Local Life - Wigan - December 2017

LocalLife Wigan Edition

December 2017

Keeping us

all aglow WIN £500 to spend at Jack’s Tracks visits Appley Bridge Test Drive - Renault Koleos Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Event2Go Home Services locallife247.co.uk

Main Street, Main Billinge Street, Billinge

£525,000 £525,000 Back Lane, BackAppley Lane, Appley Bridge Bridge £425,000 £425,000

This substantial This substantial four-bedroomed four-bedroomed home, which home, boasts which boasts This gorgeous This gorgeous period cottage, period has cottage, threehasdouble three double 2967 sq ft,2967 is fitted sq ft,with is fitted high spec with high fixtures spec and fixtures fittings, and fittings, bedrooms,bedrooms, a high quality a high fitted quality kitchen fitted and kitchen exquisitely and exquisitely and has a and delightful has a and delightful private and rear private garden. rear garden. landscaped landscaped and gatedand private gated gardens. private gardens.

HallAspull Lane, Aspull Hall Lane,

£375,000 Eastmede, Shevington £300,000 £300,000 £375,000 Eastmede, Shevington

on the new Meadows Meadows development This beautiful bed detached home is a home short is aSituated This five beautiful five bed family detached family short Situated onOakwood the new Oakwood development is plot this stunning fronted four bed detached walk fromwalk the train and boasts a spacious fromstation the train station and boasts a plot spacious is thisdouble stunning double fronted four bed home detached home consisting consisting of beautifully presented presented accommodation. with open with viewsopen and views beautifully presented presented living space. and beautifully living space. of beautifully accommodation.

AnneShevington Court, Shevington £270,000 ManorShevington Road, Shevington £230,000 St AnneStCourt, £270,000 Manor Road, £230,000 Boasting contemporary and well-planned family space, Boasting contemporary and well-planned family space, PositionedPositioned in a cul-de-sac, this large this detached four in a cul-de-sac, large detached four this immaculate two bedroomed detached detached home alsohome also this immaculate two bedroomed bedroomed family home boasts a magnificent through through bedroomed family home boasts a magnificent aspect lounge and open and planopen kitchen-diner. a dual aspect lounge plan kitchen-diner. lounge, large conservatory and a modern kitchen. lounge, large conservatory and a modern kitchen.has a dualhas

a name a name you can youtrust can trust

Fellside,Fellside, WhelleyWhelley Harrington Harrington Park, Shevington Park, Shevington £230,000 £230,000

£240,000 £240,000

An exceptionally four bed home, detached home, located Situated on Situated Oakwood on Oakwood Meadows Meadows is this stunning is this three stunning An three exceptionally large four large bed detached located a large plot in a quiet cul-de-sac, with a high level bedroomed bedroomed semi-detached semi-detached home consisting home consisting of approx of approx on a largeon plot in a quiet cul-de-sac, with a high level of presentation throughout andrear a large rear garden.

1143 sq ft 1143 of beautifully sq ft of beautifully presented presented accommodation. accommodation. of presentation throughout and a large garden.

Chetwode Avenue,Avenue, Ashton Ashton £190,000 Chetwode £190,000 Riverdale Riverdale Close, Standish Close, Standish LG £220,000 LG £220,000 This three spacious bed detached in a highly This spacious bedthree detached home in ahome highly Perfectly positioned, is this beautifully maintained four Perfectly positioned, is this beautifully maintained four desirable cul-de-sac close to theLancs M6/East Lancs junction, desirable cul-de-sac close to the M6/East junction, bed family detached family home sits in a quiet cul-debed detached home which sits which in a quiet cul-deoffers attractive internal andliving outdoor living space. and offersand attractive internal and outdoor space. sac and Christopher overlooks Christopher to the rear. sac and overlooks Park to thePark rear.

Camberwell Crescent, WhelleyWhelley £135,000 Camberwell Crescent, £135,000 115 Orrell 115Road, OrrellOrrell Road, Orrell £180,000 £180,000 Thistwo beautiful two bed semi-detached period this features, this beautifully Offering aOffering wealth a of wealth period of features, beautifully This beautiful bed semi-detached bungalow bungalow has two has two reception and akitchen modern on a spacious three-bedroomed semi-detached has presented presented three-bedroomed semi-detached home hashome reception rooms androoms a modern onkitchen a spacious with driveway and Southrear facing rear garden. modern kitchen and a south-facing rear garden.plot with plot a modern a kitchen and a south-facing rear garden. driveway and South facing garden.

www.alanbatt.co.uk www.alanbatt.co.uk

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Mere Oaks, Standish - OIRO ÂŁ550,000

Situated on this small development, this newly-built five bedroomed family home with 2243 sq ft of magnificent living space, built by Jones Homes, boasts many quality features including a private large rear garden.

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4

Season of

goodwill T

he older I get, the more I find myself appreciating Christmas.

Yes, it’s dreadfully over-commercialised; it seems to start earlier each year and there seems to be a frenzied rush to ensure children are given everything they could ever dream of getting, with people perhaps too sensitive of the FOMO (fear of missing out) effect now that many of us publicise our personal lives widely on social media feeds.

But the festive season is to be celebrated because it gives a lift to so many people. Not everyone, it has to be said, but many of us welcome spending time with friends and family, having time off from work, and over-indulging ourselves. It’s a time when goodwill is in generous supply and no more so in Standish where a group of volunteers are again preparing to host a Christmas lunch for those who are alone on Christmas Day. What a marvellous gesture from a remarkable group of people.

Here at Local Life we end the year with an issue full of goodies; you can win a Christmas Hamper, a £500 voucher to spend at designer stores in St Helens and an afternoon tea for two at the new Patisserie Valerie in the Grand Arcade. That’s on top of a medley of local stories, a feature on Uncle Joe’s, Wigan’s oldest confectioner and a good Boxing Day walk from Appley Bridge.

Thanks very much for your support this year, See you in 2018

Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

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In this issue WIN a ÂŁ500

voucher

Regulars 28 Class From The Past 73 Events2Go 38 Planning 79 Garden Diary 46 Puzzle Corner 98 The Lump

Sections 16 Keeping us

6 Property 11 Local News 48 Health 54 Legal & Finance

56 Business View 60 Food & Drink 79 Gardening 86 Home Services

all aglow Next issue - January 2018

Advertising deadline - Thursday, 7 December

31 Win a Christmas

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44 Jack’s Tracks visits

Appley Bridge 69 Test Drive

Renault Koleos 82 locallifemagazine247

Published - Wednesday, 3 January

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

Telephone: 01695 627 999 Publisher: Chris Sales: Nicola, Sally Editorial: David Design: Peter Distribution: Sally Accounts: Sam

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk sales@locallife247.co.uk wigannews@locallife247.co.uk design@locallife247.co.uk sallyb@locallife247.co.uk 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.

@locallifemedia

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LEIGH STREET, ASPULL

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BAXTER STREET, STANDISH

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Spacious 3 bed mid terrace offering excellent potential and available chain free.

£129,995

Beautifully maintained Victorian terrace providing 1092 square feet of living space.

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SPIREDALE BROW, STANDISH

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BRYN ROAD SOUTH, BRYN OIRO £89,950 2 bed mid-terraced house, ideal for a first time buyer.

LORNE STREET, SCHOLES OIRO £75,000 3 bed mid-terraced with a recent renovation.

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£10k loss over three A local bowling green has made a £10,000 loss over the past three years.

Forest Fold Bowling Green, which is run by Shevington Parish Council, had a shortfall of £3,427 in 2017. It comes after shortfalls of £3,329 and £3,797 in 2016 and 2015 respectively.

A report to councillors showed that there was a 5.38% year-on-year decrease in income from bowling activities. While team green subscriptions were up by 25%, there was a dip in the number of individual membership subscriptions as well as a 50% fall in occasional hire bookings.

Shevington Parish Council told Local Life that it is “a community amenity, not a business” and will be reviewing the green’s finances once again next autumn: “Forest Fold Bowling Green is a community

years

amenity provided by the parish council. SVBC is an independent organisation composed of the bowling teams that play at Forest Fold Bowling Green. It is their home green in league bowling matches. The SVBC hire the green for these matches and for other events. Since 2015 the club has doubled in size in terms of teams. The club have undertaken to raise the profile of the bowling green and the Parish Council are supporting them in this. The parish council advertises the bowling green in its newsletter, on its website and displays posters in its poster boxes and local shop windows, and will continue to do so in order to encourage greater use.”

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Leaflets delivered from only £24.50 per 1,000 Delivered to areas throughout Wigan, Chorley, St Helens & Leigh Design, print & distribution packages also available

Call Sally on 01695 627 999 for details or email sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

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Earn extra cash!

Local Life require distributors for the following areas; Standish Churchlands Lane & Copeland Drive Appley Bridge Appley Lane North area Woodnook Rd & Whitehall Ave Distributors typically work for 2-3 hours every 8 weeks. Applicants must be aged 13+ and be fit, enthusiastic and reliable.

Interested?

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

LocalLife

Project needs votes Locals are being encouraged to help boost a project in Shevington. The Vicarage Lane sports and community facility could be in line for funding from Aviva. But to do that, the project needs votes as it is being pitted against similar projects across the UK. Shevington Sharks, Shevington FC and Shevington Horticulture Club are behind the bid to create a new facility that does not currently exist within Shevington. A spokesman for the project said: “Working in conjunction with the sporting clubs are the Shevington Horticultural Society who will have up to 50 allotments available to local people including schools.

“Phase 1 of the building of the pitches and allotments are well underway and our focus is to secure partnership funding for the community facility to complete this unique project.”

For more details and to vote, visit community-fund. aviva.co.uk

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14

Blueprint is a step

closer

A blueprint to help control development in Standish is one step closer to becoming reality.

After that stage the Final Plan will be put to a referendum of those on the electoral roll in Standish, along the lines of a local election, with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote in accepting the plan.

The draft Neighbourhood Plan was put out to public consultation recently. Community group Standish Voice is now analysing over 200 responses before it votes on a final version of the plan.

If the plan is approved it will then make its way into legal status as a planning document. Campaigners are aiming for a finish date of mid 2018.

From there, it will be sent to Wigan Council which will then carry out its own consultation on the Final Plan.

After that consultation and any changes needed are incorporated into the Final Plan it will then be passed to a planning examiner.

This examiner will determine if the Final Plan accords with planning law.

A spokesman for Standish Voice said: “We were really pleased at the positive response to the draft plan.

“We would like to thank the community of Standish for responding to this consultation. Standish can be rightly proud that this is the first non-business Neighbourhood Plan to reach this stage in Greater Manchester and we aim to quickly progress the plan through the next stages of the process.”

The unthinkable does need thinking about Make sure your wishes are carried out in the event of your death.

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16

Christmas Competition

WIN £500 voucher for

New chapter Parbold Library has been reopened after more than a year. The facility at The Common was mothballed following a decision to axe a number of libraries by the previous Labour administration at Lancs County Council. But the Conservatives, who won power last May, have started reopening them, including Parbold. It was relaunched on Tuesday, November 21, and the opening times are as follows: Tuesday (9am-5pm) Wednesday (9am-1pm) Thursday (9am7pm) Friday (9am-5pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm).

Brought to book Just answer this question: In which town are OD’s stores located?

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Library Street in Wigan centre is the town’s parking ticket hotspot. Over 230 fixed penalty notices were issued on the street, which is home to Wigan Town Hall, between July and September this year.

Across the borough, a total of 3,191 motorists were slapped with fines - amassing £128,405 in revenue.

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18

Pillow talk of the

town

An award-winning bed and mattress retailer is opening a new store in Wigan.

Land of Beds has taken over the former Abbott & Smith premises on Ellesmere Road, Pemberton.

Doors will open at 10am on Saturday, November 25, with sales promotions running until the close of business on Sunday, November 26.

The firm, started out by managing director Mike Murray’s grandfather in 1970, was voted Britain’s Family Business of the Year 2017.

The Ellesmere Road showroom is Land of Beds’ first Lancashire-based premises; adding to its existing

portfolio of stores in Cheshire.

Mike said: “To be expanding into Lancashire and opening a new store at the heart of Pemberton’s community in time for Christmas feels extra-special for our family. We are approved stockists of Britishmade beds and mattresses from top brands such as Sealy, Hypnos, Silentnight and Slumberland, and we offer free delivery as well as a range of finance options.

“We are proud to employ more than 30 people, as well as providing work opportunities for a host of local contractors in the North West, and it is our intention to recruit locally for additional staff to supplement our team in Pemberton.”

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Extra Christmas parking Extra free short-stay parking has been introduced in Wigan to help people picking up parcels in the run up to Christmas. The short-stay spaces have been introduced at Mona Street car park close to the Royal Mail delivery office in Hallgate. Onstreet parking has been limited in the area to accommodate some temporary bus stops in the town centre, which are in place while the new Wigan Bus Station is being built.

The relocated stops mean that while the bus station is closed passengers can still catch their service nearby. With the delivery office becoming increasingly busy in the run-up to Christmas, Wigan Council has now put in place four short-stay spaces to help cope with demand.

Free parking is available in the places for up to 20 minutes from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, no return in two hours. There are double yellow lines directly outside the delivery office on Hallgate while the temporary bus stops are in place, with no waiting at any time.

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Love is in the air...

Do you know a local couple who have a great story to tell?

Maybe they’ve met in unusual circumstances, triumphed against the odds or just have a great story to tell.

We’re on the look-out for couples to feature in a forthcoming edition. They must be prepared to share their story with readers, and have their photograph taken for publication.

Send us their contact details, plus a brief summary of no more than 200 words, to wigannews@locallife247. co.uk Please only contact us if you have their permission. Anonymous suggestions will be discounted.

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23

Councillor steps

down

A Shevington councillor has spoken of his difficult decision to quit public office.

Damian Edwardson says work commitments mean he feels he can no longer fulfil his role on Wigan Council. He was re-elected to his seat only last year.

A by-election is now scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 14. The candidates will be announced by the end of November.

Damian said: “Due to personal circumstances, I will no longer be able to dedicate the time I need to serve the community of Shevington With Lower Ground to the best of my abilities.

“Being elected as a local councillor was one of my greatest personal achievements and, although I

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have not always agreed with the council or my own group, I am proud to say that I have always represented the views of my community and never compromised my principles.

“This has been a very difficult decision but I know it is the right one for me and, more importantly, for my ward colleagues and all those we represent.”

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Santa’s on his

way...

It’s nearly time for Wigan Rotary Club to accompany ‘Santa’ throughout Wigan once more.

Gwyneth Millard, Wigan Rotary Club’s President said: “We all look forward to this time of year.

Rotarians enjoy seeing the happy smiling faces on children and parents alike and your donations benefit so many people each year.”

You can look at the club’s website to see when Santa will be nearby at www.wiganrotaryclub.org For all other enquiries about the Carol Float routes contact 07813 471000 or email wiganrotary1924@ virginmedia.com

Friday, Dec 1: Shevington South (evening) Saturday, Dec 2: Santa at Standish Market (daytime), Appley Bridge (evening) Sunday, Dec 3: Shevington North (evening) Monday, Dec 4: Tesco (daytime), Gidlow East and Tesco (evening) Tuesday, Dec 5: Tesco (daytime), Hawkley Hall (evening) Wednesday, Dec 6: Tesco (daytime), Goose Green (evening) Thursday, Dec 7: Tesco (daytime), Orrell South (evening) Friday, Dec 8: Sainsbury’s (daytime), Gidlow West (evening)

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Saturday, Dec 9: Choir at Grand Arcade (am/ pm), Wigan Town Centre collection (daytime), Winstanley Pepperwood (evening) Sunday, Dec 10: Asda (10.30am-4.30pm), Standish West (evening) Monday, Dec 11: Standish North (evening), Tesco (evening) Tuesday, Dec 12: Swinley (evening)

Saturday, Dec 16: Tesco (daytime), Standish South (evening) Sunday, Dec 17: Tesco (daytime), Whitley (evening) Monday, Dec 18: Tesco (daytime), Winstanley Tanhouse (evening) Tuesday, Dec 19: Tesco (daytime), Standish Central (evening) Wednesday, Dec 20-Sat, Dec 23: Tesco (daytime)

Wednesday, Dec 13: Almond Brook (evening) Thursday, Dec 14: Tesco (daytime), Standish East (evening) Friday, Dec 15: Orrell North (evening)

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Tell Us Your Story!

Lonely this Christmas?

Christmas can be very lonely for some, but

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!

volunteers in Standish want to make sure no one spends the big day alone. The group of local volunteers hope to give people a very special Christmas Day with food, fun and friendship. Held at St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall, the event has grown over the past six years, giving more and more people some much needed seasonal cheer.

Simply email us at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

If you know anyone in need of some company this Christmas, contact Helen on 07747 883006 or visit www.stwilfrids-standish.org

Organisers pick people up from their homes and give them a welcome cup of tea before Christmas lunch. Afterwards they play bingo and have a raffle before taking everyone home around 4pm. Everything is provided and coordinated by volunteers from St Wilfrid’s and others from across Wigan.

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Class from the past

This month’s Class from the Past is from Standish Boys Grammar Green School. It’s believed this photo was taken around 1950. Maybe you can spot

a familiar face? Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact us today by emailing wigannews@locallife247.co.uk

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31

Keeping us

all aglow Niamh Ollerton takes a behind-the-scenes look at one of Wigan’s most iconic brands.

H

einz, Patak’s, De Roma... Wigan’s a world leader when it comes to culinary delights.

But no list would be complete without its famous Uncle Joe’s mint balls.

Established in 1898 by William Santus, it’s seen off world wars and recessions with its traditional values intact.

It’s Dorning Street HQ is a paen to yesteryear.

But make no mistake, this is a company looking forward. Mr Santus would have been proud.

Born on July 27th 1873, he grew up in extreme poverty as one of seven brothers and sisters.

The family lived at 73 Platt Lane, Scholes and William is said to have left school at 14, most probably to work on a fruit stall in Wigan Market Hall. But his introduction to the market trade can’t have been too awful as he bought his own stall and continued selling fruit and veg to Wiganers.

But had he not married Ellen Seddon, the sweets we all love today may never have been created.

Ellen and her family were great friends with the Attys, a family of established confectioners who more than likely educated Ellen in the skilful art of making toffee.

Firstly sold on the corner of William’s fruit stall, Ellen’s talent was all too obvious as within a few years they were William’s exclusive trade. Being a savvy

32

33 businessman, William expanded and the Swinley Confectionery Company was born.

The love for the sweets is obviously genetic, with a solid family ethos ingrained in the company which has been passed down through the generations.

Since 1990, it has been under the watchful eye of owners and brothers John and Antony Winnard, William’s great nephews.

John was kind enough to have a chat with me about the company and show me around the factory. But one thing I need to mention is not only the recipe steeped in tradition, but John’s office is the pinnacle of yesteryear – picture a big, brown and beautiful office fit for Miss Hannigan.

“We just had to put our prices up” This may come as a surprise to many, but when John and Antony took over after the death of their father, the company wasn’t doing too well, according to John. In fact, Wigan could have lost Uncle Joe’s forever.

According to his brother Antony their “costings were all wrong. It was a time when the sugar market was very unstable and there were price rises every two or three days. We just had to put our prices up.”

But by 1994, turnover had risen by 67 per cent,

William Santus (centre) showing the brother’s had earned their place at the top table. John said: “We managed to turn the company around in about three years.”

But to get it right John said they had to work all hours. It paid off as profits doubled. As co-directors of the company it’s all about working together.

John takes the reigns for sales and marketing and he admits: “We have the balance right.”

And why is the company so successful? The key element is secrecy. With Ellen’s original mint ball

34 recipe under lock and key in a bank vault, John and Antony were only let in on the family’s most closely guarded secret in 1985 when they became directors. Mr Santus died in his 80th year in 1953.

Just three years after William’s death on 27th July 1956 on Mr Santus’ birthday, his only daughter Nellie died. Nellie was said to be extremely close to her father and never got over his death.

Today, John, Antony and employees alike work tirelessly to keep the legacy of William Santus alive while appealing to a modern consumer audience.

The sweets are produced in the same, careful manner; over gas fires and hand-made, infusing the traditional with some creative flair.

“MBE? That’s Mint Ball Executive...”

John’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and in 2011 he was made an MBE in recognition of his outstanding services to the UK food manufacturing industry. He says it actually stands for Mint Ball Executive...

“I have been quite lucky with everything I have done. The company is constantly on the lookout for new sweets as sugar is such a bad thing at the minute.”

Uncle Joe’s have launched new Extra Strong mints, as well as the Sugar Free Mints Range to target new consumer trends. From American Cream Soda to Cloudy Lemonade drops, there’s a flavour for everyone’s taste buds.

Uncle Joe’s hopes to build a long term and sustainable brand within the sugar confectionery product category. And its mission is to be the best known, handmade mint in the world. For us Wiganers, they had that crown long ago...

35

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37

Culture change

‘significant’

Wigan borough is the least culturallydiverse area in Greater Manchester... but it is undergoing ‘significant’ change.

That’s the claim made in a report to local hospital bosses who say there has been a rise in black and minority ethnic patients in the past 12 months. At the same time, there has been a decrease in British white ethnicity patients.

Papers presented to Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust bosses revealed that there’s a higher percentage of white applicants continuing to be appointed following shortlisting than those from black and minority (BME) groups.

“Although Wigan is the least ethnically diverse

borough in the county, Migration has significantly changed the wealth of diversity in Wigan since the last census and there has been significant demographic change within Wigan Borough.

Ethnic minority populations living in Wigan include long-term resident ethnic minority population and asylum seekers and refugees, migrants, gypsies and travellers, European Roma and overseas students.

Although the numbers are small compared to the size of the total population and some only stay for a short period of time, some will have specific health needs that need to be addressed.

“Polish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, Lithuanian, Kurdish, Cantonese, Farsi, Romanian and Sorani were the top languages requested over the last 12 months.”

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38

Planning Matters Aspull

Standish

Former Air Raid Shelter, Southerns Fold Farm, Southerns Fold: Erection of new dwelling following the demolition of the existing air raid shelter with creation of access and amenity garden (ref: A/17/84520/FULL).

Noel Chadwick Butchers, Grazing Land, 51 High Street: Creation of car park - retrospective application (ref: A/17/84631/FULL).

Haigh Astleys Farm House, Pendlebury Lane: Plan to extend dwellinghouse, single storey to front to from double garage, single storey to rear and conversion of existing garage (ref: A/17/84764/HHL).

Shevington 26 Elnup Avenue: Plan to extend dwellinghouse

Land south of Pepper Lane: Full planning application for the erection of 304 dwelling houses together with associated open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure with access from Pepper Lane, Ludlow Street and spine road linking to Almond Brook Road. (ref: A/17/84731/MAJOR).

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

two storey to side (ref: A/17/84733/HH).

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40

Property

Supply and

demand

by Alan Batt

T

he most recent set of data from the Land Registry has stated that property values in Wigan and the surrounding area were 5.79% higher than 12 months ago and 13.02% higher than January 2015.

Despite the uncertainty over the Brexit vote Wigan (and most of the UK’s) property values continue their medium and long-term upward trajectory. As economics is about supply and demand, the story behind the Wigan property market can also be seen from those two sides of the story.

Looking at the SUPPLY issues of the Wigan property market, putting aside the short-term dearth of property on the market, one of the main reasons of this sustained house price growth has been down to of the lack of building new homes.

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

Did you know that the amount of land ‘built on’ in the entire UK is a mere 1.8%? This is made up of 1.1% of residential property and 0.7% for commercial property. Now I am not advocating building modern ugly carbuncles and high-rise flats in Haigh or Roby Mill, but the facts are, because of 70-year-old restrictive planning regulations, homes that the youngsters of Wigan badly need aren’t being built. Adding fuel to that fire, there has been a large dose of nimbyism and land-owners deliberately sitting on land, which has kept land values high and, from that, keeps house prices high.

Now let’s look at DEMAND issues. After Brexit, many experts thought that property values would drop because of the uncertainty faced by potential buyers. However, certain commenters now believe property values may rise because of Brexit. Many people are risk adverse, especially with their hardearned savings. The stock market is running high, but many people don’t trust the unpredictability of the money markets. The thing about property is; its tangible, bricks and mortar, you can touch it and you can easily understand it.

Nationally, the value of property has risen by 635.4% since 1984 whilst the stock market has risen by a very similar 593.1%. However, the stock market

41

42 has had a roller coaster of a ride to get to those figures. For example, in the dot com bubble of the early 2000’s, the FTSE100 dropped 126.3% in two years and it dropped again by 44.6% in 9 months in 2007. In comparison, the worst drop Wigan saw in property values was just 19.74% in the 2008/9 credit crunch.

Despite the slowdown in the rate of Wigan’s annual

F

property value growth from 6.76% in 2014 to the current 5.79%, it can be argued the headline rate of property price inflation is holding up well, especially with the squeeze on real incomes, new taxation rules for landlords and the slight ambiguity around Brexit. Factors such as an all-time low mortgage rate and tumbling unemployment continue to help support property values in Wigan (and the UK).

Rates

rise

or those of you who don’t follow the news, the Bank of England recently raised interest rates from 0.25% to 0.5%, the first time in a decade that the rate has been raised. Thanks to these cheap lending rates, the level of mortgage lending has soared to an all-time high in the UK according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. In the Wigan postcodes of WN1 to WN6, if you added up everyone’s mortgage, it would total £2,124,449,109!

Since 1977, the average Bank of England interest rate has been 6.65%, making the current rate of 0.5% very low indeed. Thankfully, the proportion of borrowers fixing their mortgage rate has gone from 31.52% in the autumn of 2012 to the current 59.3%. If you haven’t fixed your mortgage– maybe you should follow the majority?

In my modest opinion, especially if things do get a little rocky and uncertainty seeps back in the coming years (and nobody knows what will happen on that front), one thing I know is for certain; interest rates can only go one way from the ultra 0.5% low level ... and that is why I consider it important to highlight this to all the homeowners and landlords of Wigan. Maybe, just maybe, you might want to consider taking some advice from a qualified mortgage adviser? There are plenty of them in Wigan to choose from.

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

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44

Competition

O

Win a

Christmas Hamper

ur popular Christmas hamper competition is back! Will you be the reader who takes home a luxury Christmas Hamper? Filled to the brim with luxury produce, this Christmas Hamper is perfect for an indulgent Christmas. Most of the food in the hamper is sourced from our local village farm shop, Windy Arbour in Billinge, and we thank them for supplying it at cost price. Windy Arbour carries a great range of tasty local and regional produce, particularly in the run up to Christmas.

The finished contents of the hamper was still being finalised as we went to press, but we can tell you that each hamper will include Christmas cake, chocolates, mince pies, cheese, shortbread, wine, real ale, Christmas pudding, sweets and lots more besides. Even if you’re not a foodie, these expertly wrapped hampers would make a wonderful present for someone special in your life.

To win one of these hampers simply visit our website (www. locallife247.co.uk), click on the ‘Free stuff’ header, then click on ‘Enter Competitions’, complete your contact details and answer the question:

Name one of Santa’s reindeer?

Your entry MUST be with us by Sunday 10th December, and the lucky winner will receive their hamper by the weekend of 16/17 December 2017.

Competition Rules Only one entry per household. Entrants must be over 16 years of age. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date. Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us.

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

Good luck to all who enter - and a Happy Christmas to all!

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46

SUDOKU 3

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Sponsored By LOGIC PROBLEMS All the puzzle solutions are on page 80 of this magazine

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48

Health & Fitness

Wine allergy is no

joke

By Keeley Bolger

I

t’s party season - but while hangovers are an inevitable punishment if you overdo it with the vino, sometimes unpleasant side-effects from a glass or two are down to something a bit more unusual.

We’d all sometimes like to blame our sickly morning-after-the-night-before state on a ‘wine allergy’, but for a very small amount of people, an allergy to wine is a real (and inconvenient) truth.

Unlike a sensitivity or intolerance, an allergy is when the immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance.

In this case, that normally harmless, though tasty, substance is wine.

Fortunately, a true allergy to wine is extremely rare, though as anyone who has ever had a bit of a session will attest, it’s entirely possible to display symptoms of it without being allergic.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? While many of us suffer diarrhoea, headaches and skin flushes after too many drinks, for some, these may be signs of an underlying intolerance to wine and the grapes

49 involved in the production (though the jury is still out on whether skin flushing is indicative of an allergy).

Those with the allergy may suffer cramps and difficulty breathing when they drink certain wines - though they may drink others and not have any reactions.

WHAT CAUSES IT? It’s bad news for fans of red, as researchers found that those with the allergy tend to suffer more when they drink it as opposed to white wines or roses.

Rarely is the reaction caused by alcohol, more often it is the chemicals used in the wine-making process - that’s the sulphites and histamines - to keep bacteria at bay and stop the plonk from going sour which are the culprits (though, again, it is very rare to be allergic to sulphites).

If you suffer from this allergy, you may also have a similar reaction to certain products that contain

sulphites, like dried fruits, cider and pickled food.

And while it is very uncommon, allergyuk.org reports that some people with asthma, urticaria and rhinitis might be more prone to allergies to alcohol than others.

50

WELLBEING NEWS Nearly half of festive party-goers dreaming of a sexy Christmas ‘Tis the season to be merry - and get jiggy between the sheets. A new survey by Superdrug has revealed that 41% of Brits are hoping for more sex this season than any other time of year. However, the retailer’s research also found that not everybody’s preparing to play it safe: only 30% said they plan to carry condoms, with 20% saying they feel there’s still a stigma around doing so, as carrying a condom implies you’re ‘up for it’.

Superdrug is working with condom manufacturers Pasante, Dr Pixie McKenna and Love Island’s Alex Bowen and Olivia Buckland to help remove the stigma and encourage people to ‘wrap it up’ this Christmas!

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Short of corking your bottles, if you think you might be sensitive to wine, look out for those made using less of the preservative sulphites and histamines.

Bear in mind that white wines and roses generally have higher levels of sulphites - as do some lightbodied reds - while reds tend to have higher levels of histamine.

Organic wines and biodynamic wines are a good starting point as these tend to be made with fewer chemicals, though many bottles do not display this info. Make a note of any drinks you’ve had including the type of wine, as well as what you’ve eaten, so you can pinpoint the problem bottles, and as always, it’s best to check with your GP if you have any concerns.

They’ve created four festive condom prototypes (Festive Feast, Jingle Balls, Fur Lined and The Rudolph); visit onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/wrapit-up to vote for your favourite - and if demand’s high enough, the most popular will be produced next year.

Meanwhile, some of the ‘non-festive’ condoms are currently on offer in Superdrug, from £3.49 (www. superdrug.com). Pasante marketing manager Louise Ball says: “Condoms are a must-have item for any Christmas night out, to keep you safe if the heat of the moment strikes! Although our festive condoms are prototypes, we offer a full range of condoms to fit all shapes, sizes and needs all year round, so you never have to go unprotected.”

51

52

ASK AMANDA

Amanda is the Registered Care Manager for Independent Living – she answers your questions.

Can you provide help in 2018?

YES. By the time you read this I’m sure many of you will be thinking about getting ready for Christmas and the New Year!

At the festive time many families often spend more time together than they perhaps do throughout the rest of the year. It may well be that relatives come from other parts of the country to spend time with mum or dad. After not seeing a loved one for a while, and spending more time with them you may be surprised to notice they aren’t coping or as well as they once were.

If you feel that someone could benefit from a little help at home we can offer support. It could be companionship for just a few hours a week, a trip out to the supermarket or help at a hospital appointment.

If more practical help is needed we can help a loved one get dressed, prompt medication, carry out housework, shop, prepare meals or help people take a shower.

A factor often overlooked is that we can provide a flexible service. It may be that if someone feels unwell we can increase our calls, on the other hand they can be reduced or stopped if not required. Our support can be changed week-to-week. In certain locations calls can be as little as 30 minutes, on the other hand they can be for several hours, or even overnight.

If we can help please call Amanda 01257 696 050

01257 696 050

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54

Financial Planning

Choosing your

Financial Adviser

by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP),

Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director

A

good financial adviser is like gold dust. Like your most influential teacher at school, they should inspire as well as reassure you in order that you can enjoy a better financial future. A poor adviser will put their interests before yours and will sell you a product you don’t really need and have no interest in your future. It’s about them, their ego and their sale.

A clear plan A good adviser will spend considerable time helping you define your short, medium, and longterm objectives, and will then create a financial plan to meet those objectives, ensuring that account is taken of tax-efficient planning such as pensions, and considering estate planning too, if that is a priority. You can be pretty certain that events won’t turn out exactly as the plan indicates and your adviser should review and update the plan on a regular basis.

Worryingly both advisers will be FCA registered, both have at least a Level 4 qualification (it is now the minimum standard to trade as a financial adviser ), and both will sound plausible.

So how do you select the right adviser for you?

The right qualifications You want an adviser who takes professional knowledge and development very seriously and is completely independent. Look for an adviser who is a Chartered Financial Planner or a Certified Financial Planner - or is actively working towards these qualifications.

These qualifications are equivalent to a university degree and are the “Gold Standard” amongst financial advisers and are an indication that advisers have demonstrated that they are capable of dealing with clients that perhaps have more complicated financial planning requirements.

Relationships count Your relationship with your adviser is absolutely key.

Ask yourself whether the adviser really cares about you, genuinely wants you to reach your goals, and is willing and able to challenge you along the way.

And finally, fees Fees should be open, transparent and fair. Given that a good adviser could potentially make a difference of many thousands of pounds to your financial position over time, we suggest that you base your decision primarily on qualifications, approach and relationship as opposed to price alone.

Should you wish to have a chat with one of our financial planners please feel free to give us a call on 01257 423800. The initial meeting is at our expense and of course is without any obligation.

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

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56

What’s in pipeline for gas A regeneration bid is in the pipeline for the old Wigan Gasworks site.

Cllr David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council, hailed the demolition taking place on the landmark gas storage holders off Darlington Street by the National Grid.

The structures date back to the 1930s and have been unused since 2011 prompting a long campaign to get them removed.

Historically the site formed part of the much larger Wigan Gasworks where coal gas was first produced in 1823. Coal gas production was in operation at the site until the 1970s when the majority of the gasworks buildings and infrastructure were decommissioned.

site?

National Grid said the site will remain securely fenced at all times with full CCTV coverage. The work will be strictly controlled to minimise any potential disturbance for people who live and work close by.

Cllr Molyneux said: “I would describe the gas holders as being a necessary blot on the landscape for many years. The presence of the gas infrastructure has been a major constraint on redevelopment opportunities. Once the demolition and removal of the infrastructure is complete we look forward to helping to move this site forward and realising its potential.�

57

Hylomar snapped Aspull manufacturer Hylomar has been snapped up by the private equity arm of advisory group Dow Schofield Watts.

up

PHD Equity Partners, having acquired the Cale Lanebased company for an undisclosed sum, says it will support the firm’s management team as it pursues plans to expand in new and existing markets.

Hylomar manufactures adhesives and sealants for the automotive sector, employing a team of 28 at its factory in Aspull.

Craig Richardson and Philip Price led on the deal for PHD Equity Partners, with Tony Meakin supporting.

Craig said: “Hylomar is an established and profitable business within a growing market and whose

products are used in many of the best-selling and top of the range brands. We can see ways to add value and pursue growth opportunities.

“We look forward to working with management to help take the business to the next stage of its development.”

Solicitors’ bid

Holly BAHons Langtree

Plans have been submitted for a new solicitors’ office in Standish. RJT Solicitors has submitted an application to Wigan Council to convert 44 High Street from a domestic house to a solicitors’ office, complete with single storey rear extension and a new shop front. A decision is due before Christmas.

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58

Business View

Self Assessment in time

saves fines!

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy

H

MRC have indicated that the tax return as we know it will be phased out and replaced by digital tax accounts in future. However, for this tax year (year ending 05 April 2017) if you have been issued with a tax return notice you must file online before 31 January 2018 to avoid being hit with a penalty. The deadline for submitting a paper tax return has now passed.

Self Assessment isn’t purely for the self employed.

You may have a permanent job but earn some income on the side such as selling goods on ebay or at a car boot sale, rent from properties, rent from Airbnb, or any other activities where you receive gross income. If you are making more than £2,500 annually then you’ll need to complete a tax return.

Remember, those who miss filing their tax return face an automatic penalty of £100 and after 3 months this increases to £10 per day!

As a reminder, the following are the main reasons you may be required to completing a return: • 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.

Watch out for the new tax charges on dividends from April 2016! Contact CMA for advice on this.

• You have Capital Gains Tax to pay as you have sold an asset.

• You have received income from overseas such as pensions that are liable to UK tax.

• If you are employed and want to claim for expenses or professional subscriptions.

• The changes to the Child Benefit system mean that any household with someone earning more than £50,000 lose a proportion of the benefit.

Households where the highest earner has a salary of £60,000 lose the benefit entirely.

You can ease the worry of your tax return by asking CMA to complete this for you. We may be able to advise you about certain tax reliefs that you have not considered and maybe even get a refund for you from HMRC. Please contact us if you would like to discuss anything in this article. Alternatively drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further.

Contact Details Chris Alcock ACMA CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR Tel: 01257 255521 Email info@handsonaccounting.co.uk web www.handsonaccounting.co.uk

59

Do you complete a Self - Assessment

Tax Return?

Time is

running out!

Key Dates

Online Returns 31st Jan 18 Tax Due

31st Jan 18

15% OFF

If you don’t file your tax return on time you’ll face an automatic penalty of £100. After 3 months, this increases to £10 per day.

CMA Self Assessment fees

Call CMA Today on 01257 255521 & quote ‘Local Life Dec 15%’ Expiry date 31st December 2017

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

60

Food & Drink

Cloake’s foodie

adventures

By Ella Walker

“T

o be completely honest, I’ve always been quite a greedy person,” says Felicity Cloake simply.

Starting out behind the scenes in publishing, before realising she wanted to write herself, Cloake is best known for her Guardian column, ‘How to make the perfect...’.

Each week, she picks a dish, tries out different recipes for it, steals the best bits and then pronounces the definitive ‘perfect’ recipe at the end.

Though she already has another three books under her belt, she says working on her latest, The A-Z Of Eating, which draws on her own ideas and kitchen experiments, felt like she was “writing my own stuff for the first time”.

Featuring 26 chapters divided into her favourite ingredients (rhubarb and kale rank highly), the London-based foodie explains that she set out to “explore the possibilities of the ingredients beyond the obvious”, and “shake people out of their comfort zone”.

As a result, recipes for home-made Angel Delight and mini-cheese and Marmite donuts rub shoulders with Guinness jelly (“It’s so satisfying bringing it to the table and having it all wobbly”), and even a Japanese noodle version of carbonara.

“I really love Angel Delight, I don’t eat it really any more but I’ve got this nostalgic fondness for it, and I thought it must be possible to recreate it without all of the weird preservatives and emulsifiers you

find on the back of the packet,” says Cloake, who went and invented her own version of the classic butterscotch flavour. “I think it might even be - I hesitate to say it, because it’s a bold claim - but more delicious than the original!”

When it comes to inspiration, Cloake always reaches for Diana Henry’s books (“I think she’s brilliant, everything she’s done”), Giorgio Locatelli’s Made In Italy and “anything by Nigel Slater”.

“He’s the man who got me into cooking in the first place,” she says, recalling the uninspiring recipe books her mum had in the Eighties. “Suddenly, Nigel Slater came along, and he wrote so wonderfully and made it sound fun, and the photography was beautiful.

“I was like, ‘Ohh, this is a bit more interesting than I thought it was’.”

Feeling adventurous? Here are three ingenious recipes from Cloake’s new book...

The A-Z Of Eating by Felicity Cloake is published in hardback by Fig Tree, priced £25.

61

Christmas Boathouse AT THE

ChristMAs FAyre MeNu

available 1St-23rD DeceMber; tueS-thurS (12-3pM & 5-8pM) anD Fri-Sat(12-3pM)

2 Courses £16.95 StarterS

3 Courses £19.95

MainS

DeSSertS

White Onion Soup (v)

Traditional Roast Turkey

Bacon wrapped stuffing, goose fat potatoes & seasonal vegetables

Boathouse Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce

Burnt Apple & Goats Curd (v & g-f)

Pan Fried Pheasant Breast

White Chocolate & Cranberry Bread & Butter Pudding with cinnamon custard

Duck Livers on Toast

Fondant potato, savoy cabbage & chestnuts (g-f)

Oven Baked Hake

Camembert, Fig & Red Onion Tart (v)

Roasted salsify, creamed leeks, spinach & sprouting leaves (g-f)

Beetroot Cured Salmon

New potatoes, garden salad & cheese sauce (v)

Cauliflower, Chestnut & Sage Cake

Clementine & Gingerbread Trifle Mulled Wine Poached Pear - amoretti crumb, rum & raisin ice cream (gf) Cheese & Biscuits - Celery, homemade grape chutney & crackers (Supplement £3) Optional: Coffee & Mince Pies - £2.50

ChristMAs PArty Nights £24.95pp 3 courses, live music, supper and a Christmas night out to remember!

• Fri/Sat 8th & 9th December • Fri/Sat 15th & 16th December • Fri/Sat 22nd/23rd December Mill Lane | Appley Bridge | Lancashire | WN6 9DA tel: 01257 252456 www.appleybridgeboathouse.com

62

Peach & Mozzarella Salad with Crispy Lemon Zest & Basil

Method Peel the zest from the lemon in strips, keeping them as thin as possible to avoid the bitter white pith. Scrape any pith off the peel with a sharp knife, then cut the strips into long thin lengths. Put a plate lined with kitchen paper by the hob.

Serves 2 Ingredients 1 large unwaxed lemon 6tbsp olive oil 2-3 fairly ripe peaches or nectarines 1 ball of buffalo mozzarella 4 sprigs of basil

Heat the oil in a small frying pan and, when hot, fry the zest for about 30 seconds, until just beginning to crisp and colour. Use a slotted spoon to scoop on to the paper to drain, and allow the oil in the pan to cool.

Juice the lemon and whisk the cooled oil into two tablespoons of the juice. Season to taste.

Slice the peaches and divide between two small plates in a circle. Sprinkle with a little of the dressing, then tear the mozzarella over the top.

Spoon over a little more dressing, season, and sprinkle with the lemon zest strips and torn basil leaves to serve.

63

CHRISTMAS WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DAY CHRISTMAS FAMILY PARTY NEW YEAR’S EVE

COME AND VISIT

HOLLAND HALL HOTEL

Contact Holland Hall to book or to request a Christmas Brochure

2017

info@hollandhallhotel.co.uk | Tel: 01695 624 426 | www.hollandhallhotel.co.uk

64

TREAT YOURSELF TO A

Festive Picnic Paddock!

AT THE

WHY NOT TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS FESTIVE SEASON?

Don’t miss out on our Festive Picnic: A selection of individual savoury and sweet treats served on a mini picnic bench. Available daily 2-4pm from 1st December 2017.

Booking essential. ÂŁ30 per bench (serves 2).

The Paddock will have a fresh new look for 2018;

we have a function room available in the evenings, perfect for private parties, weddings, corporate functions and any other special events.

Take advantage of free room hire when you book before the 31st January

Derby House Food Hall

A place to inspire and delight your taste buds this festive season.

A wide range of local produce and gift ideas not available on the high street.

Gift vouchers available.

Derby House, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RE Tel. 01257 426514 Email. enquiries@thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk www.thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk

65

Christmas Derby House AT

FESTIVE LUNCHES

Served daily from Monday 20th November

1 COURSE £13.95

2 COURSES £16.95

3 COURSES £19.95

Christmas Party Nights Friday 1st, 8th & 15th December - £29.95 per head | Live entertainment & disco until Midnight CHOOSE FROM:

• Lightly Spiced Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup • Ham Hock Terrine with fig & grape chutney & brioche • Traditional Turkey Roast with all the trimmings • Pan Roasted Hake Fillet with cabbage & bacon, fish veloute & dauphinoise potatoes • Courgette & Gorgonzola Risotto with roasted vine cherry tomatoes & pine nuts • Traditional Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce • Black Cherry & Sherry Trifle

New Year’s Eve

Enjoy a 6-Course Dinner with Live Entertainment & Disco until 12.30am - £49.95 per head Arrive 7pm – Dine 7.30pm – Carriages 1am MENU:

• Cheese on Toast Welsh Rarebit, Toasted Bloomer, Poached Hen’s Egg, Roasted Cherry Vine Tomatoes • Scampi in a Basket Jumbo Atlantic Prawns, Bread crumbed with Tartare Sauce • Steak & Chips Roasted Sirloin served pink, Forestiere Garnish, Fat Chips, Red Wine Sauce • Sticky Toffee Pudding Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding, Butterscotch Sauce, Vanilla Ice-Cream • Local Cheese Board Breads, Biscuits, Fig Chutney • Coffee & Chocolates Derby House, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RE Tel. 01257 426514 Email. enquiries@thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk www.thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk

66

Shrimp & Grits with Bacon & Parmesan

Method Combine the stock and milk in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer, then pour over the grits, whisking vigorously to combine.

Serves 2 Ingredients 500ml chicken stock 250ml milk 100g stoneground grits (you can find them online, alternatively use cornmeal or polenta) 1tbsp double cream 40g Parmesan or Grana Padano, grated 2 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped 10 large raw prawns, peeled and deveined, but tails left on A small bunch of chives Salt and pepper

Turn down the heat to low and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until the grits are thick and creamy, stirring regularly to make sure they aren’t sticking.

Once they’re ready, take off the heat and stir in the cream and cheese, then season to taste. Keep warm while you cook the topping.

Heat a dry frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry the bacon until crisp and beginning to brown.

Scoop out with a slotted spoon and add the prawns.

Saute until pink on both sides, then scoop out and add to the bacon (if you leave them in the hot pan while you assemble the dish they will continue cooking).

Divide the grits between two shallow bowls. Top with the prawns, then scatter the bacon around them. Finally, snip over the chives to serve.

67

Win afternoon tea

for two!

W

igan’s first continental café, Patisserie Valerie, opened a couple of weeks ago in the Grand Arcade and Local Life has vouchers to be won for you to enjoy afternoon tea with a friend at this popular continental café.

Patisserie Valerie currently operates over 145 stores and is renowned for their indulgent gateau slices and patisserie. The new café is located within Debenhams in the Grand Arcade shopping mall in Wigan’s town centre.

Patisserie Valerie’s newest café sees the continuance of the brand’s partnership with famed brand Debenhams, and has created approximately 20 new jobs.

The new Wigan store offers a selection of grilled snacks for customers to enjoy as they take a break from their busy shopping trips. This café also serves Patisserie Valerie’s range of scrumptious gateaux and patisserie, which customers can indulge in whilst they enjoy handcrafted coffee made by trained baristas and also a range of loose leaf teas.

The Wigan store is also a site to order and collect celebration cakes perfect for any occasion, and also wedding cakes. Customers can select one of Patisserie Valerie’s signature gateaux or even opt to design their own using the company’s innovative Create-A-Cake tool. Patisserie Valerie also offers a bespoke cake service for birthday, wedding and other special occasion cakes which can be discussed with a member of staff in store.

Customers can also enjoy the traditional Afternoon Tea (pictured). This includes a selection of decadent finger sandwiches, mini cakes, patisserie bites as well as plain and fruit scones, served with jam and clotted cream.

We have three Afternoon Tea vouchers to be won in our latest Local Life competition. Each voucher entitles two people to sample Patisserie Valerie’s afternoon tea. Simply answer the question below; In which Wigan arcade is the new Patisserie Valerie located?

To enter the competition, visit our website www.locallife247.co.uk/freestuff and click on competitions.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Voucher expires 12 months from date of purchase. Must be used in one single transaction. No cash value. Must present voucher to member of staff. Only valid for one Afternoon Tea for Two. Excludes prosecco option. Any additional items you may order will be added to the bill, and must be paid for accordingly. Valid at any Patisserie Valerie branch that offers Afternoon Tea – please check website for your local store. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Please treat this card like cash as lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced. Not valid in Selfridges concessions. Expiry date of competition - Sunday, 10th December.

68

Lamb ‘Porchetta’ with Salsa Verde

Method Serves 6 Ingredients 2tbsp black peppercorns 1/2-1tbsp red chilli flakes 3tbsp fennel seeds 1.5kg boned lamb breast (probably 2 or 3) 6 garlic cloves, crushed 4tbsp chopped thyme and rosemary 1/2tsp bicarbonate of soda Salt For the Salsa Verde: 1 large bunch of basil 1 large bunch of flat-leaf parsley 6 anchovies (rinsed if packed in salt)

Between 16 and 48 hours before you want to eat the lamb, depending on how long you have to marinate it, put the peppercorns, chilli flakes and fennel seeds into a hot dry frying pan and toast for a minute or so, or until aromatic. Allow to cool slightly, then crush in a pestle and mortar.

Lay the lamb breast or breasts out flat on a board, fat side down, and salt generously. Spread over the crushed garlic (unfortunately, fingers are the easiest thing to use - rub them with lemon juice afterwards to help neutralize the smell), followed by the crushed spices and chopped herbs. Roll up tightly from one of the short ends and tie with string in several places. Rub the skin with bicarbonate of soda and a little more salt, then refrigerate overnight, or for up to 48 hours.

Take the meat out of the fridge an hour or so before you want to cook it, to bring it up to room temperature. Heat the oven to 240C/gas 9 and roast the lamb for about 30 minutes, until golden, then turn down the heat to 170C/gas 3 and roast for a further two to two-and-a-half hours, or until the meat is very tender. Rest for at least 20 minutes in a warm place.

Olive oil

To make the Salsa Verde, whiz the herbs, anchovies, capers and garlic up in a food processor (or roughly chop and then pound in a pestle and mortar if you’re feeling more energetic), then beat in the lemon juice and mustard, followed by enough olive oil to make a thick sauce - it doesn’t need to be super smooth.

Taste and season or add more lemon juice if necessary.

Salt and pepper

Cut the lamb into thick slices and serve with the Salsa Verde.

2tbsp capers (rinsed if packed in salt) 1 garlic clove, crushed Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1tsp Dijon mustard

69

sponsored by

Appley

Bridge

by Niamh Ollerton

D

o you ever need an excuse to get out for a little while and enjoy an amble through the countryside? Myself and my colleague Peter both enjoy a good walk so heading over to Appley Bridge definitely didn’t feel like business.

We booted up and parked up in Appley Lane North – which isn’t the easiest to do so keep your eyes peeled – and headed down the right hand side of the lane, made our way across the canal bridge and down towards the water. But be careful as you make your way down the bend towards the canal towpath as it’s very steep and, if there’s ice on the floor, you’ll be a goner.

Keep walking along the canal towpath and admire

the canal water. There were no ripples in the water; it was clear as glass, with reflections of the trees and scenery you would only find in a mirror. We really did pick the most glorious day for a walk.

I love walking along canals, as you never know the kinds of people you might meet, whether that’s families, cyclists or cheery ramblers with their energetic pups bounding along the path.

There was a lot of activity at one of the lock gates with a handful of builders hard at work, where we noticed the brand spanking new lock gates waiting to be assembled.

Carry on towards bridge 39 where you’ll leave the canal towpath, but prepare to lean forward. But do

70 take a second to admire the houses nestled close to the canal. These houses are dreamy if you like the peace and quiet.

Continue over the bridge across the canal and head up Chapel Lane, until you get to the railway. We recommend waiting a minute and checking both sides of the track before crossing over just in case.

But then again, train tracks interest me, so maybe that’s why I like to take it all in.

Once the railway is behind you, you’ll continue up towards Wood Lane and this is where the first incline hits you. It’s not too bad, but this may be when you remove one of your layers on a sunny day.

When you get towards the top you’ll need to go right and follow the lane which will take you towards Gillibrand House. Along the lane you’ll see Parbold church’s steeple, but you can also admire the rolling green landscape, which is the epitome of British countryside. Further on there’s a black Shetland pony in the field on your right and I jumped, or rather cantered at the opportunity the give it a stroke. Keep your eyes peeled.

Passing Gillibrand House you’ll continue through the gates marking the right of way, carry on until you come to a gate with a no access sign on it.

Here, the public footpath goes to the right and over a stile. This is where your walk will start to get slippery so keep your wits about you as you head over to the next stile.

Said stile, might I add, is fine if you keep your feet to the steps, but don’t put all your weight on the floating bit of wood as I did, meaning Peter could have later had a mudpie for a passenger.

Once over the dreaded stile, keep to the right hand side of the field and then straight across to the next.

If there has been heavy rainfall, prepare for the muddy landscape as you search for the best spot to place your foot. Another comical fact; make sure your boots are laced tightly as you may lose one.

Slow and steady wins the race here.

These fields are used for livestock so if you have a dog with you please keep it on a lead.

On the far side of the second field, you should be

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Lees Lane

Gillibrand House

Springs

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Mud

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Fairy Glen

Broo

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Appley Bridge

Wrightington’s Farm

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

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North Appley Lane

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72

able to make out a tall post marking the stile that takes you up to Fairy Glen. And if you haven’t been into Fairy Glen before, you’re in for a real treat.

Once you’re over the stile, follow the path going over the brook and take a minute to listen to the calming sounds as the water trickles underneath you.

Continue to follow the path towards the main attraction of this walk – the waterfall. In such a lovely setting among the trees, this waterfall is worthy of a film location. I’m thinking the live action version of Tarzan in sunny Appley Bridge.

Follow the track with the waterfall on your right and make your way up the numerous wooden stairs,

and continue along the path past the top of the fall to reach Finch Lane.

Head down the lane towards the farm and see if you can spot an animal or two. At the farm entrance, take the footpath on your left as you reach the final slog of your journey.

Carry on walking along the footpath and cross the next two lanes. This will then bring you out at the top of Appley Lane North, where you’ll turn right and head down the lane until you’ve reached your starting point. Now you might want to give your shoes a good kick.

As walks go, this is a comfortable walk, and on a clear day (with a little less mud), the sights of Parbold and Appley Bridge couldn’t be nicer.

Length of walk: 5 miles Difficulty: Medium Accessibility: The route includes a number of stiles and gates. We did the walk after some prolonged rainfall and there was some very muddy sections.

73

Upload your event for FREE at www.locallife247.co.uk/events Follow us on Facebook

events2go

Elf The Musical

Pirate & Rum Festival

Until Sun, Jan 7, 2018, 2pm and 7.30pm showings

Saturday, November 25, 8am-5pm

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, who travels to the NYC from the North Pole in search of his real (human) dad.

For tickets please visit: http://bit.ly/2AtnUeF

The finest selection of weird and wonderful rum from across the seven seas and live performances. Tickets are £8+56p booking fee via www.eventbrite.co.uk

The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ. Tel: 0843 208 6000

The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA 01942 834747

A Christmas Carol

Book-Cycle Christmas Fair

Until Saturday, January 13, 2018, 10.30am, 11am, 2.15pm, 7pm showings

Saturday, November 25, 12pm onwards

Charles Dickens’ cherished festive tale is brought to life in this enchanting stage adaptation full of joy, song, and magic! Tickets from £12 at https://octagonbolton.co.uk

There’ll be stalls featuring crafts, knitwear, local produce, plants and more. Plus a raffle, tombola with great prizes and refreshments too! And children can visit Father Christmas in his Grotto accompanied by his Elves!

Octagon Theatre Bolton, Howell Croft S, Bolton, BL1 1SB. Tel: 01204 520661

Orrell Book-Cycle, The Library, 241 Orrell Road, Orrell WN5 8LY 01942 665646

Christmas Market

Olly V Bruno Tribute

Fri, Nov10, to Thurs, Dec 21, 10am-9pm every day!

Saturday, Nov 25, 8pm to Sunday, Nov 26, 12am

There’s nine zones including the European Christmas Market in Albert Square, and the fun fair and ice rink at Cathedral Gardens. For ice rink tickets visit ticketsource. co.uk/therinkatcathedralgardens or call 0333 666 33 66.

Experience the best of both these terrific acts with fantastic Olly Murs and Bruno Mars tributes, as well as a backing DJ for a little extra oomph. All for just £10.

Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square, M60 2LA

Hungry Horse - The Mount Orrell, 160 Orrell Road, WN5 8HQ 01942 219740

Methodist Christmas Market

Charity Dress Sale

Saturday, November 25, 10am

Saturday, November 25, 12pm-3pm

Prospect Brass Band will be playing Christmas Carols, and Father Christmas will be on hand. Entry is just 30p

Treat yourself to a dress for £5 or handbag for £3. The event is raising money for Tommy’s and The Christie.

Standish Methodist Church, High Street, Standish, WN6 0HA 01257 422598

St John’s Methodist Church Hall, 18 Ladies Lane, Hindley, WN2 2RG.

74

Haigh Foodie Sunday

Infants Frenchtastic Class

Sunday, November 26, 12pm-4.30pm

Mon, Nov 27, 4pm; Mon, Dec 4, 4pm; Mon, Dec 11, 4pm; Mon, Dec 18, 4pm

There’s live entertainment with Cav Kelly at 1pm & 2.30pm; Christmas Carols with Smith’s Academy Choir at 3.30pm; and a visit from Santa and the Christmas tree lights switch on at 3.45pm. Free event.

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828280

Wigan Live Sunday, November 26, 2.30pm-5pm Head down to Wigan Central to see even more artists as Wigan Live continues. The running order will start with Tim Critchley Acoustic, followed by Lucy Mayhew a superb musician from Liverpool and more.

Fun and interactive French classes for children in Reception, Year 1 & Year 2, with songs, actions, dancing, music and story-telling. There’s a free taster session for new customers, message www.facebook.com/ events/1578379685587452/ to book your place.

St Anne’s Parish Centre, Church Lane, Shevington, WN6 8BD.

The Hound of the Baskervilles Wednesday, November 29, 7.30pm until Saturday, December 9, 7.30pm (2hrs approx.)

Wigan Central, 1 & 2, Arch, Queen Street, Wigan WN3 4DY 01942 246425

While mysterious lights signal Baskerville Hall, the sleuthing begins and suspicion falls on servants, butterfly collectors, ladies in distress and escaped convicts. Tickets are £10.60 and £12.60.

Greenslate Christmas Market

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3SL. Box Office: 01942 242561.

Sunday, Nov 26, 12-4pm; Sunday, Dec 3, 12-4pm; Sunday Dec 10, 12-4pm; Dec 17, 12-4pm There’ll be craft, food and gift stalls, music and live entertainment, practical Christmas craft demos, and you can sample festive food & mulled wine. The kids can meet Santa in a winter wonderland, the whole family can get involved in a Christmas treasure trail, and there’ll be a special lantern parade on November 26.

Tracks Lane, Billinge, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7BG 01695 229150

Standish Christmas Market Saturday, December 2, 11am-8pm Standish Voice will be rocking around the Christmas tree with new stalls and new acts to kick off your festive season. The Market and two craft halls will open at 11am, the stage and beer tent at noon and you can link up with Standish Live Festival in the evening. Keep up to date via www.facebook.com/events/1921823284810163/ or email StandishVoiceEvents@gmail.com

Christmas Market

Market Place, Standish

Sunday, November 26, 12pm-7pm

Standish Live

Pemberton Christmas Market will feature Kevin the Klown, a Bouncy Castle, fairground rides, real reindeers, Orrell Music and Amateur Dramatics choir. Christmas tree lights switch on from 3.30pm at the White Swan, Santa arrives at 4pm and the lights switch is at 4.15pm.

Santa will meet children at the Pemberton Masonic Hall.

Pemberton Masonic Hall, Chapel Street, Pemberton, Wigan, WN5 8JP. Tel: 07858 604590

Friday, Dec 1, 7pm to, Saturday, Dec 2, 11.59pm The Albion Ale House, The Shamrock, The Black Bull, The Lychgate, Potters Bar, The Globe and The Hoot will all be a part of this year’s Standish Live line-up with some amazing artists performing too. Free entry.

High St, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HL

75 Capturing tender special moments to cherish and treasure

Victorian Christmas Fair

Newborn

Saturday, December 2, 1pm-4pm

Weddings

There’ll be stalls, gifts, books, Father Christmas, Afternoon tea and so much more. The event is free entry and welcomes the whole family.

Church of St Thomas the Martyr, 7 Church Street, Up Holland, Skelmersdale WN8 0ND

Charity Christmas Party Saturday, December 2, 1pm-4pm This ticket only event is £5 per child with lots going on including raffles, tombolas, arts & crafts, Christmas cards for sale, a bouncy castle and more. All money raised is going to Wigan and Leigh Hospice, The UK Sepsis Trust and Abbies Army. For tickets and info message www. facebook.com/Chelseafletcher06

Christenings Special Parties Please contact Eleanor T: 01257 792745 M: 07510 612926

LEARN TO PLAY PIANO Study for music exams or just for enjoyment. No age limit!

Call Louise McAleer GMus PGCE 01257 421056 or 07908 614664 louise.mcaleer29@yahoo.co.uk

Central Park, Montrose Avenue, Wigan, WN5 9XL

Frosted by magic

Santa’s Grotto

Sunday, December 3, 2pm-3pm

Sat, Dec 2, 11am-4pm; Sat, Dec 9; 11am-4pm; Sat, Dec 16, 11am-4pm; Sat, Dec 23, 11am-4pm Visit Santa in his Grotto at the Kitchen Courtyard at Haigh – £5 per child - booking essential. Each child will get a small gift too.

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828280

Charity Christmas Parade Sunday, December 3, 4pm This year’s Charity Christmas Parade is set to be bigger than ever before. Watch the parade of lights make its way through Southport as they make their way to deliver 100s of toys to Springbrook Children’s Home.

Southport Pleasureland, Marine Drive, PR8 1RX

DBS Checked

Tangled Dance Company will unlock the frosted secrets of Heaton Hall and its enthralling world of wizards in this spellbinding, magical production! Tickets are £8.80 for adults and £6.60 for children (incl. booking fee) from www.skiddle.com or you can buy them at The Stables Café (in Heaton Park).

Heaton Hall, Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Higher Blackley, Manchester, M25 2SW. Tel: 0161 773 1231

Aladdin Fri, Dec 1, 7pm-10pm to Sun, Dec 3, 2pm-5pm; Thurs, Dec 7, 7pm-10pm to Sun, Dec 10, 2pm; Thurs, Dec 14, 7pm-10pm to Sun, Dec 17, 2pm Bolton Little Theatre will take you on a journey to the east for the panto classic – Aladdin! Join brave but poor Aladdin as he is tricked by the evil magician Abanazar into searching for the magic lamp, only to find adventure, comedy and romance! Tickets are £10.

Bolton Little Theatre, 27 Hanover Street, Bolton, BL1 4TG. Tel: 01204 524469

76

Light for a Life

Mr Stephen Bayliss

Tuesday, December 5, 6.30pm-8pm

Friday, December 8, doors from 7pm

This special ceremony is a moving way to give thanks for those we love and have loved. A light will be lit on the tree in dedication at the ceremony at the Hospice.

Enjoy an evening with the talented singer Stephen Bayliss. Tickets are £30 per head and include entertainment from the resident DJ and food.

Wigan & Leigh Hospice, Kildare Street, Wigan, WN2 3HZ

The Village on the Green, Wood Road, Aspull, WN2 1PJ. Tel: 01942 832073 or 07947 510659

Christmas tree lighting

Adele vs Motown tribute

Wednesday, December 6, 6.30pm-8pm

Friday, December 8, 8pm

Get the family all aglow around the Christmas tree at Bispham Methodist Church. Father Christmas will be there, the Trinity Girls Band, carol singing and more.

There’ll be a three course meal, DJ and Adele vs Motown tribute from 8pm until late. Book your table for £22.95.

Menu choices need to be sent by Friday, December 1.

Bispham Methodist Church, Orrell, WN5 7GL

Hungry Horse - The Mount Orrell, 160 Orrell Road, WN5 8HQ 01942 219740

Beauty & the Beast Wednesday, December 6, 7pm-9pm

Christmas Market

A re-imagining of the classic fairytale will be brought to life this Christmas. The Black-E Liverpool will be transformed into the enchanted castle home of the ferocious Beast, trapped by a spell. Tickets from £12.

Friday, Dec 8; Saturday, Dec 9; Sunday, Dec 10

The Black-E Liverpool, 1 Great George Street, Liverpool, L1 5EW. Tel: 0151 709 5109

The Boathouse Pub & Kitchen, Mill Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DA. Tel: 01257 252456

Pensioners Christmas Quiz

Love Actually Spectacular

Friday, December 8, 1pm-3pm

Friday, December 8, 9pm-12am

Come along to the Straw Bale Café at Greenslate Farm for a Pensioners Christmas Quiz. Prizes include a Greenslate hamper and more. Entry is just £1.

Featuring LIVE surprises, complimentary drink on arrival, cocktail bar & food. Tickets £16.70 via www.skiddle.com

Straw Bale Café, Greenslate Road, Billinge, Wigan, WN5 7BG 01695 632290

Christmas Market Friday, December 8, 3.30pm-6.30pm Father Christmas, crafts, fresh produce, toys, activities for children, a raffle, cakes, home-made marmalade & jams, fancy goods, and Christmas gifts of course.

Bispham Methodist Church, Orrell, WN5 7GL

Join the staff at The Boathouse Pub & Kitchen for a weekend of festive cheer! If you’re interested in being a stall holder, email info@appleybridgeboathouse.com

The Mayfield Depot, Unit 9, Temperance Street, Manchester, M12 6HR. Tel: 0844 375 2013

Wingates Band Christmas Saturday, December 9, 7.30pm Wingates Band is putting on a show with special guests Warrington Male Voice Choir. Adults tickets are £10, under 16s go free.

Victoria Hall, Bolton, BL1 2AS. Tel: 01204 522569 (box office). Info: www.wingatesbrassband.co.uk

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Christmas in the Courtyard

Breakfast with Santa

Sunday, December 10, 11am-4pm

Sunday, December 24, 11am-1pm

You can visit Santa’s Grotto; there’ll be Christmas Carols at 1pm & 2.30pm; and a children’s Christmas lantern parade at 3.15pm. Free event.

£6 per ticket includes breakfast, child entertainer and a special visit from Santa with a gift for your little one.

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828280

Christmas Market Sunday, December 10, 11am-5pm Come feed the reindeer (12pm-4pm) and visit Santa in his Grotto. There’ll be over 30 crafts stalls to browse while you enjoy a glass of mulled wine or cider! As well as live music, dancing, rides, funhouse, games, hog roast, marquee and lots of festive spirit! Free event.

Hungry Horse - The Mount Orrell, 160 Orrell Road, WN5 8HQ 01942 219740

The Forgotten Carols Sunday, December 17, 6pm-8pm The story of Connie Lou, a nurse whose empty life is changed when her new patient recounts the story of Christ’s birth. The accounts from the Innkeeper, the Shepherd and others help Connie discover what the world has forgotten about Christmas. To register for your free ticket visit www.eventbrite.co.uk The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 125 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2NB. Tel: 01942 243850

The Poacher Winstanley, Holmes House Avenue, Winstanley, WN3 6JA. Tel: 01942 214648

NYE party Sunday, December 31, doors from 7pm Bring in the New Year in style with the fabulous Dave Lee Andrews. Tickets are £40 per head and also include entertainment from the resident DJ and food.

The Village on the Green, Wood Road, Aspull, WN2 1PJ. Tel: 01942 832073 or 07947 510659

Little Red Riding Hood Thursday, January 11 2018, 7.30pm to Saturday, January 27 2018, 7.30pm (with 2.15pm showings on the weekends too) Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was loved dearly by her grandmother, who gave her a riding hood of red velvet. But, there’s an evil creature in the woods and Little Red Riding Hood will need all your support and encouragement to get home from Grandma’s in one piece. Tickets £10.60 and £12.60 (incl. booking fee).

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3SL. Box Office: 01942 242561.

Old Mother Hubbard Panto

Wednesday, December 20, 7pm-10pm

Fri, Jan 26, 7.30pm; Sat, Jan 27, 3pm; Sat, Jan 27, 7pm; Sun, Jan 28, 2pm; Wed, Jan 31, 7.30pm; Fri, Feb 2, 7.30pm; Sat, Feb 3, 3pm; Sat, Feb 3, 7pm

A chance to wish everyone a happy Christmas and share some silly Christmas music & cheer. Christmas jumpers are essential, or you could even make your own festive outfit. Christmas treats will be available. The event is free but you can register https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

St John’s Dramatic Society will be performing their rendition of ‘Old Mother Hubbard’ in early 2018. If you’d like to find out about Old Mother Hubbard and her dog, tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for school children.

Please ring Anne on 01942 621701.

St John Rigby College, Gathurst Road, Orrell, WN5 0LJ. Tel: 01942 214797

St John’s School Hall, Church Street, Pemberton, Wigan, WN5 0DT. Tel: 01942 222133

Christmas Jumper Concert

79

Make the most of your

nooks & crannies!

Award Winner

by Angie Barker

M

ost gardens have side returns, odd corners and nooks and crannies which pose problems for gardeners. These awkward spaces are usually shady and often have hard standing covering the soil. They can become a dumping ground, or merely a passage way to access the garden from the back door or the back gate. With space at a premium these days in our gardens, we should be making the most of every square inch, so whilst such spaces are challenging, they have the potential to become beautiful.

You can use pots to plant up shade loving plants.

The larger the pot the better as plants will have more compost to get their roots down into and will thrive and they will need less watering. Pots work better grouped together rather than dotted around and if you are looking for a contemporary look, buy all the same kind of pot and display them in a line. Staging or shelves can work really well in skinny spaces such as side returns to display planting and green up walls. Hanging baskets can also work well to bring planting to eye level and break up a dull expanse of wall or fence.

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.

Although garden centres appear to only sell Christmas decorations at this time of year , if you venture outside you will find that they still sell … plants! The following are just a few examples which will tolerate shade and do well in pots : • Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ – a small black, grass like plant, great for ground cover around the base of a larger plant • Sarcococca confusa – a small evergreen shrub with the most amazing scent in late winter – perfect near a doorway • Ferns – all lovely but a good evergreen one to look for is Cyrtomium fortunei • Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ – a small evergreen shrub which brightens dull corners with its yellow and lime green leaves • Liriope mucari ‘Big Blue’ – a small strappy leaved plant with blue spikes of flowers in autumn Finally, add a string of fairy lights to light up your new display – after all, ‘tis the season. Happy Christmas everyone from Hubby and me!

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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

Award Winner

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Semmens Landscapes

Garden Design • Landscaping • Maintenance

Solutions

Professional & reliable service For a free quote, call Andy on

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Test Drive

Renault

Koleos

by Tim Barnes-Clay

T

he Renault Koleos won’t rock your world, but it’s a decent enough SUV. It looks a bit too like many other SUVs out there – most noticeably the Skoda Kodiaq, but it’s an impressive car, nonetheless.

I got behind the wheel of the flagship trim level – the Signature Nav, which has a generous amount of Kit, comprising big 19-inch alloy wheels, a

83 sat-nav, a touchscreen and leather-bound seats.

The car’s infotainment system, accessed via the touchscreen is easy and self-explanatory to use, and the Renault is practical, offering cubby holes and four USB slots. What’s more, the Koleos is endowed with good quality soft-touch plastics and the hide wrapping the seats and steering wheel is top notch.

The top-of-the-tree 2.0 dCi 175 AWD X-Tronic Koleos I drove really is the bee’s-knees, in terms of out-and-out technology and cabin refinement. The layout is well thought out for driver and passengers, and room is more than respectable. The wheelbase is the same as the X-Trail’s at 2,705mm – and this equates to awesome legroom. Better still, the Koleos’ load area is 29 litres bigger than the Nissan’s – measuring 579 litres. Alas, take a tape-measure to the similar-looking Skoda Kodiaq and the Czechmade car’s boot is 630 litres.

Oh well, you can’t have

everything. Strangely the Gallic car brand isn’t providing the Koleos with a seven-seat option, though. This could be a deal-breaker as Skoda’s Kodiaq does. Renault gets away with it, however, by explaining that you can always go for the Grand Scenic if you need all those seats.

On the road, the Renault Koleos is well-behaved and easy to like. Zero to 62mph arrives in 9.5 seconds and the top speed is 125mph, so the car has plenty of ‘go’ for motorway commutes or for overtakes on lesser roads. The Koleos has 174 horses under its ample bonnet to provide such power, and this helps tug the car along, even with five-up and a fully laden boot.

84 as predictable and steady. The Koleos I drove had all-wheel-drive, so I also tested it off-road. Because the car has good ground clearance I could drive it over stones and hummocks without fear of ripping bits off the underneath of the Koleos. Furthermore, the Renault grips well in mud and anything not resembling tarmac. It’s no Land Rover, but it’s a great asset to have if you live in the sticks, or you plan on lugging a tin-tent to a grassy caravan park or suchlike.

The auto ‘box isn’t bad, even though it’s a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This means the transmission shifts through a constant range of ratios. Alas, CVTs don’t always work as seamlessly as they should, resulting in a rather jerky driving experience. Nevertheless, I’m pleased to report Renault has stuck an advanced CVT into the Koleos that uses technology to copy a sequential ‘box. This makes the car painless to operate.

The Koleos’ ride is super comfy, with its soft suspension making you all but forget the existence of potholes. But the squidgy springs don’t wreck the handling; if anything, the French SUV comes across

The Koleos is a car that is roomy and well-appointed.

It also flies the luxury SUV flag for Renault. This means it could attract fresh customers to the brand who are looking for an SUV with a bit of French flair.

Fast Facts • 0-62 mph: 9.5 secs • Combined mpg: 47.9 • Engine layout: 1995cc four-cylinder diesel turbo • Max. power (PS): 174 • CO2: 156 g/km • Price: £34,200

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J.Dillon

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Wireless Alarm System

ONLY £349

1x Live LED GHE Bell box 1x dummy GHE bell box 1x Mains panel with battery back up 1x wireless door contact 2x Wireless PIR Motion detectors

Domestic and commercial work welcomed ~ Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est Cale Lane Wigan

01942 836 937 or 07557 914 788

www.ghewigan.co.uk

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GDR Driveways Flagging • Block paving Concreting • Fencing

JJ Driveways

Imprinted Concrete Specialists

Call Gareth for a FREE quotation

Huge range of colours & patterns

01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754

• Resin Driveways • Block Paving • Indian Stone • Flagging

Complete Driveways & Landscapes Landscapes

Gardens designed. Paving laid, artificial turf fitted, garden walls built, all aspects of fencing.

We can also revive your old drive!

Ask about our sealing service

Call Joe for a free quotation on

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

Driveways

Block paving, flagging, printed concrete driveway specialist.

‘the complete answer for driveways & landscapes’ Call Gary for a free, no obligation quote;

01942 355 993 07712 352 411 House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments

• Conservatory repairs • Locks, handles and hinges • Replacement glass • Windows and doors installed • Replacement conservatory roofs Call MARK now on 01942 737 381 / 0776 315 1720 conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com www.fixmyconservatory.com

All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request Call now for a free quotation

GARAGE DOOR

REPAIRS

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

Doors of all ages repaired

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

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

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PLASTERER

House Extensions New Kitchens & Bathrooms Garage Conversions Full Refurbishments

Re-skims Dot & dab Rendering 2 coat work Unwanted artex

For a free quote, call Ian Ridley on

01942 218 160

or 07958 695 116 Brickwork & Property Maintenance

M M

Ma rc Mulligan

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

All our work is fully insured & guaranteed References available on request Call now for a free quotation

Disabled Adaptations & Access

01942 248 537 • Wall to Floor Rails, Floor to Floor 07749 806 566 Rails & Path Rails Fully Qualified - 28 Years Experience

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

PLANS TO IMPROVE • Plans drawn and submitted.

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yM

Easy Mix

Eas

• Extensions, conversions, structural alterations.

• Structural calculations.

E mail info@stuartsplans.co.uk Call Stuart on 07973143289

Ready Mixed Concrete

• Delivered or Collected • Perfect for builders & DIY

01942 224571 for advice Lamberhead Ind. Est., Pemberton

Home Improvements • • • •

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

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

01942 203 804 DS Joinery 07851 225 876

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

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PP

Building services Joinery Specialists

LOCAL, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL AND HONEST • 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

Ashurst Building & Roofing Services

• WILSON BROS •

All types of building and roofing work undertaken including;

• All aspects of maintenance & repair

E: 01942 Extensions 832747 & Conservatories 07747 725999 New roofs & Roof repairs Family run business with 25 years of experience

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

Don’t Move – Improve!

I’m Stuart Collier, a local builder with over 25 years experience in house renovation and specialist in loft & garage conversion.

I can design and create the extra living space you need.

01257 251 534 07973 143 289 www.sjcollier.co.uk

Est. 1985

Roofing & Roofline Specialists • Fascia & soffit installation • Guttering and felting services Call us now for a free estimate

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

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K Stone Building Services

All types of building work undertaken 25 years experience

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

01942 495412 / 07974 496676

All aspects of roofing & roofline New roofs Repairs Fascias, soffits & gutters

Dormers and Garages Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist Guaranteed 50 years

Call for free quote

Tel: Mob: 01942 864 624 / 07894 687 384

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

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

W.Newman ROOFING & REPAIRS

B.A. Berry Building & Roofing Specialists •All building work undertaken.

• From a broken tile to a full re roof.

• Flat roofs renewed and repaired.

• Extensions, Alterations, Structural repairs including Lintels.

Your local fully qualified tradesman with

01695 627 212 MOBILE: 07774 943 706

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND Established Over 30 Years

30 years experience

Call us now for a free, no obligation quote

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

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A View From The Lump Local gossip, gripes and goings-on Call The Sweeney Around 20 years ago, there was much talk about the ‘information superhighway’. Granted, such hyperbole seems a trifle daft now but there are, nevertheless, many who refused to join this orgy of automation. I doff my cap to their intransigence but fear they are now being left behind in this internet-mad world. Wigan Council is one of the worst. I’ve previously reported how its website is seemingly devoid of contact phone numbers, lest anyone would want to speak to an actual human being. That was over a year ago and things have got no better. Poor old Cllr Carl Sweeney, the ‘portfolio holder for resources and reform’, got it in the neck recently from an irate local who sent him the following brief missive: “Why can’t I actually get to speak to somebody at the Council? I have phoned three separate numbers just to get an automated service. I have also tried to e-mail just to get a server error message. It’s disgusting service.” The Sweeney’s 400-plus word response was full of blather about “savings”, “cost reduction” and of course, the obligatory mention of “The Deal”. But the

thing it was actually missing?

Yes, you’ve guessed it... a phone number. You really couldn’t make it up!

So much #LOL As I was born aged 50, I’ve always found it difficult to comprehend what youngsters say. The ‘80s were bad enough, when everyone was donning those Frankie Says t-shirts, but today’s whippersnappers have got me totally befuddled.

The youngest grandchild proclaimed that they were ‘on fleek’ the other day. I promptly enquired as to what ‘fleek’ actually meant, and was advised it’s something to do with looking good. That’s fine, but when they start using everyday words in a different context, it’s difficult not to look stupid. Said same grandchild mentioned how they’d ‘got beef’ and I was halfway towards getting my Delia Smith cook book out when they put me straight (for the nonplussed, ‘beef’ means moody/annoyed). And don’t get me started on acronyms.

BFF? LOL? FBO? YOLO? Don’t know and to be honest, I don’t care, so long as I can BYOB, I’ll be able to get through anything...

Back to the future I was walking through The Galleries recently, and what a sorry site it is.

Few shoppers, empty units... it’s a place which desperately needs attention. In a sense, The Galleries was a victim of its own success. It helped launch the regeneration of Wigan in the late 1980s, but it dated very quickly. There is still very much a market for town centre shopping, as The Grand Arcade demonstrates, and The Galleries needs to adapt to that. I feel for the businesses that have stayed loyal to The Galleries, some of which (Brucciani’s in particular) were ahead of their time. And it’s now time for their loyalty to be repaid.

And finally...

The decorations are now up at number 64. Of course, last year’s tree lights didn’t work so I had to trundle off to the shops for yet another set of firestarters. And the faux pine tree is now starting to resemble a real one insofar as it’s becoming as bald as Duncan Goodhew. At my time of life, there’s cost/benefit analysis to every purchase like this - i.e. will I be here next year to enjoy it?

Knowing my luck, I probably will.

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Come and visit the largest showroom in the North West

®

Happy New Year Quality installations of windows, doors, fascias, soffits and gutters First for quality • First for service • First for reliability No contractors • No salesmen Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business

® Rockdoor Approved Installer Reg No 02767596

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS Established 16 years

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