Local Life - St Helens - Nov/Dec 2021

LocalLife 

St Helens Edition 

WIN a Lancashire 

Day hamper! 

Pages 60-61 

1 

Nov/Dec 2021 

Christmas 

Markets 

Pages 19-22 

Panto Special 

Pages 44-45 

Street Pastors to Return 

Page 56-57 

Jack’s Tracks visits Pendle Hill 

Pages 65-68 

LOCAL NEWS | EVENTS2GO | FOOD | HEALTH | WALks | competitions | home & garden SERVICES

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Order your Christmas flowers, pots, 

wreaths and table arrangements. 

Freshly made for you at our 

Rainford shop. 

You’ll notice a definite Lancashire bias in Local 

Life this month. To celebrate Lancashire Day on 

November 27th, we’ve included a Jack’s Tracks 

from Pendle Hill, a feature on the nearby sculpture trail - 

which marks a link with an infamous ex-Windle resident 

- and we are also giving a lucky reader the chance to win 

a hamper stuffed with Lancashire produce. 

Forty-seven years after St Helens was dragged out of the 

county, many of us still doff our flat caps to Lancashire. 

In my view, we have the best of many worlds; the 

metropolises of Liverpool and Manchester are wonderful 

places to visit and easily reachable too, but a quick trip 

up the M6 brings Lancashire in all its glory. 

I saw a Yorkshire tourist board poster recently, that had 

been cheekily doctored by their Lancashire counterparts. 

With a scenic countryside view as a backdrop, the text 

read: Lancashire. It’s like Yorkshire, only nicer. 

Happy Lancashire Day! 

Chris Pearce, Publisher 

chrisp@locallife247.co.uk 

Telephone orders welcome 

Same Day delivery when possible 

Keep in touch with the 

LocalLife Team! 


Telephone: 01744 649722 

info@locallife247.co.uk 

locallifemagazine247@locallifemedia 

National & 

International 

01744 885 363 

29 Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HE 

Open: Monday - Saturdays, 8.30am - 5.30pm 

www.wendysflowers.co.uk 

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

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

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

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

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

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This month’s highlights 

19. Six of the Best Christmas Markets 

Contents 

44. Panto - it’s Back! 

48. Rug for Every Room 

28. Education 

Schools and the pandemic. 

32. Parenting 

Tutoring - what to consider. 

36. Health 

Six tips for a healthy winter. 

69. Food 

Christmas Mincemeat Slice recipe. 

70. Gardening 

Winter Hanging Baskets. 

72. Motoring 

Eco-friendly advancements. 

74. Home & Garden Services 

Find the best local traders for you. 

65. Jack’s Tracks to Pendle Hill 

77. Crossword 

Try this brainteaser for size! 

50. Turkey Burgers 

60. Hamper Comp 

Want to 

promote your 

business in 

LocalLife? 

Next Issue - Jan/Feb 2022 

Advertising deadline - 8th December 

Published - 20th January 

01744 649722 

www.locallife247.co.uk

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Brass is Back 

When St Helens Sinfonietta last welcomed Cobalt Brass 

in January 2020, the audience went away impressed with 

this quintet of young, Manchester-based musicians who 

played a varied range of music for everyone. 

The group returns to the United Reformed Church in 

Ormskirk Street next month and they will again be 

performing an eclectic programme of pieces, with a few 

seasonal favourites thrown in for good measure. 

The concert takes place on Saturday 5th December. The 

doors open at 5.20pm, and the concert starts at 6pm. To 

book tickets visit www.sthelenssinfonietta.co.uk. 

Star Film 

Rainford Community Cinema are showing the heartwarming 

animated 2017 film ‘The Star’ next month. 

Voiced by some impressive Hollywood glitterati including 

Mariah Carey, Oprah Winfrey, and Kelly Clarkson, The Star 

tells the story of a time when a small but brave donkey 

and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the 

first Christmas. 

‘The Star’ is showing at Rainford Village Hall on Church 

Road in Rainford on Sunday 12th December at 3.30pm, 

and the doors will open at 2.30pm. 

Tickets are £5 and will include a drink and a snack. Email 

office@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or phone 01744 

884709 to book your tickets. 

Business Fair Returns 

St Helens Chamber Business Fair returns on Wednesday 

17th November at the Totally Wicked Stadium, home of 

the Saints. With a wide range of businesses exhibiting, 

the event is sure to attract a multitude of visitors. 

Whether you’re an existing business looking to develop, 

a business in the early stages, or are thinking of starting 

your own business – you will find something of interest at 

this networking show. 

The event runs from 10.30am-3.30pm and entry is free. 

You can register for a free ticket here; https://www. 

sthelenschamber.com/business/st-helens-business-fair/ 

For more information on exhibiting at the St Helens 

Chamber Business Fair, contact the Events Team on 

01744 742028 or email events@sthelenschamber.com. 

the auction centre 

The leading Auctioneers and Valuers 

• Modern saleroom at Manor Park, Runcorn 

• RICS and NAVA registered auctioneers and specialist consultants 

• Probate and Insurance valuation reports undertaken 

• Full house clearance service available 

• Regional valuations centres around the north-west 

St Helens Valuation Days 

4th Wednesday of Every Month 

St Thomas Church, Peter Street, WA10 2EB 

9.30 – 12 noon 

Check website for Details 

Call 01744 881 477 for more information 

Wigan Valuation Days 

2nd Tuesday Of Every Month 

Purposed Life Church, Greenhough Street, WN1 3SU 

12 noon – 2.30pm 

Check website for Details 

Call 01942 299 057 for more information 

9 Berkeley Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1TQ 

Telephone: 01928 579796 Email: enquiries@theauctioncentre.co.uk 

www.theauctioncentre.co.uk

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Dolittle Musical 

Rainhill’s Musical Theatre Youth Section are staging 

their latest production from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th 

November at Rainhill Village Hall. 

Dr Dolittle – The Musical tells the classic tale of a kind 

but wacky doctor who can talk to animals, taking the 

audience on a journey from the small English village of 

Puddleby-on-the-Marsh to the far corners of the world. 

When Doctor Dolittle attempts to help a seal named 

Sophie, he’s wrongly accused of murder and stands trial 

before General Bellowes. 

Once pronounced innocent, Dolittle is free to continue 

with his search for the Great Pink Sea Snail — the oldest 

and wisest of the creatures on earth. 

Tickets are £10 for adults and £7 for children. To book 

tickets for the shows, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ 

rainhillmtc or call 07399 031655. 

Winter Ball 

The Totally Wicked Stadium will host a winter ball on 

Saturday, November 20, to raise much needed funds 

for the South Lancashire branch of the Motor Neurone 

Disease Association. 

A Healthy 

Dog is a 

Happy Dog! 

Our one-to-one hydrotherapy 

sessions can help dogs with; 

• Arthritis & Other Degenerative Conditions 

• Pre/Post Operative Recovery 

• Weight Management 

• Fun & Wellbeing 

Pool Now Open! 

Call for details 

07724 019 103 

www.northwestcaninehydro.co.uk 

debbie@northwestcaninehydro.co.uk 

Inglenook Farm | Moss Nook Lane | Rainford | WA11 8AE 

The event will run from 7pm till late and promises to be a 

night filled with glitz and glamour; you can look forward 

to a 3-course meal, live entertainment, a charity auction, 

lots of fundraising fun and even more laughs from 

compere and comedian, Pete Emmett. 

Tickets cost £50 per person or £450 for a table of 10. 

To book your tickets for this event please email Cris at 

mndfundraisingsouthlancs@gmail.com or call 07590 

266849. 

Willowbrook Fundraiser 

St Mary’s Club in Billinge are hosting their annual 

fundraiser for the Willowbrook Hospice on Saturday, 

November 20. The evening will kick off with live music, a 

disco, hot supper followed by entertainment from James 

Norton, the sensational Neil Diamond tribute. 

Tickets are £10 per person and are available to buy from 

the club on Trent Road. For more information, please 

contact the club on 01774 892836 or go online at www. 

stmarysclub-billinge.co.uk

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Christmas Market 

The Billinge Christmas Market will take place at The 

Masons Arms on Carr Mill Road on Sunday 5th December 

between the hours of 12pm and 4pm, and there’s a whole 

lot planned for this event! 

You’ll be able to buy local produce and Christmas 

presents there. The stallholders include numerous local 

arts and crafts designers/makers, local travel agents 

Marken Travel, Greenslate Farm, animal rescue charities 

and cosmetic stalls too. Food will be available from 

Steve’s Soul Food Kitchen and the wonderful Phoenix 

plant-based eatery. 

The market will be opened by St Helens Mayoress, Cllr 

Sue Murphy and the market will be raising money for the 

Mayor’s Charity, which supports Alder Hey and the Helen 

Marie Friends charity, MIND St Helens and Willowbrook 

Hospice. Father Christmas will also be making an 

appearance at the Market. 

If you’d like to book space at the Market or you’d like to 

donate goods to be used for a tombola to raise money for 

the charities supported by the Market, please message 

the Billinge Christmas Market group on Facebook. 

Volunteers Needed 

Willowbrook Hospice are seeking volunteers to help in 

their retail stores throughout the St Helens and Knowsley 

areas. Volunteers are needed on most days at St Mary’s 

Arcade in the town centre, at Four Acre Lane and at 

Prescot Shopping Centre, whilst their Stockbridge Village 

shop needs volunteers on Saturday and their Rainford 

shop needs help on Monday mornings. 

If you can help out then please contact their Volunteer 

Hub on 01744 453798 or apply via their website at www. 

willowbrook.org.uk. 

Calendar Orders 

Rainford Heritage Society are now taking orders for 

their new calendar. You can plan your life in 2022 whilst 

enjoying pictures of scenic landscapes in and around 

Rainford, while raising funds for the society. 

The calendars are £5 each and can be collected or 

delivered locally. To order your copy of the calendar, 

please contact Ray Waring on 01744 885547 or email 

rayw91141@gmail.com 

LEADING LOCAL SPECIALISTS 

25 HARDSHAW STREET, ST HELENS, WA10 1RP 

2 DERBY STREET, PRESCOT, L34 3LJ 

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE? 

Everyone should make a Will and we can give advice and guidance as to the 

most appropriate form of Will for you to cover your individual requirements 

and to try to minimize, where possible, the impact of Inheritance Tax. 

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ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES 

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING 

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

9 

Christmas Fayre 

Rainford’s traditional Christmas Fayre takes place in the 

village centre on Saturday 4th December. With over 

40 stalls selling a wide variety of goods, it’s the perfect 

chance to cross off a few entries on your present list. 

Special guests will open the fayre at 10am, food and 

drink will be available all day, and visitors can enjoy 

live entertainment provided by talented locals. Father 

Christmas will be putting in a shift in his Rainford grotto 

that day and he’s promised to bring a few elves too. 

There will be a raffle which contains some fabulous prizes 

donated by local businesses and you can try your luck in 

a bottle tombola. If all else fails in your quest to win a 

prize, there’s the hook-a-duck game to fall back on! 

At 4pm, when the Fayre ends, the village’s Christmas 

lights will be switched on by a special guest – the winner 

of the Christmas in Rainford poetry competition. 

This competition has been staged by Rainford Parish 

Council and it’s open to all children of primary school 

age. The winner will receive a gift and the honour of 

turning on the Christmas lights. 

All entries to the poetry competition must be received at 

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road, Rainford, WA11 8HB 

by Friday 19th November. 

In case of bad weather on the day, the Fayre will be 

switched to Rainford Village Hall. 

Festive Menu 

Available 29 th November 

- 24 th December, 

Monday - Saturday 

TWO COURSES 

£20.00 

THREE COURSES 

£25.00 

Lunch with Santa 

Available 11 th , 12 th , 18 th , 

19 th , 23 rd & 24 th December 

ADULTS & CHILDREN 

OVER TWO 

FROM £20.00 

CHILDREN UNDER TWO 

£10.00 

For every ticket purchased, you can 

receive 25% off your food bill when 

dining at The Park throughout January. 

Christmas 

Party Nights 

All throughout December 

Available for a minimum 

of 30 people at Coley’s 

Your night includes 

a DJ & bowl food 

£35.00 

PER PERSON 

BOOK ONLINE AT SHERDLEYPARKGOLFCOURSE.COM/CHRISTMAS

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Draft Plans Approved 

St Helens Borough 

Council has approved 

draft plans for the 

transformation of St 

Helens town centre and 

Earlestown. 

An initial Phase 1 

planning application 

for the town centre 

is anticipated to be 

submitted early in 

2022 and will see 

a new mixed-use 

development including a new market, a hotel, a cutting 

edge office space, a redesigned bus station and improved 

connectivity. These changes are expected to be delivered 

in the first five years of the programme. It also includes 

space for new high-quality homes for families to live and 

grow. 

The longer-term proposals for St Helens town centre, 

expected to span the next 20 years, divides the town 

centre into four zones. These zones are; the Central Retail 

Zone; the Civic and Heritage Zone; the Discovery Zone; 

and the Education and Entertainment Zone. 

In Earlestown, the vision is to bring the town centre back 

to its former glory as an historic market town by creating 

a thriving and vibrant high street and marketplace. 

Both town centres are the subject of separate draft 

Masterplan Development Frameworks, and these have 

been prepared by 


Council in partnership 

with regeneration 

experts, the English 

Cities Fund (ECF). 

Councillor David 

Baines, Leader of 


Council, said: “These 

plans will make our 

town centres child and 

family-friendly, safe 

and sustainable places thriving with local businesses, 

shoppers, visitors and residents, something we have 

committed to delivering for residents.” 

Leon Guyett, development director at The English Cities 

Fund, said: “We’re proud to receive confirmation from 

the cabinet on our draft masterplans. This signals the 

shift in focus to the delivery stage of our borough-wide 

partnership, starting with the regeneration of both St 

Helens and Earlestown town centre. 

To see the plans visit www.sthelenstowncentre.co.uk and 

www.earlestown.co.uk. 

The consultation into the draft masterplan frameworks 

includes pop-up shops in each town centre, stalls at 

various community locations and you can find a full 

schedule of events by following St Helens Borough 

Council’s @sthelenscouncil on Twitter and Facebook. 

Want a new look 

this Christmas? 

Browse through our range of fabulous festive décor 

and stylish accessories. 

We have a magical array of Christmas decorations. 

Check out our Fairly Traded range of hand-crafted 

Christmas accessories. 

The Courtyard at Inglenook Farm, 

Moss Nook Lane | Rainford | WA11 8AE 

07775 876 285 

Open 

Open Tue-Sat: 10am-4pm 

Sun:11am-3pm 

@CasaAncoraFurniture 

casaancorafurniture 

www.casa-ancora.co.uk

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Family Vogue Ball 

Here’s something a little different for your Saturday 

afternoon; a Vogue Ball presented by St Helens Borough 

Council’s Library Service, in partnership with Citadel Arts. 

Billed as part theatre show, part Vogue Ball, this is an 

event where glamour, glitz and grace come together in 

a fabulous celebration of self-expression in the new St 

Helens Library at the World of Glass. 

Whether you just want to join in the fun or have a passion 

to pose, get dressed in your finest with the rest of your 

house, come learn the moves and then you can take to 

the floor. 

A performer from each house will catwalk, dance and 

lip sync and hope to be crowned by the audience as the 

winning house. 

Tickets for the Ball, which is being staged on Saturday 

13th November starting at 2.30pm, can be purchased 

at St Helens Library or via The Citadel’s website at www. 

citadel.org.uk. 

Tickets are priced at £3 per person, and it’s £9 for a family 

ticket, which admits 4 people. 

Programme Fair 

If you’re a long-standing Saints fan with an interest in 

rugby league history, then the place to be on Saturday 

20th November is at the Totally Wicked Stadium where 

there is a Programme, Memorabilia and Collectors’ Fair 

being staged in the Red Vee Bar. 

All are welcome, entrance is free and the fair runs from 

10.30am-1.30pm. 

Chance to Dance 

The Crickettes Morris Dancers are looking for new 

members. The troupe meets every Thursday from 5pm 

at Wonderland Community Centre on Canal Street, St 

Helens. 

Dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome and the 

attendance at the first session is free, with a £2.50 weekly 

subscription charge thereafter. 

If you’re interested, call Chelle on 07596 918 294, email 

crickettesmorrisdancers@gmail.com or turn up on the 

night. 

Looking for some 

Sunshine? 

Want to travel again but don’t know where to start? 

Marken Travel makes it easy for you; 

4 We outline the entry requirements of the country/countries you want to visit 

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Large selection 

of Christmas 

Gifts Sets now 

available 

3 ways to do your Christmas 

shopping 

1. Pop in to browse 

2. Call us to reserve 

3. Shop via website 

Gift wrapping service available 

For all up to date offers check out our website 

Expressions Of Beauty 

01744 894214 / Main Street, Billinge, WN5 7PA 

www.expressionsofbeauty.co.uk

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Presents for every age, taste and budget, 

all at Ellamora in Rainford. 

1 2 3 

4 

7 

5 

6 

8 

10 

12 

11 

9

13 

17 

14 

15 

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1. Joma Jewellery bracelet in cracker £17.99 

2. Katie Loxton chunky grey scarf £29.99 

3. Leffy Elf £23.00 & Leffy’s Xmas book £10.00 

4. L’Occitane Hand Cream Trio £21.00 

5. Powder Mens Socks (3 prs) £29.95 

6. Marmalade Of London reed diffuser £22 

7. L’Occitane Verbena gift set £35 

8. Katie Loxton Chunky Scarf £29.99 & Hat £17.99 

9. Powder ladies socks £8.50 

10. Katie Loxton reed diffuser/candle set £19.99 

11. Sabbot fleece lined hats from £29.99 

12. Jellycat large Teddy Snowman £37.50 

13. L’Occitane Cherry Blossom gift set £35.00 

14. Jellycat Nutcracker £26 

15. L’Occitane Verbena Christmas Ornament £12 

16. Marmalade Of London Glass Candle £22 

www.ellamora.co.uk

18 

The gorgeous Love It Gallery in Billinge has an excellent range of original 

gifts to suit all budgets, made by British designer/makers. From Christmas 

cards, wrapping, advent calendars and decorations, right through to gifts sets, 

accessories, jewellery, ceramics, and soft furnishings, Love It Gallery has got 

something for everyone this Christmas. 

There’s a huge range of inspirational glass art at the 

Love It Gallery, which is also the home of Morpheus 

Glass. From seasonal decorations to clocks, bowls, 

mirrors, vases, wall panels and more, it’s a great place 

to find presents for all the family. 

Comfort and style abound in the Bag & Bean coffee 

shop, a perfect pit stop when you’re all shopped out. 

Excellent coffee, gorgeous cakes and tasty light 

lunches are served indoors and outdoors in 

a safe, warm and undercover environment. 

Love It Gallery, Winstanley Road, Billinge WN5 7XG 

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

Telephone: 01695 622 332

Six of the best 

CHRISTMAS 

mARkETS 

It’s time to wrap up warm and head off to a Christmas 

Market to experience a festive array of sights, smells and 

sounds. Nothing gets us in a seasonal mood more than a 

visit to the Christmas Markets, partaking in a glass or two of 

Glühwein or mulled wine, whilst attempting to decimate 

your present list with a bit of Christmas shopping. 

Here’s our recommendations for your annual Christmas 

Market trip – all tried and tested destinations plus a 

surprise debut to the world of Christmas Markets from 

the entertainment centre of the North West - Blackpool! 

manCHESTER 

The original and biggest Christmas market in the 

country, Manchester Christmas Markets is the place 

to go. Arriving in the city in 1999, the market has 

grown every year since, now attracting more than 

nine million visitors each year to the heart of the 

buzzing city centre. 

Its 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets 

offer a dazzling array of hand-crafted Yuletide gifts 

along with a mouth-watering range of international 

food and drinks. Follow the market trail as it winds 

through the city centre, with stall holders tempting 

you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, toys and much more. 

And don’t forget the food! Manchester’s Christmas 

Markets are known for traditional bratwurst, but 

visitors can also try Hungarian goulash, Spanish 

paella or a good old-fashioned hog roast. 

The Manchester Christmas Markets run from Friday 

12th November to Wednesday 22nd December. 

19 

OF THE 

SIX 

B E S T

20 

CHESTER 

Chester’s Christmas Market, situated outside the 

handsome Town Hall in the heart of the city centre, has 

a range of over 70 stalls selling Christmas gifts, arts and 

crafts goodies, fudge, local spirits, and stocking fillers. 

Chester’s food and drink scene really comes alive at this 

magical time of the year and the market is no exception 

with a small selection of stands selling food ranging from 

hot dogs to hog roasts. 

The Chester Christmas Market runs from Thursday 

November 18th to Wednesday December 22nd 

SKIPTON 

For a small market town in North Yorkshire, Skipton 

punches well above its weight when it comes to their 

eight day Christmas Market. 

The stalls will be packed full of hand-made gifts including 

Christmas decorations, wooden furniture for the home 

and beauty products like bath bombs and hand-made 

soap. There will also be plenty of food and drink products 

from local artisans including baked goods, Belgian 

chocolate, craft beer and chilli sauces. 

The market stalls can be found throughout the town 

centre and live entertainment helps to spread the 

Christmas cheer. At 4pm each day, the market closes and 

there is a procession up the high street to the church 

grounds where a traditional carol is sung to mark the end 

of a magical day at a Christmas market. 

The Skipton Christmas Market runs from Sunday 5th 

December to Sunday 12th December

21 

BIRMINGHAM 

Birmingham’s popular Frankfurt Christmas Market 

returns to New Street and Victoria Square to bring 

some festive cheer back to the city centre, with stalls 

selling a tempting array of food and drink, traditional 

toys, ornaments and gifts. 

In nearby Centenary Square, the big wheel and ice 

rink will return and run until 9th January, between 

10am and 10pm. To book tickets to these attractions 

visit www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk. 

Don’t miss a chance to visit Chris Moose, Birmingham’s 

singing Christmas moose, at the Christmas market 

who has become a festive attraction in his own right 

and a Twitter sensation @thechrismoose. 

The Birmingham Christmas Market runs from Thursday 

4th November to Thursday 23rd December

22 

YORK 

The hugely popular St Nicholas Fair returns to York this 

year. The charming alpine chalets will once again line 

the streets, with local businesses selling everything 

from handmade gifts to delicious treats. Soak up the 

atmosphere visiting the outlets along Parliament Street 

and in Sampson Square , many staffed by traders in 

Victorian costume 

Many of York’s restaurants, shops and attractions will be 

beautifully decorated and will provide a wonderful winter 

experience. Don’t miss out on a visit to Shambles with its 

cobbled streets for a full festive atmosphere. 

The York Christmas Market runs from Thursday 18th 

November to Thursday 23rd December. 

BLACKPOOL 

Making its debut on the Christmas Market list this year is 

Blackpool! 

The brand-new Winter Gardens Wonderland will host a 

Bavarian style Christmas Market within and outside the 

magnificent Grade II Listed Winter Gardens, linking the 

town centre to the Festival Village. 

The Festival Village will feature an Ice Rink, a Magical 

Forest, Festive Light projections and more, whilst the 

world-famous Illuminations have extended their season 

and will stay switched on right through to the New Year. 

Blackpool Christmas Market runs from Thursday 9th 

December to Monday 3rd January. 

Details on these events were correct at the time of going to press – these events are subject to 

change or cancellation, should Covid restrictions come back into effect.

23 

Festive 

Coach Trips 

for all! 

Lake District & Holker Hall Winter Market 

Sat Nov 6 ~ Adult £24 Child £10 

Harrogate & Harewood House 

at Christmas 

Sat Nov 20 ~ Adult £34 Child £20 

Birmingham Christmas Market 

& Flagship Primark store 

Sun Nov 21 ~ Adult £25 Child £15 

Ulverston Dickenson Festival 

Sun Nov 28 ~ Adult £23 Child £15 

York Christmas Market 

Thu Dec 2 ~ Adult £23 Child £15 

& Sun Dec 11 ~ Adult £25 Child £15 

Lincoln Christmas Market 

Sat Dec 4 ~ Adult £28 Child £18 

Trafford Centre & RHS 

Bridgewater ‘Glow’ 

Thu Dec 2 – Adult £26 Child £15 

Manchester Christmas Markets 

& East Lancs Railway Santa Special 

Sat Dec 4 ~ Adult £44 Child £25 

Skipton Christmas Market 

Sun Dec 5 ~ Adult £19 Child £10 

Altrincham & Festive Lunch 

Tue Dec 7 ~ Adult £34 

Buxton & Chatsworth House 

Wed Dec 8 ~ Adults £48 Child £35 

Panto Time in Southport 

Sun Dec 12 ~ Adult £34 Child £20 

Our 2022 Holiday Brochure is on the way 

Call us on 01942 728960 and we’ll post you a FREE copy out when it arrives! 

Customers already on our mailing list will get one automatically. 

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24 

Remember, Remember.. 

..the 6th of November. That’s when the Rotary Club 

of St Helens will be organising the Rainford Bonfire 

and Fireworks event after a hiatus in 2020 due to the 

uncertainty caused by the pandemic. 

Advanced tickets, priced at £5 each, are on sale now at 

Rainford News & Gifts, REDS Cafe and Wendy’s Flowers 

and, because of the anticipated demand, buying tickets 

is highly recommended by the organisers. Children 

under the age of five go free. 

As usual, the event is being held on Rainford Parish 

Church field, near the Cricket Club off Church Road in 

Rainford. 

There will be various stalls open on the night, providing 

refreshments options to suit all the family, and there will 

be several children’s fun rides in operation. 

The gates open at 4.30pm, the bonfire will be lit at 

6.30pm and the fireworks start at 7pm. 

The Rotary Club will be assisted on the night by 

Rainford Scouts, and the sponsors of the event are 

Communications Plus O2 and Palletland. 

Beautifully furnished 

Stone Cottage 

Holiday Let 

– sleeps up to 4 

Situated near Sedbergh, 

in the Yorkshire Dales, 

and also within easy 

reach of the Lake District 

Children & pets welcome 

Call 01942 216 058 

www.millthropcottage.co.uk

25 

Huge selection of fires, 

stoves & fireplaces 

100+ displays over 

five floors 

90% of our fireplaces are 

made to measure 

- no need to re-decorate 

or re-carpet! 

St Helens Media Wall centre 

Traditional, Classic & 

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26

27

28 

Schools 

and the 

Pandemic 

The pandemic has been incredibly challenging for the 

education sector. There was no blueprint for schools to 

follow, no guide telling head teachers how to provide 

remote learning. Some schools were at a digital 

disadvantage, unable to deliver lessons to pupils remotely, 

either because the school did not have the resources, or 

because pupils did not have the right devices or reliable 

internet access. 

Those schools that were able to deliver remote learning 

successfully still faced challenges. Laura Castree, a 

secondary school teacher, told us, “A huge part of teaching 

is deciphering what your pupil needs and planning 

accordingly; this became incredibly difficult when 

teaching remotely, and we had to overhaul resources, 

teaching styles and priorities practically overnight.” 

Many children fell behind with their schoolwork during 

the lockdowns. When pupils returned to school, teachers 

were then faced with classrooms of children all at different 

stages of their learning. Disadvantaged children fell even 

further behind their peers. 

Even more worrying was the effect of the pandemic on 

children’s mental health. When surveyed, most schools 

said that some of their pupils were suffering from Covidrelated 

anxiety. OFSTED found that some children had 

lost physical fitness, others showed signs of mental 

distress, and there was an increase in eating disorders 

and self-harm. 

It hasn’t just been pupils who have struggled with 

mental health. The pandemic came on the back of years 

of per-pupil spending cuts, increased class sizes and 

numerous curriculum changes, so thousands of teachers 

were already suffering from work-related stress. A 2019 

survey by the teachers’ union NASUWT found that 70% of 

teachers felt their job had adversely affected their mental 

health. By September 2020, more than half of teachers 

said that their mental health had declined further. By April

29 

2021, 43% of teachers were experiencing 

all four of the main symptoms of burnout. 

It’s hardly surprising that teachers 

struggled, considering the additional 

pressures they were under. Geoff Barton, 

General Secretary of the Association of 

School and College Leaders, commented, 

“Our teachers have had to rapidly adapt 

to changing circumstances on many 

occasions. They have: rapidly become 

experts in delivering remote learning; run 

on-site provision for the children of key 

workers and vulnerable children during 

lockdowns; managed complex Covid safety 

measures; set up testing stations to enable 

pupils to return to classrooms; and, most 

recently, taken responsibility for assessing 

students following the cancellation of public exams.” 

It may take years before we understand the long-term 

effects of the pandemic on children. However, there is a 

sense of optimism in the education sector. Both pupils 

and teachers experienced a much more normal return to 

school this year. Extra-curricular clubs have restarted and 

children have more freedom to socialise again. 

As Laura Castree explains, “It has been apparent that 

some pupils fared better than others during lockdowns, 

but it was wonderful to see them back in the classroom, 

and actually the majority returned with a new and 

positive attitude towards school and their teachers that 

endured throughout the year and made the catch-up 

process much easier.” 

Could you be one of tomorrow’s 

outstanding teachers? 

Individuals who are 

passionate about working 

with young children. 

Join us at our open evenings 

Monday 1st November 2021 4-5:30pm 

Monday 22nd November 2021 4-5:30pm 

Monday 6th December 2021 4-5:30pm 

Monday 17th January 2022 4-5:30pm 

Monday 7th February 2022 4-5:30pm 

Monday 14th March 2022 4-5:30pm 

Monday 25th April 2022 4-5:30pm 

Please email enquiries@wcpsd.uk to 

register your interest. 

Individuals who have 

the potential to be 

outstanding teachers 

Accredited 

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

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

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

and search using the following provider and course codes. 

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

30 

Have you considered the School Direct route 

to becoming a Primary or Secondary 

school teacher? 

North West Learning Partnership School Direct is an 

established School Direct Provider. Our link with North 

West Three Maths Hub means we are able to provide 

outstanding training at the forefront of developments 

in Mathematics education. Our affiliation to NWLP 

means trainee teachers receive outstanding training 

from us, our placement schools and LJMU who achieved 

Outstanding in Primary and Good in Secondary during 

their recent Ofsted inspection. 

The one year in-school training for graduates is provided 

by serving Head Teachers, Senior Leaders, specialised 

Lead Practitioners and other specialists in their field 

in close partnership with Liverpool John Moores 

University. Most of your time in training will be spent 

in your “home school” which is your main placement 

school from September 22. Training with us also means 

that you will benefit from: 

• High employment rates and support in securing 

employment. 

• Only Good to Outstanding schools are used for 

placements 

• Placement schools are across the North West 

including St Helens, Wigan, Liverpool, Bolton, Halton 

and Knowsley and some areas of Manchester. 

Placements are allocated in your local area. 

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

level with a wealth of experience or are Specialist 

Leaders in their field of expertise 

• Personal support structures in place 

We are committed to the ongoing development of 

all trainees for a further 2 years after completing the 

course. Trainees have access, free of charge, to training 

with the North West Learning Partnership. 

We offer a range of Primary and Secondary courses with 

PGCE, (including Masters credits), and QTS: 

Primary 5-11 years DF23 

Primary 3 – 7 years A450 

Primary with Mathematics SD KJ 

Primary with Physical Education B741 

Primary Salaried 3BFS 

Secondary Mathematics JL80 

Secondary Modern Languages SD 90 

Secondary Biology W082 

Secondary Chemistry A830 

Secondary Physics W322 

Secondary English Y290 

Secondary Geography V479 

Secondary History X871

31 

For further information on these courses see our website 

http://www.northwestlearningpartnership.co.uk/ 

or contact the NWLP School Direct Strategic Lead Kathy Carman 

Kathy.carman@three-saints.org.uk 

For information on available funding see 

https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/ 

Applications should be made using the provider code 13N and the course code provided above at 

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training 

Follow us on twitter @nwlp_sd

32 

1 

Tutoring 

What to Consider 

After-school tutoring can be an 

invaluable part of a child’s education. 

A tutor can offer support in areas that 

your child might struggle with, such 

as maths or English, or help your child 

to further improve in subjects that 

they already excel at. Tutoring is also 

available in subjects that your child’s 

school might not offer, e.g. Mandarin 

and philosophy. 

You can appoint a tutor at any time in your child’s 

education, but tutoring can be particularly valuable in the 

run-up to exams, such as GCSEs or the 11-plus. As well as 

helping with subject-specific knowledge, tutoring can be 

useful if your child suffers from exam-related anxiety or if 

they’re not used to sitting tests. 

The one-to-one basis of tutoring means your child can 

learn at their own speed, rather than being led by the 

wider needs of the class. It also allows extra time for 

questions or diving deeper into a subject. 

Tutors usually come to your home, although some 

operate out of an education centre. Many also offer video 

tutoring, which is helpful if you’re searching for a tutor in 

a less common subject. 

Choosing a tutor 

After-school tutoring can feel like a punishment. Few 

children want to add more studying to their weekly 

timetable. So look for a tutor who will be able to build a 

good rapport with your child. Not only is your child likely 

to learn more, they’ll also be happier and will put more 

effort into their learning. A good tutor should help to 

increase your child’s confidence in a subject and, ideally, 

boost their enjoyment for learning. 

Before committing to a tutor, you’ll want to check 

references, qualifications and ID. 

Finding the right tutor 

Ask your child’s school if they have any recommendations, 

and put the word out in your friendship circle that you’re 

looking for a tutor. 

You may also want to register with sites such as www. 

firsttutors.com, which helps to connect private tutors 

with parents. Some of these sites check the IDs and 

references of the tutors they promote, which gives you 

additional peace of mind. 

The cost of tutoring 

A tutor’s hourly rate will depend on a number of factors, 

including their experience, location and what subject your 

child needs help with. In most cases, you’ll pay between 

£20 and £40 an hour for an experienced tutor. If your child 

is at primary school, a tutoring session will generally last 

for no more than an hour. An A-level tutoring session 

might be as long as 2.5 hours. 

Safety 

Tutors don’t have to be DBS checked, but it’s wise to 

choose one who has been. A parent or guardian should 

also be present during every tutoring session.

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36 

Six Tips for a 

Healthy Winter 

The shorter, darker, colder, wetter days of winter can leave even the fittest and chirpiest of us 

feeling mentally and physically run-down. To keep you feeling better through the winter: 

1. Reduce your infection risk 

Colds and flu are rife at this time of year, and while being 

cold cannot give you a cold (only a virus can do that) it 

can stress your body and lower your immunity. Take extra 

care with hygiene and take antibacterial hand gel with 

you when you go out. Sadly, not everyone who touches 

shop door handles and uses public transport practises 

good hygiene. 

If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, or are in an atrisk 

group for whom the vaccine’s recommended, make 

sure you get it early, before flu season gets underway. 

Ignore those who claim the vaccine gives you flu; it can’t, 

as it contains no live viruses. People who get flu after 

the vaccine may have a rarer flu strain not covered by 

the vaccine or may have already had a flu virus before 

their vaccination became fully active (10-14 days after 

vaccination). 

3. Get enough daylight, fresh air and 

vitamin D supplements! 

Tempting as it might be, hibernating indoors isn’t great 

for your health. Your body uses sunlight to regulate your 

body clock and create vitamin D, an essential vitamin for 

building strong teeth, muscle and bone. However, while 

daylight helps, between October and early March in the 

UK there’s not enough of it for you to make sufficient 

vitamin D, even if you regularly spend time outdoors; 

nor can you make up the deficit by eating vitamin 

D-rich foods like oily fish (e.g. salmon, sardines, herring 

and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified 

foods like fat spreads and breakfast cereals. So while 

getting some winter sun and eating vitamin D-rich foods 

can help, the NHS recommends that everyone should 

top-up with a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement during 

the autumn and winter. 

2. Keep exercising 

Exercise can boost your immune system, release 

endorphins that make you feel better and warm you up, 

too. If you’re normally an outdoor exerciser, cold, wet 

weather might put you off. If it doesn’t, bundle up and 

stay safe by avoiding exercising when its icy and wearing 

bright, reflective clothes if you’re out in the dark. 

If the winter weather does put you off, consider indoor 

alternatives: swimming, indoor climbing, exercise classes, 

short-term passes for a local gym, a new exercise DVD or 

even some home gym equipment like an exercise bike or 

weights. 

The NHS has some great free exercise routines. Check 

out www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise and click on ‘fitness 

guides’ for a range of ten-minute workouts and exercises, 

or www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio for 

online exercise videos. The range covers yoga, Pilates, 

strength exercises, aerobic workouts and more, so there’s 

something for everyone.

37 

4. Stay warm 

Being too cold puts stress on your body. When the 

temperature drops below 8°C, some people are at 

increased risk of mental or physical illness, especially if 

they’re over 65, disabled, pregnant, have young children 

(under school age), have a mental health condition or have 

a long-term health condition. Low temperatures increase 

vulnerability to heart attacks, stroke, flu, pneumonia, 

hypothermia, falls and injuries, and can worsen mental 

health conditions like depression and dementia. 

It also increases the symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease, 

a relatively common condition that interrupts blood 

supply to the extremities, causing symptoms such as 

pain, numbness, stiffness and pins and needles. It most 

commonly affects the fingers, and you may notice them 

go white or even blue and then turn red as blood flow 

returns. 

Keep your home heated to at least 18°C and use hot 

water bottles, heat packs or electric blankets if you need 

them. Try a hot bath rather than a shower, have hot drinks 

and eat for warmth (hot cereals, soups and stews are 

good options). Pre-warm clothes on a radiator or in your 

airing cupboard, and once you’re outdoors try to breathe 

through your nose, as this warms air before it reaches 

your lungs. Wear layers, warm gloves and a hat. If you 

have Raynaud’s Disease, use hand dryers for a warmth 

top-up while you’re out, wear an extra pair of gloves and 

socks, and avoid heavy carrier bags that restrict blood 

flow to your fingers. 

5. Eat healthy comfort food 

Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Stews and 

soups are great winter foods, but watch your fat and 

salt intake and include plenty of vegetables. Homemade 

soups are easily made with a cheap, simple blender, and 

cooked fruit with low-fat custard makes a great winter 

pudding. The NHS website has some healthy, warming 

recipes for dishes like fish pie, lemon chicken and 

vegetable soup. Just visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well 

and click on recipes. 

6. Look after your mental health 

Stay active, warm and sociable: exercise, time spent 

outdoors and the company of others can all help stave 

off winter blues. However, if you think you may have fullblown 

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), see your GP for 

help. Don’t suffer in silence.

38 

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Alpine House, 28 Church Road, 

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Part of Alpine Podiatry Practice 

Prescot Chiropody Clinic 

If you know your base position from your baseline and 

you’d like to get back into badminton, then the Billinge 

Badminton Club would like to hear from you. 

The club plays badminton every Wednesday evening 

at Rainford Technology College on Higher Lane from 

7.15pm to 8.50pm. 

You must bring with you some experience of the game, 

and ideally a racket too, but don’t be nervous – the 

current members of the club possess a wide range of 

badminton abilities. 

The cost is just £2 per session and it’s strictly leisure 

play as the club don’t play in local leagues. For more 

information, search ‘Billinge Badminton Club’ on 

Facebook or just turn up on the night. 

Comedy Club 

The newly-established Comedy Club at Inglenook Farm 

off the Rainford by-pass has announced that the next 

Comedy Club night will be held on Sunday, December 

12 from 6-8pm. 

Two hours, five stand-up comedians and a whole lot of 

laughs. There will be a licenced bar and snacks available, 

all you need to do is bring your own chair. 

The event will be held under cover for the duration of 

winter. 

Tickets for the event are £10 and can be bought by 

calling Inglenook Farm on 07396 618212 or emailing 

cherryorchardevents@hotmail.com. 

Activity Sessions 

The St Helens Children’s Centre, in Parr still have places 

on a wide range of their activity sessions – perfect to 

keep your little one stimulated and entertained. 

On offer are a wide range of children’s sessions and 

community events at the centre on Ashtons Drive, 

ranging from Mini Melodies on a Monday between 

10-12.15pm to the sensory group every Wednesday 

between 10am-12.15pm. 

To secure a place on any of the activities please contact 

the Central Link Children’s Centre on 01744 673445 or 

Parr Children’s Centre on 01744 671788 to book. 

Alternately you can book using their Facebook page.

39 

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40 

Artisan Markets 

Dean Wood Golf Club are hosting a couple of weekend 

Artisan Markets in late November at their Lafford Lane 

base in Upholland. Their Christmas Artisan Markets will 

take place from 11am-4.30pm on Saturday 20th, Sunday 

21st, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November. 

The markets will be held on the club’s car park, and the 

clubhouse will be open for food and drinks. Santa will be 

visiting at 2pm on both Sunday afternoons. 

Stalls will be selling Christmas gifts of all kinds including 

handmade pottery, glass art, soaps, skincare, handmade 

gemstones, scents, candles, bath bombs and seasonal 

décor. For those looking to stock up on food, there will 

be Christmas fruit cakes, cupcakes, brownies and sweets. 

There are a few stalls still available, please contact 

annemolys58@hotmail.co.uk for more information. 

Christmas at Nugent 

Don’t miss the Christmas event at Nugent House School 

in Billinge next month. 

You can visit Santa and his elves in the grotto and stroll 

through the market whilst listening to carols. You’ll also 

be able to indulge in some festive food and mulled wine, 

whilst children can make gifts in the craft area. 

The event runs from 5pm until 9pm on Friday 3rd 

December at the school which is located on Carr Mill 

Road in Billinge. 

Book Club 

If you consider yourself a bit of a bookworm, then you 

might be interested in attending the monthly book club 

organised by Willowbrook Hospice. 

The light-hearted group is a great place to share your 

thoughts and views on selected books on the second 

Wednesday of every month. 

It’s also a chance to read a genre of book that you may 

not have chosen before or simply an opportunity to 

socialise; plus, it’s free to attend! 

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, 

November 10 at 2pm at The Living Well on Borough Road. 

The books being discussed will be The Whistle Blower by 

Robert Peston and We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker. 

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Local Life require distributors 

for the following areas; 

Windlehurst 

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235 copies £15.86 + leaflet pay 

Eccleston 

Howards Ln, Lester Dr & Springfield Ln area 


Rainford 

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Bispham Christmas 

Bispham Methodist Church, based on the corner of Crank 

Road and Upholland Road in Billinge, is inviting the local 

community to visit an all-day Christmas Fair on Saturday 

4th December from 10.30am to 4.30pm. A fun-packed 

day is planned, and you can pick up some Christmas gifts 

from artisan stalls. There will also be activities for the 

children and refreshments will be available all day from 

the Festive Café. 

There will be a Modern Nativity performance, Father 

Christmas will be calling in twice throughout the day 

and the Trinity Girls Brass Band will perform between 

2pm and 3pm. The event comes to a climax with the 

Christmas Tree switch on at 4.00pm. 

Other traditional events planned at Bispham this 

Christmas include a Christmas Family Service with 

toy donations to a local charity on 12th December at 

10.30am, followed by a craft corner for the children. 

The Carol Service will be on Sunday 19th December at 6pm 

with traditional mince pies afterwards. For more details, 

check out the website www.bisphammethodistchurch. 

org nearer Christmas. 

Tell Us Your Story! 

Local Life is 

always on the 

look out for 

news stories 

from the local 

communities we 

serve. Are you 

raising money 

for charity? Are 

you a member 

of a community 

group with 

something to 

shout about? 

Maybe you’ve got an unusual talent, or have a 

claim to fame? If so, let us know and you could be 

appearing in the next edition! 

Simply contact us on editorial@locallife247.co.uk 

or call us on 01744 649722

43

44 

Panto It’s back! 

By Nicola Gray 

Last year, COVID-19 played the part of biggest panto villain ever and the 

Christmas pantomime season was decimated last year as a result. Booooooooo! 

Well, its behind you (cue laughter) and Local Life have put together a guide to 

this year’s most exciting panto experiences in St Helens and beyond. 

St Helens Theatre Royal 

Goldilocks & the 

Three Bears 

St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, 

St Helens, WA10 1LQ 

01744 756000 

www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears come to town this 

Christmas with a mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap 

comedy capers and a smash-hit selection of chart hits to 

sing and dance along to. 

• Dates: Friday December 10 to Sunday January 9 

• Ticket Information: Tickets from £16. Online bookings 

subject to a 50p fee per ticket 

Wigan Little Theatre 

Dick Whittington 

Wigan Little Theatre, Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 3SL 

01942 242561 

www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk 

The tale of Dick Whittington features singing, dancing, 

comedy sketches and, as usual, there will be a crazy dame 

to add to the fun. 

• Dates: Thursday December 2 to Saturday December 18 

• Ticket Information: Standard tickets from £10 other 

tickets £12. Online bookings subject to a 7.8% fee per 

ticket. 

The Old Courts 

Cinderella 

The Old Courts, Gerrard Winstanley House, 

Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1 1NA 

0343 208 6015 

www.theoldcourts.com 

Get ready to cheer Buttons, the Fairy Godmother, 

Cinderella and Prince Charming, but do remember to boo 

every time you see the Ugly Sisters up to their evil ways. 

• Dates: Thursday December 9 to Thursday December 23. 

• Ticket Information: Adult tickets - £17.50 and child 

tickets - £13.00 

The Atkinson Southport 

Cinderella 

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB 

01704 533333 

www.theatkinson.co.uk 

This spellbinding panto pits Cinderella against her wicked 

Stepmother and the jealous stepsisters; will Prince 

Charming and the Fairy Godmother come to the rescue? 


• Ticket Information: Adult tickets from £18, concessions 

from £16 & family tickets from £59

45 

Everyman 

Robin Hood 

5-11 Hope St, Liverpool, L1 9BH 

0151 708 3700 

www.everymanplayhouse.com 

Regular writers Sarah Nixon and Mark Chatterton have 

put their own marvellously mischievous spin on the 

classic tale of heroism, social justice and… tights! 

• Dates: Saturday November 20 to Saturday January 15 

• Ticket Information: Stall tickets between £17-£20 and 

Circle tickets between £12-£20 

Manchester Opera House 

Aladdin 

3 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HP 

0161 828 1700 

www.atgtickets.com 

Aladdin will feature a lamp-load of comedy, jaw-dropping 

special effects, sensational song and dance and plenty of 

boos and hisses the whole family will enjoy. 

• Dates: Saturday December 11 to Sunday January 2 

• Ticket Information: Tickets available form £13.00 per 

person. Online bookings subject to a booking fee of 

£3.65 per ticket. 

M&S Bank Arena 

Cinderella 

King’s Dock, 16 Monarchs Quay, Liverpool, L3 4FP 

0344 800 0400 

www.mandsbankarena.com 

Cinderella dreams of leaving her dull life as a servant to 

meet a handsome Prince and after the announcement 

that Prince Charming is going to hold a royal ball, it seems 

she may get her wish! 

• Dates: Saturday December 18 and Tuesday December 

28 

• Ticket Information: Silver performances - Adult tickets 

£23, concessions £21, VIP £45 & family tickets £82. Gold 

performances - Adult tickets £30, concessions £28, VIP 

£52 & family tickets £106. 

Grand Theatre Blackpool 

Snow White & the 

Seven Dwarfs 

33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HT 

01253 290190 

www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk 

In true rags-to-riches style, Snow White manages, with the 

help of her madcap friend Muddles, to meet a handsome 

Prince and make her dreams come true. 


• Ticket Information: Adult tickets from £20.50 and under 

18s tickets from £18.50

46 

Job Support 

St Helens Chamber’s Guidance Services Team is offering 

redundancy support to local people who need it. 

The redundancy support service ranges from help 

accessing funding for training to CV and interview 

preparation, and is delivered by qualified Careers 

Advisers at St Helens Chamber. 

Mike Unsworth, Career Guidance Manager at St Helens 

Chamber, explained: “Unfortunately, as the furlough 

scheme ends, we are expecting to see more redundancies 

being made by companies who can’t afford to keep staff 

on.” 

St Helens Chamber’s support is completely free and 

impartial, as the National Careers Service for St Helens. 

Their advisers can help people write or update their CV, 

brush up on their interview skills, and apply for jobs, as 

well as providing free short training courses which add 

valuable skills to any CV. 

Mike continued: “We understand that this time can 

be traumatic and upsetting, but I would say to anyone 

facing redundancy to try not to panic – there is support 

available to help you back into work as soon as possible. 

“Our National Careers Service team keep up to date on 

the latest labour market information and can match 

up your skills to industries you might not have even 

considered before. We will work with you as much as you 

need to get you back on your feet. 

“As the National Careers Service for St Helens we can 

also help people access Rapid Response Service funding, 

which can be used to pay for short training courses to 

help find new employment; for example, Sage training, 

HGV training or Prince2. 

“This funding can only be accessed through the National 

Careers Service, and it helps people to refresh skills or 

update any qualifications they might need to stand out 

to new employers.” 

To find out more about redundancy support, as either an 

employer or an individual, please contact Starting Point 

on 01744 698800 or email info@thestartingpoint.org

47 

Dark nights are 

drawing in. 

It’s now time to 

consider improving 

your security. 

can we help? 

David 

Tech. Director 

• Intruder Alarm 

Systems 

• CCTV 

Please see our website for further details 

www.best-security.co.uk 

UNIT D MOSS PARK, DAIRY FARM ROAD 

RAINFORD, ST. HELENS WA11 7JR

48 

A rug for 

every room 

It’s quick and easy to add softness 

underfoot while introducing a stylish 

element of colour and pattern. 

Add bohemian style 

to your living room, 

dining room or bedroom 

with this hand-tufted, 

unusual wool/cotton 

rug. 

Dutchbone round pix 

rug with tassels, £389, 

Cuckooland. 

Get cosy with a 

cream, textural rug 

that’s perfect for 

enjoying a fireside 

mug of hot chocolate 

while wrapped in a 

blanket. 

Teddy rug, £395, Loaf. 

Spark a little one’s 

imagination with a softer 

take on the popular 

rainbow motif, complete 

with boho tassels. 

Earth Rainbow rug with 

tassels, £13, Sass & Belle. 

Tap into the trend for 

geometric statement 

rugs with this 

fashionable pure wool 

rug, available in three 

colours and two sizes. 

Hackney handwoven 

rug, wool/cotton blend, 

Yellow Diamond, £159, 

Cult Furniture. 

Handwoven by Berbers in the Atlas Mountains, this soft and luxurious 

rug is fully customisable to create your dream design. 

Lozenge rug, jet black on natural wool, £899, Cosy Coco. 

The Lowdown on Rugs 

• Rugs look beautiful on wooden, stone and tiled 

floors (always use an underlay to keep them safely 

in place) and add welcome softness. Texture is 

important, in terms of both material and weave – 

piled wool or flat-woven cotton (which is thinner 

but more easily put through the washing machine), 

or perhaps nubby jute or sisal, tougher on the toes, 

but durable and with a certain rugged charm. 

• Gone are the days of choosing between only 

rectangular or circular rugs. These days, anything 

goes, from oval to rainbow-shaped and even 

irregular outlines. Tufted rugs, too, play with 

different heights of pile to introduce an intriguing 

textural element. 

• Add extra interest with some boho tassels (very 

on trend) or a more restrained finishing edge. 

This works well with a neutral rug that picks up a 

contrast border colour from elsewhere in the room. 

• Don’t make the mistake of buying a rug that is too 

small for a room. In general, it is best to go as big as 

possible, so that all the furniture (or at least its front 

legs) can sit on the rug. 

• For global glamour, look no further than a rug. 

From Indian dhurries and Greek flokatis to Middle 

Eastern kilims and French Aubussons, they each 

provide wonderful style, colour, pattern and texture.

49 

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50 

Turkey Burgers 

Ingredients 

Burgers 

250g turkey breast mince 

½ red onion, diced 

2 garlic cloves, grated 

1 egg, beaten 

1 small apple peeled and grated 

1 tsp smoked paprika 

Salt and pepper 

Olive oil (to cook) 

Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw 

125g Brussels sprouts, trimmed 

½ red onion 

1 carrot, peeled 

50g Greek yoghurt 

30g mayonnaise 

1 tsp Dijon mustard 

1 tbsp lemon juice 

Salt and pepper 

¼ tsp ground cumin 

Handful of chives, chopped 

Handful of parsley, chopped 

Rolls, lettuce and cranberry sauce, to serve 

Fed up with the usual turkey recipes? Try these 

delicious turkey burgers topped with cranberry 

sauce and a Brussels sprout coleslaw. 

Serves 2 

Method 

1. Place the mince in a bowl with the remaining ingredients for the burger 

and mix well. Shape the mixture into two burgers about 3cm thick. Chill 

for 30 minutes. 

2. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5. Place the burgers on a 

lined baking tray and brush the tops lightly with the olive oil. Bake in 

the oven for 20-25 mins, turning halfway through cooking, until cooked 

through. 

3. To make the coleslaw, grate the Brussels sprouts, onion and carrot in a 

food processor. Place in a bowl. Mix together the yoghurt, mayonnaise, 

mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper and cumin. Pour the yoghurt 

mixture over the vegetables and coat thoroughly. Stir in the herbs. 

4. Serve the burgers in buns with lettuce, a spoonful of cranberry sauce 

and the coleslaw. 

Nutrition per burger with coleslaw: 340kcal, fat 14g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 15g (of 

which sugars 13g), protein 36g, fibre 3.8g

51

52 

New era of broadcasting 

The Old Courts, a successful not-for-profit multi-arts 

centre in Wigan, want to hear from residents of St Helens 

about their plans to host and support up to 24 new 

digital radio stations for the St Helens and Wigan areas. 

The group are proposing to operate a Small-Scale 

(SSDAB) multiplex for community benefit - to support the 

development of local and community radio in our area, 

and therefore increase the amount of volunteering, skills, 

and social impact opportunities available for people 

in St Helens and Wigan. Small-Scale DAB represents a 

more affordable opportunity for broadcasters to reach a 

high percentage of the population across St Helens and 

Wigan. 

Jess Rotherham, Head of Development at The Old Courts, 

told Local Life, “We are proposing to bring the UK’s most 

listened to platform into our area and manage it in a way 

that encourages more local people to create and listen to 

locally-led content. 

“Making digital radio more accessible for all is important 

and doing it in a way where all profits are reinvested into 

the local area means that broadcasters and listeners in St 

Helens and Wigan will benefit long-term.” 

The approach to supporting local has already been met 

with praise from people and organisations who already 

run internet-only stations and want to expand onto DAB, 

or who are keen to start something new in their local 

area. 

In their proposal, the group outline what Small-Scale 

DAB is, the communities that stand to benefit and how 

they propose to establish the service. Comments and 

feedback are invited to support the application for a 

licence to Ofcom. 

For more information or to leave your comments please 

go online to www.theoldcourts.com and search for 

broadcasting under the projects tab. 

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Prices from £27.50 per thousand (minimum 4,000 leaflets) 

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then simply chose the postcode areas 

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Email chrisp@locallife247.co.uk 

www.locallife247.co.uk 

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53 

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55

56 

Faith on the Streets 

By Nicola Gray 

When people say, ‘charity begins 

at home’ they often mean that 

you should look after your 

own circle first and then 

extend your kindness 

to people in the 

wider community. 

St Helens Street 

Pastors work on a 

much larger scale 

though; their mission 

is to rescue vulnerable 

people on the streets of St 

Helens and make their whole 

community safer. 

I caught up with co-ordinator Hayley Harrison to find 

out more about this group of good Samaritans and how 

they are helping to make St Helens a safer place. Hayley 

told me, “Street Pastors is basically the Church in action 

on the street, responding to a crisis. It is about volunteers 

rolling up their sleeves and practically responding to the 

problems of crime and safety in their area.” 

The group’s role is to provide a 

calming presence, a listening 

ear and practical help to 

vulnerable people in the 

night-time economy of 

St. Helens, showing 

God’s love to anyone 

and everyone they 

meet. Being a street 

pastor can look like so 

many things, but what 

does this help look like in 

a practical sense? 

Hayley added, “We often 

find ourselves being a listening ear for 

someone who in that moment really needs it; or just 

providing some practical help by giving out water, flip 

flops and space blankets to help keep people warm. 

“We are often able to signpost people to services that can 

really help them; and other times we are just making sure 

that people get home safely. Ultimately it is a tool that we 

use to be the hands and feet of Jesus; to show kindness 

and compassion and the love of God to those around us.” 

The St Helens faction is a growing team of volunteers from 

local churches, the group currently stands at 10 active 

members and is growing 

all the time. Helen added, 

“Our first team undertook 

their first patrol on 23rd 

December 2016 and here 

we are almost five years 

later, with 3 teams and 

looking to expand even 

further to reach more 

people in a vulnerable 

position. 

Up until last year the team 

had been patrolling the 

town centre streets from

57 

Quiz 

First and Last 

10.30pm to 3.30am on the first Saturday and second 

Friday night of each month. The group were getting 

closer to starting a third patrol on the fourth Friday of 

each month and then COVID hit, and everything stopped. 

Hayley added, “The pandemic obviously stopped us from 

going out as we couldn’t put our volunteers at risk. We 

are now in the process of starting our re-training and are 

hoping to be back out on the streets at the end of this 

year or the beginning of January. 

“We run largely on donations from the church and with 

services being stopped and starting to come back slowly 

we have felt a real financial hit, any donations or financial 

support would be greatly appreciated.” 

The aim for the future is to recruit and train more 

volunteers, so the team will be able to increase their 

patrol to go out every weekend. The group is also looking 

to launch their school initiative and are in talks with local 

schools to be able to work in schools and provide a similar 

support service to pupils. 

If you would like to learn more about the Street Pastors 

and their initiatives, become a trustee or if you would like 

to donate, please get in touch and see how you can help. 

Donations 

www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20215289 

St Helens Street Pastors 

Ormskirk Street URC, Ormskirk Street, St Helens, 

WA10 1BQ 

Telephone: 07927 390281 

Email: sainthelens@streetpastors.org.uk 

www.streetpastors.org 

1. What was the surname of the Vietnam War 

veteran who was the main character in 1982 

film First Blood? 

2. The Last Frontier is the official nickname of 

which US state? 

3. The 2017 Christmas special of Doctor Who 

saw actor David Bradley play “the First Doctor”. 

Which other actor originally played this role 

when the TV show was first broadcast? 

4. The Last Night of the Proms normally takes 

place on the second Saturday in which month? 

5. Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters To The 

First Pets was a children’s book written in 1998 

by which famous woman? 

6. Published in 1956, The Last Battle was the 

seventh and final novel in a series set in which 

fictional land? 

7. The 2018 film First Man starred Ryan Gosling as 

which real life person? 

8. In which European city would you find Leonardo 

Da Vinci’s mural painting “The Last Supper”? 

9. Name the last football team to win the old First 

Division before the creation of the Premier 

League for the 1992-93 season? 

10. The TV comedy show The Last Leg was originally 

broadcast during which event of 2012, with 

each episode looking back at the day’s events 

from this? 

Solutions 1. Rambo (first name James) 2. Alaska 3. William 

10. The Summer Paralympic Games 

6. Narnia 7. Neil Armstrong 8. Milan 9. Leeds United 

pets that lived in the White House when she was First Lady) 

Hartnell 4. September 5. Hillary Clinton (referring to the two

58 

Can I Afford to Retire? 

This is a question that can keep people up at night as 

they think about whether they have enough assets and 

income to be able to retire, live life to the full and tick off 

items on their ‘bucket list’. 

You’ve worked hard and saved carefully over the last few 

decades for your dream retirement. It is however, only 

half the battle. Now, your challenge is to make sure that 

you don’t run out of money. 

Many factors contribute to a successful retirement; 

figuring what you’re going to do with your time, keeping 

physically and mentally active, and managing your 

financial resources in a way that helps you achieve what 

matters to you. 

Retirement usually happens when you are in your peak 

earning years. After years of working hard, planning for 

retirement and perhaps bringing up a family you are 

suddenly faced with the decision of whether you can 

retire and turning off one income ‘tap’ from your earnings 

and replacing it with another ‘tap’ from pensions and 

investments. It can be a daunting decision and in addition 

to this you need to consider that it is always best to ‘retire 

healthy’ and enjoy your golden years. 

Callisto specialises in the ‘at retirement’ market. We work 

best with people that are approaching or in retirement 

and we are well equipped to show them whether they 

can afford to retire. 

Whilst most advisers will use their experience and perhaps 

a spreadsheet to show a client’s position, Callisto uses a 

state-of-the-art sustainable income planning software 

system to illustrate to our clients whether they can retire 

comfortably. 

• We gather information about a client’s various personal 

pensions, savings and investments, along with any 

loans such as mortgages. 

• We input details about any guaranteed future income 

streams like final salary pensions and request their 

state pension forecast. 

• We ask clients to gauge the level of expenditure they 

would like in the various stages of retirement and ask 

them to factor in other special events that will need 

capital such as dream holidays, children’s weddings 

and perhaps a treat like a motor home, a classic car or 

an expensive watch. 

• We test for our clients’ ability, willingness and need to 

take risk and recommend a suitable portfolio. 

We input all the above information into the planning 

software, and it gives us an indication whether our clients’ 

plans need work, are on track, or if they need to consider 

spending more or gifting some money away. 

And if the plan does need work, at least we can plan 

ahead. We can guide them to work a little longer and have 

more cash flow, invest more into pensions or to take more 

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clients to spend more or to give some money away so that 

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tax. This sustainable income planning software system is 

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We are happy to look at your current portfolio and see if 

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If it is we will happily tell you, if not, we can suggest some 

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Our initial meeting is always 

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CFP TM Chartered MCSI 

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, 

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. 

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 

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Planning for your future is hard if you don’t have the 

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Take the first step today towards enjoying the rest of your life. 

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60 2 

Win a 

Lancashire Day 

Hamper! 

To celebrate Lancashire Day on Saturday 27th November 

Local Life is bestowing one of our readers with a custombuilt 

luxury hamper, chockfull of goods produced in 

Lancashire. 

Some of the contents are made by producers who are 

household names, such as Uncle Joe’s in Wigan and 

Bartons in St Helens, whilst others are less well known. 

All the goodies have one thing in common though; they 

are produced within Lancashire’s historic county palatine, 

which includes the large cities of Manchester and 

Liverpool as well as the Furness and Cartmel peninsulas 

in the Lake District. 

As you can see from the main image, the goods include 

cheeses, cakes, chocolate, jams and local honey, biscuits, 

seafood, pudding, sauces and pickles, crisps and, of 

course, Bury’s best black pudding. Lancastrians with 

a thirst can indulge in gin, beer or a glass of locally 

produced dandelion and burdock! 

Lancashire Day is celebrated on the 27th November every 

year because 726 years ago in 1295, it was on this day that 

the first elected representatives from Lancashire were 

called to Westminster by King Edward I to attend what 

later became known as ‘The Model Parliament’. 

A proclamation is read out by town criers throughout the 

county on Lancashire Day and part of this proclamation 

quotes the following; 

Throughout the County Palatine, from the Furness Fells 

to the River Mersey, from the Irish Sea to the Pennines, this 

day shall ever mark the people’s pleasure in that excellent 

distinction - true Lancastrians, proud of the Red Rose and 

loyal to our Sovereign Duke. 

Even with much local opposition, on April Fool’s Day 

in 1974, under the Local Government Act 1972, the 

southern part of the geographic county was transferred 

to the two newly established metropolitan counties of 

Merseyside and Greater Manchester. On the same day, 

the county of Cumbria came into being and Warrington 

was incorporated into Cheshire. 

To enter the competition to win this Lancashire hamper, 

simply visit our website, www.locallife247.co.uk, click on 

‘free stuff’ and then on ‘competitions’ and then answer 

the following question; 

What is the colour of the rose 

of Lancashire? 

The expiry date for this competition is midnight on 

Sunday 21st November 2021. 

The winners will be personally contacted within three working days 

of the expiry date and the results will be posted on our Facebook 

account on Lancashire Day, Saturday 27th November. Entrants must 

be over 16 years of age. Strictly one entry per household – multiple 

entries will be disqualified. Local Life 247 cannot accept responsibility 

for entries that do not reach us. Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd and 

their families are not eligible to enter this competition. The picture is 

for illustration purposes only and Local Life 247 Ltd reserve the right 

to substitute goods for goods of equal value if necessary.

61

62 

The Village Hall 

KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE 

Newsletter 

Free Friday Quiz Nights 

29 October 5 November 12 November 

Special Christmas Quiz 3 December 

Doors open at 7pm and the free quiz starts at 7.30pm. 

Book a table for up to 6 team members by calling 01744 

884709 or email office@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

Parish Council Meetings 

Community Liaison Committee 

03.11.2021 and 01.12.2021 

Health & Safety Committee 


Finance Planning & Administration Committee 


Full Council meeting 

22.11.2021 and 13.12.2021. 

All meetings take place at Rainford Village Hall. Residents 

are encouraged to address members on matters of concern 

to them and are very welcome to attend meetings. Further 

information on the Parish Council website: 

www.rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

Business Around Rainford 

The next breakfast forum for 

Businesses in Rainford and Rainford 

residents who have businesses will 

take place on 24.11.2021 from 8am – 

9am at the Village Hall. Steve Smith of 

The Business Doctor will give a short 

talk. 

To book a free place call 01744 884709 or email admin@ 

rainfordparishcouncil.gov uk 

Rainford Village Hall is available to hire from just £10 per 

hour for classes, meetings, parties, anniversaries, events 

and Wedding Receptions. Call 01744 884709 or email 

admin@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk to discuss your 

requirements. 

H eritage Lottery Grant 

Thanks to the hard work of Councillor Rob Reynolds, 

the Parish Council has secured Heritage Lottery funding 

of £9160 to fund a project about Rainford’s industrial 

heritage. As part of this, we have started interviewing 

people who have memories of Rainford’s industrial past 

and acquiring copies of relevant photos. If you think you 

can help in either regard, or know someone who could, 

please do let us know! 

One discussion has taken place with Rainford resident Eric 

Winstanley and his brother Jimmy. This is a fascinating 

recording and 

Eric has also 

supplied some 

photos he took 

of steam trains 

passing through 

Rainford village 

along what is now 

the Linear Park. 

Additionally, Heritage Boards and replica station names 

will be sited along the Linear Park and at the sites of the 

old railway stations and the Parish Council is very grateful 

for the assistance and information provided by Rainford 

Heritage Society. 

The last part of the project is to design and install a 

memorial to Rainford residents who lost their lives in 

industrial accidents. 

The Parish Council is delighted that staff and students 

from Rainford High School will be involved in completing 

the project. 

Parish Council Accounts 

The Parish Council mainly raises funds through the 

precept (paid by households as part of the Council Tax) 

and by hiring out the Village Hall. Additionally, it organises 

events such as the Beer Festival and Christmas Fayre and 

Christmas parties.

63 

Resources are spent on subsidising community events, 

community projects such as 50% of the School Crossing 

Patrol on Cross Pit Lane and support for Rainford in Bloom. 

Income also covers the cost of the administration of the 

Parish Council and the Village Hall through the Clerk’s 

office. Additionally, the Parish Council covers all the costs 

for the Village Hall which have included extensive repairs 

to the structure of the building this financial year. 

Community Speed watch 

Having been stalled by COVID restrictions, the speed 

watch volunteers are finally out and about in the village, 

looking out for speeding vehicles and illegally parked 

cars. The aim is to make it unacceptable to break the 

speed limit, and stop inconsiderate and dangerous parking 

throughout Rainford. 

Rainford Community Cinema 

Join us at Rainford Village Hall on 

Sunday, 12th December for ‘The 

Star’! 

This heart-warming film shows us 

that it takes many tails to tell the 

greatest story ever. 

Tickets are £5 and include a drink and a snack. And you 

never know, someone special might put in an appearance 

at the end!! 

Email office@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk or phone 

01744 884709 to book your tickets! 

Doors open at 2:30pm 

Film showing begins at 3:30pm 

Rainford Christmas Fayre 

Rainford Christmas Fayre will take place 

this year on 4th December 2021 from 

10am – 4pm! 

With Father Christmas in his grotto and a 

variety of exciting stalls, you’ll have your 

Christmas Shopping all wrapped up. You 

can also treat yourself to some delicious 

food and snacks. With entertainment 

throughout the day, and some fantastic 

raffle prizes, it will be a very special fun-filled 

event for everyone. 

Christmas Parties at the 

Village Hall 

Some tables are still available for Friday 17.12.2021, but the Saturday night is all sold out! 

Join us at the Village Hall for a great Christmas Night Out with family, friends or colleagues. Tickets are just £35 per person, 

for a 3-course meal and entertainment in a beautiful setting. Call 01744 884709 or admin@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

for further information and to book tickets. 

RAINFORD PARISH COUNCIL 

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road Rainford WA11 8HB 

01744 884709 

clerk@rainfordparishcouncil.gov.uk 

@rainfordvillagehall 

@rainfordparishcouncil

64 

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65 

Pendle Hill 

by Chris Pearce 

Distance: 3.9 miles Difficulty: Hard 

The Pendle area is well known for its connection to witchcraft 

and the supernatural, and the story of the Pendle witches is 

a prominent example how England viewed witchcraft back 

in the 17th century. 

However, Pendle Hill itself is the stage of a more uplifting 

story from the same period. The founder of the Quakers, 

George Fox, was so moved by his climb up Pendle Hill in 1652 

that he created the religion, and, in his autobiography, he 

wrote, ‘From the top of this hill the Lord let me see in what 

places he had a great people to be gathered’. 

Though we can’t guarantee you’ll have an epiphany like 

George’s, the views from the top of Pendle Hill on a clear 

day will provide you with stunning views of the North West 

coastline. 

At a shade under 4 miles long, this Jack’s Tracks starts from 

the main car park (BB12 9JX) in the pretty village of Barley. 

Exit the car park via the path behind the café/toilets and 

within a few yards you’ll be on the main road through 

Barley. Turn right along this road and you’ll pass the 

village’s two pubs, Pendle Inn on the left and the Barley 

Mow on the right. 

Look out for the Methodist church by a small bridge over 

the stream. You’ll need to turn left up the footpath that 

runs parallel to the stream. Follow the path for 300 yards 

and just past the oddly shaped tree (see picture), you’ll 

cross the stream again and arrive on a single-track road. 

Turn left and shortly after, you’ll reach a fork in the road, so 

take the right fork. Within seconds, you’ll see the entrance 

to the footpath on the right, so turn up this cobbled 

path. Follow this well-defined path for ¾ mile, uphill past 

Brown House Farm and Pendle House, and in clear view of 

the steep ascent awaiting you next. 

As you go through the gate to start to 

climb the hill, there is a curvier, longer 

(but less steep) route to the top 

on the left hand side, but we’ve 

gone for the steeper and 

shorter route taking you up 

the right hand side of the 

Big End, as Pendle 

Hill is known in 

these parts.

66 

The bad news is it’s very steep indeed, but on the plus side, 

the climb is made easier by the fact that the many steps 

are robustly built and help a safer ascent. It’s certainly a 

challenge, but when you stop, turn and look at the views 

behind you, you’ll want to take a photo break or three! 

Once the sharp gradient subsides, you’ll be faced with a 

drystone wall. Turn left just before you get to the wall and, 

shortly afterwards, you take the left fork of a path away 

from the wall towards the trig point uphill in the distance. 

When you’ve posed for the obligatory selfie at the trig 

point, carry on walking in the same direction for 1/3 of 

a mile. You’ll reach the signpost indicating a dog-leg 

left turn to Barley (down the curvier route mentioned 

previously). Ignore this and go straight on. The path’s 

gradient gets steeper, but never overbearingly so as you 

descend for a further ½ a mile, enjoying great views of the 

Ogden reservoirs on the way down. 

Barle 

You arrive at some wooden gates. Take a 90-degree left 

turn and then, almost immediately, take the right fork and 

follow that path downhill until you reach a small wooden 

gate. Go through the gate and follow the path downhill 

along the left-hand perimeter of the field. Carry on in the 

same direction down a track that joins up with a second 

track. 

At this point the path becomes less well-defined, but 

head straight on in the same direction, initially towards 

the field to the left-hand edge of the wooded area and 

then carrying on in that direction up Barley Hill and 

through a succession of fields for 1/3 of a mile. 

Once you get to the field just past the end of the Lower 

Ogden reservoir, look out for a wooden gate on the right 

hand side. Go through the gate and straight downhill, 

looking out for the footpath sign on the left. Follow the 

footpath through another gate and you’ll end up by the 

village hall. Turn left and then first right into the car park 

from where you started the walk.

67 

Big End 

Pendle 

Hill 

Beacon 

Pendle House 

Windy 

Harbour 

Farm 

Barley Lane 

Foot House 

Gate Farm 

Lower Black 

Moss Reservoir 

Upper Black 

Moss Reservoir 

Stang Top 

Moor 

y Moor 

Aitken 

Wood 

PENDLE 

SCULPTURE 

TRAIL 

Pendle Way 

Barley 

Under Pendle 

Cottage 

Barley Hill 

P 

Barley 

Green 

Buttock 

Lower Ogden Reservoir 

Upper Ogden 

Reservoir 

Fell Wood 

Cross Lane 

For those with the OS Maps 

app on your desktop, mobile 

or tablet, this walk is named: 

JT-Pendle-Hill 

Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the 

walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to 

loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or other cause. 

Elevation 

400m 

Lowest 215m 

Highest 556m 

200m 

Total ascent 346m 

0.0km 2.0km 4.0km 6.3km

68 

Pendle Sculpture 

Trail 

The other main attraction in the Barley area, on the opposite slopes to Pendle 

Hill, is the Pendle Sculpture Trail. Contained within Aitken Wood, this family 

tourist attraction brings together art, nature, and the history of the Pendle area. 

There are fifteen unique and intriguing sculptures located on the wooded trail 

along with ten plaques symbolising the ten witches of Pendle. The sculpture 

trail was inspired by Pendle’s infamous association with witchcraft, culminating 

in the trial of the Pendle Witches at Lancaster Castle in August 1612. 

Nineteen prisoners stood trial – nine from Pendle, eight from Samlesbury, 

one from Padiham and one from St Helens. The prisoners were not allowed 

to have defence counsel to plead for them, nor could they call any witnesses 

to speak on their behalf. 

All nine defendants from the Pendle area, along with Isobel Robey from St 

Helens, were sentenced to death and were subsequently hanged on the 

moors above the town. 

Isobel Robey from Windle was charged with ‘felonious exercising and using 

devilish and wicked arts’ at the Pendle Witch Trials. This charge was brought 

after accusations from her goddaughter’s husband, Peter Chaddock, which 

were backed up by various accounts from Isobel’s neighbours, Margaret Parr, 

Jane Wilkinson and Margaret Lyon. Isobel strongly disapproved of her god 

daughter’s choice of husband and wasn’t shy in sharing those views with the 

family, a trait for outspokenness which led to her tragic and brutal execution. 

The Pendle Sculpture Trail is located in Aitken Wood, near the Black Moss 

Reservoirs. The nearest parking is about a mile away in the main car park in 

Barley – it’s a fairly easy walk to the wood, but the start of the trial is a short, 

fairly steep climb. 

For more information about the Pendle Sculpture 

Trail in Barley, you can visit www.visitpendle.com 

and download a trail map.

69 

Christmas 

Mincemeat Slice 

This delicious festive slice 

can be served warm as a 

pud with custard, thick 

cream or brandy butter or 

simply cool completely and 

serve instead of mince pies. 

Makes 12-14 slices 

Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes, 

plus chilling and cooling 

Ingredients 

225g plain flour 

165g unsalted butter, chilled and diced 

1 egg yolk blended with 1 tbsp cold 

water 

75g caster sugar 

300g good quality mincemeat 

50g ground almonds 

2 tbsp flaked almonds 

Method 

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips 

until the mixture resembles very fine breadcrumbs (alternatively pulse in 

a food processor until fine breadcrumbs). 

2. Remove 100g of the breadcrumb mixture and cover and chill in the fridge. 

Stir 25g of the sugar into the remaining mixture, then stir in the egg and 

water and mix to a firm dough (adding a little more water if needed). 

Knead lightly then wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. 

3. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Roll out the dough on 

a lightly floured surface and use to line a 23cm square tart tin. Prick the 

pastry all over with a fork. Line the pastry case with baking paper and 

baking beans and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the lining paper and 

beans and bake for a further 5-7 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale 

golden. Cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas 

mark 4. 

4. Spread the mincemeat in the pastry case. Mix the rest of the sugar and the 

ground almonds into the reserved pastry crumb mixture and scatter over 

the mincemeat to cover completely. 

5. Return the tin to the oven and bake for a further 25-30 minutes or until the 

crumble topping is pale golden. Scatter over the flaked almonds and leave 

to cool before removing from the tin and cutting into 12-14 thin slices. 

TIP: Add some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or walnuts to the crumble topping for an extra nutty flavour.

70 

Winter 

Hanging Baskets 

Hanging baskets are a great way to create a miniature 

gardening space with your choice of colours. Once 

established they make even the gloomiest back yard 

look more cheerful, or the prettiest patio look even more 

gorgeous. 

Plenty of plants make for a colourful basket and your local 

garden centre or nursery should have a good selection, 

including winter-flowering pansies (I am fond of the 

purple and yellow varieties) and heathers, Gaultheria 

with its waxy red berries, dianthus for late autumn into 

early winter and assorted miniature shrubs, including 

variegated Pieris, Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ and 

variegated euonymus, to help give structure and colour. 

The shrubs will look great in a container for a year or two, 

before being planted in the garden. 

A thicker, almost felt-like liner provides insulation in cold 

weather as well as keeping the compost and plants in 

place. I suggest a 35cm (14”) diameter basket as it can 

take more plants and, because it is larger, resists cold 

better. You’ll also need compost. 

Stand the basket in a large flowerpot before you start to 

prevent it rolling about. Once the liner is in place, remove 

the chain at one anchor point to stop it getting in the way. 

The liner will protrude above the basket edge at this stage 

but this helps to keep the compost in place. Use good 

quality multi-purpose compost, firming it gently, and fill 

the basket about half full. 

Mesh baskets allow for easy side planting. Cut holes in the 

liner then insert small plants such as pansies at regular 

intervals around the sides of the basket, inserting them 

from the outside inwards to reduce damage. Nestle the 

roots into the compost and make sure that the liner is 

back in position after the last plant is in place. 

Add more compost to cover the roots of the side plantings 

and firm again gently. Next get the central plant in place 

and add three more upright plants such as miniature 

shrubs, equally spaced around the edges. 

For extra colour, add more winter bedding plants around 

the very outermost edge of the basket. Pinch out any 

faded flowers and add more compost, carefully filling in 

any gaps before watering thoroughly. 

Your hanging basket will soon fill out but stand it in 

a sheltered spot for a week or two to allow the roots 

to establish before hanging it in position, watering if 

necessary. Regular deadheading and removal of faded 

flowers plus a feed with a high potash fertiliser after about 

a month will keep it looking great, well into the spring. 

• Landscaping 

• Driveways & Patios 

• Block Paving 

• Indian Stone 

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON 

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71 

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Call - 01744 893773 

or 01942 718339

72 

The car 

industry’s most 

eco-friendly 

advancements 

Climate change is a hot topic in the car industry and 

manufacturers are racing to bring electric cars and plugin 

hybrids to market to reduce tailpipe emissions. 

But it’s not just the powertrain that’s been the focus. Many 

manufacturers have been working to make the whole 

car-building process more eco-friendly, whether it’s the 

materials used inside or the production process itself. 

Here, we take a look at some of the ways cars are getting 

greener. 

Mini Strip 

The Mini Strip is a one-off concept car built in collaboration 

with fashion designer Paul Smith. Based on the firm’s 

Electric Hatch, it prioritises sustainability above all else. 

Features include a body that has not been painted, except 

for a film to protect it from corrosion, recycled Perspex for 

the panoramic roof, all but the necessary interior trim 

removed, and cork used throughout. 

Though the Mini Strip will remain as a concept, the British 

firm says it can be used as a “catalyst for more sustainable 

use of resources in automotive design”. 

Synthetic fuel 

Although electric vehicles are considered the future, there 

are some alternatives being worked on. One example 

is hydrogen cars, but a less talked-about alternative is 

synthetic fuel. 

Also known as e-Fuels, they are essentially no different 

from the petrol and diesel that comes from crude oil, 

but they are instead produced from carbon dioxide and 

hydrogen using renewable energy. 

Porsche and Siemens are two big companies working 

together on this technology. Although they admit that 

currently it is more efficient to use that renewable energy 

to charge an electric vehicle, e-Fuels are a sustainable way 

to fuel the millions of petrol and diesel vehicles currently 

on the world’s roads. 

Volvo’s wool interiors 

Volvo has been one of the manufacturers most 

committed to electrifying its line-up, but it’s also focused 

on sustainability elsewhere. We’ve become used to seeing 

synthetic or ‘vegan’ leather alternatives from a variety of 

manufacturers, but Volvo offers a unique 

wool upholstery. 

It’s a blend that’s 30 per cent wool and 70 

per cent recycled polyester, available as a no 

cost extra on some of the firm’s vehicles. 

Seaqual Yarn 

Volvo isn’t the only manufacturer 

experimenting with interesting eco 

materials. Last year, Fiat became the first 

manufacturer to use Seaqual yarn for its seat 

upholstery, with the Cupra Born’s bucket 

seats also using the material. 

Seaqual is an initiative based in Italy that

73 

focuses on fighting plastic pollution in the ocean. Its ‘Yarn’ 

product is made from 100 per cent recycled materials, with 

about 10 per cent coming from upcycled marine litter. 

Eco-friendly production 

Pretty much every major car manufacturer has 

announced plans to electrify its range and set targets for 

carbon-neutral production at its factories. This is being 

achieved in various ways, such as powering factories with 

renewable energy. 

Toyota builds more cars than anyone else globally, so 

improvements can have a major impact at its factories. 

Measures include using water-based paints on cars, 

removing pollutants before they are released through 

smokestacks, cleaning wastewater on-site before it is 

released, and growing forests inside its factory sites. 

Last year, the Japanese company announced plans to 

build a “prototype city of the future” at the base of Mount 

Fuji. It will be fully connected and powered by hydrogen 

fuel cells. 

Bentley of the future 

Bentley is a luxury car firm, and it has made it its mission 

to make sure the cars it builds in the future are more 

sustainable. In 2019 it revealed the EXP 100 GT concept 

car, an autonomous electric vehicle. 

Everything about its construction had sustainability in 

mind. For example, some of the furnishings used a dyeing 

process that strives to achieve zero discharge of chemicals 

into the environment, while others come from a material 

called Vegea, which uses the by-products of winemaking. 

It also uses wood from naturally felled trees.

74 

Home Services 

Aspinall’s 

Chimney Sweep 

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• Chimney Pots & Cowls – supplied & fitted 

• Bird Nests removed & Birdguards fitted 

• Chimney Stacks re-pointed 

• CCTV Chimney Inspections 

No Mess Guaranteed! 

ContaCT 

Patrick 

for a free quote 

01942 375 076 

07449 456 980 

BOOK ONLINE 24/7 

www.mr-soot.com 

Stoves & Fireplaces Swept 

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Liners Installed 

PAY BY 

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Email: dpconservatorycleaning@gmail.com 

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e-mail patrick@aspinallschimneys.co.uk 

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get your 

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75 

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76 

All aspects of Gas Heating 

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11672 

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Decorators 

• High Quality Decorating 

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Over 20 years 

experience 

For a free quote & friendly advice 

contact Paul on 

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Haydock Decorators 

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Est.1991 

Painter 

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Friendly & Very Reliable Service 

Both Domestic & Commercial 

Trading for over 30 years 

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Garswood 

77 

shaun@garswooddecoratingservices.co.uk 

across 

1. Shade of blue tinged with green (4) 

4. Japanese movie monster (8) 

8. George Lucas film of 1977 (4,4) 

9. Vegetable known as lady’s fingers (4) 

10. Spencer ___, actor who appeared in many films 

with Katharine Hepburn (5) 

11. Highly-prized edible subterranean fungus (7) 

13. Person who is tricked or swindled (6) 

down 

2. Arab country which achieved 

independence from the UK in 1971 (5) 

3. Fruit resembling a small peach (7) 

4. Largest and most southerly island in the 

Marianas (4) 

5. One who runs away from service in the 

armed forces (8) 

6. In snooker, to pocket the cue ball after 

hitting another (2-3) 

7. Siren of German legend (7) 

12. The food of the gods (8) 

14. Popular chilled beverage (4,3) 

16. Goat-like antelope (7) 

18. Throbs dully (5) 

20. Watery discharge from the eyes or nose (5) 

21. Support for sails (4) 

15. Greek mathematician (the ‘Father of Geometry’) 

who wrote The Elements (6) 

17. Port city in northern France (2,5) 

19. Military chaplain (5) 

22. Corrode, as with acid (4) 

23. Flavoured with herbs and spices (8) 

24. Rotating part of an engine (8) 

25. Oil reservoir in an engine (4) 

Solutions Across: 1. Aqua, 4. Godzilla, 8. Star Wars, 9. Okra, 10. Tracy, 11. Truffle, 13. Victim, 15. Euclid, 17. Le Havre, 19. Padre, 22. Etch, 

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, 

16. Chamois, 18 .Aches, 20. Rheum, 21. Mast.

78 

Call Paul 

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79 

For a free quote 

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Established 1970 

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Visit our showroom: 

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All electrical work undertaken from 

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We repair: 

4 Phones & Tablets 

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Est.1975 

Rainford 

Electrical 

Electrical Installations & Repairs 

All aspects of domestic work 

undertaken 

Lights, Sockets, Fuseboards etc 

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80 

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on all sealed units 

We also replace; 

4 Door locks & door lock 

mechanisms 

4 Window locks, hinges 

and handles 

For Fast Efficient Service Call; 

01744 810 000 

www.northwestwindowrepairsltd.co.uk 

Damp 

Control 

We use state of the art 

diagnostic equipment to 

provide a comprehensive 

assessment of your damp 

issues. 

Free quote and 

advice provided 

for any remedial 

works needed. 

For a reliable, friendly 

service call Matthew on 

07840 096 233 

Matthew 

Rigby 

Property Services 

Damp Control Specialists 

JJ Driveways 

Imprinted Concrete 

Specialists 

Huge range of colours 

& patterns 

• Resin Driveways 

• Block Paving 

• Indian Stone 

• Flagging 

We can also revive 

your old drive! 

Ask about our sealing 

service 

Call Joe for a 

free quotation on 

01942 621 959 

07867 697 972 

www.jjdriveways.co.uk 

WILSON 

BROS 

• • 

Est. 1985 

Roofing & Roofline 

Specialists 

• All aspects of 

maintenance & repair 

• Fascia & soffit 

installation 

• Guttering and felting 

services 

Call us now for 

a free estimate 

01695 633173 

Colin: 07958 302 166 

Brian: 07760 160 988 

www.wilson-bros.co.uk 

Our Focus Is 

Quality & Price 

From a Loose Slate to a 

Complete Construction 

LOCAL 

FAMILY 

FIRM 

All aspects 

of Building 

& Roofing 

UPVC Rooflines 

Extensions & 

Alterations Specialists 

References Available 

Call us on... 01744 600074 

Mobile: 07867 592460 

13 Hawes Ave, Carr Mill, WA11 7EA 

Convert your bath to a 

Walk-In Shower 

AJC 

WALK IN SHOWERS 

Typical price 

£2200 

Fully guaranteed 

One day installation 

No mess - no fuss 

Easy to clean & maintain 

Call Anthony on 

07919 876 825 

Workshop address: Bulldog Tools Ind. Est. 

Darlington Street East, Wigan WN1 3BT 

Microshop address: Hardshaw Centre, 

Church Street, St. Helens WA10 1EB 

We also fit full bathrooms!

for 

as 

81 

• Timber cladding 

• Bespoke furniture 

• All aspects of joinery 

• Fabrication / steel work 

Contact: 

07800 580532 

01744 747787 

www.funkytimber.co.uk 

Unit 17b, Wharton Street, 

St Helens, WA9 5AA 

Design & Print 

Flyers, postcards, brochures 

Quality carpets & flooring, expertly fitted at competitive prices 

and distribution service. 

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) 

Carpets and Rugs 

Laminate Flooring 

Hard Wood Flooring 

www.bespoke-floors.co.uk | bespoke@wjdflooring.co.uk 

No.2 The Old Smithy, Church Road, 

Rainford WA11 8HD 

01744 88 55 14 

Bespoke Fl oring is the trading name of WJD Retail 

& Online Solutions Ltd – Company Number 1248484 


rural Vi lage 

NUrSErY 

A l staff 

paediatric 

& first aid 

QUALIFIED 

oPEN 

Mon-Fri 

8AM-6PM 

FUNDED 

PLACES 

Available for 

2/3/4 

year olds 

£37.50 

per day 

LANgUAgE 

& SPortS 

LESSoNS 

pre-schoolers 

Large 

outdoor 

PLAY ArEA 

rated by 

oFStED 

oUtStANDINg 

We cater for 

CHILDrEN 

3 months 

- 4 years 

NEWLY 

rEFUrBISHED 

in 2019 

Ca l Sarah on 01744 886166 for more information or admin@cranknursery.net 

www.cranknursery.co.uk 

For more information 

Call 01744 649722 


QUALITY CHILDCARE YOU CAN TRUST! 

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

We operate a booking system for the 

holidays which saves you money 

We deliver 30 hours free entitlement 

£29 for a fu l day 

Flexible sessions available 

We take children from 2 years old 

Li tle Acorns Nursery is situated in a beautiful woodland 

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

lots of wonderful educational experiences. 

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

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


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

01257 252647 

www.li tleacorns-daynursery.com 


Call us now for ALL your roofline requirements! 

Facias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and gutters 

We specialise in seamless 

aluminium gutters. 

Clean, stylish and guaranteed 

for 25 years! 

Call: 07917 352 182 / 07917 352 183 

www.orrellroofline.co.uk 

Your Property Maintenance Experts 

• Handyman Services 

• Pest control 

• Waste removal 

For a free quote with no obligation, 

call 01942 741 124 

or 07450 614 219 

www.twolions11ltd.co.uk 

£10 discount when you mention 

Local Life 

PLC 

MAINTENANCE 

MultiSkilled 

Handyman 

• Roofing & Roofline - 

repairs and replacement 

• Decorating • Building 

• Gates supplied & fitted 

• Plastering • Gardening 

For all your home improvements 

No job too small 

07847 394040 

01744 606938 

ALPINE LTD 

Roofing & Building Services 

OAP 

DISCOUNTS 

SERVING 

CHORLEY, WEST 

LANCASHIRE & 

WIGAN 

Your local roofing company from repairs 

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

• Flat roof specialists 

• Damp proof specialists 

• Quality workmanship 

• Affordable pricing 

• Quick response to all repairs 

FULLY INSURED 

Tel: 01744 776880 

Mob: 07730 351523 

www.alpineroofingandbuildingltd.co.uk

Cover photo © Ian Bonne l Photograpthy 

82 

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your 

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in 


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distribution is 

monitored using 

GPS 

tracking 

WIGAN NORTH 

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

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september 2019 

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march 2020 

ST HELENS 

NEXT Issue 

Deadline 

Jan/Feb 22 8th December 

13,147 

ABC1 homes 

Rainford, Billinge, Garswood, Moss Bank, 

Windle, Eccleston, Eccleston Park, Laffak, 

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

Prescot Road, West Park 


hEritagE opEn days 

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St Helens Edition 

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to book 

advertising? 

Call us on 01695 627999 

for more details or email 

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83 

Come and visit the largest 

showroom in the North West 

Quality installations of windows, 

doors, fascias, soffits and gutters 

First for quality 

First for service 

First for reliability 

No contractors 

No salesmen 

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

Transform 

your 

conservatory 

into a home 

office 

NEW Generation 

Rockdoor 

now available 

SISTER COMPANY OF FOXWELLS BUILDERS 

Established since 1999 

Call us for a Free Quote 

Office Number: 01942 871 777 

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

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

Representative example: Total cash price £1164, deposit £0, amount borrowed £1164 over 12 months. 12 monthly repayments of £97. Interest 

rate 0%. Total repayable £1164. Credit is subject to the lenders T&C. Warmlight Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd is authorised and 

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! 

Quality ~ Choice ~ Value 

Windows 

Bi-Fold Doors 

Thermally-efficient conservatory roofs 

expertly fitted by accredited installers 

© 

Orangeries 

Don’t just lock it, 

Rock it! 

Conservatories 

Manufacturers and installers since 2004 

Contact us on 01744 891717 for a no obligation quote 

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

www.orrellwindows.co.uk 

28544

Local Life - St Helens - Nov/Dec 2021

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