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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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 info@westkirbylocal.com
visit www.westkirbylocal.com
24 Liverpool Road, Chester CH2 1AE

18

We are an independently owned company producing seven

magazines, Keep it Local, Neston Local, Heswall Local, West Coast,
Tarporley Talk, Overleigh Roundabout and Hoole Roundabout.
For details visit www.talkaboutpublishing.co.uk

Love conquers all things – except poverty and toothache – Mae West
4 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

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 Wirral Country Park
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 Wirral Council 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

 West Coast magazine February 2011 5

LIFE DRAWING SESSIONS

TWO-hour drop-in drawing sessions in
Hoylake on Tuesdays at 1pm & 7pm
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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 info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

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 West 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
 West Coast magazine February 2011 7

KEEP DRY THIS WINTER

DiD you know that failure to maintain your gutters can result
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when the water freezes in the winter, it will expand and cause
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freezing conditions.
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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 info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

John recalls bar stool wit

from a different era
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
money for Claire House Children’s Hospice and St
John’s Hospice, in Clatterbridge
John was born in Birkenhead but has lived in West
Kirby for the last 45 years after marrying a local girl.
The 72-year-old retired electrician has spent much
of his life working off shore on the rigs throughout
the world. But during that time he has never given
up on his love for writing. This is his fourth book to be published, following on from
‘Two up Two Down’, ‘The Other Fella’ and ‘Spots Pimples and Bum Fluff’.
West Kirby Banter is a series of short stories, written in light verse and is about the
characters who trawled the local pubs from the 1950s era onwards.
Said John: “The emphasis is on building
site workers, and their individual likes and
dislikes in comparison with today’s strict
laws.
“ I began writing the book last August, but
unfortunately, by the end of November
I’d left it too late to be considered for
publication, so, with the help of my
neighbour, Ken Hatton, decided to tackle
the unenviable task of printing and
publishing ourselves.
“Somehow or other, and with total
commitment,we managed to publish a
hundred copies for Christmas. These
were sold within days. Without any
pressure we have now obtained the
services of local publishers Countyvise
who will print and bind further copies.
The book is one hundred pages, all with
colourful sketches and photos.”
The book can be purchased for £6 at
Linghams book store and the Crosville
Social club, West Kirby. Also at Elies
Bar Greasby.

If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question – Lily Tomlin
 Ally Interiors
West Coast magazine January 2011 9

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
something which did not have to be overly
dressed, but really an interior and building
and landscape that worked in harmony.
The truly striking point of Minimalism is
that you appreciate the form and material. It’s
not about the quantity of what you have in a
room, more the quality. In more recent years
Minimalism has been hijacked as a term to
mean devoid of colour, shape and design.
It is worth spending out on 1 or 2 key pieces
which will really stand the test of time. I
always suggest good quality lightfittings as
essential. A statement piece of furniture,
whether it is by shape or fabric can also add
interest. Balancing a room isn’t always easy
if you don’t want to have too much in it : but
when you do get it right there is a feeling of
harmony and not emptiness.
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 info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

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

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
If Winteroncomes,
01285 123
can456, by email
Spring Michael.edwards@sjpp.co.uk
be far behind? - Percy Bysshe or visit www.michaeledwards.co.uk
Shelley
 West Coast magazine February 2011 11

Now could be the right time to find

a financial advisor who completely
understands your financial affairs and
provides a highly tailored service

l Mortgages
l Investments
l Insurance
l Retirement plans
l Tax

Hadlow EdwaRds
t: 0800 652 8175
e: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy - William Blake

 12 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

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 Newspapers for Family Historians.
Contact can be made to the Group by email: westkirby@fhsc.org.uk 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

 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
thespa@rowtonhallhotelandspa.co.uk Gift Vouchers Availible
Rowton Hall Country House Hotel Health Club and Spa, Whitchurch Road, Rowton, Chester CH3 6AD
t- 01244335262 f 01244335464 e- thespa@rowtonhallhotelandspa.co.uk www.rowtonhall.co.uk
If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? ~Author Unknown
14 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

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Love is just a chocolate substitute – Miranda Ingram

 West Coast magazine February 2010 15

Love is a great glue, but there’s no cement like mutual hate – Loise Wyse
 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
ian@yesterdayswirral.co.uk. 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

Amici School of Dance

Turning
Little Stars into
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
ether 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 info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com
Long-awaited community
work could start this sum
FUND-RAISERS need to bring in a further
£152,000 to ensure a much-needed
refurbishment is carried out at St Bridget’s
Community Centre.
The aim is to start work by July which will
allow the centre to be used by so many
more people in the community.
St Bridget’s Community Centre dates back
to 1847 when a new school was built on St
Bridget’s Lane close by St Bridget’s Church.
An interesting pyramidal roofed building was
later added which has, since 1892, housed
the Charles Dawson Brown Museum (with
its collection of historical stones associated
with St Bridget’s Church). These attractive
sandstone buildings were extended in
1969 to the rear. The centre has played an
What the world really needs is more love and less paper work. ~Pearl Bailey
important role in West Kirby for over 150
years and it is now time to look to guarantee
its use for future generations. This is
necessary because:-
• The building fabric is deteriorating, in
particular the 1969 extension.
• The attractive old sandstone schoolrooms
and museum need refurbishment.
• The current accommodation is
uncomfortable for users
• The building does not meet modern
standards for access and sustainability
• Better facilities are required for the centre
to benefit the community today and in the
future
• The centre is ideally placed for
educational, community and Church use in

ity centre
mmer
the attractive old village of West Kirby
• There is potential for greater use for
educational activities, community groups,
musical events, parties, weddings and
family occasions and development of
West Kirby’s little secret – the Charles
Dawson Brown museum
• The museum needs enhancement to
serve as a valuable local history and
educational centre.
The redevelopment aims to rebuild the
1969 extension and refurbish the old
sandstone buildings to a high standard
and with materials that complement its
attractive setting in the West Kirby Old
Village Conservation Area. This will
include a larger main hall, improved
access for the disabled, accessible
toilets, better storage, central heating,
sustainable energy saving features, an
enhanced kitchen and an expanded
museum. A 3 D plan of the new centre
showing all the rooms and their uses is
shown below.
Fund-raising started in October 2006
and to date a wonderful £818,000 has
been raised leaving a further £152,000
to be raised to enable the redevelopment
to go ahead in July 2011. Details of
forthcoming events are included in this
edition.
If you can help with donations or put us
in touch with trusts and grant agencies
that may be able to help us, please
contact Phil Price on 625-7959 or write to
him at The Parish Office, Rectory Road,
West Kirby, Wirral. CH48 7HL. For more
information see www.stbridgetsappeal.
co.uk
Love, the quest; marriage, the conquest; divorce, the inquest – Helen Rowland
West Coast magazine February 2011 19
ST BRIDGET’S
COMMUNITY
CENTRE APPEAL
EVENTS
Wednesday, 2nd February
Celts, Romans and Vikings: The
Archaeology of Irby by Rob Philpott.
Rob Philpott, Head of Field Archaeology at
the National Museums Liverpool and joint
author of Meols: The Archaeology of the
North Wirral Coast. A chance find of Roman
pottery in a garden at Irby in the 1940’s led
to the discovery of an important and long-
lived settlement site by archaeologists of the
National Museums Liverpool. On excavating
in suburban gardens, they found evidence of
Bronze Age, Iron Age and Romano-British,
early Medieval and Medieval occupation. Rob
will examine the nature of the settlements and
the finds uncovered by the excavations. St
Bridget’s Church at 7.30pm
5th February
Concert – Junior Royal Northern College
of Music
The Junior RNCM provides specialist training
for musically gifted children between the ages
of 8 and 18 years travelling from far and wide
across Northern England. The RNCM hosts
great talent and members can also be found
performing in the National Youth Orchestra,
the National Children’s Orchestra, the National
Youth Brass Band and National Youth Choir as
well as national and local music competitions
such as the BBC Young Musician and Young
Composer Awards.
St Bridget’s Church at 7.30. Tickets £10
adults, £8 concessions and children £4
including refreshments. Tickets from
Pipedreams, Banks Road, West Kirby or
Edward Edwards on 632 -2346.
20 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

BOOK REVIEWS:
FEBRUARY READS
BY REBECCA CURRIE, FROM LINGHAM’S BOOKSTORE, WEST KIRBY

Fiction: Trespass- Rose Tremain

In a silent valley in southern France stands an isolated
stone farmhouse. Its owner, Aramon Lunel, is an
alcoholic haunted by his violent past. His sister, Audrun,
alone in her bungalow within sight of the farmhouse
, dreams of extracting retribution for the unspoken
betrayals which have blighted her life. Into this world
comes Anthony Verey, a wealthy but disillusioned
antiques dealer from London, seeking to remake his life
in France. From the moment he arrives a frightening
and unstoppable series of events is set in motion. I
won’t tell you more as I don’t want to spoil it for you!
Beautifully written with some very haunting moments
this is a wonderful picture of a special place and some
of the people who live there. Longlisted for last year’s
Booker prize, a fantastic novel by a greatly loved writer.
Strongly recommended for Book Clubs.

Travel Biography: The Great Explorers - Robin Hanbury-Tenison

It has always been mankind’s gift (or curse) to be inquisitive, and throughout the
ages certain people have been inspired to explore the limits of the world known to
them- and beyond. These people changed our perception of our surroundings through
their courageous adventures. But what drove such great explorers to venture into
unknown and unforgiving lands, facing almost unimaginable challenges and risking
death? In this series of biographies the stories of 40 explorers are described, their
lives revealed and their motives and passions examined. Each chapter is written by
a distinguished travel writer, broadcaster or historian who has a special interest in
the character they are introducing. The book is stunningly illustrated with beautiful
paintings, photographs, engravings and maps so we can experience the adventures
through their own eyes and in their own words. A brilliant present for anyone who
loves to travel.

Teen Fiction: Revolution- Jennifer Donnelly

This is Jennifer Donnelly’s second novel for young adults: her first, The Gathering
Light, won the Carnegie medal and was one of the original Richard and Judy TV
Book Club selected books. Partly set in present day New York and partly in Paris at
the time of the Frernch revolution, this is the romantic, utterly engrossing story of
two girls, two boys and the heart-wrenching thread that binds them together across
the centuries. What makes the book so readable is the fact that in spite of being 200
years aapart the two heroines have the same feelings and struggles. Better written
than many contemporary teenage novels, yet with a thoroughly absorbing plot.

Love is the delusion that one woman differs from another. ~Henry Louis Mencken
 West Coast magazine February 2011 21

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Marriage is just the first step towards divorce – Zsa Zsa Gabor
 22 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

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,
ENTERTAINMENT

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
its bodywork by David Evans of Neston. Appreciation
Over the following years Andy meticulously devennett@hotmail.com
22
Never marry for money. Divorce for money – Wendy Liebman
 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 – Thurstaston 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 coastalpark@wirral.gov.uk

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 Royden Park. Sorry no dogs. Suitable clothing & footwear. No need to
ENTERTAINMENT

book. Meet Ranger’s Office, Royden Park. Tel: 0151 677 7594.

Sunday 27th February

Help this Heathland – Thurstaston 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.
23
Before I met my husband, I’d never fallen in love. I’d stepped in it a few times. ~Rita Rudner
 Useful numbers and info
Churches
Church of the Resurrection and All
Saints, Caldy; St Bridget’s Church
Tel 0151 625 5229.
www.stbridgetschurch.org.uk
Riverway Christian Fellowship
86 Grange Rd.West Kirby.Tel. 0151 605
1872. www.riverway.org.uk
St Agnes RC Church
16 Darmon’s Green, WK, 0151 625 6367
St Andrew’s Church
Graham Road, West Kirby 632 4728.
www.achurchnearyou.com
St. Michael & All Angels Parish Church,
Frankby Road, Newton, West Kirby. Tel. 625
8517. www.stmichaelsnewton.org.uk
West Kirby Methodist Church
Westbourne Road, West Kirby. Tel 632 2776
West Kirby United Reformed Church
Meols Drive, West Kirby. Tel 632 6921
Community Centres
Hoylake Community Centre, 2 Hoyle
Road, Hoylake, CH47 3AG. Tel 632 2889
Email: hoylakeparade@btinternet.com
W: www.hoylakecommunitycentre.org
Dentists
Banks House Dental Practice
143 Banks Road, West Kirby. Tel 625 6829.
Health
West Kirby Health Centre
The Concourse, Grange Road, West Kirby.
Tel: 625 9171 www.wkhcwirral.nhs.uk
Sandstone Medical Centre
USEFUL NUMBERS
161 Banks Road, West Kirby.
Tel : 625 6128
www.sandstonemedicalcentre.co.uk
Arrowe Park Hospital
Arrowe Park Road, Upton. Tel 678 5111
Hoylake Cottage Residential Home
Birkenhead Road, Hoylake. Tel 632 3381
24
Better to have loved a short man than never to have loved a tall – David Chambless
Leisure Centre
West Kirby Concourse, includes 25m pool,
sports hall, fitness suite, aerobics studio,
function rooms and crèche. Tel 929 7801
Pharmacies
Wilsons Chemist, 17 The Crescent, West
Kirby. Tel: 625 6115
Police
999 Emergency. If you wish to contact
Merseyside Police regarding any other non
emergency issue please Telephone - 709
6010 or visit www.merseyside.police.uk
Tourist
West Kirby Marine Lake
Tel 625 2510
Wirral Country Park
Thurstaston. Tel 648 4371
Vets
Acorn Veterinary Centre
15-17-Acacia Grove, West Kirby.
Tel 625 9916
Wirral Council
General Enquiries (Switchboard): 0151 606
2000 or visit www.wirral.gov.uk
Politics
MP
Esther McVey (Conservative)
The Parade, Hoylake Community Centre
Hoyle Road, Hoylake. Tel 632 4348
Local Councillors
Cllr David M Elderton
(Conservative, West Kirby and Thurstaston)
Tel: 632 3195. Email: davidelderton@wirral.
gov.uk
Cllr Jeff Green
(Conservative, West Kirby and Thurstaston)
Tel: 648 5913 / Mobile: 07766 725 125.
Email: jeffgreen@wirral.gov.uk
Cllr Geoffrey Watt
(Con, West Kirby and Thurstaston)
Tel: 625 3941. E: geoffreywatt@wirral.gov.uk
Schools
Black Horse Hill Infant School
Saughall Massie Road West Kirby, 625 5238,
E-mail: schooloffice@blackhorsehill-infant.wirral.sch.uk
Black Horse Hill Junior School
Saughall Massie Road. West Kirby, 625 8446
E-mail: schooloffice@blackhorsehill-junior.wirral.sch.uk
Calday Grange Grammar School, Grammar
School Lane, West Kirby. Tel 625 2727
Email: theschool@calday.wirral.sch.uk
Hilbre High School Humanities College
Frankby Road, West Kirby. Tel 625 5996
West Kirby Primary School & Nursery
Anglesey Road, West Kirby. Tel 625 5561 or
visit www.westkirby-primary.wirral.sch.uk
West Kirby Grammar School
Graham Road, West Kirby. Tel 632 3449. Visit
www.westkirby-grammar.wirral.sch.uk/
St. Bridgets School
St. Bridgets Lane, West Kirby. Tel 625 7652.
E-mail - schooloffice@stbridgets.wirral.sch.uk
Clubs and Societies
AC Hoylake Junior Football Club
Over 200 players aged 6-15. Call Paul
Williams on 0781 7684682. www.achoylake.com
Caldy Cricket Club
Paton Field, Telegraph Road, Thurstaston. Tel
6258043. E-mail: info@caldycricketclub.co.uk
Calday Grange Swimming Pool Trust
Tel Jean Robb / Hillary 625 2619
Caldy Rugby Club
Tel: 0151 625 8043 www.caldyrugby.co.uk
Girlguiding Newton District
Rainbows (5+), Brownies (7+), Guides (10+),
Young Leaders (14+) and Adult volunteers
(18+). Meetings on various nights in term
time. e-mail: newtonguides@yahoo.co.uk, or
phone 625 5602
Gymnastics Club
(West Kirby). Tel 670 0694 or visit
www.westkirbygymnastics.co.uk
I wouldn’t want any woman who’d have me as a husband – Mark Lamarr
Hoylake Flower Club
Meet at Melrose Hall, Hoylake on the 3rd
Tuesday of the month. Doors open 7.15pm.
Demonstrations by NAFAS demonstrators.
Hoylake Lawn Tennis Club
Eddisbury Road, West Kirby. Tel 632 3491
Lions Club of West Kirby
westkirbyuk.lionwap.org
Grange Probus Club (West Wirral)
We meet monthly, on the first Wednesday of
each month, for Lunch at Heatherlands and
run day and short break trips. New Members
welcome. Contact Peter Bale on 334-3965.
Probus Club of West Kirby
The club for former professional and
business people. Call 648 6141.
Rotary Club of Hoylake & West Kirby
Tel 625 3484
Senior Swimmers
Open to anyone over 50, for “serious “ or
light exercise, at Calday Grange Swimming
Pool every Friday morning Tel. 342 3703
Soroptimist International of Hoylake and
West Kirby Tel 632 4602
West Kirby Football Club
Greenbank Road, West Kirby.
Visit www.westkirbyfc.org
West Kirby Sailing Club
Sandy Lane, West Kirby. Tel 625 5579 or visit
www.wksc.net
West Kirby Wasps Junior FC
www.westkirbywasps.com
West Kirby Panthers Junior FC
USEFUL NUMBERS
Calday Grange Grammar School,
www.westkirbypanthers.com Tel 625 0116
Wirral Embroiderers’ Guild
The guild meet in the Birkenhead Art
Gallery, Slatey Road, Birkenhead, on the third
Thursday in the Month at 7.15pm. Everyone
welcome www.embroiderersguild.com
25
 To advertise in this section
Directory for as little as £16 a month
call 01244 512251

Aerials Computers Kitchen Units

APEX Aerial Services
All types supplied, erected
and repaired.Tel 336 2661
Mob: 07866 073583
Anytime, 7 days
Established over 25 years
Reach customers
on your doorstep!
You can advertise your
business for £16 a month in
the West Coast directory
Building
Kitchen
Replacement
DooRs
FRESHEN UP YOUR KITCHEN
FOR A FRACTION OF THE
COST OF A NEW ONE
r Replacement Doors available in any size
r Full range of designs and colours
r Worktops, Appliances, Sinks also available
Call Andrew on
01244 821332 or 07921589898
Andrew Williams Design & Installation
Dog Grooming

J&G BUILDERS HESWALL

SPECIALISING IN
EXTENSIONS & ALTERATIONS lGROOMING
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dogs FURNITURE
and cats l BEDROOM FURNITURE
ALL BUILDING WORKS
UNDERTAKEN
(including fitted wardrobes)
welcome (including fitted wardrobes)
Bathing, grooming,
KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, ANY PIECE OF FURNITURE
lde-matting, clipping, l ANY PIECE OF FURNITURE
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0151 353 8481 Call Lucie on
Call Simon on 0151 200 5415 Call Matt on 0151 356 4400
07812333731 0151 342 7028
or 07734 681403 or 07841 651000
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Decorating / Painting

Mike’s
Painting &
Mike Norman
High Quality
I.J.M.
Decorating Decorating PAINTING &
Services DECORATING
30 years experience
DIRECTORY

Free estimates Interior and exterior TEL IAN

No job too small Free Estimates 0151 632 5656
Tel 336 2591 Tel 0151 336 6326 or
34 or 077066 20775
26 07949 545621 07973 842010
30
When a man is in love or in debt, someone else has the advantage - Bill Balance

Directory
Glazing
Glaze-rite: Misted units
replaced, all glazing work,
lead repairs, UPVC fitted
and PVC repairs. Tel 0151
342 0059 / 078375 84482
www.glaze-rite.com
Handyman
Handyman
Services
l Plumbing & Tiling
l Painting & Wallpaper
l Laminate Flooring
l Flat Pack
l and much more
No job too small
For quality and reliability
call Bill on
327 6883 or 07768 792251
Free estimates
Handyman Service
Painting & Decorating,
roofing Paving, Gutter
cleaning, gardening and
all DIY, Tel 0151 342 0059
/ 078375 84482
Landscaping
DRIVEWAY & PATIO
SPECIALISTS
l Indian Stone
l Block Paving
l Fencing
l Pattern imprinted
concrete
Design Service Available
For an affordable quote
please call Steve on
0151 356 5396
07716 870153
SMC PAVING
If I gave my heart to you... I’d have none and you’d have two – Paul Hogan
To advertise in this section
for as little as £16 a month
call 01244 512251
Plastering Tarmac
CALDY TARMAC
(R. EATON & SONS)
FOR QUALITY
WORK & SERVICE
Tel 342 6299
The Depot,
Station Road,
Barnston Wirral
20% OFF DURING JAN
Tool Hire
Plumbing
2 Counties
Service your mower
before the rush
GAS l PLUMBING l DRAINAGE
LGSC certificates Mower Repairs
Central Heating Installation
Renewable energy & solar Tel 0151 342 3366
Guttering & Drainage
Bathroom Suites fitted l Service/repairs/sharpening
All Gas Appliances Fitted & Serviced all makes of garden machinery
Plumbing Leaks
l Domestic and professional
DO IT ONCE - DO IT RIGHT l Lawn mowers, strimmers,
FREEPHONE
ride-on tractors, chain saws,
cement mixers, hedge cutters etc.
0800 2321587 l Hire equipment
www.budgetmaintenance.co.uk l 25 years experience.
Wirral, Chester & N Wales
Tree surgeon
THORNE Touchwood
PLUMBING & HEATING Tree Surgery
v Full central heating systems RFS Cert Arb & NPTC Qualified Staff
v No call out charge Fully Insured Domestic & Commercial
v Discount for OAPs Pruning, Felling, Reducing
Dismantling and Clearance
v Gas & oil specialists Hedge Maintenance
DIRECTORY
v Any genuine quote beaten Stump Removal
Tree Surveys and reports
v Landlord safety certificates
Free Estimates & Advice
Tel 0151 339 7205 0151 336 5847
07825 994 246
07923 123986 www.touchwoodtreesurgery.co.uk
info@touchwoodtreesurgery.co.uk 27