widnes local - april 11

What’s Inside This Issue?WIN £25 M&S Vouchers

Experience Sunset at EverestHow to Spring Clean Your Garden

A Selection of Great Local BooksThe 5 Coolest French Automobiles

Warm Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Magazine

Widnes

Reliably Received by 10,000 Homesin Widnes & the Surrounding Areas

ISSU

E 29

Ap

ril 2

011

Successfully Linking Local People toLocal Businesses Since 2008

Now to

10,000Homes!

CrownDiscount Centre

Foundry Lane, Halebank, Widnes, WA8 8TZ

Conveniently housing two independent businesses under one

roof, Crown Discount Centre is a great place for your home furnishing requirements. The carpet and bed company has been trading at the

centre for over 35 years with furniture being offered more recently.

NEW IN: Stunning range of soft furnishings &

accessories

An exclusive range of top quality, famous names, designer and branded

furniture at massively discounted prices... Previously an established

internet business, now occupying part of the lower sales fl oor.

Comments from customers:“Lovely people and perfect items at

less than a third of shop prices... Many Thanks!”

Why not come and take a look around our great

showroom?

Discount Designer Furniture

0151 420 5275

Established for 35 Years!Huge range of carpets,

laminates, vinyl & Karndean.

Special offer for senior citizens:

Buy your carpet from us & we will lift your old carpet & move your

furniture at no extra charge!

• Friendly & helpful staff• Home visits

• Disabled access• Free parking

FREE MeasuringFREE DeliveryFREE Fitting*

*On orders £7.99sq yd & over.

largest stockist of carpets in the area!

0151 424 0678

OPEN

7 DAY

S Late

night Thurs

A fantastic range of top quality beds at brilliantly

affordable prices!

Sealy & Sweetdream beds and mattresses

available for immediate delivery!

Quality Beds

0151 424 0678

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of YOUR resident’s handbook – Widnes Local!

How fantastic is it that we’ve not only had some amazing weather for the time of the year but the clocks have now gone forward so we can enjoy the lighter nights. I am probably like most of the population and can’t wait for this time of year. There... that’s the weather bit done for this month!

The winner of our £25 M&S voucher is Mrs Clare Houghton – well done Clare! Don’t forget to look out for the little Easter egg in this month’s edition and enter for a chance to win. It’s drawn completely at random so you’ve got as much chance as anyone to win.

Royal Wedding Fever will be on us this month! Are you having a street party to celebrate? Let us have a photo or two and we could maybe feature some on our community pages in the next issue. Talking of photographs…are there any budding amateur photographers out there who’d like to submit a local photo to feature on a forthcoming front cover? It would be really nice to showcase some local talent, so if you know someone who’s a bit shy, give them a nudge and ask them to contact us.

This month our book review has been written by the Curiosity Book Shop in Runcorn and it features a small selection of books about the local area, including one written by the shop’s proprietor Liz Howard! They hold a really good selection – they make a fascinating read. If you’ve not been to the shop before pop in and have a look, I think you’ll be impressed at the stock they hold plus they can usually order you something pretty quickly anyway!

We’ve a few new advertisers in this month’s mag – so a big welcome to you from us. Please remember to let all advertisers know you got there number from Widnes Local when you call.

One of our Widnes advertisers - Mandy Bevan of Namaste Interiors is going to be appearing in the ITV show – 60 Minute Makeover on the 7th April at 2pm – don’t forget to look out for her! I have to say I’m really excited for her – well done Mandy for showcasing your amazing skills.

Remember Widnes Local is a TOTALLY INDEPENDENT family run business. It’s not part of a large corporation and it’s not a franchise. It’s simply operated by local people who want to encourage local communities to use local businesses. If you’re a local business and want more customers just give us a call and we can advise of how we can help you promote your business to local people. With prices from just £20 + VAT per issue, we really are affordable to most businesses.

So remember if you’re looking to spread the word in 2011, call the original and best Widnes Local magazine…

Jody x Contact Details: T: 01928 739607 M: 07734 037835 E: [email protected]

This magazine has been compiled and published to aid local businesses and give the community of Widnes contact with trades in their area. All information contained is published in good faith and from the information supplied by the advertiser. Whilst reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information, Hawk Publications Ltd accept no responsibilities for any inaccuracies or omissions. Neither do they endore any companies or products in this magazine.Hawk Publications Ltd is an independent organisation. This magazine and content remain the copyright of the publisher and under no circumstances may be copied or reproduced in any format, without the prior consent of the publisher.

EDITOR’S LETTER...

ADVERTISINGMarketing your business in your Local Magazine is a great tool to win new customers. People love using local shops and services wherever possible and this is something we really try to encourage within this magazine.

Get your business and contact details through the doors of 1000s of homes in Halton!

Prices start from just £20+vat per month - compare that to your last advertising invoice!

Give us a call on 01928 739607 and we’ll be more than happy to talk you through how you place and advert, but believe me - it’s really easy!

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: MONDAY 18th APRIL

COMPETITION CORNER

Congratulations to Clare Houghton who won our competition in January. Clare correctly spotted on which advert the symbol was hidden in and is now the proud winner of a £25 Marks & Spencer Gift Card.

This month’s competition:This daffodil symbol is hidden in the magazine somewhere! All you have to do is find which advert it is hidden on and let us know:1. Your name2. Your postcode3. Your contact number4. Which advert the symbol is hidden on!

Email us at [email protected] or call us on 01928 739607 to enter.

To feature your business in this established magazine, please contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607


PAGE 8

Quality service for our customers is a priority...

Call us today to save you £££s& keep your existing appliance!

We can fi x your:

Tel 01928 567759 24-Hour No 07877 510075Visit us online at: www.qualityservices.org

You can also email us on: [email protected]

Cookers »Washing Machines »Tumble Dryers »Vacuum Cleaners »

SudokuPuzzle

HARD # 1

6 2 41 8 4 3 57 6

9 28 7

5 69 3

7 3 8 5 41 5 2

V. EASY # 2

9 1 24 7 6 51 8 9 4 3

4 5 8 74 8 3 12 7 8 6

9 5 7 4 66 9 2 11 3 5

Find the solution on Page 54.

To advertise please contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607

With the fl owers blooming and new leaves appearing on the trees, April is a time when most of us like to have a bit of a tidy-up and revitalise the garden for summertime. Whether you’re preparing for the growing season, or simply wanting to improve the look of your garden, we have some great ideas to give your green space a good spring clean.

Tools of the tradeBefore you tackle your garden, have a quick sort through your tools. Give them a clean, decide what needs to be replaced and scrub off any rust, before rubbing on a little vegetable oil to keep them in tip-top

condition. Check your mower and hedge trimmer to see if any blades need sharpening or replacing and throw away any old chemicals cluttering up your shelves, which may even present a health risk.

Throw out the old plantsStart by removing dead annuals or plants showing any sign of disease, and pull up invading weeds - but don’t add them to your compost bin. Any bulbs which have fi nished fl owering will need deadheading, but don’t remove the leaves as they will provide the energy for next year’s growth. Some shrubby plants with woody stems, such as buddleia and lavender, will need to be

pruned in order for new blooms to appear on the freshly-cut branches.

3. Clean your deckingBarbeque season is just around the corner and if you are doing a bit of entertaining, you’ll want your decking to scrub up well. Start by picking a dry day and go over the wood with a stiff broom or multi-purpose pressure washer. Now that the deck is free from any clutter and dirt you can focus on cleaning the wood using a dedicated product, fi nishing with a good rinse to remove all traces of the chemicals. Allow the deck to dry completely before replacing the furniture and other items.

Patios, paths and rough edgesA little touching up here can make the world of diff erence. Start by trimming overhanging grass from the edges of your patio, pathways and borders, and check to see if any stepping stones have sunk below ground height – if they have, raise them so that loose soil won’t cover

them when it rains. Brush off any old leaves from your patio before giving it the once-over with a pressure washer. If you don’t mind a bit of graft, scrub with a specialist path and patio cleaner. Finally, pull out any invasive weeds from the gaps between the patio stones, and lift up encroaching moss.

Bring your grass up to scratchIf all the trudging around in mud hasn’t done your garden any favours, it’s well worth investing in a lawn fertiliser, which will make your grass lovely, thick and green – as well as preventing weeds and moss from forming. If you have a real problem with the latter, fi nd a feeding product which incorporates weed-killer. At this time of year, aeration is also important: you don’t need any fl ashy equipment – by piercing holes with a pitchfork about 4 inches deep evenly across areas where the lawn is suff ering, you’ll improve drainage which will do wonders for the grass.

Be house proudDon’t neglect the exterior of your house. Wash your windows, and if they have wooden frames, you may want to give them a fresh lick of paint. Clear out dead leaves from the guttering and check that nothing is blocking the soakaways. Throw away any old children’s toys or clutter, and remove cobwebs.

Treat garden furnitureTo prolong the life of your garden furniture, it will need a yearly service to remove any rust spots and prevent against decay. Your wooden furniture will benefi t from a good rub down and coating of varnish or teak oil. To remove rust spots, scrape away with a steel wool pad, and use a dry paintbrush to remove particles left on the surface. Finally, apply a waterproof sealer, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Get growingThe weather is warming up and now is the ideal time to cultivate some seedlings. Start off with some tomatoes, sunfl owers, salad leaves and chillies, and place them somewhere warm, ready for the sun when summer comes. Clean all your old pots with a scrubbing brush, re-plant your window boxes and, fi nally, sit back and enjoy!

Spring Clean Your Garden!

gardeningarticle

Brian HumphriesGarden Landscaping

Land Drains, all aspects of Garden and Landscape Works

and Storm RepairFully Qualifi ed Staff Established 25 YearsEstablished 25 Years

0151 495 2659 | 0151 424 573507802 296 23007802 296 230

Cowan Way, Widnes

FREE ESTIMATES

Also Garden Maintenance & JCB Hire


With the fl owers blooming and new leaves appearing on the trees, April is a time when most of us like to have a bit of a tidy-up and revitalise the garden for summertime. Whether you’re preparing for the growing season, or simply wanting to improve the look of your garden, we have some great ideas to give your green space a good spring clean.

Tools of the tradeBefore you tackle your garden, have a quick sort through your tools. Give them a clean, decide what needs to be replaced and scrub off any rust, before rubbing on a little vegetable oil to keep them in tip-top

condition. Check your mower and hedge trimmer to see if any blades need sharpening or replacing and throw away any old chemicals cluttering up your shelves, which may even present a health risk.

Throw out the old plantsStart by removing dead annuals or plants showing any sign of disease, and pull up invading weeds - but don’t add them to your compost bin. Any bulbs which have fi nished fl owering will need deadheading, but don’t remove the leaves as they will provide the energy for next year’s growth. Some shrubby plants with woody stems, such as buddleia and lavender, will need to be

pruned in order for new blooms to appear on the freshly-cut branches.

3. Clean your deckingBarbeque season is just around the corner and if you are doing a bit of entertaining, you’ll want your decking to scrub up well. Start by picking a dry day and go over the wood with a stiff broom or multi-purpose pressure washer. Now that the deck is free from any clutter and dirt you can focus on cleaning the wood using a dedicated product, fi nishing with a good rinse to remove all traces of the chemicals. Allow the deck to dry completely before replacing the furniture and other items.

Patios, paths and rough edgesA little touching up here can make the world of diff erence. Start by trimming overhanging grass from the edges of your patio, pathways and borders, and check to see if any stepping stones have sunk below ground height – if they have, raise them so that loose soil won’t cover

them when it rains. Brush off any old leaves from your patio before giving it the once-over with a pressure washer. If you don’t mind a bit of graft, scrub with a specialist path and patio cleaner. Finally, pull out any invasive weeds from the gaps between the patio stones, and lift up encroaching moss.

Bring your grass up to scratchIf all the trudging around in mud hasn’t done your garden any favours, it’s well worth investing in a lawn fertiliser, which will make your grass lovely, thick and green – as well as preventing weeds and moss from forming. If you have a real problem with the latter, fi nd a feeding product which incorporates weed-killer. At this time of year, aeration is also important: you don’t need any fl ashy equipment – by piercing holes with a pitchfork about 4 inches deep evenly across areas where the lawn is suff ering, you’ll improve drainage which will do wonders for the grass.

Be house proudDon’t neglect the exterior of your house. Wash your windows, and if they have wooden frames, you may want to give them a fresh lick of paint. Clear out dead leaves from the guttering and check that nothing is blocking the soakaways. Throw away any old children’s toys or clutter, and remove cobwebs.

Treat garden furnitureTo prolong the life of your garden furniture, it will need a yearly service to remove any rust spots and prevent against decay. Your wooden furniture will benefi t from a good rub down and coating of varnish or teak oil. To remove rust spots, scrape away with a steel wool pad, and use a dry paintbrush to remove particles left on the surface. Finally, apply a waterproof sealer, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Get growingThe weather is warming up and now is the ideal time to cultivate some seedlings. Start off with some tomatoes, sunfl owers, salad leaves and chillies, and place them somewhere warm, ready for the sun when summer comes. Clean all your old pots with a scrubbing brush, re-plant your window boxes and, fi nally, sit back and enjoy!

Spring Clean Your Garden!

gardeningarticle

A Wedding PackageFor All Seasons

For further details and availability please call our Wedding Co-ordinator on

0844 736 8644 or email

[email protected]

Visit us online for more details and offers at...

www.corushotels.comThe Hillcrest Hotel, Cronton Lane, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 9AR

October to May £2500pto 50 guests

£3000pto 60 guests


PAGE 14

Stones Gym & Fitness Centre31 Gladstone Street, Widnes, WA8 6PH.

Tel. 0151 345 0939

Open 7 Days a week

Catering for all

Cardio, Selectorized, Plate loaded machines and Punch Bag Room

No joining fees or contracts

Selling fi tness supplements and energy drinks

Oak, Pine, Ash and painted fi nishesBedroom, Dining, Occasional and Home Offi ce

2 Floors to browseFree Parking

Open 7 Days

Branches of Warrington Wilderspool Causeway (A49)

Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6QP

Tel - 0800 5427447 www.branchesfurniture.co.uk

Bedroom, Dining, Occasional and Home Offi ce

Massive Clearance on ranges that will be discontinued at 25% off the already reduced prices

but only while stocks last

Easter weekend ONLY... (Good Friday 22nd, Easter Saturday 23rd and Easter Monday 25th April)

...we will run a clearance event, at our warehouse, of old/slightly damaged/one-off items at giveaway prices – not to be missed. Please note that we are closed on Easter Sunday

ONLY...(Good Friday 22nd, Easter Saturday 23rd and Easter Monday 25th April)

WARM PEAR, WALNUT AND

BLUE CHEESE SALAD

This quick and easy warm salad can be served as a main meal or simple starter. If you like strong � avoured blue cheeses choose Stilton or Roquefort, but if you prefer something a little milder pick Danish blue or creamy Dolcelatte.

Serves 4Ready in 15 mins

1 tbsp olive oilSmall knob of butter2 large fi rm pears, halved, cored and thickly sliced55g (2oz) walnut halves, roughly chopped1 large bag mixed rocket salad115g (4oz) blue cheese, diced or crumbledFor the dressing...2 tbsp balsamic vinegar1 tsp Dijon mustard1 tsp caster sugar5 tbsp olive oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the 1. pear slices and fry gently for 2-3 minutes on each side until tender and light golden. Add the walnuts to pan for the last 2 minutes of cooking time.

Divide the salad leaves between four serving plates. Top with the 2. warm pear slices and walnuts and scatter over the blue cheese.

Place all the dressing ingredients in a jug and whisk until 3. thoroughly blended. Adjust the seasoning to taste and pour the dressing into the frying pan. Heat gently for about 1 minute then pour over the salads. Season with a little more ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Foody Fact...Blue cheese is a blanket term for cheeses which have been inoculated with Penicillium mold cultures, forming dark streaks, patches, or veins of blue-green mold. It is thought that originally, blue cheese was discovered as the cheese makers produced their cheeses in caves where this mold was naturally present.

fantasticfood


Special Offer at...

0151 424 [email protected]

www.claytonfurniture.co.ukUnit 1, Liebig Court, Widnes,

Cheshire, WA8 6GD (Opposite Asda)

Visit our impressive showroom soon to see the stunningly high quality and beautiful

home furnishings that we stock.

Solid OakExtending Tablewith self-storage leafand six chairs inlacquered oak...

Was £1813Now £1199Save £614

6 sets only &Immediate Delivery Available

More genuine offers

to be found in the showroom!

Bedroom furniture also

now available.

British Handmade


PAGE 18

Joinery & Construction Specialists

T: 0151 257 7854M: 07936 345172

27a Smithy Lane,CrontonWidnes, CheshireWA8 5DF

ExtensionsAll Structual WorkConstructionGarage ConversionsAll Aspects ofJoinery & ConstructionFloorsRoofi ng WorkFitted kitchensTiling


Do you work in Runcorn, and live in Widnes?

A new NHS Medical Centre is open with baseson both sides of the bridge.

Appointments 7 days per weekAll can access either base

Easy to register.

Established GP / healthcare team

Call 01928 842 625/626Or e-mail [email protected]

We can send registration packs to you

Feel free to visit our centre

Widnes GP Health Centre operates as a Branch Surgery of Windmill Hill Medical Centre

Windmill Hill Medical CentreLocated opposite Norton

Parish Church and WindmillHill Primary School

Widnes GP Health CentreLocated in the Health Care

Resource CentreCaldwell Lane

GP

booksreview

This month’s selction of local books...

We are all curious about the history of where we live and Curiosity Bookshop in

Runcorn has a huge and fantastic selection of books about the local area. Here is just a

small selection of the best...

The Lost Tribe of Everton & Scottie Roadby Ken RogersWhat no-one could foresee was a street revolution unfolding that would end with some of Liverpool’s most famous communities being wiped off the map. Up to 120,000 people were bulldozed out of spiritual heartland areas like Everton, Scottie Road, and Kirkdale, in the name of slum clearance. But these places were the stuff of legend and while houses and streets could be destroyed, memories couldn’t. Ken Rogers is the author of several high profi le titles. This one is written from the heart as he uses all his local knowledge to bring alive the golden memories of his childhood home.

Educating Runcornby VariousEducating Runcorn, 1600-1960, Schools and Schooldays is compilation of memories from fi ve generations of local people assembled by the writing group Scribes & Scribblers. First published three years ago, it quickly sold out and has now been re-issued in a limited edition due to popular demand. Schools long gone, like the Mill Brow Ragged School, Balfour Rd Secondary School and Granville St Primary School stir the memories of older folk to give a taste of what school was like in the past while schools such as the Grange Junior School and Victoria Road Primary School are still with us making memories for the youngsters of today.

Runcorn in the Pastby Liz HowardRuncorn in the Past by Liz Howard was fi rst published in the Netherlands sixteen years ago and has now been produced as a paperback for the fi rst time. It shows a town much changed, when Sandy Lane actually was a sandy lane and the Isolation Hospital was defi nitely isolated from the town. The great run of locks alongside Percival Lane was still working when the photograph was taken and the Bridgewater Canal was congested with cargo-carrying narrow boats. The Glass Barrel and the Ship Inn, both pictured, are now consigned to history but the Barley Mow in Church Street is still providing refreshment for the local population today.

Cheshire: A Portrait in Colourby Bill MeadowsCheshire, A Portrait in Colour by Bill Meadows shows the county at its very best, capturing historic towns, peaceful villages and sweeping landscapes in glorious colour. Restored canals, mills and railways punctuate verdant hills and broad green plains. Fine details include the Alice in Wonderland stained glass window at Daresbury, Warrington’s Golden Gates and a sunlit Silver Jubilee Bridge at Runcorn, which, as the write-up tells us was the longest steel arch bridge in Europe and the third longest in the world at the time of its opening.

The Big Ditch by Cyril J. WoodThis is a history of the Manchester Ship Canal fully illustrated with maps and photographs along its full length. Runcorn Docks, Bridgewater House and shipping passing under the Silver Jubilee Bridge show how local waterways impacted on life along its banks, the pictures having been taken 100 years after construction of the Big Ditch. The canal was once an important route from the industrial heart of Manchester to the world, carrying everything from raw materials to fi nished goods and animals to pleasure seeking day-trippers, an activity that has recently been revived. Construction was begun in the 1880s, a massive engineering project that brought work to thousands and changed the landscape around the Mersey for ever and, thanks to modern technology this book shows a glimpse of the future in the form of computer-generated images of the proposed Mersey gateway.


GRANITE

WORKTO

PSCUSTOM

MADEIN W

IDNES

REPLACEMENT GRANITE WORKTOP (LAMINATE OFF GRANITE ON)OR

GRANITE WORKTOPS FOR NEW KITCHENS

WE ALSO DO COMPLETE KITCHENS - CABINETS & APPLIANCESWE ALSO DO COMPLETE KITCHENS - CABINETS & APPLIANCESWE ALSO DO COMPLETE KITCHENS - CABINETS & APPLIANCESPSPSPS

FACTORY & SHOWROOMUNIT 3 BOLD INDUSTRIAL ESTATELUNTS HEATH ROADWIDNES WA85RZ

0151-420-1666

WARRINGTON SHOWROOM (7 DAYS)61-67 KNUTSFORD ROADWARRINGTONWA41AB

01925 445455

CONTINENTAL STONE [email protected]

Farnworth Cleaners Ltd

For all yourDry Cleaning & Laundry

• Sports Kits • Workwear/Overalls •• Domestic or Commercial •

Telephone: 0151 420 7548

Open 7 Days a Week • Same Day Service Collection Service Available

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am-5.30pmSat 8.00am-4.30pm Sun 9.00am-12pm

Serving the community for over 40 years

10% DiscountWith this voucher

100 Derby Road, Widnes, WA8 9LQ

New customers are always welcome

&Hindley CarrFor all yourlighting needs...

1000s of lightsavailable

EstablishedFamily Business

CompetitivePrices

Hindley and Carr75 Victoria RoadWidnesWA8 7RS

Find us at:

0151 424 2041Telephone:

See exactly how your new bathroom will look in 3-D before you make a decision.

Automatic cost breakdown so that you can see exactly where your money is going.

A Widnes-based, family run business, we pride ourselves on our prompt and reliable

service.

We offer a one-stop-shop for your bathroom makeover. We will remove your existing suite, tiles and fl oor covering and make goodany

surfaces before re-tiling.We promise to leave your home clean and tidy

so that you can enjoy your new bathroom!

Comeandseeournewshowroomtoviewawiderangeof

T

BathroomProductsandtilesondisplay.

aps,Sinks,WCs,Showers&Enclosures,

DigitalShowers,ShowerPanels,

Baths,Fittedunits,LEDMirrors,Lighting&UnderoorHeating

•Tools•Adhesives&Grouts

•Tiletrims•Accessories

See exactly how your new bathroom will look in 3-D before you make a decision.

Automatic cost breakdown so that you can see exactly where your money is going.

A Widnes-based, family run business, we pride ourselves on our prompt and reliable

service.

We offer a one-stop-shop for your bathroom makeover. We will remove your existing suite, tiles and fl oor covering and make goodany

surfaces before re-tiling.We promise to leave your home clean and tidy

so that you can enjoy your new bathroom!

Comeandseeournewshowroomtoviewawiderangeof

T

BathroomProductsandtilesondisplay.

aps,Sinks,WCs,Showers&Enclosures,

DigitalShowers,ShowerPanels,

Baths,Fittedunits,LEDMirrors,Lighting&UnderoorHeating

•Tools•Adhesives&Grouts

•Tiletrims•Accessories

C4 Moor Lane Business Centre, Widnes • Opposite NHS Resource Drop In Centre

Untitled-8 1 25/3/11 12:09:54


PAGE 26

The lovely Mandy Bevan from Namaste has finally been given the date for her TV Appearance on 60 Minute Makeover – next Thursday 7th April on ITV at 2pm! – set your timers! And if you’ve missed it there’s always ITV Player on the internet.

The show was filmed last August at a house in Halewood and Mandy had less than two weeks to prepare for it - this was during staff holidays so it was a very frantic time. But of course Mandy never being one to say no to a new opportunity, jumped at the chance!

When Mandy delivered the curtains they were just about to start filming so she donned a pair of white overalls and got stuck in, stripping walls and painting in the first half and then hanging the curtains she’d made in the 2nd half of the show. Mandy was interviewed by Richard Randall the presenter, but

until it’s aired next week we won’t know if she’s made the final cut – lets hope so!

Mandy summed up the experience by saying: ‘Overall it was a brilliant experience and the team were all lovely. It was a bit stressful on the day but loved every minture of it. When I got home, I just collapsed with a big smile on my face but would love to do it all over again!’

That’s not the only claim to fame for the team at Namaste – they’ve recently made all the curtains, blinds, cushions etc for the gorgeous new fabric collection Gypsy by Nono, and their name and number is proudly shown on the back of the new fabric book!

So if you want the star treatment and some beautiful finishes for your home – give Mandy from Namaste a call!

She’s only on the telly!


PAGE 28

1. A gang led by Bruce Reynolds committed which famous crime in the 1960s?

2. Who was described as “the Napoleon of crime” in the novel The Final Problem by Arthur Conan Doyle?

3. In 2010, there were 46 cases of capital punishment in the USA. Which method of execution was used for all but 2 of these cases?

4. Why was Stephen Gough arrested on a number of occasions when walking from Land’s End to John o’ Groats in 2003 and 2004?

5. In 1988, which famous singer was arrested after a high speed police chase and served three years in prison after being convicted of carrying an unlicensed gun, assaulting a police offi cer, and various drug-related and driving off ences?

6. By what name is the Central Criminal Court in England more commonly known?

7. In 2001, 14 people, including 12 from Britain, were arrested in Kalamata in Greece and charged with espionage. What was their hobby?

8. Replaced by youth custody centres in 1982, what name was given to prisons for young off enders and was also the name of the village in Kent where the fi rst of these institutions was established?

9. In England and Wales, how many jurors make up a jury on criminal

cases?

10. In 1812, John Bellingham committed a particular crime that had never been committed before and has never been committed since. What did he do?

1.The Great Train Robbery, 2. Professor Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes’ arch-enemy), 3. Lethal injection4. He was naked (he was known as the Naked Rambler),5. James Brown, 6. The Old Bailey, 7. Plane spotting,8. Borstals (named after the village of Borstal), 9. 12 (15 for Scotland), 10. He killed the British Prime Minister

Fun Quiz... Crime and Punishement

Widnes based, Family BusinessQuality Workmanship35 Years Experience

All Aspects of Painting &Redecoration Interior & Exterior

Free no obligation quotesInsurance work undertaken

At Wavell Decorators, werecognise ‘your home is

your castle’ which we willrespect and treat as such!

Call Gary on:

0151 495 181007749 815854

WAVELLD E C O R AT O R S

0151 495 181007749 815854

S CCESSAll that is missing is U.

Earn £50, £200, or £500

Curious?

Call 01928 710 134

Originally on the site of Cronton Grange, Cronton Nurseries grew from the cottage gardens of the long since demolished mansion house. Owner Steve Doyle recently renamed and rebranded Cronton Nurseries as Cronton Garden Centre mainly because they were constantly told by their customers ‘oh we didn’t realise you sold so much gardening stuff, we thought you only grew plants!’. And they were quite right because not only does the Garden Centre sell stunning top-quality plants, shrubs, bushes etc, but they also stock a wide range of gardening goodies including but not limited to: pots, tools, wooden furniture, ornaments (including some stunning metal giraffes that I’ve got my eye on…), compost and fertiliser to name but a few. In fact they stock virtually everything any keen gardener will ever need!

As well as lots of local residents, Cronton Garden Centre often attracts visitors from much further afield. I asked Steve why this was and he believed it was because of the great value they offered and of course the free advice and help from the very experienced team - some have worked there for fifteen years!

They also sell top soil and turf, and can also offer some garden services, including laying lawns and delivery can also be arranged. If you’re a local tradesman, ask about their Trade terms.

For the last few years they have also been hosting a very popular Farmer’s Market held the 2nd Saturday of each month selling a range of locally made food and craft products. Starting soon there’s going to be a regular monthly Car Boot Sale too. Give them a ring for find out more.

Some exciting TV shows that they’ve supplied plants and services to include: The Royle Family, Christmas Lights

with Robson Green and My Sunshine featuring Steve Coogan. They are currently working on one called Mount Pleasant which will be a bit like Desperate Housewives.

So you’re probably now wondering if it’s worth a visit? Well with the value and service Steve and the team offer, I would definitely say it most certainly is WELL WORTH A VISIT!

Great Choice at Great Value

•Multi purpose compost £3.99 or 3 for £10•Top Soil & Turf Supplied – daily deliveries

Cronton Garden Services:•New Lawns laid, ask us for a FREE estimate!

Now in:Pansies •Primulas • Spring BulbsGrow your own:• Seed Potatoes • Onion Sets etc...

Tel: 0151 424 2999 • Cronton Road, Cronton, Widnes, WA8 5QJ

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Cronton GC Logo.pdf 27/2/11 13:07:12

A Great Choiceat Great Value

Have you visited us recently?You’ll be amazed at the changes we have made and the stock we hold!

Visit our:Farmer’s Market

Sat 9th April10am - 2pm

well worth a visit...



Your in good hands

is a local company based in Widnes supplying a wide range of products to the NHS, Nursing / Care Homes and to the general public via our

showroom at 162-164 Albert Road Widnes, WA8 6LJ

Telephone 0151 420 1352 Come and see our full range of products available

Shop Opening Hours : Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm, Sat 9.30am – 1pmVisit our website at www.newlynhealthcare.co.uk

are your local stockist for -

Extra Wide, Extra Deep, Extra Roomy Footwear.At our showroom here in Widnes we have a range of shoes,slippers, socks and hosiery.

Also the Circulation Booster v3.


PAGE 32Cheshire Flooring [email protected]

95-97 Widnes RoadWidnes

WA8 6BJ

reputation for excellent value and serviceCome and see our two fl oors bursting with fanastic stock

We have new stock arriving weeklyFinest & Largest Rug Selection in the North West

Over the years we have built up an unparalleled

Visit our website to receive a fantastic

10% Discount voucher www.cheshire-fl ooring.co.uk

0151 424 0144

Opposite ‘Quality Save’ in Widnes Town Centre

Family business, established in 1976

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Chesire Flooring Darker BG Nov 2010 DARK.pdf 27/2/11 10:19:59


Why should you visit us?- Over 2000 high-quality rugs in our showroom

- Wide selection in man-made & wool fi bre

- Exclusive designs to suit every purse or pocket

- All of our rugs come with a full guarantee

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC FLOORING SPECIALISTS

FREE UNDERLAY AND FITTING over £10 per sq yd / £12 per sq metre


PAGE 34


GAS FITTING, PLUMBING & DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

QUICK & RELIABLE SERVICE...

AND ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF PLUMBING...

TEL: 07815 90 65 12 J . S . D O M E S T I CLT D.

You have to earn your fi rst view of the mighty Everest range. From the Lukla airstrip, a short fl ight from Kathmandu, it takes a day and a half, trekking through pine forests, past lodges framed in dahlias and rhododendrons, across dizzying bridges and up the long steep spur of the Namche Hill. Now and then, you fl atten yourself against the cliff face to let pack animals and porters scrape past. Far below, the foaming waters of the Bhote Kosi roar through an invisible gorge.

At last, the pretty Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar appears, clinging to the very edge of the precipice, all pastel roofs and frilly awnings, prayer fl ags wavering like giant plumes and stepped alleyways where men carve Buddhist scriptures on the boulders and trekkers bargain for turquoise and Tibetan rugs. At 3340 metres, in the Everest National Park, Namche is the place to acclimatise for a day or two and enjoy glorious mountain views, here the holy summit of Khumbila, there the fl uted walls of Thamserku or the snowfi elds of Kongde and on the horizon, the dark windswept cone of Everest. Spring is the best time for

rhododendrons, autumn for clear views.

From Namche, Bazaar, it is a fairly easy stretch to Tengboche, the most sacred monastery in the Khumbu region, perched all alone on a wooded ridge. Boy monks scrub their laundry at the gate, chanting drifts from the temple, punctuated by cymbals and drums, and the twin peaks of Ama Dablam rise hauntingly, so close you could almost touch them. Beyond, the land is bleak and you pass only a few hamlets with tiny potato fi elds and yak dung drying for fuel on stone walls. Sometimes, wild Himalayan goats bound on the slopes and pheasants in iridescent rainbow colours peck on the edge of the trail.

Onto the forlorn village of Dingboche then Lobuche, past myriad stone chortens lined up on the pass, each one a shrine to someone who died in these parts. Now it is high time to eat garlic soup to thin the blood and fi ll up on energy food, pancakes, potato bread, vegetable rolls the size of a family pie. After a week of toiling up and down slopes and one last scramble over a moraine, anyone reasonably fi t can reach

Gorak Shep, the original base camp at over 5000 metres, now with a few lodges, tucked in a moonscape of tortured land and ice with gaping crevasses and the great cascade of the Khumbu Icefall. Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Choyu, mountains rise in a magnifi cent amphitheatre across the Tibetan border, but Everest remains stubbornly out of sight, hidden by a lower but closer ridge.

So, to set eyes on the panorama of a lifetime, you have to climb even higher and tackle the seemingly easy but breath-taking, knee-jerking Kalapatar, the Black Rock above Gorak Shep, towering at 5623 metres. Slowly, Everest appears above Nuptse, rising higher and higher, and when the sun dips in the west, the whole mountain rumbles and groans as huge blocks of ice crash down the slopes. All around the peaks come to life, shimmering pink and gold in the dying light. Suddenly, sharp as a knife, darkness falls right across the land but for a long time, on the roof of the world, Everest continues to glow, a lonely beacon in a starlit sky.

Solange Hando

Sunset on Everest...

travelarticle


Pretty Princess Cupcakes

luxury celebration cakes for all occasions… as featured in OK Magazine and Vogue. Choose from a wide variety of cupcakes towers, cupcake bouquets, giant cupcakes & cakes all designed to your requirements.

Contact 07912482189

Gift Boxes &Personalisation

Available

Pretty PrincessCupcakes


Pretty Princess

luxury celebration cakes for all occasions… as featured in OK Magazine and Vogue. Choose from a wide variety of cupcakes towers, cupcake bouquets, giant cupcakes & cakes all designed to your requirements.

Contact 07912482189

Gift Boxes &Personalisation

Available

Contact 07912482189

Pretty PrincessPretty PrincessCupcakes




Pretty PrincessPretty PrincessPretty PrincessCupcakes




Pretty Princesswww.prettyprincesscupcakes.co.uk

01928 733437

woodhouse Electrical

Domestic & Commercial Installation & Maintenance

Engineers

We offer an extensive range of services, please contact us for more information or for a free quotation from a reliable, fully

insured local service insured local service

WIDNES - RUNCORN - FLAT ROOFING

0151 495 1234

Small Family Firm Recommended For Over 40 Years!Domestic & Commercial

All Areas Covered• Flat Roofing• Slating / Tiling• Re-Roofs• Free Estimates• Built-up Felt Roofing Systems• Fully Insured Inclusive of Heat• Discounts For OAPs• Discounts For OAPs

Approved Installers for the following Flat Roof Systems:• Rubberbond EPDM• Firestone Rubber Cover• Polyroof GRP• Icopal Felt Roofing• Registered Solar Panel Installer

90% Of Our Work ComesFrom Recommendations

20 Year Guarantees Availablewww.kirbysroofing.co.ukKIRBYS ROOFING (Widnes)

Alexandra Street, Widnes, WA8 7RU


PAGE 38

Appearance is everything...

1B Deacon Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 6EATel: 0151 423 0809

SpoilYourself

ThisEaster...

Gift Vouchers, Packages& Gift Sets Available

JJP &WeddingsEvents

&We also have a huge selection of

Fancy DressAccessoriesfor Hen & Stag Nights, Birthdaysand all parties...

...for that personal touch

We pride ourselves on our one-to-one service & that all important attention to detail.

We help you create a beautiful, elegant & sophisticated atmosphere that you & your guests will never forget...

Tel: 0151 424 195471 Albert Road, Widnes, WA8 6JSwww.jjp-weddingsandevents.co.uk


Self-tanningThe danger of sitting out in the sun is well documented and, in any case, the UK isn’t blessed with a steady supply of the natural option. But self-tanning options have really improved in recent years and from just a few £s you can gain a completely natural tan.If you just need colour on a small area such as your face, a home self-tan is an ideal option. If you haven’t tried any of the available lotions recently then you won’t know how light or dark the results will be, so you should do a 24 hour patch test. Choose a small area of skin that really won’t notice e.g. on your stomach and

apply some of the product. Take care not to cover the area for the first hour or so otherwise the lotion will just rub off and give you a false ‘reading’. One

of the key things to remember when doing home tanning

is that it’s imperative to wash your hands post

treatment – orange fingers really isn’t a good look.While this is ideal for small body areas, if you want greater coverage – legs,

arms, back – then using a salon is a must.

Not only can they reach all those difficult areas, but the

tan will be more even. With the right skin preparation and with someone else applying the tan (either a lotion or spray), not only will you have better results but it will last longer too.

(ideal for wedding parties/hen parties/races etc)


PAGE 40

interiorsarticle interiorsarticle

Colour Confidence

This season’s most fashionable colours for interiors are strong and bold: daring blacks

and metallics, vivid citruses and a range of sorbet-like Fifties shades. Yet colour

can be complicated: stray away from safe neutrals and who hasn’t ended up in a fog

of indecision? Our guide to using colour will help you avoid clashes and select the

shades that work best for you.

Colour is a hugely dynamic tool, aff ecting the way we feel in a powerful, albeit often subconscious, way. And we each have our own feelings about colour, so that one person’s warm and intimate room is another’s nightmare of brash, clashing shades. All of which makes using colour a rather daunting undertaking. But never fear: there are some simple guidelines to follow.

Painting a room a new colour is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to introduce a fresh look. If you’re not sure where to start, there’s a wealth of inspiration to be found in books or magazines, and the paint manufacturers themselves can be a great help, whether in the form of brochures showing their colours in action, a website with the facility to paint a virtual room or colour cards that demonstrate which colours work best together. If you’re wary of using too many diff erent colours, but would nevertheless like to introduce some contrasts, a good rule of thumb is that darker and lighter shades of the same colour are

when you stand in them you may be able to see a number of diff erent rooms, so you should consider how their colours will work together. As a general guideline, restful colours, such as pale blues, lilacs and pinks, often work well in bedrooms, and bolder shades in dining rooms: red is a classic choice, in particular. In a hallway you could make a strong statement with a vibrant colour that introduces the house to visitors, or opt for something paler that will maximise the sense of space. Conventional colours for bathrooms are watery blues and greens, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt for something completely diff erent. Colours for living rooms should generally be chosen to work around the existing furnishings – you might pick a colour from a favourite cushion, vase or painting, for example; and the same goes for kitchens, where you’ll already have cabinets and worktops that will dominate

always good together (simply look vertically up and down the paint charts).

So far so good. Then, to narrow your choices down, you’ll want to consider the colours of your existing furnishings, the practicalities of how you live (darkish colours are useful in a busy hallway which might suff er from knocks and mud splatters, for example) and the architecture of your property. The latter informs not just the suitability of certain colours – perhaps historic colours for older properties, for example – but also their shades, as you may be able to get away with bolder and/or darker colours in large and light rooms.

Another consideration is where to put which paint colours. Bear in mind that hallways, stairways and landings are linking areas;

a scheme. Finally, in children’s bedrooms and playrooms you’ll probably want to use a mix of fun, bright colours that are lively and stimulating.

Experimenting with paint colour is essential, as it can be diffi cult to get it right fi rst time. Always paint sheets of white card with your chosen samples and tape them up around a room, to observe in diff erent lights (what looks like a lovely purple in daylight, for example, can become black after sunset). In a living room you’ll want the colours to work in both daylight and artifi cial light, whereas in bedrooms and dining rooms it is more important that they look attractive at night-time. Take care with colours that are on the edge between two diff erent shades, as these change more than any others in diff erent light conditions, and while this can be dramatic, it may not be quite what you expect. And be careful to buy the right undercoat – it really does aff ect the end result.

If the thought of colour everywhere just sounds a bit too much, there are several ways in which it can be introduced in more subtle ways. You could paint just one wall a strong shade, for example, with the others in co-ordinating neutrals. Or how about some beautiful wallpaper, an oversized stencilled motif or easy-to-apply wall stickers? Alternatively, keep walls white or very pale and add colour elsewhere. Changing a duvet cover or a tablecloth, for example, will instantly transform an otherwise neutral bedroom or dining room, while new cushions, vases and pictures will do the same for a living room. Get handy and paint a chest of drawers or a side table, or make a loose cover for a sofa or chair: think laterally and this is where, for not too much eff ort and expense, it’s possible to ring the changes and make colour work creatively for you. It’s as simple as black and white.

Dark grey walls and flashes of amethyst make for a sophisticated, restful & cosy, bedroom. All products are from M&S (0845 302 1234; www.marksandspencer.com)

Paints from Kevin McCloud’s Elements of Colour range for Fired Earth (0845 366 0400; www.firedearth.com)

Asda’s spring range features citrus-coloured accessories for a fresh look in the living room (0500 100055; www.asda.co.uk)

interiorsarticle interiorsarticle

Colour Confidence

This season’s most fashionable colours for interiors are strong and bold: daring blacks

and metallics, vivid citruses and a range of sorbet-like Fifties shades. Yet colour

can be complicated: stray away from safe neutrals and who hasn’t ended up in a fog

of indecision? Our guide to using colour will help you avoid clashes and select the

shades that work best for you.

Colour is a hugely dynamic tool, aff ecting the way we feel in a powerful, albeit often subconscious, way. And we each have our own feelings about colour, so that one person’s warm and intimate room is another’s nightmare of brash, clashing shades. All of which makes using colour a rather daunting undertaking. But never fear: there are some simple guidelines to follow.

Painting a room a new colour is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to introduce a fresh look. If you’re not sure where to start, there’s a wealth of inspiration to be found in books or magazines, and the paint manufacturers themselves can be a great help, whether in the form of brochures showing their colours in action, a website with the facility to paint a virtual room or colour cards that demonstrate which colours work best together. If you’re wary of using too many diff erent colours, but would nevertheless like to introduce some contrasts, a good rule of thumb is that darker and lighter shades of the same colour are

when you stand in them you may be able to see a number of diff erent rooms, so you should consider how their colours will work together. As a general guideline, restful colours, such as pale blues, lilacs and pinks, often work well in bedrooms, and bolder shades in dining rooms: red is a classic choice, in particular. In a hallway you could make a strong statement with a vibrant colour that introduces the house to visitors, or opt for something paler that will maximise the sense of space. Conventional colours for bathrooms are watery blues and greens, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt for something completely diff erent. Colours for living rooms should generally be chosen to work around the existing furnishings – you might pick a colour from a favourite cushion, vase or painting, for example; and the same goes for kitchens, where you’ll already have cabinets and worktops that will dominate

always good together (simply look vertically up and down the paint charts).

So far so good. Then, to narrow your choices down, you’ll want to consider the colours of your existing furnishings, the practicalities of how you live (darkish colours are useful in a busy hallway which might suff er from knocks and mud splatters, for example) and the architecture of your property. The latter informs not just the suitability of certain colours – perhaps historic colours for older properties, for example – but also their shades, as you may be able to get away with bolder and/or darker colours in large and light rooms.

Another consideration is where to put which paint colours. Bear in mind that hallways, stairways and landings are linking areas;

a scheme. Finally, in children’s bedrooms and playrooms you’ll probably want to use a mix of fun, bright colours that are lively and stimulating.

Experimenting with paint colour is essential, as it can be diffi cult to get it right fi rst time. Always paint sheets of white card with your chosen samples and tape them up around a room, to observe in diff erent lights (what looks like a lovely purple in daylight, for example, can become black after sunset). In a living room you’ll want the colours to work in both daylight and artifi cial light, whereas in bedrooms and dining rooms it is more important that they look attractive at night-time. Take care with colours that are on the edge between two diff erent shades, as these change more than any others in diff erent light conditions, and while this can be dramatic, it may not be quite what you expect. And be careful to buy the right undercoat – it really does aff ect the end result.

If the thought of colour everywhere just sounds a bit too much, there are several ways in which it can be introduced in more subtle ways. You could paint just one wall a strong shade, for example, with the others in co-ordinating neutrals. Or how about some beautiful wallpaper, an oversized stencilled motif or easy-to-apply wall stickers? Alternatively, keep walls white or very pale and add colour elsewhere. Changing a duvet cover or a tablecloth, for example, will instantly transform an otherwise neutral bedroom or dining room, while new cushions, vases and pictures will do the same for a living room. Get handy and paint a chest of drawers or a side table, or make a loose cover for a sofa or chair: think laterally and this is where, for not too much eff ort and expense, it’s possible to ring the changes and make colour work creatively for you. It’s as simple as black and white.

Dark grey walls and flashes of amethyst make for a sophisticated, restful & cosy, bedroom. All products are from M&S (0845 302 1234; www.marksandspencer.com)

Paints from Kevin McCloud’s Elements of Colour range for Fired Earth (0845 366 0400; www.firedearth.com)

Asda’s spring range features citrus-coloured accessories for a fresh look in the living room (0500 100055; www.asda.co.uk)

Support your local business. Keep it local.

Many of you already know Paul Hughes of Panda Blinds

who until a few years ago worked for a well know national blinds

company. Paul saw an opening to provide customers with a wide range of British made quality blinds at

realistic competitive prices with a personal

belief in a ‘top notch’ customer service.

We come to you ...We measure ...We fit!

Vertical Roller

Venetian

Pleated

Roman Wooden

For a free no pressure quote call

Paul on

01928 829152 You can also find us on line

at www.pandablinds.co.uk

Conservatory Blinds Thousands of colours

and fabrics to choose from.



PAGE 44


Tel 0151 676 0049 24-Hour No 07877 510075Visit us online at: www.qualityservices.org


Boiler Changes »Boiler Servicing & »RepairComplete Gas »CentralHeating SystemsCooker Repairs »Emergency Call Outs »

Full Supply & Fit »ServiceGas Appliances & »FiresHigh Pressure Hot »Water SystemsLandlords Gas Safety »Certifi cates

All Aspects of »General PlumbingBathroom Suites & »ShowersBathroom Upgrades »Small Jobs Are »Welcome


Tel 0151 676 0049 24-Hour No 07877 510075Visit us online at: www.qualityservices.org


Landlord Safety »Certifi cates

Inspection & Testing »

PAT Testing »

Part P Certifi cates & »Notifi cation

Free Estimates »

Friendly & Reliable Service »

Alarm Systems »

Rewires & New »Installations

Central Heating Wiring & »Connection

Garden Lighting & Power »

Cooker Repairs »

Bathroom & Kitchen »Upgrades

Shower Wiring, »Replacement & Installation

Flat Panel TV Installation »

Consumer Unit Upgrades »

Small Jobs Welcome »


Let us Transfer your Cine Films, Videos

Photos & Slides

Call us Now 0151 257 9366www.evermedia.co.ukEverMedia Ltd, Moor Lane Busines Centre,

Widnes, WA8 7AQ

to DVD


PAGE 46

Where else does this much money get you

into the hands of263 customers?

Over 200 local businesses regularly

advertise in our magazines because

they keep the customers coming.

Call us TODAY and get your advert

designed for FREE!

01928 [email protected]


Come and enjoy our new menu with the

SAME GREAT QUALITYEVEN BETTER VALUE

Why don’t you come and join me and my team for a safe, friendly and fun day

or evening out?Children are welcome until 9pm.

See you soon!Tracy Mappley

(Manager)OUR FULL MENU IS AVAILABLE12 – 9PM ALL DAY EVERY DAY

THE TAVERN, 288 UPTON LANE, WIDNES WA8 9AF | TEL 0151 4245994

THE TAVERNNEWSLETTER APRIL 2011

TWO MEALS

FOR

£8.49ALL DAY EVERY DAY

MAIN MEALS FROM

£3.99ALL DAY EVERY DAY

TUESDAY

PIE & PINTEvery Tuesday 4 - 9pm

PIE&

PINT £5.79ANYTIME

BEER & BURGERAll day, every day

BEER&

BURGER£4.99

WEDNESDAY

CURRY CLUBEvery Wednesday 4 - 9pm

CURRY&

DRINK £5.79WEEKDAYS

LUNCH CLUBMonday - Friday 12 - 5pm

BAGUETTECHIPS & DRINK £4.49

Find us on Facebook!“The Upton Tavern”

DON’T FORGET TO JOIN US FOR ALL YOUR SPORT, FOOTBALL, RUGBY AND MUCH MORE MANY OF OUR FIXTURES

WILL BE IN 3D!

SATURDAY 16TH &SUNDAY 17TH

THE FA CUPSEMI-FINALS

FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT@ THE TAVERN...Join us on:

St George’s DaySATURDAY 23rd APRILfor “Ste & John Show”

FRIDAY 29th APRILfor “Dave the Bass”(Accoustic Artist)

SATURDAY 30th APRIL“Chris Blackburn”

80s Tribute - Fancy DressSUNDAY 4th APRIL

Mothers’ Day

FREE

ACCESS

footballsat 16th, sun 17th “f a cup semi fi nals

There’s something about big French cars that’s rather cool. They’re not usually huge sales hits in the UK, but a combination of quirky styling and laid back comfort make them attractive buys.

There are some things you’ll have to put up with though: Some have residual values that lose money faster than Greece, reliability can be slightly disappointing and some people will laugh at you.

But not us – we’ll salute you as you waft by with a whiff of diesel, fl oating along on a bed of air suspension. Here, we pick our fi ve favourites...

Five Cool French Cars...

by James BaggottEditor of Car Dealer Magazine

motoringreview

Renault Vel Satis

Citroen DS

Citroen SM

Renault Alpine A610

Citroen C6

The Vel Satis was an undeniable sales fl op – even Renault’s top brass admit it – but that, in our eyes, makes it even more desirable. At launch its price put a lot of people off , but we think the unique design, spacious interior and silky diesel engine make it a worthwhile purchase. And the fact you can pick them up for just £2k now makes them very attractive!

Big French cars don’t get more iconic than the incredible DS. Citroen sold nearly 1.5m of them during its 20-year production run between 1955 and 1975. It was packed with futuristic technology such as self-leveling suspension and directional headlights, but it’s those stylish looks that make it cool. A DS will cost you about £30k now.

Citroen has a habit of producing wacky cars, so when it teamed up with Maserati to build the SM in 1970, the result was always going to be bonkers. The SM didn’t only look amazing but was packed with tech, including speed-sensitive steering and directional headlights. Maserati took care of the engine, slotting a V6 unit under the bonnet, and the French fi rm sorted the styling – the collaboration resulted in the creation of a classic.

Attempting to take on the Porsche 944 with a plastic-bodied Renault was, in hindsight, never going to be a success. But that doesn’t mean the Alpine A160, launched in 1991, isn’t cool. It’s got all the right ingredients – a 250bhp turbo-charged lump positioned in the back, rear-wheel drive and sleek looks. Add the fact it had a habit of snapping like a breadstick on the limit and, in our eyes, it’s even more appealing.

Here’s a classic in the making. Well, at least that’s what we reckon. The C6 has all the hallmarks of a future appreciator: Mental looks, sublime comfort and the usual amount of specifi cation marvels including double-glazing, head-up display and clever suspension. But what we really love about the C6 is the looks – the dramatic nose and unique rear mark it out against German rivals and makes buying one a real statement.


VILLAGE Limousine Wedding Hire Services Wedding Hire Services

A mix of Limousines, Beaufords, Mercedes & Specialist Cars for Hire at competitive ratesfor Hire at competitive rates

Car fofof rA Special Car fofof

YoYoY uouo r Special Dayaya Call 0151 424 3657 or Lol 07961 349247 John 07776 338 852


PAGE 50

Hilltops Restaurantat Forest Hills Hotel

Forest Hills Hotel, Overton Hill, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6HHTel: 01928 735255 | Email: [email protected]

Website: www.foresthillshotel.com

Sunday 24 AprilEaster Sunday Lunch

3 Course Sunday Lunch in Hilltops Restaurant, enjoy a relaxing lunch over your long Easter

Weekend.£15.50 per Adult & £7.75 per Child

Visit the NEW Website atwww.foresthillshotel.com

for all forthcoming events including: Fake That Tribute Night, 80’s Night, Summer Dinner

Dance, Spa Night Off er and our New A La Carte Launch.

Call Hilltops Restaurant to make your reservation: Tel:

01928 735255

SPECIAL OFFERReceive a complimentary Bottle of

House Wine when booking a table of 4 or more, bring this advert on the

day to claim your Wine!


Darren Tyrer was previously a senior stylist/director of Andrew Collinge in Liverpool. After 23 years in the hairdressing industry, he decided to take the plunge and open his own salon. The stunning conversion of the old Post Of�ce building in Cronton now houses

his salon that prides itself on offering styling worthy of a city centre centre salon right at your convenience.

431 Cronton Road, Widnes WA8 5QG T: 0151 422 8384

“Although I was a bit nervous,

I fancied a new look... Darren’s

staff took the time with me to

discuss different styles and I’m

chuffed with my new style!”

Sarah Miller

“Everyone at the salon is so

friendly, it’s so nice to have

somewhere close to home where

I can come and relax whilst

having my hair done.”Beverley Fletcher

Gift Vouchers Available!


PAGE 52


��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

FIRES &

FIREPLA

CES

AND STO

VES

CUSTOM

MADEIN W

IDNES

MARBLE & LIMESTONE FIREPLACES, WOODEN MANTLES WOOD BURNING STOVES, HOLE IN THE WALL FIREPLACES

GAS FIRES, ELECTRIC FIRES

FACTORY & SHOWROOMUNIT 3 BOLD INDUSTRIAL ESTATELUNTS HEATH ROADWIDNES WA85RZ

0151-420-1666

WARRINGTON SHOWROOM (7 DAYS)61-67 KNUTSFORD ROADWARRINGTONWA41AB

01925 445455

CONTINENTAL STONE SUPPLIES CLASSIC HOME [email protected]

FIRES &

FIREPLA

CES

AND STO

VES

CUSTOM

MADEIN W

IDNES


PAGE 54

SudokuSolution

# 1 6 9 5 7 2 8 3 4 11 8 2 6 4 3 5 9 77 4 3 5 9 1 2 8 68 3 9 2 6 4 7 1 55 2 6 8 1 7 4 3 94 7 1 9 3 5 6 2 89 5 4 1 7 2 8 6 32 6 7 3 8 9 1 5 43 1 8 4 5 6 9 7 2

# 2 7 9 6 8 3 5 1 4 23 4 2 7 6 1 9 8 55 1 8 9 2 4 3 7 69 6 1 4 5 3 8 2 74 8 5 2 7 9 6 3 12 3 7 1 8 6 5 9 48 2 9 5 1 7 4 6 36 5 4 3 9 2 7 1 81 7 3 6 4 8 2 5 9

Plans Drawn for Council Planning Approval

and Building Regulations.

Please call Darran for a free, no obligation quote on

0151 420 9114 or 07749249896

Odd,We do.

Call 01928 735967 for a quote or pop into the officeto talk to Katie at NFU Mutual Office, 123 Main Street,Frodsham WA6 7AF.

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

but not everyone knows wedo tradesman insurance.

We do right by you

ADCOL_13 Frodsham 131x87:ADCOL_13 Frodsham 131x87 22/03/2011 12:10 Page 1

I’ve been advertising in the Widnes magazine for over a year now and have been really

pleased with the business that it’s generated for us... so much so that I now take a full

page ad in both magazines every month. In addition, I get the Widnes mag through my door without fail and use the local businesses

in it whenever I can.

Jeff Chesters - JDC Ceramics

From Conceptto Completion...

the Complete Package

North West Contracts are experts in the provision ofdomestic and commercial building works

Tel: 0151 424 1123 Mob: 07801 28913116 Upton Rocks Avenue, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 9DB

Web: www.nwcontracts.topworkmen.comE-mail: [email protected]

Domestic & Commercial

Extensions & Conservatories

Grant & Insurance Work

General Building

Maintenance Work

Damp Course

Wall Tie Replacement

NorthWestContracts

NW

Project3:Layout 3 23/9/10 16:25 Page 1

The Musical Food Chain

All men are not created equal. Everybody knows this. But nowhere is the sting of society’s inequality felt more savagely than in the cut-throat world of rock ‘n’ roll.

I think it’s pretty well-established that guitar players sit at the top of The Musical Food Chain. You only need to walk into any music shop, anywhere in the world, to be presented with stark visual evidence of the fact that being the guitarist makes you automatically Much More Important Than The Rest Of The Band. It is nothing less than cast-iron scientifi c fact that 92% of the space in any given music shop will be dedicated to guitars. Thousands of them, all lined up in shining rows, attended to by at least fi fteen eager salesmen waiting to satisfy a guitarist’s every whim and fancy. ‘Would you like that double-necked twelve-string guitar in a slightly paler shade of sunburst orange, sir? No problem. We have every possible permutation of this model in stock.’

Here’s a challenge for you though. Walk into your local instrument store sometime and see if you can fi nd the keyboard section. Seriously, try it. It’s hilarious. It’s like looking for the salad bar in McDonalds.

Below is a transcript of a conversation I had in one of London’s leading music stores some years back. Whilst my guitarist was upstairs indulging in a

fantastically chirpy exchange with a sales clerk and merrily churning out Dire Straits riff s, I had been trying to locate the keyboard section. When I eventually found it (and after having waited long enough for service that I could actually feel algae growing on the soles of my feet), I was reluctantly approached by a very bored-looking employee, whom for convenience we shall name Dirk:

CHRIS: Can I speak to your keyboard specialist?DIRK: Sorry, what?CHRIS: Is there someone here who knows about keyboards?DIRK: Not really.CHRIS: Oh. Right. Well, I’m interested in the M-Audio Keystation.DIRK: And?CHRIS: I’ve spotted that you have one over there and was wondering if I could try it out?DIRK: No, you can’t. It’s not set up.CHRIS: That’s not a problem - I can wait while you set it up.DIRK: Oh, no. We don’t do that.CHRIS: How am I supposed to know it’s the right model for me then?DIRK: Dunno.CHRIS: But you’re a music shop. I am a music consumer. I want to try out a keyboard and then, if all goes according to plan, give you money for it and take away the goods in return. That’s basic capitalism.

DIRK: Can’t you tell just by looking at it?[I look at the keyboard for a couple of seconds.]CHRIS: OK, fi ne. I’ll just go ahead and buy it then.DIRK: No mate, you can’t. We don’t have any left.CHRIS: But I’m looking at one right now! See how my hands touch it!DIRK: Nah, that one’s not for sale.

This went on for a little while until, presently, I battered him to death.

So you see, discrimination and prejudice exist in all walks of life and, amongst the world’s many minority groups, it is perhaps keyboard players who feel this most acutely. There are myriad possible explanations for why things have turned out like this but, whichever way you look at it, keyboardists are at the bottom of The Musical Food Chain. The plankton of rock ‘n’ roll. And please do pity us because, if things go on like this, we could one day become extinct.

Maybe I should contact the World Wildlife Fund.

Chris plays piano in South London power-pop band The Lightyears. The Lightyears, voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards, have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents, worked with Sting’s producer and starred in a T-Mobile advert. Chris is currently working on his � rst novel, “Mockstars”. Read more of Chris’ blogs and tour diaries at: www.TheLightyears.com.

humourcolumn

Widnes Kids & DadsA group for Dads & male carers of children.Contact: Jacqui MeadowsTel: 0151 495 3958

Every other Saturday morning, 10am-12pm

atWarrington Road Children’s Centre

Bookstart RhymetimesActivities designed to encourage parents & carers to share rhymes & songs with babies.

Every Wednesday 10am-11.30am

atDitton Library

Halton Bereavement Drop InIf you are feeling low and would like someone to talk to then drop in for a coff ee and a chat.

Every Tuesday4.30pm-7pm

at Widnes Fire Safety Centre, Lacey Street

Widnes Rotary ClubHilcrest Hotel, Cronton Lane,Widnes, WA8 9AR Contact: Dale Kenninghamwidnesrotaryclub.webeden.co.uk

Every Monday5.45pm-7.15pm

Live Country Music & Line DancingUnited Services ClubPrescot Road, WidnesTel: 0151 424 4978

Every Monday night

Live Country Music & Line DancingOur Lady’s RC Social Club,Mayfi elds Ave, WidnesTel: 0151 424 3437

Every Thursday night

Line DancingChapelfi eld Community CentreLiverpool Road, WidnesTel: 0151 423 3121

Every Friday7:30pm-9:30pm

Live Country Music & Line DancingThe Village Club, Appleton VillageTel: 0151 424 3657

Every Thursdayfrom 8:30pm

Nearly New SaleSt Mary’s Parish Community Centre, West Bank, WidnesTel: 0151 423 3881

Every Saturday10am-11am

(excl Bank Holw/ends)

Tae-KwondoChapelfi eld Community CentreLiverpool Road, WidnesTel: 0151 423 3121

Every Monday and Thursday

5:30pm-7:00pm

YogaChapelfi eld Community CentreLiverpool Road, WidnesTel: 0151 423 3121

Every Thursday7:00pm-8:45pm

Nifty FiftiesUpton Community Centre,Hough Green Road, WidnesTel: 0151 423 1386

Every Monday & Wednesday

10am-11am

Table Top SaleSt John’s Church Centre, Greenway Road, WidnesTel Sue on: 0151 423 6375

Every First Saturdayof the Month10am-12pm

Zumba DanceUpton Community Centre,Hough Green Road, WidnesTel: 0151 423 1386

Every Thursday(from 17th March)

8:30pm-9:30pm

Know of any other regular events or groups that you’d like to see on this page? Let us know on 01928 724101

Regular Local Events Local GroupsHalton Voluntary Group is a group whose aim is to help the people who have diabetes. We hold our meetings on the 3rd Weds of each month, when we have speakers who give a talk on the care of diabetes. At St. Paul’s Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Widnes and the Old Police Station, Mersey Road, Runcorn starting at 7.30 pm0151 424 9432

HALDS (Halton Adults with Learning Diffi culties Support)Support group for parents/carers of adults with learning dif-fi culties.Contact: Pam RobertsTel: 07583 694671Email: [email protected]

Widnes & Runcorn Cancer Support Centre21-23 Alforde Street, Widnes, WA8 7TRTel: 0151 423 5730 Email: [email protected]

HAFS (Halton Autistic Family Support Group)Trinity House, 78-80 Victoria Road, Widnes, WA8 7RATel: 0151 495 3540 Email [email protected]

Halton Haven HospiceBarnfi eld Avenue, Runcorn, WA7 6EPTel: 01928 712728

Halton Parkinson’s Support GroupHelps improve quality of live for people with Parkinson’s disease, we meet once a month.Contact: Margaret SmithTel: 0151 257 7954

ChAPS – Cheshire Aspergers Parents SupportAims to support parents and carers of dependants with Asperg-ers Syndrome or Autistic Spectrum Disorder whether diagnosed or not, living in Cheshire.Contact: Jo GarnerTel: 01928 722384

Mind in HaltonHalton Association for Mental HealthSep up with the aim of providing day care and residential services to those people living in Halton who had or were experiencing some form of mental distress.Widnes Tel: 0151 495 3991Runcorn Tel: 01928 563612

Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community ActionHelp grow and strengthen the voluntary, community and faith sector in both Halton and St HelensHalton Voluntary Action - Sefton House, Public Hall Street, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1NG. Tel: 01928 592405

Halton Nightstop For Young People Aged 16 – 25 yearsNightstop believes that all young people have the right to access safe and secure accommodation that is appropriate for their needs. The service is committed to making this happen wherever possible through Volunteer Hosting and Family Mediation.Ship Canal House, Percival Lane, RuncornContact: TerriTel: 01928 238420

The Kings Cross ProjectThe Kings Cross Project exists to enhance the lives of children, young people and families in areas of Halton by working along-side local people through community development principles to fi nd local solutions to locally identifi ed needs.Tel: 0151 420 4905

Doctor NumbersNHS Direct (24hr Helpline) 0845 46 47

Widnes GP Health CentreHealth Care Resource CentreOaks Place, Caldwell Rd, WA8 7GD

0151 495 5249

The West Bank Medical Centre2 Lower Church Street, WA8 0NG

0151 424 3113

Peelhouse Medical PlazaPeelhouse Lane, WA8 6TN

0151 424 6221

Appleton Village Surgery2-6 Appleton Village, WA8 6DZ

0151 423 2990

Highfi eld Medical CentreHighfi eld Road, WA8 7DJ

0151 424 3646

Upton Rocks SurgeryWidnes Rufc Car Park, Heath RoadWidnes, WA8 7NU

0151 422 9794

The Beeches Medical Centre20 Ditchfi eld Road, WA8 8QS

0151 424 3101

The Upton Medical CentreBechers, Hough Green, WA8 4TE

0151 424 9518

Halton MPDerek Twigg MP is Member of Parliament for Halton He can be contacted as follows:Derek Twigg MPHouse of CommonsLondon, SW1A OAA

Tel: 0151 424 7030Email: [email protected]

Library Opening TimesWidnes LibraryVictoria Road, WA8 7QY

0151 907 8383

Opening HoursMon-Thurs: 09:00 - 21:00, Friday: 09:00 - 17:30Saturday: 09:00 - 16:00, Sunday: Closed

Local VetsAndale Veterinary CentreDitchfi eld Rd, Widnes, WA8 8RF

0151 423 1388

Halton View Veterinary Centre208 Warrington Rd, WA8 0AX

0151 423 3557

Deacon Rd Veterinary Surgery61 Deacon Rd, Widnes, WA8 6EF

0151 424 2852

Local EntertainmentThe Brindley TheatreHigh Street, Runcorn, WA7 1BG

0151 907 8360

Catalyst MuseumMersey Road, Widnes, WA8 0DF

0151 420 1121

Norton PiororyTudor Road Manor Park,Runcorn, WA7 1SX

01928 569 895

Stobart Stadium HaltonLowerhouse LaneWidnes, Cheshire, WA8 7DZ

0151 510 6000

School & College NumbersRiverside College (Kingsway) 0151 257 2800Riverside College (Cronton) 0151 257 2020Fairfi eld High 0151 423 3571Saints Peter & Paul Catholic College 0151 424 2139The Bankfi eld 0151 424 5038Wade Deacon High 0151 423 2721All Saints Upton CE 0151 424 7248Ditton Primary 0151 424 5861Fairfi eld Infant 0151 424 4879Fairfi eld Junior 0151 424 0123Farnworth CE 0151 424 3042Halebank CE 0151 424 4878Lunts Heath Primary 0151 423 3322Moorfi eld Primary 0151 424 3108Oakfi eld Community Primary 0151 424 4958Our Lady of Perpetual Succour 0151 424 6130Simms Cross Primary 0151 424 5031Spinney Avenue CE 0151 424 4234St Basil’s Catholic Primary 0151 424 7839St. Bede’s Catholic Infant 0151 424 3112St. Bede’s Catholic Junior 0151 424 3386St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic 0151 424 2879St. John Fisher Catholic Primary 0151 424 7794St. Michael’s Catholic Primary 0151 424 4468West Bank Primary 0151 424 2799

School Term TimesSpring Term 2011Monday 21st February - Friday 1st AprilEaster Term 2011Monday 18th April - Friday 27th MaySummer Term 2011Monday 6th June - Wednesday 22nd JulyAll term times taken from www.halton.gov.uk/education

Council Numbers24 Hour - Halton Direct Link 0303 333 4300Halton Housing Trust (Not council) 0151 510 5000Planning Services 0151 907 8300 Police Station (Non Emergency) 0845 458 0000Social Care (Adult) 0151 907 8306Social Care (Children) 0151 907 8300Transport & Highways 0151 471 7600Waste Management Division 0151 907 8300

Household WasteJohnsons LaneWidnes, WA8 OSJ

0151 495 1251

Opening Hours1st October - 31st March: 8am to 6pm1st April - 30th September: 8am to 8pmFor any large items, contact the Waste Management Disivion of Halton Borough Council on 0151 907 8300 to arrange collect, fees from £10 per item.

Know of any other useful numbers or information that you’d like to see on this page? Let us know on 01928 724101


Ind

ex o

f Ad

verti

sers

Care HomesAbbeyfield 5Appliance RepairsQuality Services 8Business & FinancialNFU Mutual 54Sauren Ghosh 28CakesPretty Princess Cup Cake 37ChildrenGiggles Play Mill 57ComputingEverMedia 45The Easy PC Store 59Domestic ServicesExecutive Group Holdings 59Farnworth Cleaning Centre 23Ovencleaners 62Pressed On Time 18EducationPriestley College 9Quality Services 44Woodhouse Plumbing 37

FlooringCheshire Flooring 32Clarion Floors & Blinds 41Food and DrinkDial a Drink 8The Brow 34The Hillcrest 12The Tavern 47The Village 27GardensBrian Humphries Gardens 10

Cronton Nurseries 30Health & BeautyAppearance Hair & Beauty 38Darren Tyrer Hairdressing 51Forest Hills Hotel 50Halton Stadium Fitness 53Jeanne Gray Yoga 8Newlyn Healthcare Ltd 31Specs to U 1Stones Gym 14Tans2U 39Widnes Late Night Pharmacy 52Windmill Hill Medical Centre 19HolidaysIndependent Worldchoice Holidays 20Home FurnishingsBranches of Warrington 15BW Furniture 11Clarion Floors & Blinds 41Clayton Furniture 17Crown Discount Centre 2,3Hindley and Carr 24Namaste Interiors 26Panda Blinds 43Home ImprovementsAmazon Garage Doors 49Classic Home Improvements 53Cohens Glass 34Colourmatch 46Plans Drawn 54Gemini Construction 18Graham Pierce Tiling/Plastering 59JDC Ceramics 25JS Domestics 35

Kirbys Roofing (Widnes) 37North West Contracts 55Sparta Skip Hire 62TKL Timber & Reclaim 46TWS Improve 14Wavell Decorators 28webtiling 14Kitchens & BathroomsClassic Home Improvements 23Flag Ship Kitchens 41NYK 13LeisureRuncorn Golf Club 40Warrington Car Boot 8MotoringChips Away 49The Village 49PlumbingHeatcare Group 29Quality Services 44PropertyAbbeyfords 63,64ShopsCartridge World 50Neil & Barker 6TaxisHalton Taxis 62WeddingsButterfly Brides of Cheshire 45JJP Weddings & Events 38

SPARTA SKIP HIREAll Sizes of Skips

Small Company, Small PricesFully Insured

All Sizes of Skips

Small Company, Small Prices

widnes local - april 11

Documents

huge range of carpets

quality beds0151

discounted prices

affordable prices

branded furniture

shop prices

old carpet

great place