I67 Wigan West

Your local magazine

September 2011

Orrell in Bloom winners!

See page 62

Wigan Edition

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Local Life

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2 Sefton Road, Orrell. WN5 8UP

Call - 01695 632123

www.borronshaw.co.uk

Moss Road, Billinge

Detached three bedroomed house in the much sought after area of Moss Road in Billinge. The house comprises of integral garage, front porch, two reception rooms, extended kitchen, lean-to utility room, bathroom and three bedrooms. The front garden leads to a mature side garden with shrubs and trees and finally settling on a large rear garden that is paved with accomplished shrubbery. The property is an ideal opportunity for the discerning buyer looking to renovate a traditional property. Viewing of this property is recommended to realise its full potential. No chain involved.

Offers in the region of £275,000 Westgate Drive, Orrell

Borron Shaw offers for sale a three bedroomed semi detached home situated in a quiet cul-de-sac less than 5 minutes walk to the village of Orrell. The property comprises an entrance porch, hallway, lounge / dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom and a single garage. This lovely family home benefits from gas central heating and double glazing. Externally there are gardens to the front and rear. No chain involved.

Offers in the region of £160,000 Gathurst Road, Orrell

Now for sale at a new price, this property is an immaculate traditional three bedroomed semi detached home. The property comprises of an entrance hallway, lounge with archway to dining room, modern fitted kitchen, three good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. The front garden has a driveway leading to a detached garage and at the rear of the property is a large, well maintained private garden. The property benefits from gas central heating and UPVC double glazing throughout.

Offers in the region of £155,000

Longshaw Common, Billinge

Charming stone two bedroomed terraced cottage for sale in the village of Longshaw. The property comprises lounge/dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. The property benefits from gas central heating, UPVC double glazing and is situated in a semi-rural area in Billinge. Off road parking is available at the rear of the property. This is an ideal property for the first time buyer. No chain involved.

Offers in the region of £130,000 www.locallife247.co.uk

Local Life

What a Washout!

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd P.O. Box 631 Wigan WN1 9HF Contacts: Tel: 01695 627999 advertising@locallife247.co.uk editorial@locallife247.co.uk The October edition of Local Life will be published on Thursday 29th September. The copy deadline for this issue is Thursday 15th September.

Local Life is published every month.

Distribution areas will alternate each month between two separate edition areas; This edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland, Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton.

The alternate edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Standish, Whitley, Shevington, Appley Bridge, Parbold, Wrightington and Newburgh.

You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life on or around the first weekend of the month, at Tesco Extra in Wigan or at Sainsbury’s in Marus Bridge. Or you can check out our online publication at www. locallife247.co.uk.

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.

No part of this publication, including pictures, may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

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

Local Life

There’s a rule in publishing – never write about the weather, because by the time the magazine appears, it’ll have changed! However, as it’s been raining now for what seems like 40 days, I think it’s a fair bet to say that this summer has been a complete wash out! Is it just me or is it like this every July and August? Keep your fingers crossed for an Indian summer!

At least the rain did us all a favour by deterring the greedy idiots involved in the recent riots. The only silver lining to those disgraceful disturbances was seeing how well the affected communities quickly mobilised themselves to respond positively to the attacks. It just goes to show that a sense of community isn’t something to be taken for granted; it’s something that needs to be nurtured. Busy as though we all are, we’ve all got a role to play in making our communities a safer and happier place for everyone who lives here.

Our big news is that we’re going to be publishing Local Life every month from now on, as we’ve opened up a new territory covering Standish, Shevington, Appley Bridge, Parbold and surrounding areas. However, Local Life will be distributed to each territory on an alternate monthly basis, so if you want a copy on the month when it isn’t delivered to you, you’ll need to take a trip out to Tesco Extra or Sainsburys on the 1st weekend of the month, or you can read it online at www.locallife247. co.uk.

Finally, we depend entirely on our wonderful advertisers to bring this magazine to you. So if you do enjoy Local Life, then please support those who support your local magazine!

See you next time!

Chris Pearce - Publisher chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

In this issue Ride for Ric FREE tea or coffee at Pimbo!

Half price Valet offer!

St James Move Orrell Roofline offer!

50% Off Perfect Fit Blinds Money and Investment Top Tax Tips from CMA Jack’s Tracks to Carr Mill Love your Pets!

What’s On Kids Stuff Angie’s Garden Diary Orrell in Bloom winners Win a family ticket to Martin Mere!

Motoring Section Home Services Useful Numbers

14 21 30 34 36 37 42 45 50 54 56 59 60 62 66 68 72 78 www.locallife247.co.uk

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Local Life

Guild Coffee Morning

The Orrell & District Townswomen’s Guild are holding a Charity Coffee Morning in aid of the North West Air Ambulance on Thursday September 8th 2011 at the church hall at St Luke’s in Lodge Road, Orrell. The Charity Coffee Morning runs from 10.30am -12.30pm and admission is £1 a ticket, which includes tea/coffee and cake. The Air Ambulance will be represented and there will be a Cake stall, Tombola, Brica-Brac, Book stall etc. There will also be a raffle with lots of prizes including a hamper.

Bargains Galore!

The popular Saturday Market is back at the Up Holland Methodist Church on Alma Hill in Up Holland!

The date is Saturday 11th September; the time is 10am-12.30pm; and there’s a lot to see and buy!

Take your pick from lots of stalls selling cakes, pies, household goods, clothes, books, furniture and groceries, or simply pop along for an early lunch. If anyone has any donations for the market, please call Bernard on 01695 632430 or Peter on 01695 633467.

The two helicopters of the North West Air Ambulance Charity operate from airport bases in Blackpool and Manchester, offering a vital service 365 days a year to the people of the North West. It costs almost £4 million a year to operate the service, and the charity relies, almost totally, on donations. Please come along on the 8th September and give this charity your support!

Chiropody/Podiatry Physiotherapy Sports Massage Acupuncture Occupational Therapy Aids & Adaptations Flexible appointments Home visits available 18 Broad O’th Lane, Shevington. WN6 8EA

Now Open!

Local Life

Call - 01257 368685 www.physioandfootsurgery.co.uk

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70

%

UP TO

bespoke fused glass design

morpheus glass

OFF

Open Studio Weekend Sale Saturday 3 rd & Sunday 4 th September

There will be a wide range of pieces on show and many items will have up to 70% off plus all orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off the normal RRP. All our work is handmade by glass designer Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be made to order to suit any space including splashbacks. So come and join us on the 3rd and 4th September open from 10 - 4 both days.

Unit 11, Hewitt Business Park Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 7XB t/f 01695 624182 w www.morpheusglass.co.uk e info@morpheusglass.co.uk splashbacks | panels | coasters | jewellery | hangings | sculptures | bowls www.locallife247.co.uk

Local Life

Macmillan Fundraiser

Three local ladies are holding their annual fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support at the end of September and tickets are on sale now! The event takes place at St James Social Club on St James Road in Orrell on Friday 30th September, with a 7.15pm start, and the entertainment includes performances by Old Hall Community Brass Band, Chris Woolfenden’s Dance School and the Plasticine Drama Group.

There will also be a popular home grown vegetable stall, a stall selling home made cakes, and many other stalls. Edith Berry and Anne Hurst from Orrell, together with friend Kath McGuire from Skelmersdale, have been holding the popular fundraiser for a number of years, raising thousands for Macmillan each time. Tickets are priced at £5 each and are limited, so please call them now to reserve yours.

The contact numbers are; Kath 01695 721038, Edith 01695 623686 or Anne 01942 515409

you need Dorothy! The keep fit class, ‘Keep Fit with Dorothy’, starts again on Thursday September 8th at the church hall at St Luke’s in Lodge Road, Orrell.

This friendly group promises all newcomers a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere (apart from the frenetic bits obviously!). The session runs from 8-9.30pm every Thursday, and all profits from the sessions go to the upkeep of St Luke’s Church. Last year, the group sessions raised a fabulous £909 for the church!

Rambling On

Parbold Ramblers are looking for new members to join this friendly and sociable society. The group meets on the first Sunday of the month at the shops on The Common in Parbold, and car-share to various distant pastures for a day’s walk. Annual membership is £15 and a one off trial membership is just £1.25.

For further details and a list of forthcoming walks call Jimmy on 01257 463057 or Liz on 01257 462121.

Shape Up!

If you’ve overdone it on holiday this year and your waistbands are feeling a bit on the tight side, then

Local Life

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Good Egg

The annual convention of The Eggcrafters Guild of Great Britain takes place on Sunday 11th September at Shevington High School in Shevington from 10.30am to 4pm. The convention, which is hosted by the Orrell Eggcrafters, consists of fantastic displays of eggs competing for attention and there will be demonstrations throughout the day too. There will be specialist traders in attendance and delicious home-made refreshments will be provided by the Orrell Eggcrafters.

Admission to the convention is £3.50 for non members and children go free.

The Orrell Eggcrafters hold Eggcraft workshops for beginners at the Salem United Reformed Church in Orrell throughout the year – if you’d like to find out more about the Orrell Eggcrafters, please call Wendy on 01942 216552.

sold out at the St. Mary’s venue last year, will again be singing her own style of music ranging from Irish to Country to Gospel. Tickets are priced at £11. For further details or to obtain tickets for the show call 01695 625260 or 07886 508334. You can also visit her website for Ann’s UK tour dates for 2011 at www. annbreen.com.

Free Singing Course!

If you’re a bloke who thinks he can hold a tune pretty well, then the Piertown Chorus would like to hear from you! This barber-shop style singing group is hosting a six week singing course for men only, which is completely free of charge, at The Swinley in Coppull Lane in Wigan. The course starts on Wednesday 7th September and all learning material is provided too!

For further details check out the advertisement on this page, and give David Wall a call on 01942 515953 or 07855 583328.

Cradle Days

Ann Breen, singer of the chart topping ‘Pal Of My Cradle Days’, returns to St. Mary’s Social Club in Billinge in October as part of her UK tour. Ann, who

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Local Life

Return Post?

The volunteers of the Orrell and Billinge Community Network hit a setback recently when the group were faced with finding over £2,000 a year to cover the rent at The Post facility based at the former Orrell Library. The Network, who have been in discussions with officials from Wigan Council and WLCT about using part of the old library site as a community facility, were taken aback when the ‘peppercorn’ rent allegedly promised to the Network by Wigan Council transpired to be £2,600 per year, the equivalent of £50 a week.

A Freedom of Information request by Local Life reveals that the rent demanded by Wigan Council for a small section of the old Orrell Library building contrasts hugely with the Council’s recent agreement with Winstanley Warriors.

The junior football club, which has attracted controversy in the Winstanley community due to their close links with local Labour Councillors, will pay Wigan Council just £420 a year for the lease of

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Local Life

Anthorn Road Community Centre and the adjoining land. The Council have also agreed to reduce the rent for the Winstanley facility for 12 months (or until the clubhouse is refurbished, whichever comes soonest) to £210 a year, the equivalent of just over £4 a week.

When Dorothy Walls, the Chair of the Orrell and Billinge Community Network heard the news she borrowed a quote from George Orwell’s Animal Farm – “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”, Dorothy added the view that she thought Wigan Council’s idea of a peppercorn rent only appears to apply to certain pet projects.

The sub-committee tasked with organising the launch of The Post have put their plans for the facility ‘on hold’ whilst members of the Network are given an opportunity at their next meeting to discuss whether or not to commit the necessary funding to the facility.

The Post was initially expected to be self financing, with over 25 volunteers helping to run activities and accommodate community groups, and organisers hoped to be able to supply a stock of second hand books for sale to supplement an outreach library service. However, as the space allocated to the Network is restricted, the opportunities for community activities at The Post are very limited.

The issue will be discussed at the next meeting of the Orrell and Billinge Community Network which will take place at Holgate School at 7pm on Wednesday 14th September. All residents of Orrell and Billinge are welcome to attend.

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Lisa lost 4 dress sizes at her Wigan class

ASHTON IN MAKERFIELD

HIGHFIELD

Byrchall High School,

Classes Restart 13/09 or 20/09 -

Warrington Road, WN4 9RQ

Please Ring For Confirmation!

Monday 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Highfield St Matthew’s Primary School, Billinge Road, WN3 6BL

GARSWOOD

Tuesday 5:45 - 7:15 pm

NEW CLASSES Start 08/09/11

Tuesday 7:15 - 8:30 pm** (Slim & Zumba®)

Rectory CE Primary School, Rectory Road, WN4 0QF

WINSTANLEY

Thursday 5:45 - 7:15 pm

St Aiden’s Social Club,

Thursday 7:15 - 8:30 pm** (Slim & Zumba®)

Highfield Grange Ave, WN3 6TB

Places must be reserved.

Exercise only option available at £4 per class. **15 minute express weigh-in

Call Chris on 01942 824557 email: christine.whistlecroft@ rosemaryconley.com ZUMBA®, ZUMBA FITNESS®; and the Zumba Fitness Logo are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used with permission.

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Monday 09:30 - 11:00 am

Classes are also in Wigan, Whelley, Hindley & Hindley Green!

Ref: WIGLL

OFFER

Free Membership and Diet Pack* worth £35. *New members only. Valid until 30/09/11.

Class Fee £5.80. Bring voucher to claim offer.

Local Life 11

run4alife

If you’ve overdosed on the pies or the paella this summer and you want to get back into shape then why not consider training for Wigan Rotary Club’s run4alife, which is being held at Haigh Country Park on Sunday 25th September. If you can get sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues, you could add to the amazing £60,000 that the Rotary have already raised towards eradicating testicular and prostate cancer.

This year is the seventh consecutive year that the run has been held, and Wigan Rotary Club have introduced a 10k run to the programme. This 10km run starts at 9.30am and is for runners of a more serious nature; the usual family event where you can run, jog or walk starts as usual at 12 noon. The register on either run, please visit the website www. run4alife.com.

The show will be held once again at St. James’ Social Club on St James Road in Orrell, on Friday October 14th, starting at 7.30pm. There will be raffles for prizes donated from local people and businesses, and you can bop till you drop to the great sounds of the 60’s.

The last event was a sellout, and numbers are again limited this year, so please call Pauline now on 01695 623427 to reserve your £10 ticket.

If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@ locallife247.co.uk.

Beat Extravaganza

Following the success of the last Beat Extravaganza at St. James’s Club which raised more than £3000 for Dr. Naqvi’s Heart Appeal and Macmillan Cancer Support, Pauline Lloyd is organising a second event Beat Extravaganza 2 to again raise funds to the same two deserving causes.

Local artists who have agreed to donate their time are; Andie Dee; Parky & Ronnie, and the Redundant Rockers, and the show will be compered by Kev Austin.

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Volunteers Required

What have Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles, Simon Rix (Kaiser Chief’s bassist), actor Phillip Glennister (Gene Hunt in Life on Mars) and Phillip Schofield got in common? They all spent the first part of their careers working in hospital radio!

Hospital Radio Wrightington, which broadcasts daily to Wrightington Hospital and to Wigan Infirmary, are looking for volunteers to help in their efforts to brighten up the day of hundreds of sick Wiganers. If you don’t fancy taking the mike for a session in the studio, then maybe you’ll fancy emulating sports commentators such as John Motson

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by helping to bring reports on Latics or Warriors matches direct to people’s bedsides?

And if talking into a microphone really isn’t your cup of tea, there are lots of other ways to help, such as visiting the wards, helping out in the studio and fundraising to support the organisation, which celebrates 40 years on the air next year. If you’re interested in helping out, then call the station on 01257 252435 in the evenings or 01942 703491, or email hospitalradiowrightington@yahoo.co.uk

Black Tie

An autumn ball in aid of the Christie in Manchester is being held at the DW Stadium on Friday 7th October.

Tickets are £35 each, which includes a sit down meal in the DWSF Lounge, and the event is strictly black tie. For further information, please call Amanda on 01942 209405.

Local Life 13

Wheels of Friendship

By Nicola Gray

Lasting friendship will see you through the toughest of times and a group of five friends, all originally from Winstanley, have saddled up to prove just how true that can be. Stuart Angus, Mike Hibbert, Mark Prescott, Neil Mitchell and Chris Dale navigated their way around the country’s Premier League stadiums in a 520 mile, six day charity bike ride in honour of their friend, the late Ric Coggins.

Ric, who lived in Standish, passed away in May, just twelve months after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and his closest friends found their own unique way of paying tribute to him. The fab five made it their mission to complete a mighty bike ride visiting all the English Premier League football grounds on the way. The cycle-athon, as the ride was affectionately known, started at St James Park in Newcastle on Saturday 13th August and finished six days later at Wembley Stadium on Friday 19th August.

The bike ride was one of Ric’s dreams, to help raise much needed funds for the two charities that helped him most in his hour of need; Wigan and Leigh Hospice and the Lynn Faulds-Wood Bowel Cancer Campaign. Stuart Angus told Local Life, “This journey

Pictured outside the DW Stadium in Wigan are Stuart Angus, Chloe Angus, Mike Hibbert, Carrie Coggins, Corey Coggins, Mark Prescott, Tom Prescott, Neil Mitchell and Kev Bellion.

was in aid of our dear friend Ric and no matter how tired we got, windswept and rained on, we wanted to make this a real success”. Stuart went on to pay tribute to the back-up crew, Kev Bellion and Dave Styles, who drove the support vehicle during the ride.

This group of friends have formed an unbreakable bond over the last couple of decades; some shared their primary school years together, others met at college and some worked at the Haydock Thistle.

When asked about their memories of Ric a smile crept across their faces and it was clear to see what an impact he had on all their lives and how much their 20 year friendship meant. I was reliably informed that most of their memories weren’t suitable to print in a community magazine like Local Life!

Ric left behind his wife Carrie and two year old son Corey, who were there to greet the group when they reached the DW Stadium at the end of Day 3 of the ride. Carrie said, “The boys have been so fantastic, a great support to us and this ride is in aid of a really great cause.” Stuart added, “We hope to raise £10,000 and we are off to a great start, having raised £7,500 already!”

Rider Neil Mitchell sounded a warning for those who suspect they may have cancer, “The main thing we want to emphasis is that early diagnosis is the key to survival, if you think that something is wrong, go and have it checked out.”

Ric, Carrie and Corey Coggins

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Local Life

If you would like to support Ric and Carrie’s nominated charities, please visit the sponsor page on Ric’s website www.riccoggins.co.uk. www.locallife247.co.uk

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Local Life 15

Carnival Time!

day has been set up by the Association in partnership with Westfield Children’s Centre and F.A.C.E.S (parents Forum). The aim of the day is to provide activities, information, advice and new opportunities for families local to Pemberton. Come along and join in the fun!

Pemberton’s first Family Carnival takes place between 11am-3pm on Saturday 10th September at the Masonic Hall on Chapel Street in Pemberton, and promises to be a great afternoon out for the family. Attractions include climbing, archery, a high ropes course, various stalls, an art gallery and there will also be lots of prizes to be won at tombola. Admission is free, but each attraction will have a small charge.

Guys and Dolls

All proceeds will go to support Pemberton’s Christmas activities. Each Christmas, the Pemberton Community Association host a children’s Christmas party, they pack and deliver Christmas hampers to the community’s older residents and they organise a Christmas lights display in Pemberton. The carnival

Wigan Musical Theatre Group stage their production of Broadway musical Guys and Dolls at St Michael’s Parish Hall in Shaw St, Swinley from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th October. The curtain goes up each night at 7.30pm. Ticket prices are £7 for adults and the concessionary price is £6. For tickets and further information, please call the ticket secretary on 01942 204461.

If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247.co.uk.

Terms and conditions apply, see in store for details

HEPWORTH & HALL opticians 806 Ormskirk Road Pemberton WN5 8AX

01942 225301

73 Ormskirk Road Newtown

01942 323162

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Local Life

also available at

55 Mesnes Road Swinley

01942 245600

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New Players Wanted

Cherrybrook FC from Winstanley have just been awarded the FA’s community charter standard award - the highest accolade that the FA can give for the way in which the club is run. Since the club formed three years ago, over 100 players have attended training and trials at professional clubs and more than 40 have signed contracts with clubs such as Wigan Athletic, Manchester United, City, Everton and Liverpool. The club now run almost 40 teams and are looking to add to their playing squads and are particularly interested in players in the Under 13’s, Under 14’s, Under 9’s, Under 7’s and Under 10’s age groups.

Yoga Class

If you’re in desperate need of some ‘me’ time and you’d like to improve your stamina, posture and flexibility, why not try the Yoga class being run by WLCT at Shevington Vale Primary School on Tuesday evenings? The sessions run from 6.30-7.30pm at the school and you should take along your own mat and a drink. Each session costs £2.50; for more details call WLCT on 01942 828569.

Cherrybrook also run a training academy for 4, 5 and 6 year olds and are looking for children to join and coaches to assist. We do have other opportunities for children and adults, both boys and girls at all age groups. If you are interested in joining a progressive football club in any capacity, then please visit www. cherrybrookfc.co.uk or contact mike cotter on 07867 553901 or email mike_cotter@btinternet.com.

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Local Life 17

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Local Life

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Transform your Life

Buddhist monk Kelsang Pagpa will be leading Meditation Classes at the YMCA on Winstanley Road in Orrell starting on Friday 9th September from 7pm-8.30pm.

Each class is a standalone experience, and everyone is welcome to attend as many or as few as they are able to. The theme for this set of sessions is Transform Your Life and will focus on meditations that will help you feel more relaxed and happy. Each class ends with an opportunity to ask the teacher questions about the talk or the meditation, as well as a cup of tea and a biscuit.

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The classes are not only aimed at people who are interested in Buddhism, but anyone who feels they would like to find a way of relaxing and winding down at the end of a hard week. If you would like more information please contact the teachers at meditateinwigan@gmail.com or just come along to the sessions.

Great Offer!

If you’d like to build your self confidence, learn selfdefence and improve your fitness, then Wigan Tae Kwon-do have a great offer for you! Pop along to their session at St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall in Church Street Standish on Fridays between 6-7pm and your first lesson is free of charge! The lessons are for all ages and abilities and a warm welcome is guaranteed! If you’re washing your hair on Fridays, then the club also meets on Sundays at St Michael’s Scout Hut in Earl Street in Swinley at the same time. For further details, call Roger Lawrence on 07973 195301.

Local Life 19

Pot Luck Party

A Pot Luck party, jointly organised

by Orrell and Billinge Community Network and the Billinge Orrell Transition Group, is taking place on Friday 16th September at the Church Hall at St Lukes on Lodge Road in Orrell. The evening is a celebration of everything that has been achieved by the groups in the past and will provide be the opportunity for local residents to find out, in an informal setting, more information about ongoing community projects such as Orrell health clinic, Greenslate Farm and The Post.

evening will start at 6pm and run through until 10pm, so if you have a spare hour or two, come along and bring a friend too!

New Players Wanted – Part One

Highfield Grange Football Club is looking for new players. The club has 19 teams from under 5’s through to open age and is looking to develop players in line with the club’s motto ‘Playing before winning’.

Many of the club’s players have been with the club since kicking their first ball.

If you are looking for the correct environment for your child to develop their football skills and learn the benefits of a team spirit, then contact us. Highfield Grange is a FA Charter Standard development club and all coaches are FA qualified. Please contact Gary Pennington on 07501 095281 or email garypennington@sky.com; or alternatively visit the club website at www.highfieldgrangefc.co.uk

It is open to all residents of Orrell and Billinge, and to gain admission all you need to do is bring some food with you, which will be put on a table to be shared by all. During the evening there will be a presentation to the winning entries in the Orrell in Bloom Village Garden Competition. Background piano music on the evening will be provided by pupils and ex-pupils of Catherine Leach Piano School, and there will be one or two guest performers on the evening too. The

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Rigby’s Coffee Shop

NOW OPEN at Pimbo Garden Centre

Relax in style @ Rigby’s Coffee Shop Relax in the stylish new surroundings of Rigby’s Coffee Shop, where you can enjoy a range of delicious home cooked food, all prepared using only the finest locally sourced ingredients.

GARDEN CENTRE Located off junction 5 of the M58 Follow signs for Pimbo Garden Centre www.pimbogardencentre.co.uk

Or why not try one of our quality coffees, made using some of the finest award winning coffee beans in the world.

Garden Centre Opening Times: Mon - Fri 9.00am-5.30pm Sat & Bank Holiday 9.00am-5.00pm Sun 10.00am-5.00pm

Coffee Shop Opening Times:

Mon - Fri 9.30am-4.30pm & Sun 10.00am-4.30pm



FREE

Pot of Tea for 1 or Filter Coffee

Offer valid until Friday 30th September 2011 Offer limited to 1 ‘FREE regular pot of tea for 1 or filter coffee’ promotion per customer. Not to be used with any other offer.

Original vouchers only. No cash alternative.

Your details will only be used for the purpose of distributing our Newsletter and current promotions and will not be passed on to any other source. Please tick here if you do not wish to be added to our mailing list.

rigby’s Coffee Shop

To claim this great offer simply complete your details here and hand to cashier.

Name Address Post code e-mail

Pimbo Garden Centre • 32 Pimbo Lane • Upholland • Skelmersdale • WN8 9QQ •Tel: 01695622601

• Visit us online at: www.pimbogardencentre.co.uk • www.locallife247.co.uk

Local Life 21

Another Award for Arms

It’s received rave reviews and a clutch of awards in recent years, and now the Dicconson Arms has another reason to celebrate!

The Appley Bridge based restaurant has been named Wigan Food and Drink Restaurant of the Year. Following hundreds of entries in this year’s competition, judges picked the fine eatery for its outstanding menu and rave reviews by diners during March’s Food and Drink Festival.

The win adds yet another accolade for the restaurant, which has celebrated a number of triumphs in recent years, including Marston’s North West Food Pub of the Year 2010 and Pub Chef of the Year 2007.

The pub has been transformed since being taken over by husband and wife team Mike and Caroline Gray. Mike said “We’re delighted to have won this award. The Wigan Food and Drink Festival really does celebrate the great restaurants emerging across Wigan and Leigh and we’re thrilled that people enjoyed their experience here so much that they voted for us”.”

Pictured are Mike and Caroline Gray being presented with the Wigan Food and Drink award by Richard Fulwell, from main sponsor Hazeldene Foods.

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Douglas Music

The 38th season of Douglas Music starts on 8th October when four experienced and versatile musicians from the BBC Philharmonic - Julian Gregory, Matthew Crompton, Paul Turner and Peter Wilmott – return to the Village Hall in Parbold to entertain the crowds. The events for the 2011-2012 season have just been released and the highlights include performances by Darren Lloyd and the Hot Jazz Ensemble, pianist John Lill, the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Brass Band, Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman (pictured), the Escher String Quartet, Rosalind Ventris

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and Sophia Rahman, David Daniels and Ben Smith, Natalie Clein and Aslasdair Beaton and, last but not least, pianist Sunwook Kim. Enthusiasts will be pleased to know that subscriptions for the season are now on sale from the box office on 01257 421526, though you can also purchase tickets for individual concerts from the box office. For further details on the season’s entertainments, visit the group’s website on www.parbolddouglasmusic.org.

Room for Hire

Up Holland Library are interested in hearing from potential users of the adjoining Community Room.

The room is comfortable, clean and suitable for small groups or for larger events, and will seat a maximum of 60 people in theatre style. It’s ideal for business meetings, training events or voluntary/community group use. If you are interested in hiring the room, please contact the library on 01695 622368.

Local Life 23

Cool Composers

Students from Up Holland High School have virtually swept the board at a prestigious composing competition. All the schools in Lancashire entered the ICreaTe competition where pupils used ICT to compose pieces. Up Holland High School students came second (Sam Horrocks), third (Rebecca Brown) and were the only pupils to be highly commended (Jake Berry, Curtis Bolton and Jacob Furnell). The chair of judges, Francis Ajiteru, said: “Up Holland High School’s compositions were outstanding – always imaginative and entertaining.”

Pictured are Sam Horrocks, Rebecca Brown and Jake Berry.

24 Local Life

Free Trial

Leading supplementary education provider Kumon is running a two-week Free Trial between 1st September and 31st October. This is an opportunity for children of all ages to experience Kumon’s unique maths and English programmes for free at their centre in Winstanley centre. Kumon offers individualised study programmes that are tailored to the needs of each child, and there are now over 4 million children studying Kumon worldwide.

To take advantage of the offer and see how Kumon can benefit your child, you’ll need to enrol at the Winstanley Kumon Study Centre between 1 September and 31 October 2011. Please contact Pauline Cooper on 01942 203847 or email wiganwinstanley@kumoncentre.co.uk.

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Local Life 25

Competition Winners!

In the last issue of Local Life we ran a super competition to win tickets for the Southport Flower Show, one of the highlights in the North West’s annual summer social calendar. The lucky winners were; Angela Norris from Whitecroft Road in Hawkley Hall (pictured with her husband Anthony), Pam Farrall, from Church Street in Up Holland (pictured), Valerie Melling from Melrose Drive in Winstanley, Karen Sanderson from Gathurst Road in Orrell and Arthur Penny from Cross Lane in Billinge (pictured). Well done to all the winners – hope you had a fantastic day! You can win family tickets to Martin Mere in this month’s competition, which is on pages 66 and 67 of this magazine.

26 Local Life

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Local Life 27

Back to Church

Sunday the 25th September is National Back to Church Sunday, and a member of the local clergy has issued an open invitation to all those who either haven’t been to church for a while or have never attended church to come along. Neil Cook, the Reverend at St Paul’s Church in Goose Green will be taking part in the initiative again this year and the invitation is to come as you are; you’re guaranteed a warm welcome!

If you are attend church regularly, then why not invite someone to come along with you to one

28 Local Life

of the services. Services at St Paul’s are held at 9am 10.45am and 6.30pm. For more information, please contact Rev Neil Cook on 01942 242984.

Rambles to Scrambles

The Wigan Rambling and Climbing Club have issued a call to Local Life readers to join in with their planned activities – from local rambles to Snowdonia scrambles! The club says that you can make friends, get fit and enjoy the great outdoors! They have regular walks and activities to suit all tastes and fitness levels.

Their next coach excursion is to Pooley Bridge in the Lake District on Sunday 25th September, where there will be a choice of three walks for you to choose from. Or you can come along to their Tuesday Night Socials at Wigan Cricket Club. For more information, visit www.wiganwalkers.com or contact the club’s secretary, Jill Shilladay on 01257 421926 or email: Jill. shilladay@btinternet.com

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Local Life 29

Walk of Hope

Many of you will remember Maisy Rose, a brave little girl from Up Holland who succumbed to brain tumour in 2009 at the age of just 18 months. The Maisy Rose project has been set up to raise awareness and help fund the research of brain tumours, and is holding a sponsored walk next Saturday (3rd September).

There are three different walks, each suited for different levels of walkers, and all three walks will start and finish at the rangers centre at Beacon County Park in Up Holland.

30 Local Life

The Four Peaks Challenge is a 25 miles circular route that takes in Billinge Hill, Parbold Hill, Harrock Hill and Ashurst Beacon, the four highest peaks in the local area. The vast majority of the routes are on public footpaths, through woods, by the canals and there will be plenty of fine pubs en route where you can quench your thirst! There is also a smaller version of this route just taking in two peaks, and this is approximately 18 miles long. If that sounds too much like hard work, there is also a two mile stroll around Beacon Country Park, which is more suitable for families.

To take part in the Walk of Hope, the adult price is £6, the children’s price is £4 and you can buy a family ticket for £14. Please register via the website www.walkofhope.co.uk. If you would like to raise additional funds for the Maisy Rose Project then you can download a sponsor form from www. themaisyroseproject.co.uk.

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Transition Moves

A busy Autumn is planned for the Billinge and Orrell Transition Group. The group’s next meeting, starting at 7pm at the Robin Hood pub on Monday 12th September, will feature a screening of The Economics of Happiness, a film offering insights into why the western economic model and globalisation have created some of the biggest problems facing the world today and offers solutions of alternative strategies to rebuild local economies.

The Group is also hosting a Community Fruit Day at the Robin Hood on 29th October where you can enjoy freshly produced toffee apples and try a bike powered smoothie; more details in the next issue. If you’d like to find out more about Billinge and Orrell in Transition, visit the website www.billingeorrelltransition.org.uk or pop along to the Robin Hood in Sandy Lane in Orrell on the 12th September.

If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to editorial@locallife247. co.uk.

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Local Life 31

Warwick, Alex Moore and Niamh Everett won all their group fixtures. The Under 9’s team consists of Aaron Pimblett, Peter Alam, Elliot Warwick, Alfie Clarke, Robert Cowley and Matthew Cunliffe. The Under 10’s team, who have been together for 3 years and have won their age group each time, is made up of Eve Loftus, Eleanor Peet, Tom Dillon and Lenine Ireme.

Pictured are Niamh Everett, Eve Loftus, Lenine Ireme, Elliot Warwick, Robert Cowley, Alex Moore and Rueben Warwick. Eve Loftus, Robert Cowley and Niamh Everett are all from Orrell and all attend St James’ Catholic Primary School,

Stay and Play

Clean Sweep for Tennis Players

Wimbledon may have again been a washout for British hopes, but young tennis players from Orrell have helped Robin Park Sports and Tennis Centre to sweep the board in the AEGON Team Tennis League.

The event, run by the Lawn Tennis Association, is the premier event for junior tennis players in the country.

Divisions based in Lancashire contain over 100 teams divided on age.

In each of the three age groups for mini tennis Robin Park teams battled through the divisions to reach the finals where they were all victorious. The Under8’s team of Robert Cowley, Dan Buttress, Reuben

Up Holland Stay and Play will be re-opening its doors on Tuesday 13th September for all 0-5 year olds and their parents/carers. Each session will include story time, a healthy snack for the children and songtime, and the cost is £1.50 (including a hot drink and biscuit for adults). The sessions are held at Alma Hill Methodist Church every Tuesday between 1.15pm2.45pm. For more information, please contact Siobhan on 07779 052921 or Nicola on 07906 234596.

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32 Local Life

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Local Life 33

partnership, this is most definitely a rugby pub at heart and I’m really glad the team as decided to make this their home.”

The team will train at the site of Abraham Guest High School on Bankes Avenue at 7pm Proud Sponsors of Orrell St James Open Age Section every Thursday evening.

Players of all experience will be welcomed. For more details, call Sean on 07917 352182.

Hygiene Rankings

St James’ Du a Flit

Orrell St James’ open age team finally have something to celebrate, the team has made a spectacular resurrection and now have the backing of a former Wigan RL player. South African, Nick Du Toit, who played as a utility forward for Wigan in the late 80’s has given the team a home they can call their own. The Hare and Hounds pub, on Upholland Road in Billinge will become the St James’ HQ in a bid to give the players a real sense of community and team spirit.

Sean McHugh, who will coach the team, told Local Life, “We’re not looking to create a dream team; we want to create a feeling of community spirit, somewhere that players will want to remain. We are looking for lads in the local area that want a great game of Rugby, we want them to enjoy their time at the club and create that family community atmosphere – that’s what we want”. Sean added, “I’m really pleased that Nick has agreed to look after us, we have somewhere to come and watch rugby and the lads can enjoy their time and build on the team spirit.”

Sean goes on to say, “When the club started it was with an open age team - there were no children’s teams. I think that the success of the open age helped to get the juniors started but now we need to create a club that will encourage the kids to stay on and play at open age.”

The club is hoping to enjoy some of their previous successes and with famous graduates such as Andy Farrell, Chris Ashton and the late Terry Newton, the sky really is the limit.

Nick, who has owned the Hare and Hounds for more than a year, said: “I’m sure it will be a great 34 Local Life

A clutch of local takeaways in Up Holland, Orrell and Pemberton have been found wanting in the latest Food Hygiene results just released on the Food Standards Agency website. Wigan Council is participating in the scheme for the first time and has released results of food hygiene inspections carried out by their food inspectors at hundreds of premises across the borough. Whilst visiting businesses, the food inspectors from both Wigan and West Lancs Council were on the lookout for issues such as food storage, staff hygiene, pest control and the overall cleanliness of the premises.

Amongst those attracting a paltry single star in the local area were; Golden City, La Mamma, LA Orient, the Great British Chippy, Up Holland Balti, Fortuna Chinese and Up Holland Pizzeria.

Diners are being urged to look for the green and black food hygiene stickers which will be a regular feature in the windows of restaurants and fast food outlets.

Categories range from a zero rating meaning that ‘Urgent Improvements’ are required for the business to keep trading, to a five star rating of ‘Very Good’.

Amongst the local businesses celebrating a 4 or 5 star were Rigaletto’s, The Delph, Sandbrook Arms, Good Catch, H Greaves, Holland Hall, Old Dog, Britannia Inn, Plough and Harrow, The Mount, The Prince William and local caterers Carrington’s and Clare’s Kitchen.

It’s worth pointing out though that these inspections have been carried out over a two year period, and are a snapshot of a particular moment in time.

Some outlets may have changed hands or made the necessary improvements since the inspection.

To check out the hygiene ratings for your local food establishment, visit the website www.food.gov.uk and click on the Food Hygiene Rating button.

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Local Life 35

See It & Believe It! “You just don’t realise the difference until you see it with your own eyes” enthuses Sean McHugh of Orrell Roofline, trying to convince me of the difference between normal UPVC gutters and seamless aluminium gutters.

This is not something that would normally hold my attention for longer than ½ a second, but I agreed to go along and see their latest job to see for myself.

And Sean’s right - there’s a huge difference in the look! The house they had just completed had clean and stylish gutter lines throughout, whilst next door’s guttering had several unsightly joins and lots of those fiddly plastic clips which are impossible to clean properly. The evidence was indisputable; the seamless aluminium gutters added such a smooth and elegant finish to the house.

Before

When Sean McHugh and Stephen Shaw formed Orrell Roofline, their joint 40 years experience in the roofline industry led them to focus on providing seamless aluminium gutters to the domestic and commercial market because no other roofline company in the immediate area supplies them. These gutters are made to measure on-site by the duo using a nifty bit of kit that forms the gutters to exact specification, eradicating the need to use any joins.

These aluminium gutters are guaranteed to last for at least 25 years, in comparison to their UPVC cousins who will perish in approximately 15 years. The aluminium gutter is powder coated, so will never need painting, just a quick clean with a jet wash every now and then. It comes in three colours, white, black and brown, which complements the standard fascia board colours.

So just to clarify things; we’re talking about a product that looks better, lasts longer, is maintenance free, so obviously it’s going to be more expensive, yes? Well, obviously you’re going to pay more and usually it’s around 10-15% more, depending on the quality of the UPVC. However, as a special exclusive offer for Local Life readers, Orrell Roofline have agreed to supply and fit aluminium gutters for the same price as UPVC gutters for orders taken up until the end of December

36 Local Life

After

2011! Call Orrell Roofline now on 01942 735515 or 07917 352182 and quote Local Life.

Orrell Roofline are members of the Wigan Council ‘Good Traders Scheme’ and have achieved a maximum feedback rating of five stars on; the quality of their work, their high level of Customer Service and the time it takes for them to complete the job. So, to summarise; these are good trades people with a smashing product and a great offer too!

Oh, and by the way. Fascias, soffits, cladding, dry verge – yes, yes, Orrell Roofline do all that boring stuff too, but those aluminium gutters have to be seen to be believed, and that’s a sentence I never thought I’d write!

Check out the website of Orrell Roofline at www.orrellroofline.co.uk and don’t forget; call them on 01942 735515 or 07917 352182 by 31st December 2011 to take advantage of that special offer!

Proud Sponsors of Orrell St James Open Age Section

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Local Life 37

Your Health User’s Guide to the Body Part 2: Fighting the Flab

Low carb, South Beach, Atkins, Weightwatchers and Waitrose, (I made that last one up!); there are as many diets out there as there are diet myths. If you are considering a diet for next summer, don’t rush out and pick up another diet book just yet until you have a few facts at your fingertips.

Before you begin any diet, ask yourself: what’s my motivation?

By far the most helpful motivator is the desire to look better, because obviously the better we look, the better we feel. This might sound unusual – most ‘diet’ features in magazines extol health benefits, yet most people aren’t motivated by these. After all, you can’t see the reduced blood pressure and decreased stress on your joints from weight loss, but you can see how good you look in new, slimmer clothes at a night out or at work though!

Most people tell me that they tried a diet but that it didn’t work. Usually the case is that people get gradually fed up with dieting and return to old habits. This results in any weight loss achieved being regained, resulting in frustration. Before you begin another diet you should know that no-one can expect to stick to a rigid eating plan or diet indefinitely.

This is where the 80% rule comes in; aim to eat sensibly 80 % of the time, and treat yourself the other 20%. This works well if you aim to have treats one day a week and then eat sensibly the rest of the time. Otherwise, a diet without treats is doomed to fail – so plan the treats each week and you’ll be able to keep up with weight loss permanently.

On the Road

Brought to Theatre’s you in association with Wigan Little season kicks off Wigan with a Family Chiropractic performance ofClinic the 1986 Jim Cartwright play, Road.

Under the guidance of the rum-soaked wideboy, Scullery, the audience is taken for a tour of a scruffy, depressed road in a small Lancashire town. Moving from street corner to living-room, from bedroom to kitchen, we explore the lives of the people during the government of Margaret Thatcher.

Described as a sharp, sad, funny and angry play, this sometimes explicit production was considered extremely effective in portraying the desperation of people’s lives at this time as well as containing a great deal of humour. It was later made for television by renowned director Alan Clarke and starred many young actors who later became well-known including Jane Horrocks, David Thewlis, Moya Brady and Lesley Sharp.

The production runs from Wednesday 7th to Saturday 17th September at the Crompton Street theatre.

Bookings can be made by telephoning the box office on (01942) 242561, in person at the box office or by completing a postal booking form, which you can download from the theatre’s website www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk.

One of the biggest enemies of our midriffs is the sheer excess of carbohydrates we eat; try to cut down gradually on bread, potatoes ,rice and processed foods and replace them with fruit, vegetables, pasta and sweet potatoes.

Sometimes a herd mentality can help – joining a diet group can be a great place to get guidance and help as well as motivation from others. Dieting effectively (and without feeling hungry and fed up) requires considerable technical knowledge. Not surprisingly at all, many of us don’t want to pore over diet books and calorie counters.

Diet groups are excellent at translating these aspects into practical steps that work.

Just don’t forget to do some exercise too!

Dr Mike Paull, Chiropractor Brought to you in association with the Wigan Family Chiropractic Clinic

38 Local Life

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suFFeRING WITH MusCLe, jOINT OR NeRve PAIN?

What sorts of problem can you help me with? We can relieve pain that is caused by a variety of muscle, joint and nerve problems. This includes both new and old pain resulting from your job, sports, poor posture, accidents and some types of arthritis or wear & tear.

We specialise in treating neck and back pain as well as pulled muscles, stiff joints and trapped nerves.

How can you help me? We always start off with a 45 minute consultation and examination to find the underlying causes of your problem. We then use gentle, safe hands-on treatments to relieve your pain.

Why do you have a digital x-ray department? We have our own digital x-ray department at the clinic so that we can take and show you your pictures within 24 hours.

This helps us to show you the underlying causes of your problem, allowing us to start treatment quickly and get you out of pain.

How soon can you help me?

We are open six days a week and offer appointments the same or the next day.

We are open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturdays 8am-4pm.

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Because we treat young children and senior citizens, we know that people prefer gentle, painless treatments.

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Local Life 39

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Local Life 41

Money & Investment

What a Fortnight!

Just a few days into a sailing holiday with my family and friends around the Greek Isles, I took the decision to click on my bluetooth following a phone conversation with my mother who just happened to mention “the stock markets”. For clarity, my mum never mentions the stock market...

During the last couple of weeks we have endured significant stock market volatility coupled with rioting on an unprecedented scale across a number of UK cities. Heavens knows what would have happened had I stayed away for an extra week!

As many of you will know, in 2008 investors experienced stock market volatility caused by: • the well-publicised credit crisis, initiated by the subprime mortgage problem in the US • worries that the US would go into recession Writing today, with more than a hint of déjà-vu, world markets during the last couple of weeks have fallen

sharply because of: • the well-publicised Sovereign credit crisis affecting the Eurozone • worries that, despite resolving its borrowing problems, the US may yet fall back into recession The issues that the markets are worried about today are not entirely new and have been known about for some time. However, the markets have reacted badly to something that’s never ever happened before; the US losing its precious AAA credit rating with Standard & Poor.

In its leader column shortly after the downgrade, the FT stated that “If one good thing comes out of the week’s market panic, it would be to shock politicians out of the complacent parochialism in which they sought refuge before the danger was over. Things are still not as bad as 2008.”

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

We agree. We also believe that now is not the time for investors to panic.

Indeed from a low point of 4791 during the height of the volatility last week, the FTSE 100 has already recovered to 5350 at time of writing. August is a very quiet period for stock markets, with, typically much lower volumes of shares traded than during other times of the year. Because of this, price movements (up and down) are often exaggerated - as we have seen over the last week or so.

The impact of market movements

Not all stocks are equally impacted by market falls.

There are still sectors of the UK stock market that have made positive returns for the year even allowing for the recent market downturn. The three sectors with the greatest weighting within the index, Basic Materials, Financials and Oil and Gas, which together account for over 52% of the index, have been the biggest fallers.

Source: Financial Express to 4 Aug 2011 Most companies have the same business today as they had last week and last year. They have not, suddenly, become poor businesses overnight.

Establishing their true value at a time of market volatility is a matter of fine judgement, but this lies at the heart of successful investing.

As an example of just how well companies are performing, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday 5th August that around 80% of the S&P 500 companies had reported quarterly earnings better than expected with the average outperformance being around 4%. This is nearly double the average number of outperforming companies when compared to the average measured over the last 25 years.

What should investors do?

When markets are driven by sentiment and prices are volatile, all investors show concern, irrespective of whether it is in relation to a new investment or an existing one. Not all investors have the patience, or the confidence, to follow Warren Buffet’s words

of wisdom and, “be fearful when others are greedy, but be greedy when others are fearful”. But, buying equities when markets are weak, and not panicking when they fall, is sound investment advice.

Understandably, when markets fall sharply, investors are concerned about the value of their portfolio and don’t like to see ‘losses’ being incurred. However, remember if you do not sell no loss is crystalised.Our advice has always been; don’t panic and if possible, avoid being a forced seller. It is far better to remain invested through periods of market volatility and take the longer term view.

Conclusion

When we wrote about the events in 2008 we ended by reminding investors that if their investment objectives remained the same, then they should focus on this and remain invested. The worst thing to do would be to panic and try and sell into a weak or falling market.

That advice was – as we expected – proved right and it remains the right advice today.

If you are concerned about your share portfolio and you need expert guidance, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01257 423800.

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Visit us online at www.prosper-ifa.co.uk 43

Ready for Business?

If you’re a business person and you like the idea of networking, but you hate meeting the same old people for breakfast every week at a network meeting, then the Wigan Borough Network Club is for you!

The Club meets each month, organises various activities throughout the year, and encourages networking at the events.

Meetings are informal and friendly, and open to all types of business, and as most events take place in the evening, a free buffet is organised for the comfort of all members.

44 Local Life

The Club is currently free of charge and is run by a steering group of local business people, supported by the GM Chamber of Commerce. The next meeting is on Tuesday 6th September at the Yorkshire Bank in Market Place in Wigan, and registration and refreshments are available from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. This month’s presentation is Marketing on a Shoestring, by Andrew Greenyer of Business Link North West, and there will be opportunities to network before and after Andrew’s presentation. For more details and to reserve your place, please visit www. wiganbbc.org.uk.

Looking for Office Space?

If you’re looking for an Orrell based office, give Borron Shaw a call on 01695 632123 and speak to Ste Ball, who will give you details of a 33 square metre first floor office space located in the heart of Orrell. The property consists of two separate rooms and also benefits from a kitchenette and toilets. Further details are available on www.borronshaw.co.uk.

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Sangria, San Miguel and Sunshine Hello, my name is Chris Alcock and I am the owner of CMA Accountancy, a proactive accountancy firm based in Appley Bridge. Since the last article I have been away with my family on our summer holiday.

Having enjoyed our holiday and over indulged a bit in the sunshine it is now time to look at ways to save a bit of money with Christmas just around the corner!

This article a going to look at ways individuals can save tax and give them more money in their pocket.

10 Top Tax Tips

1. Check Your Tax Code.

Most individuals pay their tax via PAYE. Your tax code determines how much tax you pay each week so make sure yours is correct so that your aren’t paying too much tax.

2. Business Mileage

If you incur business mileage as part of your job make sure you are claiming these back at the correct rate.

The approved mileage rate increased to 45p per mile in April and if your employer reimburses at a lower rate then you can claim tax relief on the difference.

3. Other Business Expenses

There are some expenses that you can claim tax relief against if you don’t get them reimbursed. Good examples of these are teacher’s union subscriptions.

These claims can be back dated for a number of years.

4. Consider Salary Sacrifice Schemes

There are a number of schemes available where employers could offer you a benefit other than a salary. These include child care vouchers and even a scheme to help you buy a bike. The benefit with these schemes is lower national insurance payments.

5. Company Cars

If you enjoy the benefit of a company car, consider a car with a CO2 emission below 75g/km. From 2011/12 there will be a tax rate of only 5% for cars with CO2 emissions of 75 g/km or less. Alternatively look at the option of a car allowance rather than the car itself.

7. Rent a Room

If you are a home owner with a spare room you may be able to benefit from the rent a room scheme where you can receive up to £4,250 tax free.

8. Buy to Let Expenses

If you rent a property out remember to claim all your expenses incurred in connection with the property.

This includes an allowance for mileage expenses visiting the property. If you make a loss on letting property, remember to offset it against future profits.

9. Self Employed and Working From Home

You can claim an allowance for expenses such as utilities, mortgage interest, insurance and telephones if you work from your residential home.

10. Choose Tax Efficient Savings

Simple steps like using up your ISA allowance can save considerable money.

Everyone likes to save money and it is surprising how few people actually take any steps to reduce their bills. However, if you take a pro-active approach to tax there is no reason why you can’t make significant savings. Here at CMA will help both individuals and businesses stay on top of their finances.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss anything in this article. Alternatively drop by the office on Skull House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further.

Contact Details Chris Alcock ACMA CMA Accountancy 39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR Tel: 01257 255521 Email info@handsonaccounting. co.uk web www.handsonaccounting.co.uk

6. Use your Pension

Pension contributions are exempt from tax. This means you can reduce your income tax by putting extra cash into your pension.

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Local Life 45

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Local Life 47

Wigan Expo Twenty11

Where can you speak faceto-face with to some of the biggest business buyers in our borough and beyond?

The answer is at Wigan Business Expo - the annual event that showcases the very best in the borough’s business. This year’s Expo will be held at Leigh Sports Village on Friday 14 October and more than 1,000 buyers from across the region are expected to attend the event, which will include an exhibition of more than 80 borough-based businesses, two informative seminar programmes, plus an opportunity to arrange one to one meetings from buyers from major organisations!

Miranda Barker, Wigan President of GM Chamber of Commerce added: “The Wigan Business Expo

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Twenty11 is a superb opportunity not to be missed for the local business community. You’ll have the chance to promote your product direct to key buyers from market leading organisations in a one to one meeting, with many businesses securing contracts on the back of their meet-the-buyer meetings.”

To ensure that as many local businesses as possible can benefit from the ‘Meet the Buyer’ opportunity, businesses will only be able to secure a maximum of three appointments. You will be asked to rank the buyers you wish to meet in order of preference. The buyers will make the final decision on who they wish to meet to ensure that they only meet with those businesses who provide products and services they would be interested in procuring.

Only Wigan borough based businesses are eligible to apply for the Meet the Buyer appointments. To apply for appointments, please complete the online application form on the Meet the Buyer page at www.wiganbusinessexpo.co.uk.

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Local Life 49

Blackly Hurst Hall Ro ad

Carr Mill Road

Ga rsw ood

Billinge

Garswood The Stag

Montrey Resevoir

Barrows Farm

Masons Arms Ar ch La ne

Ga rsw oo dR oad

Goft Hey Wood

ad d Old Ro Garswoo Old Garswood Park

The Waterside

Here’s the perfect autumn walk for you; a 5.8 mile stroll through the quiet country lanes between Garswood, Billinge and Carr Mill. The landscape in this area was once dominated by the pursuit of black gold (coal), but much of this route is now an oasis of peace and calm, punctured only by the sounds of birdsong. Make sure you

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Li ve rp oo lR oa d

Carr Mill Road

Carr Mill Dam

take a pot with you to pick some blackberries; you’ll reap a juicy harvest along Garswood Old Road in particular. Of all the Jack’s Tracks we have completed, this particular route is most suitable for bikes; apart from the perimeter path round the dam, the route consists mainly of country lanes.

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Garswood –Blue Hills (1.1 miles)

old Roman road. Eventually the Blue Hills will appear on your left hand side. The Blue Hills are the waste spoils from the Blackley Hurst Colliery which closed in the 1930’s and they are much loved by generations of bike–riding Billinge kids, so if you’re a health and safety officer, please avert your eyes at this point! As soon as you have passed the Blue Hills, you’ll need to turn left, and you’ll find yourself heading downhill towards the views of St Helens and Warrington beyond.

Head directly up the path over open fields. Go up a long straight incline for approximately 800 yards to the top of the hill; an open aspect all round means that on a clear day you can see clear views all the way from Winter Hill in the east to Billinge Beacon in the north west, a panoramic view that also includes the Pennies, the Peak District and the Welsh Mountains.

Blue Hills – Waterside (2.2 miles) After 650 yards, you’ll see Barrows Farm on the right, which houses Billinge Furniture and the impressive

From The Stag pub at Garwood, cross the main Garswood Road, turn right and after about 25 yards you will see a public footpath sign near some gates just after 391 Garswood Road; so go through the gates and go up the path at the side of the house.

Just 25 yards later, the path opens up into open fields, and on the left hand side in the distance you will see Montrey Reservoir.

Once you get to the bottom of the hill, you’ll follow a left hand bend through the fields. You will find yourself following a path which runs parallel to a small brook on your right hand side. Once you have crossed the brook, and come to a junction, turn right and head away from the brook up the hill. At the crest of the hill you’ll go through the gap in the ferns/hedge and you’ll need to bear left at this point.

You’ll follow this straight path for 650 yards, ignoring a couple of paths appearing on the left. The path is cobbled in parts, and possibly is the remnants of an

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Carr Mill Dam The year was 1879, the year reputed to have ‘two winters, but no spring or summer’, and it was the year that Carr Mill Dam froze over for a whole four months. The dam, which was formerly a mill pond built to power Carr’s Mill, was vastly expanded in the 1750’s and it was now the largest inland stretch of water for miles around. The ice in 1879 was so thick that various traders set up stall on it to serve the thousands of people who would turn up daily to watch the competitive skating, betting on the outcomes of each race.

Nineteen year old Billinger Jack Hill, who was later to become the landlord of the Brown Cow, was known locally as the fastest man on ice. Sure enough, he saw off all the local competitors easily enough early on in the winter, but as his reputation spread far and wide challengers came from all over the north to topple Our Nell’s Jack, but no one ever did and Jack won 22 consecutive matches.

However there was one challenger left to tackle; Lincolnshire’s champion Fish Smart, an experienced skater who had never been beaten on ice. The match was set up and Fish was greeted with a brass band reception when he arrived at Wigan station a few days after Christmas 1879, and was taken by pony and trap to Billinge.

The smart money was on Fish, but many Billingers were flush from Jack’s victories and they backed the local boy to succeed against all the odds. The match was over four hundred yards and Fish was ahead all the way until the final few inches of the race when Our Nell’s Jack pulled clear for his 23rd consecutive victory. Billinge celebrated their Champion of England and Fish Smart never came near the place again.

With many thanks to the Billinge History Society – visit their site at www.billinge-history.co.uk

new home of Billinge FC on the site. Carry straight on, and go through the large gap and follow the path right through the field. The path eventually bends to the left and a few yards further on you’ll come to a junction.

Go right at this point and after 250 yards, you’ll need to take a tight right hand bend; 200 yards further on you’ll meet up with Carr Mill Road.

If you fancy a refreshing drink at this point, turn right for a short walk to the Masons Arms, which has just been voted CAMRA’s Pub of the Year for the Wigan

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area. If not, turn left and then left again down the clearly marked bridleway. You’re in the hamlet of Chadwick Green at this point; note all the ancient buildings around you.

A path leading to Lime Vale Road appears on the right after 400 yards, ignore this and carry straight on past the black steel landmark informing you that you are on Carr Mill Old Road. Follow the bridle path for a further 150 yards down the dip and across the stretch of water. At that point, there is a turning on your left hand

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ther on a tunnel opens up underneath the railway line.

Go through the tunnel to the other side of the railway.

On the right you should be able to see St Helens and the cooling towers in Warrington and in the distance, the spire of Winwick church. You will then come to a tarmac path with a metal farm gate beside it, bear left at this point and carry on in the same direction.

After a fair distance walking up there you will come to a metal four bar gate, go through the gap at the side and carry straight on.

You’ll then carry on down the quiet single lane track for a further ¾ of a mile, passing the odd farmhouse.

The views, once you move past Old Garswood Park, are glorious, and the stillness of the countryside is only broken by the swallows diving over the hayfields, and the occasional train passing close by.

side which heads down towards Carr Mill Dam – take that path.

You are now walking around the perimeter of Carr Mill Dam. Forks appear in the perimeter path at quite regular intervals, take either as they all end up converging a short distance later. Eventually you’ll reach the Waterside pub, which has an outdoor seating area which is handy if you’ve got dogs with you.

Waterside – Garswood (2.5 miles) Once you have passed the Waterside pub, divert away from the perimeter path and instead find the pub’s car park and from here turn left up a tarmac road walking away from the Waterside towards a few houses with red roofs. Follow that road over the weir, (which was initially built to channel water through to the St Helens Canal), and to its conclusion at the home of Lancashire Power Boat Racing.

Bend round to the right at this point and after 25 yards or so, go through a pair of metal gates on the left. The path forks quickly and then they converge a short while later so go whichever way you fancy. At this point you’re walking along a path with metal dark green fences on the right hand side, following the path of the railway line above.

Once you meet a wooden bollard in the middle of the pathway and you go straight on, and then a little fur-

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Once you reach the junction with Garswood Road, turn left and cross over. After 650 yards you’ll arrive at a mini roundabout; turn left and go over the railway bridge into Garswood village. Once you reach the urban area, you’ve got a mere 300 yards left to travel up the road; where you’ll find The Stag on the right hand side.

Local Life would like to thank Billinger Dave Taylor for suggesting this walk. If you would like to see your favourite walk featured in Jack’s Tracks, drop us an e-mail to - editorial@locallife247.co.uk.

Geocachers Alert!

There are eleven geocaches to find on this walk.

The references are;

GC1ZNH1, GC2V09T, GC13DFJ, GC13DEQ, GC2NH55, GC217JD, GC217JF, GC217JG, GC2TXHX, GC3201N, GC3201X Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

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Local Life 55

The What’s On Guide Now On

Beatles Week Running until Tuesday 30th, this annual celebration of the music of The Beatles features more than 50 bands from all over the world. The festival includes a full programme of live music at the Cavern Pub and Cavern Club and many other venues in the city.

The highlight of the event is at the Adelphi Hotel on Sunday; which includes a memorabilia market, live music all day plus guest speakers, video shows and exhibitions.

Time: 10am-2am Contact: 0151 236 9091 or visit www.beatlesfestival. co.uk/ Sat Nav Ref: L2 6RE

Friday 26th August

Manchester Pride Weekend Manchester Pride, the celebration of transgender, gay, lesbian and bisexual diversity, will celebrate its 21st anniversary in 2011 with a ten day programme of events. The highlight is the Big Weekend in Canal Street, where Pixie Lott will headline the event compromising of 71 hours of music, comedy, clubs, bars, markets and more!

Cost: Book Online before 25/8/11 for Big Weekend tickets £20, Day Tickets £12.50.

Contact:www.manchesterpride.com Sat Nav Ref: M1 3WD

Saturday 27th August

Tractor Pulling Championships And now for something completely different!

You can experience what is billed as the world’s most powerful motorsport, the Tractor Pulling Championships at Great Eccleston Showground!

There’s a Floodlit Pull on Saturday evening and an afternoon Pull on Sunday. Tractor Pulling 56 Local Life

competitions take place on a 100 metre track, and involve the machines pulling a weight transfer sledge. The winner of the competition is the machine that can pull the sledge the furthest.

Time: Saturday 6pm, Sunday 10.30am Cost: £11.25 adults, £4 children – book online before 21/8/11 Contact: www.nwtpc.co.uk Sat Nav Ref: PR3 0XA Ormskirk Motorfest Visitors to the Motorfest can expect to see displays of racing, rally, classic and sports cars, veteran and vintage vehicles, together with racing and classic motorcycles, all taking place in and around the town centre. Ormskirk town centre streets surrounding the Clock Tower, together with Coronation Park, will be the main locations for the event.

Time: 11am Cost: Free (£5 per car park and ride service from Edge Hill University) Contact: www.ormskirkmotorfest.com

Monday 29th August

Cartmel Family Race Day Celebrate the end of Cartmel’s racing season, and have a fantastic day out with all the family. Against the backdrop of the beautiful English Lake District, you can sample national hunt racing in its most original format. With its party crowds and funfair, Cartmel rekindles the social gathering tradition of the original steeple to steeple chases.

Time: Gates Open 10am - First Race 2.20 - Last Race 5.50pm Contact: 015395 36340 or visit www.cartmelracecourse.co.uk Sat Nav Ref: LA11 6QF www.locallife247.co.uk

What’s on Guide events key

Thursday 1st September

Guy’s Oyster Festival Guy’s Thatched Hamlet is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its famous Guy’s Oyster Festival, which is set to attract more than 10,000 local and international visitors, drinking an estimated 13,000 pints of Guinness and 1,000 bottles of Champagne, as well as eating more than 10,000 oysters. This year’s runs until 5th September with various attractions on different days.

Contact: 01955 640 010 or visit www. guysthatchedhamlet.com Sat Nav Ref: PR3 0RS

Friday 2nd September

Blackpool Illuminations Make sure you don’t miss out on Blackpool’s award winning illuminations, which start on Friday 2nd September. The Illuminations offer you a host of different experiences and ways to view Blackpool’s glittering spectacle; hop aboard an open top tram for the clearest view of the lights, or perhaps a ride in a horse drawn carriage could be a special romantic treat. If the weather is fine, why not walk the 10km along the front, accompanied by a bag of chips and some candy floss!

The illuminations run until the 6th November.

Contact: www.blackpool-illuminations.net

Saturday 3rd September

Open Studio Weekend Glass manufacturer Morpheus Glass host an open studio weekend at their base on the Hewitt Industrial Estate in Orrell, near Wigan, with stock on sale at up to 70% off normal retail prices. Refreshments available. This event also runs on Sunday 4th September.

Time: 10am-4pm Cost: Free Contact: 01695 624182 or www.morpheusglass. co.uk Sat Nav Ref: WN5 7XB

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Events and Festivals

Walks & Nature

Family

Special Interest

Tuesday 6th September

The Sound of Music Running until 17th September and starring Jason Donovan and Connie Fisher in the lead roles, this is a story about a young woman who leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval officer widower. The uplifting true story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains, this production is staged at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

Cost: £37.25-£44.75 Contact: 0844 847 2277 or visit www.ticketmaster. co.uk Sat Nav Ref: M1 6FT

Thursday 8th September

Heritage Open Days Running until Sunday 11th September, the Heritage Open Days event celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of free tours, events and activities.

Cost: Free Contact: Check out www.heritageopendays.org.uk to find out about events in your area.

Local Life 57

The What’s On Guide Wednesday 14th September – Sunday 18th September

Alice Through the Winter Gardens Join the Mad Hatter and his guests at their tea party, meet the elusive Cheshire Cat and dance with royalty in the Empress Ballroom as the many characters of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’ delight with the memories of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Stroll around the Winter Gardens in Blackpool and experience it as Alice did, guided around by an assortment of extraordinary characters.

Cost: Adult £9, Child/Concession £5, Family £25 Contact: 01253 290190 or visit www.alicewintergardens.co.uk

Thursday 29th September

Magical Fairy Tales A festival of flowers at Hoghton Tower near Preston portraying 50 magical fairy tales, which runs until Sunday 2nd October. The Banqueting Hall, staterooms, underground passages, dungeons, gardens and ramparts will create a truly atmospheric setting for the stunning floral displays of well-loved fairy tales. There will be craft and plant stalls as well as refreshments and lunches. For a never-to-beforgotten experience, follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Tower — you never know who you’ll meet!

Time: Thur-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm Cost: Adults £10, children (5 to 16 years) £2.50 Contact: 01282 427791 Sat Nav Ref: PR5 0SH

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Friday 30th September

British Musical Fireworks Championships This three day event (Friday 30th Sept, Sat & Sun 1st & 2nd October) is one of Southport’s biggest annual draws – an action packed weekend where the giants of the pyrotechnic world go head to head to win the competition.

Visitors will experience some jaw dropping firework displays, each lasting approximately twenty minutes.

Time: 7.30pm Cost: £5-£15 (standing and seated available) Contact: 01704 540011 or visit www.visitsouthport.com Sat Nav Ref: PR8 1RX

Friday 21st October

The North West Food Lovers Festival Running until Sunday 23rd October at Tatton Park, the North West Food Lovers Festival is expected to be the biggest and best to date. With over 100 different stalls selling some of the best produce from across the region, you will be spoilt for choice! As well as being able to sample the delicious products you’ll also be able to watch the celebrity chef demonstrations, with Simon Rimmer, Andrew Nuttall and Richard Fox all confirmed to attend this year.

Time: Fri 12pm – 5pm, Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm Cost: Adult £7, Concession £5 (book online Adult £5), Under 12’s free Contact: 01244 355474 or visit www.nwfoodloversfestival.com

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Local Life 59

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

Some like it hot.

Well I could be talking about the British summer (ha ha) but no - I am referring to hot borders; borders full to the brim of herbaceous perennials with flowers in red hot colours. This is the month when these borders really come into their own, enriching gardens with burnt oranges, deep reds and bright yellows. Visit a garden with a hot border at this time of year and you’ll positively feel a warm glow, whatever the weather. Lyme Park near Stockport, Cheshire has a hot border and I believe is well worth a visit. Managed by the National Trust, the magnificent house there is where Darcy met Elizabeth in the BBC drama ‘Pride and Prejudice’ - how romantic - and remember the scene (I’m addressing the ladies here) when Colin Firth emerges from the lake at his beloved Pemberley in his wet breeches… Anyway, I digress, I must tell Hubby we should visit the place - for the hot borders of course.

Grasses like Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’ are still performing well now along with late summer flowering perennials like Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm‘ (you may know it as Black-eyed Susan) which produces yellow

60 Local Gardening Life

daisy like flowers from July to October which butterflies love. Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ has rich bronzy red flower heads with a brownish centre and Heliopsis ‘Ballet Dancer‘ (what a lovely name) carries large flower heads with frilled rich yellow petals. Incidentally all three of these plants do well on clay soils. Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ produces bright scarlet flowers which are followed by lovely seed pods. Monarda ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ has clusters of rich red, tubular flowers whilst Kniphofia ‘Percy’s Pride’ has poker-like spikes of canary yellow flowers which rise above clumps of strap-shaped leaves.

A hot border can really lift a garden when most of the early summer plants have done their thing and are looking decidedly past their best - so give it a go. I’ve included a photo of the hot spot in my own garden which I hope will inspire you.

PS. Hubby has just asked me who Darcy is!

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

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Local Gardening Life 61

Blooming Wet Through!

It rained and rained, and then rained some more, but the brave judges of Orrell in Bloom spent a Saturday morning in July checking out the gardens and baskets of those who entered the Orrell in Bloom Village Garden Competition! The conditions of plants, and the colour, style and structure of each garden were duly marked by the three judges, David Rigby from Pimbo Garden Centre, Local Life’s resident garden designer Angie Barker and Marjorie Price, a local community activist.

The competition, which was jointly sponsored by Pimbo Garden Centre and Local Life magazine, attracted entries from the area’s keenest gardeners.

Both the range and size of gardens on offer was extremely diverse. There were traditional gardens, cottage gardens, even a Mediterranean-style garden. The smallest was a container garden in a tiny courtyard whilst the largest garden was the size of a full size football pitch (and then some!).

After a few hours squelching about, the judges convened at Local Life HQ to dry out and start their deliberations. With the help of a sausage butty and a cup of tea, the three judges settled on their final decisions and the prize winners of the Orrell in Bloom Village Garden Competition 2011 are:

Best Front Garden Winner – Len De La Haye (Greenslate Road, Billinge) Runner Up – Kate Taylor (Moss Road, Billinge) 3rd Prize – Mrs Gaskell (Winstanley Road) Best Back Garden Winner – David Holden (Milton Grove, Orrell) Runner Up – Geoffrey Bigg (Gathurst Road, Orrell) 3rd Prize – Fred Sowerbutts (Church Street, Orrell) Best Hanging Basket Winner - Mr Johnson (Sandbrook Road, Tontine) Runner Up – Barbara Savage (Tennyson Drive, Billinge) David Rigby, Director of Pimbo Garden Centre said, ‘Even the weather could not dampen our enjoyment in discovering how much effort and hard work all the entrants must have put into their gardens over the years. Our job of judging was very difficult due to the very high standard and quality of all the gardens’.

Len and Margaret De La Haye, Greenslate Road 62 Local Gardening Life

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Local Life’s garden diarist, Angie Baker, who is a Garden Designer commented that she ‘really enjoyed seeing all the lovely competition gardens (in spite of the weather!) and was full of admiration for all the thought and hard work the owners must have put into them. It was very difficult to pick the winners with the high standard of the gardens so congratulations to everyone who entered.

There were no entrants for the Best Community Makeover prize sponsored by Local Life, and so the £200 prize money has been handed over to the Orrell and Billinge Community Network, the organisers of Orrell in Bloom, to help them to continue all the good works they do in the local area.

The Orrell in Bloom’s representative on the judging panel was Marjorie Price. Here’s what she had to say about her morning; ‘What a great, but wet, horrible day I had judging the Orrell in Bloom Village Garden Competition. I felt nosy going into people’s gardens and absolutely loved seeing all the different garden designs! Everyone had put so much work into their gardens which made the judging incredibly hard; everyone deserved a prize! Thank you for entering!’

The winners of the Front and Back Garden competition each won £100 worth of Pimbo Garden Centre vouchers, with more Pimbo vouchers worth £50 and £25 for the second and third prize winners.

The winners and runners up of the Hanging Basket prizes won Pimbo Garden Centre vouchers worth £50 and £30. All winners and runners up will also receive certificates of achievements.

Kate Taylor

Geoffrey Bigg

David Holden, Milton Grove www.locallife247.co.uk

Mr Johnson, Sandbrook Road Local Gardening Life 63

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Local Gardening Life 65

Win Tickets to

We’ve got 8 family passes to WWT Martin Mere, worth a total of £200, to give away to lucky winners of this month’s Local Life competition. Simply complete the simple crossword on the opposite page and return this by Friday 30th September to Local Life 247 Ltd, PO Box 631, Wigan WN1 9HF, or email your answers, along with your name address and contact number to crossword@locallife247.co.uk WWT Martin Mere is where wilderness and familyfriendliness combine. In winter, many thousands of wild ducks, geese and swans are drawn to the internationally-rated wetlands, offering spectacular displays of feather and flight with daily swan feeds at 3pm and 3.30pm.

included anyone between the ages of 4 and 90.

In addition, a new 170 seat cafe opened in December called Mere Side Cafe offering a wide selection of hot meals, cold snacks, cakes, biscuits and a range of drinks. The cafe is overlooking the lake to relax whilst watching the wildlife.

On the weekend of 24th and 25th September you

But there is plenty to see and do at Martin Mere all year round, with more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds, a family of beavers and enchanting otters in residence, two imaginative playgrounds for young adventurers, den building and an inspirational eco-garden. Seasonal attractions include an award-winning duckling nursery in Spring and celebrations of local history and wildlife gardening in summer.

In 2011, Martin Mere has opened a brand new canoe safari attraction allowing visitors to get up close and personal with wildlife and nature in a Canadian style canoe. Since April, almost 10,000 people have enjoyed watching herons, moorhens and dragonflies whilst having plenty of fun steering. Up to three people can fit in the self guided canoe and there are no age or weight restrictions, just the simple rule that if you can fit in a buoyancy aid you can go on, and this has 66 Local Life

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can come along and enjoy our annual event: Animal Magic. Get close to and hold a variety of animals including greyhounds, reptiles, skunks, alpacas, ferrets, birds of prey, cattle and pigs, chinchillas and bees. You can enjoy pond dipping to see what you can find in the ponds or get your face painted as your favourite animals whilst also browsing stands of animal charities. This event is great for families with children of all ages.

In addition, September is Martin Mere’s Wellbeing Month and there will be plenty of activities including a sensory trail, walks and talks and activities including pond dipping and making a dream catcher. The month is aimed at encouraging people to either stop and relax and take time for themselves or to undertake light exercise. Martin Mere is hosting a special Wellbeing day on Saturday 3 September with a variety of stands including health and beauty, advice and guidance, blood pressure checks and meditation demonstrations.

All year there is a rolling programme of events, walks and talks. Visit www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere for further information.

Martin Mere, Fish Lane, nr Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA (t) 01704 895181; (e) info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk

1 2 3 4

5

6

Across

4. EclipseCrossword.com Martin Mere’s new boats, Canadian style _ 5. Event at Martin Mere on 24/25 September, Animal _ 6. Name of Martin Mere Cafe, Mere _ Cafe

Down

1. Martin Mere’s Wellbeing month 2. Pink bird at Martin Mere 3. WWT stands for Wildfowl and _ Trust

Name Address

Post Code Telephone Number Email Crossword Competition Rules 1.

Only one entry per household.

2.

Entrants must be over 16 years of age.

3.

The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date 4.

Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept any responsibility for entries that are delayed or damaged in the post.

5.

Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition.

Local Life 247 Ltd is registered under the Data Protection Act and abides by the guidelines of the act. We will never sell or pass your details to any third party company.

However, we would like to contact you by email with news of great local offers and also to check our magazine distribution in your area.

If this acceptable to you, please tick this box

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Local Life 67

GOLF BUGGY Is the Tiguan a jacked-up Volkswagen Golf? Yes it is and it’s sold so well its maker now talks of this compact 4x4 as the ‘fourth pillar’ of the VW range.

Now it’s had a facelift. Steve Walker reports.

The secret of the Volkswagen Tiguan’s arrival was about as well kept as David Bellamy’s back garden.

The information put out by Volkswagen when it did put its hands up to the Tiguan was interesting in the way it differed from the standard compact 4x4 blurb.

Was this a compact 4x4 that could actually do the business off-road? Up to a point, certainly, and the Tiguan sold so well, it had to step up advance sales of the new model earlier than planned as stocks of the pre-facelift car ran dry.

The new model only uses the Golf’s best engines and has 4MOTION 4WD, so offers a lot more off-road prowess than you’d expect in this sector.

With updated style and tweaked engines, it looks like a winner all the way. The restyle is fairly mild, concentrated at the front and intended chiefly to bring the car’s looks into line with the rest of VW’s current range.

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Save for the application of further BlueMotion tweaks to improve economy and emissions, the engine line up remains the same. The units are a familiar bunch with the 140PS 2.0 TDI diesel likely to be the best seller. Alternatively, there’s the groundbreaking turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine that manages to extract 150PS from its 1.4-litre capacity.

If you need more poke, there’s a 170PD 2.0 TDI unit, plus two other 2.0 TSI petrol units, developing either 170 or 200PS. There isn’t a bad engine amongst them but the TSI units in particular really are ahead of their time.

Despite our growing affection for 4x4 vehicles, we don’t take them off-road very much. That said, offroad ability has become important for buyers. They don’t need it but they’d like the model they choose to have it all the same. The 4x4 Tiguan uses the basic Haldex all-wheel-drive system from the Golf 4MOTION models but with a wider track and ground clearance increased to 189mm. More importantly, it has a nice line in electronic trickery to help it out of sticky situations.

Inside, the design is lifted directly from the Golf and Golf Plus models but now includes the latest touchscreen infotainment system and multi-function www.locallife247.co.uk

steering wheel plus revised controls for the air conditioning. Whilst the Golf uses an all-aluminium sub frame, this was deemed not sufficiently strong to handle the buffeting that committed owners might subject their Tiguan too and as a result, the vehicle uses a modular sub-frame that’s aluminium at the front and steel at the rear. The Tiguan is also the first vehicle to receive Volkswagen’s electric steering system which has been designed to eliminate kickback and enhance accuracy.

The models offered are S, SE, Sport and Escape, most have 4MOTION four-wheel-drive but there are entry-level front-wheel-drive versions. Customers requiring additional off-road capability can choose a 28 degree angle of approach front end in the Escape version. This model comes with a radiator protection grille, underbody protection, hill descent control and a compass. If you really aren’t interested in the vehicle’s off-road ability but care more about the urban jungle, fear not because Volkswagen have developed a parking assist function that will automatically steer you into a parallel parking space.

Though the upfront sticker price isn’t cheap, whichever variant you choose, you’ll probably be better off choosing this Volkswagen than a cheaper www.locallife247.co.uk

South Korean alternative when you factor in depreciation and whole life costs. Insurance group costs are low too, with a group 9 showing for the entry-level model.

Volkswagen has gone further than most manufacturers in giving its compact 4x4 real pedigree when it comes to off-road driving. With 4x4 mechanicals and a package of electronic driver aids, the Tiguan makes a valiant attempt at throwing off the soft-roader stereotypes and differentiating itself from the growing glut of similar vehicles that ply the market place.

Here we have a compact 4x4 with at least some genuine off-road ability for those that want it plus Golfinspired build quality and driving dynamics for those that don’t. Factor in a highly advanced engine range along with Volkswagen badging that’s certain to go down a storm in this image-conscious sector and the Tiguan’s future would appear to be mapped out.

To book a test drive, contact Corkills of Wigan on 01942 324411.

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Medical Pemberton Surgery Pemberton PCT Clinic Concourse Walk-in Centre Bradshaw St Surgery Church St Surgery Hall Green Surgery Holmes House Ave Surgery Hall Green Clinic Orrell Clinic Wigan Infirmary Ormskirk Hospital Moor Rd Dentist Church St Dentist Tower Hill Dentist Hall Green Dentist NHS Direct Emergency Dental Repairs Wigan Chiropractic Clinic Mathew Ryder Clinic NHS Dentist, Up Holland

0844 477 9459 01942 775820 01695 588640 01942 222336 01695 622982 01695 622268 01942 483213 01695 622781 01942 775750 01942 244000 01695 577111 01942 215091 01695 625565 01695 622410 01695 622066 0845 4647 01695 623334 01942 498480 01695 624042 01695 627617

Greater Manchester Police 0161 872 5050 Local Policing Team 0161 856 7188 Wigan Council 01942 244991 Wigan Council (Out of Hours) 01942 404040 Cllr Clayton (Orrell & Billinge) 07979 734969 Cllr Arrowsmith (Orrell and Billinge) 01942 486859 Cllr Murphy (Orrell & Billinge) 01942 487688 Cllr Barnes (Winstanley) 01942 766454 Cllr Morgan (Winstanley) 01942 486880 Cllr Winkworth (Winstanley) 01942 766229 Skelmersdale Police Station 01695 566134 Up Holland Police Team 0845 1253545 West Lancs DC 01695 577177 Cllr Moran (Up Holland) 01695 550256 Cllr Pollock (Up Holland) 01695 632710 Cllr Fillis (Up Holland) 0781 138 8153 County Cllr Evans (Up Holland) 01695 624683

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01942 777545 01942 705060 01695 622368 01695 627999

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