Local living March 2020

March 2020 Issue 35

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To book your free consultation for advanced facial aesthetics at Church Lane Dental practice contact Julie today on 01942 726494

Welcome to the March issue of Local Living Crikey March has come around quickly this year! As I type we’re in the midst of one of the many storms! I hope they settle down soon and we can head into Spring gale free.

On page 14 & 15 are our usual varied selection of local trades and services just in case you may be in need of any.

The March issue really is packed with lots of your lovely news stories. I absolutely love receiving about them and (hopefully) you all like reading them.

As you may have spotted below Local Living is up for sale. The magazine is coming up to it’s third year and has been a labour of love from the beginning. If you think you are the one to take over the reins please get in touch.

Make your Green Tokens Count at Asda Golborne Lowton Hedgehog Rescue Needs our help so they can continue to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wild hedgehogs Lowton St Mary’s PTA They want to improve the reading areas around the school and in the library Newton Le Willows Sea Cadets Need our help improving the main deck at their HQ and re-mark it for parade nights

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Wigan Mayor helps school children to bury time capsules The Mayor of Wigan Borough, Coun Steve Dawber, joined pupils from Lowton Junior and Infant School on Tuesday (28 January) for a very special centenary celebration.

Since November, the pupils have been working with local business, George Moss & Sons Limited, which owns Moss Industrial Estate on St. Helens Road, to create some very special pieces of work in celebration of its 100th birthday.

The business holds a very special place in Leigh’s history and has been run by the Moss family for five generations.

The pupils, from years 3 and 6 at Lowton Junior and Infant School, have been writing letters and drawing pictures to reflect what life was like in Leigh 100 years ago, in 1920, when George Moss & Sons Limited was incorporated; what life is like today; and what the pupils think life will be like in another one hundred years, in 2120.

The children’s letters, drawings, photos and other important local items they have collected, were sealed inside the time capsules and buried by the children and the Mayor for future generations to discover. The time capsules also include items donated by the Leigh Centurions and Leigh Spinners Mill.

Members of the Moss family, past and present employees of George Moss & Sons Ltd, and representatives from the Leigh Centurions, were also present for the burial of the time capsules. Afterwards, the Mayor unveiled a special commemorative plaque.

Mayor of Wigan Borough, Coun Steve Dawber said: “I was honoured to be invited to this event and would like to congratulate George Moss & Sons on their centenary.

“It’s fantastic that they have engaged with a local school to involve them in some of the celebrations and I hope celebrating this great achievement with the next generation will inspire and encourage them to reach their goals.”

Carol Anderson, history lead at Lowton Junior and Infant School, said: “It has been a real honour to work with George Moss & Sons and to be involved with this centenary project. The work the children have created is fantastic and they have been thoroughly engaged in it from the very beginning. It’s incredible to think that in another 100 years children from our local community could be back to uncover what we have buried.”

Sebastian Moss, managing director at George Moss & Sons Ltd, said: “This has been a fantastic way to mark the centenary of our family’s business. I am certain that my great great grandfather, George Moss, would have been delighted to know that we are here today and that the children from our community have created something very special here for future generations to discover.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor of Wigan Borough, Coun Steve Dawber, and all our special guests for coming here today and supporting this event. But the biggest thank you must go to the children and staff from Lowton Junior and Infant School for creating two wonderful time capsules and for helping us to mark our centenary in a very special way.”

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We are thrilled to announce that Bill Hampson has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List 2020 for services to vulnerable people overseas.

Bill is the Director and Founder of Epiphany Trust which grew from the Romanian orphanage crisis of 1990. Fittingly the year 2020 marks 30 years of charitable work, driven tirelessly by Bill himself.

Starting with emergency aid and construction we went on to provide long-term social care and training. Since, we have undertaken many projects around the world including a programme of education and healthcare for 1800 street children in Sri Lanka, support for eight schools and a teacher training programme in the Karen region of Burma and the construction of 50 wells in Bangladesh, providing rural communities with clean drinking water for the first time. Bill is completely committed to the work of Epiphany Trust and provides constant inspiration to those who meet him. He is immensely thankful to all those who have supported him and the charity throughout the years.

It’s 30 years since the Romanian Revolution which not only revealed the horrors of child - care in but also opened up the country to the western world.

The first aid trips went overland to the orphanages of Romania in 1990.

Since then over 1,000 people have supported the children in all sorts of capacities.

Epiphany Trust are holding a Celebration for anyone who has supported/ been involved.

If you would like to come, could you let us know by Friday 13th March. It would be lovely to have as many of our supporters as possible to come together to celebrate this milestone.

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Lowton West ‘Readathon

Pupils were encouraged to read for at least 15 minutes a day whilst being sponsored by friends and family. In addition, the pupils were asked to send in a photograph of them reading in an unusual place. The response was fantastic and a huge ÂŁ1500 was raised in total! The money has been spent on updating the school libraries and buying new books. The school would like to thank all those involved in what has been a very successful event.

Ashestosilver ashes_to_silver

Contact Deb on 07368 522247 for details www.facebook/locallivingonline

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Fourth Wednesday of the month Golborne & District Monday & Thursday Cheeky Monkeys Playgroup for babies/ toddlers ages 0-4. Lots of fun play, arts & crafts, stories, songs and seasonal activities. 9:15 - 11:15am term time only. All newcomers made welcome. Small fee includes activities, drink and snack for your child and hot drink for you. Golborne Sports and Social, Stonecross lane north. Lowton Each Monday (except Bank Holidays) 12 noon to 2.00 p.m.

Family History Help Desk (Free) at Leigh Library near the Archives Section. Volunteers from Leigh & District Family History Society help with anyone having difficulty tracing their family history. No need to book, just bring along any information you already have and we will try to solve your query.

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 Dec 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 inc refreshments. If you are interested in joining email contactus@healthyarts.org.uk or phone Martin on 07542 114383 Tuesday 8pm The Three Towns rehearse at Tyldesley Methodist Church, Elliott Street, Tyldesley M29 8JE. For more information contact Ursula Lightford on 01942 670284 www.threetowns.net

Townswomens' 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 details.

Fourth Saturday of every month Forget me not Café at St Thomas’ Church. Everyone welcome for a chat, a cuppa and bite to eat. 10-12 noon. All welcome. No entrance fee.

Bi monthly on the 3rd Monday of the month

Lane Head South Residents Group Lowton meet at 7:30pm in the conservatory of The Red Lion, Newton Road. The group aims to bring residents together both socially and to work towards improving our local environment. Current issues include HS2, Parkside development, traffic congestion, over development, air pollution & odours from Diggle Green

7th March 12:30-16:30 Table top sale

There is a table top sale at Church lane Community Centre to raise funds for a charity trek on behalf of Parkinsons UK. There is a just giving link If you would like to donate; virginmoneygiving.com/ SarahBlanchard3 Saturday 14th March 10-1pm Knit & Natter Coffee morning. Beautiful hand knitted items on sale. Contact Liz on 01942 748252 for more details

28th March 12-3pm Spring Fayre 12-3pm

DS (Individualised Direct Support Services) are holding a Spring Fayre fundraising event at Phoenix House, Kid glove Road, Golborne (on the pit yard). Homemade cakes, Tombola, Easter Eggs, Various crafts. Stalls available. Everyone welcome. For a stall please call Dianne on 07504984164 Golborne High School is now featuring in the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme, which sees grants of £2,000, £1,000 and £500 awarded to local community projects. This will be put towards providing new sports kits for GHS rugby teams. You can vote in the Leigh and Atherton superstores using the tokens available at the till until the end of March.

Third Tuesday of each month (except July, Aug& Dec)

Leigh & District Family History Society meet at the Derby Room, Leigh Library from 7.30 p.m. A speaker about family or local history with refreshment. £2.00 non-member, £1.00 member including tea/coffee and biscuits. Contact Glenys McClellan 01942 729559 www.lswlfhs.org.uk or Facebook Leigh & District Family History Society Last Tuesday of the month 7:30pm. Lowton West Residents Meeting (west side of Slag Lane and adjacent roads incl Scott Road estate) A non-political neighbourhood group to discuss local issues and work together to improve our area.

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?

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! £6 per session. Email juleswriter@hotmail.com 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.

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Lowton WI Update The 6th February 2020 was our first meeting of the new decade and the start of Lancashire’s 100th year of belonging to the National Women’s Institute. We started our new programme with keep fit with Lyn from the comfort of our chairs, Lyn took us through some Tai Chi exercises which made us quite serious at times as we were concentrating on our moves”.....we also had quite a giggle at ourselves. Thank you Lyn for a enjoyable evening!

Our next meeting on Thursday 5th March is a talk by Andy Rowett about Brockholes Nature Reserve. Lowton WI meet on the first Thursday of the month at 7.15pm and are held at Lowton Social Club on Newton Road Lowton New visitors are always made welcome so for anyone thinking of joining the WI and would like to come along, please phone Lin Hayes on 01942 207764 for details

Slimming World Free Food Fiesta

Early in February we held our annual Free Food party and wow!

Our members didn't disappoint! From chillies and curries to meatballs and marinades we had it all.

As you can see from the pictures, it was an amazing success!

Thanks to everyone who came along, you never cease to amaze and inspire us. The pictures below show some of the winners and also some of the winning dishes. Winning recipes are sent to head office with the best dish winning ÂŁ1000!

LOWTON Travelodge, 322 Newton Road WA3 1HD Tuesdays 5:15pm & 7:15pm Tel Claire: 07725 039399 GOLBORNE Heath St. Methodist Church, Heath Street WA3 3AD Wednesday 9:30am; 11:30am; 3:00pm; 4:45pm & 7:00pm Tel Julie: 07584 037483 LOWTON Travelodge, 322 Newton Road WA3 1HD Thursday 5 & 7pm Friday 11:15am Saturday 8:00am; 9:45am & 11:30am Tel Vicki 07941 482466

MONTHLY FOCUS MEET THE FACES BEHIND THE BUSINESS

We are Alex Carrington and Suzy Wimbourne and we moved to Lowton in 2015. We met whilst studying at Lancaster University and shortly after graduating, set up our Wedding Photography business, Suzy Wimbourne Photography. Alongside this, we began playing gigs in our acoustic duo - Suzy and Alex.

Eight years later since establishing ourselves in the wedding industry, we have now been to 200+ weddings across the UK and abroad.

Carringtons Coffee Co was a business idea we had developed over a couple of years during our transition from life-at-sea, working as musicians on a Cruise Ship during the Winter months, to land-life year round. Equal parts passion, opportunity and necessity being the mother of invention led us to start up our coffee roasting operation and in 2019 we opened for business.

Working for a Cruise Line Company gave us the opportunity to make friends all over the world. It was here that we were introduced to Specialty Coffee and Cold Brew Coffee and shortly after our final ship contract everything came together with a spontaneous visit to a coffee farm in Colombia, thanks again to friends on the ship.

Our successful visit to Colombia gave us direction and purpose for Carringtons Coffee Co and is the reason why we look to source coffee from single estates producing Specialty Coffee.

We choose single origin coffees from around the world that fit our criteria of being specialty arabica and with exceptional flavour. We roast the beans just in time for our customers to ensure freshness and every aspect of our operation is ethically minded - we share transport costs with the delivery of beans, we use fully recyclable packaging and we are even looking into making use of our waste coffee grounds.

Last month we moved into our new roastery at Kenyon Hall Farm and you can buy our bags of freshly roasted coffee beans in their farm shop very soon. Our ethos of being locally produced with a focus on excellent quality means we fit well alongside the other local products available at the Kenyon Hall Farm Shop and we are excited to see where this take us!

Carringtons Coffee Co is on the lookout to work with local businesses, coffee shops and offices who might be interested in our story and the super high quality coffee we produce.

Here are the links to our websites Suzy Wimbourne Photography - https://www.suzywimbournephotography.com/ Suzy and Alex live music - https://www.suzyandalex.com/ Carringtons Coffee Co - https://carringtonscoffee.co/

There are Vacancies at Church lane Community Centre (Lowton) for Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings after 6:30pm. If anyone Is interested in booking these times either in part or whole sessions please contact Colin Johnson on 01925 224659

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75 High Street Golborne Warrington WA3 3BU

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'Incredible' assistance dog Paddy helps Jill with her weekly shop at Asda Golborne Jill Doran has been shopping at Asda Golborne store since she was a child – she’s been friends with some colleagues since she was at school – and now they’re supporting her as she trains her assistance dog Paddy to help her with her shopping.

Jill, who's had both legs amputated from above the knee, takes Paddy to the store every week and he’s being trained to pick items off the shelves, empty the basket and even pull the bank card from the machine before taking the receipt!

Jill said: “I've been going since it first opened – I used to go with my mum. It's our local store. I know it's not a corner shop, but it's like one to us. Everyone in the store is so friendly, helpful and approachable.

They're great in there – that's why I go there. ”Colleagues and customers are in awe of the 18-month-old Labrador who is always by Jill's side and ready to help in anyway he can. The store’s community champion Cheryl Gillon has known Jill for 26 years and says Paddy’s "simply incredible". She said: "All I can say is wow! I can't believe the things Paddy can do.”

Jill, who's 57 and uses a wheelchair to get around, got Paddy as a pet was he was 12 weeks old.

He's being trained as an assistance dog by the charity Dog A.I.D (Assistance in Disability) and one of their volunteers, Sharon Lawrence, is always on hand to give tips and advice. Jill said: "With training it is all about very tiny steps, giving him rewards. It's called shaping – it's building things up slowly, but it works. He is learning all the time.

"To me Paddy is a complete one-off – I would be so lost without him.

"When I go shopping Paddy picks up the items off the shelves that I can't get; he takes things out of the basket and places them on my knees so I can put them on the conveyor belt.

"He has given me so much confidence. Before Paddy I would think people would be looking at me in my wheelchair, but now I feel they are looking at Paddy rather than me and saying what a clever dog he is.

"If I can't pick anything up I will just point to it and Paddy will fetch it for me. If the phone rings he will get it and bring it to me, if I ask for the remote control he will look around for it and them bring it to me. Just the other day, my bracelet must have come loose and it fell off. Paddy realised, picked it up and gave it to me.

The only thing I've not taught him to do yet is the ironing!"

Jill, who suffers from the neurological disease Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, has been shopping at the store since it opened and really appreciates all the help colleagues offer. She said: "I know a lot of the colleagues there from school – we are all northerners so we are are always friendly!

Cheryl says everyone at the store is amazed by how much Paddy is able to do when Jill brings him in. She said: "I have such admiration for training dogs such as Paddy. I just didn't realise all the things they can do. I've not seen anything like it.

"While other dogs would probably rip something apart if its dropped on the floor, Paddy just picks it up and passes it to Jill. I've got my own black Labrador Jake who is just so different to Paddy!" "Jill herself is such an inspiration and very independent. I've known her for 26 years and nothing gets her down. Being with Paddy makes her more confident when she comes shopping.

"All my colleagues and customers love seeing Jill and Paddy in store. All they want to do is go and give him a pat, but they realise he is working and has a job to do!"

She said colleagues were always around to help Jill and Paddy if needed, especially if Jill needed items which were hard to reach.

The store's deputy manager Andrew Baines said it was always a pleasure to have Jill and Paddy in the store. He said: "It’s great to hear what an impact Paddy having on her life and the help he provides. It’s great that we can help to assist and support her. We always we look forward to seeing Jill and Paddy. She is a lovely customer and friendly with a lot of our colleagues."

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All aspects of interior and exterior works carried out. No job to small. Specialising in wallpapering. Professional, Reliable and Quality Workmanship.

FREE ESTIMATES Tel: 07921504602 or 01942-742825 aewood@btopenworld.com ALARM MAINTENANCE AlarmCare UK – Lowton based Intruder Alarm Service and Repair business, covering the North West. All domestic systems maintained and serviced. Wired and Wireless Alarms. AlarmCare UK – Local Service, Nationwide! Contact Dave on 07774 134352 or dave@alarmrepairs.com for free quote.

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 www.carpetcleanerswarrington.com ELECTRICAL SAFETY CERTIFICATES City and guilds qualified electrician with over 20 years experience in testing and inspection. Landlord safety certificates, buying/selling houses, insurance compliance. Excellent service at very competitive prices. Call Neil 07563302290 or email njtelectrical@sky.com CARPET, SOFA, RUG & HARD FLOOR CLEANING Quality cleaning of your carpets, upholstery and rugs at realistic prices. Carpets dry in 1 to 2 hours. Leather furniture cleaned, conditioned and restored. THIS MONTHS SPECIAL OFFER 10% OFF ALL CARAVAN/ MOBILE HOME INTERIORS. FREE QUOTES CALL HOYLES TODAY! 01942 711750 OR 07831481771

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LOCAL APPROVED ELECTRICIAN CERTIFICATE FOR EVERY JOB Over 40 yrs experience. I’m a registered approved Electrician. Electrical Box Upgrades Update your box to the latest regulation Fire Rated Metal Box get all circuits tested for safety and if you’re selling your house. House rewires, kitchen rewires, smart lighting, CCTV. Tel Jimmy 07879413701 SEMI RETIRED GLAZIER Broken glass? Misted up double glazing units! We specialise in the replacement of misted, failed, fogged or damaged glass into existing frames at prices worth consideration. For a FREE, no obligation quote please phone 07581 537736 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 01942729978 www.atlasupholstery.co.uk ELITE WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES DOMESTIC & COMMERICAL WORK. Hot pure water, pole system window cleaning.

Internal, external, soffits, facias, gutters, conservatories, garage doors, solar panels, pvc cladding, dormers. For a free quote Call 07395559000 JROOFING Slating/Tiling/Leadwork/Fascias/ Extensions/Guttering/Cladding/Pointing/ Chimney Removals. FREE ESTIMATES*FULLY INSURED. Mobile; 07467 578561 or 07539 884817. Follow us on facebook /JROOFING

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