wn4 february 2015 edition
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Your guide to local Businesses, Events and News in WN4TRANSCRIPT
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Your guide to local Businesses, Events and News in WN4.
February 2015WN4 Local Link
Delivered free to around 5,000 homes in Ashton, Bryn and Garswood.
Hello and welcome to the
Winter edition of the WN4 Local Link
We did it, we survived January, although hibernation and pyjamas wearing weekends are still very much an
ongoing state of play in our house. Since we have just about got our house back to normal following a hectic December, we
are rather enjoying having one pot suppers which only require the eff ort of a spoon a� er a month of formal dining and feeding our family and friends. It’s great to be able to drink an un-interrupted glass of red and have fi rst dibs at the cheese board whilst resuming control of the TV remote. When I have tired of the TV I have been tuning into BBC Radio 4 and really enjoying the vast array of subjects that have become great talking points with friends, something I will defi nitely be making time for each day.
A recent study showed that walking just 20 minutes a day, preferably at tea time can help keep the winter blues at bay and also contribute towards a healthier existence. If you are looking for something to focus on and work towards this is a great start and if you get the bug why not sign up for the ever popular “Race For Life”. This event is a fabulous way to get together with the girls and have a great day out see page 12 for details.
For those with li� le ones, check out the new Sure Start timetable to help keep you busy through the winter months, plus there is a range of other events featured in our “What’s On Guide” featured on page 28.
Please remember that if you are a group, organisation or simply want to tell Ashton, Bryn and Garswood about something you have done or are planning on doing then let us know so that we can help you share it with the 10,000 homes in our area. Plus it’s free.
Until next time, wrap up warm...
Sarah. WN4 Local Link Editor.
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February to March 2015 Issue 24.
Delivered to around 5,000 homes in the WN4 postcode area.The WN4 Local Link is produced by the WN Link.
Please note that every care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information within the WN4 Local Link. The WN Link assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions orconsequences of any information contained within the WN4 Local link.
Reproduction of this magazine, in whole or part, is forbidden without prior wri� en permission of the WN Link.
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Please recycle this magazine once you have fi nished with it.
contents Page 8
Page 10 Page 12
Page 26Page 28Page 32Page 34Page 36
contacts [email protected]
Tel: 07866 389 948www.wnlink.co.uk
facebook.com/wn4locallink
off ers Just a sample of our many off ers
MOT Off erSee Page 18
10% Off FlooringSee Page 21
20% Off JewellerySee Page 33
20% Off Hair ServicesSee Page 35
25% Off Handyman ServicesSee Page 8
10% Off Household Insulation See Page 29
30% Off Kitchens, Bathrooms & BedroomsSee Page 19
The Book ShelfAuntie Gels Recipe
Race for LifeSure Start
What’s on GuideBexbella
Yummy MummyUseful Numbers
Please note that our next CopyDeadline is the 20th March 2015
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WHEN TROLLS TRY TO EAT YOUR GOLDFISHThis high energy, comedy adventure show sees performance poet Dommy B (BBC ‘Rhyme Rocket’) collaborating with live music for children aged 5+ and their families. Saturday 22nd February, tickets £7/£5, doors open at 2 pm,
DAVE SPIKEY ‘PUNCHLINES’ A unique opportunity to see the man himself up close and personal before he embarks on a massive UK tour. Thursday 5th March, tickets £15/£17, doors at 7:30 pm.
IAN McCULLOCHSolo show by the Echo & The Bunnymen frontman.Saturday 7th March, tickets £18.50, doors at 7.30 pm
TWO BY JIM CARTWRIGHTThis sharp humorous slice of life, set in a pub owned by a savagely bickering husband and wife. 14 characters are brought to you by two hugely talented performers for one night only. Friday 27th March, tickets £7, doors open at 7 pm.
All the above shows are at the Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, WA10 1PX Box Offi ce 01744 735 436.
MARTLAND MILL BREWERY Are hosting “A night with Chonkinfeckle”, along with a Hot Pot supper to celebrate the launch of a brand new brew, ‘Chonkinfeckle’ real ale. Contact Paul at Martland Mill Brewery on 01942 665 656. February Saturday 7th at 7:30 pm. Tickets £10 each.
CHINESE NEW YEAR Amazing activities and fun for all the family with a day of Chinese dragon dancing. Saturday 14th February 2015 from 11 am - 3 pm at Museum ofWigan Life, Library Street, WN1 1NU. Free
VIBRANT VINTAGE 5 fabulous vintage and retro cra� fairs at Haigh Hall during 2015. The fi rst fair of the year is on Sunday 22nd March 10 am-4 pm. The fairs have a wide range of stalls selling vintage and retro clothing, accessories, home wear, collectables and china dating from 1920’s – 1980’s. As well as handmade jewellery, gi� s, cupcakes and chocolate. There will be live entertainment throughout the day from various entertainers. There is a small admission fee of £1, children under 12 free. A great day out for all the family. Haigh Hall County Park, WN2 1PE
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untie Gels Winter Treat Fudgy Coconut Brownie
Ingredients 500g caster sugar 250g bu� er 100g cocoa 100g self raising fl our 100g desiccated coconut 4 eggs Icing sugar to dust
Method 1. Heat oven to 180 C/160 C fan/gas mark 4.2. Line the base of a 21cm square cake tin with baking parchment.3. Place cocoa, bu� er and sugar in a large saucepan and gently melt, stirring carefully to stop it sticking.4. When the mixture is combined allow to cool slightly.Stir in the eggs gradually, followed by the fl our and then coconut.5. Pour into cake tin and bake for 45 minutes on the middle shelf. Check a� er 30 minutes and if crust is browning too much cover with a square of baking parchment.6. Cool in the tin and dust with icing sugar.7. Li� out and cut into 16 squares.
It is quite indulgent, dense and gooey.
Ao o
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Wigan Women Urged to‘Sign up Now!’
EVERY hour, more than four people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women in Wigan to fi ght back against this devastating disease by entering Race for Life 5k event at Haigh Hall on Sunday, June 14. As well as raising funds for life-saving research, taking part in Race for Life is an easy way to be more active – perfect for those se� ing themselves a fi tness goal as their New Year’s resolution. Jennifer Ward, Cancer Research UK’sWigan Event Manager, said: “We’re urging women of all ages, shapes and sizes to take on Race for Life in their region and sign up now. “Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fi t or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while cha� ing and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.
“If you’re looking for an opportunity to get active in 2015 and shake off those January blues, there’s no be� er time to take on Race for Life. With fi re in their bellies and trainers at the ready, we know that Wigan ladies are up for the challenge.” Jennifer continued: “We’re calling on the brave ladies of Wigan to show their fi ghting spirit once more and take on cancer at this year’s event. “Race for Life is to celebrate those who are with us, and also remember those who are not. The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we’re calling on the women of Wigan to help make 2015 our best year yet.”
To enter Race for Life today go to
www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770
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DIAMOND PLUS GROUPAGE 65 OR OVERWhy don’t you come along and join our new group that is starting at the YMCA. It will be running on the second Monday of each month for two hours.
Don’t sit at home alone, come along and experience new things.
Have a cuppa, a chat and an opportunity to meet new friends.
Light exercise classes, bingo and other activities.
It will be a great way to socialise by meeting new people and participate in the diff erent activities that will be on off er.
YMCA, Hilton Street, Ashton-in-Makerfi eld, WN4 8PD.
If this is of interest to you then please contact Joyce or Heather 01942 274 684 for more information.
BREAST CANCERSUPPORT GROUPThe group meets on the last Monday of every month between 11am – 1pm.
Have you or do you know someone who has suff ered or is suff ering from Breast Cancer?
Do you want support and to network with others who have gone through this?
We are a friendly and informal group, why not pop in for a cuppa and a chat?
YMCA, Hilton Street, Ashton-in-Makerfi eld, WN4 8PD.
AGE UK WRAP AND RUN 10KSet in the stunning ground of Ta� on Park, this trail run is perfect for experienced runners and fi rst-timers alike. There is also a slower paced 2k event open to all ages. Sign up online www.ageuk.org.uk/10k, or by calling 0800 169 87 87. Sunday 1st March, 10am start.Price £18/£16 UKA and £6 for the 2k.
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ADVERTISING AND THE FUTURE
There has been an interesting piece of research carried out which looks at the way marketers can mime the ever popular social media platforms to create scarily accurate assumptions with regards to the brand association and a� itudes to those brands that we hold.
Researchers have found a way to assess customers most popular searches and posts using a self-developed algorithm on websites such as Tumblr, Flickr and Pinterest. This looks at millions of images and videos that we post to discover what interests us and our a� itudes towards a brand. This means that in theory at least, it is possible to produce accurate representations about our a� itude towards a brand based on what we have shared online.
This then allows the advertisers to eff ectively promote and target brands based solely on
what we post online, very similar to how adverts now target us based on the information we populate into search engines and from our website activity.
So, with future digital signage using cameras for audience measurement purposes, we could and no doubt will see a smart screen which can iden-tify us, access our online posting information and then show content based on what we like.
Very interesting, but also quite scary!
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Fancy doing something exciting?
Then why not take a visit to Manchester Airports Runway Visitors Park for a look at Concorde and a plane watch?
The Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport off ers a great day out for the whole family. Watch the planes take off , explore on-site aircra� , visit the Aviation Shop and admire the fl agship Concorde of the BA fl eet in her custom-built hangar.
In addition to plenty of open space they also have aircra� available to explore free of charge, a children’s play area and unrivalled panoramic views of Manchester Airport’s busy Runways.
This unique location provides an opportunity to have a fantastic view of a variety of aircra� , including the enormous Emirates A380 which can be seen twice a day.
The Runway Visitor Park is the perfect area for a picnic, with plenty of picnic benches and space on the grass for blankets. We also have a catering facility on site serving a variety of meals and snacks;
For more information search online for: ‘Manchester Airport Visitor Centre’
RUNWAY VISITORS PARK MANCHESTER AIRPORT
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SURE STARTCHILDRENS CENTREThe Parr Hub is less than 4 miles from Ashton and links with a number of partner agencies to provide children services in and around our local area.
Toddler Groups:
NEWTON Newton Tiddlers (£2 per family) Mondays at 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm Boys & Girls Club, 19 Haydock Street, Newton-le-Willows, WA12 9WP
Tots Café (£1.50 per family) Wednesdays at 11.30 am to 12.30 pm Stay & Play (£1.50 per family) Wednesday at 1.00 pm to 2.30pm Both at Crownways Centre, Crown Street, Earlestown, Newton-le-Willows WA12 9DA
HAYDOCK Christ Church Toddler Group Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9.30 am to 11.15 am West End Road, Haydock, St Helens WA11 0AX
St Marks ‘Smarties’ Group Wednesdays & Fridays at 9.00 am to 11.30 am West End Road, Haydock, St.Helens, WA11 0AX
SUTTON Pre-school group Thursdays at 9 .00 am to 11.00 am St Nicholas Parish Hall , New Street, Su� on, St.Helens, WA9 3UB
A small charge applies at these groups.
Contact Parr Children’s Centre for more information:
MONDAYSNewtonSpeech Therapy - 12.30 pm to 5.00 pmIf you are concerned by your child’s speech and lan-guage, please contact the centre (By referral only).Li ̈ le Learners - 10.00 am to 11.30 am
HaydockChildminders Group - 10.00am to 11.30amGrandtimes - 1.30pm to 3.30pmFun for grandparents and their grandchildren
TUESDAYSNewtonSpeech therapy - 9.00 am to 12.00 pmBy referral onlyMusical Mayhem - 9.30 am to 10.15 amFun with song, dance and instruments for toddlersMini Melodies - 10.45 am – 11.30 amFun with song, dance and instruments for babies
HaydockLi ̈ le Learners - 10.00 am to 11.30 amA group aimed at children aged 1 –3 to develop skills in communication, confi dence and creativity.
WEDNESDAYSNewtonFamily Fun Time - 9.30 am to 11.00 amCome along, make new friends with lots of fun activi-ties for you and your children
THURSDAYSHaydockChildminders Toddler Group - 9.15 am to 11.15 amFamily Support Drop in - 2.30 pm to 3.30 pmMATCH - 6.00 pm to 8.00 pmA group for Men and their children
FRIDAYSNewtonFamily Fun Time - 1.30 pm to 3.00 pmAnother chance to join in fun activities with your children.
If you feel you need support or are worried about your child’s development, call to speak to a Children’s Centre Worker.
Parr Children’s Centre,Ashtons Green Drive, St Helens, WA9 2AP.Tel: 01744 671 788
Newton Children’s Centre01744 672 036Haydock Children’s Centre01744 678 344Su ̈ on Children’s Centre01744 822 160
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Some events for your diary this winter;
Haigh Hall History TourTuesday 10 February from 6.30pm to 8.30pm Haigh Hall County Park, WN2 1PEEnjoy a History Tour plus a 2 course supper in historic Haigh Hall. Hear about the history of the Hall and its oc-cupants from Medieval times to the last Lord Crawford, from Lady Mable of ‘Mabs Cross’ fame, to the ghosts, go up into the a� ics and see rooms not open to the gen-eral public. Booking essential telephone 01942 828 271.Cost £13.50.
Scarecrow FestivalSaturday 14 February to Sunday 22 FebruaryTa ̈ on Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QNVisit the Scarecrow Festival in the Gardens and at the Farm this spring half-term. Over 30 scarecrows will be resident in the Gardens. Find the farmyard scarecrows and have a go at making your own. Closed Monday. For further information telephone 01625 374 400.Cost £5 per car.
Short Breaks Holiday ActivitiesMonday 16 February to Friday 20 February, from 10amLeigh Sports Village, Robin Park & Abraham Guests.A range of sports activities for young people with a disability aged 5-19, including multi-sports, dance and cheerleading, rebound therapy and Wheels for all.£2 per hour. For further information and to book contact Sports Development 01942 404 [email protected]
World Club ChallengeSunday 22nd February, kick off at 7pmLangtree Park, McManus Drive, St Helens, WA9 3AL. Supper League is back! St.Helens play host to the Australian NRL Grand Final Winners South Sydney Rabbitohs in the World Club Challenge.Various priced tickets, contact the ticket offi ce for information. Telephone 01744 455 052 or see www.saintsrlfc.com
WHATS ON GUIDE
We have done our best to check out all the activities in our ‘What’s on Guide’. But you are always advised to phone and confi rm an event, before leaving home to a� end.
Wedding FairSunday 1 March from 12pm to 6pmHaigh Hall County Park, WN2 1PEThe wedding showcases is open to everyone. Whether you have chosen the venue or simply looking for ideas. Meet with wedding planners and experience this majestic and romantic hall. Take inspiration from aprofessional bridal wear fashion show at 2pm. Sparkling wine and canapés on arrival. Free event.
Wine FestivalFriday 13 March at 4pm .Haigh Hall County Park, WN2 1PEAn evening for all you oenophiles. Take a tour of world wines, with two fl oors, fi lled with reds, whites, rosés, champagnes, food and live music. For further information and to book telephone 01942 832 895. Cost £2 in advance or £2.50 on the door.
Mother’s Day CarverySunday 15 March from 12pm to 4pm Haigh Hall County Park, WN2 1PEA very special 4-course carvery menu and a gi� for all mums. Complimented by the music of pianist Ken Robson. A Sunday to remember. Book very early to avoid disappointment. For further information and to book telephone 01942 832 895. Cost £20.95 Adults, £9.95 children.
Mad Ha ̈ er’s Tea PartyWednesday 18 March at 1pmHaigh Hall County Park, WN2 1PEA great way to send a half term a� ernoon. Haigh’s Mad Ha� er’s Tea Party includes hat making, magic and fun for all the family. Includes A� ernoon Tea. For further information and to book telephone 01942 832 895. Cost £11.95 adults, £6.25 children, £32 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children).
Why not check out www.wlct.org or visitwww.whatsoninsthelens.com for more winteractivities.
If you would like us to publicise your event, or activity just let us know. It is free of charge, so either phone or email Sarah with all your details; [email protected]
February/March 2015
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I’m cocooned in the midst of winter, dressed in my new Rosie H-W silk pyjamas and cashmere socks and resting in between wedding reception and evening shindig at Babbington House, Somerset.
I have never witnessed such glamour as I have done today and am itching to see how they turn out for tonight’s party, something that emulates the Crillon Ball at the Hotel De Paris, or looking like extras in the gold encrusted Dior advert no doubt. The great thing about wedding fashion is that anything goes and there is no set trend. Formal, fl oral, fl ouncy or fancy.
What I have noticed at the recent weddings I have a� ended is that guests seem to get the colours just right and each and every guest compliments each other in the wardrobe department, as if been shot for a high profi le bridal magazine. Do they have a secret wardrobe meet up where they are threatened with invite
retraction if they don’t adhere to the correct colour code, maybe!
With my evening wardrobe sorted I am indulging in a li� le fashion nostalgia and fl icking through a gi� I received from my Parisian friend Pier, the life in pictures in black and white of Carine Roitfeld, my idol.
If Carine was ge� ing married black would defi nitely be the colour and there would be no need for a pre-wedding colour meeting as Carine is renowned for working black as the new black, occasionally and only very occasionally veering off down the navy route, a girl very much a� er my own heart.
In fact I am booked into the Cow Shed Spa next door for my nails doing in 90 minutes and I think I may add a new spin to the Dior laden elegant evening and go for black highly polished nails, never one to shy away from a li� le diff erent. But for now I am going to top up my glass, open my wine gums and indulge in a li� le last minute Net-a-Porter sale shopping, I love a last minute bargain!
“Working black as the new black...”
Ladies of Ashton
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e have spent the last four weeks in total hibernation. Bailey has spent every waking hour since Santa’s visit building Lego houses, cars, ships and planes. Poppy has been content with all her new dressing up clothes and my only real input has been milk and biscuits! So a� er a low key January we decided to indulge the li� le rascals. They have been desperate to see Paddington Bear, ever since we dragged them around London Christmas shopping on the pretence that we where bear spo� ing. So last weekend we popped on “our” red wellies, wrapped up warm and braved the cold to indulge in a li� le Saturday a� ernoon matinee. I carefully packed li� le treats le� over from their selection boxes along with healthy juice into my new Stella M tote, a pressie from Santa! I queued to purchase the tickets, which required a re-mortgage of our house and then realised the kids had wandered off . To my horror, my adorable children were carefully helping themselves to pic“n”mix, not only that but
A Trip to the Cinema
W
managing to perform a taste test on each one. The ushers looked on with venom in their eyes and Iwanted the fl oor to open up and swallow me. This was public humiliation on a whole new level, I’m in control of my children, although the picture before us would say otherwise! A� er this major embarrassment they managed to sit still and we all enjoyed the fi lm with limited need of blackmail in the form of their selection box treats. When we returned home I proceeded to tell Daddy about the naughty indulgence I had witnessed, his reply “it’s all part of the cinema experience” wow, this was his rationale. No naughty step for them, and me le� feeling like the bad guy. I can’t wait for fi � y shades of Grey to adorn our screens, I will be fi rst in line and with the biggest bucket of pic”n”mix and wine, because apparently it’s all part of the cinema experience…
Bring it on…
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Bryn WardCllr Gary Wilkes 01942 736 478Cllr Don Hodgkinson 01942 776 252Cllr Margaret Rampling 01942 486 856Wigan Council 01942 244 991St Helens Council01744 676 789
NHSLeigh Walk in Centre01942 483 453NHS Direct111
PharmacyMorris (Ashton) 01942 727 498Boots (Bryn) 01942 727 176Billinge Rd (Garswood)01942 719 879
PoliceNon-Emergency101
TransportArriva Buses 0344 800 44 11National Rail Enquiries 08457 484 950
UtilitiesGas Leaks 0800 111 999United Utilities (Water) 0345 672 3723Electricity 0800 195 4141
Other NumbersAshton Library 01942 727 119Citizens Advice Bureau0844 826 9713Childline 0800 1111
Useful Numbers
Children ServicesAshton & Bryn Children’s Centre 01942 723 965YMCAAshton 01942 274 684
CouncillorsAshton WardCllr Nigel Dennis Ash 01942 736 216Cllr Anthony Haddley01942 487 689Cllr Bill Clarke 01942 487 673
Billinge & Seneley Green WardCllr Joe Pearson01942 743 021Cllr Susan Murphy01942 743 098Cllr Dennis McDonnell01744 678 061
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Why not keep me by the telephone?
Home ImprovementsBlue Handyman Services Page 8.FireClass Manufacturing Ltd Page 11.Fireside By Design Page 23.Foundrygate Page 27.Gemini Conservatories and Windows Ltd Page 40.Majestic Page 39.M6 Furniture Superstore Page 2.Sherman & Young Timber Merchants Page 19.Makerfi eld Sofa Centre Page 37.Makerfi eld Timber & Building Supplies Page 29.Map Security Page 37.Titan Flooring Specialists Page 20.
Motor ServicesRye Motors Page 16.
Security ServicesMap Security Page 37.
Taxi ServicesSkyblu Travel Page 36.
Windows, Doors & ConservatoriesFoundrygate Page 27.Gemini Conservatories and Windows Ltd Page 40.Majestic Page 39.
OtherVapour Trader Page 22.Wigan & Leigh Hospice Page 37.
WN4 Index of Advertisers
AdvertisingWN4 Local Link Page 37.
Clothing & AlterationsTailor Maid Page 34.
Dog GroomingScizzor Yappy Page 4.
Driving InstructorPass This Way Page 34.
Education ServicesByrchall High School Page 24.Cansfi eld Page 15.Garswood Tots Club Page 4.Garswood Nursery Page 12.
Fitness & Health Houghwood Golf Page 30.Hurst Dance Page 4.Jeff Lloyd, Hypnotherapy Page 14.Kundalini Yoga Page 35.Slimming World Page 6.Sycamore Fisheries & Golf Page 13.Total Fitness Page 7.
FloristsAshton Road Farm Page 13.Flowertime Florists Page 36.
Food & DrinkAmanda’s @ The T House Page 10.Ashton Road Farm Page 13.Houghwood Golf Page 31.Jan Iced Creations Page 4.Pasquale’s Page 16.
Framing ServicesArtisan Framing Services Page 11.
JewellersFirst Choice Jewellers Page 33.
Hair & BeautyHamilton Hair Page 1.S A Cabelo Page 9.
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Why not keep me by the telephone?
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