february 2013 wn4 local link

Your guide to local Businesses, Events and News in WN4.WN4.

February 2013WN4WN4 Local LinkLocal Link

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Hello and welcome to the Winter edition of the

WN4 Local Link.

Happy New Year to everyone! I always wonder at what point you actually stop saying this, but I don’t want to miss anyone out! There is nothing better than a New

Year full of promise and changes for the better. That said my resolutions are in full swing, less cyber chat and more real chat is my new rule. So to help me along the way I decided to immerse myself in a bake off with friends, this has involved a weekly get together where we share our baking faux pas and drink copious amounts of tea (something which texts/emails cannot replace). For those looking for a complete rest from the cyber world take a look at our digital detox on Page 8.

It’s amazing how a little bit of snow helps us appreciate what we do have on our doorstep and I’m sure the local shops were kept busy over the winter weeks and keep busy with your support.

Easter holidays will soon be upon us and with Easter eggs appearing in the shops since Boxing day there is no excuse not to treat yourself and the kids of course. Why not experience something new this Easter and take the kids to Manchester Airports Runways Visitors Park Page 20 for a memorable day out. Checkout what other Easter delights we have for you to make you Easter break memorable.

Don’t forget Mothers day on the 18th March and check out our pancake recipe on Page 10 in preparation for Shrove Tuesday!

There are lots of things going on this year, so be sure to let us know and we will be more than happy to advertise your fund raising and community events in our free pages. Remember to Keep it local.

Sarah.Sarah.WN4WN4 Local Link Editor. Local Link Editor.

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February to March 2013Delivered 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.

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offersJust a sample of our many offersJust a sample of our many offers

15% Off Hair Services See Page 1

£29.95 MOT OfferSee Page 14

Driving Lessons OfferSee Page 18

£25 Chiropody Consultation OfferSee Page 23

20% Off Beauty Treatments OfferSee Page 29

2 Course Meal for £9.95See Page 31

Upto 25% Off Landscaping RangeSee Page 32

Race For LifeDigital Detox

Auntie Gels RecipeDay Tripping

What’s on GuideBexbella

Useful Numbers Index of Advertisers

Please note that our next CopyDeadline is the 14th March

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WIGAN women are being urged to make a stand against cancer by entering Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, which opened on Tuesday, January 15.

Event organisers are issuing the rallying cry ‘cancer, we’re coming to get you’ to mums, daughters, sisters, grandmas and friends, encouraging them to sign up as soon as possible.

So women and girls of all ages, shapes and sizes are needed to join together as a formidable army and take on cancer at Haigh Hall on Sunday May 12th.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in partnership with Tesco is an inspiring women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help defeat cancer by funding life-saving research.

Laura Taylor, Cancer Research UK’s North West Events Manager, said: “Come on ladies, please play your part by entering Race for Life in Wigan today. Together, we can hit cancer where it hurts!

“There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we fi nd cures for them all. It’s fi ghting talk, and we mean every word wesay. Cancer, Wigan is coming to get you.”

This year, organisers need 1,600 women and girls to stride out to help raise £80,000 for vital research.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the North West.

Laura continued: “Women of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fi tness take part in Race for Life. They come from different backgrounds and walks of life but they are united by their absolute determination to take on cancer and beat it.”

“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 chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer.”

“Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease. Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what’s inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer. “

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking research but with help from the people of Wigan, the charity intends to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Laura added: “We are very grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life in Wigan last year and in the past. Thanks to them Cancer Research UK has been able to make progress against many forms of the disease. But the battle against cancer never stops and for this reason we need everyone to return to the fi ght in 2013 and bring new recruits with them.”

To enter Wigan Race for Life today go towww.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

Wigan Women Urged To Join The Fight...

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If you are someone that checks their Fa-cebook status before you get dressed in a morning, fi nds it diffi cult not to lo-gon to Twitter when you get a free millisecond and feel naked without your smartphone, you defi nitely need a digital holiday (who’d have thought!).

With internet surfi ng on the rise and at-tention spans dropping there is no bet-ter way to thoroughly relax and clear the mind than to go offl ine. Not only will it improve your mood it will also inspire you and re-energise which is what your

holiday is all about and if nothing else will at least make you feel popular when you return home to masses of emails and status updates!

So for a stress free, digital free holiday/break, try leaving all communication gadgets at home and see how invigor-ated you feel. Just be sure to update your status before you go, to save re-turning to masses of “Where are you?” messages clogging up your inbox!!! Why not unplug, give your thumbs a rest and book your ultimate digital detox holiday.

And if you need to take baby steps, go for a walk and leave your phone in the car…it does wonders!

DigitalDetox

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untie Gels Winter Treat

American Style Pancakes

Ingredients for pancakes

600g Self raising fl our 40g Caster sugar 3 Tablespoons baking powder 2 Teaspoons bicarbonate of soda 1 Teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the batter

1 medium egg 250ml milk 1 tablespoon melted butter

Method

1. Mix all the dry pancake ingredients together.2. When ready to make the pancakes measure out 150g of the dry pancake mixture.3. Mix together the egg, milk and melted butter to form a smooth batter.4. Combine with the 150g of dry mix and mix well.5. Heat a fl at griddle or frying pan with no oil.6. Spoon 1½-2 tablespoons of batter onto the hot griddle or into the pan and, when bubbles appear on the surface of the pancakes, fl ip them over to make them golden brown on both sides7. They can be fl avoured with a pinch of cinnamon, a teaspoon of vanilla or lemon extract, but are perfect on their own!8. Serve with maple syrup, fruit sauce or ice cream.

A

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Now this is a destination that does notappeal to everyone, but some parts of the resort just might surprise you.

We have all seen pictures of the high-rise hotels and apartment blocks along the coastline but there are now also a few city-style hotels with state-of-the-art spas and smart wine bars. Two of the latest that are worth a look are the Riviera Beachotel and the Flash Hotel both offering smart, modern accom-modation and close to all amenities including the bustling market.

The main beaches stretch for miles (the Levante is lively and popular but for a quieter but equally pret-ty spot try the Poniente). Separating the beaches is a picturesque headland which offers panoramic views of the coastline and the busy little marina. Here there is also the beautiful old San Jaime Church.

The old town has many authentic tapas bars and traditional tavernas on its narrow, winding, cob-bled streets. Just a stroll away there is the impressive neoclassical-style L’Aiguera Park with two open-air amphitheatres and a bullfi ght museum.

For the active visitors there are escorted bike rides and some brilliant walks. The views are amazing as this part of Spain has some of the highest cliffs in the Med. Only a short boat ride from the marina is Peacock Island where the sea is classifi ed as a marine reserve.

Other places of interest, especially for families with children, would be the theme parks. The main ones are Mundomar (offering dolphin and sea lion shows and a giant aquarium) and Aqualandia (here there are loads of water rides and activities). Terra Mitica is probably the largest of all the amuse-ment parks with fi ve areas representing Egypt, Iberia, Rome, Greece and the Islands of the Mediterranean Sea. Don’t forget your swimwear as the park has a new water-themed area aptly called the Nile!

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Ladies and children are invited to take part, all you need is a road worthy bike to come and join in.

Whilst you are still in the loving mood following Valentine’s Day why not get a love for cycling and come along to this leisurely paced cycle along some traffi c free cycles paths, quiet roads and canal towpaths. This route is approximately 8 miles in total.

This bike ride is suitable for hybrids and mountain bikes as there are some sections of the canal which have experienced rain and may have a few bumps and puddles along the way.

You must book on the website as places are limited.

Any questions contact Sandra via email:[email protected] facebook: www.facebook.com/BreezeWigan

Love is in the airBreeze Bike Ride16th February 2013

The Gruffalo was recently voted the UK’s favourite bedtime read. The book, penned by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffl er, tells the story of a mouse who hoodwinks an owl, a fox and a snake before fi nally getting the better of the terrifying Gruffalo itself.

At: Newton-le-Willows Library, Crow Lane East, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, WA12 9TUOn: 20th & 21st February 2013 - 10.30amTel: 01744 677885

At: Rainhill Library,View Road, Rainhill, L35 0LEOn: 21st February 2013 – 10.30amTel: 01744 677822

At: Rainford Library, Church Road, Rainford, St Helens, WA11 8HAOn: 21st February 2013 – 2pmTel: 01744 677820

Free admission at all venue’sTickets not requiredUnder 8’s must be accompanied by and adult.www.sthelens.gov.uk/libraries

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Some dates for your diary this winter;

February 2013

Baby RhymetimeTuesdays from 9:30am to 10:00amAshton Library.For more information call 01942 727 119

Under 5’s StorytimeWednesdays from 10:30am to 11:30amAshton Library.For more information call 01942 727 119

Car Boot SaleSunday 10th February from 6:30amOpposite B&Q Warrington, WA2 8TE.Cars from £10/Trailers £4/Vans from £12.For more information call 07770 66 33 11.

Farmers’ MarketSaturday 16th February, 9am to 1pmBents Garden Centre, WA3 5NT (01942 266 300).Discover real food, passionately produced right on your doorstep.

Scarecrow FestivalSaturday 16th to 24th FebruaryTatton Park, Cheshire. WA16 6QN.The fabulous scarecrow festival returns to the gar-dens this spring half term (Charges apply).For more information call 01625 374 400

Breeze Bike RideSaturday 16th February at 2:00pmHockery Brook Public House, Hindley, Wigan.Ladies and children only leisurely paced bike ride along quite roads and canal tow paths.Booking essentialEmail [email protected]

What’s onGuide

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 attend.

March 2013The Lancashire HotpotsSaturday 2nd MarchThe Citadel, Warterloo St, St.Helens WA10 1PX.Local lads return for a night of comedy folk.Bookings 01744 735 436

Mothering Sunday Afternoon TreatSaturday 9th to Sunday 10th MarchTatton Park, Cheshire. WA16 6QN.Treat Mum this year to tea and cakes in Tatton’s mansion. £20 pp.Booking essential - 01625 374 457

Farmers’ MarketSaturday 16th March, 9am to 1pmBents Garden Centre, WA3 5NT (01942 266 300).Discover real food, passionately produced right on your doorstep.

Age UK 10K runSunday 17th MarchTatton Park, Cheshire. WA16 6QN.Sign up online at www.ageuk.org.uk/10k. With friends, family or colleagues. Entry £14.95 with no minimum sponsorship.01625 374 400

The Stroke Association ManchesterSunday 21st AprilTatton Park, Cheshire. WA16 6QN.A family friendly charity bike ride, with different distances and circular routes, that start and fi nish at Tatton Park.Call - 0161 742 [email protected]

This is just a snapshot of some of the many activities that are being run around your local area.

Why not check out www.wlct.org or visitwww.whatsoninsthelens.com for more winter activities.

If you would like us to publicise your event, or activity just let us know. Either phone, email, or visit our website and complete our event form;www.wnlink.co.uk

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Ashton Leisure CentreCheck out what Ashton Leisure Centre has to offer when

you are ready to get back to it this February. 01942 720 826

Why not keep for future reference?

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Pool Guide

*These sessions are bookable/payable in advance.

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Fancy doing something exciting this Easter then why not take a visit to Manchester Airports Runway Visitors Park for a picnic and a plane watch?

The Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport offers a great day out for the whole family. Watch the planes take off, explore on-site aircraft, 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 we also have aircraft 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 aircraft, 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 please visit:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/runwayvisitorpark

Runway Visitors Park Manchester Airport

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I envy the women who always know what to wear to look good whether that be preppy, chic, bomemian, street style or grunge. Some follow the same style pattern all their life others nip and in and out dictated by whatever mood they wake up in and no matter how different and still manage pull it off.

Fashion hasn’t always come easy for me, I try and look effortless but I often feel cluttered and uncom-fortable so I fi gure why not steal someone else’s style, they will never know and if they do it’s a huge compliment! Many people in the public eye have an entourage of stylists and a team of makeup artists at the ready to make sure they always looked buffed, groomed and fabulous. So, why not enjoy a bit of that without the price tag. There are two ways to fi nd the look you want; fi rstly think of someone you like the style of (it’s also ideal if this person has the same body shape) and Google Image them. You will fi nd out-fi ts to suit all occasions safe in the knowledge that you will look fab in them too. The other sure fi re way to get it right is to steal someone else’s style fi le from Pinterest (www.pinterest.com ). This is a great web site that leads the way into lots of fashion blogs from celebs to peeps with great wardrobes all of which can be tailored to suit our own look.

If you have an item in your wardrobe which has been bought with high expectation but still sits with the tag on it, try entering this into the web to see how others marry their one off pieces and watch your ward-robe transform.

Lost your way in fashion…

Make 2013 your fashion year!

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My week began with Christian Dior on Monday, Chanel on Tuesday before I was treated to a stylish end on Thursday with Lagerfeld. I was most certainly in my element and girls the secret is Monochrome this season…..with a hint of neon.

I’m Pretty happy about the impending monochrome trend, everything’s just a bit easier in black and white. A clear statement of commercial intent, but also a wonderfully impactful look, yes, sometimes fashion is black and white. Simplicity really is, more often than not, the key to chic and never fails to gain attention when done well.

I alternate all black or all white garments with the opposite contrasting accessories. Accessories can be the key to getting this look so easily.

The look is always smart, crisp and frequently fun as designers come up with new ways of reworking the yin and yang of black and white.

The monochrome look also lends itself to the nautical clothes trend which designers celebrate every year. Whilst nautical clothes are also a true trend for the modern woman, the underlying trend is the simplicity of monochrome. This dark against light, black with white monochrome fashion look is classic, and the perfect choice right now for anyone with a fi nancially critical wardrobe budget.

Monochrome is capsule dressing and will stretch that tight budget. Long after coloured garments have faded into last season’s oblivion you will still be able to wear monochrome classics that stand the test of time.

You may still think that simply wearing black and white together is the recipe for a boring and dark look for next season, thanks to the runway, there are always new and inspired ways to freshen up the look. With its bold statement and ability to turn heads, there are very few other styles that will make as much of an impact as monochrome.

Read more fashion tips and articles at: www.bexbella.blogspot.com

“into last season’soblivion...”

Ladiesof Ashton.

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aving fi nally found a space in the house for all the new toys Santa and his little elves brought my two little rug rats I feel cleansed! The car is packed to the brim with toys a plenty ready to go to new homes, but not without a fi ght.

How come when you try and remove the toys that have long been disregarded, they become their favourite! So we have been playing Hungry Hippo’s every night in a bid to justify keeping it, its soooo loud, I think the Easter Bunny may exchange on her next visit!

I have come to the conclusion that if I put away half their toys the tots forget them, so every other month it’s like Santa has delivered a new batch and we rotate, brilliant! Needless to say the house is clutter free of and I can now enjoy my Jo Malone candles, even though sometimes they have action fi gures hidden in them!

The computer has become the main focus for my 3 year old, he knows everything there is to know, but really how can he know more than me. It seems his techno capability extends to my laptop, my i-Phone, my i-Pod, Daddy’s i-Pad and the neighbours new Kindle!, I must admit he comes in handy when Mummy gets stuck ordering goodies from Net-A-Porter!

Santa also brought us lots of new books, which are really great, especially The Gruffalo which is fl avour of the month,but Bailey still insists I read the i-Pad instruction manual to him before bed. I draw the line here and “The Gruffalo’s Child” wins!

As for me the de-cluttering hasn’t quite worked, and I need a new wardrobe to house some of my January sales goodies...

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Why not keep me by the telephone?

Bryn WardCllr Gary Wilkes 01942 736 478Cllr John Hodgkinson 01942 776 252Cllr Margaret Rampling 01942 486 856Wigan Council01942 244 991St Helens Council01744 676 789

NHSLeigh Walk in Centre01942 264 000NHS DirectNational 0845 46 47

PharmacyMorris (Ashton)01942 727 498Boots (Bryn) 01942 727 176Billinge Rd (Garswood)01942 719 879

PoliceNon Emergency101

TransportArriva Buses0871 200 22 33National Rail Enquiries08457 484 950

UtilitiesGas Leaks 0800 111 999United Utilities (Water)0845 746 2200Electricity0800 404090

Other NumbersAshton Library01942 727 119Citizens Advice Bureau0870 1264 459Childline0800 1111

Useful Numbers

Children ServicesAshton Children’s Service01942 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 Alison Bacon01744 895 319Cllr Joe Pearson01942 743 021Cllr Susan Murphy01942 743 098

There’s a bit of maths that says if you spend £10 in a local shop that sells stuff from local producers the amount of money that goes back into your local economy can be over £50!

Well if you imagine that when you buy a locally-made pie from a local shop, a big part of your money is passed on to the local piemaker. Theshop employs a local accountant or even a decorator. In turn the piemaker who sources his meat from a local farm spends a big percentage of his money with the farmer. The farmer then spends some of his money at his local garage, the garage owner…etc. etc.

With each step, around 80% of each spend goes into the local economy. So in effect the money that stays locally increases locally. The more everyone spends within our area the stronger our economy grows, which means more jobs, better facilities, a vibrant town centre and a nicer place for us all to live.

See more at http://www.totally-locally.co.uk/

That Tenner’s actually worth £50. Really!

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Landscape & BuildingPicton Build Base Page 32.

Home ImprovementsGMH Heating Utilities Ltd Page 29.Makerfi eld Sofa Centre Page 20.

Leisure & EntertainmentHoliday Inn Page 11, 13, 25, 27.Houghwood Golf Page 31.Lodges in the Lakes Page 10.

Motor ServicesRye Motors Page 14.

PhotographyStepping Stones Photography Page 4.

Plumbing, Heating & InsulationGMH Heating Utilities Ltd Page 29.

Property ManagementFirst Class in Service Page 22.

Web DesignKevin Hayden Web Design Page 26.

OtherInstant Cash4Clothes Page 23.Totally Wicked ELiquid Page 22.

WN4 Index of Advertisers

AdvertisingKevin Hayden Web Design Page 26.WN4 Local Link Page 28.

Cleaning ServicesMaid2Clean Page 8.

Clothing, Alterations & RepairsTailor Maid Page 18.

Computer ServicesComputer and Laptop Repair Centre Page 9.

Dog GroomingScizzor Yappy Page 4.

Driving InstructorPass This Way Page 18.

Education ServicesByrchall High School Page 2.Cansfi eld Page 7.RJ Training Page 19.

Food & DrinkHoliday Inn Pages 11, 13, 25, 27.Fairways Restaurant Page 31.

Hair & BeautyAdvanced Skin Care Page 21.Hamilton Hair Page 1.Lilly’s Tan and Bodyworx Page 19.The Mobile Beauty Boutique Page 29.

Health & FitnessAshton Protein Page 18.Fabulous Feet Page 23.Jeff Lloyd, Hypnotherapy Page 12.Slimming World Page 4.The Foot Clinic Page 18.The Slimming Lounge Page 23.

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