Local Life - St Helens - May 2018

LocalLife
St Helens Edition May 2018
Rainford rocks
Pages 22 - 23
The Billinge Split
Pages 40 - 42
Burscough Walk
Pages 59 - 62
Local News Motoring Jack’s Tracks Garden Diary Food Home Services
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Something about
May
I’ve come to the realisation I’m at my happiest
around water. I don’t know whether it’s the
ripple in a reservoir, the clapping of waves, or the
fresh breeze that gives me a new lease of life, but
I know that when I’m by water this is where I’m the
most calm.
My happiest memory is when I was on holiday in
Spain, on a pedalo on a lake surrounded by rolling
mountains, and that was a moment in time where
I felt anything was possible. And whenever I need a
little boost at home, I get outside and enjoy the vast
green spaces our local area has to offer.
And I think May is a great month to get out and
enjoy ourselves. There are lots of activities to enjoy:
including this year’s ‘Beating the Bounds’ on Sunday,
May 13, which falls in line with St Helens’ 150th
anniversary celebrations. Organiser Ste Lingard
revived the Anglo-Saxon tradition with a 42.5 mile
walk, starting/finishing at Haydock Park. Could you
handle walking the boundary of St Helens?
Or if you’re looking ahead, why not attend Picnic
in The Park on Saturday, June 2. This family music
festival in Rainford Village will be a great kick-off to
summer. John Coghlan’s Quo, Shane Nolan, Ultra
90’s, Black & Gold, Black Cat Bone, Days Above and
Girl Talk will all be in attendance to get you rocking.
My head is very much getting geared up for the
encroaching summer months, and I’m sure many
of you are hoping for a warm and sunny British
summer too. A girl can dream.
See you next time!
Niamh Ollerton, Deputy Editor

5
In this issue
Local Life
turns 10
Regulars
32 Class From The Past
36 Puzzle Corner
55 Events2Go
59 Jack’s Tracks
63 Garden Diary
66 Test Drive
16
Rainford
Festival
Sections
6 Local News
30 Education
44 Health
48 Travel
63 Gardening
69 Home Services
22
The Billinge
split...
40
10 items
no kitchen should
be without
52
Jack’s Tracks visits
Burscough
Next issue - June 2018
Advertising deadline - Tuesday, 22 May
Published - Thursday, 01 June
Publisher: Chris
Sales: Clare
Editorial: Niamh
Design: Peter
Distribution: Sally
Accounts: Sam
LocalLife
Local Life 247 Ltd, Unit 8, Hewitt Business Park,
Winstanley Road, Orrell, WN5 7XB
Telephone: 01744 649 722
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk
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design@locallife247.co.uk
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Local Life is published every month and distributed into
the following areas on an alternate monthly basis.
This issue is delivered to over 11,000 private homes and
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The next issue is delivered to over 14,500 private
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Eccleston Park, Windle, Grange Park, Nutgrove, New
Bold and Waterside Village.
59
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

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Celebrating young artists
St Helens youngsters have showcased
their artistic talent in a Youth Open
Art competition.
Hundreds of young people have taken part in this
year’s Youth Open Art competition, with the winners
honoured at a recent World of Glass presentation.
The annual competition is open to anyone aged 16
or under, who lives or studies in St Helens.
There are categories available for nursery-aged
children right through to Year 11, as well as specific
awards for those who chose digital and graphic
design pieces.
Judges from St Helens Council and the World of
Glass praised the quality of the 557 submissions.
Winners received glass awards hand-made at the
World of Glass, where a public exhibition of 244
selected submissions will feature until Friday, May 4.
This year’s competition helped to celebrate the

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borough’s 150th anniversary by offering entrants
the chance to win a one-off special award, under
the theme “Out of the Earth Came Light.”
The award went to Louise Tickle from De La Salle
School, whose composition was thought to
encapsulate the borough’s landmarks, heritage and
ethos.
Residents can still view the collection at the World
of Glass until Friday, May 4.
In July, those aged 16 or over can try their artistic
talents in the Open Art Competition.
Artists can enter their works in late June/early July
for judging, and the works will be exhibited from
July-September. head to www.sthelens.gov.uk/
openart or call The World of Glass on 01744 22766.
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 contact us on sthelensnews@locallife247.
co.uk or call us on 01695 627999.
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St Helens 150
In its 150th anniversary year, St
Helens is celebrating the milestone
with a bustling year-long cultural
programme.
There are numerous events throughout the year,
including an International Food and Drink Festival,
and a heritage weekend St Helens day.
Other activities will build on established events
such as Westfield Street Music Festival and Summer
Streets.
The programme of artistic events is led by the Heart
of Glass and cultural partners St Helens 150.
Cllr Gill Neal, cabinet member with responsibility
for arts and culture, said: “These celebrations are all
about the borough’s heritage and innovation, and
as such it is right that everyone can get involved.
“These celebrations not only look back at our
illustrious past but to our future and showcase the
talents of our young people.
“This programme of events promises to have
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9
something for everyone – and it would be great
if local people got behind this, got involved and
made 2018 a year to remember.”
St Helens Day on Saturday, June 30, will feature a
citizen’s parade. Find out what makes the borough
tick by acknowledging the characters, the wisdom
and the idiosyncratic individuals and communities
in St Helens.
For more info on St Helens 150, please visit www.
sthelens150.co.uk
To see what else is happening in St Helens, visit our
E2G section on pages 55-58.
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memory
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A new community garden on Tracks
Lane, Billinge, has been dedicated to
Ellen Higginbottom.
Local volunteers with the help of Wigan Council
have created a community garden in memory of
Ellen Higginbottom who was murdered in Orrell
Water Park last year.
After her death, the garden area became a focal
point for floral tributes to the popular Winstanley
College student.
Corin Lomax, a local volunteer involved in the
garden project from the beginning, said: “It was
the obvious spot to leave floral tributes to Ellen,
so transforming the entire area into a memorial
garden inspired by her was a natural progression.”
Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for
environment at Wigan Council said: “The whole
town was rocked by the news of Ellen’s passing
last year and despite the extremely difficult
circumstances, it’s humbling to see the community
pull together in this way.
“We’re honoured to support such an important
cause and be a part of a project to commemorate
Ellen.
“The garden will be very peaceful and I’m sure
members of the public will enjoy spending time
here.”
A bench complete with memorial plaque and a
box hedge has been installed by volunteers from
Wigan Council’s greenspaces team, and Moss Bank
Nurseries in Leigh donated bedding plants which
will be replenished by Moss Bank as the seasons’
progress.
LocalLife

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The locals who have volunteered to
maintain the site hope visitors will use Ellen’s
garden as a place of quiet reflection and
contemplation.
Louise Tipping, principal at Winstanley
College said: “This is a lovely tribute by the
community to Ellen which we will treasure.
“Ellen loved nature and people and so a
garden inspired by her is a fitting tribute to a
much missed student, friend and daughter.”
Organisers and volunteers also hope the
garden will eventually become eligible to
enter the Wigan in Bloom competition.
Local artist, Vikky Crompton, is planning to make
big mosaic stepping stones with any interested
members of the community for Ellen’s Garden. If
you’d like to get involved with making the mosaics
or helping with the ongoing maintenance of Ellen’s
Garden please contact Joe Taylor on 01942 700060
or email joe41@blueyonder.co.uk

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Rainford Tennis Club has
a brand new Head Coach
ready to train hopeful
sportspeople.
Eduardo De Sousa has followed
suit of fellow Portuguese coaches
to the UK, but while José Mourinho
manages Man U and Carlos Carvalhal
struggles with Swansea, Eduardo has
landed the Head Coach position at
Rainford Tennis Club.
He is a former professional tennis
player, once ranked as the number
eight player in Portugal, and has over
30 years’ experience coaching players
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Since Eduardo’s appointment in February, the club
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He runs weekly coaching sessions for existing
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Children aged 5-11 can try the mini Tennis sessions
at the club and Secondary School children can
attend Junior Squads.
But all is not lost for the grown-ups, as adults can
enjoy weekly group sessions in the evenings and at
the weekends.
Club Chairman, Ron Hamilton said: “We are
delighted to have secured the services of such an
experienced and high quality coach.”
“Eduardo has brought his enthusiasm and vast
experience to Rainford and everyone who has
come along so far has really enjoyed the sessions.”
To view a full timetable, visit the Club’s website at
www.RainfordTennisClub.co.uk

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Fore charity
Houghwood golfers recently raised
vital funds for local charities in an all
day challenge.
20 avid golfers took on four rounds of golf in a day
in the first of its kind at Houghwood to raise money
for Willowbrook Hospice and the local branch of the
MS Charity.
The men set off for their first round at 4.20am,
and only finished their final round at 9.45pm. But
they didn’t use their buggies and walked for the
duration.
But they were not alone in their efforts; partners,
wives and families were also in attendance, driving
the buggies to carry the clubs.
Past Captain Marian Rigby said: “The atmosphere
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was amazing because they had done it. They were
filled with such adrenaline.
“It was a massive feat, and they went beyond their
expectations. And when they came in they just
about collapsed.
“They were outside all that time without stopping
apart from comfort breaks.”
The golfers, led by Spencer Anglesea who organised
the event, were all sponsored individually and
raised £6,500 for the charities.
An obvious success, the local golfing lads will be
taking on the challenge once more in June this year.
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Beating the Bounds
The 2018 Beating the Bounds event will also
celebrate the 150th anniversary of St Helens.
St Helens residents Ste Lingard has organised the challenging
42.5 mile walk around the whole of the Borough boundary.
It starts and finishes at Haydock Park, and follows the Borough
Boundary (as near as public rights of way and road safety
permit) anti-clockwise, around Billinge (including Billinge
Lump), Rainford, Eccleston, Rainhill, Bold, Parr, Earlestown,
Newton-le-Willows and Haydock.
But for such a gruelling task, the schedule isn’t kind with a
4.15am meet at Haydock Park before starting at 4.30am.
Contenders will be beating the pavement until
about 8.15pm when the walk is set to finish at
Haydock Park (via Lowton entrance).
Many, many years ago there was a custom known
as ‘Beating the Bounds’. Come springtime, a motley
assortment of local officials, children and people
alike would walk the boundaries of their parish.
The purpose of the event was to teach participants
– especially young ones – the boundaries of their
parish. The ceremony also served a social purpose,
helping bring the local community together in a
convivial experience.
Ste revived the tradition on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
Ste said: “We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and
raised almost £2,000 for St Helens Mind.
“The day was such as success that there was no
doubt about doing it again.”
Looking to target
new customers
in 2018?
This year, he will be raising funds for St Helens
Mind, the local mental health charity, once
more. If you’d like to donate please visit https://
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SteLingard
St Helens Mind aims to promote and preserve good
mental health and to assist those experiencing
mental distress to regain their full potential, and
play an active part in community life.
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

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Founded in a back bedroom on Sandy Lane
Turning 10
in Orrell, Local Life now produces five
magazines a month (St Helens, Wigan, Chorley,
West Lancs and Leigh & District) from our offices
at Hewitt Business Park on
Winstanley Road. We also
deliver over 750,000 leaflets
a year too.
We’re proud of the fact that
many of our customers stay
with us, year after year, so
here’s what our advertisers
have to say about Local Life.
Local Life covers areas that we just can’t reach with
any other publication. We know when it has been
delivered as our phone never stops ringing. It’s always
our first choice for advertising.
Sharon Lee – Expressions of Beauty, Billinge
Our adverts always look good in the magazine and
the content is well balanced with interesting articles
and not too many adverts. I find the staff at Local Life
very pleasant to deal with and I always get a quick
response to my emails. We will definitely continue to
advertise with Local Life.
Sarah O’Donoghue - Marketing Manager, Carmel
College
I’m pleased to say that every customer we have
introduced to Local Life has had a direct and
noticeable response. Both us, and our clients, love the
publications and they are now one of the first types of
local advertising we suggest when putting together
promotional campaigns.
Elaine Rimmer – Platinum Advertising & Design Ltd
Local Life is 10 years old this month!
It’s a great little mag; I’ve been advertising with you
since you started the magazine and I don’t advertise
anywhere else. As you know I’m always busy, often too
busy to come and pay you for my adverts!
Jimmy Murphy – Garswood Gates
Just to say thank you for helping to grow our business
over the years, I know the day of the month that the
magazine goes out by the rise in telephone enquiries
that day, we really appreciate the quality of enquiry
that your publication brings in.
Steve Hadikin. Aabron Landscaping.
Local Life has been a great platform for the College to
reach people. It has always been a quality publication,
with great features. We know that it is picked up and
read.”
Lisa Cooke, Head of Marketing, St Helens College
Local Life has proved to be a great way to showcase
my new shop in Rainford. I have increased my
bookings to cover new areas and feel confident that
the people who enjoy reading Local Life are likely to be
a good match for my business too.
Ali Tyrer, ellemora

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I started my carpet and
upholstery cleaning
business in 2016 and
advertising in Local
Life was one of the best
business decisions I’ve
made to date; the staff
are really helpful and I’m
now working flat out.
Helen Carroll, Carroll’s
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Services
I’ve been advertising in Local Life since 2009 and the
magazine never fails to bring me new customers
each month. Even most of the repeat business and
recommendations I get, I can trace back to Local
Life and the magazine has helped me establish my
business in quality housing areas like Rainford and
Rainhill.
Shaun Fairhurst – Garswood Decorating Services
I have advertised in Local Life for over 8 years now
and it has consistently been my main source of new
business. It is a fantastic, quality magazine which,
as well as supporting local businesses, gives its
readers an interesting and informative read. I would
thoroughly recommend it.
Local Life provides my company with a very effective
form of advertising and I would certainly recommend
the magazine to any business looking to expand.
Matthew Rigby – Property Maintenance
If you’d like to promote your company in Local Life
magazine or use our leaflet distribution service,
call Clare or Chris on 01744 649722 or pop into our
offices at Unit 8 - Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley
Road, Orrell WN5 7ZB.
www.locallife247.co.uk
Angie Barker Garden Design
Around 80/90% of our work comes from Local Life and
it’s all local work, we don’t have to waste hours sitting
in traffic each day. As of today (10th April), we’re
already booked up until August; that’s how successful
Local Life is.
Colin Wilson – Wilson Bros. Building and Roofing
Local Life is the best local print advertising media
around, without a doubt, and it’s the only publication
we advertise in. We also use the leaflet distribution
service on a regular basis and it’s very reliable and
also quite cheap compared to other distribution
companies.
Ian Johnson – GreenThumb Billinge
Local Life magazine always works for me and brings
me lots of local customers which is just what I want
John Callaghan - Focus Building and Roofing Ltd

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19
New leadership
The new leader of St Helens Council
has asked councillors to “work
together” moving forward.
Cllr Derek Long was appointed the new council
leader following Barrie Grunewald’s resignation due
to allegations of a WhasApp data breach involving
St Helens councillors.
The new leader represents the West Park ward, starts
the position with immediate effect after receiving a
unanimous vote at the full council meeting in the
town hall chamber.
The Labour councillor was previously cabinet
member for Liverpool City Region engagement.
In his first speech as leader, Cllr Long said: “I do not
underestimate the importance of the task in front
of us. I hope we can all work together in the spirit it
takes to take St Helens forwards.
“When I open cabinet meetings I always make
reference to the fact that we are stewards of 150
years of unbroken accountability looking after
the people of St Helens and I’m sure we’re all
committed to making sure that goes forward in the
future as well.”

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Booted up
The eight annual St Helens 10k was a
roaring success once more.
Over 1,600 runners took to the streets of St Helens
streets on Sunday, April 15 to take on the annual
GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k.
Many runners do their bit for a myriad of causes,
to help raise funds and awareness to organisations
and charities close to their heart.
Linzi Prescott ran in memory of her husband Steve
Prescott MBE, who set up the event eight years ago
in Birchley Street car park.
Even after his death in 2013, Steve’s family and
the Steve Prescott Foundation ensured the event
would continue to be held each year, and is now a
staple of the St Helens calendar.
Linzi was joined by their 16-year-old son Taylor this
year too. She said: “It’s quite a special event for me
because eight years ago when Steven thought this
up, it was the only thing he came up with that I
thought I could take on.
“From Christmas you can see people running in the
street and it always reminds me of Steve. It really is
his legacy.”
Steve’s wish to give the people of St Helens and
Rugby League community a vehicle to get fit and
healthy has certainly been fulfilled.

21

22
Rainford is all set to rock again
this summer with the return
of the Picnic in the Park Music
Festival on Saturday 2 June.
This year it promises to be bigger and
better says organiser Phil Thomas,
who, just over twelve months ago,
together with his wife Tara, inspired
the collaboration between four of
the village’s sporting and youth
organisations to raise much-needed
funds.
Rainford rocks
Phil takes up the story, “Our family is
actively involved in Rainford Rangers Football, the
Tennis club, the Cricket Club and the Boys Brigade
and Girls Association and we could see at first hand
the brilliant opportunities they were providing
for youngsters as well as the big costs involved
in running them.” said Phil. “As the manager for
Rainford Rangers U-15’s, I was forever raising
money for the club and I knew the other clubs were
constantly having to raise funds too”.
This year’s headline act is John Coghlan’s Quo
with the Quo’s drummer and his band getting
ready to rock Rainford all over the World. Back
by public demand is the Shane Nolan Band after
their tremendous success at the Festival last year.
A non-stop procession of acts throughout the day
with music, songs and dancing to suit all tastes,
includes Ultra 90’s, Black and Gold, Black Cat Bone,
Days Above and the newly formed Girl Talk, a group
of Liverpool girls who sing rap and dance. As well
as music there are lots of other sideshows and
community stalls to keep the family entertained on
a relaxed fun-filled day.
Last year’s inaugural festival was a spectacular
success and the four community groups shared a
total profit of £6,000.
Ron Hamilton, Chairman of the Tennis Club,
explained that last year’s proceeds have been
used to refurbish and redecorate their clubhouse.
“Without the event last year, little or none of this
would have happened. The acts last year were great,
everyone enjoyed themselves and we look forward
to a fantastic festival again this year” he said.
Ian Harrison, Secretary of Rainford Cricket Club
described the benefits brought to the club by the
festival, “The proceeds have been used to undertake
repairs to and the repainting of the sight-screens
and we’re also refurbishing the home and away
dressing rooms at the club”.
Already ticket sales for the festival have topped
last year’s actual attendance, and organisers are
hoping to attract a capacity crowd of 1,800. If you
haven’t yet bought your tickets, please visit www.
rainfordfestival.co.uk or call in at PT Kitchens, 12
Ormskirk Road in Rainford.
If you run a local business and you’d like to
advertise at next year’s Festival, please visit www.
rainfordfestival.co.uk to register an enquiry. The
banners are one of the main sources of income for
the Rainford Festival and are positioned round the
perimeter of the Festival site for an entire year.

23

24
The gang together
St Helens 64th annual Gangshow is
coming to St Helens Theatre Royal
very soon.
From Wednesday, May 2, to Friday, May 4, St Helens
members from the Scout & Guide organisations,
from aged 6 upwards will be performing their
annual variety show.
Jennifer Tickle said: “Members take part with
singing, dancing, and performances in our family
show that’s suitable for everyone!
“It’s a very good show. This is our 54th show at the
Theatre Royal, and our 64th show in total. It’s one
of the gentleman’s 60th show. He’s 68 and joined St
Thomas’ Cubs aged 8!
“We do the show to promote our Scout and Guides
organisations. You should see some of them at the
beginning of the year, they’re so timid and the
confidence they’ve now gained is wonderful.”
For tickets and info, please contact Jennifer on
07742 383176. Tickets are £8 and one in every 10
is free!
For more local events take a look at pages 55-58.

25
Prevention is key
During Diabetes Prevention Week
from April 16-22, St Helens residents
were urged to reduce their risk of
type 2 diabetes.
St Helens residents were prompted to make some
lifestyle changes by healthier eating and being
more active to reduce their risk of getting type 2
diabetes.
Over 17,000 people in St Helens are at risk of
developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to other
serious conditions including strokes, heart disease,
limb amputation and early death.
The Diabetes Prevention Programme is for people
who are pre-diabetic, and helps them make small
changes to their lifestyle which will in turn reduce
their risk. One of the first groups have seen great
results, with reduced blood sugar levels, weight loss
and increased awareness of how to make lifestyle
changes.
One participant said: “I was wary at first to sit in a
group but felt comfortable from day one. Casper
(the facilitator) was polite, helpful and cheerful and
taught me many ways of eating healthy.”
Another added: “My experience on this programme
has made a big difference to my life and I have
learnt a lot.”
Find out if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes at
diabetes.org.uk/risk.
For advice from the Healthy Living Team visit www.
healthysthelens.co.uk or call 0300 300 0103.

26
ADVERTISEMENT
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Each individual plant that makes up your lawn has different stresses and
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So it makes sense then that each lawn needs
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Billinge–based Premier Lawn Care is offering
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As any sportsperson will testify, great turf care
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maintenance and lawncare. Highly recommended.”
James Roby - St Helens RLFC

27
Rob says, At Premier Lawn Care we know every
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treatments or renovation work when the grass is
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detrimental. Neither do we scarify in the winter,
as the grass needs to recover after, (the gaps
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none growing season), and be either seeded then
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If a lawn is hollow cored, Premier Lawn Care would
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Dominique Peyroux - St Helens RLFC
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28
100 years
The 14th Annual Prescot Festival of Music & the
Arts is right around the corner, with a special
performance planned.
More than 100 singers are expected to join the Robert said: “Six thousand soldiers were stationed
Prescot Festival Chorus to commemorate the at Prescot before leaving to fight in the Great War,
centenary of the end of World War One this June. and many of the town’s sons gave their lives.
The ‘Come & Sing’ choir will perform Gabriel Fauré’s “It is only right that a century later we remember
stirring Requiem under conductor James Luxton, of them in this way.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday, June “All soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers are invited
16.
to join us for this special occasion.
Festival director Dr Robert Howard’s short work “We regularly attract a hundred or more choristers
Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine and Ave verum for the yearly ‘Come & Sing,’ and you’re welcome
corpus will also be featured.
whatever your ability or experience.”
In the second half of the programme, Haydock Male More details about the festival from Friday, June 15
Voice Choir will continue its varied programme with to Sunday, June 24 in Prescot are online at www.
wartime songs too.
prescotfestival.co.uk
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A local & reputable family business, trading for over 35 years
We specialise in, but are not limited to:
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29
Planning Matters
Billinge
188 Main Street: Proposed new replacement
refrigeration plant and cage storage compound to
alterations to form new entrances, and the removal
of front dwarf wall to form shared driveway (ref:
P/2018/0268/FUL).
rear elevation (ref: P/2018/0259/FUL).
Rainford Orthodontic Practice, 13 Church
Haydock
Road: Creation of a first floor to extend existing
orthodontic practice to a two storey building with
121 Penny Lane: Change of use from vacant land to
pitched roof (ref: P/2018/0188/FUL).
private garden (ref: P/2018/0286/FUL).
Rainford
94 Church Road: Conversion of existing dwelling
Rainford CofE Primary School, Cross Pit Lane:
Creation of new school entrance (ref: P/2018/0151/
FP3).
into 2no self-contained dwellings with external
For more information on these plans, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk
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Telephone: 0151 423 2638
www.solidsheds.com
DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

30

31

32
Raising the bar
More parents and guardians of
primary school children are given
their first choice according to the
latest statistics.
St Helens Council released data which showed
a steady increase in the number of parents and
guardians securing their first preference primary
school for their child ahead of the 2018 academic
year.
This year, 92.74 per cent of applicants were given
their first choice primary school compared to 88.99
per cent the previous year, which means an increase
of 3.75 per cent.
Overall, 98.24 per cent of applicants were given one
of their preferred schools.
Commenting on the news, Jo Davies, Senior
Assistant Director for Schools’ Services said: “Every
year we work exceptionally hard to ensure that
parents and guardians are allocated one of their
preferred school places primary schools –and I’m
delighted to see that this is the case for September
2018.
“If any parent or guardian has any questions about
their application, or if their child will be 4 years old
before 1 September, 2018, and have not yet applied
- I would ask them to contact the School Admissions
Team on 01744 671035/1029.”
Class from the past
This month’s Class from the Past is of English
Martyrs’ School in Haydock. The photo is from the
late 1950s, so those pictured will be in their 60s
now. Maybe you can spot a familar face?
Do you have an old class photo you’d like to share?
Email sthelensnews@locallife247.co.uk

33
Why train with us?
You will spend more time in the classroom than trainees
taking the PGCE route
You will be trained by outstanding teachers and middle leaders
You will receive bespoke continuous professional development
on the aspects of teaching you need most
You will gain a PGCE with Masters Accreditation through
Liverpool Hope University
You could earn up to £30,000 in a tax-free bursary for trainees
with top degrees in some subjects
We have 63 training places available from
September 2018 in the following subjects:
Mathematics - Physics - Biology - Chemistry - English -
History - R.E - Computing - MFL—Music - Geography - Art

34
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Why not study
music & media?
Whether you are a student just finishing your
GCSEs or someone wanting a change of
career pathway, TMP College is the place to be! TMP
College, based in Pemberton, is a specialist college
for Music, Media, Games and Digital Technologies.
With outstanding achievement rates, the best
music facilities around and staff working within the
creative industries, this could be your opportunity
to kick-start a new and exciting career. You will
work with established bands, gain experience of
live events and come out with a great CV as well as
qualifications for university or employment.
Career pathways are more diverse than ever before.
The entertainment, creative and digital industries
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At their centres in Pemberton and Hindley, TMP
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Bursaries are available too – so students can earn
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TMP College offers students the opportunity to work
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35
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36
Puzzle Corner
WORD SEARCH - Local History
Find the hidden words in the word search grid
S C H U R C H E R C
T C A R V I N G E H
U B N S S F B A M N
V E C W T G T R A S
M T I R O L T D I G
O T E R N R E N N N
S B N C E B G V S D
A R T E F A C T P W
I O S M N C E L P A
C N E E U O A O T L
T Z T R U I N S H K
W E A P O N W A N S
G Y D S A B B E Y M
WALK
CASTLE
CHURCH
ARTEFACT
DIG
CARVING
BRONZE
REMAINS
ABBEY
MOSAIC
STONE
COIN
WEAPON
ANCIENT
RUINS
WORD MIX UP - Local History
Unscramble the letters to make a word
LEACHAGOORY
NYDW
SUDOKU
NUMBER
BLOCK
The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.
The numbers in each column add up to the totals
along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the
totals to the right.
3 1
2 9 5
4 2 9
9 1 2
8 7
3 6
6 8
9 5
0 5
9
9 2
3 5
24 10 12 19
7 3 4
18
8
28
15
14
14
REACHVI
YETTOPR
LOANG NASOX
TABLEFIDLET
NORMA
ROBOHC
WIGGLE WORDS
CLUE: Brings Good Luck
Trace a path through
all the letters to find
the word or phrase
that fits the clue.
F O A F
R U E E
E R L D
V O L C
All the puzzle solutions are on page 62 of this magazine

37

38
ADVERTISEMENT
Spring into Action
Spring is a time for new beginnings. Everywhere you look the
garden buds are opening, new shoots are pushing through
and plentiful supplies of cheery flowers are bursting forth.
This freshness is echoed throughout Warbreck Garden Centre as
it continues its transformation into one of the most inspirational
centres for both the avid gardener and interior lifestyle shopper.
Warbreck Garden Centre is a family run business, located in Lathom
near Ormskirk. Not surprisingly, it’s really growing on people!
With stunning new giftware products, ranging from beautiful
jewellery to classic hand bags, gorgeous children’s gifts including
Jellycat to Rufus Rabbit and tasteful home interior brands such as
Sophie Allport, Gisela Graham, Voyage Maison and Walton & Co
to name just a few.
This year’s garden furniture range showcases one of the widest
selections in the North West. With displays portraying great
value and best quality brands including Kettler and Katie
Blake, and prices always matched to internet retailers,
there’s always a great deal to be had!
Warbreck is a garden centre for gardeners, with a huge
choice for everyone. If you’re looking for fabulous
plants or garden lifestyle inspiration, this really is
the place for you. If you have green fingers, you’ll
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bursting to share their passion
for plants.
Warbreck Garden Centre, Lyelake Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 6JW
Tel: 01695 722 960 www.warbreckhomeandgarden.com

39
Once you’ve meandered around the newly
developed plant area and gift shop, why not take
some time out to visit The Plantation Restaurant in
its country colonial setting. Discover a delightful
selection of delicious homemade meals, using
the freshest of locally sourced ingredients. This
is a great food venue, from breakfast through to
afternoon tea.
Garden centre owner, Richard Allison says, “We
pride ourselves on offering a great range of
quality gardening, lifestyle and giftware products
supported by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable
team. Our experienced buyers are continuously
sourcing exciting new products to inspire our
customers.”
The future really does look bright for Warbreck.
The whole team should be proud of what they
have achieved, their energy and flair are making
this an exceptional destination. The garden centre
is conveniently situated near Ormskirk, less than a
20 minute drive from Southport, Formby, St Helens,
Wigan and Maghull, close to junction 3 of M58.
Warbreck Garden Centre
WarbreckGC
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40
The Billinge
split...
With Local Elections imminent, David Sudworth
discovers the story behind Billinge’s split
It’s possibly one of the most bizarre Parliamentary speeches ever
committed to Hansard.
But just before 9pm on July 6, 1972, MP Gordon Oakes stood up in
the House of Commons and gave his reasoning as to why part of
Billinge was soon to join Rainford and Haydock in the new county
of Merseyside.
“They are all Lancashire towns, based on
heavy industry, glass making, formerly
on coal mining. The people there speak
with a clear and distinct Lancashire

41
accent. The people there, for example, watch Rugby
League, not Liverpool or Everton. The people in
those areas eat tripe and onions, not Scouse.”
Oakes’ speech may have seemed, in the context of
local government reorganisation, a bit bizarre. But
in fact, he was arguing that although there was
nothing wrong with those places joining together,
he did have grave reservations about them
becoming part of a greater Merseyside area.
He explained: “They talk differently, work at different
occupations. The problem is of urban renewal. That
type of problem is totally different from the problems
of Huyton, Kirkby, Halewood and Whiston, which are
new, expanding towns, where they have basically
“Totally different to the
problems of Huyton”
light industry and support Liverpool or Everton with
equal vociferousness, while poor little Huyton can
hardly get a team going at all. Sport is important in
the constitution of an area, just as important as the
problems of youth facilities, schools, social services,
and things of that kind.”
Within two years, the deed had been done. Part of
Billinge, along with Rainford, Haydock, Crank, Moss
Bank, Kings Moss and other areas, had become part
of a new St Helens borough within the County of
Merseyside.
Despite it being 44 years
since the changes, they
still rankle, especially
in Billinge where some
feel the village was
unnecessarily divided.
Many of those blame
Edward Heath’s
Government, who
were in power at the
time. However, a
dig into the archives
reveals that in fact Billinge’s administrative divorce
from Wigan predated the local government changes
of 1974 by over 100 years.
Billinge as a whole was part of the Deanery of
Wigan up until February 2, 1837, when the Wigan
Poor Law Union came into force. The law divided
Billinge into two different townships; Chapel End
and Higher End. By the end of that century, Billinge
Urban District Council had been formed. In 1927, it
joined Winstanley township to become Billinge &
Winstanley Urban District Council.
It’s important to stress though that, at this point,
they were not ‘part’ of Wigan - Billinge & Winstanley
UDC was an authority in its own right.
Fast-forward to 1974 and townships up and down
the country were allocated into different ‘new’ areas.
Some of the original suggestions survived; some
fell by the wayside (there was talk at one point of
Ashton being part of St
Helens).
Billinge & Winstanley Council’s final meeting in 1974
However, scanning the
newspaper coverage at
the time, there’s very little
in the way of any concerns
about loss of civic
identity. Indeed, local MP
Michael McGuire said in a
Parliamentary debate that
he’d had no complaints
about the situation from
constituents.

42
Most of the concerns centred around
more basic matters; namely pounds and
pence.
“Rate Shock - 61p in the £ for New Metro”
cried one local newspaper, reporting on
the housing rates being set.
Locals in the Merseyside part of Billinge
were equally unimpressed. One said: “I
have got a free bus pass but can only use
it to go to St Helens or Liverpool, but not
Wigan or Orrell. I can go to Southport, but
only if it is via St Helens. Why could they not have
joined the whole of Billinge to Wigan? To me, this is
just another case of planning with no consideration
for human beings.”
“Local politics? They are
a joke... ”
Life wasn’t plain sailing for those who worked for the
new councils either. Almost 8,000 workers were paid
the wrong amounts in the first few weeks. Although
one cleaner at Wigan Metro wasn’t too fussed - her
normal wage of £2.50 shot up to £25!
And even those areas which, on the face of it,
weren’t massively effected, weren’t happy.
At the final meeting of Orrell Urban District Council,
councillors slammed the Metro as being ‘arrogant’
for wanting to tear down their Council Chamber and
turn it into offices.
Orrell Urban District Council’s final sitting
Councillor John Fitzpatrick stormed: “Local politics?
They are a joke if this is the way they are going to
carry out their business.”
However, Wigan’s first ever Mayor, Cllr Bob Lyons,
sought to soothe divisions: “I appreciate the fears of
many people that there will be a feeling of isolation
and loss of contact. I would like to assure people
that I and all my colleagues will be available for
interview and advice. I know the new members will
serve to the best of their ability.”
44 years on and it’s fair to say that, while the financial
grumbles still rumble on, the sense of civic loss has
grown. But perhaps it is unfair to push the blame
onto those who made the 1974 decision.
Since then, any new local government reorganisation
plans have been mostly about making areas bigger,
rather than going back to the pre-1974 model.
Moreover, regardless of what area of Billinge you
live, both parishes are ultimately controlled by the
same ruling party (Labour) in their
respective town halls.
As for (since deceased) MP Gordon
Oakes’ pronouncements; pigs’
innards are no longer consumed in
the same quantities as it was in the
early 1970s; accents have grown
more fluid along with occupations,
but football is still not as popular as
rugby.
Billinge just before it became part of Merseyside
Just goes to show that MPs
talking tripe isn’t a wholly new
phenomenon...

43
Memorial service
A memorial service was held at Saints’
stadium towards the end of March for
those affected by suicide.
Saints RLFC chaplain Paul Johnson led the service,
hosted by Listening Ear’s AMPARO service for the
130 attendees remembering their loved ones.
Attendees shared their personal stories, a
memorial wall displayed photos of lost loved
ones and a gospel singer sang poignant songs to
commemorate their lives.
The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, SOBS
(Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide), State of Mind
(a charity that promotes positive mental health for
sportsmen and women), Suicide Bereavement UK
and the Healthy Living Team were all in attendance.
Speakers including Danny Sculthorpe and Ian Smith
from the world of rugby league, and Anne Cunliffe
from the SOBS service also shared their stories of
how suicide has affected them.
Anne said: “It has been a long journey for me and
my family since the loss of my son Andrew 17 years
ago.
“I hope that by sharing my own experiences and
some of the happy memories I have of Andrew,
I have helped others to in time remember the life
that their loved ones lived and the happier times.”
Please contact Nattalie Kennedy on 01744 671056 if
you left your photograph(s) on the wall.
If you have been affected by suicide the following
services are available: AMPARO: www.listening-ear.
co.uk/amparo and SOBS: https://uksobs.org/
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44
Health & Fitness
Make May purple
In England, one in six people will have a stroke
in their lifetime. And in the UK, strokes occurs
approximately 152,000 times a year – that’s one
every 3 minutes 27 seconds. First-time incidence
of stroke occurs almost 17 million times a year
worldwide; one every two seconds. It is estimated
around 30% of people who have a stroke will go on
to experience another.
Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability
in the UK, with around 32,000 stroke-related deaths
in England each year.
Most people who have strokes are over 65, but
By Niamh Ollerton
one in four strokes happen in younger people.
That’s nearly 40,000 people a year including several
hundred children.
There’s no denying that a stroke can be fatal, but
it’s worth noting there are over 1.2 million stroke
survivors in the UK.
Deaths related to strokes have declined by 49%
in the past 15 years, and this is down to better
prevention, earlier treatment and more advanced
treatment.
It’s important to act quickly as you could save your
own or someone else’s life, or help limit the longterm
effects of strokes, by learning to think and Act
F.A.S.T.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the
blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. Without
blood your brain cells can be damaged or die. This
damage can have different effects, depending on
where it happens in your brain.
A stroke can affect the way your body works as well
as how you think, feel and communicate.
What causes a stroke?
As we age, our arteries become harder and narrower
and are more likely to become blocked. But, some
medical conditions and lifestyle factors can speed
up this process and increase your risk.
Different types of stroke
Most strokes are caused by a blockage cutting off
the blood supply to the brain. This is an ischaemic
stroke.
Photos courtesy of the Stroke Association

45

46
But they can also be caused by a bleeding in or
around the brain. This is a haemorrhagic stroke.
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is also known
as a mini-stroke. It’s the same as a stroke, except
symptoms only last for a short amount of time, as
the blockage stopping the blood getting to your
brain is temporary.
Can you recover from a stroke?
For some people the effects may be relatively minor
and not last long, but others may be left with serious
health problems that make them dependent on
other people.
Know the signs of a stroke
F.A.S.T. or Face-Arms-Speech-Time is easy to
remember and will help you to recognise if you or
someone else is having a stroke.
Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they
smile?
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Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them
there?
Speech – is their speech slurred?
Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these
signs of a stroke.
Other symptoms that can be due to a stroke also
include:
Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or
both eyes;
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your
body (including your leg);
Sudden memory loss or confusion;
Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall,
especially with any of the other symptoms.
Why act F.A.S.T?
If you notice any sign of stroke, call 999. The faster
you act, the better the chance of recovery.
Purple May
And to raise awareness for this worthwhile cause,
it’s time to Make May Purple – Go Purple for Pounds
during the Stroke Association’s annual awareness
month.
Friends, families and communities are invited to
show their support for people who have been
affected by a stroke.
The Stroke Association helps stroke survivors regain
their independence, but they need our help. All you
need to do is wear purple and every penny raised
will help provide support for stroke survivors.
Wear purple to work, school or outside in your
community – wherever you are, the association
hopes you’ll turn all your activities purple during
May. Every purple event you take part in will really
make a difference to stroke survivors.
Go purple at work
Get everyone to dress in purple for the day and
even host a purple bake sale.
At school
Get the whole school to dress in purple for the day,

47
or turn your sports day into a purple extravaganza.
There could even be purple activities for parents
too!
At home
Invite your friends round for a purple dinner and
have purple food and drink. Get everyone to wear
purple and play purple games. The possibilities are
endless.
Tony Rudd, National Clinical Director for Stroke with
NHS England and stroke physician at Guy’s and St
Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Thanks to
improved NHS care, stroke survival is now at record
high levels.
“Urgent treatment for strokes is essential, so friends
and family can play a key part in making sure their
loved ones receive care as quickly as possible.”
Juliet Bouverie, CEO of the Stroke Association, said:
“As the UK’s leading stroke charity, we have said
time and again that stroke devastates lives in an
instant.
“Almost two thirds of stroke survivors leave hospital
with a disability, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
“The faster you seek and receive emergency
specialist treatment for stroke, the better your
chances of making a good recovery. Knowing the
signs of stroke and being able to Act FAST could
save a life – your life.”
If you’d like to find out more about the Stroke
Association and get involved, please visit https://
www.stroke.org.uk/
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48
Travel
All Quiet on the
Western Front
If I should die, think only this of me:
That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England.
This excerpt from Rupert Brooke’s poem, The month’s travel feature we take a look at a few main
Soldier, springs to mind whilst driving through sites and attractions in Belgium and France.
the pretty Belgian countryside. It’s a peaceful rural
backdrop with neatly uniform fields full of crops
and it’s hard to imagine it as it was a century ago;
a desolate landscape of mud, burnt-out trees and
barbed wire, with shattered men crouching in
trenches with the roar of heavy artillery overhead.
As the 100th year anniversary of the end of the
Great War comes to pass, visiting the battlefields
During the Great War, Ypres occupied a strategic
position standing directly in the path of Germany’s
plans to invade France from the north. One in three
of British deaths on the Western Front happened in
the Ypres area and during the course of the war the
town was all but obliterated by artillery fire.
Ypres today is known as the city of peace and
war graves cover the landscape around the area,
of the period remains a fascinating and moving including the Tyne Cot Commonwealth war
experience. These visits brings history alive for an
increasing number of visitors of all ages, and in this
cemetery which houses the graves of 11,954 soldiers,
but the most popular site for visitors is the Menin

49
Gate Memorial to the Missing. The
memorial is dedicated to the 54,395
Commonwealth soldiers who died
in the Ypres Salient but whose
bodies have never been identified
or found. Every night at 8pm since
1927, except when the Germans
occupied the area in World War 2,
buglers sound the ‘Last Post’.
Just two miles east of Ypres is
Sanctuary Wood, home of the
Flanders Field Museum, and one
of the most popular destinations
for the battlefield visitor. The museum manages
to blend wartime artefacts with multimedia
presentations to create a first-person view of life
in the bleakest of conditions, whilst the trenches
behind the museum give a very good feel for what
it must have been like to experience the mud and
misery of the trenches.
No visit to the battlefields would be complete
without a visit to The Somme, to see the area where
the infamous Battle of the Somme began on a
summer’s day in July and ended in a snowstorm 4½
months later.
The excellent Historical Museum of the Great War,
which is housed within a medieval castle in Peronne,
provides visitors with not only a vision of what life
Battlefields Tours
from £349 pp
All Quiet on the Western Front Tour
Executive coach travel
4 days from £349
3/4 nights hotel BB
Specialist Battlefield Guide
Dates April 18-May 19
Terms & Conditions apply – Holidays subject to availability.
Call into Marken Travel for further details
Independent Travel Specialist
Protected by
200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE Telephone: 01744 893291 www.markentravel.co.uk

50
was like for the soldiers at the front but also that
of the civilians of the town, which was occupied
by enemy troops for two separate periods during
the Great War. This absorbing museum follows the
chronology of the war and uses carefully selected
artefacts to illustrate military, cultural and social life.
There aren’t many places in the Somme area where
the ground has been undisturbed since the end of
the Great War, and that’s why the Newfoundland
Memorial Park is a popular choice for battlefield
visitors. Shell-holes and the trenches of both sides
can still be clearly seen and even walked along.
The Newfoundland Regiment suffered appalling
losses here in July 1916 and after the War ended,
Newfoundland purchased the land, and the area is
now a Canadian National Historic Site.
One of the most impressive sites to visit is the
Wellington Quarry in Arras, which tells the story
leading up to the battle of Arras on April 9th, 1917.
After a series of losses in Arras, the decision was
taken to tunnel under Arras in the chalk quarries
that were originally dug out centuries before, in
order to hide 24,000 troops near the German front
lines in readiness for a new attack.
This work, mainly undertaken by Maori miners, took
a whole six months and a chapel, power station,
light railway, communications room, a hospital and
a well were all created in the pale, flickering electric
light and visitors can experience an unforgettable
underground tour illustrating the horrors and
futility of war.
There are number of tour operators who offer
Battlefield coach tours including Leger Holidays,
who are the UK’s leading provider of escorted
tours. You can pick up a Leger Holidays brochure at
Marken Travel, 200 Main Street, Billinge WN5 7PE or
just call 01744 893291 and a brochure will be posted
out to you.

51
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www.titanflooring.co.uk

52
Food & Drink
10 items no kitchen should
be without
So you’ve spent good money on creating
the perfect space in which to create the
perfect meal. The problems is, no matter how much
you’ve forked out on that oven, those cabinets and
cupboards, a good workman or woman is only as
good as the tools at their disposal. Not that we
would ever advocate blaming your kit when things
go wrong, of course.
Having a variety of quality equipment at your
disposal in the kitchen will open up countless
possibilities in terms of what you can cook.
Imagine inviting friends over for penne and porcini
mushrooms, and then revealing you made the pasta
yourself. Or frying up some sirloins, complete with
griddle marks. Few things are more satisfying than
serving properly made dishes, so here’s a checklist
of essentials you should always have to hand before
you start showing off any culinary expertise.
Ladle
In layman’s terms, this is really just a large spoon
with a bent handle and deep serving cup. Ideal
for soups, obviously, it’s difficult to perfect a
Vietnamese noodle pho without one of these.
Chef’s knife and sharpening block
Ideally you should be looking for an 8-10” blade
with a thick bolster to act as a finger guard, and
the knife itself should sit comfortably in your hand.
A sharpening block is essential too, otherwise
preparing meat will be rather troublesome after a
few months.

53
Grater and microplane
Most of us have a grater somewhere in the home,
but we recommend looking for one that also allows
you to microplane- you’ll need that for zesting
lemons, grating Parmesan, herbs and spices, which
is important in more complex dishes.
This is the best possible way to fry meat and fish
with aesthetically pleasing griddle marks. Look for
the heaviest you can, which is usually a good sign
of quality, and one where the metal runs into the
wooden handle.
Paring knife
You won’t be able to make fine cuts - for example
coring tomatoes, other fruits and vegetables -
without one of these. One word of advice; if the
blade doesn’t extend into the handle put it back on
the shelf and look for another.
Cerated bread knife
Let’s face it, your weekday morning toast is fine
from a loaf of pre-cut bread, but if you’re sitting
down to a hearty winter stew and want a crusty
baguette you’ll need a suitable knife to carve it up.
Can opener
Look for a bulky plastic can opener that has a twist
knob on top, rather than the more old school allmetal
version.
Wire mesh colander
If you’re cooking pasta then this is a key purchase,
even if that pasta is shop bought. Try to find one
with a foot at the bottom, thus meaning your
spaghetti won’t be left sitting in a puddle of water.
Pasta maker
There are almost as many pasta makers on the
market as there are types of pasta, and so it can get a
little confusing. Our preference would be to choose
on that offers between three and five settings for
various pasta shapes - any more and chances are it
will be a jack of all trades, master of none.
Wok
Although no longer the exotic pan it once was,
woks are probably the best investment you can
make for the kitchen. Ideal for stir fry dishes and
other oriental meals, there’s also nothing to stop
you using this for a plethora of other offerings.
Griddle pan
Last, but definitely not least, is the griddle plan.

54
Baked Camembert
Enjoy one of the best-known French cheeses in a delicious way, bursting with
flavour and coated in breadcrumbs. Make sure the cheese is not too ripe and
freeze before cooking to ensure the centre melts when baking. Serves 4
Ingredients
4 individual Camemberts
or one large Camembert
cut into approx 80g/3oz
wedges, frozen for 1 hour
25g plain flour
1 egg beaten with 1tbsp
water
25g breadcrumbs
50ml sunflower oil
Raspberry coulis or
cranberry sauce to
garnish
Method
1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6
2. Remove the Camembert from the freezer and carefully cut the white skin
from the top, while leaving the bottom and sides in tact. Coat well on all sides
with the flour.
3. Dip the coated Camembert in the egg mix and coat with breadcrumbs,
then repeat both steps. Pat well to help the crumbs stick, then place in the
fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Heat the oil over a medium heat. Remove the cheeses from the fridge and
fry lightly on each side until light golden brown - approximately 1-2 minutes.
Make sure the cheese does not begin to melt. Remove and drain excess oil on
paper towels.
5. Place the lightly-browned cheeses on a lined baking tray and bake in the
oven for 5-10 minutes or until the top is slightly puffed.

55
Upload your event for FREE at
www.locallife247.co.uk/events
Follow us on Facebook
events2go
Classic Car Show
Sunday, April 29, 10.30am-3pm
If you’re mad on classic cars, this event is said
to be one of the Mansion House’s more popular
events. The Bistro will also be open for snacks and
refreshments.
The Mansion House St Helens, Victoria Park, St
Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644
Diabetes UK
Wednesday, May 2, 7.30pm
This St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK
meeting will feature Jan Cardwell, a Diabetes Nurse
Consultant from the Specialist Diabetes Unit in St
Helens Hospital who will talk about ‘The importance
of Diabetes Patient Education.’ For more details call
C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821.
St Helens United Reformed Church, King Street,
WA10 2JZ
Health Walk
Wednesday, May 2, 1.30pm start
St Helens Ranger Service invites you to their 4
miles long health walk at Mesnes Park. For more
information, contact Mesnes Park Ranger on 01925
229021.
Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Newton-le-
Willows, WA12 9TA
St Helens Gangshow
Wed, May 2 - May 4, 7.15pm
St Helens Gangshow presents its ‘We’ve Been
Making Memories’ variety show for the whole family
to enjoy. Featuring Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies
and more! Tickets are £8 (1 in every 10 free) from
Jennifer Tickle on 07742 383176.
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation St, Saint
Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000
Memorial Service
Saturday, May 5, 2pm
A Celebration of the Cowleians who fought and
died in World War 1. In this centenary year, join
together to remember the brave men who lived the
Cowley motto “Not for himself but for all.”
Cowley International College, Hard Lane, St
Helens, WA10 6LB. Tel: 01744 678030
Beer & Gin Festival
Saturday, May 5, 12pm-11.30pm
Everyone’s welcome at this brilliant annual beer
& gin event. It’s £3 entry, and there’ll be live
entertainment and food and snacks.
The Mansion House St Helens, Victoria Park, St
Helens, WA10 2UE. Tel: 01744 752644

56
Family Fun Day
Saturday, May 5, 12pm-4pm
The HoneyRose Foundation will be hosting a jampacked
afternoon of family fun. Bring your friends
and family for entertainment, activities and a chance
to buy some awesome items! The Foundation grants
special wishes to people suffering from cancer and
life threatening illness.
Haresfinch Rugby and Community Club,
Haresfinch Road, WA11 9NS. Tel: 01744 609020
Classic Car Show
Sunday, May 6, 11am-4pm
The North West Casual Classic Show, a gathering
of cars from the last 70 years or so on display.
Cherished cars, old and new! Free heritage bus
rides, model railways and light refreshments.
Tickets: Adults £4.25, Over 60s £3.25, two adults
together £8, children aged 5-17 are £2.50.
The Old Bus Depot, 51 Hall Street, St Helens, WA10
1DU. Tel: 01744 451681
Local Family Festival Day
Monday, May 7, 10am-5pm (gates open 9am)
Enjoy a day of bikes, cars, drifting and karting.
Various activities will be available for both children
and adults with local stalls and refreshments. £5
entrance fee for 16+ and under 16s go free.
Three Sisters Circuit, Three Sisters Road, Ashtonin-Makerfield,
WN4 8DD. Tel: 01942 719030
Health Walk
Tuesday, May 8, 1.30pm start
St Helens Ranger Service welcomes you to their 4.5
mile lone health walk at Sankey Valley. For more
information, contact the Sankey Valley Ranger on
01744 677772.
Meet at the Visitor Centre on Blackbrook Road, St
Helens, WA11 9AB
WIBN St Helens
Spoiler Alert
Wednesday, May 9, 8pm-10pm
Is life that bad or have we good reason to complain?
In short, are we spoiled? Watch as Ed Byrne takes
this question, turns it upside down and shakes it
until the funny falls out. Go on, spoil yourself. Tickets
are £26.90 available from www1.ticketmaster.co.uk/
event/1F0053048EF918B4
St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St
Helens, WA10 1LQ. Tel: 01744 756000
Event Networking Expo
Tues, May 8; Tues, June 12; Tues, July 10, 12pm-
2.15pm
The Women in Business Network is an International
networking organisation that supports all business
women. Every woman can give a 60 second pitch,
and there are spotlight sessions each month.
Regular guest speakers too.
Gerard Arms, Dentons Green Lane, Saint Helens,
WA10 6SD. Tel: 01744 28894
Thursday, May 10, 2pm-8pm
Do you organise events? Are you an events supplier?
Bring as many people as you like to the free event.
Visit https://ticketpole.co.uk/product/st-helensevent-expo/
to get your free ticket or purchase an
exhibitor space at £40.
The Clock Face Pub and Restaurant, 408 Clock
Face Rd, Clock Face, WA9 4QS. Tel: 01744 602306
Quiz Night
Friday, May 11, 7.30pm
Rainford United Reform Church presents a Friday
night quiz night for the whole family to enjoy!
Rainford United Reform Church hall, Higher Lane,
Rainford, WA11 8AL. Tel: 01744 883677

57
Beating the Bounds 2018
Sun, May 13, 4.30am-8.15pm
This year’s Beating the Bounds will be part of St
Helens’ 150th anniversary celebrations. Take part
in the challenging 42.5 mile walk. Starts/finishes
at Haydock Park, and goes anti-clockwise, around
Billinge, Rainford, Eccleston, Rainhill, Bold, Parr,
Earlestown, Newton-le-Willows and Haydock.
Haydock Park, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 0HQ
Gin & Whisky Evening
Monday, May 14, 7.30pm
Rainford Heritage Society is hosting a Gin &
Whisky evening. Tickets are £10 and there will be a
large choice of gins and whiskeys to taste as well
as nibbles. Everyone is welcome. Buy tickets in
advance from Ray Waring on 01744 885547, or pay
on arrival.
Junction Pub, 102 News Lane, Rainford, WA11
7JU. Tel: 01744 882868
Phil Thompson Golf Classic
Thursday, May 17, 9am-9pm
Nugent Patron and LFC legend Phil Thompson
hosts our annual Golf Classic to raise funds to help
support adults living with dementia. It’s £395 per
team of four. Email Marie.Reynolds@nugentcare.
org or call the Fundraising Team on 0151 261 2000
to book.
Houghwood Golf, Billinge Hill, Crank Road, WA11
8RL. Tel: 01744 894754
Plant sale
Saturday, May 19, 9.30am-2.30pm/3pm
Sell bedding plants and baskets at the plant fair.
Free entry.
St Paul’s Church, 75 Chain Lane, Saint Helens
WA11 9QF. Tel: 01744 453181

58
Church in the Square
Sunday, May 20, 11am-3pm
This event gets all churches to gather together
on Pentecost Sunday. The cross denominational
celebration service at 11am, is followed by a free
lunch and an afternoon programme of activities for
all ages. Find out more at www.churchinthesquare.
co.uk/ or contact info@churchinthesquare.co.uk
Church Square, St Helens, WA10 1AF
Health Walk
Tuesday, May 22, 1.30pm start
St Helens Ranger Service welcomes you to their
4 mile long health walk at Bankes Park. For more
information, contact Sankey Valley Rangers on
01744 677772.
Meet at Bankes Park car park on Main Street,
Billinge, WN5 7HR
May Half Term Karting
Monday, May 28 until Friday, June 1
Family Arrive ‘n’ Drive karting sessions for ages
8+, Junior Arrive ‘n’ Drive karting sessions for ages
8-15 years and Sisley Kart School sessions for
ages 8-15 years. Prices start from £25. Visit www.
threesisterscircuit.co.uk or contact the sales team to
find out more.
Three Sisters Circuit, Three Sisters Road, Ashtonin-Makerfield,
WN4 8DD. Tel: 01942 719030
Picnic in The Park
Saturday, June 2, 12pm-10pm
A family music festival in the heart of Rainford
Village. John Coghlan’s Quo, Shane Nolan, Ultra 90’s,
Black & Gold, Black Cat Bone, Days Above and Girl
Talk will all be in attendance. Tickets are £20 - visit
www.rainfordfestival.co.uk
Jubilee Recreation Playing Fields, Church Road,
Rainford, WA11 8HE
Big Band Night
Saturday, June 2, 8pm
The Easy Street Big Band will be performing in aid
of Willowbrook Hospice. There’ll also be a prize
raffle and tea & coffee available. Tickets are £10
from Willowbrook – The Living Well (Borough Road,
St Helens, tel 01744 453798), and Frank on 01744
345073.
St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, Saint Helens,
WA10 1HP. Tel: 01744 676789
Westfield St Music Festival
Sunday, June 3, 11am-6pm
The fifth Westfield St Music Festival coincides with
the 150th Anniversary of St Helens. There’ll be live
music in all the pubs and bars and kids are welcome
too. There will be lots going on outside with unusual
acts taking place during the day.
Westfield Street Music Festival, Westfield Street,
St Helens, WA10 1QF
Summer Fair
June 9, 11.30am-2pm
Typical church summer fair, cake, plants, toys, stalls,
light lunches. All manner of things. Free entry. Fun
for all the family.
St Paul’s Church, 75 Chain Lane, Saint Helens
WA11 9QF. Tel: 01744 453181
14th Annual Prescot Festival
Friday, June 15 to Sunday, June 24
Prescot Festival - Knowsley Cultural Organisation
of the Year & Prescot Community Group of the
Year 2017/2018. 10 days of arts, music, heritage,
entertainment and culture in the historic Lancashire
town. Visit www.prescotfestival.co.uk to find out
more.
Prescot

59
According to www.lancashire.gov.uk, 71%
of the North West’s fruit and vegetables are
grown in the West Lancashire area and it is those flat
fertile fields that we visit today on our latest Jack’s
Tracks, which clocked in at just over 6 miles long.
Most unusually for a village, Burscough has not one,
but two railway stations, and it is from the Burscough
Bridge station that the walk starts.
Go north of the station on the A59 and turn left into
Red Cat Lane. Within 75 yards turn left into the road
leading to the old station house. There, on the right,
lies the pathway that eventually leads to Martin
Mere; this is the path you need.
The path soon opens up and runs alongside the
railway line for a further 600 yards until you arrive at
Crabtree Lane. Turn right and within a minute or so
you’ll see a yellow girder set in the ground next to
a track. Turn left down the track which soon opens
up into a field; stay on the right hand boundary of
the field.
Burscough
Bridge
by Chris Pearce

60
Once you reach the fence which encloses Monk’s
Farm, bear left and then follow the fence round a
right hand bend until you reach a fingerpost. Take
a 90 degree left turn towards Martin Mere and walk
the 750 yards across the big open fields to Marsh
Moss Lane. Cross the single track lane and go
through the fence directly opposite.
Follow the path to another fingerpost, in front of
the metal fence enclosing the Martin Mere estate
and turn left though the gate with a ‘Caution Deep
Water’ sign on it. It’s very noticeable that the noise
Martin Mere
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Brandreth
Farm
Tarlscough Lane
Marsh Moss Lane
Red Cat Lane
Martin Lane
New Lane
The Farm
Burscough
Moss Nook
Merscar Lane
Gorst Lane
Martin Lane
Crabtree Lane
Burscough
Bridge
Orrell Lane
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Start / Finish
School L
Burscough
Wharf
Burscough
B5241
Higgins Lane
A59
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.

61
of chirps, tweets and the honking of the seemingly
kamikaze Canada Geese increases, as you make
your way round the tall reeds beds surrounding the
wetlands.
Those with the foresight to have brought
binoculars may want to linger in the bird hides, but
with a thirsty dog in tow I push on round the reed
ane
A59
beds until I come to a track. Cross the track to the
secondary pathway opposite and go through the
gate; bear right and cross the stream and then take
an immediate right down a slight gradient.
Follow that path past the ponds and then once
you’ve rounded a right hand bend you’ll arrive
at another fingerpost. Take a 90 degree left turn
towards a derelict barn, and take another left turn
towards the railway. Cross the rails with great care
and as soon as you’re across, turn left on a path that
runs parallel to the railway line.
Take a 90 degree right hand turn at the fingerpost
towards ‘The Farm Tea Shop’, and then when you’ve
swerved round a fir copse and walked round a field
you’ll come to Martin Lane. Turn left and within 75
yards you’ll come to the aforementioned tea shop.
Carry on Martin Lane in the same direction, through
the junction with Merscar Lane. Just before the
crossing over the canal, follow the path on the right
which leads to the towpath, then turn left under the
For those with the OS Maps
app on your desktop, mobile or
tablet, this walk is named:
JT Burscough Bridge

62
Puzzle Solutions
S C H U R C H E R C
T C A R V I N G E H
U B N S S F B A M N
V E C W T G T R A S
M T I R O L T D I G
canal bridge towards Burscough. Follow the canal
for almost two miles past two swing bridges (31-
New Lane and 32-Crabtree Lane) until you exit the
canal at bridge 32a – Burscough Bridge.
You are right by Burscough Wharf and the village
centre. Turn left and go through the centre for 325
yards until you get to the finish point of Burscough
Bridge rail station.
O T E R N R E N N N
S B N C E B G V S D
18
A R T E F A C T P W
I O S M N C E L P A
C N E E U O A O T L
T Z T R U I N S H K
W E A P O N W A N S
G Y D S A B B E Y M
WIGGLE WORDS: FOUR LEAFED CLOVER
2 1 0 5
9 4 7 8
9 2 3 1
4 3 2 5
24 10 12 19
8
28
15
14
14
WORD MIX UP: ARCHAEOLOGY, WYND, ARCHIVE, POTTERY, ANGLO SAXON, BATTLEFIELD, ROMAN, BROOCH

63
Small really can be
beautiful
by Angie Barker
So many of us have small gardens these
days but any outside space is a wonderful
addition to a home which is why we should make
the most of every inch of space and make our
gardens attractive, as well as practical, outdoor
rooms.
Small gardens need extra consideration however
and here are a few pointers when thinking about
the design of a small space:
Decide what style you are going for and stick to that
theme. So a contemporary garden, choose plants
which will complete the look – Phormiums and
Bamboos for example and go with straight lines. A
courtyard garden should use Buxus sempervirens
(Box) hedges and topiary. A more traditional style
can use sweeping curves and circles.
Don’t try to cram too much into a small space – less
is more!
Plants need to earn their keep so choose specimens
which have long seasons of interest and a good
balance of evergreens. Also limit your colour palette
because too many colours in a small garden will
make the borders appear cluttered
If your garden is shady make the bold decision to
remove the lawn as it will always struggle. There is
a fantastic range of paving products available now
and small cobble setts really suit a small space
You should incorporate a focal point - a large pot
(unplanted) can do the trick perfectly. Similarly a
bird bath, sun dial or sculpture
Use the walls and fences to grow climbers which
will green up the space and make it feel larger
There are lots of clever storage solutions available
these days like benches with hinged seats and
screening ideas to hide away those dreaded
wheelie bins.
And one of the best things about a small garden is
that you can get close up and personal with your
plants and really look at their beautiful detail. One
of the best for May must be Dicentra spectabilis
(Lamprocapnos spectabilis is the new name) or
Bleeding Heart. There is a white form called ‘Alba’
which is simply stunning.
Award Winner
I’m always telling Hubby that the best things come in
small packages – he is not very tall at 5 feet 8 inches
– but what there is of him is perfectly designed !
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

64
St Helens Digger
& Dumper Hire
Ideal for digging holes; trenches;
garden ponds; irrigation ditches; footing, plus landscaping,
stump removal and many more uses.
• High Lift Skip Loader available to work with digger
• Compactors/Wackers for hire
T: 01744 380466 / 07947 425288
• Garden Walls • Patios • Fencing
• Driveways • Garden Maintenance
Fully Insured
Call Michael now for a free quote
01695 363859 or 07977 534387
a1brickworkandgardens.co.uk
Garden need a little
LTC?
• Tree Surgery
• Flagging & Fencing
• Landscaping & Design
• Garden Clearances
• Logs For Sale
Wood chipping & stump grinder services
Call Lloyd today for a free estimate
01942 367170 / 07900 738637
AABRON
LANDSCAPING
SERVICES
• Raised Beds • Artificial Grass
• Lawns Re-Turfed • Driveways & Patios
• Fencing, Flagging & Block Paving
• Gardens Designed & Constructed
Free fixed-price quotations provided
All genuine like-for-like
quotes beaten!
01744 606 080 / 07780 801 341
51 Sandringham Drive, WA9 3TQ
www.aabronlandscaping.co.uk
Cricket St, Wigan, WN6 7TP
www.ltcgroup.co.uk
Want to promote your company in
LocalLife
Call Clare: 01744 649 722
locallife247.co.uk
LocalLife
SMN
Tree and Landscape Management
West Lancashire District Council approved contractor
Day: 07970 521 692 Eve: 01942 214 121
www.smntrees.co.uk steve@smntrees.co.uk

65
garden maintenance
weed control to lawn &
driveways
hedge cutting
garden tidy ups
Garden Services & Lawncare
fertilising & moss control
turfing & landscaping
tree surgery
one off jobs or regular
maintenance
HND qualified. PA1 PA2 & PA6 spraying qualifications.
20 years experience. Billinge based.
jmagardenservices.co.uk
day: 07929 366769 eve: 01744 302793
Garden Make-Overs
Before
After
•Landscaping
•Driveways
•Decking
•Design
Call for free estimate
Colin 07958 302 166
Brian 07760 160 988
Wilson Brothers
01695 633173
Wilson Brothers
www.wilson-bros.co.uk
Transform your garden in 2018!
We’ll design & create a modern
low-maintenance garden using;
artificial grass
paving & decking
lighting & features
Our wide range of artificial grass
are all guaranteed for 10 years
For the perfect lawn all year round!
10 YEAR
GUARANTEE
Call Andy today for more details
01744 882 244 ~ 07941 602 539
Check out our projects on www.turfcouk.co.uk
Want a beautiful
garden without all
the hard work?
At GreenHills we don’t just treat your lawns, we
offer a complete service all year round.
• APPLICATION OF LAWN TREATMENTS
• GARDEN MAINTENANCE / ONE OFF TIDY UPS
• JETWASHING DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS
• HEDGES & SHRUBS MAINTAINED
• WEED SPRAYING OF PATHS & DRIVEWAYS
• BILLINGE BASED
Paving Driveways Turfing
Planting
Decking
Creative solutions for all garden sizes & budgets
07850 940 429 or 01942 512 635
www.orrellpaving.co.uk
Professional Lawn Treatment
& Garden Maintenance
~ Est. 2001 ~
01744 893 477 or 07950 651 956
GreenhillsLC@gmail.com

66
Test Drive
DS 7
Crossback
by Tim Barnes-Clay
Tim Barnes-Clay, is back from
his latest car launch. This
time he was invited to Windsor
to sample the all-new DS 7
Crossback.
At first sight, the DS 7 Crossback
shows off conservative, rather
than cool, characteristics. Yes, yes,
I know beauty is in the eye of the
beholder. But this is my opinion,
and someone needs to have one.

67
On the move, body lean
is kept to a minimum,
even though the steering
is spongy and dead -
and it isn’t perked up by
changing the DS into its
Sport mode.
Don’t let me rain on the
DS7 Crossback’s parade
too much, though. The
French motor is best kept
in its Comfort setting, so
that you can make the
most of its respectable
ride quality. This car
isn’t all about the zero
to 62mph sprint, it’s far
happier as a laid-back cruiser. But it can still pull
okay, with the 2.0-litre diesel model doing the
0-62mph in just under 10 seconds.
The DS marque is launching the Crossback with four
different trim levels, and the Performance Line DS 7,
as driven here, is likely to be the model to please
the masses. This car gets 19-inch alloys, a gloss
black grille, and LED lights. In the cabin, leather
and Alcantara abound, while a 12-inch touchscreen
infotainment screen hogs the limelight. Playing
second fiddle to the big display is a large analogue
clock, perched above the ignition button.
The infotainment system itself is intuitive and
responsive and is supported by a bunch of touch
sensitive switches for the cabin controls. But more
remarkable in this car segment is the adding of
an infrared night vision camera that projects a
Mobile car valeting
Tel: 07803 053 715
e: cjvalet@yahoo.co.uk
www.cjvaleting.net
Treat your car
to the professional touch
PCP or lease coming to an end?
Call me now and save £000’s
SCuffS/SCratCheS mended
minor dentS repaired
alloy wheel repairS
no Vat Charged
we’ll beat any quote!
Call Chris on
01942 215 111 or 07969 357 751
www.cosmeticar.co.uk

68
vivid picture onto the driver’s display. It picks
out pedestrians and animals ahead of you, and,
as I found out driving around Berkshire’s unlit
backroads, it works! The only drawback is that the
clever driver aid is an option costing £1600.
Room in the cabin is good for five-up and it’s a
very comfortable car fore and aft. Indeed, the
DS 7 Crossback’s flat floor means that a rear seat
occupant sitting in the middle will still have
space. What’s more, the car’s boot is generously
proportioned with 555 litres of cargo capacity.
The all-new DS’ weak point is its price-tag. At over
£30,000, other more established premium brands
may seem more attractive. The BMW X3 and Volvo
XC40 are examples of the stiff competition the up-
Fast Facts
• 0-62 mph: 9.9 secs
• Combined mpg: 57.6
• Engine layout: 1997cc four-cylinder turbo diesel
• Max. power (PS): 180
• CO2: 128 g/km
• Price: £36,335
to-the-minute French machine is up against.
Still, being different is quite appealing, so it’ll be
interesting to see what 2018 holds for the DS 7
Crossback. Watch this space!
Want to drive your sales?
Advertising packages start from £35 + VAT a month.
For more information call 01744 649 722
LocalLife

69
Mr Soot
CHIMNEY SWEEP
Woodburners Open fires Stoves
mr-soot.com
07724 311 992
Over 40 Lancashire
walks
LocalLife
FREE to download at
locallife247.co.uk
Our engineers will rePAir yOur;
• wAshers/Dryers
• COOkers/hObs
• FriDges/VACuums
A friendly, efficient and reliable service
Our mobile repair service works Mon-Sat
CAll us tODAy On 01942 833 908
Unit 5, Caroline Street, Wigan WN3 4EL
www.aspull-domestics.co.uk
Mark Mitchell
Stained Glass & Leaded Lights
• Traditional Leaded Lights & Stained Glass
• Manufactured & Repaired
• New Commissions
• On-Site Repairs
• 25 Years Experience
Unit 15, Chalon Way Industrial Estate, St Helens, WA10 1AU
Tel: 0151 426 2814 Mob: 07711 841735
www.markmitchellstainedglass.co.uk

70
CALL PAUL
LOCKSMITHS
ESTABLISHED 2000
• UPVC & WOODEN DOOR SPECIALIST
• Emergency Door Opening
• UPVC Door Lock Repairs
• UPVC Door Lock Changes
• UPVC Door Lock Upgrades
• Wood Door Lock Changes
• All Work Guaranteed
GARAGE DOOR
REPAIRS
All GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED :
Springs, Cables, Locks, Rollers etc.
Doors of all ages repaired
01744 894939 / 07891 330214
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk
Strawberry Cottage, Pimbo Road, St.Helens WN8 9QL
A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company
Call Paul for a
Fast, Reliable, Professional Service
TELEPHONE
01744 526 589
MOBILE
07932 718 362
WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK
Specialists in boiler installations, repair & maintenance
All work fully warranted
Email ops@hotmail.co.uk
Book a boiler health check for £65
& get a carbon monoxide
alarm (RRP £29) FREE!
Call the team on
01744 892437
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
FINANCE
OPTIONS
AVAILABLE
506515

Upvc Windows & Doors I Conservatories,
Soffits & Fascias I Composite Doors I Bi-Fold Doors
Established in 1984 as an emergency glazing service, today Dennis Goulding has grown and moved
forward to offer all you need to maintain, enhance and expand your home. We continually invest in and
embraced the latest changes in energy efficiency regulations, and still remain a local family business that
cares and takes pride in what we do. We don’t employ pushy salesmen, but pride ourselves on working
with and listening to our customers to give them exactly what they want. We will treat you with respect
every step of the way and on that you have my word! Stuart Goulding
Don’t forget, we also offer all of these services daily...
Glass Cut to size, Sealed Double Glazed Units Manufactured on site, Same Day Service, Safety
Glass, Toughened Glass, Mirrors, Greenhouse Glass, Glazing Service, Misted Units Replaced
Unit 16, Ainscough Business Park, Mossy Lea Road,
Wrightington, WN6 9RS
Dennis Goulding
(Drive onto ‘Ainscough Building Supplies’)
Telephone: 01257 427 000
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
www.dglwindows.co.uk
A5209
Standish
Shevington
B5250
Open:
J27
A49
TwinLakesMotorEngin ers
Wind Turbines
Heat Pumps
LED Lighting
.and general
Energy Savings
and we’ l provide you with a
detailed report showing the
returns available from your
own solar panels
(10% typical return)
Visit our showr om at
Unit 4a,
Cricket Str et Busine s Park
o f Miry Lane,
Wigan.
WN6 7TP
or
Email: info@docsolarelectrical.co.uk
Website: www.docsolarelectrical.co.uk
71
Providing professional carpet &
upholstery cleaning since 1993
Carpets Upholstery Curtains
Leather Oriental Rugs Hard Floors
For more information call:
01925 411 449
Visit our website and check out the testimonials.
www.alliancechemdry.co.uk
T: 01942 409401
M: 07881 816839
- Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
- Specialist Leather Cleaning
- Fully insured and trained member of NCCA
- FREE no obligation pre-inspection and quote
www.carrolls-carpetandupholstery.co.uk
Design & Print
Flyers, postcards, brochures
and distribution service.
For more information call
01744 649 722
LocalLife
Gel
Nails
normally £20
now £15
Lashes
Spray Tan
Sunbeds
Acrylic & Gel Nails
Natalies @ Studio 84
84 Rainford Road, Billinge WN5 7PG
Telephone: 07814 619 400
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10AM - 7PM, Saturday 10AM - 6PM
Closed Thursday & Sunday
Mo sy Lea Road
T
Y
R
E
S
Solar Thermal
& Solar PV
Book
your FREE
home survey
CAR & VAN SERVICING
.and motorcycles too
FREE
Car Health Check
for all residents of Croston and Bretherton
Keep me until you need me!
Book your FREE Car Health Check
Ca l now on
01772 603923
REPAIR & WELDING
Saving money is
the clear benefit!
Slash your electricity and
water heating bi l
Protect your household from
future energy price rises
Reduce your household’s
E
X
H
A
U
S
T
S
impact on the environment
Call us now
0843 224 9555
07595 420237
UPVC CLEANING
• Windows, Fascias, Gutters etc.
CONSERVATORIES
• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning)
• Glass roofs / Orangeries
JETWASHING
• Driveways & Patios etc.
ROOF CLEANING
• Moss Removal
(No Jet washing/No mess)
• NEW Soft Wash Cleaning
SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF
ALL CLEANING PACKAGES
Call Clint for a free no obligation quote.
01744 470 051 or 07834 241 642
www.justcleanpropertycare.co.uk
Ovenclean will transform your oven and
put the sparkle back into your kitchen!
• Ovens
• Grills
• Extractors
• BBQ’s
as seen
ON TV
• Hobs
• Ranges
• Microwaves
• AGA’s
Call today to book your oven clean
0800 840 7127 or
07724 694337
www.ovenclean.com

72
Matthew Rigby
Property Services
Damp Control Specialists
We provide an honest, accurate
assessment of your damp
problems using state of the art
diagnostic equipment.
Call us to assess your property
and we will provide you with a
comprehensive damp report.
Contact Matthew on
07840 096 233
Reliable, friendly, local service
01744 602931 or 07756 274503
7 Albany Avenue, Eccleston Park, L34 2QN
STICKEM AND GROUT
Tiling by Phil Thompson
• Wall and Floor Installations
• Kitchens, Bathrooms and conversions
• Repairs and Re Grouting
• Clean and Reliable Service
Household small works services also available
T: 07757 097119 E: THOMPSONSTILING2017@GMAIL.COM
Boost your Business in 2018
Advertising packages start from £35 + VAT a month.
For more information call 01744 649 722
LocalLife
A.J.Davies Est.1991
Painter & Decorator
Paper Hanging a Speciality
Friendly & Very Reliable Service
Both Domestic & Commercial
Trading for over 26 years
Call Adam on 01744 755 005
e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk
MARDEC
Painters & Decorators
Internal and external work
Domestic or commercial
jobs welcomed
Free inspirational
advice & quotes
No job too small
Established 1992
01744 894 431
07931 282 896

Transform your home
with a brand new driveway
73
Resin Driveways
Made in Lancashire
Established over 25 years
Tarmac Driveways
J.P.Surfacing
42, Seymour Road,
Astley Bridge,
Bolton, BL1 8PT
01204 590 499
jp-surfacing.co.uk

74
Our Focus Is
Quality & Price
LOCAL FAMILY
FIRM
All aspects
of Building &
Roofing UPVC
Rooflines
References Available
From a Loose
Slate to a
Complete
Construction
Extensions &
Alterations Specialists
Call us on... 01744 600074
Mobile: 07867 592460
13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA
• WILSON BROS •
Est. 1985
Roofing & Roofline Specialists
• All aspects of maintenance & repair
• Fascia & soffit installation
• Guttering and felting services
Call us now for a free estimate
01695 633173
Colin: 07958 302 166
Brian: 07760 160 988
www.wilson-bros.co.uk
M H Roofing
Established over 15 years
Friendly advice and competitive rates
No job too small
• High Performance Felt Flat Roof Systems
• Storm Damage and Insurance Work
• Slating and Tiling full roofs
• Poiniting and Guttering • Fascia Boards
Call 01744 884117
or 07702 693225
www.mhroofingltd.co.uk
Fully Insured & Insurance
Backed Guarantees
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

75
Come and visit the largest
showroom in the North West
®
Quality installations of windows,
doors, fascias, soffits and gutters
First for quality • First for service • First for reliability
No contractors • No salesmen
Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business
Rockdoor
Approved
Installer Reg No
02767596
SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS
Established 16 years
Call us for a Free Quote
Office Number: 01942 871 777
Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE
warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk