Local living January 2019

January 2019 Issue 21

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Happy New Year! And Welcome to the January Issue of Local Living Just sat here having a little ponder about the last 12 months. It’s been a fabulous year and I’m hoping you have enjoyed the mix of our amazing local businesses and also stories and events that are happening right here in our lovely community.

I hope that the January issue will be no different. There’s a lovely mix of businesses that you may need in 2019 and some great Editorial pieces.

Until next month I’d like to wish you a happy & healthy 2019

Tracy Leach, Editor

Wigan & Leigh Pensioners Link celebrated thirty years of helping Over 50’s in 2018 A great milestone for a local charity. Back in 1988 two Leigh pensioners, Alan Taylor and Peter Kenny, set up Pensioners Link as a source of information and help to anyone over the age of 50. They took a derelict building the last remaining remnants of the old Leigh police station and converted it into a meeting room with offices.

From these humble roots grew the charity we know today, still sticking to its principle of “Working with older people for the benefit of older people” but now offering a wide range of services and activities across the whole of Wigan Borough. The core of Pensioners Link remains its volunteers who deliver the services, coordinated by two full time and three part time staff members. A board of eight Trustees oversee the organisation, all of whom work as volunteers themselves.

Our centre in Leigh hosts activity and friendship groups Monday to Friday with drop in advice surgeries most days of the week. Other outreach groups are run in various locations across the borough. Two new services this year are “Books & More” and “HOMESAFE”. The former delivers library books to lonely and isolated older people, then stay for an hour to have a chat. The latter takes patients living alone home from hospital, ensuring they are left in a safe environment with a pack of essential food items. Both services maintain regular contact with the clients to check if they need any further help. If you would like anymore information about us or would like to volunteer for us please ring 01942 261753 or visit our website www.pensionerslink.org.uk.

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Kickabouts is a unique sports facility for children under 7’s Offering a wide range of activities and sports, all done in a fun enjoyable way for the children, while improving their ABC's (agility, balance and coordination) along the way . Multi sports is by far the most popular activity, covering lots of sports from football, rugby, tennis ,cricket, dodgeball and many more.

We have introduced den building, super hero training, nerf nights and fun ninja . All these encourage the children to firstly have fun while building life skills. Activities take place in a large astro turfed area while parent look on from the parent seating area . We also offer party packages, football, multi sports, nerf, dens and many more .

Packages start from only £89.

Craig the owner says " At kickabouts the children's enjoyment is top of the list is to help them make friends and work as a team.

Everything else will follow on. It also improves their agility, balance and coordination and will go on to help them in their future sporting endeavours " Kickabouts are already receiving some great reviews: Lauren: “you did my son’s birthday party. Craig was fantastic with all the boys and there was plenty of food. I would book a party again thank you” Dave: “fantastic facilities and great friendly welcome

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Singing Superstars: Local Inclusive Theatre Director Zac Hackett chosen to appear on BBC Children in Need Zac was recently chosen as a charity project worker to make a music video for the BBC Children in Need appeal night, which aired on Friday 16th November. Unbeknown to Zac, he had a surprise visit half way through his filming from musical star Sheridan Smith, as the secret plan all along was for him to perform alongside the icon. The pair then recorded a musical duet, ‘City of Stars’.

Zac Hackett is the Artistic Director of TramShed Theatre Company, an Inclusive organisation offering performing arts to any individual across the North West, no matter what their background, experience or need. As a charity, TramShed rely heavily on charitable funding from organisations and have been fortunate enough to receive support throughout the past year from Children in Need.

Based in Blackpool, TramShed was the first organisation and charity of its kind in the local area and remains exceptionally unique. They bring together individuals from all areas of the community and make it their main focus to ensure that each and every member is included, encouraged, challenged and celebrated. The inclusive work delivered at TramShed is written around the members, allowing each individual to develop their skills in music, dance and drama, whilst gaining important knowledge of on-stage support and inclusion.

Zac Hackett, Artistic Director said, "Being chosen to film a music video for BBC CiN was a great honour, as I have been at the heart of TramShed’s artistic team for 11 years. I was given the track in advance of attending the BBC and provided with a vocal coach and production team to take me through the requirements on the day. During the first take, I was aware of a voice singing in the background. Initially, I had assumed that they had clearly used the wrong track and tried to remain professional and carry on.

Then suddenly, no other than musical royalty Sheridan Smith was standing behind me singing along. I don’t think I’ve ever been lost for words, but I was completely gobsmacked. Once I had regained my composure, we did of course then duet ‘City of Stars’ together, which is going to be something I remember forever.

To be able to share stories about TramShed, our wonderful members and inspirational work to the Nation was an amazing opportunity. TramShed is such a unique organisation, audiences often don’t know what to expect when we talk about Inclusive theatre. To put simply, when we work together, we achieve so much more. This is how we approach every TramShed project and each member is given the opportunity to develop their skills, gain new friends and above all else, be given a voice. The Children in Need funding is vital for our Inclusive work to continue at TramShed and we would not be the successful organisation we are today without it.

It is an honour to lead the team at TramShed and I am continually inspired by the wonderful members, volunteers and staff I work with. Thank you, Children in Need, for such a wonderful experience and helping to put TramShed on the map!

Further information on TramShed can be found at www.tramshed.org.uk

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January

is a month primarily of anticipation and preparation: making sure that seeds have been bought, perhaps planning the reorganisation of a herbaceous border or working out the vegetable beds in your crop rotation. But there are jobs that could be done in one or two short winter days that will help shed those ounces put on through the festive season.

This is a good month for pruning fruit trees and bushes, and ornamental ones that are getting out of hand. There are exceptions: I would leave the pruning of roses and buddleias until the end of February or beginning of March, and if you have a plum or damson tree NEVER prune until it is in full leaf, June ideally, as if pruned when dormant these may be killed by a fungal disease, silver leaf.

After pruning, spray with a winter wash. Years ago the winter washes we used were oil based. These cannot be bought today; the ones on sale are safe and ‘green’.

It is also a good time to clean out the greenhouse, inside and out.

Until a very few years ago we could use ‘sulphur candles’ (a can with sulphur that, when the wick was lit, burned releasing the noxious gas sulphur dioxide) to sterilise the greenhouse. They too are banned.

Instead wash everything with Jeyes Fluid.

Do you grow any vegetables? Why not, if you have a garden or yard on which the sun falls? Have a go with salad crops, for they are dead easy. I grow mine in old plastic boxes that I have accumulated over the years, some large, some smaller, and I can get at least four crops of lettuces from each box every year. Fill the boxes with the least expensive compost. Sow about 20 seeds of at least three varieties of lettuce (Little Gem, Tom Thumb, the purple Lollo Rosso, and the soft leaved Susan are my spring-autumn favourites) in pots and then prick out the seedlings three inches apart, mixing up the varieties.

When the leaves start to touch, take out every other one and enjoy them. And keep cutting and eating until, finally, you have a box with fully grown lettuces (if you haven’t already eaten them all and planted the next tiny seedlings). If you like radishes, sow a few seeds in a row along one side of the box (French Breakfast are lovely).

Watercress? You don’t need water! Go to the supermarket and buy a bag of watercress. Take the larger shoots and put them in a bowl of water with the cut part and lower leaves submerged. In a few days roots will have grown. Now plant them about 4-6 inches apart in one of your boxes and keep watered. As the shoots grow, nip out the tips (eat them) to encourage lots of other shoots. After about six weeks your box will be covered with watercress and the more you eat the more will grow.

Home grown and freshly cut tastes far, far better than supermarket stuff. And if you grow in boxes, the effort is less (change the compost annually and give the old compost a little general fertiliser just before you plant the next crop). Use the old compost as a soil conditioner, but first, why not grow a few new potatoes in those potato bags you can buy, in the old compost? Three Arran Pilot seed potatoes in one bag....lovely....they beat the modern Jerseys!

Malcolm Greenhalgh

Newton-le-Willows Gardeners’ Association Advice & sales Hut on Rob Lane (off High Street) is open Saturday and Sunday mornings. All welcome.

MLSgardenservices

QUALITY LANDSCAPING GARDEN MAINTENANCE LAWN CARE AND JET WASHING

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01942 731302 / 07927960281 MLSgardenservices

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Make your Tokens Count at Asda Golborne

Golborne Morris Dancers Help to get new uniforms for the 2019 season

Byrchall High School

To help host an event each year for the local elderly residents.

Golborne Parkside ARLFC Under 7’s To help fund new training equipment

Lowton West Residents Meeting Residents in Lowton West (west side of Slag Lane and adjacent roads including Scott Road estate) have decided to form a non-political neighbourhood group to discuss local issues and work together to improve our area. A Constitution has been agreed and a committee formed with all posts being filled by volunteers.

Meetings will take place on the last Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm in the Community Room at Manor Court and elected representatives will be invited along regularly to address residents concerns. Why not come along and find out what is happening in our local area and make some new friends?

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FROM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO PANTO WE’VE HAD A FANTASTIC DECEMBER IN LOWTON AND GOLBORNE!

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Say hello to your lovely Slimming World consultants through the years

In 1969 a young 21 year old Margaret had a dream, to create an eating plan to lose weight without ever going hungry. Little did she know then that it would become the UK's most popular and successful weight loss company, helping millions of people to lose weight and keep it off for good.

The early days were a quick phone call from the red phone box on the corner and weekly meetings held in someone's front room. Fast forward to 2019 and the very heart of Slimming World remains the same, lose weight whilst never going hungry and weekly meetings to soak up the sharing between friends old and new.

Golborne Consultant Julie Woodward says, "It's such an honour to be part of this incredible company. 2019 is such a special year for us all. I'm bursting with pride and can't wait to help even more people achieve their weight loss dreams."

Lowton Consultant Vicki Jones added " the Extra Easy plan works for everyone, young or old, male or female. It's all about filling up with free food and satisfying your appetite. Instead of will power, we offer you choice power with 3 simple steps. “Being with like minded people in a group setting that is brimming with ideas , support and friendship is just the icing on the Slimming World cake" says Lowton Consultant Claire Mountford.

As part of our 50th year celebrations there will be lots of surprises along the way, starting now with our brand new special edition golden new member pack which will be available to both new and existing members from W/C 23 December" continued Claire.

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Monday Men wanted for Parkside Colliery Male Voice Choir.

Meet every Monday at 7:30p at Congregational Church, Hilton Street. Ashton www.parksidecollierymvc.co.uk 2nd & 4th Monday of month Coffee & craft at Lowton IM Church, Newton Road, Lowton. 1:30-3pm. Come for tea and cake and learn a new craft or just have a chat. Everyone welcome.

Third Monday of the month Leigh & District Antique and collectable society. From Sept-March at 7:30pm (except December for Christmas outing) at Leigh Rugby Union Club, Hand Lane. New member & visitors welcome. Different speakers each month. Contact Colin on 01942 673521 or find us on facebook.

Tuesday MemorabLEIGH every Tuesday 1-3pm at the Old Grammar School in Railway Road, Leigh (in the same block as Oceans Eleven Chippy). The group is aimed at anyone over 50 who wants to talk about their life in Leigh and/or the history of the town. Each week we discuss a different topic. £4 per session which includes refreshments. If you are interested in joining email contactus@healthyarts.org.uk or phone Martin on 07542 114383 Tuesday 8pm The Three Towns Operatics Society rehearse at Tyldesley Methodist Church, Elliott Street, Tyldesley M29 8JE For more information contact Ursula Lightford on 01942 6670287 www.threetowns.net Last Tuesday of the month 7:30pm. Lowton West Residents group meet at Parkside Club, Rivington Avenue. Have your say about what is happening locally and help improve our area. All welcome.

Wednesday The Paperback Writers meet at 10:30-12:30 at The Coffee Stop in Railway Road, Leigh. You don’t need to be experienced just keen to develop and share your work, and a sense of humour! During the workshops, led by local writer Julie McKiernan (www.juleswriter.co.uk), you will receive feedback on your writing and learn how to apply different styles and techniques in practical writing exercises. £6 per session. Email juleswriter@hotmail.com for further information.

Wednesday Leigh Community Choir meets 7:30-9pm at The Turnpike Gallery above Leigh Library WN7 1EB. It’s £2.50 per session and everyone is welcome!

Wednesday LGN Choir rehearse every Wednesday evening at 7:30-9:30pm at Cross Lane United Church in Newton-Le-Willows.

Enquiries should go via our website which is www.lgncc.co.uk Thursday 8:30-12. Coffee & chat Lowton St Mary’s, Newton rd.

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.

Third Wednesday of the month

Leigh Arthritis Care Support Group meet every 3rd Wednesday in the month at Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Building, free car park for those attending the meeting to rear of church in Cook Street off Railway Road. 1.30-4pm Supporting people with arthritis, family and carers with information, support and a warm welcome. Contact John 01942 704704.

Fourth Wednesday of the month

Golborne & District Townswomen s' Guild meet at Northfield Court, Lowton Rd. Golborne from 7pm. - 9pm. We provide speakers, and social activities. Please contact Avril on 01942 726 033 for further details.

First Thursday of the month

Lowton WI ladies enjoyed their Christmas party on the 5th Dec. The star was Santa Claus who handed out gifts to our ladies. The evening continued with a hot pot supper followed by dancing.

Lowton WI have been invited to decorate a window in St Mary's church. The next meeting is the first Thursday in Feb at 7.15pm in Lowton Social Club on Newton Road. Starting the New Year by a keep fit session of walking netball. If anyone is interested in joining Lowton WI and would like to arrange a visit please phone Lin Hayes on 01942 207764 .

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It’s a dogs life?

Sadly there are hundreds of dogs in rescues both locally and throughout the UK, waiting for the opportunity of security and permanent loving homes. Despite this are still hundreds of dogs being bred constantly due to public demand which minimises and reduces the chance of dogs in rescue being adopted. Breeding/ puppy farming is big business in the UK and the public are buying from establishments offering the choice of multiple litters of ‘designer’ crossbreeds. Ever wondered where these dogs have come from? These establishments acquire puppies from the farming trade where many dogs are repeatedly bred from in extremely unsuitable conditions.

Thankfully things are starting to change and this year saw ’Lucy’s Law’ was passed in an attempt to help prevent third party sales of puppies. Lucy was an ex-puppy farm survivor who was rescued and rehomed via Many Tears Animal Rescue based in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Many Tears Animal Rescue take in hundreds of dogs every year that have previously been used for excessive breeding (some for a number of years). They ensure all dogs are neutered and vaccinated before finding them loving/permanent homes. The have a network of foster carers throughout the UK who nurture and help rehabilitate dogs which may have never lived in a home or experienced care or kindness.

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A Warrington based rescue who are also in need of homes/help are Phoenix Dog Rescue.

Phoenix Dog Rescue has been based in Warrington since 2008, is run by a team of dedicated volunteers They re-home dogs from the local community and from Romania, to help reduce the suffering of their large stray population. PDR are always looking for volunteers to fundraise and foster! You can find them on Facebook.

As an adopter of three ex puppy farm survivors I can say just how deserving these dogs are and how rewarding it is watching them learn to trust people and enjoy life. If are thinking of getting a dog please consider offering a rescue dog a second chance of a happy ending. There are many reputable rescues working so hard finding homes for dogs in their care. And remember a rescue dog does not mean damaged, just let down by humans.

Adele Wheeler x

Get involved / other ways you can you help: Foster, Fundraising, Home check, Walk dogs in kennels, Raise awareness Related Links: www.manytearsrescue.org / www.cariadcampaign.co.uk (Lucy’s Law)

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CLASSIFIEDS ARCHITECT SERVICES

GLAZIER (SEMI-RETIRED)

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

Double glazed units? Unsightly marks between the glass?

Replacement units can be changed in quick, quick time. *no fuss *no mess *all work guaranteed. Free quotes and advice.

Ring anytime on 07413 917964.

OAP work welcome.

DECORATING SERVICE

deluxe decorating We offer a high standard of painting and decorating work at competitive rates, we are reliable and fast.

Call for a free quote 07592411219. Find us on FB /deluxedecorating or email kieranturley8@gmail.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Make 2018 your year to pass.

M.S.M Established 1989. Driving Lesson. No passengers. Nervous pupils welcome. Discounts for students and unemployed.

Patient and reliable. Excellent pass rate. 01942 603108

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 free estimate

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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 Would your business benefit from being hand delivered directly into 10,000 homes and businesses throughout Lowton and Golborne every month? Feedback from our readers is that they keep the magazine for the classified section!

Call now for our 2019 special offer prices. 07507071411

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CLASSIFIEDS

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