January 2018

LOCAL

January 2018 Issue 9

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LOWTON & GOLBORNE

READ ALL ABOUT YOUR LOVELY LOCAL SLIMMING WORLD LEADERS - PAGE 4

Welcome to the January issue of Local Living I can’t recall ever not making a New Year’s resolution. It’s odd really waiting until a certain day to make a change.

There is something about the start of a New Year though, when I go to write the date, that makes me think about the year ahead (mostly about why I’ve written the previous years date… again!)

This issue is all about the best local businesses. You can get some inspiration to help you along with any resolutions you have made. From food and fitness to health and beauty we have it all. Even a few suggestions to get you in the garden or out and about on some local walks.

A new feature for January is our pull out and keep business page. We are hoping to extend this for 2018 so, if you would like to feature on there, please get in touch.

Along with our usual classified section we have lots of articles for you to take five, grab a chair and have a read through.

Tracy Leach, Editor

Local man Stan set to tackle Machu Picchu Trek in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research Well I am into my 65th year and a well-deserved retirement looms, should I browse through some online catalogues so I can order a decent pipe (even though I'm a none smoker) and some really comfortable slippers? Well after some careful thoughts (approximately five seconds) the answer was not a chance, after living in Golborne since 1979 and a reasonably colourful life working in places some people haven't even heard of, war zones and desolate places that you would only send people not on your Christmas card list, pipe and slippers was out of the window. So after watching one of the discovery channel’s showing Macchu Picchu the ancient Inca capital. I thought well if I can saunter through the Iran Iraq war climbing a bit of a hill albeit over 8,000 ft up in the Andes (not the highest point I will be going by the way I think that’s 14,000 + feet) seems a little underwhelming really but I have to start somewhere.

For the last few months I've been planning the trip to the Andes in particular Machu Picchu, I have now purchased my flight, hotel and the services of a private guide so now it's time to put stage two into action. I thought if I'm going to do something this daft at my age then why not try to raise money for three charities close to my heart. British heart foundation, Cancer research and Macmillan the reason for these is I have lost all 3 of my brothers 2 with heart related problems and 1 with cancer.

Training had already started for cardio training but the hills and mountains started In earnest at the end of November as I attempted to reach the summit of Mt Snowdon which is the highest peak in England and Wales. I will update this as time goes on to show my progress on my just giving page. The background picture is Machu Picchu high in the Peruvian Andes.

November 26th and Mount Snowdon Beckoned. As you can see from the pictures it was more like the Himalaya but all in a good cause. If you would like to donate please visit Stan’s Just Giving page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StanCrook

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When I first joined Slimming World and someone mentioned doing some exercise (body magic as we call it) I thought no way! I didn’t realise at the time that I didn’t need to join a gym or spend hours doing it. So I started small doing 10 minutes a day on my wii fit (eek showing my age) and then I started playing badminton which I hadn’t done in years. I like to go for a walk and now have an activity tracker and love to see how many steps I’ve done. I’m not a fan of running but have taken part in a Race for Life and the Colour Run every year and happily go around the track at a brisk walk speed having fun with some of my members. Through doing some body magic I sleep better. I’m definitely more toned and I can choose activities the whole family can enjoy with me.

I have been a Consultant in Golborne for over 10 years. As a health professional, it's important to me to help as many men and woman as I can to lose weight, get fitter and healthier. Slimming World and the Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles -Lose Weight Feel Great - team have been working together for over 7 years and have had great success in supporting members to eat healthily and add Body Magic (activity) into their lives. In 2016, as I was fast approaching my 50th birthday, I took up jogging and now enjoy running as part of my lifestyle. This year I have run the Wigan 10k and am planning on a 10 mile run next year! 50 really is the new 40!

I joined SW in 2010 and I was never going to do exercise. Somehow on the 1st Jan 2017 I agreed to run a half marathon in Palma in October aged 47! I was joined by my husband and 7 friends from group. We trained every single week together doing 5K& 10K races in preparation and never gave up! We have eaten healthy enjoyed running together and become firm friends - in running no man is left behind at Slimming World you have a group of people rooting for you every week to do well and lose weight.

When I joined Slimming world last year I did no exercise at all, and working a desk job didn’t help either. I felt that being a ‘big’ girl that everyone would look at me and laugh or make some nasty comment, I was very conscious about how I looked, and I didn’t think I could deal with that. After being part of group for a few months, I decided that it was time I introduce some exercise. I started to walk the dog a little more often and a little further each day. Eventually I plucked up courage to do the local park run, which is a 5km run around the local park. The first time I did it, it took me about 50 minutes, and there was a lot of walking, but I did it, I couldn’t believe it. I did it again the following week, and even shaved a few minutes off my time, I was elated. I felt so good.

Over the summer I bought a push bike for when we are at the caravan. And my first time out I cycled along the North Wales cycle path, from Prestatyn to Rhyl (and back again) Slimming World introduced Body Magic several years ago because we know that in the long term the combination of exercise and Food Optimising is the only way to strengthen members’ chances of long-lasting success.

And having been a member myself, I know that Body Magic isn’t simply about burning a few calories; it’s about reversing the damaging effects of 21st century living and enjoying a better quality of life I also know that you don’t need to have the stamina of Paula Radcliffe or a body like Beckham’s to get active.

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Hair & Beauty Salon Complimentary Therapies 51A Church Lane, Lowton WA3 2AS VOUCHER MUST BE PRESENTED TO REDEEM. EXP 1/2/18

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The great monasteries in the Ribble Valley Drive up the M6 to junction 31 and then the A59 sign-posted Whalley, Clitheroe and Skipton. The road bypasses Whalley, Clitheroe and Chatburn before you see a sign to the left for Sawley and Sawley Abbey. Park in the village after about half a mile and the ruins of Sawley (or Salley) Abbey are on the right. Entry is free. This abbey was founded by the Cistercian Order 870 years ago in 1147 and its ruined remains well worth seeing.

Drive back down the A49 and follow the signs to Whalley and, when you reach the village, follow the signs to Whalley Abbey. This Cistercian Foundation was first established at Stanlow on the Mersey estuary in 1170, but flooding led to it transferring to Whalley in 1296. This was the second most wealthy in England but, when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, Whalley’s was closed in 1537. The ruins are well worth visiting. But also go to the nearby Parish Church.

This was probably founded by Anglo-Saxons in the late 900s (there are three Anglo-Saxon crosses from this time in the churchyard), with the present church built in the 1200s.

Look inside the church (there are often guides who will show you some remarkable features including misericords special to Whalley).

Leighton Moss. The biggest reedbed in northern England Leighton Moss is a mile from the village of Silverdale and four miles from Carnforth (exit the M6 at junction 35, head north up the A6 and after 2-3 miles take one of the left turns to Yealand Conyers or Yealand Redmayne and thence to Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve. Entry free to members, non-members adults £7 (reduced for children and adults). Wear wellies or strong shoes/boots.

There are several tracks through the dense 6-8’ tall reedbeds with hides from which the very special birds of Leighton Moss can be seen (take a pair of binoculars), which include the bittern (males can be heard ‘booming’ from late winter), marsh harrier, bearded tit, water rail and lots f different duck species. It is also a place where otters are frequently seen. A guide is available in the shop and the cafe is excellent. One of the very best nature reserves in Europe.

Mere Sands Wood

Information courtesy of Malcolm Greenhalgh

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Mere Sands Wood is a reserve of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust at Rufford, just off the A59 north of Burscough. It is a great area of woodland, with several large shallow pools formed when Pilkington’s removed the underlying layer of sand for the manufacture of glass. This is a great half day walk at any time of the year, with hides to allow good views over the pools where lots of waterfowl can be seen, whilst in the woodland you may spot, among many woodland birds, woodpeckers, nuthatch, the rare willow tit and, if you are very lucky, red squirrels. A map is available from the Reserve Centre, by the car park.

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Applying for a reception class place for 2018 If your child was born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014, they will start reception class at the start of the new school year in September 2018. The online application service is open.

You may have registered an interest previously at a Wigan primary school but this is not an application for a school place. To be considered for your preferred primary schools, you must apply online or fill in the Wigan Council primary school application form.

It is important that you read the ‘Applying for a place at primary school 2018/19’ booklet before making your application.

If you need any help using the online service please contact the School Organisation Team on 01942 489013.

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Application forms are also available from Wigan primary schools.

Any applications received after this date will be classed as late.

We will only look at late applications after we have dealt with the applications we receive on time. This means that you are less likely to get a place at the school you want.

If any of the schools you want your child to go to is a Wigan voluntary aided primary school the governors will need extra information so that they can consider your application against their faith criteria. If you do not give this information your child may be refused a place. You are strongly advised to complete a supplementary information form for each voluntary aided school you name as a preference.

Parents are responsible for checking that supplementary forms sent by post have been received by the school. Information correct at the time of printing. For all current information and to apply online visit www.wigan.gov.uk

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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 had their Christmas party last week there was lots of laughter, games and dancing ending with a visit from Santa It was a lovely end to the year. The next meeting will be on the first Thursday in February at All Saints Social Centre in Golborne at 7.15pm as it will be the first meeting of 2018 there will be some lively activity to start the year off well. Visitors are always welcome. For further details contact Lin Hayes on 01942 207764

A huge congratulations to Lowton WI members who have recently received certificates in recognition for their years of membership to the organisation.

10 Years: Amy Sinclair, Kath Graham, Sue Hughes, Liz Bennett, Marlene Williams, Doris Morgan and Liz Harrigan 25 Years: Elsie Nicholl 30 Years: Norma Clarkson and Edna Valentine

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WHAT a fun evening we were treated to by our dear friends from Golborne Lightshaw Rotary Club. In past years they have kindly invited a dozen of us out for a Christmas meal, but this year they hit upon the brilliant idea of giving us a party here at Golborne House. We played bingo, sang carols and were treated to a lavish buffet, paid for by the Rotary, but prepared here by our chef-AND, because we had all been good, we enjoyed a special visitor who brought us all a Christmas gift!. Golborne Lightshaw Rotary Club support our dear residents providing monthly bingo and prizes, Easter eggs for everybody and bringing friendship and fun to us.

We are very grateful for such lovely friends.

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VOUCHER VALID FOR: HAIR, BEAUTY, NAILS, MICROBLADING, SPECIALISED FACIAL TREATMENTS INC DERMAPLANING AND CHEMICAL PEELS VOUCHER MUST BE PRODUCED EXPIRY DATE 1/2/18 CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

IMAGE HAIR AND BEAUTY LOUNGE, TANNERS LANE WA3 3AW 01942 727476

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

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MLSgardenservices QUALITY LANDSCAPING GARDEN MAINTENANCE AND JET WASHING

01942 73130 / 07927960281 MLSgardenservices

THE GARDEN IN LATE WINTER As I write, it rained overnight and my garden is a quagmire. Under such conditions there is one major rule: Don’t tread on the soil! The most important aim of a good gardener is to give his or her plants top quality soil. Top quality soil has water (but not too much) and nutrients, plenty of humus to absorb water and nutrients so that, in dry weather, they are readily available to the plant roots, and lots of air. If you stand on very wet soil, you compress it and squeeze out the air. The same is true of lawns: keep off them when the ground is very wet. You can, however, work from paths and, because my garden soil is on the heavy side, all my fruit and vegetable plots are broken into narrow beds so that I can always work from paths and never stand on the soil.

At this time of the year we are mainly concerned with keeping everything tidy and getting ready for spring. However there is something we can do now.

Back to soil: If you can improve your garden soil your garden plants will be much better for it.

So, get rid of all the weeds that are still in there and then put a layer of at least two inches of humus over the top.

Humus? You do make compost from the kitchen waste of vegetable peelings, apple cores, tea bags, and the like, with about 40% added shredded and wetted cardboard? In one of those Darlec-style compost bins? If not, try getting some bags of old horse manure from the local stables. I gather lots of leaves and make leaf mould. Anything! The Gardeners’ Association sells a cheap brand of ‘compost’ made from the contents of our green wheelie bins and that is great for those with small gardens. Don’t dig it in. The earthworms will do that and as they do they do the heavy digging for you.

It is not too late to prune fruit trees and bushes, but leave pruning shrub roses and buddleias until the end of February or, perhaps better, early March. If you read the backs of seed packets (e.g. broad bean) you may see that they may say, “Sow February to April“. Do not sow too early.

Last year I sowed a row of broad beans in early February and another in mid March and the March ones caught up with the February ones and had a better crop. We live in the north of England: not the soppy south!

There are exceptions, if you have somewhere warm and light, such as a conservatory. Try growing some early lettuce in shallow tubs. You could try something that I will be doing in a few minutes: get a seed tray, fill it with potting compost, and put the pea seeds you didn’t use last year, touching, over the compost, then cover with more compost. In a very few weeks you will have masses of those tasty salad pea shoots so popular in restaurants. And if you have a greenhouse, clean it out, wash the panes and sterilise with a sulphur candle.

Malcolm Greenhalgh Newton-le-Willows Gardeners’ Association Advice and Sales Hut, off Rob Lane, is open every Saturday and Sunday morning, 10.30-noon. . The Association’s AGM is on 19st January 2016, at 7.30pm, at Newton-le-Willows Cricket Club. New members welcome!

Hibernation Time for Hedgehogs Most hedgehogs will now be in hibernation (but not all), some may not hibernate at all and some may come out of hibernation during mild spells to seek much needed food and water. A hedgehog needs to be 650g in weight in order to survive this long period.

If you are tidying your garden and find a hibernating hog please leave it undisturbed and put back the leaves, twigs, grasses, etc, which it has used as its hibernation materials. Also check before you move any bags of garden cuttings, leaves or compost in case a hedgehog has decided to occupy it for the winter months.

Check that drinking water is free of ice during extreme weather, all wildlife will struggle to find water to drink during icy conditions.

When will the hedgehogs come out of hibernation?

When a hedgehog comes out of hibernation is not based just on the weather; other factors like the size of the hedgehog, whether it is its first hibernation, whether it is a male or female, can all have a bearing. Mild weather probably helps some of the smaller hedgehogs to survive the winter because there is a little more food around for them and they are kept going until the food is more abundant in the springtime. Severe weather sadly kills off the underweight hedgehogs that do not have a regular food supply.

Although good swimmers many die in ponds because there is no way out for them. Try to be extra vigilant and ensure your pond has a way of escape via a plank into the water, shallow edges like a pebble beach, a couple of big stones partially submerged at the edges, or heavy planting round the edge so that hogs can climb out.

Some of the smaller or older hedgehogs will be very weak when they wake so if you see any walking with a wobble or out in the day then they need to be rescued.

Rescuing a Hedgehog

Using gardening gloves, scoop up the animal and place in a in a high-sided box which has newspaper in the bottom and some old tea towels/fleeces for it to snuggle into and hide.

Fill a hot water bottle with warm (not too hot) water, wrap the bottle in a towel and place this next to the hedgehog but make sure the hedgehog can move away from the hot water bottle if it becomes too warm. If you don’t have a hot water bottle you can use a plastic drinks bottle or empty carton (again wrapped in a towel). It can have some meaty dog or cat food, some cat biscuits, and a dish of water. Once you have the hedgehog in a quiet and secure place (preferably indoors) you can then ring Lowton Hedgehog Rescue on 07950 933410 and speak to Irene Thomson. If the animal is injured please take it direct to a veterinary surgery asap.

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ARCHITECT SERVICES

SEMI RETIRED (GLAZIER)

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

Still enjoys hard work, very experienced in all areas. Enjoys especially replacing misted up double glazed units.

We can clean / refresh your UPVC windows of doors - you’ll find my prices very reasonable of my services extraordinary. For a free quote call same day or evening. 07413 917964.

You have my 100% guarantee on both works. What could be fairer?

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

HEATING & FUEL SUPPLIES Local company that provides heating products including; kiln dried hardwood (individual bags or bulk bags), kindling, firelighters, fuel logs and Biomass wood pellets. In Summer we have various grades of charcoal for BBQ’s, fuel and accessories. Call Biomass Fuel Supplies on 01942 356257 or email orders@biomassfuelsupplies.co.uk or visit our website www.biomassfuelsupplies.co.uk

ROOFING Time served roofer. (25 yrs. exp). All roofing and gutter repairs - from a broken tile to a full re roof. Insurance work undertaken, special rates for OAP’s. Call Alan on 01942 576183 or 07930 110031 for a free estimate

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INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL GAS SUPPLIES Local company that provides Industrial Gas for all solutions.

Welding gas, propane, butane, commercial refrigerant gas and domestic. We have an extensive range of consumables available for collection at the trade counter and we can deliver 90% of our stock within 48 hours. Call Gas UK on 0800 133 7490, email to orders@gascylindersuk.co.uk and visit our website www.gas-uk.co.uk

UPHOLSTERY DESIGNS Atlas Upholstery Design Services.

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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