Christmas is well underway and I’ve already watched some cheesy Hallmark movies, perfect viewing guaranteed to bring a warm glow as I potter around the kitchen. I take comfort in the familiarity of Christmas with the same music, same films, same chaos and yet it never fails to surprise me how overwhelming some moments can be. So this year I’m taking inspiration from the John Lewis ad by reminding myself to stop, breathe and enjoy!
If you like a real Christmas tree why not take a look at what NWTT have to offer? £25 for a 7 foot tree sounds like a real bargain! See the front cover for details.
Our 7-year old has his Santa list signed, sealed and delivered. His sugar-filled energy is gearing him up ready to enjoy his growing social calendar.
It’s lovely to see local shops make such an effort in a bid to welcome us to share their festive offerings. It’s such a relief knowing you don’t need to travel far to fulfill your Christmas list. It’s also good to know that each purchase, no matter how small, helps to keep our local shops, cafes and other businesses up and running.
As much as I love the hustle and bustle of it all, I do find comfort in the quieter, less frantic moments. The cheeky coffee and mince pies with other mums after the school run, or the lovely evening stroll around the neighbourhood enjoying the brightly decorated homes and gardens. I’m always grateful to return home, close the door and step back into our own winter wonderland.
Whatever your plans are this Christmas have a peaceful, joyful time. I would just like to thank you all for your input, your business and best of all, your community spirit in 2024. See you all in 2025!
THE BOOK SHELF
THE IMPROBABILITY OF LOVE
by Hannah Rothschild
Annie McDee, a struggling chef, buys an old scruffy painting in a local junk shop. She picked up the picture on a whim because she thought it would make the perfect gift and because she could just about afford it after some haggling.
This is the start of a delve into the art world both past and present. We are taken into the rarefied atmosphere of international art but also get a glimpse of the rich, powerful and dangerous underworld. There is a fascinating mix of unscrupulous dealers, Russian oligarchs and other high-fliers desperate to get their hands on the next big thing. We also hear some of the dark secrets and even darker deeds of former owners including looting, fraud and money-laundering.
The characters are a brilliant mix of rich, poor, royalty, politicians and, of course, art lovers. One of them is the painting itself which doesn’t take kindly to being stuck in a junk shop, sold for £75 and then dropped, unceremoniously, into a plastic carrier bag. This was a laugh-out-loud moment as the painting (a lost masterpiece) lets us know its views on its current situation, its various owners and their dark secrets. It asks us to consider the true value of art as it reveals its own colourful history.
Never having been remotely interested in art I found this a fascinating read. I might even be tempted to call in at the local gallery and see what it has to offer.
Jackie McDermott - Book Club Reviewer.
WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Christmas morning is always a slow start in our house. We enjoy a cup of tea in bed and like to surface around mid morning. We take the dogs out for a walk and call in at the local pub for a Christmas tipple amongst friends and neighbours and then hot foot it home to pop our ‘ready made’ M&S food in the oven. We open a bottle of Cava and watch TV in front of the fire and eat all the goodies I have hidden away throughout the run up to Christmas!
Cath, Mike & Rupert the Dog
Mornings are not as chaotic now the kids are teenagers, they would rather stay in bed than rush down to open their presents. When they do surface, we share a cooked breakfast before going to pick up Grandma whilst Dad tackles the turkey! We then exchange gifts and the kids help lay the table and prep the veg whilst Grandma enjoys a glass of port. We always tune into the Kings speech before we tuck into dinner and then we take it in turns to watch our favourite Christmas movie with the tub of Celebrations and After Eights!
Emma, Mum of 2 (teenagers!)
We have many grandchildren which I have to see on Christmas Day, so the day starts early with a good feed and then the present delivery starts. My husband insists on carrying ‘jingle bells’ and shakes them furiously as we approach their doors, this always makes me laugh and the grandkids go wild! This year we are invited to my eldest who likes to treat us to a feast of a dinner and I am always on washing up duty, its my
contribution to the day. Its always nice to go home to our own bed and know that all our kids & grandkids have had a fun day.
Gloria, Mum of 3 and 6 Grandchildren!
We all creep downstairs and my husband goes and puts the lights on and checks to see if Santa has been before inviting the kids in. They always look to see if Santa has eaten his mince pie and drank his milk, generally followed by questions on how he got down the chimney, how he carried all the presents and how he gets around everyone in one evening! it’s such a lovely magical moment. I hot foot it into the kitchen, pop on some festive tunes and make pancakes for breakfast and my husband takes care of the dinner prep. We stay in our PJ’s until after breakfast and then put our ‘smart clothes’ on, a family tradition for dinner. The rest of the day is usually spent assembling toys and playing their new box games and munching on our selection boxes.
Kate, Simon, Theo & Rebecca
As our family has grown we have out grown our Christmas table so we now enjoy a festive dinner out. We all get dressed up load the car with gifts and meet in the bar for a drink before all 22 of us sit down and enjoy dinner, there is no cooking stress and no washing dishes for us and we all have a great time until they chuck us out! We head home with full bellies but their is always room for late night treats!
Glenda & Co.
THE CHATTY CRAFTERS
The Chatty Crafter group meet at the Community Centre on Church Lane, Lowton, every Wednesday morning (except first Wednesday of the month) from 10am – 12.15pm.
They’re a friendly group who enjoy a variety of crafts – and have lots of equipment for you to use, too: from die cutting machines and dies; stamping platform with stamps, inks, parchment items, an engraver and more. So it’s perfect for whatever kind of crafter you are – whether experienced or just a beginniner. With their ‘lending library’, members can even take equipment home and return it the following week.
Subs each week are £3.50, and this includes access to the equipment as well as tea, coffee and biscuits.
And as well as getting together to work on craft projects, the group also arrange occasional craft-related trips and organise themed workshops for members to get involved with.
All are welcome – so why not come down and join the Chatty Crafters at their next get-together?
While back-to-back parties and diaries packed with visits to friends and family spells Christmas for many, it’s not the reality for everybody says St Helens & Warrington Oddfellows.
In a bid to ensure everyone has the chance to get in the festive spirit, the local friendship society is inviting people to join them at their social events.
Tuesday 3rd December sees their regular Drop In at Ormskirk Street URC, St Helens where you can bring your chosen craft or pass time to work on, join in with some games or simply have a chat and make new friends. They meet in the Lower Hall 1.30pm to 3.30pm, cost £2.50 members £3.00 guests and includes refreshments.
Thursday 5th December is the groups
Coffee Morning in St Helens, meeting at the Kaleidoscope Cafe (formally The Hotties) inside the World of Glass from 10.30am. Julie Webster, Social Organiser for the Oddfellows St Helens & Warrington Branch said, ‘Why not come along and stay for a spot of lunch, a lovely relaxing start to the festive run up.” Cost as per menu.
Tuesday 10th December is the very popular ‘Halifax Bingo’ Steal a prize, this is a very easy but fun game, just bring a wrapped gift to the value of £2, roll a dice to get a 6 and steal a prize, don’t be too pleased as someone might just steal it back off you. This is again held in the Lower Hall, Ormskirk St
URC, St Helens, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Cost £2.50 members £3.00 guests plus wrapped gift, includes Christmas refreshments.
Thursday 12th December is the annual Christmas Lunch Party held at the Unison Club, Bishop Road, St Helens. Enjoy a 3 course carvery lunch with all the trimmings, followed by the Christmas Raffle, all proceeds to this year’s charity Willowbrook Hospice and lots of games and dancing. The fun starts at 12 noon, Cost £35.
January is back to regular events, the Tuesday Drop In dates at Ormskirk Street URC are 7th, 14th and 21st, usual 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
Thursday 9th the group are meeting up at St Helens SuperBowl for a morning of fun at ten pin bowling. Join in with either 1 game £6.99 or two games £7.99 includes tea/ coffee and either bacon roll or toast. Julie said, “This is always a popular event and is ideal for beginners or those who have never played before as we do put the sides up and have frames to help roll the balls. Anyone can come along just to watch and have a coffee as it is a great social morning, we meet up at 10.30am”
The accelerated digital transition happening around us is creating societal imbalances, affecting both those who are excluded already, and also creating newly-excluded groups.
Digital transition is essential to boost economic growth and improve the quality of life of local people, but this transition by itself does not ensure that everyone benefits equally. Indeed a significant number of us are actively excluded as a result of these rapid changes in digital technology.
Every Monday, 2pm to 4pm Help with;
This is the “digital divide” – where certain groups and individuals cannot or do not make full use of digital opportunities (whilst others can and do). This leads to people being digitally excluded from aspects of society from NHS appointments to paying for car parking through our phones.
In the modern world, digital exclusion is not just a matter of missing a few opportunities – it results in social and economic exclusion, where certain individuals or groups are unable to fully participate in society. It can even affect their political involvement too.
Why not pop down to one of the local free digital drop-ins where you can get help and support to getting digital.
Contact us for more info: 01744 677 885
www.includeitmersey.org.uk
LOCAL FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEAS
The Wrightington Hotel
Moss Ln, Wrightington, Wigan WN6 9PB
Enjoy their scrumptious selection of delicate finger sandwiches with classic fillings, warm savouries, freshly baked scones, clotted cream with preserves and an assortment of delicious festive themed cakes and pastries. Sip freshly brewed tea and coffee, or why not upgrade your experience with a glass of chilled Prosecco or warm mulled wine. Served everyday throughout December (excluding 25th & 26th December). £25 per person or £29 with Prosecco. The last bookable date is 23rd December
The Houghwood Golf Club
Crank Rd, Billinge WA11 8RL
Celebrate the Season at The Houghwood with an Afternoon Tea and music on Saturday 7th December. Enjoy a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes and washed down with freshly brewed tea or filter coffee whilst listening to singer Olivia Parr, keeping things feeling festive. Glass of Prosecco at 1pm on arrival and Dining at 1.30pm. Prices £26.95 per person, Deposit: £10.00 per person.
The Mercure Haydock Hotel
Penny Ln, Haydock WA11 9SG
Festive Afternoon Tea with Seasonal Surprises, available Daily from 1st to 23rd December, served from 1pm - 4pm. The Afternoon Tea at its most indulgent with an exquisite selection of mini desserts and bite-sized sandwiches and of course, scones served with clotted cream and jam. £19.50 per adult, £10 per child (4-14), Add a glass of prosecco for £6.50.
Kilhey Court Hotel
Chorley Rd, Standish WN1 2XN
Take time out of your busy schedule and celebrate the season with your loved ones. Whether a grand occasion or small informal gathering, enjoy their Festive Afternoon Tea in a relaxed atmosphere this Christmas. Enjoy a classic selection of dainty finger sandwiches, homemade scones fresh from the oven and an irresistible selection of cakes, all served with a selection of loose-leaf Birchall Tea. Add some sparkle to your day with a glass of champagne or English sparkling wine for a little extra decadence. From £30 per person.
CHRISTMAS RECIPE
WHITE MULLED WINE
This is a great alternative to the traditional mulled wine. So, if you are not a big red wine fan yet yearn to put your hands around something warm this festive party season, then why not give this a try.
INGREDIENTS
750 ml dry white wine
400 ml cider
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp golden caster sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
A few lemon slices
METHOD
1. Fill a large saucepan with all the ingredients and a few lemon slices.
2. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer gently for 5 minutes, then add more sugar to taste if required. Strain and serve in heatproof glass mugs, with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks to garnish.
WHATS ON GUIDE
December 2024
We have done our best to check out all the activities in our ‘What’s on Guide’. But you are always advised to phone and confirm an event, before leaving home to attend.
Some winter events for your diary;
Wednesday Weenies
Wednesdays 1pm - 2.30pm
St Thomas Church Hall, Warrington Rd WN4 9PL
Wednesday Weenies meet in term time from 1-2.30pm in the church hall for our parent and carer toddler group for new-borns to pre-school. With a craft, snack time, story and singing as well as lots of toys to play with.
Everyone welcome.
Santa’s Grotto at the Grand Arcade 24th November to 24th December
Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, Wigan WN1 1BH
Santa is back at Grand Arcade this festive season with his cheeky elves, bringing all the magic and sparkle of Christmas. We know you’ll absolutely love it! We hope all the boys and girls have been super good this year, Santa can’t wait to hear what is on their Christmas lists. Tickets are £6 per child including a gift from Santa. The Grotto will operate an advance booking system and there’ll be a limited amount of walk up tickets, priced at £7.50. Once online slots are sold out for any given date, limited walk up tickets will be available.
Ashton’s BIG Christmas Markets & Lights Switch On Sunday 1st December
Marketplace, Garswood Street, Ashton WN4 9AF
Kick start the communities festive season off with a bang! Christmas stalls from local community groups, charities, small independent businesses. The stage will be at the heart of the event showcasing local talent from school’s, dance troupes and so much more! There will be food and drink and a firework display, before the lights are switched on. FREE
Bag and Bean Shopping Evening
Thursday 5th December
Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge, WN5 7XG
Join them for an evening of Christmas shopping in a relaxed and friendly environment & discounts on the evening too! The Coffee shop will be open until 8pm for festive drinks, lighter bites and tasty treats.
Bridge Farm Rainford - Christmas Party Nights
6th, 13th & 20th December
Bridge Farm News Lane, Rainford WA11 7JT
Come down and enjoy a festive 3 course dinner whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere here at Bridge Farm. From £20. Christmas lunch also served everyday from the 1st December. Christmas Afternoon Tea are available from £20 (Eat in or takeaway).
Booking essential 01744 883 734.
Artisan Christmas Markets
Sunday 8th December, 10am to 4pm
Pennington Flash, St Helens Rd, Leigh WN7 3PA
Festive magic is coming to Pennington Flash this year as they host their first ever Artisan Christmas markets! Wrap wrap up warm and come and enjoy festive games, seasonal gifts and craft making from over 30 stall holders, not to forget food and drinks from delicious cheeses and mulled wine!
Free Entry
A Christmas To Remember
Thursday 12th December, 7pm - 8.30pm
Robin Park Leisure Centre, Loire Dr, Wigan WN5 0UL
Make it a Christmas to remember, with a special screening of family-favourite ‘The Snowman’ accompanied by live orchestra. The show also includes a fun, festive Christmas carol ‘singalong’ and popular favourites from the stage and screen, including Flight to Neverland from Hook, Highlights from Wicked, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This magical, festive show featuring Wigan Youth Orchestra is perfect for the whole family to enjoy and is sure to create cherished memories.
Watch this classic Christmas movie at it follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London. From £11.25
Christmas Party
Sunday 22nd December, 2pm - 6pm
Community Centre, Billinge Rd, Garswood WN4 0XD Friends of Seneley Green invite you all to their Christmas Party, you will enjoy the Spectrum Choir Singalong, a children’s disco and games with entertainment by DJPICO and a visit from Santa at 5pm. There will be Christmas food and crafts throughout the afternoon.
This is a FREE event - please book via their FB page to ensure they have enough for all!
Facebook - Arley Hall Winter Light Trail
Why not check out; www.wiganeventsguide.com/events/ or visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/article/4336/What-s-on for more winter activities. If you would like us to publicise your event, or activity just let us know. Simply drop Sarah an email; info@wnlink.co.uk
CHRISTMAS RECIPE BAILEYS CHOCOLATE ORANGE POTS
This little dessert will make a great Christmas dinner dessert, something to whip out when friends swing by or will make any night in feel special.
INGREDIENTS (Makes 6)
300ml Double Cream
100ml Baileys (or other brand)
157g Chocolate Orange
100g Dark Chocolate
25g Melted Butter
8 Digestive Biscuits
1/2 tsp Orange Zest
METHOD
1. Place the digestive biscuits in a freezer bag, crush with a rolling pin until you have a rough crumb.
2. Add 25g of melted butter to the crumb and mix well.
3. Divide the biscuit between 6 ramekins and press down with the back of a teaspoon.
4. Set aside 6 chocolate orange segments for the topping and put the rest in a microwaveable bowl with the dark chocolate broken into pieces
5. Microwave the chocolate at 30 second intervals stirring each time before microwaving again.
6. When most of the chocolate has melted remove from the microwave and stir until completely smooth, this will stop it overheating and getting gritty, leave to cool.
7. Place 300ml double cream in a mixing bowl and using a hand blender, mix for 30 seconds or so until it begins to thicken.
8. Add 100ml of Bailey’s, the orange zest and the melted chocolate and whisk until smooth and one single colour.
9. Divide the mixture between the ramekins and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight. Remove from the fridge 15 minutes before serving.
Place a chocolate orange segment on top of each one before serving...
Did you know you can book two bulky waste collections of up to five items in a 12 month period- totally free?
By using the Council to get rid of your old and worn furniture, appliances, white goods and much more, you know it will be disposed of responsibly.
If you give your waste to someone who is not a licensed waste carrier and it is dumped, you could face a fine or fixed penalty notice- just as if you dumped it yourself.
Bookings are available three weeks in advance, see the council website for details www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Bins-Recycling/Bulky-collections.aspx
Playing TWO books of FIVE (£5 per book) PLUS ONE final FLYER (£1 per sheet) for £50 full house! ALL WELCOME!
ASHTON JUBILEE CLUB 167 Wigan Rd, WN4 9SL (Cansfield Grove & Alexandra Rd Junction)
01942 727 781
Jubilee Club Ashton
88
Winter Events & Activities at the Orangery
Friday 6th December from 6 pm
Christmas Film Fun
Friday 13th Dececember between 11-2.30 pm
Brew n Browse Christmas Afternoon Tea with Spectrum Community Choir
16th/18th/19th December between 12 - 2 pm
Christmas Cafe Special Menu, Carols & fun
At The Orangery Cafe & Gift Shop
Downall Green & Garswood I.M. Church 258 Wigan Road, Bryn WN4 0AR
VOLOUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Libraries are always looking for new people to join their volunteer teams and have a range of opportunities available. To find out more, email your local library, or pop in for a chat!
The WN4 is a great way to support & connect local people to local businesses. It has been proven that by sourcing local business cost savings can be passed directly onto your customers.
Helping them to save money and you to generate more business.
Our aim is to bring local business to local people, share events and help to build a local community where everyone stays connected.
Launched in 2011
6 editions per year
5 advert sizes, to suit all budgets
Advertising from only £50 per issue, or £300 per year.
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Magazine drops at local pubs, cafes & high foot fall community areas
Community content including; news and events in your local area
The WN4 is distributed 6 times a year, February, April, June, August, October and December.
If you would like to share your business, service, news or local event please contact Sarah on 07866 389 948, or email info@wnlink.co.uk
WN4 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Advertising WN4 Page 34.
Body, Hair & Beauty
Crystal Clear Ear Wax Removal Page 33.
Feet to Face Page 19.
Healthy Feet By Joanne Dowd Page 26.
Phil Parr Hypnotherapy Page 29.
Cleaning Services
Maid2Clean Page 31.
Day Care Services
Bridgewater Day Care Page 39.
Education
Bloom Baby Classes Page 30.
Care, Love, Learn Childcare Page 20, 21.
Entertainment & Leisure
ASCA TV Aerials/Satellite /Cinema Rooms Page 35.
Annies Crystals & Stones Page 33.
Bloom Baby Classes Page 30.
Garswood School of Dance Page 30.
Oddfellows Page 12.
Stubshaw Cross Community & Sports Club Page 32.
The Enchanted Moon Page 25.
You Fit Leisure Centre (Holiday Inn) Page 4.
Food & Drink
Simms Road Inn
Page 2, 3.
The Glasshouse Page 10,32.
The Vinyard Cocktail Bar Page 17.
Funeral Services
Alan Jones Funeral Directors Ltd Page 5.
Garvey & Young Funeral Service Page 19.
Home Furnishings
Blinding Blinds & Shutters Page 17.
Heather Horrocks Page 35.
Selecta Carpets Page 7.
Home Improvements
ABC Bathroom Clearance Centre Page 31.
ASCA TV Aerials/Satellite /Cinema Rooms Page 35.
AS UPVC Page 37.
Ashton Bedrooms Page 27.
Aspire Fencing Page 28.
CDW Refurbishments Page 27.
Designs For Life Bathrooms Page 11.
Heather Horrocks Page 35.
Haldane Fisher Builders Merchant Page 38.
IJW Electrical Page 31.
JK Kitchens & Bedrooms Page 13.
Karndean Design Flooring Page 7.
Makerfield Bathrooms Page 25.
Move It Removals Page 18.
North West Timber Treatments Page 1.
Orrell Windows Ltd Page 40.
PB Powerwashing Page 37.
Paul Hilton Electrical Services Page 37.
Paul Walsh Handy Man Page 35.
Pergolas & Awnings By Blinding Blinds Page 17.
Renu PVC Page 37.
Rightio Plumbing & Heating Page 29.
Selecta Carpets Page 7.
SQ2 Electrical Services Page 37.
UK Tile Protection Roofers Page 37.
Jewellers
PH Gold Jewellers
Legal Services
Page 33.
Accord Legal Services Ashton Page 9.
Motoring
Ashton Tyres & Exhausts Page 38.
McG Auto’s Page 37.
Spraywise Cosmetic Body Repair Page 28.
Other
Fifi’s Pawfect Pamper Page 35. The Enchanted Moon Page 25.
Vapour Trader Page 15.
Delivered to over 30,000 homes every year in the WN4 postcode area. The WN4 is produced by the WN Link.
Please note that every care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information within the WN4. The WN Link assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or consequences of any information contained within the WN4. Reproduction of this magazine, in whole or part, is forbidden without prior written permission of the WN Link.
