Local Life Issue 54

The number one local choice!

7 Jan - 17 Feb

Christmas Carole cops hamper prize!

2011/01

Wigan Edition

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Local Life

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Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd P.O. Box 631 Wigan WN1 9HF Editorial Contact Chris Pearce 01695 627999 chrisp@locallife247.co.uk Advertising Contact Samantha Gravestock 01942 387329 07790 095059 samg@locallife247.co.uk The next Wigan edition of Local Life will be published on Thursday 17th February. The copy deadline for this issue is Thursday 3rd February.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.

So that’s it for another year!

Or is it? Why should the season of goodwill have an expiry date? Why can’t we extend it by exchanging pleasantries with passers- by all year round? At the risk of sounding like a relic from the 60’s, my resolution for 2011 is to smile and chat with passers-by a bit more instead of just walking on by. After all, the world’s full of friends you have yet to meet!

And talking about smiles, it was lovely to meet the winners of our Christmas Hamper competition, who were certainly full of smiles as they received their prizes from our generous sponsors. An amazing 1,443 of you entered the competition, but there could only be 24 winners – 12 from Wigan and 12 from St Helens. Thanks to all of you who entered, I’m sorry we couldn’t give you all a hamper, but hopefully you’ll get another chance next Christmas. Some of the competition winners are featured on the following pages – see if you can spot anyone you know!

January is traditionally a month when people take stock of their lives and set some goals to achieve in the months ahead. If you’ve set some targets to improve your health, wealth and happiness in 2011; we’d like to wish you all the very best of luck!

2011 marks our 4th year of publishing your favourite local magazine and we can’t believe how fast the time has gone! It takes a wee bit longer to produce (and read) nowadays, but we hope you still enjoy the magazine just as much as we still enjoy bringing it to you! Please remember though; without the support of our loyal advertisers, we simply couldn’t produce this magazine for you, so please consider giving them your support when you’re shopping around for products or services.

See you next time!

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

No part of this publication, including pictures, may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd. For further information about Local Life, visit our website www. locallife247.co.uk

When you receive the new edition of Local Life - remember to recycle the old one.

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In this issue 4 Property from Borron Shaw 9 50% off Perfect Fit blinds!

14 Local slimmer wins award 20 Sunday lunch at Ashfield House 25 Open weekend at Morpheus Glass 28 New - Your Health 30 £100 off fires & fireplaces!

36 Money and Investment 38 New - Best Shot 39 Kids Puzzle Page 40 Sizzling Sardinia 46 Angie’s Garden Diary 48 All that Jazz – Road Test 52 Home Services 57 Useful Numbers

4 9 14 20 25 28 30 36 38 39 40 46 48 52 57

Local Life

2 Sefton Road, Orrell. WN5 8UP

Call - 01695 632123

www.borronshaw.co.uk

Moss Road, Wigan

A SUPERBLY PRESENTED AND WELL MAINTAINED TWO BEDROOMED SEMI DETACHED PROPERTY IN A HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER AREA ON MOSS ROAD where properties in this location rarely come onto the open market.

The house is set back and allows parking on a blocked paved frontage with double gates.

The house comprises of a porch, lounge with a feature inset fireplace in the chimney breast, modern fitted kitchen, conservatory, bathroom, two bedrooms, it is fully upvc double glazed, gas central heated and alarmed

Offers in the region of £145,000 Crawford Road, Skelmersdale

PRICED TO SELL this extended two bedroomed mid terraced house house situated in the rural village of Crawford between and close to Rainford and Up Holland with access to outstanding walks and countryside. The property comprises of front garden, two reception rooms, kitchen and bathroom. On the first floor there are two decent sized bedrooms. Externally at the rear there is parking, a garage and a garden area which is over fifty feet in length. The property is fully UPVC double glazed. INTERNAL VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED,NO CHAIN.

Offers in the region of £95,000 Coleridge Road, Wigan

RECENTLY RENOVATED TWO BEDROOMED SEMIDETACHED BUNGALOW in the much sought after area of Billinge close to all local amenities and schools. The property comprises of lounge, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms. Gas central heated and fully UVPC double glazed. Externally gardens to the front and rear with paved and lawned areas. INTERNAL INSPECTION HIGHLY RECEOMMENDED - NO CHAIN.

Offers in the region of £147,500 School Lane, Upholland

Two bedroomed stone fronted cottage in the much sought after area of Upholland. The property comprises of electric heating, double glazed windows, open plan lounge and dining room, kitchen leading onto a large garden at the rear. 1st floor has two bedrooms, bathroom and an occasional bedroom with lovely views across the countryside. The property may need some modernisation and it has be priced to acknowledge that but do not miss the chance to view this delightful character house

Offers in the region of £130,000

On the Draw

The Mayor of Wigan, Michael Winstanley, took time out from his busy Christmas schedule to draw the winning entries for Local Life’s Christmas Hamper competition.

The Mayoress was a last minute absentee, so Abby Boon-Pearce, step-daughter of Local Life publishing editor Chris Pearce, stepped forward to assist the Mayor in drawing out the lucky winners.

The first winner out of the box was Orrell resident Carole Davies, who is pictured on the front cover being presented with her Christmas hamper by MP for Makerfield, Yvonne Forvargue. Yvonne, who was elected MP for Makerfield at the last election and has recently moved into the area, kindly agreed to sponsor a Local Life Christmas Hamper.

It’s the second time that hamper winner Carole has struck lucky in the last few years. Carole, who lives in Delphside Road in Orrell, won a decorating makeover from the TV’s DIY SOS team back in 2007. Pictured with Carole is Geoff and Rachel Rigby and Pam Turner of Windy Arbour Farm Shop, who supplied much of the foodstuffs in the Local Life Christmas hampers.

Clog Dancers

The Lancashire Irish Heritage Centre are hosting a Lancashire & Irish Night next Friday (14th January) at the Brian Boru Club in Bryn Street, Ashton in Makerfield. The famous ‘Houghton Weavers’will be performing on the night, and there will be Irish music, dancing and a Lancashire Clog Dance troupe.

A Lancashire Hot Pot is included in the ticket price of £10. There will also be a raffle where you’ll have the chance to win an Irish drinks hamper and a Lancashire food hamper.

The fun starts at 8pm and tickets are available from the Brian Boru Club or by phoning 01942 202410 or 01942 727536.

Big Day on the Way?

Tatton Park’s 9th Annual Wedding Show, reputed to be the North West’s largest wedding show, will take place over the weekend of 29/30th January in a luxurious marquee at the park. Run by Archant Life, the publishers of Lancashire Life, this show will have 160 stands from all the main bridal suppliers including designer and bespoke bridal wear, venues, florists, stationers and many more.

There will also be spectacular choreographed catwalk shows, live demonstrations and band performances taking place throughout the show. The show runs from 10am to 5pm and advance tickets are £8 in advance and £9 on the day. Call 0161 925 4289 for tickets or order online at www.theweddingshow.co.uk.

Kumon has given I me skills which ry will be able to car through life.

Alaina, 16 Centre Biggin Hill Study

Improve your child’s study skills with Kumon Our maths and English study programmes work to improve your child’s skill set, unlocking their potential, inspiring a passion for lifelong learning and building the self-confidence to achieve both in and outside the classroom.

Contact your local Instructor today

Winstanley Study Centre Pauline Cooper 01942 203 847

Developing independent learners

kumon.co.uk

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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Local Life

book ahead, but for more information about the event, please visit www.seloc.org.uk.

Beat Extravanganza

Try It!

And now for something completely different, should you manage to drag your little darlings away from their X boxes! The SE Lancashire Orienteering Club are holding a ‘Come & Try It Event’ on Saturday 22nd January at Haigh Hall.

It may bring back some bad memories from your childhood, but Orienteering is a growing sport that all the family can take part in; a fun sport with an added element of skill. Imagine entering a 10km race and having to work out the route once you start, and you’ve got some idea of the challenge ahead!

St James Social Club Club in Orrell is the venue for a Beat Extravaganza on Friday 18th February, a charity fundraiser where proceeds will be split between Dr Navqi’s Heart Fund and the Macmillan Nurses fund. You can bop til you drop with Andie Dee, Paky and Ronnie (the ex Beat Boys) and the Redundant Rockers, and the evening will consist of music and singing, mainly from the 60’s/70s era with a bit of jazz and C&W too.

The compere and comedian for the evening will be Kev Austin. There will be a raffle on the evening and also an auction of various donaed prizes. Tickets are £10 and all proceeds are for charity, so please dig deep and reserve your tickets before they sell out. For tickets and further information; contact Pauline Lloyd on l 01695 623427.

Using electronic timing chips, you can test your navigation skills and see if you can be the quickest around one of three courses aimed at the beginner to the experienced Orienteer. Advice and instruction are available if needed. Groups can set off on their courses between 10.30am to 12.30pm and the cost is £2 per adult and £1 per child. There’s no need to

Local Life

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Forthcoming Events at Haigh Hall

January

Friday 21st

Wine Tasting £28.95 includes reception drink & 5-course meal In the splendid settings of Haigh Hall discover what constitutes a ‘fine’ wine and how to spot the tell tale clues. Sample our delicious menu and find out how to select the perfect wine accompaniment for any meal.

Arrival 7pm, Dinner at 8pm

Sunday 23rd

Wedding Fair Free Admission You will find the best of local wedding services offering everything from bridal wear to classic cars all under one roof, so come along! Our aim is to make your wedding day easy to organise and perfect for you!

12pm-4pm

Contact 01942 832 895 or see www.haighhall.info for details www.locallife247.co.uk

Local Life

Berry Pleased!

Julie Berry from Charlotte Drive in Highfield hit the pub in style on ‘Mad Friday’ before Christmas and she had a great reason to celebrate; she’d just won a luxury Christmas Hamper in the Local Life crossword competition! Ex-Upholland High School pupil Julie, who is a mobile hairdresser, collected her prize from Ian Roscoe, the manager at the Delph Tavern in Tontine who had kindly sponsored the hamper.

Pudding

If you closely resemble a Christmas pudding after the festive break and you want to shred some of your excess baggage, then roll along to St Luke’s Church Hall next Thursday (13th January), to a ‘Keep Fit with Dorothy’ class. The sessions run every Thursday from 8pm until 9.30pm and the cost per session is just £2. This is a fun group and everyone will be made to feel very welcome.

Prom Day

If you’ve got a party princess who is leaving school this year, then no doubt you’ve been informed by now that your duties as parents require parting with some of your hard-earned cash for her Prom night! Make sure you catch the Prom Day next Saturday (15th January) at Romancia. The store, which is located on Main Street in Billinge, will have a drop in day, where would be Prom queens can browse through a large selection of dress styles and colours.

Nibbles will be served and Expressions of Beauty will be providing some make up tips on the day.

Local Life

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Local Life

Thumbs Up for Anne

Anne Cotton, of Winstanley Road in Orrell was delighted when she took receipt of a Local Life Christmas Hamper, sponsored this time by lawn treatment service GreenThumb.

Anne, a former clerk at Westwood Power Station, was looking forward to visiting her daughter’s home in Wales at Christmas. A parishioner at St James, Anne has lived in Orrell all her life and regularly attends coffee mornings in the village.

Alice Triumphs Again

Alice Tudge from Clevedon Drive in Highfield made her second appearance as a Local Life winner in December; the hamper winner also won tickets for Gulliver’s World last year. 89 year old Alice is a crossword fanatic and regularly completes the crossword in Local Life. She was presented with her hamper by Bob and Ben McWilliam, the father and son team who run Manor House Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

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Local Life

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Local Life 11

Ladybird fitness Club in Wigan is a women-only facility (its motto is ‘No Men , No Mirrors) and offers a weight loss club, aerobics studio and a fully equipped gymnasium - all under one roof. This popular club is almost at capacity, so if you are thinking of joining, please call 01942 231010 for further details or visit www.ladybirdfitness.co.uk.

Fair Cop

Ladybird Flying High

Roby Mill entrepreneur Sandra McGugan, owner of Ladybird Fitness Club for Women in Newtown, was thrilled to pick up an award recently at the National Fitness Awards in York. The club, which has been running for four years at a former chapel in Albert Street, Newtown won the ‘Gym Team Of the Year’ award, beating hundreds of entries from across the UK. The awards were created to recognise and pay tribute to those fitness clubs who have demonstrated outstanding commitment in the fitness industry and the event was hosted by top sporting Olympian Sharron Davies. Pictured with Sharon at the awards are the Ladybird Fitness Club team; Sandra from Roby Mill, Louise Hooton and Nichola Thompson from Pemberton, Andrea Cooper from Kitt Green and Helen Rodan from Standish.

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Local Life

If you fancy a shot of culture early in the New Year, the Octagon Theatre in Bolton brings you David Copperfield – a story filled with adventure, excitement and wonder. Like a Dickensian Harry Potter, David leads us on a magical journey, encountering villains and challenges that will have you on the edge of your seat! With all the tradition of a Charles Dickens’ classic but with much more, this production transforms the Octagon into a magical playground as David sets sail on the high seas in a playful world full of puppets, donkeys, music and invention.

Tickets range from £8.50 - £18.50, with family tickets costing £44 (off-peak) and £48 (peak). There are morning, afternoon and evening performances and the production runs until next Saturday (15th January) For details, call the box office on 01204 520661 or visit at www.octagonbolton.co.uk

If you work with a community group or charity and you want some FREE publicity in Local Life, e-mail details to editorial@locallife247.co.uk

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Snow White

The Apple Players return to the Monaco Ballroom in Hindley next weekend with a spectacular production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

This fun packed family show will consist of comedy, singing, dancing and lots of audience participation..oh yes it will!

Evening performances will be staged next Friday and Saturday (14/15th) starting at 7.30pm and matinee performances will take place next Saturday and Sunday (15/16th) from 2.30pm. Tickets are priced at £4.50 for children, £6 for adults and family tickets are £18 – please call the box office on 07835 062651.

Going Loco

The North West branch of the Locomotive Club of Great Britain is 50 years old this year and is always on the lookout for fellow rail enthusiasts to join the group. The group meets every month at the St David’s Social Centre on Wargrave Road in Newton. The club attracts members from all over the North West, but has a long association with Newton-le-Willows and its monthly meetings are always held in the Newton area. No formal charge is made for admission, but a suggested donation of at least £2 would be appropriate.

The next meeting is at the Social Club on Thursday 20th January starting at 7.30pm and subsequent meetings are always held on the 3rd Thursday of the month, starting at 7.30pm at St David’s. For more details about the local branch of the Locomotive Club, call Neville on 01925 226473 or email lcgb.nw@ blueyonder.co.uk.

UP TO

75% OFF FRAMES

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30%

50%

AMES

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20%

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10%

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HEPWORTH & HALL opticians 806 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton WN5 8AX

01942 225301 ALSO AVAILABLE AT

73 Ormskirk Road, Newtown, Wigan 01942 323162

www.locallife247.co.uk

55 Mesnes Road, Swinley, Wigan 01942 245600

Local Life 13

Local Slimmer wins Award!

When Lisa Burrows cringed in horror whilst looking through the photos from her holiday to Turkey, she made a vow to lose the excess weight that she had piled on after the birth of her children. Just over two years later, with the help of the local Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club, Lisa had shifted an incredible 5st 7lb, over 1/3 of her entire body weight!

35-year old Lisa, who used to weigh 15st 5lb and struggled to get in a dress size 20, has now scooped a Regional Slimmer of the Year 2011 Award, which she received from Rosemary Conley herself. Says Rosemary Conley: “I am delighted to present Lisa with a Regional Slimmer of the Year Award. Lisa has achieved a superb weight loss and, as well as gaining a fantastic new figure, she has improved her health and fitness levels too!”

Following her holiday in Turkey, Lisa joined her local Rosemary Conley class in June 2007 and succeeded in shedding 1½ stone before she moved out to Australia in September 2008. In the land of outdoor living, all the barbies and beer threatened to undo all Lisa’s hard work and Lisa started to pile on the pounds, but she was rescued when she found her Rosemary Conley diet book and by the time she came home eight months later, my weight had gone down again.

When Lisa returned home in May 2009 she rejoined Chris’ class and reached her goal weight of 9st 12lb in August 2009. “I can now enjoy life a lot more and can do anything I like. This year when we were on holiday I was able to enjoy a day at the waterpark with the children and I was able to wear a bikini for the first time in years.” Lisa’s class instructor Chris says, “We are all extremely proud of what Lisa has achieved, she is a great role model for others who are looking to make changes to their lifestyles and become fitter and healthier. She really enjoys the exercise in class and attends 2/3 times a week for extra exercise sessions”.

See the advertisement opposite for details of Chris Whistlecroft’s classes. To reserve a place at the class of your choice; call Chris on 01942 824557 or 07968 608861.

Before

After

Mother-of-three Lisa is delighted to now be a superslim size 12. She reached her goal weight of 9st 12lb with the help of a local Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club in Wigan run by Chris Whistlecroft and has maintained her weight by continuing to attend the classes ever since. Says Lisa: “I feel so much more confident in myself now and I can shop for clothes on the High Street.

It’s brilliant to lose such an amazing amount of weight and my life has now changed completely.

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Local Life

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Wigan slimmer Lisa went from size 20 to 12!

ASHTON IN MAKERFIELD Byrchall High School, Warrington Road, Ashton In Makerfield, WN4 9RQ Monday 6:00 - 7:30 pm Monday 7:30 - 9:00 pm (Slim & Latin Fitness) BRYN Our Lady Immaculate RC Primary School, Downall Green Rd, Bryn, WN4 0LZ Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm HIGHFIELD Highfield St Matthew’s Primary School, Billinge Road, Highfield, WN3 6BL Thursday 5:45 - 7:15 pm Thursday 7:30 - 8:15 pm (Zumba®)**

WINSTANLEY St Aiden’s Social Club, Highfield Grange Ave, Winstanley, WN3 6TB Monday 9:30 - 11:00 am New Class Time Winstanley Community Primary School - NEW VENUE Tanhouse Drive, Winstanley, WN3 6JP Tuesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm Tuesday 8:15 - 9:00 pm (Zumba®)** WORSLEY MESNES Clifton Street Community Centre, Clifton Street, Worsley Mesnes, Wigan, WN3 5HN Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 am (Zumba®)**

Free £10*

Membership

Free £25

Pack worth

** Exercise only sessions £4 please call to reserve your place as spaces are limited!

Call Chris on 01942 824557 or 07968 608861 email: chriswhistlecroft_rcdfc@msn.com Class Fee £5.80. * When you pre-pay £29 for 5 weeks - new members only.

Valid until 31/01/11. Bring advert to class to claim offer. Ref: WLL

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Local Life 15

Also at the show will be workshops and demonstrations, including Make & Takes by crafting experts, all designed to be fun and inspire crafters both old and new! The show runs from 10am to 5pm; please visit www.sccshows.co.uk for more information about workshops, demonstrations and to book tickets in advance.

New Love in 2011?

Crafty Move

Crafters have the perfect opportunity to stock up on quality stitch-craft at the Stitch and Creative Craft Show, which is being held between Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th February at Manchester Central (formerly G-Mex). The stalls at the show will include cross stitch, sewing, card making, embroidery, knitting, patchwork, quilting, scrap-booking, ribboncraft, papercraft, stamping, beading, tapestry, decoupage and crochet.

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Local Life

If you’re over 45 and divorced, widowed or separated, and you’re looking to make new friends and maybe even a new partner in 2011, then Wigan Phoenix Society want to hear from you! The group’s aim is to bring people together in a safe, relaxed and happy atmosphere at dance nights. The dance nights consist of sequence, ballroom and a bit of line dancing too.

The club meet regularly in Standish, but meets at St Teresa’s Club on College Road in Up Holland on Saturday 29th January at 8.00pm. Admission is £3 for members and £4 for visitors. For further details visit www.wiganphoenix.co.uk

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Local Life 17

Mountfield Winners

The Mountfield Court complex, near St Peter’s School in Orrell, popped up twice when the Mayor of Wigan was drawing the winners for the Christmas Hamper competition! Mrs Riddell from Mountfield Court in Orrell returned from a week’s holiday in Southport to discover that she had won a prize in the Local Life crossword competition!

Formally a health worker who spent much of her working life at Hope Hospital in Salford, Mrs Riddell has lived at the complex on Howards Lane for the past nine years. Presenting Mrs Riddell with her prize were Orrell councillors, Richard Clayton and David

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Local Life

Arrowsmith, who sponsored the hamper along with the Wigan Mayor Michael Winstanley who had a prior engagement on the day of the presentation.

It was also third time lucky for Eileen Rimmer, who has enter the hamper competition for the past two years before she eventually won at the third attempt.

Mountfield Court resident Eileen pooped up to Borron Shaw in Orrell, who generously sponsored a hamper this year, and was presented with her prize by Ste Ball and Ste Tickle, co-owners of the Orrell-based estate agent.

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Local Life 19

A Grand Meal Out

by Sam Gravestock

The great tradition of Sunday lunch is whole-heartedly embraced in my family and I must admit it’s something I really look forward to every weekend. I feel cheated unless I have my roast dinner on a Sunday, but foodies like me hate to go out to microwave-cooked vegetables and deep fried ‘roasted’ potatoes. I don’t know about you, but I’d just rather not bother.

Recently though, I found a gem of a place that offers a traditional Sunday roast just the way it should be.

Ashfield House is an English country house, tucked away in woods with fine views over the Douglas Valley. It was built in 1755 as a private residence, and in the 90’s was converted to a hotel, restaurant and wedding venue. It’s undergone a further refurbishment recently, but retains many original features including the original sweeping staircase, beautiful bay windows, chandeliers and ornate columns.

I opted for home-made soup of the day, which was tomato and basil and a leg of lamb served with rosemary gravy. My husband chose the chicken liver pate with Cumberland sauce, Melba toast and crispy salad, followed by roast topside of beef while our daughter chose the seasonal melon with sorbet and soft fruit compote and honey roasted ham carved onto a mustard sauce.

Sofia’s melon was the first to arrive, wow - ice-cream before dinner, a typical 4 year old response, but she really did enjoy the fruits and sorbet. I tried a spoonful from the generous portion, and found the melon to be juicy and sweet, with the fresh sorbet an exciting contrast to the fruit compote

Whilst we were enjoying an aperitif in the cosy panelled library bar, feeling like we’d wandered onto the set of Downton Abbey by mistake, we were presented with the Sunday lunch menu. Dining with my husband and 4 year-old, I was delighted that along with the children’s menu they offer ½ portions of any of the main selection.

20 Local Life

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My soup was deliciously sweet and the subtle hint of basil was just the right amount to compliment the tomato. When a soup warms you right to your toes and you hear your spoon hit the bowl almost too soon, you know you are eating a wonderful homemade soup. Note to self; Must try the cider and onion soup next time!

My husband’s pate presentation was excellent; perfect with a melted butter hardened topping. I managed a sneaky taste and the smooth, rich pate mixed with its crispy leaf and spicy Cumberland sauce and spread on the crisp Melba toast that accompanied was truly lip smacking.

The main courses arrived and I noted the extremely generous portion of meat on each plate. My husband doesn’t like lamb; so on the rare occasion that I have Sunday dinner out, it is usually my choice. It didn’t disappoint, meltingly tender, thick slices of meat adorned my plate and my mouth watered.

My husband’s eyes lit up at the sight of beef served pink and Yorkshire pudding seemingly taking over his plate and Sofia’s ½ portion didn’t disappoint either with tender ham carved onto her smaller plate. We all tried a sample of each other’s main course, agreeing that they were all terrifically tasty. I had noticed that the menu also offered a selection of imaginative vegetarian dishes. The table d’hôte menu changes weekly and also includes many gluten free dishes.

The piece-de-resistance of any roast dinner is the ‘roasties’, but fortunately they were indeed perfect; a good size, extremely golden, crispy on the outside, salty but not overly so, and fluffy soft in the middle.

They were in abundance as well, along with a smooth helping of creamed potato. The steamed vegetables consisted of broccoli, cauliflower and mashed swede and carrots. Everything was seasoned well and served at a perfect temperature.

The table went quiet. Even my daughter didn’t utter a word, which is a rare occurrence indeed, and for a short time I was in Sunday dinner heaven. My husband finally broke the silence to convey how much he was enjoying his meal, and when the waitress came over to check if we needed anything, we just nodded in perfect union, “Mmm, mmm. Lovely thanks.”

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Everything was going so well, but then we made the beginner’s mistake of opting for a second helping!

We all enjoyed a second helping of those irresistible roasties and some more vegetables, but regretted it minutes afterwards when, waistbands straining, we were unable to face a dessert!

And what a treat we’d missed out on! The dessert menu included crème brule of the day, sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla cream, chocolate brownie Eton mess and blueberry cheesecake!

A fresh roasted coffee for me completed the meal, served with fresh chilled cream and mint chocolates.

At £12.95 for two courses and £14.95 for three, it really is terrific value. At Ashfield House you can expect terrific food, an opulent venue and impeccable service. To sum it up with a bit of help from Wallace and Gromit, it was a grand meal out!

Ashfield House Ashfield Park Drive Standish WN6 0EQ 01257 473500 www.ashfieldhousehotel.co.uk

Local Life 21

Perhaps a good way to start your economy drive, is have a look at the evening classes available locally.

Dress-making classes, basic cookery courses and engine maintenance potentially represent a great way to save some hard earned cash.

Ration Fashion is Back

It can’t have escaped your notice that Britain is in a time of austerity. On TV, on the radio and in every newspaper the talk is all about cuts, budget deficits and us all ‘being in this together’. Whether or not we really are all in this together is up for debate, but setting aside the rights and wrongs of our current precarious financial situation, I wondered whether we could learn anything from how our forebears coped with the austerity years during and just after the Second World War.

According to a recent article in the Daily Mail, there has been an increase in sales of brisket and fish paste! It seems we’re forgoing those expensive deli sandwiches in favour of a packed lunch, before we return home to tuck into a cheap and cheerful casserole followed by pud and custard.

Certainly cheaper cuts of meat are more popular at the moment as households try to manage on less income. Veg boxes from local greengrocers are better value than pre-packed supermarket produce. Charity shops and dress agencies may be the beneficiaries of our new state of penury as we rummage through the rails in search of bargains. We’ve had geek chic, now it’s the turn of ration fashion.

Remember, you heard it here first folks!

In the 1940s everyone had to take responsibility for economising, saving and salvaging. There was a lot of state propaganda then too. Perhaps we’ll soon see a government website advising us how to make-do and mend; offering hints about washing, re-using and patching; maybe we’ll even see a celebrity-based page; Jamie Oliver urging us to be creative with potatoes, maybe!

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More Hamper Winners!

Lindsey Dalfen enjoyed a memorable day on 17th December; she celebrated her 50th birthday in style with a trip to Bents Garden Centre and she also collected her prize Local Life hamper! Lindsey, from Parkside Crescent in Orrell, was thrilled with winning the hamper and told Local life that her husband was equally excited at sampling some of the luxury food and beer on offer! Lindsay was accompanied by her daughter Jennifer Haycock as they collected the hamper from Dorothy Craig, the owner of Aubergine Ladies Wear in Pemberton.

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Elsie Bennett from Highmeadow in Up Holland struck lucky when she won a Local Life Christmas hamper, the first competition she’s won since winning a TV twenty-odd years ago. Exbookkeeper Elsie popped up to her local garden centre to collect her prize from David Rigby, co-owner of Pimbo Garden Centre, who kindly sponsored the hamper. David invited Elsie to return in Spring to sample the food at the new cafe at Pimbo Garden Centre, due to open in Spring.

Local Life 23

Potty for Paints

A locally -based art group, the Paint Pots, are seeking new members for their Monday morning session.

The group was started by four mature ex-college students back in 2006 and have successfully exhibited at St Helens Festival for the last 3 years and at Rainford Parish Hall last year.

In September 2010 the group moved from Peter Street to The ACYP Centre in Park Farm in Moss Bank, near Billinge.

The move has given the group better facilities more suited to an art group, plus enough space for to accommodate more members. The group does not have a permanent tutor, instead occasionally inviting a tutor to give some instruction in a medium and a subject of their choosing. The members work in

different media such as watercolour, acrylic, ink and wash, and pastels, and also enjoy the odd trip out, to galleries and to paint outdoors. The cost per 3-hour session is just £3. If you’d like further information, please call Peter Crosbie on 01744 757788 or email paintpotsart@gmail.com.

Goody Two Shoes

Wigan Little Theatre’s latest production, Goody Two Shoes, starts its run next Friday (14th January) at the theatre in Crompton Street in Wigan. The winning formula of slap-stick comedy, romance, music, dancing and a struggle between good and evil makes Goody Two Shoes a wonderful pantomime for all the family! The production is on daily until Saturday 29th January and the evening performances start at 7.30pm, and there are matinee performances at 2.15pm on the 15th and 22nd January (no evening performances on these dates). For tickets, call the box office on 01942 242561.

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26 Local Life

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More Hamper Winners!

Hard work brings its own rewards, as the saying goes, but there’s surely no one more deserving of a Local Life Christmas hamper than Maria Bayliss of Ormskirk Road in Up Holland.

She’s 78 years old, and she’s still working seven days a week, cleaning the David Pluck Bookmakers office on Ormskirk Road in Up Holland. Maria, whose large family were very excited about her hamper win, was delighted to receive her prize from hamper sponsor Chris Alcock, the MD of local accountant CMA.

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Jacqueline Hindley certainly wasn’t gutted at wasting the time she spent looking through Local Life for someone to clean her gutters, she entered the crossword competition instead and won a hamper!

Jacqueline, from Dunscore Road in Marus Bridge, is a nurse in the community, providing care to seriously ill people to enable them to stay in their own homes. Here she is, being presented with her hamper by Damian Doherty, the MD of De Reve, the Billinge-based Kitchen, Bathroom and Stoves provider.

Local Life 27

Explaining osteoporosis

Have you have been out in the icy weather recently and slipped? Hopefully you escaped uninjured and at worst encouraged a giggle from passers-by.

However, for some people a fall on the ice results in a broken bone in their hip, wrist or spine that is the first sign of their osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is very common condition which is caused by our bones losing some of the minerals that they are made of. This makes the bones spongy inside, instead of being more solid like healthy bone.

This spongier bone is of course weaker than healthy bone, which makes it more vulnerable to fractures and breaks from relatively minor trips and falls. This is why you may have heard osteoporosis called ‘brittle bone disease’.

Osteoporosis can affect almost all of us, because unless we take enough exercise to look after our skeletons, they naturally begin to become slightly more spongy and brittle each year simply from lack of use. It is therefore fair to say that being lazy is perhaps the leading cause of osteoporosis, as a lack of physical exercise literally allows our skeletons to waste away (no lazy bones jokes please!).

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, especially if they have had children. Some people who are on certain medications can also be more likely to develop osteoporosis.

Best Foot Forward

In Autumn, we told you about the tale of David Unsworth, the Orreller on a mission to raise money for the Orrell War Memorial fund. Well, on an absolutely atrocious October weekend, 63 year old David tackled the Pier to Pier walk – the 35 miles from Pier Head in Liverpool to Wigan Pier. Altogether he raised the amazing sum of £2,150, and has split this equally between the War Memorial fund and Dr Navqi’s

Heartbeat Appeal

David, who lives in Croft Avenue in Orrell and has been the Chaiman of the YMCA on Winstanley Road for the past 25 years, tackled the walk over two days on what turned out to be one of the wettest weekends of the year! David is pictured handing over the cheque for £1,075 for the Orrell War Memorial to the Fund’s treasurer Marjorie Price, watched by World War 2 veteran Colin Silcock.

If you would like to help raise funds for Orrell’s War Memorial, please contact Marjorie on mgprice.16@ hotmail.co.uk.

Fortunately there are many ways in which you can keep active to prevent osteoporosis and limit its future development. Any activity that has you on your feet several times a week will help to keep your bones strong. You can choose from walking the dog, dancing, tennis, exercise classes, even shopping counts. These activities will also keep your joints, muscles, heart and lungs healthy. Your general practitioner can also advise you on medications for osteoporosis, but you will still also need to keep active. It is always a good idea to check first with a doctor if you haven’t exercised before, or for a while.

Keep active and keep healthy Dr Mike Paull, Chiropractor

Brought to you in association Wigan Family Chiropractic Clinic

28 Local Life

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Local Life 29

First Impressions Count!

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30 Local Life

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Local Life 31

Money & Investment 2011 Time for the Crystal Ball?

Well, it’s that time of year again when people ask me what’s my view on the markets for the year ahead. Having now dragged out my crystal ball and peered Mystic Meg-like into the future my opinion as ever has been shaped by the environment, fund managers and leading city analysts. Given the current turmoil in Ireland and worries about the Club Med nations of Europe, you’d expect them to deliver a rather depressing assessment of the prospects for 2011, both for the economy and our stocks and shares. Not a bit of it. After several months of gloom, the mood in the Square Mile appears to have shifted to one of cautious optimism.

The consensus view, and mine I hasten to add is that the equity market will mirror a subdued but sustained recovery of the wider economy. Underpinning this will be an upturn in corporate earnings, the analysts tell us. A little statistic I picked up from a Citigroup note revealed recently that 90pc of companies either matched or beat the market’s profit targets in the last results cycle. This is a remarkable feat set against a rather mixed economic backdrop. In a previous article

I commented that corporate house keeping and the re-capitalisations that took place in 2008/09 should put companies in good shape as we move from recession to upswing. This I am pleased to report is proving to be the case.

However, it won’t be an entirely pothole free 12 months, according to the heavyweight City bank UBS, which says the ructions on the periphery of Europe threaten to be a de-stabilising element. ‘The investment environment is likely to be punctuated by recurring bouts of sovereign, political, and geopolitical risk-the hallmarks of the new political economy,’ economist Larry Hatheway told clients recently. ‘The timing of such shocks will be hard to predict, but the implications are episodic volatility and occasional market setbacks, hopefully nothing worse.’

According to JP Morgan Cazenove(JPMC), shares continue to offer good value at less than 11 times average earnings which represents a 20% discount

32 Money & Investment brought to you by Prosper Independent Financial Advisers

to the historic values. So while we have seen a 2,000 point recovery in the market since its nadir in March 2009, there is still plenty to shoot for, the report concludes.

Data sources thisismoney.co.uk12th December 2010

UBS and JPMC cite another two further catalysts.

The first is a likely outflow of cash from bonds, partly the result of the hiatus in certain parts of the sovereign debt market and partly because of the stingy returns being paid. That wall of cash has got to go somewhere and some of it may end up invested in equities analysts conclude.

In summary, I feel confident that the markets will continue to offer good value for investors who can take a medium term view. Diversification of investments as well as fund selection remains absolutely key. A number of our new clients had been getting extremely frustrated at the paltry rates of interest that they were earning in their savings accounts and consequently have now taken on an element of risk for potentially better returns.

The second driver relates back to those staggeringly low rates of interest - and how they affect companies raising cash in the debt markets.

Crystal ball now back in the drawer here’s to the continuing recovery and investors reaping the benefits during 2011.

Some economists believe the low cost of borrowing may actually encourage firms to take on more debt, a process UBS refers to as re-leveraging. This in turn will allow companies to pay bumper dividends, restart buybacks and crucially could ignite a round of corporate takeovers, which in turn would force share prices higher.

Please note that past performance is no guarantee to future returns. If you are considering investing in the stock market you should ideally be able to take a medium term view (at least 5 years).It is possible that capital and income may fall as well as rise and investors may receive less than they originally invested. These investments do not include the same security of capital which is afforded with a savings account.

‘Re-leveraging of the nonfinancial corporate sector could prove decisive,’ UBS economist Hatheway said. ‘It is overdue. Solid corporate balance sheets and attractive debt financing incentivise companies to boost return on equity through higher dividends, buybacks, capital investment and acquisitions - all shareholder friendly actions.’

Morgan Stanley’s respected UK equity strategist Graham Secker expects the FTSE 100 to rise 12% in 2011 to 6,400 - taking it within a whisker of its pre-credit crunch high. That is what he calls his base case. His most bullish scenario sees the FTSE 100 ending next year at an all time high of 7,000. However for this to happen there can be not a sign of a wobble from Europe’s other sick men - Portugal, Spain and Italy. It also relies on America’s quantitative easing programme having the desired beneficial effect and requires inflation to remain subdued on both sides of the Atlantic.

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Visit us online at www.prosper-ifa.co.uk 33

Aiming High in Up Holland

Thanks to Aiming High for Disabled Children funding, young people from all across Lancashire with disabilities are invited to take part in a range of free music making activities right across the county.

A company called More Music have recently been awarded further funding from Lancashire County Council to run a programme of positive activities for young people with disabilities and they are running sessions at Up Holland Library in Hall Green.

The sessions will run on Saturdays and in school holidays. Sessions are free, but registration is essential. The Saturday sessions start next weekend(15th January) and continue on 29th January, 12th February, and the 5th and 19th March.

There are also two sessions at half term – on Tuesday 22nd February and Friday 25th February. Sessions at Up Holland run from 10am until 12 noon.

Young people can attend as many or as few sessions as they like. Log onto More Music’s website for more details www.moremusic.org.uk. Workshops will be delivered by a wide variety of artists who deliver lively and fun percussion. For more information or to book a place contact Alex Zawadzki or Darren Leadsom on 01524 831997 or email kkalokoh@moremusic.org.uk If you work with a community group or charity and you want some FREE publicity in Local Life, e-mail details to editorial@locallife247.co.uk

34 Local Life

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Haigh Events - Wine Tasting

Do you know your Sancerre from your Pouilly Fume? Me neither, but here’s a chance to find out what exactly constitutes a ‘fine’ wine. Haigh Hall are hosting a gourmet wine tasting evening on Friday 21st January. You can sample the delicious menu and find out how to select the perfect wine accompaniment to any meal. The price of £28.95 includes a reception drink and a five course meal amidst the grandeur of Haigh Hall. Booking is essential; please call 01942 832895 for details.

Resolution Ramble

If you want to work off that excess timber you put on over the festive season, then make your way to Haigh Hall on Sunday 23rd January where a two hour Resolution Ramble is taking place in the plantations around the hall. You’ll need stout footwear and warm clothing, along with waterproofs. This walk is suitable for all those over 8 years old. To book your place, call 01942 832895.

For further details on forthcoming events at Haigh Hall please visit www.wlct.org/whatson.

“Fantastic” - Time Out “Pure Comic Gold” - L.E.P

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Monaco Ballroom, Hind

25th February Doors open 7.00pm, Starts 8.00pm Tickets £18 from Wigan TIC (No concessions)

Tel 01942 825 www.locallife247.co.uk

67 7

Local Life 35

Over 75’s Party

Orrell and Billinge Network threw a wonderful Christmas Party for fifty of the area’s over 75 year olds in December at St Luke’s Church in Lodge Road in Orrell. After weeks of dedicated preparation by a group of Network volunteers, the day went off without a hitch, the Christmas dinner was especially good and a lovely time was had by all.

The Network secured funding for the party from Wigan Council to help top up existing funds, and would like to thank them, along with Alan and Sheila Pearson of Village News in Orrell who donated 50 boxes of chocolates, and local family cleaning company, Maid 2 Clean who donated all the wine for the tables.

36 Local Life

Raffle prizes were donated by the following people/ companies and the Network would like to thank them also; Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Greenthumb, Banks of Orrell, The Grapes Chippy, Church Street PO, Orrell Co-op, Billinge Garden Centre, Beyond Beauty, Orrell Laundry, Alexandra McMillan, Local Life, Phyllis Birch, Colin Silcock, John Walls, Dorothy Walls, Mary Forrester, Cllrs Clayton, Winstanley and Arrowsmith, Ruth Coulton, Bob Downham, Ed Farrimond, Marjorie Price, Kathleen Lord and Janet Wilkinson At the end of an enthusiastic sing-song, a special visitor entered the building. It might have looked like Santa, but in fact it was World War 2 veteran Colin Silcock, who is in his 80’s, who had donned a Santa costume and proceeded to entertain all with his sprightly Santa impersonation! Here’s a picture of Colin strutting his stuff!

The next meeting of the Orrell & Billinge Network is 12th January at Holgate School – 7pm Start.

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Rat Pack

Fun all the way as the ‘Purveyors of Cool’ come to Manchester’s Palace Theatre on Friday 28th January with a sensational show. Wonderful memories of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Junior in a fabulous production that continues to be successful all over the world. It’s totally live and every song is an absolute classic - Come Fly With Me, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Lady is A Tramp, Mack The Knife and many more.

The BBC summed up this show in just one word Magnificent! If you’re not convinced – visit the website www.ratpack.biz. Tickets are between £16- £20. To reserve your seats, please call the box office on 0161 245 6600 or go online at www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.

Lancky Night

If you like local heritage, you’ll love ‘A Lancashire Garland’ at the Museum of Wigan Life on Thursday 27th January. Hosted by Sid Calderbank, a Lancashire dialect performer, and consisting of a history of Lancashire in songs and poems. The performance runs from 6.30pm to 7.45pm and light refreshments will be included. Booking is recommended; call 01942 828128 to book and for further information.

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Local Life 37

Your Best Shot

Winter Scene in Water Park – Anna Labrana

Up Holland Parish Church – Jeffery Webb

Looking over Billinge – Clive Taylor

Tree in Billinge Woods - Clive Pitts

Give us Your Best Shot – email your high resolution JPEG as a separate attachment to editorial@locallife247.co.uk 38 Local Life

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Local Life 39

Away from the Crowds

You’re tired of the crowds and that feeling of that mass tourism. This year you’re looking for something different you won’t have to travel half way round the world for?

Welcome to the island of Sardinia, the Mediterranean’s best kept secret.

Sardinia has inherited and adapted many of the fantastic qualities of Italy; a fascinating historic background and ancient sites, mouth-watering cuisine and a lively and festive culture that makes Sardinians friendly and welcoming people. It is difficult not to feel relaxed by the unhurried and tranquil pace of life, which must be the secret ingredient to why there are so many centurions in the Sardinian population.

The A-list elite have been in on it for years, migrating to the northern region of Costa Smeralda (The Emerald Coast – and it’s called that for a reason) for their summer breaks.

And the jury is out; Sardinia indisputably boasts the most beautiful, unspoilt beaches in all of the Mediterranean. All in all, it is an island of beauty; still untouched and protected by mass tourism, boasting a range of long stretches of white sand and stunning secret coves, a rugged and mountainous scenic interior and emerald, transparent seas.

Sardinia is blessed with having a long, hot summer from May to October with temperatures reaching 38 C in July and August, well deserving of its description as the Caribbean of Europe. And with only being 2 hours and 20 minutes away, how could the deal get any better?

You are guaranteed to experience sights of exceptional natural beauty in all regions of this huge island and explorers really are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what sights they want to experience; whether is it Costa Rei, Villasimius or Baia Sardinia, you can choose to hire a car and roam the coastline and towns or centre yourself in one of the many great standard, established resorts that we feature, which were built very close to the beach before the new preservation laws came in.

There’s the Chia Laguna Resort, based in the south west region of Baia Chia in amongst a rugged expanse of sand dunes with magnificent sights of the idyllic bay. Alternatively, the 4* Hotel Flamingo is located in Santa Margherita di Pula, with its varied coastal landscapes and long stretchy of white sandy beach. Both are brilliant for couples and have facilities for families alike.

40 Local Life

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And for those looking for a adventure, why not consider doing some island-hopping to discover the little gems of San Pietro, where the 4* Hotel Riviera Carloforte resides or the newly built 4* Canai Resort & Spa on the lovely island of Sant’Antioco; both of these properties are ideal for couples wanting to get away from it all.

There is so much happening in Sardinia, there is something for everyone. But you don’t have to take our word on it, experience it first hand!

Sardatur Holidays is the UK’s leading specialist tour operator for Sardinia and in collaboration with Marken Travel have put together some brilliant offers for Local Life readers. For more details contact Marken Travel on 01744 893291

4* Hotel Riviera Carloforte 7 nights B&B accommodation Starting from £542-798 per person Special offers include 20% early booking discount

The Chia Laguna Resort 7 nights H/B 4* accommodation in a classic family cottage Family total price (2+2) from £3816-£5777 Special offers include 25% early booking discount and kids stay FREE

4* Hotel Flamingo 7 nights F/B accommodation Starting from £771-998 per person Family total price (2+2) from £2549-£3416 Special offers include free upgrade to full-board and 15% early booking discount

4* Canai Resort & Spa 7 nights B&B accommodation Starting from £476-£858 per person Special offers include 35% early booking discount

All prices include return flights on our British Airways charter from Manchester to Cagliari and all local transfers.

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Local Life 41

was sponsored by Caroline Streetbased furniture specialist, Express Furniture, which is run by Up Holland couple Lee and Liz Havern. Here’s Adele pictured receiving her hamper from Lee Havern.

More Hamper Winners!

You’d be amazed where we receive competition entries from – Romford, York, Liverpool and many other places. We’re always on edge when the draw is made; we get lost going to the other side of Wigan, let alone anywhere else! Fortunately, the only entry drawn from outside our distribution area went to Adele Winterbottom from Swinley. Adele’s hamper

We battled through the snow over to Winstanley to make our very last Christmas Hamper presentation, this one to Susan McGreavey of Tanhouse Drive. Susan was ecstatic at winning the prize hamper and told us that her family were all coming round later to see what was in it! The sponsor of the hamper was our very own Angie Barker, the garden designer who writes a column for us, but Angie couldn’t make it so Orrell Councillor Richard Clayton stepped up in her place.

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Local Life 43

Words 2011

Wigan and Leigh’s annual literature festival will go ahead next year following a £30,000 funding boost from Arts Council England. Organisers have already confirmed feminist author, journalist and scholar, Germaine Greer will headline the April event. Words 2011 co-ordinator, Gillian Forrester said she was “delighted” with the funding announcement which comes amid national government cuts to arts organisations.

Gillian said: “The Arts Council has shown a tremendous amount of support for Wigan’s Literature Festival and we are extremely grateful. “This is good news for the volunteers who manage the festival and all the partners we work with, especially Wigan Leisure Culture Trust, who give us invaluable support.

“The plans for next year include a visit by Germaine Greer but we will also be providing work and opportunities to local writers and artists and it gives us the chance to support local groups too.

Literature will feature a panel style discussion from some of the game’s great commentators including Ray French, Independent journalist Dave Hadfield, award winning rugby league historian Tony Collins and rugby league author Tony Hannan.

Words 2011 will blend local and national literary luminaries, provide workshops in scriptwriting and under fives storytelling sessions for an eclectic mix of literary opportunities. Events will take place across Wigan and Leigh starting on Monday April 25.

Alison Boyle, Literature Relationship Manager, Arts Council England said: “Grants for the arts is Arts Council England’s open application funding programme. It invests National Lottery money in the highest quality arts activity and supports innovative and exciting activities that engage people in the arts.

“We have awarded £30,000 from this scheme to support Words 2011 in recognition of the project’s valuable contribution to Wigan’s local cultural programme.

The final details for the two week programme of events are still being finalised but will include a session dedicated to rugby league. In League with

44 Local Life

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Midnight Leagues are Back

Wigan’s Community Football Leagues (formerly the Midnight Leagues) kick off again this Friday (January 14th ) at Robin Park. These 5 a side leagues, which are run by qualified coaches from Wigan Sports Development, are in three sections; Under 14’s, Under 16’s and Under 19’s, and the matches are played between 8pm-9.30pm.

The scheme runs for nine weeks and all matches are refereed by official Lancashire FA referees. To download an application form, visit www.wlct.org or call the Sports Development team on 01942 404956.

Feel the Heat!

Park. This Northern Salsa All-Dayer will consist of workshops (suitable for all levels) from 10am-5pm, and then a sizzling salsa party night from 8pm to 3am. The date to mark in your diary is Saturday 12th February. More information is available from www. salsafeeltheheat.com or call 07715 853975. For those with excess energy, there’s even a pre-event salsa night at the Bellingham Hotel on Wigan Lane being held the night before the event(Friday 11th February).

Call the number above for more details.

Family History

If family history is your thing for 2011, then there a group of people out there who can help you get started. The Wigan Family and History Society meet in the Bowling Green Hotel on Wigan Lane (opposite Swinley Social Club) on the 3rd Monday of every month at 8pm. Everyone is wlcome and the charge is just £2. For more details, call Tony Haslam on 01942 201571 or email anthoy_haslam@sky.com.

For the 5th consecutive year, the Feel the Heat Salsa team returns to Wigan for an all day event at Robin

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Local Life 45

Our resident gardening expert Angie Barker, provides us with some more gardening hints, tips and seasonal selections.

Create an extra room … outside !

I don’t know about you but I find January hard work.

For example having to take back the Christmas presents Hubby bought me because they are the wrong size. You would think after 23 years of marriage he would know I am a size 12 instead of buying me Bridget Jones’s knickers - or is he trying to tell me something! Trying to stick to New Year resolutions and the realisation that the next Bank holiday is months away can also be a little disheartening.

The best tonic I find is to have something to look forward to and because my garden is now fairly established (even though it is only 5 years old) I think about small projects I can undertake to improve the garden and new planting combinations - this in turn makes me think of the warmer days of spring and summer and that really cheers me up.

room.

Does your garden have practical and useable spaces for dining outside, sunbathing, entertaining, children’s play?

And if you decide you do need a complete makeover, please don’t think you need to wait until Spring to do something about it. Now is the time for planning, come spring all good landscapers will already be booked up for months ahead. So banish the winter blues and assess your outside space now, because before you know it Spring will be here!

Is it overlooked and lacking privacy?

Author: Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons)

Does the planting provide interest all year round?

Author: Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) Garden Design For All Seasons Tel: 01942 522 405 Mob: 07857 008 383 www.angiebarker.co.uk

Whether your own space needs some tweaking or a complete makeover, consider the following:

Do you find your garden boring and so you tend not to use it?

Make the garden look good and this will invite you outside, during all seasons and not just on a hot, sunny day, after all we see precious little of those!

People seem to be good at maximising the space in their homes but often overlook the garden which has the potential to become another room - an outdoor 46 Local Gardening Life

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Local Gardening Life 47

JAZZ CITY Once again Honda sets new standards for radical innovation while retaining the virtues of a small car. Urban transport doesn’t come much more hitech than this. Jonathan Crouch reports Honda’s five-door Fiesta-sized Jazz blows the technological trumpet loud and proud with this clever version that introduces hybrid petrol/electric propulsion to ensure tax busting low-emissions and miserly fuel consumption. All in a car that is highly manoeuvrable, handsomely put together, and which carries a badge with an enviable reputation for reliability.

and drive as a regular petrol or diesel vehicle and gets the best of all worlds. In town at slow speeds, the car is powered by the 14bhp electric motor and as speed picks up, propulsion transfers to the 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine.

The nickel hydride power pack and the control unit are

This really is a significant move for Honda in a car so compact and one that rival manufacturers will no doubt be watching with keen interest. The Jazz Hybrid, with its petrol engine and its electric motor, is the first small Fiesta-sized supermini in the world to be fitted with this technology. Yet it does so without compromise. This is simply a very good supermini, which happens to have two forms of propulsion.

The Jazz hybrid uses the same highly efficient and compact package that is Honda’s proven 1.3-litre iVTEC engine mated to the electric motor that delivers electric powered, emissions-free and almost totally quiet inner city and low speed motoring. The benefit is a road tax bill of precisely £0 for the first year of ownership and then just £20 a year.

Unlike cars that are all battery and which take hours to recharge, the Jazz Hybrid is as simple to own, run 48 Local Life

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stashed away having been built into the area under the floor of the boot so that there is no loss of boot space. This is a compromise some hybrid vehicles are forced to make and poor packaging can often mean a lack of storage. But the Jazz Hybrid retains its 300 litres of boot space which grows to 831 litres once the seats have been folded, just as in the non-hybrid version.

Whilst the Hybrid is very different under the skin, its looks are familiar and comfortably recognisable. Minor changes are limited to revised headlights that now get a blue surround, some added chrome as a flourish for the tailgate, slight modifications to the bumpers, as well as clear rear lights and a smarter front grille. Oh, and if you have the stomach for it, you could always opt for the Lime Green Metallic special Hybrid paint job offered alongside the more sober existing Jazz range of colours .

You’re looking at a premium of course on ordinary Jazz models, but the extra to buy yourself into a Jazz Hybrid shouldn’t be too onerous. Standard equipment includes a CD stereo with MP3 compatibility and speed-dependant volume control and all the usual niceties. Options for the discerning Jazz Hybrid driver include a range of alloy wheels and a solid state drive navigation system, along with hands-free Bluetooth compatibility and the latest in entertainment technology.

rankings, high residuals mean you’ll get much of your up-front purchase price back when the time comes to sell.

For those considering the Jazz Hybrid, but cautious about adopting hybrid technology, it’s worth noting that this particular petrol/electric set-up has been well proven in the Honda Insight and CR-Z hybrids.

The Japanese brand first started working on this technology some 20 years ago. Their hybrids have been on sale for a decade and more than 500,000 have been sold around the world. So while this technology is new to the supermini sector, it’s truly tried and tested.

Overall, it’s best to think of this model not so much as a hybrid, but as a regular car that happens to offer ingenious packaging and versatility, plus renowned engineering and build, but which also happens to have a battery and a small electric motor buried away somewhere on board as well. A neat solution to urban motoring that’s very much of our times.

On the road prices for the Honda Jazz Hybrid range from an estimated £15,500-£16,500. Your nearest Honda dealers are Gordons Honda at Martland Park, near the JJB Soccerdome in Wigan (Tel: 01942 219200) and Lookers Honda in Guardian Street in Warrington (Tel: 01925 231231).

Though this Jazz isn’t inexpensive for a supermini, driving a car that is road tax-free for the first year and only £20 a year thereafter is a bonus. Fuel consumption that averages around 64mpg is not to be sniffed at either. And, thanks to the fact that the Honda marque consistently rates as among the most dependable with their cars inevitably towards the top of any reliability www.locallife247.co.uk

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