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SPECIALISING IN DAY TO DAY MAINTENANCE & GENERAL BUILDING SERVICES...
QUALITY WORKMANSHIP - NO JOB TOO SMALL
All types of property maintenance Refurbishments, small building works & alterations Roofing & Re-Roofing Re-Plastering Plumbing & Electrics (appropriate certificates issued) Kitchens & Bathrooms Fascias / Gutters Conservatories / Windows & Doors Joinery & Brickwork Pointing & Acid Cleaning Tiling Fencing, Decking & Flagging Solid Wood Floors & Laminates
T : 0161 643 4649 (eve) M : 07812 527075 (anytime)
Welcome to the March Edition of Alkrington LifeWelcome to the March Edition of Alkrington Life
Is there ever a better season than Spring ? The days are growing longer, the sun is
shining more brightly upon us and all of those beautiful flowers are about to wake
up and paint our gardens a wash of glorious colour.
This March is a very busy month and the weeks are simply racing by with one
occasion after another. This month kicked off with St. David‘s Day on 1st and
brings us Mothering Sunday on 10th, St. Patricks Day on 17th, Good Friday on 29th
and Easter Sunday on 31st.
Thank you as always to this month‘s advertisers and contributors and to all the
residents who support and give custom to our local businesses.
Happy Mother‘s Day to all of the Mums in Alkrington!
And a very Happy Easter to you all too !
Clare x
T: 0161 654 0974
M: 07838 371 712
www.alkringtonlife.com
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Beverley Calvert M. Inst. Ch. P. HPC Registered Chiropodist
Gentle & Efficient Chiropody in the comfort of your own home.
Tel: 0161 653 9811
Mobile: 07748 562 937
David Briggs
Your Local Professional Painter & Decorator
Bringing high quality decorating
to your home or business.
Tel: 0161 654 8436
Mob:
07930 871 066
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Tel: 0161 643 2411 Fax: 0161 655 3015
TEMPERLEY TAYLOR LLP Durham House,
Warwick Court, Park Road, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AE.
www.temperleytaylor.co.uk
Wills & Estate Planning
General advice for elderly clients... Home visits can be arranged
Conveyancing
Energy Performance Certificates
Businesses
Employment
Accidents - NO WIN - NO FEE
Specialists in all aspects of Family Law
6
Vehicle Body Repair
Specialist
Affordable, Smart Repair Solutions!
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sSr Scratch Repair per panel £35.00 TEL JIMMY ON - 07522859207!!
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MANUFACTURING UPHOLSTERERS
Have your new sofa and chairs hand made to order in
sizes of your choice.
All work done by British craftsmen in our factory.
We also offer a friendly, reliable re-upholstery service.
Call now for a free estimate without obligation.
Telephone: 0161 624 4477 Unit A2, Falcon Centre
Victoria Street, Chadderton Oldham, OL9 0HB
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70 Kingsway, Alkrington, Middleton70 Kingsway, Alkrington, Middleton70 Kingsway, Alkrington, Middleton
CARPETS CARPETS CARPETS --- VINYLS VINYLS VINYLS --- UNICLIC UNICLIC UNICLIC LAMINATE FLOORINGLAMINATE FLOORINGLAMINATE FLOORING
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Gail Hurst Dummett Dip Cll.
INVESTMENTS
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TAX PLANNING
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Tel: 0161 643 8591 or 07501 453 453
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J. EDWARDS Wall & Floor Tiling
24 Years Experience
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Licensed Waste Transfer Station in Middleton
Mini Skips / Midi Skips / Maxi Skips
Domestic & Commercial
Small Demolition - Sheds & Garages
Telephone:
0161 653 0629
KEEP IT LOCAL
Bathrooms
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Home Drive, Alkrington,
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UNDERTAKEN
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Come and be pampered in our exquisite, ultra stylish studio...
We are delighted to now offer
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Leaves hair silky and frizz free
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For more offers see Becky Salon Beautique & “Shareen Sparkes” on Facebook or find us on Twitter @xshareenx @SalonB_Becky
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Evening Dance Every Monday 7.30pm - 11pm Latin, Ballroom and Sequence dance classes. Dance tuition available. Heywood Civic Centre, Church Street (Price £3.80) 01706 368 130
Acting and Devising Every Tuesday 4.30pm - 6.30pm Participants on this course will be encouraged to explore different themes using a wide variety of media and performance techniques and to devise a new and engaging piece of theatre. Oldham Theatre Workshop, Old Museum, Greaves Street Ages 8 - 12yrs (£26 - £49 per term) 0161 770 3240 (Gaye Lewis)
Multi-sports Every Wednesday 5pm - 7.30pm Come along and join us for a fun and exciting multi-sports session. your chance to try a variety of sports includ-ing dodgeball, tennis and basketball. All ages welcome, under 8's must be accompanied by an adulr. Coalshaw Green Park (FREE) 0161 624 1444 (Dawn Fox)
Play Session Every Thursday 1pm - 2.30pm Come and join us for a fun and exciting play session.. Christ Church Parish Rooms, Block Lane Ages 0 - 5yrs (FREE) 0161 770 5283 (Melanie)
Thai Chi Every Friday 10am - 12pm Heywood Civic Centre, Church Street (Price £2.10) 01706 368 130
Young Oldham Dance Co Every Friday 6pm - 7.30pm You could play your part in one of Greater Manchester’s foremost contem-porary dance groups. No previous dance experience is needed, just lots of enthusiasm and dedication. The Museum, Greaves Street Ages 12 - 16yrs (FREE) 0161 770 3070 (Victoria Brown)
The Wizard of Oz
1st – 3rd April (6pm + tues/wed matinees) Watch Dorothy and her cute dog Toto enter the wonderful Land of Oz during her travels she meets some lovely friends including a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and even a Lion who lacks courage. The four new friends travel to see the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, this won't be easy as the Wicked Witch is determined to stop them by any means necessary! With a strong cast including local performers it really will be a great show. The produc-tion promises dance routines, great song's and plenty of Laughter. Middleton Arena, Corporation Street (Tickets £12 - £14.50) 0871 230 0010
Losing the plot 5th - 9th March (7.30pm + sat matinee) On February 1st Jack Munroe walked out on his job, his wife and his teenage children. After travelling Europe for three months to write his much-promised novel and live the life of an artist, he returns with no novel, no money and no idea why he left. In a world which is just on the edge, are we all losing the plot? Oldham Coliseum Theatre (Tickets£5 - £19.80) 0161 624 2829
Zephyr 16th March (7.30pm) Rochdale Music Society presents: Renowned for their vibrant concert performances, Zephyr is firmly estab-lished as one of the UK's leading wind ensembles. Directed by Chris Swann, the programme will include music by Mal-colm Arnold, Paul Patterson, Verdi, Holst, Norman Hallam, and Paul Taffanel. Middleton Arena, Corporation Street (Tickets £1 - £14) 0300 303 8399
Third Thursday Comedy Club 21st March (7.30pm) Featuring the best comedians (TBA). Heywood Civic Centre, Church Street (Tickets £5 - £7) 01706 368 130
Sweet Soul Blues Brothers 23rd March (7pm) Experience an entertaining evening with the all-star show band of "Joilet" Jake and Elwood Blues. The Sweet Soul Blues Brothers perform the memorable music from the legendary Blues Brothers with the Rhythm and Blues and Soul Revue. Middleton Arena, Corporation Street (Tickets £16 - £17) 0871 230 0010
‘The Stones’ 29th March (7pm) Europe’s number one Rolling Stones tribute act. Middleton Arena, Corporation Street (Tickets £16 - £17) 0871 230 0010
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Painters & Decorators
Interior & Exterior
Telephone:
0161 653 8044
07880 721 479
13 Kingsway,
Alkrington
Middleton, Manchester
M24 1LR
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ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Alarms & Security 24 hour emergency call out
T: 0845 83 86 95 Mobile: 07711 362 118
Repairs & Maintenance
Full Alarm Systems
Upgrades
Lighting Systems
Maintenance Contracts
CCTV Systems www.abacuss.co.uk
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Colin Knight Tiling Specialist
Domestic and Commercial
FREE ESTIMATES
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Also Painting & Decorating
Tel: 01706 352 381
Mob: 07930 655 114
Time Served Time Served
PlastererPlasterer
1ST CLASS JOB VERY CLEAN
NO MESS GUARANTEEDNO MESS GUARANTEED
Tel: Daniel 0161 653 8442 07912 984 603 Tetlow St. Middleton
PHIL CLEATON
LOCAL MOBILE
LOCKSMITH
Locked Out? Need New Keys?
Need New Locks Fitted? Need Repairs?
over 20 years experience
Domestic • Commercial • Industrial No Call Out Charge All Locks Supplied, Fitted, Opened & Repaired uPVC Lock Repair Specialists Mobile Key Cutting • Break-in Repairs OAP Discount Rate
Mobile 07770 603 210 Kingsway, Middleton, Manchester www.localmobilelocksmith.co.uk
22
Tel: 0161 654 7430 or 07808 722343
R CULLEN Painting & Decorating
Over 25 years experience
Locally based
High quality decorating
Interior and exterior work
Free quotes
Competitive prices
The Cleaning Equipment Experts
Vacs, Shampooers, Pressure Washers
DYSON SPECIALISTS 7 days a week 48 Hr Service Free Estimate & pick up service
Give Rob a call for an immediate response
0161-654-9766 07962-219359
5 Warwick Close, Alkrington
email: [email protected]
ALKRINGTON VACUUM CLEANER SERVICES
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General HandymanGeneral HandymanGeneral Handyman
Grouting Painting & Decorating Gutter Cleaning Garden Maintenance Flat Pack Assembly Laminate Flooring Call Peter : 07760 147 070 No Job Too Small !
24
We have many years experience in the SMART Repair Business.
Are you ready to party yourself into shape?
Zumba is an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired,
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Classes with Simone...
Mondays 10am Alkrington Community Centre Hardfield Road Alkrington
Mondays 7.30pm The Jumbo Social Centre Grimshaw Lane Middleton
Tel : 07791572537
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WINDOW SERVICES Windows, Doors, Conservatories
Porches, Door Canopies, Car Ports
Fascias & Soffits, Rock Doors, Bi-Fold Doors
uPVC Repairs, Locksmiths, Replacement Glass Units
SURFACING SPECIALISTS Block Paving Driveways & Patio Specialists
Natural Stone Paving
Full Range of Cobbles / Flags available in various colours
Also Garden Walls
PLUMBING SERVICES & BATHROOMS Full Bathroom Refurbishments
En-Suites / Cloakroom Suites
Wet Room Applications
Fitted Bathroom Furniture
Burst Pipes, Blockages & Kitchen Sinks
BRICKWORK SERVICES Garden Walls, Conservatory Bases, All brickwork undertaken. DISABLED FACILITIES Handrails / Ramps / Internal & External Adaptations available. ROOF SERVICES Roof Repairs to Full Re-Roof: Slate, Tiles, Flat, Metal. PLASTERING SERVICES Plastering, Artexing, Coving. Insurance Work Undertaken NO JOB TOO SMALL LOCAL AUTHORITY APPROVED FREE no obligation quotation Extra Discounts for OAPs
TEL/ FAX : 0161 653 5256 MOBILE: 07976 275 820
ESTABLISHED 1999 Registered Company: 5730901
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FOR POCKETMONEY & PENSION:
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BUY-TO-LET by Har-
ry R. Hewitt
PART 2
THE RIGHT PROPERTY IN THE RIGHT LOCATION There‘s good news and there‘s bad. The good news is that since we last met I found exactly the
right property for your very first venture into BTL investment. The bad news is that it has since
been sold – which is probably just as well, with all 8,500 readers of Life magazine after it
(I don‘t think). But the property in question (a 2-bed terraced house in Middleton) was
advertised on Right Move, one of the websites where all the local estate agents advertise their
residential sales and available rental properties – and where, too, interested investors may
discover the historic selling price of specific Middleton properties.
Not to worry, though. Because properties are like the buses and another one is bound to come
along sooner or later. Meanwhile, what you should perhaps be more concerned about is the sad
fact that I had to discount as many as 16 properties before coming across the one that was
exactly right for you on account of:
its eminent rentability, and
your chances of eventually re-selling it at a profit.
Meanwhile, the properties I thought best avoided were:
in an industrial area in a rough neighbourhood quasi-derelict flats
lacking alley-gating some distance from the kerb up or down a flight of steps
repossessions in a no parking area miles from anywhere devoid of public transport
where vehicles constantly park & pull away from business premises
near a motorway, traffic lights, or a traffic roundabout
next door to a nuisance neighbour an end terrace at the bottom of a hill
ex-council housing
Now before you belt me with a furled copy of today‘s Guardian (you Life-readers – liberals
all!), seeking to justify the acceptability to you personally of any or all of the aforementioned
categories of housing, permit me, if you will, to remind you that it is my declared intention to
direct you beginners towards exactly the right kind of property to be your very first BTL
investment.
Note well, then, that when it comes to personal investment in BTL property the magic words
ever to remember are ―Mixed Hereditament‖. (Something you tend not to get with council
estates, if I may defend perhaps the most contentious issue raised.) That is to say, the only kind
of house you should consider buying as a BTL investment should be in an area of mixed hous-
ing. This acts as your guarantee that you will be able to re-sell the property at a later date.
Because those two bites of the BTL cherry (rental income plus eventual capital gain in tandem)
are absolutely vital ingredients of the reasonable margin of financial safety I promised you in
PART 1.
Notwithstanding which, let us now suppose that you really have managed to identify what you
imagine to be the ideal property for your purpose. That is to say (to expand somewhat further
27
upon my personal criteria for property selection), you have identified a property which is:
a 2-bed terraced house, with an asking-price of anything up to £69,500 max (not that we in-
tend to pay that much) in an area of mixed hereditament with street lighting & room to
park complete with alley-gating with convenient transport links, schools,
perhaps a late-shop, a public house,
a chip shop and nearby leisure facilities plus a supermarket within a reasonable distance.
If this is, in fact, the case, you have done pretty well for yourself. Nevertheless, one absolutely
vital question remains to be asked before you come up with the readies – and it is this:
Q. Could I park my car outside this house overnight and expect to find it in one piece in the
morning?
Because we all know streets where the answer to this question would be a resounding and une-
quivocal:
‗NOT ON YOUR NELLY, CHUM!‘
In which case, you must then ask yourself what is in effect the $64,000 dollar question:
Q. If my old jalopy would not be safe, parked up on this street overnight, why on earth would
I want to park my wallet here in the shape of my very first buy-to-let property?
To which question the answer must ever be: ‗You wouldn‘t. No, not in a month of Sundays,
you wouldn‘t!
So be it!
In conclusion, though, let‘s look on the bright side for once. Let‘s say that you really have
identified a property that appears to be ideal for your very first BTL investment. Now, we have
already listed the majority of this property‘s attributes. But in addition to this, the property in
question (that is to say, your very first BTL property) had best come complete with:
uPVC double-glazing laminate floors to the downstairs rooms
carpeting from the stairway up a bathroom and kitchen requiring minimal upgrading.
On the other hand, maybe you will need to supply and fit these accoutrements— and maybe a
damp proof course repair will be required, too, some wall or floor tiles, a new carpet, redecora-
tion throughout, window blinds. The main thing is, though, there should be
NO MAJOR BUILDING OR RE-ROOFING REQUIREMENT, PLEASE!
NOT with your very first BTL purchase! Look at it this way: why make things difficult for
yourself? Because what you should be looking to access together with the acquisition, refur-
bishment (partial or otherwise) and subsequent letting of your very first BTL property is
a sense of personal achievement, and
the confidence that comes from knowing you have made a success of your very first BTL
venture.
Because once you‘ve made that all-important initial step – that is to say, once you put your
money where your mouth is, you are going to learn the ins and outs of BTL investment very
quickly indeed.
N.B This article does not constitute advice within the terms of the Financial Services Act or any subsequent revisions, additions or amendments thereto. Always consult a solicitor, accountant and/or surveyor prior to proceeding with any
property purchase.
[To be continued]
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Over 30 years experience
All types of interior plastering
All work is guaranteed
Please call 0161 654 0582
Or 07751 256 616
To arrange your free estimate
44 Moss Lane, Alkrington
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Painter &
Decorator
35 Years Experience.
Locally based.
Special Rates for OAP’s.
Competitive Prices.
Tel: 0161 202 5684
07894 164 552
Alan Storton
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ROD LESTER BUILDING CONTRACTOR
YOUR LOCAL FAMILY RUN
BUILDERS AND JOINERS
Joiner / Builder Approved by
CONSTRUCTIONLINE
ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING,
JOINERY, TILING, DECORATING
PLASTERING, PLUMBING,
WET ROOM APPLICATIONS
FULL BATHROOM
REFURBISHMENTS & KITCHENS
NO JOB TOO SMALL
CONTACT ROBERT :
07973 493 824
Or ROD TEL : 0161 653 2033
MOBILE : 07973 453316
)))) ((((
Repairs & Upgrades
Storm Damaged
TV Wall Mounting
Extra TV & Satellite Points
DAB Radio Aerials
Telephone Extensions
Tel: 0161 643 4899
Mobile: 07879 840 987
NO CALL OUT CHARGE
Free View Digital Specialists
2 Year Guarantee
7 Day Service
All Work Digitally Metered
46 Warwick Road
Alkrington, Middleton
ALKRINGTON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
41 The Downs, Alkrington
Domestic Commercial Industrial
NO CALL OUT CHARGES
No job too big or small
FREE Estimates
Call Alan: 0161 643 5544 07932 624 619
35
Unit 1.9, First Floor, Middleton Shopping Centre
Tel: 0161 653 8503
Family run business offering high quality services
SHOE REPAIRS KEY CUTTING WATCH REPAIRS ENGRAVING
Reader Offer 10% Discount on ALL SERVICES... (with this advert)
Don’t forget to have your Mother’s Day gifts personalised especially for your Mum !
Friendly Professional Service Bespoke Curtain Designs Swags & Tails, Eyelets Poles & Tracks Blinds - Vertical, Horizontal, Roman Upholstery & Pelmets Complete Fitting Service FREE Home Consultation Displays at GSG Carpet Factory, Queensway, Rochdale
TEL: 01706 654 996 Mob: 07737 510 529
Curtain Design Service by Sharon
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MWE
CLJBOO
NJZAVUASSB
MAHJTXPEEESM
LOBCHIHUAHUA
ANRBEAGLE
GGTERRIERSHOATFNCZ
XRELQOQEDDQPLWPJTSVUYFW
XEAQQOLSULSXAYNCTSDSZSI
LXMWDDACHSHUNDBWEGTVU
QZOSTBERNARDIZETNAR
MOOLABRADORKDEIHWC
PBORDERCOLLIEQLOM
YQAGPPDTEUF
NUPRAZRN
MRZZD
WXWMXCIV
FWWAPJAF
Solution to Doggy Word Search
Q: Why did the poor dog chase his own tail?
A: He was trying to make both ends meet!
Q: What do you get if you cross a sheepdog with
a rose?
A: A collie-flower!
SALISE
UTOLP
DORFLIFC
OBTL
OOTT
RESHANG
SPYONO
Mixed-Up Mutts! Can you unscramble the names of these famous
dogs?
Big Black Dog Puzzle - Answer
It all took place in the day time so the driver could see the dog easily. (Check back—nowhere does it say this all took place at night!)
Mixed-Up Mutts -
Answers
Lassie Pluto
Clifford Bolt Toto
Gnasher Snoopy
Doggy Word Search Can you find all the dogs
in the grid?
Basset Hound
Beagle
Border Collie
Chihuahua
Dachshund
Labrador
Mongrel
Poodle
Rottweiler
Spaniel
St Bernard
Terrier
M W E
C L J B O O
N J Z A V U A S S B
M A H J T X P E E E S M
L O B C H I H U A H U A
A N R B E A G L E
G G T E R R I E R S H O A T F N C Z
X R E L Q O Q E D D Q P L W P J T S V U Y F W
X E A Q Q O L S U L S X A Y N C T S D S Z S I
L X M W D D A C H S H U N D B W E G T V U
Q Z O S T B E R N A R D I Z E T N A R
M O O L A B R A D O R K D E I H W C
P B O R D E R C O L L I E Q L O M
Y Q A G P P D T E U F
N U P R A Z R N
M R Z Z D
W X W M X C I V
F W W A P J A F
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Thursdays = Quiz Night (Starting 7th March)
‘The Quiz Party’ Fantastic, special quiz using your phone or ipad. Time limits, so no
chance of anyone Googling ! Come along & join the fun!
41
53, Mount Road, Alkrington Tel/Fax: 0161 654 4564 Open 7 Days / Mon - Sat 9am - 10pm / Sun 10am - 6pm
Debit / Credit Cards Accepted
Grants 70cl Whiskey £12.99 Peroni 6 Bottles £6 Martell Brandy 70cl £18.99 Stella 6 Cans £6 Southern Comfort 70cl £14.99 Bacardi 70cl £13.99 Desperados 4 Bottles £5.50 Croft Original 1 Litre £10
Specialists in Beers / Wines / Spirits Fresh Bread, Milk, Mobile Top Ups,
Water Rates / Gas / Electric Photocopying still 7p per sheet / Fax Service
Royal Mail Stamps & National Lottery Scratch Cards
Spring Bedding Plants Spring Bedding Plants Spring Bedding Plants --- Now In Stock!Now In Stock!Now In Stock!
Tete a Tete Daffs / Primula etc Mother’s Day Plant Displays Baskets & Pots etc All Locally Grown
Compost / Bark/ Growbags Available.
Please ask for prices !
NOW AVAILABLE... New Elites Electronic Cigarettes As seen on TV
42
PLASTERINGPLASTERING
ARTEXINGARTEXING
COVINGCOVING
NO JOB TOO SMALLNO JOB TOO SMALL
Telephone: Telephone:
0161 653 63100161 653 6310 Mobile: Mobile:
07866 817 11007866 817 110
Phone Kev now on 0161 653 3830 Mobile: 07867 - 655535
Fully insured, police vetted, satisfaction guaranteed
STAR CLEANING SERVICES
CARPETS WAS
FURNITURE WAS
3 PCE SUITE £80.00 2 PCE SUITE £70.00
Also leather suites cleaned on request
1/2 PRICE SPECIAL OFFER
LOUNGE up to 12ft
HALL / STAIRS
LOUNGE / DINER
BEDROOM up to 9ft
RUGS FROM
£18.00
£25.00
£25.00
£14.00
£36.00
£50.00
£50.00
£28.00
£20.00 £10.00
OFFER PRICE FROM
OFFER PRICE FROM
£40.00 £35.00
An Eggs-cellent Idea Whatever the weather, children of all ages will love an Easter egg hunt. Try one of these ideas and have a cracking good time!
For a simple hunt, put plastic eggs around the house or garden that children have to collect to win a prize, or hide small chocolate eggs for them to collect in a basket.
Add clues to make the search a bit harder. Alternatively, create a treasure map and mark each egg with an X.
Young children will enjoy following a trail of paper bunny footprints, or a long piece of string to reach their prize.
Add a fun educational twist using
numbered cardboard egg shapes – children can collect odd or even numbers, or get the highest total to win a prize. You could also put the letters of an Easter-themed word on the shapes and challenge them to solve the anagram.
Set up an ‘obstacle’ hunt. To win each egg, children have to complete a challenge, such as
doing ten star jumps, singing a nursery rhyme, or completing a craft activity.
If you have a mixed group of children, prepare individual checklists so they each find only what is on their list and no more – for example, two chocolate bunnies, three silver eggs and four fluffy chicks.
By Alice Brown
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FREE 24 Hour Call Out
Boiler Service
Installations
Condensing Boilers
Gas Fires
Gas Certificates
Breakdowns
Conversions
Bathrooms
Suites
Showers
Tel: 0161 654 9132 Mob: 07796 518 757 or: 07825 251 167
FULL Installation including Worcester Boiler and 8 Radiators
from: £2895
With Every Heating Installation: Free Chrome Towel Radiator
or Free Chrome Mixer Shower.
301817
All New Systems Guaranteed
for Period of 5 years
We will Price Match any genuine quote and give a further 10% Discount
Over 35years Experience in the Heating Trade
Plumbing & Heating Services
45
46
March Puzzles Across
1 Chocolate drink (5)
4 Worries (5)
7 Rain-protection (8)
8 Part of a rosary (4)
9 Quantifies (8)
11 Thing (4)
12 Breakfast food (6)
14 Rented temporarily (6)
16 Comfy seat (4)
18 Gymnastics event (8)
20 Abandoned (4)
21 Cars, lorries and motorbikes (8)
23 Bags (5)
24 Trades (5)
1 Vie (7)
2 Ties, ropes (5)
3 Whole (3)
4 Part of a school (9)
5 Trash (7)
6 Tint (5)
10 Kin (9)
13 Stretchy (7)
15 Sprinters (7)
17 Complies (5)
19 Native (5)
22 Belongs to him (3)
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8
9 10 11
12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19
20 21 22
23 24
3 8 1
9 5
7 5 2
1 2 3
8 7 5
4 2 9 8
8 6 9 2
7 5 4
Mindbenders Find the three hidden phrases
JUST
that
47
www.crown-windows.com
Windows, Doors, Conservatories Porches, Door Canopies, Car Ports
Fascias & Soffits, Guttering, Bi-fold Doors Upvc Repairs, Locksmiths, Replacement Glass Units
A genuine local family run company
Established 1985
6 Boarshaw Road Middleton M24 6BR
27 YEARS OF
EXCELLENCE Registered Company
Call us now for your FREE quotation on 0161 653 2890
We are Rockdoor approved installers
48
Dr. Seuss Day!
You’re never too old, too wacky or wild, to pick up a book and read to a child...
This is taken from the US website for ‘Read Across America’ Day, which takes place on March 2nd - the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s death. The slogan caught my eye when I was
looking for something else entirely because it was so unmistakeably Seuss-ish, and in our family Dr. Seuss is worshipped across the generations.
In spite of being born in Kent, I was brought up on the works of Dr, Seuss. My mother was a trainee English teacher who wrote her dissertation on him. She adored the way he played with language. My own children could recite The Cat in the Hat word-for-word before they could ever read it for themselves.
Like all the best young-children’s authors, Seuss never talked down to them. His work is playful, silly, and anarchic, something which appeals to children the world over, yet he never had any children of his own.
He was born Theodore Seuss Geisel. He started using Seuss while at university and added the ‘Dr.’ as a joke; because his father always said he wanted him to be a professor!
He loved to write and draw cartoons, yet his first book, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street, was rejected by
27 publishers - a lesson to aspiring authors everywhere.
It’s no understatement to say that he revolutionized children’s literature. Prior to Seuss, US children had been taught to read using the rather sterile Dick and Jane books. I can remember in the UK, aged five, being taught using the English equivalent, Peter and Jane. I remember my mother rolling her eyes and saying, ‘I’m sure we can find something more fun than this darling,’ before presenting me with The Cat in the Hat. I was hooked.
Seuss published more than 40 books during his lifetime and they’ve sold over half a billion copies, more even than JK Rowling.
We don’t celebrate Dr. Seuss in this country as they do in the US, but perhaps we should. Without him we might not have the marvellous works of Julia Donaldson, Lynley Dodd or Lauren Child. So Happy Seuss Day!
Sarah Davey
Fascinating Fact
One of Seuss’s most popular books, Green Eggs and Ham, was written as the result of a bet that he could not write a book using only 50 words.
The words are, in order of appearance: I am Sam; that; do not like; you green eggs and ham; them; would here or there; anywhere; in a house with mouse; eat box fox; car they; could; may will see tree; let me be; train on; say the dark; rain; goat; boat; so try may; if; good; thank.
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Sarah Davey
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Unit 3 Whittaker St, M24 4BLUnit 3 Whittaker St, M24 4BLUnit 3 Whittaker St, M24 4BL EST. In Middleton since 1990EST. In Middleton since 1990EST. In Middleton since 1990
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Choc Facts Chocolate comes from the Aztec word
‘xocolatl’, meaning bitter water. Originally it was consumed as a drink made from cacao beans, chillies, achiote and cornmeal. Emperor Montezuma drank 50 golden goblets every day!
Hitchcock used chocolate syrup for blood in
the famous 45 second shower scene in his movie Psycho.
Over 66 percent of the world’s cacao is
produced in Africa. The US consumes the most chocolate per year, but the Swiss consume the most per capita.
Columbus brought the cocoa bean to
Europe, but Cortez first realised its commercial value. With the addition of cane sugar the chocolate drink became very popular, but it wasn’t until 1842 that the first chocolate bar was produced by Cadbury.
One unfortunate Bishop was poisoned by
chocolate-addicted parishioners because he tried to ban its consumption during church services.
Largest and longest records go to Nestle for
creating the largest cup of hot chocolate (2,400 litres) in November 2010, and to Mirco Della Vecchia for producing the longest chocolate bar measuring 15.9m a year later.
Aphrodisiacal qualities are believed by
many to be contained in chocolate.
Thorntons produced the world’s biggest
chocolate bar (six tonnes of it!) in October 2011 to celebrate its 100th birthday.
Energy-seeking Napoleon always carried
chocolate with him to use as a pick-me-up whenever he needed a boost.
By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
To see your writing in print please email [email protected]
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Police Enquiries* (0161) 872 5050
Heywood Fire Station* (01706) 901 203
Crimestoppers*† 0800 555 111
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Why advertise in Alkrington, Why advertise in Alkrington, Why advertise in Alkrington, Chadderton and Middleton Life?Chadderton and Middleton Life?Chadderton and Middleton Life?
Alkrington Life, Chadderton Life and Middleton Life have a total monthly circulation of almost 8500.
The magazines have longevity. The majority of householders keep each magazine for a whole month until their next edition is delivered - giving unbeatable value for money.
The three publications don’t merely contain adverts. Quality editorial and relevant advertorial content ensure that the magazines are highly readable.
Advertising rates are unbeatable within the area, for such high quality, respected and established publications.
Rates start from less than £22. Can your business afford NOT to advertise?
Contact Clare: 0161-654 0974 or Email: [email protected]
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.alkringtonlife.com
Alkrington Library (0161) 643 7799
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Alkrington Life www.alkringtonlife.com (0161) 654 0974 [email protected]
*These numbers are not for emergency use and you should always dial 999 in replace of these in an emergency. †0800 numbers are free from BT landlines, other providers may vary. ††0845 numbers are charged at a local rate from BT landlines, but can be charged at premium rates by other providers. 0871 numbers are premium rate.
National Rail Enquiries†† 08457 48 49 50
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Tel: Michael:Tel: Michael:
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www.door2doornorthwest.co.ukwww.door2doornorthwest.co.uk
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Solution to March Crossword
C O C O A C A R E S
O O L L U H
U M B R E L L A B E A D
P D S B D
M E A S U R E S I T E M
T E R S
C E R E A L O N H I R E
L A O U
S O F A T U M B L I N G
B S I O N
L E F T V E H I C L E S
Y I E I A R
S A C K S S E L L S
Solution to March Sudoku
5 7 3 8 1 2 6 4 9
2 9 1 4 6 5 7 8 3
4 8 6 9 3 7 5 1 2
9 6 5 1 7 8 2 3 4
8 3 7 6 2 4 1 9 5
1 4 2 3 5 9 8 7 6
3 1 4 5 8 6 9 2 7
7 5 9 2 4 1 3 6 8
6 2 8 7 9 3 4 5 1
Solution to Mind benders
1. Just right
2. Backwards glance
3. That is beside the point
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