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June 2020 Issue 38

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Welcome to the June issue of Local Living Hello from a very sunny Lowton! In this issue of Local Living I’ve tried to pack it as full as possible. There are some fabulous local businesses. Please, now more than ever, shop locally it makes such a big difference to the local community. There are also some great resources and information if you need anything. Below are some updates from Wigan Council. Please check the website for all the up to date details. I’m blown away by the stories and activities that have been going on in our local community. If you have any for the next issue I’d love to feature them. Please send them over to contact@localliving.online. Until then please take care and stay safe.

Tracy x

Covid 19 Updates from Wigan Borough Council If home isn’t a happy place for you, please know that you aren’t alone and there is help and support available. We’ve launched a new hub of resources which cover everything from money worries to mental health www.nwbh.nhs.uk

We’ll be sharing our top activities to do each week to make the most of your time, and most importantly to have fun, while staying safe at home. You can view the week’s activities at www.wigan.gov.uk/News/ Listicles/Whats-on-at-home.aspx or through Facebook or twitter / wigancouncilonline. Just look out for the hashtag #whatsonathome. If you’re home schooling, additional educational resources for schools have also been released. Visit www.thenational.academy or www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

New symptom for self-isolation The government has added anosmia (loss of or change of smell) to the list of key Covid-19 symptoms you should self-isolate with, along with a continuous cough or fever. Anosmia can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked. If you have any of these symptoms you should self-isolate for 7 days, or longer if you’re still experiencing symptoms, and members of your household should isolate for 14 days. Read the full statement from the Chief Medical Officer at www.gov.uk Extension of testing Everyone in the UK who is showing coronavirus symptoms is now eligible to book a swab test to find out if they have the virus. You can register for a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus after checking your symptoms

Thank you We’re saying thank you to as many key workers as possible who are working to keep vital services running across the borough. Last week we held a day of recognition on twitter @WiganCouncil celebrating many of those who have gone above and beyond for residents. Tweet us if you have someone you want to thank and we’ll share as many as possible. And thank you again to KJ Lines for painting additional rainbow road markings in front of key buildings.

Safer streets to save lives We’ll be making some changes to our roads to help you walk and cycle safely in line with social distancing guidelines. The new measures come as part of a Greater Manchester #SafeStreetSaveLives campaign which is looking at temporary ways to enable safe travel and exercise for all residents across the region. They are: • Temporarily extend the pedestrian zone times in Wigan and Leigh town centres from 10:30am to 4pm to 9am to 5pm to help walking and cycling movements • Introducing 20mph speed limits on some Wigan town centre roads including Standishgate, Market Street, Millgate, Crompton Street and Mesnes Street. Permanent signage will be in place. It is hoped that this particular measure will become permanent following a six month trial period. • Extending the operating times of the bus lane on Leigh Road from peak hour to 24/7.

Have you been putting off contacting your GP about a worrying symptom because you're concerned about leaving the house? GPs are holding lots of appointments via telephone and can offer you advice and support this way. Don’t put off contacting them if you’re worried - chances are it’s nothing serious but your GP wants to hear from you. Stay in the know If you want to stay up to date with the latest news for across the borough you can visit the council’s newsroom at www.wigan.gov.uk/ news or follow us on social media @WiganCouncil on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Rotary Newton-le-Willows' Purple4Polio is picture perfect

Rotary Newton-le-Willows gave 5,000 Crocus corms to 18 local organisations to plant last autumn. As these pretty flowers appear they represent the 30 years that Rotary has been supporting the eradication of polio across the world. Over 2.5 billion children have been vaccinated thanks to Rotary. As eradication is within sight, Rotary International's campaign Purple4Polio, seeks to unite communities to engage in activities as part of the final push to get rid of polio for good. Why purple Crocus? The purple colour represents the dye painted on the fingers of children who have been immunised. Members of Rotary Newton-le-Willows will judge the fantastic displays, planted in prominent locations on October 24, World Polio Day, and now emerging in our local communities. In 2019 , 12 local organisations participated and the best display secured Penkford School ,which planted the corms, a ÂŁ100 donation for their deserving charity. Rotarian Phil Round said 'We are pleased that more local organisations than ever planted crocus last year, bringing attention to the need to eradicate polio. In 2003 six countries had reported cases of polio, with Rotary's support this has now reduced to just two. We will continue to fundraise to provide more vaccinations for children until polio is finally eradicated.' This year's participating organisations are Newton Boys and Girls Club; Business for Youth; Newton and Earlestown Community Group; Earlestown Cricket Club; Sankey Valley Canal Restoration Society (SCARS); Newton Community Hospital; Newton Community Centre; St Patrick's Parish Centre; Mesnes Park Bowlers; Mesnes Park Allotments; Burtonwood in Bloom; Nugent Horticultural Training Centre, Lime House in Lowton; Penkford School; Wargrave House School; District C of E School; Wargrave CP School; St Peters School and St Mary's Primary School.

Local schools, groups and companies helping our community People first support provide day-time support for people with learning disabilities. Like everyone we have had to start working a bit differently. All the people we support are keeping safe at home , so we now help them by regular phone calls for a chat and we drop of food and craft activities to keep every one busy. We thought that we could help out our local community by sharing food that is donated from the local supermarkets (Golborne Asda & Tesco in Haydock and Ashton). We also have a couple of book trollies and we thought maybe we could put those outside for people to browse through and take what they need. We included DVD’s, CD’s and activity packs to keep everyone occupied. The make your own bunting kits for VE day where very popular. We asked if anyone had items, they could donate so we could help more people and the people of Golborne have done us proud. They have been donating books, toys, DVD’s, CD.s, clothes and household items in droves, it has been fantastic to see the community coming together. If you want to donate any items, they can be safely left in our donation box. We have also set up a JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/Golbornetogether

Leigh business helps schools and workplaces to reopen safely

THE BRIDGE AT LEIGH is a non-profit registered charity with a Community Cafe and Food Market (social supermarket). Our mission is to reduce food waste, food poverty and social isolation. Tonnes of good food is wasted every year and at the same time people are struggling to afford to eat. The Bridge addresses these two issues by collecting food industry surplus which would otherwise go to waste. We source this food and cook it into lovely meals which we serve to ANYONE and EVERYONE in our Community Cafe. Our Minimum Donation Cafe offers inexpensive meals and if you can afford we ask you to consider what is a fair price for the meal you have enjoyed and donate that amount. This will help us continue to support those most in need and help us be sustainable. Come to our Cafe and help to save the environment by eating a delicious meal. There are no menus, every day is different. The food we collect and not used for meals is offered in our Food Market to members of the Leigh community struggling to make ends meet through debt, illness or low income. People who want to use the social supermarket become a member of The Bridge Food Market. Membership is limited to need and geographical distance to our Food Market. There is an annual membership charge of £2 per year and is renewed 1st July each year. Food is then available to members to choose a basket of food for a small amount. We do not discriminate on your status, you can be employed, unemployed or retired, we are here to help people who are struggling. We do ask people to share and only take what they can use. www.thebridgeatleigh.co.uk

A sheet metal work business, based at Moss Industrial Estate in Leigh, has used its design and manufacturing systems to create bespoke screening products and sanitising stations for local schools and businesses. Enterprise UK, which has lots of well-known clients across the North West, including McDonald’s Restaurants for which is manufactures all the outdoor furniture and internal fittings. But, when Covid-19 hit the UK back in March, work dried up and the majority of its staff were furloughed. Now that workplaces and schools are gearing up again, Enterprise UK has put its expert design skills and precision machinery to good use and has created a range of products and solutions that will help schools, offices and industrial workplaces to provide a safe environment with strict social distancing and infection control measures in place. Dean Hodgkinson, co-founder of Enterprise UK, said: “There is a real pressure on schools and a whole range of industries now to make significant changes really quickly and we were sat here with all the skills and tools to help so I just started designing solutions that would work for a range of different industries and environments. “The internet is awash with companies exploiting the situation and trying to charge a massive amount for really simple things that we can make at cost price. We started sharing our concepts on social media, and through friends and family, and we have been inundated. “Over the last few weeks, we have been flat out designing solutions to help schools provide screening and sanitising stands but we have also been asked by regional business to make screens for their offices. I’m even in the process of designing a mobile screening system for offices, workshops, leisure and warehouses that rolls up into a cardboard tube and can be post out to anywhere. “Some of our usual materials are now really difficult to get hold of, due to the current global demand, but we have adapted our designs in really innovative ways and are using materials that are in good supply.” Enterprise UK has been based at Moss Industrial Estate, on St. Helen’s Road in Leigh, for over 20 years. The estate is owned by family-run business, George Moss & Sons Limited, which is celebrating its centenary in 2020. Throughout its centenary year, George Moss & Sons is highlighting the innovative, inspiring and diverse businesses based there. Teacher at Lowton Church of England High School Mr Glynn along with his daughter ex Lowton head girl Jessica have been busy making these PPE masks which were all distributed to NHS staff and the key workers in need.

Golborne High School are here to support residents and families in our Community. We understand that families have been put into situations beyond their control. If you require support and would benefit from one of our care packages please email Golborne High school. We will maintain confidentiality and the package can either be delivered to your door or collected from school. enquiries@admin.golbornehigh.wigan.sch.uk

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WITH A BIT OF ADULT HELP: Visit our facebook page to print off a set of time capsule sheets /locallivingonline

LOWTON Tuesdays 5:15pm & 7:15pm Tel Claire: 07725 039399 GOLBORNE Wednesday 9:30am; 11:30am; 3:00pm; 4:45pm & 7:00pm Tel Julie: 07584 037483 LOWTON Thursday 5 & 7pm Friday 9:15 & 11:15am Saturday 8:00am; 9:45am & 11:30am Tel Vicki 07941 482466

A huge thank you to Golborne Girls U16’s Sadly the pandemic has affected the current u16s Golborne Girls FC final year together. The team started at u8s and became a great team with support from coaches Paul Walsh and Michelle Leatham. Over the years they have had their ups and downs but also made memories that I’m sure will last a lifetime. The first few seasons were tough but the girls worked hard, stuck with it and eventually results came their way. They became league champions for 3 consecutive years, secured a place in the cup finals every season and also got to the County Cup finals twice. As the team’s manager/coach since u8s it has been a huge part of my life. I have watched the girls grow as individuals and become their own unique characters. I am immensely proud of the girls’ achievements on the pitch, unfortunately this season was cut short and our end of season presentation has been put on hold for now. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the girls within the team the very best of luck in their future studies. Thanks for an amazing 9 years of football.

Michelle

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Golborne Girls FC is a local community club that has been running for 16 years, providing football to girls of any ability at a low cost. Many of the girls have been at the club for several seasons, players build fitness, footballing ability, friendships and memories that will be with them for many years to come. The club are currently recruiting any new players to join our teams from age 8-16. Due to the current situation training isn’t on but we are keen to get back as soon as it is safe. If you are interested in coming along to try a session, please contact welfare@golbornegirlsfc.com for future updates. Due to covid19 fees had been frozen meaning the club has had a reduced income, currently the club are seeking donations from current and ex players, anyone linked to the club or the local community to raise funds to enable us to keep the cost to the players as low as possible. We have set up a go fund me page if anyone is able to donate the club appreciates any donations. https://gf.me/u/x3ja9c

HARVEY LANE’S LOCKDOWN COMMUNITY GARDENS

Mental Health Awareness Right now the world doesn’t quite look like it used to. We are living through an experience that more than likely, none of will ever experience again. For some it has been an opportunity to spend much needed time with family, a chance to slow down, reflect and enjoy the simpler things in life. For many this has been and continues to be, a highly anxious and stressful time. For some its financial strain, others the strain of becoming a home schooling teacher, for many it means loneliness and isolation. These challenges exist for many, even when there isn’t a pandemic turning our world upside down. So how can we help to keep our mood uplifted and how can we help those around us? May saw Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme for this year is kindness. Kindness has a singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. It strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive. So how can we be kind to ourselves? Spend time in nature, be that your garden or in your local area Do something you enjoy like reading or listening to music Practice some ‘me’ time Find time to exercise, increased physical activity directly improves mental health We can be kind to others by: Checking on our neighbours and see if we can help in any way Telling family and friends how much we love and appreciate them Checking on someone you know is going through a difficult time At work say thank you to a colleague who has helped you Following social distancing rules, smile as you pass strangers If you feel that you need some additional support, or you are worried about someone else. The following organisations may be able to assist you:

Do you know someone who has made a difference to others? Even a simple random act of kindness? If you send their details and why you are nominating them I will feature as many as I can in the July issue (with their permission of course). Toni Marie Yoga has offered a 5 class pass to one of the nominations picked at random.

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Garden Maintenance and landscape services GARDENING WITH PRIDE Highly experienced landscaping team and Offering a lovely selection of healthy, beautiful plants to get your garden Bloomin' Call the Bloomin' Nursery. If you are isolated and need help with essential shopping or any day to day support during the corona outbreak

www.thebloominnursery.co.uk www.facebook.com/Bloomgolborne

ONLINE LESSONS AVAILABLE

Crazy Fish Music Studio

See our website for special offers Call/text: 07368 653122 75 High Street Golborne Warrington WA3 3BU

Email: lessons@crazyfishmusicstudio.net Website: crazyfishmusicstudio.net MLSgardenservices QUALITY LANDSCAPING, GARDEN MAINTENANCE, LAWN CARE AND JET WASHING, FENCE AND DECK SPRAYING

01942 731302 / 07927960281 MLSgardenservices

There are Vacancies at Church lane Community Centre (Lowton) for Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings after 6:30pm. If anyone Is interested in booking either part or whole sessions please contact Colin Johnson on 01925 224659

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CLASSIFIEDS AEW PAINTING, DECORATING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 35yrs experience. City & Guilds Qualified. All aspects of interior and exterior works carried out. No job to small. Specialising in wallpapering. Professional, Reliable and Quality Workmanship. FREE ESTIMATES Tel: 07921504602 or 01942-742825 aewood@btinternet.com ALARM MAINTENANCE AlarmCare UK – Lowton based Intruder Alarm Service and Repair business, covering the North West. All domestic systems maintained and serviced. Wired and Wireless Alarms. AlarmCare UK – Local Service, Nationwide! Contact Dave on 07774 134352 or dave@alarmrepairs.com for free quote. ARCHITECT SERVICES Lowton based architect for your property conversion designs including submission to local authorities for planning and building regulation consideration. Excellent service with quality drawings at competitive prices. Ring Gavin Pinion at Goldcrest Design Services Ltd on 01942 729832 or 07958102874 www.carpetcleanerswarrington.com ELECTRICAL SAFETY CERTIFICATES City and guilds qualified electrician with over 20 years experience in testing and inspection. Landlord safety certificates, buying/selling houses, insurance compliance. Excellent service at very competitive prices. Call Neil 07563302290 or email njtelectrical@sky.com ELITE WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES Hot pure water, pole system window cleaning. Internal, external, soffits, facias, gutters, conservatories, garage doors, solar panels, pvc cladding, dormers. For a free quote Call 07395559000 ROOFING Time served roofer. (25 yrs exp). All roofing and gutter repairs from a broken tile to a full re roof. Insurance work undertaken, special rates for OAP’s. Call Alan on 01942 576183 or 07930 110031 for free estimate

LOCAL APPROVED ELECTRICIAN CERTIFICATE FOR EVERY JOB Over 40 yrs experience. I’m a registered approved Electrician. Electrical Box Upgrades Update your box to the latest regulation Fire Rated Metal Box get all circuits tested for safety and if you’re selling your house. House rewires, kitchen rewires, smart lighting, CCTV. Tel Jimmy 07879413701 HOYLE’S PROFESSIONAL CARPET, SOFA, RUG AND LEATHER CLEANING SPECIALIST WE ARE OFFERING FREE NHS APPROVED SANITISER ON ALL DOMESTIC CARPETS, UPHOLSTERY & RUG CLEANING IN MAY/ JUNE 2020. CALL HOYLES TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT. DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT OFFER. FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES. 01942 711750/07831 481771. www.carpetcleanerswarrington.com SEMI RETIRED GLAZIER We spring clean our house. WHY not our UPVC windows? We clean, revive and restore back to new condition. Alternatively U CLEAN. We supply professional products with expert advice. Contact us on 07460 058054 UPHOLSTERY DESIGNS Atlas Upholstery Design Services. Specialist in the re-upholstery of Settees, Easy Chairs, Dining Chairs etc. Headboards recovered and made to order. Spring repairs etc. Do you need new foam cushion? Pubs, Clubs, Caravans recovered etc. 40 years In the trade. Workmanship guaranteed. Free Estimates. Call David on 01942729978 www.atlasupholstery.co.uk JROOFING Slating/Tiling/Leadwork/Fascias/ Extensions/Guttering/Cladding/Pointing/ Chimney Removals. FREE ESTIMATES*FULLY INSURED. Mobile; 07467 578561 or 07539 884817. Follow us on facebook /JROOFING

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CLASSIFIEDS

Covid-19 - Financial Points The Coronavirus Pandemic sees us all in unprecedented times! Lockdown is hard, missing family and loved ones is hard, financially worries added to the mix and all our heads are in a spin. For the first part there isn’t anything we can do but sit and wait patiently and hope to god that there isn’t going to be a second wave! Financially this may help with some of your questions! Hopefully you have now got your heads around being Furloughed and are receiving at least 80% of our your salary and those who are self-employed have received their Grant? Did you know: Whilst on Furlough you are still accruing holidays, it might be worth using your discretion on this. Can your Employer afford for you to take your holiday entitlement in its entirety? You can claim tax back whilst working from home. Use your tax return to claim “additional expenses” see HMRC website for full details. Gym memberships should be auto-paused – check your bank statements. Have you phoned your TV provider to pause the sports package? Most High Street Banks are now offering £500 interest free overdraft if you are struggling – contact them today! Car Finance companies are offering 3 months freeze on repayments If you have lost a loved one have you checked to see if you can get bereavement benefits? There are two benefits available (1) Bereavement Support Payment – if your spouse/civil partner has died , and (2) Guardian’s Allowance – if you are bringing up a child whose parents have died. Apply through HMRC website.