinese port city on the estuary of the Yangtze (8)

19. Red eruption of the skin (4)

11. Receptacle used by smokers (7)

21. Small, roofed building affording shade and rest (6)

13. Non-metallic element, atomic number 5 (5)

22. Hooded waterproof jacket (6)

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

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

TARGET EXCELLENT: 60 or more words GOOD: 52 words FAIR: 43 words

O T

R

N

C U

E N

H

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WORDSEARCH

Sports

SUDOKU

ARCHERY

GOLF

SOCCER

BADMINTON

HOCKEY

SOFTBALL

BASKETBALL

JUDO

SQUASH

BOXING

LACROSSE

CANOEING

NETBALL

CURLING

POLO

CYCLING

ROWING

DARTS

RUGBY

DIVING

SAILING

FISHING

SKIING

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

B U S H

WIGGLE WORDS CLUE: Someone who’s recently arrived!

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

L B E H

O W K T

C E I N

K N D O

T R E E All the puzzle solutions can be found on page 86 of this magazine

68

Coming Soon

MTD for YOU! Making Tax Digital, or ‘MTD’ for short, was instigated by HMRC to digitise the tax administration process in the UK. Significant changes have already been made, and will continue to be made, to how businesses are required to store and report on their taxes. MTD will make the tax reporting process more efficient, effective and simpler for taxpayers to get their taxes right.

Due to the pure size of the change, HMRC have broken MTD into manageable chunks to allow them to develop systems and manage queries, but also to give time to businesses to implement the necessary changes before the deadlines.

The Story So Far After successful pilot schemes for Income Tax and VAT in 2018, it became compulsory in 2019 for all VAT registered business with turnover over £85,000 to keep digital records and submit returns using MTD compatible software.

MTD for VAT It was then announced that by 1st April 2020, all VAT registered businesses regardless of turnover were required to comply with the requirements of MTD, a date which has been extended to the 1st April 2022 due to the impact of COVID-19. This means an end to cut and paste data for VAT Returns, and a requirement to use functional compatible software products to submit returns to HMRC. MTD for Income Tax Following the full introduction of VAT registered businesses, the next stage in the MTD initiative is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Self-employed individuals and landlords with annual business or property income exceeding £10,000 will need to comply with the requirements of MTD for Income Tax from their first account period starting on or after 6th April 2023.

If you are a self-employed business or landlord, you can voluntarily use software to keep business records digitally and send Income Tax updates to HMRC as opposed to filing a Self-Assessment tax return, before the compulsory deadline on 6th April 2023.

By Kieran Fitzgerald AATQB CMA Accountancy

MTD for Corporation Tax The UK government has published a consultation on the future design of MTD for Corporation Tax and is actively seeking views from companies and organisations within the scope of Corporation Tax, agents and software developers as to how best to proceed with these changes.

In the future, the government will provide businesses with the opportunity to partake in a pilot for this stage of the MTD roll-out, and will not mandate its use before April 2026.

Our team of VAT experts are well equipped to help you with your MTD requirements, and our website is full of handy tips on the benefits of cloud software, something you’ll need to migrate to in order to be fully MTD compliant. CMA are cloud accounting experts, and our Gold partnership status with Xero allows us to best position you for MTD compliance now, and in the future!

To keep up to date with the latest changes and developments with MTD, and everything else in the world of accounting and business be sure to check out our brand-new website at www.cma-accountancy.com and register for our weekly newsletters.

We offer a free consultation meeting to any individual who would like to speak to us about these changes.

Feel free to give us a call and we can arrange to discuss this further. Alternatively, stay up to date on all of the latest developments via our website www. cma-accountancy.com by checking out our blog, and signing up for our weekly newsletters.

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

69 SA

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70

DAYS OUT WITH KIDS

SIX

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Six of the best

T OF H

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EST

Here’s the second part of our ‘6 of the Best’ series, this time highlighting how to enjoy some of the NW’s best days out with kids this summer without breaking into your savings. Please note that there may be some COVID restrictions in place so please check these with the venue before setting off.

MARTIN MARTIN MERE MERE WETLAND WETLAND CENTRE CENTRE There is a whole host of summer fun adventures for you and your family to enjoy at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Enjoy splashing, dipping, playing, feeding, paddling and getting up-close-and-personal hand feeding some of nature’s most wonderful wildlife. This 800 acre centre is home to thousands of rare birds; a cheeky family of otters; an all-star cast of pretty pink flamingos and a group of white storks to mention a few.

Grab a paddle and try the award-winning canoe safari or delve into the ponds and see what creatures are lurking beneath. You can build a den, go on a wild walk adventure, brave the stepping stones or get a total rush from the huge adventure playground with its zip wires, scramble nets and treehouses.

FACTS FACTS Address: WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Address: WWT Martin Mere, Burscough, Lancashire, 0TA Fish Lane, Burscough,L40 Lancashire, L40 0TA Website: www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere Website: www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere Costs from: Child (4-16) £7.54, Adults £14.09, (2+2)(4-16) £36.77, Under 4’s Costs Family from: Child £7.54, Adults go free. £14.09, Family (2+2) £36.77, Under 4’s go free.

Suitable For: All ages. Adventure Playground is 3-12 Suitable For: All ages. Adventure Playground is 3-12

DELAMERE FOREST

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A shady oasis amid the agricultural landscape of the Cheshire Plain. Delamere, is a place to let off steam, escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest and has something for everyone.

There are easy-going walking and cycle trails for all abilities, bike hire is available and you can even hire a Segway for the best fun you can have off-road without having to pedal!

You can try your hand at Gruffalo Orienteering, following a family map reading challenge to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood. Or if you would rather get a bird’s eye view of the forest, treat your group to an outdoor adventure at Go Ape!

FACTS Address: Delamere Forest, Linmere, Delamere, Northwich, CW8 2HZ Website: www.forestryengland.uk/ delamere-forest Costs: Free, certain activities extra Suitable for: All ages

SCOTMAN’S FLASH ACTIVITY CENTRE If your kids love water adventure, there’s no need to travel far because there’s a fantastic outdoor adventure centre just up the road in Wigan that features lots of exciting experiences for everyone of all ages to enjoy.

The flashes in Wigan are a result of mining subsidence, and Scotman’s Flash is the largest of the bunch – the perfect place for water sports, whether you’re brand new to canoeing, sailing, kayaking or paddle boarding. The site is run by Wigan Council’s Outdoor Adventure Team and the team also run off-site activities including rock climbing, archery and mountain biking.

Booking the activities online is a bit clunky compared with other commercialised operations but do persevere – the activities are great value and just as much fun! Advance booking is essential.

FACTS Address: Rushdene, off Poolstock Lane in Worsley Mesnes, Wigan, WN3 5HJ Website: www.wigan.gov.uk/BeWell/ Activities-sports/Scotmans-FlashActivity-Centre.aspx Costs From: £11.37 p.p. depending on activity Suitable for: Ages 6+ depending on activity

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HEATON PARK The 640-acre Heaton Park in Manchester is Europe’s biggest municipal park, which is approximately 25% of the city’s green space. An iconic outdoor concert and festival venue, Heaton Park can also boast an impressive selection of everyday activities.

A major attraction at Heaton Park is Treetop Manchester, which is an elevated woodland adventure for the whole family, consisting of walkways, trampolines, treehouses, slides and ball parks. The less brave can visit the Animal Centre, or take the tram to the tram Museum, try the sedate sport of bowls or even navigate your way across the lake in a boat or pedalo.

There are a couple of large play areas, a pitch and putt and a packed events programme that takes place each year including outdoor concerts, dramas and plays.

FACTS Address: Middleton Road, Higher Blackley, Manchester M25 2GT Website: www.manchester.gov.uk/ heatonpark Costs: Free, certain activities extra Suitable for: All ages

HOVER FORCE ACTIVITY CENTRE FACTS Address: Moorditch Lane, Frodsham Marsh, Frodsham.

WA6 7BT Website: www.hoverforce.co.uk Costs: Varies by activity Suitable for: Varies by activity

Hover Force is Cheshire’s number one Outdoor Activity Centre, and can offer a huge range of adventurous activities, including hovercraft racing, off-road karting, mud buggies, drone racing, axe throwing, archery, crossbow, a shooting range and an experience involving a DTV shredder (a cross between a jetski and a mini-tank). The main activities for children are hovercrafts, off road karting and axe throwing.

Hover Force welcome group activities such as family days out, birthday parties and Stag and Hen activities, but theirs is no need to come with a group, and the organisers we will mix you together with other individuals in groups, depending on the activity you choose.

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FACTS Address: Great House Barn, Rivington Ln, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7SB Website: www.goape.co.uk/locations/ rivington Costs: £28 (10-15) £30 (16+) Suitable for: 10+

GO APE – RIVINGTON Rivington’s rugged hills, picturesque reservoirs, terraced gardens and woodland bustling with wildlife has been a major attraction for visitors for over a hundred years, but the addition of Go Ape has given the location added impetus for adrenaline junkies.

Go Ape Rivington nestles high up in this open and spacious site, and with the 13-metre-high platforms and a free-falling Tarzan Swing, this is the only Go Ape location in the UK to feature a zip wire over water!

SIX

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And once you’ve landed back on terra firma, you can explore the terraced gardens with its hidden paths, caves, structures and lakes, climb the Pike (or Winter Hill) or head over to the Great House Barn and Tearoom for some refreshments.

T OF H

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EST

74

This is the history of the Land Rover Discovery The Discovery has been a core part of Land Rover’s line-up for decades.

Incorporating premium touches and a comfortable interior while retaining the off-road prowess expected from a Land Rover model, it’s little wonder why it has proved so popular over the years.

The most recent Discovery model represents the greatest evolution of the nameplate yet, but to see how it got there it’s worth looking at how things have changed over time. Let’s take a look at the history of the Land Rover Discovery.

1989: The Discovery arrives The late ‘80s proved to be a time when SUVs started gaining in popularity. Though Land Rover already had some offerings in this segment with both the Defender and Range Rover, the firm didn’t have an option between them.

To address this, Land Rover introduced the Discovery.

First revealed at the 1989 Paris Motor Show, the Discovery initially arrived as a three-door model but was quickly offered with a five-door option too. It was facelifted in 1994 while at the same time a stripped-back Commercial version was launched.

1998: The three-door version gets dropped Though the Discovery had been on sale for close to a decade, the second-generation arrived looking more like a mid-life refresh. However, with a comprehensively new chassis and a five-door-only layout, it represented quite the change from the earlier version.

This new model had a greater focus on practicality, which was why the interior was made more spacious than before. Again, Land Rover introduced a facelifted version later on in 2002.

75

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Incorporating a wheelbase that ran close to three metres long, it offered plenty of space for seven people yet was packed with high-end features. Land Rover also fitted it with its most advanced terrain response system to date, which meant that despite the increase in quality the Discovery was no less capable off-road.

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2009: Slicker than ever The fourth Discovery hit the road in 2009 but, in truth, was more of a facelifted ‘3’. The looks remained largely unchanged, though the headlights were more modern in their design while the grille was more complex. Yet these subtle updates ensured the Discovery continued to look fresh.

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2014: Discovery becomes a subbrand The start of the 2010s represented a turning point for SUVs. Gaining in popularity, off-roaders and four-wheeldrive were being snapped up thick and fast, while all manner of manufacturers were producing their own high-riding options.

Land Rover made some big changes to the powertrains available with the Discovery, while a range of special editions was launched. One highlight was the XXV, which was released to celebrate the car’s 25th anniversary in 2014.

During this time Land Rover decided to scrap its Freelander, replacing it with the Discovery Sport – a more compact 4x4 that used the Discovery name to capture some of the premium appeal of the larger model.

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2016: The fifth generation arrives Land Rover revealed its striking fifth-generation Discovery at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, unveiling a car that was substantially different to the car it replaced. Sales kicked off from the start of 2017.

The interior made another shift upmarket, while a range of Jaguar Land Rover’s latest Ingenium engines provided more than enough performance. The level of technology on offer was considerably improved, yet the Discovery’s off-road abilities were retained, thanks to even more complex terrain assistance systems.

Today, the 2021 Discovery update has brought electrified powertrains to the seven-seater, in the form of mildhybrid petrols and diesels.

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78

Grow a herb garden this summer

by Angie Barker

Award Winner

Herbs are some of the easiest plants you can grow – provided you get the conditions right as not all herbs will flourish in the same conditions. Broadly they fall into two groups: those that like it dry and sunny (like me) or those that prefer a little more moisture and can take some shade (like hubby).

Some are evergreen, others not but they are all worth growing and they are good for you, each one having its own beneficial health properties.

Home grown herbs taste SO much better than any shop bought ones. There are a couple of things to think about before starting. Firstly, there is a huge variety to grow but its best to stick to growing what you actually like to eat. For instance it would be a waste of time growing coriander in my garden as hubby doesn’t like it. However, offer him a sprinkle of garlic chives on his egg mayonnaise and he’ll snap your hand off! Secondly, don’t be tempted to site your herb garden at the bottom of the garden. You need easy access from the back door for picking even when its raining. So, which herbs fall into which category.

Those which prefer a well drained soil (ie. add lots of grit and site in a sunny spot) include: Thyme – there is a huge variety to chose from, generally evergreen and very fragrant Sage – again lots of types including variegated varieties, available for picking all year round Rosemary – delicious flavour added to meat dishes

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

Characters requiring a more moist soil include: Parsley - best grown as a hardy annual each year and very useful in the kitchen Mint – great with your Sunday roast and the spearmint variety is even better in a Mojito cocktail. Be aware however that Mint should only ever be planted in a pot. It will take over your entire plot if allowed to Chives – very useful as even the flowers can be added to dishes as a garnish and they look very pretty in the garden There are of course many more to chose from, for instance I’ve not mentioned Basil, which is a popular one but it can only be grown outside in the height of summer as it is tender and likes lots of warm sunshine (again like me).

So there you are, pour yourself a Mojito and give it a go this summer. Cheers!

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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

Award Winner

79

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