July 2018 by Local Living

LOCAL

July 2018 Issue 15

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SUMMER HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE ON PAGE 6

Welcome to the July Issue of Local Living Well what amazing weather we’ve been having and, as I write we are currently one match in and one match won in the World Cup (apologies if I have gone on and jinxed us!) This months issue is positively packed full of lots of fantastic local businesses. If you are panicking at the thought of what to do with the kids this Summer check out our Summer Holiday Survival Guide on pages 6 & 7 and What’s on guide on pages 10 & 11 for some great suggestions of places to visit and events to attend. If you fancy getting out in the garden check out what you should (and maybe shouldn’t) be doing in our July in the garden editorial on page 8. August will soon be here and we are on the look out for any events or activities you might be hosting. If you fancy a ‘Summer Special’ price for your advertising to get your business out to 10,000 homes and businesses throughout Lowton and Golborne please get in touch asap.

Tracy Leach, Editor

My pick of the month are these amazing hand embroidered ‘McTabi-moo frames from My Little Craft Room. The detail in these pieces is amazing. Have a look at the full range of products on facebook/ mylittecraftroom1 or visit www.mylittlecraftroom.co.uk

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Claire Mountford celebrating her 9th year at Target Claire joined Slimming world in August 2008 achieving target with a loss of 3 stone 4lb in June 2009 and became a consultant in April 2011. Claire joined to lose weight to be put forward for fertility treatment. " Slimming World has changed my life in so many ways, my husband and I were approved for our IVF we have a beautiful daughter who is now 3, I now work for Slimming World full time as a consultant and Team Developer." Our favourite family meal is lasagne which is so easy to make healthier using 5% fat mince, tinned tomatoes and a simple cheese sauce. In group every week my members share so many lovely ideas I'm never stuck for what to make, if a member has a favourite meal we can always tweak it to the Slimming World Way. As a family we all eat the same it's important to me that Hermione learns to make and eat healthy to set her on the right path for the future. (At Slimming world we care for lots of families and can help 11-15 year olds) WE ARE MOVING My group has been held at Lowton High for nearly 7 years but from the 3rd July we will be at the Travelodge every Tuesday. I am so excited and can't wait to see new and existing members there.

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Summer Holiday SURVIVAL GUIDE

Keeping everyone happy in the holidays is a real task sometimes. If you don’t fancy another picnic in the park here are some ideas that hopefully will keep the kids active and have fun all Summer long. Get Geocaching Kids love nothing better than a good treasure hunt. Geocaching is the perfect way to get them outdoors. Geocaching is a globalised scavenger hunt that involves tracking down boxes of hidden treasure using a GPS app on your smartphone. It’s fun and free. Just sign up to the free subscription at geocaching.com. Caches can be anything from a lego figure to a Tupperware tub filled with goodies. The only rule is to replace anything you take with an item of your own.

Cycle the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Wondering how to keep entertained this Summer? Don’t worry we’ve come up with a few ideas that will keep the boredom at bay

Hit the Beach We are so fortunate to have some beautiful beaches a short drive from us. Take the kids down to Formby Beach for a paddle in the sea. Formby is ideal for flying your kite too. At low tide look out for the 5,000 year old footprints that sometimes reappear on the shore. Try Blackpool for a busier day out (although not the cheapest option by the time you’ve visited the arcades!) Southport is also beautiful and, for the scooter obsessed kids you can take a nice trip along the promenade. If you fancy trying somewhere further afield Llandudno is a lovely beach. It also has the ‘Alice Trail weaving around the historic town.

Try Orienteering Learning to navigate using a map and a compass isn’t just fun it’s also a very useful skill. There are orienteering clubs and course on offer but, with a bit of research on line, you can easily teach yourself. Challenge the children to reach a particular point on the map and they get a reward for their efforts.

The Leeds and Liverpool canal contains miles of cycle paths and beautiful scenery (with a few refreshment stops on the way!). If you join the canal at Plank Lane you can drop down into Pennington flash for a trip around the park aswell. For lots of details and route maps visit penninewaterways.co.uk or canalandrivertrust.org.uk.

Have fun at a festival There are lots of festivals and events taking place locally throughout July and August. See our What’s on guide on Page 10 for more information. Check back in our August issue to see lots more events for next month. Lots of them are quite low cost (some even free of charge!) Hopefully the weather will be in our favour.

Find a free Museum Not all museums have to cost the earth to visit. We have some great local and free ones right here. Head over to the Museum of Life in Wigan to see their Ancient Egypt display or Child’s Play exhibit amongst others. Warrington Museum and art Gallery always has activities on In the holidays. Check out their Website for more information www.warringtonmuseum.co.uk. If you fancy a bit of an adventure hop on the train for a big day out and visit the Liverpool Museum. This is a fabulous place to wander around the different floors. Check out the website www.visitliverpool.com to give you more details .

Have a ‘Wild Sleepout’ Under the Stars What can be more exciting that a sleep out ‘under the stars’. You don’t have to splash out on a campsite - create your own experience in your own back garden. BBQ some sausages and toast your marshmallows. Sleeping outside can be thrilling. You’ll hear night-time sounds that you don’t notice from indoors. You’ll see stars, planets, satellites, planes and - if you’re lucky shooting stars! And you’ll notice all kinds of wildlife that wakes up when it gets dark. You could camp in a tent, under a blanket or even on a trampoline! Stay out for the whole night, or try just a few hours and experience nature after the sun goes down – it’s up to you. Read more about how this activity can count towards a ‘wild challenge award’ over at the RSPB website. www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/ family-wild-challenge/activities/have-a-wild-sleepout

Get in the saddle Learning to ride can be time consuming which makes the Summer hols a perfect time to start. Make sure the riding school is licenced. We have some fantastic schools in the area. You can opt for lessons or, if you aren’t too sure, head along to one of the own a pony days. This gives you a great insight into the equestrian world. Whilst looking after horses and ponies is hard work it’s a great hobby that keeps you fit too!

Join a holiday Club or Class We all know that it’s a loooong Summer holidays and it’s just not possible to have the entire Summer off (much as we would love to). There are lots of advantages for the kids to join a holiday club or classes. They get to join in with lots of activities that they possibly wouldn’t normally try and will make a few new friends along the way. Whilst there are lots to choose from we’ve given you a few suggestions… Little Angels holiday club has been running for some time now and, along with lots of things to do there, they also head out on lots of day trips. If you are feeling in need of some relaxation The Yoga Barre studio over in Ashton in Makerfield are running adult and children’s classes. And, if you mention Local Living, you will get the class for £5!

TRY A YOGA BARRE CLASS FOR ONLY £5 Mention Local Living and get any Yoga or Barre class for just £5. Yoga Barre is the only dedicated Yoga & Barre Studio in Wigan. 40 Garswood Street, Ashton in Makerfield WN4 9AE www.yogabarrestudio.co.uk or Call 07754 062791 She’s sew Crafty are running Craft sessions every Monday (see the details on our what’s on guide on page 11. If you are interested in leisure centre based holiday clubs you can see information for Wigan Council activity camps at www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org . There is a range of activities to choose from. You can also email tellus@ihlmail.org or to book a place contact your local leisure centre: Ashton 01942 720826; Howe Bridge 01942 870403 or Leigh 01942 487800.

Explore a Nature Reserve Bundle the kids into the car, along with a picnic, and head to your nearest nature reserve. There are some beautiful spots scattered around the area. You can explore nature trails and learn all about conservation. Pennington Flash and Abram Nature Reserve are on our doorstep but you could take a trip to Risley Moss or Delph Waterfall and Nature Trail. For information and to find all Nature Reserves throughout the UK visit www.lancswt.org.uk where they have full details.

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One of the problems of being a keen gardener especially one who grows lots of fruit and vegetables and even more especially has a greenhouse full of things like tomatoes, cucumbers and melons, is that having a week or two away in summer means that you need a good gardening friend to care for the crops whilst you are away. I once had a non-gardening friend care for my crops and, when I returned, found that my blueberry bushes were in the throes of death because he had watered them with tap water. Lime, even titchy amounts, kills blueberries, tap water contains lime and my plants had a label, ‘Water with butt water’ but my pal didn’t notice it! In hot, dry spells it may be essential to water at least once, perhaps twice every day. If you have a greenhouse with tomatoes, a cucumber and perhaps peppers and aubergines, they must not be allowed to dry out, and as their fruits swell and ripen, they must also be given a liquid feed with a tomato fertilizer every week or, preferably a more dilute feed, daily. If you sow some seeds, which in summer usually means lettuce and salad leaves, beetroot, turnips and carrots, the seedbed should not be allowed to dry out until the seeds have germinated and their roots penetrated into permanently moist soil. Many of us have hanging baskets and they too need to be kept watered. Also, if you planted a tree or some shrubs last winter or spring, they will require some water, especially in hot dry spells. Give each newly planted tree or shrub a full watering can every week, so that the water goes deep, and then put a mulch on top of the soil to reduce evaporation ( four inches depth of garden compost, leaf mould, or the mown grass from the lawn are excellent). Don’t forget, if a shrub is a lime-hater (e.g. Azalea, Rhododendron, Camellia), do not use tap water, but rainwater from a butt.

If you want to get the best from plants that flower the summer through - bedding plants, hanging baskets and beds with herbaceous perennials and roses – give them a liquid feed (tomato fertilizer is excellent) every week and remove fading flowers. You will then get better new flushes of flowers. If you grow apples, pears or plums, this month thin out the fruits to one from every flower truss or, roughly one to every 3-4 inches. You will get fewer fruit, but the fruit will be larger and more delicious. Keep on top of weeds with your hoe and get them before they can set seeds. One tiny bitter cress plant (it is a common weed with minute white flowers) can produce hundreds of seeds. Beware!

The Royal Horticultural Society’s Tatton Show takes place at Tatton Park on the 18 July (members only day) and 19-22 July (open to all); see the RHS website. It is the biggest and best gardening event in the northwest of England and a great day out. Malcolm Greenhalgh Newton-le-Willows Gardeners’ Association Sales and Advice Hut, on Rob Lane, is open Saturday and Sunday mornings, 10.30-12 noon. New members welcome.

MLSgardenservices

QUALITY LANDSCAPING GARDEN MAINTENANCE LAWN CARE AND JET WASHING

01942 731302 / 07927960281 MLSgardenservices

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Monday & Thursday Cheeky monkeys playgroup Age 0-4 years. Term time only 9-15 to 11-15 at Golborne sports club

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

Wednesday 10:30 Coffee morning 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.

Friday 6th July Murder Mystery Evening Golborne St Thomas’ PTA present a Murder Mystery by Chris Martin. ‘Who Killed the Director’ With actors from STADOS. Doors open at 7 and it starts at 8pm prompt. Tickets are £8 and include a cheese board. Licenced Bar also available for Wine, Beer and Cider. For tickets call into the school office or contact 07803044416. www.murderplays.com

Saturday 7th July Race Night race night at Golborne Parkside. Doors open 7pm for a 7.30 start on Sat 7th July organised by Golborne Morris dancers It's £1 for adults and 50p for kids on the door

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 Thursday 7th June was our first meeting in our new home at Lowton Social Club. The evening was a centenary celebration of the suffragette movement which led to women getting the right to vote. The next meeting will take place on the first Thursday of the month at 7.15 pm, The venue is Lowton Social Club on Newton Road. If anyone is interested in joining the WI please contact Lin Hayes on 01942 207764 for details. Visitors are always welcome.

Friday 6th - Sunday 8th July Southport Air Show The Southport Air Show is an annual event held on Southport Beach. Families can enjoy a variety of activities on the ground as well as great displays in the air www.visitsouthport.com/airshow/ info

Saturday 7th July - Golborne House Fair

Golborne house are having a Summer fair. The fair will run 1-3pm. Come along have fun whilst supporting our elderly. Stalls include tombola, lucky dip and cake stall. Golborne House is on Derby Road in Golborne.

Sunday 15th July Liverpool Yoga & Vegan Festival Join the first-ever Yoga and Vegan festival in Liverpool at the beautiful campus of St John Bosco Arts College . Participate in all-day Yoga & meditation sessions, enjoy yummy vegan and raw vegan food, shop for vegan products and attend talks. ****Please bring your own Yoga mats**** Entry fee of only £5 (online) and £8 (on-the-door) entitles you to attend all (OVER 40) Yoga sessions, stalls, workshops and talks for free. If we sell all tickets online then we may not have any on the door tickets. Free entry for children (under 14 years). Please note that entry to classes is on a first-come basis so you may have to queue at busy times, but it will be worth the wait. Find the event listed on Facebook.

Sunday 15th July Walton Festival 2018

Saturday 14th July Haigh Day - A Family Festival Make Haigh while the sun shines (hopefully)! A fun packed family friendly event in one of the region’s best loved Woodland Parks. FREE Entertainment. alongside the Park’s popular static attractions. Food & Drink throughout the park including the Kitchen Courtyard, BBQs, ice cream van, candy floss & much more. 10.00 – 17.00. Car park charges apply. The event forms part of Well fest 2018

Saturday 21st July Forget me not café opens The forget me not café opens at St Thomas’ Church Golborne from 10am - Noon. All are very welcome for a cuppa, a chat and a biscuit. Going forward they shall be organising events. Those suffering from dementia and their carers are especially welcome.

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Walton Hall Park (L4 9XP) will come alive 10-6pm, with a whole range of exciting activities and attractions for the community to get involved in. Included will be live music, Victorian funfair rides, pets corner, farmers market, bar and food court, free children’s attractions, sports & fitness displays and taster sessions, 5k Family Fun Run, dance and performing arts stage, and many more fun activities for the whole family to participate in.

Saturday 21st Winwick Carnival 12 - 5pm. A great day for all the family. Come along and see live entertainment. Lots of stalls featuring local produce from local businesses and charities. Come along and join in with the fun. Winwick Leisure Centre, Myddleton Lane, Winwick She’s Sew Crafty Summer Craft workshops Suitable for ages 4-11. Workshops last 90 minutes and are £14 per child. There is a discount of £1 for further siblings. Sessions are as follows :10-1130 / 12.15 - 1.45 / 2.30 - 4. July 23rd - Glass decorating; July 30th - Button art/frames; Aug 6th - Decorate your own personalised wooden initial; Aug 13th - Green fingers - decorating plant pots and potting flowers; Aug 20th - Mosaic coaster making. Inbox to book or contact the shop between 10-330 Tues to Sat01942 727116. Unit 1, Garswood Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield

Make your Tokens Count at Asda Golborne

Golborne High School win Secondary School of the Year for 2018 Mrs Gormally attended the prestigious annual Education Awards at Wigan and Leigh college. These are awarded by the Wigan Observer and recognise the achievements of pupils and staff across Wigan at both primary and secondary level. Mrs Gormally was accompanied by Mrs. Stott and Mrs Byrne, Chair of Governors and Mrs Thomason, Vice Chair of Governors. The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including the Mayoress of Wigan as well as sponsors of the awards. Awards were given out for many categories, including Pupil of the Year , Inspirational Teaching Award and Secondary School of the Year to name but a few. Golborne had been nominated, along with 3 other High schools, for the Secondary School of the Year Award which was the final award of the evening. When the result was announced Mrs Gormally gave a speech of thanks in which she recognised the incredible work of the Golborne staff, accompanied by the unwavering support of the parents and the absolute commitment and enthusiasm of the pupils. Mrs Gormally expressed her pride at being a Head teacher in Wigan, at being a parent of 2 children who attended Wigan schools and at being able to spend every day of her career working with resilient, intelligent, funny and courageous children in Wigan. Mrs Gormally said 'It is my honour and privilege to work with children every day who inspire me and make me feel humble at their incredible achievements. I am proud of every child in Golborne High School and consider myself to be very lucky to work in such an incredible school which is indeed an extended family. This award is an acknowledgement of the teamwork between the staff, parents and pupils that makes Golborne such a special place. Well done to everybody.’

St Catherine of Siena RC Primary School School PTA want to purchase much needed equipment for school Handmade With Love for Angel Babies To send little blankets, hats & clothes to parents 1st Golborne (St Thomas) Scout & Guide Group To replace worn out mess tents

Lowton WI held a litter pick on Thursday 17th May, several volunteers turned out to help we worked along Slag Lane, starting at the shops and down and around Byrom wood, the weather was very kind to us, we even picked up a sun tan. We filled several black bags full of litter ranging from the usual takeaway cartons to a pair of old boots, all in all it was a very successful morning. The WI committee wish to thank their members who came along to help. Also Mr Eddie Thwaite for his support in supplying equipment and later transporting rubbish to the local tip.

Lowton St Mary’s village show Saturday 8th September Last months Afternoon Tea at Golborne Sports was a great success! July is now fully booked but look out for future dates in our August edition or drop by their fb page afternoontealowtonandgolborne

There's going to be a village show at Lowton St Mary’s community hall this year, It's all for fun, and for all to take part, SO now is the time to put your seeds in if you grow fruit , veg or flowers, and bring them to the show . If you like baking ,sewing craftwork ,or making jam bring it for us to see you could go home with a trophy. All information and times you can pick up from the church, schools, the Robin Hood and at coffee and chat (coffee and chat is every Thursday from 9am -12pm at St Mary’s community hall ) or just ring June on 01942 275507 for information.

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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

DRIVING LESSONS

Philip Butterworth Driving Instructor. Patient and reliable tutor with 25 years experience. Contact 01942 680032 or 07743298113 for current prices and offers

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

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

Il Cortile of Culcheth, in association with Astoria Wines, hosted their first Italian Food and Wine Pairing Experience. We sent along Mark and Amanda to see how it went… “We were made to feel very welcome when we arrived and started with a Caprese salad of tomato & mozzarella accompanied by a glass of Prosecco “IL Millesimato” which was a little sweeter and more sophisticated than any I have had before. We then moved on to a lovely Pea risotto with a glass of the Pinot Grigio “Alisia” This turned out to be our favourite, a very refreshing wine that could be drunk with or without food. We followed with the main course of chicken which was served with a glass of merlot “IL Puro”. This was a perfect accompaniment to the strong flavours of the sauce served with the chicken. A fully rounded red wine to have with meat. Desert was a lovely sicilian orange polenta cake served with mascarpone. This was accompanied with a moscato rose “Fashion Victim”. As expected this was a sweet sparkling wine, not to our taste due to the sweetness, but was well received by other guests. A great wine to have with a desert, although I would skip desert and go back to the Pinot. Finally the evening was finished off with a cheese board and a glass of refrontolo passito “Fervo”. A red desert wine, is something we have not tried before. Despite what I said about the Rose being a little too sweet for our taste and this being sweeter we found it very pleasant to have alongside the saltiness of the cheese. I would recommend if you have not had a red desert wine with cheese, then you should try. We would like to thank all the staff at IL Cortile for their attentive service and in making what was a very pleasant evening. See you all soon. Regards Mark & Amanda”