PRIDE OF PLACE - Winter 2020 - St Helens Council
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Winter 2020 Good food guide
Pages 11-13
Winter walks
Pages 16-18
Indoor attractions
Pages 20-21
PRIDE OF PLACE
Celebrating the many ways we’re proud of the place we call home.
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 1 13/12/2019 15:16
DLS_Advertising_A4_2019_2_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:52 Page 1
Re-writing the book
GREATER
EXPECTATIONS
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 2 13/12/2019 15:16
Online: www.sthelens.gov.uk Get the app: Search ‘St Helens Council’
Telephone: 01744 676789 in your app store to download our free
Minicom: 01744 671671 handy app to contact us on the go.
Welcome
LEADER’S
COLUMN
Welcome to the Winter edition of St Helens First, I’m delighted to let you know that we’re looking towards
covering news and events across our fantastic the future for these landmarks and how we will open
borough. I hope you and your loved ones had them to the public once again. You can find out more
a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas. about how you can help shape their future on page 7.
What better way to kick off this edition of the magazine The thing that makes me most proud of our great town
than by congratulating St Helens R.F.C. on a fantastic though is its people. Funny, determined and passionate;
Super League season. Runaway League Leaders, and I could go on listing the many merits of us Sintelliners
deserved Grand Final winners. As a fan since the late for the rest of the magazine. But I’d have to say our best
80s I’ve been lucky to see many great Saints teams, but asset is our generosity of spirit for each other. That sense
it’s fair to say the class of 2019 will be remembered as of community is something that cannot be manufactured.
something special. Congratulations to all the squad and That traditional community spirit can now be found in
to everyone associated with the club, in particular our new ways in this modern age. When you read about the
captain - local lad, now local legend! - James Roby, Fit Forever group who are not just getting active to look
Eamonn McManus who also deservedly picked up the after their health, they’re using it as an opportunity to
main Pride of St Helens award in November, and coach support each other, you realise our urge to connect with
Justin Holbrook for an incredible two years of top quality our neighbours is still just as strong as ever.
rugby league. Good luck to new coach Kristian Woolf And you can get involved in so much too - take a look
and the team in 2020! We know you’ll do us proud. at the events page for some great ideas of things to do
That pride in Saints and St Helens Borough as a whole is in your area. Or why not join our Rangers on one of the
something we want to celebrate in this edition. We are walks around our beautiful borough.
fortunate to have some amazing places to visit and enjoy I hope you enjoy the magazine and most importantly
in our borough and hopefully we might help you find take pride in the amazing things that are just a small
some gems that you didn’t know were on your doorstep sample of what makes St Helens Borough the place
like our great independent businesses offering such I’m proud and privileged to call home.
diverse choice for us all.
We have a thriving food and drink scene offering a world
of cuisine which is the envy of much bigger towns and
our reputation for culinary delights is helping us attract
businesses to our area over much bigger cities. Take a
look at the mouth-watering options on page 11.
We’re also really proud of precious jewels like The
Gamble Institute and Earlestown Town Hall that are so
important to the heritage of our great towns.
Got a story to share? Maybe you’ve had a good experience with one Want to advertise with us?
of our services, or you’ve been involved in a great community initiative. Email: mediateam@sthelens.gov.uk
Maybe you captured a fantastic photo or video in St Helens and just St Helens Council does not warrant or endorse products
want to share it? We’re eager to hear from you, and could include your or services contained in commercial advertisements
submissions in the magazine. Email us at mediateam@sthelens.gov.uk. featured in this publication.
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
53
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 3 13/12/2019 15:16
“I couldn’t stand sitting in a classroom, I
wanted practical experience so I could show
what I can do, rather than a degree which
just shows that I understand the theory. I
would recommend that anyone who feels
the same should do an Apprenticeship as
it’s given me the chance to learn much more
than I would have in a classroom.”
Alex McGrath, St Helens Chamber Apprentice
of the Year 2019
EXPERIENCE + QUALIFICATIONS + MONEY
APPRENTICESHIPS
WITH
Take charge of your future with the job that lets you earn while you learn.
Apprenticeships are a great way for people to gain formal qualifications,
whilst in paid employment.
We are the leading Apprenticeship provider in St Helens and career progression for our
Apprentices is excellent! We offer Apprenticeships in a wide range of industries.
OPEN DAYS
If you would like to find out more about the Apprenticeships we have on offer, come
along to one of our open days which run every month! To book your place go to
www.sthelenschamber.com/startingpoint or call 01744 742045
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 4 13/12/2019 15:16
Inside this issue...
7-10 News in brief
11-13
11-13 Good food guide
16-18 Winter walks
20-21 Indoor attractions
22-23 Get winter-ready
16-18
26-27 Stay active in later life
29 Prizes up for grabs
30-31 Dream parkrun
32-33 New year, new you
20-21
35 Help the foodbank
36 What’s on
37 Apprenticeship experiences
26-27
32-33 37
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
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St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 5 13/12/2019 15:160800 99 66 99
enquire@sthelens.ac.uk
uc.sthelens.ac.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 6 13/12/2019 15:16NEWS in brief
Two landmark buildings will once again our borough which are treasured by so many. We want to
make sure that not only are these buildings polished and
reopen their doors to the public.
preserved for future generations to enjoy but also make
The Gamble Institute in St Helens Town Centre and them beating hearts for the communities they serve. This
Earlestown Town Hall will be brought back into use for is why we want to speak to residents, community groups
the public. and organisations who can help us make sure they are
restored and reclaim their place as thriving community
St Helens Council’s Cabinet has committed to working
hubs offering services that will benefit so many people.”
with residents to find out how the buildings can be put
back to use.
The ideas will then help shape how the two historic gems
will be restored to make them fit for the future.
Work will start on restoring the outside of the two buildings
which will soon be celebrating big anniversaries.
The transformation is timely with the 125th anniversary of
The Gamble being built in 2021 and the 130th anniversary
of the start of construction of Earlestown Town Hall will be
in 2022.
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Corporate
Services, Estates and Communication, said: “The Gamble
and Earlestown Town Hall are two very precious jewels in
Double delight for Council calls for
history makers Saints
Saints topped off a record-breaking season
last October by winning the Super League
TV licence U-turn
Grand Final for the sixth time. St Helens Council has called on the
The men in the red and white vee won the regular government and the BBC to scrap plans
season by an impressive 16 points - becoming the
to cut free TV licences for over 75s.
only team to do so - before overcoming Salford Red
Devils 23-6 at Old Trafford to lift Super League’s
biggest prize. Earlier this year the BBC announced that up to
3.7m pensioners will have to start paying £154.50
a year from June 2020, with only those entitled to
pension credit benefits remaining exempt.
However with nearly a third of over 75s living in
poverty or just above the threshold, as well as one
in five living in social isolation, Rainhill Councillor
Barrie Grunewald tabled a motion at Full Council
meeting at St Helens Town Hall which warned
removing people’s access to TV would be an
“unthinkably cruel blow when many are already
facing huge challenges”.
The council wrote to the government and
St Helens Council Leader David Baines pictured with
Director General of the BBC after council backing
Saints skipper, James Roby.
in September.
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
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St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 7 13/12/2019 15:16GO LOCAL WITH NEW
TAXI AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Residents can rest assured that taxis licensed in St Helens
Borough have achieved a gold standard of knowledge and
awareness, with the launch of a new campaign highlighting
the benefits of taking a St Helens taxi.
All drivers licensed in the borough have gone through strict
checks and are tested on their essential skills and knowledge,
while also being trained to spot and report safeguarding – both private hire and Hackney carriages (known as ‘black
issues. cabs’) – and a new gold lanyard and lapel badge for drivers,
bearing the slogan ‘Know Your Ride’.
With the new #KnowYourRide campaign, residents will know
the taxi they’re getting into is badged in St Helens Borough. You can also ask for a taxi and driver licensed in St Helens
Look out for the gold standard symbol on licensed vehicles when booking a taxi from a private hire operator.
COUNCIL DEMANDS ACTION Newton-le-Willows Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron, who
proposed the motion, said: “Spiralling ground rents have
ON LEASEHOLD SCANDAL made many properties practically unsellable, with owners
often left unable to remortgage and charged ridiculous fees
Homeowners and those looking to buy a house will have
by freeholders to make basic alterations to their homes.
heard about the extortionate costs affecting millions of
leasehold properties in England and Wales. “We’re calling on government to ban the routine sale of
new leasehold houses; to end exploitative ground rents
Many leaseholders – who may own the house but not the
and unfair terms for existing leaseholders; and to make it
land it sits on – are facing ground rents that can double in
easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy the freehold to
cost and a range of other charges.
their home – so that the many thousands of homeowners
The issue was raised at a recent council meeting with all members in the borough and across the country caught up in this
voting in favour of demanding greater action from the government. scandal can finally move on with their lives.”
The community in
Clinkham Wood came
Safe2Speak
together to help look here for you
after their green spaces
There is a wealth of support out there for
those who are at risk of becoming a victim
of domestic abuse.
A group of green-fingered volunteers including
Councillor Trisha Long made bird feeders to hang in The Safe2Speak service is run by St Helens Domestic
Abuse Team and Torus. They offer tailored services to
the trees at Clinkham Wood Nature Reserve before
help anyone who might be subject to domestic abuse
tackling some conservation work including clearing from telephone helplines, housing support, outreach
rubbish from the pond to help wildlife flourish. help to an independent advisor.
It’s not just practical help they can give such as finding
a new place to live, there is also a big emphasis on
providing emotional support and counselling for those
who need more specialist help.
If you or someone you know needs their support you
can visit the Safe2Speak Domestic Abuse Service
outreach team based at 4 Corporation Street, St Helens,
WA9 1DL, visit http://safe2speak.co.uk, call the
outreach team on 01744 743200 or the Safe2Speak
24 hour helpline on 01925 22054. If someone is at
immediate risk of injury due to domestic abuse please
call 999 and ask for the police.
8 St Helens First Winter 2020 www.sthelens.gov.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 8 13/12/2019 15:16Rugby League World Cup funding
boost for grassroots clubs
Amateur rugby league clubs across St Helens purchasing new equipment and clubs taking ownership
Borough are set to benefit from up to £1m in of facilities. Last year it was revealed that St Helens
investment thanks to the 2021 Rugby League would stage three men’s group matches at St Helens
R.F.C’s 18,000 capacity Totally Wicked Stadium,
World Cup (RLWC).
followed by the announcement in May that two nations
Almost a year on since the borough’s bid submission, will train in the borough – using St Helens Council’s
St Helens Council’s cabinet approved plans to commit state-of-the art Ruskin Drive Sports Village and Cowley
up to £500,000 of matched RLWC ‘CreatedBy’ legacy International College to prepare for fixtures. With
funding which it is hoped can go towards the delivery of more than 75 per cent of local spectators saying the
at least one project in each of the 11 clubs in St Helens. tournament enhanced community spirit the last time the
The money will help projects like improvement works to RLWC was in town in 2013, St Helens Council will also
grass pitches, changing rooms and spectator facilities to look to capitalise on the 2021 spectacle.
Gold for Armed It is OK TO ASK
Forces support about suicide
St Helens Council is offering gold standard OK TO ASK is a new campaign which will break
support for Armed Forces families. down the stigma of talking about suicide.
The council has picked up the Gold Ministry of Defence Launched on World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday
Employer Recognition Status for its work to support staff 10 September, it has been developed collaboratively
who are or have family serving in the Armed Forces along with The St Helens Suicide Prevention Task Group with
with those who volunteer with cadets. the support of families in St Helens Borough through
St Helens Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Group who
The top accolade comes on the back of the launch earlier have tragically lost someone to suicide.
this year of the Armed Forces and Reservist Employment
Policy, which sets out the support on offer for employees OK TO ASK will focus on the life-saving conversations
who are reservists or work with the Cadet Forces. Among anyone could have by asking someone ‘are you
the support on offer is an extra 10 days paid leave a year thinking about suicide?’.
and unlimited unpaid leave for any period of service with OK TO ASK reinforces the message we want
the Armed Forces. everyone to take on board that you can and should
St Helens Council also does all it can to support veterans talk about suicide. It’s not an easy conversation to
who are applying for jobs with the council and offers a have but it could be the difference for someone in
guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that meet need of help. So don’t be afraid to have that life-
the essential job criteria. saving conversation, it is OK TO ASK.
To find out more about the campaign, support groups
available to help and the signs to look out for if you’re
worried about someone and how to talk about suicide
visit www.oktoaskcampaign.co.uk
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
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St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 9 13/12/2019 15:16Work out in style at
Newton-le-Willows
Health & Fitness
Keeping fit without breaking the bank
has never been more appealing.
The finishing touches are being made to Newton-le-
Willows Health & Fitness following a £4.2m investment
transforming the complex into a modern, dynamic sports
facility.
Whether you’re a regular or a complete novice there is
something for everyone in the new fitness suite. Complete
with 90 exercise stations including top names like Precor,
Wattbike and Assault Fitness along with an extensive free
weight area over two floors, the two-storey gym opened its
doors in September.
An exciting new addition is the immersive spin studio,
only the second of its kind in the whole of the North West,
which takes members on a virtual tour, adding something
different to their workout. Visitors can also look forward to a revamped reception
area, and a spacious changing village for swimmers which
A fantastic soft-play area and café called Willowbees has is expected to be completed by spring 2020.
opened to keep younger members of the family happy
and a multi-functional exercise studio is expected to be To find out more visit
completed soon. goactive.sthelens.gov.uk/nlwfitness
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 10 13/12/2019 15:16THE WEATHER OUTSIDE MAY BE FRIGHTFUL
BUT WE’VE CERTAINLY GOT SOMETHING DELIGHTFUL
TO WARM UP YOUR TASTE BUDS THIS WINTER.
Check out our tasty guide to some Cork & Dough – Ormskirk Street,
St Helens Town Centre
of the borough’s best places to eat out
Authentic Italian pizzeria, Cork & Dough offers diners
or share a drink with loved ones. a taste of Naples through a variety of delicious wood
fired pizzas.
The Dean – St Helens Town Centre After getting a slice of the action here, why not call
next door for a gin or two in the Secret Garden, or
Choosing St Helens over sunny Marbella, self-taught enjoy a sing-along on a weekend in underground
chef Eddie Dean and wife Victoria opened stylish Bavarian bar, The Church which has live acoustic
champagne bar and restaurant The Dean in Barrow music most weekends.
Street earlier this year.
Rated number one in the whole of Merseyside for fine
dining on review website Tripadvisor, The Dean offers food Phoenix Plant Based Eatery –
lovers a first-class experience with their in-house pianist St Helens Town Centre
adding to the already perfect ambiance. Having hosted visitors from across the globe, vegan
restaurant Phoenix Plant Based Eatery has proved a
major hit since opening its doors in November 2017 –
and it’s about to get bigger and better.
A planning application was submitted in October to move
to a bigger unit in Bridge Street which bosses hope will
give them an even bigger profile.
The Masons Arms – Carr Mill Road, Billinge
Tucked away on Carr Mill Road with breathtaking views
of the Billinge countryside, The Masons Arms is an 18th
Century, CAMRA multi-award winning traditional country inn.
After a winter stroll around Carr Mill Dam what better way
to warm yourself up than by calling into the Masons and
sitting around its cosy open fire with a well-earned drink?
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
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St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 11 13/12/2019 15:17Brothers – Thatto Heath Road, Thatto Heath Sabroso – George Street, St Helens Town Centre
Recently shortlisted for takeaway of the year in the North Starting life as a takeaway, family-run Tex-Mex Sabroso
West category of the British Takeaway Awards 2019, it’s soon grew in popularity, resulting in the opening of its
safe to say that Brothers has gone down a treat since restaurant last year.
bursting on the scene in April last year.
Perfectly decorated, complete with an impressive tiger
Attracting customers from right across the borough, mural which fits in line with its Mexican theme Sabroso is
Brothers offers customers a mouthwatering selection of definitely worth a visit next time you’re in town, whether it’s
handcrafted burgers, wraps, wings and desserts – with for cocktails or a bite to eat.
vegan options available too.
La Casa Vieja – Bickerstaffe Street,
St Helens Town Centre
With its inviting cobbled courtyard, it’s no wonder La Casa
Vieja has been such a hit in St Helens over the years.
Using only the best locally sourced ingredients available
to give diners a divine taste of authentic Spanish food, this
family-run tapas restaurant is one of St Helens’ longest
serving restaurants.
The Cricketers Arms – Peter Street,
St Helens Town Centre
Raise a glass in award-winning pub The Cricketers Arms.
Named the best CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) pub in
the country in 2018 and the best on Merseyside this year
Ba’Bursi – George Street,
‘The Cricks’ has more than 13 ever-changing cask ales,
10 ciders and more than 100 gins at its disposal. St Helens Town Centre
As the sign above the door says: “You enter as a stranger Authentic Indian restaurant Ba’Bursi is a family-run
but you leave as a friend.” business with more than 25 years’ experience in the
restaurant trade.
Using only the freshest and finest ingredients, its
menu gives food lovers a wonderful taste of India in an
environment that produces such a fantastic atmosphere.
Blue Mango – Dane Court, Rainhill
The Blue Mango is one of the most talked about
restaurants in Rainhill right now and it’s clear to see why.
Since undergoing a renovation last year, the Indian
restaurant and bar has become one of the best places to
hang out with friends in the village.
The Turks Head – Cooper Street
With its eye-catching Tudor style front, it’s hard to walk
past The Turks without calling in.
When you do, you’ll be greeted by a friendly team of staff
who will make sure your visit is a warm and welcome one.
The Turks Head is a real community pub with a great
selection of cask ales and an array of gins.
The food’s pretty good, too.
12 St Helens First Winter 2020 www.sthelens.gov.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 12 13/12/2019 15:17The Firkin - High Street, Newton-le-Willows Riddling Rack – High Street,
Since 2014 discerning beer drinkers in Newton-le-Willows Newton-le-Willows
have been spoilt for choice at The Firkin, a high street real Riddling Rack is an exclusive wine and gin bar in the
ale and craft beer bar run by brothers Phil and heart of Newton-le-Willows.
Daniel Cunliffe.
With more than 50 gins to choose from as well as an
‘Where it’s a beer festival every day’ is the strapline of awesome selection of wine, draught beers, and platters,
a warm and welcoming venue that boasts 16 constantly Riddling Rack is one of the coolest places to socialise in
changing beers and ciders on both cask and keg. the village right now.
Kozi – Station Road, Rainhill The Griffin Inn – Church Lane, Eccleston
A stones throw from Rainhill Train Station, Kozi boasts two Dating back from the 1600s when it was a coaching
floors and a bar and is the perfect setting for any occasion house, The Griffin Inn is one of the borough’s best-loved
– from birthday parties to baby showers. pubs and restaurants.
Catering for all sorts of dietary requirements, including Offering both the traditional pub and fine dining
vegan and gluten free, its set menu provides great value experience, The Griffin has the best of both worlds and
for money. its outside play area is sure to go down a treat with the
little ones.
Goya Thai Bistro – High Street,
Newton-le-Willows
If you’re looking for good quality Southeast Asian cuisine,
then look no further than Goya Thai Bistro.
With the restaurant’s décor just as attractive as the food
on offer, and an authentic and relaxed vibe about the
place, it’s no wonder people are coming from all over to
get a taste of Goya.
Amigos Café & Bistro –
Church Road, Haydock
Offering a taste of the Mediterranean, Amigos Café &
Bistro has received nothing but rave reviews lately and
rightly so.
Bottle & Glass – St Helens Road, Rainford
Priding themselves on standing out from the crowd and
The Bottle & Glass dates back around 190 years and doing things differently, you’ll certainly receive a warm
serves up tasty, traditional pub food with a good choice of welcome here and get more for less, as Amigos is
menu to suit all requirements. excellent value for great quality food.
Situated at the top of St Helens Road, it’s the perfect stop
off for thirsty cyclists or ramblers out exploring the beautiful
Rainford countryside.
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
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St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 13 13/12/2019 15:17ADVERTISEMENT
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St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 14 13/12/2019 15:17ADVERTISEMENT
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St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 15 13/12/2019 15:17Winter has a beauty all of its own. Brave the cold on a walk through
walks
St Helens’ varied landscapes and you’ll be rewarded with sceneries transformed
by low sunlight and perhaps dustings of frost. Through leafless trees, you’ll see
new views and distant horizons. Wildlife is easier to spot in the stillness of a
winter woodland and, after a chilly day on a long trail, there’s often the promise
of a cosy pub with a crackling fire to warm your weary bones.
Our Rangers know the terrain of St Helens Borough and its borders intimately through their work, making them expert
walk guides. They lead a regular programme of accessible walks across the borough, curated for local people to explore
our verdant green spaces from new perspectives. Here’s one of their favourites.
16 St Helens First Winter 2020 www.sthelens.gov.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 16 13/12/2019 15:17Bankes Park Loop
This is among the Rangers’ favourite walks. Four miles
6.
in length, the first mile is steadily uphill but with plenty The trail will meet a farm track with a fence and stile, but
of wonderful views to see as you take short rests. follow the track to the right, which becomes deeply rutted.
The track runs down into Brownlow Farm, bending right
1. onto Brownlow Lane and back onto Crank Road. Turn left
this time, where you’ll see the public footpath continue on
the far side of the road. You’ll see Billinge Forest ahead to
Starting out at Bankes Park car park on Main Street,
the right where we’re headed, so turn right when the wall
Billinge, take the footpath to the left of the tennis courts
lining the footpath ends, and you’ll come across a gate
and then through a gate turning right onto Beacon Road.
informing you that the Woodland Trust is responsible for
Continue along until you come across a road on the left
the area.
with a public footpath sign, leading you up onto cultivated
fields, with Ash Grove Farm ahead on the right.
7.
2. There’s no clear way through this woodland but keep fairly
to the right and bear in mind that when you enter through
Just after the farm the road begins to veer left, but you’ll
the gate from the path you’ll be heading due south. This
want to immediately turn right, following the southern
moody forest is a long, rectangle shape running north
wall of the farm up a steep and narrow slope between the
to south, and you’ll need to get to the south-west corner
houses and the farm.
where it starts to slope upwards. There’s another gate,
where the footpath follows a fence on the left side a short
distance up to the summit.
8.
At 587 feet Billinge Hill (better known as Billinge Lump) is
the highest point in Merseyside and gives fantastic views
over South West Lancashire, North Wales and Winter Hill.
The Beacon building was built in 1788 and used as a sea
mark for ships and a summer house by Winstanley Hall.
It was also part of a series of beacons that cover much
of England.
9.
Take care coming down from the Beacon and keeping
the fence of a former quarry on your left, heading south
through a lightly wooded area, where you’ll meet the old
3. quarry access road we left earlier, turning left.
10.
Emerging from the gully, the path widens and you’re
granted superb views over the fields towards Liverpool.
The trail bears left and down where it meets a small
stream and a bridge. Turn right after crossing and follow A footpath striking out from the left hand bend in the road
the treeline until the path leads left and uphill towards the will take you back to Beacon Road and down through the
old quarry access road, where you’ll turn right. houses back to Bankes Park where we began.
4.
When the road bends quickly right leave it by a path on the
left hand verge, keeping to the treeline on the left. You’ll
see the Beacon at the summit from here but we’re going to
loop around and approach it from the far side.
5.
Eventually the path runs alongside Houghwood Golf
Course, meeting Crank Road where we’ll turn right for a
short distance, looking for a road with a public footpath
sign on the left. The road leads down to Mill House
Cottage, but before you reach the cottage gates take the
footpath to the right, hugging the edge of the fields.
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
17
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 17 13/12/2019 15:17Upcoming Walks
6. Sankey Valley - from Sankey Valley
Track
oad
Visitor Centre at 1:30pm, 2hrs long
Brownlow 7.
nk R
Tuesday 14 January,
Cra
Tuesday 11 February
Siding Lane - from the visitor centre
Plane Tree Farm Billinge at Siding Lane in Rainford at 1:30pm,
Forest
2hrs long
Monday 20 January,
Monday 17 February
Bankes Park Loop - from Bankes
Masts Park car park at 1:30pm, 2hrs long
Resevoir
Tuesday 28 January,
Cra
5. Beacon Farm
Beacon Lodge
Tuesday 25 February
n k Road
Path Mesnes Park - from the park
Pavilion at 1:30pm, 2hrs long
Mast Wednesday 5 February
Victoria
Quarry (dis)
Pit (dis) Beacon
Pa
8.
th
Billinge Hill
Path
Pa
th
4. 9.
Path
10.
oad
Quarry R
Spreads Oak
ley A
ven
Bea ue
con
Roa
d
Park and
Tennis Courts
1. Car Park
Path
oad
Track
Quarry R
et
2.
Stre
ain
1M
3.
A57
FB
18
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 18 13/12/2019 15:17nd
ourts
ark
et
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 19 13/12/2019 15:17Six perfect activities
indoor winter
and attractions
Like it or not winter is here, but that doesn’t mean we have to hide away and
hibernate till spring. If a bracing winter walk isn’t your thing (if it is, check out our
feature on pages 16-18), St Helens has tonnes of fantastic indoor attractions where
you can have fun and stay warm.
Here are six ideas for keeping you, your Cineworld St Helens
family and friends entertained when it’s If you’re going to hibernate, doing so with popcorn and
just too cold to venture out. a movie has to be the cosiest way. Cineworld St Helens
cinema has been a staple of local entertainment for
Darkstar Laser many years, with comfortable stadium seating and state
of the art speaker systems providing the best big screen
Something that’s sure to fire you up is one of the North experience.
West’s premier laser tag arenas right here in St Helens.
Compete against up to 40 players in an intense, action- So while away a couple of hours in the warm with the
packed game of ultimate laser tag using the world’s most latest film. New releases coming soon at Cineworld include
advanced equipment at Darkstar Laser’s multi-level Bad Boys for Life, Birds of Prey, Doolittle and Sonic the
Hex arena. Hedgehog.
Centrally located in St Helens Town Centre, Cineworld
is surrounded by many other great attractions, bars and
restaurants (for more places to eat and drink see pages
11-13) – more than enough to brighten the most miserable
weather.
The venue also features Cosmo’s Bar and Pizzeria,serving
up delicious homemade pizza, pasta, salads and ice-
cream sundaes, while a fully licensed bar offers a wide
range of bottled beers, wines, cocktails and soft drinks.
20 St Helens First Winter 2020 www.sthelens.gov.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 20 13/12/2019 15:17Superbowl UK
There are so many ways to enjoy St Helens’ Superbowl
UK on a chilly day. The brand new complex is 10lbs of
fun and play in a 5lb bag, with 12 ten-pin bowling lanes,
the Crazy Club Soft Play Centre for children, a formidable
‘Ninja Warrior’ style trampoline assault course, and an
amusement arcade, plus a stylish food diner and boutique
lounge sports bar.
Superbowl UK St Helens opened last year on the
West Point retail and leisure park (a stone’s throw from
Cineworld St Helens and the town centre), so if you
haven’t been yet check it out this winter.
Take advantage of a mid-morning latte, or a glass of fine
wine in the afternoon in the canal side Hotties Café and
check out the latest arrivals in the artisan gift shop, with
exquisite handmade glass ornaments produced in house
by the museum’s talented glass artists. Entrance to the
café, shop and featured exhibitions – including ‘Under the
Weather’ and a return from the St Helens Camera Club –
is always free.
And now your ticket is valid for a whole year. Buy a ticket
for yourself or your family and enjoy as many visits as you
like for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm.
St Helens Theatre Royal
North West Museum of Road Transport The borough’s leading entertainment venue hosting
popular touring musicals, drama, comedy and pantomime
A cold winter’s day is the perfect opportunity to travel back has some great winter hits ahead.
in time at the North West Museum of Road Transport.
Open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from
February to December and Bank Holiday Mondays, the
museum is situated in the former Hall Street Depot, where
since 1881 various forms of public transport of the day
have been stored and maintained.
Now the museum is a reliquary of these historic modes of
travel, from the early steam trams and trolleybuses, to the
motorbus fleets that eventually replaced them.
Take a trip down the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto
and a host of new friends as they try to find their way back
to Kansas in The Wizard of Oz. The family favourite is on
from 15th to 23rd February and is sure to be a spectacular
show that even a tin man with no brain knows not to miss
out on.
Strictly fans can also get their fix with a line-up of former
and present professional dancers including Kristina
The World of Glass Rihanoff, Vincent Simone, Ian Waite and Giovanni Pernice
all taking to the floor this year at the Theatre Royal.
Museum, art galleries, hot glass blowing, film showings,
Victorian furnace, cosy café and artisan gift shop; The Tickets are on sale now, so make sure to book early to
World of Glass has it all. If you’ve not visited The World avoid disappointment.
of Glass for a while you’re in for a nice surprise.
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
21
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 21 13/12/2019 15:17Winter is in full flow so it’s important to
make sure our homes are ready for the
cold months ahead.
Have a look at our cozy home here. Some of these fixes
are cheap and easy to do yourself and could save you a
small fortune on your energy bills, while protecting your
family from the chill.
What’s more, depending on your circumstances St Helens
Council has funding available to help with central heating,
boiler replacements, gas safety checks, servicing and
repairs, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and loft
top-up insulation.
Find out more online at www.sthelens.gov.uk/housing/
energy-efficiency or call the St Helens Cold Weather
Advice Line 08000 355 878.
*All saving estimates are based on a standard semi- Boilers
detached gas-heated home. Costs may vary significantly
depending on level of work required. Figures are based Heating accounts for about 55 per cent of
on fuel prices as of April 2019. what you spend in a year on energy bills,
so an efficient boiler makes a big difference.
Potential saving: How much money you
could save each year will depend on how
old and inefficient your existing boiler is
and the fuel your boiler uses.
Upgrading an old gas boiler to a new
A-rated condensing boiler with a
programmer, room thermostat and
thermostatic radiator controls (TRVs)
could save you up to £205 every year
in a standard semi-detached house.
22
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 22 13/12/2019 15:17Lofts
A quarter of heat is lost through
the roof in an uninsulated home.
Insulating your loft, attic or flat roof
is a simple and effective way to Draughts
reduce heat loss and reduce your Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest
heating bills. and most effective ways to save energy
Potential saving: £135 annually. and money in any type of building.
Controlled ventilation helps reduce
condensation and damp by letting fresh air
in when needed.
However, draughts which are uncontrolled
can let in too much cold air and waste too
much heat.
To draught-proof your home you should
block up unwanted gaps that let cold
air in and warm air out.
Cavity walls
About a third of all the heat lost in an
uninsulated home escapes through
the walls. By properly insulating cavity
walls, you will save energy and cut
costs on your heating bill.
In general, houses built from the 1990s
onwards have wall insulation to keep
the heat in, but if your house is older
than that, it may not have any wall
insulation at all.
Potential saving: £150 annually.
Tanks, pipes & radiators Reflector panels
Insulating water tanks, pipes and behind If you’re trying to save money on your
radiators reduces the amount of heat lost, heating bills and reduce your energy
so you spend less money heating water up, consumption, radiator reflector panels are
and hot water stays hotter for longer. an attractive low-cost option.
A hot water cylinder jacket costs about Fixed behind your radiators, they reflect heat
£15, and fitting it is a straightforward job if from the radiator back into the room, instead
you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. of letting the heat out through an external
wall. They can produce the most benefit
Pipe insulation consists of a foam tube that
when installed on uninsulated solid walls.
covers the exposed pipes between your
hot water cylinder and boiler, reducing the Remember you only need to put reflector
amount of heat lost therefore keeping your panels behind radiators on external walls.
water hotter for longer.
Potential saving: £80 annually
with hot water tank insulation.
23
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 23 13/12/2019 15:17Newton-le-Willows Health & Fitness
welcomes Willowbees
10am-7pm Monday - Thursday
10am-8pm Friday
10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 24 13/12/2019 15:17Do you want to work as part of a dedicated,
motivated and supportive team putting
children at the heart of everything we do?
Join us at our children’s social worker recruitment event
to find out what St Helens Council has to offer.
Wednesday 15 January 2020
17.00 - 20.00
Atlas House, St Helens WA9 1LDF
Free parking and refreshments available
From networking to a professional development session and the
chance to meet our department leads, we want to show you what
working here is all about.
For more information and to book your place,
visit sthelenssocialworker.eventbrite.co.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 25 13/12/2019 15:17i
Th mes i s e as yo u get
old er
i
ac t i v
T
to stay
ays
y
at w
Gre
M
With dance music thumping alongside the And Pat certainly agrees with the importance the group
clatter of weights being lifted by men who has for her and many others.
wouldn’t look out of place in a Saints team, She said: “It’s the kind of exercise our age group can do
it’s easy to think this is any normal gym. and it gets us out meeting our friends, keeps us and our
joints going. I’ve been coming here for five years but it
Open the doors to the boxing studio and a ladder is laid does keep you going and it makes you get up and get
on the floor and cones are marking out what looks like a out rather than sitting at home and moping. It gives you
circuit session to test the same people on the gym floor. a purpose.”
But instead you see 86-year-old Pat leading the charge Bernadette, aged 60 and has been coming to the group
down the coned-out course as part of the Fit Forever since January 2019, added: “Completely by chance I came
programme from St Helens Sports Development. down here to start coming to the gym and I was enjoying
that but when I spotted this group I thought ‘no that’s more
me’. All the girls are lovely, we have fun, we have a laugh
and we work hard.
“From being a complete fitness freak back in the day. I
had two or three years where I was not in a good place
physically and mentally, since I’ve been coming here I’ve
come on in leaps and bounds, I’m healthier, I do yoga
and Pilates at home, I walk the dog and I’ve made lovely
friends. It’s absolutely essential to your wellbeing, mental
and physical, and we love it.”
The Fit Forever programme has a range of sessions
offering a diverse range of activities including walking
football, indoor bowls through to racquet sports like
badminton and table tennis and are tailored to people
The sessions not only put a focus on keeping active and aged 60 and above.
looking after your health, they are also a really good way
of helping people make new friends and a reason to get
out of the house.
26 St Helens First Winter 2020 www.sthelens.gov.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 26 13/12/2019 15:17At 62-years-old June is one of the youngest of the group
and she turned to the sessions when she retired.
“I was looking for something because I was retiring but
didn’t want anything too strenuous because I’ve never
done exercise in my life,” said June. “I used to forget my
pumps in school and my feet were too small for another
pair so didn’t have to do it.
“But I knew I had to do something to get out and meet
other people rather than just sitting in the house. I’ve
found other clubs to go to through doing these sessions.
The other thing I’m into is crafts and now go to a craft
session on a Wednesday afternoon which I found
through this group. There’s only Monday’s that I don’t
have something on.”
And the support has helped so many of the group feel
like it’s a natural part of their life.
Margaret, aged 70, added: “This is my time. When there
are times when you can’t come you do miss it and you
feel it. I do about three sessions a week including
table tennis, it just gets you out and keeps you healthy,
I’ve got high blood pressure so it keeps it under control
and it’s brilliant. I’d recommend it to everyone.”
To find out more about the Fit Forever sessions
visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/fitforever
GET OUT THERE AND MEET NEW PEOPLE!
You don’t have to be sporty to get outand meet new people.
There are so many groups out there offering everything from crafts to
cards,dementia sessions to support for carers that help people connect
with others in their communities.Libraries are a great place to start and
run a widevariety of clubs and classes.
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
27
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 27 13/12/2019 15:17JANUARY 50% OFF FOOD
you love in The Park Bar & Kitchen
DINING OFFER
throughout the month of January.
ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED
Discount available throughout January
(except New Year's Day)
Really!? Yep.
www.theparkbarandkitchen.com
Sherdley Park Golf Club, Sherdley Road,
St Helens, WA9 5DE
ACL can help you to improve your
skills and gain qualifications...
Free courses include:
• Positive Thinking • Get Digital • Working with Children
• Stress Less • Work Ready • Volunteer Training
• Computers • Get that Job • Using Ipads and Tablets Most course
s
are FREE!
We also provide qualifications in English, Maths, ESOL, Supporting
Teaching and Learning in Schools, Caring for Children and Personal Call
Development. 01744 6773
15
today!
An initial advice and guidance session will ensure that you are on the
right course, whether it is a workshop, short course or a qualification.
Contact us to find out more:
Call: 01744 677315
Visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/adultlearning
Email: adultlearning@sthelens.gov.uk
Facebook: StHelensACL
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 28 13/12/2019 15:17Stay up to date with the latest news and
events by signing up to our NEW monthly
St Helens First newsletter.
Landing in your email inbox you can find out more about the great services available from St Helens Council,
top stories and what is happening near you.
Anyone who signs up to the newsletter will be in with the chance to win a free children’s party worth £250
from Face2Face in our special subscriber’s competition.
To enter or subscribe simply email with your details to sthelensfirst@sthelens.gov.uk.
For terms and conditions visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/news
Face2Face has gone from strength to strength since “My inspiration to set up my own business came from
it was founded by Eccleston resident Joanne my mother who has always taught me to be myself,
Partington in 2005 – so much so that it was crowned stay focused and never give up.
Micro Business of the Year at the Invest St Helens
“This is a piece of advice that has led me to where to I am
Business Awards in November last year.
now and I love being self-employed and inspiring others to
It’s clear to see why this local entertainment agency is in believe in themselves, often visiting schools to give talks to
such high demand right now, with its fantastic range of children about my journey.”
event packages – from face painters and magicians to DJs
As well as providing top-quality entertainment packages for
and stilt walkers –adding a touch of class to any occasion
children’s birthday parties, weddings and corporate events
worth celebrating.
across the country, Face2Face also does a lot of work in
Joanne, who is originally from Doncaster and has a wealth the community and has chosen Sam’s Diamonds Cancer
of experience in the entertainment industry having worked Support as its charity for this year.
on cruise ships and as a holiday rep, said:
For more information, including how to book,
“I remember being so grateful to the agency that gave me visit www.face2faceagency.co.uk
an opportunity to face paint when I was looking for work, but
then that agency ended, which resulted in the creation of
Face2Face.
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
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St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 29 13/12/2019 15:17Dare
to dream
Two icons have come together
to create a new way to get fit.
And runners are already flocking from across the region to
tackle the newest parkrun in town in a very special location
– Dream.
The Sutton Manor parkrun has been brought to life by
Col Briody, a keen runner himself.
The 46-year-old said: “I have been part of the running
community for a while. I started off running at Queens Park
Leisure Centre. I’m a lorry driver and bored through the
day so it started from wanting to fill my time.”
“I have done parkrun for a few years and thought it was
time to get one going around Dream.”
The parkrun series is a worldwide phenomenon that
has introduced the world of running to millions of people.
Each one is a timed 5k route with volunteers giving their
Saturday mornings to help marshal and support the
course.
And it is all completely free to anyone to take part.
30 St Helens First Winter 2020 www.sthelens.gov.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 30 13/12/2019 15:17“The Dream is a really hilly course but I thought I could
run it, so others should be able to run it too,”added Col.
“We had to approach parkrun to set the route up and I’ve
been working on it since April 2019 to get up and running,
although normally it can take 18 months to two years to
bring a new parkrun into action.”
He has been supported by a wide range of groups and
businesses as well as raising money himself to get it up
and running.
Support has come from Bold Parish Council, St Helens
Striders, Superior Draughting, Co-op Lea Green Sports
and Social, Briody Transport Ltd and Forestry Commission
for permission to use the land.
Donations have also come from St Helens Council,
Widnes parkrun, St Helens parkrun, Torus Foundation,
British Red Cross and Reverend Simon Moor from
St Michael’s and All Angels Church.
Col added: “Thanks also go to the core team of run
directors and marshals who none of this would be possible
without and Nigel Herbert, parkrun ambassador for putting
up with my frustrations and tantrums.”
And in December last year the first set of parkrunners set
off on a cool windy day to tackle the climb to the summit
of Dream.
It doesn’t matter if you are not the quickest runner as they
have a tail walker who will always walk the course at the
end so there is always support right along the way.
The best bit of the new run though has to be the amazing
views across Cheshire and North Wales at the summit,
which are a great motivation when tackling the challenging
course with its steep climbs and descents.
Now the run is established Col is hoping that the
challenging course will attract people from further afield
than just the neighbouring towns of Warrington and
Widnes.
He said: “Hopefully we will get on the top 10 of the hardest
parkruns in the country as there is a lot of parkrun tourism
and they can bring people in from outside the town to try
the difficult track.”
To find out more about the new parkrun or sign up
visit www.parkrun.org.uk/suttonmanor
Anyone wanting to volunteer should
email suttonmanorhelpers@parkrun.com
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
31
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 31 13/12/2019 15:17vision
for a better you
The New Year is a perfect Taking place every Saturday morning at 9:00am, the
volunteer-led event attracts on average nearly 260
opportunity for a fresh start. participants of all abilities.
Whether it’s losing a bit of weight, stopping smoking Event Director, Anthony Young, said: “Since starting
or becoming more active – check out the advice, St Helens parkrun in 2014 we’ve welcomed almost
support and initiatives below which can lead you 8,000 people to Victoria Park.
on the road to a healthier and happier lifestyle. “Lots of our regular participants have made lifelong friends
Go Active offers members access to qualified personal or completely transformed their lives, and the volunteers
trainers with exercise and nutrition knowledge that can who make it all possible are immensely proud of what we
create programmes specific to your goals, abilities and have achieved.
needs. “I’d encourage anyone of any age or level of fitness to
There are four leisure centres around the borough: give it a go.”
Queens Park Health & Fitness; Sutton Leisure Centre; For more information and to register
Parr Swimming & Fitness Centre and the recently visit: www.parkrun.org.uk/sthelens
upgraded Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness Centre,
formerly Selwyn Jones Sports Centre, which has had a
£4.2m investment from St Helens Council.
The Ashton Road centre, which now has a multi-functional
exercise studio and an immersive exercise bike studio,
welcomes visitors of all ages, from 11-year-old school
children at nearby Hope Academy to 93-year old honorary
member Wilf Potter.
For more information visit goactive.sthelens.gov.uk
Couch to 5k is St Helens Sport’s Development’s award-
winning community project which gets people off their sofa
to running a full 5k in just 10 weeks.
Couch to 5k has seen more than 3,000 inactive people
attend weekly running sessions on Sutton Leisure Centre’s
athletics track. CHCP St Helens Wellbeing Service Fit4All sessions
are here to help you and your family achieve a healthier
The next programme will get up and running again lifestyle that works for you.
on Monday 13 January. For more information
visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/communitysport From free, fun physical activities, to cook and taste
sessions, the Fit4All programme is structured to help you
St Helens parkrun is a free to join community 5k run and your family take the simple steps needed to develop
around the borough’s green flag award-winning good eating habits and improve general wellbeing.
Victoria Park - and now Bold Forest Park
(see pages 30-31) Cooking healthier food doesn’t have to mean hours in the
kitchen and lots of expensive ingredients.
32 St Helens First Winter 2020 www.sthelens.gov.uk
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 32 13/12/2019 15:17Pork and bean casserole
not this e family.
This cheap and cheerful casserole is perfect for
n o t t r y an economical midweek meal.
Why
k r e c i p e for th Serves: 4 adults
Preparation time: 15 mins
midwee Cooking time: 1½ hrs
Ingredients
1 tsp vegetable oil
350g lean pork shoulder cut into chunks
1 large onion chopped
1 garlic clove crushed
2 carrots sliced
1 medium apple cored and chopped (not peeled)
400g chopped tomatoes
2 cans haricot beans in water rinsed and drained
300ml reduced salt vegetable or chicken stock
2 tsp tomato puree
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp dried mixed herbs
1 pinch ground black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan oven 160°C, gas mark 4.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole dish. Add the chunks of pork,
cooking them over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until seared and browned.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots and apple. Cook, stirring, for 2 more minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, haricot beans, the reduced salt stock, tomato puree, Worcestershire
sauce and mixed herbs. Season with some pepper. Put the lid on and transfer to the oven
to cook for 1 ½-2 hours. Serve, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley (if using).
Tip 1: Why not serve with some jacket potatoes? Just scrub some large even-sized potatoes
and bake them on the shelf above the casserole for the final hour.
Tip 2: You could make this casserole with chunks of turkey or chicken breast instead of pork.
Nutritional information:
Per portion (i.e ¼ recipe)
379kcals / 1586 kJ
33g protein
5.5g fat of which 1.5g saturates
40g carbohydrate of which 16.5g sugars
12g dietary fibre
210mg sodium
0.5g salt
www.nhs.uk/Change4Life
For more information phone 01744 371111, email chcp.sthelens@nhs.net,
or visit the team based at their new hub at St Helens College, Water Street.
Stop Smoking “Suddenly your nose wakes up and your taste buds wake
up when you quit. I held on to that smell thinking ‘you stink’
It may take a lot of willpower, but stopping smoking to help me keep smoke free.
has never been easier thanks to a dedicated hub in
St Helens Town Centre. “You should never quit quitting.”
Based at Hardshaw Shopping Centre, Smokefree St Helens For more information call into the hub next time you’re
is now part of CHCP St Helens Wellbeing Service and in town, or call 01744 371111.
allows members of the public to drop in for help and advice
on quitting.
Michelle had smoked for the last 38 years before seeking
help to quit. She said: “One size does not fit all when
tackling an addiction; the team here look at the person
before the addiction so it’s more personal.
“I started smoking at 13 at school, I have flashbacks of
that time and when I finally learnt to smoke I thought I’ve
cracked it. It was peer pressure led, I thought I’d learnt
something brilliant. When I got to the point I wanted to give
up I was flashing back to that time thinking I was a fool.
I never believed I could quit. I have tried so many times
over the years.
sthelenscouncil @sthelenscouncil Winter 2020 St Helens First
33
St.Helens First Winter 2019.indd 33 13/12/2019 15:17You can also read
