Local Life - Wigan - April 2018

LocalLife 

Wigan Edition April 2018 

In His Own Write 

Pages 28 

Ashton & Bamfurlong Walk 

Pages 76 

Win tickets to see the 

GIANT Lego® animals 

Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Event2Go Home Services 

locallife247.co.uk 

Cover photo courtesy of WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Ince Hall Avenue, Ince £300,000 Mossy Lea Rd, Wrightington £290,000 

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. 

The exterior suggests this to be a bungalow, but it’s 

actually 1500 sq ft of 4 bed family accommodation on 

two levels in rural Wrightington. 

Lordy Close, Standish £280,000 Bolton Road, Aspull £275,000 

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. 

This beautiful 3 bed bungalow, with a modern kitchen, 

stunning bathroom and large dual aspect lounge, 

occupies a generous plot with impressive country views. 

St Annes Court, Shevington £250,000 Moor Road, Orrell £200,000 

Positioned in a cul-de-sac off Gathurst Lane, this large 

detached 4 bed home boasts a 25 feet through lounge, 

large conservatory and a modern well equipped kitchen. 

This double fronted detached true bungalow contains 

many period features, a fully fitted modern kitchen and 

a stylish glass roof conservatory. 

a name you can trust

Kidd Close, Newtown £200,000 

This beautiful detached 4 bed home on College Court 

near Robin Park is still under NHBC warranty and has a 

large kitchen diner and a spacious rear garden. 

Lazonby Avenue, Aspull £190,000 

This impressive 3 bed semi family home, off Mill Lane in 

Aspull, is located perfectly for the M61 and has a dual 

aspect lounge and a spacious conservatory. 

Newhouse Drive, Winstanley £160,000 

This beautifully presented modern 3 bed semi home has 

quality fittings, finishes and tasteful decor throughout 

and also has a large landscaped rear garden. 

More Street, Newtown £140,000 

This beautiful semi 3 bed home on College Court 

near Robin Park is still under NHBC warranty and has 

modern decor and a stunning fitted kitchen. 

Edgeworth Rd, Hindley Green £140,000 

This spacious semi 2 bed bungalow has two reception 

rooms, a fully fitted kitchen diner and offers well 

maintained gardens to the front and rear. 

Ormskirk Road, Pemberton £125,000 

This simply stunning 3 bed spacious family home is 

immaculately presented throughout and includes a 

gloss fitted kitchen and a magnificent bathroom suite. 

www.alanbatt.co.uk

2 

Main Street, Billinge - £375,000 

This beautiful four bed cottage retains many original features and viewing 

really is essential to truly appreciate this stunning family home. Its lovely rear 

garden, complete with stone patio, is perfect for al fresco entertaining. 

www.alanbatt.co.uk

3 

Finance Now Available 

T&C’s apply, please ask for details 

Follow us 

Telephone: 

01942 583 558 

721 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AQ 

(FREE parking to the rear) 

wiganfiresandfireplaces.co.uk 

Photo for illustration purposes only

4 

Holy 

grail 

The news that Wigan Council had bought The 

Galleries, along with the Marketgate and 

Makinson Arcades, came as a complete surprise to 

us all at Local Life HQ (see page 62). 

The general feedback on this news on social media 

seems to be split down the middle. 

In my view, this investment is a brave and positive 

move from the council. It brings a significant part 

of the town centre directly under the control and 

influence of the council, and it will surely be easier to 

attract inward investment into a town centre if the 

local council is fully engaged as a key stakeholder. 

Splashing the cash, with the help of Mr & Mrs 

Council-Taxpayer, is the easy bit though. 

The hard bit is to work out how to achieve the holy 

grail of retail consultants everywhere; creating a 

safe environment, day and night, that’s easy to get 

to, cheap to park in, and which offers something 

different to shoppers, residents and leisure-seekers. 

It won’t happen overnight; building a successful 

destination takes decades rather than years, but 

the council should, sooner rather than later, be 

willing to share their long term vision for the area 

to demonstrate that they, and their commercial 

partners, have the ideas to back up this investment 

in Wigan’s future. 

Have a great Easter, see you next time 

Chris Pearce - Publisher 

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk

5 

In this issue 

In his own 

write 

28 

World Parkinson’s 

Day 

Regulars 

26 Class From The Past 

40 Planning 

54 Puzzle Corner 

Sections 

6 Property 

8 Local News 

56 Health 

60 Legal & Finance 

70 Events2Go 

82 Garden Diary 

98 The Lump 

62 Business View 

66 Food & Drink 

82 Gardening 

86 Home Services 

56 

More 

Carrot 

66 

Jack’s Tracks visits 

Ashton & 

Bamfurlong 

76 

Test Drive 

Skoda Octavia 

vRS Estate 

79 

Next issue - May 2018 

Advertising deadline - Thursday, 5 April 

Published - Wednesday, 18 April 

Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park, 

Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB 

Telephone: 01695 627 999 

Publisher: Chris 

Sales: Nicola, Sally 

Editorial: David 

Design: Peter 

Distribution: Sally 

Accounts: Sam 


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 

Wigan Road, Standish 

An elegant detached family home, upgraded to the highest of standards throughout. 

Asking price £595,000 

Exceptional detached family home 

6 beds set across 3 floors 

Completely renovated throughout 

Stunning fitted kitchen 

Luxury bathroom with vaulted ceiling 

Wonderful, established gardens 

Prestigious Wigan Road setting 

3071 SQ.FT. 

www.reganandhallworth.com

7 

NEW 

NEW 

HOLLY ROAD, ASPULL £385,000 

This beautiful 5 bed house offers a bespoke and stylish 

interior with stunning open kitchen and 3 bathrooms. 

NEW NEW 

SEDGELY, STANDISH £310,000 

Beautifully maintained executive detached family home 

with landscaped gardens & double garage. 

SPENDMORE LANE, COPPULL £360,000 

Beautiful period detached five bed family home located 

in Coppull Village. 

NEW 

PEPPER LANE, STANDISH £225,000 

A stunning, true bungalow set on a generous overall plot 

with superb open views to rear. 

NEW 

HARRINGTON PARK, SHEVINGTON £224,950 

Exceptional three storey semi-detached home located 

on a beautiful modern village development. 

STANCLIFFE GROVE, ASPULL £165,000 

Excellent semi-detached true bungalow located in a 

quiet, highly sought after area of Aspull. 

www.reganandhallworth.com Wigan town centre showroom 01942 205555

8 

Paula’s ready to jive again 

A Standish dance teacher who feared 

she may never walk properly again 

after being in a car crash is back in 

the swing! 

Paula Cornwall, 56, suffered serious injury to her 

ankle during the incident just over 14 months 

ago. It left her using a Zimmer frame and crutches, 

meaning she had to cancel her classes which she’d 

spent years working hard to build up. 

But after almost 3 months in a cast and walker boot, 

Paula embarked on a long rehabilitation of gruelling 

physiotherapy. “The physio was very draining, my 

muscles would shake and it took a long time to get 

my strength back. It was frustrating. My ankle was 

very painful and stiff. It would tire quickly”. 

Now, with the support of husband Glyn, she has 

decided to return to teaching with a new dance 

class entitled 1950s Rock ‘n’ Roll and Jive. 

Over 25 years of local advice 

Now at High Street, Standish 

Mortgages 

Life Insurance 

Wigan 

Standish - Parbold 

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Free home visits any time to 8.00 p.m. 

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“I have waited a long time to get back to doing 

what I love. Even though my ankle is not the same 

as before, teaching 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll is an absolute 

joy. I adore the music and the dance style. And of 

course, the people – my students – they make it all 

worthwhile”. 

Paula insists dancing makes people happy: “For an 

hour, you can forget your worries and just enjoy the 

music, the company, and the dancing”. 

Want to join Paula in her love of Rock ‘n’ Roll Dancing? 

New courses start every six weeks, although you 

can start anytime and learn what is being taught 

that evening. The class is suitable for all, whether 

beginner or advanced, singles and couples. 

WHEN? 8.00pm It takes place on Wednesdays, 8pm 

at St Elizabeth’s Parish Hall, Bolton Road, Aspull. 

A course of six classes is £36 or the drop-in rate is 

£7.50 per class. 

Contact Paula on 07906 130543.

9 

Sharks on the hunt 

Shevington Sharks are on the lookout for volunteers 

as the club gets bigger. 2018-19 is set to be the 

biggest and most exciting time to be involved 

with Shevington Sharks thanks to the new purpose 

built Community Facilities at Vicarage Lane. The 

Amateur Rugby League Club has teams from Cubs 

and every age group up to Open Age. The club also 

hopes to increase player and volunteer numbers by 

looking into Women’s teams and Touch rugby. 

Previous experience or skills would be useful, but 

the club will welcome new volunteers who are 

enthusiastic to help make a difference. For more 

information, call 07718 228422. 

Pub improvements 

Improvements are in the pipeline at a Wrightington 

pub. Proposals have been put forward to extend The 

White Lion on Mossy Lea Road. The works would 

also include a timber framed smoking shelter and 

a pitched roof canopy at the rear entrance. Papers 

lodged with West Lancs Borough Council planners 

said: “The proposals put forward will improve both 

the working layout of the building, while also 

greatly enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the rear 

elevation. The current layout of the premises does 

not work effectively from an operational point 

of view. The proposals put forward will greatly 

benefit this important local public house, making 

it a greatly improved facility for both the local 

community and visitors to use.

10 

Jewels May is a wonderful independent 

jewellers. The shop has recently expanded 

so as to offer customers more on site 

specialist services, one-to-one consultation, 

specialist design and re-modelling advice and 

manufacturing. 

Their jewellery range is extensive from antique 

and vintage to modern and one-off bespoke 

luxury pieces, set with diamonds and precious 

stones. They also boast an impressive range of 

engagement and wedding rings as well as preowned 

luxury watches. 

Repairs & Alterations 

Rhodium Plating 

Cleaning & Polishing 

Design & Manufacturing 

Engagement & Wedding Ring Specialists 

Insurance Valuations 

Watch Servicing, Repairs, Refurbishing 

& Batteries 

Heskin Farmers Market & Craft Centre, 

Wood Lane, Heskin, PR7 5PA 

Tel: 01257 450448 Etsy: Jewelsmayuk 

www.jewelsmay.com 

Rugby memories 

Super League side Wigan Warriors have set up 

a Rugby Memories group where fans of the 

team meet up once a fortnight to watch an old 

game and reminisce about the glory days. Wigan 

Warriors Community Foundation and Fur Clemt 

Café in Central Park launched the initiative to ease 

loneliness and isolation through the dementia 

friendly Rugby Memories Group. The Rugby 

Memories Group promises an informal space 

for local people to meet up and chat about all 

things Rugby, while looking at old photos and 

programmes and watching a game together. 

Warriors Community Health and Wellbeing 

Manager, Claire Taylor, said: There are so many 

great memories around supporting the team and 

by reminiscing it can really help people who are 

feeling a lonely and who are living with dementia.” 

The sessions are held fortnightly on Tuesday 

afternoon 2-4pm at Fur Clemt at Central Park on 

Montrose Avenue, Wigan. 

For more information please contact Claire Taylor: 

c.taylor@wiganwarriors.com 

Tony’s just champion 

A surgeon at Wrightington Hospital is to be 

honoured with a prestigious award for his 

volunteering and mentoring work overseas. Tony 

Clayson’s work in southern Ethiopia has earned him 

a Champions of Change Rotary award, which he 

will receive from the Lord Mayor of Cardiff at Cardiff 

City Hall in May.

11

12

13

14 

Village fete show returns 

Shevington Fete is back! 

The popular show, which didn’t take place last 

summer due to lack of volunteers, is scheduled to 

return on Saturday, June 30. 

All the usual attractions will be available as well as 

some new ones and your support for the Fete, and 

participation on the day would be both valued and 

appreciated. 

Stalls will be available around the Recreation 

Ground, as well as in various buildings such as St 

Anne’s Parish Centre, The Methodist Church and 

Shevington Youth Club. 

Games, tug of war and races will be held on the 

Recreation Ground, individual and hopefully team 

games, if youngsters can field teams. 

There will be entertainment areas on the Recreation 

Ground with various performances during the 

day in two marquees. If you would like to offer 

entertainment please email the Entertainment 

Organiser Anne Hurcombe email anne@ 

wiganpierpromotions.co.uk 

Fete meetings are now being held in the run-up 

to the big day. They will be held at the lounge in 

the Methodist Church, from 7pm-9pm on Tuesdays 

March 29, April 17 and May 22. All welcome to 

attend. 

For further information on how your organisation 

can get involved email elaineellams@aol.com or for 

stall bookings shevingtonfete@outlook.com. 

Stylish Casual Wear 

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Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm 

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Look out for our April & May fashion shows 

See Events2Go on page 75 

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www.millthropcottage.co.uk

15

16 

All change at old bank 

Wigan and Leigh Hospice will be 

turning an empty building in Standish 

into a new shop. 

The charity, which cares for over 1,000 people with 

a life-limiting illness every year, has taken over the 

disused Lloyds Bank building on Market Street. 

The new shop will open before the school summer 

holidays and will sell goods including clothes, 

books and toys as well as furnishings. 

“This investment in Standish will enable us to raise 

even more funds in the future which will go towards 

supporting our patients and those people close to 

our patients. 

“We hope the community in Standish will continue 

to support us as they’ve always done and enjoy 

visiting what will be a vibrant and attractive new 

shop.” 

Currently the hospice has a shop on Church Street 

in Standish. Bosses have confirmed that this outlet 

will cease trading once the new shop is open. 

Anna Hart, retail manager, said: “The hospice has to 

raise over £3m every year to keep going so our 13 

shops are a vital source of income. 

Editor Wanted 

We are looking for an experienced journalist to be the ‘face’ 

of one of Lancashire’s best-known magazines 

The role will include: 

• Leading on editorial content for our 5 titles 

• Writing news and features as well as editing copy 

• Line management duties 

The role would suit an NCTJ qualified journalist with at 

least 5 years’ experience. 

A full driving licence and own car is a must. 

To apply, simply send your CV, and two examples 

of your best published cuttings to 

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk 

The closing date is 29/03/18 although an 

appointment may be made before that date if a 

suitable candidate is found. 


www.locallife247.co.uk

17

18 

Collection success 

Members of Wigan Rotary Club were at Sunshine 

House in Scholes recently to collect surplus medical 

equipment from local people who no longer had 

use for them. They will be returned to the NHS for 

refurbishment and re-use. While there, they took 

the opportunity to present a cheque to Barbara 

Nettleton of Sunshine House. Wigan Rotary 

President Gwyneth Millard thanked Barbara for all 

the centre does for the community and for allowing 

this collection to take place there.

19

20 

ADVERTISEMENT 

Loving it! 

In this day and age, when all retailers seem to be 

generic and faceless, it’s great find somewhere 

a little bit different, and Love It Gallery in Billinge is a 

unique jewel in the seas of globalisation. 

In 2015 Winstanley couple Stephanie O’Brien and 

Ian O’Brien moved their thriving Morpheus Glass 

business onto the derelict Billinge Garden Centre 

site and opened the Love It Gallery and Bag & Bean 

café to complement it on the site. A brave move 

indeed, and for those well versed in film, it was a 

real ‘build it and they will come’ moment. Local 

residents quickly supported the venture and three 

years on, the couple now employ 15 staff from the 

local area to help them manage the site. 

Love It gallery displays a plethora of original 

giftware and hand-crafted pieces from designers 

and craftspeople, and much of the merchandise 

is exclusive to Love It. Visually, the gallery is 

extraordinary; high ceilings, original timber frames 

and exquisite lighting that shows off the attractive 

merchandise perfectly. 

The pride of place in the gallery goes to glass 

art, handcrafted by Morpheus Glass in an on-site 

workshop, from wall panels and splashbacks to

21 

bowls, coaster sets and mirrors. Using pieces of 

art such as wall panels and/or splashbacks is an 

innovative way of creating an interior focal point, 

and if the pieces on show don’t quite fit the bill, 

you can also commission a piece specially for your 

home. See www.morpheusglass.co.uk for details or 

ask in-store. 

And to round off your visit, why not pop into Bag & 

Bean café which has quickly established itself as the 

most popular meeting place for miles around, with 

its friendly warm welcome and a good selection of 

handmade sandwiches and soups, accompanied 

by delicious homemade cakes. For those special 

occasions, Bag & Bean will serve you a most 

indulgent afternoon tea! See www.facebook.com/ 

BagandBean/ for more details. 

Whether you’re looking for imaginative gifts for 

your friends and families, a unique signature piece 

for your home décor plan or an enjoyable get 

together, do take a trip out to Love It Gallery in 

Billinge – a unique destination for all the family to 

enjoy. 

Love It Gallery 

Open: 9.30am-5pm Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm Sunday 

Winstanley Road, Billinge, WN5 7XG 

Telephone: 01695 622 332

22 

Old pics strike a chord 

Rare pictures of the days some of the 

world’s biggest superstars played in 

Wigan have been unearthed. 

Shevington photographer Frank Orrell took the 

snaps in the 1960s and ‘70s, which now feature in 

his latest book Wigan At Leisure. 

They feature action shots from The Rolling Stones, 

Marc Bolan, of T-Rex, Roy Orbison, Cilla Black and 

Dusty Springfield who wowed crowds at places 

such as the old Ritz Cinema and Wigan Casino. 

Wigan At Leisure is available from Rydings news 

stall in Wigan market hall, The Museum of Wigan 

Life in Library Street, Shevington Library and Physio 

and Foot Surgery, Shevington.

23 

In Bloom is back! 

Community-spirited folk have stepped forward 

to help with Shevington In Bloom’s bid to enter 

the North West competition this year. A lack of 

volunteers in 2017 saw the village unable to submit 

an entry, despite headline-grabbing successes in 

recent years. A publicity push for more volunteers 

has been a success, and that an In Bloom entry for 

2018 is now on the cards. If you wish to get involved, 

email shevingtoninbloom@yahoo.com 

A49 roadworks 

Roadworks are taking place on Wigan Lane, near 

Sittingbourne Road, between April 3-15. Motorists 

have been warned that delays are likely. 

Looking to target 

new customers 

in 2018? 

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

24 

Bereavement group 

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 01257 400251 or 

email george.fairhurst@blueyonder.co.uk 

Open day 

Shevington Youth Club is inviting the community to 

its open day on Thursday, April 12. The doors will 

be open at the Highfield Avenue facility from noon 

to 5pm, and locals can see how the space is used 

for organisations covering a wide range of interests, 

including arts and crafts, exercise classes, sports 

and games. 

Special Offer! 

Buy 1 pair of glasses & get 2nd pair 1/2 price 

On production of this advert 

(1/2 price applies to the cheapest pair) 

Credit’s due 

Residents are being urged to prepare ahead of 

the full Universal Credit roll out on April 18. This 

is a monthly payment scheme introduced by 

central government to help with living costs and 

will replace existing benefits, including; child tax 

credit, housing benefit, income support, incomebased 

jobseeker’s allowance, income-related 

employment and support allowance and working 

tax credit. For more information, visit www.wigan. 

gov.uk/universalcredit 

Those who do not have enough money to live 

on while they wait for their first payment can call 

the Universal Credit helpline on 0345 600 0723 or 

speak to their Work Coach to request an advance 

payment. 

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25

26 

Nursery is on the up 

The Nursery On The Hill 

in Parbold is celebrating a 

positive Ofsted report after 

three years of improvement. 

Inspectors rated the Nursery on the Hill 

next to Christ Church as Good in all four 

standards, and staff are set on achieving 

an Outstanding rating when Ofsted 

returns in three years. 

Owner Marie Kirkham praised her 

manager Sue Sumner and her staff for 

their consistent hard work: “My colleagues have 

concentrated on better activity provision and 

monitoring of children’s progress, and creating 

better relationships with their families.” 

The inspection report said “the owner and 

her committed team show a strong focus and 

passionate drive to provide high-quality care and 

education for children.” 

Children from Parbold and Appley Bridge can 

attend the nursery which provides a Forest School 

environment for children which offers the benefits 

of outdoor learning activities and exercise. 

The Nursery on the Hill can be contacted on 01257 

464676 or at www.parboldnurseryschool.co.uk. 

Class from the past 

This month’s Class from the Past is from All Saints, 

Appley Bridge. It’s believed the photo was taken in 

the late 1960s. Maybe you can spot a familiar face? 

Do you have an old class photo you’d like to 

share? If so, why not email it to us on wigannews@ 

locallife247.co.uk

27

28 

In his own 

write... 

Niamh Ollerton meets Standish wordsmith Paul Finch, 

whose creative talents run in the family 

Following in the footsteps of a famous father can be tricky, but it’s a path 

Paul Finch has navigated quite well. 

“Dad was a full time writer by the time I was in my teens, but I didn’t realise 

what an insatiable gift he had. It wasn’t uncommon for Frankie Howerd and 

John Thaw to call up the house phone.” 

It’s unsurprising that Brian Finch was feted by some of the entertainment 

world’s biggest stars of the day. 

Born in Standish, Brian was a descendant of 

Charles Dickens. Between 1970 and 1989, he 

wrote more than 150 episodes of Coronation 

Street. These included the first episodes to 

feature Deirdre Barlow. 

He later went on to write for Juliet Bravo, Hetty 

Wainthrop Investigates, Bergerac and The Bill. 

Words run in the family, as Paul is also a 

successful scripwriter and author, and proud of 

his Wigan roots. 

“I was raised in Central Wigan. I was born and 

lived in Swinley in the middle of town. I went 

to St John’s in Wigan and then to John Fisher. 

“I went to Goldsmiths in London to do my 

degree in Ancient, Medieval and Modern 

History. We did a bit of everything really. 

“We moved into our home here 10 years ago, 

me and my wife Cathy, and we’ve been in 

Standish since 2001. Now the kids (Eleanor and 

Harry) have left home, it seems a bit quiet apart 

from when the gardener turns up.

29 

“Cathy and I met at Wigan Little Theatre and I was 

aware of Cathy as the striking girl who was friends 

with my sister. 

“It was Boxing Day 1984 at a party, I was quite 

nervous because she looked fantastic. We got on 

well and it just went from there. 

“It sounds clichéd but she’s been through the whole 

journey with me. In the mid 2000s I had a real low 

time in my career and she was fab. 

Although now a well-known author, Paul’s first job 

was actually nothing to do with writing. 

“Coached by the best TV 

show in Britain” 

“I got into Greater Manchester Police and thought 

I’d be a copper forever. But after a few years I got 

the urge to write about it, but I couldn’t do that 

as a police officer. I left in the 1980s and went into 

journalism. 

“I started sending speculative scripts to The Bill - I 

still think it’s a bit of luck that anyone read them. 

“I think The Bill liked my past as a policeman as my 

scripts were quite raw. But I was being coached by 

the best TV show in Britain. 

“I had a parallel career as a journalist. I was made 

redundant from 

Manchester 

Metro News 

Christmas ‘98, 

which is usually 

when you 

get your gift 

wrapped P45. 

“I wasn’t 

b o t h e r e d 

because my writing for The Bill was doing well. It 

was a really solid police series and that was my forte. 

“Once I got up to speed with how to be a writer, 

it was good fun and I wrote for the Bill in the late 

1990s and early 2000s. 

“I thought the world was my oyster, but it wasn’t. I 

had a few lean years, and then got into Dr Who. 

“It all came about because, in 1984 my dad wrote 

‘Leviathan’ a serial for the sixth doctor Colin Baker 

but it never got made. 

“Rolling forward to 2007, not long after he died, I felt 

my career had ground to a halt. 

“I saw Dr Who were doing a full audio drama series 

of scripts that hadn’t made it to TV. So I got in touch 

and said they could have dad’s copy if I could adapt 

it. 

“I went to my mum’s and searched high and low for 

it. We found old Corrie scripts, All Creatures Great

30 

and Small, all these classic TV shows dad had written 

for. 

“After five days of searching, I found it, I couldn’t 

believe it – Cathy thought I’d had a heart attack! 

“I wrote it for them and it was very successful. In 

1984, Dr Who was primarily for children, but now it 

has a firm adult following, so I was able to develop 

the characters and their relationships. 

“I met with Colin Baker at Ladbroke Grove for the 

recording; we went for a drink together and he 

was reminiscing about my dad and that was just 

incredible. I think that was the turning point for me. 

“I think it was always inevitable I’d become a writer 

but I didn’t realise by the time I went to uni. 

“But while I was in the police I felt I had to write 

about the amazing stories that needed telling. 

“I reminisced about dad 

with Colin Baker” 

“My dad and I were watching the Bill together and I 

said ‘I could tell you some stories’ and he said ‘Why 

don’t you write them?’ 

“I’d say my dad was quite influential. He didn’t proof 

read my stuff but he was good for advice. He didn’t 

live long enough to read my books which is a real 

shame. 

crime novel.’ 

“When I was in the police it was more like the TV 

series Life on Mars, but my experiences are only 

used for background. 

“I’m completely into this crime malarkey. I’ve got to 

the stage where my Publishers Avon Books trust me 

enough to write the book if they like the idea. 

“The best piece of writing advice I can give is that 

you’ve got to accept that it’s going to be a very long 

and rocky road. You’re going to fall down and get 

rejected lots of times. If you can’t take rejection, you 

are in the wrong job. 

“But the only day you fail is the day you give up.” 

Paul’s website can be found at www. 

paulfinchauthor.com, his blog at www.paulfinchwriter.blogspot.co.uk, 

and he can be followed on 

Twitter @paulfinchauthor 

“He wrote Fallen Hero in the ‘70s with some of the 

match filmed at Central Park where Tesco is now, 

and I think that has to be one of my favourites. 

“He won his BAFTA for Goodnight Mr Tom, and I 

think that was an incredible example of his writing. 

And ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ was one of the 

first gentle Sunday evening shows. 

“My TV writing was short lived, but if someone was 

to adapt my books I’d be delighted, but I’d regard it 

as a bonus. Dad’s career spanned four decades of TV 

and that was during the Golden Era. It was fantastic. 

“During the first decade of the 2000s, my agent said 

‘If you want a career in this, you need to write me a

31

32 

The unthinkable does 

need thinking about 

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event of your death. 

Writing a will ensures that your loved ones are 

cared for in the way that you want. 

Wills 

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Fighting sell offs 

A Wigan company is helping locals fight off the 

need to sell their homes to pay for care. McHale 

Baker says those who own their homes jointly 

are often unaware that they are vulnerable to the 

whole home being available to fund long term 

residential care. If one partner dies and the other 

partner needs care any assets including their 

property above the value of £23,250 will be subject 

to a financial assessment. A partial contribution is 

required if the assets are worth between £14,250- 

£23,250. 

“Most of our clients know someone they love who 

have lost their property, but we want to make more 

people aware that they can do something about 

it. We can provide a free consultation to explore 

what they can achieve through writing their Wills; 

this will be carried out in plain English avoiding 

solicitor’s jargon,” says Lyndsey McHale, of McHale 

Barker.

33 

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 

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34 

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 

Tenure extended 

A parish councillor’s tenure of office has been 

extended due to ill health. Haigh Parish Councillor 

Judith Wild has not attended a meeting since 

September 11 last year. By law, a councillor’s tenure 

of office would automatically cease after a six 

month absence unless there were good reasons. Cllr 

Wild’s colleagues on Haigh Parish Council agreed 

to extend her tenure by six months, meaning she 

remains a councillor until September. 

New members welcome 

Ashton Phoenix Art Group is welcoming new 

members. It meets every Friday, from 9.45am- 

11.45am, at the 1st Ashton Scout building, 

Woodedge, WN4 9JY. It’s £3 per session. For more 

information call chairman Betty Taylor on 01942 

715697 or secretary Eileen Pike on 01942 720521. 

GATHURST GOLF CLUB 

OPEN DAY 

with complimentary refreshments 

SUNDAY, 8th APRIL, 2018, 2pm to 5pm 

FREE 

buggy rides to 

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FREE 

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• Free Junior golf lessons for children aged 5-17 

• Opportunities to discuss membership options – including 3 

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• Function room available for private hire 

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Miles Lane, Shevington, WN6 8EW • Office: 01257 255 235 • Professional: 01257 255 882 • www.gathurstgc.co.uk

35 

Grist to the mill 

Did you, a relative or someone you know ever 

work in Trencherfield Mill? It’s Annual Heritage 

Event will be taking place on Monday, May 7, and 

in celebrating the 110th anniversary of The Mill, 

organisers are attempting to make contact with 

anyone who either, worked in The Mill or has a 

relative or friend who did. 

Jimmy’s back 

He cut his teeth on the Wigan workingmen’s club 

circuit - and now Jimmy Cricket is heading back 

to the town. The Northern Irish-born comedian 

will be the star turn at the Unity Club, Cross Street, 

Standish, on Friday, April 27. Doors open at 7.30pm. 

It’s £10 per ticket which includes hot pot supper. For 

tickets contact Tom Hatton on 01257 400308. 

The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) 

who are based in Trencherfield Mill will be 

performing a dramatic production of working life 

in The Mill during the Heritage Event on May 7. If 

you would like to share any story of working life 

in Trencherfield Mill please contact; Dave King, 

chairman Trencherfield Mill Residents Association, 

on davekinguk@gmail.com 

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37 

Danny’s Mere Oaks memories 

A sports star has told how his early years at a Standish 

school helped propel him to the top. 

Daniel Dawoud, who plays wheelchair rugby for Great Britain, attended the 

old Mere Oaks School off Wigan Road. It closed in 2006 despite a large scale 

campaign to keep it open. The site was sold by Wigan Council for a reported 

£2.5m and turned into a housing estate. 

Daniel said: “I loved my time at Mere Oaks. It was a big thing to make the transition 

to high school after I left but it gave me the education and life skills to meet those 

challenges. “I’ve had over 300 broken bones due to my condition, which I’ve had 

since birth, so the biggest challenge was people warning me against doing sport. 

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39

40 

Aspull 

Wigan Central 

Standish 

High Brook Barn, 500 Preston Road: Outline 

application for residential development of 4 

detached dwellings with associated garages 

seeking approval of access, layout and scale on land 

at High Brook Barn following demolition of existing 

stables and barn (ref: A/18/85112/OUT). 

Planning Matters 

Ainscoughs Farm 351 Bolton Road: Erection of 8 Withnall House, School Lane: Change of use 

detached dwellings with associated landscaping from offices to Sea Cadets and Armed Forces 

and access (ref: A/18/85032/FULL). 

Rehabilitation Centre, with single storey extension, 

new site security fence and gates (ref: A/18/85052/ 

LA). 

23 Powell Street: Change of use to create 12 bed 

house in multiple occupation across ground and 

first floors, and retention of retail unit at ground 

floor with new shopfront (ref: A/18/85089/FULL). 

6 - 8 Upper Dicconson Street: To convert property 

into 2 self-contained apartments (Adjacent 10/12 

Upper Dicconson Street) (ref: A/18/85149/CU). 

For more information on these plans, visit: www.wigan.gov.uk 

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41 

Volunteering improved my life 

A volunteer for Wigan and Leigh 

Hospice has described how his role 

has changed his life for the better. 

Matt Doonan, 48, began volunteering for the 

charity in its Shevington shop almost five years ago 

after going in as a customer. He had been suffering 

from depression but went into the shop and felt 

so welcome there that he began volunteering one 

afternoon a week. 

Matt, from Up Holland, now volunteers three 

shifts a week at the shop on Gathurst Lane and 

says the biggest impact 

of volunteering has been 

an improvement in his 

confidence. 

“It’s great because you 

grow in confidence, it 

gives you something to 

look forward to doing 

even if it’s just one shift 

a week. It improves your 

self-esteem and all the while you know the money 

raised in the shop is helping the hospice.” 

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44 

Bibby’s on the 

ball 

Amos Wynn speaks to Aspull-born rugby star Dan Bibby 

ahead of April’s Commonwealth Games 

2016 was a year to savour for Dan 

Bibby. He won silver at the Rio 

Olympics with Team GB Rugby Sevens 

and became a father. 

“Being a new dad, the last two years have been 

about learning the ropes of being a parent and 

battling sleep deprivation,” he laughs, 

Meanwhile on the pitch things have been getting 

better. As well as his silver medal, England Rugby 

Sevens came second in the World Series. Since then 

he’s had a long pre-season to contend, which was 

delayed by injury. The team are now fully looking 

forward, with focus turning toward achieving 

success at April’s Commonwealth Games on the 

Gold Coast. 

The ex-Standish High pupil also believes the 

addition of Mike Ellery to the squad improves their 

chances: “He’s a great athlete. He’s big, quick and 

strong and just gives us an extra option that no one 

else in the team can offer.” 

To be successful in this tournament, Bibby feels 

the team needs to go into each match with a ‘finals 

attitude,’ with team being drawn in a tough group 

with Jamaica, Samoa and Australia. 

“Only one team per group goes through to the 

semis so we’ll have to be on our game, losing one 

game could send us out of the competition. Every 

game will be a knockout.” 

One thing he’s excited about is being back in an 

athletes village. “It’s almost like a smaller version of 

the Olympics. That was pretty epic going down to 

breakfast in the lift and seeing Tom Daley and Jess 

Ennis and people like that.” 

“One of the first days we saw Nadal, Usain Bolt, 

Serena Williams and people like that. It was just 

crazy really, walking around this place and there 

were just all these idols, people you’ve grown up 

watching as a kid. It was like being in Jurassic Park, 

with creatures of all shapes and sizes walking.” 

With the game growing, and Bibby is confident 

of England’s chances. Perhaps Gold at the 

Commonwealth Games will give the sport, and 

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48 

Latics on board for sleep out 

The Brick has teamed up with DW 

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Wigan borough. 

Participants are invited to the South Stand 

concourse on Friday, April 6, 9.30pm to register for 

the 10pm start until 6am the following day. 

Children aged 12 and over are welcome to join the 

event when accompanied by a responsible adult, as 

well as youth group. 

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49 

Pier musical hits the stage 

Wigan’s answer to the Road to Wigan 

Pier hits the big stage this April. 

The new musical ‘Beyond Wigan Pier’ is written, 

produced and performed by Wiganers showing 

we’ve come a long way since Orwell’s seminal book. 

‘The Road to Wigan Pier’ celebrated its 80th 

anniversary in 2017, and the upcoming musical 

hopes to put Wigan on the map and show the town 

is a cultural force to be reckoned with. 

‘Beyond Wigan Pier’ is written by Alan Gregory, a 

local music teacher and composer who is CEO of 

Pianos, Pies and Pirouettes. 

Mr Gregory said: “I wanted to let kids from Wigan 

know they don’t need to go to London or expensive 

schools to have a career in music. That’s what 

spurred this on. The council were interested and the 

crowdfunding efforts were a success.” 

The concert debut on Friday, April 27, 7pm will 

feature Wigan Jazz Youth Orchestra and a number 

of well-known Wigan performers, including Olivia 

Garcia, Scott Chapman, Chonkinfeckle and Janette 

Monroe. George Orwell’s adopted son Richard Blair 

will also perform as the narrator in the community 

musical at The Edge, Wigan. Mr Gregory continued: 

“We will be performing the concert version of the 

first act. 

“Scott is a brilliantly talented singer, songwriter, 

and he was immediately cast as George. And Olivia 

is wildly talented also.” 

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ 

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51 

Property 

Extend or move? 

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. 

by Alan Batt 

As our families grow bigger the need for more regulations and the overall demand for your type 

space, has grown with it, so should you of extended home all makes a difference to the 

move somewhere larger, or extend your property? financial repercussions of extending versus moving, 

If you live in an apartment with no garden, there but a medium-sized 270 sq.ft single storey extension 

isn’t much of an opportunity of making it larger. But (say around 17ft x 16ft) will add on average £31,600 

if you have a house with a garden or an attic with to the value of a property in Wigan 

sufficient headroom, extending your home becomes It’s important to note the end result of the extension 

a real prospect. The choice hangs on a number of needs to be a sensible and realistic option. For 

different dynamics – your future plans, money (both instance, a two bed semi-detached house extended 

saved and access to finance), in what way you are to a four bedrooms with no lawn or driveway will 

emotionally attached to your home, and finally, the be difficult to sell on in the future. Try to side-step 

type/style of house you prefer. 

outlaying a lot of money on costly building work that 

Of the 1.11m houses sold in 2016 in England and will make your home tougher to sell. 

Wales, the average floor area of the houses was You can expect to pay between £140 to £200 per 

1,119 sq.ft, whilst apartments averaged 530 sq.ft. sq.ft, depending on whether the extension is a single 

The average size of all properties sold in England or double storey extension, though I have seen it 

and Wales was 968 sq.ft – are slightly smaller than cost a lot more than these figures – so please speak 

the European average, and much smaller than with a reputable builder. Taking a midline figure 

households in the US. 

then, that same 270 sq.ft extension on your Wigan 

The location of your property, the quality of home would cost on average £55,080. 

construction, what type of room(s) you want to add, However, moving means there are substantial fees 

your plot, neighbouring building lines, planning incurred for; estate agents, removal vans, surveys, 

legal fees and stamp duty on the property you are 

buying. So neither option is obvious. 

How realistic each option is will probably come down 

to one thing .. your mortgage provider. You will need 

a considerable sum of equity in your Wigan home 

before you can think of increasing your mortgage 

more, because most lenders will require you to have 

at least 10% to 20% equity left in your property after 

the extension or move has been done. 

The best advice I can give is don’t assume anything; 

get advice and opinion from builders, mortgage

52 

brokers, architects, and of course… an estate agent. 

Look at your options and make an educated decision 

with all the superficial and objective facts in front of 

you. 

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. 

When a landlord recently asked me why the 

brand-new property she was considering 

buying was a lot more expensive compared to an 

existing property of similar type, accommodation, 

location and structure, I thought this would make 

a fascinating topic to do some homework on … 

homework I want to share with you. 

You can see from the graph the average price paid 

for existing home vs. a brand new home since 

1996, which, at face value, 

represents a ‘new build 

premium’ of 50.7%. 

However, it’s impossible 

to compare like on like 

because it you can’t 

completely separate all the 

different factors of type, 

accommodation, location 

and structure etc. 

What I do know is that 

my statistics of the Wigan 

property market show 

that new build Wigan 

apartments are worth 

more to people than 

New or old? 

£250,000 

£200,000 

£150,000 

£100,000 

£50,000 

£- 

1996 

1997 

their existing equivalents, whilst the difference is 

negligible between new build Wigan detached 

houses and existing equivalents. 

However, I believe the really important lesson in all 

these statistics is the fact that ‘new build premium’ 

for new-build increases in a buoyant market and 

reduces in a tougher market. So, if you want to 

buy new and the only consideration is money; buy 

when the housing market is struggling. 

Wigan House Prices 

Average Price Paid : Existing vs New Dwellings : 1996 to 2017 

1998 

1999 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

2004 

New Dwellings Average Price Paid 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

Source : Office of National 

Statistics and HM Land Registry. 

Figures for the Council area 

as a whole 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

Existing Dwellings Average Price Paid 

2015 

2016 

2017 

For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis 

on the Wigan property market, check out 

www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk

53

54 

All the puzzle solutions are on page 75 of this magazine 

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20 (8) Close-Fitting Hat 

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7 

7 2 5 8 

9 

6 2 

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24 

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16 

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E B E G 

H T M I 

F R O N 

G N I N 

4

56 

Health & Fitness 

World Parkinson’s 

day By Niamh Ollerton 

MMuhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox, Neil 

Diamond and Billy Connolly are just a 

handful of people affected with Parkinson’s disease. 

Not many people are aware of the extent of the 

condition, and so, as World Parkinson’s Day falls on 

Wednesday, April 11, and Parkinson’s Awareness 

Week is between Tuesday, April 10 and Monday, 

April 16, it’s time to raise awareness. 

Parkinson’s sees parts of the brain become 

progressively damaged over many years and the 

disorder is thought to affect around one in 500 

people, many of whom start to develop symptoms 

aged over 50. 

It’s a complex condition that affects people 

differently, with a wide variety of physical 

symptoms. 

Not everyone will experience every symptom, and 

the order symptoms appear and how they progress 

also vary. 

About Parkinson’s 

There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s and it’s 

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

57 

unclear as to why people get the condition. 

Some motor symptoms may include: tremor, 

slowness of movement, rigidity, bladder and bowel 

problems, fatigue, freezing, muscle cramps and 

dystonia, restless legs, sleep problems and speech 

and communication issues. 

Alongside physical symptoms, Parkinson’s can have 

non-motor symptoms, ranging from depression 

and anxiety to hallucinations, memory problems 

and dementia. 

When it comes to treating Parkinson’s, everyone’s 

experience is unique, so you may need to try 

different drugs, treatments and therapies to find 

out what works best for you. 

Your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse can give 

you tailored advice based on your lifestyle and 

symptoms. 

There are a number of different treatments, 

therapies and support available to help people with 

Parkinson’s to manage the condition. 

Different therapies will appeal to different people, 

so try things out and see what works for you. 

Therapists are trained to provide advice and 

recommend exercises and treatments to keep you 

active and healthy. 

Your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse may be able 

to refer you to a therapist. Always speak to them 

before you start any course of therapy. 

What happens next? 

With World Parkinson’s Day falling on Wednesday, 

April 11, Parkinson’s organisations and supporters 

around the world are coming together on a bigger 

scale than ever before to show what Parkinson’s 

truly is. 

Parkinson’s UK’s aim for 2018 is to use World 

Parkinson’s Day as a platform to unite and mobilise 

the global Parkinson’s community, making a 

positive difference to the lives of people with 

Parkinson’s. 

There are many opportunities to fundraise for this

58 

worthwhile cause up and down the country, to 

get involved, please www.parkinsons.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraising 

This World Parkinson’s Day, join the global 

Parkinson’s community and #UniteForParkinsons. 

Find out more 

Visit the European Parkinson’s Disease Association 

(www.epda.eu.com) and Parkinson’s UK (www. 

parkinsons.org.uk) websites for comprehensive 

information about Parkinson’s and our other 

activities. 

Or you could visit http://parkinsonslife.eu/ for 

independent and inspiring personal stories, expert 

opinions, resources, tools and information about 

good Parkinson’s practices around the world. 

How to get involved 

You can join your own national or local Parkinson’s 

association or support group. 

On World Parkinson’s Day, get involved online 

by using the hashtag #UniteForParkinsons on 

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any social channel. 

Encourage your friends and followers to get 

involved too. 

Share a message about why you’re uniting for 

Parkinson’s. 

Parkinson’s Awareness Day is the biggest 

opportunity of the year to reach more people 

affected by Parkinson’s and change public attitude 

of the disease. 

Parkinson’s UK says “We are stronger together.” Now 

it’s time to #UniteForParkinsons 

Celebrities diagnosed with Parkinson’s 

Neil Diamond announced on January 22, 2018, 

that he was retiring from touring because of a 

recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. He was on 

a 50th anniversary tour. In a statement he said: “It 

is with great reluctance and disappointment that 

I announce my retirement from concert touring. I 

have been so honoured to bring my shows to the 

public for the past 50 years.” 

The fresh faced actor of the 1980s Michael J. Fox is 

one of the most well-known people with Parkinson’s 

disease. Though many diagnosed with Parkinson’s 

are aged between 40 and 60, Fox was diagnosed in 

1991 aged 29. He told the world about his youngonset 

Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 1998, and in 

2000, founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for 

Parkinson’s Research. 

Beloved boxer Muhammad Ali coped with shaking 

hands and mobility challenges long before he 

retired from the sport in 1981. In 1984, doctors 

diagnosed Ali with Parkinson’s disease, and the 

boxing champ passed away in June 2016. 

Scottish actor and comedian Billy Connolly 

continued on with his career after his Parkinson’s 

diagnosis in 2013 at age 70. He first found out he 

had Parkinson’s when a fan noticed his symptoms 

and talked to him about showing the early signs of 

tremor.

59

60 

Financial Planning 

Putting the time in 

Triggers for market volatility can come in 

many different forms - Donald Trump saying 

something he shouldn’t, policy uncertainty, 

earnings reports, geopolitical unrest. I fully 

understand that market swings can rattle even the 

most seasoned investors however it is just part and 

parcel of stock market investing. 

The best time to invest in recent years was 2009, 

just after the financial crisis giving a return of 110% 

by the start of 2017. But investing before the crisis 

in 2006 was not bad either; the road may have been 

rougher, but investors still doubled their money*. 

Instead of being worried by volatility, be prepared. 

A well-defined investment plan tailored to your 

goals can help you be ready for the ups and downs 

of the market, and take advantage of opportunities 

as they arise. 

by David K Barton 

APFS Cert CII(MP), 

Chartered Financial Planner 

and Managing Director 

Market volatility should be a reminder to review 

your investments regularly and make sure you 

consider an investment strategy with exposure to 

different areas of the markets to ensure that you 

match the overall risk in your portfolio to your 

personality and goals. Your time horizon, goals, 

and tolerance for risk are key factors in helping to 

ensure that you have an investing strategy that 

works for you. 

It’s time in the market, not timing the 

market which creates wealth. 

Market downturns may be upsetting, but history 

shows that the stock markets has been able to 

recover from declines and can still provide investors 

with positive long-term returns. Take 2015/16 in 

the U.S. stock market as an example; U.S. stocks 

experienced sharp drops in August 2015 when 

China devalued its currency; in January 2016, as oil 

prices dropped; in June of 2016, after the “Brexit” 

vote; and in the run up to the 2016 U.S. presidential 

election. Still, during the 2-year period, the market 

was up close to 8% cumulatively. 

Attempting to move in and out of the market can 

be costly. Studies from independent research firm 

Morningstar show that the decisions investors 

make about when to buy and sell funds cause those 

investors to perform worse than they would have 

had the investors simply bought and held the same 

funds. It is impossible to consistently predict when 

those good and bad days will happen. 

The adage goes it’s time in the market not timing 

the market which creates wealth. We’re here to 

make it as comfortable as possible but the market’s 

gains are only there for those who can ride out a 

few bumps on the way. 

* FTSE UK Private Investor Balanced Index 

The value of investments can fall as well as rise 

and you may get back less than you invested

61

62 

Galleries purchase defended 

Council bosses have defended 

their decision to buy The Galleries 

shopping centre. 

They claim that public sector intervention was 

needed as there was a fear it could have been 

bought by a private buyer and then “hold it without 

investment.” 

Wigan Council has declined to reveal how much 

they paid for the town centre complex, citing 

commercial sensitivity, but claim it is “significantly 

lower” than what was paid in 2006 for the purchase 

of the Galleries by the previous owner. 

“The main risk identified with private sector 

intervention at this stage is for a private sector buyer 

to acquire the Galleries and then hold it without 

investment. If this were to happen the centre would 

experience on-going stagnation which would have 

further negative knock-on effects for the town. The 

council would lack any control to attract investment 

and create new uses which is desperately needed 

for the benefit of Wigan town centre. There is clear 

frustration over recent years with investment being 

promised and not materialising. This is part of a 

national trend. The council’s intervention will be a 

catalyst for the future sustainability of the town. The 

private sector will have a role to play in partnership 

with the council to ensure future viability.” 

Data law change 

Wigan businesses are being urged to ensure they 

are GDPR compliant by May 25. That’s the date when 

the new EU law governing data protection comes 

in. One of the main concerns from businesses 

relates to direct marketing of existing customers. 

From May 25, they may need direct consent from 

a customer to receive communications, such as 

reminder cards. Visit www.eugdpr.org 

Action for Business 

The next Action for Business Wigan meeting is on 

July 10, noon-2pm at Kilhey Court, Chorley Road, 

Standish. Tickets are £15 excluding VAT for non 

Greater Manchester Chamber members on 0161 

393 4343. 

Brownfield targeted 

More old pit sites in Wigan could be developed 

for housing. Regeneration bosses say they are 

“committed to unlocking” the sites as some will 

have development constraints which need to be 

overcome, including contamination and mine 

shafts. It comes as Wigan Council publishes its 

brownfield land register which identifies 130 

disused sites suitable for new housing development. 

These sites have the potential to accommodate 

9,600 homes in the future. 

Among the sites identified include land at Bradley 

Hall Trading Estate, Bradley Lane, Standish, and 

Standish Ambulance Station, on Glebe Close. Also 

referenced on the register is Leyland Mill, Wigan, 

and Wigan and Leigh College’s Pagefield Building at 

Bridgeman Terrace.

63

64 

ADVERTISEMENT 

Keeping it in the family 

by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy 

We often get asked about paying your child 

from the business. You can pay your son 

or daughter from your business, but they must do 

some real work for that money, work which is worth 

what you pay them. 

The work need not be performed at your business 

premises. Skills which could be used to promote 

your business online or to design marketing 

materials could be applied remotely, perhaps while 

away at university. 

However, you need to be able to prove that 

adequate work was performed for the rewards. 

Where work is done in between studying and is not 

supervised, there needs to be an accurate record 

such as a timesheet. 

Also, there are rules on how many hours a child 

under sixteen is legally allowed to work, during 

school term time and during the holidays. Where 

the pay is more than £113 per week, you must put 

it through the payroll as you would for any other 

employee. 

On the subject of payroll, the national minimum 

wages, NMW, rates rise on 01 April 2018. The NMW 

depends on each employee’s age and the top rate 

for those aged 25 and over will rise from £7.50 to 

£7.83 per hour. There are different rules for company 

directors and we are happy to advise on these. 

If you are employed then you should be receiving 

your tax code notices for the 2018/19 tax year. 

You should carefully check these to ensure they 

accurately reflect your income position. If you 

believe the figures are incorrect you can ask for an 

amendment using your personal tax account; ask 

us how. 

Here at CMA we always offer a free consultation 

for any sole trader business, landlord or companies 

that would like to speak to us about their finances. 

We provide dynamic, value for money accountancy 

services and work alongside business owners to 

implement cloud based solutions that enable them 

to work efficiently and achieve their personal and 

business goals. 

Alternatively drop by the office on Skull House Lane 

in Appley Bridge and we can discuss these further 

over a coffee. There will be no charge for the initial 

meeting. 

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 

Food & Drink 

More carrot 

By Keeley Bolger 

Nick Knowles, best known for his 18 years 

fronting BBC One home-improvement 

stalwart DIY SOS, is not what many would picture 

when the word ‘vegan’ comes to mind. 

“You tend to think that most vegans are petite, 

small, slim people, and I’m not,” “I’m a 46-inch chest, 

6ft 2in, 17-stone rugby player!” 

His lifestyle has been turned upside down since 

filming BBC Two’s The Retreat, which saw him and 

a diverse group of participants head to a health 

centre in Thailand, ditching cigarettes, caffeine, 

alcohol and meat and replacing them with yoga, 

lots of vegetables and hikes through the mountains. 

He lost nine kilos in three weeks, his cholesterol 

levels fell by a third, and his blood pressure dropped 

to a healthy level. 

Since then, Knowles has maintained a ‘flexitarian’ 

diet, meaning he largely eats vegetarian or vegan 

meals but will occasionally have meat or fish. It’s a 

big change for a man who used to eat a sausage, 

bacon and egg roll on his way to work, snack on 

scotch eggs, and regularly go out for steak lunches. 

His first cookbook, Proper Healthy Food: Hearty 

Vegan And Vegetarian Recipes For Meat Lovers, 

focuses on this huge shift. 

“If you could do one day a week as being veggie, 

congratulations, you should get a pat on the back,” 

he reasons. “You’ve reduced your meat intake, that’s 

fantastic. If you can do it two or three days a week, 

even better. 

“If you could get to a point where you’re meat-free 

during the week and only treat yourself to meat 

during the weekends... when I say something like 

that, the Vegan Society goes, ‘What? Treat yourself 

to dead animals?’ 

“You’re never going to encourage people if every 

time they fail, you batter them over the head. I’ve 

been saying more carrot less stick. Or you could say, 

more carrot less steak!” 

And the father-of-four feels the message is too 

important to be deterred. 

“I know the health benefits that come from eating 

a more plant-based diet are so important that we 

have to get past all of that rubbish, and encourage 

people to start eating meat-free once a week. 

Inspired? Here are two recipes from Knowles’ new 

book to try at home (cheese-free versions optional!). 

Proper Healthy Food: Hearty Vegan And Vegetarian 

Recipes For Meat Lovers by Nick Knowles is 

published by BBC Books, priced £14.99.

67 

Winter Veggie Stew with 

Wholesome Lumpy 

Dumplings 

Serves 6 

Ingredients 

For the dumplings: 

50g butter, softened 

125g self-raising flour 

40g Cheddar, crumbled 

1 tbsp thyme leaves 

For the stew: 

3tbsp olive oil 

1 large onion, roughly diced 

2 celery sticks, roughly diced 

3tbsp plain flour 

1tbsp Marmite 

1/2tbsp tomato puree 

2L hot vegetable stock 

3 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 

4 parsnips, peeled and chopped into chunky pieces 

1/2 head swede, peeled and chopped into chunky 

pieces 

3 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 

chunky pieces 

2-3 rosemary sprigs, plus extra, chopped, to sprinkle 

1 bouquet garni (available from good supermarkets) 

150g orzo pasta (available from good supermarkets) 

80g pack of cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 

Method 

Start by making the dumplings. Rub the butter into 

the flour and mix with the Cheddar and thyme. 

Add just enough cold water to bring the mixture 

together to a soft dough and divide into five to six 

small dumplings. 

Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 6. Heat the 

oil in a large casserole dish and fry the onion and 

celery over a low heat for 10 minutes until soft and 

translucent. Add the flour into the pan, whisking 

constantly to make a roux. Add in the Marmite and 

tomato puree followed by the stock, a glug at a 

time, whisking all the while to make a smooth base 

to the stew. 

Throw the carrots, parsnips, swede, sweet potatoes, 

rosemary and bouquet garni to the dish and bring 

to a boil. Cook the stew, with the lid off, for five to 

seven minutes. The vegetables should be cooking 

nicely but still have a bite to them. 

Rinse the orzo pasta well, in a sieve, and then 

pour into the casserole along with the chestnuts. 

Season well and place the dumplings on top of the 

casserole. Sprinkle over a little chopped rosemary 

and bake in the oven, with the lid off, for 20-30 

minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and 

nicely cooked, and the vegetables are tender.

68 

Macaroni, Leek 

& Parsley Cheese 

Method 

Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. 

Serves 4 - 6 

Ingredients 

300g macaroni 

500g leeks, trimmed and cut into 1-2cm crescents 

50g unsalted butter 

50g plain flour 

600ml semi-skimmed milk 

100g British mature Cheddar, grated 

3tbsp roughly chopped flat leaf parsley 

2tbsp golden breadcrumbs 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 

Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling water for three to 

four minutes before adding the leeks to the pot and 

continuing to cook for a further five minutes. Drain 

the pasta and leeks and set aside. 

Meanwhile, make the white sauce. Melt the butter 

in a medium pan and stir in the flour. Cook for one 

minute until thick, then, off the heat, gradually 

whisk in the milk, keeping the mixture smooth. 

Return the pan to the heat and stir constantly until 

thickened. Simmer for two minutes, remove from 

the heat, and add 75g of the Cheddar, the pasta 

and leeks. Stir through the parsley and season well 

before spooning into a 2L ovenproof dish. 

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and remaining cheese 

over the pasta and cook in the oven for 15-20 

minutes, until the top is crisp and golden, and the 

sauce is gently bubbling.

69 

HOLLAND HALL 

HOTEL 

THE PERFECT WEDDING DAY 

Holland Hall Hotel is set in private grounds of the Historic Village of Upholland. 

The Original Manor House dates back to 1654 offering original features such 

as open fireplace and original beams. 

The Contemporary Garden & Terrace Wedding Suites offer a modern 

setting leading onto a private garden patio. The Suites are also licensed for 

Wedding Ceremonies including the Garden Pergoda. 

Please contact Holland Hall Wedding Co-ordinator Karen Caddock to 

arrange an appointment to discuss your Perfect Day 

SPECIAL OFFER 2018 

Perfect Wedding Day Package £5495 

available on Saturdays for dates remaining in 2018, 

call Karen, Wedding Co-ordinator at 

Holland Hall for further details 

info@hollandhallhotel.co.uk | Tel: 01695 624 426 | www.hollandhallhotel.co.uk

70 

Upload your event for FREE at 

www.locallife247.co.uk/events 

Follow us on Facebook 

events2go 

French Sacred Music 

Saturday, March 24, 7.30pm 

Wigan Choral Society will be singing music by 

Faure, Vierne and Poulenc. Hear music from Faure 

‘Requiem’ to ‘Litanies a la Vierge Noire.’ Tickets (£8, 

concessions £7, students £3) are available from 

Symphony Music, Wigan, or on the door. 

St Michael’s Church, 32 Duke Street, Swinley, WN1 

2BJ. Tel: 01942 242381 

GIANT Easter Duck Hunt 

Saturday, March 24, to Sunday, April 8 

Dusty Duck needs your help to help him find the 

GIANT yellow ducks. Use your detective skills to find 

25 cheeky birds to win a treat and certificate (50p 

entry). Go to otter talks and feeds, white stork feeds, 

have a muddy adventure and more. Search Martin 

Mere online for more info. 

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Martin Mere, 

Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 0TA. Tel: 01704 891220 

Nursery Open Day 

Saturday, March 24, 11am-3pm 

Come along to our Nursery Open Day. View our 

fantastic facilities, meet our dedicated team and 

activities. Everyone welcome. Free entry. 

Kids Planet Billinge, 25 Main Street, Billinge, 

Wigan, Greater Manchester WN5 7HR 

The Spring Spectacular 

Sat, March 24 - Sun, March 25, 10am-4.30pm 

The historic buses and coaches will make way for 

books through to historic bus ticket machines. A 

free bus service using double-deckers from the 

60s/70s will link the Museum with Manchester 

Victoria. Tickets are £3-£4, and £5 for weekend 

tickets. Accompanied children under 16 are free. 

Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Cheetham, 

Manchester, M8 8UW. Tel: 0161 205 2122 

Charity Dog Walk 

Sunday, March 25, 2pm-3.30pm 

Meeting in the car park at Haigh Hall. All breeds 

welcome. A suggested donation of £2 per dog 

although this is purely optional. Please keep dogs 

on leads at all time and bring your own poo bags. 

All monies raised will go towards rescue dog 

Duchess’s vets’ bills for her broken leg. 

Haigh Woodland Park, Haigh, Wigan, WN2 1PE 

Den Building & Bushcraft 

Monday, March 26, 9.30am-11.30am (meet by 

9.15 at the visitor centre) 

Come and join our Bushcraft and enjoy fire lighting, 

den building, making hot chocolate and s’mores 

on the fire plus more! £10pp. Participants need 

warm clothes and suitable footwear you don’t 

mind getting muddy. Activities for kids aged 6-14. 

Bookings/payment made by calling 01942 828508. 

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan 

WN2 1PE.

71 

Easter Weekend 

Friday, March 30, 3pm to Sunday, April 1, 3pm 

Join the Easter weekend celebrations at the 

Poacher, where there’ll be something for all ages. 

The Poacher Winstanley, Holmes House Avenue, 

Winstanley, WN3 6JA. Tel: 01942 214648 

Foodie Easter Saturday 

Saturday, March 31, 6pm-10pm 

There’ll be live music, stalls, entertainment, it’s dog 

friendly and it’s free entry and there’s free parking. 

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan, 

WN2 1PE. 

Tallula Vintage Does Wigan 

Sunday, April 1, 4pm-late 

Dress up and get festival ready! There are lots of 

bargains to be had, drinks will be flowing and music 

playing – fabulousness guaranteed! Free entry. 

The Bailiff Bar, The Old Courts, Crawford Street, 

Wigan, WN1 1NA. Tel: 01942 375859 

Walk for all 

Sunday, April 1, 10am-12pm (every following 

Sunday until Sunday, October 28) 

Setting off from the bottom of Coppull Lane. There’s 

no real plan, just to enjoy Haigh woodland and the 

fresh air with others. Children and pets are welcome. 

Coppull Lane, Wigan, WN1 2LQ 

Stadium SleepOut 

Friday, April 6, 9.30pm to Saturday, April 7, 6am 

Swap your bed for a sleeping bag to raise funds 

for those facing poverty and homelessness across 

Wigan. Minimum fundraising target £100 (adults) 

& £50 (juniors). Email giving@thebrick.org.uk to 

register. 

DW Stadium, 15 Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UH. 

Rivington Ramble (7 miles) 

Saturday, April 7, between 9am-10am (start) 

Start at Horwich RMI, then to Rivington’s bottom 

barn, to Rivington Pike, followed by refreshments at 

Curleys fisheries, The Jolly Crofters, The Ale House 

and back to Horwich RMI. £10 registration (under 

16s go free). All proceeds to Bolton Hospice www. 

justgiving.com/fundraising/donna-knowles3 

Horwich RMI cricket pavilion, 2 Ramsbottom 

Road, Horwich, BL6 5NH. Tel: 01204 468085 

Archery - half term activities 

Tuesday, April 10, 9.30am-11am (meet by 9.15 at 

the visitor centre) 

Come and see if you’re on target with this Archery 

session! £7.50pp. Participants need warm clothes 

and suitable footwear you don’t mind getting 

muddy. Activities for kids aged 6-14. Bookings and 

payment made by calling 01942 828508. 

Haigh Woodland Park, Copperas Lane, Wigan 

WN2 1PE. 

Much Ado About Nothing 

Wednesday, April 11, 7.30pm to Saturday, April 

21, 7.30pm (7.30pm showings every day) 

The first Wednesday & Thursday are £10, Monday 

is £10, and other nights are £12. Online bookings 

subject to 60p per ticket www.wiganlittletheatre. 

co.uk/performances/much-ado-about-nothing/ 

Wigan Little Theatre, 44 Crompton Street, Wigan, 

WN1 3SL. Box Office: 01942 242561. 

Jason Robinson OBE 

Thursday, April 12, 7.30pm-11.30pm 

Jason Robinson OBE will be speaking and holding a 

Q&A about his career in rugby, including the Rugby 

Union World Cup in 2003. Tickets are £19.26 or 

£26.75 via www.eventbrite.co.uk 

The Theatre, The Old Courts, Crawford Street, 

Wigan, WN1 1NA. Tel: 01942 834747

72 

Competition 

The GIANT LEGO brick animal trail is returning 

to WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre this 

spring for 6 weeks from 9 May to 24 June, alongside 

some of their living counterparts. 

Visitors will be able to enjoy the trail of fourteen 

individually-designed 4ft (1.5m) LEGO brick 

characters, inspired by real species at WWT Martin 

Mere. Included are a large North American River 

Otter, a Hawaiian Goose (Ne Ne), the world’s rarest 

goose, a giant Kingfisher and a flamingo, plus three 

surprise new models. 

Local Life has one star prize and three runners up 

prizes to be won. The star prize is a family (2 adults, 

Lego ® brick 

animals 

competition 

2 children) admission to the Wetland Centre, plus 

two places on the Lego brick workshops where you 

can make and take away your own LEGO brick owl, 

plus a free go on our canoe safari or boat tour. 

The three runners-up will each win a family ticket 

(2 adults +2 children) to visit the centre between 9 

May and 24 June to see the Lego brick animals. 

Nick Brooks, Martin Mere General Manager, said: 

“We are very excited to welcome back these 

amazing sculptures to WWT Martin Mere for the 

spring. The characters look fantastic, especially the 

three new additions, our visitors were bowled over 

by them when they were here in summer 2016 and 

I think they will be just as 

popular this year.” There is 

no extra cost to for kids (and 

big kids) to meet the giant 

LEGO brick animals, they are 

included in admission. 

First prize: One lucky 

family can win a LEGO brick 

experience day at Martin 

Mere. This prize includes 

free entry to the centre for 

the family so you can follow 

the trail, 2 free places on the 

Lego brick workshops where 

you can make and take away 

your own LEGO brick owl, 

plus a free go on our canoe 

safari or boat tour.

73 

To win one of the 

four family tickets for 

Martin Mere, simply 

visit our website www. 

locallife247.co.uk, 

click 

on ‘free stuff’ and then on 

‘competitions’. 

To enter the competition 

just input your answer to 

the following question; 

How many giant Lego 

brick sculptures will be 

at WWT Martin Mere? 

The expiry date for the 

competition is Monday 30th 

April 2018. Entrants must be 

over 16 years of age. Only one entry per household. Local 

Life 247 cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not 

reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and their families 

are not eligible to enter this competition. 

For further information about Martin Mere and 

the Lego trail visit www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere

74 

The Wizard of Oz 

Thursday, April 12, 6pm-8pm; Friday, April 13, 

2pm-4pm; Friday, April 13, 6pm-8pm 

This Easter treat is fun for all the family. Join Dorothy 

as she befriends a brainless Scarecrow, a loveable 

Tin Man and the cowardly Lion on their quest to 

beat the Wicked Witch of the West. Ticket prices 

vary from £12.50-£15 from www.quaytickets.com 

The Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU. 

Tel: 01204 332157 

Youth Club Open Day 

Thursday, April 12, 12pm-5pm 

Come along and get to know the staff. There’ll be 

arts & crafts, games, sports, WIFI area, dance, demos, 

workshops and much more. It’s an opportunity to 

let organisers know what you want and how you’d 

like your youth club to be run. 

Shevington Youth Club, Highfield Avenue, 

Shevington, WN6 8HB. Tel: 01257 423342 

Open Mic Poetry 

Thursday, April 12, 8pm-10pm 

At Write Out Loud Wigan Open Mic people crowd in 

to listen to bawling, drunken, old, young, new and 

subtle poets. Some funny, some melancholy, some 

political and some absurd.! 

The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 

1NA. Tel: 01942 375859 

Pizza & Pint night 

Friday, April 13, 6pm-10pm 

Sourdough wood fired artisan pizza from the 

vintage horse trailer in the Kitchen Courtyard, using 

Italian ingredients mixed with locally sourced and 

seasonal specialities. The beer sommelier pairs each 

menu with a selection of craft beer along with a 

selection of hand crafted gins and fine wines. 

Haigh Kitchen Courtyard, Haigh Woodland Park, 

School Lane, Wigan, WN2 1PE. Tel: 01942 828508 

Artisan Market 

Saturday, April 14, 10am-4pm 

Wigan Auction House on Miry Lane Wigan has 

announced a new monthly market day on the 

second Saturday of each month. There’ll be stall 

holders selling organic meat and dairy, homemade 

artisan pies and cakes, arts and crafts, bespoke 

handmade children’s’ clothes, vintage traders, vinyl 

records and more. Free entry. 

Wigan Auction House, Miry Lane, Wigan, WN6 

7TG. Tel: 01942 230460 

Double Bass Workshop 

Saturday, April 21, 10am-4.30pm 

Open to bassists with Grade 4/5 and above, directed 

by David Heyes and sponsored by Recital Music 

(www.recitalmusic.net). There’ll be a technique 

session, performance opportunities, a masterclass, 

and an informal concert at 4pm. Contact Recital 

Music for ticket info 01963 370051. 

Appley Bridge Village Hall, Appley Lane N, Appley 

Bridge, WN6 9AQ. 

Ladies Night 

Saturday, April 21, 7pm-late 

A night of fun with six men performing. Music 

provided by John Gee, and hot food by Nikki’s 

buffets. Prize raffle. Raising money for the Chequers 

Lane development fund. Contact Stacey Shannon 

07761 329127 for tickets. £15pp. 

Upholland Labour Club, Ormskirk Road, 

Skelmersdale, WN8 9AR. Tel: 01695 724026 

Artisan Market 

Sun, April 22, 10am-4pm; Sun, May 20, 10am-4pm 

There’ll be more than 80 art, food, craft, and drink 

artisans, as well as street food, live music and great 

community atmosphere. 

Haigh Woodland Park, Haigh, WN2 1PE. Tel: 07789 

181677 (organiser)

75 

Ladies Lunch/Fashion Show 

Thursday, April 26, 11am 

Ladies Lunch with Fashion Show by Barbara’s of 

Standish, with all proceeds to be donated to Cancer 

Research. There will be various stalls available to 

browse from around 11am. Tickets are £26, for more 

information or to purchase tickets, please contact 

Barbara’s of Standish on 01257 425480. 

Woodland Suite, Ribby Hall Village, Ribby Road, 

Wrea Green, PR4 2PR. Tel: 0800 085 1717 

Puzzle Pages Solutions 

Beyond Wigan Pier Musical 

Friday, April 27, 7pm-10pm 

Beyond Wigan Pier is Wigan’s West End reply to 

Orwell – written, produced and performed by 

Wiganers. 

The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan, WN3 5AB. Tel: 01942 

244460 

Farmers Market & Crafts Fair 

Sunday, April 29, 9am-3pm 

Head on down to this special fair in aid of Wigan 

and Leigh Hospice. There’ll be food, drink and crafts 

to enjoy at the free event. Organisers are looking for 

food, drinks, crafts and plant stalls – own gazebo 

needed and there’s a £20 fee. For more info email 

fundraising@wlh.org.uk 

Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Kildare Street, Hindley, 

Wigan, WN2 3HZ. Tel: 01942 525566 

P E R I C L E S E C 

L N M A C B E T H H 

A B E I O F B A P O 

Y E G W R O M E O T 

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G Y D S V E N I C E 

Fairport Convention 

Tuesday, May 15, 7.30pm-11.30pm 

Fairport Convention has been making music for 

over 50 years and are credited with originating 

British folk-rock music. Tickets are £21.40 in advance 

or £23 on the door www.eventbrite.co.uk 

The Old Courts, entrance 4: The Theatre, Crawford 

Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA. Tel: 01942 375859 

WORD MIX UP: 

THEATRE, HAMLET, 

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JULIUS CAESAR, ATHENS, 

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WIGGLE WORDS: 

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Sponsored By

76 

Ashton & 

Bamfurlong 

With words being the tools of my trade, I 

despise clichés. Indeed, I avoid them like 

the plague. So that’s why this month’s walk, despite 

being reasonably hidden and displaying gem-like 

qualities, shall not be described as ‘a hidden gem’. 

I’m not sure what descriptive tag it deserves though. 

Maybe I’ll think of one later on. Anyway, to the task in 

hand... 

I know the Ashton and Bamfurlong area well, having 

grown up a few miles away, so wasn’t expecting 

anything out of the ordinary. By the end though, 

I had a whole new perspective. Our starting point 

for this 6.6 miler was the Three Sisters Recreational 

Area, off Lockett Road. We took advantage of the 

free parking just by the pond and play area, and 

by David Sudworth 

started our hike by going in north easterly direction 

towards Bryn Hall Farm. 

Once out of the main Three Sisters parkland, it’s 

a short walk before turning right. At this point 

really have to keep your eyes open, as the public 

right of way is not only unsigned, but it also has a 

gate which at first glance appears to be a sturdy, 

boundary fence from the adjacent house (see 

photo to the right). 

Thankfully, a friendly farm worker was nearby and 

advised us to push on it, which we did, and it sprang 

open. Once you’re through the gate and past the 

property you follow the track down and round to 

the right. Now the walk starts to feel a lot more rural 

with fields of crops and live stock. Here we got a 

real sense of nature when, out of the undergrowth, 

a young deer crossed our path. It scarpered very 

quickly - much too rapid for our normally superagile 

lens man Peter - but what a treat. Of all the 

beautiful and rural places I’ve visited doing Jack’s 

Tracks, the last place I expected to see wild deer was 

on the fringes of Ashton! 

We continued until our path did a bit of a dog leg. 

The vast expanses of wheat crops, evident in the 

earlier part of our walk, continued to carpet the 

fields as far as the eye could see. It could have been

77 

a scene from North America rather than little ol’ 

Wigan. If only George Orwell could have seen it. 

We eventually emerged opposite Abram Bryn 

Gates School where there was a handy pedestrian 

crossing to take us over into Furlong Close, a small 

cul-de-sac with neat dormer bungalows. We turned 

right into Epsom Drive (I sensed a horse racing 

theme going on here) and carried on into the field 

in front. After two minutes, we arrived at a copse, 

went over the footbridge and turned a sharp left. 

Although the vegetation in the area was extremely 

well developed and dense, the route was amazingly 

clear. By this point, the sound of Virgin trains 

whizzing up and down the West Coast Main Line 

could be heard up the steep embankment yonder. 

Once you get to the bridge, which goes underneath 

the tracks, just be aware that there are a few paths 

and it’s therefore easy to take the wrong one. For 

our suggested route, stick to the path which is 

closest to this side of the embankment. From here, 

it’s a very straight route south on a formal path 

before it veers south west towards Riding Lane. 

While on this section, our eyes were drawn to the 

presence of a commemorative stone laid to the left 

of the path, and surrounded by loose bricks. It reads: 

“P. W. DAVIES. BORN EDGE GREEN 9 JULY 1889. DIED 

CHESTER 18 NOVEMBER 1944. AT HIS REQUEST HIS 

ASHES WERE SCATTERED NEAR HIS BIRTHPLACE. A 

WORTHY SON OF LANCASHIRE. A GREAT THINKER.” 

There are no further details on the background of 

this particular gentleman, but as far as final resting 

places go, he chose a lovely spot. 

We finally went past some farm buildings and a 

house on the right before coming to Edge Green 

Road/Riding Lane. A combination of weary feet 

and the sight of a rural pub is hard to resist, and 

so the gravitational pull towards The Harrow Inn 

pub proved too much for our aching limbs to fight 

against. As it was a warm, bright day, we sat outside 

on one of the many benches, nursing a refreshingly 

cold cola and plotting our way back. We found that 

from here, it was a virtual straight line back; down 

Riding Lane, back across the A58, past Lily Lane 

Farm and into the formal Three Sisters Recreation 

Area. Look out for the bird watching area on the left 

hand side – some of the species indicate a twitchers’ 

Cronton walk - correction 

We have updated our Cronton walk featured in the 

February edition of Local Life. This is to avoid going 

over private land. We ask anyone who is considering 

doing the walk to download the updated version 

from our website.

78 

Bryn 

Hall 

Farm 

Bryn Gates Lane 

Bamfurlong 

A58 - Lily Lane 

Three Sisters Road 

Three Sisters 

Recreation Area 

Start/Finish 

WN4 8DD 

Bryn Gates 

Lily Lane 

Farm 

South Lancashire 

Industrial Estate 

B5205 - Bryn Road 

Lockett Road 

Stubshaw 

Cross 

A58 - Bolton Road 

Riding Lane 

Ashton-in-Makerfield 

paradise. Once back at the car park, there’s the 

option of feeding the ducks or letting the little ones 

burn off any energy they may still have stored away 

by letting them loose in the play area. 

As I said at the outset, it’s hard to believe that in 

an area known for its industrial past, so much 

countryside is still not only in place, but also 

actively used and harvested. As a born and bred 

Ashtonian, it certainly opened my eyes. Never 

again will I solely think of traffic jams when asked 

to describe my hometown. But let’s get one thing 

straight, despite all this I’m still not labelling the 

walk ‘a hidden gem.’ That would be far too trite. 

More like an undiscovered diamond... 

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear 

whilst walking. Whilst 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 

Skoda Octavia 

vRS Estate by Tim Barnes-Clay 

vRS is the Skoda badge that denotes the Czech 

firm’s most powerful and capable models. vRS 

means performance, and the symbol commands a 

lot more respect than you might realise. 

In the Czech Republic, Skoda vRS models are 

admired for their toughness and performance, 

and in the UK, they’ve also garnered a real fanbase. 

Octavia vRS owners often state there’s probably no 

finer all-rounder on the market at this price point, 

and they might well have a case. For under £30,000, 

you get a powerful 2.0-litre 184PS diesel engine 

mated to a decent automatic gearbox that helps 

put the power down via all-wheel drive. It handles 

nimbly for a larger car too, and is equally at home 

on a B road as it is on a motorway chewing up the 

miles. 

It’s not often you can say an estate car is handsome, 

but the Octavia vRS has a smart, modern, 

unaggressive look to it, despite being one of Skoda’s 

athletic models. You can notice the influence from 

Skoda’s owners - Volkswagen - in the styling of its 

newer models. In the same way that the Golf GTI 

and R models aren’t too aggressive, the Skoda isn’t 

either. Of course, Skoda is a very modest brand, so 

the confident and unassuming styling works well 

for it. 

Space is abundant in the Octavia estate; there aren’t 

many cars you can get for under £30k that can reach 

62mph in under eight seconds with a boot the size 

of a small cavern. There’s also room aplenty for 

human beings too, with the rear seats more than 

spacious enough for an adult to sit and relax in over

80 

a long journey. Really, if you need more car than this 

you probably need to consider a van or a minibus. 

So, the Skoda Octavia vRS is fast, it’s good to drive, 

it’s safe, and it’s got more space than your attic. 

At under £30,000, you’ll have serious difficulties 

finding a better all-rounder than this Czech folk 

hero. 

Fast Facts 

• 0-62 mph: 7.7 secs 

• Combined mpg: 55.4 

• Engine layout: 1968cc four-cylinder turbo diesel 

• Max. power (PS): 184 

• CO2: 134 g/km 

• Price: £29,400

81 

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82 

Life is just 

too short... 

by Angie Barker 

Shirley Conran is attributed with the saying 

“Life is too short to stuff a mushroom”. In my 

mind that can extend to other household chores 

such as life is too short to iron a duvet cover … or 

socks. (Before you get the idea that poor Hubby has 

to run around looking bedraggled, his shirts are the 

exception to the rule and I like to think he always 

looks smart.) 

The same mantra can also be applied to gardening. 

As much as I love spending time in the garden, 

tending and nurturing plants, there are some 

chores which I consider rather unnecessary and 

which I would rather avoid. For example: 

Treating fences. The likes of Cuprinol have a lot to 

answer for. Come spring sales of fence preservative 

in B&Q and garden centres across the land rocket. 

Undoubtedly treating your fences once a year will 

help to extend their life but I would rather spend 

the time nurturing the plants in the border which 

sits in front of that fence. Life is too short. 

Watering the lawn in summer. A dry spell (we do 

occasionally have them in summer – you know just 

before the kids break up for the summer holidays) 

seems to provoke a panic to reach for the sprinkler 

Award Winner 

hose. An established lawn may turn brown in a dry 

spell but it will almost certainly revive after some 

rain. It would be better to use that water to keep 

plants in pots hydrated as they may find it harder to 

recover from a period of drought. 

At the risk of sounding sexist I would say that chaps 

are usually the guilty parties here. I don’t know any 

female gardeners who are more concerned about 

treating fences (and in particular that male domain 

– the dreaded shed). In dry weather ladies are more 

inclined to reach for a comfy chair to relax in the 

sun, rather than drag the hose around the garden. 

There may of course be some exceptions but in my 

experience ladies are happy enough if their sward is 

just green for most of the time. 

Now speaking of chores, I suppose I should go and 

clean the oven, but you know what … life is too 

short. 

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 

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Call Iain today for friendly advice and a free quote 

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84 

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85 

GARDEN GATES 

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LANDSCAPE & DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS 

LANDSCAPING 

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86 

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87 

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or 07545 065119 

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Award Winner 

Exterior & Interior Decorating 

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Contact Graham now - free estimate provided 

01257 426 234 

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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 

• Conservatory repairs 

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88 

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 

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• Bedding & duvets • Domestic washes 

• Commercial washing • Ironing services 

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Open 7 days 

see website for 

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Free pick-up 

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Want to promote your 

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LocalLife

89 

PB 

Power 

Washing 

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Driveways 

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01257 402 113 ~ 07736 396 374 

www.pbpowerwashing.co.uk 

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90 

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Design, print & distribution packages 

also available 

Call Sally on 01695 627 999 for details 

or email sallyb@locallife247.co.uk 

Picture Perfect! 

Digital Aerial & HD CCTV Installer 

HD CCTV Installed 

from only £295 

View your property on any smartphone 

or tablet from anywhere in the world 

Wireless Alarm System 

Wired systems also installed & serviced 

Digital Aerials installed 

from only £59 * 

*dependent of property size & signal strength. 

Call now for a FREE, no obligation quote! 

07817 807 960 / 01257 453 133 

www.qualitv.co.uk 

GARAGE DOOR 

REPAIRS 

All GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED : 

Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc. 

Garage and entrance doors 

Doors of all ages repaired 

01744 894939 07891 330214 NO FIX, NO CHARGE! 

in matching styles 

www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk 

Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, Upholland WN8 9QL 

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

91 

Over 30 years electrical experience 

All aspects of electrical work undertaken inc; 

Installation, Maintenance and Repair 

Building regulations work 

CCTV and Security Alarms 

Inspections and PAT testing 

Call Andrew to discuss your requirements 

Office 01695 625669 

Mobile 07850 956229 

Shevington 

Electrical Services Ltd 

NAPIT part ‘P’ registered 

JIB Approved Technician 

31 Years Experience 

Local. Honest & Reliable 

Domestic 

Industrial & Commercial 

Covering all North West Areas. 

Call: 0800 6446100 or 07904 127663 

www.shevington-electrical-services.co.uk 

All electrical work 

undertaken 

• Friendly reliable service 

• Mains board upgrades 

• Extra sockets to full 

rewires 

Free quotations 

J.Dillon 

• All types of electrical work 

• 20+ years experience 

• Friendly, fast and reliable 

• 24 hour call out service 

A.J.S. 

BAILEYS 

ELECTRICAL 

01942 215 769 

07739 709 005 

Electrical 

Services Ltd 

Call: 01257 424918 or 07821 139826 

www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk 

Complete Electrical Installation 

& Maintenance Service 

From new sockets to entire re-wires 

Burglar Alarms & CCTV 

PAT testing and inspections 

NO JOB TOO SMALL 

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL 

WORK WELCOMED 

24-Hour 

Call Out 

Service 

Wireless Alarm System 

From £395 

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

92 

Great Value Bathrooms! 

All plumbing services 

including services & repairs 

• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted 

• Specialists in Disability Installations & 

Conversions 

• Emergency Call outs welcome 

No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on 

07515 894 281 

14 Lyefield Avenue, Whelley, Wigan, WN1 3UL 

www.gphwigan.co.uk 

COMBI 

BOILERS 

FROM 

£999 

527090 

Elite Bathrooms 

Installation & Tiling 

• Bathrooms 

• Wall Tiling 

• Floor Tiling 07703 448890 

FREE Estimates 01942 208926 

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 

• 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 

Plumbing & Heating Specialist 

Complete Bathroom 

& Tiling service 

John Bailey - 01942 495785 

or 07721 040620 & 07710 153238 

Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan 

T: 01942 387 006 

M: 07539 449 006 

• Repairs • Installations • Services 

Smart control specialist – save £££’s 

Check out our Google reviews 

569287 

www.wiganboilerrepair.co.uk

93 

• 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 

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 

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 

IAIN LOWE 

01695 623236 

• Central Heating 

• Plumbing 

• Gas Appliances 

• Gas Safety Checks 

• Landlord’s Certificates 

• Maintenance/Breakdowns 

506515 

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

94 

Driveway Medic 

Natural Stone 

Driveway Cleaning 

Driveway Sealing 

Block Paving 

Pattern Imprinted Concrete & Tarmac 

High Reach Cleaning 

Call us now to discuss how Driveway Medic can help you; 

our quotes are always friendly and Free. 

T: 01942 870 206 M: 07984 034 574 

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 

01942 621 959 / 07867 697 972 

Want to promote your 

company in Local Life? 

Call Sally: 01695 627 999 



driveway-medicnorthwest.co.uk 

www.jjdriveways.co.uk 

PROFESSIONAL 

CLEANING & SEALING 

S E R V I C E S 

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 

GDR Driveways 

Flagging • Block paving 

Concreting • Fencing 

SPECIAL OFFER 

Up to 10 sq m Cleaned & Sealed 

Just £49 

Call Gareth for a FREE quotation 

01942 217 113 | 07715 177 754

95 

Brickwork & Property Maintenance 

M 

Marc Mulligan 

01942 248 537 

07749 806 566 

Easy Mix 

• 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 

Easy Mix 

Ready Mixed Concrete 

• Delivered or Collected • Perfect for builders & DIY 

01942 224571 for advice 

Lamberhead Ind. Est., Pemberton 

• All aspects of home improvements 

• One stop for all the trades you require 

• Joinery, Building, Kitchens & Bathrooms 

WE DESIGN AND MANAGE 

YOUR PROJECT FROM 

START TO FINISH 

Call Jonathan for a free quotation 

TEL: 01257 401 243 / MOB: 0777 602 4045 

PLANS TO IMPROVE 

• Plans drawn and submitted. 

• Extensions, conversions, structural alterations. 

• Structural calculations. 

E mail info@stuartsplans.co.uk 

Call Stuart on 07973143289 

Don’t Move – Improve! 

I’m Stuart Collier, a local builder with over 

25 years experience in house renovation 

and specialist in loft & garage conversion. 

I can design and create the extra living 

space you need. 

Call me for advice and a free quotation 

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 

01257 251 534 

07973 143 289 

www.sjcollier.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

96 

PP 

Building services 

Joinery Specialists 

K Stone 

Building Services 

All types of building 

work undertaken 

25 years experience 

• Brickwork 

• Pointing 

• Garden Walls 

• Patios 

• Roof Repairs 

• Flagging 

• Alterations 

• Driveways 

01942 495412 / 07974 496676 

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 

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 

01942 561 848 | 07725 909 257 

www.freshbuildconstruction.co.uk 

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 

01257 422317 or 07852 202867 

www.mtjoinery.co.uk

97 

• WILSON BROS • 

Est. 1985 

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 

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 

Facias, soffits, cladding, 

dry verge and gutters - call us now 

for all your roofline requirements! 

We specialise in seamless aluminium gutters. 

Clean, stylish and guaranteed for 25 years! 

01942 735 515 / 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 

www.orrellroofline.co.uk 

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 

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

98 

A View From 

The Lump 

Local gossip, gripes and goings-on 

Back to the future 

In the 1960s, Wigan town centre 

and its outskirts were full of 

homes. Usually decaying, and 

past their best, but homes 

nevertheless. Until the council 

knocked them down. Fast forward 

50 years and it seems town centre 

living is back in fashion. Spurred 

on by the likes of Liverpool 

and Manchester, with their 

‘apartments’ groaning with Latteswilling 

young professionals, the 

provinces are now starting to want 

a piece of the action. So Wigan 

Council is now pondering on 

the idea of bringing some ‘town 

centre living’ back as part of its 

recent acquisition of The Galleries. 

The Metro says there is “growing 

interest in increasing town centre 

residential opportunities to 

support young professionals and 

new smaller homes, including one 

and two bedroom apartments.” I 

don’t doubt the sincerity of those 

who think this, but where exactly 

are the jobs for these ‘young 

professionals’? They’re certainly 

few and far between in the town 

centre, unless you count busking 

or lobbing bits of pie to town’s 

vulture-like pigeons a profession... 

Nothing to see here 

Speaking of homes, the issue of 

rough sleeping is a big agenda 

item at the moment. Campaigners 

have been targeting councillors 

with pro-forma letters and 

emails, as well as rooting round 

for local statistics. However, a 

recent Freedom of Information 

Act request revealed that, during 

the whole of 2017, nobody was 

known to be waiting longer than a 

week for overnight shelter in West 

Lancashire. Moreover, the council 

said the most recent head count 

of people living on the street in 

West Lancs was also a big fat zero. 

None of this has been reported, 

and I’m not sure why. Surely it’s 

comforting to know that West 

Lancs doesn’t have the same 

problems as other areas? 

Farewell Doddy 

Tributes have poured in recently 

following the death of Ken Dodd. 

I had the privilege of meeting him 

several times through a mutual 

friend called Phil King, who was 

a big showbiz name in the 1970s 

and ‘80s. ‘Off duty’ Doddy was 

similar to the same character we 

all loved on stage, but he was 

amazingly thoughtful and kind. 

On one occasion, he invited a 

few of us backstage during the 

interval. He sat there, caked in 

make-up, a brown wooly jumper 

on and a pint of bitter in hand, 

passing the time of day, and 

expressing his love of the author 

Ian Fleming. When I told him I 

was from Wigan, he quipped: 

“Don’t worry son, we’ve all got 

our crosses to bear.” The room 

erupted with laughter. When Phil 

died a couple of years ago, Doddy 

quietly slipped into the funeral 

service, without any fuss, and 

paid his respects. No one knew he 

was coming, and the gesture was 

greatly appreciated by everyone. 

A genuine star; I doubt we’ll ever 

see his like again. 

A good signal 

Finally, my mobile contract is 

about to expire and I’m tempted 

not to bother renewing. I rarely 

use it and even when it does ring, 

it’s only someone pestering me 

for PPI insurance. If I need to get 

in touch with anyone I can always 

use a local phone box or (as a load 

of them have been ripped out 

now) nip into a pub to use theirs. 

I’m sure I could cope with that 

inconvenience...

99 

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warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk

Local Life - Wigan - April 2018

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