I80_0212_StHelensEast

March 2012St Helens & Ashton Edition

www.locallife247.co.uk

Grow yer Own!

Allotments Feature

Jack’s Back!Ashton & Garswood walk

On The RunThe Day Sutton Harriers

made History!

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AdvertisingNicola Gray01744 [email protected]

EditorialChris Pearce01744 [email protected]

Accounts/DistributionSally Boon01695 [email protected]

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The April issue of Local Life will be published on Thursday 5th April. The copy deadline for this issue is Thursday 22nd March. Local Life is published every month. Distribution areas will alternate each month between two separate edition areas: The St Helens and Ashton edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainford, Billinge, Newton-le-Willows, Garswood, Crank, Kings Moss and parts of Ashton and Moss Bank.

Copies of this edition are also available to pick up free from Tesco Stores in Haydock and Earlestown.

The St Helens and Prescot edition is delivered to over 12,500 private homes and businesses in Rainhill, Eccleston, Prescot, Eccleston Park, Windle, Knowsley Village, Prescot Road and part of Nutgrove.

Copies of this edition are also available to pick up free from Tesco Extra Stores in Peasley Cross and Prescot.

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, including pictures, may be copied or reproduced without the prior written consent of Local Life 247 Ltd.

Great Hair Offer from Renoir! 50% off Conservatory blinds! Rogue Traders on the RunRecipe of the Month – Beautiful BurgersWest is Best – Canada unveiledBattling Betty Stands DownThe Day Sutton Harriers Made History!The Green ThingJack’s TracksOrrell Roofline FeatureWhat’s On!take up! the new VW – Road TestGarden ServicesAngie’s Garden DiaryGrow Yer OwnHome ServicesTell Us Once Useful Numbers

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In this issue

Jack’s Back!Our popular local walk series kicks in again just in time for Spring, which hopefully will bring some warmer weather. The local countryside never fails to inspire; that level of stillness which exists just minutes away from major roads. This walk is gentle enough for a warm-up; 5½ miles taking in the undemanding landscapes in Garswood and skirting round the fringes of Ashton and Billinge. Don’t forget if you have a favourite walk, make sure you share it with the rest of us – email details to [email protected] and you might be the lucky winner of a (limited edition!) Local Life mug!

What else is new this month?

We take a look at a momentous event for Sutton Harriers in the 1950’s and we also bid a fond farewell to Rainford Councillor Betty Lowe MBE who is retiring shortly. The Green Thing on page 36 will make you chuckle I’m sure and there’s a great Grow Yer Own feature on pages 52/53 for all you keen gardeners. Other than that, there are offers galore and news of lots of stuff to do over the next few weeks in your area!

If you belong to a local community group or charity and you’d like to publicise your Spring/Summer events in Local Life, please email details to [email protected]; there’s no charge, it’s absolutely free!

See you next time,

[email protected]

When you receive the new edition of Local Life - remember to recycle the old one.


Calling Newton!Did you know that WA12 Radio, a new internet radio station set up especially for the Newton and Earlestown area, are now broadcasting live over the internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? The community radio station is based in two rooms at the Kirkfield Hotel on the High Street in Newton. WA12 Radio gives you all the latest local news, sports results and details about all upcoming events. Playing music to everyone’s taste throughout the day you can even request a song, if they’ve got it they’ll play it!

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as the new Chris Moyles or Chris Evans, then here’s your chance to prove yourself! WA12 Radio is on the lookout for new talent, so if you would like to be part of your local radio station and maybe present your own programme then now’s your chance. All you need to do is tell them about yourself and you could actually be the voice behind the microphone! For more information please visit the website at www.wa12radio.co.uk.

Climbing HighIf you are 18 or over and interested in trying out rock climbing, scrambling or mountain walking then we have found the very group for you. St Helens Mountaineering Club have a number of members who are willing to coach beginners in rock climbing techniques, rope work and general mountain craft. The group meets every Wednesday between 9pm-11pm evening at the Abbey Hotel on Hard Lane, Dentons Green. If this sounds like something you’d like to crack then contact Will Simm on 01744 754435 or Ken McWilliam on 01925 226680 or alternatively visit the website at www.sthelens.org.uk

History GroupIf you’re interested in tracing your roots then pop along to the next meeting of the Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown History Group. This takes place on Monday March 26th at Newton Library on Crow Lane East. The group gets together once a month to talk and exchange information about local history, so feel free to pop in and bring along any photographs or artefacts you may want to share. The meeting on March 26th will look closely at the areas links with the Titanic and starts at 5pm.

If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to [email protected].


Perfect Synchro With the Olympics just around the corner, the St Helens Synchro club are hoping for a big boost in membership and are seeking local kids to join their club. Synchronised Swimming is a combination of dance, swimming and gymnastics which relies on strength, endurance and flexibility.

In order to join children must be confident swimmers and able to swim front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke. The club meets every Sunday at

Queen’s Park Leisure Centre on Boundary Road; there are two age categories, young novices aged 7-10 who swim between 3pm-4.30pm and older novices aged 11 and over who swim between 3pm-5pm.

If you would like to know more information about how to get your kids involved in a sport that is both fun and different please contact Cheryl on 01744 677237.

Girls Only Why should boys have all the fun? Thatto Heath have launched a girls-only rugby team and are looking for players. This team is for girls in year 6 and above, so if your daughter is interested and would like to try rugby league then bring her along to Thatto Heath ARLFC’s new clubhouse in Close Street on either a Monday or a Wednesday night between 6pm-7.30pm. For more information please contact Colette on 07734 086833 or e-mail [email protected].

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PALS – What’s your Link?It’s only been up and running since November, but already a lottery-funded project to turn the spotlight on the town’s First World War volunteers is unearthing some fascinating facts.

With the help of St.Helens Council, the St.Helens Townships Family History Society was awarded a £40,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to research the history of the St.Helens Pals. The primary activity of the project is the research, development and publication of a book called ‘The St.Helens Pals’.

Pals battalions were units of the British Army for men who enlisted together in local recruiting drives; serving alongside friends, neighbours and colleagues instead of in regular army regiments. Local historian and Project Manager, Peter Harvey explained: “We now need local people to come forward with their artefacts, photographs and memories to contribute to the development of the book.” Peter has already been contacted by 78 year old Bernard Smith (pictured), whose father George served with the Pals.

The recently published 1911 census has also given Peter and his team a wealth of information – including poignant details of underage recruits who lied about

their age just to be with friends and family members in the Pals. The project has also revealed details of the ‘smoking parties’ held at St.Helens Town Hall – to welcome soldiers back from the front. As well as tea and biscuits troops were given a pack of cigarettes or pipe tobacco to enjoy.

If you can help with the research please contact the St. Helens Local History and Archives Library (01744 676952) or email [email protected]

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Tea and ConcertThe Senior Citizens group in Rainford are busy raising funds for this year’s Tea and Concert nights, which are due to be held on the 6/7th of July at the Village Hall in Rainford. The group is holding a quiz next Friday (9th March) at the Church Hall on Church Street in Rainford, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now from Ivor on 01744 882533 and include a hot pot supper with apple pie for dessert, so don’t miss this big night out!

Forms for the Tea and Concert evenings are being released at the Senior Citizens Group’s coffee morning, which is being held on Easter Saturday (7th April), again at the Village Hall in Rainford. Entry for the popular Tea and Concert nights is limited so please put the date of this coffee morning in your diary! The coffee morning will be held from 12-2pm and all proceeds go towards the Tea and Concert nights.

Haydock Women’s Group If you’re fed up of the telly, lonely and looking for new friends, you should come and join the Haydock Women’s Group. They meet every week at Haydock Cricket Club on Piele Road and enjoy a mixed bag of speakers, quiz nights, holidays and the latest venture is belly dancing on the last Tuesday of every month, so shake off those winter blues and make a date with the ladies for lots of laughs.

The group has also been busy planning events. March kicks off on Tuesday 13th with a legendary ‘Free and Easy’ night so warm up those vocal chords and belt out a few tunes. If you want to do a bit of spring cleaning you can book a stall at the de clutter sale on Tuesday March 27th, bring along your unwanted bric-a-brac.

For further information about any of the events of how to join the group please call Chris on 01942 393925, Janice on 01942 842487 or e-mail [email protected].

Knit ‘n’ NatterIf you would like to spend a couple of hours each week knitting and nattering in a friendly environment then call into the Newton Community Centre on Park Road South on Mondays between 9.30am-11.30am or Tuesdays between 6.30pm-8.30pm. Beginners are welcome as there are always experienced knitters on hand to help. At only £2.50 per session you will be knitting and purling in no time, for more information please call the centre on 01925 224731.


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Fair-Trade FanciesMarch is a bumper month for all things Fair-Trade and your local Libraries are getting in on the act, so check out our Library round-up and see what takes your fancy.

Rainford Library on Church Road will be hosting a special coffee and tea afternoon to promote Fair-trade fortnight on Tuesday March 6th. This is a free event so go along and show your support for the Fair-trade scheme, for more information please call 01744 677820 or e-mail [email protected]

Billinge Library on Main Street will also be hosting a Fair-trade coffee morning on Wednesday 7th March from 10.15am - 11.45am join us for a drink and a

biscuit and enjoy some fantastic Fair-trade products. If you’re busy on Wednesday mornings, then pop up to nearby Garswood Library to enjoy their Fair Trade event, which takes place between 2-3pm at the library on School Lane.

Church SlideshowOn Thursday March 8th at 2pm, Billinge Library will be hosting a slideshow featuring the history of St Aidan’s Church. Take a step back in time to the Billinge of yesteryear and enjoy pictures of St Aidan’s Church and graveyard. For more information about the slideshow please call Billinge Library on 01744 677535.

If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number to [email protected].


Back on the RoadSt Helens Council’s Road Safety and Travel Awareness team have re-launched the popular Cycle for Health rides – thanks to additional funding from the Big Lottery. Days and times of the rides remain the same as last year – apart from the starting point for the Rainford ride, which now switches to Siding Lane from the Liverpool St Helens rugby union club.

The rides are led by friendly, experienced and qualified leaders and are ideal for anyone wanting to get fitter through gentle physical activity. Bikes and helmets are provided free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Rides take place weekly at the following times and venues:

Rainford - Every Tuesday 9am – 11.30am (ride start time 9.30am) Meeting place: Siding Lane Local Nature Reserve, Siding Lane, Rainford. WA11 7SR

Sutton Manor Colliery - Every Tuesday 1pm – 3.30pm (ride start time 1.30pm) Meeting place: Four Ways Children’s Centre, Burnage Avenue, Clock Face, St.Helens WA9 4QB

Sankey Valley Country Park - Every Wednesday 1pm – 3.30pm (ride start time 1.30pm) Meeting place: Sankey Valley Visitors’ Centre, Blackbrook Road, Haydock, St.Helens WA11 0AB.

Before joining a ride, you will require a free health check, provided through your local Health Improvement Team. Arrange an appointment today by calling 01744 697432. All rides are free to adults living or working in St.Helens.

Those taking part should wear layers of comfortable clothes, sensible and comfortable footwear a suitable helmet (can be provided), a high-visibility vest (will be provided), gloves, sunglasses to protect your eyes against glare and flying insects and finally waterproofs to protect from the wind and rain!

Riders should also bring a drink to avoid dehydration, glasses (if you require glasses when driving, you should wear them when cycling) and any medication that you have been advised to carry whilst undertaking physical activity.

For more information, please contact 01744 671656 or visit www.sthelens.gov.uk.

Distributors Required Local Life urgently require distributors (aged 13+) for St Helens Rd/Rainford Rd/Moss Lane area near Windle Island, the Birchley area of Billinge and the Station Road/School Lane/Garswood Road of Garswood. We would also invite potential distributors from all areas to apply for future distribution jobs. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every 8 weeks, delivering in their own neighbourhoods. You must be fit, enthusiastic and reliable. Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to [email protected].

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Rambling Rocks!The St Helens and District Rambling Club (SHDRC) is a very active rambling club with approximately 250 members, mostly from the St Helens area. The club organises fortnightly coach ramble excursions, which members take turns in organising. These are very popular and they regularly fill two coaches taking out eighty to ninety ramblers at a time, visiting areas such as the Lake District, Snowdonia, Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District. During the winter months the rambles are closer to home.

On most excursions there is a choice of five walks, ranging from a seven mile country walk to a fifteen mile hill or mountain walk with a few thousand feet of ascent. The coach rambles are supplemented by occasional car share rambles and there are two hostel based weekends each year. The coach excursions are priced from £10 to £13 depending on the destination.

As well as the walking programme the club has a very active social programme. Members meet most Friday evenings from September to April where they have slide shows, talks and demonstrations. Between May and August there is a series of Friday evening walks which normally end in a local hostelry. If you are interested in finding out more about the club please call 07535 953 488 to speak to Dennis or Jackie (call weekdays 6pm to 8pm) or email [email protected].


Groups AppealA few months ago we publicised the generous efforts of the Ramada Encore Hotel in Haydock who offered to do their bit to help local community groups by offering free use of the hotel as a venue for meetings. Unsurprisingly, they had a great take up and the latest group to base themselves at the Hotel are the newly formed St Helens Women’s Institute (pictured).

This group of busy, creative and vibrant women wanted to bring something brilliant to St Helens and it looks like they’re doing just that! The St Helens WI holds monthly meetings where they are joined by inspirational speakers and guests. There are also many workshops held where members can learn new skills and crafts whilst enjoying the pleasure of a social gathering.

The group is open to women aged between 18 and 100+ so I think most of us fit the bill there. You don’t

have to be a craft guru or a whizz with a sewing kit; feel free to come with a friend or just bring yourself, think of this group as friends you just haven’t met yet! For more information about the group please visit the website at www.wisthelens.co.uk.

If you belong to a community group or charity and you’d like to use the Ramada as a

base for your meetings, then please call Georgia Hayes on 01942 290040.

Two’s Company…If childbirth has left you with double or even triple what you bargained for and you’re desperate for some support, then Home Start run a group that you might be interested in. The group has been formed especially for the parents of multiple births and gives you the opportunity to give and receive support and advice with parents in a similar position.

The group meets on Thursdays at the Peter Street Centre in St Helens from 11am-1pm during term time, to book a place and for more information please contact Home Start on 01744 737400. During the session, crèche staff are available to provide an extra pair of hands and to provide a variety of play opportunities for your children whilst you can relax and have a well-earned chat and a cuppa.

1� Local Life www.locallife247.co.uk

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Rogue Traderson the RunRarely a week goes by without a piece in the newspapers about unsuspecting householders being ripped off by a tradesperson, and we’ve all seen the TV programme about Britain’s band of rogue traders. Whether it’s a knock on the door from a roofer who was just driving by when he miraculously noticed that your roof needs work, or a plea from the son of a friend’s friend who fancies himself as a landscape gardener - we householders have a difficult choice; who can we trust to do the work?

St.Helens Council Trading Standards have recently set up a Trader Register to help consumers locate fair and honest traders within the Borough. The register is effectively a website where householders can search for a tradesperson of a particular type. Currently listed on the register are builders, plumbers, electricians plus many more.

Prior to allowing a tradesperson to join the Trader Register, the Trading Standards department at St Helens Council will carry out basic business checks and request references from six of their customers from the previous six months. The Trader Register is not an approval scheme but aims to reassure consumers and help them find a reliable trader.

The website (www.sthelens.gov.uk/traderregister) allows householders to search for their nearest tradesperson, but also allows those who have used a tradesperson to give feedback on the customer service, quality of the work and the punctuality/efficiency of that tradesperson. The feedback, along with any accompanying comments about the tradesperson, gives the householder a good idea of the quality of the tradesperson involved.

The Trader Register is good news for householders - the initial checks carried out by Trading Standards on each tradesperson joining the scheme is thorough, and the feedback facility on the website soon helps identify those tradespeople whose work isn’t up to scratch. It’s not surprising that straight-up tradespeople who take pride in their work and have nothing to hide are making a beeline to sign up for the scheme, whilst dodgy tradespeople are giving the scheme a very wide swerve.

If you’re a householder and you want to find a fair trader visit the website at (www.sthelens.gov.uk/traderregister). If you have a smartphone you can simply scan the QR (that funny looking box) on this page and that will take you direct to the site.

If you’re a tradesperson and you’d like to sign up to the register, contact St.Helens Council Trading Standards now on 01744 676338 for further details. There’s no charge whatsoever for registering for this scheme, so if you’re confident in your abilities then please call now or sign up via the website www.sthelens.gov.uk/traderregister.


Heritage HotspotsDo you know of a building in the St Helens area that you think deserves more recognition? Well here’s your chance to do something about it. St. Helens Council wants to hear from residents with their ideas on places that can feature in the 2012 Heritage Open Days event.

The event is a national initiative that runs from the 6th to the 9th September and aims to celebrate the history, architecture and culture of our buildings by allowing visitors free access to properties across the UK. Last year’s event was a huge success with thousands of people turning out to get a rare glimpse inside buildings including St Helens Town Hall, local churches, the Masonic Hall and the Friends Meeting House.

St. Helens Council has pledged its support to groups and venues wishing to take part in the Heritage Open Days, so if you want to nominate a building please contact Karen Rylance now on 01744 677076.

Raising the RoofA unique Male Voice Choir concert will be staged at St James the Great Church on Church Road in Haydock on Saturday 17th March; two world class choirs from opposite ends of the globe will be joining forces to raise money for the church. Recently the church building has attracted the attentions of visiting scrap metal thieves, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Warrington Male Voice Choir is one of the oldest choirs of its kind and will be singing with the internationally recognised Australian Welsh Male Choir. These two famous choirs are acting in unison to help raise funds for the restoration of the church building. Monies raised will go towards repairing the window frames, fixing the damaged roof structures and redecorating the water damaged interior. The choirs have generously given their services so that all monies raised by this event can be given to the church. If you love music and would like to attend the concert, tickets cost £8 per person, and can be purchased from the Vicarage and from the Churchwardens.

Allocation of tickets is on a first come first served basis, so to avoid disappointment book now. Doors open at 7pm so be on time to bag yourself the best seat. For more information or to book your tickets please contact Father Rodney Middleton on 01942 727956 or have a look at the website at www.stjamesthegreat.org.uk. Don’t delay, book today and help them to raise the roof!


Beautiful BurgersPerfect for parties and sleepovers; these burgers are fun to make and taste delicious!

Makes 8 good-sized burgers

IngredientsFor the stew

1 kg minced beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

4 tbsp fine bread crumbs

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp of your favourite mustard or horse radish

sauce

Black pepper to season

2 cloves garlic, crushed

MethodPlace the beef in a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix it all together by hand until just combined.

Divide the mixture into eight and roll each portion into a ball, then flatten to make the burger shape. You want to leave it about 2.5cm / 1 inch thick so it stays moist when cooked.

The burgers can now be cooked either on a griddle pan or on a non-stick frying pan with a drop of oil, or even a barbeque. Pre-heat the frying pan, griddle pan or barbeque to a medium heat, so that the burgers seal and don’t stick.

Cook the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side, turning them once. They should be cooked through with no pink bits.

Serve in a good quality bun with loads of salad and relish and maybe a slice of cheese (try Stilton to take them to a whole new level!)

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5.

Dish of theMonth


Irish Descent?Are you Irish or of Irish descent? If you would like some support in linking into local services then the Irish Community Care Merseyside (ICCM) may be able to help you. They can help you with problems such relating to welfare and benefit enquiries and much more. The organisation is based at the Brian Boru Club on Bryn Street in Ashton. The group can also help to get you involved with local social groups, so if you want to meet people that share your heritage and interests, so get in touch.

The Brian Boru Club one of the oldest Irish clubs in the UK and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds and has regular live music and events. With traditional Irish dancing and music you can capture the true spirit of Ireland with regular Ceilidhs and other events - the Brian Boru Club has something for everybody. For more information about this service please e-mail the Brian Boru Club on [email protected] or phone Jane Hunter on 01942 717999.

Business BoostLocal business networking group, Junction 7, are hosting a networking event at Colours Restaurant at St Helens College on Thursday March 8th from 6pm-9pm. For just £17 you can enjoy a 2-course meal, lots of networking and an opportunity to win a 10-minute pitch for your business. There are 100 seats available and Junction 7 is inviting members of other networking groups in the area. Book by 1st of March to qualify for an early booking discount of £2.

Junction 7 is unusual as networking groups go, it is a not-for-profit organisation, and all their profits go to local schools and charities. The group have already presented cheques to St. Ann’s School in Rainhill towards their building fund and to African Dream, a company that sources products direct from poor workers in Africa and supports schools and orphanages.

If you’re looking for a friendly networking group then look no further, there is no annual fee and it costs nothing to join, you just pay as you go. The group meets every month, so there’s no danger of being tempted by a fried breakfast every week! To book your place at the Colours Restaurant event, visit www.junction7network.co.uk and get networked for success!lay, book today and help them to raise the roof!


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Celebration The latest offering from the Wigan Little Theatre programme this Spring is a comedy called Celebration. This is described as a comedy classic which looks at family life in the North. Written by the late Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, this little gem will have you rolling in the aisles. The Wedding and The Funeral make up the two parts of this comedy. First we see the family preparing for a wedding, and the second half of the performance is set at the funeral of their beloved Uncle Arthur. The family’s dirty washing unravels with hilarious consequences.

The play opens on Wednesday 21st March at the theatre in Crompton Street in Wigan and runs until Saturday 31st March. To book your tickets please call the box office on 01942 242561 or e-mail your details to [email protected] but please allow enough time in advance of the dates you require.

If you’re a member of a community group and you want to publicise your next event free in Local Life, then just email details along with a contact name and number [email protected].


Snap Happy!The recent Friday morning Digital Photography course at Newton Community Centre was so popular that the centre plans to run an extra course! The course is over 10 weeks; is run in a very relaxed and friendly

atmosphere and you will learn all there is to know about using a digital camera. The course will run on a Friday afternoon, 1.00pm-3.00pm and costs £95 (payable in advance). The start date is yet to be confirmed. To avoid disappointment please contact the Centre to register your interest - we will contact you in due Course re start date. Hurry - places are limited!

In addition to the Friday courses there will also be a full day’s Digital Photography Masterclass held in the very near future. The cost is £45 and that includes lunch and light refreshments. Please call 01925 224731 or visit www.newtoncommunitycentre.co.uk for further details.

Saints Tickets up for GrabsTop St Helens flooring company United Carpets have secured a couple of great prizes for one of their lucky shoppers! All customers who spend more than £300 at the store before Sunday March 11th will be entered into a draw to win two tickets to the Saints v Leeds game on March 24th at the new stadium, Langtree Park, and they will also win a meal for two at the Black Bull on Prescot Road! So if you’re about to buy flooring for your house, make sure you take a trip to United Carpets on Parr Street before Sunday March 11th. See the advertisement on page 2 for more details of their great prices!


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What sorts of problem can you help me with? We can relieve pain that is caused by a variety of muscle, joint and nerve problems. This includes both new and old pain resulting from your job, sports, poor posture, accidents and some types of arthritis or wear & tear. We specialise in treating neck and back pain as well as pulled muscles, stiff joints and trapped nerves.

How can you help me? We always start off with a 45 minute consultation and exami-nation to find the underlying causes of your problem. We then use gentle, safe hands-on treatments to relieve your pain.

Why do you have a digital x-ray department? We have our own digital x-ray department at the clinic so that we can take and show you your pictures within 24 hours.This helps us to show you the underlying causes of your problem, allowing us to start treatment quickly and get you out of pain.

How soon can you help me?We are open six days a week and offer appointments the same or the next day. We are open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturdays 8am-4pm.

Why do we offer gentle treatments? Because we treat young children and senior citizens, we know that people prefer gentle, painless treatments.

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WIGAN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CLINICTReATMeNT FOR YOuR sPINe, MusCLes, jOINTs & NeRves27 BRIDGeMAN TeRRACe. sWINLeY. WIGAN. LANCAsHIRe. WN1 1TD

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Dr Matt BirchDoctor of Chiropractic

Chris GreenSports Injury Specialist

Jenny RichmondSports Injury Therapist

Mike PaullDoctor of Chiropractic

suFFeRING WITH MusCLe, jOINT OR NeRve PAIN?

Low back or neck pain? visit our clinic

• Consultation & Examination £59• Digital X-ray pictures (per area) £59• Treatment sessions (each) £35

A5_single page_WFC1.indd 1 28/11/11 22:22:43

�0 Local Life www.locallife247.co.uk

Canada stretches 4,000 miles from Pacific to Atlantic, and there’s much more to see than just mountains, moose and Mounties. All the travel guides indicate though that ‘West is Best’; Canada’s top attractions are based on the Pacific seaboard of this beautiful country.

Think sublime scenery and great cities and that sums up what’s waiting for you in Canada. Despite being the world’s second largest country, the population of

Canada is just half of the UK’s, so getting away from it all is easy. Walk a popular trail and you might see half a dozen people in a day; rent a canoe and you could be the only boat on a still lake.

The best way to appreciate the scenic beauty of Canada’s west and the Rocky Mountains is to travel by train. Travelling on-board the Rocky Mountaineer service is an unforgettable experience, the rail trip of a lifetime. There are three routes available, but the entire journey takes place during daylight hours to ensure you enjoy every minute of the breath-taking scenery: glacier-fed lakes, majestic mountains and fast moving rivers. To help you marvel at the awe-inspiring landscapes, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a choice of three service levels, including its famous Goldleaf service where you travel on board a two level glass-domed coach!

En route the Rocky Mountaineer you can take in some of the majestic jewels of Canada, such as;

Banff - Voted the country’s top tourist attraction by Trip Advisor, Banff offers an irresistible combination of perfect powder, luxury lodges and fine dining. Flanked on all sides by the Rockies, a thriving arts scene and

West is Best!

�1Local Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk

proximity to Banff National Park adds to the allure of Banff.

Whistler - Historically a winter vacation spot, this magnificent alpine village hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, but has seen outdoor enthusiasts flocking to enjoy the summer months in recent years. Whistler is named after the furry marmots that fill the surrounding mountains with their distinct whistle sound.

Jasper – The epitome of Canada’s extraordinary wilderness. Low-key and unpretentious with good food and drink, Jasper is great for hiking and golfing in summer and skiing and dog sledding in winter. You can heat up at Miette Hot Springs in the National Park or take in the splendour of Maligne Lake (pictured).

Voted by many to be the most beautiful city is the world, and a must for visitors to western Canada, is Vancouver, which rises from Canada’s Pacific seaboard against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The city has a mild, temperate climate: basking in temperatures in the high 70’s Fahrenheit in summer, and rarely freezing in winter. But although the mountains frame the city, it is the water that defines the boundaries of the downtown peninsula.

The ocean is reflected in the shimmering skyscrapers of the financial district, or you can catch glimpses between the clapboard houses of the West End. The Seawall Promenade uncoils past beaches and marinas to the wild expanses of Stanley Park, while seaplanes crisscross the straits to Vancouver Island.

Whether it’s a cable car ride up to the summit of Grouse Mountain or unwinding in the waterfront cafés and beachside lidos, Vancouver has it all to offer! Beyond the museums and galleries, Buddhist temples jostle with Chinese gardens, karaoke bars and stores selling silks and gold in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Don’t forget to catch the Aquabus to Granville Island, Vancouver’s answer to Covent Garden, which is filled with fine waterfront restaurants, theatres, galleries, studios, unique shops, cafes and the most spectacular fresh food market you’ve ever seen.

Canada’s calling – so if you fancy doing something really different this year, pop into Marken Travel at 200 Main Street in Billinge have a chat about Canada. Whether it’s train journeys, motorhome holidays, coach tours, cruises or independent travel, Marken Travel can help you along your way to the holiday of a lifetime!


Battling Betty to RetireRainford Councillor Betty Lowe, who has dedicated 30 years of her time and energy to serving the Rainford community and was honoured with an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen in 1995 for Public and Political Services, is retiring this year and will not be standing for re-election in May’s local elections.

The decision to retire has been a hard one to make but it has been taken mainly on medical grounds. Betty suffered a mini stroke and on strong medical advice must not risk confrontational situations. The cut and thrust of political life, particularly at full Council level, requires constant battling, and Betty feels that, as she can no longer fulfil this vital role, she must retire. Added to this, her husband Ray, who has been her constant help and support, also has serious and ongoing health problems and Betty wants to spend more time with him.

Betty’s long career started in Wigan in 1975 when she was elected as District Councillor for Billinge and Seneley Green. In 1976 Betty was elected as Parish Councillor for Seneley Green and was Chairman for two years. 1n 1991, having moved to Rainford some years earlier, she was elected to Rainford Parish Council and has represented Rainford at St Helens

Council from 1992 to date.As Betty describes it, a Rainford Councillors life certainly has its ups and downs, especially when always in a minority at St Helens Council, as she always has been. The nickname ‘Battling Betty’ is well deserved and she takes it as a compliment. She considers everything grist for the mill, and considers the battling fun even when car tyres are slashed and death threats received!

But, Betty feels her greatest satisfaction and achievement comes from the service she has been able to give to the Community in so many different areas and ways. Her involvement has included serving on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority and as Chairman of Community Safety. She is currently serving as Governor of Rainford CE School and Brook Lodge County Primary. She was formally Manager at Redbank Community Home; Blackbrook Nugent Care Children’s home; Manager for Elderly People’s homes at Seddon Court and Children’s homes at Willow Green and Abbeyford and a member of the Delta 4 Crime Prevention Committee. However, she stresses that the greatest need she served was in dealing with numerous Social Service and Housing queries, often involving helping people in very difficult circumstances.

Betty’s dedicated, passionate approach has been shaped by some special people to whom she owes gratitude and thanks, notably her parents who inculcated a high moral and ethical approach to life and duty. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ is also given to everyone at the MacRae Medical Centre for constant support for Ray and for her at all times.

From 2004 to 2005 Betty served as Mayor of St Helens, choosing as the Mayor’s Charity ‘Betty’s Special Breaks for Carers in St Helens’. Betty knows how important Carers are having first hand experience of being a carer to her dear husband, Ray, as well as fulfilling all her political and public duties.

This piece simply scratches the surface and can only hint at the warmth, humour and determination that radiates from Betty. She laughs when I ask her what will happen if people continue to contact her for help and tells me firmly that she will direct people to the person who has been elected to take her place. Retired from politics Betty may be, but, with such a zest for service and helping people it seems to me new adventures and fun could be poised to come on stage!

��Local Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk


Don Friar contacted us last month with a fascinating story from his youth. We enjoyed the tale so much that we felt it needed a wider audience. Don, who is pictured here with a shiner (he slipped in the shower the previous day), now lives in Moss Bank with his wife Elsie, who was also a Sutton Harrier. This is his story.

The Day Sutton Harriers Made HistoryThe coach looked strangely out of place in the middle of Bickerstaff Street car park on a cold March day in 1950; the English champions were setting off to defend their title. Was this Knowsley Road’s finest? No, this was the Sutton Harriers, the UK’s premier cross country club; runners up in 1944, Champions in 1945 and again in 1946, ’47, ’48 and ’49. Could anyone take their title away in 1950?

At a recent Northern Counties Championship in the run up to the National Championship they had demolished the opposition, finishing with 71 points, a

hefty 35 points ahead of the runners-up, Leeds. The winning team consisted of Mick Maleedy ( 4th), Bill McMinnus (5th), Joe Harrison (10th), Tom Fillingham 12th), Fred McMinnus (14th) and Jack Chidlow (26th).

That same day, the Sutton Youth team had also won the Northern Counties title! Five of the team entered the finishing straight and they raced to the finish with less than a yard between them, and they finished with 62 points, 12 points ahead of runners up Liverpool Harriers. The winning team were Ivan Williams (14th), Denis Wilson (15th), Alec Griffin (16th), Don Friar (17th) and Geoff Rothwell (18th).

The National Championships were being held in Aylesbury this year. Sutton Harriers had booked an overnight stay at a hotel in Oxford to make sure the runners were as fresh as possible on the big day, I found myself in a single room with an en suite bathroom! What a luxury; I didn’t know such a thing existed! The following morning, we boarded the coach for the relatively short journey to Aylesbury. Every church hall, schoolroom and scout hut within a mile of the starting line had been pressed into service as changing accommodation and Sutton were allocated a nearby school.

As the clock ticked towards the starting time and the school gradually emptied, Club Secretary Harry Wilson insisted we stay put until only Sutton Harriers

Junior runners at Northern Youth Championships 1950 – left to right; Don Friar, Alec Griffin, Denis

Wilson and Geoff Rothwell


and the smell of wintergreen remained. He then led us at a brisk trot to the start to the last remaining empty starting lane, and as we got ourselves into position, we noticed the other teams jumping up and down in a vain attempt to keep warm, whilst we were all nicely warmed up.

The gun went and we were off, we soon found ourselves near the front. Soon after the start, runners were confronted by a wooden gate set in a barbed wire fence. All the front runners, Sutton included, managed to climb the gate, but soon after we had got over the gate hundreds of runners piled into one another and resorted to climbing through the barbed wire fence, scratching limbs and tearing clothing.

With Williams, Wilson and Friar running together in close proximity, Sutton were consolidating their position in the leading group. Over the final half mile, Ivan Williams put in his usual strong finish, carrying the other two to the line and the trio finished in 9th, 11th and 16th places. Behind them came Alec Griffin (48th) and Geoff Rothwell (51st), and the triumph was completed – Sutton Harriers had won the National Youth Championships by just four points.

When the senior team heard the good news, the pressure was on them to match the youth team’s victory and they shot off from the start like demons possessed. After the first of three laps, it was obvious

that the seniors were going to win too. Five of Sutton’s six runners were in the first 25 of a field of over 600 runners. Holding their form to the end they finished; Mick Maleedy (8th), Fred McMinnus (10th), Joe Harrison (14th), Tom Fillingham (21st), Bill McMinnus (25th) and Jack Chidlow (67th). Sutton Harriers had done the ‘double’; both senior and youth teams had won the National Championships – the first time that had ever happened!

At the end Harry Wilson stood surveying the scene with his chest puffed out with pride, a grin from ear to ear and a large silver trophy under each arm, “Right lads, he said, “ Let’s go home, we’ve got what we came for!” We stopped at a country inn on the way home; the locals astonished to be invaded by a coach load of Lancashire lads drinking bitter from the two silver cups. We rolled back into a deserted St Helens in the dead of night, not for us the tumultuous welcome of a Wembley victory.

The Mayor of St Helens announced our success in the Council’s Chamber describing it as a magnificent achievement and we were awarded a civic reception. We had brought back ten gold medals and two trophies from the English Championships, which had never been done by any club before. Sutton Harriers had made history!

Senior team receiving 1950 Northern Senior Championships trophy – left to right; Bill McMinnis, Fred McMinnis, Mick Maleedy, Joe

Harrison, Tom Fillingham and Geoff Chisnall

�� Local Life www.locallife247.co.uk

The Green ThingWhilst taking the weekly shop through the tills at the local superstore, it was suggested to a customer by the young cashier that she should bring her own grocery bags in future because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman explained, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my earlier days.” The cashier, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations.”

She was right; our generation didn’t have the green thing in its day.

Back then, we returned bottles to the shop or to the ‘pop man’, who returned them to the plant to be washed and sterilised and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they were recycled. We carried our own plates to the chippy every Friday for our tea. We didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go up the road. But she was right; we didn’t have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby’s nappies because we didn’t have disposable nappies. We dried clothes on a line using wind and solar power, not by throwing them in an energy gobbling machine. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not throwaway clothing from Primark. When we were thirsty we drank corporation pop from a tap instead of opening a plastic bottle and we refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen. But we didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, we had one TV in the house – not one in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief, not a screen the size of the living room wall. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn petrol just to cut the lawn. We used to push a mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she’s right; we didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, kids walked or rode their bikes when they went to school or visited their friends, instead of turning their parents into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical socket in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerised gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pie shop.

But isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing back then? If only they knew ...

Despite our best efforts, the author of this article remains unknown.

This piece was printed in St Luke’s Church magazine recently and we have reprinted it – with a few of our own amendments!

�� www.locallife247.co.uk

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This is a lovely Spring walk, just over 5 ½ miles long and typical of the gentle undulating landscapes of South Lancashire. It’s just enough to dust off the cobwebs and ease you into Spring. We did the walk in early February, just as Mother Nature was waking up. Listen out for the contrast in noise on this walk; the peace and quiet of Skitters Wood is soon superseded by the mighty never-ending rumble of motorway traffic, which in turn is followed by the absolute still of the glorious countryside, before that motorway traffic returns again at the tail end of the walk.

Enjoy!

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HistoryThis area is steeped in local history. Liverpool Road in Ashton was formerly known as Dock Lane, and the picture illustrated is of Dock Lane House. Across the road from Dock Lane House (which stood where the British Military Vehicles site now is) is Garswood Park, now the home of Ashton Golf Club. The estate was bought by Lord Gerrard in the eighteenth century and during the First World War, the Hall became a Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital, run by the Matron and benefactor Lady Gerrard.

In World War 2 Garswood Park became Camp 50 – a prisoner of war camp for up to 800 Italian and, later on, German soldiers. Prisoners would be shipped off each morning to work at farms throughout the area. The camp closed in 1948. By the end of the war Lord Gerrard, who had by then moved to Hertfordshire, sold 60 acres of Garswood Park for the sum of £5000 to Ashton Golf Club. In the early 60’s the estate was cut in two by the M6 motorway, and the eastern part of the Estate eventually became schools and housing.

Woodedge -Downall GreenTurn off Liverpool Road at the junction with Woodedge and park up near the Scout Hut. Walk up Woodedge and once you are opposite number 25, turn right and take the path where the public footpath sign is. Go down the steps into Skitters Wood, turn left and then turn immediate left, walking away from the stream. Walk up a slight incline, you will come across a lovely pebble mosaic (made by local children in conjunction with the Friends of Ashton group); keep to the left when you pass this mosaic. The path forks a little way ahead, take the left hand fork and carry on down that path which runs pretty much parallel to the line of houses on Woodedge. Just when you come to the point when it looks like the pathway is coming out of the woods, it plunges downhill again. When you exit the woods, you’ll reach a little T junction in the

path, turn left and head upward toward the motorway bridge.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ll follow a path that runs parallel to the M6. That path will take you past about four houses, one dating back to the early 1600’s, and eventually you’ll go up a slight incline and arrive at a secluded lay-by called Skitters Grove. Bear left at this point and 80 yards later you’ll come to Low Bank Road. Turn right and walk for 150 yards. Just before you get to another motorway bridge, cross over Low Bank Road and take the opening to the right hand side of the seven bar metal gate. Downhill you go and then uphill too; following that path that runs parallel to the M6. It’s a bit muddy in parts down this path but you can hold on to the fence at the side and skirt round the edges of the mud without too much difficulty.

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The path bears left and you’ll soon arrive at a footbridge which takes you over the Wigan to Liverpool railway line. Once you’re over the bridge, you’ll see Mill Farm straight ahead. Follow the path uphill that takes you to the left of the farm. Once you have reached the crest of the hill you will see straight ahead in the distance a yellow public footpath sign. You’ll go through two gates in quick succession, and then head downhill keeping to the right hand perimeter of the field. At the bottom of that field there is a wooden gate, go through and follow the little path up to Downall Green Road. Downall Green – Newton RoadOnce you reach the roadside, turn left, cross the bridge and then cross over the road heading for the corner shop on the corner of Rectory Road. Turn right up Rectory Road, and head up hill. 350 yards up the road you’ll come across a real curio of a place called Rectory Nurseries (see feature). Once you get to the top of Rectory Road, follow the road round to the left, you are now on Leyland Green Road. Follow that road for a full 750 yards right out into the countryside.

Once you reach the T junction, turn right into Winstanley Road and you’ll see a foot path sign on the left 30 yards on. Carefully cross the road and take this footpath. Follow the right hand perimeter of a field, which subsequently opens up and becomes the bank of a small lake. Once you reach the edge of the field, cross over a very small wooden bridge and turn left at the yellow footpath sign. Follow the path around the left hand perimeter of the field for 350 yards, going uphill most of the way. You’ll come to a 4ft high stone pillar by two trees and a very visible national grid gas pipeline sign; at this point you need to turn left and head towards the black and white chevron road sign in the distance. You will come out on Newton Road.

Newton Road - WoodedgeTurn right and follow this road for 400 yards, going past Rowan Cottage and Billinge Lane Farm, and take the next public footpath sign on your left. You will go through a modern metal gate and walk down a wide track; on the right you’ll see the outskirts of Billinge. Follow the track past a 3 storey stone house, stay to the left hand side and you’ll need to veer onto a field for 20 yards before you come back on to the footpath.

Rectory NurseriesYou might be forgiven for thinking that the Rectory Nurseries was indeed just a garden centre but owner and creator Kevin Duffy is a self-taught artist and has spent the last thirty-five years building his own Tudor Village in a quiet corner of North Ashton.

The Tudor Village is laid out as if part of a village square and the collection of around ten houses, clock towers, statues and his very own tea room create an unusual setting. Also on site is a small chapel, with an alter constructed from old railway sleepers and kitchen cabinets. The chapel is well received by visitors who light candles and donate to the collection tin that Kevin then shares out between various charities.

The work is for the most part a façade-based installation; very few of the structures have an interior. The facades are constructed using reclaimed interior doors and pretty much anything Kevin can get his hands on.

Rectory Nurseries is situated on Rectory Road and is open between 9.30-4pm every day.

41www.locallife247.co.uk

Once you reach the farm track just ahead, turn left, and about 50 yards further on you will follow a right hand bend. Follow this straight path for 350 yards and when you reach the end of the path by a couple of gas pipeline notices, it splits into a staggered junction. Bear left at this point and go up a bit of a bump and you’ll find yourself on another field. Follow the left hand perimeter of that field going downhill all the way. Once you reach the bottom of the slope by the trees, the path splits; turn left at this point. You’ll cross a stream into another field; turn left again and walk up the left hand perimeter of a field parallel to the stream. After 250 yards, the stream and trees bend round to the left but you need to carry on uphill over the open field.

As you’re walking up the hill, you’ll see Billinge Beacon with the masts behind it, and once you’ve reached the top, take a minute to take in the wonderful views around you. Walk down the hill for 500 yards or so and you’ll come to a six bar gate. Behind that gate is Garswood Road. Cross that road and go down Station Road. Carry on for 700 yards down that road, which changes into Strange Road passing Garswood Station on the way, until you go under a railway bridge.

Walk on a further 250 yards and you’ll arrive at T-junction. Turn right and look out for a public footpath sign about 50 yards ahead on the left hand side. Cross the road carefully, go through the metal gate on the footpath and follow the footpath around the right hand perimeter of the field. Follow that path for 550 yards, go through the metal gate, and you are now on Liverpool Road. Turn left and walk up the hill towards the motorway bridge. Cross the bridge and walk a further 375 yards; turn left into Woodedge and you are back where you started. Well done!

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.

This idea for this walk was submitted by Karin Dagnall from Ashton, who wins our equivalent of a Crackerjack pencil – a limited edition Local Life mug! If you would like your favourite walk to be featured in Jack’s Tracks please email details [email protected].


The Real Deal“Do you notice anything different about me?” is a phrase that strikes the fear of God into most men. You quickly run through a mental checklist; hair, eyebrows, weight, clothes. And usually by the time you cotton on, you’re in the doghouse again!

Well, it’s a bit like that when you spot a house that has had the Orrell Roofline treatment; you know it looks nicer and more attractive than the other houses but it takes you a minute to figure out why. It’s those seamless aluminium gutters!

They make the house look clean and stylish, and there’s no unsightly joins or any of those fiddly plastic clips which are a nightmare to clean properly. As Sean McHugh, the co-owner of Orrell Roofline, tells everyone; “You just don’t realise the difference until you see it with your own eyes!”

When you have aluminium gutters fitted, they are made to measure on site by Orrell Roofline, who use a nifty bit of expensive kit that forms the gutters to exact size, eradicating the need to use any joins. So if you need a 20 foot run of guttering, you get a single 20 foot run; not three 6 foot runs and a 2 foot run with 3 joins and numerous clips.

Not only does the aluminium guttering look better, it lasts longer too!

These aluminium gutters are guaranteed to last for at least 25 years. In comparison, you can expect UPVC gutters to last for just 10-15 years and unlike plastic guttering, aluminium will not discolour, lose shape or become brittle. The aluminium is powder coated, so will never need painting, just a quick clean with a jet wash, and it comes in three colours, white, black and brown, which complements the standard fascia board colours.

And just as you wouldn’t get a roofer to fix your electrics or a plumber to mend your washer, why would anyone get a builder or a window company to install roofline? Orrell Roofline are the real deal, a roofline company that specialise only in roofline; fascias, soffits, cladding, dry verge and those aluminium gutters.

Orrell-based Sean, and his business partner, Stephen Shaw, have over 45 years of roofline experience between them and the company is a member of the Wigan Council Good Traders Scheme, where they have attracted 5 star grades and rave reviews for the quality of their work,

Seamless aluminium guttering is normally 10-15% more expensive than its UPVC equivalent. This makes economic sense; after all, it looks better, lasts longer and it’s maintenance free. However, Orrell Roofline has again put together a special offer only for Local Life readers – you can have aluminium gutters fitted for the same price as UPVC gutters! Just call them before the end of the year and quote ‘Local Life offer’ to qualify for your discount.

Call Orrell Roofline now on 01942 735515 or 07917 352182.

www.orrellroofline.co.uk

Proud Sponsors of Orrell St James Open Age Section

Before After


Now OnOliverCameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Oliver at the Palace Theatre in Manchester stars Neil Morrissey as Fagin. Fresh from its record-breaking run in the West End, one of the most beloved British musicals ever. Bringing vividly to life Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more, Lionel Bart’s sensational score includes Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, I’d Do Anything and many more. Runs until 10th March.Contact: 0844 871 7660 or 0844 871 3018 or visit www.ticketmaster.co.ukSat Nav Ref: M1 6FT

Saturday 10th MarchSt Peter’s Church Craft and Gift Fair Looking for a gift for your mum this Mother’s Day? Come along and browse our handmade gifts not available on the high street. Handmade jewellery, candles, cards, knitted items, hand painted vintage gifts and much more at the church on High Street in Newton Le Willows. To book a stall, please email [email protected]. Time: 10am-4pmCost: 50pContact: www.craftmakingideas.comSat Nav Ref: WA12 9SR

Sunday 11th MarchRivington Hall Barn Doll & Teddy Bear FairIn the heart of Rivington Park near Bolton, you will find a 200 year old Saxon Barn, which has been the home for the past 25+ years of Lancashire’s Oldest Doll & Teddy Bear Fair. The first of this year’s fairs welcomes bear and doll makers, shops and suppliers from all across the UK. Free parking and excellent refreshments.Time: 10am-4pmCost: Adults £2.50 Child £1.25Sat Nav Ref: BL6 7RU

Sunday 1�th MarchMother’s Day at Norton Priory Norton Priory Museum & Gardens near Runcorn consists of an award winning museum, excavated medieval ruins, the spectacular St Christopher statue, the lovely Walled Garden and the extensive woodland and sculpture trail. Refreshments are available in the Café and Garden Tea Room with gifts and plants for sale.Cost: FreeContact: 01928 569895 or visit www.nortonpriory.orgSat Nav Ref: WA7 1SX

Mothering Sunday Afternoon TreatTreat Mum this year to tea and cakes in Tatton’s mansion and a visit to the estate’s beautiful 50 acre garden. A table will be reserved for you in Lord Egerton’s apartment, with stunning views over the Italian terrace and parkland, where you’ll enjoy a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and cakes with tea and coffee. You’ll be welcome to stroll around the award winning gardens during your visit. Pre-booking essential.Cost: £20.00 per person, including parkland entry charge Contact: 01625 374 456/01625 374400 or visit www.tattonpark.org.ukSat Nav Ref: WA16 6QN

The What’s On Guide


Wednesday 21st March Disney on IceEnter a world of wonder where heroes and hearts prevail. Join Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s slithering spell to reclaim his one true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficent as she transforms herself into a fire-breathing dragon in a race against time to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. Runs at the Echo Arena in Liverpool until Sunday 25th March.Cost: £11.25-£35.50Contact: 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.comSat Nav Ref: L3 4FP

Wednesday 4th April Cirque du Soleil – AlegríaRunning at the MEN Arena in Manchester until Saturday 7th April is Alegría; a classic Cirque du Soleil production that has received international acclaim and wowed over 10 million people worldwide since it premiered in 1994. Cirque du Soleil has dazzled and amazed almost 100 million people in 300 cities across five continents since its humble beginnings in Quebec in 1984, and its return to the UK in 2012 is set to be one of the entertainment highlights of the year.Cost: £56.50Contact: www.ticketmaster.co.ukSat Nav Ref: M3 1AR

Saturday 7th April Alice in Wonderland Easter FestivalTatton Park plays host to an enchanting Easter ‘Alice in Wonderland’ event with activities taking place until Monday 9th April. Step through the looking glass in the Mansion. Follow the White Rabbit to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the Gardens. The clock’s stopped at 6pm and a cast of curious characters riddle and rhyme their way through tea. The Queen of Hearts will be weaving some magical stories and you can let Mr Bimbamboozle dazzle you with his Alice-themed Punch & Judy show! Normal opening times and prices apply. Contact: 01625 374400 or visit www.tattonpark.org.ukSat Nav Ref: WA16 6QN

Sunday �th AprilThe Razzle Dazzle Travelling Vintage FairFor your delectation and delight, we present ‘The Razzle Dazzle Travelling Vintage Fair’ at Cedar Farm in Mawdesley which promises a veritable feast of antique, handmade and vintage curiosities. The vintage parade includes artists, designer-makers and dealers in glorious vintage and antique treasures. Join us for music, romance and nostalgia, sweet treats, memorabilia, mirth and merriment. Time: 10am-4pmCost: £1.00Contact: [email protected] Nav Ref: L40 3SY

Easter at Walton GardensAlso on Easter Monday. Walton Hall Gardens & Children’s Zoo near Warrington are having two full days of entertainment for all the family with live music, children’s entertainers, craft stalls, eggy games and more. In addition to the Easter events, you can stroll round the free children’s zoo and see our spring arrivals, and enjoy additions to the children’s play area. Time: 10.30am-4.30pmContact: 01925 601617 (option 2) or visit www.warrington.gov.uk/waltongardensSat Nav Ref: WA4 6SN

Events and Festivals

Family

Walks & Nature

Special Interest

What’s on Guide events key


The Volkswagen take up! is the entry-level model in its city car line up. Andy Enright assesses whether sparse is beautiful.

Clutter. We surround ourselves with the stuff. I have a great admiration for those who can pare back their lives, if not to a bare minimum, then at least to a point where it’s clear that they have a very real appreciation for what’s important and what’s not.

This vaguely anti-consumerist message might seem a little at odds with a review of a car, but the VW take up! is a smart, stripped back sort of car that chimes with the concept of not consuming more than you really require. The Up range replaces the unlovely Fox and the unpopular Lupo before that; here we take a look at the entry-level model.

Pop the bonnet and you’ll be confronted with a three-cylinder unit not much bigger than your kitchen microwave. It makes just 60bhp, so it’s not what you’d call zesty. Maximum speed is 100mph, and 60mph will arrive in 14 seconds from a standing start. What it lacks in straight line power, it claws back in friendliness and tractability. It’s a sweet engine that does its best work between about 2000 and 5000 rpm which means that it can more than hold its own in everyday traffic.

The throttle response is a little soft, but this does makes it easy to drive smoothly. The steering and the manual gearbox are both light and accurate. Visibility is also very good which helps with parking manoeuvres, as do the very short front and rear overhangs, which make squeezing into tiny bays simplicity itself.

Handsome little thing isn’t it? The proportions look just right and the kinked window line, grille-less front end and gently flared wheel arches gives the car more impact than the usual city boxes. It is one of the smallest four-seater city cars, measuring a full 11cm

YOU TAKE ME UP


shorter than a rival Fiat Panda. Clever packaging means that interior space is maximised.

The interior is colourful, with the option of painted body-coloured panels, evoking the spirit of the original Beetle. The interior design is clean and easy to get to grips with, featuring a compact centre pod for many of the minor controls. There’s loads of storage and the cool dished three-spoke steering wheel frames an instrument cluster of ruthless functionality.

As the entry level model in the Up range, the take up! features a few items which serve to underline this fact. The 14-inch steel wheels and the black door handles and mirrors do have a certain unshowy chic about them though, and the rims, which are fitted with plastic wheel trims, will shrug off kerb impacts a whole lot better than flashy alloys.

Priced from just £7,995, the car gets body-coloured bumpers, daytime running lights, front and side head/thorax airbags, a CD stereo with aux-in, rear ISOFIX points, and 14-inch steel wheels. You’ll have to manage without a split rear bench and air conditioning too, and in order to save space, there’s not even a spare wheel, just a can of foam and a pump to keep you going if you catch a flat.

The payback from the Take Up’s minuscule engine comes at the pumps. It’ll average 62.7mpg, and even

in city use it returns 50.4mpg. Emissions are rated at 105g/km, but there is a BlueMotion eco model offered if you want to go even lower; in this case to 97g/km.

The reasonable asking price, strong badge equity and tiny running costs virtually guarantee strong residual values for the take up! Make no mistake, this is a very bold car to bring to market. The cabin features about as little equipment as you could possibly get away with. The only item that has anything remotely over-specified about it is the clever clogs stereo. If you like a minimalist, pared back look and feel, you’ll love this car. The clever thing is though; it doesn’t feel as if it’s been built down to a price. It feels like a very smart piece of design that focuses on the essentials.

There are rivals that are equivalently priced and better equipped. There are also competitor products that offer a sharper steer. The puppyish enthusiasm of some city cars grates after a while though whilst the effortless cool of the take up! merely earns enduring respect. I think you’ll like it.

For further details contact Corkills, Wallgate, Wigan (01942 324411) or Warrington VW, Milner Street, Warrington (01925 655300).


Motoring

�0 Local Gardening Life www.locallife247.co.uk

Garden ServicesYour Local Directory of

�1Local Gardening Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk

March is a lovely month and is traditionally the start of the gardening year with the days gradually getting warmer . It can however also be a challenging month. One day of sunshine can be followed by snow! Don’t you just love our weather.

It is important to get out into the garden now though to get ahead of the game in terms of clearing the borders, ready for the perennial plants to push through, and in terms of weeding. It really is true to say that time spent now weeding will repay you in bucket loads later in the year. I love the first few warm days of the season and the first time I cut our lawn - well I’m as giddy as a child at Christmas. Hubby thinks I’m mad but honestly nothing is as exciting as seeing the lawn crisp and even with its first cut.

In terms of planting, this is a good time of year for planting grasses as they prefer to be moved when they are actively in growth. Grasses are brilliant plants for bringing height and movement to a garden and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. I’ve noticed the planting scheme

outside the new Wigan Life Centre includes quite a few grasses and I can’t wait until later in the year to see them in their prime - planted en mass in this way makes for a contemporary look. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine fontane’ is a lovely one which keeps its form in winter giving some much needed structure in borders at that time of year.

There is one other very important task for me however this spring - and that is to place a metal grid over my pond. Yes I’m talking the patter of tiny feet - no not me (god, no!) - my once noisy, untidy, and very expensive daughter has become a lovely, calm, sensible young mum with a place of her own, a beautiful little girl Freya and a fiance to boot.

Some things however stay the same - one of them being that Hubby (or Grandad) won’t ever be changing a nappy!

Author: Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons)Garden Design For All SeasonsTel: 01942 522 405Mob: 07857 008 383www.angiebarker.co.uk

Our resident gardening expert Angie Barker, provides us with some more gardening hints, tips and seasonal selections.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine fontane’

Get ahead of the game


GrowYer Own

Council Run Allotments:

Bertram Street, Newton-le-Willows

Eccleston Old Lane, off Knowsley Road, West Park (includes poultry plots)

Back Wigan Road, Bryn – 13 plots

Downall Green Road, Bryn – 5 plots

Stubshaw Cross, Ashton – 19 plots

Allotment gardening and growing your own vegetables is a very rewarding activity; for many it is a combination of gentle exercise, getting out into the fresh air with the added satisfaction of producing your own fresh fruit and vegetables for the family. Whether you want to put down some roots and start your own allotment or you just want some tips on creating the perfect window box, stick with Local Life and we’ll give you a guide to the green fingered way of life.

Apart from providing low cost food, they also provide valuable recreational opportunities involving healthy activity and social contacts. Allotments are also significant to our green spaces and provide habitats for many forms of wildlife, so you’ll be doing your bit for the local environment.

For the more adventurous of you who have dreamed of your own potting shed and would like an allotment to go with it then look to St Helens Council or, if you’re in Ashton, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. They manage a number of statutory allotment sites across both Wigan and St Helens. However as you may

have guessed they are quite popular so you may encounter a few waiting lists along the way.

At a glance the vital statistics of these plots stack up as follows, a full plot will cost you from £26.50 per year and a half plot will cost you from £13.25, depending on which borough you’re resident in. The plots come in all shapes and sizes so there will be something to suit every budding Alan Titchmarsh.

If you’re a St Helens resident, you can apply for an allotment for both Council run and independent allotments via the St Helens Council website, call the Contact Centre on 01744 676789 or email [email protected]. Ashton residents are advised to email their request to [email protected] and you can find more details about allotments in the Wigan area at www.wlct.org/open-spaces/allotments


Independent Allotments:

Rob Lane Allotments, Newton – This allotment site is managed by Newton-le-Willows

Gardeners Association. For more information please visit the website at www.

nlwgardeners.co.uk

Rainford Junction, Junction Lane, Rainford

Ashton’s Green, Malvern Road, Parr - Both horticultural and poultry plots are

available.

Cabbage Lane, Hard Lane, Windle – Is home to 13 full and 8 ½ plots Those who have

been waiting the longest on the Cabbage Hall allotment waiting list are being offered

plots first.

Top Tip

Preparation is the

key; March is a good

time to start preparing

beds before planting.

Prepare your seed

beds, covering them

with clear polythene or

fleece to warm the soil

before sowing.

Vegetable Gardening Tasks Whilst you are waiting to bag the perfect plot or if you have a vegetable

patch at home we have a few little jobs you can be doing around the

garden in the month of March. This month is a great time to start growing

most plants, start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. Hoe frequently for weed control & soil aerationClean & weed seed bedsAdd manure or fertiliser in final soil preparation

Put up supports for runner beans & peasSow early celery, peas, broad beans & spinachNow is a good time to plant fruit treesPlant shallots, garlic and onion setsSweet peppers, cucumbers, aubergines, celery, salads and globe

artichokes can all be sown in a greenhouse, you will need to provide

some heating if there is a risk of frostSlugs are a never ending threat; make sure you have a strategy for

dealing with them throughout the year.

��

�


Home ServicesYour Local Directory of

Contact your local office on

01744 644 061 0151 268 6047and make cleaning a chore of the past!

It doesn’t have to be spring, to spring clean

DP006

Areas Covered:

St HelensWidnesHaydockMoss BankRainfordand all surrounding areas

www.dailypoppins.com


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Local Life JobsDomestic Cleaners Required - All AreasGrowing company requires cleaning staff for immediate start. You must be honest and reliable, and all references supplied will be checked. Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle and good rates of pay for the right candidate. For details call Stephen on 0800 043 0722 or 01744 649091.

Distributors Required Local Life require distributors (aged 13+) to deliver the magazine and associated leaflets on a part time basis. Distributors will typically work for 2/3 hours every 8 weeks, delivering in their own neighbourhoods. We are particularly keen to recruit distributors in the Birchley area of Billinge, in Garswood and in the Moss Lane/St Helens Rd/Rainford Rd area around Windle Island. You must be fit, enthusiastic and reliable. Please email your name, address, landline number and date of birth to [email protected].


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Background.pdf 10/06/2011 12:29:04

AshtonCllr P Tushingham 01942 776060Cllr J Haddley 01942 487689Cllr N Ash 01942 736216Ashton Library 01942 727119Ashton Police Team 0161 856 7436

Billinge & GarswoodCllr A Bacon 0787 293 8085Cllr S Murphy 01942 743098Cllr J Pearson 01942 743021Billinge Medical Practice 01744 892205Garswood Surgery 01744 621670Billinge & Garswood Police Team 0151 777 6054Billinge Parish Council Clerk 01744 884857Selenley Green Parish Council Clerk 01744 892167Billinge Library 01744 677535Garswood Library 01744 677797

HaydockCllr W Anderton 0787 985 0518Cllr Banks 01744 676109Cllr A Burns 01744 677295Haydock Medical Cen. (Dr Vaughan) 0844 477 8626Haydock Medical Cen. (Dr Roberts) 01744 22272Haydock Library 01744 677801

Moss BankCllr J Fletcher 01744 884984Cllr Fulham 01744 676109Cllr C Kavanagh 01744 678918Windermere Medical Centre 01744 739645Moss Bank Library 01744 677988

Newton Cllr S Dyer 01744 671900Cllr S Knight 01925 227669Cllr N Taylor 01925 220104Newton Community Hospital 01925 222731Dr Pitalia – Comm. Hosp. 01925 220469Dr Pitalia – Bridge St 01925 225755High St Surgery 01925 290311Patterdale Lodge 01925 227111Market St Surgery 01925 221457Newton Library 01744 677885

RainfordCllr A Jones 01744 893367Cllr B Lowe MBE 01744 884891Cllr D Monk 01744 678032Rainford Health Centre 01744 882855K McRae Health Centre 01744 882606Rainford Library 01744 677820Rainford Parish Council 01744 884709

General Medical St Helens Hospital 01744 26633Wigan Infirmary 01942 244000Whiston Hospital 0151 426 1600Minor Injuries Walk in Centre 01744 627400NHS Direct 0845 4647

Police & Councils Merseyside Police 0151 709 6010Greater Manchester Police 0161 872 5050St.Helens Council 01744 676789Wigan Council 01942 244991

Useful Numbers

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Tell us once poster.pdf 10/06/2011 12:22:29

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When someone has died, Tell Us Once and we’ll tell all of the relevant services within St.Helens Council plus other government agencies for you.

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HM Government.pdf 10/06/2011 13:06:59

For more information, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/tellusonce or call 01744 676789.

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