Local Life - Wigan North - Oct/Nov 2014

Wigan North Edition

Oct/Nov 2014

The Day the Meteorite Struck

Taste Test In Appley Bridge

Photo © Mark Chapman

Where Are They Now? - Bill Ashurst Jack’s Tracks visits Crank Caverns www.locallife247.co.uk

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Best Foot Forward

In this issue

Is it me, or is this year going a bit too fast?

30 Class from the Past - Mossy Lea 42 The Day the Meteorite Struck 48 Planning Matters 70 Where Are They Now? - Bill Ashurst 76 Dave Spikey 82 Taste Test - The Boathouse 84 Recipe Of The Month 86 Jack’s Tracks visits Crank Caverns 90 Puzzle Corner 92 Motoring 96 What’s On 98 Garden Diary 102 Home Services 113 Useful Numbers 114 A View From The Lump

Spring feels like just a few weeks ago, while summer seemed painfully short, probably because the weather was, as always, consistently inconsistent.

And you don’t have to look too hard to see Christmas-related items nudging their way onto the supermarket shelves. Once the clocks go back in the wee small hours of October 26, they’ll be going into Yuletide overdrive. Before we know it, we’ll be saying hello to 2015 without even getting to know 2014 all that well.

On the upside, autumn is always a special time.

Schools and churches are a hive of activity with their harvest festivals, and many local farms - having reportedly had a decent year - are working hard to gather in the fruits of their labours before the first frost bites.

I find it’s also a great time for going on a walk.

Stepping out into the countryside, you see Mother Nature at her best. Forget jazzy smartphone apps that can turn a picture into 50 colours of the rainbow, you can get your own 3D version – complete with surround sound - by spending an afternoon in the wilds.

The slight chill in the air, a faint whiff of a log burning stove in the distance, the sound of conkers and acorns underfoot... nothing beats it. Take a look at this month’s Jack’s Tracks column for one suggested local route.

After all, it’s a well-known fact that the best things in life are free. And with both Local Life and the great outdoors falling into that particular category, who are we to argue?

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Next issue - November.

Advertising deadline - Friday 10 October Published - Thursday 23 October

www.locallife247.co.uk

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB T 01695 627 999 @ info@locallife247.co.uk W www.locallife247.co.uk

Sales : Chris Pearce, Nicola Gray Editorial: David Sudworth Design & Production: Peter Bretherton

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

Distribution: Sally Boon

sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

Accounts: Sam Garrahan

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Local Life is published every month. The magazine will be distributed into the following edition areas on an alternate monthly basis.

The Wigan West edition is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and parts of Pemberton.

The Wigan North edition is delivered to over 13,000 private homes and businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Parbold, Newburgh, Wrightington and Hilldale.

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

Local Life is also published in the West Lancashire, Chorley and St Helens areas.

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.

Local Life Media

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nal Images may include optio the time upgrades available at . cost l at additiona

*This offer is subject to status and only available on selected developments and properties. It is not offered with any other promotion unless by special arrangement by us. Based on the existing home being valued by our agent and using the Easymover scheme, agreed estate agents fees will be paid. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. ^5% gifted deposit and Stamp Duty paid on selected plots only. The images on this advert show a typical Taylor Wimpey home and include optional upgrades at additional costs

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Do you need more space, but don’t need all of the hassle that comes with selling your existing property?

Then Easymover* from Taylor Wimpey could be the answer. You can buy a stylish new home at Oakwood Meadows, and we’ll sell your existing home for you at its full market value!

What’s more, we will pay your stamp duty, and give you 5% towards your deposit on selected plots - which could save you upto £24,000!^

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Call 01257 447 049 or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk Sales information centre & showhomes open Thursday to Monday 11am - 5pm

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Arts & Music Festival Details of this year’s Standish St Wilfrid’s Arts & Music Festival have been announced. It runs from Saturday, October 11-18 and a host of events have now been arranged.

The schedule is as follows: • Saturday, October 11: Church Tour conducted by Mr Joe Bazeley and Mr Alan Stone (10.30am). Concert from Parbold Chamber Choir from 7.30pm. Admission £6.

• Sunday, October 12: Patronal Festival – Eucharist at 8am, Parish Communion and parade at 10am followed by coffee in the parish hall. From 6.30pm, there will be a Songs of Praise led by the church choirs of St Anne’s, All Saints and St Wilfrid’s, followed by refreshments.

• Monday, October 13: Talk and tour on Heraldry and Churches from 7.30pm. Admission is £6.

• Tuesday, October 14: Carol Wareing and students in concert from 7.30pm. Admission £5.

• Wednesday, October 15: Schools Day Concert – Woodfold, St Marie’s and St Wilfrid’s, commencing at 2pm in church – retiring collection. Standish High School and St John Rigby Sixth Form College in church, starting at 7.30pm – retiring collection.

• Thursday, October 16: Church Tour conducted by Mr Joe Bazeley & Mr Alan Stone from 2pm, with retiring donations. From 5pm-7pm, there will be a Children’s Book and Bedtime Event at Standish Library, in Cross Street.

• Friday, October 17: Crime writer Roger Price at Standish Library, Cross Street, from 2pm. From 7.30pm, there will be a performance from Christine Raynor Dance Academy, followed by a retiring collection.

• Saturday, October 18: Grand Finale Concert with Wigan Schools Intermediate Brass Band and Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra from 7.30pm. Admission is £5.

As well as these events, there will also be exhibitions from Standish Art Group (Saturday-Tuesday), Wigan Photographic Society (all week) and Adlington Art Group (Tuesday to Saturday).

Tickets are available the Parish Office, Church Street, on weekdays from 10am-noon or by calling 01257 422538.

For events at the library, please call in there for tickets.

FORE True Bungalow SAL Two bedroomed detached true bungalow for sale on Spencer Road West This well maintained property also comprises of; • Hall & Lounge • Fully modernised kitchen & bathroom • Low maintenance front garden • Generous south-facing rear garden with decking area, mature shrubs and lawn • Close to local shops and bus routes, the property has gas central heating and is fully double glazed.

No chain involved For viewing appointments, please call Rosalie on 01942

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Shevington Awards

Wigan History Talks

Do you know a tireless volunteer or community-minded person in Shevington? The hunt is now on for those locals who have gone that extra mile to help those around them and the community at large.

Wigan Family & Local History Society meets on the second Wednesday of the month except July, August and December at St Andrews Parish Centre, 120 Woodhouse Lane.

Shevington Community Association is now receiving applications for its Lancashire Night Awards on Friday, November 28. A spokesman said: “Volunteering and community involvement are high on the agenda in Shevington. The association likes to recognise the unstinting hard work of our groups and individuals each year in a presentation. Previous winners include gardeners, charity fundraisers, Guide leaders, local heritage experts and youth workers.

On Wednesday, October 8, a talk entitled The Way We Were will be held at the centre, starting at 7.15pm.

“Residents are being invited to nominate a group or local individuals who have made a real difference to their community. Nomination forms are available from Shevington Library or from members of the Community Association and should be returned by Friday, October 10. They can also be emailed to you.”

For more details, email ShevingtonandDistrictCommunity_Association@ hotmail.co.uk, search for ‘Shevington and District Community Association’ on Facebook or phone Sheila Milnes on 01257 253735.

Over 25 years of local advice Now at High Street, Standish

Mortgages - Life Insurance Wigan - Standish - Parbold Free home visits any time to 8.00 p.m. or visit us.

01257 424 999

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And on Wednesday, November 12, speaker David A. Fearnley gives a talk on Lancashire Fusiliers and their links with the Gerard family of Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Again, this is at St Andrews’ Parish Centre, at 7.15pm.

The charge is £2.50 per meeting, including tea and coffee. Annual membership fees are £14 for individual UK members, £16 for family UK members or £20 for overseas members.

For more information, visit www.wiganworld.co.uk/ familyhistory/

Sales Rentals Commercial

professional & personal property agents 5A Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NN

01942 829 490

wigan@lloydspropertyagents.com 2 Millingford Grove, Ashton in Makerfield, WN4 9BA

01942 717 242

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lloydspropertyagents.com

Post Office Move?

co.uk, via the customer helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or textphone 08457 22 33 55.

Parbold Post Office is set to move a short distance from 5 The Common to McColl’s shop at number 17.

Bosses say the proposal is being mooted as the existing postmaster wishes to leave the network, so the hunt is on for a new branch operator.

Customers can also share their views online through a questionnaire at www.postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 310406.

If given the go-ahead, the Post Office says opening hours would be increased to 111 hours a week from 6am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 10pm on Sunday. Services would be available at two open-plan tills at the shop counter instead of from a separate, screened counter.

The changes, if approved, would take place in November/December. A public consultation is now underway where local views will be taken into account.

Regional manager Adrian Wales said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Parbold and we are confident that this new, modern Post Office service will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

The consultation closes on Thursday, October 9.

Submissions can be made by Freepost Your Comments to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.

Christmas Gifts that make a difference!

Shop local and pick up some great gifts for all the family - now in stock!

On The Move The Probus Club of Standish is moving to a new venue.

The organisation welcomes new members both ladies and gentlemen who are retired or semi-retired. It meets at 10.30am on the second Tuesday of each month at Ashfield House, Ashfield Park Drive, Standish. In addition to interesting talks at the monthly meeting, the club organises two trips a year and has two lunches in summer and at Christmas. For further information contact the secretary on 01257424994.

Wedding Outfits Occasionwear Cruisewear Casualwear

Autumn/Winter Occasionwear now being delivered

• Jewellery • Hat, Scarves & Gloves • Handbags • Christmas Decorations

Est. 1976 www.barbarasofstandish.com

01257 425 480

• Cards & Gift Wrapping

25 Preston Road, Standish, WN6 0JH Opposite the Co-op car park, next to PMH Jewellery

01257 369 719 www.dosmundos.co.uk

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68 High Street, Standish WN6 0HF

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Part Time Administrator Wanted Local Life requires a Part Time Administrator to check our magazine distribution process. The successful candidate will have an excellent telephone manner, good computer skills and a clean driving licence. The working hours are 20 hours a month, you will mostly be working in our Orrell offices and mainly late afternoons on Monday and Tuesday. Salary is negotiable based on experience. Please apply in writing with CV to: sallyb@ locallife247.co.uk. The closing date for this position is 30th September.

Antique Valuations Could you be sitting on a goldmine? Douglas Valley Lions Club, in conjunction with Southport Auctions and Thomas Watson Auctioneers, are holding a professional antiques valuation event at the Parbold Village Hall, on The Green, on Saturday, November 15, between 10am and 4pm.

Antiques expert Clive Taylor from Southport Auctions and David Elstob, representing Thomas Watson, will be available to identify and value any antiques taken on the day.

A minimum admission charge of £2 and all of the proceeds will go to local lions’ charities. All welcome.

£12 off*

Try Massage Therapy and get your first 60 minutes treatment!

Remedial & Sports Massage Hot Stone Massage Swedish Massage

Dragonflies Talk Wigan RSPB Local Group hosts Dragonflies of the UK an illustrated talk by Phil Smith - on Tuesday, October 14, at 7.45 pm. It will be held in St Anne’s Parish Centre, Church Lane, Shevington. Non-members are welcome at a cost of £2, while entry is free to RSPB members.

For more details, visit www.rspb.org.uk/groups/wigan

Mass In C Minor Wigan Choral Society’s next concert will be a performance of Mozart’s Mass in C Minor and Bach’s Magnificat on Saturday, November 8, at 7.30pm, at St Michael’s Church, Swinley. The choir will be conducted

by Paul Chamberlain, and there will be professional soloists and orchestra. Entry fees are £10 and £8 concessions on the door.

Autumn Offers!

£15 off ladies cut & blow £10 off mens cut & blow 25% off all other services All appointments are with our newly recruited & highly experienced senior stylist, Jade Gallagher Expiry date 31 October 2014

Based at

The Body & Beauty Clinic 136 Preston Road, Standish, WN6 OHY visit our website for more details

16 Upper Dicconson Street Wigan WN1 2AD

01942 820 333

*Valid until 31st Jan 2015 – please mention Local Life when booking

01257 473 733

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Bike Ride Success A bike ride in memory of a Parbold-born man who tragically took his own life has raised almost £4,000. Tom Rudduck’s daughter Gillian Eyre, son Adam and a group of friends travelled the length of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. It took place over the weekend of his birthday at the end of August.

Tom was originally from Station Road and moved to Orrell when he got married.

After retirement, he was active in Victim and Witness Support in Wigan. However, in later life he suffered mental health problems. In May 2012 at the age of 75, he tragically took his own life.

Alan Christie, Simon Chapman, Fraser Cooke, Julian Eyre, Gillian Eyre, Josh Chapman and Graham Cooke. Those who also cycled but aren’t pictured were Adam, Charlotte and Alastair Rudduck, Dave Speakman and Stephen Pritchard.

Gillian, Adam and their friends decided to ride along the canal as Tom was born and brought up on the banks of the Parbold branch, so they saw it as a fitting tribute. They had participants from Shevington, Standish, Southport, Chester and Glasgow travelling with them.

Monies raised will go to mental health charity Mind.

Gillian told Local Life: “It was an incredibly hard challenge. All fell off at some point, and one of us (not me) fell in the actual canal - bike and all! But it was an

amazing experience and we are getting close to £4,000 now. Thank you to Local Life for promoting it.

“Dad’s illness was short but with tragic results and the aim was to raise money to allow Mind to offer support to others coping with mental health problems.”

To donate, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ Leedsliverpoolmindchallenge

Shoes Handbags Accessories www.barbarasofstandish.com 01257 426 073

13 High Street, Standish WN6 0HA

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bespoke fused glass design

glass morpheus

Open studio sale Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th October

At our open studio sale weekend there will be a wide range of pieces on show and many items will have up to 70% off plus all orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off the normal RRP. All our work is handmade by glass designer Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be madeto order to suit any space including splashbacks. So come and join us on the 11th and 12th October 2014 open from 10 - 4 both days.

Unit 11, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB t/f 01695 624182 w www.morpheusglass.co.uk e info@morpheusglass.co.uk splashbacks | panels | coasters | jewellery | hangings | sculptures | bowls

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Grab An Expo Ticket!

Free tickets are now available for this year’s Wigan Business Expo. Already, all of this year’s stands have been taken by budding local businesses and chiefs say demand for the event higher than ever. The 2013 runner-up of BBC’s the Apprentice, Neil Clough, along with Andy Reid, an Afghanistan veteran who underwent a triple amputation after being involved in an IED explosion, will both be speaking at the event, as well as Andy Preston, who is recognised as an international expert on selling and modern day sales techniques.

HOLLAND HALL HOTEL

Dance ‘til you Drop at our fabulous Christmas party nights!

Live Rat Pack Night 5th December (£34.95pp)

Richard Waterfield, chairman of the Wigan Forward Board and chairman of bakery chain Waterfields, said: “It’s fantastic that demand is so high for this year’s Expo. I believe it’s a real indication that the borough’s economy is in a very positive place at the moment.”

Live Soul & Motown

6th December (£34.95pp) 19th & 20th December (£36.95pp)

Deputy leader of Wigan Council, Cllr David Molyneux, added: “I strongly agree with Richard. We believe our approach to business is leading the way in the North West as we are proactively helping to grow the local economy and are proud that our expo is the biggest event of its type in the region. It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses to Get expert advice and tips as well as network.

“No matter the size of your business I would encourage everyone to register for a free ticket.”

The event is sponsored by Fleet Dynamic together with The Media College, Hughes Brothers, GM Chamber of Commerce, Halliwell Jones BMW, BCC Citroen Wigan and the DW Stadium.

The main highlights of the Expo will be a dedicated meet the experts area organised by the Business Growth Hub; meet the buyer workshops; an inspirational and motivational seminar programme running throughout the day; a networking lounge sponsored

by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and an opportunity to view a range of BMW cars, provided by Halliwell Jones BMW, and Citroen commercial vehicles provided by BCC Citroen Wigan. Halliwell Jones will be showcasing the brand new i8 hybrid sports car.

The expo is on Friday, October 10, from 8am-3pm. For tickets, visit www.wiganbusinessexpo.co.uk

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Live Disco Diva

13th December (£34.95pp)

Disco Mania Night

28th & 29th November (£24.95pp) 11th & 18th December (£24.95pp)

Casino Night

21st December (£34.95pp)

Casino Night

12th December (£34.95) Christmas Casino Extravaganza with Pier Fun Casinos Dress To Impress!

Price includes 5-course Christmas meal!

Please be aware that our Party Nights are incredibly popular – so please book early!

Holland Hall Hotel Lafford Lane, Up Holland, WN8 0QZ T: 01695 624426 E: info@hollandhallhotel.co.uk www.hollandhallhotel.co.uk /HollandHallHotel

@realhollandhall

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Wigan’s Underground Wiganers are being invited to take a trip through the bowels of the town’s historic underbelly. The Old Courts, or Gerard Winstanley House as it was known, on Crawford Street has sat unused for a number of years after the County Court and council offices moved across town. In recent months, however, the building has come back to life as an arts and enterprise hub with a range of creative industries based in offices and workshop spaces throughout.

Performers have been drawn from across the borough with a vast wealth of performance experience in stage, TV and film to create what organisers says is a unique and terrifying experience in which you’ll never know what lurks around the next corner.

Michael Rees, of The Old Courts Theatre and Events, said: “Working with companies with extensive film credits to create our monsters has meant we can take the idea of a haunted house to a new level – it’s genuinely terrifying!”

The Old Courts Halloween Tour runs from Friday, October 3, through to Saturday, November 1. Tickets are £12 for adults with £7 concessions plus free entrance to the Halloween fair. Log onto www.oldcourtsevents.co.uk

Bridge Club Lessons for beginners and improvers will be starting at Wigan Bridge Club on Monday, September 22, at 7.15pm. The club is at 38 Bridgeman Terrace, Wigan (opposite the park gates). The cost is £25 for each course of eight lessons. The club is looking for new members and all abilities are very welcome. For more information ring Margaret on 01257 423493 or visit wwwbridgewebs.com/wigan

Free Checks West Lancashire residents are being urged to go for free NHS health checks at their local GP surgery. Lancashire County Council is launching a campaign to encourage more people aged between 40 and 74 to take up the free checks, which are offered by 90% of GPs and target the top seven causes of preventable death: high blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption.

Running through the heart of Wigan’s late Victorian courthouse, prisons, corridors, hallways and cellars, the tour ends in the courtroom itself for a Halloween fair with chilling fun for people of all ages.

The Old Courts Halloween Tour has been written by local writer Julie Mckiernan, who has woven a tale that encompasses the history of Up Holland Priory, the Courthouse itself and creates a world in which the gargoyles and grotesques of the Wigan Parish Church come to life.

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Doctors will write to their patients inviting them for a free health check as part of the ongoing programme over the next five years. For more information, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/health

Meet Up Appley Bridge Pensioners’ Social Club meets every second Wednesday at 2pm at the Village Hall on Appley Lane North. For more information, contact Mrs Freda Roby on 01257 255856.

3rd October - 1st November Take a trip through the bowels of Wigan's historic underbelly and experience the chills and scares of a lifetime as you confront the creatures which lurk beneath.

Tour times 7pm - 11pm (3rd - 24th Oct) 12pm - 12 Midnight (25th oct - 1st Nov) Tickets ÂŁ12 Adult ÂŁ7 Concessions

www.oldcourtsevents.co.uk call 01942 829934 for details Want to advertise in Local Life?

...call us now on 01695 627 999

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Brick Fundraiser

Bowling Green

1960s psychedelic band singer Edgar Broughton is appearing in Up Holland to help raise funds for Wigan homeless shelter The Brick. Edgar will be at St Thomas The Martyr Parish Church, on Church Street, on Friday, October 3. The gig starts at 7.30pm and tickets, priced at ÂŁ15, are available from The White Lion on Church Street or by calling 01695 363236.

Locals are asked to note Shevington Bowling Green will be closing for the winter from Tuesday, September 30.

Until then, it will be available daily from 8am-sunset. The green, on Forest Fold, off Miles Lane, is set to open again next spring.

Making Arrangements

Men of all ages are welcome to join The Red Rose Chorus, a barbershop harmony singing group which is now recruiting. They meet every Thursday from 7.30pm at Leyland Methodist Junior School, Canberra Road, Leyland, PR25 3ET.

Wigan Floral Art Club meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7.15pm at St Michael’s church hall, Shaw Street, Wigan. Flower arrangements are done by qualified demonstrators, and a raffle is held with the lucky winners taking home a beautiful arrangement. All welcome to go along.

Wedding Fayre Sunday 26th October 2014 12pm - 4pm Holiday Inn Haydock M6, Jct23 Lodge Lane, WA12 0JG 01942 868 330 meetings-haydock@ihg.com www.hihaydockm6j23hotel.co.uk

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Singers Needed

For more information, call 01282 870350 or email contact@redrosechorus.co.uk

Free Admission Complimentary Parking Catwalk at 2pm

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21

Business Review

Begin the Journey Ask someone who does yoga of the benefits that it brings and, whilst they are talking, you can pop out for some shopping, and when you get back they’ll still be talking about those benefits.

Improving flexibility, muscle and bone strength, lowering blood pressure, aiding relaxation, breathing and posture, helping prevent arthritis, relieve depression - the list goes on and on, and its harder finding out exactly what yoga doesn’t do to help the human body. If your medicine cabinet is packed to overflowing, perhaps it’s time to try yoga. Studies of people with asthma, high blood pressure and type II diabetes have shown that yoga helped them reduce use of medication.

For those of you who are interested enough to give yoga a go, you’ll be pleased to know that you haven’t got far to go. Studio One, who are based at Number One High Street in the centre of Standish, is a new and stylish venue dedicated to providing everyone with the best there is to offer from the world of yoga.

With experienced teachers delivering classes for all abilities and ages you are sure to get the very best yoga experience from the moment you step foot in the studio.

Since being officially opened earlier this year by Wigan favourite Roberto Martinez, the studio has developed a wide and varied client base ranging from absolute beginners to professional athletes and eager teenagers to the elderly, all with one goal in common, to look after their bodies and minds.

The studio is owned and run by international teacher Michelle Almond who has taught in the US, Europe and more locally in and around the North West for the last 7 years. She seeks out the very best yoga teachers, those who believe in putting the students’ needs first, enabling every person who walks through the door to find the style of yoga that’s right for them.

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The newest go-to yoga class, much favoured by celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss, is Ariel Yoga.

Studio One is the only venue in the NW outside of Liverpool to host this style where silk hammocks are suspended from the ceiling, enabling you to lengthen the muscles without putting any pressure on the joints and allowing you to get deeper into postures and stretches.

If you’re responsible for the health of employees or students, then you can trust sister company SO CORPORATE to deliver an enlightening health and wellbeing package to staff and students, either in your workplace or as a team day out to the studio.

Studio One prides itself on being the hub for yoga outside of the big cities. They hold regular workshops on specialist areas such as ‘AcroYoga’, ‘Inversions & Arm Balances’ and ‘Relaxation & Meditation’ allowing you to explore different areas of yoga in more detail. With a sports and injury specialist and a beauty therapist inhouse they really can cater for all your needs.

For more details on how to start your yoga journey, here are your contacts; Web: Email: Tel:

www.studiooneyoga.co.uk info@studiooneyoga.net 01257 424 855

Studio One Yoga

@StudioOneYogaUK

TIME

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Vinyasa Yoga Level 2

8.30 am Vinyasa Yoga Level 1/2

9.30 am Vinyasa Yoga Level 1 Beginners

Over 60’s Yoga

Karuna Yoga

Prenatal Yoga**

1.00 pm

Mum & Baby Yoga*

5.15 pm

Yoga for Sport

Gong Bath Relaxation*

Vinyasa Yoga Level 2 Karuna Yoga

6.00 pm Ashtanga Yoga

6.15 pm Vinyasa Yoga Level 1 Beginners

£6 per class £55 for a 10 class pass Over 60’s classes £3.50

Vinyasa Yoga Level 3 Vinyasa Yoga Level 2

Prices - Group Classes

Vinyasa Yoga Level 1 Beginners

Hatha Yoga

7.30 pm 7.45 pm

Vinyasa Yoga Level 1/2 Vinyasa Yoga Level 1 Beginners

11.15 am

6.30 pm

SUNDAY

Sunrise Yoga

6.15 am

10.00 am

SATURDAY

Meditation Class*

Vinyasa Yoga Level 1 Beginners

8.00 pm

Power Yoga

* These classes run fortnightly/monthly. Please check the booking system or call us for more info ** This is a course. Next course start date will be available online or call us on 01257 424 855

Prenatal Courses are £45 for 6 weeks or £10 drop in. Please contact us for start dates of all Prenatal courses.

Private Tuition available on request

You can reserve your spot on the mat at www.bookwhen.com/studioone Payment for all classes is then made on arrival at the reception desk.

If you have any problems with your reservation please give us a call on 01257 424 855

Upcoming Workshops & Events Absolute Beginners

Saturday, September 27th 1-3.30pm

£25

Inversions 101

Sunday, September 28th 11am-1.30pm

£25

Open Day and Charity Yogathon

Saturday, October 4th from 1pm

Yoga Nidra Relaxation

Sunday, October 19th 11am-12.30pm

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23

Fitness For All An experienced weight management and fitness instructor is coming back with a bang!

Chris Whistlecroft was a Rosemary Conley franchisee for 12 years until the organisation went into administration earlier this year. She has now launched community weight management and exercise classes Fit2Gether4All. From September, she will have nine regular classes in the Wigan area. The classes are suitable for all whether you wish to just weigh in and/or exercise. Each offers individual weigh and consultation at the scales and a motivational group talk followed by a 45 minute exercise session offering a variety of exercise disciplines such as aerobics, dance fitness, FitSteps, Zumba, toning and circuits.

There will also be a new morning FitSteps exercise only session starting in Goose Green on September 10. Alongside these sessions Chris will be running five, six-week blocks of courses consisting of Kettlebell & High Intensity Interval Training programmes, which will be geared towards people who already have a level of fitness. However, she will also be offering a Kettleblast and Interval Levels 1 and 2 programme for those who haven’t tried this type of exercise before.

Chris said: “We are all highly trained in weight management and nutrition, and are fully qualified fitness instructors too. I like the fact I can help people

make a change to their lives for the better and become fitter, healthier and happier. Plus, I just love being with my members, they really are such a big part of my life!”

For more details, visit www.fit2gether4all.com, email info@fit2gether4all.com or call Chris on 07968 608861.

Charity Event and Open Day Studio One Yoga will be holding a charity yogathon on Saturday, October 4, from 1pm to raise money for Wigan Youth Zone and Motor Neurone Disease Association. If you’re looking for a challenge, want to help raise money for local causes or kick-start a yoga practice then you can register to take part in this event, now in its fifth year.

The studio, which is based at Number One, High Street, Standish, will be open all afternoon for visitors so if you’re in Standish drop in and say hi or go and support the yoga students during the event.

If you can’t take part there are many ways to get involved, donate a raffle prize, sponsor a student or buy a raffle ticket.

Go to www.getdownupnorth.co.uk for more info on the event or to register to take part.

24

FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT = SUCCESS www.fit2gether4all.com CALL 07968 608 861 info@fit2gether4all.com Get great classes, healthy eating tips, exercise programs & much more when you join us at Fit2gether4All.

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TUESDAY STANDISH COMMUNITY CENTRE Moody St, Standish WN6 0JY KETTLERCISE 8.00-9.00pm 9th Sept – 14th Oct WEDNESDAY OUR LADY’S RC PRIMARY SCHOOL Holly Rd, Aspull WN2 1RU KETTLEBLAST 7.45-8.30pm This course is ideal if new to Kettlebells 10th Sept – 15th Oct THURSDAY ST ANNE’S PARISH CENTRE Church Lane, Shevington WN6 8BD INTERVAL BOOM! 8.00-8.45pm 11th Sept – 16th Oct

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A FAMILY OF LEARNING, OUTSTANDING TOGETHER A place to grow

A place to be heard A place to discover

A place to

belong

A place to succeed

Celebrating Outstanding Performance in 2014 Best Ever GSCE Results 5 A*- C including English and Maths 74% Maths A*- C 76.6% English A*- C 81.1% 31% of students achieved 2 or more A*-A grades OFSTED says “The behaviour of students in class and around the school is extremely good.”

“In the very large majority of lessons the climate for learning is excellent. Students are punctual, attentive and keen to learn.”

“The curriculum provides an excellent range of options for students of all abilities.”

Open Evening

Tuesday 30th September 2014 Headteacher’s welcome at 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm

Tours with our Headteacher, Mr Grant Friday 12th September 9.50am Wednesday 17th September 9.50am Monday 29th September 9.50am Please come along to any of these events.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a personal tour at a more convenient time, please contact us on 01257 400990.

26

Shevington High School Shevington Lane Wigan WN6 8AB

Phone: 01257 400 990

Fax: 01257 400 992 E-mail: enquiries@shevingtonhigh.org.uk Web: www.shevingtonhigh.org.uk facebook.com/shevingtonhigh twitter.com/shevingtonhigh

winstanley college

We’re very lucky in the North West to have some of the country’s best performing colleges with the most able students but even in this exalted company, Winstanley tops the table.

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Source: The Guardian August 2014 and colleges’ own websites

OpenEvenings All Year 11 students and their parents are invited to attend www.facebook.com/WinstanleyCollege

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Class from the Past - Mossy Lea, Wrightington

This month’s Class from the Past is from Mossy Lea, Wrightington. It’s believed this photo was taken around 1970. Maybe you can spot a familiar face?

Remember, if you have a photo you’d be willing to share, contact David Sudworth today by emailing editorial@ locallife247.co.uk

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St John Rigby College Gathurst Road Orrell Lancashire WN5 0LJ

St John Rigby College is a Catholic sixth form college with a distinctive mission and ethos. Our continued pass rate of nearly 100% and record breaking high grade passes for both A level and BTEC courses are testament to the dedication and effort of both students and staff. We invite you to visit us on one of our Open Evenings and experience the College’s supportive atmosphere and outstanding opportunities for success, happiness and personal growth.

Open Evenings 2014 (5:30-8:30pm) Thursday 23rd October Monday 3rd November Tuesday 11th November

Grow with us enquiries@sjr.ac.uk www.sjr.ac.uk

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Wheelchair Basketball Wigan Warthogs - the town’s only wheelchair basketball club is on the look-out for new members. It meets regularly at Robin Park Sports Centre, Loire Drive, and is suitable for all ages and abilities. For more information on training dates and times, call head coach Emma Tomkinson on 07875 144970 or email info@ wiganwarthogs.com

Char-Char!

The Friday Tea Dances at Standish Community Centre, Moody Street, have now started again after the summer break. They began on September 5, and are being held every fortnight from that point onwards. Go along from 1.30pm-3.30pm for an afternoon of cakes, tea and dancing. Phone 01257 421048 for details.

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Want to learn BSL? British Sign Language courses now available in the Wigan area.

Level One BSL Level Two BSL Level Three BSL Courses Deaf Awareness sis as tance to sations who need For those organi of hearing. rd the deaf & ha communicate with

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I get 15 hours free childcare every week!

Something to shout about Changes to free two-year-old childcare provision New criteria could mean that if your child is aged two they could be entitled to FREE EARLY YEARS CHILDCARE PROVISION of up to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks a year.

To find out if this is available to you call 01942 489004 or email: fis@wigan.gov.uk

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Top Class Performances Wigan’s primary schools are performing better than ever, according to education chiefs. Provisional results show performance at Key Stage Two (primary school Years Three, Four, Five and Six) improved for the third year in a row. 83% of pupils achieved a Level Four or higher in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage Two (age 11) – an increase of 3% on the previous year. And the results for the Year One (age five and six) phonics tests are up too. In the assessments, children are shown a series of 40 words and must correctly pronounce each one – the pass mark is 32. In Wigan borough, the percentage of pupils reaching the required level has risen from 72 % last year to 77% in 2014.

The council also says there’s also been a big improvement in the performance of the youngest school children in the borough. The percentage of children achieving a ‘Good Level of Development’ by the end of their reception year has increased from 38% in 2013 to 56% this year.

Cllr Jo Platt (pictured), Wigan Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This is a fantastic way to mark the start of the new school year. These figures show our primary school age children put in another brilliant performance last year achieving our best ever results.

“These are the youngest school children in the borough and it’s great they are starting their education so successfully. It will hopefully give them a really solid platform to develop and grow as they progress through the school system.

“I’m sure parents across the borough will be as pleased as I am to see such progress from our children and such an improvement from our schools. I wish all our students another successful academic year.”

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War Chaplain in Parbold Christ Church on Parbold Hill welcome a special guest on Sunday, September 21. Army chaplain David Banbury joins the congregation having recently returned from Afghanistan. David says that the age of 19, his life ambition was to be a bassist in a rock band and live life on the edge. At the age of 20, his ambitions changed slightly - to follow Jesus and live life on the edge. Around 30 years on, he’s still following Jesus, enjoying music and living life on the edge by being a Territorial Army chaplain and visiting places such as Camp Bastion.

Speaking about his experiences, he said: “Soldiers are spiritual beings like any other person and actually they have spiritual needs which it is a real privilege to serve.”

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Twins At The Helm A new venue has opened up in Appley Bridge, with a set of twins at the helm! Jonathan and Grant Ainsworth, 27, have both brought their experiences of working for some of the country’s best chefs back to Lancashire, and opened up the Boathouse. Formerly the Water’s Edge, the Mill Lane venue has been transformed. The former Wrightington Country Club employees, who went to Shevington High School, are backed by a team of professionals, including Punch Taverns, who are together aiming to make it the most talked-about venue in the area.

It opened earlier this month and since then locals have flocked to see what the venue has to offer.

Jonathan said: “We grew up in the area so it’s great to be able to open up with something that’s different. It’s been a lot of hard work, we haven’t had much sleep recently, but we are sure it will have been worth it.”

Grant added: “As a team, we work well together. We have had a lot of help from family and friends, and we can’t thank them enough.”

To find out what the Local Life team thought of its visit to the Boathouse, turn to pages 82 and 83.

Jonathan and Grant Ainsworth

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Free Publicity For YOU! Are you in a local community group? Do you want to publicise a talk, school fair or charity fundraiser? If so, get in touch with us today!

Local Life is distributed to thousands of homes across Wigan, St Helens, Chorley and West Lancashire. Each edition is crammed with stories for local events, and your group could be appearing in our next edition. The types of events we publicise are as follows: - Charity fundraising events - Local school, church or community fairs - Amateur concerts or performances by community groups - Talks which are open to the public - Pleas from community groups or associations for new members

- We’re also on the look out for old school photographs, street scenes from yesterday and want to hear from you if your group is celebrating a special milestone.

Simply contact our Editor David Sudworth with the details - what, where, when, why, who for, how much - and anything else you want to tell our readers. The earlier you can provide the information, the better the job we can do.

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Institute AGM

Social Evenings Pensioners in Wrightington are invited to weekly social meetings. Older villagers have a get-together on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Pensioners’ Hall on Chisnall Avenue, where they play bingo, whist or dominoes. They also have monthly coach trips to various destinations.

For more information, either turn up on a Tuesday evening or call Jean Smith on 01257 452979, Brenda Carr on 01257 421869 or Frank Johnson on 01257 425585.

Flower Arranging Standish Library has two flowering arranging sessions in October. They’re on Thursday, October 9, and Thursday, October 30, and both start at 1.30pm. The costs is £7 to cover costs of materials. Spaces are limited so please book by calling in to the Cross Street facility.

Newburgh Women’s Institute holds its annual general meeting at Newburgh School, Back Lane, on Monday, October 20. It starts at 7.30pm and all are welcome.

Parish Vacancy Could you help be a voice for the West Lancashire part of Appley Bridge? A vacancy for Appley Bridge Ward on Wrightington Parish Council has arisen following the resignation of Cllr Ian McRae. If no one comes forward seeking an election, the vacancy will be filled by the parish council. If you are interested in possibly filling this, or any other future vacancy on the parish council, contact the clerk Carolyn Cross on 01257 423128, email carolyn.parishcouncil@googlemail.com or write to 321 Preston Road, Standish, Wigan, Lancashire, WN6 0QB.

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41

David Sudworth talks to the Shevington man whose new book recounts the day a meteorite strike caused panic in Appley Bridge

Clasped tightly with both hands, Russell Parry holds a piece of Appley Bridge history.

Weighing around 30lbs, the piece of rock looks like it could have been carved out of one of the village’s old quarries. In fact, it’s an extremely rare meteorite which hit the village 100 years ago this October. And the story behind it is so out of this world that the Shevington company boss has written a book recounting the saga.

It began on Tuesday, October 13, 1914, when the night skies over Appley Bridge lit up. With War World I having recently started a few months previously, at first many locals believed they were under attack from a German Zeppelin.

The following morning, two men were out shooting on Halliwell Farm, on Lees Lane, close to the border with Roby Mill, when they happened upon a large hole in the field, measuring around two feet wide and the same depth. Inside they saw what press reports at the time described “a reddish mass”. Having obtained a spade, they dug it out and took it to the farmhouse. At that point, their find was so delicate that pieces could be broken off it by hand - with some parts falling off when it was extracted from its mini-crater. It was

42

later confirmed that it was a meteorite which had fallen to earth around 8.45pm the previous day. The story, and subsequent twists and turns which involved it being confiscated by police and ending up in pieces around the world, sparked Russell’s interest when he moved to Appley Bridge in the early 1990s.

“I’m originally from Shropshire and when I moved here in 1991 I started looking up things and researching the history of the area. That’s when I came across this story, which is absolutely fascinating,” said Russell, 53.

“My company, Advanced Food Safety Ltd, on Broad O’th Lane, also does publications so I thought it would be a good idea to make it into a book. I’ve been researching it for about 10 years on and off and a few years ago I

Photo of Halliwell Farm early 1900s

wrote to Sir Patrick Moore and asked him to write the forward, which he said he would be delighted to do. Unfortunately, he died a couple of years ago. Also, I knew the 100th anniversary of the incident was coming up, so that spurred me on.”

Russell’s research drew some interesting tales, including the fact that a piece of the meteorite was put on display in Appley Bridge.

This was apparently done at the request of police to calm fears as many locals were convinced that there was no meteorite and the village had in fact been targeted by the German air force.

“I discovered the piece was placed under a microscope in the window Rigby’s grocery shop on Appley Lane North. It’s now a private house at the corner of Mill Lane and what is amazing is that when I moved to Appley Bridge, I actually lived next door to it.

“I also found out that after it had been confiscated from the farmer, Eric Lyon, by the police and taken to Preston, it was then taken to Manchester for tests. Eventually, it was given back to the farmer around 1920 and he ended up selling it to the National History Museum in London for £250, which was about £10,000 in today’s money. I’ve been down there and it was a real privilege to hold it. It was very heavy - if it fell on your foot you would certainly know about it!

“While the vast majority of it is in London, there’s pieces of it all over the world, including America and Russia.”

Russell now lives in Forest Fold, Shevington, with his wife

Russell with the meteorite at the National History Museum in London Sharon and their son Matthew, 17, who attends Winstanley College. He hopes his book, which includes previously unpublished photos, will introduce a new generation to this unique event in local history.

“In astronomy circles, it’s well known about for the simple fact it’s quite a rare event. Also, because the meteorite was found so soon after it landed, it wasn’t weathered or anything.

A piece of the meteorite was put on display in the shop window of Rigby’s shop

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43

only thing we had to go on was that it landed three minutes’ walk from the farmhouse but we are certain we’ve found the spot.”

To mark the launch of his book, Russell is holding a talk in Wigan town centre on Monday, October 13, - exactly 100 years to the day the meteorite fell. As well as a plaster cast replica of the full rock, there will also be an actual, original piece on display.

“It’s possible the first time it has been back to the area in over 90 years. And what’s amazing is that the talk will finish about 8.15pm - around 30 minutes before the exact time when the meteorite fell. I imagine a few people will be looking up to the skies at that point to see if history will repeat itself!”

The talk takes place at the Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, from 7pm. Entry is £2.50 including tea and coffee. Places are limited so to book, call 01942 828128 or email museumofwiganlifebookings@wlct.org If you can’t make it on October 13, the book, The Appley Bridge Meteorite, costs £10 and is being made available via Amazon, eBay and Russell’s office. Contact 01257 254999.

The cover of Russell’s book

Orbit to Appley Bridge The Appley Bridge meteorite’s descent to earth - at around a staggering eight miles a second at first - was seen and heard by people as far away as Halifax and Macclesfield.

one being the brightest flash. After a short interval, between a few seconds up to four minutes depending on the witnesses’ locations, there was a thunder-like explosion.

Reports at the time tell of how it lit up the whole countryside and consisted of several outbursts, the final

This was followed by a series of rumblings. It is said the incident caused windows to shake, and gave the impression of an earthquake.

Experts say its course was from near Stoke, a distance of 49 miles to Appley Bridge. It dropped from a height of 29 miles to settle in the field at Halliwell Farm.

Tests later showed it was around 10 inches long and made up of silica, magnesia, iron, alumina, chlorine, lime and nickel.

It is thought around 500 meteorites fall to earth each year, but fewer than 10 are actually recovered as most fall into the ocean. Only 19 have been discovered in the UK – the last being in 1991 in Glatton, Cambridgeshire. To date, the Appley A plaster cast of meteorite from Manchester Museum, which will be on Bridge incident is the only time a meteorite display at Russell’s talk. Image courtesy of The Manchester Museum has been recovered in Lancashire.

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! e m o H Feel At

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There’s no getting away from it, the seasons are definitely changing. The warmth of summer is now giving way to the coolness of autumn; once deep-green leaves are now starting to fade and curl at the edges.

With the nights steadily drawing in, now is the time to start planning those home comforts which will not only keep spirits high in the dreariest of weather, but give it a style and sophistication you’ll want to show off all year round. And who better to turn to than Wigan-based Luxe Furniture? The established venture has a very important philosophy... to make its customers feel at home. It’s an ethos which begins the second you enter Luxe’s spacious showroom located next to Morrisons Local on Woodhouse Lane.

Lee Wrigley, who founded the company with his wife Donna, explains: “There is nothing worse than going into a shop or showroom and being pounced on by

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salespeople. That’s why at Luxe, we don’t do that. We greet people, give them advice, and then they are free to have a coffee and just browse. It is part of our philosophy to ensure our customers really do feel at home.”

Luxe Furniture’s 10,000 square foot showroom is conveniently located on Woodhouse Lane, and has a wide range of crafted pieces. Whether it is sofas, beds, display units, dining tables, coffee tables or children’s furniture, there is something to suit many different tastes and requirements.

Lee added: “We are very particular about the ranges which we offer in terms of quality; from the La-Z-Boy to the Italian-crafted Nicoletti selection, as well as our own exclusive branded suites.

“Our prices are honest; we don’t double them and then a few weeks later reduce them back down and claim we’ve reduced them by 50% so we can have a ‘Half Price Sale’. We work on the basis of trust; our customers want a good, quality product at a good, honest price, and that is what we aim to deliver time and again.”

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Planning Matters

Greenhill

Appley Bridge (Wigan) 4 Ayrefield Grove: Excavation works to extend and replace existing driveway together with erection of retaining wall (ref: A/14/79644). A decision is due by October 9.

Appley Bridge (West Lancs) 23 Glenside: Construction of pitched roof dormer facade to North elevation (ref: 2014/0580/FUL).

Permission granted.

Land adjoining 51 Skull House Lane: One pair of two storey semi-detached houses (ref: 2014/0854/FUL).

The consultation deadline is September 22.

343 Wigan Lane: Erection of detached two storey dwellinghouse with detached garage together with access following demolition of existing dwelling.

Resubmission of A/13/78729. A decision is due by September 26.

Parbold Parbold Equestrian Centre, 21 Bradshaw Lane: Part replacement of existing steel frame structure with new building forming stables, classroom, office and reception facilities (ref: 2014/0418/FUL). Planning permission granted.

Shevington 11 Highfield Avenue: Plan to extend dwellinghouse single storey to rear (ref: A/14/79435). Approved with conditions.

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24 Park Avenue: To extend dwellinghouse, single storey to side and rear together with dormer to front and rear to create rooms in roof space (ref: A/14/79448).

Approved with conditions.

Whitley

Standish

6 Newenden Road: Plans to extend dwellinghouse single storey to side and front together with first floor to side projecting to rear (ref: A/14/79663). The deadline for consultation responses is September 22.

Vacant land west Of The Jays, Langtree Lane: Erection of two dormer bungalows with detached garage, building and associated access and landscaping (ref: A/14/79671). The consultation deadline is September 22.

21 Brookland Road: Plans to extend dwellinghouse, two storey to side and front including first floor over existing garage. Single storey front and rear alterations to existing windows (ref: A/14/79613). A decision is due by the end of September.

38 Hartington Drive: Certificate of Lawfulness for a single storey side extension (ref: A/14/79638). Approved with conditions.

Wrightington

210 Wigan Road: Plan to extend dwellinghouse two storey to side (ref: A/14/79433). Approved with conditions.

Thornleigh, 1 High Moor Lane: Relocation of existing driveway and vehicle access (ref: 2014/0898/FUL). A decision is due by October 3.

1 Coalgate Cottages, Hall Lane: Certificate of Lawfulness - Proposed detached garage (ref: 2014/0590/ LDP). Plans permitted.

29 Almond Brook Road: Outline application for residential development (All matters reserved). Ref: A/14/79441. Approved with conditions.

329 Mossy Lea Road: Certificate of Lawfulness Proposed conventional construction of masonry extension to rear of property. Conventional construction of single storey porch to front (ref: 2014/0446/LDP).

Plans permitted.

Standish Lower Ground 75 Spelding Drive: Proposal to extend dwellinghouse first floor to side (ref: A/14/79415). Approved with conditions.

For more information on the Shevington and Standish applications, visit www.wigan.gov.uk.

For details on the Appley Bridge, Parbold and Wrightington proposals, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk

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Last Lighthouse Keeper Appley Bridge Men’s Association starts a new season of meetings on Monday, October 13, when Gordon Medlecroft will give a talk entitled The Last Lighthouse Keeper. It takes place in The Station House pub, off Appley Lane North, at 8pm. This is where the association meets on the second Monday of each month through to March. For further information please call Steve Hooley on 01257 400075.

Members of the Men’s Association on a recent day trip out

Crooked House

Celebrating Jerry

The works of Margaret Walsh, a member of Wrightington Artists, will be on display at Shevington Library until the end of September. Margaret has been painting for 12 years and her Crooked House exhibition includes watercolours, acrylic, pastels and silk paints on silk and velvet cloth.

The words and music of Broadway legend Jerry Herman will fill a Swinley venue for five nights. Wigan Musical Theatre Group presents Showtune, which includes favourites such as Hello Dolly, Mack & Mabel, Mame, Dear World, Milk & Honey, La Cage Aux Folles and The Grand Tour.

Opening times are Monday 10am-2pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1pm-5pm, Fridays 10am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm. Call 01257 252618 for more details.

It will be staged between Tuesday, September 30, and Saturday, October 4, at 7.30pm at St Michael’s Parish Hall on Shaw Street. Tickets are £8 and £7 for concessions.

Call 01942 706106 for more details.

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Are you looking for a new independent financial adviser?

Due to changes introduced by the Financial Services Authority there has been a reduction in investment and pension advisers.

Consequently, there are now even more “orphan” clients than ever that need to seek out a financial adviser that they can trust to look after them over the long term.

Orphan clients?

“Orphans” are those investors that have invested capital into pensions and investments a number of years ago who are no longer receiving ongoing advice/guidance.

How can this happen?

We are based locally (on the High Street in Standish) and have been looking after the investment needs of local clients for over ten years.

Our business is designed around the long term interests of our clients and not the short term interest of our advisers.

As a result we now review in excess £75 million on behalf of 350 individual and corporate clients throughout the Wigan area and beyond.

Are our services suited to you?

• Your adviser has now retired and sold out resulting in you becoming a client of a much larger firm with typically no local presence.

• High Street Banks no longer offering financial advice • Advisers moving offshore i.e. Cyprus, to avoid the new tougher regulatory regime.

Entrust your financial future to Wigan’s only Chartered Financial Planners.

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• Do you want someone to advise you rather than being sold to?

• Are you about to retire or have you already retired and need an adviser to manage your financial wellbeing throughout retirement?

• Have you been orphaned by your previous adviser and been left with investments and pensions that you think may need reviewing?

Whilst we do not require a minimum investment level for our services you would ideally have at least £75,000 liquid funds to invest or have existing investments at this level?

If you feel that we can be of assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch. The initial meeting is at our expense and is without obligation.

Prosper IFA are the FIRST firm of financial advisers in Wigan to be awarded the prestigious Chartered Financial Planners Status.

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53

Hospital Consultation

Grave Concerns

A consultation into possible changes at Wigan Infirmary ends on September 28.

Unstable gravestones at a Wrightington church are being tackled. St James the Great Church, on Church Lane, has issued a list of graves in the old churchyard which have been deemed to be unstable. It is asking the owners or those responsible for maintaining the gravestones identified to contact the church’s Checking Team without delay. They say if no agreeable restoration plan is forthcoming, memorials may be laid down by order of the Parochial Church Council.

Residents are being urged to have their say on proposals for the town’s Royal Albert Edward Hospital. A review is currently underway for the 10 main hospitals in the Greater Manchester area. Proposals suggest making four or five of them ‘specialist’ hospitals which will treat the 6% of patients who are most ill and in need of the most senior doctors. The non-specialist hospitals will continue to treat 94% of patients as normal.

Health chiefs say no final decision has been taken on what Wigan Infirmary’s future status will be, but they have assured locals that whatever happens, the Accident and Emergency Department will remain open 24 hours a day.

You can find out more at www.wiganboroughccg.nhs. uk, by calling Wigan Borough CCG on 01942 482711, or emailing talktous@wiganboroughccg.nhs.uk

The names/gravestone code published by the church is as follows: Anne and William Cottam (A3,4); William and Margaret Fairhurst, plus Fairhursts and Roscoe (A7,6); Robert Ainscough plus Ainscoughs and Farringtons (A10,4); Henry and Mary Prescott, plus Balshaw (A10, 5); Hannah and Peter Welch, plus Chadwicks (A10, 7); Harriet Stringfellow, plus Stringfellows (A12, 4); Willam Rothwell plus Wrennalls (A12, 6); Ann Wright (A13, 2);

Taster Evening Shevington Women’s Institute is holding a taster evening on Wednesday, September 24, at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall on Gathurst Lane. There will also be a talk on Lancashire witches at the event. For more information, call Mavis on 01257 472662.

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Esther and Thomas Lang (A13, 6); Margaret Rigby, plus Rigbys and Fowler (A13, 22); John Hunter, plus Hunters (A16, 7); Margaret Benson, plus Bensons (A16, 15); Alice Slater, plus Slaters (A16, 16); Mary Ellen Wright, plus Wrights and Porters (A16, 17); John Parry (A17, 5); Lydia Stringman, plus Stringmans (A17, 20); James Cox, plus Coxes, Wallbank and Buck (A18, 10), Florence and William Baker (A18, 13) Fred William Taylor, plus Taylors (A18, 14); John Arthur Smith, plus Smiths (A18, 19); John and Emma Farington, plus Jones (A19, 2), Frances Alice Smith, plus Rollins and Smiths (A19, 20), James Woodcock, plus Woodcocks and Warings (A20, 4); John Marks, plus Marks (A20, 17) and Walter and Marion Naylor (A20, end).

For more information, contact Peter Mason on 01257 451332 or John Fowler on 01257 453171.

Dance Project Standish Dance Project starts this month at Standish Community Centre, Moody Street. Open to all, it kicks off with Latin West Line Dancing at 6.15pm on Mondays.

On Thursdays at 8.40pm is Beginners’ Ballroom Dancing and Saturdays from 11am is Cardio Dance Tone. The aim is to help people who feel a bit intimidated by exercise and dance classes, to improve their fitness, mood, and confidence and boost their social life. For full details, call Paula on 07906 130543.

Help Shape Your Local NHS We work with local residents to improve NHS services.

As a local resident you can help us by: Telling us about your experiences of the NHS Sharing with us any ideas of how we can improve services Talking to us about what you need NHS services to look like

If you would like to get involved and have your say, please contact Viv Smith: Online: www.wiganboroughccg.nhs.uk/talk -to-us Telephone: 01942 482711 Email: talktous@wiganboroughccg.nhs.uk

Want to advertise in Local Life?

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55

Films Galore!

Licence To Respond

The Talking Pictures film club’s autumn season is now well underway at Parbold Village Hall on The Green.

October sees no fewer than five showings, kicking off Wednesday, October 1, with the 2006 film Gosford Park, which is widely viewed as the forerunner to Downton Abbey.

West Lancashire residents are being urged to give their comments on the document used when licensing local pubs, bars and other licensed operations. West Lancashire Borough Council is proposing to make significant changes to the policy to reflect recent changes in legislation and licensing issues across the Borough. The draft policy can be found on the licensing page of its website.

A week later, club members head back to 1940 with The Grapes of Wrath, with Henry Fonda. On Wednesday, October 22, a slice-of-life drama about a truck driver in Argentina, called Las Acacias, which won the Caméra d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

And for the final film of the month, Wednesday, October 29, sees the 1939 Greta Garbo film Ninotchka being aired. Not only is Ninotchka Garbo’s first full comedy, it was also the Swedish-born star’s penultimate film before living out the rest of her life in New York City as a virtual recluse.

All screenings start at 2pm and all welcome.

New Recruits Wigan St Jude’s are now recruiting for a new undersevens team. Training is on Wednesdays, 6pm-7pm, and Saturdays, 10.30am-11.30am, at Keats Avenue, Worsley Mesnes. For further details, contact Baz Gray on 07885 913800.

People living and working in West Lancashire have until Friday, October 31, to give their views on the draft policy. The aim of the consultation is to ensure the new policy reflects the opinions of residents and all businesses – not just licensed premises – within the Borough.

iPad Help Got an iPad but not completely au fait with how it works? Standish Library is holding an introductory taster to the joys of these devices. The sessions include how to get online, use email, access useful services and download apps.

The sessions are held on four separate Thursdays; October 30, November 6, November 13 and November 20, all from 3pm-4.30pm. To book your place, call into the library or ring Phone 01257 400496.

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50th Birthday

All Talk!

Volunteers are needed to help Standish Library celebrate an important milestone. The Cross Street venue is 50 years old next May, and staff are looking for people who can help and support a programme of events and activities to mark the occasion. Telephone 01257 400496 for more details.

Parbold, Newburgh & District U3A members are in for an interesting few months. On Tuesday, September 23, they welcome Alex Miller, from Wigan history archives, for a talk. On Tuesday, October 28, they welcome Ray Holmes for a talk on the history of broadcasting, BBC Radio 1922-1939. And continuing on the media theme, for their Tuesday, November 25, event, they will be hearing from ex-West Lancashire reporter Angela Danby in My Life As A Journalist.

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The talks take place between 1pm-3pm at the Scout Hut on Parbold Hill, next to Christ Church.

For further details visit our website www.u3asites.org. uk/parbold-newburgh or phone Pam Ashton on 01257 400254.

Help At Hand People with dementia can access help and support at special cafes held in Parbold once a month on a Friday.

Held by the Alzheimer’s Society, they take place from 10am-noon at the WI Hall on The Common. The dates for the rest of this year are as follows: Friday, October 10; Friday, November 14, and Friday, December 12. The Dementia Cafes are open meetings for people with dementia and their carers, providing an opportunity to meet with other people in similar circumstances and seeking to offer a range of activities and guest speakers.

For more information, please contact Amanda Boult on 01772 788700.

Crafty Sew-and-Sews!

Mossy Lea Crafters meet on Friday mornings from 10am-noon in the village hall on Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington. For more information, call Andrea Gaskell on 01257 421637.

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Money & Investments - by David K Barton APFS Cert CII(MP)

Making your life easier!

Do you have ISAs, Unit Trusts, Investment Bonds and Pensions dotted around with different companies and are you fed up with receiving countless statements and information from each of them?

Are you unsure as to how each investment is performing?

And finally, would you like to simplify your investment affairs whilst still having access to some of the leading investment houses and insurance companies ?

For those of you who have answered yes to one or more of these questions I would suggest that you read on.

As a result of the turmoil experienced since 2008 in the investment markets, I believe that the focus has very much sharpened on three things for investors.

1.

2.

3.

Service Risk Fund Performance

The majority of our new investment clients tell us that they had become totally frustrated with the volume of paperwork they were receiving from their investment providers and that they had lost track of where they were up to with regards to their portfolios. They had lost touch with their previous advisers and when I asked them about the risk profile and the performance of their underlying investments, without exception the response was very much a scratch of the head or “I don’t really know”. This is really quite scary. Your money is important, it needs to be looked after and managed sensibly.

I am pleased to say that all of these clients now know exactly what their investment risk levels are, where their money is invested, and more importantly how it is performing. In addition, for the majority, they can now

obtain valuation details of all of their investments by either making one phone call or better still pressing a button on their home computer.

Because of the slow recovery in the economy the bad news for savers is that whilst interest rates may start to creep north towards the end of the year / early next year they are likely to remain low for some time to come and consequently bank accounts remain very poor value for the majority of investors.

In today’s fast changing economic / investment environment it is vital that investors keep abreast of the latest developments and that they have access to unbiased investment expertise at a competitive price.

As market opportunities come and go it is imperative that portfolios are correctly positioned to either seize the opportunities or to mitigate the potential threats.

Too many investors adopt a passive stance and consequently remain in funds or sectors that have long since fallen out of favour.

Most people would prefer to spend time on hobbies, holidays and with family rather than pouring over financial information and worrying about what they should be doing with their investments. If this sounds like you and you need help to make managing your money a little easier please do not hesitate to give us a call.

If you invest in the stock market the value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested.

Entrust your financial future to Wigan’s only Chartered Financial Planners.

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Prosper IFA are the FIRST firm of financial advisers in Wigan to be awarded the prestigious Chartered Financial Planners Status.

Prosper Independent Financial Advisers Ltd. Prosper House, 99a High Street, Standish, WN6 0HD

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61

Continuing To Prosper!

A Standish company is living up to its name after announcing another acquisition. Prosper Independent Financial Advisers, based on High Street, has acquired Appley Bridge-based firm Finances Explained, of Blackthorn House, Skull House Lane, from its owner, Jon Hardy.

Jon, a former Wigan magistrate and councillor with around four decades of experience in the industry, has had the business for 12 years but is now retiring.

Along with office manager Alina, he will be working with Prosper in a consultancy capacity to ensure a smooth handover. Jon told Local Life: “We are very pleased to be working with David and Prosper to ensure our clients can continue enjoying high levels of customer service and satisfaction.”

David Barton, of Prosper, hailed the move as positive both for Prosper and Jon’s clients: “We are delighted to be working with Jon and Alina, and are writing to their clients to welcome them to Prosper. This is our second acquisition in the last couple of years and, in terms of Jon’s company, we are taking over a client list of around 200. The plan is to continue to expand the business with the philosophy of good service and professionalism.”

For more information on Prosper, visit www.prosper-ifa. co.uk or call 01257 423 800.

David Barton (right) with Jon Hardy outside Prosper’s offices on High Street, Standish

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Call Andrea on: 07827 774471 Email: areid@bookkeepingsolutions.org.uk

Accountancy - by Chris Alcock ACMA

It’s not too early to complete your Self Assessment Return Hello and welcome to the latest article from CMA, a proactive, hands-on accountancy firm based on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge.

early, by 31 October, instead of leaving this until the end of the year:

Summer holidays are now drawing to a close and it is now a good time to be looking at completing your tax return for 2014. The deadline for submitting this to HMRC is 31 January 2015.

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

1. Paper returns can still be submitted before 31 Oct 2014 and HMRC will calculate what tax you owe.

2. If you owe any tax on your 2013/14 income and this is below £3,000, HMRC can amend next year’s tax code.

3. If you are self-employed, the earlier you know your tax liability, the sooner you can plan your payments.

4. Finally, you will sleep better at night!

• Anyone who is self-employed, that is they are not employed and pay income tax via PAYE.

You may have this in hand but if you need any help with this we can complete your SA Return.

• If you have savings income above £10,000.

• If you receive rental income from a property.

• Company directors must complete a return.

• You have Capital Gains Tax to pay from selling an asset.

We have a special discount of 15% off our standard fees for SA Returns if you contact us before 30 September. Please quote reference “Local Life Sept 15%” to qualify for this rate.

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.

• 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.

• Changes to Child Benefit 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. Parents who are in this situation must register with HMRC and complete a tax return before 31 Jan 2015.

There are a number of benefits to completing your return

Tax Tip of the Month Business Mileage Claims – Do you claim business mileage expenses from your employer for using your own car? If the rate you are being reimbursed is less than 45 pence per mile, and you claim a significant amount of miles per year, above about 3000, then you may benefit from a tax relief claim.

To see how we can help you please get in touch:

CMA is a proactive accountancy firm based in Appley Bridge. We provide the usual services such as accounts and payroll services. We can also help you with your bookkeeping if you hate doing this!!

Want to advertise in Local Life?

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

...call us now on 01695 627 999

63

Blowing Hot & Cold Stop blowing hot and cold - make 2014 the year when you convert your conservatory into real living space!

Before

After Here to help you is HomeSafe Roof Solutions, a 5 star rated conservatory roof replacement company based in Hindley. They don’t believe in high-pressure sales techniques, but instead HomeSafe offer low prices all of the time.

The company has recently been featured on the BBC’s Crime Scene Rescue and DIY SOS. HomeSafe Roof Solutions will replace your existing polycarbonate or glass conservatory roof with a fully insulated lightweight roof, that will keep the heat in during winter months and prevent the sun from overheating your conservatory during the summer months.

So what are the key features & benefits of a tiled conservatory roof solution?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Comfortable temperatures all year round 10 years comprehensive insurance backed warranty Roof is extremely lightweight and thermally efficient Choice of roof colours Skylight/Velux window options Maintenance-free Tapco Slate It looks great!

How do you make the step to convert your conservatory into real living space?

Simply call HomeSafe Roof Solutions on 01942 522 283 and the owner John Jones will visit your home and give you a free, no obligation quotation for the job. There’s no hard sell, just honest and friendly advice on your conservatory roof replacement.

Hindley Business Centre, Hindley, WN2 3PA www.homesaferoofsolutions.co.uk

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Want to advertise in Local Life?

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65

Events Brewing

In Trim

There’s plenty going on at one Wrightington church in the next few weeks. On Friday, September 26, a Macmillan Coffee Morning is being held at Tunley United Reformed Church Hall, Mossy Lea Road, from 10.30am-noon. Attractions also include a raffle, homemade cakes, books and bric-a-brac.

How do you keep your lawn looking fine and dandy through autumn and winter? Tony McCabe may be able to provide the answer during his talk on Wednesday, October 22, at Parbold WI Hall on The Common.

Tony will be giving a presentation on lawns and their maintenance from 8pm onwards.

And on Thursday, October 2, there’s a coffee morning in aid of Chifundo from 10am-noon. There will be a presentation with fashions, accessories and household products for sale. Chifundo seeks to empower women in Malawi through education and income generation so that they can fulfil their potential and make a difference for their families, communities and country.

On Wednesday, November 19, Ian Wright will be giving a talk at the same venue and time on the changing landscapes of Mere Sands Woods in Rufford.

Although both meetings are part of Parbold, Newburgh and District Gardening Society’s programme of events, visitors are always welcome. For more information call David Pennington on 01704 821984.

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Cornucopia of Comedy

Somewhere In France

Up Holland and District U3A is hosting a Variety Showtime at St Teresa’s Hall on College Road. Shows take place on two nights, Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, both starting at 7pm.

A prolific youth theatre which has turned out talent such as ex-Corrie star Georgia Taylor is putting on a three night performance this November.

Organisers are promising a “cornucopia of talent” with song, dance, nostalgia and comedy. Tickets are on sale from 01695 623378 at £5 for adults and £2.50 for under 16s. Refreshments available and bar will be open.

Doors open at 7pm and, as this is a community performance, all are welcome.

Centre Open Day Standish Community Centre, on Moody Street, is holding an open day on Saturday, September 27. There will be table top sales, displays, hot food and drinks available from 10.30am-3.30pm. It follows a successful re-opening ceremony recently with the Co-op staff being the guests of honour. Thanks to their sponsorship and helping at the painting weekend, the centre has undergone a revamp.

The centre is now looking for old photos of Moody Street and Church Street to show the history of its surroundings Phone Chris or Ann on 01257 421048 if you have any such photographs, or want to book a table.

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Somewhere In France - a new play commemorating World War I - will be held by Willpower Youth Theatre at St Michael’s Hall, Shaw Street, Swinley, from Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9. The play includes a song, Where Poppies Blow, which was especially written for the occasion by Tim Hans Smith.

Performances are at 7.30pm each day, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Sunday. Tickets are £6 for adults and £5 for concessions. To book, call 01942 745082.

COPD Support The Wigan Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder/ Apnoea Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the Bel Air Hotel on Wigan Lane, Wigan. The group has guest speakers, refreshments and members of Wigan Ukulele club for entertainment. Its aim is to give support to sufferers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and sleep apnoea. All are welcome including friends and relations. The meetings start at 1.30pm and finish at 3pm. There are no fees or admission charge. For more information, ring Bob on 01942 218377.

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Legal Aid no longer available? ...Or is it?

The message that legal aid remains available for many areas of Family Law is not being heard.

Since the 1st April 2013, following the implementation of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO), the Government introduced significant changes to the Legal Aid system resulting in Legal Aid for some Family Law cases not being routinely available. Legal Aid is, however, still available for many Family Law cases and Family Mediation. So, let us ponder upon the following questions:Which cases will still be eligible for Legal Aid? Well, those applications for:-

- Child maintenance and applications under Schedule 1, Children Act 1989 What evidence of domestic abuse is required?

Legal aid for these cases will be available in cases where there has been, or is a risk of, domestic abuse and where you can provide one of the following pieces of evidence:• a conviction of a domestic violence offence and that conviction is unspent • a caution for a domestic violence offence received within the past 24 months • ongoing criminal proceedings in respect of a domestic violence offence • a protective injunction (such as a non-molestation or forced marriage protection order) in force or one had been made within the past 2 years

- non-molestation and occupation orders - seek and find orders where children have been abducted in the UK - orders in relation to children who have been abducted abroad - restraining orders under the Protection From Harassment Act 1997 - forced marriage protection orders - and Public Law Proceedings where social services may be involved with your family Which cases may not be eligible for Legal Aid?

• an undertaking given in respect of domestic violence and the undertaking is still in force or had been made within the past 2 years • a referral to a Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference as a high risk victim of domestic violence and a plan is in place within the past 2 years • a report from a doctor, nurse or midwife confirming you were examined in respect of an injury or condition consistent with domestic violence within the past 2 years

- Divorce and judicial separation proceedings

• that you have been assessed by Social Services as experiencing or being at risk of domestic violence within the past 2 years

- Financial proceedings on divorce or dissolution of civil partnership

• a letter from a refuge confirming a stay for a period of more than 24 hours within the past 2 years

- Applications in relation to children about contact, residence, prohibited steps orders or specific issue orders

Platt & Fishwick can assess whether you are eligible for Legal Aid. Please contact us quoting “Local Life” for an initial free 30 minute appointment.

In order to qualify for Legal Aid in the following cases, evidence of domestic abuse will be required;

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Where Are They Now? - by David Sudworth

Bill Ashurst (Wigan RLFC, 1968-1973, 1977-1978)

Bill Ashurst knows the precise day he fell in love with rugby league.

It was on the afternoon of Saturday, May 10, 1958; a time when most Wiganers were looking forward to the Challenge Cup Final clash with Workington at Wembley.

But in the Ashurst household, there was excitement on that day for a very different reason - their first-ever rented TV set was about to arrive.

“Mam got it from a shop called Bullers, which I think was just off Standishgate. They brought it in, set it up and by chance the game was on. By the end of it, I was hooked.

I turned to mam and told her there and then I was going to play rugby for Wigan.”

56 years on and Bill is now getting ready to publish his autobiography, which comes out in October. For all his imposing frame and on-field flair, Bill admits he’s quite a shy person at heart. So why the decision to open himself up by putting pen to paper?

“I’ve done it for a number of reasons, I’ve had many different experiences through my life and people have always said I should do it. My wife, Sheila, was the one who finally convinced me to do it. I’m excited, but also slightly nervous at the same time.”

Bill’s life has been quite dramatic from the moment he was born. The youngest of four children, Bill put in his first appearance on April 12, 1948: “Mam worked at Empress Mill in Ince, nobody knew she was having me but she started having pains and realised she was giving birth. I was born in the ambulance on King Street just outside the old Picture House, weighing 5lbs 5ozs.

“Mam was great, she was the funniest person I’ve ever known but there was plenty of tough love with her. We lived in Belle Green Lane, Higher Ince, just opposite the Royal Oak pub. I remember one day I’d been fighting with this lad and his dad came round. He wanted me to come outside but I was hiding behind mam’s apron.

Bill (back row, centre) in the 1969-1970 season Wigan team

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She told him if I came out I’d do it again. In the end, she smacked him so hard she broke his nose.”

After Belle Green Infants’ School, Bill attended Rose Bridge Secondary where his love of rugby – stoked by the 1958 final – blossomed under the tutelage of his PE teacher, Alan Purcell. On the day he left school, Bill broke his leg while playing for Wigan Town Team: “I was tall and gangly. When I broke my leg I was 5ft 10ins but in a few months I’d grown by three inches. I’ve no idea why it happened that way but that’s how I got so tall. My first job was with Bill Davies Fishmonger’s which was in the old Commercial Yard off Market Street in Wigan town centre. I’d do lots of different things, including doing deliveries on the bike to the Infirmary and Whelley Hospital. I was out in all weathers and got frostbitten a few times!”

Despite leaving school, he played in the ex-Rose Bridge pupils’ team and in 1968, his talents came to the attention of Wigan: “It was surreal because we were playing Adlington and we beat them by a massive score, like 134-0, and afterwards I was approached by scout Billy Cunliffe who asked me if I wanted to go for a three-game trial. After the second game against Workington, I was taken straight from the pitch to the boardroom and asked if I wanted to sign up proper. They offered me £1,000. Sheila and I had only been married a couple of years then and they said the payments would be linked to certain achievements, like if I got in the Great Britain side.

Bill in the red and white of Wigan “The game itself was terrifying. Eric had put me on the wing but because I had belief in my own abilities as a centre I told him he’d put me in the wrong place.

He was surprised at first that this new, young lad was questioning his judgement but he switched me and I had a cracking remainder of the game .”

“Sheila dragged out the tin bath” “They gave me £100 of it there and then and I was delighted. By the time all this had finished, the bath water back in the changing room was cold so I ran home from Central Park, threw the money at Sheila and told her what had happened. Because I hadn’t washed after the game, Sheila dragged out the tin bath, put it in front of the fire and that’s how I celebrated!”

Bill went on to play 165 games for Wigan over the next five years, helping secure the Lancashire League Championship, the Lancashire Cup, the BBC 2 Floodlit Trophy and the Harry Sunderland Man of the Match Trophy in Wigan’s 16-12 defeat at the hands of St Helens in the 1971 Championship Final: “The circumstances

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surrounding my debut were amazing. I was in the old Engineers Arms pub in Higher Ince and we were having a lock in. At about 1am, one of Wigan’s directors, Martin Ryan, came looking for me. He said I was in the team for a match against Saints tomorrow because someone had cried off. I sobered up pretty quickly!

In 1973, Bill’s time at Central Park came to an abrupt end when he clashed with the chairman: “I’d broken my elbow and Eric knew I couldn’t play. The chairman, Mr Bibby, wanted to know why I wasn’t playing and when I told him his response was ‘have a painkiller.’ I told him that wouldn’t work because it wasn’t a muscle injury. He told me that if he had his way, I wouldn’t play for Wigan again. As far as I was concerned, that was it so I put in a transfer request.”

Enquiries for Bill came flooding in from Australia.

Having been initially offered terms with one club, which included £2,000, a home and a job, Sydney side Penrith Tigers swooped in with a more attractive package: “They offered £27,000, a home, a job, a new car every year and a swimming pool. I couldn’t drive or swim but I definitely knew which club I was going to! I’d never been abroad before and, with it being December, I’d bought all winter clothes. When I got off the plane, I realised that was the wrong thing to do.”

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By his own admission, Bill found the Australians hard to get used to: “The first conversation I had with an Australian there was at passport control when the customs official looked at my passport and said: ‘Do you have a criminal record?’ I replied: ‘Why, is it still compulsory?’

“Training sessions were the worst, I didn’t like training any way but the heat was really bad at times. One time, they got an American trainer in and he could see I wasn’t really interested so he told me that if I didn’t want to be there I should go, so I did. The next day, I had a call saying that I’d breached my contract because I didn’t finish my training. When I explained to the board that I was only following orders – because I always did what I was told – they broke out into fits of laughter.

Bill today at his Wigan home pitch. The reason was that a few weeks previously, I’d become a Christian and I felt I’d let everyone down, including God.”

With wife Sheila during his time in Australia “Sheila found it difficult to settle and she came home but I decided to stay. In 1977 there was a massive polio scare and I wanted to be closer to Shelia and the kids but Penrith refused me compassionate leave so I just decided I’d had enough and came home. It was controversial at the time but in 2006 they flew me back over there to be named part of their all-time Legends Team.”

Having arrived back in Wigan in 1977, he returned to Central Park for a season before heading to Wakefield Trinity. His third spell at Wigan in the mid-1980s saw him team up briefly with Alex Murphy as his deputy before he went to Runcorn Highfield. While there, he played his final professional game, ironically against Wigan: “We were getting beaten so I thought I’d have half an hour.

During the match I got an elbow to the cheekbone so I was fired up. I ended up being sent off for head-butting Andy Goodway and that’s the only time I cried on the

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Bill, a former landlord of the Anderton Arms on Ince Green Lane, says his interest in religion was sparked when a pregnant Sheila was almost knocked down and nearly lost their daughter: “It was awful, Sheila was bleeding and the doctors couldn’t detect the baby’s heartbeat. We prayed and prayed and within 24 hours the bleeding had stopped and the heartbeat was back. We were overjoyed and I’ve been a Christian ever since and are members of Hope Church in Ashton-inMakerfield.”

Now aged 66 and living in Lower Ince, a retired Bill still has plenty to keep him occupied. Besides coaching - he’s just returned from an England youth team tour of Malta – he has seven children, 30 grandchildren (yes, you read that right!) and one great grandchild.

Although more of an armchair rugby fan these days, he still gets recognised when he’s out and about: “One day, Sheila and I were in Wigan Market and all of sudden I feel this tugging on my coat. I looked down and there was this little old lady who must have been about 80.

“She said to me: ‘Did you used to be Bill Ashurst?’ I smiled at her and said: ‘That’s right love, and thank God I still am!”

Bill’s autobiography will be launched at a special event at the DW Stadium on Tuesday, October 7, at 7pm. All welcome.

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£30k Target

Plants Needed

This year’s annual Macmillan Extravaganza takes place on Friday, September 27, at 7pm at St James’s Catholic Club, St James’ Road, Orrell. Last year’s event raised £6,200 - taking the total amount raised by local ladies Kath McGuire, Edith Berry and Anne Hurst since 2008 to £27,805. This year’s event should see them go past the £30,000 mark.

The Friends of Alexandra Park in Newtown are hoping to turn the borders around the bowling greens into flowering herbaceous borders. To do this, they need donations of herbaceous plants and have now issued a plea to Local Life readers. John Broomhead, of the Friends group, said: “If you are discarding or dividing plants in your garden, then donations are welcome. And if you have time to help in planting your donations, then even better!”

There will be music by Old Hall Community Brass Band, a dancing display by The Chris Woolfenden School of Dance, Wigan Musical Theatre Group will be doing songs from the shows and as usual there will be a home grown fruit and veg stall, cakes, fancy goods, homemade cards and so on.

Tickets are £5 available from Kath on 01695 721038, from Edith on 01695 623686 , from Anne on 01942 515409 or the club on 01695 623902.

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The Friends of Alexandra Park meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6pm in the Community Room at Bowling Green Pavilion in the park. For more information, email friendsofalexparkwigan@outlook. com

Shevington Crafts A craft and gift fair is being held on Saturday, November 8, from 10am-3pm at St Anne’s Parish Centre, Church Lane, Shevington. Among the attractions will be a Fair Trade stall, local craft demonstrations and refreshments.

For more details, contact Linda Hill on 01257 252496.

Piano Recital Wigan Music Society presents a piano recital by Hugh Mather on Saturday, October 18, at Trinity United Reformed Church, Milton Grove, Wigan, starting at 7.30pm.

Hugh Mather is president of Wigan Music Society and has given many memorable recitals in Wigan. This will be his final appearance for the society and the concert will feature popular works from the classical piano repertoire.

Tickets are £8 for members, £10 for visitors and £1 for students. All welcome.

Park Friends The Friends of Mesnes Park are looking for volunteers to help set up and run an exciting programme of events. The groups offers free training and hands-on experience in event management. If you are interested, please contact Allan Foster 01942 703251 or email allan. foster1@sky.com

MP Surgeries

Heartbeat Appeal

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy is holding advice surgeries for local residents. On Friday, September 26, she will be at Shevington Children’s Centre, Shevington Community Primary School, Miles Lane. On Monday, October 6, she will be at Wigan Life Centre North Site, The Wiend, in Wigan town centre and on Friday, October 31, she will be at Standish Library, Cross Street. For times and to book an appointment, please call 01942 242047.

A fundraiser in aid of Dr Naqvi’s Heartbeat Appeal and Macmillan nurses takes place in Wigan on Friday, October 17. Beat Extravaganza Number Five features Vince Reno and The Fabres, plus Alan Parkinson. It will be held at St James’ Club, St James’ Road, Orrell, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and for more information, call Pauline on 01695 623427.

Farmers’ Market The next three Appley Bridge Farmers’ markets are being held on Saturday, September 21; Saturday October 19, and Saturday, November 16. The markets will be on next to Appley Bridge Station, on Appley Lane North, and there’s parking available. All are welcome.

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Just What The Doctor Ordered…

Dave Spikey talks to David Sudworth about his former medical career, finding fame at 50 and why he’s never left the north…

On a wall in Dave Spikey’s home hangs a yellowing front page article. At a casual glance, it appears to be from a normal, run-of-themill local newspaper.

Everything’s there, the style, the size, the photos… everything.

On closer inspection, it’s from the Fogburrow Advertiser and News.

Then the penny drops.

It’s a prop from Dave’s 2005 sitcom,

Dead Man Weds, which doubles as the headline.

I’m assured other ‘editions’ of this spoof publication produced similarly eyecatching proclamations, including the suitably ambiguous: ‘Pensioners Make Lovely Rugs’.

“They’re great aren’t they?” enthuses my host for the morning. “I love looking at newspapers and magazines.

They’re great sources of material for my stand-up routines. One of my friends sent me a cutting this morning from an Agony Aunt page; apparently someone wrote in saying that they’d been having an affair with the next door neighbour and it’s ended up

Are you sitting comfortably…? Dave Spikey was a haematologist before finding fame

76

in a fight about who is having the lawnmower. It’s mad!

My favourite headline is from the Lancs Evening Post which had a story about a llama escaping and causing havoc in a local school playground. It was called ‘Llama Drama Ding-Dong’.”

I meet Dave at his charming 19th century cottage in Whittle-Le-Woods, Chorley. Sat in his garden, it’s hard to believe the down-to-earth man in front of you is one of the most successful comedians of the past 15 years.

Of course, the 62-year-old is best known for his role as Jerry St Clair – ‘the compere without compare’ – in the smash hit TV comedy Phoenix Nights. Working alongside Peter Kay, who played wheelchair-bound club licensee Brian Potter, and Neil Fitzmaurice, who played dodgy DJ Ray Von (geddit?), the trio co-wrote all 12 episodes.

But he’s also a comedian in his own right, with sell out shows across the country, including one at Chorley Little Theatre next month.

While at Smithills, Dave became interested in science and had set his heart on becoming a doctor. But when Dave was 15, his dad sustained an injury at work meaning Dave had to get a job.

“Every time we’d go past the town hall, dad would say: ‘See those hands on the town hall clock? I painted those…’ I tell people dad broke his ankle while painting the hands. Well, it was half past six so he had no chance, nothing to hold on to. He may have stood a chance if it had been quarter past.

“While dad was off, he noticed an ad in the paper for a laboratory technician at Bolton Hospital. He said I should go for it as it would only be a part-time arrangement until he got back on his feet. I had the interview Friday and started on the Monday. It was around 1968 and working in the NHS was great back then. Everyone knew each other.”

It’s all a far cry from his upbringing at 3 Grafton Street, a small, terraced house just off Chorley Old Road in Bolton. At the end of the street, there was a mill - its wall being an integral part of the young Dave’s leisure time: “We’d play tennis against it – the wall always won though. I go back there every so often when I’m in that part of Bolton. The mill is still there and I swear I can still see faint chalk marks where we’d draw cricket stumps.”

Born to Marian and Gordon at Bolton Hospital on October 6, 1951, David Gordon Bramwell attended local school Oxford Grove and then onto Smithills Grammar: “If anyone asks were I was educated I just say ‘Oxford’ and leave the ‘Grove’ part out,” smiles Dave. The surname change came later when we had to change it to become a member of the actors’ union Equity.

“Going to Wigan was a big treat ” Marian worked as a wages clerk with Gordon was a self-employed ‘no job too small, free estimates’ painter and decorator. One of the highlights of his childhood was the Wakes Weeks holidays when the local mills would close: “We’d go to the Fylde Coast. A big treat was going via Wigan because it has two rail lines. One of the highlights of my youth was seeing the legendary 70000 Britannia twice in the same day at Wigan.”

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The Spikey and Sykey double act While working in the haematology department, which looked after bloods, Dave started gigging. He became part of a double act with Rick Sykes, called Spikey & Sykey, and appeared on TV’s New Faces talent show.

“It sort of ended because Rick was a teacher and wanted to concentrate on that. We’d been booked to do a talent show in Scarborough and he didn’t want to go, but suggested I did it by myself. So I went over and remember staying at Robin Hood’s Bay. There was me, my wife and our five rescue dogs in an old VW campervan. It wasn’t bad and I ended up winning. The prize money was £1,000, which was a lot of money then. Soon after I did another talent show on my own in Torquay and won again, so that was another £1,000.”

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Bolstered by his one-man success, he threw himself into the local comedy circuit, appearing at places which, in his own words, were just like the Phoenix Club.

However, he career really took off one Sunday evening when, having just walked in from holiday, he received a phone call. Dave takes up the story: “I was basically asked whether I could be in Blackpool in half-an-hour.

Cannon & Ball were on and needed a compere. Max Boyce was also on; he was someone me and my dad used to watch all the time, and there I was on the same stage.”

As a result, further bookings came and Dave career as a comedian started its upward trajectory. However, it appears not everyone shared his delight: “I had to keep it quiet because there was a letter in the local paper which went something like: ‘It’s all very well Mr Spikey doing well, but should my National Insurance be paying for him while he goes gallivanting around the country?’

“30 shows were great, the rest were a shambles! ” Of course, it was nothing like that, I’d take holidays to do shows and nobody ever complained about my commitment when I’d worked for 28 hours on the run. Then again, everyone’s entitled to their opinion I guess…” smiles Dave.

In 1997, while still working at Bolton Hospital, Dave landed a two-week gig as the host of TV’s Chain Letters: “It was a great opportunity but massive pressure. In those days there was no autocue or earpiece and we were doing five shows a day. I had six cameras on me so you’d have to remember which cameras to present to, not forget the contestants’ names, remember your jokes and also remember what the rules of the game were. I did about 40 shows in two weeks and I’d say 30 of them were great and the rest were a shambles!”

Dave with Phoenix Nights co-star Peter Kay grounded, and one of the reasons why he’s never contemplated upping sticks: “There was some pressure in the early days of Phoenix Nights to move to London but it’s only two-and-a-half hours from Preston on the train. I know some people who live down there, and it takes them the same amount of time to get from one side of London to another.

“We came here because I used to have a little animal sanctuary which eventually grew so we needed something bigger. We looked at a place on German Lane in Charnock Richard which wasn’t suitable so we just went into an estate agent’s and they mentioned this place in Whittle-le-Woods. It’s from 1839 and we’ve been here for 25 years, so well before all the fame and so on. I like to go for a pint in the local pub, I’ve got a good bunch of mates and when I’m with them I’m just ‘Dave’ rather than ‘Dave Spikey from Phoenix Nights’ and so on.

“I owe a lot to the fact that I was basically plucked from obscurity and that I’m not madly ambitious. If it all ended tomorrow, I’d just be grateful and feel very lucky to have had all this.”

Around this time, he’d met Peter Kay and just before the first Phoenix Nights came out, Dave decided it was safe enough for him to give up the day job: “I figured that I’d got my qualifications in haematology so if it all went pear-shaped, I’d be able to get a job again quite easily as it’s quite specialised.”

It’s now 12 years since Phoenix Nights propelled Dave to a level of stardom which he never envisaged. He believes though that finding fame at 50 has kept him

78

With Johnny Vegas in Dead Man Weds

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The Local Company You Can Trust! www.majesticbuildingservices.co.uk

Majestic House, J.G.B. Investment Park, Stephens Way, Goose Green, Wigan, WN3 6PG

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Business Review

Viva la Republic There’s no one quite as ethical as a teenager. Their black and white view of the world is refreshingly moralistic, even if it can be a tad wearisome occasionally.

So when news of a certain global coffee chain avoiding UK corporation tax hit the headlines, the moral outrage barometer of my youngest soared off the scale and she instantly declared their Wigan outlets a no-go area for the entire family.

“I’m sorry love”, I said to her,” I’m all for principled stands, but I do need a bit of decent caffeine to go with my day”.

Fortunately, a local solution popped up a few weeks ago with the opening of Coffee Republic, which is tucked away right by the railway station in Appley Bridge.

Finally, I can get a great coffee without having to traipse into town or line the pockets of greedy corporations who should know better.

20% off your entire food & drink bill on production of this voucher Expiry date 31/10/14

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Coffee Republic And great coffee is not all that’s on offer at Coffee Republic.

This café, which used to be the function room of The Old Station House Pub, opens early doors at 6.30am during the week to cater for rail commuters, and remains open until 4pm every day of the week. On weekends, the café opens at 8am.

Whatever your breakfast appetite is like, Coffee Republic can deliver the goods. Hearty full English breakfasts are just £4.75, or you can opt for a selection of barms from just £1.50 instead. There’s also a large selection of light lunches available, from jacket potatoes, home-made fresh soup, Paninis, sandwiches and burgers, and a range of home-made cakes to tempt those who aren’t on a diet!

For those customers who aren’t rushing off on a train somewhere, Coffee Republic is an amazing place to relax. The comfy chairs and high specification furnishings mean the café is a perfect location for an informal meeting, a friendly chat, to read the paper or just enjoy the food and drinks. There’s extra seating in an enclosed garden area too, ideal for children, walkers with well-behaved dogs or those looking for a bit of sunshine.

Give Coffee Republic a try before 31st October and take advantage of their opening offer – an immense 20% off your total bill!

Coffee Republic The Old Station House, Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, WN6 9AE Telephone Orders welcome - phone 01257 255 140

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everyday starting 24th November Choose from 1 COURSE (£8.95), 2 COURSE (£13.95), 3 COURSE (£18.95)

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Lightly creamed parsnip soup with Bramley apple Hot smoked salmon salad with horseradish cream Pulled pork crispy spring roll with hoi sin dressing Poached pears with Stilton & walnuts, rocket salad and balsamic dressing ***** Roast turkey with all the seasonal trimmings Flash fried rumpet steak with glazed shallots, mushrooms, red wine & thyme Butternut squash risotto with sage butter Steamed fillet of sole with prawns and vermouth & chive cream ***** Cappuccino crème brûlée Traditional Christmas pudding, brandy sauce Brandy snap basket with chocolate mousse Glazed lemon fudge tart

New Year’s Eve

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Lightly creamed parsnip soup with Bramley apple ***** Roast turkey with all the seasonal trimmings ***** Traditional Christmas pudding, brandy sauce ***** Coffee & fudge

bookings@thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk

Sauté wild mushrooms in garlic & chive cream sauce with truffle oil on toasted brioche ***** Bar grilled scallop, cauliflower puree, crispy pancetta with a mint & pea dressing ***** Honey glazed breast of duck, potato & celeriac dauphinoise, butternut squash puree with pinot noir & clementine jus ***** Rich chocolate fondant with ice cream ***** Cheese & biscuits / Coffee & fudge

01257 426 514

www.thepaddockrestaurant.co.uk

The Paddock Restaurant, Mossey Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RE

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81

Taste Test - by David Sudworth

Boathouse Bliss Convincing people that eating out and then writing about it actually constitutes ‘work’ has always been a challenge. But after a visit to the Boathouse in Appley Bridge, it’s just got a whole lot harder.

For not only is the location magnificent, but, as it turns out, so is the food.

Accompanying me for this pleasant afternoon sojourn next to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal was my colleague Nicola, who was eager to discover whether this new venture - which had already been the talk of the area before it even opened its doors - could cut the mustard.

Despite having similar dreadful experiences, I gingerly agreed to try one. I am pleased to report that, having sunk my gnashers into these Tempura-encased florets, I too am a reformed character to the point where I would freely order them myself on my next visit. Little did I know it at the time, but my journey on the culinary Road to Damascus had commenced.

Having had our palates primed, starters came in the shape of smoked salmon with beetroot puree, and a heritage potato salad atop a delicious slice of soda bread. Nicola’s dish was the whipped goat’s cheese, apple and walnut salad, with pear and malt vinegar puree.

If first impressions count then the Boathouse is racing full steam ahead. The building has been totally revamped from its previous incarnation as the Water’s Edge, both internally and externally, providing a sophisticated, comfortable and friendly welcome for all.

To the food and, on this occasion, we asked the kitchen, headed by co-owners and executive chefs Jonathan and Grant Ainsworth, to surprise us. They did this by presenting two sets of nibbles; Scotch egg with homemade piccalilli (my own personal first choice) and cauliflower fritters with cumin mayo (possibly the last thing I’d ever order).

After quickly convincing Nicola that I’m allergic to anything other than eggs and meat, we did a quick swap. At first, I was glad as the Scotch egg was divine; much tastier than the insipid, vacuum-packed efforts which litter the shelves of motorway service stations across our green and pleasant land.

But while my thoughts were focusing on the limited culinary offers available at Watford Gap, Nicola was busy expunging years of school meal torture from her memory by discovering that cauliflower can actually be extremely tasty when not drowned in boiling water for an hour.

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Both dishes represented excellent value in terms of portion size, and of course taste. The salmon wasn’t the usual wafer-thin offering, this had real depth and not unlike dishes I’ve had while visiting the obscenelyexpensive shores of Norway. Granted, those Arctic boys know how to eat their lax fisk, but it’s great you can now get the same degree of authenticity right here in the area, and without having to re-mortgage your home in the process.

Nicola’s goat’s cheese was decadently creamy, but not too filling or over-fussy. Any chef will tell you good food doesn’t need messing about with, and the Boathouse team have stayed true to this maxim.

cooking them is a no-no. But this lightly spiced poached pears, sweet almond crumble and vanilla sauce desert has made me re-evaluate. The crumble was particularly dainty and the slithers of orange peel made, for the first time ever for me, a pears dish very bearable, even enjoyable. My Damascene conversion was complete.

For our mains, we were presented with a pork dish and a lamb dish. I would normally go for the lamb as pork can be horribly dry. But on presentation alone, I couldn’t not try these pieces of slowly roasted belly pork, which were accompanied with a braised shoulder bon-bon, black pudding potato cake, apple textures, crackling dust, baby vegetables and a red wine sauce. Put simply, this was one of the most imaginative and delicious pork dishes I’ve tasted locally. Each element could easily stand on its own, but when put together, they create a magnificent fusion of tastes.

Be under no illusion; what twins Grant and Jonathan and their team have achieved at the Boathouse in an extremely short space of time is incredible. They have a wealth of experience, working with some of the top chefs across the country, which they have now brought back home. And they’ve packed it into a place which is elegant without being pretentious, setting an overall standard which I envisage others in the area will be judged against.

Because, let’s face it, if a venue can get you eating food which you’ve spent the best part of your life avoiding, then you know it’s that bit special. And because of that, this place definitely floats my boat...

The Boathouse Mill Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DA 01257 252456 www.appleybridgeboathouse.com

Nicola confirmed that her own dish, the roasted lamb rump with hot pot-style potatoes, pickled red cabbage, minted pea and pearl onion jus, was also a triumph. Being a carnivore obviously helps, but she also heaped praise on how the kitchen refused to allow the vegetables to play second fiddle to the lamb. Careful thought and preparation has clearly paid off as these were two dishes to treasure.

Having had my prejudices confounded left, right and centre during the course of this meal, I decided that, for dessert, it was time to slay another of my food antipathies.

For me, pears are best when they are making the transition from being rock hard to less rock hard, so

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Executive chefs and co-owners Jonathan and Grant Ainsworth with comis chef Jack Mcloughlin and head chef Alex Melling

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Recipe of the month

Parsnip Quiche with Blue Cheese

Equipment This dish can be eaten hot or cold and it’s great for lunch boxes. You can use up leftover cooked veg from the Sunday roast instead of the freshly cooked parsnip. Sweet potato or carrot can be exchanged for the parsnip.

23cm / 9 inch buttered/greased loose bottomed flan dish. Rolling pin

Ingredients

Cook the parsnip in boiling water until soft. Leave to cool. Fry off the shallot until soft. Set to one side to cool. Line a 9 inch greased flan dish with the rested pastry. Prick the bottom of the base gently with a fork to stop air bubbles forming. Bake blind (this will avoid the famous “soggy bottom”!) by crumpling baking parchment and placing it in the pastry case being careful not to tear the pastry. Then fill with ceramic baking beans spreading them out evenly. Cook at 450º F for 20 minutes until lightly brown and a little crisp.

Shortcrust pastry: • 100g salted butter • 200g plain flour • 4-5 tbps cold water

Filing: • 200g parsnip, peeled & sliced • 1 shallot, diced • 3 eggs • 175ml crème fraiche • 290ml milk • 1/2 tsp mixed spice or korma curry powder • 50g good blue cheese • 50g ham or cooked bacon

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Method Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour until it resembles bread crumbs. Add sufficient water to bring the pastry together into a ball without it being sticky and leave to rest for half an hour covered in the fridge.

Remove the paper and beans. Whilst the pastry case is cooking beat the eggs together and add the creme fraiche and milk, incorporating all together with a whisk.

Puree or mash the parsnip with the spice or korma and gradually add to the egg mixture until thoroughly mixed. Once the pastry case has come out of the oven dot the base with the blue cheese, onion and ham. Pour the egg mixture into the pastry case and bake on 180ºC for 45 minutes, or until the centre doesn’t wobble.

Swimming Lessons

Workshops Invite Orrell Eggcrafters are holding workshops this autumn.

New members are welcome to go along to the events at Salem United Reformed Church Hall, Church Street, on Saturday, October 4, and Saturday, November 1, from 10am-3pm. All materials and full tuition on the day. Anyone interested in craft is welcome to join in.

Call Wendy Dickinson on 01942 216552 or Sue Jones on 01942 518233 for further details.

Parent and child swimming lessons are available at St Wilfrid’s Academy on Rectory Lane, Standish, on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Aqua Tots sessions are for children up to four years old and there are different time slots available. A seven week block costs £21. For more information, call Mrs Flynn on 01257 423992.

Climbing Club

Wigan Samaritans are looking for a voluntary fundraiser.

Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgmental emotional support to people, via telephone, e-mail and also face to face from its branch in Dicconson Street.

If you feel that could organise events that will raise money to help the charity carry on with its work, please call 07594 632854 or 01942 707955.

Wigan Rambling and Climbing Club holds social nights every Tuesday at 8.15pm at Wigan Cricket Club, at Bull Hey, Parsons Walk. New members welcome. Contact secretary Jill Shilladay on 01257 421926 or email jill. shilladay@btinternet.com for more information.

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Jack’s Tracks

Crank Caverns Here at Local Life HQ, we’re always thinking of places to take Jack. Some suggestions, he turns his cold, wet nose up at; others he’s off to get his lead before we can say Ordnance Survey Map.

But for this particular outing, it was the humans who were a little bit reticent. See, it was the word ‘caverns’ which made me wary; I instantly thought of bats, darkness and ghosts, not to mention the myths and legends associated with the place. And boy, are they numerous - so much so they’ve even been debated on David Icke’s website forum. Mr Icke, you may recall, was a 1980s BBC Breakfast Time presenter who later went a bit… err… strange. This probably had something to do an incident in April 1991 when he declared to Terry Wogan, in front of a live studio audience, that he was in fact the Son of God. Not only did he say this with a completely straight face, but while also casually donning a multi-coloured shell suit. This fashion fauxpas in itself can end mainstream careers, but coupled with the religious stuff, it completely sealed his fate.

However, after months of thinking of other places to go - anywhere in fact - I plucked up the courage to take a look.

This walk starts on Alder Lane where, on the way into the woods which hide the caverns, we got a fabulous view of Billinge Hill, referred to locally as ‘the Lump’.

Once inside the woods, which in the summertime are covered in ferns, the caverns become visible fairly soon.

Without a care in the world, Peter, our fearless cameraman, bounded towards them like a duck to water on a hot summer’s day. After a few external snaps, he was inside having a good old nosey. Being mindful

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The increasing presence of turbines in the countryside divides opinion; some see them as blots on the landscape, others see them as works of art which help reduce our carbon emissions. Like everything, it largely depends on location but there’s no denying they are a talking point.

of the stories, I decided to ‘keep watch’ while Peter ventured inside, bouncing off each piece of rock like a ping pong ball on Red Bull.

There’s a fair bit of graffiti at the site, but given it’s the perfect teeny hideaway for those who like to indulge in a few illicit cans of fortified apple juice, it’s not unsurprising and didn’t take away anything from the experience.

Once we’d stood and marvelled for about 10 minutes, without a soul in sight, let alone anyone bedecked in early 90s leisurewear, it was time to press on. We headed towards High Wood where, again, the views were impressive, Not only could we see Fiddler’s Ferry in the distance we also spotted some wind turbines.

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To our left we could also see the main settlement of Billinge nestling into the hills as we passed some sheep basking in the sunshine. We made our way past Shoot’s Delph Farm and shop and onto Moss Bank Road, where we turned right to head down the hill. This is the old part of Moss Bank and it’s not long before we pass Moss Bank Mission. If it looks a bit like an old school, that’s because it is. The school closed in 1978 and is now a community hub for all sorts of activities.

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As we made our way down the road, Clinkham Wood could be seen from the left, which dates back to the early 1800s and has a real diversity of flora and fauna, including the Great Spotted Woodpecker, bluebells and Marsh Marigolds. If you’ve got time, it’s worth a quick detour.

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A bit further down, you take the public footpath that runs between numbers 59-61 Moss Bank Road and cuts across a corner of the Rainford Hall Estate. The path eventually joins up with another at the bottom of Sandy Lane. Further down, you cross over the brook and eventually join up with Crank Road. Turning left, you eventually come to Berringtons Lane. If there’s one place to grab a bag of blackberries at the right time of year, this is it. The hedgerows positively burst with handsomely formed fruits, certainly enough to make a few pies or even a jar of jam. It was quite amusing because, as we got to the end of the lane, we noticed a

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Moss Bank

portable road sign which implored people to go SLOW. Given the abundance of berries on the stretch, we were of course happy to oblige to this request...

Stories or Gospel Truth?

Once on Mill Lane, it is a fairly straightforward route up to the B5205 Higher Lane then back up towards our starting point. Well, I say straightforward, but the truth is that life on a Jack’s Tracks walk is far from dull, and so it proved yet again on this occasion. While we stopped for a mini-breather on Crank Hill, we inadvertently hailed a bus. For a split second, the driver must have thought he was picking up a few fares. Memo to self: always check your surroundings and don’t hang around bus stops if you’ve no intention of using one.

The walk finished pleasantly with direct route through a field of sprouts which, by the looks of them, are destined for the Christmas dinner plate.

In all, this walk was 6.3 miles long and, when factoring in the longish stop around Crank Caverns, took us around two and three quarter hours. The main lesson I took from it was that, in a world where ‘progress’ is usually a euphemism for destruction, sometimes the need to move with the times can be done sensitively.

For instance, I didn’t think the wind turbines looked particular intrusive. Also, the housing visible from our route, many of which were built in the much-panned 1960s, seemed to blend in very well with the rural surroundings.

And the other lesson? Don’t necessarily believe everything you read on David Icke’s website…

From the sublime to the ridiculous, the amount of legends attached to Crank Caverns could probably fill this entire magazine. What we can be certain of, however, is that the caverns were originally called Delph Quarry and were used for mining in the early 1700s until circa 1865. After this time, it is said to have been used by the Earl of Derby as a game reserve. At the outbreak of World War II, the caverns were used to store ammunition.

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

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Among the myths and legends are that King Henry VIII took refuge there during the mass persecution of Catholics. It’s also claimed than ‘vicious dwarves’ were once said to have lived there. This came from a supposed tale where four children decided to explore the caverns, but three went missing. The surviving child subsequently told of being chased by small, old men with beards, and stumbling over human bones before escaping.

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Doorbell Dracula Eerie Excitement Ghosts Mask Monster Skeleton Sweets

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B H E D S C B U A L U C A R D

60th Anniversary Celebrations Past students celebrated 60 years of education at the Winstanley College site this month. The college, formerly Up Holland Grammar School, has a rich history dating back to the 1640s when gentlemen and yeomen from the area provided land and money to build the school. It was opened to pupils in 1661 on the original site on School Lane, Up Holland, before moving.

The Winstanley Road building remained Upholland Grammar School until 1977 when it became a new sixth form college. Winstanley College has continued to grow and develop and, in recent years, has been consistently ranked in the top five colleges in the whole country.

Alan Swift, from MUGs, the group for ex-pupils of Upholland Grammar School, helped organise the Jubilee event, in particular the tours of the college for ex-pupils that took place throughout the day.

Winstanley College Principal Louise Tipping said: “We had a wonderful day celebrating 60 years of memories on this site. Thank you to Alan Swift and David Robinson who have helped to make this event possible. Also, a big thanks to our performing arts students and staff for the superb 1950s themed production we all enjoyed.”

War Exhibition

Performing arts students at the Jubilee celebrations

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The Museum of Wigan Life, on Library Street, is charting the town’s story through the Great War at a special exhibition. Home Front to Battle Front – Wigan Borough at War 1914-18 runs until Saturday, March 28.

It focuses on the stories of men who went to fight and the struggles faced by women and those left behind.

Items on display will include William Kenealy’s Victoria Cross medal awarded for bravery in Gallipoli and Lord Crawford’s original war diary. Entry is free and for more information, visit www.wlct.org.uk

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Test Drive - by Tim Barnes-Clay

All New

Mazda 3 Fastback

If you’re a company car driver, the chances are you’re looking to shrink your tax bill and free up cash to meet other outgoings. If this is the case, fret not, because the new Mazda3 has arrived.

You see, 2014/15 company car benefit-in-kind tax bills, lower than a host of rivals, are set to make the Mazda3 the sensible financial choice for fleet managers and drivers alike.

Word must be getting around because Mazda posted sales of 8,576 cars in March. That’s a surge of 40 per cent over the same month last year, well ahead of the industry rise of 18 per cent. Much of that is down to the Mazda3, which was launched at the beginning of the year. Total sales of the motor in the first quarter of 2014 are now approaching 3,000.

What’s more, data from vehicle valuation experts CAP Automotive, reveals that the Mazda3 beats numerous similar sized rivals in terms of average forecasted pound note depreciation. Trounced competition includes the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Toyota Auris, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.

So let’s hold a magnifying glass over the spanking new model to see why it’s so popular.

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Due to its low-slung stance, the Mazda3 is curvaceously distinctive and creates a powerful visual link with its fresh Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 siblings.

With kerb weights starting at 1,347kg - that’s for the petrol-powered 2.0-litre 120 SKYACTIV-G Fastback that I drove – it’s one of the lightest members of its class. Much of this weight-saving is attributable to the increase in the proportion of high-tensile and ultrahigh tensile steels in the Mazda3’s bodyshell. It’s been boosted from 50 to 60 per cent to create a strong and impact resistant structure.

FAST FACTS • Max speed: 123mph • 0-62 mph: 8.8 secs • Combined mpg: 55.4 • Engine: 1998cc 4 cylinder 16 valve petrol • Max. power (bhp): 118 at 6000 rpm • Max. torque (Ib/ft): 154 at 4000 rpm • CO2: 119 g/km • Price: £19,895 on the road

Behind the wheel, the Fastback petrol powered version offers precision handling, with 0-62mph arriving in 8.8 seconds. Disappointingly, it doesn’t feel as rapid as that and the top speed is a measly 123mph.

Of course, when you’re on the road, gobbling up thousands of miles a year, your own wellbeing is never far from your mind. Therefore, it’s reassuring to know the up-to-the-minute Mazda3 is officially one of the safest cars on the road in the UK after receiving a top five star safety rating in the Euro NCAP tests.

The brand’s all-time bestseller achieved outstanding marks, scoring 93 per cent (for adult) and 86 per cent, (for child) occupant protection (both among the highest scores recorded in Europe this year), and 65 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively, for pedestrian protection and safety assist.

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The Mazda comes with many airbags as well as gadgetry known as Smart City Brake Support, which helps to reduce or prevent low-speed collisions by automatically applying the brakes if you fail to act. The motor also has Hill Hold Assist fitted to prevent roll back on inclines.

Further standard equipment includes alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power-folding heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, trip computer, radio/CD with six speaker audio system, seven-inch colour touch screen, USB/iPod connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

All in all, the four-door, front wheel-drive saloon has exceptionally generous interior cabin space, and a sporty design to give standout appeal both on the road and in the company car park.

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Wigan On TV

Fund Thanks

Wigan Council staff are set to come reality TV stars! The next series of the hit BBC daytime documentary Call the Council will focus on the behind-the-scenes workings of the authority’s 4,000 staff. Social workers, trading standards officers and refuse collectors are all set to feature in the series, which is currently being filmed.

People with learning disabilities in West Lancashire have been taking part in sporting activities thanks to a little help from the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation. Sporting Challenge, a charity dedicated to providing sporting activities for people with learning disabilities, received £1,225 from the foundation.

Trading Standards Manager Terry Gregson, who has worked at the council for eight years, said: “I’m a little nervous to be honest. It will be a strange experience seeing myself on TV. I know my friends and family will certainly find it amusing!

The donation was used to fund six months of activities, including ten pin bowling and meals for 35 people in West Lancashire.

“But my colleagues and I are all really excited we have the opportunity to show everyone the work we do. In my team, we do a range of work within our communities such as cracking down on those who sell alcohol to children. Hopefully people will find this programme informative and entertaining.”

Series producer Darrell Olsen said: “The council has such a wealth of services and passionate workers that we can’t wait to get stuck in and start capturing some of them on camera. I really think that highlighting the work of the borough will make this next series a great watch.”

The series is set to be broadcast next year.

Edward McCarthy, Sporting Challenge trustee and secretary, said: “We’re so grateful to the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation for their generous donation. Unfortunately some people with a learning disability aren’t able to take part in an exercise activity as they’re unable to get places on their own, or need support. With the help of generous donations like this one, we’re able to help people take part in activities and get the benefits that come with it.”

Keep Write!

Standish Writers are looking for new members. They meet at The Crown Hotel, Bradley Lane, Standish, every third Wednesday of the month from 7pm-9pm. For more information, contact pembertonjacky@hotmail.com

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What’s On in the North West Friday, October 3, to Saturday, November 1 Farmageddon Scaredy cats look away now Farmageddon is back! This popular annual event once again takes place at Farmer Ted’s on Flatmans Lane, Downholland.

But be warned, it’s billed as an ‘extreme experience’ and you are recommended not to enter if you are of a weak or nervous disposition.

This year’s Farmageddon is entitled Revenge of The Dead, and there’s the all-new ‘Meat Locker’.

Farmer Ted’s, Flatmans Lane, Downholland, Ormskirk. Tickets from £20. Call 0844 736 0152 or visit www.farmageddon.co.uk

Friday, October 3 Singalong Sound of Music Is the Sound of Music one of your ‘favourite things?’ Or do you think Edelweiss is an Austrian foodie delicacy? Whatever your knowledge, you’re sure to enjoy this rapturous singalong from tunes everyone knows.

Altogether now... ‘Doe, a deer, a female deer...’

7.30pm at Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street Bolton, BL1 4TG. All tickets £10 and available from The Albert Halls’ Box Office on 01204 334400.

Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5 British Musical Fireworks Championship Seven magnificent firework displays over three nights of entertainment, but only one winner! Southport’s sky bursts into light as some of the country’s top pyrotechnic teams compete to win the prestigious industry title of UK Champions. The British Musical Fireworks Championship is no ordinary competition, each competitor is required to synchronise their display to music making each display no ordinary display and this event one of a kind in the UK! Tickets from £5.23 via www.visitsouthport.com or call 01704 533333. Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, PR8 2BZ.

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Friday, October 3 to Saturday, November 1 The Old Courts Halloween Tour Take a trip through the bowels of the Wigan’s historic underbelly. Running through the heart of Wigan’s late Victorian courthouse, prisons, corridors, hallways and cellars, the tour ends in the courtroom itself for a Halloween fair with chilling fun for people of all ages. The Old Courts Halloween Tour has been written by local writer Julie Mckiernan, who has woven a tale that encompasses the history of Up Holland Priory, the Courthouse itself and creates a world in which the gargoyles and grotesques of the Wigan Parish Church come to life.

Performers have been drawn from across the borough with a vast wealth of performance experience in stage, TV and film to create what organisers says is a unique and terrifying experience in which you’ll never know what lurks around the next corner.

Tickets are £12 for adults with £7 concessions plus free entrance to the Halloween fair. Visit: www. oldcourtsevents.co.uk Wednesday, October 8 Omid Djalili – Iranalamadingdong He’s back on tour with a new show, following a sell-out four week West-End residency and a sold-out season at the Edinburgh Festival. A firm favourite with his legendary performances, Omid’s stand-up awards include the Time Out Award and ‘EMMA Award’ for Best Stand Up. 7.30pm at Pyramid, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL. Tickets priced at £23 via www. pyramidparrhall.com Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12 Open Studio Sale Weekend Held at Morpheus Glass in Orrell, Wigan, there will be a wide range of pieces on show and many items will have up to 70% off. In addition all orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off the normal recommended retail price. All work is handmade by glass designer Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be made to order to suit any space including splashbacks.

Morpheus Glass, Unit 11, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB. For more information, visit www.morpheusglass.co.uk Wednesday, October 15 to Sunday, October 19 Disney On Ice Get ready to celebrate in style! Disney On Ice is proud to present a scintillating skating spectacular at the Phones 4u Arena. You will see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from Disney’s Mulan, Lion King and Pinocchio, and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story all take to the ice. This fanfare production features more than 60 unforgettable Disney stars that span the decades, a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate sets and beautiful costumes.

Tickets from £16.50 via www.eventim.co.uk or call 0844 847 8000, Phones 4u Arena, Manchester, M3 1AR.

Saturday, October 18 Voulez Vous - 40 Years of Waterloo After their unforgettable performance at The Dome, Brighton in 1974, ABBA’s hit Waterloo has since been voted the all-time best song of the Eurovision Song Contest 40 years on from smashing their way onto the international music scene, ABBA fans and music fans alike are coming together to celebrate the Swedish superstars’ longevity!

Voulez Vous have been masters of the ABBA scene for the past 23 years, and will transport you back to the 1970s and early 1980s with hits such as Take A Chance, Dancing Queen, SOS, and Fernando and, of course, Waterloo!

7.30pm at the Charter Theatre, Preston Guildhall, Lancaster Road, PR1 1HT. Tickets £17.50, concessions £1.50 off. www.prestonguildhall.com Monday, October 20, to Saturday, October 25 The Ladykillers A CADOS production from the black comedy based on the classic Ealing Studios film. Posing as amateur musicians, Professor Marcus and his gang rent rooms in the lopsided house of sweet but strict Mrs Wilberforce. Mrs Wilberforce becomes wise to their ruse and Marcus concludes that there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet.

Performances from 7.30pm-10pm. Tickets MondayWednesday £6, Thursday-Saturday £8. Groups of 10 or more: deduct £1 per ticket (Monday-Friday). Buy 10, get the 11th free. On sale now from Malcolm’s Musicland 01257 264362 Friday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26 North West Food Lovers’ Festival If you have never been to an event like this before than you really don’t know what you are missing! You enter in to a football pitch0sized giant marquee where you are met by some of the North West’s finest food and drink producers for a mecca of taste sensations.

For the last four years, the Academy of Culinary Arts team has provided free cooking classes for the children who have gone to the festival, where they learn various cooking techniques and many help prepare a dish.

Noon-5pm on the Friday, and from 10am-5pm on the Saturday and Sunday. Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6QN. Tickets from £6. For more information, visit www.nwfoodloversfestival.co.uk Saturday, October 25 Serenade To Music The latest instalment of the RLPO’s Strauss Edition is the spectacular climax of a concert that begins with the knockabout humour of Elgar’s cockney overture, and showcases the Phil’s choir in Vaughan Williams’ rapturous Serenade to Music. In between, Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO make history with the world premiere of a brand new work by the sensational young American composer Nico Muhly.

7.30pm at Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mount, Liverpool, L1 7AZ. Tickets £25, £7 students/under 25s/claimants. Must be booked by calling 0151 709 3789 or in person only.

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Sunday, October 26 Hey Presto!

Presto, the cat, is a very talented magician, so when he and his best friend Monty, the dog, join a funfair and start a magic show things look good for the duo. But fame goes to Monty’s head and soon Presto loses his friend and his show! Will true friendship prevail? Is there a touch of magic in the air?

A heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship, adventure and a little bit of mischief accompanied by catchy songs, this is the perfect treat for everyone aged 3 onwards.

2pm. Tickets £7 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX. Telephone 01744 735436.

Until Sunday, November 9 Blackpool Illuminations Blackpool Illuminations sees this seaside city of fun still buzzing with excitement and laughter long after other resorts have gone into winter hibernation.

At 10 kilometres long and using over one million bulbs the Blackpool Illuminations are an awesome spectacle. Take a tram for a grandstand view – arguably the best way to see this electrical extravaganza.

Blackpool seafront. For more details, visit www. blackpool-illuminations.net Wednesday, November 26, to Saturday, December 6 Gaslight A Victorian thriller set in fog-bound London in 1880 at the home of Jack Manningham and his wife Bella. The play opens in the late afternoon, a time which is described as being the time “before the feeble dawn of gaslight and tea”.

At the opening of the drama, Bella is clearly on edge, and the reproaches from her husband make matters worse. What most perturbs Bella is Jack’s unexplained disappearances from the house; he won’t tell her where his is going. The appearance of a police detective called Rough and his tale of a previous owner of the house named Alice Barlow, a wealthy woman who was murdered for her jewels that the murderer apparently never found, lead to a chilling set of suspicions and recriminations.”

Written by Patrick Hamilton and directed by Colette Kerwin.

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton St, Wigan, WN1 3SL. Tickets from £8. Visit www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk or call 01942 242561.

...call us now on 01695 627 999

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Garden Diary - by Angie Barker

Room for compromise Our front gardens are disappearing at a rate of knots. Since 2005 one quarter of all front gardens have been paved over and now 25% of front gardens in the North West are significantly paved over. Mainly due to the need for off road parking, which is perfectly understandable and a practical consideration in these days of two car families and residents’ parking permits.

My issue with this is, that there doesn’t seem to be any consideration given to retaining some garden greenery.

Water run-off is a serious problem with street drains struggling to cope with sudden downpours. Previously rain water was absorbed by borders and lawns in front gardens but nowadays the water has nowhere to go because of all the hard standing, except into the drainage system which simply can’t cope leading to flash flooding. Hence the relatively new planning laws regarding paving over front gardens. (You need to

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.

98

Award Winner

check these out should you be considering converting your front garden into some parking space).

I remember when I walked to school (yes I know Hubby it was a long, long time ago now) every house had a front garden with greenery and colour. I wonder how many of those gardens on my school route in south east London remain today?

And it is not just a matter of water run-off but aesthetics.

Green spaces make us feel better and plants help to suck pollution from the atmosphere and absorb heat, particularly important in towns and cities and of course, there is loss of habitat for wildlife.

The best solution, as in all walks of life, is compromise (Hubby nods in agreement – although to be honest I usually end up getting my own way – I just let him think its a compromise!) Parking cars in our front gardens is a necessity of modern living but there are lots of innovative ideas to combine practical necessity with a garden space. It just needs careful planning.

For some excellent advice and ideas visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s website at www.rhs.org.uk/advice and search ‘permeable paving’. It includes research by the Ealing Front Gardens Project which lists 43 reasons not to pave – it is a fascinating read.

Call Angie now for your free consultation!

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

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A Cut Above!

Owners of a Shevington business rubbed shoulders with celebrities after striking gold at Southport Flower Show. Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke congratulated Carl and Bozena Shaw, of New Leaf Topiary Ltd, on their success at what was only their second appearance at the show. It follows on from a silver gilt award at last year’s show, and a gold award at Holker Hall earlier this summer.

New Leaf, based on Parkside, was started

by Carl 20 years ago, primarily as a garden maintenance and landscaping business. In the past nine years or so, they have started offering a selection of hedging plants, topiary trees, shrubs and specimen plants.

Bozena and Zofia with Anton Du Beke Carl is married to Polish-born Bozena and they have two children, Zofia, aged seven, and Michael, aged four, who both attend Millbrook School.

“We’re really pleased with our gold award,” said Carl.

“The garden took around three weeks to create, on and off. When I first started out 20 years ago, I didn’t even know what topiary was but it is now an important part of the service we offer to our customers.”

New Leaf’s award-winning garden

For more information on New Leaf, visit their website www.newleaftopiary.co.uk or call 01257 401193.

new leaf gardens • Landscapes & Maintenance Work • Regular garden maintenance service in your area • One off tidy ups welcomed

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Want a beautiful garden without all the hard work?

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We offer high quality landscaping, garden design and ground maintenance services Quality work and reliability at competitive prices

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

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Resurfacing, Repair & Restoration Specialists • Is your bath damaged, chipped, scratched or worn?

• We can resurface, re-enamel or repair your bath, sink, worktops or uPVC • Established since 1984 – we cover the entire NW

Contact us today for more information 36 Broad Oak Road, St Helens, WA9 2EL

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Great Value Bathrooms!

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

C L Bathrooms

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M Leonard Heating

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Hobson’s ROOFC

EST 1990

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WIGAN’S AWARD-WINNING ROOFING FIRM Call us for a free, no obligation quote for;

• Roofing Repairs • New Roofs • Re-Roofs • Roof Windows 22 Barnsley Street, Wigan

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

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Building services Joinery Specialists

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107

Lady Decorator

Create your Dream Home today…

Just Imagine

Our Master Craftsman Derek and his friendly team will help you create your dream home.

All aspects of decorating - from simple painting or wallpapering to complex murals.

50 years wallpapering expertise.

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

Decorating - Interior Design - Soft Furnishings

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Call Derek today for a free consultation & quote

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email franklindecorators@gmail.com

• Internal and External work welcomed • Domestic and Commercial work undertaken • Reasonable rates & free quotes

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Need a new look for your home?

Skilled interior and exterior work undertaken at reasonable prices!

Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator

01942 518126 or 07545 065119 Orrell based business

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

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

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

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Ian Martland

Painter & Decorator Established 1990

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01695 632 477 | 07748 195 809 108

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

Call Alice or Neil on 01942 740232 or 07810 753062

PAINTING & DECORATING From interior to exterior - we do it all!

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Soffits & Fascias

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Solar Thermal & Solar PV

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Wind Turbines Heat Pumps

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

LED Lighting

For more information call

NG SERVICI

...and general Energy Savings

VAN CAR & motorcycles too es E ...and Lash Tan X y your FREE Spra H ils home survey eds A Sunb & GeTl Na Health Check ic Car U rton Acryl and Brethe Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced

FREE

01695 627 999

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Y R @ E S

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

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01942 215 769 07739 709 005

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07531 765 529 / 01695 628 150

Advertise here

Advertise your business in this section for £37 + VAT a month For more information please phone

01695 627 999

we make it our business to help yours

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No Job Too Small!

• • • • • • •

Re-Wires Additional Sockets / Lights Home Safety Tests Fuse Board Upgrades Security Lighting Alarms CCTV

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A View From The Lump Bang Goes The Punishment

Wigan’s Pride

Wigan councillors are a rum lot. Whether it’s ringing up naughty chat lines or sending expletive-laden texts about the fairer sex on a council-issued mobile, both examples from the well-documented recent case of Robert Bleakley, there’s been plenty to keep local hacks in bread and dripping of late. Town hall bigwigs at Library Street are not best pleased, and The Lump sympathises greatly. After all, one wonders whether the ‘sanctions’ - bestowed upon from high to local councils for use against those members who overstep the mark - are actually worth enforcing. Politics has been a rough ol’ game ever since Guy Fawkes was in short pantaloons, and not even the threat of being hanged for high treason could keep him away from the Swan Vestas. In that regard, the prospect of being sent on ‘equal opportunities training’ appears a little tame…

There are many reasons to be proud of being a Wiganer - and we can now add the town’s 10k run to the list. Only in its 2nd year, it managed to draw thousands of people running for all sorts of charities, including the organisers Joining Jack. It’s set to raise an estimated £100,000. Well done to all.

~ * ~

Kicked Into Touch Wrightington folk are breathing a sigh of relief after Wigan Athletic’s plan for a new training ground at the old Charnock Richard Golf Club got the green light from Chorley Council earlier this month. Last year, there was deep concern in the village over the club’s initial proposals for a facility in Wrightington. TV crews desceneded on the village and placards adorned its leafy lanes. In the end, Latics backed out in favour of finding a new location. The whole saga may have gone into extra time, but at least each side didn’t have to endure the agony of penalties. Pools panel: home win all round.

Local Life 247 Ltd Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB

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~ * ~

Full Marks Finally, a word of congratulations to Wigan’s schools, which are top class according to provisional results.

Much has changed since The Lump was expelled from St Trinian’s Mixed. Back then, a board duster mark on the back of the head was all we scoundrels got. And it usually came from Old Jenkins, a moustached history teacher who a few years earlier had been fighting on the beaches of Normandy. How times change!

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