Local Life - Wigan - February 2018

LocalLife
Wigan Edition February 2018
The spy who loved
Wigan
Pages 48
Lonely without you
Pages 36
Cronton Walk
Pages 75
Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Event2Go Home Services
locallife247.co.uk

Lordy Close, Standish £300,000 Ince Hall Ave, Ince £300,000
Set in a quiet residential close this beautiful 4-bed
detached home with attractive gardens has stunning
open views to the rear over Haigh County Park.
A truly impressive 3-bed detached bungalow with a
beautiful open plan lounge diner and a stunning fitted
kitchen set within ¼ acre of land.
Broomfield Cottage, Standish £300,000 Woodhurst Drive, Standish £275,000
This 5-bed former coach house on Bradley Lane offers
2,600 sq ft of charming accommodation including a
master bedroom with a stunning vaulted ceiling.
This immaculately presented 4-bed detached family
home with a stunning open plan living kitchen, is on
one of Standish’s most popular developments.
Shevington Moor, Standish £275,000 Hesketh Drive, Standish £260,000
This newly-refurbished stylish 2-bed bungalow, with its
open plan lounge/kitchen leading to a beautiful garden,
can only truly be appreciated by viewing.
This modern 4-bed detached home offers neutrally
presented accommodation in a private close, and has a
spacious plot with a generous rear garden.
a name you can trust

NEW PRICE
Fellside, Whelley £230,000
An exceptionally large 4-bed detached home, located
on a large plot in a quiet cul-de-sac, with a high level of
presentation throughout and a large rear garden.
Edgeway Road, Hawkley £225,000
This generously proportioned and well-presented 4-bed
detached home with a fabulous kitchen and sun room
is located on one of Wigan’s most popular estates.
Pepper Lane, Standish £220,000
Immaculately presented, this 3-bed semi-detached
home with period features offers an open plan layout, a
beautiful rear garden and ample off road parking.
Riverdale Close, Standish LG £220,000
Perfectly positioned, is this beautifully maintained 4-bed
detached family home which sits in a quiet cul-de-sac
and overlooks Christopher Park to the rear.
Swinley Lane, Swinley £190,000
This delightful 4-bed terraced family home, located near
Mesnes Park is well equipped, tastefully decorated and
retains much of its traditional character.
Brooklands Road, Up Holland £170,000
This 3-bed semi-detached dormer bungalow is cleverly
laid out with many interior and exterior design features
which combine to create a stunning family home.
www.alanbatt.co.uk

2
Copyhold Farm, Wrightington - OIRO £800,000
Very rarely does a property like this come up for sale. Parts of Copyhold Farm
date back to the early 1600s and many original features have been retained.
Set within excess of 3 acres of gardens and pastures, this superb 4 bed family
home also offers potential for equestrian use.
www.alanbatt.co.uk

NEW YEAR NEW LOOK!
Multifuel Stoves Supplied & Installed
All Tastes & Budgets Catered For
3
FINANCE NOW
AVAILABLE
SUBJECT TO
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please ask for details
Follow us
Photo for illustration purposes only
Telephone: 01942 583 558
721 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AQ
(FREE parking to the rear)
wiganfiresandfireplaces.co.uk

4
Planning
ahead
February is very definitely a month for
planning.
House improvements, extensions and garden
makeovers; you name it, February is the perfect
month for planning ahead, assuming you’ve
managed to pay off the credit card bills in January
that is. You’ll find numerous very capable businesses
and long-established local tradespeople to help you
in Local Life, so do give them a call for some friendly
advice.
February is also a great month for planning
forthcoming community events. If you’re launching
a new event or you want to publicise an existing
event in 2018, Local Life can help you do this. Coffee
mornings, car boot sales, charity nights, village
fetes, art exhibitions, school fayres, craft festivals,
organised walks, street markets, music concerts; you
name it, you can publicise these absolutely free and
to thousands of Local Life readers.
Simply visit our website www.locallife247.co.uk and
click on ‘Events2Go’, then ‘Upload your Event’. Or you
can visit locallife247.co.uk/events/community/add
There is absolutely no charge and you can even
upload an image for the event. Please upload your
event by the first of the month for the month after
– so by the 1st March for the April issue and so on.
We’re celebrating a big birthday in 2018 – in May it
is our 10th anniversary. Suffice to say, the party is
one thing we haven’t planned yet because we’re too
busy planning our 2018 magazines for you; Sounds
like a job for February!
See you next time
Chris Pearce - Publisher
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

5
In this issue
The spy who loved
Wigan
48
Cutting
sugar
Regulars
26 Planning
43 Class From The Past
52 Puzzle Corner
Sections
6 Property
8 Local News
54 Health
60 Legal & Finance
66 Events2Go
82 Garden Diary
98 The Lump
62 Business View
71 Food & Drink
82 Gardening
86 Home Services
54
Low-carb
recipes
71
Jack’s Tracks visits
Cronton
75
Test Drive
Range Rover
Sport
79
Next issue - March 2018
Advertising deadline - Thursday, 8 February
Published - Wednesday, 21 February
Publisher: Chris
Sales: Nicola, Sally
Editorial: David
Design: Peter
Distribution: Sally
Accounts: Sam
LocalLife
Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park,
Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01695 627 999
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
sales@locallife247.co.uk
wigannews@locallife247.co.uk
design@locallife247.co.uk
sallyb@locallife247.co.uk
accounts@locallife247.co.uk
Local Life is published every month and distributed into
the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.
This issue is delivered to 13,039 private homes and
businesses in Standish, Shevington, Whitley, Appley
Bridge, Standish Lower Ground, Aspull and Haigh.
The next issue is delivered to 13,034 private homes and
businesses in Orrell, Billinge, Winstanley, Up Holland,
Highfield, Marus Bridge, Roby Mill and Pemberton.
You can also pick up a free copy of Local Life at Sainsburys
or Tesco Extra in Wigan.
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 may be copied or reproduced without the prior written
consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.
locallifemagazine247 @locallifemedia events2go

6
Properties of Distinction
NEW
Silverwood, Sennicar Lane, Haigh
An individually designed detached four bed house sat in stunning landscaped grounds.
Asking price £750,000
Individually designed country home
Stunning landscaped gardens
Double garage & outbuildings
4 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
Large sitting room / annex
Freehold / No chain
CCTV & security alarm
3219 SQ.FT. in total
www.reganandhallworth.com

7
NEW
NEW
EASTMEAD, SHEVINGTON £299,995
Exceptional detached family home located on a
prestigious modern development in Shevington.
NEW NEW
WHITEHALL AVE, APPLEY BRIDGE £195,000
Modern spacious three bed detached family home
boasting a village location.
ALMOND PASTURES, STANDISH £220,000
Immaculately presented detached family home in prime
location close to motorway.
NEW
COLLINGWOOD STREET, STANDISH £125,000
Three bed end terrace which has been fully renovated
to the highest standards in Standish village.
TO LET
GREENWOOD ROAD, STANDISH £115,000
This affordable and well-appointed two bedroom semi
with large garden is offered with no chain.
OLD LN, SHEVINGTON £575 PCM - FEES APPLY
Great sized three bed mid terrace family home located
in the popular village of Shevington.
www.reganandhallworth.com Wigan town centre showroom 01942 205555

8
Homes on ex-pub car park?
Fresh proposals have been put
forward to develop a former pub car
park in Standish Lower Ground.
Plans have been unveiled to build three detached
bungalows at the old Royal Oak Hotel on Wigan
Lower Road.
A previous application to redevelop the site was
rejected last August, with the council claiming it
would “represent inappropriate development” in
the green belt.
Documents lodged with Wigan Council state:
“While the introduction of three houses to the site
would undoubtedly have a degree of impact on the
openness of the Green Belt, there are considered
to be material planning considerations which
significantly outweigh this impact and can be
treated as very special circumstances that can be
used to justify the proposed development.
“Due to the fact that the Royal Oak is no longer a
drinking or eating establishment and has been
redeveloped into a high quality apartment scheme,
the application site no longer has any purpose. It is
now a relatively large piece of hardstanding in the
Green Belt and nothing else. It is suggested that it
would be reasonable and logical to use it to provide
much needed housing to the borough.
“It has been confirmed by Wigan Council that there
is a clear identified need for bungalows in the
borough.
“There were extremely limited objections to the
previous application thus indicating that there is a
desire to see this site developed from the locals. This
is not unsurprising given the potential for the site
to become unkempt – or even worse – occupied
by trespassers.
Over 25 years of local advice
Now at High Street, Standish
Mortgages
Life Insurance
Wigan
Standish - Parbold
& District
Free home visits any time to 8.00 p.m.
or visit us.
01257 424 999
www.mortgage-clinic.co.uk
“A high quality, well landscaped residential scheme
such as the one proposed will be much more
pleasing on the eye in this Green Belt location than
a vacant car park and fencing.
“While it is appreciated that it is challenging to
justify residential development on Green Belt
sites, this particular site is considered to be unusual
in Green Belt terms and its development in the
manner proposed makes a lot of sense given the
reasons above which are considered to amount to
very special circumstances.
“This planning application presents Wigan Council
with the opportunity to approve the development
of three much needed bungalows for the borough
and at the same time, by doing so, remove a host
of potential issues that could be associated with a
vacant piece of hardstanding in the Green Belt.”

9

10
More Wiganers online
The number of people in Wigan who are ‘digitally
excluded’ has been cut. The area’s rate for people
are aren’t online was downgraded to ‘low’ in the
UK Consumer Digital Index. The news comes
after Wigan Council revealed that almost a third
of the borough’s residents have signed up for an
online account to access council services. The
cash-strapped authority has been pushing people
to sign up to their My Account service in a bid to
reduce costs.
Wigan Council launched My Account in 2015
and more than 100,000 people have now signed
up - with almost 50 per cent of them making a
transaction in the last six months. Lesley O’Halloran,
assistant director for customer services at Wigan
Council, said: “ Digital services are cost effective and
help us keep council tax low. In times of austerity,
our council tax remains one of the lowest in Greater
Manchester.”
Protecting victims
The safeguarding team at WWL flagged increased
levels of domestic violence within the Borough.
2016-2017 figures on domestic abuse were
obtained from the Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse
multi-agency steering group.
A representative for the Trust said: “The hospital
Trust has a number of initiatives on-going to
address domestic abuse; we have a Domestic
Abuse Policy for staff and service users, Trust wide
Domestic Abuse Awareness Training, Staff who are
Domestic Abuse ‘champions’.
“The Trust has also been involved in a joint initiative
with Wigan Borough Council to pilot a hospital
based Independent Domestic Violence Advisor on
site, this has had encouraging results.
“Overall, staff at WWL now have a greater awareness
of domestic abuse and further work this area is
ongoing.”
INDEPENDENT TILING AND BATHROOM SPECIALIST
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9 TILL 5.30 PM
01942 245 324
gbtilesbathrooms.co.uk
6 Seven Stars Road WN3 5AT

11
Rotary’s huge success
Wigan Rotary Club’s annual Christmas
collection proved to be a huge
success thanks to local residents.
Father Christmas, accompanied by his little helpers
at Wigan Rotary Club raised £14,063 throughout
December.
Wigan Rotary president Gwyneth Millard said:
“Thank you to all the great people of Wigan who
have donated so generously throughout December.
“We met some fantastic people on the routes and
at the supermarkets and with this record collection
we can continue to support the work of community
groups in Wigan.
“The Club is grateful to all its sponsors, however
Westwood Van Hire, Local Life, The 78 Club do need
special thanks for their remarkable contribution.”
The staff from Wigan Council including their chief
executive and directors, joined in the fun at Tesco
who have been a huge support throughout the
year.
Local businesses, the major supermarkets and
all the willing pairs of hands all helped with the
fundraising efforts, showing fantastic community
spirit.
Wigan Rotary Club meets weekly on a Thursday
at 12.30pm. at the Owls in Standish. For more
information contact Colin Wilkinson on 01942
742692 or go to www.wiganrotaryclub.org.uk
Fantastic range of quality
kitchen appliances at
the lowest prices!
on selected AppliAnces
we oFFer;
• Free delivery
• Free installation*
• Free removal*
*t&c’s Apply
Buy now...
pAy lAter* At 0%
*conditions apply
cAll into our wigAn store todAy.
open 9-5pm Mon-Fri & 9-3pm sat
or shop online at www.aspull-domestics.co.uk
unit 5, caroline street, wigan, wn3 4el
01942 833908
www.aspull-domestics.co.uk

12
Festive joy
Congratulations to Standish resident
Tracey Fletcher who was one of the
lucky winners of a Local Life festive
hamper.
Tracey, of Spiredale Brow, received her basket of
goodies just before Christmas after entering our
competition. Other winners were Sharon Grayston,
of Cricketers Green, Eccleston, Chorley; Kaye Willan,
of Crossgill, Astley; Kathryn Adamson, of Regal
Drive, Windle, St Helens and Sarah Williams, of
Beechwood Drive, Ormskirk.
Another recent competition was for an afternoon
tea for two at Patisserie Valerie in the Grand Arcade,
Wigan. The winners were Janet Magee, of Danesway
Wigan; Kieran Haunch, of Wigan Road, Ashton-in-
Beautifully furnished
Stone Cottage
Holiday Let
– sleeps up to 4
Situated near Sedbergh,
in the Yorkshire Dales,
and also within easy
reach of the Lake District
Children & pets welcome
Call 01942 216 058 / 07792445257
E-mail janemillthrop@yahoo.co.uk
www.millthropcottage.co.uk
Makerfield (pictured); Emily Evans, of Tatham Grove,
Winstanley; Eileen Graham of Turnditch Close,
Wigan; Joanne Barr, of Munro Avenue, Orrell, and
Suzanne Cotton, of Dingle Avenue, Appley Bridge.
Well done as well to Barbara Griffiths, of Gawsworth
Road, Golborne, (pictured) who won £500 worth of
vouchers for OD’s designer clothing in St Helens.
Remember, to be in with a chance of winning one of
our great prizes, keep reading Local Life!

13

14
Apprentices in Wigan will receive a
boost thanks to a living wage pledge
by the leader of Wigan Council.
Lord Peter Smith has increased the rate of pay to the
national living wage rate of £7.50 an hour for more
than 50 apprentices at Wigan Council.
This means, some apprentices received an increase
in pay of more than £1,500 a year and the wage has
been back-paid to April.
The council employs apprentices in all areas of its
work including administrational, environmental
services and social care.
Pay boost
Lord Smith said: “At Wigan Council we are fully
committed to apprenticeships as a proven way for
young people to gain the experience and skills of
work while earning a wage.”
The boost was welcomed by apprentices Cory
Hope, 19, Joe Lally, 25, and Jake Deakin, 20 all
first year apprentices who work in the council’s
Greenspaces horticultural department.
Joe said: “We received a letter to say we were getting
an increase in our wage. It was a nice surprise!”
Cory added: “It means we are all being paid the
same which is good. We are all being treated as
equals.”
Considering A New Boiler?
It pays to choose a name you can trust
We’ll beat any
like-for-like quote by
£100 – guaranteed!
186237
Pay 0% interest.
Prices start from just
£25 per month
For only 5 Years
When you’re thinking of investing in something as crucial to
your everyday comfort as a new central heating boiler, you
want to be absolutely sure you’re making the right choice .
Call
us today
for a free
quote
We accept all major
credit cards
Your Local Installer Established 1998
Worcester have been awarded a Which Best Buy?
award for the most reliable boiler brand and most
satisfied customers across the entire gas boiler range
Address: 434 Ormskirk Road, Wigan, WN5 9DF
Phone: 01942 221 221
Email: info@premiergas.com
Website: www.premiergas.com

15

16

17

18
ADVERTISEMENT
Fashionable
birthday!
Ladies - Welcome to DB’s designer dress
agency, a super new way of picking up
quality designer clothes and accessories. DB’s have
just celebrated their first anniversary and after a
fantastic first year, they have lots of new customers/
friends who visit regularly.
For those who haven’t yet been to this store in
Eccleston, DB’s are a designer dress agency selling
pre-owned items, sizes 8-20. The store stocks a
wide range of casual, occasion and evening wear,
and with new items arriving into the shop on a daily
basis there is always something different to look at.
Designer handbags are a particular favourite with
customers.
All items accepted from sellers must be in excellent
condition; washed, ironed or dry cleaned as
required. It’s a great way of getting some money
back for quality clothing.
Just like any fashion store, the stock at DB’s differs
according to season, and DB’s are now taking in
spring/summer items. Any items accepted are on
sale 8 weeks and, if sold, the seller receives 50%

19
of the selling price. If any items don’t sell in that
time, DB’s simply ask you to collect them or they
can donate them to a local charity on your behalf.
Whether you’re looking to make space or fill your
wardrobe with quality clothing, pop along and
visit the welcoming and friendly environment
of DB’s dress agency.
And if you’re pushed for time, visit DB’s
regularly updated Facebook page, ‘DB
dress agency’ to view much of the
current stock.
267 The Green
Eccleston
Lancashire
PR7 5TF
Tel 01257 676254
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 4.30pm

20
Mindful fashion
A Wigan man has found strength in
fashion when it comes to coping with
his mental health.
Matthew, 28, was diagnosed with depression in
2015 after a constant battle with suicidal thoughts
and feelings of uselessness led Matthew to not
want to leave his home.
Matthew also backs the local #TogetherWeCan
campaign, which hopes to encourage people living
with a mental illness or those who notice a dip in
their mental health to seek help.
Professor Kate Ardern, director for public health
at Wigan Council said: “We want to work together
with health providers, volunteers and residents to
make sure everybody knows that help is available
on both a national and a local scale.”
For more information about the campaign, visit
wigan.gov.uk/togetherwecan or to get involved,
please email publichealth@wigan.gov.uk
Since receiving help, he wants to help others too
and in 2017 kick-started clothing brand ‘Behind
a Smile’ which hopes to remove the stigma
surrounding mental health, and help those affected
by it through collaborative designs.
He said: “I want people to know that there doesn’t
always have to be a big event in your life that can
change your mental health. For me it was a buildup
of things that I didn’t know how to manage and
eventually it took its toll.”

21
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Cancer Services
have been ranked number one out of 135 NHS
Trusts.
WWL has beaten other NHS Trusts across the country
to the top position when it comes to beginning
patient treatment after urgent GP referral.
The target was to ensure 85% of patients started
necessary treatment within 62 days of referral, but
WWL surpassed this with 95.7%.
New patient referral is less than one week for cancer
patients and 100% of patients are seen within two
weeks.
From April 2016 to April 2017 ‘The Christie’ has
provided approximately 5,000 chemotherapy and
supportive treatments, an increase of 1500 on the
previous year.
The strong working relationship between WWL
and Christie hospitals has enabled the centre
to provide: increased chemotherapy treatment
The unthinkable does
need thinking about
Make sure your wishes are carried out in the
event of your death.
Writing a will ensures that your loved ones are
cared for in the way that you want.
Wills
start from
£100
Call us on 01942 554 080
or visit www.personalwillservices.co.uk
Simply the best
activity; continued improved compliance with
SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy) dataset; lung
chemotherapy regimen now in use at Wigan.
As well as the continued expansion of chemotherapy
regimens used locally, offering more treatment
options for metastatic disease, and fortunately
there is now a blood service on bank holidays to
ensure a smooth running service.
Some of the services provided at the Trust include,
Chemotherapy treatments for lung, colorectal,
breast and haematological cancers - Christie at
Wigan; complimentary therapy services within
the Cancer Care Centre; Breast unit specialising in
breast cancer and reconstructive surgery.
EX-DISPLAY SALE NOW ON
Sheds
Log Cabins
Workshops
Wendy Houses
Summer Houses
Garden Offices
Free delivery
Free 100% pressure treated
Free erection
See our show sites at;
Trebaron Garden Centre
Southworth Road, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0BS
Telephone: 01695 589 207
Avant Garden Centre
Wigan Road, Leyland PR25 5XU
Telephone: 01772 433777
www.solidsheds.com
DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

22
Fungi in the park
A number of trees in Haigh Woodland
Park have been felled due to an
outbreak of parasitic fungi.
Dozens of specimens needed to be cut down in
the Higher Plantations while other trees in the area
have also been marked for removal following talks
with the Forestry Commission.
Park users have been informed that trees in the
woodland away from main paths have been left
alone as these will not endanger routes used by
walkers.
It’s also worth noting the Forestry Commission
has said any felled timber should be left where it
falls to ensure the spread of potential diseases are
contained.
Penny McGinty, the council’s assistant contracts
director, said: “The trees which have been felled at
Haigh have been identified to have a parasitic fungi,
which cause trees to fracture or fall and leads to
imminent danger.
“We will continue to conduct further risk surveys
until all immediate priority trees have been dealt
and then we will continue to monitor the woodland.”
Is looking for your new bathroom
or kitchen giving you a headache?
After 11 years of designing, supplying and installing
bathrooms and kitchens aqua: know not all customers
and their rooms are the same, they all need a different
solution.
Our highly skilled in-house design and installation
team will allow you to create the room you have been
dreaming about and not some “that’ll have to do”
compromise.
Why not call and see if aqua: can become your ‘asprin’
and take your headache away and give you the
bathroom or kitchen you’re really dreaming of.
We do it all so you don’t have to.
aqua: bathroom
Established 2006
kitchen
Aqua (NW) Ltd, 16/18, Market Street, Standish, WN6 0HN T: 01257 425 812
E: info@aquabathrooms.co.uk www.aquabathrooms.co.uk

23

24
Community hub ransacked
1st CLASS
TRAVEL
Personal and Business Class Travel
from Arley Chauffeurs
u 24 Hour Service
u Special Occasions
u Long Distance Specialists
Standish Cricket Club has launched a fundraising
appeal to raise money after a break in and burglary
over the Christmas holidays.
Thieves broke into the club’s pavilion at the end of
Green Lane and emptied out the stock from the
cellar, as well as causing substantial damage to the
club’s interior and exterior.
The club hopes to raise £1,500 through its
crowdfunding campaign to bring the club back to
its former glory.
Unfortunately, a considerable policy excess will
need to be paid in claiming on the club insurance,
and SCC is unaware how much will be covered. And
the club will also need to invest in security in and
around the club.
u Airport Transfers
u Sporting Events
u Corporate Events
Phone: 07729 994 117
Email: david@arley.biz Web: www.arley.biz
Standish Cricket Club has said: “Thank you all for
the many kind messages received in support of this
(your) community asset.”
SCC is a popular community hub where children
can learn and play cricket, run solely by volunteers.
If you’d like to donate, please visit www.justgiving.
com/crowdfunding/standishcricketclub

25

26
Aspull
Planning Matters
34 Cross Street: To extend dwellinghouse single
storey to rear (ref: A/17/84917/HH).
Shevington
Launswood Wigan Road: To construct two-storey
detached house and double garage following
demolition of storage barn (ref: A/17/84915/FULL).
Land Adjacent 45-51 Inward Drive: Installation of 4
parking bays (ref: A/17/84793/FULL).
Standish
14 Wilkesley Avenue: To extend dwellinghouse -
first floor over existing single storey extension and
single storey to rear, including balcony to rear (ref:
A/17/84938/HH).
Jolly Mill Cottage, Chorley Road: Erection of
detached double garage to side, shed to rear and
summer house to rear to decked area following
minor engineering works (ref: A/17/84803/HH).
Dam House Farm, Bradley Lane: Demolition of
existing workshop and erection of one detached
dwelling (ref: A/17/84895/FULL).
Standish Lower Ground
Car Park Royal Oak Hotel 56 Wigan Lower Road:
Erection of three detached bungalows, associated
parking and landscaping, together with formation
of new vehicular access on Wigan Lower Road (ref:
A/18/84977/FULL).
Wigan
2 Bishopgate: Change of Use of premises to
Authentic Thai Massage Use (ref: A/17/84997/CU).
Walmsley House 35 Dicconson Street: Change of use
from A2 to residential apartments (C3a) comprising
of 11 apartments together with external alterations
to include, new roof lights, boundary treatment and
new window openings (ref: A/17/84906/MAJOR).
For more information on these plans, visit
www.wigan.gov.uk

27
Where there’s a Will there’s a way!
Here at McHale Baker we are currently
offering a free review of your Will and any
power of attorney that you have in place.
To take advantage of this opportunity
please give us a call on 01257 463672.
We are local & friendly and specialise in the following
• Inheritance Tax • Lasting Powers Of Attorney • Trusts
• Wills • Probate • Care Fee Advice • Funeral Plans
FREE SEMINAR
Protecting Against Care Costs
Wednesday, 18th April 2018, 10am - Wrightington Hotel & Country Club
Ring us to book your place
01257 463672
We offer office or home visit appointments
You can find us at:
Northern Diver Building, Appley Lane North
Appley Bridge, WN6 9AE
www.mchalebaker.co.uk

28
Property
Talk to any group of UK 20-somethings and
you’ll sense a simmering resentment of the
Baby Boomer generation and the benefits they
have enjoyed; free university education with grants,
eye watering property windfalls, golden final salary
pensions and even free bus passes.
But to blame Baby Boomers seems a little unfair and I
don’t believe they can be censured or made liable for
the rise in property values – society just reacted to the
inducements of our property and tax system. Those
who joined the property market party in the 1970’s
and 1980’s were able to take out huge mortgages,
protected in the knowledge that inflation would
corrode the real value of the mortgage, while wage
gains would boost their ability to repay.
Neither do I directly blame the multitude of Wigan
buy to let landlords, buying up their 10th or 11th
property to add to their buy to let empire. They too
are just reacting to the peculiar historic inducements
of the UK property market.
So, who is to blame?
Margaret Thatcher and Nigel Lawson are good
people to blame with Maggie selling off millions of
Alan Batt
Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has worked within
the Wigan property market for over 30 years.
Blame game
by Alan Batt
council houses and Nigel Lawson’s delayed ending
of the MIRAS tax relief in 1987. The Blair/Brown
combo doubled stamp duty in 1997 and again
in 2000, which, as a tax on property transactions,
precludes a more efficient distribution of the current
housing stock.
Over the last few years though, I’ve seen a change in
Government policy towards housing. The new breed
of Wigan buy-to-let landlords that have come about
since the Millennium, have had their wings clipped
over the last couple of years, with the introduction
of new tax rules (meaning it is slightly more difficult
to make money out of property unless you have all
the national information and Wigan property trends
to hand).
It’s easy to blame landlords for pricing first time
buyers out of the Wigan housing market, but I don’t
think it’s entirely fair. With first time buyers struggling
to save for a deposit, if it weren’t for those landlords
buying up those homes over the last 10/15 years,
we would have a bigger housing crisis than we have
today. Local councils certainly haven’t had enough

29

30
money to build new homes, so the homes owned by
buy to let landlords have allowed many youngsters
to enter a rental market.
One side of the argument is that 1,000 homes are
being bought up by buy to let landlords each year
in the Wigan when otherwise they might have
become available to other buyers, the other side of
the argument is the current national average deposit
is £51,800, which is, by far, the greatest barrier to
those wanting to buy their first home. Those homes
bought by local buy to let landlords are not left idle,
as they equate to 7,000 homes for local people,
most of whom who now see renting as a better
option because of the choice, the simplicity and the
flexibility which renting brings.
So, next time your 20-something starts the blame
game argument, just remind them that sometimes
situations aren’t as cut and dried as they seem.
Rising costs for
mortgage holders
Wigan homeowners will be among those affected by the latest rise in the Bank of England interest rates in
November. This was the first increase in 10 years; from 0.25 percent to 0.5 per cent. This uplift comes as inflation
hits 3.1%, the highest rate for six years, whilst the national unemployment rate is at an all-time low of 4.3 per
cent.
The rise will cost Wigan homeowners on average an extra £158.77 per year.
So, what will this interest rate actually do to the Wigan housing market?
Well, if I’m being frank – not a great deal. Nowadays only 42.3% of homeowners have mortgages with variable
rate mortgages (and thus directly affected by a Bank of England rate rise), and most people now have
mortgages with fixed interest rates, so there is less chance of people having to sell their properties because
they can’t afford the monthly repayments.
Because UK inflation levels are rising and the Bank of England is tasked to keep inflation at 2 per cent, interest
rate rises might be on the cards in 2018 as increasing interest rates tends to dampen inflation. Fundamentally
though, the British economy is in decent shape and as people will always need housing, even if we see a slight
dip in prices in the short term, in the medium to long term, the Wigan property market will always remain
strong for both homeowners and landlords alike.
If you are looking for an agent that is well established, professional and communicative, then contact us to find
out how we can get the best out of your investment property.
Email me on alan@alanbatt.co.uk or call on 01942 233999
For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis
on the Wigan property market, check out
www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk

31

32
Quality Kitchens & Bedrooms at Factory Prices
Sale now on! 10% oFF
(Sale ends 28th February 2018)
Free 3D Design & Quote Service
Bespoke Kitchens for all budgets
01257 255 831
masterofcabinets@gmail.com
Unit 4, Conway Trading Estate,
Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DW
‘2 minutes from M6 J27’
cabinetmaster.co.uk
Trade
Customers
welcome
Showroom Open: 8 - 5 pm, Monday - Thursday; 8 - 4 pm, Friday; 10 - 2 pm, Saturday

We can modernise your
stairs in just 2 days!
33
Nothing distinguishes the
quality of a house more than
a well-designed, well-built
staircase and balustrade.
Whether it be from exotic
hardwood, sleek chrome or
contemporary glass, your
staircase should make a
statement of elegance for
your entire home and provide
a welcoming, timeless, grand
entrance.
SURVEY WITH
FREE NO OBLIGATION
Download our brochure from
www.moderniseyourstairs.com
Contact us today
01942 246553
aFtER
BEFORE
“Vale of Wigan produce a stunning
oak staircase with glass balustrades....
you could not pick a better company
to work with.”
David H – Frodsham
Visit our NEW showroom at...
Rear Mill, Wood Street, off Chapel Lane, Wigan, WN3 4HL
NExt LEFt aFtER THe Range
www.moderniseyourstairs.com
info@moderniseyourstairs.com
Step up in style

34
Nearest care bed ‘in Somerset’
A West Lancashire patient who
needed a care bed was told the
nearest one was over 200 miles
away... in Somerset.
That’s the claim which was made in a parliamentary
question to the Under Secretary of State for Health
by West Lancs MP.
Ms Cooper said the matter involved Lancashire
Care NHS Foundation Trust, and called on the
Government to investigate.
When contacted by Local Life, the Trust said ‘out of
area’ placements are now down to fewer than 20.
A spokeswoman added: “The Trust has been
working hard to reduce out of area placements by
putting in place local clinically appropriate options
and this has reduced them significantly in the last
calendar year. Demand in Lancashire for secondary/
specialist mental health services is almost 3 times
the level of demand in other parts of the country.
“There are still significant delays to discharge due to
a lack of onward provision in the care home sector.
This impacts on the Trust’s ability to deal with
demand due to a lack of available beds.”
In response to the MP’s question, government
minister Jackie Doyle Price said: “Day to day
operational decisions about the management of
individual patients are a matter for NHS England
and/or the trusts with responsibility for patient care.
“Inappropriate out of area placements are
unacceptable and the Government has set a target
to eliminate these in non-specialist, acute mental
health care by 2020/21.”

35
New councillor
Shevington has a new councillor. Marlaine Whitham,
of Labour, was victorious in the by-election just
before Christmas. The poll was called following the
resignation of Damian Edwardson. The full results
were as follows:
Janet Brown (Shevington Independents) - 552 votes
Callum Chadwick (Conservatives) - 402 votes
Joshua Hindle (Lib Dems) - 15 votes
Joseph Rylance (Greens) - 30 votes
Marlaine Witham (Labour) - 765 votes
Turnout in the election was 18.7%
Meanwhile, there is set to be another Wigan Council
by-election soon following the controversial
resignation of Bryn councillor Steve Jones. The
independent claims that he had rescinded his
resignation, but was told by the council that, by law,
he could not do that, and that a fresh poll would
have to be held.
Tell Us Your Story!
Local Life is always on
the look out for news
stories from the
local communities
we serve. Are you
raising money for
charity? Are you
a member of a
community group
with something
to shout about?
Maybe you’ve got an unusual
talent, or have a claim to fame? If so, let us know
and you could be appearing in the next edition!
Simply email us at wigannews@locallife247.co.uk
FINANCE
AVAILABLE
artificial lawn specialists
Your one stop landscaping
company
• Paving • Decking
• Sleepers
A Professional, affordable artificial lawn
Call now for a FREE survey 01204 598885
email northmanchester@lazylawn.co.uk
or visit www.lazylawn.co.uk
lazylawnmanchester

36
Lonely without you
Loneliness can affect anyone at
anytime, as George Fairhurst knows
only too well.
The Standish pensioner recently lost his wife of 50-
plus years, Maria, to cancer. The shock of her not
being there has left him bereft.
“Night time is the worst, and getting up in the
mornings, as she’s no longer there. During the day,
you can keep busy but it’s those times which are the
most difficult.
“Maria was just brilliant. She’d look after me, and I’d
often say to her ‘how did I end up with someone as
fantastic as you?’ We met at the old Ritz Cinema on
Station Road in Wigan Town Centre, which is where
the Grand Arcade is now. We got married at Wigan
Parish Church in 1965.”
The issue of loneliness is now firmly on the national
agenda, with local authorities routinely collecting
data to pinpoint ‘hotspots.’ For Wigan, the highest
concentrations are by far in the less well-off areas
such as Ince, Scholes, Whelley, Abram and Platt
Bridge, which has double the amount of lonely over
65s compared to Standish and Shevington.
George, who is also a Standish councillor on Wigan
Council, has now set up the Standish Bereavement
Group in order to help those who, like him, have
had to come to terms with their new-found loss of
companionship.
“It’s not just for people in Standish, we welcome
anyone and everyone,” says George, 76.
“It’s not a professional counselling service though.
It’s simply a place where you can chat with people
who have been through similar circumstances.”
The Standish Bereavement Group meets on
the first Tuesday of the month, 1.30pm at the
Lychgate Tavern, Church Street, Standish. For
more information, contact George on 012578
400251 or email george.fairhurst@blueyonder.
co.uk

37
Made in Chorley
Quality
British
Carpets
Genuine
Factory
Prices
Visit your local
factory shop and we
guarantee – you won’t
go anywhere else!
Simply Jorgus
Adlington
A573
Jorgus
Bolton Road
A6
Grimeford Ln
Blackrod
M61
Open 7 days a week | Fitting service | Free estimates
Commercial and domestic | Roll ends also available
Jorgus Carpets, Grimeford Mill, Grimeford Lane, Adlington, PR6 9HL
01257 482 636 | www.jorgus.co.uk

38
All things Artisan
There’s a new Artisan Market open
in the heart of Wigan on the second
Saturday of every month.
Wigan Auction House only opened its doors in
September, but now locals can enjoy an Artisan
Market too.
Janice Halliwell, of Wigan Auction House, said: “We
wanted to bring good quality food producers and
really nice, original handmade foods and products
together.”
Expect to see organic meat and dairy, homemade
artisan pies and cakes, arts and crafts, bespoke kids’
clothing, collectables and more.
The first market, held in December, saw a good
turnout - so much so all the stallholders will be
making their way back again soon.
Janice said: “We have a fully licensed bar; Parbold
resident Jenny Wren does delicious pies, cakes and
really nice big cookies.
“We’ve got the Travelling Pizza Company too, and
Cook and Forage sold a lot of their meat products
in December.”
Wigan Auction House also has an auction on the
first Saturday of every month.
Auction items can be viewed the week before
online for anyone on the lookout.
For more details visit wiganauctionhouse.co.uk
Start Spreading
The News!
Our new Events2Go platform lets you tell
thousands of people about your event.
Whether it’s a charity do, sportsman’s dinner, wedding fair
or coffee morning, we can help you publicise your event
• Upload your event to our online calendar
• Get it promoted on social media
• Reach up to 130,000 homes in our mags
For FREE publicity for your event visit
www.locallife247.co.uk/events

39
Greener village
A cycling project in
Standish to restore an old
mineral line has been given
the green light.
‘The Line’, a former railway track in
Standish has been given the go ahead
after an objection to the scheme was
withdrawn.
The planned works by Wigan Council
as part of The Deal will upgrade
the muddy track to the village and
Standish High School to a surfaced
and lit walking, cycling and bridle
path.
It will be accessible all year round,
providing an easier way to travel into
Standish, and will hopefully prompt people to leave
cars at home.
Funding for the project comes from Section 106
contributions from developers building new homes
in Standish.
The route will run from School Lane through to
Brookfield Road for a more direct and safer off-road
connection to Shevington Moor.
Cllr David Molyneux, deputy leader at the council,
said: “This is the long-awaited good news we have
been hoping for. We know how much residents in
Standish want The Line project to happen and we’re
glad we can finally get it moving.”
Please visit www.wigan.gov.uk/cycling for updates
on the project.

40
Flying low
New stats reveal fly tipping incidents in Wigan the council saves helping it to keep council tax low.
Borough are declining and recycling rates are rising. The environmental enforcement team tackle all
According to Wigan Council figures, there has been types of environmental crime, including fly tipping,
a 35% reduction in fly tipping reports, falling from littering and dog fouling. They are also trialling
2,105 reports in 2016 to 1,373 in 2017.
CCTV cameras which will help them catch offenders.
The council says this is all down to a proactive
approach, as well as the introduction of a new
environmental enforcement and education team.
But good news for the environment doesn’t stop
there as residents are recycling more than ever, and
the borough’s recycling rate is set to beat central
government’s 50% target.
As part of The Deal, the more people recycle and
dispose of their waste correctly the more money
Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for
environment, said: “This is great news to start the
New Year and we’d like to say a big thank you to
residents for recycling more and for doing their bit
to look after the environment.”
To report a fly tipping incident visit www.wigan.
gov.uk/reportit or download the council’s Report
It app via your smartphone. For more information
about recycling visit www.wigan.gov.uk/recycling
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• traditional service, state of the art results •
• Carpets • Rugs • Fabric & Leather Upholstery
The most thorough clean, or its free!
Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote
5 star rating with
Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme
Have your carpets cleaned the
only thorough way
Shevington based family business
Wigan Good
Trader Of
The Year
2015

Restore the warmth & beauty
of your wood floor
41
DUST FREE
WOOD FLOOR
SANDING
ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL WOOD
FLOORS RESTORED TO THEIR FORMER GLORY
• Dust free wood floor sanding and refinishing
• All coatings and finishes expertly applied and underwritten by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty
• Approved applicator for Pallmann & Junckers floor finishes
Before
“Wood Floor Cleaning Specialists”
Call us now for a FREE no obligation quotation on:
07714 439 813 / 0800 852 7177
or email: info@1stopfloorcare.co.uk
After

42
Never giving up
A Wigan charity focussed on getting
people off the streets and their lives
back on track has returned.
Helping the Homeless Wigan had to shut down
operations after more than a year of supporting
vulnerable people in the borough in October 2017.
Looking to target
new customers
in 2018?
But founders Dawn French and Lana Nocker, both
from Kitt Green, couldn’t walk away without a fight
and are re-launching the charity, which focuses on
support and hopes to prevent people from sleeping
rough.
Dawn said: “We’re needed out there. We are seeing
how things seem to be going backwards with more
people on the streets. I’m absolutely made up
about getting started again. We will be going out
on the streets checking on people’s wellbeing and
linking them back into services.
“We will provide help with benefits, drug and
alcohol treatments and doctors’ appointments and
we’ll also re-establish our connections with estate
agents and housing providers.”
For more information visit www.
helpingthehomelesscharity.co.uk/
Leaflets delivered from only £24.50 per 1,000
Delivered to areas throughout
Wigan, Chorley, St Helens & Leigh
Design, print & distribution packages
also available
Call Sally on 01695 627 999 for details
or email sallyb@locallife247.co.uk

43
Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is from Aspull
Secondary School. It’s believed the photo was taken
in the mid 1960s. Maybe you recognise a familiar
face? Do you have an old class photo you’d like to
share? Then why not email it to us at wiganews@
locallife247.co.uk
• NO MISLEADING STATEMENTS
• NO PUSHY SALESMEN
• NO FROM PRICES
• NO INTEREST FREE CREDIT
WINDOWS £199*
DOORS £399*
FRENCH £749*
COMPOSITE £599*
PATIO £699*
• NO SILLY SALES PRICES
• NO SILLY DISCOUNTS
• NO PHONY DEALS
• NO BOGOF OFFERS
2018 Deals
Now Available
Call now for details
20 St Georges Street,
Chorley,
Lancashire,
PR7 2AA
01257 367 899
*Subject to size and colour.
Sefton Meadows
Garden Centre,
Sefton Lane,
Maghull, L31 8BT
0151 531 0056

44
More coppers for coppers?
More tax rises are set to hit the
pockets of West Lancashire folk as of
this spring.
Local Police and Crime Commissioner Clive
Grunshaw is planning to raise his part of the Council
Tax in a bid to stave off frontline cuts. He claimed
the rise could be anywhere between 6p per week
and 40p a week.
Mr Grunshaw said: “With rising demands, increasing
costs through inflation and growing online threats
we cannot accept a further reduction in our police
budget.”
“There has been widespread speculation that
authorities such as councils and the fire service will
cumatively put up bills beyond inflation this year.
It follows a number of years of Council Tax freezes.
West Lancs council leader Ian Moran also hinted
that a rise this year will be on the cards: In previous
years we have made savings while minimising any
effects on services, but now these options are more
difficult to find.”

45

46
Lead role for school
One of the borough’s leading
schools is set to be converted into an
academy.
Standish Community High School has joined
the ranks of a multi-academy trust alongside
Southlands High School in Chorley.
Both schools will no longer be under the control of
their local authorities, with Standish High taking on
the role of “lead” school in the in the amalgamation.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Andrew Pollard
said: “I’m very happy to inform you that the twoyear
partnership between Standish Community
High School and Southlands High School has been
formalised by the Department for Education as a
Mosaic multi-academy trust.
“We intend to ensure both schools have excellent
systems in place to promote the best teaching and
learning, the most relevant curriculum for students
and to provide safe and inspiring schools.
“In partnership we have already seen academic
success in the 2017 results when Standish
outperformed its previous year for progress and
attainment.”
Stan Aspinall commented on Standish Voice’s
Facebook post saying: “Well it’s really quite sad to
think that after all Wigan has put into Standish High
it has gone off to become an academy.
“It wasn’t what we fought for, way back in the 70s
when there was a doubt about even building a new
school in Standish.”
Standish High follows other schools converting
into academies, including Orrell’s Dean Trust
Wigan, Hawkley Hall High School, and Rose Bridge
Academy in Ince.

Transform your home
with a brand new driveway
47
Resin Driveways
20%
WINTER
DISCOUNT*
*on bookings before the
31st March 2018
Tarmac Driveways
J.P.Surfacing
Made in Lancashire
Established over 25 years
42, Seymour Road,
Astley Bridge,
Bolton, BL1 8PT
01204 590 499
jp-surfacing.co.uk

48
The female Spy
Can you imagine having the power to save an empire in your underwear?
Niamh Ollerton digs into the life of a Wigan spy who did exactly that.
James Bond may have taken down Jaws, Boris Grishenko and Le Chiffre, but
would he have been brave enough to come face to face with one of the
greatest war lords of our lifetime? Because a young, beautiful opera singer from
Wigan did just that.
Margery Myers Booth Strohm was born in Hodges
Street, Wigan in 1906, the daughter of Levi and Ada
Booth. Not much is known about her childhood
other than the family moved to Southport when
she was young and evidently had a love for singing.
With this passion and talent realised, she trained all
over the country including in Bolton with R. Evans,
in Knightsbridge with Eileen D’Orme, and finally in
1925 attended the Guildhall School of Music with
a scholarship under her belt.
Margery stayed true to her Wigan roots and
returned to make her professional debut at the
Queen’s Hall on October 4 1935; a fitting choice as
she had been a part of Wigan’s Operatic Society
since her teens and trained in Bolton.
But the lure of London must have been all too
enticing as she made her Covent Garden debut
in 1936, which further promoted her talent.
In the same year, Margery married a German,
Dr Egon Strohm in Southport. The couple
then made their home in Germany before the
outbreak of WWII.
The relocation proved fruitful for Margery as
she soon become a part of the Berlin State
Opera and appeared at the Wagner Festivals
in Bayreuth. By the outbreak of WWII, Margery

49
was going places in her career, including her most
famous casting as Carmen.
In 1933, Margery was, shall we say *graced* with
Hitler’s presence, when the German leader visited
her dressing room to gift her 200 roses wrapped in
a swastika for her performance.
Obviously enchanted by the starlet, Hitler chose
her to sing as an example of Germany’s cultural
dominance and superiority over Europe. Although
her loyalty remained with Britain, the Nazis mistook
her as one of their own, and she was asked to sing at
a British Prisoner of War camp in Genshagen.
Even when singing for the enemy, her love for
her birthplace was obvious as she began all
performances introducing herself, “I’m Margery
Booth from Wigan.”
German officials hoped the British Prisoner of War
camps – nicknamed ‘Holiday
Camps’ – would persuade
British soldiers to defect to the
Nazi cause, head back into the
British forces (the British Free
Corps) and work as spies.
she went on stage at the Berlin State Opera to
perform for Hitler et al.
Margery had no choice but to put them under her
dress, and performed for Hitler with secrets hidden
in her underwear. The spies were lucky to have
gotten away at all.
It was here, in 1943, soldier
John Brown was transferred to
Genshagen, pulling the wool
over the eyes of the Nazis,
and worked as a double agent
against them. He and Booth
soon started working together
against their Nazi hosts to
obtain details of traitors –
such as William Joyce, known
as Lord Haw Haw – and were
both thoroughly questioned
by the Gestapo on a regular
basis.
One infamous story that is
both brave and dangerous is
when Brown handed Margery
a pile of secret documents,
ready to pass on to British
Intelligence, minutes before
Margery Booth - singing at Stalag 111D

50
If Booth and Brown were unlucky enough to have
been caught during their covert operation, the pair
would have without a doubt headed for the firing
squad.
who remained loyal to Britain while working for MI6
under extremely dangerous conditions; her bravery
and sense of duty even saw her hiding escaped
British airmen in her Berlin apartment.
After the war Brown wrote a book, ‘In Durance Vile’,
and wrote that Margery was initially given personal
assurances from Hitler and Goebbels that they
would ‘deal with the matter personally’ if she was
insulted because of her British birth.
But her course with the Nazis didn’t run smooth
forever, and in early 1944 she was arrested and
tortured by the Gestapo as a suspected spy. But
her bravery didn’t falter as she refused to reveal any
information.
Booth escaped Berlin during a bombing raid and
returned to Britain where the information she
provided helped in the Old Bailey trials of traitors
Lord Haw Haw, and John Amery, who were hanged
for treason.
However, Booth now divorced, recovered her British
nationality and returned to live in Wigan.
But due to her German ties, she was treated like
a pariah by neighbours and was unable to find
work in the UK after some producers mistakenly
concluded she had been a Nazi.
Emigrating to New York, on arrival she was referred
to a doctor who diagnosed her with terminal
cancer, which claimed her life soon after on Good
Friday, 11 April 1952.
Miss Booth’s bravery has gone largely unrecognised,
and calls for her to receive a posthumous honour
have gone unheeded.
Richard Westwood-Brookes, of Mullock’s Auctions
in Ludlow, Shropshire, said: ‘It is quite astonishing
that the life and heroic activities of this opera singer
are not widely known about.
But this is about to change, as Margery is the focal
point of a film currently in production entitled
‘Margery Booth: The Spy in the Eagle’s Nest’ which
focusses on the secret mission of Margery while she
worked closely with Nazis.
We may need to allow poetic licencing for the film’s
storyline, but expect to see Margery with Hitler on
his birthday, and sending critical technical data
back to Bletchley Park as a song to be decoded.
Her bravery in the film adaptation will also see her
captured and tortured by the Gestapo.
The film also features some big names in the
industry including Anna Friel as Margery Booth and
Stephen Fry as Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering.
After many years in the shadows, this will be a
fitting tribute to the brave opera singer from Wigan.
The film will depict Hitler’s obsession of Margery,

51

52
All the puzzle solutions are on page 84 of this magazine
CROSSWORD
Across:
7. Scrooge-Like (5,8)
8. Treat (8)
9. Infiltrator (4)
10. Beguiled (7)
12. Application (5)
14. Sphere (5)
16. Circular (7)
19. Footwear (4)
20. Capsize (8)
22. Driving Aid (5,8)
Down:
1. Withered (4)
2. Charge (6)
3. Raiment (7)
4. Taunt (5)
5. Gland (6)
6. Pre-Smart Phone (8)
11. Gravy Train (5-3)
13. Arbiter (7)
15. Honorary Rank (6)
17. Impending (6)
18. Lichen covered (5)
21. Circlet (4)
• Scooters • Stairlifts
• Wheelchairs • Recliners
• Beds and lots more
Visit us at
Platt Street, Platt
Bridge, Wigan WN2 5DA
Call 01942 864000 and we’ll come to you!
www.millercare.co.uk

53
Sponsored By
WORD SEARCH - ROMANCE
Find the hidden words in the word search grid
SUDOKU
LOVE
HEART
PASSION
CHARM
FLIRT
FANCY
DARLING
KISS
VALENTINE
FUN
HAPPY
CUPID
BLUSH
SNUGGLE
DESIRE
WORD MIX UP - ROMANCE
Unscramble the letters to make a word
GAMERARI
LEDDUC
FEATOFNIC
RAMGOUL
NOTEMOI
REATHBORTH
NEIW
EDIN
NUMBER
BLOCK
3 3 3
6 7
1
3 8
14 11 13 18
The numbers in each row add up to totals to the
right. The numbers in each column add up to the
totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also
add up the totals to the right.
WIGGLE WORDS
CLUE: Getting along
well
Trace a path through
all the letters to find
the word or phrase
that fits the clue.
11
10
17
12
17
20
E A E K
R H L I
I O U S
F N O E

54
ASK
AMANDA
Amanda is the Registered Care Manager for Independent Living – she answers your questions.
Can you help with hospital appointments?
YES. We can help with a range of appointments.
Quite often an outpatient’s appointment occurs
during the daytime when friends, neighbours or
relatives are not available. Relatives may be at work
or they may not live local to the area. Most older
people do not want to use a taxi and if they have
difficulty walking or are having a procedure usually
prefer to be accompanied anyway. Although the
treatment may only last 15 minutes it can in reality
take a good few hours, travelling, finding parking is
often a problem at certain times, locating the right
department and then appointments often run late.
Having someone with you can be a great help
and if you cannot walk far our carers can push
a wheelchair. We can also help if you are having
day surgery. Recently I supported an 83 year old
gentleman who was having a stent fitted in his
artery at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This involved
arriving at 7am to check in and leaving about 7pm
when medical staff were satisfied he had recovered
sufficiently. Our help meant that he did not have to
worry about arranging early morning community
transport, he had help throughout the day, his wife
was reassured someone was with him and on being
discharged after a 12 hour day was driven straight
to his home.
As our carers have full business insurance we can
also help with appointments at the dentist, physio,
optician or more social events such as supermarket
shopping, garden centres and places of interest
such as Astley Park, Derby House, Heskin Hall or
Botany Bay.
If we can help with transport please call us on
01257 696 050.
01257 696 050
E: mark.booker@independentlivinglancashire.co.uk
independentlivinglancashire.co.uk

55
The leading provider of
bespoke home care
Why Independent Living?
Well established local company.
Our services include;
Companionship
Spending time with our clients; taking
them out & about, on trips to the shops,
doctors and other places
Personal Care
Washing, bathing and dressing our
clients, and providing overnight care if
needed.
Housekeeping
Ensuring our clients homes are clean and
safe, and have enough of food and drink
Specialist Support
For those clients who suffer from
Parkinson’s, memory loss, strokes, cancer
and need post-hospital support
End of life care
Providing respect and support to the
client and their families when passing is
near.
Local office.
Kind, well presented carers with calls of 30 minute or more.
A bespoke service to suit each individual client.
Clear and upfront pricing structure.
Fully insured and regulated for social care.
Experienced office staff dedicated to serve your needs.
For a FREE no obligation assessment, call
us on 01257 696050 or call into our office
for a friendly chat.
Registered with the
Care Quality Commission
225 Eaves Lane, Chorley PR6 0AG

56
Health & Fitness
Cutting sugar
By Abi Jackson
So there might be a super-size helping of
clean-eating backlash simmering at the
moment (hurrah!), but that doesn’t mean all notions
of healthy-eating need to go out the window.
And this includes sugar. Luckily, when it comes to
blatant sugar-fests (doughnuts, birthday cakes,
family-sized Dairy Milks...), our nauseous stomachs
make it clear when enough’s enough. Where it gets
trickier though, is all this ‘hidden sugar’ malarkey (I
mean, how does a few spoons of beans have more
sugar than a biscuit?!). And then there’s fruit, and
juice, and all the confusion around that.
So how can we have our cake and eat it - without
totally screwing up our health goals?
:: What’s wrong with sugar?
“For many of us brought up from the Sixties to
the Eighties, Saturdays meant a trip to the corner
shop or your local Woolworths to spend pocket
money on as many sweets as you could fit into a
pick ‘n’ mix bag. It was also commonplace to have
a well-stocked biscuit tin in the kitchen,” says Rob
Hobson, author of The Detox Kitchen Bible and
head of nutrition at Healthspan (www.healthspan.
co.uk). “ We’re now reaping the legacy of this,
and of the food industry’s habit of slipping sugar
into everything from soups to smoothies, in the
epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease
and dementia. Highly refined sugars are the worst
and have a dramatic effect on blood glucose levels.
In excess, these sugars are converted to blood fats
called triglycerides, that may have a harmful effect
on the liver and encourage the build-up of bad
cholesterol, implicated in heart disease risk.”
:: What’s being done about that?
Official bodies are “all over the message to cut
down on sugar”, Hobson notes. In March last year,
the WHO (World Health Organisation) urged us to
“reduce ‘free’ sugars added during food processing,
preparation or cooking, and in honey, syrups and
fruit juice”. A few months on, the Scientific Advisory
Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which advises the
government on diet, recommended slashing added
sugars to 5% of daily calories - “half the previous
recommended intake,” Hobson adds. Experts now
agree we should aim for around six teaspoons of
added sugars a day, but research suggests most of
us consume around 12.
:: Why is it so confusing?
“Unfortunately, it’s not easy to tell how much you
consume, as sugar masquerades under many

57
different names. Fructose, for example, may
appear on labels as itself or be concealed under
the umbrella of sucrose, which is half fructose, half
glucose,” explains Hobson.
“Weirdly, I sometimes find myself in defence of
sugar, as some people begin to focus too much
on this single nutrient and become obsessed with
anything that contains a single grain of the stuff,”
he adds. “A little is fine - and yes, soft drinks are a
definite no-no - but worrying about yoghurts and
the odd glass of fruit juice seems a bit over the top.
“It’s also funny that those worried about sugar turn
to ‘natural’ alternatives that are essentially sugar,
whether that’s in the form of agave, maple syrup,
coconut sugar, date syrup or any other trendy food
product. There is also a certain comfort and sense
of occasion with sweet foods that you just can’t get
from any others; a slice of birthday cake for example”
:: One lump of common sense, or two dear?
“The key is to take a sensible approach to how you
Invest in your
body...it’s the
most amazing
thing you’ll
ever own!...
MY HEALING HANDS IS AN
ESTABLISHED MASSAGE
THERAPY SERVICE OFFERING A
RANGE OF MASSAGE THERAPIES
TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS
Text the word ‘HANDS’ to 07944 655 645
Jan will call you back for your free consultation
and arrange your tailor made treatment
Or visit the website:
www.myhealinghands.org.uk

58
eat, and unfortunately that goes back to the adage
of everything in moderation. Set a realistic goal for
reducing sugar that you can stick with in the longterm,
rather than go cold turkey,” says Hobson.
Here are his seven top tips for reducing sugar...
1. Check the label
Always check labels. Ingredients are listed in order
of amount, so the nearer the top, the higher the
quantity. Look for foods with green and amber
traffic light labels.
2. Seek out certain ingredients
Sucrose, glucose, fructose, or anything that ends in
-ose, as well as healthier sounding alternatives, such
as raw sugar, barley malt, maple syrup, coconut
nectar, palm sugar, agave nectar, date sugar and
brown rice syrup are among sugar’s many guises.
3. Take your time
If you’re a sugar addict, cut the amount you add to
cereals, pancakes, tea or coffee by half. Once you’ve
got used to the taste, halve the amount again.
4. Sweet food swaps
Try sweetening foods with a little fresh or dried fruit
or go for ‘sweet food options’ that are fruit based. A
slice of malt loaf has a quarter of the sugar content
and twice the fibre of a chocolate cookie.
5. Include proteins and fats
A Mediterranean diet, with protein from fish, lean
meat, cheese and yoghurt and healthy fats mainly
from olive oil, nuts and seeds, will keep you more
satisfied between meals, which in turn means you
are less likely to reach for the biscuit tin.
6. Get spicy
Flavour foods that you would normally sweeten
with sugar, with spices. Try ginger, allspice, nutmeg
and cinnamon.
7. Don’t be a softie
Soft drinks are some of the biggest offenders in
boosting sugar intake. But shop-bought smoothies,
energy drinks, fruit juices, iced teas, coffees and
flavoured waters can all be sugar-laden too.

59

60
Financial Planning
New Year
Resolutions
by David K Barton
APFS Cert CII(MP),
Chartered Financial Planner
and Managing Director
AHappy New Year to everyone, let’s hope
you will all “Prosper” throughout 2018.
Amongst the nation’s favourite resolutions are
more exercise, more dieting and less drink. Sadly,
all these involve an element of deprivation and it’s
hardly surprising that even the most strong willed
of us are faltering by mid-February.
One resolution that you may want to retrospectively
add to your list, which importantly involves very
little pain but can have significant benefits, is to
have an investment health check.
Every January I notice a significant increase in the
number of enquiries from Local Life readers.
What prompts this increase?
Perhaps time off over Christmas, completion of
tax returns, whatever the trigger, reviewing and
revamping your portfolio now could make a
significant difference to your portfolio value. Apart
from weeding out the poor performing funds and
checking you’re still on track, you might find your
finances could be arranged more tax-efficiently.
I was recently talking to a new client who was
having a moan about the amount of paperwork
he was receiving from all his different investments.
At the heart of the problem was that “everything
was all over the place” - for every investment he
was dealing with a different company. He’d lost
complete control of his portfolio and the piles of
paper in his study had continued to grow. No action
was being taken by his previous adviser, potentially
costing him money.
He didn’t have a clue what his valuations were and
didn’t know how well his investments had been
performing. I asked him what his “ideal” would feel
and look like. He replied that he wanted to;
Retake full control of his investments rather than
getting swamped with paperwork and information.
Have “peace of mind” knowing that an expert was
also keeping an eye on his investments.
Invest in a wide choice of leading companies
without being tied in to a single company/fund.
Just deal with “one firm” for all of his different
investments rather than speaking to many.
It probably does not come as a great surprise to
learn that we have the solution to all these issues
and our Wealth Management Service delivers on
all the points above. Indeed one of our recently
engaged clients described the difference between
the old way of managing investments and using
the Prosper Wealth Management Service as “an
absolute revelation”.
If you would like more information please feel free
to get in touch on 01257 423800. Alternatively
visit our website www.prosper-ifa.co.uk or email
us to request a brochure. The cost of the initial
consultation is met by us and you are under no
obligation to take things further.
If you invest in the stock market the value of your
investments can go down as well as up and you
may not get back the full amount invested.
Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.

61

62
Train woes impacting on jobs
Wiganers who face a daily commute
by train are considering quitting
their jobs because they can’t face it
anymore.
That’s the claim from Wigan MP Lisa Nandy who
was speaking in a transport debate in Parliament
recently.
The MP said that the “human cost” of overcrowded,
late and dirty trains is enormous.
She told MPs said: “For most of my constituents in
Wigan it is not so much a daily commute as a daily
struggle to get on trains that are older than I am
and that are often late, overcrowded, dirty and cold,
for which they are rewarded by seeing their fares go
up every year.
The human cost is enormous. I am contacted
every week by constituents who are tired, stressed,
anxious about money or seriously considering
giving up their job because they do not know how
many more bedtimes, bath times or story times
with their kids they can miss. We are failing in one of
the basic functions of the state, which is to provide
a decent public transport service. There is a much
wider cost in towns like mine.”
Responding to the claims, minister Jo Johnson
said: “As we have repeatedly made clear, this
Government are making the largest investment in
our railways since the Victorian era, with £48 billion
over the five years from 2019. We will have ordered
7,122 vehicles for the rolling stock fleet, compared
with 5,720 in the period from 1997 to 2010.”
Business high flier appointed to top post
A business advisor to the government has taken
up the reins at Lancashire County Council. Angie
Ridgwell has joined as interim chief executive from
the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (BEIS), where she was director general for
Finance and Corporate Services.
A qualified accountant by profession, she has
worked in a wide range of public sector bodies
and local authorities, principally as chief executive
or director of finance. She has also worked in
consultancy and as an
associate with KPMG.
Speaking about her new
role, Ms Ridgewell said:
“I am really enthusiastic
about ensuring we are
providing the best services
possible to those most in
need and encouraging
business development.”

63
CEO post goes at The Brick
Wigan homeless charity The Brick
has taken on its first ever business
director.
Nick Brookes was welcomed to the role as part of
a management restructure which also sees the
retirement of Kathleen Pitt as chief executive. Her
role is being axed and, instead, the responsibilities
will be shared between Nick and operations
director Louise Green.
Nick, who has been a business advisor to The Brick
for more than two years set up of the business
breakfasts, and the 5k for £5k parkrun.
He will initially be taking on three days a week for
six months – working alongside operations director
Louise, who has been at the charity since 2011.
Nick said: “I am excited to be taking on this new
role for The Brick, working more closely with an
organisation that I believe in, and alongside Louise
who has a fantastic knowledge of the workings
of the charity. I hope together we will have a big
impact on increasing support and ensuring The
Brick has a future to help people in the Wigan
community.”

64
Business View
CMA Accountancy – How we can
How we can help
by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy
CMA provide dynamic, value for money
accountancy services and work alongside
business owners to implement cloud based
solutions that enables them to work efficiently and
achieve their personal and business goals.
Despite all the uncertainties of Brexit, 2018 presents
opportunities for company owners to build their
business and for individuals to improve their
financial position. Here at CMA we can help make
the coming year more successful for you.
For Business Owners we can:
• Streamline your bookkeeping records by
introducing you to cloud based software that will
save you both time and money.
• Show you how to conveniently manage your
finances at push of a button by using your camera
on a smartphone and send receipts directly to
your accounting software
• If you want to focus on growing your business
then why not outsource your bookkeeping to us.
You’ll be surprised how much extra time this will
free up.
• Provide management accounts which will allow
you to plan for your tax payments and see how
you are performing before your year end.
• Help you plan for the upcoming changes being
introduced under Making Tax Digital and the
General Data Protection Regulations.
• Advise business on how pension auto enrolment
will impact their business.
• Act as a sounding board for business owners to
bounce ideas off.
For Individuals we can:
• Ensure that you have fully utilised your tax
allowances for 2017-18 particular in regards to
capital gains tax and pensions contributions.
• Look at salary sacrifice opportunities for high
income individuals
• Advise property owners with buy to let properties
on the impact of the changes being introduced
for interest charges and other deductible
expenses.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss
anything in this article. We don’t make a charge for
an initial meeting and it is a good way to see how
we can work together. So drop by the office on Skull
House Lane in Appley Bridge and we can discuss
these further over a coffee.
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

65
SA deadline
Benefits
AE
VAT
Do you need
help and
guidance with;
SA
Company Accounts?
Auto Enrolment?
Self Assessment?
Cloud-based Software?
Payroll Services?
Call CMA Accountancy today
www.cma-accountancy.com
info@cma-accountancy.com
Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521

66
Upload your event for FREE at
www.locallife247.co.uk/events
Follow us on Facebook
events2go
Yoga and Meditation
Every Sunday to Sunday, July 22, 8am-10am
Explore static yoga postures, flowing movements,
different types of breath work, and numerous
meditations. Each class is £10 paid at the door.
Appley Bridge Village Hall, Wigan, WN6 9AQ.
Hospice Family Fun Day
Saturday, January 27, 1pm
There’ll be coffee and cake, face painting, stalls,
raffles and much more throughout the day.
Heskin Village Hall, 243 Wood Lane, PR7 5NS,
Chorley. Tel: 01257 452476
Furniture Painting
Saturday, January 27, 10am-2.30pm
The workshop is £60pp and includes lunch and
materials. It’s ideal for all levels. Imagine how lovely
your hand-finished furniture will look at home!
None Too Shabby, 7 Ladies Lane, Hindley, Wigan,
WN2 2QA. Tel: 07737 567086
Led Zeppelin Tribute
Friday, February 2, 7.30pm-11.30pm
Mothership - described in Classic Rock Magazine
as “the most authentic-sounding Zep tribute in the
UK”. Tickets are £12(+£1.01 booking fee) in advance
or £14 on the door. www.eventbrite.co.uk
The Grand Vault, The Old Courts, Crawford Street,
WN1 1NA. Tel: 01942 834747
Ladies Race Night
Friday, February 2, 7pm-11.55pm
Raise money for Wigan Youth Zone at a ladies
charity race night. There’ll be eight races, so
get dress accordingly! Bets start at £2, and all
proceeds will go to Wigan Youth Zone. Tickets are
£40pp. To donate raffle prizes please email anne@
wiganpierpromotions.co.uk
The Paddock at Derby House, 157 Mossy Lea
Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RE. Tel: 01257 426514
Liverpool Cruise Fair
Saturday, February 3, 10am-4pm
A day packed full of information, presentations,
exclusive offers and more! Don’t miss your chance
to meet up with TV Presenters John Cooper &
Richard Cross from Holiday and Cruise TV. Chat to
all the major cruise line reps and cruise specialists.
Free entry.
Hilton Liverpool City Centre, 3 Thomas Steers
Way, Liverpool, L1 8LW. Tel: 0151 708 4200
Fairy Footsteps - 20 miles
Saturday, February 3, 8.30am
If you’re an avid walker, why not give this 20 mile
walk a try? It’s an early start at 8.30am at the lay-by
opposite Fairy Glen on A5209 east of Parbold. For
more info contact Chris Seddon on 01254 245818
or 07972 068084
Fairy Glen, Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9EQ.

67

68
Through the Decades
Sat, Feb 3, 7.30pm to Sun, Feb 4, 1.30am
Enjoy a 4 course meal and then dance the night
away to the sounds of the resident DJ. Tickets are
£22.50pp from www.dwstadium.com
DW Stadium Official, Loire Drive, Robin Park,
Wigan, WN5 0UZ. Tel: 01942 774000
College Open Day
Thursday, February 8, 6.30pm
A warm invitation to all Year 10 and 11 students and
their parents. No need to book; just turn up!
Winstanley College, Winstanley Road, Wigan,
WN5 7XF. Tel: 01695 633244
Teaching Braille to Children
Thursday, February 8, 9.30am-3.30pm
An introduction to the delivery of the mainstream
curriculum in braille, to a child with vision
impairment. Tickets £80 - www.positiveeye.co.uk
Positive Eye Ltd, 48 Royden Road, Billinge, WN5
7LP. Tel: 07947 571 559
Artisan Market
Saturday, February 10, 10am-4pm
There’ll be stalls selling organic meat and dairy,
homemade pies & cakes, arts & crafts, children’s’
clothes, vintage traders and more. Free entry.
Wigan Auction House, Miry Lane, Wigan, WN6
7TG. Tel: 01942 230460
Rebecca Ferguson
Saturday, February 10, 7pm
This soulful singer from Liverpool was the
runner up of X Factor in 2010. Tickets from
£22.50-£35(+booking fee) from www.ents24.com
Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre, Lancaster
Road, Preston, PR1 1HT. Tel: 01772 80 44 44
The Script
Monday, February 12, 7pm-10pm
With their recent album Freedom Child launching
to No.1 on the UK Official Album Chart, seeing off
the likes of LCD Soundsystem and OMD, The Script
have announced a series of tour dates. For more
info or to book visit http://tidd.ly/e4c576b6
Echo Arena Liverpool, Monarchs Quay, Liverpool,
L3 4FP. Tel: 0844 800 0400
The Figments Gig
Saturday, February 17, 7.45pm-11.59pm
1980s tunes galore, with few modern hits thrownin…
the Figments will be rocking the house down.
There’s Tim Watkinson - lead vocals & guitar; Mark
Bibb - bass & backing vocals; Adrian Bradshaw
- keyboards & backing vocals; Justin Davenport –
drums.
Lamberhead Green Working Mens Club, 16 White
Street, Pemberton, WN5 8JW. Tel: 01942 745046
Derby Day Double Header
Saturday, February 17, 2pm
Get ready for Derby Day pre-season friendlies,
known as the Double Header. Both first & ‘A’ teams
for Wigan St Jude’s and Wigan St Patrick’s will be
going head-to-head.
Wigan St Jude’s ARLFC, Keats Ave, Wigan, WN3
5UB. Tel: 01942 826808
Waggy Tails Walk
Sunday, February 18, 11am-12.30pm
Enjoy a Sunday morning stroll with your furry fourlegged
friends and Haigh’s green space. All dogs
must be on a non-extendable during walk. Free to
attend. Call 01942 828280 for more info. Meet in the
Kitchen Courtyard.
Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan,
WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828280

69
Coding with Processing
Wednesday, February 21, 7pm-9pm
This is designed for complete beginners to
programming to give an introduction to coding,
and the creative language of processing. Register
your place at www.eventbrite.co.uk to make sure
there are enough resources. Spaces are limited, only
register if you can attend. You must be 13 years+
Wigan STEAM, 33-53 Library St, Wigan, WN1 1NU.
The Blackheart Orchestra
Friday, February 23, 8.30pm-11.59pm
The Blackheart Orchestra will be playing The Bailiff
Bar. Think Florence & The Machine meets soft Kate
Bush style vocals. With four critically acclaimed
albums, TV commercials and films under their belt
this is not to be missed. Supported by Tom Jones &
Hoonose. Over 18’s only. Tickets are £3.25 via www.
eventbrite.co.uk
The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1
1NA. Tel: 01942 834747
CheeseFest Manchester
Saturday, February 24, 10am-6pm, and Sunday,
February 25, 10am-6pm
Let there be cheese at the UK’s biggest touring
cheese festival! Cheese Fest UK lands in Manchester
this at the BEC Arena! Pre-registration tickets cost
just £3 at www.cheesefestuk.com/manchester
Bowlers Manchester, Longbridge Rd, Manchester,
M17 1SN. Tel: 01706 299902
Racing Scholarship Qualifier
Sunday, February 25, 9am-7pm
You could become a racing driver in 2018. You’ll
race a fully funded season in the National Formula
Ford Championship plus a testing programme by
driving on the simulators at Three Sisters Circuit,
Wigan. Book at www.jmrscholarship.co.uk to secure
your place in advance.
Three Sisters Circuit, Three Sisters Road, Ashton in
Makerfield, WN4 8DD. Tel: 01942 719030
Audience with Murder
Wednesday, February 28, 7.30pm to Saturday,
March 10, 7.30pm
It’s been called ‘A Russian doll of a play’, as layer after
layer, it moves from a seemingly innocuous domestic
play, through a murder mystery, to an unexpected
climax. Tickets from www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk
*Contains strong language.*
Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan,
WN1 3SL. Tel: 01942 242561
60’s Charity Night
Friday, March 2, 7.30pm
Enjoy a ‘60s themed charity night with food, fun, a
raffle, auction and music from local band T’OTHERS.
All proceeds go to the Storehouse Project - helping
the most vulnerable in our community. For tickets
call 07816623612 or visit events.bookitbee.com
St Judes Social Club, Poolstock Lane, Wigan, WN3
5JE. Tel: 01942 241401
LEARN TO PLAY PIANO
Study for music exams or just for
enjoyment. No age limit!
Call Louise McAleer GMus PGCE
01257 421056 or 07908 614664
louise.mcaleer29@yahoo.co.uk
DBS
Checked
Capturing tender special moments to cherish and treasure
Newborn
Weddings
Christenings
Special Parties
Please contact Eleanor T: 01257 792745 M: 07510 612926

70
Independent Comic Con
Saturday, March 3, 10am-5pm
Cosplay, special guests and exhibitors. Liverpool
will get the epic comic con it deserves. All enquiries
to epic@liverpoolcon.com
St George’s Hall, Liverpool, L1 1JJ. Tel: 0151 233
3020
Pink Floydian
Saturday, March 3, doors open 7pm, starts 9pm
Pink Floydian is one of the most authentic Pink
Floyd tribute bands from the cream of North West.
From “Shine on you Crazy Diamond” to “A Great
Gig in the Sky” the band will take you through the
career of the world’s most successful progressive
rock band. To book the band call Ian on 07427 611
957 or email info@pinkfloydian.com Tickets are
£8.80 (incl. booking fee) www.seetickets.com
The E Rooms, 14 Westgate, Skelmersdale, WN8
8AZ. Tel: 01695 731016
GMP Band
Friday, March 9, 7.30pm-11pm
St John Rigby College is pleased to welcome back
the GMP Band for the third year! It’ll be an evening
filled with pop, soul and funk! Free entry.
St John Rigby College, Gathurst Road, Orell, WN5
0LJ. Tel: 01942 214797
Night at the Races
Saturday, March 10, 7pm-11.59pm
Everyone’s a winner at this race night. You can
buy horses with the owners of the winning horses
winning prizes, have a bet and win pennies galore,
as well as lots of fun and games.
Honeysuckle Inn, 75 Pool Street, Wigan, WN3 5BT.
Tel: 01942 241551
Shoulder Tips & Tricks
Thursday, March 15 8am, to Friday, March 16 5pm
Wrightington’s Flagship Shoulder course with
National and International faculty members.
Two days of discussion, workshops, surgical tips
and talks revolving around shoulder surgery and
rehabilitation.
Upper Limb Unit, Wrightington Hospital, Appley
Bridge, WN6 9EP. Tel: 01257 256248
Rio Carnival in Liverpool
Friday, Mar 16, 10pm to Saturday, Mar 17, 4am
There’ll be Latin parade performers, you can learn
to Carnival samba with infamous Rio beats and
rhythms and international DJ’s. As well as a range of
South American Street Food Stalls, Brazilian beers,
and a face paint artist. Find out all you need to know
at www.facebook.com/events/510369545981463/
Liverpool City Centre
Walking Weekend Criccieth
Friday, March 16, 9am, to Sunday, March 18, 10am
The annual walking weekend holiday for 2018 will
be to Criccieth in North Wales. It’s £139pp for bed,
breakfast and evening meals. A £40pp deposit will
be required to secure your place, this is payable
directly to Worldchoice Travel, 34 Market Street,
Wigan, WN1 1JF, or by telephone at 01942 242121.
Email info@wigananddistrictramblers.org.uk to
find out more.
Run Wigan Festival 2
Sunday, March 18, 9.30am-2pm
Joining Jack has organised Half Marathon, 5k
and Family Mile races all starting in Market Street
for you to spectate or take part. There’ll be live
music and entertainment and European food
markets too. To register your place for any race visit
runwiganfestivals.co.uk/
Market Street, Wigan

71
Food & Drink
Low-carb
By Keeley Bolger
Vickie De Beer knew something was wrong
when her normally energetic eight-yearold
son Lucca began to struggle to wake in the
mornings, and came back from an annual camping
trip looking unusually exhausted.
Although her husband and three sons often
returned pleasantly tired from a few days in the
wilderness, this was different. Lucca was wiped out,
his breath was “sickly sweet” and he’d been asking
for far more cold drinks than usual.
At first, De Beer - a food writer, chef and stylist -
thought Lucca might have a throat infection.
But an appointment with their doctor the next
day, and a round of blood tests, revealed her son
actually had Type 1 diabetes - the form of diabetes
which occurs when cells responsible for producing
insulin in the body are destroyed. Unlike Type 2, it is
not linked with lifestyle or weight, and tends to first
appear during childhood or younger years - and the
diagnosis meant Lucca would have to manage the
condition for life with insulin injections.
“From the moment Lucca was diagnosed, we
decided that we would deal with his diabetes as
a family unit,” explains De Beer. “This was not only
Lucca’s problem. We changed the way the whole
family ate.”
On the advice of medics, the family stuck to a
wholegrain, low GI (glycemic index) diet, keeping
a close check on carbohydrate counts, to ensure
Lucca’s blood sugars were stable, and managed his
insulin dosage. But De Beer still
had concerns about their meals.
“I always felt we weren’t managing his blood
sugars to the best of our ability. Although his threemonthly
blood sugar blood tests were always
stable, we couldn’t bring the extreme fluctuations
under control.”
Drawing on her food background, De Beer set
about creating a low-carb plan in an attempt to
help, meaning instead of starchy ‘white’ foods
like pasta, rice, bread, cakes and biscuits, they eat
fibrous green vegetables, like courgette noodles,
green beans and long stem broccoli.
“Not only were his blood sugars more stable,
without the extreme fluctuations, but he also had
more energy and far less anxiety,”
Now, De Beer has teamed up with dietitian Kath
Megaw, refining the recipes in a new cookbook.
The Diabetes Cookbook: Low Carb Recipes For The
Whole Family is packed with practical advice for
people living with the condition, as well as plenty
of personal anecdotes and family-friendly recipes.
Interested? Here are two family-friendly recipes
from the book to try now...
Type 1 And Type 2: The Diabetes Cookbook: Low Carb Recipes For The Whole Family by Vickie
De Beer and Kath Megaw, published by Pavilion Books, priced £12.99.

72
Carbonara Zoodles
Serves 4
Ingredients
500g large courgettes, cut into strips
30g butter
250g streaky bacon, cut into cubes
250ml double cream
2 eggs
60g grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
A handful of chopped parsley, to serve
Method
Bring a large saucepan with salted water to the boil.
Cook the courgettes for 30 seconds in the boiling
water. Drain and set aside.
In a large frying pan, heat the butter over a
medium-high heat. Add the bacon and fry until
crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside (keep
the bacon fat in the pan).
Combine the cream, eggs and Parmesan in a bowl
or measuring jug. Season with salt and pepper. Add
to the frying pan and stir over a low heat until the
sauce starts to thicken. Toss the courgettes through
the sauce and crumble the bacon over the top.
Sprinkle over the chopped parsley and serve at
once.

73
Wednesday 14th February
Romantic Meal For Two
£49.00 per couple
Includes 3 course meal
Valentines
Night
in Lovels Bistro
Holland Hall Hotel
Holland Hall
Romantic Stay Over Package
Just £99 per couple
includes, 3 course meal in
Lovels Bistro and *1 night stay at Holland
Hall Hotel including Breakfast!
Special Offer any Proposal’s on the night are offered discounted
Wedding Package at Holland Hall
Contact Holland Hall Hotel to book or for further information
Telephone: 01695 624 426
Open Day
Sunday 18th February
Free entry, Free parking
Opens 12 noon to 4pm.
Come along and see our Wedding Suites
dressed, speak to our professional Wedding
Co-ordinator Karen and meet our local
Wedding Professionals.
HOLLAND HALL
HOTEL
Holland Hall Hotel
Lafford Lane, Up Holland,
WN5 OQZ
*subject to availability. T&Cs apply
info@hollandhallhotel.co.uk
01695 624426

74
Chicken Parmigiano
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C.
Serves 8
Ingredients
1 batch basic tomato sauce (see below)
3 large aubergines, thickly sliced
Salt
4tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
6 chicken breast fillets, sliced through horizontally
and bashed with a rolling pin to make thinner
3 large handfuls of Parmesan cheese
150g grated mozzarella
For the basic tomato sauce:
(Makes 750ml)
2tbsp olive oil
1 onion chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 celery stick, grated
2 x 400g cans whole tomatoes
2tbsp tomato puree
A handful of fresh basil chopped
First make the tomato sauce: Heat the olive oil in a
large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the
onions and garlic for three to five minutes until
softened. Add the celery and fry for another two
minutes. Add the whole tomatoes and tomato
puree; press the tomatoes to a finer consistency
with a fork. Leave to simmer, stirring, for 10 minutes
or until the sauce becomes thick. Add the basil
leaves at the end. Keep warm until needed.
Place the aubergine slices on a well-oiled baking
sheet. Season with salt and drizzle with more oil.
Bake in the oven until just soft and light golden.
Heat the rest of the oil in a non-stick pan and season
the chicken fillets with salt. Brown the chicken on
both sides, in batches, in the pan over a medium
heat. Set aside.
In a big, deep ovenproof baking dish (about
25 x 15cm) or casserole dish, begin to layer the
Parmigiano.
Start with ladles of the tomato sauce, followed by a
layer of cooked aubergine. Sprinkle a good layer of
the Parmesan over, followed by some of the chicken
fillets.
Repeat the layers until you have used all the
ingredients, ending with a layer of the tomato sauce.
Sprinkle the mozzarella over and bake in the oven
for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.

75
On this walk you’ll wander through the
historical village of Cronton that appeared
in the 1086 Domesday Book, walk above the now
disused quarry that will have provided the foundation
stones of homes close by, and see far into the distance
from the top of Pex Hill. And with companions at
the ready, this route has all the ingredients for an
enjoyable outing.
The starting point for our 4.5 mile walk was the car
park next to the Leighton Observatory at Pex Hill.
Once booted up, wrapped up warm, and ready for
the challenge, my colleague Peter and I headed off
on the very cold, but clear winter afternoon.
Firstly head left out of the car park – where you’ll
actually be walking between two covered reservoirs
– and follow the road down the hill, through the
Cronton
by Niamh Ollerton
gate and into the field; keeping to the left of it.
As we headed down the side of the field, Peter and
I were chatting about travel and the like to which
he said do you know what the Dream is? To which
I thought he meant a deep philosophical question,
but as you look to your right, in the distance you’ll
in fact see the Dream statue.
Continue on through the next field, which
happened to be filled with potatoes as far as the
eye could see, and follow the path around the old
sewage works which has an almost eerie air around
it. Carry on until you hit the track running along the
side of the motorway.
Turn left and carry on past the motorway footbridge
and continue along the track. As you look up on
your left you will just about see the shimmering

76
silver dome of the Observatory above the vast trees.
You’ll leave the track as it turns towards Pex Hill,
and continue down the footpath on the right of the
corner, heading down past Cronton Hall. But before
you reach Cronton Hall, on your right you will see
a paddock protected by a metal fence which is
home to the most beautiful black Shire horse which
would give Black Beauty a run for its money.
Once you reach Hall Lane (the main road), turn right
and enjoy the quaint village of Cronton. You’ll pass
the weathered remains of Cronton Cross which was
once the resting place for bearers carrying to the
cemetery, and continue straight on to Penny Lane.
Just before you reach Tue Lane, take the public
footpath on the left. Continue along the footpath
which reminded me of the carriage tracks in films
like Great Expectations, until you’ve crossed the
field and hit a stone footbridge that takes you on
towards Cronton Road.
Cross the road and go right, then turn left into
Lodge Lane. Once past the farm, ignore the first
public footpath sign and continue on to the second
one on your left. Take this one, keeping to the right
of the ditch, through the field and into the next,
until you reach the footbridge on your left.
Go over the footbridge and follow the path until reaching the next
footpath sign and turn right. This will then take you up along the
edge of fields until you emerge onto Chapel Lane.
Here you’ll cross the road and go right, following the road round the
bend to the next public footpath on the left. Take this footpath and
you’ll pass the farm building – but if there’s been heavy rainfall be
wary of the deep tractor tracks – and go through two small gates, and
continue to follow the path round and out onto Sandy Lane, where
you go left.
You can take a closer look at
the Dream statue on our Sutton
walk. There are guides to all our
walks at www.locallife247.co.uk

77
It shocked me to find out that thin and windy Sandy
Lane was once a 60mph road, but is now closed
to motor vehicles. With the ‘slow’ markings still on
the tarmac road, it’s clear to see the vegetation has
made itself at home and the road will eventually be
completely covered in greenery. Sandy Lane will
look lovely in the spring and summertime with the
trees lining the road.
At the end of Sandy Lane go left along Cronton
Road a short distance, then cross over to go up Hall
Lane on your right, passing a lovely red brick family
church. And you’ll then turn right again into Mill
Lane.
When the road turns sharply to the left, instead
you’ll head straight on through the gate, going up
to footpath that was once the continuation of Mill
Lane many moons ago.
At the top, the path reaches the old sandstone
quarry which if you’d like to venture down, a lot of
free climbers are said to dare the heights.
Continue around the fence above the quarry,
following the path round to the footpath entrance
to Pex Hill Nature Reserve, which is beautiful come
any season.
As we walked up the path we had a great view
over to Liverpool; being able to pick out the two
Cathedrals and the Radio City Tower. Then it was
back to the car and off to find a hot cup of tea and a
well-earned piece of cake.

ne
78
A57
M62 -J7
Length of walk: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
M62
Accessibility: We did the walk after some
prolonged rainfall and there was some very
muddy sections.
FB
Mud
A5
FB
Penny Lane
Town End
Hall Lane
Cross
Cronton
Hall Lane
Observatory
P
Postcode:
WA8 5QW
Pex Hill
FB
Cronton Road
PH
Smithy Lane
A5080
Cronton Road
A5080
Cronton
College
Sandy Lane
Chapel Lane
Lodge Lane
FB
Mud
Mud
FB
FB
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and
footwear while walking. While every care has been
taken to ensure that the walk 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.

79
Test Drive
Range Rover Sport
by Tim Barnes-Clay
Now, here’s a question that you might Of course, it’s a Range Rover, so it is well equipped,
not know the answer to but will almost and the interior is of a high quality. The Windsor
certainly have an opinion on. Is the Range Rover leather seats are impeccable - but the Sport is
Sport one of the most influential cars of the modern quite different to the full ‘Range Rover’. There are
era? A decade or so ago it seemed like all the three diesels, two petrols, and even a new hybrid
celebrities were arriving to events in a Range Rover powertrain to choose from - and all are tuned
Sport, and since then the SUV market has exploded. primarily for clout. Only the entry level TDV6 feels
Now nearly everybody wants one. Furthermore, a little lacking, but equally I couldn’t recommend
almost every manufacturer is now making them. the powerful eight-cylinder petrol engine on offer
The Sport is not really a full-blown Range Rover. - unless you own a small oil producing nation. This
It’s cheaper for a start, and comes with five seats, will really eat away at your cash reserves.
but it does offer the option of seven. That said, the Being designed for on-road action, rather than
additional chairs are tiny and aren’t appropriate for the full-blown Range Rover’s off-road capability,
fitting kids’ car seats. This is a lower, smaller ‘Rangie’, the Sport comes with optional air suspension. This
designed to appeal to a slightly less affluent, but keeps it comfortable and composed, even when
still successful, crowd. And the focus has moved cornering hard. The issue with driving it fast is more
from out-and-out luxury to one that is more about the size than the capability of the car. Britain’s most
power and pure on-road use.
enjoyable roads are just a bit too small to be

80
throwing a two-tonne SUV around, however good
it might be.
The Range Rover Sport is a status symbol, a luxury
cruiser, and an enjoyable car to drive hard. But it’s
expensive to buy and run - especially with its more
commanding engines. And it’s not certain that the
new hybrid unit can deliver on the claimed figures.
Nevertheless, those who want one won’t be put off
by such trivial matters.
Fast Facts
• 0-62 mph: 7.2 secs
• Combined mpg: 40.4
• Engine layout: 2993cc six-cylinder turbo diesel
• Max. power (PS): 306
• CO2: 185 g/km
• Price: £69,145

81
Car Paintwork Repairs
PCP or lease coming to an end?
Call me now and save £000’s
SCuffS/SCratCheS mended
minor dentS repaired
alloy wheel repairS
no Vat Charged
we’ll beat any quote!
Call Chris on
01942 215 111 or 07969 357 751
www.cosmeticar.co.uk
We’ll fix your;
Paintwork Scratches
Bumper Scuffs
Alloy Wheel Damage
Minor Dents
No VAT
charged!
Quality repairs with a lifetime guarantee.
Mobile Service – we come to you!
For your free estimate, call Dave on
07970 915 504
c/o JW Gaskell Garages,
Dingle Garage, Dingle Road, Up Holland, WN8 0EN

82
Good garden design
by Angie Barker
Award Winner
Hubby has a favourite saying. It goes
something like “I thought you had finished
the garden”. Well for me, the design of your garden is
every bit as important as the interior design of your
home, and as your home is continually undergoing
changes in terms of re-decoration, new furniture and
so on, so it is with the garden.
A well planned garden
that is good to look at will
make you want to use it
all year round and in these
days of limited space the
best gardens work as an
extension of the home.
The key to success is the
coming together of practicality and good looks.
Garden design is all about making your outside space
work for you by matching your needs and wants with
the constraints of your plot ie. size, aspect, soil type
and so on. These are the things you can’t change.
Gardens also have to fulfil a number of needs –
planting to give texture and colour and to soften
hard landscaping; space for relaxation, entertaining
and cooking; room for childrens’ play, and space for
growing some herbs or vegetables.
Here are my top design principles:
• Use texture to create interest – both in planting
and hard landscaping
• Incorporate a lawn whenever possible. A lawn
gives a wonderful foil for planting, it is safe for
children to play on, it is environmentally sound
and good for wildlife
• Use focal points around the garden and in borders
to draw the eye and make your garden unique
• Include more than one seating area wherever
space allows. This will give you the option of
viewing the garden from a different aspect and at
different times of the day in sun
• Decide what look you are going for –
contemporary clean lines or more traditional
incorporating curves. You should try and blend
the look with the style of your house
• Above all, the garden must meet the needs of your
family and work for them
So as the new year gets underway, give some
thought to your outside space, because now could
be the perfect time to make some changes. (Hubby
puts his head in his hands).
Angie is a qualified
award-winning garden
designer who will
plan your garden to
your needs from start
to finish, supplying
reputable contractors
and the ideal plants.
Call Angie now for your free consultation!
Angie Barker Dip GD
(Inst GD) BA (Hons)
Garden Design For All Seasons
Tel: 01942 522 405
Mob: 07857 008 383
Award Winner
www.angiebarker.co.uk

83
Garden Services
Complete Solution to all Garden & Tree Services
Garden maintenance
One-off clearances
Treework
Landscaping
Approved contractor West Lancs BC
Call Iain today for friendly advice and a free quote
Tel: 01695 632773 Mob: 07724 298193
www.hands-onlandscapes.co.uk
Billinge-based
Semmens
Landscapes
Garden Design • Landscaping • Maintenance
Professional & reliable service
For a free quote, call Andy on
M: 07814 133 690 T: 01942 588 628
Landscape & Artificial Grass Specialist
We’ll design & create your new modern
low-maintenance garden
Our wide range of artificial grass are all
guaranteed for 10 years
10 YEAR
GUARANTEE
Call Andy today for more details
01942 387 044 ~ 07941 602 539
Check out our projects on www.turfcouk.co.uk
• •
• Gates and railings
• Repairs and restorations
• Ironwork and welding
• Traditional forge work
25 years of expertise
Tel: 01695 721877 Mobile: 07951 764202
The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland

84
Puzzle Pages Solutions
Give your garden a makeover!
We offer high quality landscaping, garden
design and ground maintenance services
Quality work and reliability
at competitive prices
01942 510 986
07710 405 214
www.ashlandscapingandmaintenance.co.uk
Established 1994
Need help with your garden?
We offer a regular garden maintenance service
Landscaping, flagging, fencing, tree work, pruning,
turfing and decking work also completed.
Friendly and reliable service
Call Mick now for details
01942 700377 or 07982 928816
Oak Tree Maintenance
Orrell-Based*
Garden maintenance ~ General tidy ups
Hedge cutting ~ Pressure washing ~ Fencing
Call - 01942 225711 or 07773 296880
Qualified Tree Surgeon NCA RFS NPTC
All types of Tree and Hedge Work
Fully Insured
Felling, Reducing, Pruning, Shaping
WORD MIX UP:
MARRIAGE, CUDDLE,
AFFECTION, GLAMOUR,
SENTIMENTAL, EMOTION,
HEARTTHROB, WINE, DINE
WIGGLE WORDS: LIKE
A HOUSE ON FIRE
Sponsored By
NUMBER
BLOCK:
3 1 3 3
0 8 4 7
8 1 3 0
3 3 3 8
14 11 13 18
11
10
17
12
17
20
www.treetechsolutions.co.uk
• All tree work
• Hedge cutting
• Grounds maintenance
• Stump grinding
NO JOB
TOO SMALL
EMERGENCY CALL OUTS WELCOME
Call Wes for a free quote on
BILLINGE BASED 07713 121135 / 01695 322153

85
Garden need a little
LTC?
• Tree Surgery
• Flagging & Fencing
• Landscaping & Design
• Garden Clearances
• Logs For Sale
Wood chipping & stump grinder services
Call Lloyd today for a free estimate
01942 367170 / 07900 738637
Cricket St, Wigan, WN6 7TP
www.ltcgroup.co.uk
SMN
Tree and Landscape Management
West Lancashire District Council approved contractor
Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121
www.smntrees.co.uk steve@smntrees.co.uk
LANDSCAPE & DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS
LANDSCAPING
• Block Paving
• Indian Stone
• Turfing & Artificial Grass
• Driveways & Patios
• Fencing & Decking
• Jet Washing
• Gravelling
A
TREE SPECIALISTS
• Pruning & Shaping
• Felling & Topping
• Stump Grinding
All aspects of tree work
undertaken
NO JOB TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL
Call us today for a free, no obligation, quote;
20%
OFF
AL: 07796 494 463
JOHN: 07879 024 070
OFFICE: 01942 396 831
Email: fourseasons.treespecialists@gmail.com OAP
Discounts

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect
every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
A5209
B5250
Open:
Dennis Goulding
J27
Shevington
A49
Standish
Wind Turbines
Heat Pumps
LED Lighting
.and general
Energy Savings
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,
Wrightington, WN6 9RS
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Telephone: 01257 427 000
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
www.dglwindows.co.uk
TwinLakesMotorEngin ers
and we’ l provide you with a
detailed report showing the
returns available from your
own solar panels
(10% typical return)
Visit our showr om at
Unit 4a,
Cricket Str et Busine s Park
o f Miry Lane,
Wigan.
WN6 7TP
or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
86
Home Services
- sponsored by
Our engineers will rePAir yOur;
• wAshers/Dryers
• COOkers/hObs
• FriDges/VACuums
A friendly, efficient and reliable service
Our mobile repair service works Mon-Sat
CAll us tODAy On 01942 833 908
Unit 5, Caroline Street, Wigan WN3 4EL
www.aspull-domestics.co.uk
mr-soot.com
Mr Soot
CHIMNEY SWEEP
Woodburners Open fires Stoves
07724 311 992
www.expertcomputers.co.uk
‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – Winner
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
For more information call
01695 627 999
LocalLife
Gel
Nails
norma ly £20
now £15
Lashes
Spray Tan
Sunbeds
Acrylic & Gel Nails
Natalies @ Studio 84
84 Rainford Road, Bi linge WN5 7PG
Telephone: 07814 619 400
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Closed Thursday & Sunday
Mossy Lea Road
T
Y
R
E
S
Solar Thermal
& Solar PV
Book
your FREE
home survey
CAR & VAN SERVICING
FREE
Car Health Check
.and motorcycles too
for a l residents of Croston and Bretherton
Keep me until you need me!
Book your FREE Car Health Check
Ca l now on
01772 603923
REPAIR & WELDING
Saving money is
the clear benefit!
Slash your electricity and
water heating bi l
Protect your household from
future energy price rises
Reduce your household’s
impact on the environment
E
X
H
A
U
Ca l us now
0843 224 9555
07595 420237
S
T
S

Award Winner
Exterior & Interior Decorating
Domestic & Commercial work undertaken
Competitive rate
Contact Graham now - free estimate provided
01257 426 234
graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk
www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk
J&P
MOORCROFT
LTD
Professional Painting and Decorating
• Domestic & Commercial Work
• Interior & Exterior work welcomed
• Old/listed buildings a speciality
Call us today for a free quotation
Home Service available
Choose from 1000s of paint & paper samples
in the comfort of our own home
01942 212096 07831 102 511
www.jpmoorcroft.com
SG
PAINTING & DECORATING
Interior painting & decorating
Specialise in standard wall coverings, extra wide vinyl, lincrusta & coving
Free estimates. References available upon request
07714 363 377 / 01942 749 971
Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP
87
HATE
DECORATING?
We don’t - we enjoy it so
much that we make a living out of it!
We are a husband and wife team,
CRB cleared with references available.
Awarded a Certificate of Excellence
by Wigan Council Trading Standards
• City & Guilds Qualified
• Plastering services available
• Competitive Rates
• Fully Insured
• Standish based
Call Alice or Neil on
01257 435412 or 07810 753062
Need a new look
for your home?
Skilled interior and exterior work
undertaken at reasonable prices!
Chris Smith - Painter and Decorator
01942 518126
or 07545 065119
Orrell based business
Boost your Business in 2018
Advertising packages start from £39 + VAT a month.
For more information call 01695 627 999
LocalLife

88
UPVC CLEANING
• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.
CONSERVATORIES
• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)
• Glass roofs / Orangeries
JETWASHING
• Driveways & Patios etc.
ROOF CLEANING
• Moss Removal
(No Jet washing/No mess)
• NEW Soft Wash Cleaning
SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF
ALL CLEANING PACKAGES
Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.
01942 470 089 / 07834 241 642
www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk
Wigan’s premier
domestic
cleaning service
PB
Want to promote your
company in Local Life?
Call Sally: 01695 627 999
locallife247.co.uk
LocalLife
Power
Washing
HOUSE CLEANING AT ITS BEST
Driveways
Conservatories
Patios & Decking
Gutters & Fascias
Bricks & Walls
BEFORE
AFTER
Call Paul today to arrange a free quote
01257 402 113 ~ 07736 396 374
www.pbpowerwashing.co.uk
Orrell Laundry
11 Sefton Road, Orrell, WN5 8UP
01695 623 796
Cleaning in the
Wigan area for
10+ years
We only use reliable, vetted staff
• £10.75 per hour - minimum 2 hrs
• Same cleaner each visit
• All domestic duties provided
Call or email Joanne 01942 203442
joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk / www.acleanbreak.co.uk/wigan
• Bedding & duvets • Domestic washes
• Commercial washing • Ironing services
• Dry cleaning • Team sports kits welcomed
Open 7 days
see website for
opening times
Free pick-up
& drop off!
www.orrell-laundry.co.uk
Serving the
community for
over 50 years
Free pICk-up & DrOp OFF
service to/from Standish, Shevington, Appley Bridge

89
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• traditional service, state of the art results •
Wigan Good
Trader Of
The Year
2015
5 star rating with
Wigan Trading
Standards Good
Trader Scheme
• Carpets • Rugs
• Fabric & Leather Upholstery
Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote
Call - 01257 251221
Mobile - 07908 770808
www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk
Providing professional carpet &
upholstery cleaning since 1993
Carpets Upholstery Curtains
Leather Oriental Rugs Hard Floors
For more information call:
01942 470 081
Visit our website and check out the testimonials.
www.alliancechemdry.co.uk
Ovenclean will transform your oven and
put the sparkle back into your kitchen!
• Ovens
• Grills
• Extractors
• BBQ’s
as seen
ON TV
• Hobs
• Ranges
• Microwaves
• AGA’s
Call today to book your oven clean
0800 840 7127 or
07724 694337
www.ovenclean.com

90
Arley Cabinet Company Ltd
• Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •
We measure
we make
we fit
and have done for 60 years.
Visit our showroom or call us
today for a FREE estimate
www.arleycabinets.com
Arley Cabinet Co. Ltd
214a Gidlow Lane
Wigan
WN6 7BN
Mon-Fri: 8am - 4.30pm
Sat: 9am - 12pm
tel: 01942 246190
TV Aerials installed & repaired
Sky, Freesat, Talk Talk & BT
Setup Service
Telephone/Broadband repair
Tv Wall mounting & CCTV
Ring Paul on www.wiganaerials.com
01942 514532 - 07709 490095
Boost your Business in 2018
Advertising packages start from £39 + VAT a month.
For more information call 01695 627 999
LocalLife
Over 40 Lancashire
walks
LocalLife
FREE to download at
locallife247.co.uk

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect
every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
A5209
B5250
Open:
Dennis Goulding
J27
Shevington
A49
Standish
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,
Wrightington, WN6 9RS
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Telephone: 01257 427 000
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
www.dglwindows.co.uk
TwinLakesMotorEngin ers
Wind Turbines
Heat Pumps
LED Lighting
.and general
Energy Savings
and we’ l provide you with a
detailed report showing the
returns available from your
own solar panels
(10% typical return)
Visit our showr om at
Unit 4a,
Cricket Str et Busine s Park
o f Miry Lane,
Wigan.
WN6 7TP
or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
91
24-Hour
Call Out
Service
Electrical Installation & Maintenance
• From new sockets to full re-wires
• No job too small
• PAT testing
Security Installation & Maintenance
• Smart phone controlled security systems
• Wired and wireless security systems
• CCTV and burglar alarms
Wireless Alarm System
ONLY £349
1x Live LED GHE Bell box
1x dummy GHE bell box
1x Mains panel with battery back up
1x wireless door contact
2x Wireless PIR Motion detectors
Domestic and commercial work welcomed ~ Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote
Suite 1A Kirkless Ind. Est
Cale Lane Wigan
01942 836 937 or 07557 914 788 www.ghewigan.co.uk
All electrical work
undertaken
• Rewire specialists
• Extra sockets & lights fitted
• Mains board upgrades
Free quotations
NAPIT part ‘P’ registered
JIB Approved Technician
31 Years Experience
Covering all North West Areas.
A.J.S.
BAILEYS
ELECTRICAL
01942 215 769
07739 709 005
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
For more information call
01695 627 999
LocalLife
Gel
Nails
norma ly £20
now £15
Lashes
Spray Tan
Sunbeds
Acrylic & Gel Nails
Natalies @ Studio 84
84 Rainford Road, Bi linge WN5 7PG
Telephone: 07814 619 400
Shevington
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Closed Thursday & Sunday
Electrical Services Ltd
Local. Honest & Reliable
Domestic
Industrial & Commercial
Call: 0800 6446100 or 07904 127663
www.shevington-electrical-services.co.uk
Mo sy Lea Road
T
Y
R
E
S
Solar Thermal
& Solar PV
Book
your FREE
home survey
CAR & VAN SERVICING
...and motorcycles too
FREE
Car Health Check
for all residents of Croston and Bretherton
Keep me until you need me!
Book your FREE Car Health Check
Ca l now on
01772 603923
REPAIR & WELDING
Saving money is
the clear benefit!
Slash your electricity and
water heating bill
Protect your household from
future energy price rises
Reduce your household’s
E
X
H
A
U
S
T
S
impact on the environment
Ca l us now
0843 224 9555
07595 420237
All electrical work undertaken
Competitive rates
Proficient and professional service
J.Dillon
Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826
www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk
• All types of electrical work
• 20+ years experience
• Friendly, fast and reliable
• 24 hour call out service
Emergency call outs 24/7
Call: 01942 553 248
Dan: 07850 273 783
Ste: 07701 036 872
Electrical
Services Ltd

92
Great Value Bathrooms!
Full Bathrooms & En-Suites
Showers, Trays & Cubicles
Relocation of Bathroom Suites
25 years bathroom experience
Call Chris now for a free quotation
C L Bathrooms
01942 749085
or 07801 295483
www.clbathrooms.co.uk
Elite Bathrooms
Installation & Tiling
• Bathrooms
• Wall Tiling
• Floor Tiling 07703 448890
FREE Estimates 01942 208926
• Bathroom Installation, Full Bathrooms & En-Suites
• Plumbing Services • Wall & Floor Tiling • Ceiling Panelling
01942 397173 / 07803 057940
Douglas Drive, Orrell, Wigan
www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk
PLASTERER
Re-skims Dot & dab Rendering
2 coat work Unwanted artex
For a free quote, call Ian Ridley on
01942 218 160
or 07958 695 116
Plumbing & Heating Specialist
Complete Bathroom
& Tiling service
John Bailey - 01942 495785
or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238
Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan
APPLEY BRIDGE HEATING & PLUMBING
Boiler & Full System
Installation, Replacement & Repair
Landlord Gas Safety Certificates
Call Dave now for a free quote...
201323
07814 639 430
IAIN LOWE
01695 623236
• Central Heating
• Plumbing
• Gas Appliances
• Gas Safety Checks
• Landlord’s Certificates
• Maintenance/Breakdowns

93
Boiler & Central
Heating Experts
• Repairs & installations
• Maintenance & servicing
• Power flushing
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Gas Safety Checks
For an effective and friendly
service call Haigh Energy
01257 424 166
www.haighenergy.co.uk
Unit S7, Standish Court , Bradley Lane Trading Estate, Standish, WN6 0XQ
• Central Heating Installations
• Boiler Installations
• Maintenance & Servicing
• Power Flushing
186237
Your one stop shop for central heating
434 Ormskirk Rd, Wigan, WN5 9DF
01942 221221
info@premiergas.com / www.premiergas.com
A Genuine Family Run Business
With Friendly & Courteous Staff
SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL
HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER
REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES
Accredited Installer & Service Partner
• Annual Boiler Servicing
• Landlord & Home Owner
Gas Safety Checks
• Gas Fire & Cooker Installations
• Under Floor Heating Specialists
• Home Efficiency Control Upgrades
10 YEARS
EXTENDED
WARRANTY
ON SELECTED BOILER
INSTALLATIONS
Registration No.
88604
Telephone:
WE REPAIR
ALL MAKES
OF BOILERS!
01257 421 660
TEL: 01942 504 429
MOB: 07515 505 501
www.fgwelch.co.uk
C&
D
Plumbing and Heating
Heating & Bathroom Specialist
Chris Heaton M.I.P.H.E.R.P
07973714222
01695625171
No
call out
fee
Brand New Bathrooms
Boiler + Central Heating
Installs, Servicing + Repairs
Extended warranties available
24 Hour Call-out
Domestic + Commercial
Freephone 0300 3030121
Dave 07769 942218 / Matt 07969 183809
21 Naburn Drive, Orrell, WN5 8SB
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk
www.orrellheating.co.uk
506515

94
JJ Driveways
Imprinted Concrete Specialists
Huge range of colours & patterns
• Resin Driveways • Block Paving
• Indian Stone • Flagging
We can also revive your old drive!
Ask about our sealing service
Call Joe for a free quotation on
Garage 01942 621 and 959 entrance / 07867 697 doors 972
www.jjdriveways.co.uk
in matching styles
Is your
garage door
broken ?
Call us today for a free estimate
to Repair or Replace it
CJM Garage Doors Ltd, Unit 10, Hewitt Business Park
Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7XB
t: 01942 738347 w: www.cjmgaragedoors.co.uk
GDR Driveways
Flagging • Block paving
Concreting • Fencing
Call Gareth for a FREE quotation
01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754
Complete Driveways
& Landscapes
Landscapes
Gardens designed. Paving laid, artificial turf
fitted, garden walls built, all aspects of fencing.
Driveways
Block paving, flagging, printed concrete
driveway specialist.
‘the complete answer
for driveways & landscapes’
Call Gary for a free, no obligation quote;
01942 355 993 07712 352 411
GARAGE DOOR
REPAIRS
All GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED :
Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc.
Doors of all ages repaired
01744 894939 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE!
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk
Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, Upholland WN8 9QL
Boost your Business in 2018
Advertising packages start from £39 + VAT a month.
For more information call 01695 627 999
LocalLife

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect
every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
A5209
B5250
Open:
Dennis Goulding
J27
Shevington
A49
Standish
Wind Turbines
Heat Pumps
LED Lighting
.and general
Energy Savings
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,
Wrightington, WN6 9RS
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Telephone: 01257 427 000
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
www.dglwindows.co.uk
TwinLakesMotorEngin ers
and we’ l provide you with a
detailed report showing the
returns available from your
own solar panels
(10% typical return)
Visit our showr om at
Unit 4a,
Cricket Str et Busine s Park
o f Miry Lane,
Wigan.
WN6 7TP
or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
95
• Conservatory repairs
• Locks, handles and hinges
• Replacement glass
• Windows and doors installed
• Replacement conservatory roofs
Call MARK now on
01942 737 381 / 0776 315 1720
conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com
www.fixmyconservatory.com
01257 422317 or 07852 202867
www.mtjoinery.co.uk
Brickwork & Property Maintenance
M
Marc Mulligan
01942 248 537
07749 806 566
• Brickwork, Extensions, Re-pointing
• Garden Walls, Decorative Walls
• Platform Steps, Paths & patios
Disabled Adaptations & Access
• Wall to Floor Rails, Floor to Floor
Rails & Path Rails
Fully Qualified - 28 Years Experience
Home Improvements
• Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms
• Garage & Loft Conversions
• Floors, Doors & Windows
• Garden Gates
For all your home improvement needs call David on...
01942 203 804
07851 225 876
DS Joinery
Easy Mix
Easy Mix
Award Winner
Ready Mixed Concrete
• Delivered or Collected • Perfect for builders & DIY
01942 224571 for advice
Design & Print
LocalLife
Lamberhead Ind. Est., Pemberton
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
For more information call
01695 627 999
Gel
Nails
norma ly £20
now £15
Lashes
Spray Tan
Sunbeds
Acrylic & Gel Nails
Natalies @ Studio 84
84 Rainford Road, Bi linge WN5 7PG
Telephone: 07814 619 400
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Closed Thursday & Sunday
Mo sy Lea Road
T
Y
R
E
S
Solar Thermal
& Solar PV
Book
your FREE
home survey
CAR & VAN SERVICING
FREE
Car Health Check
.and motorcycles too
for a l residents of Croston and Bretherton
Keep me until you need me!
Book your FREE Car Health Check
Ca l now on
01772 603923
REPAIR & WELDING
Saving money is
the clear benefit!
Slash your electricity and
water heating bi l
Protect your household from
future energy price rises
E
X
H
A
U
Reduce your household’s
impact on the environment
Ca l us now
0843 224 9555
07595 420237
S
T
S

96
All our work is fully insured & guaranteed
References available on request
Call now for a free quotation
House Extensions
New Kitchens
& Bathrooms
Garage Conversions
Full Refurbishments
• WILSON BROS •
Est. 1985
Roofing & Roofline Specialists
• All aspects of maintenance & repair
• Fascia & soffit installation
• Guttering and felting services
Call us now for a free estimate
01695 633173
Colin: 07958 302 166
Brian: 07760 160 988
www.wilson-bros.co.uk
01942 561 848 | 07725 909 257
www.freshbuildconstruction.co.uk
PP
Building services
Joinery Specialists
Ashurst Building &
Roofing Services
All types of building and roofing
work undertaken including;
Brickwork, Joinery, Flagging
Plastering & Renovations
: 01942 832747
7747 725999
Family run business with
25 years of experience
Call David today for a free quotation
TELEPHONE: 01942 832747
Mobile: 07747 725999
LOCAL, RELIABLE, FRIENDLY
PROFESSIONAL AND HONEST
• Conservatories & Orangeries
• Extensions
• Refurbishments & Alterations
• Fencing & Decking
• Garage & Loft Conversions
• Kitchens & Fitted Bedrooms
• Doors & Windows
• All aspects of joinery work
Call Phil - 01257 425997 or 07703 007675

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect
every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
A5209
B5250
Open:
Dennis Goulding
J27
Shevington
A49
Standish
Wind Turbines
Heat Pumps
LED Lighting
.and general
Energy Savings
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,
Wrightington, WN6 9RS
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Telephone: 01257 427 000
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
www.dglwindows.co.uk
TwinLakesMotorEngin ers
and we’ l provide you with a
detailed report showing the
returns available from your
own solar panels
(10% typical return)
Visit our showr om at
Unit 4a,
Cricket Str et Busine s Park
o f Miry Lane,
Wigan.
WN6 7TP
or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
97
B.A. Berry
Building & Roofing Specialists
•All building work undertaken.
• From a broken tile to a full re roof.
• Flat roofs renewed and repaired.
• Extensions, Alterations, Structural repairs
including Lintels.
Your local fully qualified tradesman with
30 years experience
Call us now for a free,
no obligation quote
01695 622 704 / 07968 652 320
www.baberry.co.uk
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
For more information call
01695 627 999
LocalLife
K Stone
Building Services
All types of building
work undertaken
25 years experience
Gel
Nails
norma ly £20
now £15
Lashes
Spray Tan
Sunbeds
Acrylic & Gel Nails
Natalies @ Studio 84
84 Rainford Road, Billinge WN5 7PG
Telephone: 07814 619 400
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Closed Thursday & Sunday
Mo sy Lea Road
T
Y
R
E
S
Solar Thermal
& Solar PV
Book
your FREE
home survey
CAR & VAN SERVICING
FREE
Car Health Check
.and motorcycles too
for a l residents of Croston and Bretherton
Keep me until you need me!
Book your FREE Car Health Check
Ca l now on
01772 603923
REPAIR & WELDING
Saving money is
the clear benefit!
Slash your electricity and
water heating bi l
Protect your household from
future energy price rises
Reduce your household’s
E
X
H
A
U
S
T
S
impact on the environment
Ca l us now
0843 224 9555
07595 420237
• Brickwork
• Pointing
• Garden Walls
• Patios
• Roof Repairs
• Flagging
• Alterations
• Driveways
01942 495412 / 07974 496676
First Class Workmanship
• All types of re-roofs
• Strip & re-slate or re-tile
• Built up felt/flat roofs, dormers etc.
• Insurance work undertaken
• Roofline uPVC fascias, soffits & guttering
W.Newman
ROOFING & REPAIRS
01695 627 212
MOBILE: 07774 943 706
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, UP HOLLAND
Established Over 30 Years
All aspects of roofing & roofline
NEW ROOFS REPAIRS
FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERS
Dormers
and Garages
Rubber Cover
Roofing Specialist
Guaranteed 50 years
T: 01942 864 624
M: 07894 687 384
M: 07868 713 520
Call for free
quote

98
A View From
The Lump
Local gossip, gripes and goings-on
Poles apart
“What football team do you
support, grandad?” asked Lump Jr
the other day.
“Wigan Athletic of course, son” I
replied, quite proudly.
“Yeah, I know that grandad,
but which proper club do you
support? Man Utd?” came the
follow up.
It’s no secret that most Latics
fans also have a ‘big team’. For
them, supporting Wigan is a bit
like going to church - it’s not
something to be done every week,
but the odd occasion to ‘keep your
hand in’ will suffice.
During a recent match, I got
chatting with a couple of lads
next to me. Turns out they’re
Polish, and have lived in Wigan
for the past eight years. Not only
that, they’re now fervent fans and
get to as many home games as
possible.
So I asked whether they had a
‘second team’, either here or in
the Polish league. “No... Wigan
is our team now. 100%. Up The
‘Tics!” said one the lads, before
continuing to sup his Bovril. Good
on them, they could teach some
of the locally-raised glory hunters
a thing or two...
Talking tactics
Interesting results from the
recent Shevington by-election.
The Tories, who once held the
seat, were knocked into third
place (402 votes) by Shevington
Independents (552 votes).
Together, though, they outpolled
victorious Labour
(765 votes).
Tactical voting has never taken
off in Wigan. But if it did, Labour
may have cause for concern.
Unhealthy debate
Another winter and another
round of ‘we’re all going to hell
in a handcart’ headlines about
the state of the NHS. What irks
me isn’t so much about the issue
being raised, it’s the sterile debate
which ensues. ‘We need more
money’, ‘it’s the Government’s
fault’.... they’re the usual attack
lines. They hold some water,
but the cold, hard truth is we
are an ageing population which
has a social care crisis coupled
with a free-at-the-point-of-use
health service which isn’t that far
away from the original post-war
blueprint. Any organisation which
stays broadly the same for 70-odd
years is going to have some issues.
Last year, this magazine ran an indepth
interview with an eminent
consultant from Wigan Infirmary,
who pintpointed the problems
which largely centred around
dementia and ‘brain failure’. What
we are living with now is a lack of
planning - things which should
have been put in place 25 years
ago were either not brought up
or simply kicked into the long
grass as they were politically
inconvenient/unaffordable. The
person who grasps the nettle
is likely to be very brave but
politically stupid. We have a surfeit
who are the latter but are sadly
lacking in those with the former
qualities...
New kid on the bloc
Sick of winter? Me too.... so
we’ve been looking at booking
a holiday for the past month or
so. Mrs Lump wishes to have a
peek before the old Iron Curtain,
On the other hand, I’m lobbying
for sunnier climes so in the spirit
of co-operation, I’ve suggested
Bulgaria. Suitably warm to pull
out my Speedos, but with enough
Commie chic to keep her indoors
happy. Apparently, you can
also pick up a pint of the local
Snakebite for 50p a throw. Should
make all the day trips to various
ex-gulags that bit more bearable.

99
Come and visit the largest
showroom in the North West
®
Quality installations of windows,
doors, fascias, soffits and gutters
First for quality • First for service • First for reliability
No contractors • No salesmen
Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business
®
Rockdoor
Approved
Installer Reg No
02767596
SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS
Established 16 years
Call us for a Free Quote
Office Number: 01942 871 777
Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE
warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk