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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Edition<br />
WIN a Lancashire<br />
Day hamper!<br />
Pages 60-61<br />
1<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>/<strong>Dec</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />
Christmas<br />
Markets<br />
Pages 19-22<br />
Panto Special<br />
Pages 44-45<br />
<strong>St</strong>reet Pastors to Return<br />
Page 56-57<br />
Jack’s Tracks visits Pendle Hill<br />
Pages 65-68<br />
LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALks | competitions | home & garden SERVICES
2
3<br />
Interior Design Services<br />
Bay Windows Specialists<br />
Bespoke Curtains & Blinds<br />
Upholstery Services<br />
Proud stockists of<br />
Visit our showroom to view our fine selection of<br />
fabrics, wall coverings, paint<br />
and much more.<br />
Home consultations available<br />
Millan Interiors, 5/7 Mill Lane, Parbold WN8 7NW T: 01257 46 34 77<br />
Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 10am-4pm • Thurs 10-1pm<br />
www.millaninteriors.co.uk
4<br />
Order your Christmas flowers, pots,<br />
wreaths and table arrangements.<br />
Freshly made for you at our<br />
Rainford shop.<br />
You’ll notice a definite Lancashire bias in <strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Life</strong> this month. To celebrate Lancashire Day on<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember 27th, we’ve included a Jack’s Tracks<br />
from Pendle Hill, a feature on the nearby sculpture trail -<br />
which marks a link with an infamous ex-Windle resident<br />
- and we are also giving a lucky reader the chance to win<br />
a hamper stuffed with Lancashire produce.<br />
Forty-seven years after <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> was dragged out of the<br />
county, many of us still doff our flat caps to Lancashire.<br />
In my view, we have the best of many worlds; the<br />
metropolises of Liverpool and Manchester are wonderful<br />
places to visit and easily reachable too, but a quick trip<br />
up the M6 brings Lancashire in all its glory.<br />
I saw a Yorkshire tourist board poster recently, that had<br />
been cheekily doctored by their Lancashire counterparts.<br />
With a scenic countryside view as a backdrop, the text<br />
read: Lancashire. It’s like Yorkshire, only nicer.<br />
Happy Lancashire Day!<br />
Chris Pearce, Publisher<br />
chrisp@locallife247.co.uk<br />
Telephone orders welcome<br />
Same Day delivery when possible<br />
Keep in touch with the<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong> Team!<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Telephone: 01744 649722<br />
info@locallife247.co.uk<br />
locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia<br />
National &<br />
International<br />
01744 885 363<br />
29 Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HE<br />
Open: Monday - Saturdays, 8.30am - 5.30pm<br />
www.wendysflowers.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd, PO Box 779, Wigan 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 />
19. Six of the Best Christmas Markets<br />
Contents<br />
44. Panto - it’s Back!<br />
48. Rug for Every Room<br />
28. Education<br />
Schools and the pandemic.<br />
32. Parenting<br />
Tutoring - what to consider.<br />
36. Health<br />
Six tips for a healthy winter.<br />
69. Food<br />
Christmas Mincemeat Slice recipe.<br />
70. Gardening<br />
Winter Hanging Baskets.<br />
72. Motoring<br />
Eco-friendly advancements.<br />
74. Home & Garden Services<br />
Find the best local traders for you.<br />
65. Jack’s Tracks to Pendle Hill<br />
77. Crossword<br />
Try this brainteaser for size!<br />
50. Turkey Burgers<br />
60. Hamper Comp<br />
Want to<br />
promote your<br />
business in<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>?<br />
Next Issue - Jan/Feb 2022<br />
Advertising deadline - 8th <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
Published - 20th January<br />
01744 649722<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk
6<br />
Brass is Back<br />
When <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Sinfonietta last welcomed Cobalt Brass<br />
in January 2020, the audience went away impressed with<br />
this quintet of young, Manchester-based musicians who<br />
played a varied range of music for everyone.<br />
The group returns to the United Reformed Church in<br />
Ormskirk <strong>St</strong>reet next month and they will again be<br />
performing an eclectic programme of pieces, with a few<br />
seasonal favourites thrown in for good measure.<br />
The concert takes place on Saturday 5th <strong>Dec</strong>ember. The<br />
doors open at 5.20pm, and the concert starts at 6pm. To<br />
book tickets visit www.sthelenssinfonietta.co.uk.<br />
<strong>St</strong>ar Film<br />
Rainford Community Cinema are showing the heartwarming<br />
animated 2017 film ‘The <strong>St</strong>ar’ next month.<br />
Voiced by some impressive Hollywood glitterati including<br />
Mariah Carey, Oprah Winfrey, and Kelly Clarkson, The <strong>St</strong>ar<br />
tells the story of a time when a small but brave donkey<br />
and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the<br />
first Christmas.<br />
‘The <strong>St</strong>ar’ is showing at Rainford Village Hall on Church<br />
Road in Rainford on Sunday 12th <strong>Dec</strong>ember at 3.30pm,<br />
and the doors will open at 2.30pm.<br />
Tickets are £5 and will include a drink and a snack. Email<br />
office@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or phone 01744<br />
884709 to book your tickets.<br />
Business Fair Returns<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Chamber Business Fair returns on Wednesday<br />
17th <strong>Nov</strong>ember at the Totally Wicked <strong>St</strong>adium, home of<br />
the Saints. With a wide range of businesses exhibiting,<br />
the event is sure to attract a multitude of visitors.<br />
Whether you’re an existing business looking to develop,<br />
a business in the early stages, or are thinking of starting<br />
your own business – you will find something of interest at<br />
this networking show.<br />
The event runs from 10.30am-3.30pm and entry is free.<br />
You can register for a free ticket here; https://www.<br />
sthelenschamber.com/business/st-helens-business-fair/<br />
For more information on exhibiting at the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
Chamber Business Fair, contact the Events Team on<br />
01744 742028 or email events@sthelenschamber.com.<br />
the auction centre<br />
The leading Auctioneers and Valuers<br />
• Modern saleroom at Manor Park, Runcorn<br />
• RICS and NAVA registered auctioneers and specialist consultants<br />
• Probate and Insurance valuation reports undertaken<br />
• Full house clearance service available<br />
• Regional valuations centres around the north-west<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Valuation Days<br />
4th Wednesday of Every Month<br />
<strong>St</strong> Thomas Church, Peter <strong>St</strong>reet, WA10 2EB<br />
9.30 – 12 noon<br />
Check website for Details<br />
Call 01744 881 477 for more information<br />
Wigan Valuation Days<br />
2nd Tuesday Of Every Month<br />
Purposed <strong>Life</strong> Church, Greenhough <strong>St</strong>reet, WN1 3SU<br />
12 noon – 2.30pm<br />
Check website for Details<br />
Call 01942 299 057 for more information<br />
9 Berkeley Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1TQ<br />
Telephone: 01928 579796 Email: enquiries@theauctioncentre.co.uk<br />
www.theauctioncentre.co.uk
7<br />
Dolittle Musical<br />
Rainhill’s Musical Theatre Youth Section are staging<br />
their latest production from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember at Rainhill Village Hall.<br />
Dr Dolittle – The Musical tells the classic tale of a kind<br />
but wacky doctor who can talk to animals, taking the<br />
audience on a journey from the small English village of<br />
Puddleby-on-the-Marsh to the far corners of the world.<br />
When Doctor Dolittle attempts to help a seal named<br />
Sophie, he’s wrongly accused of murder and stands trial<br />
before General Bellowes.<br />
Once pronounced innocent, Dolittle is free to continue<br />
with his search for the Great Pink Sea Snail — the oldest<br />
and wisest of the creatures on earth.<br />
Tickets are £10 for adults and £7 for children. To book<br />
tickets for the shows, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/<br />
rainhillmtc or call 07399 031655.<br />
Winter Ball<br />
The Totally Wicked <strong>St</strong>adium will host a winter ball on<br />
Saturday, <strong>Nov</strong>ember 20, to raise much needed funds<br />
for the South Lancashire branch of the Motor Neurone<br />
Disease Association.<br />
A Healthy<br />
Dog is a<br />
Happy Dog!<br />
Our one-to-one hydrotherapy<br />
sessions can help dogs with;<br />
• Arthritis & Other Degenerative Conditions<br />
• Pre/Post Operative Recovery<br />
• Weight Management<br />
• Fun & Wellbeing<br />
Pool Now Open!<br />
Call for details<br />
07724 019 103<br />
www.northwestcaninehydro.co.uk<br />
debbie@northwestcaninehydro.co.uk<br />
Inglenook Farm | Moss Nook Lane | Rainford | WA11 8AE<br />
The event will run from 7pm till late and promises to be a<br />
night filled with glitz and glamour; you can look forward<br />
to a 3-course meal, live entertainment, a charity auction,<br />
lots of fundraising fun and even more laughs from<br />
compere and comedian, Pete Emmett.<br />
Tickets cost £50 per person or £450 for a table of 10.<br />
To book your tickets for this event please email Cris at<br />
mndfundraisingsouthlancs@gmail.com or call 07590<br />
266849.<br />
Willowbrook Fundraiser<br />
<strong>St</strong> Mary’s Club in Billinge are hosting their annual<br />
fundraiser for the Willowbrook Hospice on Saturday,<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember 20. The evening will kick off with live music, a<br />
disco, hot supper followed by entertainment from James<br />
Norton, the sensational Neil Diamond tribute.<br />
Tickets are £10 per person and are available to buy from<br />
the club on Trent Road. For more information, please<br />
contact the club on 01774 892836 or go online at www.<br />
stmarysclub-billinge.co.uk
8<br />
Christmas Market<br />
The Billinge Christmas Market will take place at The<br />
Masons Arms on Carr Mill Road on Sunday 5th <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
between the hours of 12pm and 4pm, and there’s a whole<br />
lot planned for this event!<br />
You’ll be able to buy local produce and Christmas<br />
presents there. The stallholders include numerous local<br />
arts and crafts designers/makers, local travel agents<br />
Marken Travel, Greenslate Farm, animal rescue charities<br />
and cosmetic stalls too. Food will be available from<br />
<strong>St</strong>eve’s Soul Food Kitchen and the wonderful Phoenix<br />
plant-based eatery.<br />
The market will be opened by <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Mayoress, Cllr<br />
Sue Murphy and the market will be raising money for the<br />
Mayor’s Charity, which supports Alder Hey and the Helen<br />
Marie Friends charity, MIND <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and Willowbrook<br />
Hospice. Father Christmas will also be making an<br />
appearance at the Market.<br />
If you’d like to book space at the Market or you’d like to<br />
donate goods to be used for a tombola to raise money for<br />
the charities supported by the Market, please message<br />
the Billinge Christmas Market group on Facebook.<br />
Volunteers Needed<br />
Willowbrook Hospice are seeking volunteers to help in<br />
their retail stores throughout the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and Knowsley<br />
areas. Volunteers are needed on most days at <strong>St</strong> Mary’s<br />
Arcade in the town centre, at Four Acre Lane and at<br />
Prescot Shopping Centre, whilst their <strong>St</strong>ockbridge Village<br />
shop needs volunteers on Saturday and their Rainford<br />
shop needs help on Monday mornings.<br />
If you can help out then please contact their Volunteer<br />
Hub on 01744 453798 or apply via their website at www.<br />
willowbrook.org.uk.<br />
Calendar Orders<br />
Rainford Heritage Society are now taking orders for<br />
their new calendar. You can plan your life in 2022 whilst<br />
enjoying pictures of scenic landscapes in and around<br />
Rainford, while raising funds for the society.<br />
The calendars are £5 each and can be collected or<br />
delivered locally. To order your copy of the calendar,<br />
please contact Ray Waring on 01744 885547 or email<br />
rayw91141@gmail.com<br />
LEADING LOCAL SPECIALISTS<br />
25 HARDSHAW STREET, ST HELENS, WA10 1RP<br />
2 DERBY STREET, PRESCOT, L34 3LJ<br />
THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE?<br />
Everyone should make a Will and we can give advice and guidance as to the<br />
most appropriate form of Will for you to cover your individual requirements<br />
and to try to minimize, where possible, the impact of Inheritance Tax.<br />
WILLS<br />
TRUSTS<br />
PROBATE<br />
ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES<br />
INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING<br />
LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY
9<br />
Christmas Fayre<br />
Rainford’s traditional Christmas Fayre takes place in the<br />
village centre on Saturday 4th <strong>Dec</strong>ember. With over<br />
40 stalls selling a wide variety of goods, it’s the perfect<br />
chance to cross off a few entries on your present list.<br />
Special guests will open the fayre at 10am, food and<br />
drink will be available all day, and visitors can enjoy<br />
live entertainment provided by talented locals. Father<br />
Christmas will be putting in a shift in his Rainford grotto<br />
that day and he’s promised to bring a few elves too.<br />
There will be a raffle which contains some fabulous prizes<br />
donated by local businesses and you can try your luck in<br />
a bottle tombola. If all else fails in your quest to win a<br />
prize, there’s the hook-a-duck game to fall back on!<br />
At 4pm, when the Fayre ends, the village’s Christmas<br />
lights will be switched on by a special guest – the winner<br />
of the Christmas in Rainford poetry competition.<br />
This competition has been staged by Rainford Parish<br />
Council and it’s open to all children of primary school<br />
age. The winner will receive a gift and the honour of<br />
turning on the Christmas lights.<br />
All entries to the poetry competition must be received at<br />
Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB<br />
by Friday 19th <strong>Nov</strong>ember.<br />
In case of bad weather on the day, the Fayre will be<br />
switched to Rainford Village Hall.<br />
Festive Menu<br />
Available 29 th <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
- 24 th <strong>Dec</strong>ember,<br />
Monday - Saturday<br />
TWO COURSES<br />
£20.00<br />
THREE COURSES<br />
£25.00<br />
Lunch with Santa<br />
Available 11 th , 12 th , 18 th ,<br />
19 th , 23 rd & 24 th <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
ADULTS & CHILDREN<br />
OVER TWO<br />
FROM £20.00<br />
CHILDREN UNDER TWO<br />
£10.00<br />
For every ticket purchased, you can<br />
receive 25% off your food bill when<br />
dining at The Park throughout January.<br />
Christmas<br />
Party Nights<br />
All throughout <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
Available for a minimum<br />
of 30 people at Coley’s<br />
Your night includes<br />
a DJ & bowl food<br />
£35.00<br />
PER PERSON<br />
BOOK ONLINE AT SHERDLEYPARKGOLFCOURSE.COM/CHRISTMAS
10<br />
Draft Plans Approved<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Borough<br />
Council has approved<br />
draft plans for the<br />
transformation of <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong> town centre and<br />
Earlestown.<br />
An initial Phase 1<br />
planning application<br />
for the town centre<br />
is anticipated to be<br />
submitted early in<br />
2022 and will see<br />
a new mixed-use<br />
development including a new market, a hotel, a cutting<br />
edge office space, a redesigned bus station and improved<br />
connectivity. These changes are expected to be delivered<br />
in the first five years of the programme. It also includes<br />
space for new high-quality homes for families to live and<br />
grow.<br />
The longer-term proposals for <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> town centre,<br />
expected to span the next 20 years, divides the town<br />
centre into four zones. These zones are; the Central Retail<br />
Zone; the Civic and Heritage Zone; the Discovery Zone;<br />
and the Education and Entertainment Zone.<br />
In Earlestown, the vision is to bring the town centre back<br />
to its former glory as an historic market town by creating<br />
a thriving and vibrant high street and marketplace.<br />
Both town centres are the subject of separate draft<br />
Masterplan Development Frameworks, and these have<br />
been prepared by<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Borough<br />
Council in partnership<br />
with regeneration<br />
experts, the English<br />
Cities Fund (ECF).<br />
Councillor David<br />
Baines, Leader of<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Borough<br />
Council, said: “These<br />
plans will make our<br />
town centres child and<br />
family-friendly, safe<br />
and sustainable places thriving with local businesses,<br />
shoppers, visitors and residents, something we have<br />
committed to delivering for residents.”<br />
Leon Guyett, development director at The English Cities<br />
Fund, said: “We’re proud to receive confirmation from<br />
the cabinet on our draft masterplans. This signals the<br />
shift in focus to the delivery stage of our borough-wide<br />
partnership, starting with the regeneration of both <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong> and Earlestown town centre.<br />
To see the plans visit www.sthelenstowncentre.co.uk and<br />
www.earlestown.co.uk.<br />
The consultation into the draft masterplan frameworks<br />
includes pop-up shops in each town centre, stalls at<br />
various community locations and you can find a full<br />
schedule of events by following <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Borough<br />
Council’s @sthelenscouncil on Twitter and Facebook.<br />
Want a new look<br />
this Christmas?<br />
Browse through our range of fabulous festive décor<br />
and stylish accessories.<br />
We have a magical array of Christmas decorations.<br />
Check out our Fairly Traded range of hand-crafted<br />
Christmas accessories.<br />
The Courtyard at Inglenook Farm,<br />
Moss Nook Lane | Rainford | WA11 8AE<br />
07775 876 285<br />
Open<br />
Open Tue-Sat: 10am-4pm<br />
Sun:11am-3pm<br />
@CasaAncoraFurniture<br />
casaancorafurniture<br />
www.casa-ancora.co.uk
11
12<br />
Family Vogue Ball<br />
Here’s something a little different for your Saturday<br />
afternoon; a Vogue Ball presented by <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Borough<br />
Council’s Library Service, in partnership with Citadel Arts.<br />
Billed as part theatre show, part Vogue Ball, this is an<br />
event where glamour, glitz and grace come together in<br />
a fabulous celebration of self-expression in the new <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong> Library at the World of Glass.<br />
Whether you just want to join in the fun or have a passion<br />
to pose, get dressed in your finest with the rest of your<br />
house, come learn the moves and then you can take to<br />
the floor.<br />
A performer from each house will catwalk, dance and<br />
lip sync and hope to be crowned by the audience as the<br />
winning house.<br />
Tickets for the Ball, which is being staged on Saturday<br />
13th <strong>Nov</strong>ember starting at 2.30pm, can be purchased<br />
at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Library or via The Citadel’s website at www.<br />
citadel.org.uk.<br />
Tickets are priced at £3 per person, and it’s £9 for a family<br />
ticket, which admits 4 people.<br />
Programme Fair<br />
If you’re a long-standing Saints fan with an interest in<br />
rugby league history, then the place to be on Saturday<br />
20th <strong>Nov</strong>ember is at the Totally Wicked <strong>St</strong>adium where<br />
there is a Programme, Memorabilia and Collectors’ Fair<br />
being staged in the Red Vee Bar.<br />
All are welcome, entrance is free and the fair runs from<br />
10.30am-1.30pm.<br />
Chance to Dance<br />
The Crickettes Morris Dancers are looking for new<br />
members. The troupe meets every Thursday from 5pm<br />
at Wonderland Community Centre on Canal <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong>.<br />
Dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome and the<br />
attendance at the first session is free, with a £2.50 weekly<br />
subscription charge thereafter.<br />
If you’re interested, call Chelle on 07596 918 294, email<br />
crickettesmorrisdancers@gmail.com or turn up on the<br />
night.<br />
Looking for some<br />
Sunshine?<br />
Want to travel again but don’t know where to start?<br />
Marken Travel makes it easy for you;<br />
4 We outline the entry requirements of the country/countries you want to visit<br />
4 We can help you complete the relevant Passenger Locator Forms<br />
4 We can organise the UK’s Day 2 return tests<br />
4 We offer genuine peace of mind, knowing that you’re booked with<br />
ABTA/ATOL bonded tour operators<br />
4 We provide an emergency contact number where you can speak to us<br />
directly 24 hours a day.<br />
Prices are still low – now’s the time to book!<br />
Independent Travel Specialist<br />
Call us on 01744 893291 or pop into our Main <strong>St</strong>reet office.<br />
200 Main <strong>St</strong>reet, Billinge, WN5 7PE | Tel: 01744 893291 | www.markentravel.co.uk
13
14
15<br />
Large selection<br />
of Christmas<br />
Gifts Sets now<br />
available<br />
3 ways to do your Christmas<br />
shopping<br />
1. Pop in to browse<br />
2. Call us to reserve<br />
3. Shop via website<br />
Gift wrapping service available<br />
For all up to date offers check out our website<br />
Expressions Of Beauty<br />
01744 894214 / Main <strong>St</strong>reet, Billinge, WN5 7PA<br />
www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk
16<br />
Presents for every age, taste and budget,<br />
all at Ellamora in Rainford.<br />
1 2 3<br />
4<br />
7<br />
5<br />
6<br />
8<br />
10<br />
12<br />
11<br />
9
13<br />
17<br />
14<br />
15<br />
16<br />
1. Joma Jewellery bracelet in cracker £17.99<br />
2. Katie Loxton chunky grey scarf £29.99<br />
3. Leffy Elf £23.00 & Leffy’s Xmas book £10.00<br />
4. L’Occitane Hand Cream Trio £21.00<br />
5. Powder Mens Socks (3 prs) £29.95<br />
6. Marmalade Of London reed diffuser £22<br />
7. L’Occitane Verbena gift set £35<br />
8. Katie Loxton Chunky Scarf £29.99 & Hat £17.99<br />
9. Powder ladies socks £8.50<br />
10. Katie Loxton reed diffuser/candle set £19.99<br />
11. Sabbot fleece lined hats from £29.99<br />
12. Jellycat large Teddy Snowman £37.50<br />
13. L’Occitane Cherry Blossom gift set £35.00<br />
14. Jellycat Nutcracker £26<br />
15. L’Occitane Verbena Christmas Ornament £12<br />
16. Marmalade Of London Glass Candle £22<br />
www.ellamora.co.uk
18<br />
The gorgeous Love It Gallery in Billinge has an excellent range of original<br />
gifts to suit all budgets, made by British designer/makers. 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 />
There’s a huge range of inspirational glass art at the<br />
Love It Gallery, which is also the home of Morpheus<br />
Glass. From seasonal decorations to clocks, bowls,<br />
mirrors, vases, wall panels and more, it’s a great place<br />
to find presents for all the family.<br />
Comfort and style abound in the Bag & Bean coffee<br />
shop, a perfect pit stop when you’re all shopped out.<br />
Excellent coffee, gorgeous cakes and tasty light<br />
lunches are served indoors and outdoors in<br />
a safe, warm and undercover environment.<br />
Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG<br />
Open: 9.30am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday<br />
Telephone: 01695 622 332
Six of the best<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
mARkETS<br />
It’s time to wrap up warm and head off to a Christmas<br />
Market to experience a festive array of sights, smells and<br />
sounds. Nothing gets us in a seasonal mood more than a<br />
visit to the Christmas Markets, partaking in a glass or two of<br />
Glühwein or mulled wine, whilst attempting to decimate<br />
your present list with a bit of Christmas shopping.<br />
Here’s our recommendations for your annual Christmas<br />
Market trip – all tried and tested destinations plus a<br />
surprise debut to the world of Christmas Markets from<br />
the entertainment centre of the North West - Blackpool!<br />
manCHESTER<br />
The original and biggest Christmas market in the<br />
country, Manchester Christmas Markets is the place<br />
to go. Arriving in the city in 1999, the market has<br />
grown every year since, now attracting more than<br />
nine million visitors each year to the heart of the<br />
buzzing city centre.<br />
Its 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets<br />
offer a dazzling array of hand-crafted Yuletide gifts<br />
along with a mouth-watering range of international<br />
food and drinks. Follow the market trail as it winds<br />
through the city centre, with stall holders tempting<br />
you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, toys and much more.<br />
And don’t forget the food! Manchester’s Christmas<br />
Markets are known for traditional bratwurst, but<br />
visitors can also try Hungarian goulash, Spanish<br />
paella or a good old-fashioned hog roast.<br />
The Manchester Christmas Markets run from Friday<br />
12th <strong>Nov</strong>ember to Wednesday 22nd <strong>Dec</strong>ember.<br />
19<br />
OF THE<br />
SIX<br />
B E S T
20<br />
CHESTER<br />
Chester’s Christmas Market, situated outside the<br />
handsome Town Hall in the heart of the city centre, has<br />
a range of over 70 stalls selling Christmas gifts, arts and<br />
crafts goodies, fudge, local spirits, and stocking fillers.<br />
Chester’s food and drink scene really comes alive at this<br />
magical time of the year and the market is no exception<br />
with a small selection of stands selling food ranging from<br />
hot dogs to hog roasts.<br />
The Chester Christmas Market runs from Thursday<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember 18th to Wednesday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 22nd<br />
SKIPTON<br />
For a small market town in North Yorkshire, Skipton<br />
punches well above its weight when it comes to their<br />
eight day Christmas Market.<br />
The stalls will be packed full of hand-made gifts including<br />
Christmas decorations, wooden furniture for the home<br />
and beauty products like bath bombs and hand-made<br />
soap. There will also be plenty of food and drink products<br />
from local artisans including baked goods, Belgian<br />
chocolate, craft beer and chilli sauces.<br />
The market stalls can be found throughout the town<br />
centre and live entertainment helps to spread the<br />
Christmas cheer. At 4pm each day, the market closes and<br />
there is a procession up the high street to the church<br />
grounds where a traditional carol is sung to mark the end<br />
of a magical day at a Christmas market.<br />
The Skipton Christmas Market runs from Sunday 5th<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember to Sunday 12th <strong>Dec</strong>ember
21<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
Birmingham’s popular Frankfurt Christmas Market<br />
returns to New <strong>St</strong>reet and Victoria Square to bring<br />
some festive cheer back to the city centre, with stalls<br />
selling a tempting array of food and drink, traditional<br />
toys, ornaments and gifts.<br />
In nearby Centenary Square, the big wheel and ice<br />
rink will return and run until 9th January, between<br />
10am and 10pm. To book tickets to these attractions<br />
visit www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk.<br />
Don’t miss a chance to visit Chris Moose, Birmingham’s<br />
singing Christmas moose, at the Christmas market<br />
who has become a festive attraction in his own right<br />
and a Twitter sensation @thechrismoose.<br />
The Birmingham Christmas Market runs from Thursday<br />
4th <strong>Nov</strong>ember to Thursday 23rd <strong>Dec</strong>ember
22<br />
YORK<br />
The hugely popular <strong>St</strong> Nicholas Fair returns to York this<br />
year. The charming alpine chalets will once again line<br />
the streets, with local businesses selling everything<br />
from handmade gifts to delicious treats. Soak up the<br />
atmosphere visiting the outlets along Parliament <strong>St</strong>reet<br />
and in Sampson Square , many staffed by traders in<br />
Victorian costume<br />
Many of York’s restaurants, shops and attractions will be<br />
beautifully decorated and will provide a wonderful winter<br />
experience. Don’t miss out on a visit to Shambles with its<br />
cobbled streets for a full festive atmosphere.<br />
The York Christmas Market runs from Thursday 18th<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember to Thursday 23rd <strong>Dec</strong>ember.<br />
BLACKPOOL<br />
Making its debut on the Christmas Market list this year is<br />
Blackpool!<br />
The brand-new Winter Gardens Wonderland will host a<br />
Bavarian style Christmas Market within and outside the<br />
magnificent Grade II Listed Winter Gardens, linking the<br />
town centre to the Festival Village.<br />
The Festival Village will feature an Ice Rink, a Magical<br />
Forest, Festive Light projections and more, whilst the<br />
world-famous Illuminations have extended their season<br />
and will stay switched on right through to the New Year.<br />
Blackpool Christmas Market runs from Thursday 9th<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember to Monday 3rd January.<br />
Details on these events were correct at the time of going to press – these events are subject to<br />
change or cancellation, should Covid restrictions come back into effect.
23<br />
Festive<br />
Coach Trips<br />
for all!<br />
Lake District & Holker Hall Winter Market<br />
Sat <strong>Nov</strong> 6 ~ Adult £24 Child £10<br />
Harrogate & Harewood House<br />
at Christmas<br />
Sat <strong>Nov</strong> 20 ~ Adult £34 Child £20<br />
Birmingham Christmas Market<br />
& Flagship Primark store<br />
Sun <strong>Nov</strong> 21 ~ Adult £25 Child £15<br />
Ulverston Dickenson Festival<br />
Sun <strong>Nov</strong> 28 ~ Adult £23 Child £15<br />
York Christmas Market<br />
Thu <strong>Dec</strong> 2 ~ Adult £23 Child £15<br />
& Sun <strong>Dec</strong> 11 ~ Adult £25 Child £15<br />
Lincoln Christmas Market<br />
Sat <strong>Dec</strong> 4 ~ Adult £28 Child £18<br />
Trafford Centre & RHS<br />
Bridgewater ‘Glow’<br />
Thu <strong>Dec</strong> 2 – Adult £26 Child £15<br />
Manchester Christmas Markets<br />
& East Lancs Railway Santa Special<br />
Sat <strong>Dec</strong> 4 ~ Adult £44 Child £25<br />
Skipton Christmas Market<br />
Sun <strong>Dec</strong> 5 ~ Adult £19 Child £10<br />
Altrincham & Festive Lunch<br />
Tue <strong>Dec</strong> 7 ~ Adult £34<br />
Buxton & Chatsworth House<br />
Wed <strong>Dec</strong> 8 ~ Adults £48 Child £35<br />
Panto Time in Southport<br />
Sun <strong>Dec</strong> 12 ~ Adult £34 Child £20<br />
Our 2022 Holiday Brochure is on the way<br />
Call us on 01942 728960 and we’ll post you a FREE copy out when it arrives!<br />
Customers already on our mailing list will get one automatically.<br />
Why travel with Memory Lane?<br />
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Memory Lane Holidays is a trading name of Ashcrofts Mini Travel Ltd. Company Number 06950361
24<br />
Remember, Remember..<br />
..the 6th of <strong>Nov</strong>ember. That’s when the Rotary Club<br />
of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> will be organising the Rainford Bonfire<br />
and Fireworks event after a hiatus in 2020 due to the<br />
uncertainty caused by the pandemic.<br />
Advanced tickets, priced at £5 each, are on sale now at<br />
Rainford News & Gifts, REDS Cafe and Wendy’s Flowers<br />
and, because of the anticipated demand, buying tickets<br />
is highly recommended by the organisers. Children<br />
under the age of five go free.<br />
As usual, the event is being held on Rainford Parish<br />
Church field, near the Cricket Club off Church Road in<br />
Rainford.<br />
There will be various stalls open on the night, providing<br />
refreshments options to suit all the family, and there will<br />
be several children’s fun rides in operation.<br />
The gates open at 4.30pm, the bonfire will be lit at<br />
6.30pm and the fireworks start at 7pm.<br />
The Rotary Club will be assisted on the night by<br />
Rainford Scouts, and the sponsors of the event are<br />
Communications Plus O2 and Palletland.<br />
Beautifully furnished<br />
<strong>St</strong>one Cottage<br />
Holiday Let<br />
– sleeps up to 4<br />
Situated near Sedbergh,<br />
in the Yorkshire Dales,<br />
and also within easy<br />
reach of the Lake District<br />
Children & pets welcome<br />
Call 01942 216 058<br />
www.millthropcottage.co.uk
25<br />
Huge selection of fires,<br />
stoves & fireplaces<br />
100+ displays over<br />
five floors<br />
90% of our fireplaces are<br />
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- no need to re-decorate<br />
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<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Media Wall centre<br />
Traditional, Classic &<br />
Contempory styles<br />
<strong>Local</strong> family business,<br />
established over 30 years<br />
18E Jackson <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA9 1AN<br />
01744 24190<br />
www.flamesuk.co.uk<br />
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am-4.30pm; Saturday - 10am-4pm • email: flamesuk@outlook.com
26
27
28<br />
Schools<br />
and the<br />
Pandemic<br />
The pandemic has been incredibly challenging for the<br />
education sector. There was no blueprint for schools to<br />
follow, no guide telling head teachers how to provide<br />
remote learning. Some schools were at a digital<br />
disadvantage, unable to deliver lessons to pupils remotely,<br />
either because the school did not have the resources, or<br />
because pupils did not have the right devices or reliable<br />
internet access.<br />
Those schools that were able to deliver remote learning<br />
successfully still faced challenges. Laura Castree, a<br />
secondary school teacher, told us, “A huge part of teaching<br />
is deciphering what your pupil needs and planning<br />
accordingly; this became incredibly difficult when<br />
teaching remotely, and we had to overhaul resources,<br />
teaching styles and priorities practically overnight.”<br />
Many children fell behind with their schoolwork during<br />
the lockdowns. When pupils returned to school, teachers<br />
were then faced with classrooms of children all at different<br />
stages of their learning. Disadvantaged children fell even<br />
further behind their peers.<br />
Even more worrying was the effect of the pandemic on<br />
children’s mental health. When surveyed, most schools<br />
said that some of their pupils were suffering from Covidrelated<br />
anxiety. OFSTED found that some children had<br />
lost physical fitness, others showed signs of mental<br />
distress, and there was an increase in eating disorders<br />
and self-harm.<br />
It hasn’t just been pupils who have struggled with<br />
mental health. The pandemic came on the back of years<br />
of per-pupil spending cuts, increased class sizes and<br />
numerous curriculum changes, so thousands of teachers<br />
were already suffering from work-related stress. A 2019<br />
survey by the teachers’ union NASUWT found that 70% of<br />
teachers felt their job had adversely affected their mental<br />
health. By September 2020, more than half of teachers<br />
said that their mental health had declined further. By April
29<br />
<strong>2021</strong>, 43% of teachers were experiencing<br />
all four of the main symptoms of burnout.<br />
It’s hardly surprising that teachers<br />
struggled, considering the additional<br />
pressures they were under. Geoff Barton,<br />
General Secretary of the Association of<br />
School and College Leaders, commented,<br />
“Our teachers have had to rapidly adapt<br />
to changing circumstances on many<br />
occasions. They have: rapidly become<br />
experts in delivering remote learning; run<br />
on-site provision for the children of key<br />
workers and vulnerable children during<br />
lockdowns; managed complex Covid safety<br />
measures; set up testing stations to enable<br />
pupils to return to classrooms; and, most<br />
recently, taken responsibility for assessing<br />
students following the cancellation of public exams.”<br />
It may take years before we understand the long-term<br />
effects of the pandemic on children. However, there is a<br />
sense of optimism in the education sector. Both pupils<br />
and teachers experienced a much more normal return to<br />
school this year. Extra-curricular clubs have restarted and<br />
children have more freedom to socialise again.<br />
As Laura Castree explains, “It has been apparent that<br />
some pupils fared better than others during lockdowns,<br />
but it was wonderful to see them back in the classroom,<br />
and actually the majority returned with a new and<br />
positive attitude towards school and their teachers that<br />
endured throughout the year and made the catch-up<br />
process much easier.”<br />
Could you be one of tomorrow’s<br />
outstanding teachers?<br />
Individuals who are<br />
passionate about working<br />
with young children.<br />
Join us at our open evenings<br />
Monday 1st <strong>Nov</strong>ember <strong>2021</strong> 4-5:30pm<br />
Monday 22nd <strong>Nov</strong>ember <strong>2021</strong> 4-5:30pm<br />
Monday 6th <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2021</strong> 4-5:30pm<br />
Monday 17th January 2022 4-5:30pm<br />
Monday 7th February 2022 4-5:30pm<br />
Monday 14th March 2022 4-5:30pm<br />
Monday 25th April 2022 4-5:30pm<br />
Please email enquiries@wcpsd.uk to<br />
register your interest.<br />
Individuals who have<br />
the potential to be<br />
outstanding teachers<br />
Accredited<br />
<strong>St</strong>udy days will be at Liverpool Hope University leading to a PGCE and QTS in primary teaching.<br />
For more information and updates please visit www.wcpsd.uk and www.saintpatricks.wigan.sch.uk<br />
To search the course please visit the ‘get into teaching’ website https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/<br />
and search using the following provider and course codes.<br />
Provider code 2A4 Primary course code (Age 5-11) 2XT7 EYFS course code (Age 3-7) AP55
30<br />
Have you considered the School Direct route<br />
to becoming a Primary or Secondary<br />
school teacher?<br />
North West Learning Partnership School Direct is an<br />
established School Direct Provider. Our link with North<br />
West Three Maths Hub means we are able to provide<br />
outstanding training at the forefront of developments<br />
in Mathematics education. Our affiliation to NWLP<br />
means trainee teachers receive outstanding training<br />
from us, our placement schools and LJMU who achieved<br />
Outstanding in Primary and Good in Secondary during<br />
their recent Ofsted inspection.<br />
The one year in-school training for graduates is provided<br />
by serving Head Teachers, Senior Leaders, specialised<br />
Lead Practitioners and other specialists in their field<br />
in close partnership with Liverpool John Moores<br />
University. Most of your time in training will be spent<br />
in your “home school” which is your main placement<br />
school from September 22. Training with us also means<br />
that you will benefit from:<br />
• High employment rates and support in securing<br />
employment.<br />
• Only Good to Outstanding schools are used for<br />
placements<br />
• Placement schools are across the North West<br />
including <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, Wigan, Liverpool, Bolton, Halton<br />
and Knowsley and some areas of Manchester.<br />
Placements are allocated in your local area.<br />
• Highly effective school-based tutors. All of a senior<br />
level with a wealth of experience or are Specialist<br />
Leaders in their field of expertise<br />
• Personal support structures in place<br />
We are committed to the ongoing development of<br />
all trainees for a further 2 years after completing the<br />
course. Trainees have access, free of charge, to training<br />
with the North West Learning Partnership.<br />
We offer a range of Primary and Secondary courses with<br />
PGCE, (including Masters credits), and QTS:<br />
Primary 5-11 years DF23<br />
Primary 3 – 7 years A450<br />
Primary with Mathematics SD KJ<br />
Primary with Physical Education B741<br />
Primary Salaried 3BFS<br />
Secondary Mathematics JL80<br />
Secondary Modern Languages SD 90<br />
Secondary Biology W082<br />
Secondary Chemistry A830<br />
Secondary Physics W322<br />
Secondary English Y290<br />
Secondary Geography V479<br />
Secondary History X871
31<br />
For further information on these courses see our website<br />
http://www.northwestlearningpartnership.co.uk/<br />
or contact the NWLP School Direct <strong>St</strong>rategic Lead Kathy Carman<br />
Kathy.carman@three-saints.org.uk<br />
For information on available funding see<br />
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/<br />
Applications should be made using the provider code 13N and the course code provided above at<br />
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training<br />
Follow us on twitter @nwlp_sd
32<br />
1<br />
Tutoring<br />
What to Consider<br />
After-school tutoring can be an<br />
invaluable part of a child’s education.<br />
A tutor can offer support in areas that<br />
your child might struggle with, such<br />
as maths or English, or help your child<br />
to further improve in subjects that<br />
they already excel at. Tutoring is also<br />
available in subjects that your child’s<br />
school might not offer, e.g. Mandarin<br />
and philosophy.<br />
You can appoint a tutor at any time in your child’s<br />
education, but tutoring can be particularly valuable in the<br />
run-up to exams, such as GCSEs or the 11-plus. As well as<br />
helping with subject-specific knowledge, tutoring can be<br />
useful if your child suffers from exam-related anxiety or if<br />
they’re not used to sitting tests.<br />
The one-to-one basis of tutoring means your child can<br />
learn at their own speed, rather than being led by the<br />
wider needs of the class. It also allows extra time for<br />
questions or diving deeper into a subject.<br />
Tutors usually come to your home, although some<br />
operate out of an education centre. Many also offer video<br />
tutoring, which is helpful if you’re searching for a tutor in<br />
a less common subject.<br />
Choosing a tutor<br />
After-school tutoring can feel like a punishment. Few<br />
children want to add more studying to their weekly<br />
timetable. So look for a tutor who will be able to build a<br />
good rapport with your child. Not only is your child likely<br />
to learn more, they’ll also be happier and will put more<br />
effort into their learning. A good tutor should help to<br />
increase your child’s confidence in a subject and, ideally,<br />
boost their enjoyment for learning.<br />
Before committing to a tutor, you’ll want to check<br />
references, qualifications and ID.<br />
Finding the right tutor<br />
Ask your child’s school if they have any recommendations,<br />
and put the word out in your friendship circle that you’re<br />
looking for a tutor.<br />
You may also want to register with sites such as www.<br />
firsttutors.com, which helps to connect private tutors<br />
with parents. Some of these sites check the IDs and<br />
references of the tutors they promote, which gives you<br />
additional peace of mind.<br />
The cost of tutoring<br />
A tutor’s hourly rate will depend on a number of factors,<br />
including their experience, location and what subject your<br />
child needs help with. In most cases, you’ll pay between<br />
£20 and £40 an hour for an experienced tutor. If your child<br />
is at primary school, a tutoring session will generally last<br />
for no more than an hour. An A-level tutoring session<br />
might be as long as 2.5 hours.<br />
Safety<br />
Tutors don’t have to be DBS checked, but it’s wise to<br />
choose one who has been. A parent or guardian should<br />
also be present during every tutoring session.
33
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36<br />
Six Tips for a<br />
Healthy Winter<br />
The shorter, darker, colder, wetter days of winter can leave even the fittest and chirpiest of us<br />
feeling mentally and physically run-down. To keep you feeling better through the winter:<br />
1. Reduce your infection risk<br />
Colds and flu are rife at this time of year, and while being<br />
cold cannot give you a cold (only a virus can do that) it<br />
can stress your body and lower your immunity. Take extra<br />
care with hygiene and take antibacterial hand gel with<br />
you when you go out. Sadly, not everyone who touches<br />
shop door handles and uses public transport practises<br />
good hygiene.<br />
If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, or are in an atrisk<br />
group for whom the vaccine’s recommended, make<br />
sure you get it early, before flu season gets underway.<br />
Ignore those who claim the vaccine gives you flu; it can’t,<br />
as it contains no live viruses. People who get flu after<br />
the vaccine may have a rarer flu strain not covered by<br />
the vaccine or may have already had a flu virus before<br />
their vaccination became fully active (10-14 days after<br />
vaccination).<br />
3. Get enough daylight, fresh air and<br />
vitamin D supplements!<br />
Tempting as it might be, hibernating indoors isn’t great<br />
for your health. Your body uses sunlight to regulate your<br />
body clock and create vitamin D, an essential vitamin for<br />
building strong teeth, muscle and bone. However, while<br />
daylight helps, between October and early March in the<br />
UK there’s not enough of it for you to make sufficient<br />
vitamin D, even if you regularly spend time outdoors;<br />
nor can you make up the deficit by eating vitamin<br />
D-rich foods like oily fish (e.g. salmon, sardines, herring<br />
and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified<br />
foods like fat spreads and breakfast cereals. So while<br />
getting some winter sun and eating vitamin D-rich foods<br />
can help, the NHS recommends that everyone should<br />
top-up with a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement during<br />
the autumn and winter.<br />
2. Keep exercising<br />
Exercise can boost your immune system, release<br />
endorphins that make you feel better and warm you up,<br />
too. If you’re normally an outdoor exerciser, cold, wet<br />
weather might put you off. If it doesn’t, bundle up and<br />
stay safe by avoiding exercising when its icy and wearing<br />
bright, reflective clothes if you’re out in the dark.<br />
If the winter weather does put you off, consider indoor<br />
alternatives: swimming, indoor climbing, exercise classes,<br />
short-term passes for a local gym, a new exercise DVD or<br />
even some home gym equipment like an exercise bike or<br />
weights.<br />
The NHS has some great free exercise routines. Check<br />
out www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise and click on ‘fitness<br />
guides’ for a range of ten-minute workouts and exercises,<br />
or www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio for<br />
online exercise videos. The range covers yoga, Pilates,<br />
strength exercises, aerobic workouts and more, so there’s<br />
something for everyone.
37<br />
4. <strong>St</strong>ay warm<br />
Being too cold puts stress on your body. When the<br />
temperature drops below 8°C, some people are at<br />
increased risk of mental or physical illness, especially if<br />
they’re over 65, disabled, pregnant, have young children<br />
(under school age), have a mental health condition or have<br />
a long-term health condition. Low temperatures increase<br />
vulnerability to heart attacks, stroke, flu, pneumonia,<br />
hypothermia, falls and injuries, and can worsen mental<br />
health conditions like depression and dementia.<br />
It also increases the symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease,<br />
a relatively common condition that interrupts blood<br />
supply to the extremities, causing symptoms such as<br />
pain, numbness, stiffness and pins and needles. It most<br />
commonly affects the fingers, and you may notice them<br />
go white or even blue and then turn red as blood flow<br />
returns.<br />
Keep your home heated to at least 18°C and use hot<br />
water bottles, heat packs or electric blankets if you need<br />
them. Try a hot bath rather than a shower, have hot drinks<br />
and eat for warmth (hot cereals, soups and stews are<br />
good options). Pre-warm clothes on a radiator or in your<br />
airing cupboard, and once you’re outdoors try to breathe<br />
through your nose, as this warms air before it reaches<br />
your lungs. Wear layers, warm gloves and a hat. If you<br />
have Raynaud’s Disease, use hand dryers for a warmth<br />
top-up while you’re out, wear an extra pair of gloves and<br />
socks, and avoid heavy carrier bags that restrict blood<br />
flow to your fingers.<br />
5. Eat healthy comfort food<br />
Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. <strong>St</strong>ews and<br />
soups are great winter foods, but watch your fat and<br />
salt intake and include plenty of vegetables. Homemade<br />
soups are easily made with a cheap, simple blender, and<br />
cooked fruit with low-fat custard makes a great winter<br />
pudding. The NHS website has some healthy, warming<br />
recipes for dishes like fish pie, lemon chicken and<br />
vegetable soup. Just visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well<br />
and click on recipes.<br />
6. Look after your mental health<br />
<strong>St</strong>ay active, warm and sociable: exercise, time spent<br />
outdoors and the company of others can all help stave<br />
off winter blues. However, if you think you may have fullblown<br />
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), see your GP for<br />
help. Don’t suffer in silence.
38<br />
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www.alpinepodiatry.co.uk<br />
Part of Alpine Podiatry Practice<br />
Prescot Chiropody Clinic<br />
If you know your base position from your baseline and<br />
you’d like to get back into badminton, then the Billinge<br />
Badminton Club would like to hear from you.<br />
The club plays badminton every Wednesday evening<br />
at Rainford Technology College on Higher Lane from<br />
7.15pm to 8.50pm.<br />
You must bring with you some experience of the game,<br />
and ideally a racket too, but don’t be nervous – the<br />
current members of the club possess a wide range of<br />
badminton abilities.<br />
The cost is just £2 per session and it’s strictly leisure<br />
play as the club don’t play in local leagues. For more<br />
information, search ‘Billinge Badminton Club’ on<br />
Facebook or just turn up on the night.<br />
Comedy Club<br />
The newly-established Comedy Club at Inglenook Farm<br />
off the Rainford by-pass has announced that the next<br />
Comedy Club night will be held on Sunday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
12 from 6-8pm.<br />
Two hours, five stand-up comedians and a whole lot of<br />
laughs. There will be a licenced bar and snacks available,<br />
all you need to do is bring your own chair.<br />
The event will be held under cover for the duration of<br />
winter.<br />
Tickets for the event are £10 and can be bought by<br />
calling Inglenook Farm on 07396 618212 or emailing<br />
cherryorchardevents@hotmail.com.<br />
Activity Sessions<br />
The <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Children’s Centre, in Parr still have places<br />
on a wide range of their activity sessions – perfect to<br />
keep your little one stimulated and entertained.<br />
On offer are a wide range of children’s sessions and<br />
community events at the centre on Ashtons Drive,<br />
ranging from Mini Melodies on a Monday between<br />
10-12.15pm to the sensory group every Wednesday<br />
between 10am-12.15pm.<br />
To secure a place on any of the activities please contact<br />
the Central Link Children’s Centre on 01744 673445 or<br />
Parr Children’s Centre on 01744 671788 to book.<br />
Alternately you can book using their Facebook page.
39<br />
Looking to sell your<br />
property in <strong>2021</strong>?<br />
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As part of celebrating<br />
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40 prizes to be won including<br />
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40<br />
Artisan Markets<br />
Dean Wood Golf Club are hosting a couple of weekend<br />
Artisan Markets in late <strong>Nov</strong>ember at their Lafford Lane<br />
base in Upholland. Their Christmas Artisan Markets will<br />
take place from 11am-4.30pm on Saturday 20th, Sunday<br />
21st, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th <strong>Nov</strong>ember.<br />
The markets will be held on the club’s car park, and the<br />
clubhouse will be open for food and drinks. Santa will be<br />
visiting at 2pm on both Sunday afternoons.<br />
<strong>St</strong>alls will be selling Christmas gifts of all kinds including<br />
handmade pottery, glass art, soaps, skincare, handmade<br />
gemstones, scents, candles, bath bombs and seasonal<br />
décor. For those looking to stock up on food, there will<br />
be Christmas fruit cakes, cupcakes, brownies and sweets.<br />
There are a few stalls still available, please contact<br />
annemolys58@hotmail.co.uk for more information.<br />
Christmas at Nugent<br />
Don’t miss the Christmas event at Nugent House School<br />
in Billinge next month.<br />
You can visit Santa and his elves in the grotto and stroll<br />
through the market whilst listening to carols. You’ll also<br />
be able to indulge in some festive food and mulled wine,<br />
whilst children can make gifts in the craft area.<br />
The event runs from 5pm until 9pm on Friday 3rd<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember at the school which is located on Carr Mill<br />
Road in Billinge.<br />
Book Club<br />
If you consider yourself a bit of a bookworm, then you<br />
might be interested in attending the monthly book club<br />
organised by Willowbrook Hospice.<br />
The light-hearted group is a great place to share your<br />
thoughts and views on selected books on the second<br />
Wednesday of every month.<br />
It’s also a chance to read a genre of book that you may<br />
not have chosen before or simply an opportunity to<br />
socialise; plus, it’s free to attend!<br />
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday,<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember 10 at 2pm at The Living Well on Borough Road.<br />
The books being discussed will be The Whistle Blower by<br />
Robert Peston and We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker.<br />
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<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
Bispham Christmas<br />
Bispham Methodist Church, based on the corner of Crank<br />
Road and Upholland Road in Billinge, is inviting the local<br />
community to visit an all-day Christmas Fair on Saturday<br />
4th <strong>Dec</strong>ember from 10.30am to 4.30pm. A fun-packed<br />
day is planned, and you can pick up some Christmas gifts<br />
from artisan stalls. There will also be activities for the<br />
children and refreshments will be available all day from<br />
the Festive Café.<br />
There will be a Modern Nativity performance, Father<br />
Christmas will be calling in twice throughout the day<br />
and the Trinity Girls Brass Band will perform between<br />
2pm and 3pm. The event comes to a climax with the<br />
Christmas Tree switch on at 4.00pm.<br />
Other traditional events planned at Bispham this<br />
Christmas include a Christmas Family Service with<br />
toy donations to a local charity on 12th <strong>Dec</strong>ember at<br />
10.30am, followed by a craft corner for the children.<br />
The Carol Service will be on Sunday 19th <strong>Dec</strong>ember at 6pm<br />
with traditional mince pies afterwards. For more details,<br />
check out the website www.bisphammethodistchurch.<br />
org nearer Christmas.<br />
Tell Us Your <strong>St</strong>ory!<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> is<br />
always on the<br />
look out for<br />
news stories<br />
from the local<br />
communities we<br />
serve. Are you<br />
raising money<br />
for charity? Are<br />
you a member<br />
of a community<br />
group with<br />
something to<br />
shout about?<br />
Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a<br />
claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be<br />
appearing in the next edition!<br />
Simply contact us on editorial@locallife247.co.uk<br />
or call us on 01744 649722
43
44<br />
Panto It’s back!<br />
By Nicola Gray<br />
Last year, COVID-19 played the part of biggest panto villain ever and the<br />
Christmas pantomime season was decimated last year as a result. Booooooooo!<br />
Well, its behind you (cue laughter) and <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> have put together a guide to<br />
this year’s most exciting panto experiences in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and beyond.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Theatre Royal<br />
Goldilocks & the<br />
Three Bears<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Theatre Royal, Corporation <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 1LQ<br />
01744 756000<br />
www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com<br />
Goldilocks and the Three Bears come to town this<br />
Christmas with a mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap<br />
comedy capers and a smash-hit selection of chart hits to<br />
sing and dance along to.<br />
• Dates: Friday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 10 to Sunday January 9<br />
• Ticket Information: Tickets from £16. Online bookings<br />
subject to a 50p fee per ticket<br />
Wigan Little Theatre<br />
Dick Whittington<br />
Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton <strong>St</strong>reet, Wigan, WN1 3SL<br />
01942 242561<br />
www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk<br />
The tale of Dick Whittington features singing, dancing,<br />
comedy sketches and, as usual, there will be a crazy dame<br />
to add to the fun.<br />
• Dates: Thursday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 2 to Saturday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 18<br />
• Ticket Information: <strong>St</strong>andard tickets from £10 other<br />
tickets £12. Online bookings subject to a 7.8% fee per<br />
ticket.<br />
The Old Courts<br />
Cinderella<br />
The Old Courts, Gerrard Winstanley House,<br />
Crawford <strong>St</strong>reet, Wigan, WN1 1NA<br />
0343 208 6015<br />
www.theoldcourts.com<br />
Get ready to cheer Buttons, the Fairy Godmother,<br />
Cinderella and Prince Charming, but do remember to boo<br />
every time you see the Ugly Sisters up to their evil ways.<br />
• Dates: Thursday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 9 to Thursday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 23.<br />
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets - £17.50 and child<br />
tickets - £13.00<br />
The Atkinson Southport<br />
Cinderella<br />
The Atkinson, Lord <strong>St</strong>reet, Southport, PR8 1DB<br />
01704 533333<br />
www.theatkinson.co.uk<br />
This spellbinding panto pits Cinderella against her wicked<br />
<strong>St</strong>epmother and the jealous stepsisters; will Prince<br />
Charming and the Fairy Godmother come to the rescue?<br />
• Dates: Friday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 10 to Sunday January 2<br />
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets from £18, concessions<br />
from £16 & family tickets from £59
45<br />
Everyman<br />
Robin Hood<br />
5-11 Hope <strong>St</strong>, Liverpool, L1 9BH<br />
0151 708 3700<br />
www.everymanplayhouse.com<br />
Regular writers Sarah Nixon and Mark Chatterton have<br />
put their own marvellously mischievous spin on the<br />
classic tale of heroism, social justice and… tights!<br />
• Dates: Saturday <strong>Nov</strong>ember 20 to Saturday January 15<br />
• Ticket Information: <strong>St</strong>all tickets between £17-£20 and<br />
Circle tickets between £12-£20<br />
Manchester Opera House<br />
Aladdin<br />
3 Quay <strong>St</strong>, Manchester, M3 3HP<br />
0161 828 1700<br />
www.atgtickets.com<br />
Aladdin will feature a lamp-load of comedy, jaw-dropping<br />
special effects, sensational song and dance and plenty of<br />
boos and hisses the whole family will enjoy.<br />
• Dates: Saturday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 11 to Sunday January 2<br />
• Ticket Information: Tickets available form £13.00 per<br />
person. Online bookings subject to a booking fee of<br />
£3.65 per ticket.<br />
M&S Bank Arena<br />
Cinderella<br />
King’s Dock, 16 Monarchs Quay, Liverpool, L3 4FP<br />
0344 800 0400<br />
www.mandsbankarena.com<br />
Cinderella dreams of leaving her dull life as a servant to<br />
meet a handsome Prince and after the announcement<br />
that Prince Charming is going to hold a royal ball, it seems<br />
she may get her wish!<br />
• Dates: Saturday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 18 and Tuesday <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
28<br />
• Ticket Information: Silver performances - Adult tickets<br />
£23, concessions £21, VIP £45 & family tickets £82. Gold<br />
performances - Adult tickets £30, concessions £28, VIP<br />
£52 & family tickets £106.<br />
Grand Theatre Blackpool<br />
Snow White & the<br />
Seven Dwarfs<br />
33 Church <strong>St</strong>reet, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HT<br />
01253 290190<br />
www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk<br />
In true rags-to-riches style, Snow White manages, with the<br />
help of her madcap friend Muddles, to meet a handsome<br />
Prince and make her dreams come true.<br />
• Dates: Friday <strong>Dec</strong>ember 3 to Sunday January 2<br />
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets from £20.50 and under<br />
18s tickets from £18.50
46<br />
Job Support<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Chamber’s Guidance Services Team is offering<br />
redundancy support to local people who need it.<br />
The redundancy support service ranges from help<br />
accessing funding for training to CV and interview<br />
preparation, and is delivered by qualified Careers<br />
Advisers at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Chamber.<br />
Mike Unsworth, Career Guidance Manager at <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
Chamber, explained: “Unfortunately, as the furlough<br />
scheme ends, we are expecting to see more redundancies<br />
being made by companies who can’t afford to keep staff<br />
on.”<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> Chamber’s support is completely free and<br />
impartial, as the National Careers Service for <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>.<br />
Their advisers can help people write or update their CV,<br />
brush up on their interview skills, and apply for jobs, as<br />
well as providing free short training courses which add<br />
valuable skills to any CV.<br />
Mike continued: “We understand that this time can<br />
be traumatic and upsetting, but I would say to anyone<br />
facing redundancy to try not to panic – there is support<br />
available to help you back into work as soon as possible.<br />
“Our National Careers Service team keep up to date on<br />
the latest labour market information and can match<br />
up your skills to industries you might not have even<br />
considered before. We will work with you as much as you<br />
need to get you back on your feet.<br />
“As the National Careers Service for <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> we can<br />
also help people access Rapid Response Service funding,<br />
which can be used to pay for short training courses to<br />
help find new employment; for example, Sage training,<br />
HGV training or Prince2.<br />
“This funding can only be accessed through the National<br />
Careers Service, and it helps people to refresh skills or<br />
update any qualifications they might need to stand out<br />
to new employers.”<br />
To find out more about redundancy support, as either an<br />
employer or an individual, please contact <strong>St</strong>arting Point<br />
on 01744 698800 or email info@thestartingpoint.org
47<br />
Dark nights are<br />
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48<br />
A rug for<br />
every room<br />
It’s quick and easy to add softness<br />
underfoot while introducing a stylish<br />
element of colour and pattern.<br />
Add bohemian style<br />
to your living room,<br />
dining room or bedroom<br />
with this hand-tufted,<br />
unusual wool/cotton<br />
rug.<br />
Dutchbone round pix<br />
rug with tassels, £389,<br />
Cuckooland.<br />
Get cosy with a<br />
cream, textural rug<br />
that’s perfect for<br />
enjoying a fireside<br />
mug of hot chocolate<br />
while wrapped in a<br />
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Teddy rug, £395, Loaf.<br />
Spark a little one’s<br />
imagination with a softer<br />
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rainbow motif, complete<br />
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Earth Rainbow rug with<br />
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Tap into the trend for<br />
geometric statement<br />
rugs with this<br />
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rug, available in three<br />
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Hackney handwoven<br />
rug, wool/cotton blend,<br />
Yellow Diamond, £159,<br />
Cult Furniture.<br />
Handwoven by Berbers in the Atlas Mountains, this soft and luxurious<br />
rug is fully customisable to create your dream design.<br />
Lozenge rug, jet black on natural wool, £899, Cosy Coco.<br />
The Lowdown on Rugs<br />
• Rugs look beautiful on wooden, stone and tiled<br />
floors (always use an underlay to keep them safely<br />
in place) and add welcome softness. Texture is<br />
important, in terms of both material and weave –<br />
piled wool or flat-woven cotton (which is thinner<br />
but more easily put through the washing machine),<br />
or perhaps nubby jute or sisal, tougher on the toes,<br />
but durable and with a certain rugged charm.<br />
• Gone are the days of choosing between only<br />
rectangular or circular rugs. These days, anything<br />
goes, from oval to rainbow-shaped and even<br />
irregular outlines. Tufted rugs, too, play with<br />
different heights of pile to introduce an intriguing<br />
textural element.<br />
• Add extra interest with some boho tassels (very<br />
on trend) or a more restrained finishing edge.<br />
This works well with a neutral rug that picks up a<br />
contrast border colour from elsewhere in the room.<br />
• Don’t make the mistake of buying a rug that is too<br />
small for a room. In general, it is best to go as big as<br />
possible, so that all the furniture (or at least its front<br />
legs) can sit on the rug.<br />
• For global glamour, look no further than a rug.<br />
From Indian dhurries and Greek flokatis to Middle<br />
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provide wonderful style, colour, pattern and texture.
49<br />
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50<br />
Turkey Burgers<br />
Ingredients<br />
Burgers<br />
250g turkey breast mince<br />
½ red onion, diced<br />
2 garlic cloves, grated<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
1 small apple peeled and grated<br />
1 tsp smoked paprika<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
Olive oil (to cook)<br />
Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw<br />
125g Brussels sprouts, trimmed<br />
½ red onion<br />
1 carrot, peeled<br />
50g Greek yoghurt<br />
30g mayonnaise<br />
1 tsp Dijon mustard<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
¼ tsp ground cumin<br />
Handful of chives, chopped<br />
Handful of parsley, chopped<br />
Rolls, lettuce and cranberry sauce, to serve<br />
Fed up with the usual turkey recipes? Try these<br />
delicious turkey burgers topped with cranberry<br />
sauce and a Brussels sprout coleslaw.<br />
Serves 2<br />
Method<br />
1. Place the mince in a bowl with the remaining ingredients for the burger<br />
and mix well. Shape the mixture into two burgers about 3cm thick. Chill<br />
for 30 minutes.<br />
2. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5. Place the burgers on a<br />
lined baking tray and brush the tops lightly with the olive oil. Bake in<br />
the oven for 20-25 mins, turning halfway through cooking, until cooked<br />
through.<br />
3. To make the coleslaw, grate the Brussels sprouts, onion and carrot in a<br />
food processor. Place in a bowl. Mix together the yoghurt, mayonnaise,<br />
mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper and cumin. Pour the yoghurt<br />
mixture over the vegetables and coat thoroughly. <strong>St</strong>ir in the herbs.<br />
4. Serve the burgers in buns with lettuce, a spoonful of cranberry sauce<br />
and the coleslaw.<br />
Nutrition per burger with coleslaw: 340kcal, fat 14g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 15g (of<br />
which sugars 13g), protein 36g, fibre 3.8g
51
52<br />
New era of broadcasting<br />
The Old Courts, a successful not-for-profit multi-arts<br />
centre in Wigan, want to hear from residents of <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
about their plans to host and support up to 24 new<br />
digital radio stations for the <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and Wigan areas.<br />
The group are proposing to operate a Small-Scale<br />
(SSDAB) multiplex for community benefit - to support the<br />
development of local and community radio in our area,<br />
and therefore increase the amount of volunteering, skills,<br />
and social impact opportunities available for people<br />
in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and Wigan. Small-Scale DAB represents a<br />
more affordable opportunity for broadcasters to reach a<br />
high percentage of the population across <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> and<br />
Wigan.<br />
Jess Rotherham, Head of Development at The Old Courts,<br />
told <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong>, “We are proposing to bring the UK’s most<br />
listened to platform into our area and manage it in a way<br />
that encourages more local people to create and listen to<br />
locally-led content.<br />
“Making digital radio more accessible for all is important<br />
and doing it in a way where all profits are reinvested into<br />
the local area means that broadcasters and listeners in <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong> and Wigan will benefit long-term.”<br />
The approach to supporting local has already been met<br />
with praise from people and organisations who already<br />
run internet-only stations and want to expand onto DAB,<br />
or who are keen to start something new in their local<br />
area.<br />
In their proposal, the group outline what Small-Scale<br />
DAB is, the communities that stand to benefit and how<br />
they propose to establish the service. Comments and<br />
feedback are invited to support the application for a<br />
licence to Ofcom.<br />
For more information or to leave your comments please<br />
go online to www.theoldcourts.com and search for<br />
broadcasting under the projects tab.<br />
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53<br />
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Rainford<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong><br />
WA11 8JY
54
55
56<br />
Faith on the <strong>St</strong>reets<br />
By Nicola Gray<br />
When people say, ‘charity begins<br />
at home’ they often mean that<br />
you should look after your<br />
own circle first and then<br />
extend your kindness<br />
to people in the<br />
wider community.<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet<br />
Pastors work on a<br />
much larger scale<br />
though; their mission<br />
is to rescue vulnerable<br />
people on the streets of <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong> and make their whole<br />
community safer.<br />
I caught up with co-ordinator Hayley Harrison to find<br />
out more about this group of good Samaritans and how<br />
they are helping to make <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> a safer place. Hayley<br />
told me, “<strong>St</strong>reet Pastors is basically the Church in action<br />
on the street, responding to a crisis. It is about volunteers<br />
rolling up their sleeves and practically responding to the<br />
problems of crime and safety in their area.”<br />
The group’s role is to provide a<br />
calming presence, a listening<br />
ear and practical help to<br />
vulnerable people in the<br />
night-time economy of<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Helens</strong>, showing<br />
God’s love to anyone<br />
and everyone they<br />
meet. Being a street<br />
pastor can look like so<br />
many things, but what<br />
does this help look like in<br />
a practical sense?<br />
Hayley added, “We often<br />
find ourselves being a listening ear for<br />
someone who in that moment really needs it; or just<br />
providing some practical help by giving out water, flip<br />
flops and space blankets to help keep people warm.<br />
“We are often able to signpost people to services that can<br />
really help them; and other times we are just making sure<br />
that people get home safely. Ultimately it is a tool that we<br />
use to be the hands and feet of Jesus; to show kindness<br />
and compassion and the love of God to those around us.”<br />
The <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> faction is a growing team of volunteers from<br />
local churches, the group currently stands at 10 active<br />
members and is growing<br />
all the time. Helen added,<br />
“Our first team undertook<br />
their first patrol on 23rd<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember 2016 and here<br />
we are almost five years<br />
later, with 3 teams and<br />
looking to expand even<br />
further to reach more<br />
people in a vulnerable<br />
position.<br />
Up until last year the team<br />
had been patrolling the<br />
town centre streets from
57<br />
Quiz<br />
First and Last<br />
10.30pm to 3.30am on the first Saturday and second<br />
Friday night of each month. The group were getting<br />
closer to starting a third patrol on the fourth Friday of<br />
each month and then COVID hit, and everything stopped.<br />
Hayley added, “The pandemic obviously stopped us from<br />
going out as we couldn’t put our volunteers at risk. We<br />
are now in the process of starting our re-training and are<br />
hoping to be back out on the streets at the end of this<br />
year or the beginning of January.<br />
“We run largely on donations from the church and with<br />
services being stopped and starting to come back slowly<br />
we have felt a real financial hit, any donations or financial<br />
support would be greatly appreciated.”<br />
The aim for the future is to recruit and train more<br />
volunteers, so the team will be able to increase their<br />
patrol to go out every weekend. The group is also looking<br />
to launch their school initiative and are in talks with local<br />
schools to be able to work in schools and provide a similar<br />
support service to pupils.<br />
If you would like to learn more about the <strong>St</strong>reet Pastors<br />
and their initiatives, become a trustee or if you would like<br />
to donate, please get in touch and see how you can help.<br />
Donations<br />
www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/<strong>2021</strong>5289<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong> <strong>St</strong>reet Pastors<br />
Ormskirk <strong>St</strong>reet URC, Ormskirk <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>,<br />
WA10 1BQ<br />
Telephone: 07927 390281<br />
Email: sainthelens@streetpastors.org.uk<br />
www.streetpastors.org<br />
1. What was the surname of the Vietnam War<br />
veteran who was the main character in 1982<br />
film First Blood?<br />
2. The Last Frontier is the official nickname of<br />
which US state?<br />
3. The 2017 Christmas special of Doctor Who<br />
saw actor David Bradley play “the First Doctor”.<br />
Which other actor originally played this role<br />
when the TV show was first broadcast?<br />
4. The Last Night of the Proms normally takes<br />
place on the second Saturday in which month?<br />
5. Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters To The<br />
First Pets was a children’s book written in 1998<br />
by which famous woman?<br />
6. Published in 1956, The Last Battle was the<br />
seventh and final novel in a series set in which<br />
fictional land?<br />
7. The 2018 film First Man starred Ryan Gosling as<br />
which real life person?<br />
8. In which European city would you find Leonardo<br />
Da Vinci’s mural painting “The Last Supper”?<br />
9. Name the last football team to win the old First<br />
Division before the creation of the Premier<br />
League for the 1992-93 season?<br />
10. The TV comedy show The Last Leg was originally<br />
broadcast during which event of 2012, with<br />
each episode looking back at the day’s events<br />
from this?<br />
Solutions 1. Rambo (first name James) 2. Alaska 3. William<br />
10. The Summer Paralympic Games<br />
6. Narnia 7. Neil Armstrong 8. Milan 9. Leeds United<br />
pets that lived in the White House when she was First Lady)<br />
Hartnell 4. September 5. Hillary Clinton (referring to the two
58<br />
Can I Afford to Retire?<br />
This is a question that can keep people up at night as<br />
they think about whether they have enough assets and<br />
income to be able to retire, live life to the full and tick off<br />
items on their ‘bucket list’.<br />
You’ve worked hard and saved carefully over the last few<br />
decades for your dream retirement. It is however, only<br />
half the battle. Now, your challenge is to make sure that<br />
you don’t run out of money.<br />
Many factors contribute to a successful retirement;<br />
figuring what you’re going to do with your time, keeping<br />
physically and mentally active, and managing your<br />
financial resources in a way that helps you achieve what<br />
matters to you.<br />
Retirement usually happens when you are in your peak<br />
earning years. After years of working hard, planning for<br />
retirement and perhaps bringing up a family you are<br />
suddenly faced with the decision of whether you can<br />
retire and turning off one income ‘tap’ from your earnings<br />
and replacing it with another ‘tap’ from pensions and<br />
investments. It can be a daunting decision and in addition<br />
to this you need to consider that it is always best to ‘retire<br />
healthy’ and enjoy your golden years.<br />
Callisto specialises in the ‘at retirement’ market. We work<br />
best with people that are approaching or in retirement<br />
and we are well equipped to show them whether they<br />
can afford to retire.<br />
Whilst most advisers will use their experience and perhaps<br />
a spreadsheet to show a client’s position, Callisto uses a<br />
state-of-the-art sustainable income planning software<br />
system to illustrate to our clients whether they can retire<br />
comfortably.<br />
• We gather information about a client’s various personal<br />
pensions, savings and investments, along with any<br />
loans such as mortgages.<br />
• We input details about any guaranteed future income<br />
streams like final salary pensions and request their<br />
state pension forecast.<br />
• We ask clients to gauge the level of expenditure they<br />
would like in the various stages of retirement and ask<br />
them to factor in other special events that will need<br />
capital such as dream holidays, children’s weddings<br />
and perhaps a treat like a motor home, a classic car or<br />
an expensive watch.<br />
• We test for our clients’ ability, willingness and need to<br />
take risk and recommend a suitable portfolio.<br />
We input all the above information into the planning<br />
software, and it gives us an indication whether our clients’<br />
plans need work, are on track, or if they need to consider<br />
spending more or gifting some money away.<br />
And if the plan does need work, at least we can plan<br />
ahead. We can guide them to work a little longer and have<br />
more cash flow, invest more into pensions or to take more<br />
risk. It is one of the fun parts of our job to encourage our<br />
clients to spend more or to give some money away so that<br />
they can see others enjoying it and/or avoid inheritance<br />
tax. This sustainable income planning software system is<br />
ideal to help clients make an informed choice.<br />
We are happy to look at your current portfolio and see if<br />
it’s on track to allow you to have a successful retirement.<br />
If it is we will happily tell you, if not, we can suggest some<br />
alternatives, or perhaps consolidate your plans under<br />
one roof, to reduce paperwork and ensure a common<br />
investment policy across all your investments.<br />
Our initial meeting is always<br />
complimentary and without any<br />
obligation whatsoever – call us today!<br />
Andrew Platt<br />
CFP TM Chartered MCSI<br />
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up,<br />
which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits.<br />
The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to change in the future. You should seek<br />
advice to understand your options at retirement.
Planning for your future is hard if you don’t have the<br />
necessary financial expertise.<br />
Callisto Wealth Management will work with you to help you achieve your financial<br />
freedom once you reach retirement.<br />
Take the first step today towards enjoying the rest of your life.<br />
Call us on 01744 881421 to arrange a<br />
no-obligation consultation at our new<br />
Rainford offices. Remote consultations also available.<br />
Call us now for your FREE Budget <strong>2021</strong> guide.<br />
Callisto Wealth Management Ltd<br />
The <strong>St</strong>ables | Pasture Lane Business Centre | Pasture Lane | Rainford | WA11 8PU<br />
01744 881421<br />
www.callistowealth.co.uk<br />
enquiries@callistowealth.co.uk
60 2<br />
Win a<br />
Lancashire Day<br />
Hamper!<br />
To celebrate Lancashire Day on Saturday 27th <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> is bestowing one of our readers with a custombuilt<br />
luxury hamper, chockfull of goods produced in<br />
Lancashire.<br />
Some of the contents are made by producers who are<br />
household names, such as Uncle Joe’s in Wigan and<br />
Bartons in <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, whilst others are less well known.<br />
All the goodies have one thing in common though; they<br />
are produced within Lancashire’s historic county palatine,<br />
which includes the large cities of Manchester and<br />
Liverpool as well as the Furness and Cartmel peninsulas<br />
in the Lake District.<br />
As you can see from the main image, the goods include<br />
cheeses, cakes, chocolate, jams and local honey, biscuits,<br />
seafood, pudding, sauces and pickles, crisps and, of<br />
course, Bury’s best black pudding. Lancastrians with<br />
a thirst can indulge in gin, beer or a glass of locally<br />
produced dandelion and burdock!<br />
Lancashire Day is celebrated on the 27th <strong>Nov</strong>ember every<br />
year because 726 years ago in 1295, it was on this day that<br />
the first elected representatives from Lancashire were<br />
called to Westminster by King Edward I to attend what<br />
later became known as ‘The Model Parliament’.<br />
A proclamation is read out by town criers throughout the<br />
county on Lancashire Day and part of this proclamation<br />
quotes the following;<br />
Throughout the County Palatine, from the Furness Fells<br />
to the River Mersey, from the Irish Sea to the Pennines, this<br />
day shall ever mark the people’s pleasure in that excellent<br />
distinction - true Lancastrians, proud of the Red Rose and<br />
loyal to our Sovereign Duke.<br />
Even with much local opposition, on April Fool’s Day<br />
in 1974, under the <strong>Local</strong> Government Act 1972, the<br />
southern part of the geographic county was transferred<br />
to the two newly established metropolitan counties of<br />
Merseyside and Greater Manchester. On the same day,<br />
the county of Cumbria came into being and Warrington<br />
was incorporated into Cheshire.<br />
To enter the competition to win this Lancashire hamper,<br />
simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on<br />
‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer<br />
the following question;<br />
What is the colour of the rose<br />
of Lancashire?<br />
The expiry date for this competition is midnight on<br />
Sunday 21st <strong>Nov</strong>ember <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
The winners will be personally contacted within three working days<br />
of the expiry date and the results will be posted on our Facebook<br />
account on Lancashire Day, Saturday 27th <strong>Nov</strong>ember. Entrants must<br />
be over 16 years of age. <strong>St</strong>rictly one entry per household – multiple<br />
entries will be disqualified. <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 cannot accept responsibility<br />
for entries that do not reach us. Employees of <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd and<br />
their families are not eligible to enter this competition. The picture is<br />
for illustration purposes only and <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong> 247 Ltd reserve the right<br />
to substitute goods for goods of equal value if necessary.
61
62<br />
The Village Hall<br />
KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE<br />
Newsletter<br />
Free Friday Quiz Nights<br />
29 October 5 <strong>Nov</strong>ember 12 <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
Special Christmas Quiz 3 <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
Doors open at 7pm and the free quiz starts at 7.30pm.<br />
Book a table for up to 6 team members by calling 01744<br />
884709 or email office@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk<br />
Parish Council Meetings<br />
Community Liaison Committee<br />
03.11.<strong>2021</strong> and 01.12.<strong>2021</strong><br />
Health & Safety Committee<br />
05.11.<strong>2021</strong> and 03.12.<strong>2021</strong><br />
Finance Planning & Administration Committee<br />
10.11.<strong>2021</strong> and 08.12.<strong>2021</strong><br />
Full Council meeting<br />
22.11.<strong>2021</strong> and 13.12.<strong>2021</strong>.<br />
All meetings take place at Rainford Village Hall. Residents<br />
are encouraged to address members on matters of concern<br />
to them and are very welcome to attend meetings. Further<br />
information on the Parish Council website:<br />
www.rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk<br />
Business Around Rainford<br />
The next breakfast forum for<br />
Businesses in Rainford and Rainford<br />
residents who have businesses will<br />
take place on 24.11.<strong>2021</strong> from 8am –<br />
9am at the Village Hall. <strong>St</strong>eve Smith of<br />
The Business Doctor will give a short<br />
talk.<br />
To book a free place call 01744 884709 or email admin@<br />
rainfordparishcouncil.gov uk<br />
Rainford Village Hall is available to hire from just £10 per<br />
hour for classes, meetings, parties, anniversaries, events<br />
and Wedding Receptions. Call 01744 884709 or email<br />
admin@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk to discuss your<br />
requirements.<br />
H eritage Lottery Grant<br />
Thanks to the hard work of Councillor Rob Reynolds,<br />
the Parish Council has secured Heritage Lottery funding<br />
of £9160 to fund a project about Rainford’s industrial<br />
heritage. As part of this, we have started interviewing<br />
people who have memories of Rainford’s industrial past<br />
and acquiring copies of relevant photos. If you think you<br />
can help in either regard, or know someone who could,<br />
please do let us know!<br />
One discussion has taken place with Rainford resident Eric<br />
Winstanley and his brother Jimmy. This is a fascinating<br />
recording and<br />
Eric has also<br />
supplied some<br />
photos he took<br />
of steam trains<br />
passing through<br />
Rainford village<br />
along what is now<br />
the Linear Park.<br />
Additionally, Heritage Boards and replica station names<br />
will be sited along the Linear Park and at the sites of the<br />
old railway stations and the Parish Council is very grateful<br />
for the assistance and information provided by Rainford<br />
Heritage Society.<br />
The last part of the project is to design and install a<br />
memorial to Rainford residents who lost their lives in<br />
industrial accidents.<br />
The Parish Council is delighted that staff and students<br />
from Rainford High School will be involved in completing<br />
the project.<br />
Parish Council Accounts<br />
The Parish Council mainly raises funds through the<br />
precept (paid by households as part of the Council Tax)<br />
and by hiring out the Village Hall. Additionally, it organises<br />
events such as the Beer Festival and Christmas Fayre and<br />
Christmas parties.
63<br />
Resources are spent on subsidising community events,<br />
community projects such as 50% of the School Crossing<br />
Patrol on Cross Pit Lane and support for Rainford in Bloom.<br />
Income also covers the cost of the administration of the<br />
Parish Council and the Village Hall through the Clerk’s<br />
office. Additionally, the Parish Council covers all the costs<br />
for the Village Hall which have included extensive repairs<br />
to the structure of the building this financial year.<br />
Community Speed watch<br />
Having been stalled by COVID restrictions, the speed<br />
watch volunteers are finally out and about in the village,<br />
looking out for speeding vehicles and illegally parked<br />
cars. The aim is to make it unacceptable to break the<br />
speed limit, and stop inconsiderate and dangerous parking<br />
throughout Rainford.<br />
Rainford Community Cinema<br />
Join us at Rainford Village Hall on<br />
Sunday, 12th <strong>Dec</strong>ember for ‘The<br />
<strong>St</strong>ar’!<br />
This heart-warming film shows us<br />
that it takes many tails to tell the<br />
greatest story ever.<br />
Tickets are £5 and include a drink and a snack. And you<br />
never know, someone special might put in an appearance<br />
at the end!!<br />
Email office@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or phone<br />
01744 884709 to book your tickets!<br />
Doors open at 2:30pm<br />
Film showing begins at 3:30pm<br />
Rainford Christmas Fayre<br />
Rainford Christmas Fayre will take place<br />
this year on 4th <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2021</strong> from<br />
10am – 4pm!<br />
With Father Christmas in his grotto and a<br />
variety of exciting stalls, you’ll have your<br />
Christmas Shopping all wrapped up. You<br />
can also treat yourself to some delicious<br />
food and snacks. With entertainment<br />
throughout the day, and some fantastic<br />
raffle prizes, it will be a very special fun-filled<br />
event for everyone.<br />
Christmas Parties at the<br />
Village Hall<br />
Some tables are still available for Friday 17.12.<strong>2021</strong>, but the Saturday night is all sold out!<br />
Join us at the Village Hall for a great Christmas Night Out with family, friends or colleagues. Tickets are just £35 per person,<br />
for a 3-course meal and entertainment in a beautiful setting. Call 01744 884709 or admin@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk<br />
for further information and to book tickets.<br />
RAINFORD PARISH COUNCIL<br />
Rainford Village Hall, Church Road Rainford WA11 8HB<br />
01744 884709<br />
clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk<br />
@rainfordvillagehall<br />
@rainfordparishcouncil
64<br />
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65<br />
Pendle Hill<br />
by Chris Pearce<br />
Distance: 3.9 miles Difficulty: Hard<br />
The Pendle area is well known for its connection to witchcraft<br />
and the supernatural, and the story of the Pendle witches is<br />
a prominent example how England viewed witchcraft back<br />
in the 17th century.<br />
However, Pendle Hill itself is the stage of a more uplifting<br />
story from the same period. The founder of the Quakers,<br />
George Fox, was so moved by his climb up Pendle Hill in 1652<br />
that he created the religion, and, in his autobiography, he<br />
wrote, ‘From the top of this hill the Lord let me see in what<br />
places he had a great people to be gathered’.<br />
Though we can’t guarantee you’ll have an epiphany like<br />
George’s, the views from the top of Pendle Hill on a clear<br />
day will provide you with stunning views of the North West<br />
coastline.<br />
At a shade under 4 miles long, this Jack’s Tracks starts from<br />
the main car park (BB12 9JX) in the pretty village of Barley.<br />
Exit the car park via the path behind the café/toilets and<br />
within a few yards you’ll be on the main road through<br />
Barley. Turn right along this road and you’ll pass the<br />
village’s two pubs, Pendle Inn on the left and the Barley<br />
Mow on the right.<br />
Look out for the Methodist church by a small bridge over<br />
the stream. You’ll need to turn left up the footpath that<br />
runs parallel to the stream. Follow the path for 300 yards<br />
and just past the oddly shaped tree (see picture), you’ll<br />
cross the stream again and arrive on a single-track road.<br />
Turn left and shortly after, you’ll reach a fork in the road, so<br />
take the right fork. Within seconds, you’ll see the entrance<br />
to the footpath on the right, so turn up this cobbled<br />
path. Follow this well-defined path for ¾ mile, uphill past<br />
Brown House Farm and Pendle House, and in clear view of<br />
the steep ascent awaiting you next.<br />
As you go through the gate to start to<br />
climb the hill, there is a curvier, longer<br />
(but less steep) route to the top<br />
on the left hand side, but we’ve<br />
gone for the steeper and<br />
shorter route taking you up<br />
the right hand side of the<br />
Big End, as Pendle<br />
Hill is known in<br />
these parts.
66<br />
The bad news is it’s very steep indeed, but on the plus side,<br />
the climb is made easier by the fact that the many steps<br />
are robustly built and help a safer ascent. It’s certainly a<br />
challenge, but when you stop, turn and look at the views<br />
behind you, you’ll want to take a photo break or three!<br />
Once the sharp gradient subsides, you’ll be faced with a<br />
drystone wall. Turn left just before you get to the wall and,<br />
shortly afterwards, you take the left fork of a path away<br />
from the wall towards the trig point uphill in the distance.<br />
When you’ve posed for the obligatory selfie at the trig<br />
point, carry on walking in the same direction for 1/3 of<br />
a mile. You’ll reach the signpost indicating a dog-leg<br />
left turn to Barley (down the curvier route mentioned<br />
previously). Ignore this and go straight on. The path’s<br />
gradient gets steeper, but never overbearingly so as you<br />
descend for a further ½ a mile, enjoying great views of the<br />
Ogden reservoirs on the way down.<br />
Barle<br />
You arrive at some wooden gates. Take a 90-degree left<br />
turn and then, almost immediately, take the right fork and<br />
follow that path downhill until you reach a small wooden<br />
gate. Go through the gate and follow the path downhill<br />
along the left-hand perimeter of the field. Carry on in the<br />
same direction down a track that joins up with a second<br />
track.<br />
At this point the path becomes less well-defined, but<br />
head straight on in the same direction, initially towards<br />
the field to the left-hand edge of the wooded area and<br />
then carrying on in that direction up Barley Hill and<br />
through a succession of fields for 1/3 of a mile.<br />
Once you get to the field just past the end of the Lower<br />
Ogden reservoir, look out for a wooden gate on the right<br />
hand side. Go through the gate and straight downhill,<br />
looking out for the footpath sign on the left. Follow the<br />
footpath through another gate and you’ll end up by the<br />
village hall. Turn left and then first right into the car park<br />
from where you started the walk.
67<br />
Big End<br />
Pendle<br />
Hill<br />
Beacon<br />
Pendle House<br />
Windy<br />
Harbour<br />
Farm<br />
Barley Lane<br />
Foot House<br />
Gate Farm<br />
Lower Black<br />
Moss Reservoir<br />
Upper Black<br />
Moss Reservoir<br />
<strong>St</strong>ang Top<br />
Moor<br />
y Moor<br />
Aitken<br />
Wood<br />
PENDLE<br />
SCULPTURE<br />
TRAIL<br />
Pendle Way<br />
Barley<br />
Under Pendle<br />
Cottage<br />
Barley Hill<br />
P<br />
Barley<br />
Green<br />
Buttock<br />
Lower Ogden Reservoir<br />
Upper Ogden<br />
Reservoir<br />
Fell Wood<br />
Cross Lane<br />
For those with the OS Maps<br />
app on your desktop, mobile<br />
or tablet, this walk is named:<br />
JT-Pendle-Hill<br />
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the<br />
walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to<br />
loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.<br />
Elevation<br />
400m<br />
Lowest 215m<br />
Highest 556m<br />
200m<br />
Total ascent 346m<br />
0.0km 2.0km 4.0km 6.3km
68<br />
Pendle Sculpture<br />
Trail<br />
The other main attraction in the Barley area, on the opposite slopes to Pendle<br />
Hill, is the Pendle Sculpture Trail. Contained within Aitken Wood, this family<br />
tourist attraction brings together art, nature, and the history of the Pendle area.<br />
There are fifteen unique and intriguing sculptures located on the wooded trail<br />
along with ten plaques symbolising the ten witches of Pendle. The sculpture<br />
trail was inspired by Pendle’s infamous association with witchcraft, culminating<br />
in the trial of the Pendle Witches at Lancaster Castle in August 1612.<br />
Nineteen prisoners stood trial – nine from Pendle, eight from Samlesbury,<br />
one from Padiham and one from <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>. The prisoners were not allowed<br />
to have defence counsel to plead for them, nor could they call any witnesses<br />
to speak on their behalf.<br />
All nine defendants from the Pendle area, along with Isobel Robey from <strong>St</strong><br />
<strong>Helens</strong>, were sentenced to death and were subsequently hanged on the<br />
moors above the town.<br />
Isobel Robey from Windle was charged with ‘felonious exercising and using<br />
devilish and wicked arts’ at the Pendle Witch Trials. This charge was brought<br />
after accusations from her goddaughter’s husband, Peter Chaddock, which<br />
were backed up by various accounts from Isobel’s neighbours, Margaret Parr,<br />
Jane Wilkinson and Margaret Lyon. Isobel strongly disapproved of her god<br />
daughter’s choice of husband and wasn’t shy in sharing those views with the<br />
family, a trait for outspokenness which led to her tragic and brutal execution.<br />
The Pendle Sculpture Trail is located in Aitken Wood, near the Black Moss<br />
Reservoirs. The nearest parking is about a mile away in the main car park in<br />
Barley – it’s a fairly easy walk to the wood, but the start of the trial is a short,<br />
fairly steep climb.<br />
For more information about the Pendle Sculpture<br />
Trail in Barley, you can visit www.visitpendle.com<br />
and download a trail map.
69<br />
Christmas<br />
Mincemeat Slice<br />
This delicious festive slice<br />
can be served warm as a<br />
pud with custard, thick<br />
cream or brandy butter or<br />
simply cool completely and<br />
serve instead of mince pies.<br />
Makes 12-14 slices<br />
Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes,<br />
plus chilling and cooling<br />
Ingredients<br />
225g plain flour<br />
165g unsalted butter, chilled and diced<br />
1 egg yolk blended with 1 tbsp cold<br />
water<br />
75g caster sugar<br />
300g good quality mincemeat<br />
50g ground almonds<br />
2 tbsp flaked almonds<br />
Method<br />
1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips<br />
until the mixture resembles very fine breadcrumbs (alternatively pulse in<br />
a food processor until fine breadcrumbs).<br />
2. Remove 100g of the breadcrumb mixture and cover and chill in the fridge.<br />
<strong>St</strong>ir 25g of the sugar into the remaining mixture, then stir in the egg and<br />
water and mix to a firm dough (adding a little more water if needed).<br />
Knead lightly then wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.<br />
3. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Roll out the dough on<br />
a lightly floured surface and use to line a 23cm square tart tin. Prick the<br />
pastry all over with a fork. Line the pastry case with baking paper and<br />
baking beans and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the lining paper and<br />
beans and bake for a further 5-7 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale<br />
golden. Cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas<br />
mark 4.<br />
4. Spread the mincemeat in the pastry case. Mix the rest of the sugar and the<br />
ground almonds into the reserved pastry crumb mixture and scatter over<br />
the mincemeat to cover completely.<br />
5. Return the tin to the oven and bake for a further 25-30 minutes or until the<br />
crumble topping is pale golden. Scatter over the flaked almonds and leave<br />
to cool before removing from the tin and cutting into 12-14 thin slices.<br />
TIP: Add some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or walnuts to the crumble topping for an extra nutty flavour.
70<br />
Winter<br />
Hanging Baskets<br />
Hanging baskets are a great way to create a miniature<br />
gardening space with your choice of colours. Once<br />
established they make even the gloomiest back yard<br />
look more cheerful, or the prettiest patio look even more<br />
gorgeous.<br />
Plenty of plants make for a colourful basket and your local<br />
garden centre or nursery should have a good selection,<br />
including winter-flowering pansies (I am fond of the<br />
purple and yellow varieties) and heathers, Gaultheria<br />
with its waxy red berries, dianthus for late autumn into<br />
early winter and assorted miniature shrubs, including<br />
variegated Pieris, Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ and<br />
variegated euonymus, to help give structure and colour.<br />
The shrubs will look great in a container for a year or two,<br />
before being planted in the garden.<br />
A thicker, almost felt-like liner provides insulation in cold<br />
weather as well as keeping the compost and plants in<br />
place. I suggest a 35cm (14”) diameter basket as it can<br />
take more plants and, because it is larger, resists cold<br />
better. You’ll also need compost.<br />
<strong>St</strong>and the basket in a large flowerpot before you start to<br />
prevent it rolling about. Once the liner is in place, remove<br />
the chain at one anchor point to stop it getting in the way.<br />
The liner will protrude above the basket edge at this stage<br />
but this helps to keep the compost in place. Use good<br />
quality multi-purpose compost, firming it gently, and fill<br />
the basket about half full.<br />
Mesh baskets allow for easy side planting. Cut holes in the<br />
liner then insert small plants such as pansies at regular<br />
intervals around the sides of the basket, inserting them<br />
from the outside inwards to reduce damage. Nestle the<br />
roots into the compost and make sure that the liner is<br />
back in position after the last plant is in place.<br />
Add more compost to cover the roots of the side plantings<br />
and firm again gently. Next get the central plant in place<br />
and add three more upright plants such as miniature<br />
shrubs, equally spaced around the edges.<br />
For extra colour, add more winter bedding plants around<br />
the very outermost edge of the basket. Pinch out any<br />
faded flowers and add more compost, carefully filling in<br />
any gaps before watering thoroughly.<br />
Your hanging basket will soon fill out but stand it in<br />
a sheltered spot for a week or two to allow the roots<br />
to establish before hanging it in position, watering if<br />
necessary. Regular deadheading and removal of faded<br />
flowers plus a feed with a high potash fertiliser after about<br />
a month will keep it looking great, well into the spring.<br />
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71<br />
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72<br />
The car<br />
industry’s most<br />
eco-friendly<br />
advancements<br />
Climate change is a hot topic in the car industry and<br />
manufacturers are racing to bring electric cars and plugin<br />
hybrids to market to reduce tailpipe emissions.<br />
But it’s not just the powertrain that’s been the focus. Many<br />
manufacturers have been working to make the whole<br />
car-building process more eco-friendly, whether it’s the<br />
materials used inside or the production process itself.<br />
Here, we take a look at some of the ways cars are getting<br />
greener.<br />
Mini <strong>St</strong>rip<br />
The Mini <strong>St</strong>rip is a one-off concept car built in collaboration<br />
with fashion designer Paul Smith. Based on the firm’s<br />
Electric Hatch, it prioritises sustainability above all else.<br />
Features include a body that has not been painted, except<br />
for a film to protect it from corrosion, recycled Perspex for<br />
the panoramic roof, all but the necessary interior trim<br />
removed, and cork used throughout.<br />
Though the Mini <strong>St</strong>rip will remain as a concept, the British<br />
firm says it can be used as a “catalyst for more sustainable<br />
use of resources in automotive design”.<br />
Synthetic fuel<br />
Although electric vehicles are considered the future, there<br />
are some alternatives being worked on. One example<br />
is hydrogen cars, but a less talked-about alternative is<br />
synthetic fuel.<br />
Also known as e-Fuels, they are essentially no different<br />
from the petrol and diesel that comes from crude oil,<br />
but they are instead produced from carbon dioxide and<br />
hydrogen using renewable energy.<br />
Porsche and Siemens are two big companies working<br />
together on this technology. Although they admit that<br />
currently it is more efficient to use that renewable energy<br />
to charge an electric vehicle, e-Fuels are a sustainable way<br />
to fuel the millions of petrol and diesel vehicles currently<br />
on the world’s roads.<br />
Volvo’s wool interiors<br />
Volvo has been one of the manufacturers most<br />
committed to electrifying its line-up, but it’s also focused<br />
on sustainability elsewhere. We’ve become used to seeing<br />
synthetic or ‘vegan’ leather alternatives from a variety of<br />
manufacturers, but Volvo offers a unique<br />
wool upholstery.<br />
It’s a blend that’s 30 per cent wool and 70<br />
per cent recycled polyester, available as a no<br />
cost extra on some of the firm’s vehicles.<br />
Seaqual Yarn<br />
Volvo isn’t the only manufacturer<br />
experimenting with interesting eco<br />
materials. Last year, Fiat became the first<br />
manufacturer to use Seaqual yarn for its seat<br />
upholstery, with the Cupra Born’s bucket<br />
seats also using the material.<br />
Seaqual is an initiative based in Italy that
73<br />
focuses on fighting plastic pollution in the ocean. Its ‘Yarn’<br />
product is made from 100 per cent recycled materials, with<br />
about 10 per cent coming from upcycled marine litter.<br />
Eco-friendly production<br />
Pretty much every major car manufacturer has<br />
announced plans to electrify its range and set targets for<br />
carbon-neutral production at its factories. This is being<br />
achieved in various ways, such as powering factories with<br />
renewable energy.<br />
Toyota builds more cars than anyone else globally, so<br />
improvements can have a major impact at its factories.<br />
Measures include using water-based paints on cars,<br />
removing pollutants before they are released through<br />
smokestacks, cleaning wastewater on-site before it is<br />
released, and growing forests inside its factory sites.<br />
Last year, the Japanese company announced plans to<br />
build a “prototype city of the future” at the base of Mount<br />
Fuji. It will be fully connected and powered by hydrogen<br />
fuel cells.<br />
Bentley of the future<br />
Bentley is a luxury car firm, and it has made it its mission<br />
to make sure the cars it builds in the future are more<br />
sustainable. In 2019 it revealed the EXP 100 GT concept<br />
car, an autonomous electric vehicle.<br />
Everything about its construction had sustainability in<br />
mind. For example, some of the furnishings used a dyeing<br />
process that strives to achieve zero discharge of chemicals<br />
into the environment, while others come from a material<br />
called Vegea, which uses the by-products of winemaking.<br />
It also uses wood from naturally felled trees.
74<br />
Home Services<br />
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75<br />
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76<br />
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2a Gathurst Lane, Shevington WN6 8HA<br />
Email: info@orrellheating.co.uk<br />
www.orrellheating.co.uk<br />
Leaflet<br />
Distribution<br />
Service<br />
Your leaflets delivered alongside<br />
this magazine to up to 39,000<br />
local homes<br />
Flexible service for all<br />
businesses, large and small<br />
Prices from £27.50 per<br />
thousand (minimum 4,000 leaflets)<br />
GPS<br />
Tracked<br />
Distribution<br />
DESIGN<br />
& PRINT<br />
services<br />
also available<br />
Call or email us for a Leaflet Coverage List<br />
then simply chose the postcode areas you<br />
want to target<br />
Call us on 01744 649722<br />
Email chrisp@locallife247.co.uk<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong>
Haydock<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>orators<br />
• High Quality <strong>Dec</strong>orating<br />
• Neat & Tidy Workmanship<br />
Over 20 years<br />
experience<br />
For a free quote & friendly advice<br />
contact Paul on<br />
07596 956 030<br />
Haydock <strong>Dec</strong>orators<br />
A.J.Davies<br />
Est.1991<br />
Painter<br />
& <strong>Dec</strong>orator<br />
Paper Hanging a Speciality<br />
Friendly & Very Reliable Service<br />
Both Domestic & Commercial<br />
Trading for over 30 years<br />
Call Adam on<br />
01744 755 005<br />
e-mail ajdaviesdecorator@hotmail.co.uk<br />
Garswood<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>orating<br />
Services<br />
3 Internal & External<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>orating<br />
3 30 years experience<br />
3 No job too small<br />
Call Shaun for a free quote<br />
07542 405031<br />
07545 956712<br />
9 Hamilton Road<br />
Garswood<br />
77<br />
shaun@garswooddecoratingservices.co.uk<br />
across<br />
1. Shade of blue tinged with green (4)<br />
4. Japanese movie monster (8)<br />
8. George Lucas film of 1977 (4,4)<br />
9. Vegetable known as lady’s fingers (4)<br />
10. Spencer ___, actor who appeared in many films<br />
with Katharine Hepburn (5)<br />
11. Highly-prized edible subterranean fungus (7)<br />
13. Person who is tricked or swindled (6)<br />
down<br />
2. Arab country which achieved<br />
independence from the UK in 1971 (5)<br />
3. Fruit resembling a small peach (7)<br />
4. Largest and most southerly island in the<br />
Marianas (4)<br />
5. One who runs away from service in the<br />
armed forces (8)<br />
6. In snooker, to pocket the cue ball after<br />
hitting another (2-3)<br />
7. Siren of German legend (7)<br />
12. The food of the gods (8)<br />
14. Popular chilled beverage (4,3)<br />
16. Goat-like antelope (7)<br />
18. Throbs dully (5)<br />
20. Watery discharge from the eyes or nose (5)<br />
21. Support for sails (4)<br />
15. Greek mathematician (the ‘Father of Geometry’)<br />
who wrote The Elements (6)<br />
17. Port city in northern France (2,5)<br />
19. Military chaplain (5)<br />
22. Corrode, as with acid (4)<br />
23. Flavoured with herbs and spices (8)<br />
24. Rotating part of an engine (8)<br />
25. Oil reservoir in an engine (4)<br />
Solutions Across: 1. Aqua, 4. Godzilla, 8. <strong>St</strong>ar Wars, 9. Okra, 10. Tracy, 11. Truffle, 13. Victim, 15. Euclid, 17. Le Havre, 19. Padre, 22. Etch,<br />
23. Seasoned, 24. Camshaft, 25. Sump. DOWN: 2. Qatar, 3. Apricot, 4. Guam, 5. Deserter, 6. In-off, 7. Lorelei, 12. Ambrosia, 14. Iced tea,<br />
16. Chamois, 18 .Aches, 20. Rheum, 21. Mast.
78<br />
Call Paul<br />
Locksmiths<br />
Established 2000<br />
A Registered Insured NCFE Certified Company<br />
Call Paul for a Fast, Reliable, Professional Service<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 />
TELEPHONE<br />
01744 526589<br />
MOBILE<br />
07932 718362<br />
WWW.CALLPAULLOCKSMITH.CO.UK<br />
Having a Clear Out?<br />
Whatever you’re clearing – call us today!<br />
• House & garden<br />
• Garage or Shed<br />
Fast, RELIABLE and<br />
PROFESSIONAL service<br />
northwestwaste<br />
• Office, Warehouse or Shop<br />
• Probate<br />
Our services are;<br />
4 Cheaper than a skip<br />
4 Fully licenced by the<br />
Environmental Agency<br />
4 Completed by smart and<br />
friendly staff<br />
The Meadows, Ruskin Drive, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 6RP<br />
01744 758 349 / 07557 764 940<br />
Email: transport@northwestwaste.co.uk<br />
www.northwestwaste.co.uk<br />
Man<br />
& a Van<br />
available for<br />
removals
KEYS LOCKS SAFES<br />
• Repairs & Upgrades on<br />
all locks, including UPVC<br />
• Safes supplied & installed<br />
• Key cutting service<br />
• Emergency call outs<br />
welcomed<br />
• All work guaranteed<br />
Call your local lock expert<br />
for a free quote<br />
All Electrical Installations,<br />
Maintenance & Repairs<br />
From full re-wires to<br />
outside lighting to socket<br />
replacements<br />
No job too small<br />
24/7 emergency call-out<br />
with no call-out charges<br />
Over 30 years’ experience<br />
Call <strong>St</strong>eve on<br />
07874 352501 or 01744 368055<br />
www.billingeelctrical.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 />
79<br />
For a free quote<br />
& advice call Jeff<br />
01695 622 191<br />
07850 622 191<br />
Established 1970<br />
Call us now on<br />
01744 732 256<br />
Visit our showroom:<br />
2, Lingholme Road, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA10 2NS<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 />
www.garagedoorandlock.co.uk<br />
Quality Tiler<br />
required for<br />
these pages<br />
Call 01744 649722<br />
<strong>Local</strong><strong>Life</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>rawberry Cottage,<br />
Pimbo Road, Kings Moss<br />
WN8 9QL<br />
www.locallife247.co.uk<br />
All electrical work undertaken from<br />
full re-wires to alarms/CCTV.<br />
No job too small.<br />
No call out charge – guaranteed.<br />
30 years experience.<br />
Call <strong>St</strong>eve on<br />
07809 427 508<br />
www.hjselectricalservices.co.uk<br />
We repair:<br />
4 Phones & Tablets<br />
4 Laptops & PC’s<br />
4 Gaming Consoles<br />
4 Apple Watches<br />
We also build<br />
gaming PC’s to all<br />
specifications.<br />
If we<br />
can’t fix it,<br />
no one<br />
can!<br />
QUALITY service<br />
FREE estimates<br />
FAST turnaround<br />
Call the Tech Guys on 01744 410554<br />
or email info@techguys360.co.uk<br />
www.techguys360.co.uk<br />
1st Floor, Rainford Parish Council Offices,<br />
Church Rd, Rainford, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Helens</strong> WA11 8HB<br />
Est.1975<br />
Rainford<br />
Electrical<br />
Electrical Installations & Repairs<br />
All aspects of domestic work<br />
undertaken<br />
Lights, Sockets, Fuseboards etc<br />
Electric Oven & Shower Repairs<br />
P.A.T. Testing & Inspection<br />
Small jobs a speciality<br />
Call Alan Leigh on<br />
01744 883883<br />
or 07884 496434<br />
COMPUTER<br />
PROBLEMS?<br />
• No Call Out Charges<br />
• <strong>Local</strong> Company<br />
• PC Experts<br />
www.bodtree.co.uk<br />
Broadband broken, computer slow<br />
printer packed up, virus/spyware or<br />
your keyboards gone kaput<br />
Bodtree Systems fix all types of PC problems<br />
in the comfort of your own home<br />
Call Catherine Now<br />
07540 222787<br />
Tel: 01744 778381 - 01942 418763
80<br />
Misty<br />
Windows?<br />
Don’t pay to replace the<br />
frame<br />
– we’ll replace the panes<br />
instead!<br />
10 year guarantee<br />
on all sealed units<br />
We also replace;<br />
4 Door locks & door lock<br />
mechanisms<br />
4 Window locks, hinges<br />
and handles<br />
For Fast Efficient Service Call;<br />
01744 810 000<br />
www.northwestwindowrepairsltd.co.uk<br />
Damp<br />
Control<br />
We use state of the art<br />
diagnostic equipment to<br />
provide a comprehensive<br />
assessment of your damp<br />
issues.<br />
Free quote and<br />
advice provided<br />
for any remedial<br />
works needed.<br />
For a reliable, friendly<br />
service call Matthew on<br />
07840 096 233<br />
Matthew<br />
Rigby<br />
Property Services<br />
Damp Control Specialists<br />
JJ Driveways<br />
Imprinted Concrete<br />
Specialists<br />
Huge range of colours<br />
& patterns<br />
• Resin Driveways<br />
• Block Paving<br />
• Indian <strong>St</strong>one<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 />
WILSON<br />
BROS<br />
• •<br />
Est. 1985<br />
Roofing & Roofline<br />
Specialists<br />
• All aspects of<br />
maintenance & repair<br />
• Fascia & soffit<br />
installation<br />
• Guttering and felting<br />
services<br />
Call us now for<br />
a free estimate<br />
01695 633173<br />
Colin: 07958 302 166<br />
Brian: 07760 160 988<br />
www.wilson-bros.co.uk<br />
Our Focus Is<br />
Quality & Price<br />
From a Loose Slate to a<br />
Complete Construction<br />
LOCAL<br />
FAMILY<br />
FIRM<br />
All aspects<br />
of Building<br />
& Roofing<br />
UPVC Rooflines<br />
Extensions &<br />
Alterations Specialists<br />
References Available<br />
Call us on... 01744 600074<br />
Mobile: 07867 592460<br />
13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA<br />
Convert your bath to a<br />
Walk-In Shower<br />
AJC<br />
WALK IN SHOWERS<br />
Typical price<br />
£2200<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: Bulldog Tools Ind. Est.<br />
Darlington <strong>St</strong>reet East, Wigan WN1 3BT<br />
Microshop address: Hardshaw Centre,<br />
Church <strong>St</strong>reet, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Helens</strong> WA10 1EB<br />
We also fit full bathrooms!
for<br />
as<br />
81<br />
• Timber cladding<br />
• Bespoke furniture<br />
• All aspects of joinery<br />
• Fabrication / steel work<br />
Contact:<br />
07800 580532<br />
01744 747787<br />
www.funkytimber.co.uk<br />
Unit 17b, Wharton <strong>St</strong>reet,<br />
<strong>St</strong> <strong>Helens</strong>, WA9 5AA<br />
Design & Print<br />
Flyers, postcards, brochures<br />
Quality carpets & flooring, expertly fitted at competitive prices<br />
and distribution service.<br />
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)<br />
Carpets and Rugs<br />
Laminate Flooring<br />
Hard Wood Flooring<br />
www.bespoke-floors.co.uk | bespoke@wjdflooring.co.uk<br />
No.2 The Old Smithy, Church Road,<br />
Rainford WA11 8HD<br />
01744 88 55 14<br />
Bespoke Fl oring is the trading name of WJD Retail<br />
& Online Solutions Ltd – Company Number 1248484<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 />
rated by<br />
oF<strong>St</strong>ED<br />
oUt<strong>St</strong>ANDINg<br />
We cater for<br />
CHILDrEN<br />
3 months<br />
- 4 years<br />
NEWLY<br />
rEFUrBISHED<br />
in 2019<br />
Ca l Sarah on 01744 886166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net<br />
www.cranknursery.co.uk<br />
For more information<br />
Call 01744 649722<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 />
Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements!<br />
Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters<br />
We specialise in seamless<br />
aluminium gutters.<br />
Clean, stylish and guaranteed<br />
for 25 years!<br />
Call: 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183<br />
www.orrellroofline.co.uk<br />
Your Property Maintenance Experts<br />
• Handyman Services<br />
• Pest control<br />
• Waste removal<br />
For a free quote with no obligation,<br />
call 01942 741 124<br />
or 07450 614 219<br />
www.twolions11ltd.co.uk<br />
£10 discount when you mention<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Life</strong><br />
PLC<br />
MAINTENANCE<br />
MultiSkilled<br />
Handyman<br />
• Roofing & Roofline -<br />
repairs and replacement<br />
• <strong>Dec</strong>orating • Building<br />
• Gates supplied & fitted<br />
• Plastering • Gardening<br />
For all your home improvements<br />
No job too small<br />
07847 394040<br />
01744 606938<br />
ALPINE LTD<br />
Roofing & Building Services<br />
OAP<br />
DISCOUNTS<br />
SERVING<br />
CHORLEY, WEST<br />
LANCASHIRE &<br />
WIGAN<br />
Your local roofing company from repairs<br />
to re-roofs, fascia’s, soffits & gutters.<br />
• Flat roof specialists<br />
• Damp proof specialists<br />
• Quality workmanship<br />
• Affordable pricing<br />
• Quick response to all repairs<br />
FULLY INSURED<br />
Tel: 01744 776880<br />
Mob: 07730 351523<br />
www.alpineroofingandbuildingltd.co.uk
Cover photo © Ian Bonne l Photograpthy<br />
82<br />
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WIGAN NORTH<br />
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Public<br />
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83<br />
Come and visit the largest<br />
showroom in the North West<br />
Quality installations of windows,<br />
doors, fascias, soffits and gutters<br />
First for quality<br />
First for service<br />
First for reliability<br />
No contractors<br />
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Just a smile and a honest price from a family run business<br />
Transform<br />
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conservatory<br />
into a home<br />
office<br />
NEW Generation<br />
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now available<br />
SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS<br />
Established since 1999<br />
Call us for a Free Quote<br />
Office Number: 01942 871 777<br />
Victoria Industrial Estate, Victoria <strong>St</strong>reet, Leigh, WN7 5SE<br />
warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk • info@warmlightwindowsltd.co.uk<br />
Representative example: Total cash price £1164, deposit £0, amount borrowed £1164 over 12 months. 12 monthly repayments of £97. Interest<br />
rate 0%. Total repayable £1164. Credit is subject to the lenders T&C. Warmlight Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd is authorised and<br />
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 7700524. We are a credit broker, not a lender and have a facility with one lender.
Tomorrow’s Home Improvements Today!<br />
Quality ~ Choice ~ Value<br />
Windows<br />
Bi-Fold Doors<br />
Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs<br />
expertly fitted by accredited installers<br />
©<br />
Orangeries<br />
Don’t just lock it,<br />
Rock it!<br />
Conservatories<br />
Manufacturers and installers since 2004<br />
Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote<br />
Visit our showroom/factory at; Crows Nest, Ashton Road, Billinge, WN5 7XX (near Windy Arbour crossroads)<br />
www.orrellwindows.co.uk<br />
28544