December 2017

LOCAL

December 2017 Issue 8

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LOWTON & GOLBORNE

WINTER WALKS AND BIRD WATCHING

- page 6 & 7

Welcome to the December issue of Local Living Well I can’t quite believe we are here already!

The December issue is absolutely packed with some fabulous local businesses.

If Christmas isn’t keeping you busy enough get the low down on where to spot Santa on P12. You can find a Carol Concert or Church Service on P8.

Check out the offer from the lovely Lotty’s Cake Shop below. Who wouldn’t want a jar of cake for Christmas!

Finally we have an amazing competition on P13. With a combined prize worth over £200 it would be a very nice early Christmas present!

I will sign off by wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you on the other side folks!

Tracy Leach, Editor

Cupcake Jars. Variety of flavours Large - £6 each or 2 for £10 Small - £4.50 each or 2 for £8 www.facebook.com/lottyscakeshop

The fantastic photograph on the front is courtesy of Tom Gradwell. Thank you Tom! Head over to his website to book your own shoot, or treat the one you love to a family photo shoot gift voucher - leading to family memories to treasure forever! www.tomgradwellphotography.co.uk

Give someone you love fabulous feet this Christmas Do you know someone who never sits down and is always on the go?

For the ultimate in pampering treatments call into My Local Chiropodist to treat hard working feet! Gift vouchers are available for £25 for a chiropody treatment or £35 for a deluxe chiropody treatment. All Gift vouchers come well presented with a lovely 2018 diary.

Veteran with PTSD Graham Young finds brighter vision in his life after falling in love with photography A VETERAN who was diagnosed with PTSD has found a brighter vision in his life after falling in love with photography.

Former Grenadier Guard Graham Young, from Lowton, got involved in photography two years ago when his wife bought him a camera as a way of escaping from the memories of his time in the armed forces.

Graham, who signed up for the army at the age of 16 and served in Northern Ireland, Sudan and Canada among other places, has recently taken pictures of wildlife at Pennington Flash Country Park for a calendar to raise money for veterans' charity Shoulder to Soldier with 100 copies selling out in five days.

He said: “Over the years I have suffered with bouts of depression and difficulties coping with life which I hid very well with my sense of humour.

"As time went on I withdrew from life and friends until two years ago in crisis I was diagnosed with PTSD. "My wife buying me my camera was a turning point in my life and has played a major part in my recovery."

After leaving the armed forces Graham worked for the prison service for 22 years and received four commendations and an outstanding achievement award for establishing a veterans in custody group at Strangeways in Manchester.

Graham added: "I am now approached to take photographs at events and for companies and I really enjoy this."

Shoulder to Soldier has received sponsors from a host of businesses in the area to produce the calendars.

If you would like to contact Graham about his photography work e-mail gyoung24433@blueyonder.co.uk or follow him on Facebook @grahamyoungamateurphotos

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November and December are the two quietest months of the gardeners’ calendar.

November is still a good month for planting trees and shrubs, or for tidying up the beds of herbaceous perennials.

But plants in general are going to sleep, with the few exceptions of things like sprouts and winter cabbages, and shrubs that flower in the winter (such as the gloriously scented Sweet Box, Sarcococca confusa, that is superb in a big tub placed besides the front door!

Highly recommended!). But other than that it is simply a matter of keeping everything tidy.

However during this and the next three months we gardeners ought to remember that we share our gardens with wildlife, and especially the birds.

If you have children or grandchildren who visit why not use the garden to teach them how to identify the commoner species?

Put a bird table close to a window – about four or five yards away – and have several feeders suspended from tree boughs by thin wires. The lengths of thin wire prevent grey squirrels getting to the feeders. Food? To get the more interesting species buy some of the special mixes of seed and suet.

This will attract chaffinches, reed buntings (common round Lowton and Golborne, the male has a black head and white ‘clerical’ collar) if you are lucky, bramblings, a finch that comes to us in winter from Scandinavia.

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Keep a special feeder, the long plastic tubes with four or six ‘feeding stations’, full of sunflower hearts and this will bring in the beautiful goldfinches and greenfinches, as well as blue, coal and long-tailed tits. Have also one of the special feeders that holds a mix of suet and seeds in balls or flat blocks, for this may well bring a great spotted woodpecker or nuthatch to your garden. Scatter a handful of dried mealworms on the lawn and watch the blackbirds, dunnocks and robins scrap over them. The birds will appreciate it and you and your family will enjoy it. keep your ears open. We live in Lowton close to the Millennium Byrom Wood, and at 5.15am a couple of mornings ago we were awoken by a loud screeching din in the garden. It was a barn (or screech) owl. South and West (proper) Lancashire probably has the highest density of barn owls in the world.

Listen during the day for a mewing almost cat-like Meow; this is made by the buzzard, now our commonest bird of prey. I have seen up to six over my Lowton garden.

Listen carefully and you are likely to hear a loud, high-pitched yapping din (‘wink..wink..wink..pinkwink’) and if you look up you will see a long V-shaped line of birds heading either southeast or northwest. These a skeins of pink-footed geese, of which around 40,000 now visit the Lancashire coast and moss lands, from breeding grounds in Iceland and Greenland.

Those going southeast are heading to Norfolk to feed, whereas those heading northwest are returning from Norfolk and heading to the Ribble marshes. Wildlife highlights of the winter day!

Newton-le-Willows Gardeners’ Association’s Sales and Advice Hut is now closed. We reopen the first weekend in January. All welcome.

THINKING OF GETTING YOUR GARDENS READY FOR THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD? NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR DECEMBER. GET YOUR DRIVEWAY/PATIO OR DECKING PRESSURE WASHED SO NO NASTY FALLS. ALSO SHRUBS PRUNED. GET YOUR GARDENS LOOKING NICE FOR CHRISTMAS MLSgardenservices QUALITY LANDSCAPING GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND JET WASHING

01942 731302 07927960281 MLSgardenservices

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Hi, my name is Lian.

I joined Slimming World as a member last year, and now I'm a consultant with a group of my own. I have lost over 6 stone following the slimming world extra easy plan, my BMI and dress sizes are both down. I feel so much better and healthier and I am much more active.

Our groups are Tuesdays 10am and 12 noon at Lowton Community Centre on Church Lane. Like most new members I was very nervous walking through the doors on that first night, but I was welcomed with open arms and a big smile, it made me feel at ease straight away. After listening to the details of the plan, I knew this would work for me, there are so many free foods to choose from, rice, pasta, meat, fruit, veg and so much more. The key for me is planning my day and weeks shopping.

It wasn't long before I introduced some 'body magic' into my week, I started walking more, the I tried a 5km run and over the summer I bought a push bike.

My favourite slimming world meal would have to be the Chilli con carne, its so easy to make, using lots of lovely ingredients, its really tasty and completely free on the extra easy plan. Using the low cal cooking spray, gently cook the onions, then add the 5% fat mince beef, cook for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic, chillies and spices and cook foe a couple more minutes, then add the tomatoes, puree and stock, then gently simmer for about 15 minutes. Right at the end I also throw in some kidney beans and baked beans. I usually have this with a big pile of boiled rice and some extra veggies.

Depending on what you put in your chilli, it can make 4-6 portions, which I put in the freezer, so I know I always have a meal ready and waiting.

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Lowton & Golborne Team Ministry Christmas Services 2017 Lowton St Mary’s – Newton Rd, Lowton WA3 1EN Sunday 17th December: 10.30am: Crib Service 6.30pm: Annual Carol Service Christmas Eve: 4.00pm: Fun Around the Tree 11.30pm: First Eucharist of Christmas Christmas Day: 11.00am: Parish Festive Communion Lowton St Luke’s – Church Lane, Lowton, WA3 2SB Sunday 17th December: 6.30pm: Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve: 5.00pm: Crib Service 11.30pm: Midnight Communion (With carols from 11pm) Christmas Day: 9.30am: Christmas Day Communion Golborne St Thomas – Church Street, Golborne, WA3 3TH Sunday 10th December: 10.30am: Sunday Club Nativity Service Sunday 17th December: 6.30pm Annual Carol Service Christmas Eve: 4.30pm: Crib Service 7.00pm: First Eucharist of Christmas Christmas Day: 9.00 am: Holy Communion (From the Book of Common Prayer) Golborne Cricket Club Christmas Concert featuring GOLBORNE BRASS BAND Wednesday 20th December 7.45pm prompt start. At Golborne Sports & Social Club Tickets £6.00 contact Lesley 07597949272.

Christmas Jumpers/tee-shirts are acceptable attire.

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CAROL services and concerts taking place further afield YOUTH BRASS BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Rotary Club of Leigh will again be holding a Youth Brass Band Christmas Concert, at the Parish Church in Leigh.

Following their amazing performance last year, the Wigan Brass Band Thursday 7thYouth December and Youth Choir areHospice returning bySer7:30pm.

Annual Carol vice demand. at Heath StThe Methodist Church, popular music will be Golborne.

Shade organist varied to suit all ageChort groups and and LGN Comm choir. Congregational interests, with Carols for audience Carol singing and guest participation between the speaker, pieces.

Craig Alker, Hospice Counsellor. All Come and join the Mayor and welcome as we raise funds for WigMayoress on Saturday 9th December, an and Leigh Hospice. starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for schoolchildren.

Pay at the door or obtain tickets from any member of the Rotary Club.

Proceeds are in aid of charity

WIGAN COMMUNITY CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Wednesday 13th December 7.30p.m St Michaels Church, Wigan. An exciting programme of carols old and new with plenty of opportunity for the audience to sing loud and long! There will also be a raffle and refreshments.

Adults £6, Concession £5, Children £2, Family Ticket £14. More details 01942 824923 In aid of Wigan & Leigh Hospice.

Carols by Candlelight, Manchester Cathedral Saturday, December 2nd. Henshaws sell-out carol concert returns at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday 2nd December, with a number of fantastic performers including Denise Lee and Stefan Andrusyshyn, The Manchester Chorale and many more.

There will be mince pies, mulled wine and it’s all for a good cause – what’s not to love! Tickets are £12 for adults and £8 for concessions, free entry for guides/personal assistants.

If you would like to book tickets, please contact the fundraising team at fundraising@henshaws.org.uk or by calling 0161 786 3656 or buy your tickets online at eventbrite.co.uk/ carols-by-candlelight-2017 Messiah with Black Dyke Band, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Wednesday, December 15, 7.30pm.

Featuring a variety of soloists.

Family Carol Concert, Cathedral, Manchester Saturday, December 18, 7.30pm.

Enjoy traditional carols with Manchester Voluntary Choir in the amazing surroundings of the Cathedral Carols by Candlelight. Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Monday, December 20, 7.30pm. Usher in Christmas with carols and seasonal classics performed in full 18th century costume.

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Tuesday The Three Towns Operatic Society rehearse 8 – 10pm at Tyldesley Methodist Church, Elliott Street, Tyldesley M29 8JE. Anyone wishing to become a member is invited to come along with no commitment. Learn in a friendly atmosphere.

Broadway, West End, Songs from the Shows, Popular and Classical Music. For further information look at our website or contact Ursula Lightford on 01942 670284. www.thethreetowns.net

Wednesday 10:30 Coffee morning St Thomas Church.

Thursday 13:00-15:00 Craft Club at St Thomas’ Church.

Thursday 8:30 - 12. Coffee and chat at Lowton St Mary’s, Newton Road.

Thursday Lowton and Golborne art group meets every Thursday at Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club from 10 till 4 and enjoy not only the freedom to express their artistic talents but also engage socially with other members with similar interests.

Second and fourth Friday of the month Knit and natter held in St Luke’s church on Slag Lane. 2-4pm.

Lots of chatting and cup of tea and a biscuit 50p towards costs.

First Thursday of the month Lowton WI meet on the first Thursday of the month at All Saints Social Centre in Golborne at 7.15pm.Visitors are always welcome.For further details, please contact Lin Hayes on 01942 207764. In December the meeting is the members Christmas party, there will be no monthly meeting in January, regular meetings will resume on the first Thursday in February 2018. Lowton WI wish you all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. On Friday 8th December 2017 Lowton WI will be joining Cheshire WI for the annual Carol concert, this year Glazebrook WI is hosting the event at Hollins Green.

Saturday 2nd December 1:30 Christmas Fair All Saints Social Club off High St, Golborne.

An assortment of stalls, tombola and refreshments on sale.

Golborne 5 Year Plan meeting which was held at Golborne Parkside SCC on the 7th November The meeting was held in a very positive manner, with great contributions from local residents and also from members of Wigan Council. There were about 32 attendees comprising of WMBC officers, residents and GMP officers. We discussed:-

A VISION for Golborne - to promote and build upon the caring community in Golborne, to bring together the generations and create a happy community where people feel valued and safe.

A PARISH COUNCIL for Golborne that would represent fairly all areas of our community i.e. children, teens, retired people, our workers and business people etc.

CAP ( Community Alcohol Programme ) - Trading Standards from WMBC are working hard behind the scenes as are our youth workers in educating and supporting our young people.

A YOUTH CLUB for Golborne - WMBC and residents are working hard to locate premises to give our young people somewhere warm, dry and safe to meet and socialise (in the early New Year) NEXT MEETING - to be confirmed mid January 2018.

We need YOUR support, YOUR thoughts and ideas!

Please get involved

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Hair & Beauty Salon Complimentary Therapies 51A Church Lane, Lowton WA3 2AS VOUCHER MUST BE PRESENTED TO REDEEM. EXP 2/2/18

EXTRA 10% OFF SALE PURCHASES OVER £50 58 Lodge Drive, Culcheth 01925 765287 Original voucher must be presented Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount Expiry 23/12/17

20% off

Can be used on ANY size meal box Cannot be combined with other offers Limit to one coupon per customer Voucher has to be presented to redeem EXPIRES: 31.12.17

St Thomas’ School thank you for ‘digging deep’ Pictured to the right are St Thomas PTA Team. Annemarie Glavin, Emma Rothwell, Karen Campbell and Stacy Cundliffe.

The PTA have been working closely with our local businesses and community and have managed to help St Thomas’ Primary School along their Eco way.

Pictured is the school Eco Team and their new shed that was very kindly donated by Murphys. A big thank you to Susan Scrivens and all at Murphy's. It will make a huge difference to the school.

The PTA would also like to say thank you to everyone who helped them secure 1st Prize of £500 from the Asda Green Token Scheme. The funds have been divided between all classes to ensure every child will benefit.

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SANTA’S ROTARY CLUB sleigh routes

The routes will be different to previous years so carefully check the Rotary Website or Facebook nearer to the time, so that you aren’t disappointed. The weather and other circumstances can always cause delays meaning we have to cut short a route. We always do our best to overcome any problems but if this happens please accept our apologies. Santa’s street tours will start each day at 6 pm and we have to finish by 9 pm. These are general details of the areas covered. Detailed information can be found on the Rotary club Facebook page /Rotary Club of Leigh Monday 4th December - Chapel Street / Manchester Rd Tuesday 5th December - Westleigh Area Wednesday 6th December - Pennington North Thursday 7th December - Leigh Centre and streets nearby Monday 11th December - Lowton (Newton Road) Tuesday 12th December - Firs Lane/Wigan Rd Lower Part Wednesday 13th December - Higher Folds Thursday 14th December - Wigan Road (Upper part) Friday 15th December - Hayman Ave Area (Half Route) Monday 18th December - The Avenue / Holden Road Area In addition to touring the streets, Santa’s Sleigh will be on display at the following locations from 10 am. Santa may not be there himself all the time as he is very busy and may be visiting other towns: Bents Sun 3rd, 10th and 17th Dec Asda Sat 9th Dec Bradshawgate Sat 2nd Dec Morrisons Tues 19th Dec and Wed 20th Dec Tesco Sat 16th Dec

My Life Magical Christmas

Saturday 9th December 11am - 4pm Christmas event includes: funfair, live music, artisan craft stalls, mulled wine, prosecco bar, rock choir, surprise guests, and much more! FREE ENTRY, donations on the gate. See Santa in his grotto from 12-4pm. Thompson House Equestrian Centre, Pepper Lane, Standish, Wigan WN6 0PP

Harvey’s Country Christmas

Sunday 10 Dec 2017 Join he fabulous Dog's Country Club for some festive fun. With lots of secure off lead space for the dogs, plus Santa Paws Grotto, have-a-go agility, games, food and drink.....its certain to get everyone in to the Christmas spirit. Admission is £4 per dog, including access to all off-lead areas. 2.00pm6.00pm. Dogs Country Club, Slag Lane, Lowton

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Track santa live on Christmas eve

Holidays are coming It’s that time of the year again, it’s the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour! Are you as excited as we are?

Get into the Christmas spirit and pop down to one of the Truck Tour stops for your chance to see the truck, take photos and get a free sample of your choice of Coca-Cola!

December 2nd & 3rd 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM The Trafford Centre, Trafford Blvd M17 8AA December 6th, 2017 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Liverpool One, 5 Wall St, Liverpool L1 8JQ

Santa Is Coming To Trebaron

From now until Christmas Eve Santa is taking time out of his busy schedule to work in his grotto at Trebaron Garden Centre. Experience this winter wonderland.

Contact Trebaron for Breakfast with Santa every weekend from Sunday 3rd December until Sunday 24th December from 9.45 a.m. £8.99 per child including grotto visit and token present www.grotto.trebaron.co.uk/

WIGAN’S santa DASH

Sunday 10th December 11am 5km Fun Run in Santa Suits at Mesnes Park Entry includes a Santa Suit, Turkey Sandwich, Mince Pie and Mulled wine or Water.

Join the 5k Santa Dash around Mesnes Park. Run or walk 5 laps on the 1km route around the perimeter of the refurbished Mesnes Park in Santa Suits. Afterwards collect your Sandwich, Mince Pie and drink from the pavilion. You can find out more information and enter online at www.christmasdash.co.uk

STERLING SILVER BESPOKE JEWELLERY www.bennyandmoo.com /bennyandmoo

Hair & Beauty Salon Complimentary Therapies 01942 208963

FREE

PRIZE DRAW PRIZE WORTH OVER £200

/lottyscakeshop

/lowtonriding centre 01942 677164 07802 908840

NERF PARTY FOR 8 AT GULLIVERS WORLD REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT STERLING SILVER BEADED BRACELET 2 HALF HOUR HORSE RIDING LESSONS 2 LARGE LOTTYS CUPCAKE JARS 2 LARGE PREPPED2GO MEAL BOXES

PREPPED2GO GOLBORNE 16 HEATH STREET GOLBORNE 01942 355946

TO ENTER PLEASE HEAD OVER TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE /localliving AND JUST COMMENT ‘ME PLEASE’ ON THE POST PINNED TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE. Alternatively email ‘me please’ to contact@localliving.online NO CASH ALTERNATIVES. WINNER WILL BE RANDOMLY DRAWN ON MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER

She’s Sew Crafty help local organisations to raise funds Here at Local Living we love acts of kindness. We spoke to Helen

at She’s Sew Crafty about her lovely daughter…

“My 13 year old daughter Amelia Knowles decided to help others by donating handmade ‘wish bracelets’ to lots of organisations to help with fundraising. We have donated to schools, football teams, charities.... no cause is too small for us to help so please get in touch if you would like to receive 20 free wish bracelets to help your organisation. This raises £50 for your cause! You choose the cord colour, charm and wording and we do the rest! Our business prides itself on helping others, just as we have been helped in times of need” Do you have a good cause you think Amelia could help with? Please get in touch to see how they can help you.

Shessewcrafty1@gmail.com www.Facebook.Com/shessewcrafty1

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ARCHITECT SERVICES Lowton based architect for your property conversion designs including submission to local authorities for planning and building regulation consideration. Excellent service with quality drawings at competitive prices. Ring Gavin Pinion at Goldcrest Design Services Ltd on 01942 729832 or 07958102874

CARPETS & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Premier Clean. Fast dry carpet & upholstery cleaning . Professional with over 15 years experience. For a free quote and advice Call Dave on 01942 731744 or 07519625981

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

PRIVATE TUTORING AE Private Tutoring.

Qualified and experienced teacher (15 years) Individually tailored 1:1 sessions giving children the confidence to achieve their potential, building on their strengths. Contact Anne on 07525 378019 to discuss your child's needs.

Broken or misted double glazing units replaced - or locks, leaks, handles, hinges - letterboxes. Free estimates.

Work guaranteed. OAP discount.

Locally owned and operated for 30+ ROOFING years. Tel: 07413 917964 anytime.

Time served roofer. (25 yrs. exp). All Mention Local Living Magazine for roofing and gutter repairs - from a an extra 10% off broken tile to a full re roof. Insurance HEATING & FUEL SUPPLIES work undertaken, special rates for Local company that provides heating OAP’s. Call Alan on 01942 576183 or products including; kiln dried 07930 110031 for a free estimate hardwood (individual bags or bulk INDUSTRIAL/ bags), kindling, firelighters, fuel logs COMMERCIALGAS SUPPLIES and Biomass wood pellets. In Local company that provides Industrial Summer we have various grades of Gas for all solutions. Welding gas, charcoal for BBQ’s, fuel and propane, butane, commercial accessories. Call Biomass Fuel refrigerant gas and domestic. We have Supplies on 01942 356257, email an extensive range of consumables orders@biomassfuelsupplies.co.uk available for collection at the trade or visit our website counter and we can deliver 90% of our www.biomassfuelsupplies.co.uk stock within 48 hours. www.gas-uk.co.uk Call Gas UK on 0800 133 7490, email UPHOLSTERY DESIGNS to orders@gascylindersuk.co.uk and Atlas Upholstery Design Services. visit our website Specialist in the re-upholstery of Settees, Easy Chairs, Dining Chairs etc. Headboards recovered and made to order. Spring repairs etc. Do you need new foam cushion? Pubs, Clubs, Caravans recovered etc. 40 years In the trade. Workmanship guaranteed.

Free Estimates. Call David on 01942 729978. www.atlasupholstery.co.uk

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