Local Life - Wigan - October 2016

Wigan Edition

October 2016

Why Jimmy loves

Wigan

inside: 24 page education special Local News Food & Drink Jack’s Tracks Health & Fitness What’s On Business View...

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Spare a

thought...

T

he excitement and worry of starting a new school year has passed. Children have settled into their new daily academic routines, and no doubt parents everywhere have now moved on and have started planning for Christmas (10 weeks away and counting!).

As the ‘first day at school’ pictures plastered over Facebook fade into the memory though, spare a thought for primary school parents in Shevington who don’t even know whether their child’s school will still be open this time next year.

This is a decision that will affect all the primary school children in Shevington to varying degrees; children at the school earmarked for closure obviously face the most upheaval, but children at the other schools will also be affected too as new entrants join their classes and friendship dynamics change.

No one doubts that councils throughout the UK have to make tough decisions but surely careful planning using relevant statistics could forecast this situation in advance? Timely intervention at that stage could allow a phased closure of a school over a seven year period so that every child entering reception class could stay at their school until the last day of Year 6.

See you next time…

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

Advertising deadline - Thursday 6 October Published - Thursday 20 October Local Life Media

@locallifemedia

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In this issue And there’s

Education

more...

special

43

67

Eat like you’re on

Jack’s Tracks visits

holiday

Dalton

53

95

On the road

Test Drive - Ford

again

Kuga

60

104

Regulars

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

Telephone: 01695 627 999

32 Puzzle Corner

95 Jack’s Tracks

36 Planning

100 What’s On

Sales: Chris Pearce, Nicola Gray

39 Class from the past

108 Garden Diary

Editorial: David Sudworth wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

66 Eating Out Guide

122 View from the lump

Design: Peter Bretherton

Sections 6 Property

92 Legal & Finance

14 Local News

95 Leisure

20 Fashion

99 Pets

48 Business View

104 Motoring

53 Heath & Fitness

108 Gardening

60 Food & Drink

111 Home Services

67 Education

sales@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan

accounts@locallife247.co.uk

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

This issue is delivered to 13,039 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.

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

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

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

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Standish

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Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every eight weeks. If you’re interested, please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Fin-tastic idea!

Shevington Sharks are leading a year-long campaign to get local young people fit. The project, Let’s Get Active With The Sharks, is funded

by Awards For All and recently saw club coaches and open age players delivering classes and after school clubs to Shevington schools. The Sharks also included a daily classroom session where children were taught about healthy eating.

Club chairman Ian Robinson said: “This project is one of many new initiatives that the Sharks are working on to increase participation both in sport and rugby league in the local community”.

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Shevington Bowling Green on Miles Lane closes for winter on Friday, September 30. It reopens next spring, when details of membership fees will be announced by the parish council.

Coffee morning Tunley United Reformed Church, on Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, is hosting a Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning on Friday, September 30, from 10.30am-noon. All welcome.

That’s your lot Bargains galore could be on offer at Standish Labour Club’s auction night on Thursday, October 13. Viewing starts at 5.45pm ahead of the auction, which commences at 6.30pm. For more information, call Alan on 07956 081070.

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More schools

debate

A further round of public consultation will take place before Christmas over plans to close a primary school in Shevington.

Alan Lindsay, assistant director for education at Wigan Council, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the first consultation and shared their views on the future provision of school places in Shevington.

Proposals emerged earlier this year to shut either Millbrook, Shevington Vale or Shevington Community Primary because of falling pupil numbers in the village.

“We have been clear throughout this process that our priority is to secure the highest standards of education for the children of Shevington.

Councillors will meet on Thursday, October 20, to discuss the results of the first round of consultation, which took place in June and July. They’ll then decide whether they wish to move to the next stage of consultation, which would run from November 3-December 1. A final decision would be made on January 26 and that decision would take effect as of September 1, 2017.

Fantastic

“The helpful engagement of individuals and groups from the schools involved and across their communities during this consultation is now being evaluated. Due to the range of information submitted, we have decided to postpone the decision making process, originally planned for August. Therefore a report into the consultation outcomes and any proposals will now go to Cabinet in October.”

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Christmas market

Library jobs reprieve?

Standish is to hold its first ever Christmas market this year. The event, on Saturday, December 3, will run on Market Street from 11 am to 8pm and will feature a range of market stalls, an indoor craft fair from 11am to 5pm, a special Santa’s Grotto, live music and entertainment, a Snowglobe, a Christmas trail around Standish and a beer tent. The event is being held by community group Standish Voice.

For more details, email standishvoiceevents@gmail. com

Closure of West Lancashire libraries may not automatically result in compulsory redundancies.

County council chiefs are hoping that staff affected by the latest round of Lancashire-wide cost-cutting may be able to carry on working for the library service at another location.

Aspull fun day Aspull Rugby Union Club is holding a registration/ fun day on Saturday, September 24, from 11am2pm at Woodshaw Park. Activities include a bouncy castle, barbecue, tuck shop and of course, rugby.

Aspull RUFC is looking for new girls and boys of all ages and abilities to join the teams, and anyone interested is invited to go along.

As Local Life went to press, councillors were deciding whether to rubber-stamp plans to close libraries in Parbold, Up Holland and Burscough, but keep those in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale open. In Chorley, libraries at Eccleston and Coppull were also thought to be safe.

However, a report by Steve Browne, deputy chief executive, said: “. While it is not yet possible to be certain, it may be that, overall, there are sufficient jobs for staff although this is likely to involve some changes in jobs and work bases, which may be for lower graded jobs.”

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Decision

time

Shevington will find out soon whether it has, once again, excelled at the North West and Britain in Bloom competitions.

The winners are expected to be announced in October. Margaret Carter, from Shevington in Bloom, said “Judges seemed very impressed. We would like to thank those volunteers who helped.

Many said the village has never looked better.”

The group is now urging new volunteers to get in touch - call 01257 401997 or e-mail shevingtoninbloom@yahoo.com

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Macmillan Extravaganza

Upgrade on track

The latest Macmillan Extravaganza, organised once again by Kath Maguire, Edith Berry and Anne Hurst,

£150,000 has been pledged for an old pit rail line.

The route, which runs from near Brookfield Road in

takes place at St James’ Social Club on St James Road in Orrell on Friday, September 30, starting at 7pm.

The trio have raised over £50,000 for Macmillan over the last decade and they say this year’s efforts promises to be another memorable evening.

Shevington Moor to the centre of Standish, will be resurfaced and new lighting put in so it can be used all year round. The funding for the upgrade has come from housebuilders in the area.

Entertainment includes the Burscough Ukulele Band, the Chris Woolfenden School of Dance, the vocalist Olivia Garcia from the X Factor.

Home-grown vegetables, cakes, fancy goods and homemade cards will be on sale too. Tickets are £5 via Kath on 01695 721038 or Anne 01942 515409.

Raffle contributions gratefully accepted.

Quiz night

Local history DVDs DVDs of Shevington with Lower Ground’s history are now onsale at £5 each from Shevington Library or via www.traditionalfilms.co.uk

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Latest fashions

Your autumn fashion

forecast

by Katie Wright

T

he last of the sad, unwanted sale items have been cleared away and the first winter coats have landed in stores - on Planet Fashion, autumn is officially here.

This month is easily the most enjoyable in the shopping calendar, but before you go splurging on the first frock that catches your eye in the window, it’s time to cast your mind back to February, when the AW16 catwalk collections were revealed.

Designers took a largely dark turn, as black lace, moody woollens and lashings of velvet ruled the runways. But there was brightness, too, with eye-catching textures and embellishments, and flashes of Eighties excess.

Anthropologie Maurizio High-Neck Blouse, £78; Noelle Tweed Trousers, £118 (www.anthropologie.com

Monsoon Florence Top, £79 (www.monsoon.co.uk)

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SimplyBe Lace Trim Dress, £55 (www.simplybe.co.uk) Little Mistress Zig Zag Dress, £62 (www.little-mistress.com)

Miss Selfridge Maxi Dress, £99 (www.missselfridge.com)

Miss Selfridge Blouse, £35 (www.missselfridge.com)

New Look Velvet Bag, £17.99 (www.newlook.com)

Evans Cape, £70 (in store October; www.evans.co.uk)

Linea Limited V-neck Dress, £99, House of Fraser (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

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Help for flood-hit

area

Generous Wiganers have funded a new rescue boat for use in flood-hit Cumbria.

Members from Wigan’s seven Rotary Clubs Wigan, Hindley, Leigh, Tyldesley, Astley, Golborne, Lightshaw and Ashton - recently presented a £1,800 cheque to the Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team. The boat is specially designed so that it can rescue people from flooded buildings.

Wigan Rotary president Maureen Bilsbrough said: “We all remember the dreadful flooding a few months ago in many parts of the country and particularly in Cumbria. The voluntary services did a magnificent job in very challenging circumstances in helping to rescue local people overwhelmed by the rising waters and this new boat will enable

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Arts and music for Cash raised at an annual festival will be put towards the St Wilfrid’s Organ Appeal Fund.

This year’s Standish St Wilfrid’s Arts & Music Festival takes place between Saturday, October 8 to Saturday, October 15. The programme includes: Saturday, October 8: Church tour starting at 10.30am. Free admission.

Saturday, October 8: Pemberton ‘A’ Old Brass Band, 7.30pm at the church. Refreshments will be available for a donation during the interval.

Admission £5.

Sunday, October 9: Patronal Festival Songs of Praise, with performances by the choirs of St Wilfrid’s, All Saints, Appley Bridge, and St Anne’s, Shevington, followed by light refreshments. From

all 6.30pm.

Monday, October 10: Craft demonstrations from 7:30pm, in St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall. Admission £5.

Tuesday, October 11: Sharon Darby and Age UK Silver Community Choir from 7.30pm. Admission £5.

Wednesday, October 12: Children from St Marie’s, Wood Fold and St Wilfrid’s schools’ performances from 2pm. Admission is free Friday, October 14: Festival Organ Recital from 7.30pm followed by a glass of fizz and canapes.

Admission: £5.

Saturday, October 15: Grand Finale from 7.30pm with Wigan Youth Orchestras. Admission £5.

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Young achievers Do you know a female aged 14-21 who deserves to be recognised for an achievement? Wigan Soroptomists are once again looking for nominations for their Young Achiever Award.

Applications are now being taken for young people who have excelled in one of any number of fields, perhaps caring for others, academic or sporting success, success in the arts or even an act of heroism.

Anyone can make a nomination - but nominees must be aged between 14-21 and they must come from the catchment area of the Soroptomist club, which is anywhere in Wigan borough excluding Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton. Nomination forms can be obtained from yaaward@ymail.com or via http://sigbi.org/wigan/

w e n a t n a W ? e g n e l l a ch

Person Time Sales ires a Part . qu re es d fic Lt 247 rrell of Local Life am at our O growing te n to to join our onth duratio an eleven m permanent of ly al iti in n is to a This positio t may lead nity leave, bu cover mater p long term position. and develo e will build at stomers id cu nd g ca istin sful new and ex The succes ith w ps hi lations business re area. in the Wigan perience will; arketing ex Ideally you le sales & m ab er id ns Have co ion skills communicat Show good IT literacy nt lle ce ex te Demonstra ate; sful candid r the succes We can offe of pay Good rates mmission co d ite im Unl ance ileage allow m s ou Gener

The deadline for applications is Monday, October 24. The winner will have her name engraved on a trophy, will receive an engraved miniature trophy together with a £50 gift card The award will be presented by the Mayor of Wigan.

Acting up Platform Theatre Company is welcoming new members. It meets on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm–9.30pm at The Old Courts, Crawford Street.

Weekly sessions are £5. They will be delivering drama training and rehearsals towards a local theatre production next spring. Contact Martin on 07542 114383 or email martin@greenroomcreative.co.uk for further information or to register your interest.

d?

Interestesallyb@locallife247.co.uk CV to Email your ; to or post 7 Ltd Local Life 24 Business Park itt Unit 8 – Hew d Roa Winstanley Orrell Wigan WN5 7XB

Closing date 14 October 2016

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Tracing war

heroes

A retired priest is looking for locals to help trace relatives of Standish men killed in World War I.

Mr Long said: “I have been compiling a list of all 152 men whose names are on one of the war memorials in Standish; in Peace Gate at St Wilfrid’s, on the village Cenotaph or at St Marie’s Church.

The Rev David Long is undertaking a personal project to compile a list of all 152 men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War, including when and where they died. He has managed to get information for all but 17 men, but he needs information on the following:

“I’ve found details for 135 of them but need help tracing the last few.

Charles F. Absrey; A. Bennett; Frederick Corns; John Fisher; Peter Green; William Hart; Austin G. Heyes; Thomas Hill; Henry Hitchin; Jophn Knowles; Joseph Lewis; Charles Mather; Ernest Parker; Ernest L. Porter; Michael Regan; James Smith and Edmund Wilding.

“If people recognise any of these names, and have any information about them - which Regiment they were in, where and when they died, please get in touch. A file of information I have found so far is available at Standish Library and at St Wilfrid’s Parish Office. Also, if people have photos, medals or mementoes relating to any of the casualties, I would like to photograph or copy them. Eventually, I will produce a booklet with all the information.”

Call 01257 400720 or email david@scars.org.uk

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Tip top homes Homes are set to be built on the old Frog Lane tip site in Wigan. 51 new properties will be erected at the former recycling centre, which has lay vacant since being closed in 2010.

Fashion show Barbara’s of Standish is holding a fashion show on Thursday, September 29, from 7pm for 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, High Street. Tickets are £8.50, including drinks and light refreshments.

Tickets are available from Barbara’s or by telephone from 01942 322353 and 01257 421758.

Up in smoke Wigan smokers quit the deadly habit faster than the national average. Research shows 4,177 people were smoke-free after four weeks, compared to the English average of 2,829. It means now that 81.3 per cent of adults in Wigan do not smoke.

Hospital open day Residents will be able to get a peek behind the scenes during Wrightington Hospital’s open day on Saturday, September 24. The event, held from noon to 4pm, is being held to celebrate the opening of the hospital’s orthopaedic ward. Activities will include tours of the new barn theatre complex, medical demonstratrions, giant games - including Operation, Jenga and Connect 4 - a miltary display, classic cars and stalls including NHS carers, medical information, refreshments, face painting and tombola. There will be free parking for the day at the Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, site. All welcome.

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Tell Us Your Story!

Local Life is always on the look out for news stories from the local communities we serve.

Are you raising money for charity? Are you a member of a community group with something to shout about? Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be appearing in the next edition!

Simply email us at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

Puzzle

Sudoku Answers are on page 110 of this magazine

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corner

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Are you interested

in volunteering?

If you are over 18 years old, can spare one day a week and would like to make a positive difference to people’s lives…

You might just be the person we are looking for!

• Visit and Support families that are in crisis and at risk of incidents of Domestic Abuse • Train to enhance your knowledge and understanding of Domestic Abuse and the different services available to help • Make referrals and appointments so that families are given timely support, to develop healthier relationships

In order to volunteer for this position you will need: • Access to a car & hold a full clean driving licence • Good communication & listening skills • A desire to help other people If you would like to know more about the role then please contact Citizens Advice on 01942 267963 or email Ben Banks on b.banks@wigancab.org

If you have experienced or are experiencing Domestic Abuse, then please seek help by contacting Women’s Housing Action Group on 01942 832360 or the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525 or visit www.endthefear.co.uk

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Lipreading Society Standish Lipreading Society has now resumed its weekly meetings on Mondays from 12.45pm to 2.45pm at Standish Community Centre in Moody Street. If your hearing isn’t what it used to be, go and join this friendly group, and develop your lip reading skills.

The meetings feature lipreading tuition, communication skills, advice and information for the hard of hearing. This is a great opportunity to meet others with hearing problems. Everyone is welcome. For more information ring 01257 472795, 01257 424249 or 01942 223092.

Police pledge Police in Aspull have pledged to tackle a spate of anti social behaviour and crime in the area. Current issues being investigated include off road bikes causing issues at Aspull Rugby Club, the ‘Woochie’ area and St David’s Crescent; increased burglaries in

Aspull and New Springs and an increase in drug use and dealing. If you have any information on these incidents, call police on 101.

Get active A new scheme - Active West Lancs - has been launched in a bid to get people of all ages healthy.

Activities include walks, cookery and gardening. If you live in the West Lancs area and are interested, call Emma Davies on 01695 555804 visit www. activewestlancs.org for more details.

Stalls galore A craft and gift fair is being held on Saturday, November 12, from 10am-3pm at St Anne’s Parish Centre Church Lane, Shevington. Attractions will include a Fair Trade stall, local craft stalls including demonstrations, refreshments and light lunches.

For more information, call Linda Hill on 01257 252496

36

Blooming

marvellous

Cobgratulations to Mr J. Hanson of Larkfield Avenue, Whitley, who recently won a pair of tickets to Southport Flower Show courtesy of Local Life.

His was among those named as winners in the competition, which featured in our last edition.

Other winners were Paula Spiers from Woodlands Drive in Shevington, Wigan; Maureen Derbyshire of Martland Crescent, Wigan; Norman and Dennis O’Donoughue, of Rutland Street, Leigh; P. Dobson of Primula Drive, Lowton; Jannette Worthington of Spawell Close, Lowton; Angela Davidson of Thompson Avenue, Ormskirk; Mrs Grant from Swanpool Lane, Aughton; Alan Moran from Delph Park Avenue; Aughton; .; Beverley Swires of Coppull Hall Lane, Coppull; Sharon Grayston of Cricketers Green in Eccleston; Margaret Horsley of Melrose

Planning Matters Haigh Haigh Hall Golf Shop, School Lane: Change of use to visitor centre including extensions to building together with associated modular toilet block, outdoor terraces and fencing (A/16/82879/LA). A decision is due by October 20.

Standish Land to the rear of 214 Almond Brook Road: Proposal for a detached bungalow with new access (ref: A/16/82489/FULL).

A decision is due by September 26.

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

Gardens in Croston; Geoffrey Swift of Nutgrove Hall Drive in St Helens; Sue Hobin of Easington Road in St Helens and Diane McAuliffe of Widdale Avenue in Rainhill.

Three Towns concert A concert is being performed by Three Towns Operatic Society, at St Marie’s RC Church, Almond Brook Road, Standish, on Friday, November 4.

Organisers say there will be a wide selection of popular choral and solo items. All proceeds will go to local and Third World causes. The event starts at 7.30pm - ticket details can be obtained from the parish office on 01257 423291 or 01257 251674.

Society evening Wigan Music Society presents an evening with The St Nicholas Singers at Trinity United Reformed Church, Milton Grove, Wigan, on Saturday, October 8. It starts at 7.30pm and admission is £ 6 for members or £7 for visitors.

37

38

Beer Festival

Open Weekend

The Reet Good Beer Festival is back for a second year after a successful launch last September.

Wigan Bridge Club are holding, for the first time, an Open Weekend at their Bridgeman Terrace HQ with

Staged at Wigan Youth Zone on Parsons Walk in the town centre, the event will run from Thursday, September 22, to Sunday, September 25. Tickets are on sale now via the Festival’s website: www. reetgoodbeerfest.co.uk/tickets.

sessions of mini-bridge to tempt potential bridge players to give the sport a try. The sessions are free, there’s no obligation to join and they run on Friday, September 30, at 7.30pm; Saturday, October 1, at 10.30am and on Sunday, October 2, at 10.30am and 2pm. Each session is expected to last approximately 2-2½ hours.

As well as beer there will be ciders to sample and also a Prosecco bar. A variety of food stalls will be there plus live entertainment from tribute bands.

Money raised will go to Wigan Youth Zone, and last year the event raised £15,000.

Booking is necessary as each session accommodates just 24 people, but everyone is very welcome, including children if they are accompanied by an adult. For more information, check the website www.bridgewebs.com/wigan or ring Des on 07534 482047.

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Class from the

past

This month’s Class from the Past is from the old Red Rock School It’s believed this photo was taken in the 1930s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing wigannews @locallife247.co.uk

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40

“Injustice” for miners

£226k for old hall

Community leaders are calling for a £3 billion windfall from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme

The building where former Wigan miners’ leader Joe Gormley honed his oratory skills has been sold off by Wigan Council for £226,000. Ashton Town Hall, built in 1876, is to be demolished. The site will be used for a new health centre, which is due to open in 2018.

to be shared with ex-pit workers and their families.

Under a deal made in the 1990s, the Government agreed to underwrite the pension, but in return take a huge chunk of the surplus each year.

Senior Wigan councillor Keith Cunliffe labelled it an “injustice” that the Government would instead receive the money and is calling for MPs to intervene.

He said: “This money is taken from communities least able to afford it, particularly in a former coal mining area with many ex miners.“

Gormley was a local councillor who later became president of the National Union of Mineworkers,.

He led the 1974 strikes which prompted the-then Prime Minister Edward Heath to announce a three day week. Gormley was succeeded by Arthur Scargill in 1982 and entered the House of Lords. He died in 1993, aged 75.

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43

Cricket time

again David Sudworth discovers why Wigan holds a special place in the Irish funnyman’s heart...

T

ell Jimmy Cricket that you’re from Wigan and his eyes light up.

“Ah, great memories of that place... great times playing the clubs. I remember them well, and even the route I used to take to get there.”

His fondness for Wigan is understandable. In the 1970s, well before he became a household name, Jimmy was packing out venues across town.

At 71, his memory is still razor sharp and he can recall some long-forgotten characters of that era.

“I remember a guy called Harry Pemberton who was dressed in khaki and had the initials W.C. on the uniform, which stood for ‘Wigan Cavalry’.” he laughs.

“And of course there was Frank Law, who got me my Wigan shows.”

(c) Andy Hollingworth Archive

Between 1974 and 1979, Jimmy was a familar face in town - and its club scene was almost an industry of its own.

44

“I used to play Upper Morris Street Working Men’s Club in Scholes on a Monday, Scholes Labour Club on a Tuesday and so on. I also appeared at Goose Green Labour Club. I also did the Conservative and British Legion clubs, so that kept everybody happy!

“Some comedians found it difficult working in the Wigan area but I enjoyed them. They just took to me. It could have been the visual humour or the Irish accent. I just got good word of mouth and when I’d turn up, the club would be packed. It did my confidence a power of good.

“At that time, I used props on stage - as I say, I always enjoyed the visual humour - and we managed to get a large pint of Trophy bitter that Whitbread‘s marketing department had been using. Well, while in Wigan we managed to break it. The stage was

“Wigan audiences just took to me” being cleared for the bingo, which was just about to go on, and Frank threw it off, so it cracked. We did manage to patch it up though!”

Jimmy, whose real surname is Mulgrew, finally burst on to the nation’s television screens in his famous wellies in the 1980s. After winning London Weekend Television’s Search For A Star, he was later given his own series, named after his catchphrase And There’s More. But the road to fame wasn’t quick - Jimmy was in his 40s before stardom came knocking.

“When I was a kid in Northern Ireland I entered this talent competition where it was billed as ‘to be judged by a DJ from England’. We can laugh about it now but at that time, having a DJ over from here was a big thing.

“I left school at 16 years old and worked for the next two years in a betting shop. A friend saw a Redcoat job advertised at Butlins and thought I’d be perfect for it I was always acting the fool. I spent the summer of 1966 working as a Redcoat at Butlin’s

45

Jimmy in a recent performance. Photo courtesy of the Andy Hollingworth Archive County Meath followed by two more summers at their Clacton camp. By the early 1970s, Jimmy was living and working in the North West, with stints at Pontin’s in Ainsdale, Southport, and at Morecambe.

Once he hit the big time, the TV appearances came thick and fast, appearing in the 1984 Royal Variety Show and, three years later, he was suprised

by Eamonn Andrews and his big red book for an episode of This Is Your Life. The show was aired the evening before Andrews’ death, making it the last episode he ever saw.

In the 1980s, Jimmy would regularly pack out theatres across the country. His trademark wellies, letters from “mammy” and catchphrases (“And there’s more” and “Come closer”...) went down a treat in an era where ‘clean’ comics were being challenged by a new generation of alternative performers.

He even played along with the odd ruse to ensure maximum publicity for his performances.

“In Southport there was a great guy called Phil King who was the head of tourism. Phil had an idea to get some extra publicity by telling the press that my wellies had been stolen from the Floral Hall theatre.

But it would be alright on the night as they’d be returned just before the show and, as it was around Christmas time, he’d arrange the press to get a picture of Santa presenting them back to me.

An early publicity shot

“The story went everywhere, into the tabloids

46

and I was even interviewed on the radio. Now, the problem is, I’m not a good liar at all so when the presenter asked me whether it was the only pair of wellies I had, I just started waffling!

“A few years ago though, a pair of concrete wellies given to me by Ken Dodd for my 50th were stolen from the garden. I told the police to look for a burglar with a hernia...”

Jimmy continues to perform across the country - in fact he’s heading back to Wigan in October for a function in aid of Wigan & Leigh Hospice. He’s also

“I’m a complete ham - I love being recognised!” got a CD out for Christmas, aptly entitled Santa, Bring My Wellies Back to Me, in aid of Francis House Children’s Hospice and is available via jimmycricket. co.uk And it’s those famous wellies which were recently captured by photographer Andy Hollingworth, who has worked with stars such as Ricky Gervais, Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry. I wonder whether there’s a chance that, one day, Jimmy will pack away his wellies for good? “No, I just love the creative process, I love writing - I’ve workshopped one called Maloney’s Big Moment, which Bill

Kenwright, the theatre producer, is thinking about.

I also love the interaction with fans. I take a book to shows in which they write their names, addresses and birthday, so I can send them a card. I do a batch about once a week - it’s just a little PR thing but they like it. And besides, I wouldn’t give it up because I’m a complete ham - I’d be gutted if nobody recognised me in Tesco!”

As we depart, I ask Jimmy whether he’d like a lift home just outside Rochdale, but he opts for the fresh air and exercise: “It’s not far away and it keeps me fit.” A comedian by trade, but even at 71, with his boundless energy and enthusiasm Jimmy Cricket clearly isn’t joking when he says: “And there’s more...”

Jimmy stars at the Wigan & Leigh Hospice Fundraisers at St James’ Social Centre, Orrell, on Friday, October 14. Tickets are £12 from St James on 01695 623902 or from Frank Mernagh on 01942 309760.

(c) Andy Hollingworth Archive

47

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Business view

Self-Assessment in time saves

fines!

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

S

ummer holidays are now over and it’s a good time to be looking at completing your tax return for year end 05 April 2016.

There are a number of benefits to completing your return early, by 31 October, instead of leaving this until the end of the year:

Self-employment is soaring as research shows that it is at is highest level since records began. However, Self-Assessment isn’t solely for the self-employed.

You may have a permanent job but earn some selfgenerated income on the side such as selling goods on ebay or at a car boot sale. If you are making more than £2,500 annually then you’ll need to complete a tax return.

1. Paper returns can still be submitted before 31 Oct and HMRC will calculate what tax you owe.

Remember, there’s an automatic penalty of £100 for those who don’t complete their return on time and after 3 months this increases to £10 per day!

You need to register for self-assessment by 5th October 2016 and if you are completing your tax return on paper, it needs to be with the taxman by 31st October 2016. If you are doing your returns online, then they need to be sent by 31st January 2017, which is also the deadline for the payment of any tax due.

Not everyone needs to complete a return, but here are the main reasons why you might need to: :: Anyone who is self-employed, that is they are not employed and pay income tax via PAYE. :: If you receive rental income from a property. :: Company directors must complete a return. :: You have received income from overseas such as pensions that are liable to UK tax.

2. If you owe any tax on your 2015/16 income and this is below £3,000, HMRC can amend your next year’s tax code.

3. If you are self-employed, the earlier you know your tax liability, the more time you have to plan your payments.

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50

Tickets

available

Tickets are now on sale for seventh annual Wigan Expo which takes place on Friday, October 7.

- Informative range of Seminars throughout the day

The event, at Robin Park Sports & Tennis Centre, is set to draw more than 1,000 visitors and over 140 businesses in what is one of the largest shows of its type in the North West.

- Meet the Buyers area

It’s free to attend the event and organisers say the benefits of attending include: - Business to Business Exhibition - Meet the Experts - opportunity to get free advice on a range of business issues

- Opportunity to Speed Network - making new contacts fast

Networking opportunities throughout the day If you would like more information, book a stand or support the event with one of the sponsorship packages, visit www. wiganbusinessexpo.co.uk, email expo@wigan.gov. uk or call the expo team on 01942 489190

Markets income down Income from market rents in Wigan is down £100,000 against budget for the first quarter of 2016. A report says that a combination of rent arrears and vacant stalls is to blame for the shortfall.

Market bosses highlighted particular problems with letting stalls at Wigan market, which they believe will continue for the rest of the year.

Some residents and stallholders have criticised the council’s rents strategy, which they say isn’t attractive enough to lure in new traders. Weekly stall charges at Wigan Market Hall, based on those made available recently, range from £64 to over £360. At Leigh, the most expensive available stall recently was just short of £200.

Businesses warned over flytipping Businesses which dump waste in West Lancashire could be slapped with a £200 fine. An amendment to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which came into force recently allows the council to issue fixed penalty notices. The council hopes the new fixed penalties will reduce the number of cases that go to court and this will reduce the amount of time spent preparing for court and allow officers to carry

out more visible patrols looking for offences. Flytippers who don’t pay the fixed penalty notices will be taken to court., say council officials.

Environment chief Cllr Kevin Wright said: “This is a serious offence which creates eyesores on our local landscape. These fixed penalty notice fines are an extra string to the council’s bow as we look to clamp down on this problem.”

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£250k for homes

Construction invite

Eight properties on the new Bloor Homes development off Pepper Lane in Standish are set

Wigan building firms companies are being encouraged to attend a summit on Thursday, November 3. The Wigan, Bolton and Bury Construction Breakfast Meeting is being held at Whites Hotel, Macron Stadium, De Havilland Way, Bolton, from 8am. Organisers say it will be led by private sector companies with support from Greater Manchester Chamber, Wigan Council, Bury Council and Bolton Council to help businesses in the region benefit from construction opportunities in their area.

to be bought by Wigan Council. The authority is set to spend over £250,000 on the two and three bedroom properties and then offer them out to rent as affordable housing. A decision is likely to be made by the end of September.

Whelan eyes up gyms Wigan business tycoon Dave Whelan is reportedly interested in taking over Fitness First gyms. It’s believed Whelan will use his firm DW Sports to take over the UK businesses of the gym chain for around £70m. The 79-year-old’s business career started on Wigan market selling groceries.

A spokesman said: “By working with the public sector, we want to help businesses in all areas understand what opportunities are available and how the tendering process works. The event will focus on the development and construction opportunities in the three boroughs and will feature presentations on specific projects.”

The event is chaired by Steve Williamson from F Parkinson Ltd. To register, visit www.gmchamber. co.uk

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53

Health & Fitness

Eat like you’re on

holiday

By Lisa Salmon

I

It’s a well-known fact that eating a Mediterranean diet has numerous health benefits. But according to new research, it’s also more likely to help weight loss than a low-fat diet.

A study by the University of Barcelona revealed an unrestricted-calorie Mediterranean diet, high in olive oil, led to participants losing a small amount of weight over five years - an average of 0.88 kg (1.9 pounds), compared to people eating a similar diet rich in nuts, who lost 0.40 kg (0.88 pounds),

and people on a low-fat diet, who were 0.60 kg (1.3 pounds) lighter.

It may only be a small amount of weight, but as it was lost on an unrestricted-calorie diet, the study suggests Mediterranean eating could be the best way to go - particularly when you consider the diet’s proven health benefits, including a reduced risk of developing heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes, as well as having improved brain power.

So how do you eat Mediterranean? While it’s a diet that’s generally rich in fresh fruit, vegetables,

54

wholegrains, nuts, beans, fish and olive oil, here are some more specific tips...

BE HEALTHY WITH YOUR FAT Try to use olive oil for cooking and baking, instead of margarines and butter. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat, but polyunsaturated fats from nuts, seeds and oily fish are also included. A key element of the Mediterranean diet is omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, flax seed, walnuts and pulses.

EAT YOUR GREENS Eat as many vegetables as possible, in a range of colours to maximise antioxidants and vitamins.

REDUCE RED MEAT Cut down on red meat and consume protein from skinless chicken and turkey, fish, beans, nuts and other plants.

GO FOR GRAINS Make sure your bread, pasta, rice and grains are wholegrain. Try grains like oats, quinoa and barley.

SNACK ON SEEDS Snack on seeds, nuts, whole fruits and unprocessed foods, instead of biscuits, cakes and crisps.

KEEP BOOZE INTAKE LOW Keep alcohol consumption low to moderate, and try to only drink with food.

Benefits of a mediterranean diet :: A Mediterranean diet can cut the long-term risk of heart disease by half, research shows. A Greek study of more than 2,500 adults found those who closely followed a traditional Mediterranean diet were 47% less likely to develop heart disease than those who didn’t. The reduced risk may be linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. :: Research also suggests the Med diet can help reduce the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes as it promotes better control of blood glucose levels and can help lower obesity. :: It may protect against breast cancer.

55

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:: Reduces the risk of womb cancer by more than half. :: Helps reduce obesity and its complications, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. :: Helps reduce brain shrinkage - a US study of 674 people with an average age of 80 showed that those following a Mediterranean-like diet had larger brains. :: Can help preserve memory and thinking abilities. :: Reduced risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. :: Reduced risk of depression. :: Less inflammation, a risk factor for heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. :: A 20% reduced risk of death at any age - due mainly to the decreased incidence of heart disease and cancer.

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60

Food & Drink

On the road

again

By Jeananne Craig

H

airy Bikers Dave Myers and Si King were determined to throw themselves into the action while their BBC Two road trip series Northern Exposure even if that meant a spot of wife-carrying.

The pair circumnavigated the vast Baltic Sea for the six-part series, which saw them biking and exploring the cuisine of countries including Poland, Sweden, Russia and Finland, where King was persuaded to indulge in a favourite local sport.

“Dave said: ‘I think he would like a go at the wifecarrying’, and I went: ‘Pardon me, WHAT?’” King recalls.

“I disappeared down the boardwalk with this very light and lovely lady attached to my neck going: ‘See you later lads, I am not coming back!’”

The trip had been in the pipeline for a few years, but had to be put on hold after King received emergency treatment for a life-threatening brain aneurysm in 2014.

Today, the 49-year-old dad-of-three is recovering well - although he admits he does have to keep an eye on his fatigue levels, given the high-energy nature of the Bikers’ work.

Myers, meanwhile, says getting back on the road with his pal was “magic... like putting on a pair of comfy shoes” “We’re not trained chefs and we haven’t got a restaurant, but we’ve had the most incredible opportunities to experiment with food,” says Myers.

“It transcends friendship, he’s like my brother. We love each other’s mad foibles,” says King.

“Life brings surprises on a constant daily basis; those surprises are there to make you stronger. You have big life changes, you do, and we know that if either one of us go through that, we will be there to catch each other.”

Want to try some recipes from the Hairy Bikers at home? Here are three from their cookbook, The Hairy Bikers’ Meat Feasts.

The Hairy Bikers’ Meat Feasts is published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, priced £22 hardback, eBook £12.99.

61

Ham and pea

soup

Method Soak the peas overnight in a big bowl of cold water with a pinch of bicarbonate of soda - bicarb helps to soften pulses.

Put the ham hock in a large saucepan, cover it with cold water and bring to the boil. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and drain, discarding the water.

Rinse the ham hock and the saucepan to get rid of any starchy foam that may have accumulated.

Put the hock back in the pan and cover with 1.5-2L of water. Add the onion with cloves, the bay leaves and mace to the pan. It’s a good idea to tie them all in a piece of muslin, but it’s not essential. Just remember they’re there and remove them before blending the soup. Bring the water to the boil and simmer for an hour.

Serves 4-6 Ingredients 300g split peas (green are traditional for this Finnish recipe, but yellow are fine) Pinch of bicarbonate of soda 1 small ham hock 1 onion, stuck with 2 cloves 2 bay leaves 1 blade of mace 1 onion, diced 1 carrot, diced 1tbsp hot mustard 100ml whipping or double cream (optional) Freshly ground black pepper

Drain the split peas and rinse them well. Put them in a separate saucepan, cover with water and bring them to the boil, then boil hard for 10 minutes. Drain and add the split peas to the pan with the ham hock, along with the diced onion and carrot. Simmer until the peas are tender - this will take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Check the water level regularly and add a little extra if necessary - the soup shouldn’t be too thick.

Using tongs, fish the ham hock out of the pan and remove the onion, bay leaves and mace. Set the ham aside until it’s cool enough to handle, then break it up, pulling the meat into pieces and discarding the skin and bone.

Add the mustard to the soup, check the seasoning and add some black pepper to taste - you shouldn’t need any salt because of the ham. Blend to a rough puree - a quick whizz with a stick blender is all you need then add some of the ham to the soup and warm it through. Lightly whip the cream, if using, and gently fold it into the soup, then garnish with the remaining ham and serve.

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Taste test

Dining

excellence G

ive me a choice between dining at a large establishment and a smaller one, I’ll take the smaller one every time. Proportionally, you’re a bigger part of their trade, so they generally go all out to impress you so that you will return. And so it showed at the Stocks Tavern in Parbold. These guys take their food extremely seriously. The Stocks has just undergone a complete interior and exterior refurbishment, and is now owned by a Parbold couple who enjoy dining there so much – they bought the place!

Perusing the assorted menus at the Stocks, it soon becomes apparent just how serious the Stocks are about food. A dedicated menu for Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free customers is substantial, the children’s menu is impressive and the Early Bird menu is surprisingly all-inclusive, instead of the usual low-rent choices seen in many places.

It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a full English so I opted to start with the Black Pudding and Bacon Fritter. The fritter was exquisite, a crunchy exterior enveloping a medium soft flavoursome black pudding and bacon filling. This was presented on sweet and tasty house baked beans which were fused with onions, bacon bits and fresh tomatoes, and topped with a soft fried egg which was cut to shape and well-seasoned too.

When dining out like this, I always swap over with my dining partner mid-dish, in this case – a Smoked Salmon and Prawn Tian. The contrast between the two dishes was quite remarkable; the fish dish was bound in a citrus mayonnaise which brought out the tangy light taste of the salmon and prawns. This quite delicious dish was accompanied by petit salad which added extra texture.

Though completely different, these were exceptionally good, well presented and innovative starters which displayed perfectly the culinary talents on offer at The Stocks.

We moved quickly onto the main courses, and I tucked into a Pan-Seared Salmon fillet, on a base of roasted pepper and lemon risotto. Beautifully crisped on top, salmon

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flaked away perfectly amidst a torrent of seasoning provided by the salsa verde dotted around the plate.

The creamy risotto, slightly al dente, tasted heavenly.

Risotto is a favourite but is often overshadowed on any menu I’m presented with. However, twinned with this delicious salmon and asparagus it stood out as a star in a fairly stellar menu.

Good as this was however, my mouth was watering with the prospect of trying out the Beef Brisket which my partner was eagerly tucking into. When the leftovers came my way, I was faced with an eight hour slow braised beef brisket, with horseradish mash, and a side medley of vegetables. If capital punishment ever returns to the UK and I’ve been convicted, when I’m asked for my last meal request – it will be this Beef Brisket!

No need to bring along your falsies along to the Stocks, this brisket epitomises the phrase ‘melt in your mouth’, and a mouthful of the beef with the mash and the awesome roast garlic and thyme jus is simply sublime. The mash is perfect, not overpowered by the horseradish, and to top it all, the carrots, cauli and mange tout vegetables were cooked perfectly too. the dessert menu consists of a simple selection of homemade dishes and ice creams. After a suitable rest, we opted just to share a homemade Bakewell Tart, with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis. An

Whilst a decade or so ago, a trip to Parbold rarely involved calling at the Stocks, which had a bit of reputation as the bad boys pub. Since then, it’s undergone a complete metamorphosis and this is now a centre of dining excellence – no trip to Parbold is complete without visiting the Stocks.

Check out the reviews on Trip Advisor and book your trip today!

FREE WINE

OFFER!

Free bottle of our Wine of the Week when two diners order 3 courses from our Early Bird menu Offer only applies Tues & Weds 5-9pm, Thursday 5-6.30pm, Sunday 12-4pm

#

Thankfully, after an amazing starter and main course,

excellent choice as it happens, but like every dish we chose on the day, it was presented professionally and tasted divine.

Booking essential – please bring voucher Offer ends on 18/11/2016

The Stocks Tavern, 16 Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN Telephone 01257 462874 www.thestockstavern.co.uk

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Corned beef

hash

Method

Serves 2 - 4 Ingredients 600g floury potatoes, diced 1tbsp oil or 15g dripping or butter 1 large onion, chopped 400g corned beef, chopped (homemade ideally, but you can also use canned) 1tbsp tomato ketchup 1tsp Dijon mustard A dash of Worcestershire sauce 2tbsp finely chopped parsley Flaked sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Fried eggs, for serving (optional)

Put the potatoes in a saucepan and add water to cover them. Bring the water to the boil, then add salt and simmer for two to three minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

Heat the oil, dripping or butter in a large frying pan. Add the onion and fry gently until it has until softened and is turning a golden-brown. Add the potatoes and the corned beef, then press the mixture down in the pan with a spatula and leave it to cook for five minutes.

Add enough water to the ketchup, mustard and Worcestershire sauce to make a pourable mixture, then add this to the corned beef and potato. Add the parsley and season with pepper - be careful with salt as the corned beef will already be salty - then stir. The underside should have started to turn a deep goldenbrown.

Continue to cook, stirring and pressing down the mixture, until it is all completely heated through, the potatoes are tender, and a lot of the mixture has taken on some colour. Good served with fried eggs.

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Eating out

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

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

The Simms Road Inn Homemade pub food classics made with locally sourced produce - featuring our award winning Steak & Ale pie, supplemented with cask ales and quality wines from around the world. Food served every lunch and dinner.

01744 894246 Garswood, WN4 0XH burtonandrew55@yahoo.com

The Stocks Tavern Warmest and friendliest of welcomes with award winning chef Mike Heap, who uses only the finest, freshest, local ingredients to ensure you leave completely satisfied.

01257 462874 16, Alder Lane, Parbold, WN8 7NN thestockstavern.co.uk

Advertise

here £30 + VAT

Call 01695 627999

The Paddock

Lovels Bistro

Informal dining in Wrightington.

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

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

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

We’re more than just a great wedding venue.

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

Degrees of

learning 24 page education special

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Learning

curve

W

elcome to Degrees of Learning - the Local Life guide to all things educational in your local area. Each edition will be brimming with ideas, support, interesting features and most importantly, information to guide you in making the right decisions for your child’s education or enhancing your own.

We will be discussing useful topics covering everything from tips to beating the back-to-school costs to dates for college open days and adult education courses. So whether you are a parent looking to cut costs when it comes to the kids or parents of a school leaver looking for their next step – we will have the information right here!

We will also be bringing you all the local open event information. So if your child has finished school and they’re not sure what to do next, then have a look at some of the colleges that are advertising open events – there are hundreds of full and part time courses on offer from traditional A-Levels to Public Services, Hospitality & Catering and Engineering.

Features 69 The family way 71 Dyslexia 73 Six of the best science gadgets 75 Apprenticeship schemes 77 Speak out about bullies 82 WCPSD teaching 87 Follow in Ed’s footsteps 90 Diary dates Pre-School 70 Parbold Douglas 72 Little Acorns

2 - 4 years 2 - 4 years

Primary School 73 Parbold Douglas 76 Appley Bridge All Saints 79 Maharishi 83 Bolton School

Individual Tuition 70 Haywood House 71 Ed4All 86 Music Projects

78 81 80

Secondary School Hindley High School Abraham Guest Shevington High

75 84 88 89

Further Education & Apprenticeships Pro Co St John Rigby College Wigan & Leigh College Winstanley College

Teacher Training 82 WCPSD

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The family

A

way

s September dawns, parents will be turning their minds to feeding their children during the new school year - and many of them will be opting for packed lunches.

Research shows around 57% of children don’t eat school lunches, meaning many parents are facing the daily chore of buying and preparing packed lunches for their kids.

Indeed, a new survey has found that more than half (55%) of mothers would rather their child has a packed lunch, and six out of 10 mums (66%) think a lunchbox is a healthier alternative to school food.

However, 61% of the mothers questioned for the Organix No Junk Challenge Lunchbox Campaign said they found it difficult to make their child’s lunchbox varied and interesting, and 57% said they needed more advice on what should go in a child’s lunchbox.

will use jam or chocolate spread because they know their child will eat it. But there’s no fibre in the white bread, and no protein in the filling, and that combined lack of sustenance means kids are likely to have a burst of energy which might last while they’re running round the playground at lunchtime, but they’ll be suffering an hour or two after that.”

And that’s where The Lunchbox Doctor can help.

Jenny Tschiesche runs The Lunchbox Doctor website to provide recipes, lunchbox ideas and nutrition advice, and is supporting the No Junk Challenge, which aims to encourage parents to cook with fresh natural ingredients and to challenge the food industry to remove the ‘junk’ from children’s food.

She says that as well as the white bread sandwich, children are often given crisps and a sweet bar, sometimes covered in chocolate, or a dried fruit and cereal bar. She believes we’ve been led to believe these cereal bars are a much healthier prospect, but often the bars have more sugar in them than the sugary cereals.

She says: “We don’t have to put things in lunchboxes when they’re not ideal for our children. Parents can produce something for the same price, or less, than a school meal, using ‘real’ food, and it can be better nutritionally.”

Tschiesche, a mother-of-two, points out that many children’s lunchboxes also contain yoghurts, but says these often contain ingredients parents might not want their kids to have, such as sugar or artificial sweeteners, colourings and flavourings. All of it’s targeted at convenience. If you’re a parent, you’re busy by definition, and many products say ‘ideal for lunchboxes’. That can mean it’s attractive and colourful for the child, and simple to pack, but it doesn’t mean it’s ideal for your child’s health,

The Organix survey found that sandwiches are the lunchbox staple for 81% of children, and Tschiesche says the typical school lunchbox consists of a white bread sandwich, often with a sweet filling like jam, rather than a protein filling.

“It’s a common mistake to use white bread, and also to not use a protein filling,” she says. “A lot of parents

wellbeing and sustenance.

The survey also found that nearly all mums (97%)

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want more healthy options for lunchboxes for their children, and 87% think the food industry needs to do more to provide healthy, nutritious food for children.

Instead of processed ‘ideal for lunchbox’ products, Tschiesche suggests parents use “real food” like carrot batons, baby sweetcorn, cucumber sticks or cherry tomatoes, with cream cheese or houmous, as children are much more likely to eat vegetables if they’ve got something to dip them in to.

Crackers or oatcakes are also healthy, easy-to-dip alternatives to bread. And if it has to be a sandwich, go for a protein filling such as egg, cheese, ham, tuna or houmous, with a vegetable like tomato or cucumber. Use wholemeal bread if possible, or try pitta bread or wraps.

Another suggestion is chopping an apple into segments so it’s easier for children to eat, and then putting it back together in its original shape with an elastic band round it, which will help stop the inside

going brown. A further idea is to make a warm meal like pasta with pesto, baked beans with cheese, or soup with bread, and put it in a wide-necked flask.

And instead of sugary, flavoured yoghurts, try buying natural yoghurt and adding fruit puree.

As for the chocolate biscuit bars and crisps that children often nag for, Tschiesche advises, “Let them have the odd bar occasionally, but give them a smaller version of it, and explain why. Or make your own sweet foods, because you know what you’ve put in it.”

She suggests parents can make putting packed lunches together more fun for kids through lunchbox bingo, where children design their own nutritionally-balanced packed lunches, ticking off the important food groups - protein, carbohydrate, calcium, fruit, vegetable and a drink - on a homemade food ‘bingo card’.

For more information on the No Junk Challenge, visit www.organix.com/nojunk

Hayward House Tuition

“10th best performing school in the country, Daily Telegraph 2014”

Extra-curricular activities include: Guitar, Football, French, Spanish, Rugby, Dance, Gymnastics

And Dyslexia Services Mary Hayward, PG Dip SEN, Dip SpLd, Cert SpLd, C.a.s.e, Cert Ed, AMBDA Consultant for those experiencing education difficulties and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) anywhere in the UK

Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Screening Please come and visit us: Duggies before/ after school club 7.45am-6pm

Located within Parbold Douglas C of E Academy

“Teachers are friendly, interested in the children, ever helpful & always eager to help your child with anything”

01257 462199 Nursery@pda.lancs.sch.uk

‘Thank You Mary. People with your skills and knowledge are hard to find.’ Headteacher, West Lancs primary school, May 2016 ‘Many thanks Mary, we are really pleased with how they have both developed over the last 12 months and you have played a big part of that development.’ Parent, Helmshore, July 2016

Contact through enquiry form on website. www.haywardhousetuition.co.uk or email: haywardhousetuition@yahoo.co.uk

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Tackling

dyslexia

D

yslexic people are likely to find learning skills like reading and writing much harder than other people, but they can be helped by careful, systematic teaching.

That’s according to the Dyslexia Association, a registered charity established in 1971 to provide support for dyslexic children and adults. It says there are well-established methods for teaching reading and writing to dyslexic people, and with patience and hard work, they are effective.

A spokesman said: “Dyslexic children learn most easily if their difficulty is identified early, and appropriate teaching methods are introduced, but it’s never too late to start. Dyslexic adults, teenagers and older children benefit from understanding their own individual learning style and pattern of strengths and weaknesses. That way, they can study and work in a way which is most likely to be successful. They can learn strategies appropriate to their learning style.”

For more information, visit ww.dyslexia.uk.net

Wigan Dyslexia Centre Now providing

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) support for Dyslexia and/or Autism Go to

www.dsa-qag.org.uk to find your local non-medical helper (nmh): Liz Hiney

For more details...

Email: enquiries@ed4all.co.uk Phone: 0786 792 4813

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Quality childcare you can trust!

Nursery places are available for children aged 2 up to preschool age

Our beautiful rural setting is a happy, safe & vibrant place for your child to be

We are open from 8am-5.30pm and flexible sessions are available

All staff members are fully qualified and have excellent knowledge & understanding of child development, care, learning & play

We have introduced a new woodwork area which supports all areas of your child’s development whilst learning about keeping themselves safe by using real tools. Grandad’s like it too!

Ofsted rates us as

‘outstanding’ Little Acorns Nursery Finch Lane Appley Bridge WN6 9DT for more information about Little Acorns Nursery visit our website on www.littleacorns-daynursery.com

01257 252647

01257 252647

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Six of the best: Science A breath of fresh air CleanSpace Tag, £75, from store.clean.space This nifty smartphone-sized gadget will help science fans with an interest in environmental issues. Created by former Labour Science Minister, Lord Drayson, it monitors the pollution levels you come face-to-face with. Download the corresponding app and connect the tag to your phone via Bluetooth, then off you go. If you’re walking, running or riding your bike in areas that are orange (not good) or red (terrible air), you’ll be encouraged to try different routes to take in good air (green).

gadgets into your PC and then install the CD-Rom onto your computer. Once that’s up and running, it’s worth just having a little play around with the software so you can get to grips with it and choose your preferences.

Then, it’s a case of pointing the microscope at the item you want to study, turning the focus wheel until it’s clear and then either taking a photo or video of it (using the software). You’ll need to jot down the magnification ratio so you can examine the item in closer detail on your computer.

It’s straightforward to use, small enough to keep in a desk drawer when not in use and will get children and adults alike interested in science.

In addition to the health benefits, there’s another incentive to take ‘green’ routes. For every clean mile that you notch up, you’ll be given reward points which can be exchanged for treats - for example a voucher to use at a gym.

On top of all of this, it uses Freevolt which harvests energy around us emitted by broadcast waves, 3G, 4G and WiFi - so there are no batteries to change.

Great scope USB Digital Microscope with 400x Magnification,

Funded places available from aged 2 Outdoor Provision Free hot lunch “We are more than pleased with all aspects of nursery life”

“Nurturing ethos, varied and additional activities offered (mulitsports/drama)”

£39.99, from www.maplin.co.uk Who needs gigantic (and expensive) microscopes when this little gizmo will do the job easily?!

First things first, you’ll need to pop the USB connecting the device

Open 51 weeks of the year Mon-Fri: 7.45am-6pm Please come and visit!

Located within Parbold Douglas C of E Academy

01257 462007

admin@pda.lancs.sch.uk

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Hit the lab Tronex Amazing 144+ Science Lab Electronic Kit, £29.99, from www.maplin.co.uk

Circuit training Project Mc2 Circuit Beats, £22.49, from www. smythstoys.com Don’t think dolls can inspire children to get into science? The Project Mc2 girls will change your mind. Created to show that it’s cool to love tech and science, there are four characters: McKeyla, who’s into literature, ‘culinary chemist’ Adrienne, queen of technology Bryden and finally Camryn, who’s into construction. Like any doll set, there are accessories to play with and something that’s particularly suited to the Bryden’s out there is this toy. Children can create their own electrical circuit which turns everyday objects into musical instruments - for example, a piece of fruit (when the wire connects to an object it completes the circuit). Music is played through speakers on a cat ear headband.

Full of energy Ravensburger Science Maxi Fueling Future Cars, currently priced £26.80, from www.amazon.co.uk We’re constantly being warned that the world’s oil supplies are depleting and that when it comes to motors, electric cars are the future. So why not encourage the next generation of engineers? This science kit (suitable for ages eight and over) gives children the task of putting an electric motored car together (they may well need the help of an adult for parts).

Along the way they get to conduct experiments there’s even a super capacitor to store energy in.

Science kits have always been a popular educational toy for children, and this one, which focuses on electronics, will be just as well received as the traditional type. Suitable for those aged eight and over, it’s packed with capabilities - 144 to be specific! You can make a fan fly, create music and even make a doorbell sound - just pop in some AA batteries and use the accompanying wires to connect the various sections. The board itself is bright and flashy - perfect for catching children’s attention and, most importantly, they won’t even realise they are learning!

Out of this world Universe2go - The Personal Planetarium, £69, from www.universe2go.com Whether you live in an area where light pollution restricts your viewing of the night sky, or you can’t bear to wait until darkness falls, this viewer makes learning about space as easy as Pi! Download the Universe2go app and pop your phone into the device. Then, look through the viewer and, as you move your head, you’ll see constellations and planets right in front of you. Hover above them and you’ll be told (as long as your volume’s turned on) all about them. Control the device via head movements - a swipe down will bring you to the menu where there are different level options.

Galaxies may be far, far away, but with this gizmo, they are right in front of your eyes.

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Apprenticeship

schemes

There are many options open to pupils when they finish their GCSE’s.

They could choose to study subjects that could lead to University, vocational qualifications or take up an apprenticeship.

1,500 job roles – anything from engineering to boat-building or veterinary nursing to accountancy.

Apprenticeships are a popular choice for people who wish to train while they work. By taking on an apprenticeship, traineeship or supported internship, you can receive hands on training whilst gaining a qualification at the same time.

A supported internship is a scheme just for students with learning difficulties or learning disabilities who want to get a job and need extra support to do this.

This would see you working for an employer and training to do a specific job at the same time. There are over 280 types of apprenticeships for more than

A traineeship gets you ready for work or for doing an apprenticeship. They usually last from six weeks to six months and provide essential work preparation training, literacy and numeracy skills and work experience to get an apprenticeship or other job.

They last for at least six months and are unpaid. You will get work experience and training for a specific job role from an employer – you also get to study for qualifications or other courses to help you get ready to take up a job.

Looking for an apprenticeship?

• Animal Care

• Joinery

• Beauty Therapy

• Motor Vehicle

• Brickwork

• Maintenance Operations

• Business Administration

• Plastering

• Engineering

• Plumbing

• Hairdressing

• Veterinary Nursing

Prescott Street, Wigan, WN6 7DD Montrose Skills Hub, Montrose Ave, Wigan, WN5 9XL Central Park, Montrose Ave, Wigan, WN5 9XN Call: 01942 488 500 Email: recruitment@proconw.co.uk

www.proconw.co.uk

@ProCoNW

ProCo NWLtd.

@ProCo_NW

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Speak out about

bullies A

third of children reported being bullied in the last 12 months, and half of them don’t tell anyone about it. But as a new survey to mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week (November 14-18) reveals more than a quarter of young people bullied in school say it impacts their mental health, and that they experience anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, the Anti-Bullying Alliance is urging young people, parents and teachers to Make a Noise About Bullying.

Lauren Seager-Smith, national coordinator for the Anti-Bullying Alliance, says: “What has come across really strongly from both young people and adults is that young people need support to talk about bullying.

“About half of young people don’t report bullying to anyone when it’s happening, which is a really serious issue. We can’t just have young people speaking out without teachers responding appropriately, and parents being supported around the conversations with their children about bullying and what they should do.”

So make a noise this anti bullying week and do your bit to stamp bullying out. The key aims of the week are: • To empower children to make a noise about bullying, whether it’s happening to them or to someone else, face-to-face or online.

• To help parents have conversations with their children about bullying, both as a way of preventing it, and to help children who are worried.

• To encourage ‘talking schools’ where all children are given a safe space to discuss bullying and

other issues, and are supported to report all forms of bullying.

• To equip teachers to respond effectively when children tell them they’re being bullied.

• To raise awareness of the impact of bullying on children’s lives if they don’t tell anyone it’s happening, with a focus on the impact on mental health.

While more than 16,000 children are absent from school at any one time because of bullying, over half of six to 15-year-olds don’t know how to get help if they’re being bullied. This is compounded by the fact the Anti-Bullying Alliance survey found that teachers and GPs feel ill-equipped to support children with mental health issues related to bullying.

Bullying is strongly linked to eating disorders, self-harm and suicide, and being a bullying victim increases the risk of being depressed later in life by more than half. And it’s not just the victims who feel the weight of bullying, as the bullies themselves are 30% more likely to become depressed as adults.

Seager-Smith says that, in the past, there’s been a tendency to provide more services for victims of bullying than interventions with children who bully.

But now restorative approaches, where bullies meet their victims in a controlled environment and the devastating impact of their actions is much more

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evident, are being used very effectively.

“Restorative approaches work, if a child bullies at school and is then excluded, they’re being punished but not learning about the impact of their behaviour, what needs to change and why.

“The benefit of a restorative approach is that the child understands the damage that’s been caused and what needs to change, which is also much more helpful for the person on the receiving end of the bullying.”

TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS • If your child is being bullied, don’t panic. Explain that the bullying isn’t their fault and together you’ll sort it out.

• Bullying should always be taken seriously, and it’s never your child’s fault if they’ve been bullied.

• Try and establish the facts. It can be helpful to keep a diary of events, and if the bullying is online, save or copy images and text.

Hindley High School

• Find out what your child wants to happen. Help to identify steps you can take; and the skills they have to help sort out the situation. Make sure you always keep them informed about any actions you decide to take.

• You may be tempted to tell your child to retaliate, but this can have unpredictable results. Your child might get into trouble or get even more hurt. Instead, role play non-violent ways they can respond to the bullies. Show them how to block or unfriend people if the bullying is online and help them identify other friends or adults that can support them.

• Encourage your child to get involved in activities that build their confidence and esteem, and help them to form friendships outside school (or wherever the bullying is taking place).

For more information about Anti-Bullying Week, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Adult Community Classes

ENROLMENT 13th & 14th September 2016, 6pm - 8pm

• Look good, feel great, make-up like a model!

• Intro to counselling for stress and anxiety • Intro to web design (ideal for small businesses) • Intro to holistic therapies (a taste of reflexology, Indian head massage, crystal healing, etc.)

• Intro to dress making • Higher level dress making • Intro to making your own soft furnishings • A taste for criminology • Holiday Spanish for beginners • Spanish for improvers • Guitar

• Computers for complete beginners (internet, email, word, excel, attachments, etc.)

• Intro to digital photography • Digital photography & Adobe Photoshop (intermediate) • Figure modelling and sugar craft • Hatha yoga (limited spaces) • Knitting and crochet (beginners/intermediates) • Creative writing (inc: novels, memoirs, autobiographies, short stories, poetry) • Fun with flowers • Intro to floristry • ‘NEW’ Programming for beginners

Contact Julie Austin or Jo Pollitt for further details: Call: 01942 767704 or Email: community@hindleyhs.wigan.sch.uk www.hindleyhs.wigan.sch.uk Classes may be subject to change. Learners must be over the age of 19.

Funding subject to availability. 3 years residency.

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Catholic

schools

Teachers of the future are being invited to a series of open evenings in the area.

W

igan Catholic Primary School Direct and Wigan & West Lancashire Catholic School Direct are coming to a school near you soon! They’ll be looking to recruit graduates who have the potential of becoming teachers in either a primary or secondary school setting.

Working in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, WCPSD and WWLCSD are able to develop direct training that will have the academic and theoretical underpinning to allow trainees to become outstanding practitioners within the field of education.

A spokesman said: “We are seeking individuals who demonstrate and are able to apply the skills of organisation, flexibility, reflection, evaluation and action to all aspects of the course and their career. Enthusiastic individuals who are able to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents on a range of levels are essential to our partnership.

Trainees can expect to obtain a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) and QTS Qualified Teacher Status by the end of the programme. The PGCE is a 60 credit award that can offer progression, upon successful application, onto a Liverpool Hope University Masters in Education (180 credits in total) for those students who want to pursue further study.

It’s a programme that gives you 120 days minimum in school, including a minimum of 12 days at Liverpool Hope University. There will be access to learning conferences throughout the year where you will meet and work with trainees from across

WCPSD and WWLCSD, and placements across two contrasting schools.

As part of its training programme, students will also complete the first two modules of the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies.

For more information see the advertisement below.

Do YOU want to teach ?

Then come along to one of our Open Evenings...

Tuesday, 10th October & Tuesday, 1st November St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan All open evenings will be 5:30pm - 7:30pm We are looking for graduates who have the potential to become outstanding primary or secondary school teachers of the future.

Our School Direct teacher training program, accredited

by Liverpool Hope University, leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status and 60 credits toward a Liverpool Hope Masters in Education.

For further details about primary teacher training visit www.wcpsd.org.uk. For further details about secondary teacher training visit www.catholicsd.org.uk Applications for September 2017 open at the end of October 2016 and can be made via www.UCAS.com (Search for provider codes 2A4 and course code 2XT7)

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Follow in Ed’s

footsteps

Local musicians of today and tomorrow can follow in Ed Sheeran’s footsteps thanks to a Wigan social enterprise.

The Music Projects is offering accredited music course via a range of different routes. These are performance (develop key individual, band and live performance skills); technology (sequence, produce and record live music) or composition (write a song/ compose a soundtrack).

Ed Sheeran, who is now one of the UK’s biggest selling artists, started out studying music in London, and believes it helped him become the star he is today: “It gave me the first push and I loved the freedom.

They understood that half of the learning you need for the

industry was outside the classroom with gigs and studio time.”

The Music Projects is based in the old EB Cycles shop at 830 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, with new, second outlet opening up at 57 Market Street, Hindley, soon.

Open days are held at the Pemberton base every Wednesday from 6pm-8pm for those interested in enrolling on a course, which starts in September.

Visit www.music-projects.com or call 01942 212607 for more information.

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Diary dates Location

September:

Crawford Village Primary School

Open Week

W/C 26th September 29th September

Open Afternoon

29th September

St Mary’s College

Open Event

29th September

Albany Academy

Open Evening

29th September

Winstanley College

Open Evening

29th September

St Mary’s College

Open Event

1st October

Maharishi School

Open Day

1st October

Open Evening

3rd October

Merchant Taylors

Open Evening

6th October

Merchant Taylors

Open Morning

8th October

Merchant Taylors

Open Evening

10th October

WCPSD

Open Evening

10th October

Byrchall High School

Open Evening

11th October

ProCo NW

Open Evening

14th October

Bolton School

Open Morning

15th October

St John Rigby College

Open Evening

18th October

Open Events

19th October

Winstanley College

Open Evening

20th October

WCPSD

Open Evening

1st November

St John Rigby College

Open Evening

3rd November

St John Rigby College

Carmel College

November:

Event Date

Open Evening

Abraham Guest Academy St Jude’s Catholic Primary School

October:

2016

Carmel College

Open Events

10th & 19th November

Winstanley College

Open Evening

17th November

ProCo NW

Open Evening

25th November

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• Reassurance for your loved ones that all will be taken care of at what is a very difficult and emotional time.

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Financial planning

Out!

by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP),

Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director

R

eaders may recall my last article regarding the impact on investors of us remaining and more importantly leaving the European Union (EU). The votes have now been counted and as a result we will be leaving the EU. From an investment perspective these have been very interesting times to put it mildly. The resulting capitulation of the Tory leadership as well as the ongoing shenanigans amongst the opposition has tested market confidence.

Equities The so-called ‘experts’ reaction to Brexit, as you would expect, has been tempered with the caveat that it is far too early to tell, but thus far no-one has warned of pending disaster which I guess is good news! Equity markets have pushed on since the results were announced with a very strong bounce back from the falls we experienced shortly after the results were announced.

The Bank of England’s promise of market support plus the weakening of sterling and likely interest rate reductions have pushed the FTSE from 6338 on the day before Brexit to 6718 at the time of writing, a rise of almost 6%.

Corporate UK is now in the midst of its half-year round up. The great, the good, and the not-so-good are telling us about the state of life. No-one as yet is saying Brexit has been a major issue to their trading position.

Clearly the success (or otherwise) of our trade negotiations with the EU and other countries will be the key driver to the UK equity market going forward. Whilst we do anticipate further volatility in the short term, it will be the corporate fundamentals that will drive share prices over the longer term.

Our view is that in times of crisis investors tend to become overly fixated on the here and now and in reality they should maintain their focus upon their original investment goals and timelines.

Commercial property The general view is that the decision to leave is likely to have a negative impact on the commercial property sector which includes retail, offices and industrial properties. Consequently, many investors wanted to withdraw their holdings.

Some fund groups therefore temporarily stopped investors selling (or buying) units in these funds.

They have done this to give their managers time to find suitable buyers for their properties. If forced to sell quickly there is a risk they would have had to accept less than fair value, which would negatively impact remaining investors. Investors in these funds will have to wait for them to reopen before they decide whether to sell the investment.

We feel the decision taken is in the best interests of existing investors. Most clients that have professionally managed portfolios will only have limited exposure to this sector and shouldn’t be concerned by the current situation. Professional advisers will always diversify their client portfolios to help smooth out period of volatility. If you require help/guidance with regards to what action you should be taking please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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

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sponsored by

Ashurst’s Beacon &

Dalton

by David Sudworth

A

utumn is possibly the best time of year to pull on the walking boots. The leaves are turning a golden colour, the weather is mild and nature’s bounty is in full flow, with conkers, acorns and fir cones covering the ground. So it was in high spirits we headed towards Ashurst’s Beacon (near Up Holland for this month’s walk of just under five miles.

No sooner had we parked the Local Life charabanc and Jack, as per usual, was raring to go. We chose a car park just opposite The Beacon Inn pub (WN8 7RR), fronting onto the golf course, which gave us a sneak preview of the views to come, as well as giving Jack a few minutes to find his ‘fetch’ stick from

the undergrowth. Walking boots on and armed with copious energy-boosting chocolate bars, we crossed the road and headed toward Ashurst’s Beacon. The pathway towards the monument is just to the left of the pub and not signposted. Once at the top we had an early treat; stunning 180 degree views from Cheshire in the south to Blackpool Tower in the north. The wind was blowing quite a bit, and had a distinctive autumnal chill, but it wasn’t enough to distract us. To give some perspective of distance, Dalton Parish Council’s 100 year centenary stone, just a bit further up, advises that standing at the top of the Beacon, we are five miles from Wigan

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Parish Church, 27 miles to the Bowland Fells and 84 miles to the Isle of Man. We started the walk from the Beacon itself, but you need to have your wits about you as the paths aren’t immediately obvious. We had to walk in a north westerly direction towards the woodland. As a rule, If you can see Blackpool Tower, basically you need to head towards that, and the informal pathway will become apparent.

Once in the woods, we were greeted with a floor scattered with pine cones. Having picked up a few for my six-year-old daughter, we headed westwards and eventually hit a cobbled footpath with fields on either side. Around five minutes later, continuing eastwards, we cross a stile onto a bit of a grass clearing and an old stone house, complete with a rather large, solid wooden gate. If you turn around you should see some sort of rusted farm machinery at the boundary of the grassland. We bore left down the side of the house and carried straight on. What greeted us at the end of the path was a beautiful 17th Century stone dovecot, which as we discovered was restored by the North West Buildings Preservation Trust in 1985. Alongside this was a small pond and trees groaning with conkers

and acorns. Suffice to say, being a big kid at heart, I started hoovering these up in anticipation of being able to use my haul to stage a mass conker challenge back at Local Life Towers. However, Jack being a dog and therefore having no interest in conker fights was in no mood to hang around so headed off towards the car park of the magnificent St Michael & All Angels Church. The church faces the equally impressive and historic Ashurst’s Hall, a Grade II listed building which was originally the seat of the Ashurst family. Coming out of the car park, we took a right past the primary school and down Higher Lane. Before long, the pleasing sound of acorns crunching underfoot was ringing in our ears – they were all over the place and to be honest my heart sank a little when I saw the street sweeper a little further down the road. Before I became too disheartened, we peeled off rightwards onto a tree-lined Dungeon Lane, where we came across some very colourful wild, but I am advised highly poisonous, mushrooms. As a seasoned walker, Jack didn’t pay much attention to the various fungi on display but for a novice like myself, I couldn’t resist whipping out my lens for a quick photo op. At the end of the lane, we turned left and then around 50 yards down we turned right. Now admittedly, at first we were hesitant as it looked very much like a private driveway (signage says Blackbird’s Farm/ Lees Lane Nursery/Mobility Store) but according to our trusty Ordnance Survey map, it was a public footpath so went down it. Towards the rear of the property, we saw the all-important way markers and a stile so headed over it. Eventually we came to a field and spotted a bridge over the River Douglas in the distance. However, before that, we had a challenge we just couldn’t avoid – a field full of cows.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love animals but these cows were a bit too friendly for my liking.

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Old Douglas Chapel Cross

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Jack didn’t seem to mind them and pleasantly sauntered off like he was on a Sunday stroll. I, on the other hand, hot-footed it towards the bridge.

Once safely out of harm’s way, we headed off towards the Leeds-Liverpool canal. We went over a stile and ended up at what felt, again, to be like private property with some well- tended grass and bushes adorning the landscape. Just to the right was a rather pleasant and unexpected feature of this walk, a memorial stone showing the site of the Old Douglas Chapel, which existed for 400 years before being demolished in 1875. The memorial cross is carved from the old church’s threshold stone, and erected in 1906 as a lasting memory of somewhere which was clearly an important focal point for this rural community. Once past the stone, and a cluster of old dwellings, we carried on, taking the towpath on the Dalton side heading towards Wigan. Although he maintained his usual ice-cool exterior throughout, I suspect the recent bovine drama must have caused Jack some anxiety as he decided to crouch down by the canal and take some hearty slurps to quench his very sudden thirst. Once suitably refreshed, we started to head back, over the Douglas and headed towards Keckle Hey Wood.

The pathway went past a few barn conversions on the right, before emerging on to Lees Lane. Going

left, it was a short walk before we turned up the track opposite Lower House Farm. We headed up through Wigan Lane Wood and started to get some lovely views towards Standish, with Winter Hill in the distance. We continued heading southwards before taking a right onto Long Heys Lane. It’s at this point the walk becomes quite steep so, in anticipation of the energy sapping gradient I was about to embark upon, I cracked open one of my choccie bars and steeled myself for the challenge. I’ve no idea how Jack – at this point on his lead due to the frequency of vehicles using the road - managed it without refuelling but he did. After about 10 minutes or so, we spotted a small path off to the right and headed down it. Cross the driveway to Bradshaw Farm and Bradshaw Barn and head off again into the wooded area which adjoins the properties. Before long, the pathway comes out near the Beacon and, five miles later, the walk was complete.

All in all this was a very enjoyable afternoon. Due to the informal nature of some of the pathways, and some possible confusion which can arise due to lack of signage, you do need to keep your wits about you. But the rewards are plentiful; beautiful buildings, historical points of interest, stunning views. And If that doesn’t grab you, then there’s always the lure of a pocket full of free conkers…

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Events & Leisure

What’s

on Animal Magic

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th September

Blackpool Illuminations Friday 2nd September – Sunday 6th November Autumn just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Blackpool’s world famous Northern Lights. Hop aboard an open top tram for the clearest views of the lights, relax in a horse drawn carriage as a romantic treat or simply walk the 10km along the front with your bag of fish and chips!

Blackpool Promenade, Lancashire, FY1 5BD www.blackpool-illuminations.net

Leigh Film Festival 2016 Saturday 24th September Come and experience an unforgettable night of new and exciting film screenings at the Turnpike Centre in Leigh. Doors open at 6pm with bar and refreshments available throughout the evening.

The films will be shown between 7pm and 9pm, the evening finishes with an after show party and a live online vote for the winner of the Audience Choice Award. Tickets are £5 and available online.

Turnpike Gallery, Civic Square, Leigh WN7 1EB www.leighfilmfestival.com

Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough will be hosting their enormously popular Animal Magic weekend on these days. In addition to existing attractions, there will be the chance to meet an armadillo, baby crocodiles, wallabies, meerkats, chameleons, alpacas, snakes, bearded dragons, owls, eagles and vultures! Book online to save 10%.

9.30am-6pm Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Fish Lane, Burscough L40 0TA www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/

North West Vintage Rally Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th September Free family day out for all the family at Victoria Park in Widnes. The largest event of its kind in the UK, this rally has hundreds of classic cars and bikes, plus miniature steam engines, model boats, a vintage funfair and the Spitfire Grand Display team.

10am-5pm Victoria Park, Widnes WA8 7SX www.northwestvintagerally.co.uk

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Euxton Family Festival Weekend

Chorley Live 2016

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th September

Let your hair down with a fantastic weekend of live entertainment in the heart of Chorley. Music and comedy performances on the hour from 7pm10pm at 30 venues across the town. Entry is via a wristband that costs £5 which gets you in every venue over both nights and under 12s go free.

Various venues/times Find ‘Chorley Live 2016’ on Facebook

An exciting new two day family festival being held at the Euxton Cricket Club on Southport Road, near Chorley. Featuring live bands, tribute acts, children’s entertainers, family entertainment, a food festival, stalls, a funfair and more.

Saturday 12pm-10pm Sunday 12pm-8pm Balshaw Park, Southport Road, Euxton, PR7 6DD

Friday 7th & Saturday 8th October

Southport British Musical Fireworks Championship

King Lear – RSC Live

Friday, 30th Sept, Sat 1st Oct, Sun 2nd Oct

The latest in a series of plays which are performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratfordupon-Avon, and broadcast live to cinemas and theatres throughout the UK. Antony Sher returns to play King Lear, one of the greatest parts written by Shakespeare.

7pm start Arts Centre – Edge Hill University

International standard displays from some of the best pyrotechnic companies in the UK over a three night period. The fireworks are synchronised and choreographed to music and a story unfolds with every 15-20 minute display. Watch the sky over Southport become an array of colours. Tickets start from £7, children under 5 go free.

Victoria Park, Southport PR8 2BZ www.visitsouthport.com/whats-on/southportfireworks

The Family Pet Show Saturday, 1st & Sunday 2nd October The Family Pet Show (the only indoor Pet Show that you can bring your pet to) includes dog agility displays, a mini-farm, fun dog shows and lots more.

With four main interactive areas of watch, play, learn & have a go, plus areas for all pets in dog world, cat world, furries world, bird world & exotic world there is something for every pet lover.

9.30am to 5.00pm Adult, £9, Child, £7 Event City, Phoenix Way, Manchester, M41 7TB www.thefamilypetshow.co.uk

Wednesday 12th October

Wigan & Leigh Hospice Fundraiser Friday 14th October The famous Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket headlines a Wigan and Leigh Hospice fundraiser at St James’ Social Centre in Orrell on Friday, October 14. Jimmy came to fame when he won TV’s Search For A Star in the 1980s, and was recently awarded a Papal Knighthood.

Supported by Gerry Sandon with music from the ‘50s and ‘60s, and also by local musician and compere Andy Crawford, Jimmy will run through his comic repertoire at the event. Tickets price includes a hot pot supper.

Tickets £12 St James’ Social Centre St James’ Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7AA 01695 623902

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Disney On Ice presents Frozen Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th October 2016 Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond imagination when Disney On Ice presents a full length production of Frozen on ice at Manchester Arena. Be magically whisked away to wintry Arendelle by dazzling special effects and astonishing skating as you sing and dance along to inspiring songs including “Let It Go.” 17:30pm Manchester Arena, Manchester, M3 1AR

Promote your class

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Reach an estimated 75,000 readers in Wigan Ad prices start from £39 + VAT Call 01695 627 999 for details

Southport Comedy Festival Thursday 13th to Sunday 23rd October Headline acts from across the World of Comedy, including Russell Kane, Jason Byrne, Sean Kelly and Jo Caulfield descend on Southport for 11 days of hilarity, with over 40 events in 30 venues across the town. As well as classic stand-up, there are children’s shows and free events, squeaky clean shows and the Southport New Comedian of the Year competition.

Various venues/times/prices www.southportcomedyfestival.com

Festival Friday 21st-Sunday 23rd October 2016 Over 100 food and drink suppliers all within a massive super structure marquee set in the grounds of Tatton Park. Once you buy your tickets (kids under 12 free), you can then go to as many cooking demonstrations as you like.

Your children can take in the Kids Cooking classes, you take the foraging walks, talk, try and buy from any of over 100 exhibitors and while away the time with coffee or glass of wine while enjoying some of the best foods on offer anywhere.

Friday 12pm-5pm & Saturday-Sunday 10pm-5pm Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN www.nwfoodloversfestival.co.uk

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FREE modern easy read Bible Discover for yourself the real God, - without the religion or hassle.

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

The Tinderbox Sunday 23rd October Norwich Puppet Theatre Company presents the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale using puppetry animation and music. This event is suitable for children 4+ and their families.

2pm The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX www.citadel.org.uk

Jimmy Carr Saturday 29 Oct 2016 Jimmy is gathering a selection of his very best jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate comedy show.

8pm Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre PR1 1HT Contact telephone: 01772 80 44 44 www.prestonguildhall.com

Twopence to Cross The Mersey The new stage play version of Helen Forrester’s Twopence to Cross the Mersey is performed at a number of NW venues this autumn. This much loved account tells the true story of a young girl and her formerly wealthy family as they are suddenly thrown into the poverty-stricken slums of Liverpool during the Great Depression of the 1930’s.

Preston Charter Theatre PR1 1HT Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd October Contact telephone: 01772 804444 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre PR9 ODZ Monday 24th to Thursday 27th October

T: 01257 426 514 The Paddock, Derby House, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, Wigan, WN6 9RE www.thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk E: bookings@thepaddockrestaurant co.uk

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Test drive

Ford

Kuga

T

1.5T Ecoboost

by Tim Barnes-Clay

he Kuga came on to the scene in 2008. Built in two-wheel-drive and fourwheel-drive it was Ford’s response to SUVs, such as the Nissan Qashqai. It was also built to challenge more established 4x4s, such as the Honda CR-V.

While it is no rocket ship, the Kuga 1.5T Ecoboost, on test here, does pick up pace fairly well (0-62mph in 9.7s) and feels particularly nippy around town. Its manual six-speed gearbox has a positive, smooth, action and the Ford delivers a relaxing, yet well-ordered ride at low speeds.

The steering is light and direct – and this makes city driving and parking a breeze. Alas, there is far too much din in the road and wind noise department for the Kuga to be a serious motorway vessel. Safety is first-rate, though, with side and curtain airbags helping it achieve a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test result.

Inside, the Kuga is quite spacious in the front, but its plunging roofline intrudes on headroom for taller passengers in the rear. Legroom for anyone approaching six-feet tall is also limited, however it’s a fine area for kids to sit comfortably. The 406-litre boot is bigger than the Ford Focus’ 316-litre offering – making the loading of a bulky pushchair and the weekly supermarket shopping even less of a hassle.

As alluded to earlier, the Kuga’s key rival is the Nissan Qashqai, with other opponents including the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan. All of their boots are even bigger than the Ford’s by some margin.

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In fairness, though, the Ford Kuga Zetec 1.5T EcoBoost makes a good buy. It offers a decent mix of performance and size for families looking for a school-run-mobile.

It is also front-wheeldrive - and this variant is really what you should try and get, unless you are desperate for 4x4 traction and off-road ability. Frontwheel-drive Kugas are a little bit cheaper to run than the four-wheel-drive versions and, if buying used, may well have been better cared for.

The current Kuga is smart enough and has a generally reliable history, although it is starting to come over as a tad dated – but at least it’s a safe car. Fortunately, we won’t have too long to wait for a fresh Kuga. The Blue Oval hopes to fight the BMW X3 with a chicer, more elegant version of the SUV at the end of this year.

Fast

facts

0-62 mph: 9.7 secs Combined mpg: 45.6 Engine layout: 1498cc 4-cylinder 16v turbo petrol Max. power (ps): 150 CO2: 143 g/km Price: £20,995

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Vehicle Interior Restoration Specialist in Sports, Prestige & Classic Cars

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Go potty for

by Angie Barker

pots!

Award Winner

P

eople often underestimate the impact that pots can have on your outside space.

Whether your garden is big or small, or even a balcony, then pots can really enhance the look of it by introducing colour and style, in terms of the pots you choose and the planting.

There are a few things to remember though with container gardening. First of all think big. Two or three large pots look so much better than a large collection of small ones – and they will need less watering. Then chose your style. If your garden is more of a cottage garden with lots of perennial planting in an informal style, then terracotta is the obvious choice. If however you have a contemporary, sleek garden perhaps with decking, then stainless steel or black ceramic would fit in perfectly.

You also have to bear in mind that plants in containers rely on you for their water. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the rain will keep them watered. In summer especially you will need a watering regime to stop the plants drying out.

Adding water retentive gel to your compost can really help preserve water content.

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

Whilst containers are great for summer bedding, they are also a great way of trying out new planting combinations without going to the expense of planting a whole new border. This summer I teamed Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ (English Lavender) with Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ and a gorgeous deep crimson Cosmos and I love it! In fact Heucheras are brilliant for teaming up with all sorts of plants and although I really like the dark purple ones (Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ is sublime) they come in a vast range of colours from oranges to lime green to almost black, one to suit all tastes.

It is especially lovely to have a pot or two by your front door to cheer you up when you come home – even more so in winter when there is little happening in garden borders. And in a sunny spot, you can’t beat a scented plant.

I also grow lots of veg in pots from potatoes, courgettes, peas, carrots and lettuce. Hubby is always telling me I’m potty – perhaps he’s right after all!

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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

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Local Life is now welcomed into 130,000 quality homes in; Wigan, Chorley, Warrington, St Helens, Leigh & West Lancs

01942 510 986 07710 405 214 www.ashlandscapingandmaintenance.co.uk Established 1994

Puzzle

solutions

Little mags, BIG reach

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- sponsored by

Home Services

Garage and entrance doors in matching styles

Is your garage door broken ?

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

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

Design & Print

normally

£20

5

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Saving money is the clear benefit!

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

The party never stops!

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Wind Turbines Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...

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

FREE

Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS

Dennis Goulding

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

A49

Mossy Lea Road

We also provide a design and print service; from 5000 single colour flyers to the design and production of a full colour glossy magazine; we can meet your needs.

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

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Telephone: 07814 619 400

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01772

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM orEngineers Closed ThursdayTwinLakesMot & Sunday

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112

Power Washing I’ll clean your:

Driveways - Patios - Decking No job too small - Friendly & reliable service

Call Paul on 07736 396374 for a free quote

Providing professional carpet & upholstery cleaning since 1993 Carpets Leather

Domestic Cleaning Oven Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Ironing Service Dry Cleaning 01257 806 134 3 Station Road, Parbold, WN8 7NU

www.dreamcleanswigan.co.uk

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CLEARIN

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• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)

JETWASHING

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5 star rating with Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme

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SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF ALL CLEANING PACKAGES

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Call - 01257 251221

Mobile - 07908 770808

www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk

• Fascias, Rendered Walls etc.

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.

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

113

• Conservatory repairs • Locks, handles and hinges • Replacement glass • Windows and doors installed • Replacement conservatory roofs

Specialists in Replacement Double Glazed Units Ring with sizes for FREE estimate

Call MARK now on 01942 737 381 / 0776 315 1720 conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com www.fixmyconservatory.com

Open 7 days 8am - 8pm Established Local Family Company

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Arley Cabinet Company Ltd • Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •

put the sparkle back into your life!

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Get in touch today to arrange a no obligation consultation. suresparkle @suresparkle

telephone: 07753 392951 web: www.suresparkle.com email: info@suresparkle.com

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Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd 214a Gidlow Lane Wigan WN6 7BN Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm Sat: 9am - 12pm

www.arleycabinets.com tel: 01942 246190

114

www.expertcomputers.co.uk ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner

TV Aerial from £65 fully fitted Sky Dish £60 - Setup Service Telephone/Broadband repair TV Wall Installation

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Ring Paul on www.wiganaerials.com 01942 514532 - 07709 490095

Design & Print

01695 627 999 Gel s Nail

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

normally

£20

5

now £1

Saving money is the clear benefit!

Flyers, Postcards, Posters and more!

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

Wind Turbines Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...

VICING Lashes VAN SER CAR & motorcycles too Heat Pumps E ...and Spray Tan LED Lighting X Sunbeds H ...and general Telephone: 01257 427 000 A k Energy Savings Acrylic T& GelHeal Nails th Chec

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

FREE

Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS

Dennis Goulding

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

A49

Mossy Lea Road

We also provide a design and print service; flyers, posters, postcards and more; we can meet your needs.

For more information please phone

B5250

Did you know that Local Life isn’t just about publishing great little magazines?

here

Car

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

erton

J27 and Breth Y Book on of Crost your FREE me!

R for all residents you needsurvey me until k @ Studio 84 andhome E Keep h Chec we’ll provide Healt you with a Cardetailed SRoad, Billinge 84 Rainford WN5 7PG FREE on report showing the nowreturns Book your A5209

Natalies

Standish

Shevington

Telephone: 07814 619 400

Call

01772

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM orEngineers Closed ThursdayTwinLakesMot & Sunday

Uwww.dglwindows.co.uk Slash your electricity and S water heating bill TProtect your household from future energy price rises S

available from your

Reduce your household’s impact on the environment

G

Call us now

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DIN & WEL REPAIR

(10% typical return)

Visit our showroom at Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan.

WN6 7TP

0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or

Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk

we make it our business to help yours

We also provide a cost effective leaflet distribution service.

For more information call

01695 627999

115

• All aspects of electrical work welcomed • From new sockets to full re-wire - no job too small • CCTV/Alarms/Security Lighting a speciality

24 hour Call Out Service

Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est. Cale Lane Wigan Contact Us: 01942 836 937 / 07557 914788 www.ghewigan.co.uk

All electrical work undertaken • Rewire specialists • Extra sockets & lights fitted • Mains board upgrades

Free quotations

Quality Security systems for your home or business

A.J.S.

• Burglar Alarms • Digital CCTV • Wireless Alarms

Highest Standards of workmanship & aftercare

ELECTRICAL

Systems serviced

0800 069 9350

BAILEYS 01942 215 769 07739 709 005

from £45

Call us today

www.northernalarms.co.uk info@northernalarms.co.uk

Hewitt House, Winstanley Road, WN5 7XB

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

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

Smart Electrical Contractors - Domestic - Commercial - Industrial • Rewire • PAT Testing • CCTV • Alarms Tel: 01257 367386 Mob: 07594 240054

Domestic - Commercial - Industrial

Shevington E l ect ri cal Se r v ic e s L td NAPIT part ‘P’ registered JIB Approved Technician 31 Years Experience

Local. Honest & Reliable Domestic Industrial & Commercial

Covering all North West Areas.

Call: 0800 6446100 or 07904 127663 www.shevington-electrical-services.co.uk

Is your family

safe &

secure?

Trust GHE to keep you safe Intruder alarms and CCTV for all budgets Call us today for a free security consultation Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est. Cale Lane Wigan

01942 836 937 or 07557 914 788 www.ghewigan.co.uk

116

Elite Bathrooms

Great Value Bathrooms!

Installation & Tiling • Bathrooms • Wall Tiling • Floor Tiling FREE Estimates

07703 448890 01942 208926

Full Bathrooms & En-Suites Showers, Trays & Cubicles Relocation of Bathroom Suites 25 years bathroom experience

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

01942 225771 / 07803 057940 Eton Way, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8PN www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk

C &D

Plumbing and Heating

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

Call Chris now for a free quotation

C L Bathrooms

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

117

Plumbing & Heating Specialist Complete Bathroom & Tiling service

John Bailey - 01942 495785

brand New bathrooms boiler + Central Heating Installs, servicing + Repairs Extended warranties available 24 Hour Call-out Domestic + Commercial

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

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

Freephone 0300 3030121 Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809 21 Naburn Dr Orrell wN5 8sb

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk

www.orrellheating.co.uk

186237

Your one stop shop for central heating 434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF

01942 221221

506515

info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com

IAIN LOWE 01695 623236 • Central Heating • Plumbing • Gas Appliances • Gas Safety Checks • Landlord’s Certificates • Maintenance/Breakdowns

APPLEY BRIDGE HEATING & PLUMBING • BOILER replacement • SERVICE and repair • FULL system installations • BATHROOM replacements • SHOWERS • TILING and ELECTRICS

Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Call Dave now for a free quote...

Telephone

201323

07814 639 430

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

Accredited Installer & Ser vice Partner • Annual Boiler Servicing • Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks • Gas Fire & Cooker Installations • Under Floor Heating Specialists • Home Efficiency Control Upgrades

10 YEARS

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECTED BOILER INSTALLATIONS

Finance available

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES OF BOILERS!

Telephone:

01942 504 429 Registration No.

88604

TEL: MOB:

01257 421 660 07931 766 684

www.fgwelch.co.uk

118

H AT E D E C O R AT I N G ?

We don’t - we enjoy it so much that we make a living out of it!

We are a husband and wife team, CRB cleared with references available.

Awarded a Certificate of Excellence

by Wigan Council Trading Standards

• City & Guilds Qualified • Plastering services available • Competitive Rates • Fully Insured • Standish based

Call Alice or Neil on 01257 435412 or 07810 753062

Award Winner

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

01257 426 234

www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk

Painter & Decorator Established 1990

• All aspects of Decorating • Interior & Exterior • Free Estimates

01695 632 477 | 07748 195 809 Lady Decorator

Professional Interior Decorating Service Reduced rates for Pensioners Clean, tidy and conscientious Tel: 01942 366996 or 07962 422856

Just Imagine

Decorating - Interior Design - Soft Furnishings

Sg

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

07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971 Sefton Road Orrell WN5 8UP

Need a new look for your home?

Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices!

Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator

01942 518126 or 07545 065119 Orrell based business

J&P

LTD

Ian Martland

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

Call us today for a free quotation Home Service available

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

01942 212096 07831 102 511 www.jpmoorcroft.com

119

• WILSON BROS • Est. 1985

Roofing & Roofline Specialists • All aspects of maintenance & repair

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

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

• Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services

W.Newman

Call us now for a free estimate

ROOFING & REPAIRS

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

01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years

Advertise

here

Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone

01695 627 999

Design & Print

normally

£20

5

now £1

Saving money is the clear benefit!

Flyers, Postcards, Posters and more!

Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding

Solar Thermal & Solar PV

Wind Turbines Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...

VICING Lashes VAN SER CAR & motorcycles too Heat Pumps E ...and Spray Tan LED Lighting X Sunbeds H ...and general Telephone: 01257 427 000 A k Energy Savings Acrylic T& GelHeal Nails th Chec

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

FREE

Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RS

Dennis Goulding

(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)

A49

Mossy Lea Road

We also provide a design and print service; flyers, posters, postcards and more; we can meet your needs.

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

B5250

Did you know that Local Life isn’t just about publishing great little magazines?

Gel s Nail Car

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

erton

J27 and Breth Y Book on of Crost your FREE me!

R for all residents you needsurvey me until k @ Studio 84 andhome E Keep h Chec we’ll provide Healt you with a Cardetailed SRoad, Billinge 84 Rainford WN5 7PG FREE on report showing the nowreturns Book your A5209

Natalies

Standish

Shevington

Telephone: 07814 619 400

Call

01772

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM orEngineers Closed ThursdayTwinLakesMot & Sunday

Uwww.dglwindows.co.uk Slash your electricity and S water heating bill TProtect your household from future energy price rises S

available from your

Reduce your household’s impact on the environment

G

Call us now

23solar panels 6039own

DIN & WEL REPAIR

(10% typical return)

Visit our showroom at Unit 4a, Cricket Street Business Park off Miry Lane, Wigan.

WN6 7TP

0843 224 9555 07595 420237 or

Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk

we make it our business to help yours

We also provide a cost effective leaflet distribution service.

For more information call

01695 627999

120

Chris W Interiors •Kitchen and bathroom restorations and re-fits • Interior refurbishing and renovations.

• Property makeovers

07824 831442 or 01257 402171 www.cw7designs.co.uk

PP

K Stone Building Services

All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience

• Brickwork • Pointing • Garden Walls • Patios • Joinery • Flagging • Alterations • Plastering

01942 495412 / 07974 496676

LOCAL, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL AND HONEST

Building services Joinery Specialists

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

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

Call Phil - 01257 425997 or 07703 007675

Award Winner

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

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

121

…for a more majestic way of living Extensions - from design to completion Orangeries & Conservatories Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Paving Garden Buildings Conservatory roof replacements Highly experienced ~ no job too small ~ Orrell based

Call us today for expert advice and a free quotation

0800 085 3987 MOBILE 07917 735 686

FREEPHONE

www.majesticbuildingservices.co.uk

Ashurst Building & Roofing Services All types of building and roofing work undertaken including;

NE: 01942 Extensions 832747 & Conservatories e: 07747 725999 New roofs & Roof repairs

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

01942 203 804 DS Joiner 07851 225 876

Family run business with 25 years of experience

Call David today for a free quotation TELEPHONE: 01942 832747 Mobile: 07747 725999

Advertise

here

Advertise your business in this section from £39 + VAT a month For more information please phone

01695 627 999

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

122

A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on

Qatar, not twinned with Haigh...

Flying squad News that policing recruits from the Middle Eastern country of Qatar will be pounding the streets of Wigan raised a few eyebrows recently. I’m not quite sure how pounding the mean streets of, for example Haigh or Crooke, will equip them to maintain order in a country where poets get banged up for poking fun at the authorities, but still...

This arrangement has caused disquiet; even our local elected police chief bemoaned Qatar’s ‘lamentable’ human rights record. Clearly, this didn’t stop both the Chief Constable and Assistant Chief Constable flyingoff (business class), courtesy of the Qatari government, to the Gulf state for a three day trip. This was to ‘sign a memorandum of understanding’ and to ‘discuss the design and delivery of the training required’. Talk about the Flying Squad!

Council of despair

Title fight

Even in times of plenty, Wigan Council meetings have never been a laugh-a-minute. Yet it seems that recent debates about tax rises, budget cuts and redundancies aren’t miserable enough for some. So recently, they’ve decided to start discussing what The Grim Reaper has been up to. Seriously. At September’s full council meeting, one agenda item read as follows: Recent Tragic Events: Terrorist attack in Nice, France; Attempted Coup, Istanbul, Turkey; Rail tragedy in Bari, Italy; US Police Officer shooting, Baton Rouge, America; and the Italian earthquake. Heavy stuff, but it’s not the first time Library Street’s finest have brought out the black armbands. In July, the agenda included: Recent Tragic events: Death of MP Jo Cox; Orlando terrorist attack; Baghdad bomb attack and the Istanbul Airport attack.

America is odd in many ways, particularly their custom of allowing former presidents to retain the title even after they leave office. One wonders whether Standish’s Gareth Fairhurst is trying to bring in the same thing in here for vanquished councillors.

Although he lost his council seat in May, Library Street’s tormenterin-chief still blogs and indeed Tweets under his former title. The only title which former councillors can have is that of Alderman.

However, that would require a vote of sitting councillors and result in a formal ceremony at the town hall. Given the sheer joy many displayed on election night when it became clear they’d got rid of him for at least two years, it’s unlikely that invitation will be in the post anytime soon...

It’s hard to beat EastEnders for sheer misery but the Metro seems to have done it.

Anyone would think they were trying to keep people away from their meetings...

By George!

Spotted this statue of ‘our’ George on a recent visit to Douglas, Isle of Man. Comes to something when he takes pride of place in another country’s capital, yet in his hometown, our statue of him is shoved inside a shopping centre.

123