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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Edition<br />
<strong>November</strong> <strong>2020</strong><br />
Catching up with the<br />
Hotpots<br />
Pages 44-47<br />
Crafty Christmas<br />
Pages 22-23<br />
Then & Now Pemberton<br />
Page 24<br />
Education Section<br />
Pages 34-41<br />
Making an Entrance<br />
Pages 56-59<br />
Jack’s Tracks – Tontine<br />
Pages 72-74<br />
LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALKS | COMPETITIONS | HOME & GARDEN SERVICES
2<br />
TIMBER, FENCING & DECKING NWTT<br />
AGGREGATES<br />
TIMBER DECKING<br />
MADE to<br />
MEASURE<br />
GATES & FITTINGS<br />
NEW<br />
COMPOSITE<br />
DECKING<br />
PAVING<br />
ARTIFICIAL GRASS<br />
SHEET MATERIALS<br />
FENCE<br />
PANELS<br />
SOFTWOOD TIMBER<br />
& PROFILES<br />
CUT to<br />
SIZE<br />
SLEEPERS<br />
NEW<br />
BUILDING<br />
MATERIALS<br />
TAKE AWAY<br />
TODAY<br />
LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS<br />
FOR OVER 30 YEARS<br />
Ashton-in-Makerfield - Lockett Rd, South Lancs Ind Est, WN4 8DE<br />
St. Helens - 304 Jackson Street, WA9 3AZ T: 01744 454110<br />
01942 720777|sales@nwtt.co.uk|www.nwtt.co.uk<br />
Ashton-in-Makerfield • St Helens • Walkden • Skelmersdale • Rossendale<br />
Supplying everything for the job - timber and much more...<br />
FASCIA &<br />
GUTTERING<br />
NWTT<br />
NORTH WEST TIMBER TREATMENTS<br />
Timber & Builders Merchants<br />
Open to the Public & Trade<br />
Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-12 noon<br />
STRUCTURAL / PLANED TIMBERS | FENCING TIMBERS | GATES & FITTINGS<br />
DECKING | DECORATIVE AGGREGATES | BRICKS & BLOCKS | FLAGS<br />
SAND/CEMENT/STONE | PLASTERING & INSULATION PRODUCTS | AND MORE
3<br />
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER<br />
Fires - Fireplaces - Stoves - Gas - Electric - Multifuel<br />
All tastes & budgets catered for<br />
Our reputation is your guarantee!<br />
Rated: 5 star on Facebook 5 star on Google<br />
The<br />
ireplace<br />
INC<br />
The Stoveplace <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Telephone: 01942 583 558<br />
721 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN5 8AQ (FREE parking to the rear)<br />
wiganfiresandfireplaces.co.uk
4<br />
Hands up if you feel like ‘doing a hedgehog’ and<br />
going into hibernation for the winter, only<br />
emerging when this madness ends?<br />
Unlike the last lockdown, which took place amid some<br />
glorious weather, the latest restrictions will take in a dark<br />
and cold time of year and they could take a much heavier<br />
mental toll on those who are feeling isolated or fragile.<br />
Please do your best to recognise who these people are,<br />
as it is not always obvious, and do your best to keep in<br />
touch with them. A simple phone call, text or message<br />
can mean a lot.<br />
Let us also try and rethink the way we do Christmas this<br />
year. Instead of starting our Christmas shopping in city<br />
centre crowds, on the web and in the supermarkets, let’s<br />
try the local option first. There are many local outlets with<br />
imaginative ranges of Christmas gifts (some of them in<br />
this magazine).<br />
And despite everything that’s happening, please don’t<br />
lose sight of the fact that things will get better in 2021.<br />
The vaccines are already rolling off the production lines<br />
and it’s just a matter of time before the human race<br />
defeats this virus.<br />
Yes, this Christmas is going to be strange but just look<br />
forward to the party we’re going to have next Christmas<br />
making up for lost time!<br />
On behalf of all at <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>, our best wishes for a happy<br />
and safe Christmas and we’ll see you in 2021. Now where’s<br />
the nearest pile of leaves?<br />
Chris Pearce, Publisher<br />
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk<br />
Keep in touch with the<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong> Team!<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Telephone: 01695 627 999<br />
info@locallife247.co.uk<br />
locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN1 9UB<br />
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the<br />
publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss<br />
or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of<br />
this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd.
5<br />
This month’s highlights<br />
44. Catching up with the Hotpots<br />
Contents<br />
24. Then & Now<br />
22. Crafty Christmas<br />
34. Education Section<br />
12. Beauty<br />
Gifts of Gorgeousness<br />
28. Food<br />
Cranberry, Orange and Nut Loaf<br />
32. Puzzle Pages<br />
Try these brainteasers for size.<br />
60. Books<br />
Historical Fiction to Dystopian Lit.<br />
64. Travel<br />
Travel Insurance Advice.<br />
68. Health<br />
Managing your Stress.<br />
76. Motoring<br />
Vokswagen e-Up Review.<br />
81. Home & Garden Services<br />
Find the best local traders for you.<br />
52. Pep Up Your Hallway<br />
72. Tontine Walk<br />
Want to<br />
promote your<br />
business in<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>?<br />
Next Issue - December <strong>2020</strong><br />
Advertising deadline - 11th <strong>November</strong><br />
Published - 26th <strong>November</strong><br />
01695 627 999<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk
6<br />
Hospice Support<br />
Hospice UK, the national charity<br />
which leads Hospice Care Week,<br />
estimates that UK hospices have<br />
lost in the region of £70m in<br />
income so far this year, with charity<br />
shops closed throughout the<br />
first lockdown and many major<br />
fundraising events having to be<br />
cancelled.<br />
You can help <strong>Wigan</strong> and Leigh<br />
Hospice face this unprecedented<br />
financial challenge by buying your<br />
Christmas cards from the Hospice<br />
this year. The Hospice has a range of eight Christmas<br />
cards and these are sold in packs of ten cards for £2.99<br />
each online at www.wlh.org.uk.<br />
You can also support Hospice’s annual Light for a <strong>Life</strong><br />
appeal, which provides an opportunity to celebrate and<br />
remember those you love and have loved. A light is lit<br />
on the Hospice Christmas tree<br />
for every dedication made each<br />
year and every name is featured<br />
in a Book of Dedications which is<br />
printed into a bound hard-backed<br />
book and is available to view all<br />
year round.<br />
Dedications can be made to<br />
anyone, there does not need to<br />
be a connection to the Hospice.<br />
It is a simple and moving way of<br />
remembering those you love or<br />
have loved at Christmas time. For<br />
more details, visit www.wlh.org.uk.<br />
The tree switch-on ceremony will be held this year on<br />
Tuesday 8th December at 6.30pm, but the public are not<br />
invited due to COVID-19 restrictions. You can watch this<br />
on the Hospice’s Facebook page or on the <strong>Wigan</strong> and<br />
Leigh Hospice YouTube channel. Please do not attend the<br />
Hospice.
7<br />
Paddle & Pottery<br />
Join the team for a paddle around Scotman’s Flash at<br />
dusk. You will paddle out in rafted canoes, bellboats and<br />
katakanus to see what spookiness lies on the water. When<br />
you return to shore there will be a campfire to warm up<br />
by and you will be able to paint a piece of Halloween<br />
themed pottery from Haigh Stables Gallery to take home<br />
with you.<br />
If you fancy a bit of a treat you can even take your own<br />
marshmallows, chocolate biscuits and flask of hot<br />
chocolate to enjoy around the fire.<br />
The session is suitable from ages 3+ and will take place<br />
on Saturday 31st October from 3.30-5pm and the cost<br />
is £12 per person. To book your place, please email<br />
outdooradventure@ihlmail.org with the number and<br />
ages of the people wanting to take part, preferred boat<br />
and your contact number.<br />
Big Bike Revival Returns<br />
If your pushbike has seen better days or you just don’t feel<br />
confident in giving it a bit of a tune up, then the Big Bike<br />
Revival in <strong>Wigan</strong> might be just the thing you need. The<br />
workshops are funded by Cycle UK and are delivered by<br />
Inspiring Healthy <strong>Life</strong>styles, you simply book a slot, take<br />
your bike for a free check-up and repair and that goes for<br />
bikes of all ages sizes and types.<br />
Sessions will be available in 20-minute timeslots, with<br />
fully qualified bike mechanics carrying out all work and<br />
Covid-19 procedures in place to ensure everything is as<br />
safe as possible. You might even be able to pick up some<br />
cycling goodies and find some information about where<br />
to ride and how to keep your bike in tip-top condition.<br />
Gifts From £12<br />
Complimentary Christmas<br />
gift wrapping available<br />
• Gearing Up Workshop, The Brick Works, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Saturday 31st October, 9am-1pm<br />
• Ashton Leisure Centre<br />
Friday 6th <strong>November</strong>, 4pm-7pm<br />
• Standish Leisure Centre<br />
Saturday 7th <strong>November</strong>, 10am-1pm<br />
Booking is essential so for further information and to<br />
book a time slot, get online and visit<br />
www.getactivecycling.eventbrite.co.uk/<br />
38 Church Road Rainford WA11 8HD<br />
01744 881 588 www.ellamora.co.uk<br />
/ellamora38
8<br />
Quality Furniture at Discount Prices<br />
OuR fANTASTic chRiSTmAS RANGe iS NOW iN!<br />
Most items available for immediate delivery or store collection<br />
20-22 Gerard Street<br />
Ashton-in-Makerfield<br />
WN4 9AA<br />
01942 510888<br />
Open Mon-Sat: 9-5pm, Sun: 10-4pm (Nov-Dec only)<br />
800 Ormskirk Road<br />
Pemberton<br />
WN5 8AX<br />
01942 205988<br />
Open Mon-Sat: 9-5.30pm, Sun: 10-4pm
Now available at<br />
9<br />
Your friendly, quality discounter of essentials, homewares, greeting cards, candles and so much more.<br />
RA-2O3-TR 2/3 Chest<br />
£279.99<br />
80 x 40 x 95cm<br />
RA-5DN-TR 5 Drawer Chest<br />
£249.99<br />
50 x 36 x 115cm<br />
RA-LS-TR Large Sideboard<br />
£299.99<br />
115 x 34 x 80cm<br />
RA-GWR-TR Gents Wardrobe<br />
£479.99<br />
90 x 52 x 185cm<br />
RA-6DC-TR 6 Drawer Chest<br />
£299.99<br />
115 x 40 x 78cm<br />
RA-LBSC-TR 3 Drawer Bedside<br />
£99.99<br />
42 x 35 x 58cm<br />
RA-SBSC-TR 2 Drawer Bedside<br />
£89.99<br />
RA-SFT-TR Square Dining Table<br />
32 x 32 x 58cm<br />
£149.99<br />
75 x 75 x 78cm<br />
RA-12BET-TR Extending Table<br />
£299.99<br />
120/160 x 75 x 75cm<br />
RA-16BET-TR Extending Table<br />
£399.99<br />
160/200 x 85 x 78cm<br />
RA-N3T-TR Nest 3 Tables<br />
£149.99<br />
60 x 38 x 50cm<br />
RA-N2T-TR Nest 2 Tables<br />
£99.99<br />
50 x 32 x 50cm<br />
RA-LCT-TR Large Coffee Table<br />
£199.99<br />
90 x 50 x 45cm<br />
RA-CTV-TR Corner TV Unit<br />
£169.99<br />
90 x 44 x 48cm<br />
RA-STV-TR TV Unit<br />
£159.99<br />
90 x 38 x 45cm<br />
RA-30-TR Bed - 3ft<br />
£229.99<br />
91cm<br />
RA-46-TR Bed - 4ft 6in<br />
£289.99<br />
140cm<br />
RA-50-TR Bed - 5ft<br />
£319.99<br />
152cm<br />
Order online or in-store<br />
www.geetees.co.uk<br />
customerservices@geestees.co.uk<br />
@GeeTeesuk
10<br />
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is<br />
urging communities to do their bit this Autumn and stay<br />
safe, as the Halloween and Bonfire season gets underway<br />
this week.<br />
Festivities will look very different this year as a result of<br />
COVID-19 restrictions, with organised displays cancelled<br />
across Greater Manchester.<br />
With more people expected to celebrate at home,<br />
firefighters are calling on people to take extra care and<br />
remind themselves of Bonfire and firework safety advice<br />
that is available at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk<br />
GMFRS’ Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, said: “The<br />
Halloween and Bonfire period will be as busy as ever<br />
with the expectation that more families and households<br />
will opt to host their own small firework display due to<br />
organised events having been cancelled.<br />
“Our advice would be to not have fireworks and bonfires<br />
this year – instead, stay at home, stay safe and protect our<br />
emergency services. If you do choose to purchase fireworks,<br />
you must do so safely by checking for the CE mark, and you<br />
Safe4Autumn<br />
must follow the Fireworks Code when using them.<br />
“Bonfires can be dangerous if not managed correctly and<br />
they cause problems for our emergency services. If you<br />
are going to have a bonfire in your garden, please do<br />
so safely by following the advice on our website www.<br />
manchesterfire.gov.uk. It’s more important than ever that<br />
people across Greater Manchester celebrate this autumn<br />
safely and responsibly.”<br />
Dino Safari<br />
Haigh Hall have launched a new Dino Safari attraction for<br />
kids! They have teamed up with Love Exploring, which is a<br />
free app that lets you explore your surroundings.<br />
Activities to choose from include the Dino Safari, which<br />
will help you and the kids track down dinosaurs with an<br />
augmented reality game.<br />
You can download the app now by searching for Love<br />
Exploring in your App Store or Google Play Store.<br />
ASHTON UPHOLSTERY<br />
CUSTOM MADE SUITES DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER<br />
Family run business for over 30 years. Open 7 days.<br />
FREE Home consultation<br />
now available for any<br />
upholstery needs<br />
23 desiGNs,<br />
1000’s OF<br />
Fabrics<br />
ANy spec<br />
Ashton Upholstery, 263 A Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN4 8TG<br />
01942 271268 • ashtonupholstery@outlook.com<br />
Like our page for fantasic special offers www.ashtonupholstery.co.uk<br />
PHONE OR EMAIL FOR FREE BROCHURE
11<br />
NEW 2021<br />
BROCHURE<br />
OUT NOW!<br />
Holidays ~ Short Breaks ~ Day Excursions<br />
Call us on 01942 728960<br />
for your FREE copy<br />
or download a copy from<br />
www.memorylanetravel.co.uk<br />
WiNTER WaRMiNG BREaKS FOR EaRly 2021<br />
Cornwall & Poldark country<br />
11th February – Only £289<br />
5 days/4 nights Dinner B&B<br />
Rosemundy House Hotel, St Agnes<br />
Full Entertainment Package ~ Excursions to<br />
Port Isaac, Padstow, St Ives, Truro ~ Cream Tea<br />
Bodelwyddan Castle<br />
29th January – Only £224<br />
4 days/3 nights Dinner B&B<br />
Full leisure facilities<br />
Entertainment<br />
Excursions to Llandudno and Betws-y-Coed<br />
WHy TRavEl WiTH MEMORy laNE?<br />
3 Home pick-up for holidays 3 Executive coach travel 3 Quality hotels 3 <strong>Local</strong> well-established operator<br />
Moss industrial Estate,<br />
William Way,<br />
leigh WN7 3PT<br />
01942 728960 • www.memorylanetravel.co.uk<br />
Memory Lane Holidays is a trading name of Ashcrofts Mini Travel Ltd. Company Number 06950361
12<br />
Gifts of<br />
Gorgeousness<br />
Beauty gifts that Santa will wish he thought of, from stocking fillers to luxury treats<br />
Eco lovers will appreciate Biovene<br />
Solid Shampoo and Conditioner<br />
Bars (£4 each). They’re also a great<br />
gift for anyone planning on going<br />
travelling next year, as they take up<br />
very little space in a suitcase but last<br />
for weeks. The bars are free from<br />
parabens, sulphates and other harsh<br />
chemicals and use natural goodies<br />
like macadamia oil and shea butter<br />
to gently cleanse and nourish hair.<br />
See www.justmylook.com.<br />
Alternatively, the Eco Warrior Mini<br />
Cube by the Little Soap Company<br />
(www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk)<br />
is as pretty as it is eco. For £8, you<br />
get a Sensitive Facial Bar, Exfoliating<br />
Bar, Shampoo<br />
Bar and Shaving<br />
Bar. They’re all<br />
plant-based, free<br />
from synthetics<br />
and packed<br />
with natural<br />
ingredients such as essential oils,<br />
pink clay, oatmeal and coconut oil.<br />
What make-up lover isn’t a fan of<br />
Urban Decay’s Naked Eyeshadow<br />
Palettes (£43)? The Ultraviolet one<br />
is likely to cause squeals of delight<br />
on Christmas Day from any fan of<br />
a bold smoky eye.<br />
The twelve shades are a mix of<br />
mattes, metallic and shimmers. The<br />
focus is purple, from lilac to deepest<br />
aubergine (but with names like<br />
‘Euphoric’ and ‘Cyber Punk’…), and<br />
there are complementary nudes and<br />
golds to create the perfect dramatic<br />
eye. As you’d expect from Urban<br />
Decay (www.urgandecay.co.uk), the<br />
shadows go on easily and stay put<br />
for hours. Pair the palette with the<br />
Lash Freak Mascara (£21) for extra<br />
brownie points.<br />
Most of us rarely treat ourselves<br />
to a new make-up bag, but they’re<br />
always nice to get. (Because, let’s<br />
face it, how many of us ever get<br />
around to cleaning out the powder,<br />
lipstick stains and other gunk that<br />
accumulates in them?) The Tierra<br />
Palm Multi-coloured Makeup Bag<br />
(£16.50) from Oliver Bonas is likely<br />
to be well-received. If you’re feeling<br />
especially generous, team it with the<br />
coordinating Wash Bag (£24).<br />
Do you make your own Christmas<br />
crackers? Forget a plastic fish or<br />
silver napkin ring, pop in a Leighton<br />
Denny Back to Nature Nail Polish in<br />
Peony or Forest (£12) instead. They’re<br />
vegan, 75% natural and designed to<br />
have a lower impact on<br />
the environment than<br />
most nail varnishes.<br />
See www.LD-Boutique.<br />
com.<br />
Give someone the gift<br />
of a good night’s sleep<br />
with the Tonic Velvet<br />
Eye Mask (£15 from<br />
www.amara.com) and<br />
This Works’ Choose Sleep Kit (£10<br />
from www.thisworks.com). The<br />
mask is velvet on one side and satin<br />
on the other, so it feels lush against<br />
skin. The Choose Sleep Kit contains<br />
miniatures of two of This Works’<br />
bestselling products – the Deep<br />
Sleep Pillow Spray and Stress Check<br />
Roll-On.<br />
Know someone who loves<br />
luxuriating in the bath tub? A<br />
Biovene Hair Wrap Treatment (£3<br />
from www.justmylook.com) would<br />
make a great stocking filler. It’s easy<br />
to use: just pop it over your hair, use<br />
the sticky tab to keep it in place, and<br />
then rinse off after twenty minutes.<br />
It smells divine<br />
and leaves hair<br />
feeling softer and<br />
healthier.
13<br />
Shop safe, stay local<br />
We stock a wide range of Christmas<br />
presents for both women and men.<br />
Exclusive Christmas gift packs<br />
from Clarins and Espa<br />
You can order Christmas gifts or beauty products by phone, via email or<br />
via our online store, with free delivery within a 7-mile radius of Billinge.<br />
Gift wrapped options are available.<br />
Socially distanced personal shopping trips to pick out your Christmas<br />
gifts can be pre-booked, please call us to book a convenient time.<br />
Looking for inspiration?<br />
Christmas gift vouchers are available online or via our app.<br />
Visit our website or Facebook page to check out the latest offers<br />
Expressions Of Beauty<br />
161-171, Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PA<br />
01744 894 214<br />
www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk
14<br />
Specialists in:<br />
• Family Law • Personal Injury<br />
• Wills & Probate<br />
Call us today to arrange a<br />
free 30 minute consultation<br />
Rachel Jane Taylor<br />
Solicitor & Director<br />
RJT Solicitors<br />
44 High Street,<br />
Standish,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>,<br />
WN6 0HF<br />
Donna Gamble<br />
Solicitor<br />
01257 228027 / 01942 409154<br />
www.rjtsolicitors.co.uk<br />
60 Second<br />
Mortgage<br />
Review<br />
With rates still historically low,<br />
call us today to see if we can save £’s off<br />
your existing mortgage<br />
Call us on<br />
01257 441580<br />
or for more information visit<br />
www.armortgagesuk.com<br />
YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS<br />
ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.<br />
Alexander Ross Mortgages is a trading style of WE Financial Services Limited<br />
which is an appointed representative of LJ Financial Planning Limited which<br />
is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
15<br />
Heritage Survey<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Council are looking for residents to complete<br />
a survey about the Borough’s heritage environment.<br />
This includes historic buildings, structures and ruins,<br />
conservation areas, historic gardens and landscapes.<br />
If you want to have your say about buildings such as<br />
Winstanley Hall and Haigh Hall, here is your chance.<br />
This consultation draft Historic Environment Strategy sets<br />
out the Council’s vision and priorities for the protection<br />
of the borough’s historic environment, together with a<br />
robust framework to support the delivery of projects that<br />
affect it.<br />
The Council owns several heritage assets, but most are<br />
owned and managed privately by people and businesses,<br />
or by local community groups and voluntary bodies.<br />
The council wants this strategy to be used by all those<br />
groups, so that they can work in co-operation with local<br />
communities and the council to help conserve and<br />
enhance the borough’s historic environment.<br />
This survey will close on Monday 9th <strong>November</strong> <strong>2020</strong> –<br />
to have your say just visit; www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/<br />
Consultations/Consultations.aspx
16<br />
Volunteers Needed<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Borough Community Partnership are on the<br />
lookout for volunteers. The <strong>Wigan</strong> Borough Volunteer<br />
Hub is run by <strong>Wigan</strong> Borough Community Partnership, a<br />
registered charity which exists to provide advice, training,<br />
and support to the voluntary, community and social<br />
enterprise sector of <strong>Wigan</strong> Borough.<br />
The Hub is looking for people who would be willing to<br />
support individuals in the community who are selfisolating,<br />
by helping with a range of activities including,<br />
personal shopping, food deliveries and care calls.<br />
Can you help? If this sounds like something you might<br />
like to get involved with please contact the Community<br />
Partnership on 01942 363621 or by emailing info@<br />
wbcommunitypartnership.org<br />
2021 Concerts<br />
Family portraits<br />
Personalised keepsakes<br />
Souvenir shirts<br />
Sporting memorabilia<br />
Cross-stitching and Craft<br />
We don’t just make frames,<br />
we frame memories<br />
Wide choice of quality frames<br />
Expert advice and efficient service<br />
Call 01942 718602<br />
25 Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8AA<br />
Open: Tuesday-Friday 10-4, Saturday 9.30-12<br />
On-site Parking<br />
www.artisanframingservices.co.uk<br />
Despite the effect<br />
that the current<br />
health crisis is<br />
having on the arts<br />
and entertainment<br />
industry, Jockey<br />
Club Live are busy<br />
lining up race night<br />
events for the 2021<br />
season at Haydock<br />
Park and Aintree<br />
racecourses. The<br />
Jockey Club Live<br />
events are renowned for combining a fun-filled evening<br />
at the races with a spectacular evening concert in the<br />
informal and relaxed open-air setting of the hallowed turf.<br />
Confirmed events at Haydock so far are Tom Jones (19th<br />
June) and Olly Murs (17th July), and the confirmed event<br />
at Aintree so far is Nile Rodgers & Chic (11th June). Jockey<br />
Club Live events are also held at Newmarket, Sandown<br />
and Carlisle racecourses.<br />
Tickets for all the events are now available at www.<br />
thejockeyclublive.co.uk and the Jockey Club Live offer a<br />
money back guarantee if cancelled.<br />
Keep your eyes peeled for <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> issues early in 2021<br />
when we will be running a couple of ticket giveaways for<br />
these events.
17
18<br />
Rememberance Sunday<br />
Preparations have been made for <strong>Wigan</strong> Borough to mark<br />
Remembrance Sunday in a different way this year. The<br />
council usually arranges 14 events but a new format is<br />
required in light of the global pandemic and to ensure<br />
public health guidelines are adhered to.<br />
It means officers will focus on supporting services at the<br />
parish churches in <strong>Wigan</strong> and Leigh where restrictions on<br />
the number of attendees will be in place. To avoid large<br />
gatherings, no parades or outside services are being<br />
organised.<br />
At each cenotaph managed by the council, poppy signs<br />
will be installed to help residents with social distancing<br />
and there will be marshals in the areas during busy<br />
periods. Residents who would like to lay wreaths or<br />
pay their respects are asked to do so throughout the<br />
day, rather than gathering at 11am. The council are also<br />
encouraging residents and schools to display poppy<br />
posters and designs in their windows.<br />
The respective services at <strong>Wigan</strong> and Leigh parish<br />
churches will have limited attendance with priority given<br />
to Armed Forces organisations. Following the services,<br />
which will be streamed live, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor<br />
will lay wreaths at the respective cenotaphs.<br />
<strong>Local</strong> churches may organise their own services but<br />
will be required to have their own risk assessments and<br />
Covid-safety provisions in place.<br />
Mini Makers<br />
If you are looking for something to occupy your little<br />
one, then why not have a go at the monthly mini makers<br />
session at <strong>Wigan</strong> Steam? You and your budding artist can<br />
enjoy a morning of crafty activity including messy play,<br />
making, sticking, gluing and lots of creative learning fun!<br />
There are two sessions a month and the next one will be<br />
held on Wednesday 4th <strong>November</strong> at 10am. The cost of<br />
the ticket is £2.50 and this admits one child and one adult,<br />
to help the centre adhere to social distancing measures.<br />
You can book your tickets by going online at www.<br />
wigansteam.co.uk/events<br />
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19<br />
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We have over 20’000 sq.ft of<br />
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Wide selection of quality lounge suites<br />
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Large selection of occasional furniture,<br />
mirrors, pictures, lamps and other<br />
accessories.<br />
Goodyear Furniture Centre:<br />
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Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm / Sat 10am - 4pm / Sun 11am - 4pm<br />
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01704 821577<br />
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A highly recommended family name established in 1982
20<br />
A Christmas like no other<br />
With Christmas markets closed and many unwilling to risk the crowds in city centres and<br />
large shopping centres, you may be wondering just how you can buy imaginative and personal<br />
gifts for those family, friends and neighbours who have gone over and above to help this year.<br />
The gorgeous Love It Gallery in Billinge has an excellent range of original gifts to suit all<br />
budgets, made from craftspeople, many of them local. From Christmas cards, wrapping, advent<br />
calendars and decorations, right through to gifts sets, accessories, jewellery, ceramics, and<br />
soft furnishings, the Love It Gallery has got something for everyone this Christmas.<br />
Demand is sure to be high this year, so call<br />
in soon for a great selection of gifts.<br />
Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG<br />
Open: 9.30am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday<br />
Telephone: 01695 622 332
21<br />
As the home of Morpheus Glass,<br />
it’s not surprising that the range<br />
of inspirational glass art at Love<br />
It Gallery is huge, with clocks,<br />
bowls, mirrors, vases, wall<br />
panels and much more featuring<br />
prominently, many pieces carrying<br />
the rainbow theme of <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
On site at the gallery is the<br />
Bag & Bean café, where<br />
you can enjoy coffee, cake<br />
and light lunches, socially<br />
distanced style - with<br />
additional outdoor and<br />
undercover seating with<br />
heating.
22<br />
Wishing you a<br />
Crafty Christmas<br />
By Nicola Gray<br />
Is there anything more treasured or satisfying come to think<br />
of it, than homemade Christmas decorations? There is one<br />
sure-fire way to get into the Christmas spirit, and in my<br />
opinion that is a bit of Christmas DIY. In our house we still<br />
lovingly decorate our tree with past their best sourdough<br />
decorations made in the 80’s and cardboard stars that<br />
have long since lost their glitter. The pudding making starts<br />
months in advance and we have been known to knock up<br />
the odd Christmas cupcake.<br />
Whether it is a reindeer cut out by your little ones or a<br />
homemade festive wreath adorning your front door,<br />
make-your-own decorations will always take pride of<br />
place. These days the options are endless, with craft<br />
fayres, wreath making courses and children’s craft kits,<br />
you cannot fail to be inspired.<br />
With social distancing threatening to put a bit of damper<br />
on festivities this year, we thought we would take a<br />
look at what is on offer, from decorating gifts, crafting<br />
handmade gifts for your loved ones and getting the kids<br />
involved with some scrumptious treats.<br />
Wreath Making<br />
Wreath making has become exceedingly popular over<br />
the last few years, and what’s not to love? You can<br />
craft your own front door decoration, match it to your<br />
preferred colour scheme and have a mulled wine or two<br />
whilst you’re at it! Here are a few wreath making classes<br />
available in the area.<br />
The Lily Pot – this is an online tutorial that you can<br />
do from the comfort of your own home. The workshop<br />
takes 2 hours and starts at £32.93 per wreath. Dates are<br />
available from Monday 16th <strong>November</strong> right the way<br />
through to Monday 21st December. For more information<br />
go to www.thelilypotstandish.co.uk<br />
Olive Owl – will be hosting wreath workshops at the<br />
Posthouse and the Gelato House in Orrell starting from<br />
Tuesday 24th <strong>November</strong>. There are variety of dates<br />
available and you can book on to a traditional wreath<br />
making class, a dried wreath class or if you fancy a bit of<br />
a party try the wreath and rave workshops. Prices start at<br />
£35 and tickets and information on social distancing<br />
can be found at www.oliveowl.co.uk<br />
Blossom Room – will be hosting a<br />
Christmas Wreath class at Alberts<br />
in Standish on Sunday 29th<br />
<strong>November</strong> and Sunday 6th<br />
December. They will also<br />
be hosting a Christmas<br />
Centrepiece workshop on<br />
Monday 21st December<br />
at their base at Windy<br />
Arbour Farm in Billinge.<br />
Prices start at £45 and<br />
you can secure your<br />
place by calling 01942<br />
212900.
23<br />
Christmas Crafts<br />
What could be better<br />
than making your own<br />
Christmas cards and gifts<br />
tags? Getting the children<br />
involved and ramping up the<br />
Christmas spirit, that’s what!<br />
Cedar Farm in Mawdesley will be<br />
hosting a variety of Christmas craft<br />
workshops great for adults and children<br />
alike – sounds like festive heaven.<br />
• The Christmas calligraphy workshop will take place<br />
on 3rd December with a focus on making extra special<br />
Christmas stationery. The price is £55 and all the materials<br />
and kit needed are included in the price. To book your<br />
spot email mellorandrose@icloud.com<br />
• Also, on the list at Cedar Farm is a parent and toddler<br />
Christmas craft session on Wednesday 2nd December<br />
from 9.45am. You can spend an hour getting creative with<br />
your little one making paper mosaics and decorations.<br />
The cost is £7.50 per adult and toddler and this includes<br />
refreshments. For more information or to book your place<br />
please go online at www.cedarfarm.net<br />
Christmas Cupcakes<br />
Now, if like me you can burn water, cake making and<br />
festive baking might not be your strong suit. Not to worry<br />
because Rainbow and Rolling pins in <strong>Wigan</strong> have got you<br />
covered and you too can have homemade festive treats<br />
for Christmas Day.<br />
• Rainbows and Rolling Pins will be offering a Christmas<br />
cupcake box. Each kit includes 4 plain cupcakes, a<br />
tube of buttercream, 4 printed toppers, a selection<br />
of Christmas sweets and a bag of festive sprinkles.<br />
Each kit costs £10 and are available<br />
to order from December 1st to<br />
be collected on December<br />
23rd. To order you kit<br />
please contact Rachel on<br />
07887 397687 or email<br />
rainbowsandrollingpins@<br />
yahoo.com
24<br />
Then & Now Pemberton<br />
The foundation stone for the Carnegie Library in Pemberton<br />
was laid on 12th September 1906 and the grand opening took<br />
place 15 months later on 11<br />
December 1907, attended<br />
by Lord Balcarres and Sam<br />
Wood, the Mayor of <strong>Wigan</strong>.<br />
A view of Pemberton<br />
Station and assorted staff.<br />
The station’s ticket office,<br />
with its Billinge Road<br />
entrance, is to the right-hand side of the bridge and the<br />
waiting room is in the foreground on the left. Year unknown.<br />
A <strong>Wigan</strong>-bound steam<br />
tram and trailer near the<br />
Lichfield Street/Ormskirk<br />
Road junction, circa 1903.<br />
Houses in the snow at Spring Bank, Pemberton, thought to<br />
be in December 1899. The snowfall caused the first of four<br />
postponements of the <strong>Wigan</strong> County vs. Southport in the<br />
Lancashire Senior Cup at Springfield Park.<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>’s Cultural and Heritage venues are open and<br />
warmly welcome you with two new exhibitions….<br />
RADICALS, REBELS & REFORM: Fighting for Change (Museum of <strong>Wigan</strong> <strong>Life</strong>, <strong>Wigan</strong>).<br />
& We Will Always Be Together (The Fire Within, The Galleries, <strong>Wigan</strong>).<br />
Please check website and social media for facilities, opening days and times.<br />
www.wigan.gov.uk/museum | www.thefirewithin.org.uk
25<br />
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26<br />
Cash for Culture<br />
Arts at the Mill CIC has been awarded £945,621 as part<br />
of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund<br />
(CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus<br />
pandemic and to ensure that the organisation has a<br />
sustainable future, the Culture Secretary announced<br />
recently.<br />
Arts at the Mill are one of 1,385 cultural and creative<br />
organisations across the country receiving urgently<br />
needed support.<br />
£257 million of investment has been announced as part<br />
of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants<br />
programme being administered by Arts Council England.<br />
Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage<br />
sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.<br />
The Arts at the Mill Marketing & Communications Director,<br />
Rebecca Davenport said:<br />
“We feel lucky and extremely grateful to have been<br />
awarded this grant. We had to make the difficult decision<br />
to close our doors in March <strong>2020</strong> due to the Coronavirus<br />
pandemic so this money will go a long way in covering<br />
losses incurred in the organisation due to closure”.<br />
Rebecca continued “We now broadcast live performances,<br />
workshops, tutorials, seminars, vlogs and more several<br />
times per week to continue to provide creative output<br />
and to maintain cultural engagement for all. Doing<br />
this has meant we’ve been able to continue offering<br />
paid work in a time when opportunities for artists have<br />
become extremely limited”.<br />
She added “In addition, we’ve thankfully been able to<br />
maintain employment for all our staff members with a<br />
number of them continuing to work and some, having<br />
been furloughed, using their time to volunteer for the<br />
Covid-19 Community Response Team. We can’t thank<br />
DCMS and Arts Council England enough for giving us this<br />
incredible lifeline.”<br />
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28<br />
READY<br />
in 1hr 45mins<br />
plus cooling<br />
Makes 8-10<br />
Cranberry,<br />
orange and nut loaf<br />
This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic Christmas cake.<br />
Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving.<br />
Ingredients<br />
175g unsalted butter, softened<br />
175g golden caster sugar<br />
225g self-raising flour<br />
2 tsp ground mixed spice<br />
½ tsp baking powder<br />
3 large eggs<br />
75g sweetened dried cranberries<br />
50g walnuts & 50g hazelnuts, chopped<br />
Zest of 1 orange<br />
1 tbsp orange juice<br />
FROSTING<br />
Half of a 400g tub ready-made royal icing<br />
2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles<br />
75g fresh cranberries<br />
Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)<br />
Icing sugar, for dusting<br />
Method<br />
1 Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Grease a 900g loaf<br />
tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking<br />
parchment.<br />
2 Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large<br />
bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly<br />
combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice.<br />
3 Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hr-1 hr 15<br />
minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre<br />
of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then<br />
turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.<br />
4 Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake. Scatter over the sugar<br />
sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using. Leave<br />
in a cool place until set. Serve sliced.<br />
TIP: Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festivethemed<br />
sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really<br />
sparkly finish.
29
30<br />
READY<br />
in 30 mins<br />
plus chilling<br />
Serves 6<br />
Potted<br />
Smoked Salmon<br />
This is the perfect starter for the lunch on the big day –<br />
the recipe will easily double up if you are feeding a crowd at Christmas!<br />
Ingredients<br />
275g honey roast salmon flakes<br />
250g smoked salmon slices, chopped<br />
100g unsalted butter, softened<br />
125g full-fat soft cheese<br />
2 tsp creamed horseradish<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
Fresh dill sprigs and green<br />
peppercorns, to garnish<br />
Slices of toasted brown or granary<br />
bread, to serve<br />
Method<br />
1 Reserve about 25g of the salmon flakes for garnish (cover and chill in<br />
the fridge until required).<br />
2 Place the rest of the salmon flakes in a food processor with the smoked<br />
salmon, butter, soft cheese, horseradish and lemon juice. Process until<br />
smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black<br />
pepper and process for a further few seconds.<br />
3 Divide the mixture between 6 small ramekin dishes and level the<br />
surface. Cover and chill in the fridge until required. Garnish with the<br />
rest of the salmon flakes, dill sprigs and green peppercorns. Serve with<br />
toasted brown or granary bread.<br />
TIP: Most supermarkets sell packs of ready-flaked honey roast salmon but if unavailable just buy ready-cooked smoked salmon<br />
fillets and roughly flake the fish, discarding any skin and fine bones.
31
32<br />
Puzzle Pages<br />
Sponsored by<br />
CROSSWORD<br />
ACROSS<br />
1. French town that serves as a<br />
ferry port to England (6)<br />
7. Acting game, popular at<br />
Christmas (8)<br />
8. Steal cattle (6)<br />
10. Brie or Edam, for example (6)<br />
DOWN<br />
1. Country, capital Nicosia (6)<br />
2. Communist state of Asia (4)<br />
3. Sloping mass of rocks at the base of a cliff (5)<br />
4. Item commonly eaten on Shrove Tuesday (7)<br />
5. Live-action film about a piglet (4)<br />
6. Capital of Finland (8)<br />
9. US novelist, creator of Tom Sawyer (5)<br />
12. Worship of images (8)<br />
14. Alloy of copper and zinc (5)<br />
15. Unit of relative loudness (7)<br />
18. Equal portions into which the capital stock of<br />
a corporation is divided (6)<br />
19. Involuntary muscular contraction (5)<br />
21. ___ Karenina, novel by Leo Tolstoy (4)<br />
23. Large container (4)<br />
11. Plant fibre used to make rope (5) 20. Overland journey by hunters (6)<br />
13. Japanese art of flower arranging (7) 22. Formerly the basic unit of<br />
16. Person whose duty is to throw<br />
money in Spain (6)<br />
troublemakers out of a bar (7)<br />
24. Daughter of a sovereign (8)<br />
17. Group which released the 2006 25. ___ dancers, traditionally<br />
album Stop the Clocks (5)<br />
associated with May Day (6)<br />
WORDWHEEL<br />
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten<br />
minutes to find as many words as possible, none of<br />
which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns.<br />
Each word must be of three letters or more, all must<br />
contain the central letter and letters can only be used<br />
once in every word. There is at least one word that uses<br />
all of the letters in the wheel.<br />
TARGET<br />
EXCELLENT: 58 or more words<br />
GOOD: 47 words<br />
W<br />
R<br />
N A<br />
P<br />
P E<br />
S<br />
E<br />
FAIR: 39 words
33<br />
WORDSEARCH<br />
THEME: COMPUTERS<br />
Find the hidden words in the word search grid<br />
BUG<br />
CHIP<br />
COPY<br />
CYBERSPACE<br />
DESKTOP<br />
DISK<br />
DRIVER<br />
ETHERNET<br />
FONT<br />
HACKER<br />
HARDWARE<br />
INPUT<br />
JPEG<br />
KEYBOARD<br />
MENU<br />
MODEM<br />
PORT<br />
REBOOT<br />
SAVE<br />
SCROLL<br />
SERVER<br />
SOUNDCARD<br />
SPYWARE<br />
UPLOAD<br />
USB<br />
VIRUS<br />
WINDOWS<br />
SUDOKU<br />
WIGGLE WORDS<br />
CLUE: Having very<br />
little overall influence<br />
Trace a path through all<br />
the letters to find the<br />
word or phrase that fits<br />
the clue.<br />
C U B E<br />
K N T H<br />
E I P O<br />
T A D R<br />
NUMBER BLOCK<br />
The numbers in each row add up to totals to the<br />
right. The numbers in each column add up to the<br />
totals along the bottom.<br />
The diagonal lines also add up the<br />
totals to the right.<br />
6<br />
7 1<br />
2 5<br />
5 8<br />
17 17 21<br />
18<br />
17<br />
19<br />
12<br />
12<br />
30<br />
16<br />
All the puzzle solutions can be found<br />
on page 90 of this magazine
34<br />
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35<br />
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• Training with high quality relevant professionals with<br />
an outstanding track record for delivering the highest<br />
grades for young people at Key Stage 4 & Key Stage 5.<br />
• Opportunity for leadership training and development<br />
of strategic curriculum design.<br />
• Commitment to develop examination expertise at KS4<br />
and KS5<br />
• Teaching opportunity across KS2,3, 4 & 5. Subject<br />
specific and career impacting professional development<br />
• High quality subject specific CPD opportunities with<br />
nationally recognised speakers<br />
• High quality guest speakers to support pedagogical and<br />
subject specialism<br />
• The discussion club focused on high quality academic<br />
research linked to educational discussion at some of<br />
the leading local restaurants and venues throughout<br />
the year.<br />
Apply for this training programme through UCAS:<br />
http://www.ucas.com<br />
Training Provider 13N | Course code JL80<br />
Secondary MFL<br />
This course is offered by the lead schools Rainford High<br />
and Up Holland High in association with the North West<br />
Learning Partnership and Liverpool John Moores University.<br />
Due to the outstanding teaching in our schools, results in<br />
MFL are significantly above national average and both<br />
schools offer unique and dynamic training and teaching<br />
opportunities for the right teacher training candidates.<br />
• Training with high quality relevant professionals with an<br />
outstanding track record for delivering the highest grades<br />
for young people at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 as well as<br />
delivering exceptional transition for young people.<br />
• Opportunity for leadership training and development<br />
of strategic curriculum design.<br />
• Commitment to develop examination expertise at KS4<br />
and KS5<br />
• The opportunity to take part in cultural language<br />
exchange visits and programmes.<br />
• Teaching opportunity across KS2, 3, 4 and 5.<br />
• Subject specific and career impacting professional<br />
development. Such as high quality subject specific CPD<br />
opportunities with nationally recognised guest speakers<br />
to support pedagogical and subject specialism.<br />
• The discussion club focused on high quality academic<br />
research linked to educational discussion at some of<br />
the leading local restaurants and venues throughout<br />
the year.<br />
Apply for this training programme through UCAS:<br />
http://www.ucas.com<br />
Training Provider 13N | Course code SD90<br />
Kathy Carman - North West Learning Partnership School Direct Strategic Lead<br />
kathy.carman@three-saints.org.uk<br />
https://www.facebook.com/nwlpschooldirect/<br />
Sarah Knowles - North West Learning Partnership Administrator<br />
sarah.knowles@three-saints.org.uk<br />
For further details of all programmes please see our website:<br />
http://www.northwestlearningpartnership.co.uk/index.php/workstreams/<br />
school-direct
36<br />
Do try this<br />
at home…<br />
A homemade lava lamp<br />
This lava lamp is short-lived, but<br />
pretty magical.<br />
You’ll need:<br />
• A glass<br />
• Vegetable oil<br />
• Water<br />
• A bright food colouring (e.g. red or<br />
green)<br />
• An Alka-Seltzer tablet<br />
What to do:<br />
• Fill the glass to about halfway with<br />
vegetable oil.<br />
• Add around a fifth of a glass of<br />
water.<br />
• Add around 10 drops of food<br />
colouring.<br />
• Drop in the Alka-Seltzer tablet and<br />
watch the marvel unfold.<br />
Why it works:<br />
The oil floats on the water. When<br />
you drop the tablet in, it reacts with<br />
the water to make carbon dioxide<br />
bubbles. They carry the coloured<br />
water to the top, before popping<br />
and sinking back down.<br />
Iceberg<br />
For this experiment, you probably<br />
have everything you need already.<br />
You’ll need:<br />
• A glass<br />
• Ice cubes<br />
• Salt<br />
• String<br />
What to do<br />
• Dangle a piece of string in the<br />
glass with one hand.<br />
• Pop ice cubes into the glass so that<br />
it’s at least half-full.<br />
• Can you pull the ice-cubes out of<br />
the glass using the string?<br />
• Repeat the first two steps.<br />
• Pour a couple of tablespoons of<br />
salt over the ice cubes and the<br />
string.<br />
• Wait 10 seconds and pull the string<br />
out.<br />
• This time, the ice cubes should<br />
come out with the string.<br />
Why it works<br />
The salt makes the edges of the ice<br />
cubes start to melt but then they<br />
partially refreeze, sticking to the<br />
string as they do.<br />
Runaway milk<br />
Fun science experiments that the whole family will enjoy<br />
Don’t worry, this is a lot less messy<br />
than it sounds.<br />
You’ll need:<br />
• A plate or wide, shallow bowl<br />
• Full fat milk<br />
• Food colouring (ideally three<br />
different colours)<br />
• Washing-up liquid<br />
What to do<br />
• Pour some milk into the plate.<br />
(You only need it to be around a<br />
centimetre deep.)<br />
• Add a few drops of food colouring<br />
in different areas. Not too many,<br />
there should be large gaps<br />
between each one.<br />
• Dip a finger in the washing-up<br />
liquid and then touch one of the<br />
spots of food colouring.<br />
• Repeat with other spots of food<br />
colouring.<br />
• The colour will swirl away from<br />
your touch.<br />
Why it works<br />
The milk and washing-up liquid<br />
can’t mix. What you’re seeing is the<br />
fat particles swirling away from the<br />
washing-up liquid. Don’t have food<br />
colouring? Try touching a felt tip<br />
pen to the milk instead.
37<br />
UNIVERSITY CENTRE ST HELENS<br />
OUR DIGITAL 2021 HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE IS NOW LIVE!<br />
Discover a variety of higher-level qualifications and degrees, studied on<br />
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• Applied Chemistry<br />
• Applied Microbiology<br />
• Business Management<br />
• Computing<br />
• Criminal Justice<br />
• Early Years<br />
• Engineering<br />
• Exercise, Health and Fitness<br />
• Fine Art Painting<br />
• Foundation Diploma in Art,<br />
Design and Media Practice<br />
• Game Art<br />
• Graphic Design<br />
• Media Production<br />
• Social Policy, Health<br />
and Housing<br />
• Teacher Training<br />
• Theatre and Performance<br />
Download your copy at:<br />
sthelens.ac.uk/applynow
38<br />
Top Christmas Apps<br />
Help your child or children discover the magic of Christmas by using these popular Christmas apps.<br />
These apps are now available on both Apple or Android platforms and are either free or modestly priced.<br />
Portable North Pole<br />
Through the Portable North Pole (PNP)<br />
app and website, parents can send<br />
their kids personalised videos direct<br />
from the North Pole. Video messages<br />
are free, but for an additional fee parents can buy their<br />
child more detailed personalisations, views of Santa’s<br />
village and news of the naughty or nice list this year.<br />
NORAD<br />
For more than 60 years, the North<br />
American Aerospace Defense<br />
Command has been tracking Santa’s<br />
whereabouts on Christmas Eve using<br />
satellites and jet fighters. The <strong>2020</strong> NORAD Tracks Santa<br />
website and app each offer a Christmas countdown,<br />
games and other activities, in addition to NORAD’s iconic<br />
reports on Santa’s travels come December 24.<br />
Message From Santa<br />
Parents who download the Message<br />
from Santa app get unlimited<br />
personalised calls from Santa and<br />
can surprise their child with video<br />
messages straight from the North Pole. Kids can also<br />
leave Santa special voicemail messages or hold a text<br />
conversation with him.<br />
Elf Yourself<br />
You can star in a series of personalised<br />
videos featuring your face on dancing<br />
elves. Upload up to five photos of<br />
friends and family from Facebook<br />
or your camera. Then select a dance and the app<br />
automatically generates your custom video you can share<br />
to social media.<br />
Could you be one of tomorrow’s<br />
outstanding teachers?<br />
Individuals who are<br />
passionate about working<br />
with young children.<br />
Join us at our virtual open evenings<br />
using Microsoft Teams.<br />
Monday 9th <strong>November</strong> <strong>2020</strong><br />
Monday 7th December <strong>2020</strong><br />
Monday 18th January 2021<br />
Monday 1st March 2021<br />
Monday 19th April 2021<br />
5-5:30pm<br />
5-5:30pm<br />
5-5:30pm<br />
5-5:30pm<br />
5-5:30pm<br />
Please email enquiries@wcpsd.uk to<br />
request to join a virtual open evening.<br />
Individuals who have<br />
the potential to be<br />
outstanding teachers<br />
Accredited<br />
Study days will be at Liverpool Hope University leading to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching.<br />
For more information and updates please visit www.wcpsd.uk and www.saintpatricks.wigan.sch.uk<br />
To search the course please visit the ‘get into teaching’ website https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/<br />
and search using the following provider and course codes.<br />
Provider code 2A4 Primary course code (Age 5-11) 2XT7 EYFS course code (Age 3-7) AP55
39
40<br />
For tech shoppers, <strong>November</strong> is Gadget Christmas.<br />
That’s because the last Friday of the month, the<br />
27th of <strong>November</strong>, is Black Friday. Black Friday is<br />
when online shops and many high street retailers<br />
offer amazing discounts on all kinds of products.<br />
And the discounts can be massive, with hundreds<br />
of pounds off high-end laptops, big TVs and other<br />
big-ticket purchases.<br />
The name Black Friday is a little misleading<br />
because many of the retailers now run deals the<br />
week leading up to Black Friday and/or the week<br />
after.<br />
Many of the deals are genuine, but it’s important<br />
to do a little homework because some of them<br />
are a little creative.<br />
Some deals are rather like the supermarket wine<br />
promotions where the price of a £6 bottle of wine<br />
is briefly raised to £9; the shop then goes back to<br />
the original price and sticks a ‘Save £3.00!’ sticker<br />
on it. In tech, the same thing can happen with<br />
prices going up just before Black Friday to create<br />
a discount that isn’t really a discount.<br />
Another common trick is to quote a recommended<br />
retail price that nobody sensible ever paid. For<br />
example, a TV supposedly reduced from £1,799<br />
to £999 may well have been on sale for £1,099 for<br />
the last six months. You’re still getting a saving,<br />
but it’s not as exciting as the shop wants you to<br />
think.<br />
Technology can help here. Use Pricespy.co.uk<br />
to see what other retailers are charging for<br />
the same product, and for Amazon deals use<br />
CamelCamelCamel.com to look at a product’s<br />
Amazon price history to see if a deal is good or<br />
just too good to be true.<br />
As with any sale, don’t let the prospect of a big<br />
discount persuade you to buy something you<br />
don’t want or need, and if you pay by credit card<br />
make sure you pay it off as soon as you can. The<br />
interest on some cards can easily wipe out your<br />
Black Friday savings.<br />
Get a<br />
good<br />
tech<br />
deal on<br />
BIG-NAME LAPTOPS<br />
Looking for a new laptop? You’ll see some<br />
great deals on laptops from big names<br />
such as Microsoft, ASUS and Lenovo.<br />
Some of the best discounts are on the<br />
most expensive models but you’ll find<br />
good budget deals too.<br />
Various prices,<br />
www.currys.co.uk<br />
AMAZON ECHO<br />
Black<br />
Friday<br />
Amazon’s smart speakers get discounted<br />
for every Amazon sale event and Black<br />
Friday is no exception. The third-generation<br />
Echo delivers surprisingly great sound<br />
despite its compact dimensions.<br />
Usually £89, www.amazon.co.uk<br />
INSTANT POT<br />
We love the Instant Pot, a<br />
programmable electric pressure<br />
cooker that’s brilliant for soups,<br />
stews, chilli, curries, rice and pretty<br />
much anything else you can cook<br />
in a pot. It’s usually Amazon’s Black<br />
Friday bestseller.<br />
Usually £84, www.amazon.co.uk<br />
PHILIPS AMBILIGHT TV<br />
There are always great Black<br />
Friday discounts on smart TVs,<br />
and some of the biggest we’ve<br />
seen were on Philips’ clever<br />
Ambilight range, which uses<br />
coloured light to make the<br />
room match what’s on screen.<br />
Various prices,<br />
www.philips.co.uk<br />
XBOX ONE X<br />
Expect big discounts on Microsoft’s superb console and Sony’s PS4<br />
too: as their replacements are imminent there will be big savings to<br />
be had, especially on bundles with included games.<br />
Usually £395, www.xbox.com
41<br />
A live and interactive showcase of life at<br />
winstanley college<br />
Wednesday 4th <strong>November</strong><br />
5 – 7pm<br />
Register now!<br />
Visit www.winstanley.ac.uk or email admissions@winstanley.ac.uk
42<br />
must be<br />
The Price is Right<br />
(or you could lose thousands).<br />
The UK’s stamp duty holiday, which benefits buyers up to the<br />
tune of £15,000, finishes on 31st March 2021 and all house<br />
purchases must be completed by that date. Most people who<br />
are selling a house are buying another house and obviously<br />
want to take advantage of this tax break. This leaves you six<br />
months to benefit – that’s ages away right?<br />
In fact, the average time taken to sell and buy a house in<br />
the UK is…six months, so if you want to take advantage of<br />
the stamp duty then you need to get a wriggle on.<br />
The single most important piece of advice I would give<br />
anyone who is hoping to sell their house and buy another<br />
in this time frame is this; Make sure your house is up for<br />
sale at the right price.<br />
Rightmove has recently completed a study on how<br />
important it is for sellers to price their house currently. The<br />
internet property platform analysed 300,000 newly-listed<br />
homes across four months and the data showed those<br />
houses that were reduced in price had a 33% chance of<br />
finding a buyer within the 4 month timeframe, compared<br />
to a 63% chance if priced right from the start.<br />
Furthermore, Rightmove say homes priced right first time<br />
are on average getting an offer accepted 26 days more<br />
quickly than those that have had to have at least one<br />
reduction before they get an offer accepted. The average<br />
time to find a buyer if a property is priced right is currently<br />
21 days, rising to 47 days if it needs to be reduced.<br />
Believe it or not, there are some estate agents who will<br />
deliberately overvalue your house just to get their hands<br />
on your business. It’s a self-centred strategy that is all<br />
about the agent and not about the customer, and it can<br />
have a disastrous impact on your ability to move quickly.<br />
For most people, selling a home is the largest financial<br />
transaction of their life. It’s essential to go through the<br />
process with an<br />
agent you trust<br />
to achieve the<br />
best price. Ask<br />
yourself these<br />
questions:<br />
Does your<br />
Agent have a<br />
website full of<br />
properties that have had their prices reduced?<br />
Out of the Agents who have valued the property, has this<br />
agent given you the highest valuation?<br />
Choose your agent carefully, it could make the difference<br />
between you being able to complete on your dream<br />
house by 31st March, or not. Up to £15,000 is at stake.<br />
Top Tips for Selling<br />
1 List the house at a realistic price.<br />
2 Make sure the marketing photos are as good as<br />
they can be and ensure exterior shots are taken on<br />
a nice day.<br />
3 Employ the services of a solicitor immediately<br />
- bringing together the legal paperwork of the<br />
property you are selling will save weeks between<br />
the sale agreed and completion.<br />
4 Galvanise your Agent – If your agent has a 4, 6 or<br />
8 week notice period, serve it immediately and<br />
get them to work even harder to find you a buyer<br />
quickly.<br />
5 Kerb appeal – paint the front door, gravel the<br />
driveway if needed, use hanging baskets or potted<br />
plants to make your house stand out.<br />
Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has<br />
worked within the <strong>Wigan</strong> property market for over 30 years.<br />
Alan Batt<br />
For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the <strong>Wigan</strong> property market, check out<br />
www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk
43<br />
Upholland Road, Billinge £550,000<br />
Townfields, Ashton-in-Makerfield£330,000<br />
• 6 Bed barn conversion<br />
• Over 2,200 sq ft<br />
• 4 Bed detached<br />
• Over 3,300 sq ft<br />
• Rural views to rear<br />
• Ideal for entertaining<br />
• Large secluded plot<br />
• Gated access<br />
SOLD<br />
Orchid Close, Upholland £250,000<br />
Kilburn Ave, Ashton-in-Makerfield £220,000<br />
• 4 Bed detached<br />
• Over 1,300 sq ft<br />
• 3 Bed detached<br />
• 3 Receptions<br />
• 2 Receptions<br />
• Not overlooked to rear<br />
• Integral garage<br />
• Large rear garden<br />
SOLD<br />
Newton Road, Billinge £200,000<br />
Clapgate Lane, Goose Green £150,000<br />
• 3 Bed period terraced<br />
• 2 Receptions<br />
• 3 Bed Semi<br />
• 2 Receptions<br />
• Rural views<br />
• Off road parking to rear<br />
• Over 900 sq ft<br />
• Off-site garage<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Office • 78 Market Street, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN1 1HX • 01942 233 999<br />
www.alanbatt.co.uk
44<br />
I’m a working man from<br />
Lancashire…<br />
by Nicola Gray<br />
Since first taking to the stage<br />
in 2007, The Lancashire<br />
Hotpots have been putting<br />
a smile on our faces with<br />
their light-hearted view on<br />
life. Their brand of music has<br />
a distinctly Northern edge<br />
and it has gained them a<br />
cult following over the years.<br />
From playing Glastonbury to<br />
writing jingles for Holland’s<br />
Pies, the Hotpots have been<br />
successfully entertaining the<br />
nation with comedy songs<br />
about chippy teas and how<br />
to ‘mek us a brew’. We caught<br />
up with Bernard, Bob, Kenny,<br />
Ron, Billy and Dickie to see<br />
what fun they’ve been having<br />
during lockdown.<br />
Dickie reliably informs me<br />
that the tale of how the<br />
band met is one of folklore,<br />
“It’s a tale of mystery, one that involves Noel Edmond’s<br />
helicopter, a break in at the Uncle Joe’s Mint Ball Factory<br />
and an after-hours session with Elton Welsby in Billinge!”<br />
From their first answer I can already tell that this is going<br />
to be an interview like no other and I can’t wait for the rest<br />
of the answers. Bernard added, “Like that Queen film we<br />
watched at the cinema last year, he may have included a<br />
bit of dramatic licence there. In reality, me, Bob and Dickie<br />
had been in a couple of bands previously and Kenny, Billy<br />
and Ron were all musician friends that we knew and<br />
asked to join along the way.”<br />
Bernard Thresher and Bob Wriggles met while working<br />
at Knowsley Safari Park and formed their first rock band<br />
together, Korova. Whilst working at St Helens College,<br />
Bob met Dickie Ticker and<br />
the three became interested<br />
in working together. After<br />
Korova disbanded, Bernard<br />
and Bob joined forces with<br />
Dickie to create electronic<br />
dance music under the new<br />
guise of Emmet.<br />
Billy McCartney was in<br />
Liverpool band Lyons and<br />
Tigers who supported the<br />
Hotpots numerous times<br />
around the North West and<br />
Kenny Body was in several<br />
St Helens based bands<br />
including Jessica’s Ghost<br />
and Giant Root Attack. Both<br />
were enlisted to play in the<br />
band following the death<br />
of original drummer, Willie<br />
Eckerslike.<br />
But what about their good<br />
old Lancashire upbringings?<br />
Bernard told me, “I think we all had a pretty normal<br />
upbringing in St Helens, mine certainly was; mum, dad,<br />
brother, given a guitar at an early age and potato waffles<br />
and baked beans for me tea most nights.” “You can’t ask<br />
for more than that can you? Bob laughs.”<br />
Bernard added, “I was successfully excluded from nine<br />
schools for a series of harmless and humorous incidents,<br />
involving small fires and the occasional release of school<br />
pets into the wilds. He does admit afterwards that he may<br />
be slightly exaggerating here for comic effect, but in all<br />
honesty that is what we love about the Hotpots.<br />
Get the Hotpots talking about their hometown and the<br />
interview conducts itself, it’s just fun to be able to listen!<br />
Talking about their old haunts Dickie chirps in, “Have you
45<br />
ever been to the Three-Legged Fisherman in Heskin?<br />
It’s just past Charnock Richard services, they serve the<br />
best Chicken Kiev in Lancashire.” Bernard added, “Back<br />
in the day when I’d just started drinking, I used to enjoy<br />
a breath-taking night at ‘Jokers Bar’ in St Helens town<br />
centre opposite Scala Snooker. Tuesday night’s there<br />
were off the charts, especially when they had a 2 for 1<br />
offer on MD20/20. Remember that?”<br />
Although Bernard now lives in Coventry, (he really<br />
does, it’s even documented in one of their songs, ‘This<br />
Lancashire Town) it’s easy to see the love these chaps<br />
have for their roots and how much it has shaped them.<br />
Dickie, Kenny and Ron all still reside in the borough,<br />
Kenny adds, “We love St Helens’ equidistance between the<br />
throbbing metropolitan<br />
hubs of Liverpool and<br />
Manchester. That<br />
and Burchall’s Pie<br />
Shop on Westfield<br />
Street.”<br />
The band first dabbled with comedy music, producing a<br />
remix of the Coldplay song “Clocks” for Radio One DJ Chris<br />
Moyles in the style of the German dance group Scooter. In<br />
a play on words they named the side project Moped. The<br />
track proved popular with listeners of the show and they<br />
went on to produce several more remixes. Then came the<br />
idea of a folk band, who write songs and tell stories about<br />
modern life and the rest, as they say, is history.<br />
Music is in their blood; it makes them happy, but who are<br />
their influences and who do they enjoy listening to? Ron<br />
tells me, “The CD player in the Hotpots van will quite often<br />
play a lot of Queen, early 80s pop, a bit of AC/DC and a<br />
smattering of drum and bass…it’s a very broad church.<br />
Bernard can’t remember the first record that he bought<br />
but Dickie says, “My first record was The Smurf Song by<br />
Father Abraham, this goes some way to explaining why<br />
we make the music that we do.”<br />
I am informed by the band members that all young men<br />
in St Helens have the same aspirations growing up. Their
46<br />
Gigs and tours are renowned for being<br />
tireless and unrelenting, but the band seem<br />
to have this under control as well. It was hard<br />
for them to pinpoint just one show that had<br />
been their favourite. Bernard added, “I can’t<br />
remember coming off stage and thinking,<br />
wow that’s me favourite but looking back<br />
there was one gig we did at the Manchester<br />
Academy where we had KFC and champagne<br />
backstage. How do you beat that?”<br />
Speaking of gigs, and the lack of them<br />
now due to the pandemic, I have always<br />
wondered if musicians really have a favourite<br />
song. Dickie wistfully informs me that is a<br />
question that can only be answered at a<br />
certain moment in time as it changes for<br />
them on an almost daily basis. He added, “At<br />
the minute we aren’t playing any live shows<br />
what with the virus. I was enjoying a little<br />
ditty we do called The Austerity Blues which<br />
is about the prices of everything going up;<br />
we’re nothing if not topical.”<br />
dream job was not playing gigs up and down the country<br />
but was strapping on their boots and playing for Saints.<br />
Bernard added, “Sadly my League career was cut short by<br />
a series of broken collar bones, weak knees and lack of<br />
rugby playing ability. I like to think that rugby’s loss has<br />
been music’s gain.”<br />
With their rugby playing days firmly behind them and<br />
song writing and all things music making keeping them<br />
busy, do they have time for anything else? Billy said,<br />
“Things are perilous for a lot of people at the moment<br />
work wise, but currently you could find us involved<br />
in such jobs as lecturing, website coding and vehicle<br />
manufacture. One of us has been known to mix up the<br />
crisps in those bags of Walkers Mix Ups too.”<br />
There is always a laugh to be had with the Hotpots<br />
and even when asked about their proudest moments<br />
since starting the band, that old Northern humour is<br />
evident. Dickie says, “There was one gig back in 2009<br />
where I remembered all the words and had a fault free<br />
performance and it’s been downhill from there. Kenny<br />
added, “Playing big stages for festivals like Kendal Calling<br />
will always be a thrill for us. Oh, and getting to play live<br />
on Radio 2 for Zoe Ball last Christmas was a blast but a<br />
4am alarm call and a 6am soundcheck is not something I<br />
would want to repeat in a hurry.”<br />
Speaking of the current pandemic, I want to know what<br />
the band has been up to during lockdown and as I’ve<br />
come to realise over the course of this interview, the<br />
answer isn’t what you’d expect. Bernard told me, “We’ve<br />
kept ourselves busy with needlework, Nintendo Switch<br />
digital golf, research into flying saucers and Uno. We’ll<br />
have to get round to writing some new songs eventually.”<br />
Before I let them go, I wanted to know about any funny<br />
stories or things that have happened to the band through<br />
the years. The lads do not disappoint as they tell me<br />
about being unfortunate enough to suffer a flat tyre after<br />
a gig. Bernard said, “All the lads had to stand in the rain on<br />
the side of the motorway for hours. I of course had taken<br />
a limousine back to the Premier Inn and was nibbling<br />
Ferrero Rocher and quaffing Labatt lager till the wee small<br />
hours. We did laugh.”<br />
With Lancashire Day just around the corner, I couldn’t let<br />
The Hotpots go with our hearing some of their favourite<br />
Lancashire phrases. Some responses weren’t suitable<br />
for publication, but they quickly agreed, and Dickie<br />
answered, “My favourite phrases are ‘Y’In?’ (are you at<br />
home as I would like to visit) and ‘Y’Owt’? (will you be out<br />
later to meet with friends for light refreshments).”
47<br />
Chips & Giggles Tour 2021<br />
There’s only one thing more satisfying than a visit to the chippy and that’s an<br />
evening with The Lancashire Hotpots! To book tickets for next year go<br />
online at www.thelancashirehotpots.net and look for the events listing.<br />
5th March 2021 St Helens, Theatre Royal<br />
24th April 2021<br />
22nd May 2021<br />
17th July 2021<br />
Bolton, Albert Halls<br />
Southport, The Atkinson<br />
Blackpool, The Grand TheatrE
48<br />
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49<br />
left out in thE COld this winter?<br />
4 Are you a homeowner?<br />
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4 Are you in receipt of benefits or tax credits?<br />
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boiler via the ECO3 scheme.<br />
What is the ECO3 Scheme?<br />
This is a UK government energy efficiency scheme where<br />
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measures, such as boilers, for homeowners in receipt of<br />
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50<br />
Competition Winners<br />
The winners of our Rainbow Glass Art competition in the<br />
September issue of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> were recently announced.<br />
Janet Gray from Sandbrook Gardens in Orrell won the<br />
main prize, which was a Rainbow Arch, Joanne Johnson<br />
of Malvern Close in Ashton was the first runner up and<br />
won a Rainbow Heart and Nicola Thomas of Netherwood<br />
Grove in Winstanley won the 3rd prize, a Rainbow Bee.<br />
The main picture shows Janet’s granddaughter Jodie<br />
picking up the arch from Stephanie O’Brien, the co-owner<br />
of the Love It Gallery. Also pictured are Joanne’s husband<br />
Pete and Nicola with their prizes.<br />
The pieces are just part of the collection of rainbow<br />
glass art available at the Love It Gallery, which is based<br />
on Winstanley Road in Billinge. The Love It Gallery is<br />
open from Tuesday to Sunday. For more details visit the<br />
Facebook page @loveitgalleryltd.<br />
Joiner<br />
Required<br />
Established <strong>Wigan</strong>-based<br />
joinery company seeks<br />
time-served Joiner.<br />
Immediate start.<br />
For more information<br />
call Manos on<br />
07852 202 867<br />
www.mtjoinery.co.uk<br />
Want your<br />
tills to ring<br />
this Christmas?<br />
Successfully promote your business in <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong><br />
magazine or via our leaflet distribution services.<br />
For more details call us on<br />
01695 627999<br />
or visit www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>
51<br />
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52<br />
Pep Up<br />
Your Hallway<br />
Give your entrance a stylish update with new furniture or accessories.<br />
SAY HELLO TO HALLWAY STYLE<br />
• Choose a runner that leads guests from the front<br />
door to the heart of your home. Consider how its<br />
colours and patterns interact with adjacent rooms<br />
– and avoid light colours that show the dirt.<br />
• Shoe and coat racks, console tables, benches<br />
and the like can be selected with an eye for style<br />
as much as storage. An upcycled or vintage piece<br />
could really make a statement.<br />
• A hallway mirror is not only an essential but can<br />
really up the fashion stakes. All sorts of designs are<br />
available, and a rattan frame is very on trend.<br />
• Include a row of hooks for more impact, whether<br />
rustic or traditional, industrial or modern. They<br />
come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and colours.<br />
• Add an accessory or two, such as a work of art, a<br />
table lamp or a pot of succulents to complement<br />
and enhance your hall’s colours and textures.<br />
Ensure that the combination of pieces makes<br />
you feel happy when you come home.<br />
A clean-lined shape and subtle<br />
colour makes this a useful piece<br />
for any style of hallway.<br />
Garden Trading Clockhouse hallway<br />
storage bench, £260, Cuckooland.<br />
In a soft colour palette and matt<br />
finish, these striking hooks have a<br />
minimal, Nordic feel.<br />
MADE Essentials Apartment wall<br />
hooks in tonal grey, £35, made.com.<br />
With a small footprint but a big<br />
impact, this glamorous lacquer and<br />
brass cabinet is finished with solid<br />
acrylic cabochons.<br />
Globo console, £1,995, Jonathan<br />
Adler.<br />
Get the luxe look with a gilded<br />
mirror that also offers convenient<br />
space on the shelf below for bits<br />
and bobs.<br />
Medium Lene Bjerre Hildia mirror in<br />
gold, £90, Sweetpea & Willow.<br />
Handy for post,<br />
reminders and<br />
invitations, this wirework<br />
display rack has an<br />
appealingly functional<br />
feel that would look<br />
great in a modern space.<br />
Farringdon memo<br />
board, £30, Garden<br />
Trading.<br />
Generously sized hooks in a<br />
traditional design will hold<br />
coats, scarves and even hats<br />
comfortably.<br />
Country wall hooks,<br />
£75, A by Amara.<br />
This vintage-inspired piece will make<br />
a bohemian statement in your home.<br />
Bali rattan coat stand, £125, Oliver<br />
Bonas.<br />
A soft rug will welcome guests. This<br />
runner is rich and inviting, in patterned<br />
peach, nude and grey.<br />
Nova Runner, £150, Cox & Cox.
53
54<br />
West Lancs Support<br />
Clinically vulnerable residents of West Lancashire who<br />
have no other support in place from their household,<br />
support bubble or neighbours, and who may need<br />
additional support to arrange online shopping or<br />
prescription deliveries, are being asked to contact West<br />
Lancashire Together on the free helpline 0800 616 667,<br />
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.<br />
Current advice for clinically vulnerable residents is to<br />
stay at home as much as possible and significantly<br />
reduce shopping trips, shopping online where possible.<br />
West Lancashire Together can help signpost you to<br />
online shopping for food and household items and for<br />
prescription deliveries if no other support is available.<br />
Further information about West Lancs Together is<br />
available on the Council website www.westlancs.gov.uk<br />
Wellfest Returns<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>’s wellness festival returns as a virtual event this<br />
week. Wellfest is back with a brand-new online platform<br />
making it easier than ever for residents to keep their<br />
body and mind healthy this winter. Residents can browse<br />
online to discover ideas how to eat well, along with<br />
further information and support.<br />
Live sessions will be streamed via the new events channel<br />
– This is <strong>Wigan</strong>. You can follow This is <strong>Wigan</strong> on social<br />
media channels for updates on the festival and for details<br />
of how to stream the live main stage from 28th October.<br />
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55
56<br />
Making an<br />
Entrance<br />
Greenwich large sideboard, £229,<br />
Nala mango wood table lamp, £25;<br />
Butterscotch rush basket, £22;<br />
all Dunelm: 0345 165 6565; dunelm.com.<br />
Colour and pattern for the walls<br />
Choose a paint colour or wallpaper that you love, and that<br />
coordinates with the colours visible in adjoining rooms.<br />
While pale colours reflect light and emphasise space, dark<br />
schemes can be cosy and interesting.<br />
It’s sensible to protect the lower halves of the walls from<br />
wear if you have young children and pets. Extra-tough<br />
paint is a good choice, or consider a dado rail with tongueand-groove<br />
panelling, tiles or vinyl wallpaper cladding<br />
the walls below. Patterned tiles or embossed wallpapers<br />
are appropriate for older properties with period features.<br />
Choosing the right flooring<br />
Flooring should be durable, non-slip, dirt-resistant and<br />
easy to keep clean. Tiles are easy to care for, and options<br />
include stone, ceramic or quarry, or colourful Victorian<br />
encaustic. Floorboards or parquet need regular polishing<br />
or waxing, but avoid cheap wood laminates that may not<br />
last long. Good quality vinyl flooring is sturdy, cleanable<br />
and comfortable underfoot. A luxurious dark wool carpet<br />
in an 80:20 mix of wool and nylon with a twist pile should<br />
withstand heavy usage, or how about tough natural<br />
matting such as coir, sisal or rush?<br />
Lighting makes all the difference<br />
Halls should be welcoming, lead the eye into your home<br />
and safely illuminate steps or thresholds. Consider a<br />
specialist light-reflecting paint or wallpaper with a metallic<br />
sheen, and add a large mirror. Wall lights are not ideal in a<br />
narrow hall; recessed ceiling downlights are better or, if<br />
ceilings are high, a pendant (or a row of them) works well.<br />
Storage is essential<br />
Built-in storage makes the most of every inch of space.<br />
Shallow, floor-to-ceiling cupboards with doors the same<br />
colour as the walls, or mirrored to maximise light, will<br />
hold masses yet be barely noticeable. Alternatively, use<br />
free-standing, perhaps vintage or upcycled, cupboards,<br />
sideboards or benches. Umbrella stands, dog beds and<br />
boot racks suit spacious, country-style halls, while narrow,<br />
urban halls might benefit from a high-up bike hook and a<br />
slim radiator shelf for post and keys.<br />
Tegola Westminster traditional<br />
oak wood flooring, £49.99 m 2 ;<br />
natural coir Bee doormat, £15;<br />
both Carpetright: 0330 333 3444;<br />
carpetright.co.uk.<br />
Add a finishing touch<br />
In a hall with windows, choose blinds or curtains that<br />
complement the space. A floor runner adds pattern and<br />
texture on hard floors but needs a non-slip underlay.<br />
Hang paintings or photographs in coordinating frames<br />
on the walls, in rows or informal groupings. Perhaps add<br />
plants, books or a lamp on a console table for a beautiful<br />
display that creates a lovely welcome to your home.
57<br />
ModerniseYourStairs<br />
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58<br />
Your hallway needs to be a good-looking,<br />
welcoming space for visitors and a practical<br />
storage area for storage. Get the basics right,<br />
says Katherine Sorrell, and the rest will follow.<br />
Wiltshire console table in natural solid oak, £299.99,<br />
St Ives tallboy in natural and painted oak, £299.99;<br />
both Oak Furnitureland: 0800 440 2254;<br />
oakfurnitureland.co.uk.
59
60<br />
The Book Nook<br />
From historical fiction to dystopian<br />
literature plus new releases to older<br />
books that deserve more attention,<br />
there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck<br />
into this month.<br />
Gather the Daughters<br />
Jennie Melamed<br />
On the island, girls are little more<br />
than wives-in-training – following<br />
the decrees of the founding<br />
ancestors and submitting to every<br />
demand of their fathers. They have<br />
one brief period of freedom over<br />
the summer, when they live wild<br />
and do as they please. The summers are short-lived, and<br />
the girls know that they’re destined to be married once<br />
they hit puberty. But one day they decide to take back<br />
their freedom, at whatever cost. Gather the Daughters is<br />
pretty disturbing and there are a lot of triggers, but as<br />
dystopian literature goes, it’s one that will stick with you<br />
for a very long time.<br />
Little Fires Everywhere<br />
Celeste Ng<br />
Whether you’ve watched the<br />
Amazon Prime series or not, the<br />
book is well worth a read. To the<br />
outsider, Shaker Heights seems like<br />
the perfect town. And no one is<br />
more perfect than Elena Richardson.<br />
Her daughter Izzy, on the other<br />
hand, is impetuous and disinclined to follow the rigid<br />
path laid down by her mother. When artist Mia Warren<br />
arrives on the scene with her daughter Pearl, the fragility<br />
of a ‘perfect’ life becomes all too apparent. A manylayered<br />
read about motherhood, secrets, race and the<br />
many nuances of right and wrong.<br />
The Midnight Library<br />
Matt Haig<br />
Nora’s overdose doesn’t result in, as<br />
she’d hoped, nothingness. Instead,<br />
she’s transported to the Midnight<br />
Library, where she gets the chance<br />
to try the other lives she could have<br />
led if she’d made different choices.<br />
As she faces her regrets (from not marrying to not<br />
becoming an Olympic swimmer), Nora discovers that the<br />
path not taken isn’t always the panacea she thinks it is.<br />
A Room Made of Leaves<br />
Kate Grenville<br />
A Room Made of Leaves is the<br />
fictionalised account of a real<br />
woman’s life – Elizabeth Macarthur.<br />
It’s set in the late eighteenth century.<br />
Women had few prospects beyond<br />
marriage, so when Elizabeth marries<br />
the cold, ambitious John Macarthur<br />
she has little choice but to follow him wherever he decides<br />
to go, even if that’s to the other side of the world to live in<br />
a new settlement in Australia. A must for historical fiction<br />
fans.<br />
A Song for the Dark<br />
Times<br />
Ian Rankin<br />
Rebus is back, but this time it’s<br />
personal: his son-in-law is missing.<br />
Rebus heads out to solve the<br />
mystery. His daughter seems to be<br />
the obvious main suspect, so which<br />
role will Rebus prioritise – detective<br />
or father? Meanwhile, back in Edinburgh, DI Siobhan<br />
Clarke is on her own case, that of the murder of a wealthy<br />
Saudi student. These two very different cases may turn<br />
out to be part of the same tangled web. A Song for the<br />
Dark Times is a gripping crime thriller with plenty of twists<br />
to keep you turning the pages.
61<br />
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62<br />
Is Inheritance Tax<br />
Voluntary?<br />
It was the late Lord Jenkins that said, “Inheritance Tax is a<br />
voluntary tax paid by people who distrust their beneficiaries<br />
more than they dislike the Inland Revenue”.<br />
Inheritance tax was always considered to be a tax on the<br />
rich, but it really isn’t!<br />
Levied at a fixed rate of 40 per cent, it is possible to become<br />
a higher rate taxpayer after you die. If you are single or<br />
divorced, UK legislation allows the first £325,000 (<strong>2020</strong>/21<br />
tax year) of your estate to be free from Inheritance Tax.<br />
If you are married, or in a civil partnership or widowed,<br />
this amount could rise to £650,000. In addition to this, the<br />
resident’s nil rate band will enable the nil rate band to be<br />
uplifted further if you are living in your own property and<br />
will be passing your estate on to direct descendants.<br />
Inheritance tax can cost your loved ones hundreds of<br />
thousands in the event of your death, yet it’s possible to<br />
legally avoid huge swathes of it, or possibly pay none at<br />
all. How do you manage this? Just by sensible planning.<br />
The main exemptions<br />
• Most transfers between spouses and civil partners.<br />
• The first £3,000 of lifetime transfers in any tax year plus<br />
any unused balance from previous year.<br />
• Gifts of up to but not exceeding £250 p.a. to any<br />
number of persons.<br />
• Gifts in consideration of marriage or civil partnership of:<br />
up to £5,000 by a parent, up to £2,500 by a grandparent<br />
or great grandparent, or up to £1,000 by any other<br />
person.<br />
• Gifts made out of income that form part of normal<br />
expenditure and do not reduce the standard of living.<br />
• Gifts to charities, whether made during lifetime or on<br />
death.<br />
from when the transfer is made for the gift to fall outside<br />
your estate. During the 7 year period the amount of tax<br />
payable reduces each year. This is known as Taper Relief.<br />
However, this relief only applies to the part of a gift which<br />
is in excess of the nil rate band (£325,000).<br />
Trusts<br />
This method allows for the placement of monies out of your<br />
estate into a suitable investment which is then wrapped<br />
within a trust. You as trustee remain in control of the<br />
investments on behalf of the beneficiaries and can decide<br />
when and if any capital will be paid out in part or in full.<br />
There are a wide variety of trust options available and<br />
therefore careful consideration needs to be given to<br />
ensure that the trust is suitable.<br />
• Are you happy to waive your right to income and<br />
capital from the trust?<br />
• Would you prefer to receive a regular income from the<br />
trust?<br />
• Would you like access to capital from the trust?<br />
Clearly, one size does not fit all and therefore further<br />
advice should be taken.<br />
Inheritance Tax is quite a technical area and therefore<br />
before embarking on a course of action I would strongly<br />
recommend that you seek professional advice. We<br />
have advisers with advanced qualifications within the<br />
taxation and trusts arena who if need be will be more<br />
than happy to guide you.<br />
Should you wish to have a chat<br />
with one of our qualified financial<br />
planners please feel free to give<br />
us a call on 01257 423800.<br />
Making Gifts<br />
In most cases, any direct gift either made direct or into<br />
an absolute trust by any one person over the exempt<br />
gift allowances, is a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET).<br />
This means that you as the donor, need to live 7 years,<br />
David Barton<br />
APFS Cert CII (MP)<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.
63
64<br />
Travel Insurance<br />
Advice<br />
As thoughts turn to holidays in 2021, the issue of travel<br />
insurance has never been more complicated. The disruption<br />
from COVID-19 led many travellers to discover their policy<br />
wasn’t quite as comprehensive as they assumed.<br />
With local lockdowns, travel bans and quarantine an everchanging<br />
situation in recent months, all too many people<br />
have found planned trips either impossible or no longer<br />
quite what they expected.<br />
If you’ve got an annual policy, your first step should be<br />
checking the date the policy began. The precise details<br />
will vary between insurers, but as a general rule any<br />
ordinary policy taken out after the start of April <strong>2020</strong> will<br />
almost certainly exclude any claims related to COVID-19.<br />
Instead, you’ll need to look for a policy that specifically<br />
covers coronavirus. Most such policies will only cover<br />
the medical effects, though a few policies will also cover<br />
cancellation.<br />
Whether you are relying on a pre-April <strong>2020</strong> policy or take<br />
out a new one that includes COVID-19 cancellation, check<br />
the conditions that will trigger a payout. Some policies<br />
will only cover you getting COVID-19 while some will<br />
pay out if a family member gets it. Some will only cover a<br />
positive diagnosis while others will cover cases where you<br />
are told to self-isolate, for example because you’ve been<br />
in close contact with somebody who has tested positive.<br />
Coronavirus has also brought much greater attention<br />
to Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advisories,<br />
something that’s normally only been an issue for people<br />
Ready for some winter<br />
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Independent Travel Specialist<br />
Call in to our travel agents<br />
Email your holiday requirements<br />
Or visit us online<br />
200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE | Tel: 01744 893291 | www.markentravel.co.uk
65<br />
travelling to far-off war-torn nations. At the time of<br />
writing, the FCO still had a default position advising<br />
against any non-essential travel to any country that<br />
wasn’t specifically exempted.<br />
If you do travel to a country that’s under such an advisory,<br />
your insurance is automatically invalid. However, a<br />
travel insurance policy almost certainly won’t cover you<br />
cancelling a trip because the FCO advice has changed.<br />
If you decide against travel altogether, you can usually<br />
cancel an ongoing annual policy and get a refund<br />
in proportion to the remaining time, minus any<br />
administrative fee. This won’t be allowed if you’ve already<br />
made a claim on the policy during the cover period, for<br />
example from a previous trip.<br />
Despite the increased limitations, travel insurance may<br />
soon be even more important in Europe. At the time of<br />
writing, the UK and the European Union had yet to agree<br />
an extension of the UK’s participation in the European<br />
Health Identity Card program beyond the end of <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
The EHIC isn’t insurance, but rather a mutual agreement<br />
that covers European Union countries, Iceland,<br />
Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Anyone with an<br />
EHIC is entitled to medical treatment on the same basis as<br />
residents of the country where they fall ill.<br />
EHIC has never been a substitute for travel insurance, as<br />
it doesn’t cover disruption from illness or injury such as<br />
having to rebook flights home. However, if the UK does<br />
leave EHIC, travelling to the continent without travel<br />
insurance could lead to hefty medical bills even for basic<br />
treatment.<br />
family fun<br />
advEntuRE<br />
luXuRy<br />
City BREaK<br />
Rail EXPlORE<br />
CRuiSE/RivER CRuiSE<br />
Call your personal travel expert<br />
01942 912334 / 07786 311 282<br />
julie.moss@notjusttravel.com<br />
@NJTJulieM<br />
www.juliemoss.notjusttravel.com<br />
WEddinG/HOnEymOOn
66<br />
Covid Support<br />
for Businesses by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy<br />
It goes without saying that it has been an extremely difficult year for all of us and particularly those that<br />
run a small business. This article will outline the measures taken in the Winter Economic Plan to support<br />
businesses over the next 6 months.<br />
JOB SUPPORT SCHEME<br />
This scheme will replace the Job Retention or “Furlough”<br />
scheme that ceased at the end of October. Under the new<br />
scheme, commencing in <strong>November</strong>, the government<br />
will contribute towards the wages of employees who are<br />
working fewer hours than normal.<br />
Basically, employers will pay the wages for the hours<br />
an employee works, and for the hours not worked the<br />
government and the employer will each pay one third<br />
of their equivalent salary. This scheme is designed to<br />
support viable jobs.<br />
For businesses that have required by law to close, the<br />
government has expanded the scheme. Where an<br />
employee is unable to work for 7 days, a grant will be<br />
available covering 2/3rds of their normal pay.<br />
JOB RETENTION BONUS<br />
This scheme is a £1,000 one-off taxable payment paid<br />
to employers for each eligible employee that they<br />
furloughed and kept continuously employed until 31<br />
January 2021.<br />
SELF EMPLOYED INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME –<br />
SEISS<br />
This grant for the self-employed has been extended for<br />
the period from Nov <strong>2020</strong> to Apr <strong>2020</strong>. Grants will be paid<br />
in two lump sums, each covering a 3 month period and<br />
will be worth up to 20% of their average monthly trading<br />
profit, capped at £1,875 per claim.<br />
TAX CUTS AND DEFERRALS<br />
1. The temporary reduction of VAT to 5% for the tourism<br />
and hospitality sectors has been extended to March<br />
2021.<br />
2. Businesses that deferred their VAT payment earlier this<br />
year can now apply to pay this back in 11 interest free<br />
instalments from April 2021 rather than in full in March<br />
2021.<br />
3. Self-assessment taxpayers will also be able to apply<br />
from a separate 12-month extension meaning<br />
payments deferred from July <strong>2020</strong> will now not need<br />
to be paid until January 2022<br />
FLEXIBILITY TO PAY BACK LOANS<br />
Businesses who took out a Bounce Back Loan can use a<br />
Pay as You Grow flexible repayment system to ease the<br />
burden of repayments.<br />
All the schemes introduced have had tremendous impact<br />
on businesses and in many cases have allowed them<br />
to retain staff and manage the obvious impact that the<br />
lockdown has brought.<br />
And finally, I just wanted to mention the benefits of<br />
cloud accounting practices. These packages, in particular<br />
Xero, have proved invaluable over the past few months<br />
as we have been able to offer hands on support for our<br />
customers, using up-to-date information to help clients<br />
track their cashflow, apply for loans and discuss payments<br />
plans with HMRC.<br />
If you’re looking to consolidate and grow your business in<br />
2021, then we have a range of solutions to assist businesses<br />
of all sizes, starting with our Essentials package for startups<br />
and sole traders, the Growth package to help you<br />
take control of your accounts and the Premier package<br />
designed to help you drive your business forward.<br />
If you’d like a free initial consultation on how<br />
CMA can help your business in 2021, please get<br />
in touch. We can meet in our COVID-safe office or<br />
over a Zoom call to discuss your requirements.<br />
Chris Alcock ACMA - CMA Accountancy<br />
39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN6 9DR<br />
01257 255521 info@handsonaccounting.co.uk<br />
www.handsonaccounting.co.uk
67<br />
Do you need<br />
help and<br />
guidance with;<br />
Company Accounts?<br />
Auto Enrolment?<br />
Self Assessment?<br />
Cloud-based Software?<br />
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SA deadline<br />
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INITIAL<br />
CONSULTATION<br />
Call CMA Accountancy today<br />
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Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521
68<br />
Managing Your Stress<br />
Persistent stress can affect our health and even cause<br />
serious illness, so we need to know how to reduce stress<br />
and its effects.<br />
Stress can:<br />
• Affect your mental health, causing depression and<br />
exacerbating existing mental health issues.<br />
• Affect your physical health by preventing proper<br />
sleeping or eating, and causing excess cortisol and<br />
adrenaline release. This makes you feel unwell and may<br />
eventually lead to serious conditions, e.g. heart disease,<br />
asthma, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.<br />
What Causes Stress?<br />
• Major changes or events: bereavement, moving home,<br />
financial crises, exams, redundancy, retirement, job<br />
change, marriage, relationship break-up, illness/injury,<br />
pregnancy/parenthood. ‘Happy’ events put extra<br />
pressure on us not to appear stressed.<br />
• Continual pressure: job, health or relationship worries.<br />
• Feeling out of control and unable to change situations.<br />
• Uncertainty, e.g. potential redundancy.<br />
• A life that lacks change, purpose or activity.<br />
• Clutter and disorganisation, e.g. always running late.<br />
Research shows just the sight of clutter causes stress.<br />
Symptoms of Stress<br />
• Avoiding the stress source.<br />
• Irritability, impatience, aggression, restlessness.<br />
• Depression or anxiety.<br />
• An inability to enjoy yourself/take an interest.<br />
• A sense of dread.<br />
• Feeling neglected or tearful.<br />
• Difficulty making decisions and concentrating.<br />
• Poor lifestyle choices: biting your nails, smoking or<br />
drinking, eating too much/too little.<br />
• Shallow breathing/hyperventilating.<br />
• Panic attacks.<br />
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep.<br />
• Muscle tension.<br />
• Blurred eyesight or sore eyes.<br />
• Loss of libido.<br />
• Teeth grinding or clenching your jaw.<br />
• Headaches.<br />
• Chest pains.<br />
• High blood pressure.<br />
• Indigestion or heartburn.<br />
• Constipation or diarrhoea.<br />
• Nausea or dizziness.<br />
• Fatigue.<br />
DON’T<br />
ignore stress<br />
Tackle it<br />
now!
69<br />
Reducing and Coping with Stress<br />
Reducing your responsibilities and using timemanagement<br />
or organisational techniques can help to<br />
reduce stress in your life. You can find time management<br />
tips at www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxietydepression/time-management-tips/<br />
and www.mind.org.<br />
uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/stress/<br />
dealing-with-pressure/, which also has coping strategies<br />
for specific pressures, such as being a student.<br />
Reducing the causes of our stress is important, but<br />
sometimes we can’t change stressful situations. However,<br />
we can learn to improve how we react to them.<br />
Self-help strategies include:<br />
Complementary therapies<br />
Therapies like yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, massage,<br />
acupuncture and ecotherapy (time spent in nature) may<br />
help you relax.<br />
<strong>Life</strong>style Changes<br />
A healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep help.<br />
Spend time with family and friends and talk through your<br />
problems. Make time for hobbies and relaxation.<br />
Changing Your Mind<br />
Develop a more positive outlook. This video discusses<br />
replacing negative thinking with positive: www.nhs.<br />
uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/moodzonemental-wellbeing-audio-guides/<br />
Breathing exercises<br />
You can find instructions at www.nhs.uk/conditions/<br />
stress-anxiety-depression/ways-relieve-stress/<br />
Stress-busting apps and courses<br />
Try the NHS’ Chill Panda apps.beta.nhs.uk/chill-panda/,<br />
Silver Cloud apps.beta.nhs.uk/silvercloud/ and the Stress<br />
& Anxiety Companion apps.beta.nhs.uk/stress-anxietycompanion/.<br />
For further help, visit your GP, who can recommend:<br />
Talking treatments<br />
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you<br />
understand your stress triggers and reaction to them.<br />
• Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) combines<br />
mindfulness, meditation and yoga to reduce stress.<br />
Medication to reduce symptoms<br />
E.g. antidepressants, sleeping pills, irritable bowel<br />
syndrome treatments and high blood pressure medication.<br />
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8-10 Gathurst Road, Orrell, WN5 8QH
70<br />
Are you<br />
eating<br />
enough<br />
fibre?<br />
Discover the benefits of increasing your fibre intake<br />
by Guts UK charity<br />
Fibre is the indigestible part of plant-based foods that does<br />
not get absorbed into our body. Many of us are aware of fibre<br />
and know it’s an important component of any healthy diet,<br />
yet most of us don’t eat enough of it.<br />
We used to believe that fibre didn’t do much at all,<br />
assuming that because the human body couldn’t digest<br />
it, it just ‘travelled’ through our digestive system. In fact,<br />
fibre is absolutely vital for gut health, helping to prevent<br />
constipation and even bowel cancer.<br />
Fibre makes us feel full and affects the way that the small<br />
bowel absorbs fat, but perhaps most importantly, fibre<br />
is the food for over 100 trillion microorganisms that live<br />
in your gut. This ‘good gut bacteria’ is vital to your wellbeing,<br />
defending against harmful microorganisms and<br />
easing absorption of some essential vitamins. Therefore,<br />
it’s important that we feed it!<br />
“The average person in the UK eats less than 20g of fibre<br />
per day, or less than two-thirds of the recommended<br />
30g amount. Through recent research, we know that<br />
additional fibre in the diet reduces the risk of chronic<br />
common conditions, such as bowel cancer, cardiovascular<br />
disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes,” says Julie Thompson,<br />
specialist dietician and information manager at Guts UK<br />
charity.<br />
Foods that are rich in fibre include wholegrain cereals,<br />
wholewheat pasta, oats and wholegrain bread. Fruit<br />
and vegetables such as berries, pears, melon, oranges,<br />
broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn are also rich in fibre, as<br />
are peas, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds and potatoes.<br />
There are a number of simple steps you can take to<br />
increase your fibre intake, like swapping white or brown<br />
bread for wholegrain, opting for wholewheat pasta or<br />
choosing potatoes with skins, such as baked potatoes,<br />
wedges or boiled new potatoes. When snacking, try fresh<br />
fruit, rye crackers, oatcakes and nuts or seeds.<br />
Think about adding beans, lentils or chickpeas to stews,<br />
curries and salads. If you’re struggling to encourage<br />
your children to eat their vegetables, adding plenty of<br />
vegetables to stews or curries is a good start.<br />
Pay attention to food labelling, as pre-packaged food will<br />
most likely include the amount of ‘dietary fibre’ included.<br />
Don’t make assumptions – despite beans being known as
71<br />
a fibre-rich food, a small 200g tin of beans only<br />
provides 7.4g of fibre.<br />
“If you are planning to increase the amount of<br />
fibre in your diet, you should do this gradually,”<br />
Julie continued. “Increasing your fibre intake<br />
dramatically and suddenly could cause<br />
symptoms such as wind and bloating.”<br />
The science never lies. A paper published<br />
in the Lancet medical journal that analysed<br />
185 studies and 58 clinical trials discovered just how<br />
important fibre can be in contributing to a long and<br />
healthy life. “The paper suggests that if you shifted 1,000<br />
people from a low fibre diet (less than 15g) to a highfibre<br />
one (25-29g), it would prevent thirteen deaths and<br />
six cases of heart disease,” Julie explained. “The paper<br />
analysed really robust studies that tended to follow<br />
people and their diets for one to two decades. It’s simple<br />
– the more fibre we eat, the better!”<br />
under-represented for decades. With new knowledge<br />
and research, we can diagnose earlier, develop kinder<br />
treatments and ultimately, a cure. Learn more at<br />
gutscharity.org.uk, call 01484 483 123 or email info@<br />
gutscharity.org.uk – we’re here to help.<br />
Guts UK is the charity for the digestive system. The<br />
digestive system is truly fascinating, but it is very<br />
complex. Millions are affected by digestive diseases,<br />
yet our guts have been underfunded, understaffed and
72<br />
Tontine<br />
by Chris Pearce<br />
Distance: 6 miles Difficulty: Medium<br />
For many, <strong>2020</strong> has been a year where we have spent more<br />
time at or near to home than normal. Many of my prescribed<br />
60-minute walks were taken on or about the area known<br />
as the Billinge and Orrell Ridge and it is from there that this<br />
pleasant 6.2 mile walk is located. The walk starts and finishes<br />
at the Delph Tavern, an award-winning free house pub in the<br />
West Lancashire enclave of Tontine. Walkers are welcome to<br />
park in the car park there from Monday-Thursday, but do<br />
pop in for a pint if you can.<br />
Leave the car park at the Delph and turn left, then left<br />
again at the mini roundabout. Take the first right up Lawns<br />
Avenue and walk up past the houses and a children’s’<br />
park to Lawns Farm. Carry on in the same direction when<br />
you cross the farmyard, past the pigs and goats before<br />
heading up the steep path.<br />
Once you get through the gate, turn right and head out<br />
into the open countryside. Coming into immediate view<br />
is the three ventilation shafts known as the ‘pepper pots’,<br />
which mark the route of the rail tunnel between Orrell<br />
and Upholland. At a path-junction near the first ‘pepper<br />
pot’ bear right towards the second, and once you reach<br />
the third, bear left towards the stone farmhouses that<br />
make up the hamlet of Higher Pimbo.<br />
You’ll emerge from a small wooded section opposite<br />
Higher Barn; turn right here and then take a left 50 yards<br />
on. Follow the path for 300 yards until you reach the<br />
entrance to Pimbo Bushes, home to a disused quarry and<br />
a long-standing nature habitat.<br />
Turn right at the gate and follow the path for 400 yards<br />
until you reach a small pond on the left and then, on the
73<br />
edge of a field, you’ll have a choice of three paths; take a<br />
90 degree right turn and follow the path which will take<br />
you across fields, arriving at the track leading to Heaton<br />
House. Cross the track and continue in the same direction.<br />
Cross through some overgrown ferns into the next field<br />
and follow the path round the perimeter leading to<br />
Promised Land Farm.<br />
Once you reach the farm, turn left through the farmyard<br />
and follow that path for half a mile until you reach the<br />
Shaley Brow section of Crank Road. Turn right and take<br />
the footpath within 40 yards on your left, cross the bridge<br />
and head across open fields.<br />
The path winds to the left to run parallel to woodland<br />
before you cross a bridge on the right. Follow the path<br />
past the green corrugated shed, turn left and then follow<br />
the path diagonally to the right towards the green chain<br />
link fence, emerging from the path at a single-track road.<br />
Turn right and follow the track for 450 yards down Red<br />
Barn Road and, directly after Houghwood House, take the<br />
footpath on the left and start the steep climb uphill. Once<br />
you reach the tarmac road, (formerly the access road<br />
to Billinge Quarry) turn left and carry on walking uphill<br />
where the footpath path and road run parallel.<br />
When the road and path diverge, follow the path to the<br />
left and approximately 60 yards further on, take the left,<br />
lesser-used path that runs parallel to woodland. The golf<br />
course to the left is Houghwood which, on a clear day<br />
boasts amazing views over the Mersey coastline<br />
and Snowdonia. Once you reach the road (Crank<br />
Road), turn right and take the footpath 50<br />
yards up on the left. Just before you reach<br />
the house turn right and follow the<br />
clearly defined footpath.<br />
Carry on in the same direction<br />
for over ½ mile, crossing a stile<br />
en-route. Just after the steep<br />
flights of steps you’ll arrive at<br />
Mountains Farm. Ignore the<br />
public footpath sign directing<br />
you to the left and instead<br />
head right on a singletrack<br />
road towards a new<br />
housing estate.
74<br />
Well Cross Farm<br />
Just after the Brickworks Fishery on the left<br />
and before the new housing estate, turn<br />
left through a gap between metal bars<br />
Tontine<br />
across what initially looks like wasteland<br />
M58<br />
but morphs into a footpath. Follow the<br />
path and when the path forks, take the left<br />
fork and follow for 300 yards until you reach<br />
a hedge and then turn right for 175 yards.<br />
Sandbrook Road<br />
Once you cross over the Sandbrook into<br />
the next field, turn left and head on the<br />
Upholland<br />
Far<br />
Moor<br />
path towards the ‘pepper ‘pots’ once again<br />
and follow that path for over half a mile<br />
until you reach Sandford Road. Follow the<br />
Higher<br />
Pimbo Farm<br />
Higher End<br />
road to its junction with Sandbrook Road<br />
and turn left and your starting point of The<br />
Delph is downhill on the right hand side.<br />
Heaton<br />
House<br />
Mountains<br />
Farm<br />
Daisy Wood<br />
Smethhurst Road<br />
Oak Wood<br />
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and<br />
footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has<br />
been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate,<br />
neither the publisher or its editorial contributors<br />
can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to<br />
any party to loss or damage caused by errors or<br />
omissions resulting from negligence, accident or<br />
other cause.<br />
Hangman’s Wood<br />
Promised<br />
Land Farm<br />
Brownlow<br />
Shaley Brow Farm<br />
Crank Road<br />
Derbyshire<br />
House<br />
Crank Road<br />
Billinge Hill<br />
Rainford<br />
Brook Farm<br />
Red Barn Road<br />
For those with the OS Maps<br />
app on your desktop, mobile<br />
or tablet, this walk is named:<br />
JT-Tontine
75<br />
Fireworks Phobia<br />
If your pet becomes really distressed during bonfire<br />
season, it could be that they have ‘firework phobia’.<br />
RSPCA animal behaviour expert Dr Samantha Gaines<br />
says: “Firework phobia in pets is a treatable condition and<br />
we recommend planning ahead to help your pet cope.<br />
For example, if your dog really seems to suffer, your vet<br />
may suggest referral to a clinical animal behaviourist to<br />
teach him/her to deal with the sounds, or suggest the use<br />
of diffusers which disperse calming chemicals into the<br />
room.”<br />
It is also a good idea to provide your dog with a safe<br />
haven – perhaps under some furniture or in a cupboard<br />
– and it is best to get them used to this before the season<br />
starts. Choose somewhere quiet and help him to learn<br />
that being there is positive and that no harm will come<br />
to him. You can do this by giving him toys or a variety of<br />
chew toys.<br />
Small animals that live outside should have lots of extra<br />
bedding so they can burrow. Some of their enclosure<br />
could be covered by a blanket for extra insulation and<br />
soundproofing. If you are planning to bring them indoors<br />
just before the fireworks are likely to start, then introduce<br />
this a week or two in advance.<br />
Finally if you are using fireworks yourself, try to stick to<br />
traditional celebration dates like Bonfire Night, when<br />
most animal owners will be expecting fireworks and will<br />
hopefully have made preparations to help their animals<br />
cope.<br />
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76<br />
First Drive:<br />
Volkswagen e-Up!<br />
Volkswagen has improved its electric e-Up! but how have things changed?<br />
In the race to gain EV supremacy, it seems that many<br />
manufacturers have forgotten that often the best<br />
application of electric technology is in smaller city cars.<br />
But the Volkswagen e-Up! is different. It’s quite small – as is<br />
the standard Up! – and it doesn’t look too ‘out-there’ either.<br />
VW has given the e-Up! bigger batteries to improve that<br />
all-important range, but can this little car battle it out in a<br />
segment dominated by leviathans?<br />
What’s new?<br />
The exterior of the e-Up! doesn’t look particularly<br />
different from the car it replaces, nor does it appear all<br />
too dissimilar to the standard combustion-engined car.<br />
The bulk of the changes have been made under the skin.<br />
As mentioned, Volkswagen has boosted the battery count<br />
in the e-Up!, helping to extend its range and bolster its<br />
appeal. The firm has also added the ability to fast-charge<br />
the car, which should help to drive down the time you’ll<br />
be waiting at the plug.<br />
What’s under the bonnet?<br />
The e-Up! has an electric motor linked to a 32.3kWh<br />
battery. Power is sent to the front wheels through a<br />
single-speed gearbox, and in total it pushes out 80.5bhp<br />
and a healthy 210Nm of torque.<br />
The e-Up takes 11.6 seconds from 0-60mph with a<br />
maximum speed of 81mph. Volkswagen claims that you’ll<br />
be able to do 159 miles between charges, while the ability<br />
to use combined charging system technology means that<br />
the car can be taken from zero to 80 per cent charge in<br />
just an hour via a 40kW DC charger. A standard domestic<br />
wall box does the same in four hours, while via a three-pin<br />
plug needs around 16 hours for a full charge.<br />
What’s it like to drive?<br />
Despite weighing in at 1,160kg – well over the regular<br />
car’s 926kg – the e-Up! is still a hoot to drive. That sense<br />
of fun remains, with the zippy acceleration you only get<br />
from an EV really adding to the whole experience. The
77<br />
steering is well-judged and nicely weighted,<br />
while the ride is good too.<br />
It’s nimble around town and unflustered<br />
even at higher speeds on the motorway.<br />
Surprisingly for an EV, acceleration from<br />
50mph to 70mph isn’t bad at all.<br />
How does it look?<br />
We already liked the understated styling<br />
of the standard Up!, so it’s fair to say that<br />
we appreciate the undercover looks of<br />
this electric version too. Only slim LED<br />
running lights up front help to denote it as<br />
something different to the ‘norm’, while the charging port<br />
is integrated into the place you’d usually find the filler cap.<br />
The compact proportions lend the Up! to town driving,<br />
while the short overhangs and relatively slim wheel<br />
arches make it a doddle to park. In terms of electric<br />
vehicle design, it certainly rests on the conservative end<br />
of things, but we’re sure that this will appeal to many.<br />
What’s it like inside?<br />
Like the exterior, the cabin of the e-Up! is business as<br />
usual. There’s no main infotainment screen – just a cradle<br />
for your smartphone – so the forward part of the interior<br />
feels pleasantly uncluttered. The steering wheel has a<br />
good amount of adjustment, while the seats are wellpadded<br />
and comfortable. There’s good forward visibility<br />
too.<br />
Our five-door model granted easy access to the rear of<br />
the car, and rear legroom is adequate – though of course,<br />
the car’s size does have its limitations. Very tall passengers<br />
will likely find headroom a hard-to-find aspect of the Up!<br />
FACTS AT A GLANCE<br />
Model: Volkswagen e-Up!<br />
Price as tested: £20,905 (with grant)<br />
What’s the spec like?<br />
Our test car came in at £20,555 after the government’s<br />
plug-in car grant, which doesn’t seem like bad value at<br />
all given the kit on offer. Cruise control, parking sensors<br />
at both front and rear and a rear-view camera are all<br />
thrown in as standard, while a dinky five-inch colour<br />
touchscreen system – essentially a small ‘strip’ screen –<br />
houses Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio.<br />
Volkswagen also – importantly – includes two charging<br />
cables, one 16amp unit for use at wall boxes and charge<br />
points and another 10amp cable for charging at the<br />
mains.<br />
Verdict<br />
The plucky e-Up! has hit the nail on the head. No, it<br />
can’t deliver the headline ranges boasted by larger<br />
EVs, but with around 150 miles per charge it can offer<br />
a genuinely usable range. Short trips to town and even<br />
longer journeys will unlikely trouble the bottom end of<br />
the range, while that ability to fast charge means that if<br />
you do need to plug in, you won’t be waiting all that long.<br />
Most importantly, however, the e-Up! is fun, and that’s<br />
certainly an aspect that many EVs have missed from the<br />
process of driving.<br />
Engine: Electric motor with batteries<br />
Power: 80.5bhp<br />
Torque: 210Nm<br />
Max speed: 81mph<br />
0-60mph: 11.6s<br />
Emissions: 0 g/km CO2<br />
Range: 159 miles
78<br />
Many of the gifts we give or get at Christmas are<br />
gadgets, and that means Santa has a few things<br />
to think about in the days before the big<br />
day. For example, if the kids have asked<br />
him for a games console it’s highly<br />
likely that the console will need to<br />
download a big software update<br />
before it can play online; the worst<br />
possible time to do that download<br />
is on Christmas morning when<br />
everybody else in your street is trying<br />
to do the same. If you can, connect any<br />
new console to the internet in advance so<br />
there’s no delay before the kids can play.<br />
Another good idea is to prepare a bit of paper<br />
with your Wi-Fi details and password on it: from<br />
Amazon Echo speakers to Apple iPads and even<br />
many kids’ toys, a Wi-Fi connection is needed<br />
for them to work. Digging out the details in<br />
advance will speed things up considerably on<br />
the day.<br />
It’s worth looking out any USB-ready charger<br />
plugs (such as from iPhones or Kindle Fire<br />
tablets), because to help reduce electronic<br />
waste many USB-powered devices will come<br />
with a cable but not the plug it connects to.<br />
And of course, it’s a very good idea to check<br />
what batteries any gadgets, toys or remote<br />
controllers are going to need. If you don’t<br />
already have one, a battery charger with a<br />
couple of sets of AA and AAA rechargeable<br />
batteries will come in very handy in the next<br />
few days.<br />
Last but not least, we’d recommend having a<br />
multi-tool or a screwdriver set and some really<br />
good scissors handy. We’ve found that many<br />
kids’ toys come screwed to the packaging or<br />
require very small crosshead screwdrivers to<br />
open their battery compartments, and others<br />
come in extremely strong clear plastic that’s<br />
very hard to open.<br />
Your<br />
Christmas Tech<br />
OCULUS QUEST 2<br />
APPLE WATCH<br />
Checklist<br />
The top big-ticket Christmas gifts <strong>2020</strong><br />
The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch ever<br />
made. There are now three watches to choose<br />
from, starting at £199 for the Series 3 and rising to<br />
£399 for the Series 6.<br />
£199, Apple.com<br />
This is very geeky, we know, but the<br />
Facebook-owned Oculus Quest delivers<br />
an incredible virtual reality experience<br />
without wires or the need for a computer.<br />
£299, Oculus.com<br />
PLAYSTATION 5<br />
The next-generation PlayStation<br />
is big, beautiful and it isn’t quite<br />
as expensive as we feared: the<br />
standard version is £449 and the<br />
disk-free digital version is £359.<br />
£449, Very.co.uk<br />
FITBIT SENSE<br />
If you or your loved one is a<br />
fitness fan, the new Fitbit Versa<br />
adds clever new features to its<br />
tried-and-tested fitness tracking,<br />
including EKG, temperature<br />
sensing and even stress sensing.<br />
£299, Fitbit.com<br />
DYSON SUPERSONIC<br />
If your time is money, then<br />
Dyson’s high-tech hairdryer will<br />
pay for itself very quickly: not<br />
only does it make your hair look<br />
amazing, but it does it in an<br />
amazingly short time too.<br />
£299, Boots.com
79<br />
Services<br />
Repairs<br />
Diagnostics<br />
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MOT Testing Centre<br />
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Call Chris on 01942 215 111 or 07969 357 751<br />
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Car Paintwork Repairs
80<br />
Spring<br />
Harbingers of<br />
by Angie Barker<br />
Award Winner<br />
Long before most other plants start<br />
to wake up in our gardens, spring<br />
bulbs are putting on a show of<br />
colour and delicate form which will<br />
help to lift our spirits. Bulb planting<br />
season should be well underway by<br />
now. Snowdrops, Crocus, Narcissus<br />
(Daffodils) and Iris reticulata to<br />
name a few should all be planted<br />
by now in pots, lawns or borders. If<br />
not, then this is probably your last<br />
chance to do so. Tulips however<br />
should be planted a little later in<br />
<strong>November</strong> or even into December.<br />
They benefit from a period of frost<br />
which helps to avoid the fungal<br />
disease Tulip Fire.<br />
Be generous with your planting<br />
and go for groups or drifts. The<br />
odd spring flower placed here or there looks odd and a<br />
little sad – the opposite of the effect you should be trying<br />
to achieve. If you are planting in a lawn for a naturalistic<br />
effect, remember you shouldn’t cut the grass until the<br />
leaves of the flowers have died down as this will allow<br />
energy back into the bulb for next year. You could plant<br />
your bulbs in a pattern (say a heart shape) which will<br />
emerge next spring and make you smile.<br />
Here are some bulbs which I have planted this season and<br />
which I’m already looking forward<br />
to seeing in spring:<br />
Crocus ‘Prins Claus’. I must admit<br />
I picked this one for its name<br />
(Christmassy) as well as the<br />
stunning flower which is white<br />
with purple shades on the outside<br />
of the petals<br />
Narcissus ‘Rapture’. This is a very<br />
cute, small daffodil which has<br />
swept back petals as if it is in a<br />
wind tunnel. They always make<br />
small children (and Hubby) giggle<br />
Iris reticulata ‘Alida’. This only grows<br />
to around 15cm in height so best<br />
in a pot where you can really<br />
appreciate its beauty. A mid blue<br />
flower with splashes of yellow<br />
Narcissus ‘Thalia’. Pure white daffodil flowers which are<br />
scented. They are also one of Monty Don’s favourites so<br />
they must be good<br />
Tulip ‘Orange Emperor’. This is one of the earliest Tulips<br />
to emerge and will produce gorgeous orange coloured<br />
flowers in March<br />
Goodness knows we all need something to look forward<br />
to next year so get planting and get your 2021 gardening<br />
year off to a flying start!<br />
Angie is a qualified awardwinning<br />
garden designer<br />
who will plan your garden<br />
to your needs from start to<br />
finish, supplying reputable<br />
contractors and the ideal<br />
plants.<br />
Call Angie now for your free consultation!<br />
Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons)<br />
Garden Design For All Seasons<br />
Tel: 01942 522 405<br />
Mob: 07857 008 383<br />
www.angiebarker.co.uk<br />
Award Winner
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81<br />
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83<br />
Trading Standards has a directory of local traders you<br />
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Find the borough’s best online at www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader<br />
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we do<br />
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call Steven today on 07393 818 392<br />
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85<br />
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8AM-6PM<br />
FUNDED<br />
PLACES<br />
Available for<br />
2/3/4<br />
year olds<br />
£37.50<br />
per day<br />
LANgUAgE<br />
& SPortS<br />
LESSoNS<br />
pre-schoolers<br />
Large<br />
outdoor<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 886166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
For more information<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a booking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours free entitlement<br />
£29 for a fu l day<br />
Flexible sessions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest<br />
which is good for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
W.Hurst & Son Ltd<br />
ELECTRIC<br />
CONTRACTOR<br />
www.whurstandson.co.uk<br />
• All types of electrical work<br />
• 35+ years experience<br />
• No job too small<br />
• Friendly and reliable<br />
For a free quote<br />
& advice call Jeff<br />
01695 622 191<br />
07850 622 191
£29 for a fu l day<br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
FUNDED LANgUAgE<br />
A l sta f<br />
PLACES & SPortS<br />
paediatric<br />
Available for LESSoNS<br />
& first aid<br />
2/3/4<br />
for<br />
QUALIFIED<br />
year olds pre-schoolers<br />
oPEN<br />
Large<br />
£37.50<br />
Mon-Fri<br />
outdoor<br />
per day<br />
8AM-6PM<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
as<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
87<br />
Electrical & Security Specialists<br />
All aspects of electrical<br />
work plus;<br />
CCTV Installation<br />
Burglar Alarm Installation<br />
Outdoor/Security Lighting<br />
SMART systems Installation<br />
Automated Gates<br />
EMERGENCY<br />
ELECTRICIAN SERVICE<br />
24 HOURS<br />
NO CALL-OUT CHARGE<br />
STANDISH<br />
BASED<br />
For a no-obligation quote<br />
call 07470 655 925<br />
Email: E4S_enquiries@outlook.com<br />
Website: www.E4Systems.co.uk<br />
Facebook: StandishElectrician<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
Call Paul<br />
Locksmiths<br />
EstablishEd 2000<br />
• uPVC & WOOdEN dOOR sPECialist<br />
• Emergency door Opening<br />
• uPVC door lock Repairs<br />
• uPVC door lock Changes<br />
• uPVC door lock upgrades<br />
• Wood door lock Changes<br />
• all Work Guaranteed<br />
Alarm installations,<br />
repairs & upgrades<br />
Domestic and commercial<br />
work welcome<br />
Free security assessment provided<br />
Emergency lock openings<br />
Lock changes<br />
No call-out charges<br />
24-hour service<br />
60 mins response<br />
Call 01942 669505<br />
www.uklocksandalarms.co.uk<br />
info@ianwalkerservices.co.uk<br />
gArAge door<br />
repAirS<br />
All gArAge<br />
doorS<br />
repAired:<br />
Springs, Cables,<br />
Locks, Rollers etc.<br />
Doors of all ages<br />
repaired<br />
01744 894939 / 07891 330214<br />
NO FIX, NO CHARGE!<br />
Strawberry Cottage,<br />
Pimbo Lane, Upholland<br />
WN8 9QL<br />
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk<br />
a Registered insured NCFE Certified Company<br />
call Paul for a Fast, Reliable,<br />
Professional service<br />
tELEPhoNE<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
01942 901103<br />
moBiLE<br />
07932 718 362<br />
WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK<br />
Specialists in<br />
Replacement<br />
Double<br />
Glazed Units<br />
Ring with sizes for<br />
a FREE estimate<br />
Open 7 days 8am - 8pm<br />
Established <strong>Local</strong> Family Company<br />
01942 470 085<br />
0800 328 8573<br />
www.steamywindows.net<br />
Design & Print<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a b oking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />
Flexible se sions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com
£29 for a fu l day<br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
A l sta f<br />
paediatric<br />
& first aid<br />
QUALIFIED<br />
oPEN<br />
Mon-Fri<br />
8AM-6PM<br />
FUNDED<br />
PLACES<br />
Available for<br />
2/3/4<br />
year olds<br />
£37.50<br />
per day<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
LANgUAgE<br />
& SPortS<br />
LESSoNS<br />
for<br />
pre-schoolers<br />
Large<br />
outdoor<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
as<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
88<br />
651511<br />
Boiler Installation<br />
Boiler Servicing & Repairs<br />
Boiler Finance Available<br />
Landlords Gas Safety Reports<br />
Experienced, Reliable & Friendly Service<br />
BOILER<br />
SERVICES<br />
FROM<br />
£60<br />
Credit Cards accepted<br />
01942 221 996<br />
07769 203 056<br />
hartheatingwigan@gmail.com<br />
Winstanley-based<br />
Plumbing & Heating<br />
Specialist<br />
Complete Bathrooms<br />
John Bailey<br />
01942 495785<br />
or 07721 040620<br />
& 07710 153238<br />
Based in Kenyon Road, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a b oking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />
Flexible se sions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
• Brand New Bathrooms<br />
• Boiler + Central Heating<br />
Installs, Servicing + Repairs<br />
• Extended warranties<br />
available<br />
• 24 Hour Call-out<br />
• Domestic + Commercial<br />
FINANCE<br />
OPTIONS<br />
AVAILABLE<br />
StoveS<br />
by Andy<br />
Save £££’s on<br />
your install<br />
• InStallatIonS<br />
• MaIntenance<br />
• ServIcIng<br />
For a free quote and expert<br />
advice call Andy on<br />
01257 369 685<br />
07899 752 225<br />
stovesbyandy@gmail.com<br />
Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service<br />
Central Heating Systems<br />
Boilers & Gas Appliances<br />
General Plumbing<br />
Gas Safety Certificates<br />
Call Andy for a free quote on<br />
01942 564 226<br />
07397 391 935<br />
acampbellheatingandgas<br />
FULL BOILER<br />
SERVICE<br />
FROM JUST £58<br />
597379<br />
Freephone:<br />
0300 3030121<br />
Dave: 07769 942218<br />
Matt: 07969 183809<br />
21 Naburn Drive, Orrell wN5 8SB<br />
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk<br />
www.orrellheating.co.uk<br />
506515<br />
4 Boiler Servicing & Maintenance<br />
4 All aspects of plumbing and heating work.<br />
4 Gas Safety Inspection reports undertaken.<br />
Call MIKE on<br />
0787 113 1012<br />
Established since 1967<br />
WIGAn BASEd<br />
10238
89<br />
ShOwROOM NOw OpEN at 19 Preston Road, Standish WN6 0HP<br />
All plumbing services<br />
including services & repairs<br />
• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted<br />
• Specialists in Disability<br />
Installations & Conversions<br />
• Emergency Call outs welcome<br />
BOILER<br />
SERVICING<br />
FROM<br />
£60<br />
www.gphwigan.co.uk<br />
No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on<br />
01257 473026<br />
07515 894281<br />
527090<br />
EmErgEncy call outs<br />
wElcomEd<br />
• All aspects of plumbing<br />
and heating<br />
• No job too small<br />
• Quality work guaranteed<br />
• <strong>Local</strong> and reliable<br />
No<br />
call out<br />
fee<br />
Ring Ken for a free quote<br />
01695 624769 or<br />
07909 734978<br />
Friendly and<br />
professional service<br />
• Boilers<br />
servicing, repairs & installation<br />
• Central Heating<br />
upgrades and energy saving<br />
• Smart Controls<br />
installations & upgrades<br />
4622825<br />
enquiries@warmconnections.co.uk<br />
Call Craig for a free quote;<br />
07469 185 776<br />
Upholland-Based<br />
4 Installations, Services<br />
& Repairs<br />
4 Boilers<br />
4 Central Heating<br />
Bathrooms<br />
4 573747<br />
Call nico for a free quote on<br />
07818 335 441<br />
A Genuine Family Run Business<br />
With Friendly & Courteous Staff<br />
SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES<br />
• Annual Boiler Servicing<br />
• Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks<br />
• Mechanical Power Flushing<br />
• Thermostatic Valves Radiators Fitted<br />
• All-in-One Air Conditioning & Heating Units for Home & Work<br />
Telephone: 01942 504 429<br />
TEL: 01257 421 660 MOB: 07515 505 501<br />
Accredited Installer & Service Partner<br />
WE REPAIR ALL<br />
MAKES OF BOILERS!<br />
Registration No.<br />
88604<br />
www.fgwelch.co.uk
90<br />
Puzzle Solutions<br />
CROSSWORD<br />
WORDWHEEL<br />
ACROSS: 1. Calais, 7. Charades, 8. Rustle, 10. Cheese, 11. Sisal, 13. Ikebana, 16. Bouncer,<br />
17. Oasis, 20. Safari, 22. Peseta, 24. Princess, 25. Morris.<br />
DOWN: 1. Cyprus, 2. Laos, 3. Scree, 4. Pancake, 5. Babe, 6. Helsinki, 9. Twain, 12. Idolatry,<br />
14. Brass, 15. Decibel, 18. Shares, 19. Spasm, 21. Anna, 23. Ewer.<br />
ANSWER:<br />
NEWSPAPER<br />
N A<br />
W<br />
P<br />
R<br />
P E<br />
S<br />
E<br />
WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE<br />
WORDS<br />
A Drop in the Bucket<br />
NUMBER<br />
BLOCK<br />
2 6 4 7<br />
7 1 3 1<br />
3 2 5 2<br />
5 8 9 8<br />
17 17 21 18<br />
17<br />
19<br />
12<br />
12<br />
30<br />
16
£29 for a fu l day<br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
FUNDED LANgUAgE<br />
A l sta f<br />
PLACES & SPortS<br />
paediatric<br />
Available for LESSoNS<br />
& first aid<br />
2/3/4<br />
for<br />
QUALIFIED<br />
year olds pre-schoolers<br />
oPEN<br />
Large<br />
£37.50<br />
Mon-Fri<br />
outdoor<br />
per day<br />
8AM-6PM<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
as<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
Great Value<br />
Bathrooms!<br />
Full Bathrooms<br />
& En-Suites<br />
Showers, Trays & Cubicles<br />
Relocation of Bathroom Suites<br />
25 years bathroom experience<br />
Call Chris now for a free quotation<br />
C L Bathrooms<br />
01942 749085<br />
or 07801 295483<br />
www.clbathrooms.co.uk<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
Bathroom Installation,<br />
Full Bathrooms &<br />
En-Suites<br />
Plumbing Services<br />
Wall & Floor Tiling<br />
Ceiling Panelling<br />
01942 397173<br />
07803 057940<br />
Douglas Drive, Orrell, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk<br />
AGBathrooms.net<br />
Quality bathrooms at<br />
reasonable prices<br />
Complete bathroom<br />
installations from design<br />
to completion.<br />
Convert your bath to a<br />
AJC<br />
WALK IN SHOWERS<br />
Typical price<br />
£1800<br />
Fully guaranteed<br />
One day installation<br />
No mess - no fuss<br />
Easy to clean & maintain<br />
Call Anthony on<br />
07919 876 825<br />
91<br />
Walk-In Shower<br />
Workshop address:<br />
Bulldog Tools Ind. Est.<br />
Darlington Street East <strong>Wigan</strong> WN1 3BT<br />
We also fit full bathrooms!<br />
Elite<br />
Bathrooms<br />
& Wet Room Installation<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
Des Pilling<br />
Plastering<br />
• Plastering<br />
• Skimming<br />
• Artexing<br />
Coving & Cornice work<br />
also welcomed<br />
Orrell based – Established 1986<br />
Call Des on<br />
07787 513 235<br />
www.lakelandplastering.co.uk<br />
www.despilling.org.uk<br />
For free quotes, call Adrian on<br />
07816 394 292<br />
Check out our work on<br />
www.AGBathrooms.net<br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a b oking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />
Flexible se sions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
• Bathrooms • Wet Rooms<br />
• Wall & Floor Tiling<br />
Please call for a FREE Estimates<br />
07703 448890<br />
01942 208926<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk
£29 for a fu l day<br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
A l sta f<br />
paediatric<br />
& first aid<br />
QUALIFIED<br />
oPEN<br />
Mon-Fri<br />
8AM-6PM<br />
FUNDED<br />
PLACES<br />
Available for<br />
2/3/4<br />
year olds<br />
£37.50<br />
per day<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
LANgUAgE<br />
& SPortS<br />
LESSoNS<br />
for<br />
pre-schoolers<br />
Large<br />
outdoor<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
as<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
92<br />
Quality Handyman Service from a qualified Joiner<br />
4 Flat-packs assembled<br />
4 Laminated Flooring laid<br />
4 Door Hanging<br />
Handy<br />
Andy<br />
Building / Joinery<br />
Plastering / Tiling<br />
Plumbing / Roofing<br />
Flatpack Assembly<br />
Call Handy Andy on<br />
01257 369 685<br />
07899 752 225<br />
tradesbyandy@gmail.com<br />
All aspects of maintenance;<br />
And so much more..<br />
All<br />
jobs<br />
considered<br />
4 Electrical appliances fitted<br />
4 TV Mounting<br />
4 Garden Maintenance<br />
01942 387 090 / 07568 195 033<br />
Fixouse Property Maintenance<br />
HANDS ON<br />
Property Maintenance<br />
& Handyman Services<br />
3 Kitchens & Bathrooms<br />
3 Painting & Decorating<br />
3 Joinery<br />
3 Electrical<br />
3 Building<br />
3 Paving, Decking<br />
& Fencing<br />
3 Tiling<br />
3 Plumbing<br />
Telephone Keith on<br />
GDR Driveways<br />
ALL ASPECTS OF PAVING & tuRfING<br />
4 Block Paving<br />
Clean & Re-seal<br />
4 Indian Stone<br />
service available<br />
4 Flagging<br />
4 Turfing<br />
4 Artificial Grass<br />
No job<br />
too<br />
small!<br />
fixouse@gmail.com<br />
07812 110476<br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a b oking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />
Flexible se sions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
JJ Driveways<br />
Imprinted Concrete<br />
Specialists<br />
Huge range of colours<br />
& patterns<br />
• Resin Driveways<br />
• Block Paving<br />
• Indian Stone<br />
• Flagging<br />
We can also revive<br />
your old drive!<br />
Ask about our sealing<br />
service<br />
Call Joe for a<br />
free quotation on<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
01942 621 959<br />
07867 697 972<br />
www.jjdriveways.co.uk<br />
Winstanley-based<br />
www.gdrdriveways.com<br />
Call Gareth for a fREE quotation: 01942 217 113 or 07715 177 754
£29 for a fu l day<br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
A l sta f<br />
paediatric<br />
& first aid<br />
QUALIFIED<br />
oPEN<br />
Mon-Fri<br />
8AM-6PM<br />
FUNDED<br />
PLACES<br />
Available for<br />
2/3/4<br />
year olds<br />
£37.50<br />
per day<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
LANgUAgE<br />
& SPortS<br />
LESSoNS<br />
for<br />
pre-schoolers<br />
Large<br />
outdoor<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
as<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
Aerial & Sky<br />
Services<br />
RX-12 Digital TV Aerials<br />
£65 supplied & fitted<br />
Aerial Multi-room System<br />
at £45 per room<br />
TV Wall Mounting Service<br />
Level 5 in Signal Path & Fault<br />
Diagnostics<br />
Domestic<br />
& Commercial<br />
work welcomed<br />
30+ years<br />
experience<br />
01942 257804<br />
07966 488585<br />
Call anytime for a quote or email:<br />
andyaerial@blueyonder.co.uk<br />
• TV Aerials Installed<br />
• TV Wall Mounting<br />
• Telephone Lines<br />
• Setup Service<br />
Ring Paul on<br />
01942 514 532<br />
07709 490 095<br />
• Business Telephone<br />
Systems<br />
• Voip & Structured Cabling<br />
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93<br />
Tel: 01942 441221<br />
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or email info@techguys360.co.uk<br />
www.techguys360.co.uk<br />
1st Floor, Rainford Parish Council Offices,<br />
Church Rd, Rainford, St. Helens WA11 8HB<br />
Over 70 Lancashire<br />
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Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
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A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
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rated by<br />
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NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
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94<br />
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Company Ltd<br />
• Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 •<br />
We Measure ~ We Make ~ We Fit<br />
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call David on...<br />
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07988 260621<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Superior<br />
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01257 422317<br />
or 07852 202867<br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a b oking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />
Flexible se sions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
01257 252647<br />
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28 Years Experience<br />
Extensions & Refurbishments<br />
Kitchens & Bathrooms<br />
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All aspects of building works<br />
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Call Peter for a free quotation<br />
Day: 07961 516 677<br />
Eve: 01942 745 428<br />
Cambridge Road, Orrell<br />
Promote your<br />
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graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk<br />
www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk<br />
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or 07545 065119<br />
Orrell based business<br />
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95<br />
J&P<br />
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Orrell based
96<br />
B.A.<br />
Berry<br />
Building & Roofing<br />
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• All building work undertaken.<br />
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4 All types of re-roofs<br />
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MOBILE: 07774 943 706<br />
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS,<br />
UP HOLLAND<br />
Established Over 30 Years<br />
WILSON<br />
BROS<br />
• •<br />
Est. 1985<br />
Roofing & Roofline<br />
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maintenance & repair<br />
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installation<br />
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services<br />
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Brian: 07760 160 988<br />
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• All aspects of home<br />
improvements<br />
• one stop for all the trades<br />
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Mob: 0777 602 4045<br />
SpeakmanpropertyServiceS.com<br />
• Conservatory repairs<br />
• Locks, handles and hinges<br />
• Replacement glass<br />
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01942 737 381<br />
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conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com<br />
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NEW ROOFS<br />
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M: 07894 687 384
97<br />
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Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements!<br />
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All types of building<br />
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Cover photo © Ian Bonne l Photograpthy<br />
98<br />
Promote<br />
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99<br />
Come and visit the largest<br />
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28544