Local Life - Wigan - November 2020

LocalLife 

Wigan Edition 

November 2020 

Catching up with the 

Hotpots 

Pages 44-47 

Crafty Christmas 

Pages 22-23 

Then & Now Pemberton 

Page 24 

Education Section 

Pages 34-41 

Making an Entrance 

Pages 56-59 

Jack’s Tracks – Tontine 

Pages 72-74 

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALKS | COMPETITIONS | HOME & GARDEN SERVICES

2 

TIMBER, FENCING & DECKING NWTT 

AGGREGATES 

TIMBER DECKING 

MADE to 

MEASURE 

GATES & FITTINGS 

NEW 

COMPOSITE 

DECKING 

PAVING 

ARTIFICIAL GRASS 

SHEET MATERIALS 

FENCE 

PANELS 

SOFTWOOD TIMBER 

& PROFILES 

CUT to 

SIZE 

SLEEPERS 

NEW 

BUILDING 

MATERIALS 

TAKE AWAY 

TODAY 

LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS 

FOR OVER 30 YEARS 

Ashton-in-Makerfield - Lockett Rd, South Lancs Ind Est, WN4 8DE 

St. Helens - 304 Jackson Street, WA9 3AZ T: 01744 454110 

01942 720777|sales@nwtt.co.uk|www.nwtt.co.uk 

Ashton-in-Makerfield • St Helens • Walkden • Skelmersdale • Rossendale 

Supplying everything for the job - timber and much more... 

FASCIA & 

GUTTERING 

NWTT 

NORTH WEST TIMBER TREATMENTS 

Timber & Builders Merchants 

Open to the Public & Trade 

Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-12 noon 

STRUCTURAL / PLANED TIMBERS | FENCING TIMBERS | GATES & FITTINGS 

DECKING | DECORATIVE AGGREGATES | BRICKS & BLOCKS | FLAGS 

SAND/CEMENT/STONE | PLASTERING & INSULATION PRODUCTS | AND MORE

3 

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER 

Fires - Fireplaces - Stoves - Gas - Electric - Multifuel 

All tastes & budgets catered for 

Our reputation is your guarantee! 

Rated: 5 star on Facebook 5 star on Google 

The 

ireplace 

INC 

The Stoveplace Wigan 

Telephone: 01942 583 558 

721 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AQ (FREE parking to the rear) 

wiganfiresandfireplaces.co.uk

4 

Hands up if you feel like ‘doing a hedgehog’ and 

going into hibernation for the winter, only 

emerging when this madness ends? 

Unlike the last lockdown, which took place amid some 

glorious weather, the latest restrictions will take in a dark 

and cold time of year and they could take a much heavier 

mental toll on those who are feeling isolated or fragile. 

Please do your best to recognise who these people are, 

as it is not always obvious, and do your best to keep in 

touch with them. A simple phone call, text or message 

can mean a lot. 

Let us also try and rethink the way we do Christmas this 

year. Instead of starting our Christmas shopping in city 

centre crowds, on the web and in the supermarkets, let’s 

try the local option first. There are many local outlets with 

imaginative ranges of Christmas gifts (some of them in 

this magazine). 

And despite everything that’s happening, please don’t 

lose sight of the fact that things will get better in 2021. 

The vaccines are already rolling off the production lines 

and it’s just a matter of time before the human race 

defeats this virus. 

Yes, this Christmas is going to be strange but just look 

forward to the party we’re going to have next Christmas 

making up for lost time! 

On behalf of all at Local Life, our best wishes for a happy 

and safe Christmas and we’ll see you in 2021. Now where’s 

the nearest pile of leaves? 

Chris Pearce, Publisher 

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk 

Keep in touch with the 

LocalLife Team! 


Telephone: 01695 627 999 

info@locallife247.co.uk 

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia 

Local Life 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, Wigan WN1 9UB 

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the 

publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss 

or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of 

this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

5 

This month’s highlights 

44. Catching up with the Hotpots 

Contents 

24. Then & Now 

22. Crafty Christmas 

34. Education Section 

12. Beauty 

Gifts of Gorgeousness 

28. Food 

Cranberry, Orange and Nut Loaf 

32. Puzzle Pages 

Try these brainteasers for size. 

60. Books 

Historical Fiction to Dystopian Lit. 

64. Travel 

Travel Insurance Advice. 

68. Health 

Managing your Stress. 

76. Motoring 

Vokswagen e-Up Review. 

81. Home & Garden Services 

Find the best local traders for you. 

52. Pep Up Your Hallway 

72. Tontine Walk 

Want to 

promote your 

business in 

LocalLife? 

Next Issue - December 2020 

Advertising deadline - 11th November 

Published - 26th November 

01695 627 999 

www.locallife247.co.uk

6 

Hospice Support 

Hospice UK, the national charity 

which leads Hospice Care Week, 

estimates that UK hospices have 

lost in the region of £70m in 

income so far this year, with charity 

shops closed throughout the 

first lockdown and many major 

fundraising events having to be 

cancelled. 

You can help Wigan and Leigh 

Hospice face this unprecedented 

financial challenge by buying your 

Christmas cards from the Hospice 

this year. The Hospice has a range of eight Christmas 

cards and these are sold in packs of ten cards for £2.99 

each online at www.wlh.org.uk. 

You can also support Hospice’s annual Light for a Life 

appeal, which provides an opportunity to celebrate and 

remember those you love and have loved. A light is lit 

on the Hospice Christmas tree 

for every dedication made each 

year and every name is featured 

in a Book of Dedications which is 

printed into a bound hard-backed 

book and is available to view all 

year round. 

Dedications can be made to 

anyone, there does not need to 

be a connection to the Hospice. 

It is a simple and moving way of 

remembering those you love or 

have loved at Christmas time. For 

more details, visit www.wlh.org.uk. 

The tree switch-on ceremony will be held this year on 

Tuesday 8th December at 6.30pm, but the public are not 

invited due to COVID-19 restrictions. You can watch this 

on the Hospice’s Facebook page or on the Wigan and 

Leigh Hospice YouTube channel. Please do not attend the 

Hospice.

7 

Paddle & Pottery 

Join the team for a paddle around Scotman’s Flash at 

dusk. You will paddle out in rafted canoes, bellboats and 

katakanus to see what spookiness lies on the water. When 

you return to shore there will be a campfire to warm up 

by and you will be able to paint a piece of Halloween 

themed pottery from Haigh Stables Gallery to take home 

with you. 

If you fancy a bit of a treat you can even take your own 

marshmallows, chocolate biscuits and flask of hot 

chocolate to enjoy around the fire. 

The session is suitable from ages 3+ and will take place 

on Saturday 31st October from 3.30-5pm and the cost 

is £12 per person. To book your place, please email 

outdooradventure@ihlmail.org with the number and 

ages of the people wanting to take part, preferred boat 

and your contact number. 

Big Bike Revival Returns 

If your pushbike has seen better days or you just don’t feel 

confident in giving it a bit of a tune up, then the Big Bike 

Revival in Wigan might be just the thing you need. The 

workshops are funded by Cycle UK and are delivered by 

Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, you simply book a slot, take 

your bike for a free check-up and repair and that goes for 

bikes of all ages sizes and types. 

Sessions will be available in 20-minute timeslots, with 

fully qualified bike mechanics carrying out all work and 

Covid-19 procedures in place to ensure everything is as 

safe as possible. You might even be able to pick up some 

cycling goodies and find some information about where 

to ride and how to keep your bike in tip-top condition. 

Gifts From £12 

Complimentary Christmas 

gift wrapping available 

• Gearing Up Workshop, The Brick Works, Wigan 

Saturday 31st October, 9am-1pm 

• Ashton Leisure Centre 

Friday 6th November, 4pm-7pm 

• Standish Leisure Centre 

Saturday 7th November, 10am-1pm 

Booking is essential so for further information and to 

book a time slot, get online and visit 

www.getactivecycling.eventbrite.co.uk/ 

38 Church Road Rainford WA11 8HD 

01744 881 588 www.ellamora.co.uk 

/ellamora38

8 

Quality Furniture at Discount Prices 

OuR fANTASTic chRiSTmAS RANGe iS NOW iN! 

Most items available for immediate delivery or store collection 

20-22 Gerard Street 

Ashton-in-Makerfield 

WN4 9AA 

01942 510888 

Open Mon-Sat: 9-5pm, Sun: 10-4pm (Nov-Dec only) 

800 Ormskirk Road 

Pemberton 

WN5 8AX 

01942 205988 

Open Mon-Sat: 9-5.30pm, Sun: 10-4pm

Now available at 

9 

Your friendly, quality discounter of essentials, homewares, greeting cards, candles and so much more. 

RA-2O3-TR 2/3 Chest 

£279.99 

80 x 40 x 95cm 

RA-5DN-TR 5 Drawer Chest 

£249.99 

50 x 36 x 115cm 

RA-LS-TR Large Sideboard 

£299.99 

115 x 34 x 80cm 

RA-GWR-TR Gents Wardrobe 

£479.99 

90 x 52 x 185cm 

RA-6DC-TR 6 Drawer Chest 

£299.99 

115 x 40 x 78cm 

RA-LBSC-TR 3 Drawer Bedside 

£99.99 

42 x 35 x 58cm 

RA-SBSC-TR 2 Drawer Bedside 

£89.99 

RA-SFT-TR Square Dining Table 

32 x 32 x 58cm 

£149.99 

75 x 75 x 78cm 

RA-12BET-TR Extending Table 

£299.99 

120/160 x 75 x 75cm 

RA-16BET-TR Extending Table 

£399.99 

160/200 x 85 x 78cm 

RA-N3T-TR Nest 3 Tables 

£149.99 

60 x 38 x 50cm 

RA-N2T-TR Nest 2 Tables 

£99.99 

50 x 32 x 50cm 

RA-LCT-TR Large Coffee Table 

£199.99 

90 x 50 x 45cm 

RA-CTV-TR Corner TV Unit 

£169.99 

90 x 44 x 48cm 

RA-STV-TR TV Unit 

£159.99 

90 x 38 x 45cm 

RA-30-TR Bed - 3ft 

£229.99 

91cm 

RA-46-TR Bed - 4ft 6in 

£289.99 

140cm 

RA-50-TR Bed - 5ft 

£319.99 

152cm 

Order online or in-store 

www.geetees.co.uk 

customerservices@geestees.co.uk 

@GeeTeesuk

10 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is 

urging communities to do their bit this Autumn and stay 

safe, as the Halloween and Bonfire season gets underway 

this week. 

Festivities will look very different this year as a result of 

COVID-19 restrictions, with organised displays cancelled 

across Greater Manchester. 

With more people expected to celebrate at home, 

firefighters are calling on people to take extra care and 

remind themselves of Bonfire and firework safety advice 

that is available at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk 

GMFRS’ Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, said: “The 

Halloween and Bonfire period will be as busy as ever 

with the expectation that more families and households 

will opt to host their own small firework display due to 

organised events having been cancelled. 

“Our advice would be to not have fireworks and bonfires 

this year – instead, stay at home, stay safe and protect our 

emergency services. If you do choose to purchase fireworks, 

you must do so safely by checking for the CE mark, and you 

Safe4Autumn 

must follow the Fireworks Code when using them. 

“Bonfires can be dangerous if not managed correctly and 

they cause problems for our emergency services. If you 

are going to have a bonfire in your garden, please do 

so safely by following the advice on our website www. 

manchesterfire.gov.uk. It’s more important than ever that 

people across Greater Manchester celebrate this autumn 

safely and responsibly.” 

Dino Safari 

Haigh Hall have launched a new Dino Safari attraction for 

kids! They have teamed up with Love Exploring, which is a 

free app that lets you explore your surroundings. 

Activities to choose from include the Dino Safari, which 

will help you and the kids track down dinosaurs with an 

augmented reality game. 

You can download the app now by searching for Love 

Exploring in your App Store or Google Play Store. 

ASHTON UPHOLSTERY 

CUSTOM MADE SUITES DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER 

Family run business for over 30 years. Open 7 days. 

FREE Home consultation 

now available for any 

upholstery needs 

23 desiGNs, 

1000’s OF 

Fabrics 

ANy spec 

Ashton Upholstery, 263 A Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 8TG 

01942 271268 • ashtonupholstery@outlook.com 

Like our page for fantasic special offers www.ashtonupholstery.co.uk 

PHONE OR EMAIL FOR FREE BROCHURE

11 

NEW 2021 

BROCHURE 

OUT NOW! 

Holidays ~ Short Breaks ~ Day Excursions 

Call us on 01942 728960 

for your FREE copy 

or download a copy from 

www.memorylanetravel.co.uk 

WiNTER WaRMiNG BREaKS FOR EaRly 2021 

Cornwall & Poldark country 

11th February – Only £289 

5 days/4 nights Dinner B&B 

Rosemundy House Hotel, St Agnes 

Full Entertainment Package ~ Excursions to 

Port Isaac, Padstow, St Ives, Truro ~ Cream Tea 

Bodelwyddan Castle 

29th January – Only £224 

4 days/3 nights Dinner B&B 

Full leisure facilities 

Entertainment 

Excursions to Llandudno and Betws-y-Coed 

WHy TRavEl WiTH MEMORy laNE? 

3 Home pick-up for holidays 3 Executive coach travel 3 Quality hotels 3 Local well-established operator 

Moss industrial Estate, 

William Way, 

leigh WN7 3PT 

01942 728960 • www.memorylanetravel.co.uk 

Memory Lane Holidays is a trading name of Ashcrofts Mini Travel Ltd. Company Number 06950361

12 

Gifts of 

Gorgeousness 

Beauty gifts that Santa will wish he thought of, from stocking fillers to luxury treats 

Eco lovers will appreciate Biovene 

Solid Shampoo and Conditioner 

Bars (£4 each). They’re also a great 

gift for anyone planning on going 

travelling next year, as they take up 

very little space in a suitcase but last 

for weeks. The bars are free from 

parabens, sulphates and other harsh 

chemicals and use natural goodies 

like macadamia oil and shea butter 

to gently cleanse and nourish hair. 

See www.justmylook.com. 

Alternatively, the Eco Warrior Mini 

Cube by the Little Soap Company 

(www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk) 

is as pretty as it is eco. For £8, you 

get a Sensitive Facial Bar, Exfoliating 

Bar, Shampoo 

Bar and Shaving 

Bar. They’re all 

plant-based, free 

from synthetics 

and packed 

with natural 

ingredients such as essential oils, 

pink clay, oatmeal and coconut oil. 

What make-up lover isn’t a fan of 

Urban Decay’s Naked Eyeshadow 

Palettes (£43)? The Ultraviolet one 

is likely to cause squeals of delight 

on Christmas Day from any fan of 

a bold smoky eye. 

The twelve shades are a mix of 

mattes, metallic and shimmers. The 

focus is purple, from lilac to deepest 

aubergine (but with names like 

‘Euphoric’ and ‘Cyber Punk’…), and 

there are complementary nudes and 

golds to create the perfect dramatic 

eye. As you’d expect from Urban 

Decay (www.urgandecay.co.uk), the 

shadows go on easily and stay put 

for hours. Pair the palette with the 

Lash Freak Mascara (£21) for extra 

brownie points. 

Most of us rarely treat ourselves 

to a new make-up bag, but they’re 

always nice to get. (Because, let’s 

face it, how many of us ever get 

around to cleaning out the powder, 

lipstick stains and other gunk that 

accumulates in them?) The Tierra 

Palm Multi-coloured Makeup Bag 

(£16.50) from Oliver Bonas is likely 

to be well-received. If you’re feeling 

especially generous, team it with the 

coordinating Wash Bag (£24). 

Do you make your own Christmas 

crackers? Forget a plastic fish or 

silver napkin ring, pop in a Leighton 

Denny Back to Nature Nail Polish in 

Peony or Forest (£12) instead. They’re 

vegan, 75% natural and designed to 

have a lower impact on 

the environment than 

most nail varnishes. 

See www.LD-Boutique. 

com. 

Give someone the gift 

of a good night’s sleep 

with the Tonic Velvet 

Eye Mask (£15 from 

www.amara.com) and 

This Works’ Choose Sleep Kit (£10 

from www.thisworks.com). The 

mask is velvet on one side and satin 

on the other, so it feels lush against 

skin. The Choose Sleep Kit contains 

miniatures of two of This Works’ 

bestselling products – the Deep 

Sleep Pillow Spray and Stress Check 

Roll-On. 

Know someone who loves 

luxuriating in the bath tub? A 

Biovene Hair Wrap Treatment (£3 

from www.justmylook.com) would 

make a great stocking filler. It’s easy 

to use: just pop it over your hair, use 

the sticky tab to keep it in place, and 

then rinse off after twenty minutes. 

It smells divine 

and leaves hair 

feeling softer and 

healthier.

13 

Shop safe, stay local 

We stock a wide range of Christmas 

presents for both women and men. 

Exclusive Christmas gift packs 

from Clarins and Espa 

You can order Christmas gifts or beauty products by phone, via email or 

via our online store, with free delivery within a 7-mile radius of Billinge. 

Gift wrapped options are available. 

Socially distanced personal shopping trips to pick out your Christmas 

gifts can be pre-booked, please call us to book a convenient time. 

Looking for inspiration? 

Christmas gift vouchers are available online or via our app. 

Visit our website or Facebook page to check out the latest offers 

Expressions Of Beauty 

161-171, Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PA 

01744 894 214 

www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk

14 

Specialists in: 

• Family Law • Personal Injury 

• Wills & Probate 

Call us today to arrange a 

free 30 minute consultation 

Rachel Jane Taylor 

Solicitor & Director 

RJT Solicitors 

44 High Street, 

Standish, 

Wigan, 

WN6 0HF 

Donna Gamble 

Solicitor 

01257 228027 / 01942 409154 

www.rjtsolicitors.co.uk 

60 Second 

Mortgage 

Review 

With rates still historically low, 

call us today to see if we can save £’s off 

your existing mortgage 

Call us on 

01257 441580 

or for more information visit 

www.armortgagesuk.com 

YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS 

ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. 

Alexander Ross Mortgages is a trading style of WE Financial Services Limited 

which is an appointed representative of LJ Financial Planning Limited which 

is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

15 

Heritage Survey 

Wigan Council are looking for residents to complete 

a survey about the Borough’s heritage environment. 

This includes historic buildings, structures and ruins, 

conservation areas, historic gardens and landscapes. 

If you want to have your say about buildings such as 

Winstanley Hall and Haigh Hall, here is your chance. 

This consultation draft Historic Environment Strategy sets 

out the Council’s vision and priorities for the protection 

of the borough’s historic environment, together with a 

robust framework to support the delivery of projects that 

affect it. 

The Council owns several heritage assets, but most are 

owned and managed privately by people and businesses, 

or by local community groups and voluntary bodies. 

The council wants this strategy to be used by all those 

groups, so that they can work in co-operation with local 

communities and the council to help conserve and 

enhance the borough’s historic environment. 

This survey will close on Monday 9th November 2020 – 

to have your say just visit; www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/ 

Consultations/Consultations.aspx

16 

Volunteers Needed 

Wigan Borough Community Partnership are on the 

lookout for volunteers. The Wigan Borough Volunteer 

Hub is run by Wigan Borough Community Partnership, a 

registered charity which exists to provide advice, training, 

and support to the voluntary, community and social 

enterprise sector of Wigan Borough. 

The Hub is looking for people who would be willing to 

support individuals in the community who are selfisolating, 

by helping with a range of activities including, 

personal shopping, food deliveries and care calls. 

Can you help? If this sounds like something you might 

like to get involved with please contact the Community 

Partnership on 01942 363621 or by emailing info@ 

wbcommunitypartnership.org 

2021 Concerts 

Family portraits 

Personalised keepsakes 

Souvenir shirts 

Sporting memorabilia 

Cross-stitching and Craft 

We don’t just make frames, 

we frame memories 

Wide choice of quality frames 

Expert advice and efficient service 

Call 01942 718602 

25 Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8AA 

Open: Tuesday-Friday 10-4, Saturday 9.30-12 

On-site Parking 

www.artisanframingservices.co.uk 

Despite the effect 

that the current 

health crisis is 

having on the arts 

and entertainment 

industry, Jockey 

Club Live are busy 

lining up race night 

events for the 2021 

season at Haydock 

Park and Aintree 

racecourses. The 

Jockey Club Live 

events are renowned for combining a fun-filled evening 

at the races with a spectacular evening concert in the 

informal and relaxed open-air setting of the hallowed turf. 

Confirmed events at Haydock so far are Tom Jones (19th 

June) and Olly Murs (17th July), and the confirmed event 

at Aintree so far is Nile Rodgers & Chic (11th June). Jockey 

Club Live events are also held at Newmarket, Sandown 

and Carlisle racecourses. 

Tickets for all the events are now available at www. 

thejockeyclublive.co.uk and the Jockey Club Live offer a 

money back guarantee if cancelled. 

Keep your eyes peeled for Local Life issues early in 2021 

when we will be running a couple of ticket giveaways for 

these events.

17

18 

Rememberance Sunday 

Preparations have been made for Wigan Borough to mark 

Remembrance Sunday in a different way this year. The 

council usually arranges 14 events but a new format is 

required in light of the global pandemic and to ensure 

public health guidelines are adhered to. 

It means officers will focus on supporting services at the 

parish churches in Wigan and Leigh where restrictions on 

the number of attendees will be in place. To avoid large 

gatherings, no parades or outside services are being 

organised. 

At each cenotaph managed by the council, poppy signs 

will be installed to help residents with social distancing 

and there will be marshals in the areas during busy 

periods. Residents who would like to lay wreaths or 

pay their respects are asked to do so throughout the 

day, rather than gathering at 11am. The council are also 

encouraging residents and schools to display poppy 

posters and designs in their windows. 

The respective services at Wigan and Leigh parish 

churches will have limited attendance with priority given 

to Armed Forces organisations. Following the services, 

which will be streamed live, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor 

will lay wreaths at the respective cenotaphs. 

Local churches may organise their own services but 

will be required to have their own risk assessments and 

Covid-safety provisions in place. 

Mini Makers 

If you are looking for something to occupy your little 

one, then why not have a go at the monthly mini makers 

session at Wigan Steam? You and your budding artist can 

enjoy a morning of crafty activity including messy play, 

making, sticking, gluing and lots of creative learning fun! 

There are two sessions a month and the next one will be 

held on Wednesday 4th November at 10am. The cost of 

the ticket is £2.50 and this admits one child and one adult, 

to help the centre adhere to social distancing measures. 

You can book your tickets by going online at www. 

wigansteam.co.uk/events 

Beautifully furnished 

Stone Cottage 

Holiday Let 

– sleeps up to 4 

Situated near Sedbergh, 

in the Yorkshire Dales, 

and also within easy 

reach of the Lake District 

Children & pets welcome 

FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY 

Call 01942 216 058 

www.millthropcottage.co.uk

19 

Goodyear 

Furniture Centre 

One of the most 

Inspirational Showrooms 

in the North West! 

We have over 20’000 sq.ft of 

showrooms, displaying some 

of the finest furniture. 

Choice, quality, service 

and value for money 

Wide selection of quality lounge suites 

in fabric or leather, Dining and Cane 

conservatory furniture. 

Large selection of occasional furniture, 

mirrors, pictures, lamps and other 

accessories. 

Goodyear Furniture Centre: 

18 New Street, Mawdesley, Lancashire. L40 2QP 

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm / Sat 10am - 4pm / Sun 11am - 4pm 

www.goodyearfurniture.co.uk 

01704 821577 

Ample free 

onsite parking 

A highly recommended family name established in 1982

20 

A Christmas like no other 

With Christmas markets closed and many unwilling to risk the crowds in city centres and 

large shopping centres, you may be wondering just how you can buy imaginative and personal 

gifts for those family, friends and neighbours who have gone over and above to help this year. 

The gorgeous Love It Gallery in Billinge has an excellent range of original gifts to suit all 

budgets, made from craftspeople, many of them local. From Christmas cards, wrapping, advent 

calendars and decorations, right through to gifts sets, accessories, jewellery, ceramics, and 

soft furnishings, the Love It Gallery has got something for everyone this Christmas. 

Demand is sure to be high this year, so call 

in soon for a great selection of gifts. 

Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG 

Open: 9.30am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday 

Telephone: 01695 622 332

21 

As the home of Morpheus Glass, 

it’s not surprising that the range 

of inspirational glass art at Love 

It Gallery is huge, with clocks, 

bowls, mirrors, vases, wall 

panels and much more featuring 

prominently, many pieces carrying 

the rainbow theme of 2020. 

On site at the gallery is the 

Bag & Bean café, where 

you can enjoy coffee, cake 

and light lunches, socially 

distanced style - with 

additional outdoor and 

undercover seating with 

heating.

22 

Wishing you a 

Crafty Christmas 

By Nicola Gray 

Is there anything more treasured or satisfying come to think 

of it, than homemade Christmas decorations? There is one 

sure-fire way to get into the Christmas spirit, and in my 

opinion that is a bit of Christmas DIY. In our house we still 

lovingly decorate our tree with past their best sourdough 

decorations made in the 80’s and cardboard stars that 

have long since lost their glitter. The pudding making starts 

months in advance and we have been known to knock up 

the odd Christmas cupcake. 

Whether it is a reindeer cut out by your little ones or a 

homemade festive wreath adorning your front door, 

make-your-own decorations will always take pride of 

place. These days the options are endless, with craft 

fayres, wreath making courses and children’s craft kits, 

you cannot fail to be inspired. 

With social distancing threatening to put a bit of damper 

on festivities this year, we thought we would take a 

look at what is on offer, from decorating gifts, crafting 

handmade gifts for your loved ones and getting the kids 

involved with some scrumptious treats. 

Wreath Making 

Wreath making has become exceedingly popular over 

the last few years, and what’s not to love? You can 

craft your own front door decoration, match it to your 

preferred colour scheme and have a mulled wine or two 

whilst you’re at it! Here are a few wreath making classes 

available in the area. 

The Lily Pot – this is an online tutorial that you can 

do from the comfort of your own home. The workshop 

takes 2 hours and starts at £32.93 per wreath. Dates are 

available from Monday 16th November right the way 

through to Monday 21st December. For more information 

go to www.thelilypotstandish.co.uk 

Olive Owl – will be hosting wreath workshops at the 

Posthouse and the Gelato House in Orrell starting from 

Tuesday 24th November. There are variety of dates 

available and you can book on to a traditional wreath 

making class, a dried wreath class or if you fancy a bit of 

a party try the wreath and rave workshops. Prices start at 

£35 and tickets and information on social distancing 

can be found at www.oliveowl.co.uk 

Blossom Room – will be hosting a 

Christmas Wreath class at Alberts 

in Standish on Sunday 29th 

November and Sunday 6th 

December. They will also 

be hosting a Christmas 

Centrepiece workshop on 

Monday 21st December 

at their base at Windy 

Arbour Farm in Billinge. 

Prices start at £45 and 

you can secure your 

place by calling 01942 

212900.

23 

Christmas Crafts 

What could be better 

than making your own 

Christmas cards and gifts 

tags? Getting the children 

involved and ramping up the 

Christmas spirit, that’s what! 

Cedar Farm in Mawdesley will be 

hosting a variety of Christmas craft 

workshops great for adults and children 

alike – sounds like festive heaven. 

• The Christmas calligraphy workshop will take place 

on 3rd December with a focus on making extra special 

Christmas stationery. The price is £55 and all the materials 

and kit needed are included in the price. To book your 

spot email mellorandrose@icloud.com 

• Also, on the list at Cedar Farm is a parent and toddler 

Christmas craft session on Wednesday 2nd December 

from 9.45am. You can spend an hour getting creative with 

your little one making paper mosaics and decorations. 

The cost is £7.50 per adult and toddler and this includes 

refreshments. For more information or to book your place 

please go online at www.cedarfarm.net 

Christmas Cupcakes 

Now, if like me you can burn water, cake making and 

festive baking might not be your strong suit. Not to worry 

because Rainbow and Rolling pins in Wigan have got you 

covered and you too can have homemade festive treats 

for Christmas Day. 

• Rainbows and Rolling Pins will be offering a Christmas 

cupcake box. Each kit includes 4 plain cupcakes, a 

tube of buttercream, 4 printed toppers, a selection 

of Christmas sweets and a bag of festive sprinkles. 

Each kit costs £10 and are available 

to order from December 1st to 

be collected on December 

23rd. To order you kit 

please contact Rachel on 

07887 397687 or email 

rainbowsandrollingpins@ 

yahoo.com

24 

Then & Now Pemberton 

The foundation stone for the Carnegie Library in Pemberton 

was laid on 12th September 1906 and the grand opening took 

place 15 months later on 11 

December 1907, attended 

by Lord Balcarres and Sam 

Wood, the Mayor of Wigan. 

A view of Pemberton 

Station and assorted staff. 

The station’s ticket office, 

with its Billinge Road 

entrance, is to the right-hand side of the bridge and the 

waiting room is in the foreground on the left. Year unknown. 

A Wigan-bound steam 

tram and trailer near the 

Lichfield Street/Ormskirk 

Road junction, circa 1903. 

Houses in the snow at Spring Bank, Pemberton, thought to 

be in December 1899. The snowfall caused the first of four 

postponements of the Wigan County vs. Southport in the 

Lancashire Senior Cup at Springfield Park. 

Wigan’s Cultural and Heritage venues are open and 

warmly welcome you with two new exhibitions…. 

RADICALS, REBELS & REFORM: Fighting for Change (Museum of Wigan Life, Wigan). 

& We Will Always Be Together (The Fire Within, The Galleries, Wigan). 

Please check website and social media for facilities, opening days and times. 

www.wigan.gov.uk/museum | www.thefirewithin.org.uk

25 

Harmony 

Your satisfaction is Our future 

THANK YOU to all our customers and for recommending us to others 

Blinds | Shutters | Smart blinds | Remote control blinds 

01942 311 342 

www.blindsbyharmony.co.uk

26 

Cash for Culture 

Arts at the Mill CIC has been awarded £945,621 as part 

of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund 

(CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus 

pandemic and to ensure that the organisation has a 

sustainable future, the Culture Secretary announced 

recently. 

Arts at the Mill are one of 1,385 cultural and creative 

organisations across the country receiving urgently 

needed support. 

£257 million of investment has been announced as part 

of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants 

programme being administered by Arts Council England. 

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage 

sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks. 

The Arts at the Mill Marketing & Communications Director, 

Rebecca Davenport said: 

“We feel lucky and extremely grateful to have been 

awarded this grant. We had to make the difficult decision 

to close our doors in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus 

pandemic so this money will go a long way in covering 

losses incurred in the organisation due to closure”. 

Rebecca continued “We now broadcast live performances, 

workshops, tutorials, seminars, vlogs and more several 

times per week to continue to provide creative output 

and to maintain cultural engagement for all. Doing 

this has meant we’ve been able to continue offering 

paid work in a time when opportunities for artists have 

become extremely limited”. 

She added “In addition, we’ve thankfully been able to 

maintain employment for all our staff members with a 

number of them continuing to work and some, having 

been furloughed, using their time to volunteer for the 

Covid-19 Community Response Team. We can’t thank 

DCMS and Arts Council England enough for giving us this 

incredible lifeline.” 

Are you a first-time buyer struggling to get on the 

property ladder or looking to get a better deal than 

your bank has offered? 

If that’s a yes, we offer a FREE initial consultation on: 

• First-Time Buyer Mortgages/Purchases • Re Mortgages • Buy to Let Mortgages 

We have access to some of the most competitive rates on the market 

Your home may be repossessed if you don’t keep up repayments on your mortgage 

We also provide advice on: 

• Home Insurance • Income Protection • Life / Critical Illness Insurance 

Call Steve on: 01695 666 999 

www.mortgagefactoryltd.com 

Pop in to see us: 44A Ormskirk Road, Upholland (Next to Fosters Hair) 

Email: info@mortgagefactoryltd.com

27 

Up to £300 part 

exchange for your 

old suite 

When you purchase a new suite 

from the Wentworth 

collection 

Stockists of 

Fully Fitted 

Bathrooms 

from £4,999! 

Free quotations 

available 

Fully Fitted 

Kitchens from 

£6,999! 

Sofas | Chairs | Dining Sets | Kitchens | Bathrooms | Beds & Bedroom Furniture | Fires 

Stoves | Boilers | Occasional Furniture | Mirrors & Artwork | Lamps & Ornaments 

64-80 Duke Street, St Helens, WA10 2JW 

Tel: 01744 22331 www.bartonsofdukestreet.co.uk

28 

READY 

in 1hr 45mins 

plus cooling 

Makes 8-10 

Cranberry, 

orange and nut loaf 

This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic Christmas cake. 

Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving. 

Ingredients 

175g unsalted butter, softened 

175g golden caster sugar 

225g self-raising flour 

2 tsp ground mixed spice 

½ tsp baking powder 

3 large eggs 

75g sweetened dried cranberries 

50g walnuts & 50g hazelnuts, chopped 

Zest of 1 orange 

1 tbsp orange juice 

FROSTING 

Half of a 400g tub ready-made royal icing 

2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles 

75g fresh cranberries 

Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional) 

Icing sugar, for dusting 

Method 

1 Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Grease a 900g loaf 

tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking 

parchment. 

2 Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large 

bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly 

combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice. 

3 Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hr-1 hr 15 

minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre 

of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then 

turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 

4 Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake. Scatter over the sugar 

sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using. Leave 

in a cool place until set. Serve sliced. 

TIP: Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festivethemed 

sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really 

sparkly finish.

29

30 

READY 

in 30 mins 

plus chilling 

Serves 6 

Potted 

Smoked Salmon 

This is the perfect starter for the lunch on the big day – 

the recipe will easily double up if you are feeding a crowd at Christmas! 

Ingredients 

275g honey roast salmon flakes 

250g smoked salmon slices, chopped 

100g unsalted butter, softened 

125g full-fat soft cheese 

2 tsp creamed horseradish 

1 tbsp lemon juice 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 

Fresh dill sprigs and green 

peppercorns, to garnish 

Slices of toasted brown or granary 

bread, to serve 

Method 

1 Reserve about 25g of the salmon flakes for garnish (cover and chill in 

the fridge until required). 

2 Place the rest of the salmon flakes in a food processor with the smoked 

salmon, butter, soft cheese, horseradish and lemon juice. Process until 

smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black 

pepper and process for a further few seconds. 

3 Divide the mixture between 6 small ramekin dishes and level the 

surface. Cover and chill in the fridge until required. Garnish with the 

rest of the salmon flakes, dill sprigs and green peppercorns. Serve with 

toasted brown or granary bread. 

TIP: Most supermarkets sell packs of ready-flaked honey roast salmon but if unavailable just buy ready-cooked smoked salmon 

fillets and roughly flake the fish, discarding any skin and fine bones.

31

32 

Puzzle Pages 

Sponsored by 

CROSSWORD 

ACROSS 

1. French town that serves as a 

ferry port to England (6) 

7. Acting game, popular at 

Christmas (8) 

8. Steal cattle (6) 

10. Brie or Edam, for example (6) 

DOWN 

1. Country, capital Nicosia (6) 

2. Communist state of Asia (4) 

3. Sloping mass of rocks at the base of a cliff (5) 

4. Item commonly eaten on Shrove Tuesday (7) 

5. Live-action film about a piglet (4) 

6. Capital of Finland (8) 

9. US novelist, creator of Tom Sawyer (5) 

12. Worship of images (8) 

14. Alloy of copper and zinc (5) 

15. Unit of relative loudness (7) 

18. Equal portions into which the capital stock of 

a corporation is divided (6) 

19. Involuntary muscular contraction (5) 

21. ___ Karenina, novel by Leo Tolstoy (4) 

23. Large container (4) 

11. Plant fibre used to make rope (5) 20. Overland journey by hunters (6) 

13. Japanese art of flower arranging (7) 22. Formerly the basic unit of 

16. Person whose duty is to throw 

money in Spain (6) 

troublemakers out of a bar (7) 

24. Daughter of a sovereign (8) 

17. Group which released the 2006 25. ___ dancers, traditionally 

album Stop the Clocks (5) 

associated with May Day (6) 

WORDWHEEL 

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten 

minutes to find as many words as possible, none of 

which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. 

Each word must be of three letters or more, all must 

contain the central letter and letters can only be used 

once in every word. There is at least one word that uses 

all of the letters in the wheel. 

TARGET 

EXCELLENT: 58 or more words 

GOOD: 47 words 

W 

R 

N A 

P 

P E 

S 

E 

FAIR: 39 words

33 

WORDSEARCH 

THEME: COMPUTERS 

Find the hidden words in the word search grid 

BUG 

CHIP 

COPY 

CYBERSPACE 

DESKTOP 

DISK 

DRIVER 

ETHERNET 

FONT 

HACKER 

HARDWARE 

INPUT 

JPEG 

KEYBOARD 

MENU 

MODEM 

PORT 

REBOOT 

SAVE 

SCROLL 

SERVER 

SOUNDCARD 

SPYWARE 

UPLOAD 

USB 

VIRUS 

WINDOWS 

SUDOKU 

WIGGLE WORDS 

CLUE: Having very 

little overall influence 

Trace a path through all 

the letters to find the 

word or phrase that fits 

the clue. 

C U B E 

K N T H 

E I P O 

T A D R 

NUMBER BLOCK 

The numbers in each row add up to totals to the 

right. The numbers in each column add up to the 

totals along the bottom. 

The diagonal lines also add up the 

totals to the right. 

6 

7 1 

2 5 

5 8 

17 17 21 

18 

17 

19 

12 

12 

30 

16 

All the puzzle solutions can be found 

on page 90 of this magazine

34 

Are you thinking of teaching as a career? 

Become a Teacher with North West Learning Partnership School Direct. 

(Previously known as St Mary and St Thomas C E Primary Alliance) 

Who are we? 

North West Learning Partnership School Direct is an 

established School Direct Provider working in partnership 

with Liverpool John Moores University. 

As one of only 40 Maths Hubs in the country, we are 

able to provide outstanding training at the forefront of 

developments in mathematics education. 

The North West Learning Partnership continues to be 

above the National norm for School Direct provision and 

are classed as a high-flying alliance in terms of numbers of 

applications and successful recruitment. 

Why train with us? 

We are committed to ongoing development of all trainees 

for at least 3 years. 

Trainees have access, free of charge, to our highly effective 

NQT and RQT programmes. 

• High employment rates 

• Only Good to Outstanding schools within our Alliance 

are used for placements 

• Placement schools are across St Helens, Wigan, Bolton, 

Halton & Knowsley 

• Gain PGCE with Masters credits and QTS 

• Highly effective school based tutors. All of a senior level 

with a wealth of experience or are Specialist Leaders in 

their field of expertise (SLEs) 

• Personal support structures in place 

• Quality Assured by several external agencies & as a 

result the alliance provision continues to be graded as 

‘Outstanding’. 

We offer a range of courses for both 

Primary and Secondary 

Primary General 

We offer a unique primary general teacher training 

programme. Training with the North West Learning 

Partnership means you become a staff member from day 

one whilst receiving academic and University support. 

Student feedback is key to ensuring quality and is 

paramount to ensuring the quality of our programme. 

Apply for this training programme through UCAS: 

http://www.ucas.com 

Training Provider 13N | Course code DF23 Primary 

Primary General with Mathematics Specialism 

We are excited to offer this primary general programme with 

mathematics specialism in partnership with Liverpool John 

Moores University. Trainees will engage with our successful 

and unique primary general teacher training programme 

with additional training units in mathematics. 

Trainees will receive a PGCE with Masters credits and QTS. 



Training Provider 13N | Course code SDKJ 

Primary General Salaried Route 

This salaried School Direct programme is suitable for 

experienced, non-teaching staff and career changers. 

Applicants are recommended to have the support of a 

school. The trainee is employed by the school as a nonqualified 

teacher for one academic year. 

The trainee teacher receives a personal training programme, 

accessing our outstanding training at the North West 

Learning Partnership and gains a PGCE with Masters credits 

and QTS at Liverpool John Moores University. 

This qualification includes 60 credits at Masters level. 



Training Provider 13N | Course code 3BFS

35 

Secondary Mathematics 

We are excited to offer a School Direct Secondary 

Mathematics in school one-year teacher training 

programme. You will be awarded PGCE with Masters 

credits and QTS. The course is offered by the lead schools 

Rainford High and Up Holland High in association with 

the North West Learning Partnership and Liverpool John 

Moores University. This unique training programme offers 

exciting opportunities to be involved in: 

• Working alongside specialists in Maths Mastery. 

• Training with high quality relevant professionals with 

an outstanding track record for delivering the highest 

grades for young people at Key Stage 4 & Key Stage 5. 

• Opportunity for leadership training and development 

of strategic curriculum design. 

• Commitment to develop examination expertise at KS4 

and KS5 

• Teaching opportunity across KS2,3, 4 & 5. Subject 

specific and career impacting professional development 

• High quality subject specific CPD opportunities with 

nationally recognised speakers 

• High quality guest speakers to support pedagogical and 

subject specialism 

• The discussion club focused on high quality academic 

research linked to educational discussion at some of 

the leading local restaurants and venues throughout 

the year. 



Training Provider 13N | Course code JL80 

Secondary MFL 

This course is offered by the lead schools Rainford High 

and Up Holland High in association with the North West 

Learning Partnership and Liverpool John Moores University. 

Due to the outstanding teaching in our schools, results in 

MFL are significantly above national average and both 

schools offer unique and dynamic training and teaching 

opportunities for the right teacher training candidates. 

• Training with high quality relevant professionals with an 

outstanding track record for delivering the highest grades 

for young people at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 as well as 

delivering exceptional transition for young people. 

• Opportunity for leadership training and development 

of strategic curriculum design. 

• Commitment to develop examination expertise at KS4 

and KS5 

• The opportunity to take part in cultural language 

exchange visits and programmes. 

• Teaching opportunity across KS2, 3, 4 and 5. 

• Subject specific and career impacting professional 

development. Such as high quality subject specific CPD 

opportunities with nationally recognised guest speakers 

to support pedagogical and subject specialism. 

• The discussion club focused on high quality academic 

research linked to educational discussion at some of 

the leading local restaurants and venues throughout 

the year. 



Training Provider 13N | Course code SD90 

Kathy Carman - North West Learning Partnership School Direct Strategic Lead 

kathy.carman@three-saints.org.uk 

https://www.facebook.com/nwlpschooldirect/ 

Sarah Knowles - North West Learning Partnership Administrator 

sarah.knowles@three-saints.org.uk 

For further details of all programmes please see our website: 

http://www.northwestlearningpartnership.co.uk/index.php/workstreams/ 

school-direct

36 

Do try this 

at home… 

A homemade lava lamp 

This lava lamp is short-lived, but 

pretty magical. 

You’ll need: 

• A glass 

• Vegetable oil 

• Water 

• A bright food colouring (e.g. red or 

green) 

• An Alka-Seltzer tablet 

What to do: 

• Fill the glass to about halfway with 

vegetable oil. 

• Add around a fifth of a glass of 

water. 

• Add around 10 drops of food 

colouring. 

• Drop in the Alka-Seltzer tablet and 

watch the marvel unfold. 

Why it works: 

The oil floats on the water. When 

you drop the tablet in, it reacts with 

the water to make carbon dioxide 

bubbles. They carry the coloured 

water to the top, before popping 

and sinking back down. 

Iceberg 

For this experiment, you probably 

have everything you need already. 


• A glass 

• Ice cubes 

• Salt 

• String 

What to do 

• Dangle a piece of string in the 

glass with one hand. 

• Pop ice cubes into the glass so that 

it’s at least half-full. 

• Can you pull the ice-cubes out of 

the glass using the string? 

• Repeat the first two steps. 

• Pour a couple of tablespoons of 

salt over the ice cubes and the 

string. 

• Wait 10 seconds and pull the string 

out. 

• This time, the ice cubes should 

come out with the string. 

Why it works 

The salt makes the edges of the ice 

cubes start to melt but then they 

partially refreeze, sticking to the 

string as they do. 

Runaway milk 

Fun science experiments that the whole family will enjoy 

Don’t worry, this is a lot less messy 

than it sounds. 


• A plate or wide, shallow bowl 

• Full fat milk 

• Food colouring (ideally three 

different colours) 

• Washing-up liquid 

What to do 

• Pour some milk into the plate. 

(You only need it to be around a 

centimetre deep.) 

• Add a few drops of food colouring 

in different areas. Not too many, 

there should be large gaps 

between each one. 

• Dip a finger in the washing-up 

liquid and then touch one of the 

spots of food colouring. 

• Repeat with other spots of food 

colouring. 

• The colour will swirl away from 

your touch. 

Why it works 

The milk and washing-up liquid 

can’t mix. What you’re seeing is the 

fat particles swirling away from the 

washing-up liquid. Don’t have food 

colouring? Try touching a felt tip 

pen to the milk instead.

37 

UNIVERSITY CENTRE ST HELENS 

OUR DIGITAL 2021 HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE IS NOW LIVE! 

Discover a variety of higher-level qualifications and degrees, studied on 

a full and part-time basis, with smaller class sizes and lower tuition fees. 

Stay local and study a degree right in the heart of St Helens! 

• Applied Chemistry 

• Applied Microbiology 

• Business Management 

• Computing 

• Criminal Justice 

• Early Years 

• Engineering 

• Exercise, Health and Fitness 

• Fine Art Painting 

• Foundation Diploma in Art, 

Design and Media Practice 

• Game Art 

• Graphic Design 

• Media Production 

• Social Policy, Health 

and Housing 

• Teacher Training 

• Theatre and Performance 

Download your copy at: 

sthelens.ac.uk/applynow

38 

Top Christmas Apps 

Help your child or children discover the magic of Christmas by using these popular Christmas apps. 

These apps are now available on both Apple or Android platforms and are either free or modestly priced. 

Portable North Pole 

Through the Portable North Pole (PNP) 

app and website, parents can send 

their kids personalised videos direct 

from the North Pole. Video messages 

are free, but for an additional fee parents can buy their 

child more detailed personalisations, views of Santa’s 

village and news of the naughty or nice list this year. 

NORAD 

For more than 60 years, the North 

American Aerospace Defense 

Command has been tracking Santa’s 

whereabouts on Christmas Eve using 

satellites and jet fighters. The 2020 NORAD Tracks Santa 

website and app each offer a Christmas countdown, 

games and other activities, in addition to NORAD’s iconic 

reports on Santa’s travels come December 24. 

Message From Santa 

Parents who download the Message 

from Santa app get unlimited 

personalised calls from Santa and 

can surprise their child with video 

messages straight from the North Pole. Kids can also 

leave Santa special voicemail messages or hold a text 

conversation with him. 

Elf Yourself 

You can star in a series of personalised 

videos featuring your face on dancing 

elves. Upload up to five photos of 

friends and family from Facebook 

or your camera. Then select a dance and the app 

automatically generates your custom video you can share 

to social media. 

Could you be one of tomorrow’s 

outstanding teachers? 

Individuals who are 

passionate about working 

with young children. 

Join us at our virtual open evenings 

using Microsoft Teams. 

Monday 9th November 2020 

Monday 7th December 2020 

Monday 18th January 2021 

Monday 1st March 2021 

Monday 19th April 2021 

5-5:30pm 

5-5:30pm 

5-5:30pm 

5-5:30pm 

5-5:30pm 

Please email enquiries@wcpsd.uk to 

request to join a virtual open evening. 

Individuals who have 

the potential to be 

outstanding teachers 

Accredited 

Study days will be at Liverpool Hope University leading to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching. 

For more information and updates please visit www.wcpsd.uk and www.saintpatricks.wigan.sch.uk 

To search the course please visit the ‘get into teaching’ website https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/ 

and search using the following provider and course codes. 

Provider code 2A4 Primary course code (Age 5-11) 2XT7 EYFS course code (Age 3-7) AP55

39

40 

For tech shoppers, November is Gadget Christmas. 

That’s because the last Friday of the month, the 

27th of November, is Black Friday. Black Friday is 

when online shops and many high street retailers 

offer amazing discounts on all kinds of products. 

And the discounts can be massive, with hundreds 

of pounds off high-end laptops, big TVs and other 

big-ticket purchases. 

The name Black Friday is a little misleading 

because many of the retailers now run deals the 

week leading up to Black Friday and/or the week 

after. 

Many of the deals are genuine, but it’s important 

to do a little homework because some of them 

are a little creative. 

Some deals are rather like the supermarket wine 

promotions where the price of a £6 bottle of wine 

is briefly raised to £9; the shop then goes back to 

the original price and sticks a ‘Save £3.00!’ sticker 

on it. In tech, the same thing can happen with 

prices going up just before Black Friday to create 

a discount that isn’t really a discount. 

Another common trick is to quote a recommended 

retail price that nobody sensible ever paid. For 

example, a TV supposedly reduced from £1,799 

to £999 may well have been on sale for £1,099 for 

the last six months. You’re still getting a saving, 

but it’s not as exciting as the shop wants you to 

think. 

Technology can help here. Use Pricespy.co.uk 

to see what other retailers are charging for 

the same product, and for Amazon deals use 

CamelCamelCamel.com to look at a product’s 

Amazon price history to see if a deal is good or 

just too good to be true. 

As with any sale, don’t let the prospect of a big 

discount persuade you to buy something you 

don’t want or need, and if you pay by credit card 

make sure you pay it off as soon as you can. The 

interest on some cards can easily wipe out your 

Black Friday savings. 

Get a 

good 

tech 

deal on 

BIG-NAME LAPTOPS 

Looking for a new laptop? You’ll see some 

great deals on laptops from big names 

such as Microsoft, ASUS and Lenovo. 

Some of the best discounts are on the 

most expensive models but you’ll find 

good budget deals too. 

Various prices, 

www.currys.co.uk 

AMAZON ECHO 

Black 

Friday 

Amazon’s smart speakers get discounted 

for every Amazon sale event and Black 

Friday is no exception. The third-generation 

Echo delivers surprisingly great sound 

despite its compact dimensions. 

Usually £89, www.amazon.co.uk 

INSTANT POT 

We love the Instant Pot, a 

programmable electric pressure 

cooker that’s brilliant for soups, 

stews, chilli, curries, rice and pretty 

much anything else you can cook 

in a pot. It’s usually Amazon’s Black 

Friday bestseller. 

Usually £84, www.amazon.co.uk 

PHILIPS AMBILIGHT TV 

There are always great Black 

Friday discounts on smart TVs, 

and some of the biggest we’ve 

seen were on Philips’ clever 

Ambilight range, which uses 

coloured light to make the 

room match what’s on screen. 

Various prices, 

www.philips.co.uk 

XBOX ONE X 

Expect big discounts on Microsoft’s superb console and Sony’s PS4 

too: as their replacements are imminent there will be big savings to 

be had, especially on bundles with included games. 

Usually £395, www.xbox.com

41 

A live and interactive showcase of life at 

winstanley college 

Wednesday 4th November 

5 – 7pm 

Register now! 

Visit www.winstanley.ac.uk or email admissions@winstanley.ac.uk

42 

must be 

The Price is Right 

(or you could lose thousands). 

The UK’s stamp duty holiday, which benefits buyers up to the 

tune of £15,000, finishes on 31st March 2021 and all house 

purchases must be completed by that date. Most people who 

are selling a house are buying another house and obviously 

want to take advantage of this tax break. This leaves you six 

months to benefit – that’s ages away right? 

In fact, the average time taken to sell and buy a house in 

the UK is…six months, so if you want to take advantage of 

the stamp duty then you need to get a wriggle on. 

The single most important piece of advice I would give 

anyone who is hoping to sell their house and buy another 

in this time frame is this; Make sure your house is up for 

sale at the right price. 

Rightmove has recently completed a study on how 

important it is for sellers to price their house currently. The 

internet property platform analysed 300,000 newly-listed 

homes across four months and the data showed those 

houses that were reduced in price had a 33% chance of 

finding a buyer within the 4 month timeframe, compared 

to a 63% chance if priced right from the start. 

Furthermore, Rightmove say homes priced right first time 

are on average getting an offer accepted 26 days more 

quickly than those that have had to have at least one 

reduction before they get an offer accepted. The average 

time to find a buyer if a property is priced right is currently 

21 days, rising to 47 days if it needs to be reduced. 

Believe it or not, there are some estate agents who will 

deliberately overvalue your house just to get their hands 

on your business. It’s a self-centred strategy that is all 

about the agent and not about the customer, and it can 

have a disastrous impact on your ability to move quickly. 

For most people, selling a home is the largest financial 

transaction of their life. It’s essential to go through the 

process with an 

agent you trust 

to achieve the 

best price. Ask 

yourself these 

questions: 

Does your 

Agent have a 

website full of 

properties that have had their prices reduced? 

Out of the Agents who have valued the property, has this 

agent given you the highest valuation? 

Choose your agent carefully, it could make the difference 

between you being able to complete on your dream 

house by 31st March, or not. Up to £15,000 is at stake. 

Top Tips for Selling 

1 List the house at a realistic price. 

2 Make sure the marketing photos are as good as 

they can be and ensure exterior shots are taken on 

a nice day. 

3 Employ the services of a solicitor immediately 

- bringing together the legal paperwork of the 

property you are selling will save weeks between 

the sale agreed and completion. 

4 Galvanise your Agent – If your agent has a 4, 6 or 

8 week notice period, serve it immediately and 

get them to work even harder to find you a buyer 

quickly. 

5 Kerb appeal – paint the front door, gravel the 

driveway if needed, use hanging baskets or potted 

plants to make your house stand out. 

Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has 

worked within the Wigan property market for over 30 years. 

Alan Batt 

For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the Wigan property market, check out 

www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk

43 

Upholland Road, Billinge £550,000 

Townfields, Ashton-in-Makerfield£330,000 

• 6 Bed barn conversion 

• Over 2,200 sq ft 

• 4 Bed detached 


• Rural views to rear 

• Ideal for entertaining 

• Large secluded plot 

• Gated access 

SOLD 

Orchid Close, Upholland £250,000 

Kilburn Ave, Ashton-in-Makerfield £220,000 




• 3 Receptions 


• Not overlooked to rear 

• Integral garage 

• Large rear garden 

SOLD 

Newton Road, Billinge £200,000 

Clapgate Lane, Goose Green £150,000 

• 3 Bed period terraced 


• 3 Bed Semi 


• Rural views 

• Off road parking to rear 

• Over 900 sq ft 

• Off-site garage 

Wigan Office • 78 Market Street, Wigan WN1 1HX • 01942 233 999 

www.alanbatt.co.uk

44 

I’m a working man from 

Lancashire… 

by Nicola Gray 

Since first taking to the stage 

in 2007, The Lancashire 

Hotpots have been putting 

a smile on our faces with 

their light-hearted view on 

life. Their brand of music has 

a distinctly Northern edge 

and it has gained them a 

cult following over the years. 

From playing Glastonbury to 

writing jingles for Holland’s 

Pies, the Hotpots have been 

successfully entertaining the 

nation with comedy songs 

about chippy teas and how 

to ‘mek us a brew’. We caught 

up with Bernard, Bob, Kenny, 

Ron, Billy and Dickie to see 

what fun they’ve been having 

during lockdown. 

Dickie reliably informs me 

that the tale of how the 

band met is one of folklore, 

“It’s a tale of mystery, one that involves Noel Edmond’s 

helicopter, a break in at the Uncle Joe’s Mint Ball Factory 

and an after-hours session with Elton Welsby in Billinge!” 

From their first answer I can already tell that this is going 

to be an interview like no other and I can’t wait for the rest 

of the answers. Bernard added, “Like that Queen film we 

watched at the cinema last year, he may have included a 

bit of dramatic licence there. In reality, me, Bob and Dickie 

had been in a couple of bands previously and Kenny, Billy 

and Ron were all musician friends that we knew and 

asked to join along the way.” 

Bernard Thresher and Bob Wriggles met while working 

at Knowsley Safari Park and formed their first rock band 

together, Korova. Whilst working at St Helens College, 

Bob met Dickie Ticker and 

the three became interested 

in working together. After 

Korova disbanded, Bernard 

and Bob joined forces with 

Dickie to create electronic 

dance music under the new 

guise of Emmet. 

Billy McCartney was in 

Liverpool band Lyons and 

Tigers who supported the 

Hotpots numerous times 

around the North West and 

Kenny Body was in several 

St Helens based bands 

including Jessica’s Ghost 

and Giant Root Attack. Both 

were enlisted to play in the 

band following the death 

of original drummer, Willie 

Eckerslike. 

But what about their good 

old Lancashire upbringings? 

Bernard told me, “I think we all had a pretty normal 

upbringing in St Helens, mine certainly was; mum, dad, 

brother, given a guitar at an early age and potato waffles 

and baked beans for me tea most nights.” “You can’t ask 

for more than that can you? Bob laughs.” 

Bernard added, “I was successfully excluded from nine 

schools for a series of harmless and humorous incidents, 

involving small fires and the occasional release of school 

pets into the wilds. He does admit afterwards that he may 

be slightly exaggerating here for comic effect, but in all 

honesty that is what we love about the Hotpots. 

Get the Hotpots talking about their hometown and the 

interview conducts itself, it’s just fun to be able to listen! 

Talking about their old haunts Dickie chirps in, “Have you

45 

ever been to the Three-Legged Fisherman in Heskin? 

It’s just past Charnock Richard services, they serve the 

best Chicken Kiev in Lancashire.” Bernard added, “Back 

in the day when I’d just started drinking, I used to enjoy 

a breath-taking night at ‘Jokers Bar’ in St Helens town 

centre opposite Scala Snooker. Tuesday night’s there 

were off the charts, especially when they had a 2 for 1 

offer on MD20/20. Remember that?” 

Although Bernard now lives in Coventry, (he really 

does, it’s even documented in one of their songs, ‘This 

Lancashire Town) it’s easy to see the love these chaps 

have for their roots and how much it has shaped them. 

Dickie, Kenny and Ron all still reside in the borough, 

Kenny adds, “We love St Helens’ equidistance between the 

throbbing metropolitan 

hubs of Liverpool and 

Manchester. That 

and Burchall’s Pie 

Shop on Westfield 

Street.” 

The band first dabbled with comedy music, producing a 

remix of the Coldplay song “Clocks” for Radio One DJ Chris 

Moyles in the style of the German dance group Scooter. In 

a play on words they named the side project Moped. The 

track proved popular with listeners of the show and they 

went on to produce several more remixes. Then came the 

idea of a folk band, who write songs and tell stories about 

modern life and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Music is in their blood; it makes them happy, but who are 

their influences and who do they enjoy listening to? Ron 

tells me, “The CD player in the Hotpots van will quite often 

play a lot of Queen, early 80s pop, a bit of AC/DC and a 

smattering of drum and bass…it’s a very broad church. 

Bernard can’t remember the first record that he bought 

but Dickie says, “My first record was The Smurf Song by 

Father Abraham, this goes some way to explaining why 

we make the music that we do.” 

I am informed by the band members that all young men 

in St Helens have the same aspirations growing up. Their

46 

Gigs and tours are renowned for being 

tireless and unrelenting, but the band seem 

to have this under control as well. It was hard 

for them to pinpoint just one show that had 

been their favourite. Bernard added, “I can’t 

remember coming off stage and thinking, 

wow that’s me favourite but looking back 

there was one gig we did at the Manchester 

Academy where we had KFC and champagne 

backstage. How do you beat that?” 

Speaking of gigs, and the lack of them 

now due to the pandemic, I have always 

wondered if musicians really have a favourite 

song. Dickie wistfully informs me that is a 

question that can only be answered at a 

certain moment in time as it changes for 

them on an almost daily basis. He added, “At 

the minute we aren’t playing any live shows 

what with the virus. I was enjoying a little 

ditty we do called The Austerity Blues which 

is about the prices of everything going up; 

we’re nothing if not topical.” 

dream job was not playing gigs up and down the country 

but was strapping on their boots and playing for Saints. 

Bernard added, “Sadly my League career was cut short by 

a series of broken collar bones, weak knees and lack of 

rugby playing ability. I like to think that rugby’s loss has 

been music’s gain.” 

With their rugby playing days firmly behind them and 

song writing and all things music making keeping them 

busy, do they have time for anything else? Billy said, 

“Things are perilous for a lot of people at the moment 

work wise, but currently you could find us involved 

in such jobs as lecturing, website coding and vehicle 

manufacture. One of us has been known to mix up the 

crisps in those bags of Walkers Mix Ups too.” 

There is always a laugh to be had with the Hotpots 

and even when asked about their proudest moments 

since starting the band, that old Northern humour is 

evident. Dickie says, “There was one gig back in 2009 

where I remembered all the words and had a fault free 

performance and it’s been downhill from there. Kenny 

added, “Playing big stages for festivals like Kendal Calling 

will always be a thrill for us. Oh, and getting to play live 

on Radio 2 for Zoe Ball last Christmas was a blast but a 

4am alarm call and a 6am soundcheck is not something I 

would want to repeat in a hurry.” 

Speaking of the current pandemic, I want to know what 

the band has been up to during lockdown and as I’ve 

come to realise over the course of this interview, the 

answer isn’t what you’d expect. Bernard told me, “We’ve 

kept ourselves busy with needlework, Nintendo Switch 

digital golf, research into flying saucers and Uno. We’ll 

have to get round to writing some new songs eventually.” 

Before I let them go, I wanted to know about any funny 

stories or things that have happened to the band through 

the years. The lads do not disappoint as they tell me 

about being unfortunate enough to suffer a flat tyre after 

a gig. Bernard said, “All the lads had to stand in the rain on 

the side of the motorway for hours. I of course had taken 

a limousine back to the Premier Inn and was nibbling 

Ferrero Rocher and quaffing Labatt lager till the wee small 

hours. We did laugh.” 

With Lancashire Day just around the corner, I couldn’t let 

The Hotpots go with our hearing some of their favourite 

Lancashire phrases. Some responses weren’t suitable 

for publication, but they quickly agreed, and Dickie 

answered, “My favourite phrases are ‘Y’In?’ (are you at 

home as I would like to visit) and ‘Y’Owt’? (will you be out 

later to meet with friends for light refreshments).”

47 

Chips & Giggles Tour 2021 

There’s only one thing more satisfying than a visit to the chippy and that’s an 

evening with The Lancashire Hotpots! To book tickets for next year go 

online at www.thelancashirehotpots.net and look for the events listing. 

5th March 2021 St Helens, Theatre Royal 

24th April 2021 

22nd May 2021 

17th July 2021 

Bolton, Albert Halls 

Southport, The Atkinson 

Blackpool, The Grand TheatrE

48 

aqua: 

Established 2006 

bathroom - kitchen 

Aqua (NW) Ltd, 16/18, Market Street, Standish, WN6 0HN T: 01257 425 812 

E: info@aquabathrooms.co.uk www.aquabathrooms.co.uk

49 

left out in thE COld this winter? 

4 Are you a homeowner? 

4 Is your boiler over 6 years old? 

4 Are you in receipt of benefits or tax credits? 

You could get a frEE (or heavily subsided) 

boiler via the ECO3 scheme. 

What is the ECO3 Scheme? 

This is a UK government energy efficiency scheme where 

energy suppliers fund the installation of energy efficiency 

measures, such as boilers, for homeowners in receipt of 

benefits and tax credits. 

GEt yOur bOilEr 

fundinG tOday! 

Call us now on 0800 689 1723 

or visit www.invictusboilergrants.co.uk 

Unit 5 • Millbrook Business Park • Rainford • WA11 8LZ

50 

Competition Winners 

The winners of our Rainbow Glass Art competition in the 

September issue of Local Life were recently announced. 

Janet Gray from Sandbrook Gardens in Orrell won the 

main prize, which was a Rainbow Arch, Joanne Johnson 

of Malvern Close in Ashton was the first runner up and 

won a Rainbow Heart and Nicola Thomas of Netherwood 

Grove in Winstanley won the 3rd prize, a Rainbow Bee. 

The main picture shows Janet’s granddaughter Jodie 

picking up the arch from Stephanie O’Brien, the co-owner 

of the Love It Gallery. Also pictured are Joanne’s husband 

Pete and Nicola with their prizes. 

The pieces are just part of the collection of rainbow 

glass art available at the Love It Gallery, which is based 

on Winstanley Road in Billinge. The Love It Gallery is 

open from Tuesday to Sunday. For more details visit the 

Facebook page @loveitgalleryltd. 

Joiner 

Required 

Established Wigan-based 

joinery company seeks 

time-served Joiner. 

Immediate start. 

For more information 

call Manos on 

07852 202 867 

www.mtjoinery.co.uk 

Want your 

tills to ring 

this Christmas? 

Successfully promote your business in Local Life 

magazine or via our leaflet distribution services. 

For more details call us on 

01695 627999 

or visit www.locallife247.co.uk 

LocalLife

51 

Kitchens ~ Bedrooms ~ Studies 

Luxury quality at factory prices 

Order 

now for 

Christmas! 

n Free 3D Design & Quote Service 

n Kitchen makeovers a speciality 

n Transform your bedroom with our sliding wardrobes 

Visit our factory showroom and save £000’s on your home improvements! 

Genuine 

Trade 

Prices! 

01257 255 831 

masterofcabinets@gmail.com 

Trade 

Customers 

welcome 

Unit 4, Conway Trading Estate, Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DW 

‘2 minutes from M6 J27’ 

CabinetMastersNorthWestLtd 

www.cabinetmastersnorthwestltd.com 

Showroom Open: 8 - 5 pm, Monday - Thursday; 8 - 4 pm, Friday; 10 - 2 pm, Saturday

52 

Pep Up 

Your Hallway 

Give your entrance a stylish update with new furniture or accessories. 

SAY HELLO TO HALLWAY STYLE 

• Choose a runner that leads guests from the front 

door to the heart of your home. Consider how its 

colours and patterns interact with adjacent rooms 

– and avoid light colours that show the dirt. 

• Shoe and coat racks, console tables, benches 

and the like can be selected with an eye for style 

as much as storage. An upcycled or vintage piece 

could really make a statement. 

• A hallway mirror is not only an essential but can 

really up the fashion stakes. All sorts of designs are 

available, and a rattan frame is very on trend. 

• Include a row of hooks for more impact, whether 

rustic or traditional, industrial or modern. They 

come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and colours. 

• Add an accessory or two, such as a work of art, a 

table lamp or a pot of succulents to complement 

and enhance your hall’s colours and textures. 

Ensure that the combination of pieces makes 

you feel happy when you come home. 

A clean-lined shape and subtle 

colour makes this a useful piece 

for any style of hallway. 

Garden Trading Clockhouse hallway 

storage bench, £260, Cuckooland. 

In a soft colour palette and matt 

finish, these striking hooks have a 

minimal, Nordic feel. 

MADE Essentials Apartment wall 

hooks in tonal grey, £35, made.com. 

With a small footprint but a big 

impact, this glamorous lacquer and 

brass cabinet is finished with solid 

acrylic cabochons. 

Globo console, £1,995, Jonathan 

Adler. 

Get the luxe look with a gilded 

mirror that also offers convenient 

space on the shelf below for bits 

and bobs. 

Medium Lene Bjerre Hildia mirror in 

gold, £90, Sweetpea & Willow. 

Handy for post, 

reminders and 

invitations, this wirework 

display rack has an 

appealingly functional 

feel that would look 

great in a modern space. 

Farringdon memo 

board, £30, Garden 

Trading. 

Generously sized hooks in a 

traditional design will hold 

coats, scarves and even hats 

comfortably. 

Country wall hooks, 

£75, A by Amara. 

This vintage-inspired piece will make 

a bohemian statement in your home. 

Bali rattan coat stand, £125, Oliver 

Bonas. 

A soft rug will welcome guests. This 

runner is rich and inviting, in patterned 

peach, nude and grey. 

Nova Runner, £150, Cox & Cox.

53

54 

West Lancs Support 

Clinically vulnerable residents of West Lancashire who 

have no other support in place from their household, 

support bubble or neighbours, and who may need 

additional support to arrange online shopping or 

prescription deliveries, are being asked to contact West 

Lancashire Together on the free helpline 0800 616 667, 

Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. 

Current advice for clinically vulnerable residents is to 

stay at home as much as possible and significantly 

reduce shopping trips, shopping online where possible. 

West Lancashire Together can help signpost you to 

online shopping for food and household items and for 

prescription deliveries if no other support is available. 

Further information about West Lancs Together is 

available on the Council website www.westlancs.gov.uk 

Wellfest Returns 

Wigan’s wellness festival returns as a virtual event this 

week. Wellfest is back with a brand-new online platform 

making it easier than ever for residents to keep their 

body and mind healthy this winter. Residents can browse 

online to discover ideas how to eat well, along with 

further information and support. 

Live sessions will be streamed via the new events channel 

– This is Wigan. You can follow This is Wigan on social 

media channels for updates on the festival and for details 

of how to stream the live main stage from 28th October. 

Be as Warm as Worcester 

If you’re replacing your boiler, there’s really only one choice 

#relyonworcester 

2 Years 

Interest 

Free 

Credit 

Available 

Worcester have been awarded a Which Best Buy? 

award for the most reliable boiler brand and most 

satisfied customers across the entire gas boiler range 

Call us today for a free quote 

We’ll beat any like-for-like quote by £100 - and that’s guaranteed! 

Your Local Installer Established 1998 

Address: 434 Ormskirk Road, Wigan, WN5 9DF 

Phone: 01942 221 221 

Email: info@premiergas.com 

Website: premiergas.com

55

56 

Making an 

Entrance 

Greenwich large sideboard, £229, 

Nala mango wood table lamp, £25; 

Butterscotch rush basket, £22; 

all Dunelm: 0345 165 6565; dunelm.com. 

Colour and pattern for the walls 

Choose a paint colour or wallpaper that you love, and that 

coordinates with the colours visible in adjoining rooms. 

While pale colours reflect light and emphasise space, dark 

schemes can be cosy and interesting. 

It’s sensible to protect the lower halves of the walls from 

wear if you have young children and pets. Extra-tough 

paint is a good choice, or consider a dado rail with tongueand-groove 

panelling, tiles or vinyl wallpaper cladding 

the walls below. Patterned tiles or embossed wallpapers 

are appropriate for older properties with period features. 

Choosing the right flooring 

Flooring should be durable, non-slip, dirt-resistant and 

easy to keep clean. Tiles are easy to care for, and options 

include stone, ceramic or quarry, or colourful Victorian 

encaustic. Floorboards or parquet need regular polishing 

or waxing, but avoid cheap wood laminates that may not 

last long. Good quality vinyl flooring is sturdy, cleanable 

and comfortable underfoot. A luxurious dark wool carpet 

in an 80:20 mix of wool and nylon with a twist pile should 

withstand heavy usage, or how about tough natural 

matting such as coir, sisal or rush? 

Lighting makes all the difference 

Halls should be welcoming, lead the eye into your home 

and safely illuminate steps or thresholds. Consider a 

specialist light-reflecting paint or wallpaper with a metallic 

sheen, and add a large mirror. Wall lights are not ideal in a 

narrow hall; recessed ceiling downlights are better or, if 

ceilings are high, a pendant (or a row of them) works well. 

Storage is essential 

Built-in storage makes the most of every inch of space. 

Shallow, floor-to-ceiling cupboards with doors the same 

colour as the walls, or mirrored to maximise light, will 

hold masses yet be barely noticeable. Alternatively, use 

free-standing, perhaps vintage or upcycled, cupboards, 

sideboards or benches. Umbrella stands, dog beds and 

boot racks suit spacious, country-style halls, while narrow, 

urban halls might benefit from a high-up bike hook and a 

slim radiator shelf for post and keys. 

Tegola Westminster traditional 

oak wood flooring, £49.99 m 2 ; 

natural coir Bee doormat, £15; 

both Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; 

carpetright.co.uk. 

Add a finishing touch 

In a hall with windows, choose blinds or curtains that 

complement the space. A floor runner adds pattern and 

texture on hard floors but needs a non-slip underlay. 

Hang paintings or photographs in coordinating frames 

on the walls, in rows or informal groupings. Perhaps add 

plants, books or a lamp on a console table for a beautiful 

display that creates a lovely welcome to your home.

57 

ModerniseYourStairs 

Bespoke Staircases & Staircase Renovations 

Add value to your home by modernising 

your stairs in just 2 days! 

• Wood, glass or chrome 

• Traditional or contemporary styles 

• Local company, established 1998 

Download our brochure from 

www.moderniseyourstairs.com 

DESIGN SURVEY 

FREE WITH NO OBLIGATION Call 01942 246553 

Or pop into our Wigan showroom 

Rear Mill, Wood Street, off Chapel Lane, Wigan, WN3 4HL 

NexT LefT afTeR THE RANGE 

info@moderniseyourstairs.com

58 

Your hallway needs to be a good-looking, 

welcoming space for visitors and a practical 

storage area for storage. Get the basics right, 

says Katherine Sorrell, and the rest will follow. 

Wiltshire console table in natural solid oak, £299.99, 

St Ives tallboy in natural and painted oak, £299.99; 

both Oak Furnitureland: 0800 440 2254; 

oakfurnitureland.co.uk.

59

60 

The Book Nook 

From historical fiction to dystopian 

literature plus new releases to older 

books that deserve more attention, 

there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck 

into this month. 

Gather the Daughters 

Jennie Melamed 

On the island, girls are little more 

than wives-in-training – following 

the decrees of the founding 

ancestors and submitting to every 

demand of their fathers. They have 

one brief period of freedom over 

the summer, when they live wild 

and do as they please. The summers are short-lived, and 

the girls know that they’re destined to be married once 

they hit puberty. But one day they decide to take back 

their freedom, at whatever cost. Gather the Daughters is 

pretty disturbing and there are a lot of triggers, but as 

dystopian literature goes, it’s one that will stick with you 

for a very long time. 

Little Fires Everywhere 

Celeste Ng 

Whether you’ve watched the 

Amazon Prime series or not, the 

book is well worth a read. To the 

outsider, Shaker Heights seems like 

the perfect town. And no one is 

more perfect than Elena Richardson. 

Her daughter Izzy, on the other 

hand, is impetuous and disinclined to follow the rigid 

path laid down by her mother. When artist Mia Warren 

arrives on the scene with her daughter Pearl, the fragility 

of a ‘perfect’ life becomes all too apparent. A manylayered 

read about motherhood, secrets, race and the 

many nuances of right and wrong. 

The Midnight Library 

Matt Haig 

Nora’s overdose doesn’t result in, as 

she’d hoped, nothingness. Instead, 

she’s transported to the Midnight 

Library, where she gets the chance 

to try the other lives she could have 

led if she’d made different choices. 

As she faces her regrets (from not marrying to not 

becoming an Olympic swimmer), Nora discovers that the 

path not taken isn’t always the panacea she thinks it is. 

A Room Made of Leaves 

Kate Grenville 

A Room Made of Leaves is the 

fictionalised account of a real 

woman’s life – Elizabeth Macarthur. 

It’s set in the late eighteenth century. 

Women had few prospects beyond 

marriage, so when Elizabeth marries 

the cold, ambitious John Macarthur 

she has little choice but to follow him wherever he decides 

to go, even if that’s to the other side of the world to live in 

a new settlement in Australia. A must for historical fiction 

fans. 

A Song for the Dark 

Times 

Ian Rankin 

Rebus is back, but this time it’s 

personal: his son-in-law is missing. 

Rebus heads out to solve the 

mystery. His daughter seems to be 

the obvious main suspect, so which 

role will Rebus prioritise – detective 

or father? Meanwhile, back in Edinburgh, DI Siobhan 

Clarke is on her own case, that of the murder of a wealthy 

Saudi student. These two very different cases may turn 

out to be part of the same tangled web. A Song for the 

Dark Times is a gripping crime thriller with plenty of twists 

to keep you turning the pages.

61 

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 

• traditional service, state of the art results • 

• Carpets • Rugs • Fabric & Leather Upholstery 

The most thorough clean, or its free! 

Call today for a free consultation & no obligation quote 

5 star rating with Wigan Trading Standards Good Trader Scheme 

Have your carpets cleaned the only thorough way 

Shevington based family business 

Alarms & CCTV 

Wigan’s Security Specialists 

Wireless Intruder Alarm Offer 

1 x RF GHE Bell box, 1 x decoy GHE Bell box, 

1 x 32 Zone panel, 2 x RF pirs, 1 x RF door contact 

Only £300 - fully supplied & fitted 

Offer only available in WN postcodes 

Robust systems, expertly installed 

Burglar Alarm systems 

Wireless & hard wired 

CCTV systems 

View your home from your PC, 

smart phone or tablet 

Access Control systems 

Fire Alarms 

GHE Responsive Service 

Available 24 hours 365 days a year 

Suite 1A, Kirkless Industrial Estate 

Cale Lane, Wigan, WN2 1HF 

Call us today for a FREE property risk assessment. 

01942 836 937 www.ghewigan.co.uk

62 

Is Inheritance Tax 

Voluntary? 

It was the late Lord Jenkins that said, “Inheritance Tax is a 

voluntary tax paid by people who distrust their beneficiaries 

more than they dislike the Inland Revenue”. 

Inheritance tax was always considered to be a tax on the 

rich, but it really isn’t! 

Levied at a fixed rate of 40 per cent, it is possible to become 

a higher rate taxpayer after you die. If you are single or 

divorced, UK legislation allows the first £325,000 (2020/21 

tax year) of your estate to be free from Inheritance Tax. 

If you are married, or in a civil partnership or widowed, 

this amount could rise to £650,000. In addition to this, the 

resident’s nil rate band will enable the nil rate band to be 

uplifted further if you are living in your own property and 

will be passing your estate on to direct descendants. 

Inheritance tax can cost your loved ones hundreds of 

thousands in the event of your death, yet it’s possible to 

legally avoid huge swathes of it, or possibly pay none at 

all. How do you manage this? Just by sensible planning. 

The main exemptions 

• Most transfers between spouses and civil partners. 

• The first £3,000 of lifetime transfers in any tax year plus 

any unused balance from previous year. 

• Gifts of up to but not exceeding £250 p.a. to any 

number of persons. 

• Gifts in consideration of marriage or civil partnership of: 

up to £5,000 by a parent, up to £2,500 by a grandparent 

or great grandparent, or up to £1,000 by any other 

person. 

• Gifts made out of income that form part of normal 

expenditure and do not reduce the standard of living. 

• Gifts to charities, whether made during lifetime or on 

death. 

from when the transfer is made for the gift to fall outside 

your estate. During the 7 year period the amount of tax 

payable reduces each year. This is known as Taper Relief. 

However, this relief only applies to the part of a gift which 

is in excess of the nil rate band (£325,000). 

Trusts 

This method allows for the placement of monies out of your 

estate into a suitable investment which is then wrapped 

within a trust. You as trustee remain in control of the 

investments on behalf of the beneficiaries and can decide 

when and if any capital will be paid out in part or in full. 

There are a wide variety of trust options available and 

therefore careful consideration needs to be given to 

ensure that the trust is suitable. 

• Are you happy to waive your right to income and 

capital from the trust? 

• Would you prefer to receive a regular income from the 

trust? 

• Would you like access to capital from the trust? 

Clearly, one size does not fit all and therefore further 

advice should be taken. 

Inheritance Tax is quite a technical area and therefore 

before embarking on a course of action I would strongly 

recommend that you seek professional advice. We 

have advisers with advanced qualifications within the 

taxation and trusts arena who if need be will be more 

than happy to guide you. 

Should you wish to have a chat 

with one of our qualified financial 

planners please feel free to give 

us a call on 01257 423800. 

Making Gifts 

In most cases, any direct gift either made direct or into 

an absolute trust by any one person over the exempt 

gift allowances, is a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET). 

This means that you as the donor, need to live 7 years, 

David Barton 

APFS Cert CII (MP) 

Chief Executive Officer 

Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.

63

64 

Travel Insurance 

Advice 

As thoughts turn to holidays in 2021, the issue of travel 

insurance has never been more complicated. The disruption 

from COVID-19 led many travellers to discover their policy 

wasn’t quite as comprehensive as they assumed. 

With local lockdowns, travel bans and quarantine an everchanging 

situation in recent months, all too many people 

have found planned trips either impossible or no longer 

quite what they expected. 

If you’ve got an annual policy, your first step should be 

checking the date the policy began. The precise details 

will vary between insurers, but as a general rule any 

ordinary policy taken out after the start of April 2020 will 

almost certainly exclude any claims related to COVID-19. 

Instead, you’ll need to look for a policy that specifically 

covers coronavirus. Most such policies will only cover 

the medical effects, though a few policies will also cover 

cancellation. 

Whether you are relying on a pre-April 2020 policy or take 

out a new one that includes COVID-19 cancellation, check 

the conditions that will trigger a payout. Some policies 

will only cover you getting COVID-19 while some will 

pay out if a family member gets it. Some will only cover a 

positive diagnosis while others will cover cases where you 

are told to self-isolate, for example because you’ve been 

in close contact with somebody who has tested positive. 

Coronavirus has also brought much greater attention 

to Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advisories, 

something that’s normally only been an issue for people 

Ready for some winter 

Sunshine? 

No need to put your life 

on pause or risk your cash. 

Book with an established travel agent 

and benefit from financial and legal 

protection from ABTA & ATOL. 

Independent Travel Specialist 

Call in to our travel agents 

Email your holiday requirements 

Or visit us online 

200 Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PE | Tel: 01744 893291 | www.markentravel.co.uk

65 

travelling to far-off war-torn nations. At the time of 

writing, the FCO still had a default position advising 

against any non-essential travel to any country that 

wasn’t specifically exempted. 

If you do travel to a country that’s under such an advisory, 

your insurance is automatically invalid. However, a 

travel insurance policy almost certainly won’t cover you 

cancelling a trip because the FCO advice has changed. 

If you decide against travel altogether, you can usually 

cancel an ongoing annual policy and get a refund 

in proportion to the remaining time, minus any 

administrative fee. This won’t be allowed if you’ve already 

made a claim on the policy during the cover period, for 

example from a previous trip. 

Despite the increased limitations, travel insurance may 

soon be even more important in Europe. At the time of 

writing, the UK and the European Union had yet to agree 

an extension of the UK’s participation in the European 

Health Identity Card program beyond the end of 2020. 

The EHIC isn’t insurance, but rather a mutual agreement 

that covers European Union countries, Iceland, 

Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Anyone with an 

EHIC is entitled to medical treatment on the same basis as 

residents of the country where they fall ill. 

EHIC has never been a substitute for travel insurance, as 

it doesn’t cover disruption from illness or injury such as 

having to rebook flights home. However, if the UK does 

leave EHIC, travelling to the continent without travel 

insurance could lead to hefty medical bills even for basic 

treatment. 

family fun 

advEntuRE 

luXuRy 

City BREaK 

Rail EXPlORE 

CRuiSE/RivER CRuiSE 

Call your personal travel expert 

01942 912334 / 07786 311 282 

julie.moss@notjusttravel.com 

@NJTJulieM 

www.juliemoss.notjusttravel.com 

WEddinG/HOnEymOOn

66 

Covid Support 

for Businesses by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy 

It goes without saying that it has been an extremely difficult year for all of us and particularly those that 

run a small business. This article will outline the measures taken in the Winter Economic Plan to support 

businesses over the next 6 months. 

JOB SUPPORT SCHEME 

This scheme will replace the Job Retention or “Furlough” 

scheme that ceased at the end of October. Under the new 

scheme, commencing in November, the government 

will contribute towards the wages of employees who are 

working fewer hours than normal. 

Basically, employers will pay the wages for the hours 

an employee works, and for the hours not worked the 

government and the employer will each pay one third 

of their equivalent salary. This scheme is designed to 

support viable jobs. 

For businesses that have required by law to close, the 

government has expanded the scheme. Where an 

employee is unable to work for 7 days, a grant will be 

available covering 2/3rds of their normal pay. 

JOB RETENTION BONUS 

This scheme is a £1,000 one-off taxable payment paid 

to employers for each eligible employee that they 

furloughed and kept continuously employed until 31 

January 2021. 

SELF EMPLOYED INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME – 

SEISS 

This grant for the self-employed has been extended for 

the period from Nov 2020 to Apr 2020. Grants will be paid 

in two lump sums, each covering a 3 month period and 

will be worth up to 20% of their average monthly trading 

profit, capped at £1,875 per claim. 

TAX CUTS AND DEFERRALS 

1. The temporary reduction of VAT to 5% for the tourism 

and hospitality sectors has been extended to March 

2021. 

2. Businesses that deferred their VAT payment earlier this 

year can now apply to pay this back in 11 interest free 

instalments from April 2021 rather than in full in March 

2021. 

3. Self-assessment taxpayers will also be able to apply 

from a separate 12-month extension meaning 

payments deferred from July 2020 will now not need 

to be paid until January 2022 

FLEXIBILITY TO PAY BACK LOANS 

Businesses who took out a Bounce Back Loan can use a 

Pay as You Grow flexible repayment system to ease the 

burden of repayments. 

All the schemes introduced have had tremendous impact 

on businesses and in many cases have allowed them 

to retain staff and manage the obvious impact that the 

lockdown has brought. 

And finally, I just wanted to mention the benefits of 

cloud accounting practices. These packages, in particular 

Xero, have proved invaluable over the past few months 

as we have been able to offer hands on support for our 

customers, using up-to-date information to help clients 

track their cashflow, apply for loans and discuss payments 

plans with HMRC. 

If you’re looking to consolidate and grow your business in 

2021, then we have a range of solutions to assist businesses 

of all sizes, starting with our Essentials package for startups 

and sole traders, the Growth package to help you 

take control of your accounts and the Premier package 

designed to help you drive your business forward. 

If you’d like a free initial consultation on how 

CMA can help your business in 2021, please get 

in touch. We can meet in our COVID-safe office or 

over a Zoom call to discuss your requirements. 

Chris Alcock ACMA - CMA Accountancy 

39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9DR 

01257 255521 info@handsonaccounting.co.uk 

www.handsonaccounting.co.uk

67 

Do you need 

help and 

guidance with; 

Company Accounts? 

Auto Enrolment? 

Self Assessment? 

Cloud-based Software? 

Payroll Services? 

Making Tax Digital? 

AE 

SA deadline 

VAT 

Benefits 

SA 

FREE 

INITIAL 

CONSULTATION 

Call CMA Accountancy today 

www.cma-accountancy.com 

info@cma-accountancy.com 

Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge. 01257 255521

68 

Managing Your Stress 

Persistent stress can affect our health and even cause 

serious illness, so we need to know how to reduce stress 

and its effects. 

Stress can: 

• Affect your mental health, causing depression and 

exacerbating existing mental health issues. 

• Affect your physical health by preventing proper 

sleeping or eating, and causing excess cortisol and 

adrenaline release. This makes you feel unwell and may 

eventually lead to serious conditions, e.g. heart disease, 

asthma, stroke, diabetes and some cancers. 

What Causes Stress? 

• Major changes or events: bereavement, moving home, 

financial crises, exams, redundancy, retirement, job 

change, marriage, relationship break-up, illness/injury, 

pregnancy/parenthood. ‘Happy’ events put extra 

pressure on us not to appear stressed. 

• Continual pressure: job, health or relationship worries. 

• Feeling out of control and unable to change situations. 

• Uncertainty, e.g. potential redundancy. 

• A life that lacks change, purpose or activity. 

• Clutter and disorganisation, e.g. always running late. 

Research shows just the sight of clutter causes stress. 

Symptoms of Stress 

• Avoiding the stress source. 

• Irritability, impatience, aggression, restlessness. 

• Depression or anxiety. 

• An inability to enjoy yourself/take an interest. 

• A sense of dread. 

• Feeling neglected or tearful. 

• Difficulty making decisions and concentrating. 

• Poor lifestyle choices: biting your nails, smoking or 

drinking, eating too much/too little. 

• Shallow breathing/hyperventilating. 

• Panic attacks. 

• Insomnia or disturbed sleep. 

• Muscle tension. 

• Blurred eyesight or sore eyes. 

• Loss of libido. 

• Teeth grinding or clenching your jaw. 

• Headaches. 

• Chest pains. 

• High blood pressure. 

• Indigestion or heartburn. 

• Constipation or diarrhoea. 

• Nausea or dizziness. 

• Fatigue. 

DON’T 

ignore stress 

Tackle it 

now!

69 

Reducing and Coping with Stress 

Reducing your responsibilities and using timemanagement 

or organisational techniques can help to 

reduce stress in your life. You can find time management 

tips at www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxietydepression/time-management-tips/ 

and www.mind.org. 

uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/stress/ 

dealing-with-pressure/, which also has coping strategies 

for specific pressures, such as being a student. 

Reducing the causes of our stress is important, but 

sometimes we can’t change stressful situations. However, 

we can learn to improve how we react to them. 

Self-help strategies include: 

Complementary therapies 

Therapies like yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, massage, 

acupuncture and ecotherapy (time spent in nature) may 

help you relax. 

Lifestyle Changes 

A healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep help. 

Spend time with family and friends and talk through your 

problems. Make time for hobbies and relaxation. 

Changing Your Mind 

Develop a more positive outlook. This video discusses 

replacing negative thinking with positive: www.nhs. 

uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/moodzonemental-wellbeing-audio-guides/ 

Breathing exercises 

You can find instructions at www.nhs.uk/conditions/ 

stress-anxiety-depression/ways-relieve-stress/ 

Stress-busting apps and courses 

Try the NHS’ Chill Panda apps.beta.nhs.uk/chill-panda/, 

Silver Cloud apps.beta.nhs.uk/silvercloud/ and the Stress 

& Anxiety Companion apps.beta.nhs.uk/stress-anxietycompanion/. 

For further help, visit your GP, who can recommend: 

Talking treatments 

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you 

understand your stress triggers and reaction to them. 

• Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) combines 

mindfulness, meditation and yoga to reduce stress. 

Medication to reduce symptoms 

E.g. antidepressants, sleeping pills, irritable bowel 

syndrome treatments and high blood pressure medication. 

Always Listening 

• Micro-Suction Wax Removal 

• FREE Hearing Tests 

• Claim your FREE trial of the latest digital 

hearing aids – technology that can’t be 

bought on the high street 

• Hearing Aids & Repairs 

Rest assured you are in safe hands in our 

family owned, state of the art clinic. 

Voted Wigan’s audiologist of the year 2019 

Call now to make an appointment 

01942 215 391 

Email - info@wiganhearing.co.uk 

8-10 Gathurst Road, Orrell, WN5 8QH

70 

Are you 

eating 

enough 

fibre? 

Discover the benefits of increasing your fibre intake 

by Guts UK charity 

Fibre is the indigestible part of plant-based foods that does 

not get absorbed into our body. Many of us are aware of fibre 

and know it’s an important component of any healthy diet, 

yet most of us don’t eat enough of it. 

We used to believe that fibre didn’t do much at all, 

assuming that because the human body couldn’t digest 

it, it just ‘travelled’ through our digestive system. In fact, 

fibre is absolutely vital for gut health, helping to prevent 

constipation and even bowel cancer. 

Fibre makes us feel full and affects the way that the small 

bowel absorbs fat, but perhaps most importantly, fibre 

is the food for over 100 trillion microorganisms that live 

in your gut. This ‘good gut bacteria’ is vital to your wellbeing, 

defending against harmful microorganisms and 

easing absorption of some essential vitamins. Therefore, 

it’s important that we feed it! 

“The average person in the UK eats less than 20g of fibre 

per day, or less than two-thirds of the recommended 

30g amount. Through recent research, we know that 

additional fibre in the diet reduces the risk of chronic 

common conditions, such as bowel cancer, cardiovascular 

disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes,” says Julie Thompson, 

specialist dietician and information manager at Guts UK 

charity. 

Foods that are rich in fibre include wholegrain cereals, 

wholewheat pasta, oats and wholegrain bread. Fruit 

and vegetables such as berries, pears, melon, oranges, 

broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn are also rich in fibre, as 

are peas, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds and potatoes. 

There are a number of simple steps you can take to 

increase your fibre intake, like swapping white or brown 

bread for wholegrain, opting for wholewheat pasta or 

choosing potatoes with skins, such as baked potatoes, 

wedges or boiled new potatoes. When snacking, try fresh 

fruit, rye crackers, oatcakes and nuts or seeds. 

Think about adding beans, lentils or chickpeas to stews, 

curries and salads. If you’re struggling to encourage 

your children to eat their vegetables, adding plenty of 

vegetables to stews or curries is a good start. 

Pay attention to food labelling, as pre-packaged food will 

most likely include the amount of ‘dietary fibre’ included. 

Don’t make assumptions – despite beans being known as

71 

a fibre-rich food, a small 200g tin of beans only 

provides 7.4g of fibre. 

“If you are planning to increase the amount of 

fibre in your diet, you should do this gradually,” 

Julie continued. “Increasing your fibre intake 

dramatically and suddenly could cause 

symptoms such as wind and bloating.” 

The science never lies. A paper published 

in the Lancet medical journal that analysed 

185 studies and 58 clinical trials discovered just how 

important fibre can be in contributing to a long and 

healthy life. “The paper suggests that if you shifted 1,000 

people from a low fibre diet (less than 15g) to a highfibre 

one (25-29g), it would prevent thirteen deaths and 

six cases of heart disease,” Julie explained. “The paper 

analysed really robust studies that tended to follow 

people and their diets for one to two decades. It’s simple 

– the more fibre we eat, the better!” 

under-represented for decades. With new knowledge 

and research, we can diagnose earlier, develop kinder 

treatments and ultimately, a cure. Learn more at 

gutscharity.org.uk, call 01484 483 123 or email info@ 

gutscharity.org.uk – we’re here to help. 

Guts UK is the charity for the digestive system. The 

digestive system is truly fascinating, but it is very 

complex. Millions are affected by digestive diseases, 

yet our guts have been underfunded, understaffed and

72 

Tontine 

by Chris Pearce 

Distance: 6 miles Difficulty: Medium 

For many, 2020 has been a year where we have spent more 

time at or near to home than normal. Many of my prescribed 

60-minute walks were taken on or about the area known 

as the Billinge and Orrell Ridge and it is from there that this 

pleasant 6.2 mile walk is located. The walk starts and finishes 

at the Delph Tavern, an award-winning free house pub in the 

West Lancashire enclave of Tontine. Walkers are welcome to 

park in the car park there from Monday-Thursday, but do 

pop in for a pint if you can. 

Leave the car park at the Delph and turn left, then left 

again at the mini roundabout. Take the first right up Lawns 

Avenue and walk up past the houses and a children’s’ 

park to Lawns Farm. Carry on in the same direction when 

you cross the farmyard, past the pigs and goats before 

heading up the steep path. 

Once you get through the gate, turn right and head out 

into the open countryside. Coming into immediate view 

is the three ventilation shafts known as the ‘pepper pots’, 

which mark the route of the rail tunnel between Orrell 

and Upholland. At a path-junction near the first ‘pepper 

pot’ bear right towards the second, and once you reach 

the third, bear left towards the stone farmhouses that 

make up the hamlet of Higher Pimbo. 

You’ll emerge from a small wooded section opposite 

Higher Barn; turn right here and then take a left 50 yards 

on. Follow the path for 300 yards until you reach the 

entrance to Pimbo Bushes, home to a disused quarry and 

a long-standing nature habitat. 

Turn right at the gate and follow the path for 400 yards 

until you reach a small pond on the left and then, on the

73 

edge of a field, you’ll have a choice of three paths; take a 

90 degree right turn and follow the path which will take 

you across fields, arriving at the track leading to Heaton 

House. Cross the track and continue in the same direction. 

Cross through some overgrown ferns into the next field 

and follow the path round the perimeter leading to 

Promised Land Farm. 

Once you reach the farm, turn left through the farmyard 

and follow that path for half a mile until you reach the 

Shaley Brow section of Crank Road. Turn right and take 

the footpath within 40 yards on your left, cross the bridge 

and head across open fields. 

The path winds to the left to run parallel to woodland 

before you cross a bridge on the right. Follow the path 

past the green corrugated shed, turn left and then follow 

the path diagonally to the right towards the green chain 

link fence, emerging from the path at a single-track road. 

Turn right and follow the track for 450 yards down Red 

Barn Road and, directly after Houghwood House, take the 

footpath on the left and start the steep climb uphill. Once 

you reach the tarmac road, (formerly the access road 

to Billinge Quarry) turn left and carry on walking uphill 

where the footpath path and road run parallel. 

When the road and path diverge, follow the path to the 

left and approximately 60 yards further on, take the left, 

lesser-used path that runs parallel to woodland. The golf 

course to the left is Houghwood which, on a clear day 

boasts amazing views over the Mersey coastline 

and Snowdonia. Once you reach the road (Crank 

Road), turn right and take the footpath 50 

yards up on the left. Just before you reach 

the house turn right and follow the 

clearly defined footpath. 

Carry on in the same direction 

for over ½ mile, crossing a stile 

en-route. Just after the steep 

flights of steps you’ll arrive at 

Mountains Farm. Ignore the 

public footpath sign directing 

you to the left and instead 

head right on a singletrack 

road towards a new 

housing estate.

74 

Well Cross Farm 

Just after the Brickworks Fishery on the left 

and before the new housing estate, turn 

left through a gap between metal bars 

Tontine 

across what initially looks like wasteland 

M58 

but morphs into a footpath. Follow the 

path and when the path forks, take the left 

fork and follow for 300 yards until you reach 

a hedge and then turn right for 175 yards. 

Sandbrook Road 

Once you cross over the Sandbrook into 

the next field, turn left and head on the 

Upholland 

Far 

Moor 

path towards the ‘pepper ‘pots’ once again 

and follow that path for over half a mile 

until you reach Sandford Road. Follow the 

Higher 

Pimbo Farm 

Higher End 

road to its junction with Sandbrook Road 

and turn left and your starting point of The 

Delph is downhill on the right hand side. 

Heaton 

House 

Mountains 

Farm 

Daisy Wood 

Smethhurst Road 

Oak Wood 

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and 

footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has 

been taken to ensure that the walk is accurate, 

neither the publisher or its editorial contributors 

can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to 

any party to loss or damage caused by errors or 

omissions resulting from negligence, accident or 

other cause. 

Hangman’s Wood 

Promised 

Land Farm 

Brownlow 

Shaley Brow Farm 

Crank Road 

Derbyshire 

House 

Crank Road 

Billinge Hill 

Rainford 

Brook Farm 

Red Barn Road 

For those with the OS Maps 

app on your desktop, mobile 

or tablet, this walk is named: 

JT-Tontine

75 

Fireworks Phobia 

If your pet becomes really distressed during bonfire 

season, it could be that they have ‘firework phobia’. 

RSPCA animal behaviour expert Dr Samantha Gaines 

says: “Firework phobia in pets is a treatable condition and 

we recommend planning ahead to help your pet cope. 

For example, if your dog really seems to suffer, your vet 

may suggest referral to a clinical animal behaviourist to 

teach him/her to deal with the sounds, or suggest the use 

of diffusers which disperse calming chemicals into the 

room.” 

It is also a good idea to provide your dog with a safe 

haven – perhaps under some furniture or in a cupboard 

– and it is best to get them used to this before the season 

starts. Choose somewhere quiet and help him to learn 

that being there is positive and that no harm will come 

to him. You can do this by giving him toys or a variety of 

chew toys. 

Small animals that live outside should have lots of extra 

bedding so they can burrow. Some of their enclosure 

could be covered by a blanket for extra insulation and 

soundproofing. If you are planning to bring them indoors 

just before the fireworks are likely to start, then introduce 

this a week or two in advance. 

Finally if you are using fireworks yourself, try to stick to 

traditional celebration dates like Bonfire Night, when 

most animal owners will be expecting fireworks and will 

hopefully have made preparations to help their animals 

cope. 

Luxury 

Cat Boarding 

The purrfect choice for your cat 

whilst you’re away. 

For more details call Maria on 

07921 778 599 

www.migatobonito.com 

Newton-le-Willows 

based 

St HelenS CounCil Cat 

Boarding liCenSe aB57 

Dog Walking, 

Day Care 

& Home Visits 

Fully insured 

Licensed 

DBS Checked 

Canine First Aid Trained 

OFQUAL Level 3 Trained 

Caring & Professional 

services for your furry 

friends. 

Contact me on: 07478 699 047 

or email: emmaspawpals@yahoo.com 

www.emmaspawpals.com 

Diploma Qualified by Diane 

Tel: 01695 624 098 

Mob: 07442 015 490 

Email: OrrellPoochParlour@gmail.com 

Facebook: Orrell Pooch Parlour

76 

First Drive: 

Volkswagen e-Up! 

Volkswagen has improved its electric e-Up! but how have things changed? 

In the race to gain EV supremacy, it seems that many 

manufacturers have forgotten that often the best 

application of electric technology is in smaller city cars. 

But the Volkswagen e-Up! is different. It’s quite small – as is 

the standard Up! – and it doesn’t look too ‘out-there’ either. 

VW has given the e-Up! bigger batteries to improve that 

all-important range, but can this little car battle it out in a 

segment dominated by leviathans? 

What’s new? 

The exterior of the e-Up! doesn’t look particularly 

different from the car it replaces, nor does it appear all 

too dissimilar to the standard combustion-engined car. 

The bulk of the changes have been made under the skin. 

As mentioned, Volkswagen has boosted the battery count 

in the e-Up!, helping to extend its range and bolster its 

appeal. The firm has also added the ability to fast-charge 

the car, which should help to drive down the time you’ll 

be waiting at the plug. 

What’s under the bonnet? 

The e-Up! has an electric motor linked to a 32.3kWh 

battery. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 

single-speed gearbox, and in total it pushes out 80.5bhp 

and a healthy 210Nm of torque. 

The e-Up takes 11.6 seconds from 0-60mph with a 

maximum speed of 81mph. Volkswagen claims that you’ll 

be able to do 159 miles between charges, while the ability 

to use combined charging system technology means that 

the car can be taken from zero to 80 per cent charge in 

just an hour via a 40kW DC charger. A standard domestic 

wall box does the same in four hours, while via a three-pin 

plug needs around 16 hours for a full charge. 

What’s it like to drive? 

Despite weighing in at 1,160kg – well over the regular 

car’s 926kg – the e-Up! is still a hoot to drive. That sense 

of fun remains, with the zippy acceleration you only get 

from an EV really adding to the whole experience. The

77 

steering is well-judged and nicely weighted, 

while the ride is good too. 

It’s nimble around town and unflustered 

even at higher speeds on the motorway. 

Surprisingly for an EV, acceleration from 

50mph to 70mph isn’t bad at all. 

How does it look? 

We already liked the understated styling 

of the standard Up!, so it’s fair to say that 

we appreciate the undercover looks of 

this electric version too. Only slim LED 

running lights up front help to denote it as 

something different to the ‘norm’, while the charging port 

is integrated into the place you’d usually find the filler cap. 

The compact proportions lend the Up! to town driving, 

while the short overhangs and relatively slim wheel 

arches make it a doddle to park. In terms of electric 

vehicle design, it certainly rests on the conservative end 

of things, but we’re sure that this will appeal to many. 

What’s it like inside? 

Like the exterior, the cabin of the e-Up! is business as 

usual. There’s no main infotainment screen – just a cradle 

for your smartphone – so the forward part of the interior 

feels pleasantly uncluttered. The steering wheel has a 

good amount of adjustment, while the seats are wellpadded 

and comfortable. There’s good forward visibility 

too. 

Our five-door model granted easy access to the rear of 

the car, and rear legroom is adequate – though of course, 

the car’s size does have its limitations. Very tall passengers 

will likely find headroom a hard-to-find aspect of the Up! 

FACTS AT A GLANCE 

Model: Volkswagen e-Up! 

Price as tested: £20,905 (with grant) 

What’s the spec like? 

Our test car came in at £20,555 after the government’s 

plug-in car grant, which doesn’t seem like bad value at 

all given the kit on offer. Cruise control, parking sensors 

at both front and rear and a rear-view camera are all 

thrown in as standard, while a dinky five-inch colour 

touchscreen system – essentially a small ‘strip’ screen – 

houses Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio. 

Volkswagen also – importantly – includes two charging 

cables, one 16amp unit for use at wall boxes and charge 

points and another 10amp cable for charging at the 

mains. 

Verdict 

The plucky e-Up! has hit the nail on the head. No, it 

can’t deliver the headline ranges boasted by larger 

EVs, but with around 150 miles per charge it can offer 

a genuinely usable range. Short trips to town and even 

longer journeys will unlikely trouble the bottom end of 

the range, while that ability to fast charge means that if 

you do need to plug in, you won’t be waiting all that long. 

Most importantly, however, the e-Up! is fun, and that’s 

certainly an aspect that many EVs have missed from the 

process of driving. 

Engine: Electric motor with batteries 

Power: 80.5bhp 

Torque: 210Nm 

Max speed: 81mph 

0-60mph: 11.6s 

Emissions: 0 g/km CO2 

Range: 159 miles

78 

Many of the gifts we give or get at Christmas are 

gadgets, and that means Santa has a few things 

to think about in the days before the big 

day. For example, if the kids have asked 

him for a games console it’s highly 

likely that the console will need to 

download a big software update 

before it can play online; the worst 

possible time to do that download 

is on Christmas morning when 

everybody else in your street is trying 

to do the same. If you can, connect any 

new console to the internet in advance so 

there’s no delay before the kids can play. 

Another good idea is to prepare a bit of paper 

with your Wi-Fi details and password on it: from 

Amazon Echo speakers to Apple iPads and even 

many kids’ toys, a Wi-Fi connection is needed 

for them to work. Digging out the details in 

advance will speed things up considerably on 

the day. 

It’s worth looking out any USB-ready charger 

plugs (such as from iPhones or Kindle Fire 

tablets), because to help reduce electronic 

waste many USB-powered devices will come 

with a cable but not the plug it connects to. 

And of course, it’s a very good idea to check 

what batteries any gadgets, toys or remote 

controllers are going to need. If you don’t 

already have one, a battery charger with a 

couple of sets of AA and AAA rechargeable 

batteries will come in very handy in the next 

few days. 

Last but not least, we’d recommend having a 

multi-tool or a screwdriver set and some really 

good scissors handy. We’ve found that many 

kids’ toys come screwed to the packaging or 

require very small crosshead screwdrivers to 

open their battery compartments, and others 

come in extremely strong clear plastic that’s 

very hard to open. 

Your 

Christmas Tech 

OCULUS QUEST 2 

APPLE WATCH 

Checklist 

The top big-ticket Christmas gifts 2020 

The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch ever 

made. There are now three watches to choose 

from, starting at £199 for the Series 3 and rising to 

£399 for the Series 6. 

£199, Apple.com 

This is very geeky, we know, but the 

Facebook-owned Oculus Quest delivers 

an incredible virtual reality experience 

without wires or the need for a computer. 

£299, Oculus.com 

PLAYSTATION 5 

The next-generation PlayStation 

is big, beautiful and it isn’t quite 

as expensive as we feared: the 

standard version is £449 and the 

disk-free digital version is £359. 

£449, Very.co.uk 

FITBIT SENSE 

If you or your loved one is a 

fitness fan, the new Fitbit Versa 

adds clever new features to its 

tried-and-tested fitness tracking, 

including EKG, temperature 

sensing and even stress sensing. 

£299, Fitbit.com 

DYSON SUPERSONIC 

If your time is money, then 

Dyson’s high-tech hairdryer will 

pay for itself very quickly: not 

only does it make your hair look 

amazing, but it does it in an 

amazingly short time too. 

£299, Boots.com

79 

Services 

Repairs 

Diagnostics 

for all makes & models 

MOT Testing Centre 

for Class 4 

ExperienceReliabilityExpertise 

Dingle Garage, Dingle Road, Upholland, WN8 0EN 

Telephone: 01695 624 261 

www.jwgaskellgarageservices.co.uk 

Open: Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm & Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm 

Call Chris on 01942 215 111 or 07969 357 751 

www.cosmeticar.co.uk 

ScuffS/ScratcheS mended 

minor dentS repaired 

alloy wheel repairS 

no Vat charged 

we’ll beat any quote! 

PCP or lease 

coming to an 

end? 

call me 

now and 

save 

£000’s 

We’ll fix your; 

Paintwork Scratches 

Bumper Scuffs 

Alloy Wheel Damage 

Minor Dents 

No VAT 

charged! 

Quality repairs with a lifetime guarantee. 

Mobile Service – we come to you! 

For your free estimate, call Dave on 

07970 915 504 

c/o JW Gaskell Garages, 

Dingle Garage, Dingle Road, Up Holland, WN8 0EN 

Car Paintwork Repairs

80 

Spring 

Harbingers of 

by Angie Barker 

Award Winner 

Long before most other plants start 

to wake up in our gardens, spring 

bulbs are putting on a show of 

colour and delicate form which will 

help to lift our spirits. Bulb planting 

season should be well underway by 

now. Snowdrops, Crocus, Narcissus 

(Daffodils) and Iris reticulata to 

name a few should all be planted 

by now in pots, lawns or borders. If 

not, then this is probably your last 

chance to do so. Tulips however 

should be planted a little later in 

November or even into December. 

They benefit from a period of frost 

which helps to avoid the fungal 

disease Tulip Fire. 

Be generous with your planting 

and go for groups or drifts. The 

odd spring flower placed here or there looks odd and a 

little sad – the opposite of the effect you should be trying 

to achieve. If you are planting in a lawn for a naturalistic 

effect, remember you shouldn’t cut the grass until the 

leaves of the flowers have died down as this will allow 

energy back into the bulb for next year. You could plant 

your bulbs in a pattern (say a heart shape) which will 

emerge next spring and make you smile. 

Here are some bulbs which I have planted this season and 

which I’m already looking forward 

to seeing in spring: 

Crocus ‘Prins Claus’. I must admit 

I picked this one for its name 

(Christmassy) as well as the 

stunning flower which is white 

with purple shades on the outside 

of the petals 

Narcissus ‘Rapture’. This is a very 

cute, small daffodil which has 

swept back petals as if it is in a 

wind tunnel. They always make 

small children (and Hubby) giggle 

Iris reticulata ‘Alida’. This only grows 

to around 15cm in height so best 

in a pot where you can really 

appreciate its beauty. A mid blue 

flower with splashes of yellow 

Narcissus ‘Thalia’. Pure white daffodil flowers which are 

scented. They are also one of Monty Don’s favourites so 

they must be good 

Tulip ‘Orange Emperor’. This is one of the earliest Tulips 

to emerge and will produce gorgeous orange coloured 

flowers in March 

Goodness knows we all need something to look forward 

to next year so get planting and get your 2021 gardening 

year off to a flying start! 

Angie is a qualified awardwinning 

garden designer 

who will plan your garden 

to your needs from start to 

finish, supplying reputable 

contractors and the ideal 

plants. 

Call Angie now for your free consultation! 

Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons) 

Garden Design For All Seasons 

Tel: 01942 522 405 

Mob: 07857 008 383 

www.angiebarker.co.uk 

Award Winner

Garden 

Make-Overs 

Before 

After 

•Landscaping 

•Driveways 

•Decking 

•Design 

Call for free estimate 

Colin 07958 302 166 

Brian 07760 160 988 

Wilson Brothers 

01695 633173 

www.wilson-bros.co.uk 

Garden Design & 

Quality Landscaping 

Established 1994 

Quality work & reliability 

at competitive prices 

Garden makeovers with artificial 

grass a speciality 

Call today for a 

FREE quote 

01942 510 986 

07710 405 214 

All aspects of garden 

design and build 

Driveways - Paving - Fencing 

Turfing - Decking 

81 

Our aim is to deliver a creative, 

personal service adhering to our 

customers requirements and within 

budget. 

Large projects or small makeovers 

are all carried out with the same 

commitment and dedication. We 

take great pride in completing all 

projects to the highest possible 

standards. 

www.pdhomeandgarden.co.uk 

07946 751308 

01942 206503 

Want a beautiful 

garden without all 

the hard work? 

We’ll do it all 

for you! 

• GARDEN MAINTENANCE / ONE 

OFF TIDY UPS 

• JETWASHING DRIVEWAYS & 

PATIOS 

• APPLICATION OF LAWN 

TREATMENTS 

• HEDGES & SHRUB MAINTAINED 

• WEED SPRAYING OF PATHS & 

DRIVEWAYS 

01744 893 477 

or 07950 651 956 

GreenhillsLC@gmail.com 

BILLINGE BASED 

Professional Lawn Treatment 

& Garden Maintenance 

~ Est. 2001 ~ 

feLLed 

tOpped 

pruned 

re-ShAped 

Stump GrIndInG 

crOwn reductIOn 

Call us today for a free 

no obligation quote 

07879 024070 

01925 271108 

01942 387067 

crOwn thInnInG 

fencInG 

fLAGGInG 

turfInG 

ArtIfIcIAL GrASS 

20% 

Off 

ALL 

Autumn 

BOOKInGS 

Email: fourseasons.treespecialists@gmail.com 

Complete Solution to all 

Garden & Tree Services 

• Garden maintenance 

• One-off clearances 

• Treework 

• Landscaping 

Approved contractor West Lancs BC 

Call Iain today for friendly 

advice and a free quote 

Tel: 01695 632773 

Mob: 07724 298193 

www.hands-onlandscapes.co.uk 

Billinge-based

82 

Promote your 

company here for 

just £30 + VAT 

Call 01695 627 999 


www.locallife247.co.uk 

www.treetechsolutions.co.uk 

• All tree work 

• Hedge cutting 

• Grounds maintenance 

• Stump grinding 

NO JOB TOO SMALL 

EMERGENCY CALL OUTS WELCOME 

Call Wes for a free quote on 

07713 121135 / 01695 322153 

BILLINGE BASED 

Over 70 Lancashire 

Walks 


FREE to download at 

locallife247.co.uk 

QUALIFIED & INSURED 

FREE ESTIMATES 

TELEPHONE: 

01695 623 909 

07903 290 878 

www.gardenrescue-treeservices.com 

• 

• 

• Gates and railings 

• Repairs and restorations 

• Ironwork and welding 

• Traditional forge work 

25 yeaRs of expeRTIse 

Tel: 01695 721877 

Mobile: 07951 764202 

The Barn, 286 Ormskirk Road, Upholland 

SMN 

Tree and Landscape Management 

Tree Felling & Pruning 

Site Clearance 

Tree Surveys and Reports 

Invasive Weed Control 

Ground Maintenance 

Agricultural & Domestic Fencing 

Firewood & Woodchip 

Woodland Maintenance 

24 Hour Emergency Tree Work 

West Lancashire Borough Council 

approved contractor 

Wigan Council approved contractor 

Day: 07970 521 692 

Eve: 01942 214 121 

www.smntrees.co.uk 

steve@smntrees.co.uk 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 



• Landscaping 

• Driveways & Patios 

• Block Paving 

• Indian Stone 

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON 

QUALITY OR PRICE 

UP TO 25% DISCOUNT 

Call Al today for a free quote or advice 

OFFICE 

01942 396 818 

MOBILE 

07796 494 463 

All tree work including 

• Shaping & Pruning 

• Felling & Topping 

• Stump Grinding Service 

• Fencing & Decking 

• Turfing & 

Artificial 

Grass 

MAN 

& DIggER 

for hire

83 

Trading Standards has a directory of local traders you 

can rely on. 

Find the borough’s best online at www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader 

or phone 03454 040506 

and ask for Wigan Council’s Good Trader Scheme. 

we do 

oven 

repairs 

too! 

prices start from £45 

let us clean your oven so you don’t have to! 

professional oven cleaning 

environmentally friendly 

we’ll restore your oven to near showroom condition! 

call Steven today on 07393 818 392 

www.ovenrescue.co.uk/wigan 

Get your oven 

looking like new! 

We clean ovens, hobs, 

microwaves and fans for over 

500 regular customers. 

Single ovens only £50 

We only use non-caustic, 

totally safe liquids. 

0151 430 0766 

0770 256 6393 

www.theovencleanersgroup.co.uk 

Having a clear out? 

Call us now - we’re cheaper than a skip! 

• House and garden clearances 

• Rubbish removals 

• Probate clearances 

• Commercial clearances 

4 Affordable prices 

4 Smart and friendly staff 

4 Free quotation 

northwestwaste 

The Meadows, Ruskin Drive, St Helens, WA10 6RP 

01744 758 349 / 07557 764 940 

Email: info@northwestwaste.co.uk 

www.northwestwaste.co.uk

£29 for a fu l day 

rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 

FUNDED LANgUAgE 

A l sta f 

PLACES & SPortS 

paediatric 

Available for LESSoNS 

& first aid 

2/3/4 

for 

QUALIFIED 

year olds pre-schoolers 

oPEN 

Large 

£37.50 

Mon-Fri 

outdoor 

per day 

8AM-6PM 

PLAY ArEA 

www.cranknursery.co.uk 

rated by 

oFStED 

as 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 

84 

Call Clint for a free no obligation quote 

01942 470 089 

07834 241 642 

www.conservatorycleaningwigan.com 

ROOF CLEANING 

• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment 

• Softwashing / Low Pressure 

POWER WASHING 

• Driveways & Patios etc. 

CONSERVATORIES 

• Exterior & Interior (Cleaning) 

UPVC CLEANING 

• Windows, Fascias, 

Gutters etc. 

SPECIAL OFFER - 20% OFF ALL CLEANING PACKAGES 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 



Wigan’s premier domestic 

cleaning service 

Design & Print 

Flyers, postcards, brochures 

and distribution service. 

Call 01695 627 999 


Little Acorns Nursery 

QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST! 

Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time 

We operate a b oking system for the 

holidays which saves you money 

We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement 

Flexible se sions available 

We take children from 2 years old 

Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net 

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland 

se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain 

lots of wonderful educational experiences. 

We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest 

which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being 

A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT 

Li tle Acorns Nursery 


01257 252647 

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com 

BOOK ONLINE 24/7 

www.mr-soot.com 

Stoves & Fireplaces Swept 

Flues Tested 

Liners Installed 

PAY BY 

CARD 

Professional & Reliable 

We only use 

reliable, vetted 

staff 

Cleaning in the 

Wigan area for 

10+ years 

• £11.95 per hour 

minimum 2 hrs 

• Same cleaner each visit 

• All domestic duties provided 

Call or email Joanne 

01942 203442 

joanne@acleanbreak.co.uk 

www.acleanbreak.co.uk/wigan 

Power 

PB Washing 

PROFESSIONAL EXTERNAL 

CLEANING 

• Driveways - Cleaning & Sealing 

• Patios & Decking 

• Walls & Brickwork 

• Conservatories - Internal & External 

• Gutters, Fascias & Soffits 

• Gutter Vacuuming 

• Roof Cleaning/Moss Removal 


Walks 




Call Paul today to arrange 

a free quote 

01257 402 113 

07736 396 374 

www.pbpowerwashing.co.uk

85 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 


• Carpets - Quick Drying 

includes moving furniture for you 

• Upholstery - Fabric & Leather 

• Hard floors - Tile/Stone/Vinyls 

FREE Test clean to see the results 

• Curtains - Hassle free 

Cleaned where they hang 

• Rugs 

Collection & delivery service 


New Name - 

Same Fantastic Cleans! 

Call us 

today for 

a free quote 

01942 470 081 

www.alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk 

e: sales@alliancecleaningsystems.co.uk 

Carpet & Upholstery 

Cleaning 

• traditional service, state of the art results • 

• Carpets 

• Rugs 

• Fabric & Leather 

Upholstery 

5 star rating with Wigan Trading 

Standards Good Trader Scheme 

Call today for a free consultation 

& no obligation quote 

Call - 01257 251221 

Mobile - 07908 770808 

www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 



We repair 

all kinds of surfaces. 

Do your worktops, UPVC & glass, 

baths & showers, tiled, stone or 

wood flooring need some TLC? 

We’ll make them as 

good as new! 

Check out before & after pics here; 

www.magicnicksurfacerepairs.co.uk 

Call Magic Nick for a free quote on 

07925 768 534 

Or email details to; 

magicnick.repair@gmail.com 

• Professional Carpet, Rug 

& Upholstery Cleaning 

• Leather Cleaning & Restoration 

• FREE Pre-Inspection Visit & Quotation 

T: 01942 409401 

M: 07881 816839 

helen@carrolls-cleaning.co.uk

for 

as 

86 

a Installation & Maintenance 

a Inspection & Testing 

a Nest Pro Installer 

a CCTV & Alarms 

Orrell based 

Tel: 07738 117712 

J.Dillon 

Electrical Services Ltd 

Electrician ~ Standish 

• All types of electrical work 

• 30+ years experience 

• Friendly, fast and reliable 

• 24 hour call out service 

Call: 01257 424918 

or 07821 139826 

www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk 

Jon Wright 

Electrical Ltd 

All types of 

Domestic & Commercial 

work undertaken 

• Inspection & Tests 

• Repairs 

• Solar PV 

• Alarms 

Call now on: 07983 387448 

Email: jonwrightelec@live.co.uk 

Certificate of excellence winner 

2017, 2018 & 2019 

Whatever your electrical needs, 

GHE have the answer! 

Complete re-wires 

New/moving sockets 

All lighting needs 

Burglar Alarm systems 

CCTV systems 

Security Light installations 

PAT testing & inspections 

No Job too Small 

Domestic and commercial work welcomed 

Suite 1A, Kirkless Industrial Estate 

Cale Lane, Wigan, WN2 1HF 

Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote. 

01942 836 937 www.ghewigan.co.uk 

A.J.S. 

BAILEYS 

ELECTRICAL 

All electrical work undertaken 

Free quotations 

• Friendly reliable service 

• Mains board upgrades 

• Extra sockets to full rewires 

01942 215 769 

07739 709 005 


• Earwax Removal 

• FREE Hearing Tests 

• Hearing Aids & Repairs 

• FREE 1 Week Hearing Aid Trial 

Drop in or contact Darren on: 

01942 215 391 

8-10 Gathurst Road, O re l, WN5 8QH 

www.wiganhearing.co.uk 

10% off 

Presen 



Put your 

hearing 

first with 

Ask us about our wide range of hearing aids 

this voucher for 10% OFF your next 

hearing test or earwax removal. 

Contact us today for further information. Terms and conditions a ply 


rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 

A l staff 

paediatric 

& first aid 

QUALIFIED 

oPEN 

Mon-Fri 

8AM-6PM 

FUNDED 

PLACES 

Available for 

2/3/4 

year olds 

£37.50 

per day 

LANgUAgE 

& SPortS 

LESSoNS 

pre-schoolers 

Large 

outdoor 

PLAY ArEA 

rated by 

oFStED 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 



For more information 

Call 01695 627 999 




We operate a booking system for the 


We deliver 30 hours free entitlement 


Flexible sessions available 





We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest 

which is good for your child’s health and we l-being 


A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT 

01257 252647 



W.Hurst & Son Ltd 

ELECTRIC 

CONTRACTOR 

www.whurstandson.co.uk 

• All types of electrical work 

• 35+ years experience 

• No job too small 

• Friendly and reliable 

For a free quote 

& advice call Jeff 

01695 622 191 

07850 622 191


rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 


A l sta f 


paediatric 


& first aid 

2/3/4 

for 

QUALIFIED 


oPEN 

Large 

£37.50 

Mon-Fri 

outdoor 

per day 

8AM-6PM 

PLAY ArEA 


rated by 

oFStED 

as 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 

87 

Electrical & Security Specialists 

All aspects of electrical 

work plus; 

CCTV Installation 

Burglar Alarm Installation 

Outdoor/Security Lighting 

SMART systems Installation 

Automated Gates 

EMERGENCY 

ELECTRICIAN SERVICE 

24 HOURS 

NO CALL-OUT CHARGE 

STANDISH 

BASED 

For a no-obligation quote 

call 07470 655 925 

Email: E4S_enquiries@outlook.com 

Website: www.E4Systems.co.uk 

Facebook: StandishElectrician 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 



Call Paul 

Locksmiths 

EstablishEd 2000 

• uPVC & WOOdEN dOOR sPECialist 

• Emergency door Opening 

• uPVC door lock Repairs 

• uPVC door lock Changes 

• uPVC door lock upgrades 

• Wood door lock Changes 

• all Work Guaranteed 

Alarm installations, 

repairs & upgrades 

Domestic and commercial 

work welcome 

Free security assessment provided 

Emergency lock openings 

Lock changes 

No call-out charges 

24-hour service 

60 mins response 

Call 01942 669505 

www.uklocksandalarms.co.uk 

info@ianwalkerservices.co.uk 

gArAge door 

repAirS 

All gArAge 

doorS 

repAired: 

Springs, Cables, 

Locks, Rollers etc. 

Doors of all ages 

repaired 

01744 894939 / 07891 330214 

NO FIX, NO CHARGE! 

Strawberry Cottage, 

Pimbo Lane, Upholland 

WN8 9QL 

www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk 

a Registered insured NCFE Certified Company 

call Paul for a Fast, Reliable, 

Professional service 

tELEPhoNE 



01942 901103 

moBiLE 

07932 718 362 

WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK 

Specialists in 

Replacement 

Double 

Glazed Units 

Ring with sizes for 

a FREE estimate 

Open 7 days 8am - 8pm 

Established Local Family Company 

01942 470 085 

0800 328 8573 

www.steamywindows.net 


Call 01695 627 999 



















01257 252647 

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com


rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 

A l sta f 

paediatric 

& first aid 

QUALIFIED 

oPEN 

Mon-Fri 

8AM-6PM 

FUNDED 

PLACES 

Available for 

2/3/4 

year olds 

£37.50 

per day 


LANgUAgE 

& SPortS 

LESSoNS 

for 

pre-schoolers 

Large 

outdoor 

PLAY ArEA 

rated by 

oFStED 

as 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 

88 

651511 

Boiler Installation 

Boiler Servicing & Repairs 

Boiler Finance Available 

Landlords Gas Safety Reports 

Experienced, Reliable & Friendly Service 

BOILER 

SERVICES 

FROM 

£60 

Credit Cards accepted 

01942 221 996 

07769 203 056 

hartheatingwigan@gmail.com 

Winstanley-based 

Plumbing & Heating 

Specialist 

Complete Bathrooms 

John Bailey 

01942 495785 

or 07721 040620 

& 07710 153238 

Based in Kenyon Road, Wigan 




Call 01695 627 999 



















01257 252647 


• Brand New Bathrooms 

• Boiler + Central Heating 

Installs, Servicing + Repairs 

• Extended warranties 

available 

• 24 Hour Call-out 

• Domestic + Commercial 

FINANCE 

OPTIONS 

AVAILABLE 

StoveS 

by Andy 

Save £££’s on 

your install 

• InStallatIonS 

• MaIntenance 

• ServIcIng 

For a free quote and expert 

advice call Andy on 

01257 369 685 

07899 752 225 

stovesbyandy@gmail.com 

Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service 

Central Heating Systems 

Boilers & Gas Appliances 

General Plumbing 

Gas Safety Certificates 

Call Andy for a free quote on 

01942 564 226 

07397 391 935 

acampbellheatingandgas 

FULL BOILER 

SERVICE 

FROM JUST £58 

597379 

Freephone: 

0300 3030121 

Dave: 07769 942218 

Matt: 07969 183809 

21 Naburn Drive, Orrell wN5 8SB 

Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk 

www.orrellheating.co.uk 

506515 

4 Boiler Servicing & Maintenance 

4 All aspects of plumbing and heating work. 

4 Gas Safety Inspection reports undertaken. 

Call MIKE on 

0787 113 1012 

Established since 1967 

WIGAn BASEd 

10238

89 

ShOwROOM NOw OpEN at 19 Preston Road, Standish WN6 0HP 

All plumbing services 

including services & repairs 

• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted 

• Specialists in Disability 

Installations & Conversions 

• Emergency Call outs welcome 

BOILER 

SERVICING 

FROM 

£60 

www.gphwigan.co.uk 

No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on 

01257 473026 

07515 894281 

527090 

EmErgEncy call outs 

wElcomEd 

• All aspects of plumbing 

and heating 

• No job too small 

• Quality work guaranteed 

• Local and reliable 

No 

call out 

fee 

Ring Ken for a free quote 

01695 624769 or 

07909 734978 

Friendly and 

professional service 

• Boilers 

servicing, repairs & installation 

• Central Heating 

upgrades and energy saving 

• Smart Controls 

installations & upgrades 

4622825 

enquiries@warmconnections.co.uk 

Call Craig for a free quote; 

07469 185 776 

Upholland-Based 

4 Installations, Services 

& Repairs 

4 Boilers 

4 Central Heating 

Bathrooms 

4 573747 

Call nico for a free quote on 

07818 335 441 

A Genuine Family Run Business 

With Friendly & Courteous Staff 

SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES 

• Annual Boiler Servicing 

• Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks 

• Mechanical Power Flushing 

• Thermostatic Valves Radiators Fitted 

• All-in-One Air Conditioning & Heating Units for Home & Work 

Telephone: 01942 504 429 

TEL: 01257 421 660 MOB: 07515 505 501 

Accredited Installer & Service Partner 

WE REPAIR ALL 

MAKES OF BOILERS! 

Registration No. 

88604 

www.fgwelch.co.uk

90 

Puzzle Solutions 

CROSSWORD 

WORDWHEEL 

ACROSS: 1. Calais, 7. Charades, 8. Rustle, 10. Cheese, 11. Sisal, 13. Ikebana, 16. Bouncer, 

17. Oasis, 20. Safari, 22. Peseta, 24. Princess, 25. Morris. 

DOWN: 1. Cyprus, 2. Laos, 3. Scree, 4. Pancake, 5. Babe, 6. Helsinki, 9. Twain, 12. Idolatry, 

14. Brass, 15. Decibel, 18. Shares, 19. Spasm, 21. Anna, 23. Ewer. 

ANSWER: 

NEWSPAPER 

N A 

W 

P 

R 

P E 

S 

E 

WORDSEARCH SUDOKU WIGGLE 

WORDS 

A Drop in the Bucket 

NUMBER 

BLOCK 

2 6 4 7 

7 1 3 1 

3 2 5 2 

5 8 9 8 

17 17 21 18 

17 

19 

12 

12 

30 

16


rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 


A l sta f 


paediatric 


& first aid 

2/3/4 

for 

QUALIFIED 


oPEN 

Large 

£37.50 

Mon-Fri 

outdoor 

per day 

8AM-6PM 

PLAY ArEA 


rated by 

oFStED 

as 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 

Great Value 

Bathrooms! 

Full Bathrooms 

& En-Suites 

Showers, Trays & Cubicles 

Relocation of Bathroom Suites 

25 years bathroom experience 

Call Chris now for a free quotation 

C L Bathrooms 

01942 749085 

or 07801 295483 

www.clbathrooms.co.uk 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 

Bathroom Installation, 

Full Bathrooms & 

En-Suites 

Plumbing Services 

Wall & Floor Tiling 

Ceiling Panelling 

01942 397173 

07803 057940 

Douglas Drive, Orrell, Wigan 

www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk 

AGBathrooms.net 

Quality bathrooms at 

reasonable prices 

Complete bathroom 

installations from design 

to completion. 

Convert your bath to a 

AJC 

WALK IN SHOWERS 

Typical price 

£1800 

Fully guaranteed 

One day installation 

No mess - no fuss 

Easy to clean & maintain 

Call Anthony on 

07919 876 825 

91 

Walk-In Shower 

Workshop address: 

Bulldog Tools Ind. Est. 

Darlington Street East Wigan WN1 3BT 

We also fit full bathrooms! 

Elite 

Bathrooms 

& Wet Room Installation 



Des Pilling 

Plastering 

• Plastering 

• Skimming 

• Artexing 

Coving & Cornice work 

also welcomed 

Orrell based – Established 1986 

Call Des on 

07787 513 235 

www.lakelandplastering.co.uk 

www.despilling.org.uk 

For free quotes, call Adrian on 

07816 394 292 

Check out our work on 

www.AGBathrooms.net 




Call 01695 627 999 



















01257 252647 


• Bathrooms • Wet Rooms 

• Wall & Floor Tiling 

Please call for a FREE Estimates 

07703 448890 

01942 208926 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 




rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 

A l sta f 

paediatric 

& first aid 

QUALIFIED 

oPEN 

Mon-Fri 

8AM-6PM 

FUNDED 

PLACES 

Available for 

2/3/4 

year olds 

£37.50 

per day 


LANgUAgE 

& SPortS 

LESSoNS 

for 

pre-schoolers 

Large 

outdoor 

PLAY ArEA 

rated by 

oFStED 

as 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 

92 

Quality Handyman Service from a qualified Joiner 

4 Flat-packs assembled 

4 Laminated Flooring laid 

4 Door Hanging 

Handy 

Andy 

Building / Joinery 

Plastering / Tiling 

Plumbing / Roofing 

Flatpack Assembly 

Call Handy Andy on 

01257 369 685 

07899 752 225 

tradesbyandy@gmail.com 

All aspects of maintenance; 

And so much more.. 

All 

jobs 

considered 

4 Electrical appliances fitted 

4 TV Mounting 

4 Garden Maintenance 

01942 387 090 / 07568 195 033 

Fixouse Property Maintenance 

HANDS ON 

Property Maintenance 

& Handyman Services 

3 Kitchens & Bathrooms 

3 Painting & Decorating 

3 Joinery 

3 Electrical 

3 Building 

3 Paving, Decking 

& Fencing 

3 Tiling 

3 Plumbing 

Telephone Keith on 

GDR Driveways 

ALL ASPECTS OF PAVING & tuRfING 

4 Block Paving 

Clean & Re-seal 

4 Indian Stone 

service available 

4 Flagging 

4 Turfing 

4 Artificial Grass 

No job 

too 

small! 

fixouse@gmail.com 

07812 110476 




Call 01695 627 999 










JJ Driveways 

Imprinted Concrete 

Specialists 

Huge range of colours 

& patterns 

• Resin Driveways 

• Block Paving 

• Indian Stone 

• Flagging 

We can also revive 

your old drive! 

Ask about our sealing 

service 

Call Joe for a 

free quotation on 










01257 252647 


01942 621 959 

07867 697 972 

www.jjdriveways.co.uk 

Winstanley-based 

www.gdrdriveways.com 

Call Gareth for a fREE quotation: 01942 217 113 or 07715 177 754


rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 

A l sta f 

paediatric 

& first aid 

QUALIFIED 

oPEN 

Mon-Fri 

8AM-6PM 

FUNDED 

PLACES 

Available for 

2/3/4 

year olds 

£37.50 

per day 


LANgUAgE 

& SPortS 

LESSoNS 

for 

pre-schoolers 

Large 

outdoor 

PLAY ArEA 

rated by 

oFStED 

as 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 

Aerial & Sky 

Services 

RX-12 Digital TV Aerials 

£65 supplied & fitted 

Aerial Multi-room System 

at £45 per room 

TV Wall Mounting Service 

Level 5 in Signal Path & Fault 

Diagnostics 

Domestic 

& Commercial 

work welcomed 

30+ years 

experience 

01942 257804 

07966 488585 

Call anytime for a quote or email: 

andyaerial@blueyonder.co.uk 

• TV Aerials Installed 

• TV Wall Mounting 

• Telephone Lines 

• Setup Service 

Ring Paul on 

01942 514 532 

07709 490 095 

• Business Telephone 

Systems 

• Voip & Structured Cabling 

• Residential Extensions 

• Faults & Gen Enq 

93 

Tel: 01942 441221 

Askus@LJTelecomServices.co.uk 

www.LJTelecomServices.com 

www.aerialandskyservices.co.uk 

Having 

computer 

problems? 

• We come to you! 

• Computer repairs and upgrades 

• Internet and wireless problems fixed 

• Quality new 

systems built to 

specification 

• Virus removal 

from £35 

• Domestic and 

commercial work 

welcomed 

Call us now for FREE 

computer advice. 

Call - 01942 863448 

www.expertcomputers.co.uk 

‘Excellence in Customer Service’ – 

Winner 

No Fix? No Fee! 

We repair: 

4 Phones & Tablets 

4 Laptops & PC’s 

4 Gaming Consoles 

4 Apple Watches 

We also build 

gaming PC’s to all 

specifications. 

If we 

can’t fix it, 

no one 

can! 

QUALITY service 

FREE estimates 

FAST turnaround 

Call the Tech Guys on 01744 410554 

or email info@techguys360.co.uk 

www.techguys360.co.uk 

1st Floor, Rainford Parish Council Offices, 

Church Rd, Rainford, St. Helens WA11 8HB 


Walks 







Call 01695 627 999 



















01257 252647 


COMPUTER 

PROBLEMS? 

• No Call Out Charges 

• Local Company 

• PC Experts 

www.bodtree.co.uk 

Broadband broken, computer slow 

printer packed up, virus/spyware or 

your keyboards gone kaput 

Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems 

in the comfort of your own home 

Call Catherine Now 

07540 222787 

Tel: 01744 778381 - 01942 418763


rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 


A l sta f 


paediatric 


& first aid 

2/3/4 

for 

QUALIFIED 


oPEN 

Large 

£37.50 

Mon-Fri 

outdoor 

per day 

8AM-6PM 

PLAY ArEA 


rated by 

oFStED 

as 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 

94 

Arley Cabinet 

Company Ltd 

• Kitchens & Bedrooms since 1952 • 

We Measure ~ We Make ~ We Fit 

Drop into our 

showroom or call us 

for a free estimate 

214a Gidlow Lane, Wigan, WN6 7BN 

01942 246 190 

www.arleycabinets.com 

Home 

Improvements 

• Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms 

• Garage & Loft Conversions 

• Floors, Doors & Windows 

• Composite Doors 

• Garden Gates 

For all your home 

improvement needs 

call David on... 

01942 203 804 

07851 225 876 

DS Joinery 

Prices include 

suPPly & fit 

Orrell 

based 

6 Doors 

from 

£350 

Oak Door 

from 

£130 

Joinery services include; 

gates, decking, flooring, skirting, 

handrails and balustrades, kitchen 

makeovers, loft boarding and 

ladders, fencing, external doors 

and garden buildings. 

call Mike for a free quote 

01942 590514 

07988 260621 

www.orrelljoinery.co.uk 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 






Call 01695 627 999 


Superior 

craftmanship at 

competitive rates 

• Home improvements 

• Loft conversions 

• Garage conversions 

& Extensions 

• Staircases 

• Windows & Doors 

For all aspects of renovations 

and maintenance - 

no job too small! 

For a free quote, 

call MT Joinery now. 

01257 422317 

or 07852 202867 


















01257 252647 


www.mtjoinery.co.uk 

28 Years Experience 

Extensions & Refurbishments 

Kitchens & Bathrooms 

Conservatories & Orangeries 

Windows & Doors 

Roofs & Fascia Boards 

Decking & Balustrading 

All aspects of building works 

No job too small 

Call Peter for a free quotation 

Day: 07961 516 677 

Eve: 01942 745 428 

Cambridge Road, Orrell 

Promote your 



Call 01695 627 999 



• Quality workmanship 

• Interior & exterior 

work 

• No job too 

big or too 

small 

01942 392398 

or 07707 321383 

4 Exterior & Interior 

Decorating 

4 Domestic & 

Commercial work 

undertaken 

4 Competitive rate 

Award Winner 

Contact Graham now 

free estimate provided 

01257 426 234 

graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk 

www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk 

SLATING 

TILING 

FLAT ROOFING 

RE-ROOFS 

FASCIAS 

GUTTERING 

POINTING 

ALL WORK CARRIED OUT 

PROFESSIONALLY AND 

FULLY INSURED 

FOR FREE QUOTES OR ADVICE 

CALL TONY ON 

07903 782488 

or 01942 737120 

AJH DECORATORS 

Painting and Decorating 

Quality work 

assured 

Over 30 years 

experience 

Free quotes 

Mobile: 

07784 876 338 

Email: 

ajhdecorators66@gmail.com 

Quality work at a 

competitive price 

Need a new 

look for your 

home? 

Skilled interior and 

exterior work undertaken 

at reasonable prices! 

Chris Smith - Painter and 

Decorator 

01942 518126 

or 07545 065119 

Orrell based business 

Mini Digger & 

Track Dumper 

Hire with Driver 

for all your landscaping and 

building 

needs 

Call John 

07976 530939 

95 

J&P 

MOORCROFT 

Professional Painting 

and Decorating 

LTD 

• Domestic & Commercial 

Work 

• Interior & Exterior work 

welcomed 

• Old/listed buildings a 

speciality 

Call us today for a free quotation 

Home Service available 

Choose from 1000s of paint & 

paper samples in the comfort of 

our own home 

01942 212096 

07831 102 511 

www.jpmoorcroft.com 

Number One for House 

Maintenance! 

• UPVC WINDOWS AND 

DOORS. 

• FASCIAS, SOFFITS AND 

GUTTERS. 

• GUTTER AND UPVC 

CLEANING AND REPAIR 

SERVICE. 

• MISTED WINDOW AND 

DOOR UNITS REPLACED. 

• FENCING AND POINTING. 

• GENERAL HOUSEHOLD 

MAINTENANCE. 

No job 

too small! 

Call Mike Darbyshire on 

01942 513 584 

07917 352 181 

Orrell based

96 

B.A. 

Berry 

Building & Roofing 

Specialists 

• All building work undertaken. 

• From a broken tile to a full 

re roof. 

• Flat roofs renewed and 

repaired. 

• Extensions, Alterations, 

Structural repairs including 

Lintels. 

Your local fully 

qualified tradesman 

with 30 years experience 

Call us now for a free, 

no obligation quote 

01695 622 704 

07968 652 320 

www.baberry.co.uk 

First Class 

Workmanship 

4 All types of re-roofs 

4 Strip & re-slate or re-tile 

4 Built up felt/flat roofs, 

dormers etc. 

4 Insurance work undertaken 

4 Roofline uPVC 

fascias, soffits 

& guttering 

W.Newman 

ROOFING & REPAIRS 

01695 627 212 

MOBILE: 07774 943 706 

52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS, 

UP HOLLAND 

Established Over 30 Years 

WILSON 

BROS 

• • 

Est. 1985 

Roofing & Roofline 

Specialists 

• All aspects of 

maintenance & repair 

• Fascia & soffit 

installation 

• Guttering and felting 

services 

Call us now for 

a free estimate 

01695 633173 

Colin: 07958 302 166 

Brian: 07760 160 988 

www.wilson-bros.co.uk 

• All aspects of home 

improvements 

• one stop for all the trades 

you require 

• Joinery, building, 

Kitchens & 

bathrooms 

We design and manage 

your project from 

start to finish 

Call Jonathan for a 

free quotation 

Tel: 01257 401 243 

Mob: 0777 602 4045 

SpeakmanpropertyServiceS.com 

• Conservatory repairs 

• Locks, handles and hinges 

• Replacement glass 

• Windows and doors installed 

• Replacement conservatory 

roofs 

Call MARK now on 

01942 737 381 

0776 315 1720 

conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com 

www.fixmyconservatory.com 

All aspects of 

roofing & roofline 

NEW ROOFS 

REPAIRS 

FASCIAS, SOFFITS 

& GUTTERS 

Dormers and 

Garages 

Rubber Cover Roofing Specialist 

Guaranteed 50 years 

Call for free quote 

M: 07894 687 384

97 

K Stone 

Building Services 

Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements! 

Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters 

We specialise in seamless 

aluminium gutters. 

Clean, stylish and guaranteed 

for 25 years! 

Call: 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 

www.orrellroofline.co.uk 

All types of building 

work undertaken 

• Brickwork 

• Pointing 

• Garden Walls 

• Patios 

25 years 

experience 

• Roof Repairs 

• Flagging 

• Alterations 

• Driveways 

01942 495412 

07974 496676 

ALPINE LTD 

Roofing & Building Services 

OAP 

DISCOUNTS 

SERVING 

CHORLEY, WEST 

LANCASHIRE & 

WIGAN 

Your local roofing company from repairs 

to re-roofs, fascia’s, soffits & gutters. 

• Flat roof specialists 

• Damp proof specialists 

• Quality workmanship 

• Affordable pricing 

• Quick response to all repairs 

FULLY INSURED 

Tel: 01942 410989 

Mob: 07730 351523 

www.alpineroofingandbuildingltd.co.uk

Cover photo © Ian Bonne l Photograpthy 

98 

Promote 

your 

business 

in 


all our magazine 

distribution is 

monitored using 

GPS 

tracking 

WIGAN NORTH 

WIGAN 

NEXT IssuE DEaDlINE 

December 2020 11th November 

13,064 

ABC1 homes 

Standish, Shevington, Appley Bridge, 

Parbold, Whitley, Newburgh, Beech Hill, 

Red Rock, Springfield, Standish Lower Ground, 

Wigan Lane 


Wigan North Edition 

Public 

mEmOriES OF CENTrAL pArk 

pArbOLD EiGHT WALk 

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALkS | COmpETiTiONS | HOmE & GArDEN SErViCES 

Also available at; 

Tesco Extra (Wigan) and sainsburys (Marus Bridge) 

NEXT IssuE 

DEaDlINE 

January 2020 8th December 

13,175 

ABC1 homes 

Orrell, Orrell Post, Upholland, Billinge Higher End, 

Winstanley, Highfield, Marus Bridge, 

Ashton-in-Makerfield, Bryn, Goose Green, 

Kitt Green, Longshaw, Poolstock 

© David Bancroft Photography 

FREE 

september 2019 

WIN 

tickets 

to Martin 

Mere 

Art Trail 


Wigan Edition 

Forgotten Buildings: 

Winstanley Hall 

a BrightEr orrEll 

sandstonE trail Walk 


Tesco Extra (Wigan) and sainsburys (Marus Bridge) 

WIN 

a luxury 

Spa Day for 

Two! 


FREE 

march 2020 

ST HELENS 

NEXT IssuE 

DEaDlINE 

January 2020 10th December 

13,108 

ABC1 homes 

Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, 

Windle, Eccleston, Eccleston Park, Laffak, 

Haydock, Haresfinch, Carr Mill, Denton’s Green, 

Prescot Road, West Park 


hEritagE opEn days 

WhEElton moor Walk 

a hEalthiEr hEart 

St Helens Edition 

Ballooning 

in Autumn 

FREE 

september 2018 

Heritage 

Open Days 


Tesco Extra (St Helens Linkway) 


want 

to book 

advertiSinG? 

Call us on 01695 627999 

for more details or email 

sales@locallife247.co.uk

99 

Come and visit the largest 

showroom in the North West 

® 

Quality installations of windows, 

doors, fascias, soffits and gutters 

First for quality • First for service • First for reliability 

No contractors • No salesmen 

Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business 

NEW Generation 

Rockdoor 

now available 

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS 

Established since 1999 

Call us for a Free Quote 

Office Number: 01942 871 777 

Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria Street, Leigh, WN7 5SE 

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

Conservatory Roof 

Conversion System 

Transform your conservatory 

into a comfortable home office

100 

Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today! 

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value 

Windows 

Bi-Fold Doors 

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs 

expertly fitted by accredited installers 

© 

Orangeries 

Don’t just lock it, 

Rock it! 

Conservatories 

Manufacturers and installers since 2004 

Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote 

Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads) 

www.orrellwindows.co.uk 

28544

Local Life - Wigan - November 2020

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?