Local Life Wigan

www.locallife247.co.ukWigan Edition

27 Aug - 06 Oct

Digging infor Orrell!

The number one local choice!

2 Local Life www.locallife247.co.uk

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Pulling together....There’s a real sense that the country is holding its breath at the minute, just waiting to see how and where the government intends to make the cuts it needs to make in order to balance the country’s books. The spending review, due in a few weeks, will supposedly represents the UK’s biggest shake up of public spending for generations, and it will surely affect all of us to some degree.

Although painful, some would argue though that the expected reduction of the State’s role in our lives is a good thing and it’s about time we took more responsibility for looking after ourselves, our families and our communities, instead of expecting the State to do everything for us. Whatever political persuasion you happen to be, the new government’s talk of its vision for the Big Society, of a place where local people are more involved in the decision making process is exciting, but also quite scary too. Are we really better equipped than the local council to make decisions about the communities where we live? Well, the jury’s still out on that one, but one thing is for sure; your community needs your involvement more than ever.

It used to be a kind of British thing; in times of adversity, we will all pull together. Grasp the nettle and try to get involved with the local community. Express your views, but be prepared to contribute too, because if you don’t, then who will?

See you next time

Chris Pearce – [email protected]

Publisher: Local Life 247 Ltd

ContactChris Pearce01695 [email protected]

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For further information, visit our websitewww.locallife247.co.uk

The next Wigan edition of Local Life will be published on Thursday 7th October. The copy deadline for this issue is Thursday 23rd September. Call 01695 627999 for more details. This Wigan edition of Local Life is published 8 times a year and delivered to over 13,000 private homes in Billinge Higher End, Highfield, Orrell, Up Holland, Winstanley and neighbouring villages. The magazine is also available to collect from Sainsbury’s in Marus Bridge and from local libraries.

Local Life also publishes a St Helens edition which is delivered to over 24,000 copies to private homes in the St Helens, Prescot and Ashton–in-Makerfield area over a two month period. The magazine is also available to collect from Tesco Stores in St Helens, Prescot and Haydock, and also from main libraries within the St Helens area.

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.

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

Loving it at Lovels!Mayor launches AppealIt’s the Bloomin’ Network!Free Wine Offer at the Red CatVegas Travel FeatureFun CentralWhat’s OnHonda CRZ Test Drive£10 off your next MOT!Motability for you?Angie’s Garden DiaryGarden ServicesWin tickets to Martin Mere!Home ServicesUseful NumbersChildren’s’ Page

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In this issue



Landgate AppealThe second Summer Ball to raise money for Landgate School in Bryn is being held at Holland Hall Hotel next Friday night (3rd September) and organisers are hoping to raise £5,000 towards a new minibus for the school. Landgate School is a school for autistic children from throughout the Wigan area, between the ages of 4-19. Some of these children are amazingly talented, but all struggle to cope with the social skills needed in everyday life.

The school minibus is used every day, not only to ferry pupils to and from school, but also to take pupils

into a social environment where they can develop an understanding of how to interact with others. The minibus is on its last legs, and the school desperately needs a replacement.

Already the Ball is a complete sell out, but up on offer is a chance to win a £1200 voucher from local travel agent, Marken Travel of Billinge. The lucky winner can either put the £1200 towards a main holiday, or use it on a series of city breaks available at the travel agent, who are based on Main Street in Billinge.

The tickets are priced at £5 each and are still available from Marken Travel on 01744 893291 or from organisers Susan Alker on 01695 622983 or from Debbie Baldwin on 01942 723479. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Ball next Friday. Pictured with some tickets and holiday brochures is Carla Hesketh, owner of Marken Travel, with organisers Debbie and Susan.

By ElectionThere’s a three way by-election fight between Labour, the Tories and the UKIP for the Up Holland seat left vacant by the sad death of Terry Rice in June. Terry, who was 62, had represented the Up Holland ward for twenty years and was a former Labour Group leader. The by election will take place next Thursday (2nd September) and the candidates are Labour’s John Fillis from Ormskirk, UKIP’s Gary McNulty from Up Holland and the Conservative’s David Sudworth from Skelmersdale.


Red Hot LoversThe new season at Wigan Little Theatre starts next week with a production of the Last of the Red Hot Lovers. The plot from this Neil Simon comedy centres around Barney Cashman, a middle-aged man who wants to join the sexual revolution before it’s too late. A gentle soul, Barney fails to hit it off with his three planned seductions; a sexpot who likes cigarettes, whiskey, and other women’s husbands; an actress friend who he discovers is crazy; and a gloomy depressed housewife who happens to be married to his best friend!

Last of the Red Hot Lovers runs at the Crompton Street theatre from Wednesday 1st September through to Saturday 11th September. For further information please call the Box Office on 01942 242561 or visit www.wiganlittletheatre.co.uk.

Junior FunYoungsters with time on their hands on Sunday

mornings should make their way to Orrell Methodist Church on Church Drive in Orrell, to attend their Junior Club! The club meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 10.45am to 12 noon. The club is open from youngsters of 4 years old and upwards and regular activities include stories, music and crafts. Both club leaders are CRB checked and a safeguarding policy is in place. For further details please call Alison Atkinson on 01695 622543 or Susan Foster on 01695 627313.

Lunch BunchIf you’re a pensioner and you’d like to meet new friends, here’s your chance! The St Aidan’s Pensioners Luncheon Club meets every Wednesday between 10.30am-2.30pm at St Aidan’s Social Club in Highfield Grange Avenue in Winstanley. For a small sum, you can enjoy a hot dinner, play bingo, raffles and a lottery. Transport to and from St Aidan’s is provided if required, and the group also undertake the odd outing and also enjoy a Christmas party. For further details call 01942 211121 between 10am-2pm and Wednesdays.

7Local Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk

* When you pay £28 for 5 consecutive weeks or join our Premier Club at £21 per month. Class Fee £5.70. Valid until 30/09/10. Ref: WL

Call Chris on 01942 824557 or 07968 608861Email: [email protected] Website: www.rosemaryconley.com

ASHTON IN MAKERFIELD

Byrchall High School,

Warrington Road,

Ashton In Makerfi eld

Monday 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Monday 7:30 - 9:00 pm -

(Slim & Salsacise)

BRYN

Our Lady Immaculate RC

Primary School,

Downall Green Road, Bryn

Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm

HIGHFIELD

Highfi eld St Matthew’s

Primary School,

Billinge Road, Highfi eld

Tuesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm

WINSTANLEY

St Aiden’s Social Club,

Highfi eld Grange Ave,

Winstanley

Monday 10:00 - 11:30 am

Classes also in Abram, Hindley, Hindley Green & Whelley

Please ring to reserve your place!

� Local Life www.locallife247.co.uk

Soccer SchoolIf you’ve a young soccer fanatic who just can’t get enough of the beautiful game, then why not enroll him/her on the soccer school run by Cherrybrook FC? This Winstanley-based club is looking for youngsters of 6 and under to join their soccer school which is held every Tuesday night between 5pm-6pm and every Sunday morning between 10am-11am. The sessions are held at the Soccerdome in Wigan and are run by FA qualified coaches who are CRB checked. Assistance and further input is also provided by coaches from Manchester City. The cost per session is just £1.50.

Cherrybrook are also in the process of setting up several girls soccer teams to play in a Wigan Saturday morning league this season, so they are looking for players and additional coaches to help out. The games are played at Hawkley Hall school and players subscriptions are just £13 per month.

Please call Mike Cotter on 07867 553901 for more details on the above.

MP SurgeryWe’ve been asked by new Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue to highlight her local surgery details. If you’d like to speak with Yvonne, then she will be at St Luke’s Church Hall in Lodge Road in Orrell on the 3rd Saturday of every month between 12.30-1.30pm. Yvonne’s next surgery in this area is on Saturday 18th September. If you’d like to speak to Yvonne, please call 01942 824029 first to book an appointment.

Developing independent learners

Begin your Kumon journeyKumon’s maths and English study programmes provide your child with the foundations to improve their skill set, inspiring a passion for lifelong learning and building the self-confidence to succeed both in and outside the classroom.

kumon.co.uk

Winstanley Study CentrePauline Cooper 01942 203 847

Contact your local Instructor today

*Terms & conditions apply. Visit kumon.co.uk for more details. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.


Lovels Bar & GrillLafford Lane, Up Holland. WN8 0QZ

Tel: 01695 624426

NEW!

open now at Holland Hall

Informal diningin a relaxed

setting, all day,every day.

Turn the page now for the Local Life food review at Lovels Bar & Grill!


Lovin’ it at Lovels!It’s the best kept secret around!

Boasting of an imaginative menu packed with great value dishes, Lovels is a brand new Bar & Grill, located in a spot that overlooks glorious countryside. Named after Lady Lovel, who owned Up Holland and various other bits of Lancashire in the 15th century, Lovels promises local diners something a little bit different.

Local Life went along to find out exactly what’s on offer....

Stretched over much of the ground floor within the picturesque surroundings of Holland Hall Hotel,

Lovels represents a kaleidoscope of dining styles and it’s as suitable for a romantic dinner as it

is for a family get together or a night out with friends. With its informal dining

style and extensive opening hours – open all day, every day -

Lovels is set to be a big hit!

Not only is the dinner menu extensive at

Lovels, but it’s full of popular dishes which

led to a good 20 minute delay whilst

we debated what to have! In the end we

started with the Smoked Haddock Tart and the

Lovels Shredded Chicken.

The tart was absolutely exquisite! A delectable pastry filled with a mix

of flaky oak smoked fillet of haddock, creamy mashed potato, chopped egg

yolks, a smattering of spring onions and topped with cheese. Perched on top of the

tart was a hen’s egg, boiled softly to perfection


and gently splitting open enough to let a rich yellow yolk dribble down the side of the tart. Ah, absolute bliss!

In contrast to the tart, my partner’s Lovels Shredded Chicken was scrumptiously nutty! The chicken comes marinated with tomato, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and honey, and it’s served with a rustic garden salad, which turns out to be spring onions, asparagus and peppers, and some sesame and pine nuts. Full of contrasting flavours, the dish was extremely light and just right for a lighter appetite.

“rich yellow yolk dribble down the side of the tart. Ah, absolute bliss!”

It’s not often we ‘do’ a vegetarian main meal on these pages, but my partner came across a dish that really caught her imagination – a Vegetable Cottage Pie. This mix of lentils, carrots, parsnips and onions topped with creamy mash was extremely tasty and surprisingly spicy too with a hint of tomato – a perfect meal for a winter’s day. It was accompanied by a bowlful of a colourful and eclectic mix of braised cabbage.

I decided to go for a dish called the Grill Pan, and when it arrived at the table, that’s exactly what it was – an actual grill pan filled with two sausages, two thick slices of bacon, black pudding, two eggs, a large field mushroom and a tomato. The hot pan was served on a block of wood, along with a toasted English muffin with a portion of mouth-watering chive butter.

10/10 for presentation, but what about the food? Just imagine you’re on Death Row in Texas and you’re asked what you’d like for your last meal...the Grill Pan is a nailed-on winner!

You think I exaggerate? Not a bit – the huge award-winning sausages and the back bacon were as good as I’ve ever had, the black pudding was perfect and the eggs were delicious. To accompany the meals, we ordered a side order of a bowl of chunky chips; a hand-cut, fat-fried, taste of heaven, served with various dips!

As we recovered from our indulgence, the waiter hovered around hopefully with the desserts menu. Waving him away for now, we took time to loosen our waistbands and savour our dining experience. Reminiscing about our previous experiences here and comparing old to new, it’s clear that Lovels now carries a more relaxed feel, the prices are more competitive than previously and the menu has a fresh new direction. Lovels sell good quality food

at extremely reasonable prices, and what’s more, I promise that the variety of food on the menu will have you coming back time and time again!

“hand-cut, fat-fried, taste of heaven”

Our patient waiter returns with the dessert menu and, this time, we don’t disappoint him. Resisting the temptation to try the Sweet Yorkshire Pudding, we order Frozen Forest Fruits and the blackcurrant cheesecake. The cheesecake was perfectly acceptable, presented well with different berries and cream, but for a real treat, don’t miss the Frozen Forest Fruits!

A large dish of frozen berries; redcurrants, raspberries, blackcurrants and blueberries which is served with a hot white chocolate sauce. A crazy mix of the crunchy and tart, coupled with the warm and sweet; a veritable taste explosion which guarantees an absolutely wonderful finish to a great meal!

Wonderful food, reasonable prices, relaxed atmosphere, great coffee; the platitudes just keep rolling on! Oh, I know you’ll love Lovels, but please.... let’s keep this one a secret, just for a little while longer!

LovelsHolland Hall HotelLafford LaneUp Holland


Alan ReturnsEx-Orreller Alan Atherton is returning to the village on Sunday 26th September to take part in the Harvest Festival services at the Orrell Methodist Church, and is looking forward to seeing old friends as well as making new ones. Now living in retirement in Reading, Alan lived on Moor Road in Orrell and used to work for Rylance Builders.

The services are taking place at the church, which is based in Church Drive in Orrell, at 10:45am and 6:00pm, and a warm welcome is extended to everyone who wants to attend.

Keep Fit with DorothyThe summer is over for another year and the kids are almost back in school, so if you’ve overindulged on your holidays then why not get back into shape at Keep Fit with Dorothy? The Keep Fit with Dorothy classes take place every Thursday evening at St Luke’s Church Hall in Orrell, and are entertaining and

enjoyable to all, as well as a great way to burn some calories.

If you’re free from 8.00pm till 9:30pm on Thursdays then get down to St. Luke’s Church Hall in Lodge Road, make some new friends and start getting fit. Its only £2.00 a session and the new term starts on Thursday 9th September.

Back To Church Sunday 26th September is National Back to Church Sunday. St Paul’s Church in Goose Green will be taking part, and this year the invitation is to come as you are. If you have not been to Church for a while why not come along to one of their services on this day where a warm welcome will await you. If you are already a member of this church, then why not invite someone to come along with you to one of the services on the day - at 9am, 10.45am and 6.30pm. For further details contact Rev Neil Cook on 01942 242984.

1�Local Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk

Express Furniture Life Magazine Aug 2010.pdf 1 12/08/2010 13:23:32


Mayor Mike launches Appeal“If everyone in the Orrell and Billinge Ward each gave £3, we would raise in the region of £30k, which would enable us to build a new local War Memorial” says Cllr Michael Winstanley, Ward Councillor for Orrell and Billinge.

The Orrell & Billinge Community Network have launched a Campaign to raise funds for a new War Memorial to be built following the closure of the Royal British Legion Club on Gathurst Road a number of years ago. The closure of the club meant that the local people no longer had anywhere to pay tribute to those who had given their lives in service of their country.

The Orrell & Billinge Network established a sub-group a number of years ago to identify a site and raise the necessary funds. The sub-group obtained planning permission to place a War Memorial on part of the old Orrell Library site. However, these plans had to be put on hold following the closure of the Library.

The Network feel the time is now right to press on with this project and that this why the appeal is being launched to raise the money that is needed to fund the War Memorial. The cost of the War Memorial and associated costs will be in the region of £25,000-£30,000. The Group will also try to obtain external grants to help fund the costs, but many of these grants rely on match funding.

Mike continues, ”If we could raise enough money to complete this scheme in a year, it would be a fitting tribute to those local people who gave their lives for us not just in the two World Wars, but also in subsequent conflicts all around the world”.

The Network will be holding street collections and will be asking local businesses to help with the fund-raising as well. Donations can be sent in by post to Mrs Marjorie Price, 29 Gathurst Road, Orrell. Please make cheques payable to the Orrell & Billinge Community Network.

YM Stalwart tackles Piers WalkOne man stepping out to get the Orrell War Memorial appeal off to a good start is David Unsworth from Croft Avenue in Orrell, who is doing a Pier to Pier walk in October to raise funds for the appeal and also for the Wigan Observer Heartbeat appeal.

63 year old David, who is a member of the Orrell and Billinge Community Network and has also been Chairman of the YMCA on Winstanley Road for the past 25 years, is will be walking the 35 miles from

Liverpool’s Pier Head to Wigan Pier on Saturday 2nd October and Sunday 3rd October. The vast majority of David’s route will run alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and he will stop off in Scarisbrick overnight.

Inspired by fellow Network member Colin Silcock of Lodge Road, a forces veteran who has long campaigned for a war memorial in Orrell, David is encouraging others to join in with the walk and raise the money needed to build a memorial worthy of the local members of our armed forces who lost their lives in times of conflict.

States David, “If you can’t manage the 35 miles from Pier Head to Wigan Pier, then the second leg of the walk from Scarisbrick to Wigan Pier is just 14 miles and it would be great to get a bit of company along this part of the walk.” If you would like to sponsor David’s efforts or join him in his efforts to raise money for Orrell’s War Memorial ,then please get in touch with him via the YMCA on Winstanley Road in Orrell or call Local Life on 01695 627999.



Bag a BargainFancy a bargain, a bite to eat, or a drink? Two events run by local Methodist Churches are competing for space in September’s social calendar.First up is the ever popular market at Up Holland Methodist Church on Alma Hill in Up Holland. This takes place on Saturday 11th September from 10am-

12.30pm at the church and consists of lots of stalls selling goods at bargain prices! So if you’re looking for bargain household goods, gifts, second hand books, toys, bric-a-brac, clothing and small items of furniture this is the place to go. A cafe will be serving hot food and drinks and there will also be a raffle on the day. Anyone wishing to donate any items for the market please call Bernard on 01695 632430 or Peter on 01695 633467.

And if you’re free on Saturday 25th of September then the only place to be is at the Tontine Methodist Church for their Annual Autumn Fayre! With plenty to do for all the family and a gazebo city that consists of 10 stalls providing goods galore, it’s worth getting there early to bag a bargain! The cafe will be open throughout the event, so why not call in for a late breakfast or light lunch? The fayre takes place from 10.30am till 1.30pm at the church which is situated opposite Delph Tavern on Tontine.


There will be a wide range of pieces on show and many items will have up to 70% off plusall orders placed on the weekend will receive 30% off. All our work is handmade by glassdesigner Stephanie Bowen at the studio and pieces can be made to order to suit any spaceincluding splashbacks. So come and join us on the 11th and 12th September open from10-4 both days and view the extensive range of glassware which will be available at afraction of the usual cost.

UP TO

70%OFF

morpheus glassUP TO

70%OFF11th & 12th SEPT

SALE

PaNeLs • sPLasHBacks • cOasteRs • jeWeLLeRy • HaNgiNgs • scULPtURe • BOWLs

Open Studio weekend 11th & 12th September

Unit 11, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, Lancashire, WN5 7XBt/f 01695 624182 e [email protected] w www.morpheusglass.co.uk

1� Local Life www.locallife247.co.uk

Macmillan FundraiserThe annual Macmillan Fundraising evening run by Anne, Edith and Kath, three friends from the congregation of St Thomas the Martyr Church in Up Holland takes place this year on Friday 24th September at 7.30pm. Traditionally a big fundraiser,

the event takes place this year at St James Social Club on St James Road in Orrell. As always the event has plenty of entertainment to offer. Music will be provided by the Old Hall Community Brass Band, the Kirsty Moss School of Dance will perform enthusiastically on the night and vocalist Geoff McKenzie will be putting on a turn to entertain guests.Bargain hunters on the night will be more than satisfied with browsing the stalls, which will include a vegetable stall, a cake stall and a fancy goods stall. A grand raffle will also be held with lots of prizes promised! Tickets for the evening are now on sale for just £5, but are selling quickly, so please contact Kath on 01685 721038, Anne on 01942 515409 or Edith on 01695 623686 to reserve your tickets for what promises to be a great night out!

Picture HouseThe big screen comes to West Lancashire with a series of films being shown in the next few weeks

at Parbold Village Hall by the Parbold Community Association. The Hall boasts a big screen, HD, with digital projection and full surround sound. Showing on Sunday 5th September is Samson and Delilah, followed by The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Sunday 19th September and then the classic To Kill a Mocking Bird on Sunday 3rd October. The village hall is based on The Green in Parbold and all screenings start at 7pm, with the doors opening at 6.30pm. All seats are priced at just £3. For further details, call 07976 913170.

Kumon for a Try!The children’s education provider Kumon, who run after school study sessions, are running a free two week trial between 21st-August and 20th October for any child who is interested in trying out their Maths and/or English programmes. The local Kumon contact is Pauline Cooper, who runs the sessions at St Aidan’s Social Club on Highfield Grange Avenue in Winstanley on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm. Students generally drop in for about 30 minutes during these times. For more details about the sessions, please call Pauline on 01942 203847(e-mail:[email protected]) or visit the website www.kumon.co.uk.

If you work with a charity or a community group and you’d like to publicise your event free of charge to Local Life readers, please email details of the event, along with a contact name and number to [email protected].

8, 11 & 14 SeaterMinibuses

Luggage TrailerAccessible

01695 633358 www.orrellminitravel.co.uk Unit 7, Hewitt Business Park, Winstanley Road, Orrell, Wigan, WN5 8RG

Airports (From £60 return)

Sporting EventsDays/Nights OutGolf Trips WeddingsContract WorkAny DistanceCar Seats Provided

YOUR LOCAL EXECUTIVE TRAVEL

COMPANY AT COMPETITIVE PRICES



Open DaysHeritage Open Days is a national scheme allowing people free access to properties that are either generally closed to the public or attractions that normally charge for admission. The scheme runs from 9th -12th September this year and you can search from over 3000 events on the scheme’s website www.heritageopendays.org.

Amongst the local attractions are the World of Glass in St Helens, which will be running free tours on Saturday 11th September between 10am and 4pm.

Built in 2000, the award winning World of Glass details the history of St Helens and its glass making heritage. Featuring live glass blowing demonstrations, special effect film shows, underground tunnels, museum galleries and special temporary exhibitions you can take a journey of discovery into how glass has changed the way we live. The World of Glass is also home to the Level one Gallery, Artisan Gift Shop and Kaleidoscope cafe. Booking is essential, call 01744 755150 for guided tour times and booking information.

You can also view the restored 100 year old Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine in Wigan, which powered the mill machinery and is one of the largest and finest examples in its original setting. Demonstrations are accompanied by an exciting audio-visual show and talks by the engineers about the role of the engine, which was the power behind the mill machinery and how cotton was spun. The demonstrations are being held on Sunday 12th September at 11am, 1pm and 2pm.


Help for Young CarersAt some point in our three score years and ten, many of us end up in the role of being a carer for others. A new organisation has formed in West Lancashire to help those people who find themselves thrust into a carer’s role whilst still in childhood, perhaps caring for someone with a long term illness or disability. West Lancashire Young Carers, whose patron is Rosie Cooper MP, helps young carers aged 5-18 years old by providing them with a whole range of free activities including weekends away, drama and art groups, music workshops, activity days and much more.

If you know of a young carer living in West Lancashire who is in need of some support, please let them know about West Lancashire Young Carers, who run a drop in centre at 10/12 Westgate in Skelmersdale and pass on their phone number (01695 711969) For more information about the organisation, please visit the website www.youngcarers.info.


Fun to Run It’s time to dig out your running shoes from the back of your wardrobe to prepare for the 5km run4alife run at Haigh Hall. The run is hosted by the Wigan Rotary Club in aid of the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, and to raise vital funds for research into male cancers.

The event, now in its 6th year, will be held on Sunday 26th September at 11:00am and with a massive £10,000 being raised last year, the organisers are hoping to beat this and raise even more money for this important cause. Wigan Rotary President Ted

Walmsley is urging local men and boys to back the event, “We are very grateful for all the organisations supporting us, all we need now are for the men in the area to enter the event and help us raise lots of money!”

Local Wish FM radio personalities Chris Milo and Dave Ellis are also getting involved by agreeing to run in the event, and to help them get into shape, DW Sports are providing a personal training schedule throughout the summer. For more information about registering for the run visit www.run4alife.com.

Art ClassIf you’re at a loose end on Tuesday nights and you’d like to learn how to paint, why not join Nigel’s Art Class which is held at the Grange Community Centre at Marus Bridge? You can paint using whatever medium you choose and Nigel will be on hand to help if needed. The class runs on Tuesdays between 7pm-9pm and each session costs just £4.


Douglas MusicThe new music season starts this month for Douglas Music, the music society that’s based in Parbold. Leyland Band are the visitors to the village hall on Saturday 25th September, when they will take you on a musical journey to celebrate Gaelic music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Cornwall. The band have been established for over 60 years and have played at venues all over the UK and abroad.

Subscriptions to Douglas Music are priced at £80 per year (£20 for young people/students), but tickets are also available for individual concerts and the Leyland Band concert ticket price is £12. For tickets please call 01257 421526 or 01257 462382.For further information on the rest of the season’s programme at Douglas Music, visit their website www.parbolddouglasmusic.org.

Roman InvasionA free day of fun for kids is being held in Wigan town centre on Saturday 18th September in support of the Heritage Open Days initiative. You can learn what it was like to be Roman Centurion and march around Wigan. Fun crafts and other activities will also be organised at this event which runs from 12 noon to 3.30pm. For further information contact 01942 828128 or visit www.wlct.org/heritage.


Pedal Power for KidsA charity raising money to improve healthcare facilities for children in Wigan is appealing for cyclists to test their pedal power.MedEquip4Kids’ Lancashire Loop Cycle Challenge takes place on Sunday, September 26th where more than 250 cyclists will be cycling up to 100 miles to help raise £15,000.

The money raised from the Challenge will help MedEquip4Kids provide medical equipment and facilities for hospitals across the north of England to ensure children and babies receive the best possible care when sick or injured. The charity has funded

just under £40,000 for Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, including £6,000 for overnight chair beds for the Children’s Unit to allow parents to sleep overnight next to their child’s bed.

Now in its sixth year, more than 1,000 fundraisers have tackled one of the Lancashire Loop’s three routes suitable for cyclists of any ability, ranging from a family-friendly 18 miles to 50 miles or 100 miles for experienced cyclists, and has raised more than £65,000 for MedEquip4Kids since 2004.The Lancashire Loop is a circular route from Cockerham, near Lancaster, and takes cyclists across rural Lancashire exploring the Ribble Valley, Bowland Fells and the Lune Valley via quiet countryside lanes and picturesque villages.

Registration is £15 and participants must raise a minimum £45 in sponsorship. The family registration is £30 (two adults and two children) with a minimum sponsorship of £70. For more details, visit www.medequip4kids.org.uk or call 0161 798 1600.



Last OrdersTime has been called for the last time at one Orrell pub over the summer, and a second pub is awaiting a decision from the town hall planning department. The new owner of the Old Engine pub on Gathurst Road, named after a former mine pumping engine which once stood on the same spot, has been granted permission to convert the pub into two apartments and also erect two semi detached houses on the old pub car park. The pub hit the headlines recently after former owners pub company Punch Taverns offered it to rent at a bargain £100 per week, but no-one was willing to take up the offer.

As Local Life went to press, a decision was still pending on Marston’s Brewery’s plans for the Station

Hotel on Church Street in Orrell. The Station Hotel will be forever associated with Orrell Rugby Union after the club stationed themselves there in 2006 after being denied access to the clubhouse at Edge Hall Road.

Although the Station Hotel has been noted as suitable for conversion to flats or apartments, the brewery have shown no interest in the building’s character and potential usage, and have instead submitted plans to demolish this handsome stone building and build 15 houses on a tract of land, which includes the pub and the car park, that runs in between the railway line and Smithy Glen Drive.

Rural Crafts DisplayIf you fancy timber snigging and ferret racing, you’ll really enjoy a trip over to Siding Lane Woodlands near Rainford on Sunday 12th September where you can learn all about ancient traditional crafts! You’ll be introduced to the works of the bodger, the cooper, the wheelwright and the charcoal burner and be entertained by birds of prey and gun dog displays, as well as watching morris dancing and singing some folk songs!Admission is free, but there’s no on site parking. A free park and ride system will operate from the car park at Rainford High School on Higher Lane in Rainford. For more information, please call 01744 833450.


Wigan says NO to Foul PlayNeighbourhood Teams at Wigan Council are running a Dog Fouling campaign, to highlight the issue throughout the borough. We will be using the campaign to educate dog walkers about the importance of responsible dog ownership and also to carry out enforcement on those dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs.

Allowing your dog to foul in a public place is unacceptable and is not only unsightly, but carries potentially hazardous diseases and infections. Young children are particularly at risk and it is important that dog owners bag up any dog waste and dispose of it into any rubbish bin.

Neighbourhood Teams will be in the Orrell and Winstanley areas, giving out hundreds of dog bags and employing the services of ‘Dogtastic’ man, who will provide education and training on responsible pet ownership. We will also be working with RSPCA to provide free dog chipping. Look out for posters

advertising where we will be and bring your own dog down to see us.

Enforcement officers will be out and about in the borough throughout the campaign and will issue Fixed Penalty Notices to any owner witnessed not picking up after their dogs. The maximum fine for this offence is £1000 and Wigan Council are taking a tough stance in this matter. Any information that residents are able to supply about irresponsible dog owners would be welcomed so that action can be taken against this small minority of people that spoil the environment for everybody else. Information can be passed confidentially by phoning the Environmental Services helpline on 01942 404364.

We hope that if we all work together we can make Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley cleaner, greener, safer.

2� Local Life www.locallife247.co.uk

For the past few summers, Wigan Council has come along to Orrell to dig over the flower beds in the area and plant flowers- haven’t they? This is all paid for by ratepayers - isn’t it? It is the Council who organises Orrell in Bloom – don’t they?

Actually, no, no and no again!

Despite what many people think, the people who spend time weeding, planting and watering around Orrell are not council workers. No, these people, who are all local people, are all genuine volunteers who give up their time to brighten up the area where they

live, and they all belong to an organisation called the Orrell & Billinge Community Network.

Since the Network’s efforts in winning an award at the In Bloom competition last year, we’ve had increased support from local residents, community groups and businesses; support for which we’re all grateful.

Our main sponsors this year were Pimbo Garden Centre and Local Life magazine. These companies cooked up a deal between them which benefited the Orrell in Bloom campaign to the tune of £975! Both companies have been involved in planning displays

It’s the Bloomin’ Network !


and actively helping volunteers to transform areas. This sum of money enabled us to invest in perennials, rather than the bedding plants we used last year, which will help bring colour to the area for years to come.

Local landscaper John Clarke and one of his employees weighed in for a whole day’s worth of practical help, transforming the pathway at the rear of Orrell Post Office and pulling in help from his contacts along the way – Ainscough’s Skip Hire, Savoy Timber and Garry Grice from Lancashire Top Soil - who all donated free goods and/or services.

We are also grateful for the perennial support of Winstanley College, who donated £500 to fund guardrail planters near The Mount and then used some spare land at the back of the college to plant a wonderful wildflower garden. A leaflet publicising the campaign was designed and printed by the college, and this was distributed to residents along main thoroughfares to encourage their participation.

Fencing, a new hedgerow and fruit trees now adorn the site adjacent to the M58 on Moor Road, which is a big improvement on the eyesore it used to be although it will take time for these to become established. Trees have also been planted at The Grapes and on the corner of Linden Avenue, which will provide a legacy for the future.

The most eye-catching floral display was, inevitably, at Orrell Post. The fantastic display that’s ever-present at Hill’s Florist was backed up this year by displays at the Stag pub and at Sorrento’s restaurant. Other businesses on Church Street and Orrell Road pitched in with baskets and tubs galore. Catt’s Gym turned up trumps too with a much welcomed financial donation.

But the award for the ‘Most Transformed Area’, if there was one, would go to the creation of allotments at the back of St Luke’s Church. The network joined other groups, including Transition Town, Faiths4Change and BTCV, to help St Luke’s transform this virtual wilderness into a thriving allotment site which is now run by the Billinge and Orrell Allotment and Gardening Association.

The Network also enjoyed valuable assistance from Billinge Guides, who came to us with a proposal to partially fund a raised flower bed at Cob Moor park, which they planted out in the shape of the Guide Association trefoil to mark the centenary of Guiding in the UK. The adults with learning difficulties, who are based in Church Street, had a great time helping us weed and plant out the island bed at The Grapes.

A big thank you to all the people who have helped with this year’s campaign, particularly to those who got involved by donating their time or money, but also to the people who made a special effort to hang out baskets and put out pots this summer.

The next Network meeting is held on Wednesday 9th September at Holgate School off Moor Road starting at 7pm. If you’d like to get involved with our efforts to make Orrell and Billinge a better place to live, then please come along, we’d love to see you.

Dorothy Walls - Chair of Orrell and Billinge Community Network

�0 Local Life www.locallife247.co.uk


When you’re on the hunt for a particular type of holiday, often there is just one ‘stand–out’ venue, one that’s head and shoulders above anything else on offer. For clubbing, the place to go is Ibiza, for ski-ing there’s none better than the Alps, for a spiritual break Egypt stands high and for pure entertainment you just can’t beat Vegas!

An oasis of pleasure and leisure amidst Nevada’s Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world! From the incredible shopping to the star-studded shows, there’s never a dull moment in Vegas, and that’s before you even step foot inside one of the world’s largest casinos.

‘where else can you visit the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, play roulette and then nip into a chapel to get hitched, and all on the same street!?’

With so many options, where do you begin to plan your trip to Las Vegas? First and foremost with a walk down the all-famous ‘Strip’. This 4 mile stretch has sprawling casinos, thrilling attractions, luxurious dining and nightlife venues to rival all others. And where else can you visit the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, play roulette and then nip into a chapel to get

hitched, and all on the same street!?

With the astonishing array of resorts ready to cater to your every whim, day and night, almost any wish can be granted in Vegas. A range of hotels are available from the economical options to the many themed hotels, not forgetting the ever-growing luxury selection of 5* properties. There is something to suit everyone’s needs.

Vegas offers the ultimate in escapism, where time is irrelevant and every moment presents you with something new. A trip here wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the intoxicating atmosphere inside a casino where you’ll find never-ending buffets, ever-flowing drinks and ever-hopeful gamblers.

But the tables aren’t all that Vegas can offer. You can shop ‘til you drop at shopping malls, from high end boutiques to outlet stores. Then, if you’re tired after a hard day hitting the shops why not kick back and relax by enjoying a sumptuous meal followed by one of the many shows on offer?

For thrills and spills, you don’t need to look any further than the Aventuredome, America’s largest indoor

One of a kind!

��Local Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk

theme park which is encased beneath a 5 ½ acre pink glass dome! If you’re into gaming, then a trip to GameWorks is an absolute must! This video game playground is a joint venture between Universal Studios and Sega and offers 55,000 square feet of hi tech games for the whole family.

If the bright lights get all too much, take some time away from the city and visit the national parks surrounding Vegas,

such as Bryce Canyon, the Zion or take a trip up to the peaks of the 12,000 ft Mount Charleston and see the wildflowers and waterfalls.

But for an unbelievable experience that you’ll never forget, you must visit the Grand Canyon! This incredible natural landscape cascades a mile deep into the earth, is 10 miles across and is an amazing 277 miles long. A trip to the Grand Canyon is an awesome spectacle that won’t fail to take your breath away!

A Vegas holiday though, is full of these experiences that, quite simply, blow you away! It’s a one of a kind holiday, one you’ll never forget! When it comes to entertainment, you can make it happen in Vegas! So roll those dice, pick up the phone and call us now for our special Vegas offers!

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At Wigan Family Chiropractic Clinic, our team of Chiropractors and therapists can help to relieve

most types of muscle, joint and nerve pain.

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 your pictures within 24 hours. This helps us to find the underlying causes of your problem, allowing us to start treat-ment quickly and get you out of pain.

How soon can you help me?We are open seven days a week and offer appointments the same or the next day. We are open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturdays 8am-4pm & Sundays 10am-4pm.

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Party ServicesFor all your party needs!Fun Central!

�7Local Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk

Party Services

Party Services

We’ve all been to those functions which have been stopped dead in their tracks when guests are faced by stale sandwiches curling up by the second and quiches so sloppy they fall apart when someone stares hard at them. So when Local Life needed the services of a caterer to host an important function recently, there was only one caterer we were going to call upon - Appleberries.

And despite having to deliver a buffet for 100 on the hottest day of the year so far, Appleberries came up trumps. Quite simply, nothing is too much trouble! Not only did they prepare an excellent quality of food at a reasonable price, but the presentation of the food was exquisite too. From the initial contact, to the clearing up afterwards, the service from Appleberries was first class.

Appleberries is run by two local businesswomen, Marina Berry from Orrell and Pam Appleton from Winstanley, and offers catering services for weddings, funerals, christenings and other family celebrations. For more details about this small company with a growing reputation, call 0844 562 3527 or visit their website www.appleberries.co.uk.

Appleberries

�� Local What’s On www.locallife247.co.uk

Saturday 2�th AugustSouthport Town and Country Fair

Great fun for all the family at the Southport Town and Country Fair! Cooking demonstrations, ferret racing, air rifle shooting, swings and rides for kiddies, dog shows, sheepdog displays, birds of prey, a pony show, a craft marquee and 60+ stalls selling all sorts of goods. The fair runs for three days until Bank Holiday Monday at Stanley High School in Marshside, Southport.Time: 10am-5pm dailyCost: £5 adults, £1 childrenContact: 01704 211748 orwww.garden-festivals.comSat Nav Ref: PR9 9TF

Tuesday �1st AugustDog Event

The Neighbourhood Team at Wigan Council host a Dog Event on Orrell Water Park. Dog owners can get free tips from Dogtastic man Mark Calvert on basic training needs, behavioural problems and caring for your dog. The RSPCA will offer FREE dog chipping, and free dog toilet bags will be handed out.Time: 4.30pm-7pmCost: FreeContact: 01942 767946Sat Nav Ref: WN5 7AT

Thursday 2nd SeptemberA Day Out with Thomas

Thomas the Tank Engine will be chugging into the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester for the first time ever and will be transporting visitors around the MOSI site! This event celebrates the 65th birthday of Thomas and will run until Sunday 5th September. Your ticket will include a trip on Thomas, a meeting with Sir Topham Hatt, Balloon modelling,

face painting, a certificate and much more.Time: 10am-5pmCost: £10 adults, £8 children, £34 family (2+2)Contact: www.mosi.org.uk orwww.ticketmaster.co.ukSat Nav Ref: M3 4FP

Sunday �th SeptemberFun in the Field

Winstanley’s annual event which takes place this year on St Aidan’s school field, behind the club on Highfield Grange avenue. No other details available at the time we went to press.Time: 12 noon -4pmContact: 01942 777548Car Boot SaleRun by Billinge Residents Association on St Mary’s club car park on Trent Road in Birchley, Billinge.Time: 9am-2pmCost: £8 per carContact: 01744 603210 or 01744 893260

Saturday 11th SeptemberOpen Studio Weekend

Glass manufacturer Morpheus Glass host an open studio weekend at their base on the Hewitt Industrial Estate in Orrell, with stock on sale at up to 70% off normal retail prices. Refreshments available. This event also runs on Sunday 12th September.Time: 10am-4pmCost: FreeContact: 01695 624182 or www.morpheusglass.co.ukSat Nav Ref: WN5 7XB

Truckfest North West

Truckfest North West returns to Haydock Park Racecourse on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th

The What’s On Guide

��Local What’s Onwww.locallife247.co.uk

September. The hundreds of trucks on site will include high octane main arena action, spectacular American trucks, airbrushed trucks and vintage trucks. Entertainment for the whole family includes a giant fun fair, and weekend campers are also welcome.Time: TBCCost: £10.50 adults, £6.50 child, £27.50 familyContact: www.truckfest.co.uk

Open Day

As part of the Heritage Open Day Scheme, Rufford Old Hall will open up its doors and gardens free of charge on Saturday 11th September, allowing the public a chance to discover a bit of its history. See page 20 of this magazine for more details about Heritage Open Days.Time: 11am-5pmCost: Free – no need to bookContact: 01704 821254Sat Nav Ref: L40 1SG

Sunday 12th SeptemberCharity Craft Fair Event

Start your Christmas shopping early at this Charity Craft Fair at St Mary’s Catholic club in Birchley, Billinge! Lots of stalls to browse and there will be refreshments available all day including bar facilites.Time: 11am-5pmContact: Lisa on 07976 424111/ 01744 675132 or visit www.millennium-sthelens.org.ukSat Nav Ref: WN5 7QT

Rural Crafts Display

A peep into the past and great fun for all the family! This rural crafts display in Rainford features demonstrations from tradesmen of yesteryear and displays from gun dogs and birds of prey. For further

details see page 26.Cost: FreeContact: 01744 833450Sat Nav Ref: WA11 7SR

Saturday 1�th SeptemberMonster Jam

Monster Jam roars into the MEN Arena as part of a brand new UK Arena Show. The high octane Monster Jam is a stunning family show consisting of the coolest monster trucks and freestyle motocross with some of the world’s best drivers, sickest tricks and craziest stunts.Time: 1pm and 6.30pm Saturday and 1pm SundayCost: Tickets priced from £15Contact: www.ticketmaster.co.ukSat Nav Ref: M3 1AR

Southport Air Show

The biggest aviation show in the North West is celebrating its 19th year! With a comprehensive flying programme on Southport sea front including the spectacular Red Arrows, military and civilian aircraft, jets, helicopters, aerobatics and parachute displays, it guarantees to take your breath away. The whole family will be entertained in between the flying activity with the Air Show village, aviation marquee and simulators. The show also runs on Sunday 19th September.Time: 9am-5pmCost: £8 per ticket (£5 in advance) Contact: 01704 533333 or www.visitsouthport.com

Sunday 1�th SeptemberLancastrian Lunch Train

Enjoy lunch on a vintage steam locomotive which travels through the beautiful Irwell Valley. The Red Rose Diner, run by East Lancashire Railways,

Events and Festivals

Family

Walks & Nature

Special Interest

What’s on Guide events key


departs from and returns to Bury Bolton Street Station only. A wide selection of drinks are available on board including alcoholic and soft drinks. Time: 1pm and 3.30pmCost: £34 adults, £24 under 12’sContact: 0161 764 7790 – tickets must be booked in advanceSat Nav Ref: BL9 0EY

Tuesday 21st SeptemberAutumn Equinox Walk

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with a walk around Beacon Country Park in Up Holland and enjoy the beautiful views! Please wear suitable suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and dogs on a lead are welcome. Meet at the Ranger Station.Time: 2pmCost: freeContact: 01695 622794Sat Nav Ref: WN8 7RU

Friday 24th SeptemberCoffee Morning

Visit the Orrell and Billinge Network coffee morning at the Methodist Church on Church Drive in Orrell for drinks, scrumptious home made cakes and a selection of second hand books, handmade cards and fancy goods.Time: 10am-12 noonCost: FreeSat Nav Ref: WN5 8EJ

Saturday 2�th SeptemberWedding Show St Georges Hall in Liverpool hosts an exciting and vibrant wedding event. You can choose from a host of local and national suppliers providing everything

you imagine for a special day. Professional This show also runs on Sunday 26th September and the fashion shows run daily at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm and feature the finest designers of bridal wear, menswear and mother of the bride. Time: 10am-5pmContact: www.theukweddingshows.co.ukSat Nav Ref: L1 1JJ

Friday 1st OctoberForties Festival

Organisers are promising many events, including a cabaret and a fashion show, at this Forties Festival which runs from Friday 1st-Sunday 3rd October. A private collection of World War 2 memorabilia will also be on display.Time: TBCContact: www.stmichaelsofswinley.org.uk

Saturday 2nd OctoberFirework Demonstrations

If you’re planning a firework show of your own, this event is a must. The Firework Warehouse, situated just off the East Lancs Road near St Helens, are running free demonstrations nights every Saturday night in October. Refreshments and food will be available.Time: 7.30pm Cost: FreeContact: www.thefireworkwarehouse.co.ukSat Nav Ref: WA10 5QGdetails from website below.Cost: FreeContact: www.westlancsdc.gov.uk

The What’s On Guide



Can hybrids be sporty? June Neary takes a look at Honda’s CR-Z coupe to find out.

Hybrid cars are very commendable and all that but most of the examples we’ve seen so far have been about as much fun as a stubbed toe. Do environmentally-friendly vehicles have to forgo any semblance of excitement? Honda says no and backs up its opinion with the CR-Z coupe, the hybrid that people without hemp sandals and a lentil-based diet will want to drive.

The low, road-hugging looks of the CR-Z don’t lead you to expect a voluminous cabin but the car should be roomy enough for two. It’s being touted as a ‘2+2’ but as usual when that old chestnut is wheeled out by a manufacturer, the rear seats aren’t much use to full-grown adults. They work better with their backs folded down to increase the 225 litre boot to 410 litres.

The CR-Z sits you low down like a good coupe should and presents you with an array of instruments that could have been lifted out of a spaceship as imagined on a 1980s Sci-Fi show. Chunky controls are mounted within easy reach and displays with bold white fonts shine out from glossy black backgrounds. There’s a tactile Honda steering wheel and deeply sculpted door linings incorporating chrome pulls and storage bins.

We won’t go into the ins and outs of the hybrid drive system too deeply because technologically, the CR-Z is anything but straightforward. In simple terms, it has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 112bhp that’s assisted, when necessary, by a 14bhp electric motor. Do the sums and you’ll realise that together they produce maximum power of 122bhp. That isn’t a lot of power for a modern coupe and the 0-60mph sprint takes a lengthy 10 seconds but the electric assistance helps gives a strong pull from low revs.

CLEAN GETAWAY


Drivers can select Sport, Normal and Economy modes which change the parameters of the hybrid system. The CR-Z is also unusual in that it matches its hybrid powertrain to a six-speed manual gearbox, one with a really slick sporty action that gets you in the mood. There’s definitely fun to be had in this Honda coupe but it comes more from the agility and accuracy of the handling than the pace that the engine can deliver.

The CR-Z also removes the sense of guilt and the images of wilting polar bears that come when you mash the throttle in a V8 supercar. Despite its complex hybrid mechanicals, the car weighs just under 1,200kg. This relative lightness is a big aid to fuel economy and the official combined cycle economy is an impressive 56.5mpg with emissions of CO2 measured at 117g/km.

At on the road costs of £17-£20k, depending on the model, the CR-Z appears to be priced affordably for a hybrid sports car but then, there aren’t too many models that meet that description at the moment. It’s available in three trim levels starting with S and

extending upwards through Sport to GT. In line with the high-tech feel of the car, even the basic car gets features like heated mirrors, daytime running lights, climate control, Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist technology and six airbags. At the very top of the range, there’s a hands free telephone kit, a panoramic glass roof, xenon headlights, heated seats and full leather trim.

The CR-Z is a livewire sportscar with sensible prices that uses an electric motor to make its brand of driving thrills yet more accessible through reduced running costs. We’ve not seen its like before but we may well see more of the same in the future.



With certain main dealerships getting a battering in the press and on TV for servicing costs and lack of efficiency, it’s not surprising that many people are turning their back on the big boys and opting instead to find a reputable local garage.

Within the local area, you don’t have far to look!

Sandbrook Service Centre opened their impressive new service centre in June after 12 months building work on the site, and the Centre has been fully kitted out with the latest hi-tech diagnostic equipment. Based opposite Up Holland High School on Sandbrook Road, Sandbrook Service Centre holds the honour of being the only MOT centre in the entire Orrell area.

Not only can Sandbrook help keep your costs down but the service levels are pretty impressive too, with a free local collection/delivery service available to all readers who live or work within the Local Life distribution area. Your car is serviced by a qualified motor technician using genuine O.E.M. quality parts, and your service book will be stamped and kept fully compliant with your car’s warranty.

Sandbrook Service Centre is one of Orrell’s oldest family businesses. Formerly known as G. Cross & Co., the business has undergone a major facelift in time to celebrate their 65th year in business next year. Formerly a coachbuilders and then a petrol retailer, the business has been an established MOT centre for over 25 years and has a reputation locally for offering a good, honest and accurate service with no hidden extras.

Founded by George Cross Snr back in 1946, the business has been passed down to Eric and Dorothy Cross, who are now taking a backseat, and the third generation Cross to take the helm is George Cross Jnr. The team at the Centre consists of no less than three MOT testers, two of whom are fully qualified Vehicle Motor Technicians.

The team use the latest fully automated ‘Ravaglioli’ testing lane/scissor lift, ‘Boston’ emissions testing and computerised vehicle weighing systems (offering fair and accurate testing), ‘Pagid’ power braking components, ‘LUK’ clutches, ‘Bosch’ and ‘NGK’ ignition components and ‘Continental’ cam kit installations amongst others.

And if that sounds like gobbledegook to you, then don’t worry about it, the main thing is to understand that there’s some great value for money offers at Sandbrook Service Centre. In addition to the £10 off your next MOT, the Centre offers a FREE winter health check and an Interim Service & MOT from just £99. Call them today on 01695 622837.

Sandbrook Service Centre69 Sandbrook Road, Orrell. WN5 7AL01695 622837

Opening hours8am-5.30pm Monday-Friday8am- 12.30pm Saturday

Birthday Honours for George Cross


Useful information from Gordons, your local Ford dealers in Wigan

So what is the highly popular Motability Scheme and how does it work?

If you receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, the scheme allows you to simply turn part or all of your allowance into the car of your choice. There are no waiting lists or credit checks to contend with and no assessments are required. There are two ways to obtain a car; either through Contract Hire or Hire Purchase.

The most popular option is worry-free Contract Hire where you’ll gain a new car of your choice every three years, insurance and personal accident cover for named drivers and passengers, servicing and maintenance by your Motability dealer and full breakdown assistance from the RAC. And, that’s not all because you will also receive an annual tax disc sent directly to you ,60,000 miles mileage allowance over three years, free replacement tyres, window or windscreen replacement at no extra cost, One-stop customer helpline and help with transport (where possible) when your car is being serviced or repaired.

Motability’s worry-free policy continues right to the end of your three-year contract with a seamless transfer to your new car.

At Gordons Ford dealership in Wigan the Motability Specialist is Natasha. who has received training from the Motability organisation in understanding the needs of disabled customers, as well as full details of how the Scheme works, including how to order and collect your chosen car.

Please feel free to get advice from Natasha, by either visiting the dealership on Wallgate, or calling her on 01942 823000. More information is also available on Gordons website www.gordonsford.co.uk.

MOTABILITY - GETTING STARTED


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

Making the most of it!This is the time of year when some people give up on the garden, thinking that the planting season is over and its time to get to the Trafford Centre to start their Christmas shopping!

This is partly because summer flowering perennials and shrubs have done their thing and without some autumn interest, the garden can look like it has given up the ghost. Far from it - September and October are wonderful months in the garden (and good for planting) which are quite unlike any other time of year. The sun is lower in the sky and this creates some wonderful light effects in the garden and there is a fantastic range of plants which are doing their thing at this time of year. They have been waiting all summer long for their performance - so don’t miss it.

Abelia chinensis is a shrub which produces white/pink flowers at this time of year which are scented. You will need a bit of room as it can reach 1.8 metres and 2.5 metres wide.

Grasses like Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’ are still performing well along with late summer flowering perennials like Rudbeckia fulgida

‘Goldsturm‘ (you may know it as Black-eyed Susan) and Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’. Incidentally both of these plants do well on clay soils. Sedums (Ice plants) are brilliant at this time of year as well and an absolute favourite of mine is Sedum telephium subsp. maximum ‘Atropurpureum’. Succulent stems of dark maroon leaves with flattened pinky flowers - absolutely gorgeous!

The first frosts are still weeks away and with a little planning the garden could still be looking good enough to entice you outside and if the air is a little chilly - put a cardy on. (Hubby feels the cold and will often say - even in the middle of summer - shall we put the heating on? I tell him to put a cardy on!)

There is still plenty of time for Christmas shopping, so put that list away, take stock of your garden and make the most of it!

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

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

4�Local Gardening Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk

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

�1Local Gardening Lifewww.locallife247.co.uk


WWT Martin Mere is where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. In winter, many thousands of wild ducks, geese and swans are drawn to the internationally-rated wetlands, offering spectacular displays of feather and flight. From 1 November you will be able to see the spectacle of thousands of Whooper Swans feeding on the mere at 3pm and 3.30pm every day until March 2011. The 3.30pm is from a heated observatory and includes a warden’s talk to learn about these amazing birds that migrate all the way from Iceland. This feeding spectacle won highly commended in the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2010 in the Best Visitor Experience category.

Local Life has six great prizes to be won, courtesy of WWT Martin Mere! One lucky family will win an annual family membership worth £65 to WWT Martin

Mere, and five runners up will each win a family trip worth £24.90 to this popular wildlife centre near Burscough. Just complete the crossword on the opposite page and return your entry to Local Life by Friday 24th September 2010. A trip to WWT Martin Mere is a great family day out, but the centre is always developing its tourist attractions. Look out for the following events in the next few months;

New cafeMartin Mere is opening a brand new cafe in November. It will sit over 140 people and has a decking area overlooking the lake to create a very relaxing atmosphere. The building itself is a log cabin with a green tiled roof so that we can collect the rainwater to flush the toilets, it is completely separate to the current building and will have a lovely selection of home cooked food and cakes.

Going Wild at WWT Martin Mere!


Meet Father

Christmas4th & 5th and 11th & 12th DecemberCome along to Martin Mere in the first two weekends of December to meet Father Christmas as he flies in with the swans to meet all of our

visitors. Father Christmas will be in his own grotto as children can come and meet him, get a present and a free bag of bird food. There will also be a selection of local crafts to purchase, as well as family crafts to do for yourself including designing your own cards and wrapping paper. Other activities include pond dipping, otter talks and swan feeds so there is plenty to do to have a great day out and avoid the Christmas shopping rush.

Toddler ThursdayEvery Thursday Martin Mere hosts a very special day for pre-school children. Every child can get a free bag of bird food on arrival, take part in a toddler trail and there is storytelling with one of our many animal puppets at 1.30pm followed by toddler crafts. There is a different story every week so that you can be sure of a new experience every time you visit.

But there is plenty to see and do at Martin Mere all year round, with more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds, a family of beavers and enchanting otters in residence, an imaginative playground for young adventurers and an inspirational eco-garden. Seasonal attractions include an award-winning duckling nursery in Spring, celebrations of local history and wildlife gardening, and a rolling programme of walks, events and talks.

Crossword Competition RulesOnly one entry per household.Entrants must be over 16 years of age.The winners will be notified within 14 days of the closing date.Winners names / photographs will be published in subsequent issues of Local Life and/or on our website.Local Life 247 Ltd cannot accept any responsibility for entries that are delayed or damaged in the post.Employees of Local Life 247 Ltd or their immediate relatives are not eligible to enter this competition.Competition entrants accept that Local Life 247 Ltd may call them occasionally to check receipt of Local Life magazine.

Please return completed entries by Friday 24th September 2010 to Local Life 247 Ltd, PO Box 631, Wigan WN1 9HF, or e-mail answers along with your name, address and contact number to [email protected]

1.2.3.

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7.

Name

Address

Post Code

Telephone Number

Email

Six great prizes to be won

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2 3

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6

EclipseCrossword.com

2. Former home of Orrell RU, _ Hall Road6. Latics 1st Premier League opponents of 2010/2011

1. WWT centre near Burscough, Martin _3. River through Wigan4. Home of local TV masts, Winter _5. Wigan’s film star and his dog, Wallace and _

Across

Down




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