February 2011 Issue 17 Inside this month: St Bridget’s Appeal, Junior Football, Book launch, MP petition, local news, what’s on, car club and gardening

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Registered No 13712 Unit 1, Dindale Road, Croft Retail Park, Bromborough CH62 3PY A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country – Texas Guinan 6 DID you know that over £800,000 has been raised for the redevelopment of St Bridget’s Community Centre. Now, the fund-raisers are hoping to gather the last £150,000. We’ve got a big feature on the plans in this issue and details of how to make a contribution. We’ve got more on this, as well as stories from 8 MP Esther McVey, Hoylake AC junior football, Ally McDermott’s interior design column, books by Lingham’s of West Kirby and the Wirral Classic Car Club. We hope you enjoy the magazine and please remember to use your local shops and trades people!

Hayley 9 The page footers this month are love quotes for Valentine’s Day

16 For advertisement inquiries please call Hayley on 01244 350398 / 07801506538 or e-mail [email protected] visit www.westkirbylocal.com 24 Road, Chester CH2 1AE

18

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Love conquers all things – except poverty and toothache – Mae West 4 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 5

IN THE NEWS

Community Orchard Grange Park now has almost 100 extra trees planted by Transition Town West Kirby and The Friends of Grange (FrOG), including apple, plum, damson, cherry, cobnut, walnut, quince, fig, mulberry, medlar and sloe. It is hoped that in a few years the orchard will be a great resource for community activities - apple days, cider making sessions etc. l Transition Town West Kirby have just started a Fruitshare scheme. This involves 14 volunteers who have offered to come and join in sessions picking and distributing unwanted fruit from local gardens. TTWK want to hear from groups that can use the fruit! Visit www.transitiontownwestkirby.org.uk for more info

Hoylake and District Gardening Society Our next monthly Meeting is on Wednesday, 9th February, when ranger James Locke will talk about ‘Attracting Wildlife to your Garden’. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at West Kirby Concourse starting at 7.30pm. They are free to members but visitors are welcome at a charge of £1.50. Call Pat on 625 7036.

MP’s campaign for justice WEST Kirby MP Esther McVey presented a petition on behalf of Families Fighting for Justice and others in Wirral, Cheshire and Merseyside. The petition calls on the Ministry of Justice and the Government to consider with severe caution any changes to Schedule 21 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to ensure that the length of minimum sentences for murder are not altered so as to reduce the term served Miss McVey said: “I am very keen to support victims of crime, some of whom I have got to know really well, in order to try to protect any shortening in the minimum sentence for murder.”

Youth given ASBO Merseyside Police and have obtained an Anti-Social Behaviour Order on conviction against a West Kirby youth. Action was taken against the 18-year-old, formerly of Paton Close, West Kirby. He had been identified as engaging in repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Grange Park and Gilroy Road area of West Kirby. He was part of group of young people who had intimidated local residents, caused criminal damage and been responsible for significant disturbance. The Asbo means that he is banned from entering the areas in West Kirby including Grange Park (playground and cemetery) and an area surrounding the shops on Gilroy Road for a period of three years. Chief Inspector Bob Gittins of Merseyside Police, said: “Hopefully this action will send a clear unambiguous message to any troublemakers”.

Love is a temporary insanity curable by marriage – Ambrose Bierce 4 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 5

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There’s a fine line between true love and a conviction for stalking – Buzz Nutley 6 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 7

Comets soar to tournament success Congratulations to Lee Robinson and his AC Hoylake Comets for capping off an outstanding year by winning the U10’s Soccer Dome Christmas Tournament. After going unbeaten in the group stages , winning the Semi final and beating estW Kirby Wasps Black 2 - 1 in the final. Well done also to Gordon Harrison’s U10’s Meteors who made it to the Semi final of the same tournament. Due to the popularity of our under 6’s training on Tuesday nights, in which any children from Reception or Year 1 are welcome, we have decided to add our first ever dedicated under 5s training sessions. On Wednesday we will be delivering a training session between 6pm - 7pm for under 5’s (reception children) in the sports hall at West Kirby Concourse. There’s no need to book a place, just come along and enjoy the fun! Junior football team Athletic Club Hoylake (AC Hoylake) was established in 2001. Recognising the need for a local junior football club, to serve the community of Hoylake and West Kirby, successive junior teams have been introduced every season leaving the club with a current membership of over 200 players at Under 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15 age groups. We are always looking sponsorship for our teams. For further information visit our club website were you can view club news ,match reports and the club contacts page. Contact Paul Williams on 0781 7684682 or click on the contacts tab at www. achoylake.com

Never take a job where winter winds can blow up your pants - Geraldo Rivera 6 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 7 KEEP DRY THIS WINTER DiD you know that failure to maintain your gutters can result in water penetrating the cracks and joints of the gutter and when the water freezes in the winter, it will expand and cause the gutter to crack, and in some cases shatter under the intense freezing conditions. Bosworth Guttering & Roofing can help you with any aspects of your roof, gutters, pipes and much more! Winter Offer 10% Off + fREE WINTER ROOf CHECK (applicable until 31st february 2011)

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A career is wonderful, but you can’t curl up with it on a cold night - Marilyn Monroe 8 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine January 2011 9 John recalls bar stool wit Ally Interiors Interior design thoughts with Ally MacDermot, from a different era from Your Choice Interiors A WEST Kirby man has just published a book recalling some of the characters who inhabited the local pubs and bars in an era of political incorrectness. John Fagan has written West Kirby Banter to raise Minimalism ‘Less is More’ money for Claire House Children’s Hospice and St It was Mies van der Rohe who adopted the John’s Hospice, in Clatterbridge phrase “Less is More” when used in design John was born in Birkenhead but has lived in West and architecture. Along with Le Corbusier Kirby for the last 45 years after marrying a local girl. The 72-year-old retired electrician has spent much and Walter Gropius they wanted to strip of his life working off shore on the rigs throughout back architecture and design to the basics, the world. But during that time he has never given Concrete, steel, and glass were the skin and up on his love for writing. This is his fourth book to be published, following on from bones exposed. Many people will recognise ‘Two up Two Down’, ‘The Other Fella’ and ‘Spots Pimples and Bum Fluff’. Mies van der Rohe’s “Barcelona” chair or the” West Kirby Banter is a series of short stories, written in light verse and is about the Wassily” chair by Marcel Breuer. characters who trawled the local pubs from the 1950s era onwards. Said John: “The emphasis is on building Minimalism and the Bauhaus Movement site workers, and their individual likes and were the way for 20th century architects and dislikes in comparison with today’s strict designers to make their statement. It meant laws. taking good quality materials and creating It is worth spending out on 1 or 2 key pieces “ I began writing the book last August, but something which did not have to be overly which will really stand the test of time. I unfortunately, by the end of November dressed, but really an interior and building always suggest good quality lightfittings as I’d left it too late to be considered for and landscape that worked in harmony. essential. A statement piece of furniture, publication, so, with the help of my whether it is by shape or fabric can also add neighbour, Ken Hatton, decided to tackle The truly striking point of Minimalism is the unenviable task of printing and that you appreciate the form and material. It’s interest. Balancing a room isn’t always easy publishing ourselves. not about the quantity of what you have in a if you don’t want to have too much in it : but “Somehow or other, and with total room, more the quality. In more recent years when you do get it right there is a feeling of commitment,we managed to publish a Minimalism has been hijacked as a term to harmony and not emptiness. hundred copies for Christmas. These mean devoid of colour, shape and design. The Ochre chandelier may be a bit expensive were sold within days. Without any from around £5000, but similar styles are pressure we have now obtained the available from Endon Lighting . The Mies services of local publishers Countyvise who will print and bind further copies. van der Rohe Daybed is available from under The book is one hundred pages, all with £600 and the Wassily Chair from around colourful sketches and photos.” £350.00. Prices do vary, but look for good The book can be purchased for £6 at solid frames and good quality leather. Beware Linghams book store and the Crosville cheap imitations! After all if you aren’t going Social club, West Kirby. Also at Elies to have a lot in your room it’s worth paying a Bar Greasby. bit more.

Your Choice Interiors

If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question – Lily Tomlin 91 Banks Road, West Kirby CH48 0RB Tel 07813761571 West Coast magazine January 2011 9 8 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com Ally Interiors Interior design thoughts with Ally MacDermot, from Your Choice Interiors Minimalism ‘Less is More’ It was Mies van der Rohe who adopted the phrase “Less is More” when used in design and architecture. Along with Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius they wanted to strip back architecture and design to the basics, Concrete, steel, and glass were the skin and bones exposed. Many people will recognise Mies van der Rohe’s “Barcelona” chair or the” Wassily” chair by Marcel Breuer. Minimalism and the Bauhaus Movement were the way for 20th century architects and designers to make their statement. It meant taking good quality materials and creating It is worth spending out on 1 or 2 key pieces something which did not have to be overly which will really stand the test of time. I dressed, but really an interior and building always suggest good quality lightfittings as and landscape that worked in harmony. essential. A statement piece of furniture, The truly striking point of Minimalism is whether it is by shape or fabric can also add that you appreciate the form and material. It’s interest. Balancing a room isn’t always easy not about the quantity of what you have in a if you don’t want to have too much in it : but room, more the quality. In more recent years when you do get it right there is a feeling of Minimalism has been hijacked as a term to harmony and not emptiness. mean devoid of colour, shape and design. The Ochre chandelier may be a bit expensive from around £5000, but similar styles are available from Endon Lighting . The Mies van der Rohe Daybed is available from under £600 and the Wassily Chair from around £350.00. Prices do vary, but look for good solid frames and good quality leather. Beware cheap imitations! After all if you aren’t going to have a lot in your room it’s worth paying a bit more.

Your Choice Interiors 91 Banks Road, West Kirby CH48 0RB Tel 07813761571 10 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 11 GET YOUR FREE MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT!

Financial column with Simon Tutton, from the Hadlow Edwards Partnership

GOVERNMENTs over the last which works out as an equivalent 50 years have encouraged us to increase in your contributions of save towards our own retirement 67%. Higher rate tax payers need to and be less dependant on the be especially careful to make sure state by way of incentives in they reclaim the overpayment as HMRC will not automatically pay the way of pension tax relief it back. There are restrictions on the Some large companies run amount you can benefit and schemes known as ‘Salary Sacri- this has changed on numer- fice’ where employees can give Now could be the right time to find ous occasions over the up some of their wages to make a financial advisor who completely years and is due to change additional payments to their again next April. pension scheme. This is a very tax understands your financial affairs and The way relief is granted efficient way of increasing your depends on how you pay pension savings as in addition to provides a highly tailored service your pension. If you are a the tax relief you can also save member of an employer on National Insurance pay- scheme at work any pension ments. Small companies can run l Mortgages contribution is usually taken similar schemes for employees or from your salary before you Directors and if you have an op- l pay tax and National Insur- portunity to consider this option Investments ance which means that the or would wish to set a pension l amount of your taxable pay is scheme up for your own busi- Insurance reduced by the level of contribu- ness you would be well advised tion you have paid. to look at a ‘Salary Sacrifice’ scheme. l Retirement plans If you have no company pension Tax relief is one of the few ways we can get free l scheme or are self employed you money from the state and it is well worth taking Tax will usually have a personal pension plan and tax re- full advantage of this benefit. For example saving lief is provided by a top up to your contributions. For £300 per month to a pension with 20% tax relief example if you are personally paying £100 per month would mean that over 25 years you would have saved by direct debit the amount that would be credited to £112,500 at a cost of £90,000. Hadlow EdwaRds your pension scheme would be £125. Interest or growth on this additional sum over 25 If you are a higher rate tax payer then you could years can boost the saving even further and make the claim another £25 of tax relief by way of a refund difference between a comfortable retirement and a t: 0800 652 8175 from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) struggle. e: [email protected]

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Michael Edwards, Senior Partner of the St. James’s Place PartnershipIf Winter on comes, 01285 123 can 456, Spring by email be [email protected] behind? - Percy Bysshe or visit Shelley www.michaeledwards.co.uk 10 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 11 GET YOUR FREE MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT!

Financial column with Simon Tutton, from the Hadlow Edwards Partnership

GOVERNMENTs over the last which works out as an equivalent 50 years have encouraged us to increase in your contributions of save towards our own retirement 67%. Higher rate tax payers need to and be less dependant on the be especially careful to make sure state by way of incentives in they reclaim the overpayment as HMRC will not automatically pay the way of pension tax relief it back. There are restrictions on the Some large companies run amount you can benefit and schemes known as ‘Salary Sacri- this has changed on numer- fice’ where employees can give Now could be the right time to find ous occasions over the up some of their wages to make a financial advisor who completely years and is due to change additional payments to their again next April. pension scheme. This is a very tax understands your financial affairs and The way relief is granted efficient way of increasing your depends on how you pay pension savings as in addition to provides a highly tailored service your pension. If you are a the tax relief you can also save member of an employer on National Insurance pay- scheme at work any pension ments. Small companies can run l Mortgages contribution is usually taken similar schemes for employees or from your salary before you Directors and if you have an op- l pay tax and National Insur- portunity to consider this option Investments ance which means that the or would wish to set a pension l amount of your taxable pay is scheme up for your own busi- Insurance reduced by the level of contribu- ness you would be well advised tion you have paid. to look at a ‘Salary Sacrifice’ scheme. l Retirement plans If you have no company pension Tax relief is one of the few ways we can get free l scheme or are self employed you money from the state and it is well worth taking Tax will usually have a personal pension plan and tax re- full advantage of this benefit. For example saving lief is provided by a top up to your contributions. For £300 per month to a pension with 20% tax relief example if you are personally paying £100 per month would mean that over 25 years you would have saved by direct debit the amount that would be credited to £112,500 at a cost of £90,000. Hadlow EdwaRds your pension scheme would be £125. Interest or growth on this additional sum over 25 If you are a higher rate tax payer then you could years can boost the saving even further and make the claim another £25 of tax relief by way of a refund difference between a comfortable retirement and a t: 0800 652 8175 from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) struggle. e: [email protected]

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Michael Edwards, Senior Partner of the St. James’s Place Partnership on 01285 123 456, by email [email protected] or visit www.michaeledwards.co.uk If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? - Percy Bysshe Shelley In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy - William Blake 12 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 13

Trace your ancestors The local branch of the Family History Society of Cheshire hold a monthly Help Desk at West Kirby Library and the monthly meetings are held in West Kirby. The Help Desks are held on the second Monday of each month 10am – 1pm. For the next few months, the West Kirby Library Help Desks will be held on: Monday 14th February, 14th March, 11th April, 9th May and 6th June. The meetings are held in Westbourne Hall Community Centre, Westbourne Road, West Kirby, 2pm, on the second Wednesday of the month and are varied talks on topics relating to family, local or social history. There are no meetings in August or December. On Wednesday 9th February, historian Gavin Hunter will talk about Thornton Manor and its inhabitants. On Wednesday 9th March, John Benson, from the Chester Record Office, will talk about N ewspapers for Family Historians. Contact can be made to the Group by email: [email protected] The website is under the auspices of the Family History Society of Cheshire and ‘their’ website is: www.fhsc.org.uk

MP joins a different party! Wirral West MP Esther McVey joined with many others at the Adelphi Hotel on to show her support for the Queenies Charity oarty. Esther said: “Queenies Charity is a wonderful charity set up by Hairdresser, Herbert Howe, in memory of his mum. “The charity has been going for five years now and it simply gets bigger every year.” Esther continued: “When Herbert asked me if I would be one of the patrons of the charity, some five years ago, I had no hesitation in saying ‘yes’ immediately. Herbert is such a wonderful man, doing so much for so many, and that kindness is appreciated by the number of people who support him and his charity all year round.”

Speeding fines in West Kirby police have been dishing out more speeding tickets in West Kirby following complaints from locals about motorists driving too fast through the town. At each Have your Say Priority Setting Meeting by residents and local community group meetings and through numerous telephone calls and emails the message that police have received is that speeding is a concern – on both main and side roads in residential areas. Hoylake neighbourhood policing team gave out seven speeding tickets in the space of an hour. Advice for road users • Not knowing the speed limit for the road that you are using is not an excuse (Column Road in West Kirby is now 30mph for most of it) • Speed limits set the maximum speed – if you are in a residential area then you should consider slowing to allow for the unexpected, such as a child running into the road. Westbourne Road and Orrysdale Road in West Kirby are two examples were motorists drive too quickly for the situation.

Only one kind of love lasts: unrequited – Somerset Maugham 12 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 13

New Years Resolution Spa Day To simply feel pampered in 2011 You may choose one treatment out of each section below Aromatherapy Body Scrub Babor Khanya Body Scrub Anti-Aging Hand Treatment ------GELeration by Jessica Nails Babor Firming Algae Wrap Long lasting Manicure Aromatherapy Cellulite Wrap Discover the strength of Jessica with the beauty Cleopatra Milk Wrap of a gel polish File and gel polish from £20.00 ------Manicure with gel polish from £35.00 Sensational Eye Treatment Babor Introductory Facial Aromatherapy Hydrating Facial ------Mini Head Massage Foot Massage Hand Massage Included in this spa day is a relaxing spa light lunch and full use of health club facilities Also enjoy a detoxifying tea in our relaxation area Treat someone special this valentines Special New Years Price with our luxury valentines offer Glass of Champagne and Chocolates on arrival £75.00 mon-thurs Hot Stones Back Massage Babor Intorductory Facial £85.00 fri-sun For all enquires please cal 01244 335262 or email £60.00 [email protected] Gift Vouchers Availible Rowton Hall Country House Hotel Health Club and Spa, Whitchurch Road, Rowton, Chester CH3 6AD t- 01244335262 f 01244335464 e- [email protected] www.rowtonhall.co.uk

Only one kind of love lasts: unrequited – Somerset Maugham If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? ~Author Unknown 14 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2010 15

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Love is just a chocolate substitute – Miranda Ingram 14 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2010 15

Love is just a chocolate substitute – Miranda Ingram Love is a great glue, but there’s no cement like mutual hate – Loise Wyse West Coast magazine February 2011 17 The way we were Ian Boumphrey has published his latest book with hundreds of old pictures from West Kirby and Hoylake. Yesterday’s West Wirral Part Two is a pictorial history from 1860 -1960 of buildings and people in the area.

Above: The old Post Office, in Caldy, which had previously been a pub ‘The Hop Inn’, a post office, tea gardens, village shop and antiques shop and is now a private house

Left:The Tudor cinema, on Grange Road West Kirby, which closed in 1965

Right: the car on the left is entering Grange Road from Dee Lane in the early 1960s. Shops included Phillips fashion store, Vaughan Brothers, SF Emmerson, EF Beddard and Maison Altorfer ladies hairdresser.

The book can be bought from a number of local shops or by writing to Ian at The Nook, 7 Acrefield Road, Prenton CH42 8LD, by phone on 608 7611 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit his website at www.yesterdayswirral.co.uk

Forget love - I’d rather fall in chocolate! ~Sandra J. Dykes West Coast magazine February 2011 17

Turning Little Stars into Amici School of Dance Big Stars! Timetable Tuesday 4.00pm Nursery Class 4.30pm Classical Greek 5.15pm Preparatory Ballet 5.45pm Preparatory Tap Saturday 10.00am Nursery Class 10.30am Baby Ballet Class 11.00am Preparatory Ballet 11.30am ClassicalGreek 12.15pm Preparatory Tap With a wide variety of classes to choose from such as Nursery Class, Ballet, Tap, 12.45pm Musical Theatre Modern Jazz, Theatre Craft, Classical Greek, Musical Theatre and Examinations 1.15pm Primary Ballet Only £3 a class Classes are held every Tuesday 4pm-6.15pm and every Saturday 10am-2pm We are located at The Scout Hut, Sandy Lane, Heswall CH60 5SX Member of the IDTA and CRB checked To book your place call Miss Francesca 0151 208 1323 or 07811 064574

Let your child be part of the Amici School of Dance success story - whether it’s to give them some extra confidence for everyday life or to help them become a fabulous dancer. Please call now to book your place. We look forward to hearing from you.

Love and murder will out – William Congreve 18 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 19 Long-awaited community centre work could start this summer FUND-RAISERS need to bring in a further important role in West Kirby for over 150 £152,000 to ensure a much-needed years and it is now time to look to guarantee refurbishment is carried out at St Bridget’s its use for future generations. This is Community Centre. necessary because:- The aim is to start work by July which will • The building fabric is deteriorating, in allow the centre to be used by so many particular the 1969 extension. more people in the community. • The attractive old sandstone schoolrooms St Bridget’s Community Centre dates back and museum need refurbishment. to 1847 when a new school was built on St • The current accommodation is Bridget’s Lane close by St Bridget’s Church. uncomfortable for users An interesting pyramidal roofed building was • The building does not meet modern later added which has, since 1892, housed standards for access and sustainability the Charles Dawson Brown Museum (with • Better facilities are required for the centre its collection of historical stones associated to benefit the community today and in the with St Bridget’s Church). These attractive future sandstone buildings were extended in • The centre is ideally placed for 1969 to the rear. The centre has played an educational, community and Church use in

What the world really needs is more love and less paper work. ~Pearl Bailey 18 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 19 Long-awaited community centre ST BRIDGET’S work could start this summer COMMUNITY the attractive old village of West Kirby CENTRE APPEAL • There is potential for greater use for educational activities, community groups, EVENTS musical events, parties, weddings and family occasions and development of Wednesday, 2nd February West Kirby’s little secret – the Charles Celts, Romans and Vikings: The Dawson Brown museum Archaeology of Irby by Rob Philpott. • The museum needs enhancement to Rob Philpott, Head of Field Archaeology at serve as a valuable local history and the National Museums Liverpool and joint educational centre. author of Meols: The Archaeology of the The redevelopment aims to rebuild the North Wirral Coast. A chance find of Roman 1969 extension and refurbish the old pottery in a garden at Irby in the 1940’s led sandstone buildings to a high standard to the discovery of an important and long- and with materials that complement its lived settlement site by archaeologists of the attractive setting in the West Kirby Old National Museums Liverpool. On excavating Village Conservation Area. This will in suburban gardens, they found evidence of include a larger main hall, improved Bronze Age, Iron Age and Romano-British, access for the disabled, accessible early Medieval and Medieval occupation. Rob toilets, better storage, central heating, will examine the nature of the settlements and sustainable energy saving features, an the finds uncovered by the excavations. St enhanced kitchen and an expanded Bridget’s Church at 7.30pm museum. A 3 D plan of the new centre 5th February showing all the rooms and their uses is shown below. Concert – Junior Royal Northern College Fund-raising started in October 2006 of Music and to date a wonderful £818,000 has The Junior RNCM provides specialist training been raised leaving a further £152,000 for musically gifted children between the ages to be raised to enable the redevelopment of 8 and 18 years travelling from far and wide to go ahead in July 2011. Details of across Northern England. The RNCM hosts forthcoming events are included in this great talent and members can also be found edition. performing in the National Youth Orchestra, If you can help with donations or put us the National Children’s Orchestra, the National in touch with trusts and grant agencies Youth Brass Band and National Youth Choir as that may be able to help us, please well as national and local music competitions contact Phil Price on 625-7959 or write to such as the BBC Young Musician and Young him at The Parish Office, Rectory Road, Composer Awards. West Kirby, Wirral. CH48 7HL. For more St Bridget’s Church at 7.30. Tickets £10 information see www.stbridgetsappeal. adults, £8 concessions and children £4 co.uk including refreshments. Tickets from Pipedreams, Banks Road, West Kirby or Edward Edwards on 632 -2346.

Love, the quest; marriage, the conquest; divorce, the inquest – Helen Rowland 20 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 21

BOOK REVIEWS: SkinFirst FEBRUARY READS The gentler way to hold back time BY REBECCA CURRIE, FROM LINGHAM’S BOOKSTORE, WEST KIRBY

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Love is the delusion that one woman differs from another. ~Henry Louis Mencken www.skinfirst.co.uk 20 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 21 SkinFirst The gentler way to hold back time You are amazing! SkinFirst would love to help you be the person you want to be in 2011.

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Love is the delusion that one woman differs from another. ~Henry Louis Mencken Marriage is just the first stepwww.skinfirst.co.uk towards divorce – Zsa Zsa Gabor 22 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 23

West Wirral Car Club Small Car + Big Engine = Loadsafun

One dark misty night in 1966, I was rebuilt the 2 litre engine and the front and driving to the south of England when a rear suspension, Andy always likes it when glance in the rear view mirror revealed things both look good and work well. a tiny sleek sports car catching me up, In 2004 Andy decided to enlarge the quickly. Next moment it was passed and engine to 2,500cc. This can actually be gone. That experience left me with done in the same engine block a strange combination of by installing a longer feelings I’ve never stroke crankshaft and quite forgotten. a different set of Half of me was pistons. To get coveting the the most out of little car, the new set up the other Andy carefully half was chose the thinking, camshaft, “That carburettors looks and needles scary”, for best such was running. Still my first in search of encounter improvement, with the 2 litre three years later, Triumph GT6. he fitted an electronic Unbeknown to me then, ignition system which later in life I was going to have can fine-tune itself to the a lot more to do with these little cars. 22 engine moment by moment. This, he says, years later in fact, when my son bought a brings an entirely new level of smoothness black one and shortly after that I met Bob to an already sweet engine and is the best Barton, who started Triumph Appreciation modification he has made. with me, Bob had a yellow one. This month Regular maintenance has ensured the car we are looking at Andy Todd’s magenta is very reliable for both long runs and day GT6...which is perhaps even more scary to day use when needs must. Andy sums than the one I first encountered. Why is it up by saying the car is ‘Very enjoyable, that? Because Andy has swapped the 2 litre different and gets lots of attention’. There six for a 2.5 litre six and we all know what are three GT6 in our club at the moment big engines do in small cars. and one glance at the picture says it all! Andy bought his car in 1994 shortly after it’d had a comprehensive restoration to Dave Evenett, Chairman Triumph

ENTERTAINMENT its bodywork by David Evans of Neston. Appreciation Over the following years Andy meticulously 22 [email protected]

Never marry for money. Divorce for money – Wendy Liebman 22 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine February 2011 23 WHAT’S ON IN FEBRUARY

Friday 4th February After the deluge at their summer concert “Like a Hurricane” have agreed to appear for Friends of Ashton Park at Westbourne Hall, Westbourne Hall, West Kirby. Tickets are available from The Waverley, Banks Road and from 0151 625 6184. Doors open 7 pm. Licensed bar.

Sunday 6th February Help this Heathland – Common, 1pm – 3.30pm,. Come and help clear invading scrub on this important heathland site. Meet: Thurstaston Hill car park off Telegraph Road. Gloves and tools provided. Suitable clothing and footwear. Bring a packed lunch. No need to book. Tel: 0151 677 7594.

Saturday 12th February An Evening of Swing & Big Band Music in aid of the Refilwe Project, in South Africa, featuring Wirral Schools’ Big Band on stage at Heswall Hall, Telegraph Rd, Heswall, 7.30pm. For details and tickets contact: Gill Campbell (0151 632 2463) or Corina Thompson (0151 632 0024).

Wednesday 16th February North Wirral Coastal Park Task Day, 10am – 3pm. Help the Ranger and the Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park undertake some practical environmental conservation work within this 200 acre aware winning Park. Booking essential. Tel: 0151 678 5488 or email [email protected]

Wednesday 23rd February Community tree planting, 11- 4pm, Grange Park. Planting new trees and pruning 2-year old fruit trees. Includes lunch with home made bread.

Wednesday 23rd February Community bread-making session - 10.30am, Scout Hut, Grange Park. Come and have a go at bread making, take some home, and bake some to share for lunch with the tree planters.

Thursday 24th February What’s that Bird? 10.30am – 12.30pm. Discover what bird flies where on this winter bird watch at . Sorry no dogs. Suitable clothing & footwear. No need to book. Meet Ranger’s Office, Royden Park. Tel: 0151 677 7594.

Sunday 27th February Help this Heathland – , 1pm – 3.30pm. Come and help clear invading scrub on this important heathland site. Meet: Thurstaston Hill car park off Telegraph Road. Gloves and tools provided. Suitable clothing and footwear. Bring a ENTERTAINMENT packed lunch. No need to book. Tel: 0151 677 7594. 23

Before I met my husband, I’d never fallen in love. I’d stepped in it a few times. ~Rita Rudner 24 USEFUL NUMBERS Better to havelovedashort manthan never tohaveloved atall–David Chambless Useful andinfo numbers Birkenhead Road,Birkenhead Hoylake. Tel 6323381 Hoylake Cottage Residential Home Arrowe Park Road, Upton. Tel 6785111 Arrowe Park Hospital www.sandstonemedicalcentre.co.uk Tel :6256128 161 BanksRoad, West Kirby. Centre Medical Sandstone Tel: 6259171www.wkhcwirral.nhs.uk The Concourse, Grange Road, West Kirby. West Kirby Health Centre Health 143 BanksRoad, West Kirby. Tel 6256829. HouseBanks Dental Practice Dentists W: www.hoylakecommunitycentre.org Email: [email protected] Road, Hoylake, CH473AG. Tel 6322889 Hoylake Community Centre, 2Hoyle Community Centres Drive,Meols West Kirby. Tel 6326921 West Kirby United Reformed Church Westbourne Road, West Kirby. Tel 6322776 West Kirby Church Methodist 8517. www.stmichaelsnewton.org.uk Road, Newton, West Kirby. Tel. 625 St. &All Michael Angels Parish Church, www.achurchnearyou.com Graham Road, West 6324728. Kirby St Andrew’s Church 16 Darmon’s Green, 01516256367 WK, St Agnes RC Church 1872. www.riverway.org.uk 86 Grange Rd.West Kirby.Tel. 0151605 Riverway Christian Fellowship www.stbridgetschurch.org.uk Tel 01516255229. Saints, Caldy; St Bridget’s Church Church andAll oftheResurrection Churches Tel: 6253941.E: (Con, West and Kirby Thurstaston) Cllr Geoffrey Watt Email: [email protected] Tel: 07766725125. 6485913 /Mobile: (Conservative, West and Kirby Thurstaston) CllrGreen Jeff gov.uk Tel: 6323195.Email:davidelderton@wirral. (Conservative, West and Kirby Thurstaston) Cllr David MElderton Local Councillors Hoyle Road, Hoylake. Tel 6324348 The Parade, Hoylake Community Centre McVeyEsther (Conservative) MP Politics 2000 orvisitwww.wirral.gov.uk (Switchboard):General Enquiries 0151606 Wirral Council Tel 6259916 15-17-Acacia Grove, West Kirby. Acorn Veterinary Centre Vets Thurstaston. Tel 6484371 Wirral Country Park Tel 6252510 West Kirby Lake Marine Tourist 6010 orvisitwww.merseyside.police.uk issueplease emergency Telephone -709 Merseyside Police regarding any othernon 999 Emergency. you If wishto contact Police Kirby. Tel: 6256115 Wilsons Chemist, 17 The Crescent, West Pharmacies rooms andcrèche.function Tel 9297801 hall, fitnesssuite,sports aerobics studio, West Concourse, Kirby includes25mpool, Leisure Centre [email protected] Useful andinfo numbers I wouldn’t want anywoman who’dhaveme asahusband –MarkLamarr I wouldn’t www.westkirbygymnastics.co.uk Kirby). (West Tel 6700694 orvisit Gymnastics Club phone 6255602 [email protected],time. e-mail: or onvarious nights interm(18+). Meetings Young Leaders (14+)andAdult volunteers Rainbows (5+),Brownies (7+),Guides(10+), Girlguiding Newton District Tel: 01516258043www.caldyrugby.co.uk Caldy Rugby Club Tel 6252619 /Hillary JeanRobb Calday Grange Swimming Pool Trust 6258043. E-mail:[email protected] Paton Field, Telegraph Road, Thurstaston. Tel Caldy Cricket Club Williams on07817684682. 200playersOver aged6-15.Call Paul AC Hoylake Junior Football Club Clubs andSocieties E-mail - [email protected] St. Lane, Bridgets West Kirby. Tel 6257652. St. BridgetsSchool www.westkirby-grammar.wirral.sch.uk/ Graham Road, West Kirby. Tel 6323449. Visit West Kirby Grammar School visit www.westkirby-primary.wirral.sch.uk Anglesey Road, West Kirby. Tel 6255561or West &Nursery Kirby School Primary Frankby Road, West Kirby. Tel 6255996 HumanitiesCollegeHilbre School High Email: [email protected] Lane,School West Kirby. Tel 6252727 Calday Grange Grammar School, Grammar E-mail: [email protected] Road. Massie Saughall West Kirby, 6258446 Black HorseJuniorSchool Hill E-mail: [email protected] Road Massie Saughall West Kirby, 6255238, Black HorseInfant Hill School Schools www.achoylake.com welcome www.embroiderersguild.com Thursday at intheMonth 7.15pm.Everyone Gallery, Slatey Road, Birkenhead, onthethird The Art guildmeetintheBirkenhead Wirral Embroiderers’ Guild www.westkirbypanthers.com Tel 6250116 Calday Grange Grammar School, West Kirby Panthers JuniorFC www.westkirbywasps.com West Kirby Wasps JuniorFC www.wksc.net Lane,Sandy West Kirby. Tel 6255579orvisit West Kirby Club Sailing Visit www.westkirbyfc.org Greenbank Road, West Kirby. West Kirby Football Club West Kirby Tel 6324602 Soroptimist International ofHoylake and Pool Friday every morning Tel. 3423703 light exercise, at Calday Grange Swimming Open to anyone over 50,for “serious “ or SwimmersSenior Tel 6253484 Club ofHoylakeRotary & West Kirby business people. Call 6486141. The clubfor former professional and Probus Club of West Kirby welcome. Contact Peter Bale on 334-3965. break trips. run day NewMembers andshort each month, for Lunch at Heatherlandsand We meetmonthly, onthefirst Wednesday of Grange Probus Club (West Wirral) westkirbyuk.lionwap.org Lions Club of West Kirby Road, Eddisbury West Kirby. Tel 6323491 Hoylake Lawn Tennis Club Demonstrations by NAFAS demonstrators. Tuesday ofthemonth. open7.15pm. Doors at MelroseMeet Hall, Hoylake onthe3rd Hoylake Flower Club 25 USEFUL NUMBERS To advertise in this section Directory for as little as £16 a month call 01244 512251

Aerials Computers Kitchen Units APEX Aerial Services Kitchen All types supplied, erected and repaired.Tel 336 2661 Replacement Mob: 07866 073583 DooRs Anytime, 7 days FRESHEN UP YOUR KITCHEN Established over 25 years FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST OF A NEW ONE

Reach customers r Replacement Doors available in any size on your doorstep! r Full range of designs and colours You can advertise your r Worktops, Appliances, Sinks also available business for £16 a month in Call Andrew on the West Coast directory 01244 821332 or 07921589898 Andrew Williams Design & Installation Building Dog Grooming

J&G BUILDERS HESWALL SPECIALISING IN EXTENSIONS & ALTERATIONS lGROOMING COMPLETE KITCHENS l COMPLETE KITCHENS WITH HELP & ADVICE RESPRAYEDAll sizes of RESPRAYED FOR DESIGN IDEAS l BEDROOMdogs FURNITUREand cats l BEDROOM FURNITURE ALL BUILDING WORKS (including welcome fitted wardrobes) (including fitted wardrobes) UNDERTAKEN Bathing, grooming, KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, l ANY PIECE OF FURNITURE l ANY PIECE OF FURNITURE GARAGES, CONSERVATORIES etc de-matting, clipping, STRIPPED & RESPRAYED STRIPPED & RESPRAYED FULLY INSURED ear & nailcare FOR A FREE QUOTE CALL Freewww.matt-finish.co.uk pick-up & return www.matt-finish.co.uk 0151 353 8481 Call Lucie on Call Simon on 0151 200 5415 07812333731 0151 342 7028 Call Matt on 0151 356 4400 or 07734 681403 www.jgbuilders.co.uk or 07714 351378 or 07841 651000

Decorating / Painting Mike’s Mike Norman Painting & High Quality I.J.M. Decorating Decorating PAINTING & Services 30 years experience DECORATING Free estimates Interior and exterior TEL IAN No job too small Free Estimates 0151 632 5656 DIRECTORY Tel 336 2591 Tel 0151 336 6326 or 2634 or 077066 20775 07949 545621 07973 842010

30 When a man is in love or in debt, someone else has the advantage - Bill Balance When a man isinloveor indebt,someone elsehasthe advantage-BillBalance 342 0059/07837584482 and PVCrepairs. Tel 0151 lead repairs,UPVCfitted replaced, allglazingwork, Glaze-rite: Mistedunits www.glaze-rite.com Landscaping / 07837584482 all DIY cleaning, gardeningand roofing Paving,Gutter Painting &Decorating, Handyman Service Glazing For anaffordablequote For quality and reliability No jobtoosmall l andmuchmore l FlatPack l LaminateFlooring l Painting&Wallpaper l Plumbing&Tiling l Pattern imprinted Handyman DRIVEWAY &PATIO Directory 327 6883or07768792251 Design Service Available If Igave myhearttoyou... I’dhavenone andyou’dhave two–PaulHogan please callSteveon l BlockPaving l IndianStone SMC PAVING Handyman 0151 3565396 SPECIALISTS 07716 870153 Free estimates Services l Fencing , Tel 01513420059 concrete call Billon

Plumbing GAS lPLUMBINGDRAINAGE Plastering All Gas Appliances Fitted&Serviced v Landlord safety certificates v Any genuine quote beaten v Gas & oil specialists v Discount for OAPs v No call out charge v Full central heating systems PLUMBING &HEATING T Tel 01513397205 DO ITONCE-RIGHT Central HeatingInstallation Renewable energy&solar 07923 123986 HORNE Bathroom Suitesfitted Guttering &Drainage www.budgetmaintenance.co.uk 0800 2321587 20% OFFDURINGJAN LGSC certificates Plumbing Leaks Wirral, Chester&NWales FREEPHONE call 01244512251 for aslittle To advertiseinthissection Tool Hire Tree surgeon 25 years experience. l 25years l Hireequipment cementmixers,hedgecuttersetc. ride-ontractors,chainsaws, l Lawnmowers,strimmers, l Domesticandprofessional allmakesofgardenmachinery l Service yourmower WORK &SERVICE Tarmac Tel 01513423366 [email protected] www.touchwoodtreesurgery.co.uk CALDY TARMAC 2 Counties Service/repairs/sharpening Fully &Commercial Domestic Insured RFS Cert Arb &NPTCRFS Cert Qualified Staff Dismantling andClearance Pruning, Felling, Reducing Tel 3426299 Free Estimates &Advice Estimates Free Tree SurgeryTree Barnston Wirral Tree SurveysTree and reports (R. EATON &SONS) before the rush the before Mower Repairs FOR QUALITY Station Road, Touchwood Hedge Maintenance The Depot, 07825 994 246 0151 3365847 Stump RemovalStump £16 amonth 27 DIRECTORY