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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Edition<br />
<strong>December</strong> <strong>2020</strong><br />
WIN<br />
a hamper<br />
for your<br />
lockdown<br />
hero!<br />
Christmas on a Budget<br />
Pages 16-17<br />
Christmas Recipes<br />
Pages 26-28<br />
Hometown Brushstrokes<br />
Pages 38-41<br />
Top Santa Apps<br />
Page 44<br />
Books for Christmas<br />
Page 48<br />
Jack’s Tracks: Carr Mill<br />
Pages 62-63<br />
LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALKS | COMPETITIONS | HOME & GARDEN SERVICES
2<br />
The gorgeous Love It Gallery in Billinge has an excellent range of original gifts<br />
to suit all budgets, made from craftspeople, many of them local. From Christmas<br />
cards, wrapping, advent calendars and decorations, right through to gifts sets,<br />
accessories, jewellery, ceramics, and soft furnishings, Love It Gallery has got<br />
something for everyone this Christmas.<br />
As the home of Morpheus Glass, it’s not surprising that<br />
the range of inspirational glass art at Love It Gallery<br />
is huge, with clocks, bowls, mirrors, vases, wall panels<br />
and much more featuring prominently, many pieces<br />
carrying the rainbow theme of <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
On site at the gallery is Bag & Bean coffee<br />
shop, where you can enjoy coffee, cake<br />
and light lunches, socially distanced style<br />
- with additional outdoor and undercover<br />
seating with heating.<br />
Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG<br />
Open: 9.30am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday<br />
Telephone: 01695 622 332
3<br />
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER<br />
Fires - Fireplaces - Stoves - Gas - Electric - Multifuel<br />
All tastes & budgets catered for<br />
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The<br />
ireplace<br />
INC<br />
The Stoveplace <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Telephone: 01942 583 558<br />
721 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN5 8AQ (FREE parking to the rear)<br />
wiganfiresandfireplaces.co.uk
4<br />
This is the final <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> of <strong>2020</strong> and I can safely<br />
say that it is a year that everyone is going to glad<br />
to see the back of. The news on the vaccine front<br />
gives us hope that 2021 will be the year the world learns<br />
how to cope with this virus, but in the meantime, we are<br />
facing a toned-down Christmas.<br />
Whilst this is an awful situation for everyone, please<br />
remember in your thoughts those families that will be<br />
facing their first Christmas without loved ones. Christmas<br />
can also be a tough time of year for many who are lonely<br />
and isolated, and sending a simple Christmas card or<br />
making a phone call can mean a lot to them.<br />
With light finally showing at the end of the (admittedly<br />
very long) tunnel, now is the time to look forward to what<br />
you can hopefully enjoy next year; to the party you’re<br />
going to have next Christmas, to next year’s sunshine<br />
holiday, to celebrating birthdays, graduations, proms, to<br />
watching live sport in person or in a crowd down the pub,<br />
going to the cinema and doing all those things that we<br />
have taken for granted for so long.<br />
Never before, certainly in my lifetime, will the sentiment<br />
‘Happy New Year’ be delivered with as much sincerity as it<br />
will be this year. Enjoy Christmas, keep your family close<br />
– but not too close – and from us all at <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>, a Happy<br />
New Year.<br />
Chris Pearce, Publisher<br />
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk<br />
Keep in touch with the<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong> Team!<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Telephone: 01695 627 999<br />
info@locallife247.co.uk<br />
locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN1 9UB<br />
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the<br />
publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss<br />
or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. No part of<br />
this publication may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd.
5<br />
This month’s highlights<br />
38. Hometown Brushstrokes<br />
Contents<br />
20. Competition Winners<br />
The lucky Rainbow Glass winners.<br />
16. A Budget Christmas<br />
26. Christmas Recipes<br />
24. Beauty<br />
Gift set inspiration this Christmas.<br />
42. Tech<br />
Top ticket Christmas gifts <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
44. Top Christmas Apps<br />
Discover the magic of Christmas!<br />
56. Health<br />
Overcome your digestive problems.<br />
58. Puzzle Pages<br />
Try these brainteasers for size.<br />
60. Motoring<br />
6 health conditions to declare.<br />
62. Jack’s Tracks - Carr Mill<br />
65. Home & Garden Services<br />
Find the best local traders.<br />
30. Win a Luxury Hamper<br />
48. Books for Christmas<br />
Want to<br />
promote your<br />
business in<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>?<br />
Next Issue - January 2021<br />
Advertising deadline - 16th <strong>December</strong><br />
Published - 20th January<br />
01695 627 999<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk
6<br />
Hospice Support<br />
Hospice UK, the national<br />
charity which leads Hospice<br />
Care Week, estimates that<br />
UK hospices have lost in the<br />
region of £70m in income<br />
so far this year, with charity<br />
shops closed throughout<br />
the first lockdown and many<br />
major fundraising events<br />
having to be cancelled.<br />
You can help <strong>Wigan</strong> and<br />
Leigh Hospice face this<br />
unprecedented financial<br />
challenge by supporting<br />
the Hospice’s annual Light<br />
for a <strong>Life</strong> appeal, which<br />
provides an opportunity to<br />
celebrate and remember those you love and have loved.<br />
A light is lit on the Hospice Christmas tree for every<br />
dedication made each year and every name is featured<br />
in a Book of Dedications<br />
which is printed into a<br />
bound hard-backed book<br />
and is available to view all<br />
year round.<br />
Dedications can be made<br />
to anyone, there does not<br />
need to be a connection<br />
to the Hospice. It is a<br />
simple and moving way<br />
of remembering those<br />
you love or have loved at<br />
Christmas time.<br />
For more details, visit www.<br />
wlh.org.uk.<br />
You can also support the<br />
Hospice by buying any last-minute Christmas cards you<br />
need. The Hospice has a range of eight Christmas cards<br />
and these are sold in packs of ten cards for £2.99 each<br />
online at www.wlh.org.uk.
7<br />
Christmas Market<br />
Standish Christmas Market will be a bit different this year<br />
and organisers are hoping that their virtual offerings will<br />
help to keep the Christmas spirit alive.<br />
The hope is that they will be back in Market Place and<br />
the craft halls next year, but for <strong>2020</strong> they have teamed<br />
up with Pedddle.com to host a Virtual Christmas Market<br />
weekend.<br />
You will be able to access the market at www.pedddle.<br />
com - just search for Standish Christmas Market. There<br />
will be a sneak preview of who is going to be trading from<br />
Wednesday 2nd <strong>December</strong> and it will go live on Friday<br />
4th <strong>December</strong> and run until Sunday 6th <strong>December</strong>.<br />
The market will be full of familiar traders from previous<br />
non-virtual markets, along with a few fresh faces. The<br />
same sentiment stands this year - shop local and support<br />
small businesses.<br />
So break open the mulled wine, warm up the mince pies,<br />
curl up on your sofa and have your credit cards handy -<br />
let’s go Christmas shopping!<br />
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Festive Night In<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Youth Zone will be hosting a festive night in on<br />
Sunday 20th <strong>December</strong>. You can join them at 6pm on<br />
Zoom to for a fun-filled evening packed with amazing<br />
performances from the young people of <strong>Wigan</strong> Borough,<br />
messages from celebrity guests and they will also be<br />
revealing the winners of The Big Christmas Raffle!<br />
Prizes for The Big Christmas Raffle include a diamond<br />
necklace worth £1000, Moschino sunglasses, cameras,<br />
hampers, experiences days and much more! For more<br />
information on how to secure a raffle ticket, please email<br />
Sharon.McLaren@wiganyouthzone.org or alternatively<br />
you can purchase your ticket through the website at<br />
www.wiganyouthzone.org<br />
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10<br />
WINTER MEMBERSHIP<br />
OFFERS<br />
You can join Gathurst Golf Club without<br />
signing up for a full membership<br />
Come along & give us a try!<br />
• Join for 1 month (Jan, Feb or Mar) for just £50 per month &<br />
play as much golf as you can fit in<br />
• Join for 2 months (any combination of Jan, Feb & Mar) for just<br />
£100 and play as much golf as you can fit in<br />
• Join for 3 months (Jan to Mar inclusive) for £150 & play as<br />
much golf as you can fit in.<br />
If you’ve already made up your mind that you want to join us, then<br />
take advantage of becoming a Full Member right now and get<br />
15 months golf for the price of 12.<br />
Sign up in <strong>December</strong> or January & your membership will be<br />
valid until 31 March 2022<br />
Various categories available, for full details<br />
please contact the club on:<br />
01257 255235<br />
or email: secretary@gathurstgolfclub.co.uk<br />
Offering top end High Street &<br />
Designer ladies fashions for sale<br />
at a fraction of the original cost!<br />
• Receive 50% of the selling price for your garments.<br />
• New stock daily • Evening & Cocktail dresses for hire.<br />
• 1st class service.<br />
Winter Stock Now Arriving<br />
267 The Green, Eccleston, Chorley, PR7 5TF<br />
Tel: 01257 676 254<br />
Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4.30pm<br />
Zoom with Santa<br />
The Santa float that normally tours <strong>Wigan</strong>’s estates in<br />
<strong>December</strong>, staffed by <strong>Wigan</strong> Rotary Club, will not be<br />
running this year due to the current health crisis.<br />
However, the club have come up with a contact-free way<br />
for the children still to be able to tell Santa what is on their<br />
Christmas list. Via the <strong>Wigan</strong> Rotary Club’s website, or by<br />
scanning the QR Code on this page, parents will be able<br />
to book a meeting for their child or children to sit in their<br />
house and link up with Santa in his grotto.<br />
Rotary President Rosemary Charles said “We are very<br />
disappointed that children will not be able to see<br />
Santa come down their street or when they go to the<br />
supermarket so we wanted to make sure they could still<br />
have a direct line to Santa with a special meeting we hope<br />
they will treasure.<br />
‘Zoom with Santa’<br />
means they will still<br />
be able to see Santa<br />
this year in his grotto<br />
and have time to<br />
chat to him and tell<br />
him what they want<br />
for Christmas. This is<br />
a fully personalised<br />
experience and will<br />
see Santa speaking<br />
one to one with<br />
each child from his<br />
Lapland grotto and<br />
recreate the magic of this festive tradition as best as<br />
possible.’<br />
‘Rosemany adds, “We are not making a charge for this<br />
but we hope everyone will feel able to make a donation<br />
which will cover the costs of the event and help us to<br />
continue all the work we do in the <strong>Wigan</strong> community”.<br />
Bookings are now been taken via www.wiganrotaryclub.<br />
org.uk with full details of the dates and times available.<br />
You can also scan the QR code on this page for arrange<br />
your very own meeting with Santa<br />
For any queries email wiganrotaryzoom@gmail.com or<br />
ring 07813 471000<br />
If you wish to donate without making a booking just go<br />
to www.wiganrotaryclub.org.uk and click on the ‘Donate<br />
Now’ button.
11<br />
Choose a<br />
caring community<br />
It has never been more important to choose the right care setting.<br />
Belong villages provide high quality 24-hour support<br />
in a safe household environment, with focus on wellbeing,<br />
meaningful occupation<br />
and exercise.<br />
Small households create<br />
a homely setting,<br />
cohorting in ‘bubbles’<br />
of up to 12 people<br />
Specially adapted<br />
processes to facilitate<br />
safe move-ins and<br />
family visits<br />
Robust infection prevention<br />
and control measures, and<br />
regular testing for colleagues<br />
and residents<br />
Services include 24-hour support,<br />
including nursing and dementia<br />
care and independent living<br />
apartments<br />
Belong also operates an award-winning home<br />
care service, providing support with daily living,<br />
companionship and a range of initiatives to help<br />
with physical and mental wellbeing during lockdown.<br />
To find out more, contact your nearest village<br />
enquiries@belong.org.uk<br />
www.belong.org.uk<br />
Belong Atherton<br />
55 Mealhouse Lane,<br />
Atherton M46 0EU<br />
T: 01942 898410<br />
Belong <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Millers Lane, Platt Bridge,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> WN2 5DD<br />
T: 01942 855600<br />
Your life, your pace, your way
12<br />
Escape to Gulliver’s<br />
With many festive options for family fun closed off this Elf Workshop and, of course, enjoy the festive rides and<br />
year because of COVID-19, those in search of a Christmas attractions.<br />
family adventure can still depend on Gulliver’s World in<br />
The ’Festive Breakfast’ and ‘Cracker’ packages, which start<br />
Warrington. The packages are a little different this year,<br />
from £25 per person (concession prices are available)<br />
but you can still enjoy a classic collection of fabulous<br />
include either breakfast or lunch, and a chance to enjoy<br />
festive treats for all the family.<br />
Gully’s Christmas Show too.<br />
Packages start from £19 per person (concession prices<br />
Gulliver’s World is open in Warrington on every weekend<br />
are available) and all packages include a trip aboard the<br />
up to and including 19/20 <strong>December</strong>, and also open<br />
North Pole Express to the Winter Wonderland, stopping<br />
throughout Christmas week right up until the 24th<br />
off on the way for special festive sights! Every child will<br />
<strong>December</strong>. Santa Sleepovers are also available on selected<br />
have the chance to give Santa their Christmas wish list in<br />
dates at the Gulliver’s Hotel on site. For further details and<br />
a socially distant manner, choose their own gifts from the<br />
to book your tickets, visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk.<br />
family fun<br />
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13<br />
NEW 2021<br />
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Holidays ~ Short Breaks ~ Day Excursions<br />
Call us on 01942 728960<br />
for your FREE copy<br />
or download a copy from<br />
www.memorylanetravel.co.uk<br />
WiNTER WaRMiNG BREaKS FOR EaRly 2021<br />
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14<br />
Specialists in:<br />
• Family Law • Personal Injury<br />
• Wills & Probate<br />
Call us today to arrange a<br />
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Rachel Jane Taylor<br />
Solicitor & Director<br />
RJT Solicitors<br />
44 High Street,<br />
Standish,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>,<br />
WN6 0HF<br />
Donna Gamble<br />
Solicitor<br />
01257 228027 / 01942 409154<br />
www.rjtsolicitors.co.uk<br />
Volunteers Wanted<br />
The <strong>Wigan</strong> Borough Volunteer Hub are on the lookout for<br />
volunteers. The Hub is run by WBCP, a registered charity<br />
which exists to provide advice, training, and support to<br />
the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.<br />
Are you willing to support those who are self-isolating,<br />
by helping with activities such as personal shopping<br />
and food deliveries?If so, please contact WBCP on 01942<br />
363621 or emaiL info@wbcommunitypartnership.org.<br />
School Admissions<br />
The deadline for new primary school admissions is 15th<br />
January. If your child was born between 1/9/16 and<br />
31/8/17, they will start reception class in September 2021.<br />
To be considered for your preferred primary schools, you<br />
must apply online on the <strong>Wigan</strong> Council (or Lancashire<br />
County Council website) or fill in the primary school<br />
application form.<br />
If you need assistance, then call the School Organisation<br />
Team on 01942 489013 (or 0300 123 6707 for Lancashire<br />
residents).<br />
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15<br />
New Use for School Site<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Council is carrying out an analysis to re-develop<br />
the former Shevington Community Primary School site<br />
to provide housing for elderly residents and people<br />
living with disabilities. If approved, the site will remain<br />
in ownership of the council and will offer high-quality,<br />
affordable rent homes to those who meet the criteria for<br />
extra care accommodation.<br />
Councillor Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing<br />
and welfare said: “Affordable accommodation suitable<br />
for older people has historically been in short supply in<br />
Shevington, so we’re glad to have identified a potential<br />
site to bring a new scheme forward.”<br />
No design work has started, and residents will be<br />
consulted on the proposals before planning permission is<br />
sought. If given the go ahead, it is hoped that the scheme<br />
will be funded by the council with Homes England<br />
support, subject to grant funding.<br />
Councillor Halliwell added: “This is very much an early<br />
proposal, if approved, no work would start on site<br />
before 2022. It’s imperative that we speak directly with<br />
local people to seek their thoughts so we can ensure<br />
this scheme is shaped to respect the environmental<br />
sensitivities of the site whilst considering local views.”
16<br />
ON A BUDGET<br />
Free and low-cost ideas to make Christmas magical!<br />
Try a digital advent calendar (£3.70)<br />
The Jacquie Lawson advent calendar is a firm favourite in<br />
our house. (I love it as much as the kids.) A new game,<br />
story or creative activity is released each day throughout<br />
<strong>December</strong>. The calendar is centred around a Christmassy<br />
scene, and many of the activities then become part of<br />
that scene. So your child might decorate the tree, dress<br />
up the snowman or create a wreath to hang on a shop<br />
door, for example. See www.jacquielawson.com/advent.<br />
Look for low-cost elves (£1)<br />
A branded Elf on a Shelf could set you back over £20,<br />
so look for alternatives. I picked up a couple of small<br />
bendable elves for £1 each from Tiger a couple of years<br />
ago, which did the job just as well as a bigger elf – until<br />
the dog got hold of them!<br />
Send a message from Santa (Free)<br />
Santa has been<br />
wishing my kids a<br />
happy Christmas<br />
through a Portable<br />
North Pole (www.<br />
portablenorthpole.<br />
com) video for<br />
years. The shorter<br />
personalised video<br />
is free to create<br />
and is pretty much<br />
guaranteed to<br />
delight younger<br />
children. (It’s also<br />
worth looking in<br />
your phone’s app<br />
store for Christmasthemed<br />
apps like<br />
Santa Spy Cam and Elf Yourself.)<br />
Organise a second-hand scavenger<br />
hunt (£10 or under)<br />
Most children enjoy a scavenger hunt around the house<br />
or garden. The most successful one I’ve organised for<br />
my children involved a load of Shopkins and other mini<br />
figures that I picked up second-hand from Facebook<br />
Marketplace for under £10. The elves that I mentioned<br />
above also create a treasure hunt every year, with a series<br />
of clues leading to a craft activity, gift-wrapped sweets or<br />
a small toy.
17<br />
Buy in bulk<br />
If you can club together with other families, you might<br />
be able to make savings on stocking fillers and activities<br />
by bulk buying. Baker and Ross (www.bakerross.co.uk)<br />
for example, sell a wide range of craft kits, activities and<br />
small toys. They mainly sell to schools, so if you bulk buy it<br />
works out a lot cheaper. My son adored the Gingerbread<br />
House Kit last year (two for £6.95 or 10 for £22.50).<br />
The Rainbow Wooden Keyring Craft Kits (four for £6.95<br />
or sixteen for £18.40), Racing Reindeers (four for £5.95 or<br />
sixteen for £14.88) and Woodland Friends Stationery Sets<br />
(four for £6.95 or sixteen for £18.40) would all make great<br />
stocking fillers. There’s also usually an offer on whereby<br />
you can save more money if you spend over a certain<br />
amount.<br />
Jewels May is a wonderful independent jewellers.<br />
The shop has recently expanded so as to offer<br />
customers more on site specialist services, one-toone<br />
consultation, specialist design and re-modelling<br />
advice and manufacturing.<br />
Their jewellery range is extensive from antique<br />
and vintage to modern and one-off bespoke luxury<br />
pieces, set with diamonds and precious stones. They<br />
also boast an impressive range of engagement and<br />
wedding rings as well as pre-owned luxury watches.<br />
Look for cost-saving memberships (£1)<br />
Membership cards like Kids Pass offer substantial<br />
discounts on family experiences. You can get up to 40%<br />
off cinema tickets for example, as well as<br />
money off days out to safari parks, theme<br />
parks, zoos, trampoline parks and so<br />
on, plus discounts<br />
on restaurants.<br />
A Kids Pass<br />
membership<br />
from www.<br />
kidspass.co.uk<br />
costs £2.99 a<br />
month, but<br />
you can get a<br />
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Repairs & Alterations<br />
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www.jewelsmay.com
18
19<br />
Cash for Culture Recovery<br />
Arts at the Mill CIC has been awarded £945,621 as part pandemic so this money will go a long way in covering<br />
of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund losses incurred in the organisation due to closure”.<br />
(CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus<br />
Rebecca continued “We now broadcast live performances,<br />
pandemic and to ensure that the organisation has a<br />
workshops, tutorials, seminars, vlogs and more several<br />
sustainable future, the Culture Secretary announced<br />
times per week to continue to provide creative output<br />
recently.<br />
and to maintain cultural engagement for all. Doing<br />
Arts at the Mill are one of 1,385 cultural and creative this has meant we’ve been able to continue offering<br />
organisations across the country receiving urgently paid work in a time when opportunities for artists have<br />
needed support.<br />
become extremely limited”.<br />
£257 million of investment has been announced as part She added “In addition, we’ve thankfully been able to<br />
of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants maintain employment for all our staff members with a<br />
programme being administered by Arts Council England. number of them continuing to work and some, having<br />
Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage<br />
been furloughed, using their time to volunteer for the<br />
sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.<br />
Covid-19 Community Response Team. We can’t thank<br />
DCMS and Arts Council England enough for giving us this<br />
The Arts at the Mill Marketing & Communications Director,<br />
incredible lifeline.”<br />
Rebecca Davenport said:<br />
For more inforation about The Old Courts and the role<br />
“We feel lucky and extremely grateful to have been<br />
they play in the local arts scene, visit their website at<br />
awarded this grant. We had to make the difficult decision<br />
www.theoldcourts.com.<br />
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20<br />
Competition Winners<br />
The winners of our Rainbow Glass Art competition in<br />
the October issue of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> were recently announced.<br />
Selina Winnard (main picture) from Appley Lane North in<br />
Appley Bridge won the main prize, which was a Rainbow<br />
Arch, Joan Berry from Pepper Lane in Standish was the<br />
first runner up and won a Rainbow Heart and Rachel<br />
Phillips (pictured) from The<br />
Coverts in <strong>Wigan</strong> won the<br />
3rd prize, a Rainbow Bee.<br />
The pieces are just part of the<br />
collection of rainbow glass<br />
art designed by Morpheus<br />
Glass designer Stephanie<br />
O’Brien and available at the<br />
Love It Gallery, which is based<br />
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The Love It Gallery is open<br />
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22<br />
Funding for Ideas<br />
Youngsters aged 8-19 looking for funding for big ideas are<br />
being advised to apply to <strong>Wigan</strong> and Leigh Youth Cabinet.<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> and Leigh Youth Cabinet are a group of young<br />
people who help to represent young people’s views<br />
and influence decisions that affect young people locally,<br />
regionally and nationally.<br />
They have £5,000 to spend on young people’s ideas and<br />
they are looking for interesting, imaginative ideas that<br />
will help young people in the area.<br />
Whether you want to get a new kit for your sports group,<br />
to run some training or a workshop for other young<br />
people, get some publicity materials or put on a play with<br />
a positive message, you can apply for funding of up to<br />
£500.<br />
You can apply online from www.wigan.gov.uk/LINC2/<br />
index.aspx, just click on ‘Have a Say’ and then on ‘Youth<br />
Inspiration Fund’.<br />
Or you can also apply by post if you’d prefer (this may be<br />
easier for you if you would like to use pictures as well as<br />
words in your application). To do this simply download<br />
the application form on the site, then apply via post to:<br />
Youth Inspiration Fund, Targeted Youth Support Services,<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Council, Hindley Town Hall, Cross Street, Hindley,<br />
WN2 3AX.<br />
After your application has been reviewed, the Youth<br />
Cabinet will decide whether or not you will be invited<br />
to attend the Youth Cabinet’s board meeting to present<br />
your ideas and a decision will be made at that meeting<br />
whether funding will be granted and the amount.<br />
Virtual Sewing<br />
The Old Courts will be holding their monthly online Stitch<br />
‘n’ Bitch session on Wednesday 16th <strong>December</strong> from<br />
7.30pm.<br />
This free zoom workshop is a laid-back stitch session run<br />
by artist Lucy Sharkey of House of Sharkey. Lucy will be<br />
on hand to offer and advice you need and a few tips and<br />
tricks. To join in, visit www.theoldcourts.com/whatson.<br />
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23
24<br />
Gifted<br />
Inspiration<br />
There’s something special about a beauty gift set. Here’s some of the best sets this Christmas.<br />
Bobbi Brown’s gift sets are always<br />
a treat and this year’s are no<br />
exception. Top of my list is the Must<br />
Have Essentials set. You get a makeup<br />
bag, full-size Pot Rouge Blusher<br />
and five minis, including a Luxe Lip<br />
Color in Neutral Rose and a Smokey<br />
Eye Mascara. Together, they’re worth<br />
£82, so the set is an absolute steal at<br />
£36.50; see www.bobbibrown.co.uk.<br />
Buying for a teenager? Organic<br />
Young’s My Skin Goals set is likely<br />
to be well-received. It features the<br />
Clear Skin Foaming Face Wash,<br />
Purifying Serum and Cleansing<br />
Moisturiser. Each product has been<br />
specifically designed with teen<br />
skin concerns in mind. Together,<br />
they help to tackle acne, soothe<br />
inflammation and keep skin healthy.<br />
Plus, each purchase supports the<br />
Born Free Foundation. The set is £30<br />
from www.greenpeople.co.uk.<br />
Know someone who could do with<br />
a better night’s sleep? Treat them to<br />
Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Beauty Sleep<br />
Collection. It features the Beauty<br />
Sleep Foaming Bath Gel, Shower Oil,<br />
Body Lotion and Concentrate Serum,<br />
all of which smell heavenly and are<br />
designed to aid relaxation. It’s £40<br />
from www.nealsyardremedies.com.<br />
It can be tricky to find the perfect<br />
gift set, so a few brands now allow<br />
you to create your own. British<br />
brand Noble Isle is one of them.<br />
Select three or four products from<br />
its extensive range, and they’ll be<br />
popped into a gift box and posted<br />
out. And what a range to choose<br />
from… Personally, I love the spicy<br />
Fireside Bath & Shower Gel and<br />
the subtly floral Willow Song Body<br />
Lotion. The bespoke Trio set is £20<br />
from www.nobleisle.com.<br />
Liz Earle (www.lizearle.co.uk ) has<br />
outdone itself with its gift range<br />
this year. The packaging is lush and<br />
many of the sets come with festive<br />
tins or reusable bags. It’s hard to pick<br />
a favourite to be honest. If you’re<br />
looking for a stocking filler, The<br />
Joy Cleanse and Polish set (£12) is<br />
ideal. Buying for a man? You can’t go<br />
wrong with the Shower and Shave<br />
Collection (£30). And I’m personally<br />
lusting after the Together We Shine<br />
Haircare Set (£33).<br />
I think we all deserve a bit of<br />
relaxation this Christmas. Open the<br />
Puressentiel Time to Unwind travel<br />
bag and you’ll find a Rest & Relax<br />
Air Spray, a Rest & Relax Massage<br />
Oil and a Stress Roll-on. Together,<br />
they use the power of essential<br />
oils to promote a feeling of calm,<br />
ease stress and tension, and aid<br />
relaxation. Bliss, at £20 from www.<br />
uk.puressentiel.com.<br />
If you’re looking for a gift with the<br />
wow factor, try Rituals’ The Ritual of<br />
Ayurveda Rebalancing Collection.<br />
All four products (Foaming Shower<br />
Gel, Body Scrub, Body Cream<br />
and Mini Fragrance Sticks) smell<br />
amazing. They’re perfect for<br />
creating an at-home spa experience<br />
on Boxing Day and beyond. And as<br />
they come with a gift box and tag,<br />
you don’t even need to wrap them.<br />
It’s £39.90 from www.boots.co.uk.
25<br />
Harmony<br />
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www.blindsbyharmony.co.uk
26<br />
Cranberry,<br />
orange and<br />
nut loaf<br />
READY<br />
in 1hr 45mins<br />
plus cooling<br />
Makes 8-10<br />
This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic Christmas cake.<br />
Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving.<br />
Ingredients<br />
175g unsalted butter, softened<br />
175g golden caster sugar<br />
225g self-raising flour<br />
2 tsp ground mixed spice<br />
½ tsp baking powder<br />
3 large eggs<br />
75g sweetened dried cranberries<br />
50g walnuts & 50g hazelnuts, chopped<br />
Zest of 1 orange<br />
1 tbsp orange juice<br />
FROSTING<br />
Half of a 400g tub ready-made royal icing<br />
2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles<br />
75g fresh cranberries<br />
Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)<br />
Icing sugar, for dusting<br />
Method<br />
1 Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Grease a 900g loaf<br />
tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking<br />
parchment.<br />
2 Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large<br />
bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly<br />
combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice.<br />
3 Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hr-1 hr 15<br />
minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre<br />
of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then<br />
turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.<br />
4 Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake. Scatter over the sugar<br />
sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using. Leave<br />
in a cool place until set. Serve sliced.<br />
TIP: Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festivethemed<br />
sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really<br />
sparkly finish.
27<br />
READY<br />
in 1 hour<br />
plus cooling<br />
Makes 20<br />
Cinnamon stars<br />
Perfect for a festive sweet treat or a lovely edible Christmas gift,<br />
these cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to two weeks.<br />
Ingredients<br />
2 medium egg whites<br />
175g icing sugar<br />
250g finely ground roasted hazelnuts<br />
50g mixed peel, finely chopped<br />
1 tbsp ground cinnamon<br />
Method<br />
1 Using an electric handheld mixer, whisk the egg whites in a clean,<br />
grease-free bowl until holding stiff peaks. Stir in the icing sugar until<br />
thoroughly combined then continue to whisk until thick and glossy.<br />
2 Remove 40g of this mixture and set aside. Fold the hazelnuts, mixed<br />
peel and cinnamon into the remaining mixture to make a very stiff<br />
dough. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.<br />
3 Preheat the oven to 140C, 120C fan, gas mark 1. Line 2 baking sheets<br />
with baking paper. Roll the dough out on a surface heavily dusted with<br />
icing sugar to a 1cm thickness.<br />
4 Using a 5cm star-shaped cookie cutter stamp out about 20 stars, rerolling<br />
the dough as needed until it is all used up. Place the stars on<br />
the baking sheet, well-spaced apart. Spread a little of the reserved egg<br />
white and icing sugar mixture on top of each star.<br />
TIP: Dust the cookie cutter with icing<br />
sugar frequently to prevent the mixture<br />
sticking.<br />
5 Bake for 25 minutes or until the cookies are still white and crisp on top<br />
but slightly soft underneath. Turn off the oven, open the oven door and<br />
leave the cookies to dry out for 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack<br />
and leave to cool completely.
28<br />
READY<br />
in 30 mins<br />
plus chilling<br />
Serves 6<br />
Potted<br />
smoked salmon<br />
This is the perfect starter for the lunch on the big day –<br />
the recipe will easily double up if you are feeding a crowd at Christmas!<br />
Ingredients<br />
275g honey roast salmon flakes<br />
250g smoked salmon slices, chopped<br />
100g unsalted butter, softened<br />
125g full-fat soft cheese<br />
2 tsp creamed horseradish<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
Fresh dill sprigs and green<br />
peppercorns, to garnish<br />
Slices of toasted brown or granary<br />
bread, to serve<br />
Method<br />
1 Reserve about 25g of the salmon flakes for garnish (cover and chill in<br />
the fridge until required).<br />
2 Place the rest of the salmon flakes in a food processor with the smoked<br />
salmon, butter, soft cheese, horseradish and lemon juice. Process until<br />
smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black<br />
pepper and process for a further few seconds.<br />
3 Divide the mixture between 6 small ramekin dishes and level the<br />
surface. Cover and chill in the fridge until required. Garnish with the<br />
rest of the salmon flakes, dill sprigs and green peppercorns. Serve with<br />
toasted brown or granary bread.<br />
TIP: Most supermarkets sell packs of ready-flaked honey roast salmon but if unavailable just buy ready-cooked smoked salmon<br />
fillets and roughly flake the fish, discarding any skin and fine bones.
29
30<br />
Win a hamper<br />
for your lockdown hero!<br />
Rather than offer the hamper as a competition prize as<br />
we have done in the past, this year we’ve decided to<br />
ask you to nominate a deserving recipient of this luxury<br />
Christmas hamper.<br />
This year has brought out the very best in so many people<br />
and, as devastating as the pandemic has been, many of<br />
us have stronger ties and better relationships with our<br />
neighbours and others in the local community as a result.<br />
Who has stepped up to help you this year?<br />
You can nominate a member of your family, a friend or<br />
neighbour, a medical professional or someone else in<br />
your local community who has gone above and beyond<br />
to help others through the pandemic.<br />
To put forward your nominee for the draw to win a<br />
luxury Christmas hamper, simply visit our website,<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk, click on ‘free stuff’ and then on<br />
‘competitions’. Simply nominate the name of the person<br />
you wish to receive the hamper in the ‘answer’ box.<br />
The expiry date for the competition is midnight on Thursday 17th <strong>December</strong> <strong>2020</strong><br />
and the winner will be notified within 48 hours. Entrants must be over 16 years of<br />
age. Only one entry per household – multiple entries will be voided. <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247<br />
cannot accept responsibility for entries that do not reach us. Employees of <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd and their families are not eligible to enter this competition.<br />
Good luck, and a very merry Christmas from all at <strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>
31<br />
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32<br />
WN6 Property Review <strong>2020</strong><br />
It’s been a bumpy year for the country, but a<br />
bumper year for local house values. Here’s a few<br />
of the highlights and lowlights of the property<br />
market in <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
The Boris Bounce<br />
A flurry of activity between the <strong>December</strong> election<br />
and Christmas 2019, was just a taster for the eruption<br />
of activity that took off in the New Year and carried on<br />
unabated until mid-March. In this period, <strong>Wigan</strong> agents<br />
saw an amazing sales period, fuelled by the release of<br />
pent up demand for people wanting to move on from the<br />
Brexit uncertainty of 2018/9.<br />
Panic Hits<br />
When the pandemic hit in mid-March, the property<br />
market was put on ice for nearly three months. Panicstricken<br />
economists predicted house price drops in the<br />
order of 10% in the best-case scenario and 25% in the<br />
worst for <strong>2020</strong>. Nothing could be further from the truth.<br />
The New Normal<br />
During the spring lockdown, homeowners re-evaluated<br />
their homes and their lives. The ability to work comfortably<br />
from home became more important. It was no longer as<br />
vital to live as close to major cities. Village locations with<br />
good motorway links, larger gardens and closer proximity<br />
to green spaces became more desirable.<br />
According to a survey run by the Institute of Directors,<br />
three-quarters of British businesses say they will keep<br />
increased homeworking in place after coronavirus has<br />
been suppressed. it is gradually becoming clear that<br />
priorities for homeowners have shifted – widespread<br />
homeworking means that the need to locate in or around<br />
city centres is decreasing and buyers are looking for more<br />
spacious properties further afield.<br />
The Recovery<br />
The Stamp Duty Holiday, saving buyers thousands of<br />
pounds of tax if they moved before the end of March<br />
2021, all added fuel to a fiery-hot local property market.<br />
The increased demand for a new home in the WN6 area<br />
meant properties on the market in early summer were<br />
snapped up in days for 100% asking price or more.<br />
The Delays<br />
On the downside though, house completions have<br />
significantly been delayed for several reasons. Some<br />
solicitors, banks and surveyors are struggling to cope with<br />
the demand for their services following the end of the first<br />
lockdown. Many have furloughed staff and others have staff<br />
working from home, and this different way of working has<br />
impacted on the time taken between offer and completion.<br />
What’s Next?<br />
Normally when the UK GDP drops like a stone, the<br />
property market follows. But that has not been the case<br />
this year. However, despite all the scary predictions<br />
earlier in the year, property values in WN6 are set at an<br />
astonishing 4.1% higher compared to a year ago. This<br />
would appear to be a quite remarkable outcome given<br />
the current economic framework – long may it continue!<br />
What is a WN6 property worth today?<br />
Average Overall Value Now<br />
Average Price Paid in the last year<br />
WN6 Detached £312,700 £305,970<br />
WN6 Semi-Detached £169,420 £166,920<br />
WN6 Town House / Terraced £115,240 £124,180<br />
WN6 Apartments/ Flats £143,750 £120,230<br />
Alan Batt is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has<br />
worked within the <strong>Wigan</strong> property market for over 30 years.<br />
Alan Batt<br />
For more of Alan’s tips, guidance and analysis on the <strong>Wigan</strong> property market, check out<br />
www.wiganpropertynews.blogspot.co.uk
Merry Christmas<br />
and a<br />
Happy New Year<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Office • 78 Market Street, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN1 1HX • 01942 233 999<br />
www.alanbatt.co.uk
34<br />
Artisan Market<br />
Haigh’s popular Artisan Market takes place this Sunday<br />
(6th <strong>December</strong>) from 10am-4pm at Haigh Hall Woodland<br />
Park (WN2 1PE). The market is run by The Market Co, which<br />
is known for delivering artisan markets in Wilmslow,<br />
Northwich, Urmston and other venues in the North West.<br />
In addition to running the artisan markets, the company<br />
also has a shopping platform for many talented artisans,<br />
small business producers and creators who display at<br />
their markets. This was launched earlier this year to help<br />
the NW’s artisan micro-businesses survive the pandemic.<br />
You can shop for a huge range of goods (including food,<br />
drink, art, crafts, bodycare, homeware and clothing)<br />
online at their impressive site www.themarketco.co.uk.<br />
The site also hosts micro-sites for each individual artisan.<br />
Christmas at Apple Cast<br />
R BANKS & SON<br />
FUNERALS LTD<br />
Brian Halliwell Dip F.D M.B.I.E.<br />
Independent Funeral Directors<br />
Monumental Masons<br />
A local family run business, R. Banks & Son<br />
are one of the largest independent funeral<br />
directors in the <strong>Wigan</strong> Area<br />
ESTABLISHED 1921<br />
Golden Charter Pre Arrangement Funeral Plans<br />
and Memorial Plans available<br />
FINANCE AVAILABLE on Funerals &<br />
Memorials Subject to status, written details on request<br />
24 hour service • Caring family firm<br />
Branches: Standish 01257 422011,<br />
Beech Hill 01942 829200, Bryn 01942 271392,<br />
Scholes 01942 820526, Leigh 01942 261415,<br />
Coppull 01257 793880, Upholland 01695 622099,<br />
Platt Bridge 01942 863936, Atherton 01942 318025<br />
Head Office:<br />
Halliwell House, 758/768 Ormskirk Road<br />
Pemberton, <strong>Wigan</strong> WN5 8BB<br />
www.rbanksandson.co.uk T: 01942 222156<br />
Apple Cast in Newburgh are running a family Christmas<br />
event from Saturday 19th to Wednesday 23rd <strong>December</strong>.<br />
The precise attractions had not been confirmed at the<br />
time we went to press but are expected to include a<br />
Christmas market, live music, children’s activities, food, a<br />
bar and a carol service.<br />
The event will run from 10am-2pm at the venue, which is<br />
based on Cobbs Brow Lane (WN8 7SF). For more details,<br />
visit @CastNorth West UK on Facebook.<br />
Heskin Markets<br />
Heskin Hall are hosting two Christmas events in<br />
<strong>December</strong>. The Christmas market will run from Wednesday<br />
2nd through to Sunday 6th <strong>December</strong>, and the Christmas<br />
market incorporating the Steampunk market will take<br />
place on the weekend of 12th and 13th <strong>December</strong>.<br />
Visitors can browse through artisan and makers stalls,<br />
and enjoy seasonal food and drink including bratwurst<br />
sausages and mulled wine. Live music is scheduled for<br />
4th and 5th <strong>December</strong>, and there will be an entertainer<br />
on 6th <strong>December</strong>. There will be children’s rides on site and<br />
a selection of birds of prey too.<br />
Santa will be visiting on the 5th and 6th and you will<br />
be able to make these socially distanced appointments<br />
on Facebook (@HeskinHall) prior to visiting the market.<br />
Heskin Hall is located on Wood Lane in Heskin (PR7 5PA)<br />
and entrance to the market is free.
35<br />
Goodyear<br />
Furniture Centre<br />
One of the most<br />
Inspirational Showrooms<br />
in the North West!<br />
We have over 20’000 sq.ft of<br />
showrooms, displaying some<br />
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Choice, quality, service<br />
and value for money<br />
Wide selection of quality lounge suites<br />
in fabric or leather, Dining and Cane<br />
conservatory furniture.<br />
Large selection of occasional furniture,<br />
mirrors, pictures, lamps and other<br />
accessories.<br />
Goodyear Furniture Centre:<br />
18 New Street, Mawdesley, Lancashire. L40 2QP<br />
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm / Sat 10am - 4pm / Sun 11am - 4pm<br />
www.goodyearfurniture.co.uk<br />
01704 821577<br />
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A highly recommended family name established in 1982
36
37<br />
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38<br />
Hometown<br />
Brushstrokes<br />
by Nicola Gray<br />
They say a picture paints a thousand words and if this is to<br />
be believed, then Parbold-born artist David Barrow would<br />
never run out of things to say about how truly inspired he<br />
is by his hometown. Throughout his decades long career,<br />
David has skilfully captured the <strong>Wigan</strong> way-of-life in some<br />
iconic scenes including the memorable <strong>Wigan</strong> Casino,<br />
Tiffany’s nightclub, the beautiful Parbold countryside and<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> walking days.<br />
David was born in Parbold and spent his formative years<br />
there, before moving to the Springfield area of <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
when he was eight years old. David said, “I have very fond<br />
memories of growing up in Parbold, surrounded by the<br />
countryside and nature. I have 3 brothers and to this day<br />
we still reminisce about the happy times we spent there.<br />
After we relocated to <strong>Wigan</strong>, we still frequently visited<br />
Parbold to call in on my Grandad, so truth be known, we<br />
never really left!”<br />
David continued, “The first school I attended was Parbold<br />
C of E School on Lancaster Lane (now Parbold Douglas<br />
Academy), I eventually attended The Blue Coat School<br />
after the move to <strong>Wigan</strong>, before moving on to Gidlow<br />
Middle and then Whitley High School. Parbold though,<br />
brings back lots of nostalgic childhood memories. The<br />
landscape and quaintness of the village is beautiful, I<br />
have always loved to capture its beauty and the stillness<br />
of the countryside.”<br />
David began painting seriously when he was 19 years<br />
old, but his artistic achievements started much earlier<br />
on in life, as he tells me, “I have always enjoyed drawing<br />
from a young age, my first artistic triumph came when<br />
I was just 5 years old. I won the 1st prize for a TSB Bank<br />
art competition; the prize was a £1 postal order and that<br />
inspired me greatly. I have had an interest in drawing and<br />
painting for as long as I can remember.”<br />
David’s deep affection for the village is very<br />
apparent and can be seen in the striking<br />
and colourful series he has produced<br />
featuring Parbold landmarks. Looking at<br />
the vibrant paintings it is easy to pick out<br />
such scenes as the canal running through<br />
the centre of the village, Parbold Hill, and<br />
the Stocks Pub. David added, “I am always<br />
drawn to Parbold Hill, I like to walk from the<br />
village centre up to the school as I did each<br />
day with my brothers.”<br />
He tells me that he never really had a<br />
dream job growing up he just knew that<br />
it wasn’t his first job at a hairdressers, “Yes,<br />
my first job was working in a hairdressers<br />
and it just wasn’t for me, I feel I achieved<br />
my dream job when I became a full-time<br />
artist. I’m doing what I love, and it has taken<br />
me in many different directions, including<br />
passing on my love of art by occasionally<br />
teaching a few lessons.”
39<br />
David’s first official sale came in 1986<br />
when his paintings of the Market Hall and<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> Pier were bought by <strong>Wigan</strong> MBC<br />
to be added to the Town’s collection.<br />
And this was another winner for him<br />
both personally and professionally as<br />
the painting of the Market Hall won<br />
another local competition. David added,<br />
“I had the painting turned into prints<br />
and it was remarkably successful, so I<br />
produced some more of <strong>Wigan</strong> Pier and<br />
Central Park, which proved very popular.<br />
The affinity people have with their<br />
hometown is enormously powerful”<br />
David continued, “Alongside creating<br />
my own artwork, I am deeply<br />
passionate about both Art History<br />
and contemporary Fine Artists. In my<br />
spare time I am constantly researching<br />
different Artists and Art styles. I am<br />
creative person and as well as art, I have<br />
always been very much into music and I<br />
enjoy playing classical guitar when I get<br />
the chance. I also really enjoy getting out and about for<br />
family walks in Haigh Hall and Mesnes Park with our dog.”<br />
Some of David’s most iconic work features well-known<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong> scenes and in contrast to Parbold, David says,<br />
“<strong>Wigan</strong> is a much busier landscape and I like to capture<br />
the hustle and bustle of town life and to see how this<br />
changes the outcome of my work. Growing up, I used to<br />
love going to <strong>Wigan</strong> Casino nights and Northern Soul has<br />
really motivated me in the past.”
40<br />
David’s portfolio of work and his representation of<br />
Northern Soul culture has won him world-wide acclaim,<br />
especially his painting of the <strong>Wigan</strong> Casino. As a teenager<br />
he was a fanatical regular at <strong>Wigan</strong> Casino, after being<br />
introduced to the music by his older brother and hearing<br />
it around the home. David was known to frequent soul<br />
nights at Blackpool Mecca, the Ritz in Manchester and<br />
even an all-nighter in Burscough.<br />
The Northern Soul genre led to a new direction for David<br />
and he has never looked back, all the pictures in the<br />
exhibition sold and they have become extremely popular.<br />
So popular in fact that they have been collected by<br />
enthusiasts from around the world. Examples of David’s<br />
work are now owned by recognisable names such as, Paul<br />
Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, and institutions such as the<br />
world-famous Tamla Motown Museum in Detroit.<br />
In recent years David explains that he has developed a<br />
different style of working from his traditional oil paintings<br />
and atmospheric club scenes. In his most recent series<br />
of paintings, David brings to life <strong>Wigan</strong> walking days. He<br />
adds, “My favourite style to paint in is the ‘naive’ style, as I<br />
like to experiment with textures and repetition of shapes<br />
and figures. I like to produce paintings of places that are<br />
personal to me, particularly when I was growing up. The<br />
‘naïve’ style allows lots of excuses for me to show times<br />
and places from my life, with an added touch of fun.”<br />
In addition to his Walking Day series, David is developing<br />
other works based around some familiar local places<br />
including <strong>Wigan</strong> Baths, <strong>Wigan</strong> Pier, and the market.<br />
The recent and most current lockdowns have been a<br />
period of planning and research for David and he has<br />
capitalised on this time. David continued, “I have been<br />
producing and planning different collections as a<br />
story board featuring more places and memories<br />
from both <strong>Wigan</strong> and Parbold. I am in the process of<br />
creating a book featuring paintings that celebrate the<br />
traditional walking days in <strong>Wigan</strong>.”<br />
He added, “I am working in collaboration with a<br />
writer, together we are combining <strong>Wigan</strong> speak or<br />
‘<strong>Wigan</strong>ese’ as poems to describe the walking day<br />
marches. This project is going to be produced as an<br />
illustrated book, it will feature different collections,<br />
such as my walks from Parbold village, walking days,
41<br />
tractor rides from the Plantation Gates to Haigh Hall and<br />
all of this will be combined with <strong>Wigan</strong> speak as poems.”<br />
David’s hope is that the bespoke <strong>Wigan</strong> dialect will<br />
narrate and compliment the paintings, telling the story of<br />
his most favourite childhood memories.<br />
David’s work has really travelled, and he is proud to be<br />
exhibited in places from the Manchester Academy of Fine<br />
Arts and the Royal Scottish Academy to the O2 Arena<br />
London and the Turn Pike Gallery. David’s paintings<br />
have been featured five times in the summer exhibition<br />
at London’s prestigious Royal Academy; with one of<br />
David’s portrait paintings also being exhibited at the<br />
Royal Society of portrait painters. David credits one of<br />
his proudest moments as walking<br />
up the staircase in the<br />
gallery at the Royal<br />
Academy<br />
Summer show, he continues, “When I exhibited in<br />
London for the first time in 1990, I felt like I was following<br />
in the steps of other great artists and I can’t really put<br />
that feeling into words. I am also hugely proud to be a<br />
member of the Manchester Royal Academy, it’s great to<br />
be acknowledged for doing something that brings you<br />
great joy and for other people to enjoy it as well.”<br />
With such an extensive list of accolades what could<br />
possibly be left on David’s bucket list? When I put this to<br />
him, it is obvious that he isn’t about to rest on his laurels<br />
when it comes to his passion. He tells me, “Well when it<br />
comes to my bucket list, my main aim is to further develop<br />
my career as an Artist and see where that can take<br />
me. I would also like to travel, once the lockdowns<br />
are lifted and create some artwork featuring<br />
the countries and experiences I have, in<br />
the places I visit. The main aim is to be<br />
able to continue what I am doing,<br />
having my collections shown in<br />
exhibitions plus I would love<br />
more involvement in the<br />
London mall galleries.”<br />
www.davidbarrowart.artweb.com<br />
@Davidbarrowart
42<br />
Your<br />
Christmas Tech<br />
Many of the gifts we give or get at Christmas are<br />
gadgets, and that means Santa has a few things<br />
to think about in the days before the big<br />
day. For example, if the kids have asked<br />
him for a games console it’s highly<br />
likely that the console will need to<br />
download a big software update<br />
before it can play online; the worst<br />
possible time to do that download<br />
is on Christmas morning when<br />
everybody else in your street is trying<br />
to do the same. If you can, connect any<br />
new console to the internet in advance so<br />
there’s no delay before the kids can play.<br />
Another good idea is to prepare a bit of paper<br />
with your Wi-Fi details and password on it: from<br />
Amazon Echo speakers to Apple iPads and even<br />
many kids’ toys, a Wi-Fi connection is needed<br />
for them to work. Digging out the details in<br />
advance will speed things up considerably on<br />
the day.<br />
It’s worth looking out any USB-ready charger<br />
plugs (such as from iPhones or Kindle Fire<br />
tablets), because to help reduce electronic<br />
waste many USB-powered devices will come<br />
with a cable but not the plug it connects to.<br />
And of course, it’s a very good idea to check<br />
what batteries any gadgets, toys or remote<br />
controllers are going to need. If you don’t<br />
already have one, a battery charger with a<br />
couple of sets of AA and AAA rechargeable<br />
batteries will come in very handy in the next<br />
few days.<br />
Last but not least, we’d recommend having a<br />
multi-tool or a screwdriver set and some really<br />
good scissors handy. We’ve found that many<br />
kids’ toys come screwed to the packaging or<br />
require very small crosshead screwdrivers to<br />
open their battery compartments, and others<br />
come in extremely strong clear plastic that’s<br />
very hard to open.<br />
OCULUS QUEST 2<br />
APPLE WATCH<br />
Checklist<br />
The top big-ticket Christmas gifts <strong>2020</strong><br />
The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch ever<br />
made. There are now three watches to choose<br />
from, starting at £199 for the Series 3 and rising to<br />
£399 for the Series 6.<br />
£199, Apple.com<br />
This is very geeky, we know, but the<br />
Facebook-owned Oculus Quest delivers<br />
an incredible virtual reality experience<br />
without wires or the need for a computer.<br />
£299, Oculus.com<br />
PLAYSTATION 5<br />
The next-generation PlayStation<br />
is big, beautiful and it isn’t quite<br />
as expensive as we feared: the<br />
standard version is £449 and the<br />
disk-free digital version is £359.<br />
£449, Very.co.uk<br />
FITBIT SENSE<br />
If you or your loved one is a<br />
fitness fan, the new Fitbit Versa<br />
adds clever new features to its<br />
tried-and-tested fitness tracking,<br />
including EKG, temperature<br />
sensing and even stress sensing.<br />
£299, Fitbit.com<br />
DYSON SUPERSONIC<br />
If your time is money, then<br />
Dyson’s high-tech hairdryer will<br />
pay for itself very quickly: not<br />
only does it make your hair look<br />
amazing, but it does it in an<br />
amazingly short time too.<br />
£299, Boots.com
43<br />
Alarms & CCTV<br />
<strong>Wigan</strong>’s Security Specialists<br />
Wireless Intruder Alarm Offer<br />
1 x RF GHE Bell box, 1 x decoy GHE Bell box,<br />
1 x 32 Zone panel, 2 x RF pirs, 1 x RF door contact<br />
Only £300 - fully supplied & fitted<br />
Offer only available in WN postcodes<br />
Robust systems, expertly installed<br />
Burglar Alarm systems<br />
Wireless & hard wired<br />
CCTV systems<br />
View your home from your PC,<br />
smart phone or tablet<br />
Access Control systems<br />
Fire Alarms<br />
GHE Responsive Service<br />
Available 24 hours 365 days a year<br />
Suite 1A, Kirkless Industrial Estate<br />
Cale Lane, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN2 1HF<br />
Call us today for a FREE property risk assessment.<br />
01942 836 937 www.ghewigan.co.uk<br />
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44<br />
Top Christmas Apps<br />
Help your child or children discover the magic of Christmas by using these popular Christmas apps.<br />
These apps are now available on both Apple or Android platforms and are either free or modestly priced.<br />
Portable North Pole<br />
Through the Portable North Pole (PNP)<br />
app and website, parents can send<br />
their kids personalised videos direct<br />
from the North Pole. Video messages<br />
are free, but for an additional fee parents can buy their<br />
child more detailed personalisations, views of Santa’s<br />
village and news of the naughty or nice list this year.<br />
NORAD<br />
For more than 60 years, the North<br />
American Aerospace Defense<br />
Command has been tracking Santa’s<br />
whereabouts on Christmas Eve using<br />
satellites and jet fighters. The <strong>2020</strong> NORAD Tracks Santa<br />
website and app each offer a Christmas countdown,<br />
games and other activities, in addition to NORAD’s iconic<br />
reports on Santa’s travels come <strong>December</strong> 24.<br />
Message From Santa<br />
Parents who download the Message<br />
from Santa app get unlimited<br />
personalised calls from Santa and<br />
can surprise their child with video<br />
messages straight from the North Pole. Kids can also<br />
leave Santa special voicemail messages or hold a text<br />
conversation with him.<br />
Elf Yourself<br />
You can star in a series of personalised<br />
videos featuring your face on dancing<br />
elves. Upload up to five photos of<br />
friends and family from Facebook<br />
or your camera. Then select a dance and the app<br />
automatically generates your custom video you can share<br />
to social media.<br />
Full range of hinge door wardrobes
45<br />
left out in thE COld this winter?<br />
4 Are you a homeowner?<br />
4 Is your boiler over 6 years old?<br />
4 Are you in receipt of benefits or tax credits?<br />
You could get a frEE (or heavily subsided)<br />
boiler via the ECO3 scheme.<br />
What is the ECO3 Scheme?<br />
This is a UK government energy efficiency scheme where<br />
energy suppliers fund the installation of energy efficiency<br />
measures, such as boilers, for homeowners in receipt of<br />
benefits and tax credits.<br />
GEt yOur bOilEr<br />
fundinG tOday!<br />
Call us now on 0800 689 1723<br />
or visit www.invictusboilergrants.co.uk<br />
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46<br />
2021 Concerts<br />
Despite the effect<br />
that the current<br />
health crisis is<br />
having on the arts<br />
and entertainment<br />
industry, Jockey<br />
Club Live are busy<br />
lining up race night<br />
events for the 2021<br />
season at Haydock<br />
Park and Aintree racecourses. The Jockey Club Live events<br />
are renowned for combining a fun-filled evening at the<br />
races with a spectacular evening concert in the informal<br />
and relaxed open-air setting of the hallowed turf.<br />
Confirmed events at Haydock so far are Tom Jones (19th<br />
June) and Olly Murs (17th July), and the confirmed event<br />
at Aintree so far is Nile Rodgers & Chic (11th June). Jockey<br />
Club Live events are also held at Newmarket, Sandown<br />
and Carlisle racecourses.<br />
Tickets for all the events are now available at www.<br />
thejockeyclublive.co.uk and the Jockey Club Live offer a<br />
money back guarantee if cancelled.<br />
Keep your eyes peeled for <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> issues early in 2021<br />
when we will be running a couple of ticket giveaways for<br />
these events.<br />
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47<br />
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning<br />
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48<br />
The Gift of a Great Book<br />
Books to give, add to your wish list or just treat yourself to…<br />
The Thursday Murder<br />
Club<br />
Richard Osman<br />
Retirees Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim<br />
and Ron have a unique set of skills<br />
that they put to good use solving old<br />
murder cases. So when a real murder<br />
takes place rather close to home, the<br />
four are well placed to find the killer. Funny, warm and<br />
with a twist every minute, The Thursday Murder Club will<br />
keep readers guessing right until the end. Best of all, a<br />
sequel is already in the pipeline.<br />
Oliver’s Britain<br />
Oliver Hellowell<br />
From roadside poppies and<br />
native wildlife to lochs, lakes<br />
and waterfalls, the photos<br />
that grace the pages of this<br />
coffee table book are a sight<br />
to behold. Oliver has Down’s Syndrome and a natural gift<br />
for spotting the perfect shot. Alongside the photos are<br />
quotes from Oliver and some of his many fans. A great<br />
present for people who enjoy a good ramble through the<br />
British countryside.<br />
Word Perfect:<br />
Etymological<br />
Entertainment for<br />
Every Day of the Year<br />
Susie Dent<br />
Ever wondered who the original Jack<br />
the lad was? Or where a phrase like<br />
‘turn a blind eye’ came from? Susie<br />
Dent has been a regular expert on Countdown for twentyfive<br />
years. In Word Perfect, she reveals the story behind<br />
some well-known words and phrases and introduces the<br />
reader to a whole load of new ones. (Personally, I might<br />
start calling a hankie by its Victorian slang name – a<br />
snottinger.)<br />
The Boy Who Grew<br />
Dragons<br />
Andy Shepherd<br />
Looking for a book for a seven to nine<br />
year old? The Boy Who Grew Dragons<br />
is likely to be appeal to even reluctant<br />
readers. Tomas discovers a plant when<br />
he’s helping out in his grandparents’<br />
garden. It turns out to be a dragon fruit tree and the fruit is<br />
about to hatch. Before long, Tomas is learning all about his<br />
new pet, from the fact it loves broccoli to the unfortunate<br />
fact that dragon poo is highly explosive.<br />
Flavour<br />
Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage<br />
If you’re buying for someone who<br />
loves nothing more than spending<br />
a couple of hours in the kitchen<br />
cooking up a storm, this is the<br />
gift for them. It is not, however, a<br />
cookery book for beginners or those<br />
wanting to whip up a quick and easy dish. The ingredients<br />
aren’t always easy to come by and most of the recipes are<br />
experimental to say the least. The dishes are not always<br />
vegetarian, but fruit, vegetables or fungi are the star<br />
ingredients, and often used in rather surprising ways.<br />
Lime and Coconut Potato Gratin anyone?<br />
My Garden World<br />
Monty Don<br />
Wildlife fans will adore My Garden<br />
World, which is basically Monty<br />
Don’s personal homage to the<br />
birds, insects and other creatures<br />
that share his garden. The book is<br />
packed with interesting nuggets of<br />
information about British wildlife and is a real pleasure to<br />
read (particularly when sat in the garden with a cuppa). If<br />
you want to really earn some brownie points, team it with<br />
a few packets of wildflower seeds and a pair of binoculars.
49<br />
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50<br />
Is Inheritance Tax<br />
Voluntary?<br />
It was the late Lord Jenkins that said, “Inheritance Tax is a<br />
voluntary tax paid by people who distrust their beneficiaries<br />
more than they dislike the Inland Revenue”.<br />
Inheritance tax was always considered to be a tax on the<br />
rich, but it really isn’t!<br />
Levied at a fixed rate of 40 per cent, it is possible to become<br />
a higher rate taxpayer after you die. If you are single or<br />
divorced, UK legislation allows the first £325,000 (<strong>2020</strong>/21<br />
tax year) of your estate to be free from Inheritance Tax.<br />
If you are married, or in a civil partnership or widowed,<br />
this amount could rise to £650,000. In addition to this, the<br />
resident’s nil rate band will enable the nil rate band to be<br />
uplifted further if you are living in your own property and<br />
will be passing your estate on to direct descendants.<br />
Inheritance tax can cost your loved ones hundreds of<br />
thousands in the event of your death, yet it’s possible to<br />
legally avoid huge swathes of it, or possibly pay none at<br />
all. How do you manage this? Just by sensible planning.<br />
The main exemptions<br />
• Most transfers between spouses and civil partners.<br />
• The first £3,000 of lifetime transfers in any tax year plus<br />
any unused balance from previous year.<br />
• Gifts of up to but not exceeding £250 p.a. to any<br />
number of persons.<br />
• Gifts in consideration of marriage or civil partnership of:<br />
up to £5,000 by a parent, up to £2,500 by a grandparent<br />
or great grandparent, or up to £1,000 by any other<br />
person.<br />
• Gifts made out of income that form part of normal<br />
expenditure and do not reduce the standard of living.<br />
• Gifts to charities, whether made during lifetime or on<br />
death.<br />
from when the transfer is made for the gift to fall outside<br />
your estate. During the 7 year period the amount of tax<br />
payable reduces each year. This is known as Taper Relief.<br />
However, this relief only applies to the part of a gift which<br />
is in excess of the nil rate band (£325,000).<br />
Trusts<br />
This method allows for the placement of monies out of your<br />
estate into a suitable investment which is then wrapped<br />
within a trust. You as trustee remain in control of the<br />
investments on behalf of the beneficiaries and can decide<br />
when and if any capital will be paid out in part or in full.<br />
There are a wide variety of trust options available and<br />
therefore careful consideration needs to be given to<br />
ensure that the trust is suitable.<br />
• Are you happy to waive your right to income and<br />
capital from the trust?<br />
• Would you prefer to receive a regular income from the<br />
trust?<br />
• Would you like access to capital from the trust?<br />
Clearly, one size does not fit all and therefore further<br />
advice should be taken.<br />
Inheritance Tax is quite a technical area and therefore<br />
before embarking on a course of action I would strongly<br />
recommend that you seek professional advice. We<br />
have advisers with advanced qualifications within the<br />
taxation and trusts arena who if need be will be more<br />
than happy to guide you.<br />
Should you wish to have a chat<br />
with one of our qualified financial<br />
planners please feel free to give<br />
us a call on 01257 423800.<br />
Making Gifts<br />
In most cases, any direct gift either made direct or into<br />
an absolute trust by any one person over the exempt<br />
gift allowances, is a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET).<br />
This means that you as the donor, need to live 7 years,<br />
David Barton<br />
APFS Cert CII (MP)<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Remember all investments can fall as well as rise in value so investors could get back less than they invest.
52<br />
Covid Support<br />
for Businesses by Chris Alcock - CMA Accountancy<br />
It goes without saying that it has been an extremely difficult year for all of us and particularly those that run<br />
a small business. This article will outline the updated measures that have been taken by the government to<br />
support business over the next 6 months.<br />
EXTENSION TO THE CORONAVIRUS JOB RETENTION<br />
SCHEME<br />
This scheme has now been extended to the end of March<br />
2021. Employees will receive 80% of their usual salary for hours<br />
not worked and can be used for any amount of time worked.<br />
Employers have until the 14th of the following month to make<br />
their claim. HMRC will review the rates at the end of January.<br />
JOB RETENTION BONUS<br />
The £1,000 JRB due on 31st January 2021 has been postponed<br />
and will be re-issued at the appropriate time, presumably after<br />
the CJRS has stopped.<br />
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES<br />
Businesses that have been forced to close will receive grants of up<br />
to £3,000 per month. This should cover monthly rent and is based<br />
on the business properties’ rateable value:-<br />
• For properties with a rateable value of £15k or under, grants will<br />
be available of up to £1,334 per month or £667 per two weeks<br />
• For properties with a rateable value of between £15k and £51k,<br />
grants will be available of up to £2,000 per month or £1,000 per<br />
two weeks<br />
• For properties with a rateable value of £51k or over, grants will<br />
be available of up to £3,000 per month or £1,500 per two weeks<br />
Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors<br />
that suffered from reduced demand (due to local restrictions<br />
introduced between 1 August <strong>2020</strong> and 5 November <strong>2020</strong>) will<br />
also receive help. Backdated grants at 70% of closed business<br />
grants, will be available. Grants will be up to a maximum of £2,100<br />
per month for this period.<br />
Applications for discretionary <strong>Local</strong> Authority grants will be also<br />
be available. We recommend you contact your <strong>Local</strong> Authority<br />
now as limited funds are available for the discretionary grants.<br />
SELF EMPLOYED INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME – SEISS<br />
This grant for the self-employed has been extended for the period<br />
from Nov <strong>2020</strong> to Apr 2021. Grants will be paid in two lump<br />
sums, each covering a 3 month period, Nov <strong>2020</strong> to Jan 2021 and<br />
Feb 2021 to Apr 2021 and will now be worth up to 80% of their<br />
average monthly trading profit, capped at £7,500 per claim.<br />
Self Employed workers must pay close attention to the deadline<br />
for making these claims once they are published.<br />
TAX CUTS AND DEFERRALS<br />
The temporary reduction of VAT to 5% for the tourism and<br />
hospitality sectors has been extended to March 2021.<br />
Businesses that deferred their VAT payment earlier this year can now<br />
apply to pay this back in 11 interest free instalments from April 2021<br />
rather than in full in March 2021.<br />
Self-assessment taxpayers will also be able to apply from a<br />
separate 12-month extension meaning payments deferred from<br />
July <strong>2020</strong> will now not need to be paid until January 2022.<br />
FLEXIBILITY TO PAY BACK LOANS<br />
Businesses who took out a Bounce Back Loan can use a Pay as<br />
You Grow flexible repayment system to ease the burden of<br />
repayments.<br />
All the schemes introduced have had tremendous impact on<br />
businesses and in many cases have allowed them to retain staff<br />
and manage the obvious impact that the lockdown has brought.<br />
And finally, I just wanted to mention the benefits of cloud<br />
accounting packages. This has proved invaluable over the past<br />
few months as we have been able to offer hands on support,<br />
using up to information, to help clients track their cashflow, apply<br />
for loans and discuss payments plans with HMRC.<br />
If you’re looking to consoli and gro your business in 2021, then we<br />
have a range of solutions to assist businesses of all sizes, starting<br />
with our Essentials package for start-ups and sole traders, the<br />
Growth package to help you take control of your accounts and<br />
the Premier package designed to help you drive your business<br />
forward.<br />
If you’d like a free initial consultation on how<br />
CMA can help your business in 2021, please get<br />
in touch. We can meet in our COVID-safe office or<br />
over a Zoom call to discuss your requirements.<br />
Chris Alcock ACMA - CMA Accountancy<br />
39 Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN6 9DR<br />
01257 255521 info@handsonaccounting.co.uk<br />
www.handsonaccounting.co.uk
53<br />
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54<br />
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55<br />
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Find out more... speak to our friendly<br />
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56<br />
Digestive problems<br />
and how to overcome them<br />
Bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation and<br />
diarrhoea. These are all common digestive problems that we<br />
all experience and usually they can be treated with ‘over the<br />
counter’ medicines. Some conditions might be as a result of<br />
overindulging or eating the wrong food, but with Christmas<br />
round the corner, what can we do to avoid them?<br />
With more of us working from<br />
home, it’s all too easy to<br />
eat a rushed sandwich in<br />
front of the computer,<br />
skip lunch altogether<br />
or grab a snack while<br />
preparing the kids’ tea.<br />
How you eat is a major<br />
consideration, as eating<br />
too quickly and not<br />
swallowing food<br />
properly can lead to<br />
digestive problems.<br />
As Roberta Baldo,<br />
nutritional therapist<br />
from Baldo & Mason<br />
says “Eat slowly. This<br />
allows time for the<br />
signals from the<br />
senses to get to the<br />
brain and stimulate<br />
the production of<br />
digestive enzymes, muscular<br />
contractions and other<br />
processes necessary for<br />
digestion, before the food<br />
arrives.”<br />
Chewing food properly also<br />
helps with digestion. As<br />
Roberta says, “If food is not<br />
chewed properly, digestion<br />
is impeded and may take<br />
much longer because the<br />
food does not have sufficient<br />
surface area exposed to the digestive juices for digestion<br />
to occur efficiently.”<br />
Taking your time over a meal is also important. At<br />
Christmas, we’ll all have plenty of time to linger over a<br />
meal, but Roberta advises to eat mindfully and “focus on<br />
your meal rather than eat whilst doing other things. How<br />
we eat is as important as what we eat.”<br />
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)<br />
Digestive problems often settle down by themselves,<br />
but sometimes symptoms persist that could indicate<br />
other conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome<br />
(IBS). According to The IBS Network, this affects over<br />
twelve million people in the UK. Classic symptoms<br />
include abdominal pain, bloating, change in bowel<br />
habits, diarrhoea and constipation. Alison Reid, CEO, The<br />
IBS Network, says “It is a very individual condition and<br />
symptoms will vary for each person. Other symptoms<br />
can include lethargy, nausea and backache. There is no<br />
specific cause for IBS but the most common risk factors<br />
are a gastroenteritis attack, a traumatic or upsetting<br />
event and courses of powerful antibiotics.”<br />
What causes IBS to flare up? Contributory factors include<br />
the food that we eat and the stress in our lives.<br />
Self-management is the key to living well with IBS, says<br />
Alison. “Once you have a better understanding of what<br />
is happening in your body you will be able to explore<br />
what treatments work best for you. These include dietary<br />
and lifestyle changes, psychological therapies and<br />
medications – see your GP or pharmacist for advice. These<br />
may be used together or on their own depending on the<br />
possible cause and severity of the condition.”<br />
Managing general lifestyle and diet is vitally important<br />
when dealing with IBS, says Dr Simon Smale, consultant<br />
gastroenterologist and clinical director, Manchester<br />
University NHS Trust. “Small meals eaten often rather than<br />
one big meal at the end of the day,” he says. “Ensure you<br />
don’t drink too much caffeine and alcohol as they can have<br />
dire effects. If the condition is primarily diarrhoea, avoid
57<br />
the following foods – cauliflower, sprouts (yes<br />
even at Christmas), onions, garlic, chewing<br />
gum and diet drinks. For constipation<br />
sufferers, ensure you have enough fluid and<br />
eat enough fruit and vegetables.”<br />
In terms of lifestyle, Dr Smale advises<br />
adequate sleep and regular exercise – at least<br />
150 minutes of vigorous exercise a week,<br />
such as brisk walking.<br />
Additional advice from The IBS Network<br />
includes: reducing the consumption of highfat,<br />
processed and reheated foods such as<br />
chocolate, butter, cream, cheese, fried foods, cakes, pizza<br />
and burgers; limiting high fibre food such as wholemeal<br />
bread, whole-wheat cereals, brown rice and pasta; and<br />
limiting fruit to three portions a day.<br />
The festive season approaches so how can IBS sufferers<br />
ensure they can enjoy Christmas dinner and reduce<br />
the risk of an IBS flare up? Dr Smale says “Take things in<br />
moderation. Have a drink, followed by an alcohol-free<br />
drink. Similarly with coffee – have a caffeinated one<br />
followed by a decaff. Be mindful. When you’re having<br />
your meal, stop when you feel full.”<br />
The IBS Network suggests identifying your triggers<br />
(foods that lead to a flare up), choosing food and alcohol<br />
carefully, managing stress levels over Christmas and<br />
exercising.<br />
With some careful forward planning you will really be<br />
able to enjoy Christmas mealtimes. Happy Christmas!<br />
For Further Information<br />
www.baldoandmason.com<br />
www.theibsnetwork.org<br />
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58<br />
Puzzle Pages<br />
Sponsored by<br />
CROSSWORD<br />
ACROSS<br />
1. Cut in two (6)<br />
4. Item applied to a sprain in<br />
order to reduce swelling (3,3)<br />
9. Betrayer of one’s country (7)<br />
10. Major religion of the world (5)<br />
11. Last letter of the Greek alphabet (5)<br />
DOWN<br />
1. Shirt fastener (6)<br />
2. ___ Warne, former Australian cricketer (5)<br />
3. Sword (7)<br />
5. Steep high face of rock (5)<br />
6. Country, capital Minsk (7)<br />
7. Star sign (6)<br />
8. Curved section of seats in a theatre or opera<br />
house (5,6)<br />
14. Reproduction (7)<br />
15. One-horned beast of legend (7)<br />
16. Position of a person in society (6)<br />
17. Channel between England and the Isle<br />
of Wight (6)<br />
19. Mark (~) placed over the letter ‘n’ in Spanish (5)<br />
21. Deviating from the truth (5)<br />
12. Crocus stigmas used in flavouring 22. Judicial proceedings in a court<br />
food (7)<br />
of law (5)<br />
13. Rapid and intense programme of 23. Resembling a lion (7)<br />
training (5,6)<br />
24. Placed at intervals (6)<br />
18. Betting adviser (7)<br />
25. Chivalrous nobleman (6)<br />
20. Inuit dwelling (5)<br />
WORDWHEEL<br />
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten<br />
minutes to find as many words as possible, none of<br />
which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns.<br />
Each word must be of three letters or more, all must<br />
contain the central letter and letters can only be used<br />
once in every word. There is at least one word that uses<br />
all of the letters in the wheel.<br />
TARGET<br />
EXCELLENT: 39 or more words<br />
GOOD: 33 words<br />
G<br />
A<br />
E<br />
R<br />
C<br />
H<br />
R<br />
E<br />
FAIR: 25 words
59<br />
WORDSEARCH<br />
Advent<br />
Cupid<br />
Jolly<br />
Tinsel<br />
Angels<br />
Dancer<br />
Myrrh<br />
Toys<br />
Camel<br />
Elves<br />
Party<br />
Turkey<br />
Candles<br />
Family<br />
Prancer<br />
Vixen<br />
Card<br />
Gift<br />
Sleigh<br />
Winter<br />
Child<br />
Gold<br />
Stable<br />
Wreath<br />
Comet<br />
Holly<br />
Star<br />
Yuletide<br />
Crib<br />
Ivy<br />
SUDOKU<br />
WIGGLE WORDS<br />
CLUE: in the same<br />
difficult situation as<br />
someone else<br />
Trace a path through all<br />
the letters to find the<br />
word or phrase that fits<br />
the clue.<br />
T A L L<br />
A A S I<br />
O M E N<br />
B E H T<br />
NUMBER BLOCK<br />
The numbers in each row add up to totals to the<br />
right. The numbers in each column add up to the<br />
totals along the bottom.<br />
The diagonal lines also add up the<br />
totals to the right.<br />
1<br />
4 4<br />
2 3<br />
9 6<br />
16 6 21<br />
24<br />
27<br />
15<br />
17<br />
11<br />
24<br />
13<br />
All the puzzle solutions can be found<br />
on page 67 of this magazine
60<br />
Six health conditions drivers must<br />
declare to the DVLA<br />
The DVLA requires drivers to inform it of certain illnesses – and they aren’t always obvious.<br />
If you suffer from illnesses that could affect your ability to<br />
drive, you’re required by the DVLA to inform them.<br />
However, while some might be quite obvious, the DVLA<br />
has a list of health conditions that you might be surprised<br />
to learn put you at risk of a £1,000 fine if you don’t declare<br />
them.<br />
Car hire comparison site StressFreeCarRental has scoured<br />
the full list of conditions to find the less obvious ones you<br />
should know about…<br />
Diabetes<br />
If you have diabetes that is treated by insulin, and the<br />
insulin treatments last more than three months, you<br />
must inform the DVLA. This also applies to gestational<br />
diabetes, or if you are at risk of low blood sugar, known<br />
as hypoglycaemia.<br />
Heart palpitations<br />
This condition results in the sufferer becoming more<br />
aware of their heartbeat, which may feel like it’s pounding<br />
or fluttering, or perhaps beating irregularly. While the<br />
NHS says they are usually not a sign of something serious,<br />
the DVLA requires you to declare if you regularly suffer<br />
from them.<br />
Vertigo<br />
While most people associate vertigo with being at height,<br />
this is specifically known as ‘height vertigo’. Regular vertigo<br />
sufferers can get attacks anywhere, making it feel like the<br />
world around them is spinning. If you suffer from sudden,<br />
disabling, or recurrent vertigo you must tell the DVLA.<br />
Déjà vu<br />
This is something mostly written off as an odd feeling that<br />
you’ve been somewhere before, but it can be much more<br />
serious. The DVLA must be informed if you suffer from<br />
seizures or epilepsy that causes déjà vu.<br />
Sleep apnoea<br />
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition that causes the<br />
throat to relax and narrow during sleep, which can cause<br />
difficulty breathing. It’s one of a number of sleeping<br />
disorders that the DVLA must be told about, including<br />
narcolepsy and cataplexy.<br />
Labyrinthitis<br />
Labyrinthitis has nothing to do with mazes – it’s actually<br />
an inner ear condition that causes dizziness, nausea and<br />
loss of hearing. Since all of these things could affect your<br />
ability to drive, you must inform the DVLA if you have it.
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62<br />
The ideal walk at this time of year comprises of a short route<br />
that is crowded with views, with nature and is mostly firm<br />
underfoot. This three-mile circular walk certainly ticks all<br />
those boxes, and it is a perfect winter walk for all the family.<br />
Look out for the variety of birds and squirrels by the Dam.<br />
Carr Mill<br />
by Chris Pearce<br />
Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy<br />
Park up in the vicinity of the Masons Arms on Carr Mill<br />
Road in Billinge (WN5 7TY). This is a proper old-fashioned<br />
country pub with a roaring fire in winter, a good selection<br />
of real ales and is also dog friendly.<br />
Head to the bottom of Carr Mill Road and take a right<br />
turn at a large stone cottage and go down the signposted<br />
bridle path. Follow this path for almost ½ mile, passing<br />
Otter’s Swift Farm and a couple of other footpaths on<br />
the left. Once you pass the layby on the right, take the<br />
left turn into Carr Mill and you will immediately spot the<br />
viaduct on the left.<br />
Do not cross the viaduct, instead follow the path around<br />
the right-hand side of the Dam.<br />
The Dam is Merseyside’s largest inland body of water<br />
and it used to be a mill pond built to power Carr’s Corn<br />
Mill, part of Lord Gerard’s estate. It was hugely expanded<br />
in the 1750’s to provide water to the<br />
Sankey Canal, located about a mile away.<br />
Carr Mill was used an entertainment<br />
complex in the late fifties/early sixties,<br />
complete with castle and fairground,<br />
but is now used by walkers, anglers, and<br />
water sports enthusiasts.<br />
Once you reach the pub at the far end of<br />
the Dam, bear left round the banks and<br />
follow the rough surfaces of Garswood<br />
Old Road, which follows the perimeter of
63<br />
the dam for 375 yards until you reach the entrance to The<br />
Boathouse, home to Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club.<br />
Bear right when you reach the entrance, and then go<br />
through the gates on the immediate left.<br />
Follow this path, running parallel to the railway, for a<br />
further 375 yards and then turn right through the tunnel.<br />
The path skirts the woodland and eventually meets a<br />
concrete path.<br />
Carry on in the<br />
same direction for<br />
almost ½ a mile,<br />
then turn left over<br />
the railway bridge.<br />
left when you emerge onto Carr Mill Road and you’ll see<br />
the Masons Arms.<br />
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear<br />
whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure<br />
that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial<br />
contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any<br />
party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting<br />
from negligence, accident or other cause.<br />
Chadwick<br />
Green<br />
Goyt<br />
Hey<br />
Wood<br />
Once you pass the<br />
assorted homes<br />
of Hollin Hey, the<br />
road downgrades<br />
Otter’s<br />
Swift<br />
Carr Mill Road<br />
The Goyt<br />
to a path. When<br />
you reach the<br />
wooded area, bear<br />
left downhill and<br />
cross The Goyt.<br />
Follow the path<br />
Caleb’s<br />
Wood<br />
Carr Mill Road<br />
Brown<br />
Health Nook<br />
Caleb’s Rough<br />
Hollin Hey<br />
House<br />
Hollin Hey<br />
Farm<br />
for 150 yards, bear<br />
right and then<br />
take an immediate<br />
Crock<br />
Hey Wood<br />
left 50 yards later<br />
and head for the<br />
housing area in<br />
the distance. Turn<br />
Carr<br />
Mill<br />
Carr Mill Road<br />
Carr Mill<br />
Wood<br />
Carr Mill Dam<br />
For those with the OS Maps<br />
app on your desktop, mobile<br />
or tablet, this walk is named:<br />
JT-Carr-Mill<br />
East Lancashire Road
64<br />
Award Winner<br />
Making <strong>Life</strong> Better<br />
by Angie Barker<br />
I have met so many<br />
people this year<br />
who now have an<br />
appreciation of their<br />
outside space, no<br />
matter how small<br />
or challenging their<br />
outside space may<br />
be. So much of what I<br />
have read and heard<br />
reinforces my feeling<br />
that we are designed<br />
to be close to nature.<br />
The countryside,<br />
parks and gardens<br />
have meant so much to people and the benefits of being<br />
outside in the fresh air are now well documented. These<br />
are benefits not only in terms of physical well being<br />
but more importantly, in these days of dealing with the<br />
pandemic, mental well being also.<br />
If there is one good thing that comes out of these<br />
challenging times it will be an appreciation of nature;<br />
plants, and wildlife, that we seem to have lost over recent<br />
decades. Gardening is now ‘on trend’, the new rock and<br />
roll, fashionable, cool or as my grand daughter would say,<br />
“sick”. (I’ll just explain that one to Hubby). The demand<br />
for allotments has soared and local councils report that<br />
waiting lists are long. Once thought to be the place where<br />
grandad did a spot of veg growing, an allotment is now<br />
a place where young<br />
families want to be<br />
together to grow<br />
food and flowers for<br />
the house. You don’t<br />
have to be an expert<br />
in gardening, it is<br />
not about knowing<br />
the Latin names of<br />
plants but simply<br />
enjoying what you<br />
have created in your<br />
own space. Doing<br />
the most simple of<br />
gardening tasks can<br />
transport you away from your worries, even if it is only<br />
for a short while, and that makes you feel better. Monty<br />
Don, the presenter of Gardeners World, said recently<br />
“gardening is not an exam – it is about making a lovely<br />
place and making your life better for it”.<br />
So let’s all look forward to enjoying our gardens next<br />
spring and start thinking about Snowdrops, Daffodils,<br />
blossom trees and other early flowering perennials like<br />
Hellebores, Aquilegias and Forget Me Nots. Suddenly life<br />
seems a bit better and more hopeful.<br />
In the meantime, very best wishes for Christmas from<br />
Hubby and myself. Look after yourselves and I’ll see you<br />
in the new year.<br />
Angie is a qualified awardwinning<br />
garden designer<br />
who will plan your garden<br />
to your needs from start to<br />
finish, supplying reputable<br />
contractors and the ideal<br />
plants.<br />
Call Angie now for your free consultation!<br />
Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons)<br />
Garden Design For All Seasons<br />
Tel: 01942 522 405<br />
Mob: 07857 008 383<br />
www.angiebarker.co.uk<br />
Award Winner
65<br />
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• FREE 1 Week Hearing Aid Trial<br />
Drop in or contact Darren on:<br />
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Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
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£29 for a fu l day<br />
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We take children from 2 years old<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
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lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest<br />
which is good for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
67<br />
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WORDS<br />
G<br />
R<br />
All In The Same Boat<br />
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2 1 3 9<br />
4 2 7 4<br />
1 2 3 5<br />
9 1 8 6<br />
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27<br />
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11<br />
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13
for<br />
as<br />
68<br />
Trading Standards has a directory of local traders you<br />
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Find the borough’s best online at www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader<br />
or phone 03454 040506<br />
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• Earwax Removal<br />
• FREE Hearing Tests<br />
• Hearing Aids & Repairs<br />
• FREE 1 Week Hearing Aid Trial<br />
Drop in or contact Darren on:<br />
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this voucher for 10% OFF your next<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
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Large<br />
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Flexible sessions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest<br />
which is good for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
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A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
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<strong>Wigan</strong>’s premier domestic<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk
69<br />
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let us clean your oven so you don’t have to!<br />
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rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
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70<br />
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• Moss Removal & Bio-Treatment<br />
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Little Acorns Nursery<br />
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Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a b oking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />
Flexible se sions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
• Carpets<br />
• Rugs<br />
• Fabric & Leather<br />
Upholstery<br />
5 star rating with <strong>Wigan</strong> Trading<br />
Standards Good Trader Scheme<br />
Call today for a free consultation<br />
& no obligation quote<br />
Call - 01257 251221<br />
Mobile - 07908 770808<br />
www.manorhousecleaning.co.uk<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk
J.Dillon<br />
Electrical Services Ltd<br />
Electrician ~ Standish<br />
• All types of electrical work<br />
• 30+ years experience<br />
• Friendly, fast and reliable<br />
• 24 hour call out service<br />
Call: 01257 424918<br />
or 07821 139826<br />
www.jdillonelectrical.co.uk<br />
Call: 0800 6446100<br />
or 07904 127663<br />
Covering all North West Areas<br />
71<br />
4 NAPIT part ‘P’ registered<br />
4 JIB Approved Technician<br />
4 38 Years Experience<br />
4 <strong>Local</strong>, Honest & Reliable<br />
4 Domestic<br />
4 Industrial & Commercial<br />
Whatever your electrical needs,<br />
GHE have the answer!<br />
Complete re-wires<br />
New/moving sockets<br />
All lighting needs<br />
Burglar Alarm systems<br />
CCTV systems<br />
Security Light installations<br />
PAT testing & inspections<br />
No Job too Small<br />
Domestic and commercial work welcomed<br />
Suite 1A, Kirkless Industrial Estate<br />
Cale Lane, <strong>Wigan</strong>, WN2 1HF<br />
A.J.S.<br />
BAILEYS<br />
ELECTRICAL<br />
All electrical work undertaken<br />
Free quotations<br />
• Friendly reliable service<br />
• Mains board upgrades<br />
• Extra sockets to full rewires<br />
01942 215 769<br />
07739 709 005<br />
Call us today for friendly advice and a free quote.<br />
01942 836 937 www.ghewigan.co.uk<br />
W.Hurst & Son Ltd<br />
ELECTRIC<br />
CONTRACTOR<br />
www.whurstandson.co.uk<br />
• All types of electrical work<br />
• 35+ years experience<br />
• No job too small<br />
• Friendly and reliable<br />
For a free quote<br />
& advice call Jeff<br />
01695 622 191<br />
07850 622 191<br />
Jon Wright<br />
Electrical Ltd<br />
All types of<br />
Domestic & Commercial<br />
work undertaken<br />
• Inspection & Tests<br />
• Repairs<br />
• Solar PV<br />
• Alarms<br />
Call now on: 07983 387448<br />
Email: jonwrightelec@live.co.uk<br />
Certificate of excellence winner<br />
2017, 2018 & 2019
72<br />
Call Paul<br />
Locksmiths<br />
EstablishEd 2000<br />
• uPVC & WOOdEN dOOR sPECialist<br />
• Emergency door Opening<br />
• uPVC door lock Repairs<br />
• uPVC door lock Changes<br />
• uPVC door lock upgrades<br />
• Wood door lock Changes<br />
• all Work Guaranteed<br />
a Registered insured NCFE Certified Company<br />
call Paul for a Fast, Reliable,<br />
Professional service<br />
tELEPhoNE<br />
01942 901103<br />
moBiLE<br />
07932 718 362<br />
WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK<br />
a Installation & Maintenance<br />
a Inspection & Testing<br />
a Nest Pro Installer<br />
a CCTV & Alarms<br />
Orrell based<br />
Tel: 07738 117712<br />
Alarm installations,<br />
repairs & upgrades<br />
Domestic and commercial<br />
work welcome<br />
Free security assessment provided<br />
Emergency lock openings<br />
Lock changes<br />
No call-out charges<br />
24-hour service<br />
60 mins response<br />
Call 01942 669505<br />
www.uklocksandalarms.co.uk<br />
info@ianwalkerservices.co.uk<br />
gArAge door<br />
repAirS<br />
All gArAge<br />
doorS<br />
repAired:<br />
Springs, Cables,<br />
Locks, Rollers etc.<br />
Doors of all ages<br />
repaired<br />
01744 894939 / 07891 330214<br />
NO FIX, NO CHARGE!<br />
Strawberry Cottage,<br />
Pimbo Lane, Upholland<br />
WN8 9QL<br />
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk
FULL BOILER<br />
SERVICE<br />
FROM JUST £58<br />
4 Boiler Servicing & Maintenance<br />
4 All aspects of plumbing and heating work.<br />
4 Gas Safety Inspection reports undertaken.<br />
Call MIKE on 0787 113 1012<br />
Established since 1967 ~ WIGAn BASEd<br />
10238<br />
HIVE HEATInG SYSTEM InSTALLEd COMPLETE FOR £205<br />
StoveS<br />
by Andy<br />
73<br />
Save £££’s on<br />
your install<br />
• InStallatIonS<br />
• MaIntenance<br />
• ServIcIng<br />
For a free quote and expert<br />
advice call Andy on<br />
01257 369 685<br />
07899 752 225<br />
stovesbyandy@gmail.com<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
• Brand New Bathrooms<br />
• Boiler + Central Heating<br />
Installs, Servicing + Repairs<br />
• Extended warranties<br />
available<br />
• 24 Hour Call-out<br />
• Domestic + Commercial<br />
Freephone:<br />
0300 3030121<br />
Dave: 07769 942218<br />
Matt: 07969 183809<br />
FINANCE<br />
OPTIONS<br />
AVAILABLE<br />
651511<br />
Boiler Installation<br />
Boiler Servicing & Repairs<br />
Boiler Finance Available<br />
Landlords Gas Safety Reports<br />
Experienced, Reliable & Friendly Service<br />
Plumbing & Heating<br />
Specialist<br />
Complete Bathrooms<br />
BOILER<br />
SERVICES<br />
FROM<br />
£60<br />
Credit Cards accepted<br />
01942 221 996<br />
07769 203 056<br />
hartheatingwigan@gmail.com<br />
Winstanley-based<br />
Installation ~ Repairs ~ Service<br />
Central Heating Systems<br />
Boilers & Gas Appliances<br />
General Plumbing<br />
Gas Safety Certificates<br />
21 Naburn Drive, Orrell wN5 8SB<br />
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk<br />
www.orrellheating.co.uk<br />
506515<br />
John Bailey<br />
01942 495785<br />
or 07721 040620<br />
& 07710 153238<br />
Based in Kenyon Road, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
Call Andy for a free quote on<br />
01942 564 226<br />
07397 391 935<br />
acampbellheatingandgas<br />
597379
74<br />
A Genuine Family Run Business<br />
With Friendly & Courteous Staff<br />
SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION, BOILER REPLACEMENTS AND UPGRADES<br />
• Annual Boiler Servicing<br />
• Landlord & Home Owner Gas Safety Checks<br />
• Mechanical Power Flushing<br />
• Thermostatic Valves Radiators Fitted<br />
• All-in-One Air Conditioning & Heating Units for Home & Work<br />
Telephone: 01257 421 660<br />
TEL: 01942 504 429 MOB: 07515 505 501<br />
Accredited Installer & Service Partner<br />
WE REPAIR ALL<br />
MAKES OF BOILERS!<br />
Registration No.<br />
88604<br />
www.fgwelch.co.uk<br />
ShOwROOM NOw OpEN at 19 Preston Road, Standish WN6 0HP<br />
All plumbing services<br />
including services & repairs<br />
• Bathrooms/Wet Rooms designed and fitted<br />
• Specialists in Disability<br />
Installations & Conversions<br />
• Emergency Call outs welcome<br />
BOILER<br />
SERVICING<br />
FROM<br />
£60<br />
www.gphwigan.co.uk<br />
No Obligation Quotes – Call Mark on<br />
01257 473026<br />
07515 894281<br />
527090<br />
EmErgEncy call outs<br />
wElcomEd<br />
Friendly and<br />
professional service<br />
• Boilers<br />
servicing, repairs & installation<br />
• Central Heating<br />
upgrades and energy saving<br />
• Smart Controls<br />
installations & upgrades<br />
4622825<br />
enquiries@warmconnections.co.uk<br />
Call Craig for a free quote;<br />
07469 185 776<br />
Upholland-Based<br />
4 Installations, Services<br />
& Repairs<br />
4 Boilers<br />
4 Central Heating<br />
Bathrooms<br />
4 573747<br />
Call nico for a free quote on<br />
07818 335 441<br />
• All aspects of plumbing<br />
and heating<br />
• No job too small<br />
• Quality work guaranteed<br />
• <strong>Local</strong> and reliable<br />
No<br />
call out<br />
fee<br />
Ring Ken for a free quote<br />
01695 624769 or<br />
07909 734978
£29 for a fu l day<br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
FUNDED LANgUAgE<br />
A l sta f<br />
PLACES & SPortS<br />
paediatric<br />
Available for LESSoNS<br />
& first aid<br />
2/3/4<br />
for<br />
QUALIFIED<br />
year olds pre-schoolers<br />
oPEN<br />
Large<br />
£37.50<br />
Mon-Fri<br />
outdoor<br />
per day<br />
8AM-6PM<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
as<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
Convert your bath to a<br />
Walk-In Shower<br />
AJC<br />
WALK IN SHOWERS<br />
Typical price<br />
£1800<br />
Fully guaranteed<br />
One day installation<br />
No mess - no fuss<br />
Easy to clean & maintain<br />
Call Anthony on<br />
07919 876 825<br />
Workshop address:<br />
Bulldog Tools Ind. Est.<br />
Darlington Street East <strong>Wigan</strong> WN1 3BT<br />
We also fit full bathrooms!<br />
Bathroom Installation,<br />
Full Bathrooms &<br />
En-Suites<br />
Plumbing Services<br />
Wall & Floor Tiling<br />
Ceiling Panelling<br />
01942 397173<br />
07803 057940<br />
Douglas Drive, Orrell, <strong>Wigan</strong><br />
www.ljplumbingandbathrooms.co.uk<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
Elite<br />
Bathrooms<br />
& Wet Room Installation<br />
• Bathrooms • Wet Rooms<br />
• Wall & Floor Tiling<br />
Please call for a FREE Estimates<br />
07703 448890<br />
01942 208926<br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a b oking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />
Flexible se sions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
Great Value<br />
Bathrooms!<br />
Full Bathrooms<br />
& En-Suites<br />
Showers, Trays & Cubicles<br />
Relocation of Bathroom Suites<br />
25 years bathroom experience<br />
Call Chris now for a free quotation<br />
C L Bathrooms<br />
01942 749085<br />
or 07801 295483<br />
www.clbathrooms.co.uk<br />
Promote your company<br />
in this space<br />
This advert will<br />
cost from<br />
£42 + VAT<br />
4 Free artwork<br />
4 Pay monthly<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
75<br />
AGBathrooms.net<br />
Quality bathrooms at<br />
reasonable prices<br />
Complete bathroom<br />
installations from design<br />
to completion.<br />
For free quotes, call Adrian on<br />
07816 394 292<br />
Check out our work on<br />
www.AGBathrooms.net
76<br />
GDR Driveways<br />
ALL ASPECTS OF PAVING & tuRfING<br />
4 Block Paving<br />
Clean & Re-seal<br />
4 Indian Stone<br />
service available<br />
4 Flagging<br />
4 Turfing<br />
4 Artificial Grass<br />
Handy<br />
Andy<br />
Building / Joinery<br />
Plastering / Tiling<br />
Plumbing / Roofing<br />
Flatpack Assembly<br />
Call Handy Andy on<br />
01257 369 685<br />
07899 752 225<br />
tradesbyandy@gmail.com<br />
Winstanley-based<br />
www.gdrdriveways.com<br />
Call Gareth for a fREE quotation: 01942 217 113 or 07715 177 754<br />
All<br />
jobs<br />
considered<br />
HANDS ON<br />
Property Maintenance<br />
& Handyman Services<br />
3 Kitchens & Bathrooms<br />
3 Painting & Decorating<br />
3 Joinery<br />
3 Electrical<br />
3 Building<br />
3 Paving, Decking<br />
& Fencing<br />
3 Tiling<br />
3 Plumbing<br />
Telephone Keith on<br />
07812 110476<br />
No job<br />
too<br />
small!<br />
JJ Driveways<br />
Imprinted Concrete<br />
Specialists<br />
Huge range of colours<br />
& patterns<br />
• Resin Driveways<br />
• Block Paving<br />
• Indian Stone<br />
• Flagging<br />
We can also revive<br />
your old drive!<br />
Ask about our sealing<br />
service<br />
Call Joe for a<br />
free quotation on<br />
01942 621 959<br />
07867 697 972<br />
www.jjdriveways.co.uk<br />
Quality Handyman Service from a qualified Joiner<br />
4 Flat-packs assembled<br />
4 Laminated Flooring laid<br />
4 Door Hanging<br />
All aspects of maintenance;<br />
And so much more..<br />
4 Electrical appliances fitted<br />
4 TV Mounting<br />
4 Garden Maintenance<br />
01942 387 090 / 07568 195 033<br />
Fixouse Property Maintenance<br />
fixouse@gmail.com<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk
£29 for a fu l day<br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
A l sta f<br />
paediatric<br />
& first aid<br />
QUALIFIED<br />
oPEN<br />
Mon-Fri<br />
8AM-6PM<br />
FUNDED<br />
PLACES<br />
Available for<br />
2/3/4<br />
year olds<br />
£37.50<br />
per day<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
LANgUAgE<br />
& SPortS<br />
LESSoNS<br />
for<br />
pre-schoolers<br />
Large<br />
outdoor<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
as<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
77<br />
Having a clear out?<br />
Call us now - we’re cheaper than a skip!<br />
• House and garden clearances<br />
• Rubbish removals<br />
• Probate clearances<br />
• Commercial clearances<br />
4 Affordable prices<br />
4 Smart and friendly staff<br />
4 Free quotation<br />
northwestwaste<br />
The Meadows, Ruskin Drive, St Helens, WA10 6RP<br />
01744 758 349 / 07557 764 940<br />
Email: info@northwestwaste.co.uk<br />
www.northwestwaste.co.uk<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
Aerial & Sky<br />
Services<br />
RX-12 Digital TV Aerials<br />
£65 supplied & fitted<br />
Aerial Multi-room System<br />
at £45 per room<br />
TV Wall Mounting Service<br />
Level 5 in Signal Path & Fault<br />
Diagnostics<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
• TV Aerials Installed<br />
• TV Wall Mounting<br />
• Telephone Lines<br />
• Setup Service<br />
Domestic<br />
& Commercial<br />
work welcomed<br />
30+ years<br />
experience<br />
01942 257804<br />
07966 488585<br />
Call anytime for a quote or email:<br />
andyaerial@blueyonder.co.uk<br />
• Business Telephone<br />
Systems<br />
• Voip & Structured Cabling<br />
• Residential Extensions<br />
• Faults & Gen Enq<br />
Ring Paul on<br />
01942 514 532<br />
07709 490 095<br />
www.aerialandskyservices.co.uk<br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a b oking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours fr e entitlement<br />
Flexible se sions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outd ors & being down in the forest<br />
which is g od for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
A l Saints’ Primary Sch ol | Finch Lane | A pley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
Tel: 01942 441221<br />
Askus@LJTelecomServices.co.uk<br />
www.LJTelecomServices.com
for<br />
as<br />
78<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
J&P<br />
MOORCROFT<br />
LTD<br />
Professional Painting<br />
and Decorating<br />
• Domestic & Commercial<br />
Work<br />
• Interior & Exterior work<br />
welcomed<br />
• Old/listed buildings a<br />
speciality<br />
Call us today for a free quotation<br />
Home Service available<br />
Choose from 1000s of paint &<br />
paper samples in the comfort of<br />
our own home<br />
01942 212096<br />
07831 102 511<br />
www.jpmoorcroft.com<br />
Design & Print<br />
• Earwax Removal<br />
• FREE Hearing Tests<br />
• Hearing Aids & Repairs<br />
• FREE 1 Week Hearing Aid Trial<br />
Drop in or contact Darren on:<br />
01942 215 391<br />
8-10 Gathurst Road, O re l, WN5 8QH<br />
www.wiganhearing.co.uk<br />
10% off<br />
Presen<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
and distribution service.<br />
Put your<br />
hearing<br />
first with<br />
Ask us about our wide range of hearing aids<br />
this voucher for 10% OFF your next<br />
hearing test or earwax removal.<br />
Contact us today for further information. Terms and conditions a ply<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
rural Vi lage<br />
NUrSErY<br />
A l staff<br />
paediatric<br />
& first aid<br />
QUALIFIED<br />
oPEN<br />
Mon-Fri<br />
8AM-6PM<br />
FUNDED<br />
PLACES<br />
Available for<br />
2/3/4<br />
year olds<br />
£37.50<br />
per day<br />
LANgUAgE<br />
& SPortS<br />
LESSoNS<br />
pre-schoolers<br />
Large<br />
outdoor<br />
PLAY ArEA<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 886166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
For more information<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
Promote your<br />
company here for<br />
just £30 + VAT<br />
Call 01695 627 999<br />
rated by<br />
oFStED<br />
oUtStANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST!<br />
Open Mon-Fri: 8am ti l 5.30pm term time<br />
We operate a booking system for the<br />
holidays which saves you money<br />
We deliver 30 hours free entitlement<br />
£29 for a fu l day<br />
Flexible sessions available<br />
We take children from 2 years old<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
se ting. It is a safe and vibrant place for your child to gain<br />
lots of wonderful educational experiences.<br />
We are big on the great outdoors & being down in the forest<br />
which is good for your child’s health and we l-being<br />
Little Acorns Nursery<br />
A l Saints’ Primary School | Finch Lane | Appley Bridge | WN6 9DT<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
• Quality workmanship<br />
• Interior & exterior<br />
work<br />
• No job too<br />
big or too<br />
small<br />
01942 392398<br />
or 07707 321383<br />
4 Exterior & Interior<br />
Decorating<br />
4 Domestic &<br />
Commercial work<br />
undertaken<br />
4 Competitive rate<br />
Contact Graham now<br />
free estimate provided<br />
01257 426 234<br />
graham@topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk<br />
Des Pilling<br />
Plastering<br />
• Plastering<br />
• Skimming<br />
• Artexing<br />
Coving & Cornice work<br />
also welcomed<br />
Orrell based – Established 1986<br />
Call Des on<br />
07787 513 235<br />
www.lakelandplastering.co.uk<br />
www.despilling.org.uk<br />
Award Winner<br />
www.topcoatdecoratingservices.co.uk<br />
Need a new<br />
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home?<br />
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Chris Smith - Painter and<br />
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01257 415388<br />
or 07545 065119<br />
Shevington based business<br />
AJH DECORATORS<br />
Painting and Decorating<br />
Quality work<br />
assured<br />
Over 30 years<br />
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Mobile:<br />
07784 876 338<br />
Email:<br />
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NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL<br />
All plastering work<br />
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• All types of rendering • Skimming<br />
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Call Westley Gillett for a<br />
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01257 413206<br />
or 07802 710685
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rural Vi lage<br />
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oPEN<br />
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rated by<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
28 Years Experience<br />
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We take children from 2 years old<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 86166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland<br />
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www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
01257 252647<br />
www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com<br />
All aspects of building works<br />
No job too small<br />
Call Peter for a free quotation<br />
Day: 07961 516 677<br />
Eve: 01942 745 428<br />
Cambridge Road, Orrell<br />
Home<br />
Improvements<br />
• Fitted Kitchens & Bedrooms<br />
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call David on...<br />
01942 203 804<br />
07851 225 876<br />
DS Joinery<br />
K Stone<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Superior<br />
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79<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
For all aspects of renovations<br />
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call MT Joinery now.<br />
01257 422317<br />
or 07852 202867<br />
www.mtjoinery.co.uk<br />
ALPINE LTD<br />
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OAP<br />
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80<br />
PP<br />
Your<br />
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Facebook Review, July 2018<br />
• Conservatory repairs<br />
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01942 737 381<br />
0776 315 1720<br />
conservatoryrepairs@gmail.com<br />
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Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements!<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
www.locallife247.co.uk
NEIL SIMPSON<br />
BUILDER<br />
Can’t find a reliable local<br />
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joinery roofing<br />
plastering<br />
internal alterations<br />
all types of building work undertaken<br />
garden construction<br />
garden walls patios<br />
gravel gardens<br />
flagging decking<br />
pergolas<br />
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Call Neil<br />
07939 961190 (day)<br />
or 01942 230402 (eve)<br />
WILSON<br />
BROS<br />
• •<br />
Est. 1985<br />
Roofing & Roofline<br />
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• All aspects of<br />
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Colin: 07958 302 166<br />
Brian: 07760 160 988<br />
www.wilson-bros.co.uk<br />
• All aspects of home<br />
improvements<br />
• one stop for all the trades<br />
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We design and manage<br />
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Tel: 01257 401 243<br />
Mob: 0777 602 4045<br />
SpeakmanpropertyServiceS.com<br />
First Class<br />
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4 All types of re-roofs<br />
4 Strip & re-slate or re-tile<br />
4 Built up felt/flat roofs,<br />
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MOBILE: 07774 943 706<br />
52 HALLBRIDGE GARDENS,<br />
UP HOLLAND<br />
Established Over 30 Years<br />
All aspects of<br />
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M: 07894 687 384<br />
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• All building work undertaken.<br />
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07968 652 320<br />
www.baberry.co.uk<br />
81
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Promote<br />
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83<br />
Come and visit the largest<br />
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28544