runcorn local - may 2011
DESCRIPTION
Runcorn Local - May 2011TRANSCRIPT
What’s Inside This Issue?WIN £25 M&S Vouchers!
A Great Selection of Local BooksTasty Asparagus Bruschetta Recipe
The Most Profi table Cars EverOur Regular Local Schoolgirl Column
Bursting With Local Businesses
Magazine
Runcorn
Reliably Received by 10,000 Homesin Runcorn & the Surrounding Areas
ISSU
E 26
May
201
1
Now in Our Third Year of Successfully Linking Local People to Local Businesses
This is a very special year for P&A Morgan Opticians, since it marks the 21st anniversary of the practice being founded. To celebrate this notable occasion a unique incentive is being offered for a limited period-a 21% reduction on the price of spectacle frames. Having substantially increased the choice of frames, there is now a comprehensive selection of affordable styles in stock, from quality budget frames through to competitively priced designer brands.
Regardless of your current sight levels or circumstances, Paul and his dedicated team look forward to welcoming you to P&A Morgan Opticians practice. For more information on the products and services available, ask in store or visit the web site at:www.morganopticians.co.uk
Regardless of your current sight levels or circumstances, Regardless of your current sight levels or circumstances, Regardless of your current sight levels or circumstances, Regardless of your current sight levels or circumstances, Regardless of your current sight levels or circumstances,
2 Alcock Street, Runcorn - 01928 572 177
turn 21
Now to10,000
Homes!
Formerly...‘The Flower Shop Frodsham’www.acerfl oristcheshire.co.uk
Call 01928 722757
Call us 01928 722757Click us www.acerfl oristcheshire.co.ukVisit us 116 Chester Road, Helsby, Cheshire, WA6 0QT
Come and visit our new Helsby showroom on our
Wedding Open Day on:
26th May 2011, 9am-7pm
PAGE 3
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
A very big welcome as usual to your local mag – Runcorn Local, packed full of ads for every service you could need! With lots of useful community information (that’s completely free!) and really interesting and relevant editorial features, we really are the Resident’s Handbook.
Well what a month April was hey? Rammed with Bank Holidays with glorious weather instead of the usual cold and rain. What more could we ask for – well a fantastic Royal Wedding! I must admit I’ve been glued to the TV for this last weekend, I’m completely smitten with our new Royal Couple! I feel very proud to be British, I feel like I’ve rediscovered my national identity in some way, what about you?
I’m really excited about our new Gardening writer – Pippa Greenwood, who’s going to be writing for us on a regular basis. How’s your garden looking? Maybe we should have a best garden competition? Mmm.. something for us to think about, let me know what you think.
I’m also liking the look of the Asparagus Bruschettas in our cooking feature this month. I quite often choose an Asparagus dish if we’re eating out, but have very rarely cooked at home, but think I’ll try and pick some up and give it a go. I’m not the greatest of cooks but even I
couldn’t mess this up....
Well done to our monthly competition winner - Evonne Nichol who correctly found the symbol back in March! It’s really easy to enter as all you have to do is email or phone the ad and page number where we’ve hidden the Union Jack (we’re still celebrating the wedding) in the magazine and you could win a £25 Gift Voucher for M&S.
If you’re a local business and want more customers, and want to reach them directly through their letter box – give us a call, rates start from just £20 per month. Remember we’re completely independent, not part of a large corporation or a franchise, we’re simply local people who want to encourage local communities to use local businesses!
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 Runcorn 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...
ADVERTISINGCOMPETITION CORNER
Congratulations go to Evonne Nichol who won our competition in March! Evonne 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 Union Jack 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 name 2. Your postcode 3. Your contact number 4. Which advert the symbol is hidden on!
Email us at [email protected] or call us on 01928 739607 to enter.
Marketing 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 - we now go to total of 20,000 in Widnes and Runcorn combined.
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: 1PM FRIDAY 20th MAY
PAGE 5
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
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interiorsarticle interiorsarticle
KITCHENSFOR LIVING
What makes a good-looking, functional kitchen? Careful planning is the answer - plus
a little bit of lateral thinking…
These days, kitchens aren’t just for cooking in, or even for eating; they’re for socialising,
doing homework, painting, reading, chatting, catching up with the accounts, watching TV or
simply hanging out. So how do you go about designing a space that really works for you?
First, assess exactly what you need from the kitchen. The panel on the right/left/below will give you a good start. Next, do plenty of research – read everything about kitchens you can get your hands on, and visit every showroom within reach. It really is the best way to establish what styles you like, and what you can aff ord. Then, before you get bogged down with the detail, think about the space as a whole. If your kitchen is on the small size and you’re planning on investing in it, it might be worth, at this stage, considering either amalgamating it with an adjacent room or extending. If that’s not possible, can you enlarge a doorway or knock through a ‘hatch’ to give a feeling of extra space, and better sight lines to what’s going on elsewhere in the house? Perhaps you can create more room by moving the washing machine into the garage or under the stairs, or by fi tting a fold-down dining table? Anything you can do in which to create a larger fl oor area will help.Next: layout. Plan it with the utmost care to ensure that the room is easy to use and comfortable to be in. You don’t want to have to walk right across the kitchen to put the crockery away, tripping over the dog and the child practising headstands on the way. Nor do you want
to have to manoeuvre around a dining table every time you need to get from the cooker to the sink. In technical terms, experts recommend a ‘work triangle’ between the cooker, sink and fridge (in practice, this doesn’t always work, but aim to leave uninterrupted space between the areas you use more frequently). An island unit is great for maximising space, but needs to be well designed – within one step of the other worktops, not so deep that you can’t reach across it and, ideally, positioned so that the cook can see what else is going on in the room. In addition, room to cook in the way you want and enough cupboards and shelves to store everything tidily but accessibly are vital, while even seemingly small things matter a lot, like providing an area on which to dump shopping bags before unpacking, or ensuring that the bin is close to the chopping board.Ultimately, of course, what defi nes a really great kitchen is much more than a set of guidelines. Avoid fashion fads, invest in quality and do your planning but, above all, go with what feels right for you. Instinct, inspiration and imagination are the secret ingredients in this recipe, helping create a room that’s comfortable and functional, as well as homely, hospitable and heart-warming.Magnet’s new Studio Spectrum range boasts white gloss
doors brightened by mix-and-match coloured glass panels. From £336.95 for a 600mm single floor unit. For stockist details, go to www.magnet.co.uk/find-your-showroom.
John Lewis’ Leckford kitchen features Shaker-style doors in warm oak and a choice of four delicate painted shades. From £10,000 for a medium-sized kitchen.Call 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com.
The Crescent Curve kitchen from Metris, with sleek cabinets in zebrano and matt sand, is space-efficient and cosmopolitan. From £20,000. Call 01325 505590; www.metriskitchens.co.uk.
Designing your kitchen?Ask yourself these questions � rst…
Who will use the room, how often, and how many at 1 any one time?
How will it be used - for semi-professional cooking, 2 regular family meals or the occasional microwave dinner? And what about other activities - homework, watching TV, doing the washing or ironing?
Do you like using high-tech appliances? What wiring 3 and plug sockets will be required? Will you keep small appliances out on worktops, or hidden in cupboards?
How much storage do you need, and of what type? 4 For cupboards, do you prefer solid or glass doors, or maybe lots of open shelves? Will you have some unfi tted elements, such as a dresser or sideboard? And would you prefer built-in or free-standing appliances?
What about worktops - wood, stainless steel, 5 composite, stone or laminate? And fl ooring - ceramic or stone, brick, rubber, wood, cork, vinyl or lino? Collect as many samples as you can, and lay them out together to give an idea of the overall eff ect.
There are some fantastic local kitchen companies featured in this magazine.
See the Advertisers Index at the back of the magazine for a full list.
interiorsarticle interiorsarticle
KITCHENSFOR LIVING
What makes a good-looking, functional kitchen? Careful planning is the answer - plus
a little bit of lateral thinking…
These days, kitchens aren’t just for cooking in, or even for eating; they’re for socialising,
doing homework, painting, reading, chatting, catching up with the accounts, watching TV or
simply hanging out. So how do you go about designing a space that really works for you?
First, assess exactly what you need from the kitchen. The panel on the right/left/below will give you a good start. Next, do plenty of research – read everything about kitchens you can get your hands on, and visit every showroom within reach. It really is the best way to establish what styles you like, and what you can aff ord. Then, before you get bogged down with the detail, think about the space as a whole. If your kitchen is on the small size and you’re planning on investing in it, it might be worth, at this stage, considering either amalgamating it with an adjacent room or extending. If that’s not possible, can you enlarge a doorway or knock through a ‘hatch’ to give a feeling of extra space, and better sight lines to what’s going on elsewhere in the house? Perhaps you can create more room by moving the washing machine into the garage or under the stairs, or by fi tting a fold-down dining table? Anything you can do in which to create a larger fl oor area will help.Next: layout. Plan it with the utmost care to ensure that the room is easy to use and comfortable to be in. You don’t want to have to walk right across the kitchen to put the crockery away, tripping over the dog and the child practising headstands on the way. Nor do you want
to have to manoeuvre around a dining table every time you need to get from the cooker to the sink. In technical terms, experts recommend a ‘work triangle’ between the cooker, sink and fridge (in practice, this doesn’t always work, but aim to leave uninterrupted space between the areas you use more frequently). An island unit is great for maximising space, but needs to be well designed – within one step of the other worktops, not so deep that you can’t reach across it and, ideally, positioned so that the cook can see what else is going on in the room. In addition, room to cook in the way you want and enough cupboards and shelves to store everything tidily but accessibly are vital, while even seemingly small things matter a lot, like providing an area on which to dump shopping bags before unpacking, or ensuring that the bin is close to the chopping board.Ultimately, of course, what defi nes a really great kitchen is much more than a set of guidelines. Avoid fashion fads, invest in quality and do your planning but, above all, go with what feels right for you. Instinct, inspiration and imagination are the secret ingredients in this recipe, helping create a room that’s comfortable and functional, as well as homely, hospitable and heart-warming.Magnet’s new Studio Spectrum range boasts white gloss
doors brightened by mix-and-match coloured glass panels. From £336.95 for a 600mm single floor unit. For stockist details, go to www.magnet.co.uk/find-your-showroom.
John Lewis’ Leckford kitchen features Shaker-style doors in warm oak and a choice of four delicate painted shades. From £10,000 for a medium-sized kitchen.Call 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com.
The Crescent Curve kitchen from Metris, with sleek cabinets in zebrano and matt sand, is space-efficient and cosmopolitan. From £20,000. Call 01325 505590; www.metriskitchens.co.uk.
Designing your kitchen?Ask yourself these questions � rst…
Who will use the room, how often, and how many at 1 any one time?
How will it be used - for semi-professional cooking, 2 regular family meals or the occasional microwave dinner? And what about other activities - homework, watching TV, doing the washing or ironing?
Do you like using high-tech appliances? What wiring 3 and plug sockets will be required? Will you keep small appliances out on worktops, or hidden in cupboards?
How much storage do you need, and of what type? 4 For cupboards, do you prefer solid or glass doors, or maybe lots of open shelves? Will you have some unfi tted elements, such as a dresser or sideboard? And would you prefer built-in or free-standing appliances?
What about worktops - wood, stainless steel, 5 composite, stone or laminate? And fl ooring - ceramic or stone, brick, rubber, wood, cork, vinyl or lino? Collect as many samples as you can, and lay them out together to give an idea of the overall eff ect.
There are some fantastic local kitchen companies featured in this magazine.
See the Advertisers Index at the back of the magazine for a full list.
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
PAGE 10
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
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Call Ken on: 01928 771 375 | 07743 646 541
PAGE 11
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
z
Barber ShopElliot’s
Welcomes customers
old & new!
2a Granville Street, Runcorn(Relocated from Runcorn Market)
Opening Hours:Mon-Sat
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Appointments are not necessary!
PAGE 12
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
Ken LeachKen LeachJOINERY & BUILDING
Loft ConversionsStair Cases
Doors & WindowsKitchen Fitting
Wooden Flooring
All Joinery Work
Call: 07710 976362E: [email protected]
Why movewhen you can improve?!
PAGE 13
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
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I’ve been advertising with Widnes Local pretty much from their f irst magazine. The magazine is well produced and great quality. I have to say this sort of advertising really works for me, and I’m happy with the amount of work I get from
a small outlay.
Keith HughesThe Easy PC Store (Widnes)
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
It’s great to be joining you on a regular basis, especially when the subject is gardening! I’ll be giving you some hints and tips for what to be doing in your own gardens, letting you know what I’m up to in mine, and in the process hopefully inspiring you to get out in to the garden more, enjoy everything it has to off er, and achieve some pretty impressive results yourself.
Welcome to May, one of the fastest moving months in the gardening year. May is the month when plants just keep on and on growing and developing. New transplants, recently allowed to enjoy the ‘great outdoors’ after an early start in a greenhouse, wait a week or two and then POW! they’re off , and showing you their potential. Old established garden friends, their roots well down in the soil, put on new leaves, stem growth, fl ower buds maybe even fl owers and enjoy the fact that whilst the weather has warmed up, they’ve not yet been hit by growth-restricting drier conditions of summer. It’s a month when it is hard not to feel a regular desire to grab a trowel (or perhaps a fork, spade or cultivator) and get out there and enjoy yourself while at the same time giving the
garden and its plants the TLC that’s deserved. What better way to spend an hour or two….or perhaps even a day or two?
With the massive surge in interest in growing your own vegetables, vegetable plants and seeds are available just about everywhere, so there are no excuses for not giving it a go. Even if time is short or space at a premium, it really is worth growing a few crops – the feeling of self-satisfaction when you make that fi rst harvest is just SO good....not to mention the taste of the crops themselves. At this time of year you can sow seeds of many vegetables direct into the soil or large pots of multi-purpose compost. Try your hand at climbing French beans, dwarf French beans, runner beans, carrots, salad leaves, spinach or peas. I also adore home grown sweetcorn; this too can be sown direct now, but make sure you sow the seed in a square e.g. four rows of four seeds, formed in to a square (it is a wind pollinated crop and this is the way to get good, well-fi lled cobs). It is a bit late to raise your own courgettes, squash, tomatoes or peppers from seed, but there should be plenty of young plants available in local nurseries or garden centres – just make sure you buy a variety of tomato or pepper suitable for growing outdoors if you don’t have a greenhouse (the label should make this clear).
It is worth spending a few minutes to check fl ower beds and borders, however small or large, as at this time of year they are a hive of activity. I just have masses of twiggy pea-sticks (well branched prunings will do) and have driven them in around the edges of several herbaceous perennials. So many of these lovely plants are inclined to fl op disastrously later in the year, but supported subtly now, they’ll remain upright. As I do this I always spot a few other things that need seeing to as well. All the lovely lush growth means that (in my garden at least) slugs and snails are having a fantastic time devastating the
tender new leaves. When I put new plants in the ground I scatter oyster shell around the soil beneath the plants. It is readily available from local suppliers of chicken feed, and is by far the best barrier to slugs and snails that I know....and bought in this way, it does not cost a fortune either. Early aphid (greenfl y and blackfl y) infestations are also likely to be building up now, and dealt with promptly they are unlikely to cause too much damage – a gentle but fi rm squash between fi nger and thumb works a treat, or for those less partial to direct action like this, spray with a fatty-acid or soap-based spray late in the day when bees are no longer about.
With most of the gardening year ahead feeding makes sense too. So whether you have a well-stocked compost heap, or prefer to use fertilisers from the garden centre, apply them now so that your fl owers, fruits and veg have a chance to make best use of them.
Pippa’s Golden Rules...Make sure that seedlings and young plants get 1 enough natural light.Gradually harden off young plants before 2 planting them out.In warmer areas, start to plant out more tender 3 crops, but protect with cloches at fi rst.
Tomatoes in 4 containers need regular feeding with a liquid tomato food.Treat yourself to some summer bedding for a 5 really lively terrace-container, but check the forecast carefully before planting them out.
Pippa Greenwood is a gardening writer and journalist and regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’. Visit www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up as a ‘Friend of Pippa’ to receive a free e-book and regular updates and bulletins. Up until early June you can also order ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ – garden ready veg plants plus weekly advice emails from Pippa.
May In Your Garden!gardeningarticle gardeningarticle
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
It’s great to be joining you on a regular basis, especially when the subject is gardening! I’ll be giving you some hints and tips for what to be doing in your own gardens, letting you know what I’m up to in mine, and in the process hopefully inspiring you to get out in to the garden more, enjoy everything it has to off er, and achieve some pretty impressive results yourself.
Welcome to May, one of the fastest moving months in the gardening year. May is the month when plants just keep on and on growing and developing. New transplants, recently allowed to enjoy the ‘great outdoors’ after an early start in a greenhouse, wait a week or two and then POW! they’re off , and showing you their potential. Old established garden friends, their roots well down in the soil, put on new leaves, stem growth, fl ower buds maybe even fl owers and enjoy the fact that whilst the weather has warmed up, they’ve not yet been hit by growth-restricting drier conditions of summer. It’s a month when it is hard not to feel a regular desire to grab a trowel (or perhaps a fork, spade or cultivator) and get out there and enjoy yourself while at the same time giving the
garden and its plants the TLC that’s deserved. What better way to spend an hour or two….or perhaps even a day or two?
With the massive surge in interest in growing your own vegetables, vegetable plants and seeds are available just about everywhere, so there are no excuses for not giving it a go. Even if time is short or space at a premium, it really is worth growing a few crops – the feeling of self-satisfaction when you make that fi rst harvest is just SO good....not to mention the taste of the crops themselves. At this time of year you can sow seeds of many vegetables direct into the soil or large pots of multi-purpose compost. Try your hand at climbing French beans, dwarf French beans, runner beans, carrots, salad leaves, spinach or peas. I also adore home grown sweetcorn; this too can be sown direct now, but make sure you sow the seed in a square e.g. four rows of four seeds, formed in to a square (it is a wind pollinated crop and this is the way to get good, well-fi lled cobs). It is a bit late to raise your own courgettes, squash, tomatoes or peppers from seed, but there should be plenty of young plants available in local nurseries or garden centres – just make sure you buy a variety of tomato or pepper suitable for growing outdoors if you don’t have a greenhouse (the label should make this clear).
It is worth spending a few minutes to check fl ower beds and borders, however small or large, as at this time of year they are a hive of activity. I just have masses of twiggy pea-sticks (well branched prunings will do) and have driven them in around the edges of several herbaceous perennials. So many of these lovely plants are inclined to fl op disastrously later in the year, but supported subtly now, they’ll remain upright. As I do this I always spot a few other things that need seeing to as well. All the lovely lush growth means that (in my garden at least) slugs and snails are having a fantastic time devastating the
tender new leaves. When I put new plants in the ground I scatter oyster shell around the soil beneath the plants. It is readily available from local suppliers of chicken feed, and is by far the best barrier to slugs and snails that I know....and bought in this way, it does not cost a fortune either. Early aphid (greenfl y and blackfl y) infestations are also likely to be building up now, and dealt with promptly they are unlikely to cause too much damage – a gentle but fi rm squash between fi nger and thumb works a treat, or for those less partial to direct action like this, spray with a fatty-acid or soap-based spray late in the day when bees are no longer about.
With most of the gardening year ahead feeding makes sense too. So whether you have a well-stocked compost heap, or prefer to use fertilisers from the garden centre, apply them now so that your fl owers, fruits and veg have a chance to make best use of them.
Pippa’s Golden Rules...Make sure that seedlings and young plants get 1 enough natural light.Gradually harden off young plants before 2 planting them out.In warmer areas, start to plant out more tender 3 crops, but protect with cloches at fi rst.
Tomatoes in 4 containers need regular feeding with a liquid tomato food.Treat yourself to some summer bedding for a 5 really lively terrace-container, but check the forecast carefully before planting them out.
Pippa Greenwood is a gardening writer and journalist and regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’. Visit www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up as a ‘Friend of Pippa’ to receive a free e-book and regular updates and bulletins. Up until early June you can also order ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ – garden ready veg plants plus weekly advice emails from Pippa.
May In Your Garden!gardeningarticle gardeningarticle
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PAGE 17
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
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AARON JEWELLERS1 FRYER STREET, OLD TOWN, RUNCORN, WA7 1NDTEL: 01928 581101
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Aaron Jewellers HP May 2011.pdf 2/5/11 08:24:41
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PAGE 18
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
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PAGE 19
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CAR companies turn over billions of pounds every year and bank millions in profi ts – but which cars are the most profi table?
It’s a question we’ve been pondering for some time. All car manufacturers can fl og a car, but what makes the diff erence between a bumper profi t margin and a tiny one? Well, we asked a host of industry experts, professors and insiders to help us come up with this list.
They told us cutting costs and maximising returns in the automotive world is all about sharing expertise and platforms – do that and car manufacturers can dramatically increase their profi ts. Here are some of the cars that our experts believe are real cash cows for their makers...
Most Profitable Cars...by James Baggott
Editor ofCar Dealer Magazine
motoringreview
Aston Martin Cygnet
BMW 3-Series
McLaren MP4-12C
Range Rover Sport
VWGolf
Ok, we know this hasn’t arrived yet, but the baby Aston has the potential to be a real profi t centre for the maker. Essentially rebadging a Toyota iQ and charging £30k-plus for it – and that’s before buyers have shelled out on extras – could spell happy times for the marque. However, despite its potential, our experts warned this would only be possible if buyers like it…
It’s the salesman’s mile-muncher, but its premium price and relatively cheap production costs mark the 3-Series out as a winner for the marque. Our experts said it was mostly down to excellent cost control, the fact cars are often highly specifi ed and usually sold for a premium over similar-sized cars like the Ford Mondeo.
One of the shock cars to emerge from our research was the new McLaren. Although development costs are high, the actual car is relatively inexpensive to make in relation to the high retail price. Our experts said the carbon chassis could be the cheapest to produce ever while many physical components have been replaced by more cost-eff ective electronics. If they sell the numbers forecast at between £160-170k it could be one of the most profi table cars ever!
The Range Rover Sport benefi ts from all factors that make a model profi table: It’s based on an existing chassis (Defender) which keeps build costs low. It’s sold for a premium with lots of added extras. And it’s been kept on sale for a long period of time without a major redesign. All these add up to a holy grail in terms of profi tability.
Described by our experts as ‘the daddy’ of platform sharing, VW isn’t one of the most profi table makers without good reason! The Golf is responsible for two million units a year and currently provides underpinnings for a huge array of Seat, Audi, Skoda and other VW models. Many are sold for a premium but cost no more to make, adding a healthy balance to VW’s bottom line every year.
PAGE 21
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Get in touch! It might just change your life
What does success mean to you?
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Find the solution on Page 36.
PAGE 22
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Do you work in Widnes, and live in Runcorn?
A new NHS Medical Centre is open with baseson both sides of the bridge.
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Call 01928 842 625/626Or e-mail [email protected]
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Feel free to visit our centre
Widnes GP Health Centre operates as a Branch Surgery of Windmill Hill Medical Centre
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Life With Liz...Runcorn Local’s student columnistLiz is a Year-9 pupil atThe Heath School, Runcorn.This month she discussesProms, School Holidays and The Fair coming to town...
Well, saying that this month has been hectic would be an understatement! I’ve been to concerts, for meals out and had my hair re-done; it’s been hectic and I’ve only just had time to write this article!
I went and saw The Wanted live at the Apollo on the 29th March with my gorgeous cousin Chloe; as it was the fi rst concert I’ve been to I was a little nervous. They were amazing! And I managed to reach out and touch Siva’s – one of the singers’ – face! It was a great evening, and I enjoyed myself very much.
For mothers’ day, I went out for a meal with my aunt, uncle and two cousins. We went to a Chinese restaurant. The layout was lovely; and I was full before we got to the third course!
And now, I’m no longer blonde! I’ve had my hair dyed dark brown with purple highlights; they were originally meant to be red but went purple. I love it though!
Now, onto the more pressing topics. What did I have planned to write? Oh, I don’t know! See, when I write I tend to blabber on... much like I am now. I did have something to write about... aha, the Year Eleven Prom!
Now, I have quite a few Year Eleven friends and they all seem hyped up for their prom. So far, I’ve heard hummers, pink limos, fi retrucks and many other crazy ways of arriving in style! I love the prom dresses that shops display in their windows, they’re so beautiful and elegant. I know that prom could also be considered to be the last step of childhood before we are thrust into the real world, the adult world. This can often be intimidating; my good friend Ben seems to be somewhat dreading the pressure and the thought of being expected to do so much at such a young age. This realisation may not hit the students for two, maybe three days, but soon enough they would realise that it was time to fi nish maturing and be thrust into adulthood as the last part of growing up. So, while we are
still young, bring on the mascara and eyeshadow, I say!
Another topic I thought would be amusing to discuss was the lack of school days in April. 6 days, roughly, was the amount we were in school. It’s not even a break for some; the Year Elevens are constantly revising and stressing out over exams and mocks that they are studying for. So, it’s not a break - some still have to go in through the holidays! I think that the spring break is a great chance to catch up with my southern friends, even if it’s only over Skype.
The fair is also down! My Facebook news feed is fi lled with statuses every evening about the fair. It seems to be a laugh; not my taste, personally, but as long as my friends are having fun I think that the fair is a good idea!
Well, that’s all I have to talk about this month, really. I hope to hear from you next month!
Liz
Liz’sColumn
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PAGE 29
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ASPARAGUS BRUSCHETTAS
Enjoy the wonderful � avour of fresh British asparagus with these deliciously simple topped toasts. To make them more substantial add some � aked smoked mackerel or ru� es of Parma ham.
Serves 6Ready in 20 mins
12 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed6 thin slices crusty bread (such as sour dough)6 tbsp good quality olive oil1 large garlic clove, halved225g (8oz) goats’ cheeseHandful of rocket leavesSalt and freshly ground black pepper
Half fi ll a large frying pan with water and bring to the boil. Add the 1. asparagus spears and simmer for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain well and refresh under cold running water.
Brush the slices of bread on both sides with some of the olive oil. 2. Place the slices on a hot cast-iron griddle pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until just crisp and lightly charred in places. If you don’t have a griddle pan then simply grill the toasts.
Rub the cut garlic cloves all over the hot toasts (this imparts a mild 3. garlic fl avour to the toasts). Spread the goats’ cheese over the toasts.
Arrange the asparagus spears on top of the cheese and add a few 4. rocket leaves to each. Drizzle over the rest of the olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
Foody Facts...To chefs, asparagus symbolises the start of the summer season - it was traditionally harvested from 1st May for just seven or eight weeks, although modern farming methods have enabled the season to be extended.As it is so important not to overcook asparagus, tie together the stems into small bundles which enables you to remove them from the water all at once.
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PAGE 31
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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...
Adventurous Pub Walks in Cheshire by David DunfordSpring is in the air, and what better way to brush off the cobwebs than take a walk through the leafy lanes of Cheshire? And after the walk, whether long or short, there is always a need for refreshment. This book, priced at £8.99 is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to get out and about in their local landscape. Off ering twenty circular walks covering areas from the Dee estuary, Helsby and Frodsham Hills right through to Congleton, Mow Cop and Lyme Park, the beauty of the county can be admired in sandstone bridges, cottages and tranquil canals. Which ever pub you choose to relax in, the day is sure to put a spring in your step.
Fancy a Pint?by Ian BaileyFor those preferring a stroll from the comfort of their armchair, two books off er an historic pub crawl that is bound to bring memories fl ooding back. Fancy a Pint? by Ian Bailey, price £8.95, details the pubs of Widnes over the last 250 years. Long gone are the Griffi n Beer House and the Beehive Inn, but one or two, like the Church View Inn have so far weathered the storm....
Liverpool Characters & Streetsby Colin WilkinsonLiverpool Characters and Streets: The Photographs of C.F. Inston, by Colin Wilkinson, price £9.99, reveals the abject poverty of Victorian Liverpool through the people who lived and worked on the city streets. Charles Frederick Inston was born in Birmingham in 1855 but by the age of 24 was living in Liverpool working as a printer. Turning to photography he has left us a treasury of iconic pictures of the way life used to be for millions. From George’s Dock with the newly built Overhead Railway to street ‘arabs’ at Steble Fountain and traders at the back of St John’s Market all life is there and if you could play a penny whistle or try your hand as a pavement artist you could maybe scrape a living. Times wuz ‘ard indeed!
“Last Orders!” Runcorn Pubsby Alex Cowan...Not so the pubs described in Last Orders! Runcorn Pubs Volume 1 by Alex Cowan, price £5.99. Sadly the establishments in this very informative book have all been consigned to history. With the town situated fi rst on the River Mersey and later on the Manchester Ship Canal it is not surprising that many of the names had a nautical fl avour. The Sloop Inn, The Ship, The Mariners Arms, the Navigation and the Lord Nelson sat comfortably alongside the Duke of Wellington and the Cholmondeley Arms. If Granddad was a publican his name is sure to be listed for posterity!
A History of Prescot Union Workhouse by Pauline HurstFor some in Victorian times hardship meant going into the Workhouse, though this was the last place poor people wanted to enter. This book, priced £9.99 gives a valuable insight into the conditions within such establishments. Families were split and the sexes segregated. Parents rarely saw their children, some of whom were encouraged to emigrate. Those able to work were set to cooking, cleaning and laundry work while others were loaned out to local farms. In addition, some were employed mending shoes, making clothes and shown the rudiments of nursing, learning skills as they worked for their keep. Produced by the St Helens Townships Family History Society the book is a welcome addition for those wishing to understand just how our forebears kept the wolf from the door.
PAGE 35
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SudokuSolution
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Support your local business. Keep it local.
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PAGE 37
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‘Don’t you know who I am?!’
If you are in a band, were once in a band, or are in any way into bands, the chances are you’ve seen the excellent Rob Reiner mockumentary ‘This Is Spinal Tap’. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, the fi lm charts the highs and lows (but mainly lows) of a long-haired, leather-trousered rock band whose star is rather tragically fading. Musicians love Spinal Tap. It is our Bible. And we see that it is good.
The sentence ‘How Spinal Tap is this?’ would be printed on page one of The International Touring Rock Band Phrasebook, if such a thing were ever written. Finding oneself hopelessly caught up in the midst of a Spinal Tap Moment (let’s coin the abbreviation ‘STM’ for convenience) is pretty much an occupational hazard for our species. Basically, if it causes acute embarrassment, exposes the fundamental absurdity of trying to act like a rockstar - or otherwise just makes you look like a twit - it’s an STM.
One of my favourite Lightyears STMs occurred shortly before a gig we played at Wembley Stadium in Spring 2010. I had been asked by the production team what size stage we required and had responded with a lovingly-constructed diagram featuring meticulous footnotes and little pictures of all the band
members. When we arrived on the pitch for our soundcheck, however, we were directed towards a tiny white podium roughly the size and shape of an upturned bath-tub. Turns out that the headline act, Right Said Fred (I know, you couldn’t make it up), had demanded a stage of those precise dimensions and there was basically nothing we could do about it. Never mind that there’s only two of them (and four of us) and they were using just one guitar (whilst we had a drum-kit and a piano, amongst other things). It is at times like these that the exclamation ‘Don’t you know who I am?!’ rises like a terrible bile in your throat. And when that happens, you know you’re having an STM.
Last year, whilst on tour in South Africa, we turned up in Cape Town and checked into the city’s fi nest hotel, The Table Bay. As we were waiting for our rooms to be prepared it was brought to our attention that, following our debut visit to the city the year before, the Table Bay had erected a ‘Lightyears stayed here’ plaque in our honour and positioned it on the Golden Seal statue in the hotel grounds. My oh my, did we milk that baby dry. We sauntered around the city with massive, smug grins all over our newly-tanned faces, telling anybody who would listen
that our name was emblazoned across Cape Town’s famous Golden Seal just a few small inches away from such luminaries as Michael Jackson, Barack Obama and the England football team. But hubris is a cruel mistress and, of course, we turned up the following year to discover that we now ‘weren’t famous enough’ to stay at the Table Bay and, whilst our name remained on the statue, the hotel manager had been ‘unable to accommodate us at the current time’. What a kick in the teeth! Don’t they know who I am?!
So please, if you ever see a lone musician in your local pub nursing a pint and looking sorry for himself, give him a biscuit and tell him he has nice hair. He’s probably just exhausted from years of trying to maintain the charade that he is a maverick trendsetter who lives every single day on the edge of existence.
And take it from me, that’s extremely hard work indeed.
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
PAGE 39
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81 87 93 99 105 111
Can you win the raceand get the trophy?
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Racing Riddles
RIDDLE TIME!I have a face, but no mouth. I have hands,but no fingers.What am I?
Dance ClassesAt Castlefi elds Community CentreAdult Tap Dance (Beginners & Improvers)Children’s Dance ClassesContact: Ken, 01928-563839castlefi [email protected]
Tuesdays 7:00-8:00pm
Thursdays & Fridays
Bookstart RhymetimesActivities designed to encourage parents & carers to share rhymes & songs with babies.
Every Wednesday 10am-11.00am or Sat
2.00pm-3.00pmHalton Lea 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
Line DancingGrangeway Community Centre, Runcorn, WA7 5HA Tel: 01928 569474
Every Thursday8:30pm-10.30pm
Every Friday1.30pm-3.30pm
AquaciseBeechwood Community Centre01928 565014
Every Monday & Wednesday
7.30pm-8.15pm
Line DancingBeechwood Community Centre01928 565014
Every Monday8:00pm-10:00pm
Every Thursday7:30pm-10:30pm
CraftsBeechwood Community Centre01928 565014
Every Tuesday10am-12pm
PilatesBeechwood Community Centre01928 565014
Every Tuesday10.00am-11.00am
Rhythm Time MusicBeechwood Community Centre01928 565014
Every Weds10:00-11:00hrs
Children’s Dance ClassesBeechwood Community Centre01928 565014
Every WedsFrom 4:00pm
Movers & ShakersBeechwood Community Centre01928 565014
Every Friday10am-11am
Line DancingRAOB (Buff s) Club, High Street, RuncornTel: 01928 572652
Every Tuesday8:00pm-10:00pm
Exhibitions FrodshamGallery 1 & 2 – Cheshire Artist Network all media display of 2D/3Dartwork, in fi ne art, print making, sculpture, ceramic, textile & jewelleryGallery 3 – Joel Prince & Rick Haywood ‘Colour Splash’Photography & Digital Fine ArtCastle Park Arts Centre Frodsham 01928 735832.
Until the 15th May
Vision Support is a local charity providing a wide range of services to those with sight loss. Services include, low vision aids and advice, benefi ts advice, befriending services, technology training, counselling and social/recreational clubs.01928 582 946
Halton 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
Know of any other regular events or groups that you’d like to see on this page? Let us know on 01928 739607.
Regular Local Events Local Groups
Doctor NumbersNHS Direct (24hr Helpline) 0845 46 47
Murdishaw Health CentreGorsewood Road, MurdishawRuncorn, WA7 6ES
01928 712061
Brookvale PracticeHallwood Health Centre, Hospital WayRuncorn, WA7 2UT
01928 718182
Weaver Vale PracticeHallwood Health Centre, Hospital WayRuncorn, WA7 2UT
01928 711911
Windmill Hill Medical CentreNorton Hill, Windmill Hill, WA7 6QE
01928 842626
Castlefi elds Health CentreChester Close, Castlefi elds, WA7 2HY
01928 566671
Heath Road Medical CentreHeath Road, Runcorn, WA7 5TJ
01928 565881
Grove House PracticeSt Pauls Health Centre, High Street,Runcorn, WA7 1AB
01928 566561
Tower House PracticeSt Pauls Health Centre, High Street,Runcorn, WA7 1AB
01928 567404
The Rock Surgery50 High Street, Frodsham, WA6 7HG
01928 732110
The Knoll SurgeryHigh Street, Frodsham, WA6 7HF
0844 4773936
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]
Weaver Vale MPGraham Evans MP is Member of Parliament for Weaver Vale. He can be contacted as follows:Graham Evans MPHouse of CommonsLondon, SW1A OAA
Tel: 01606 350 323Email: [email protected]
Library Opening TimesRuncorn LibraryEgerton Street, Runcorn, WA7 1JL
01928 574495
Opening HoursMon&Tues: 09:30 - 17:00 (Closed between 13:00-14:00)Weds: ClosedThursday: 09:30 - 19:00 (Closed between 13:00-14:00)Friday: 09:30 - 17:00 (Closed between 13:00-14:00)Saturday: 09:30 - 16:00, Sunday: Closed
Library Opening Times
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 NumbersAstmoor Primary School 01928 565053Beechwood Primary School 01928 560479Brookvale Primary School 01928 711401Castle View Primary School 01928 563970Gorsewood Primary School 01928 712100Hallwood Park Primary & Nursery 01928 716336Halton Lodge Primary School 01928 564053Hillview Primary School 01928 714666Our Lady Mother of the Saviour 01928 711921Palace Fields Primary School 01928 716521Pewithall Primary School 01928 576139Runcorn All Saints CofE Primary 01928 572091St Augustine’s Catholic Primary 01928 568936St Berteline’s CofE Primary School 01928 719847St Clement’s Catholic Primary 01928 572129St Edward’s Catholic Primary 01928 572317St Mary’s Halton CofE Primary 01928 565995The Grange Infants School 01928 573132The Grange Junior School 01928 572600The Park Primary School 01928 563838Victoria Road Primary School 01928 574644Westfi eld Primary School 01928 572343Weston Point Primary School 01928 574593Weston Primary School 01928 574544Windmill Hill Primary School 01928 712337Woodside Primary School 01928 564031Halton High School 01928 711643St Chad’s Catholic High School 01928 564106The Grange Comprehensive School 01928 578115The Heath School 01928 576664
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
Know of any other useful numbers or information that you’d like to see on this page? Let us know on 01928 739607
PAGE 46
To advertise your business this established magazine, contact us on: E: [email protected] T: 01928 739607
Ind
ex o
f Ad
verti
sers Business & Financial
AGP 19Applegate & Co 37NFU Mutual 31Sauren Ghosh 21ComputingEverMedia 29Cooker RepairsQS Cooker Repairs 39Domestic ServicesExecutive Group Holdings 12JB Alterations 13Driving InstructorsSharon SOM 39EducationPriestley College 48ElectricalQuality Services 13SWP Electrics 10Woodhouse Plumbing 21,28FlooringCheshire Flooring 24Clarion Floors & Blinds 35GardensHillside Gardening 15Lawnsavers 3Premier Lawncare 42
Health & BeautyElliot's Barber Shop 11Main Street Dental 32P&A Morgan Opticians 1The Denture Centre 17Windmill Hill Medical Centre 22Home FurnishingsArmchair Reupholstery 12BW Furniture 33Clarion Floors & Blinds 35Panda Blinds 36Home ImprovementsClassic Home Improvements 32John Bunting P&D 29KB Joinery & Locksmith 10Ken Leach Joinery 12Kirbys Roofing 35Lock-It Security 37North West Skips 15Plans Drawn 10SDS Roofing 11Sparta Skip Hire 10Stuart Phelan (Decorator) 17TWS Improve 29Kitchens & BathroomsClassic Home Improvements 31Flag Ship Kitchens 9JDC Ceramics 47
NYK 41LeisureAIM Higher Dance 28Forest Hills Hotel 33Tae Kwon-Do 23Nordic Walking 14Runcorn Angling Centre 39Runcorn Golf Club 27Warrington Car Boot 13PetsBest Friends Dog Grooming 28Bow Wow Dog Grooming 46PlumbingGas Store 18GasMarc 23Heatcare Group 16JS Domestic 10Quality Services 13Ringway Plumbing Supplies 5RS Heating & Plumbing 46Woodhouse Plumbing 21, 37ShopsAaron Jewellers 17Acer Florist Cheshire 2Curiosity Bookshop 34Neil & Barker 6Widnes Model Centre 19
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
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