West Coast the magazine for and

April 2010 Issue 8 The new play equipment at Ashton Park

The monthly community magazine and entertainment guide delivered FREE to homes and businesses in West Kirby & Caldy Tel 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com 01244 350398 [email protected] 01244 350398 [email protected] West Coast

4 THANKS to Martin Harrison for our front page picture this week which shows the great new play equipment at Ashton Park. You can read more about the improvements on page 4. We’ve got a feature on West Kirby Panthers junior football team, the story of a woman’s bid to climb Mt Kilimanjaro for a good cause and more from Calday Grammar’s enterprising students. 6 6 West Kirby Light Opera Company are just putting the finishing touches to their next show and you can read more on page 15. It’s a big year for the group, who are celebrating their diamond jubiliee. As usual we’ve got lots of local news and pictures from around the area. There’s also features on 12 gardening, as well as a what’s on guide and business directory. We’ve also got book reviews from Lingham’s of West Kirby. Please remember to support your local businesses.

Jon White

The page footers this month are all words of 21 wisdom For advertisement inquiries please call Lynne or Karen on 01244 350398 or e-mail [email protected]

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We are an independently owned company, not connected to any big media group, based in Chester, producing seven magazines, Keep it Local, Neston Local, Local, West Coast, Tarporley Talk, Overleigh Roundabout and Hoole Roundabout. For details visit www.talkaboutpublishing.co.uk

Confession is good for the soul but bad for your career 4 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 5

IN THE NEWS

Youths arrested POLICE have increased patrols around the Concourse, in West Kirby, after complaints from locals about ‘rowdy youths’ in the evenings. Officers issued formal warnings to some teens to leave the area or face arrest. Booze was seized and five were arrested for drunkenness and disorderly behaviour. l The next Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) meeting for people in West Kirby and Hoylake will be at Playtime just became Hoylake Police Station at 2pm on Tuesday 27th April. more fun at Ashton Park The new mobile surgeries for the West Major improvements to the children’s Kirby and Ward will be held playground in Ashton Park were in a Mobile Police Station on every 1st completed over the winter – a Nest Tuesday of the month at Gilroy Road Swing and Space Net for older children Shops - 9am - 11am; Newton Village and renewal of the other playground Hall - 11am - 1pm; Thurstaston Country items. Park - 2pm - 4pm; Caldy (Croft Drive car The scheme was delivered as a park entrance) - 4pm - 5pm on 6th April, result of a partnership between Wirral 4th May, 1st June, 6th July, 3rd August Council and the Friends of Ashton Park and 7th September. Call 0151 709 6010 with funding from the Department for for more info. Children, Schools and Families, Awards for All, Funds4You and Your Wirral. Hotel revamp An activity unit for toddlers will be added THE Kings Gap Hotel, in Hoylake, will to the popular Ashton Park playground be rebranded as a Holiday Inn ahead in the early summer to provide play of the 2014 Open Golf Championship facilities for families and children of all which is being held again at Royal ages. Liverpool.

Spring onto the tee CLATTERBRIDGE Cancer Research is holding its spring golf day at Caldy Golf Club on 27th May. It costs £360 for a team of four and proceeds go to raise funds for research into understanding cancer and improving treatment for patients. Call Natalie Childs-Fielding, events fundraiser, on 0151 343 4300 or email [email protected]

Always remember to pillage before you burn 4 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 5

The Marsh Cat Good quality food from around the world Inclusive Lunch Menu (Served Mon - Sat 12 - 2.30pm) 2 Courses £9.50 Inclusive Dinner Menu (Served Mon, Tues 6 - 9pm, Wed, Thur 6-9.30pm, Fri 6 - 10pm, Sat 5 - 10pm, Sun 5.30-9pm) 2 Courses £12.50 Inclusive Sunday Lunch (Served 12 - 3pm) 2 Courses £11.50 • Mini / Midi & Large Skips • RO/RO containers • 15-40yd available

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Ruthin Nantwich WREXHAM Web www.marshcat.com email: [email protected]

Whitchurch Corwen Chirk Now taking bookings for Ellesmere Oswestry Easter Sunday - 4th April

It’s always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it’s just hilarious Panthers are in the pink! COMMUNITY If thegrass isgreener ontheother side,it’s because theyuse moremanure Focus on West Kirby Panthers JuniorFootball Club Blades against Eastham Panthers Under8s Eastham Rangers in theirgamev Under 6sequalise Opposite page Goal: Panthers Focus on West Kirby Panthers Junior Football Club

PAY a visit to the playing field at Calday Grammar on a Saturday morning and you will be amazed at the buzz of activity. Literally hundreds of boys and girls, supported by dozens of parents, descend on the field to play for and against the West Kirby Panthers team. It’s clear that the club is thriving with children as young as five eager to improve their skills while some of the older ones take part in matches. Coach Shaun Harris said: “We’ve got a fantastic pitch here, thanks to the school, and we’ve also got some quality coaching from Wrexham FC so the set up is really good.” Last month the under 8s and 9s teams played Manchester City’s youngsters and a number of the Panthers players have already caught the eye of the big clubs. On my visit to the ground the Under 8s won their game 6-2 and the under 6s fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. For more info on the Panthers visit www. westkirbypanthers.com or call 625 0116

If in doubt, make it sound convincing

10 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 11 www.panoramakitchens.co.uk

Do you have any news, pictures, features or events to go into the West Coast Magazine? We would love to hear about your community activities, for example it could be something at your local club or school. Just email us at [email protected] or call 01244 350398 Buy with peace of mind...

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Buy with peace of mind...

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We look forward to welcoming you soon. www.panoramakitchens.co.uk A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON KITCHENS 12 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 13 Duo ready to scale the heights in pursuit of charity cash

Two local girls, Roz Tranfield and Sheryl Baguley are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in June to raise money for research into bone cancer. Roz and Sheryl are hoping to raise thousands of pounds by completing the arduous trek up Africa’s highest peak. Roz said: “My boyfriend Patrick’s son Christopher died in 2004 aged 15 from a bone cancer called Osteosarcoma, Patrick set up CHORF which is the Christopher Hardman Osteosarcoma Research Fund as there was little research into this particular type of bone cancer which affects mainly teenagers. Patrick has worked tirelessly and raised about £110.000 for the charity so far” Sheryl, who is the proprietor or GJ’s Coffee Shop in Thurstaston said “ We wanted to do something to raise money for CHORF and this was such a great challenge. Amongst other things, we are holding lots of raffles and auctions and are appealing for any prize donations or auction lots from the public to use for these events. Roz and Sheryl said “It is a tough challenge we have taken on and we are training hard to make sure we achieve it! We have had lots of support and people are backing us all the way. We are so excited to be able to raise money for the charity.” If you would like to make a donation, please go to www.justgiving.climbforchorf or contact either Sheryl on 0151 648 4959 or Roz on 0151 348 1033 for further details.

If it jams, force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway 12 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 13

If there is a problem, most people would prefer to have a good scapegoat than a solution PET TALK Dog adoption and WITH ACORN VETERINARY CENTRE Puppy Socialisation

Settling into a home is a stressful and disorientating process for a puppy. It is usually the first time the puppy has spent any time alone, separated from its siblings and its usual source of comfort and reassurance, its mum. Many puppies will cry for the first few nights in the new home, but owners may not want to encourage the dog to rely on them for emotional support, as this may predispose the puppy to separation problems in later life. Instead, installing a D.A.P. ® Diffuser or fitting a D.A.P®. Collar can help the puppy cope better with the change and reduce the chance it will adopt attention seeking behaviour when left alone. D.A.P.® offers a natural, convenient and unique solution to canine stress, helping to comfort and reassure dogs in challenging situations and prevent or reduce stress-related inappropriate behaviours. Puppy classes, when properly carried out, can be very helpful, as correct training while the dog is in the more ‘receptive’ socialisation phase, dramatically increases the likelihood that the dog will stay in its new home for life. However, it is also vital that steps are taken to ensure these early experiences are ‘positive’ and that the dog is able to cope appropriately with each new stimuli. Owners should also be aware that at 18 months of age the dogs will go through the ‘adolescent phase’. During this the dog may appear more nervous and reserved and may require support to cope appropriately when meeting new people or visiting new places. This is also the most common age for a dog to be re-homed and behaviour is still cited as one of the top reasons for owners relinquishing their dog into care. If you become concerned about your puppy’s behaviour at any stage seek professional advice as soon as possible. Dogs rarely grow out of anxiety-related behaviour problems and it is much easier to resolve issues while the dog is still very young. For more information or to find a qualified behaviourist in your area visit www.apbc.org.uk

Help your puppy settle into its new home: DAP collars available from Acorn Veterinary Centre

A day without sunshine is... night Feel-good musical is the highlight of jubilee year

West Kirby Light Opera (WKLOS) is delighted to announce that, following its 2009 sell-out success of ‘Chess’, for which it has received no less than 5 nominations in the National Operatic and Dramatic Association NW awards, it is returning to the Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton to stage the world non- Adelphi 125x70 Talkabout Apr2010 4/3/10 09:43professional Page premiere1 of the award- winning musical ‘Once Upon A Time At The Adelphi’. Written by Phil Wilmott, the original production at the It’s Liverpool’s Time Again! Liverpool Playhouse played to packed houses during Liverpool’s Capital of Culture celebrations. It’s 1930s Liverpool, and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood pour off the luxury liners for their first taste of England; a night in the city’s most fashionable hotel. Amidst the chaos and decadence, no- nonsense Alice from reception has fallen for the dashing Thompson Phil Willmott’s Tuesday 4th from accounts – but fate, wonderfully - Saturday 8th Hollywood, World War Two and a entertaining, dizzying array of staff and guests feel-good May 2010 intervene in an epic Liverpool love Evenings at 7.30pm story spanning seventy years. family Saturday Matinee musical at 2.30pm The show which runs from 4th – 8th May 2010 nightly with a Tickets: Book online at: Saturday matinee on 8th May is £18.00 www. the centrepiece of the Society’s Concessions: floral £15.00 pavilion diamond jubilee year and promises Box Office: .com to be a feel-good family musical 0151- featuring catchy tunes and 666 colourful dance numbers from a 0000 large ensemble ably supported by the Wallasey School of Ballet.

Marine Promenade, New Brighton, For further details go to www. Wirral CH45 2JS wklos.org.uk/www.floralpavilion. www.wklos.org.uk com or telephone 0151 666 0000.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today 16 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 17

March...... at Mostyn House School.

“Mostyn House extra-curricular successes” Shooters on target - again! The U14 shooting team took part in the Prep Schools Na- tional Shooting championships at Bisley. In the Air Pistol, Tommy Keenan was 3rd in the individ- ual championship and the team was 3rd overall but in the Air Rifle, the team won for the third year on the run! The team are pictured on the right. A distinction for Holly! Seven year old Holly Wells is pictured left, proudly holding the cup she won at the Wirral Festival of Speech and Drama. Holly beat off competition from thirty other Year 2 pupils to win the Prose Cup. Her delivery of the poem “Zoo Manners” also earned her a distinction!

For World Book Day all the pupils and staff came dressed as their favourite characters from literature. On the right are some of the staff who came as characters from the Wizard of Oz.

Visit our website www.mostynhouse.co.uk to read about our Nursery, Prep School, Senior School and Study Room. Mostyn House School, Parkgate 0151 3361010

My mind not only wanders, sometimes it leaves completely 16 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 17

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The most powerful force in the universe is gossip Some minds are like concrete – thoroughly mixed up and permanently set 20 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 21

Abba Tribute Night: Friday 14th May £30pp Hosted by Pete Price, 3 course meal, band and disco Dinner Dance: Friday 21st May £23.50pp 3 course meal & entertainment

We also offer private dining: ideal for special events Family Buffet Lunch - Torintone Suite Bookings from 12 noon until 1.30pm, Choice Buffet, Separate Children’s Buffet, Children’s Entertainer. Adults £21.95; Children 11 and under £10; Children 5 and under Free For more information or to book contact Wendy on 0151 353 3713

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Never let any mechanical object realise you are in a hurry 20 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 21

Art world beckons for Calday students

STUDENTS from Calday Grange Grammar School have been getting a foot in the door of the art world. An exhibition has gone on display in the town centre at the school’s own Toybox shop, in the Calday Grange Enterprise Centre, near the railway station. The idea of Artbox is for local artists and pupils to showcase their talents. It is run by 23 students with the aim of providing some social cohesion and an element of social enterprise. The latest exhibition was launched last month with paintings from local artist Jim Fleming going on sale. School careers chief Simon Walker said: “Artbox is very much a social enterprise, and indeed we now have an informal art club for adults that has started there and will run for a few weeks during schools terms from 1pm- 3pm on a Thursday.”

Students with Margaret Twemlow, Chairman of Governors at Calday and Jim Fleming, the artist.

Look out for number one, and don’t tread in number two either 22 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 23 A perfect setting for the most perfect day

Restaurant & Bar

THE award-winning Barn restaurant offers its customers variety with an a la carte menu which changes on Imagine this……a unique 400-year-old average every 3-4 weeks in keeping with the season and converted dairy farm set in open local produce available. countryside overlooking rolling fields. Customers can also enjoy The Barn’s beautiful surroundings over lunch with a selection of lighter bites, Inside an impressive and respectful renovation sandwiches and a fine selection of casks and continental resulting in a beautiful interior filled with beers and wines. character. With an emphasis on informality in a relaxing atmosphere. The Sunday lunch menu is available from 12noon-6pm, The Barn Cheshire is a chic romantic wedding two courses for £15.95 or three courses for £19.95 venue with a difference. Our Special Menu is served Mon-Fri 12noon-2pm and 5-7pm: two courses for £15.95 or three courses for £19.95 ToContemporary, arrange a viewing please elegant call 01244 dining 303100 in a stunning, rustic setting We also do wine tasting nights and champagne nights once a month. On Friday and Saturday there is live entertainment and a magician. The Barn is situated on Chester Road, Bridge Trafford, just five miles outside Chester city centre

Visit www.thebarncheshire.co.uk for more information or to see a sample menu To make a reservation call 01244 303100

The Barn, Sandfield Farm Chester Road, Bridge Trafford Chester, CH2 4JR Tel 01244 303100 www.thebarncheshire.co.uk The main accomplishment of organised protests is to annoy the people who are not in them The perfect venue, with space to think & peace to focus 22 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 23 A perfect setting for the most perfect day

Restaurant & Bar

THE award-winning Barn restaurant offers its customers variety with an a la carte menu which changes on Imagine this……a unique 400-year-old average every 3-4 weeks in keeping with the season and converted dairy farm set in open Cheshire local produce available. countryside overlooking rolling fields. Customers can also enjoy The Barn’s beautiful surroundings over lunch with a selection of lighter bites, Inside an impressive and respectful renovation sandwiches and a fine selection of casks and continental resulting in a beautiful interior filled with beers and wines. character. With an emphasis on informality in a relaxing atmosphere. The Sunday lunch menu is available from 12noon-6pm, The Barn Cheshire is a chic romantic wedding two courses for £15.95 or three courses for £19.95 venue with a difference. Our Special Menu is served Mon-Fri 12noon-2pm and 5-7pm: two courses for £15.95 or three courses for £19.95 ToContemporary, arrange a viewing please elegant call 01244 dining 303100 in a stunning, rustic setting We also do wine tasting nights and champagne nights once a month. On Friday and Saturday there is live entertainment and a magician. The Barn is situated on Chester Road, Bridge Trafford, just five miles outside Chester city centre

Visit www.thebarncheshire.co.uk for more information or to see a sample menu To make a reservation call 01244 303100

The Barn, Sandfield Farm Chester Road, Bridge Trafford Chester, CH2 4JR Tel 01244 303100 www.thebarncheshire.co.uk TheTake perfect my advice: venue, I don’t use withit anyway space to think & peace to focus West Coast magazine April 2010 25

Vigorous vegetables Gardening by Janet Heath

April is the time to start planting vegetable yellow Allysum. Pulmonaria flowers come seeds, as the soil should be warm enough out in blue and pink before the large spotted for seeds to germinate outdoors. French leaves. beans and runner beans should be planted Hostas do well grown in pots or in the ground towards the end of the month. If you plant if relatively slug free and after a few years can salad crops in short rows every couple of get congested. Before the plant starts to unfurl weeks you will have a continuous supply of the leaves, dig it up or remove from the pot. tender salads. Taking a spade, slice the plant into two or more If slugs eat every new vegetable shoot as it pieces and replant, adding compost. The plant emerges, plant your seeds in pots and grow will grow more vigorously as a result. them on until the plant is large enough to There are other perennials that benefit from survive some slug attention. I would also plant being dug up and split into smaller plants. Day courgette seeds or even pumpkin seeds in lilies (Hemerocallis), perennial geraniums, pots and grow them on before hardening them yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata) or off and planting outside. Add plenty of compost delphiniums will all make many more plants. or well-rotted manure to the planting hole Shrubs to consider for this time of year could for a good crop. Pumpkins if planted in well include Pieris. They do well in slightly acidic manured soil can grow prolifically, spreading soil and out of full sun so woodland edge is 2-3m in a year! A fun plant for children to grow ideal. They will be in flower and sprouting new for Halloween. red or yellow leaves. Ribes or flowering currant Any shoots of new potatoes planted in March is one of the first spring shrubs with pink or should have the earth drawn up over them. red flowers. Spirea Goldflame is a small shrub This will encourage more potatoes to be with golden orange new leaves and it really formed from the root system. brightens up the garden in spring. Perennials will be getting into their stride Janet Heath, Garden Mentor providing flowers and foliage. Aubretia Tel 01244 318258 www.gardenmentor.co.uk cascades over walls in pink and purple with

It’s a small world but I wouldn’t like to paint it – Steven Wright West Coast magazine April 2010 25

 Dining Furniture  Painted Furniture  Bespoke Furniture Made To Order  Bedroom Furniture  Lighting & Accessories  Furniture Colour Matching & Re-colouring  Lounge Furniture  Tub Chairs & Occasionals

Bright shades in vogue

Sunshine is the major theme for window trends in 2010, according to Marc McQuilliam of Apollo Blinds Wirral. Apollo Blinds is at the forefront of consumer trends in the home and Marc has had exclusive access to the company’s trend bible (an annual report on the latest home interiors fashions) for the coming year. Marc said: “Overall, sunshine is a major theme for windows in 2010. Be it sunshine yellow as a colour trend, sheers that let in more natural light or high-shine fabrics that shimmer in the sunshine.” According to the report Marc said the explosion of bright accent colours in the home, which dominated 2009, will continue with new colours entering the spectrum in 2010. As more homeowners experiment with bright and vibrant venetians, roller or roman blinds. Marc expects to see more mustards, purples and turquoises. Marc said: “The impact of colour on our overall outlook and emotions is driving the continued colour revolution. Homeowners are looking for positivity in the economic downturn and these new colours deliver just that. “Daffodil will literally explode onto our high street with the onset of spring – and it doesn’t have to be just plain, florals and graphics that look great in this vibrant shade.” 2010 will also finally mark the death knell for the net curtain, according to Marc, as made-to-measure sheer blinds become THE hot new look. Apollo has more ranges in great new colours planned at price points that will blow ‘the net’ out of the window. “Sheer fabrics deliver privacy and style to all types of home – from terraced houses to open plan city centre apartments with full length windows overlooking busy streets – but don’t compromise on views or daylight,” said Marc. For more information about how Apollo Blinds can make a home beautiful either call Marc McQuilliam on 0151 203 6160 or 07863 805638 or visit www.apollo-blinds.co.uk/wirral

It’s never just a game when you’re winning – George Carlin scrutiny garden gnomes, cathedralsandmuseum memories.and anecdotes cr Towers, digressions, enlightening with accountreplete rollicking a loves, This bookisaverypersonalguidetotheGermany thatSimon Winder and its fairytale landscape, also its history, boundaries and folklore. Simon Winder is mesmerized by Germ Winder Non-fiction: insight and chilling suspense, combines both genres. great crime writer but also a great author of thrillers. Devoteesofthetelevisionseries‘Wallander’ wi hundred years. of corr web international an couples involved and decides to about themassacre she realises thatshe crime unprecedented in Swedish history. deserted. Goingfrom housetohouse, they begin their investigation they noti findthey where Sweden of of victim the One cold January day the police are called Crime Fiction: pick up their lives after the war. The wartime obtain information as to what had become of never-ending worktobedone. 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Well worth aread. authentic wartime recipes andofficial communi pick up their lives after the war. The wartime obtain information as to what had become of never-ending worktobedone.Atthesame will recognizedescriptions of home whenahusband/fatherismissing inaction.Anyonewholived on the family of airman Reggie Allsop, and e experiences growing up in England during 1967. Recently she was back in Claught Jennifer Cookwasbornandeducatedonth Local author: hidden wondersofthecountry. Germania (A personal history of Molly’s Story- Molly’s The ManfromBeijing-Henning Mankell that stretchesbackovera ally uncoversleadsherinto . Often eccentric, alwaysentertaining,Winde like to be left at Mankell isnotjusta Germania (A personal history of 26 nd the clever use of through the time ENTERTAINMENT Story- Molly’s 26 The ManfromBeijing-Henning Mankell uption and a story of vengeance To 01244350398 call advertise There is afinelinebetween hobby andmentalillness air ofauthenticity tothestory. Well wortharead. the cleveruse of authenticwartimerecipesand officialcommuniquésaddagreat struggling topickuptheirlives afterthewar. The wartime eraiswelldescribedand information astowhathadbecome ofthemissingReggie,eventually be done. to holdthehometogetherwith meagrerationsandnever-endingworkto Anyone wholivedthroughthetime willrecognizedescriptionsoftrying it wasliketobeleftathomewhen ahusband/fatherismissinginaction. novel focusesonthefamilyofairmanReggie experiences growingupinEnglandduringtheSecondWorld War. Her 1967. RecentlyshewasbackinClaughtonpromotinghernewbook basedonher Jennifer CookwasbornandeducatedontheWirralemigrated toCanadain Jennifer Cook Molly’s Story- Local author: wonders ofthecountry. Ancientand Germans, of history (Apersonal Non-fiction: Germania insight andchillingsuspense,combinesbothgenres. a greatcrimewriterbutalsoauthorofthrillers. The ManFromBeijing,fullof Devoteesofthetelevisionseries‘Wallander’ willlovethisnovel.Mankellisnotjust hundred years. international webofcorruptionandastoryvengeancethatstretchesbackover to investigate..Whatsheeventuallyuncoversleadsherintoan family connectiontooneofthecouplesinvolvedanddecides Roslin readsaboutthemassacresherealisesthathasa crime unprecedentedinSwedishhistory. WhenjudgeBirgitta from housetohouse,lookingforwitnesses,theyuncovera notice thatthevillageseemseerilyquietanddeserted.Going murder lyinginthesnow. in thenorthofSwedenwheretheyfindvictimasavage One coldJanuarydaythepolicearecalledtoasleepylittlehamlet Beijing-HenningMankell Manfrom Crime Fiction:The BY REBECCA KELLY, MANAGER OFLINGHAM’S BOOKSTORE, WEST KIRBY suggestions Springtime BOOK REVIEWS: trying to hold the home together with meagre rations and Jennifer Cook , fullof investigate.. What she eventu history, boundaries and folklore. uption and a story of vengeance Simon ypts, suitsofarmour, paintings, At thesametimefamilywere desperatelytryingtoobtain Book reviews trying to hold the home together with meagre rations and looking for witnesses, they uncover a Jennifer Cook ce that the village seems eerily quiet and any, its cuisine, its architecture investigate.. What she eventu s ofmarzipan all come underhis has afamilyconnectiontooneofthe on promoting hernewbookbased onher a savagemurderlyinginthesnow.As When BirgittaRoslinreads judge always entertaining,Winderisanenthusiasticguidetothe hidden museums ofmarzipanallcomeunderhisscrutiny. Ofteneccentric, crypts, suitsofarmour, paintings,gardengnomes,cathedrals and enlightening digressions,anecdotesandmemories. Towers, that SimonWinderloves,arollickingaccountrepletewith and folklore. This bookis averypersonalguidetotheGermany architecture anditsfairytalelandscape,alsohistory, boundaries Simon WinderismesmerizedbyGermany, itscuisine, SimonWinder Modern)- to a sleepy little hamlet in the north ypts, suitsofarmour, paintings, the Second WorldSecond the focuses novel Her War. e Wirral and emmigrated to Canada in time the family were desperately trying to Book reviews looking for witnesses, they uncover a themissing Reggie, eventuallystruggling to ce that the village seems eerily quiet and xplores what it was any, its cuisine, its architecture era is well described a s ofmarzipan allcome underhis has afamilyconnectiontooneofthe on promotinghernewbook basedonher a savagemurderlyinginthesnow.As Germans,AncientandModern)- When BirgittaRoslinreads judge qués add a great air of authenticity to the to a sleepy little hamlet in the north the Second WorldSecond the focuses novel Her War. e Wirral and emmigrated to Canada in ll lovethisnovel. As theybegintheirinvestigation time the family were desperately trying to themissing Reggie,eventually strugglingto xplores what it was era is well described a Germans,AncientandModern)- qués add a great air of authenticity to the r is an enthusiastic guide to the The ManFromBeijing ll lovethisnovel. E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com r is an enthusiastic guide to the The ManFromBeijing that stretchesbackovera ally uncoversleadsherinto that stretchesbackovera Allsop, andexploreswhat ally uncoversleadsherinto like to be left at like to be left at Mankell isnotjusta Mankell isnotjusta nd the clever use of through the time nd the clever use of through the time , fullof , fullof Simon Simon West Coast magazineApril 201027 26 To advertise call 01244 350398 E [email protected] W www.westkirbylocal.com West Coast magazine April 2010 27 WHAT’S ON IN APRIL Wednesday 7th April John Makinson will give a lecture on Chester Zoo at St Bridgets Church, 7.30pm. £5 admission on the door. The story of the zoo from its shaky early days to one of Europe’s leading centres of conservation and biodiversity. Pictures and anecdotes of some of the characters involved and animals and plants to be seen.

Friday 9th April Nic Harding, the countryside ranger for Flaybrick, Hill and Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm will talk to Wirral Wildlife members about ‘Basically Bats’, Heswall Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £2. www.wirralwildlife.co.uk

Saturday 10th April Coffee Morning and Plant Sale at t Bridget’s Community Centre, St Bridget’s Lane, West Kirby,10am -12.30pm. Good quality nursery-grown bedding plants and perennials for sale. A great way to start your garden restocking plans. Combine this with a cup of coffee and buy a pot of marmalade or jam and a cake from our stalls. Call Elizabeth Ashley on 625 5008 for details.

Saturday 24th April Hoylake Choral Society present a Handel Celebration at Hoylake Chapel. Coronation Anthems No.1 - Zadok the Priest, No.4 - My Heart is inditing, Chandos Anthem No 9 - O praise the Lord with One Consent, Organ Concerto, Dettingen Te Deum. For more details see www.hoylakechoralsociety.org.uk

Monday 3rd May Ashton Park May Fair, West Kirby, from 10am - 4pm. West Kirby’s family event of the year!! Visit our marquee at the Ashton Park May Fair - a fabulous event featuring fairground attractions, stalls, belly dancers, singers, pony rides and plant sales set against the beauty of Ashton Park. St Bridget’s Church with its Viking hog back stone and the Charles Dawson Brown Museum will also be open during the afternoon. For details or to secure a stall call Dave Wade on 625 6184.

Tuesday 4th -Saturday 8th May West Kirby Light Oper perform ‘Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi’ at the Floral Pavillion, New Brighton.

Wednesday 5th May Photos of Old West Kirby, a lecture by Heather Chapman at St Bridgets Church, 7.30pm. £5 admission on the door. Local historian and postcard collector, Heather Chapman takes us on an illustrated tour of old West Kirby and its buildings reminding us of the history of the Old Village and the development of the town and its unique ENTE R TAINMENT character. 27

Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone 28 USEFUL NUMBERS Never take asleeping pillandalaxative onthesame night Useful andinfo numbers function rooms andcrèche.function Tel 9297801 hall, fitnesssuite,sports aerobics studio, West Concourse, Kirby includes25mpool, L 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. S Tel: 6259171www.wkhcwirral.nhs.uk The Concourse, Grange Road, West Kirby. West Kirby Health Centre Health 143 BanksRoad, West Kirby. Tel 6256829. B Frankby Road, West Kirby. Tel 6256675. Springfield Dental Practice Dentists W: www.hoylakecommunitycentre.org Email: [email protected] Road, Hoylake, CH473AG. Tel 6322889 Hoylake Community Centre, 2Hoyle Community Centres www.achurchnearyou.com Graham Road, West 6324728. Kirby S Drive,Meols West Kirby. Tel 6326921 West Kirby United Reformed Church Westbourne Road, West Kirby. Tel 6322776 West Kirby Church Methodist 16 Darmon’s Green, 01516256367 WK, S Church andAll oftheResurrection Churches S www.stbridgetschurch.org.uk Tel 01516255229. eisure Centre t Andrew’s Church t Agnes R andstone Medical Centreandstone Medical aints, Caldy; S anks House Dental Practice C Church t Bridget’s Church wirral.sch.uk 5238, Road Massie Saughall West Kirby, 625 Black HorseInfant Hill S S gov.uk Tel: 6253941. Email:geoffreywatt@wirral. (Conservative, West and Kirby Thurstaston) Cllr G Email: [email protected] Tel: 07766725125. 6485913/Mobile: (Conservative, West and Kirby Thurstaston) Cllr Jeff G gov.uk Tel: 6323195.Email:davidelderton@wirral. (Conservative, West and Kirby Thurstaston) Cllr D avid MElderton L 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 L Marine Tourist 6010 orvisitwww..police.uk issueplease emergency Telephone -709 Merseyside Police regarding any othernon 999 Emergency. you If wishto contact Police Kirby. Tel 6251034 Lloyds Pharmacy, 35Grange Road, West Kirby. Tel: 6256115 Wilsons Chemist, 17 The Crescent, West Pharmacies ocal Councillorsocal chools eoffrey Watt E-mail: schooloffice@blackhorsehill-infant. reen ake chool Useful andinfo numbers www.caldyrugby.co.uk Tel: 01516258043orvisit Caldy Rugby Club Tel 6252619 /Hillary JeanRobb Calday G 6258043. E-mail:[email protected] Paton Field, Telegraph Road, Thurstaston. Tel Caldy Cricket Club Links HeyRoad, Caldy. Tel 6255660 Caldy G Station Road, Thurstaston. Tel 6482300 Dee S Clubs andS West Kirby S Primary Frankby Road, West Kirby. Tel 6255996 Hilbre S High Email: [email protected] Lane,School West Kirby. Tel 6252727 Calday G E-mail: [email protected] Road. Massie Saughall West Kirby, 6258446 Black HorseJuniorS Hill E-mail - [email protected] St. Lane, Bridgets West Kirby. Tel 6257652. S Drive,Meols West Kirby. Tel 6323201 West Kirby Residential S www.westkirby-grammar.wirral.sch.uk/ Graham Road, West Kirby. Tel 6323449. Visit West Kirby G visit www.westkirby-primary.wirral.sch.uk Anglesey Road, West Kirby. Tel 6255561or t. BridgetsS You reallyunderstand something unlessyou canexplainitto yourGran– don’t Albert Einstein magazine [email protected] ailing Club If youwouldlikeyour communitygroup,sports olf Club range S range G club orsocietymentioned inWestCoast rammar S chool HumanitiesCollegechool chool ocieties wimming Pool Trust rammar School, Grammar chool &Nursery chool chool chool chool www.westkirbypanthers.com Tel 6250116 Calday Grange Grammar School, West Kirby Panthers JuniorFC westkirbyuk.lionwap.org West Kirby LionsClub www.westkirbywasps.com West Kirby Wasps JuniorFC or visitwww.westkirbysocialclub.co.uk 98 BanksRoad, West Kirby. Tel: 6250116 West Kirby S www.wksc.net Lane, Sandy West Kirby. Tel 6255579orvisit West Kirby S Visit www.westkirbyfc.org Greenbank Road, West Kirby. West Kirby Football Club at 2pm. Kirby Westbourne Hall, Westbourne Road, West heldmost Meetings Wednesdays at West Kirby Family History West Kirby Tel 6324602 S Pool Friday every morning Tel. 3423703 light exercise, at Calday Grange Swimming Open to anyone over 50,for “serious “ or S Tel 6251361 Club ofHoylakeRotary & West Kirby Road, Eddisbury West Kirby. Tel 6323491 Hoylake L www.westkirbygymnastics.co.uk Kirby). (West Tel 6700694orvisit G oroptimist International ofHoylake and enior S ymnastics Club wimmers awn Tennis Club ocial Clubocial ailing Club 29 USEFUL NUMBERS To advertise in this section W e s t C o a s t Directory for as little as £15 a month call 01244 350398

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w BLOCK PAVING w FENCING w DRIVEWAYS w DECKING AB Electrics w BRICKWORK w FLAGGING l Alarms l CCTV l Aerials w LANDSCAPING Free Estimates w DIGGERS etc All electrical work undertaken Call for a free, no obligation quotation on 07954 590908 installations or 0151 342 9010 0151 328 0547 0800 612 30 86 / 0794 000 94 34 Frank 07833 676006 Peter 07900 000052 [email protected]

Building Dog Grooming Furniture repair HESWALL THE FURNITURE GROOMING REPAIR COMPANY l l All sizes of q All types of furniture repairs, BRICKWORK PLASTERING loose joints, water and heat marks l l dogs and cats RENDERING BATHROOMS welcome removed, French polishing l KITCHENS l TILING q Traditional caning Bathing, grooming, q Leather repairs, scuffs, burns, l FOOTINGS l DRAINAGE de-matting, clipping, scratches etc FULLY INSURED ear & nailcare q Reupholstery, broken springs, new webbings For a free quote call Free pick-up & return Call Lucie on Tel 0151 678 3888 07954 590908 or 0151 342 9010 0151 342 7028 Mob 07958 712781 Unit 10, Mill House, Holt Avenue References available or 07714 351378 Moreton, Wirral

Decorating / Painting Mike’s BARRY MORRIS I.J.M. PAINTING & DECORATING Painting & SERVICES PAINTING & Decorating Private & Commercial DECORATING Services No job too big or too small

Y Interior & Exterior Free estimates TEL IAN Time Served Tradesman with 0151 632 5656 No job too small 25+ years experience FREE ESTIMATES R D I R ECTO or Tel 336 2591 34 or 077066 20775 TEL: 0151 339 5924 30 07973 842010 MOBILE: 07790243159

30 Confucius say: Man who leap off cliff jump to conclusion To advertise in this section W e s t C o a s t for as little as £15 a month Directory e-mail [email protected]

Glazing Plumbing Tarmac Glaze-rite: Misted units replaced, all glazing work, CALDY TARMAC lead repairs, UPVC fitted (R. EATON & SONS) and PVC repairs. Tel 0151 r Bathroom installations FOR QUALITY 342 0059 / 078375 84482 r Showers and tiling WORK & SERVICE www.glaze-rite.com r Taps, toilet & basins Tel 342 6299 r Handyman New radiators The Depot, r Bursts and leaks Station Road, Call the Handymen r Free Estimates Barnston Wirral r No callout charge Plumbing & Tiling, Bathroom Refits, Patios, Tel 342 7067 Decking, Building Work, Mob 07799557700 Underfloor Heating, Gardening, and lots more Tool Hire No job too small, * Prompt * Local * Reliable 2 Counties Service your mower Call 07590 432952 GAS l PLUMBING l DRAINAGE before the rush LGSC certificates or 07912 556680 Boiler Repair Mower Repairs Central Heating Installation Fire and Cooker Installation Tel 0151 342 3366 Handyman Service Guttering & Drainage Bathroom Suites fitted l Service/repairs/sharpening Painting & Decorating, Gas Appliances Serviced Plumbing Leaks all makes of garden machinery roofing Paving, Gutter l Domestic and professional cleaning, gardening and DO IT ONCE - DO IT RIGHT l Lawn mowers, strimmers, FREEPHONE ride-on tractors, chain saws, all DIY, (24 hours) Tel cement mixers, hedge cutters etc. 0151 342 0059 / 078375 0800 2321587 l Hire equipment 84482 www.budgetmaintenance.co.uk l 25 years experience.

Landscaping Tiling DAVID JOHN TILING & DECORATING ‘He who stops SERVICE advertising to try w BLOCK PAVING TILING: Bathrooms, Kitchens, w FENCING Conservatories, Halls, Floors and save money w DRIVEWAYS PAINTING: Wallpaper Hanging could just as w DECKING PATIOS: Paving, Fencing Y w BRICKWORK AND MORE easily stop his w FLAGGING w LANDSCAPING Local & Reliable Service clock to save w DIGGERS etc FREE ESTIMATES time’ -

Please Ring With Requirements R D I R ECTO Call for a free, no obligation quotation on 07954 590908 TEL: 0151 648 0080 Henry Ford or 0151 342 9010 MOB: 07719 957 181 31

Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by the age of 18 – Albert Einstein

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