West Coast The magazine for West Kirby and Caldy

January 2011 Issue 16

Inside this month: Allotments, Round Table 3 Peaks success, Esther McVey
Ally Interiors, Hilbre High School, local news, what’s on, car club and gardening

The FREE monthly magazine for West Kirby & Caldy

Tel 01244 512251 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com
A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country – Texas Guinan
 West Coast
HAPP Y
EAR
4 THE New Year is N WY
E
upon us and the
green shoots are
already sprouting
- at least for the
allotment holders
in West Kirby who
6 will get an extra
40 plots when a
redundant site is turned over to them.
We’ve got more on this, as well as stories from
Hilbre High, the West Kirby Round Table, Ally
McDermott’s interior design column, books by
Lingham’s of West Kirby and the Wirral Classic
Car Club.
8 We hope you enjoy the magazine and please
remember to use your local
shops and trades people!
Hayley

The page footers this month

are winter quotes

17 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

22

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

Winter is nature’s way of saying, “Up yours.” - Robert Byrne

4 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

IN THE NEWS
Green shoots of recovery?
Wirral Council is allowing a local group of allotment holders to lease an unused
section of greenbelt.
The newly-formed Gilroy Road Community Allotment Society has been given the
green light to step up their efforts to transform land at the rear of Coronation Buildings
in West Kirby into a substantial allotment site.
No fewer than 40 full-size plots could be created on the land, which was formerly used
for grazing horses and hadn’t been used since 2002, as well as a communal allotment
area, picnic areas, a communal orchard and a classroom.
The move is in accordance with the Council’s Allotment Strategy, which identified the
importance of trying to find new potential allotment sites, particularly in areas where
there is a high demand for them.
Cllr. Simon Holbrook, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, said: “I have
nothing but praise for the vision and determination of the members of the Gilroy Road
Community Allotment Society in reaching this stage. They have been granted an
agreement to lease this land, which means they have five years to develop their plans
and prove they are viable and sustainable. If they are, they will be then given a 25-year
peppercorn lease on the land.
“I believe this is a further demonstration of how the Council is fully supportive of
community groups coming up with their own ideas to provide a viable and sustainable
future for Council land or assets for the benefit of the local community.

Hoylake and District

Gardening Society
The speaker at our January 12th meeting
will be local horticulturist Mr Ted Brabin
who will be telling us about the Plant
Hunter George Forrest who was born in
1873.
Forrest encountered many dangerous
situations on his expeditions to China
, which were sponsored by Mr Arthur
Bulley the creator of Ness Gardens. The
resulting introductions to British Gardens
included such favourites as azaleas,
primulas, gentians and over 300 species
of rhododendron.
Our meetings are held on the second
Wednesday of the month at West Kirby Rachel Bolland married Tyrone
Concourse starting at 7.30 p.m. They are Cisarello at St Bartholomew’s Church,
free to members but visitors are welcome Thurstaston, and then held their
at a charge of £1.50. Call Pat Johnson reception at The Grange, Thornton
on 625 7036 Hough.
Pic by Cetra Gallery, Heswall

Now is the winter of our discontent - William Shakespeare

 West Coast magazine January 2011 5

LIFE DRAWING SESSIONS

TWO-hour drop-in drawing sessions in
Hoylake on Tuesdays at 1pm & 7pm
Suitable for beginners or more
experienced artists.
Tuition given as necessary.
£7.50 per session.
Contact Dennis Spicer at
dennis.spicer@talktalk.net or 0151 625 3107

Maths & English Tuition M

lP
l Private & Group Sessions
lO
l Other Subjects Available
lA
l All Ages, Abilities & Levels Welcome lF
l Friendly Experienced Tutors
Call Jess on
07894 744 698 w
www.getintuition.co.uk

The Beacon Coffee Shop

Heswall Methodist Church,
Telegraph Road, Heswall. Tel 342 7446
Opening times
Tuesday 10.30-2pm - Coffee and lunches
Friday 10.30-2pm - Coffee and lunches
Saturday 10-12noon - Coffee and snacks
Friendly Welcoming Atmosphere, Homemade Food -
Fair Trade Goods, Gifts, Cards and Second hand Books
We are a voluntary organisation and all profits
are donated to charities at home and abroad.

There are two seasons in Scotland: June and Winter - Billy Connolly
6 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

Round table reach peak fitness

3,407m of mountain climbing! That on the motorway, the troop arrived at
was what Hoylake and West Kirby Snowdon with only 2hours 50 minutes
Round Table members set themselves remaining. This meant the rather portly
in August when they completed the chaps from Round Table had to run up
infamous 3 Peak Challenge. the final mountain in order to reach the 24
This involved climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell hour goal. Arriving back off the mountain
Pike and finally Snowdon all in the space with thighs burning, the team had done it
of 24 hours. To ensure there was to be with only 7 minutes remaining.
no change of heart at the last minute, the All the members of the Round Table
table raised £2200 on behalf of the RNLI. hold a great sense of pride for how they
The training began in earnest, mouldy achieved the 3 Peaks. In September, they
walking boots had an airing, the jackets were given a tour of the Hoylake Lifeboat
were resealed and the orienteering was station and were able to find how their
honed. (Although a walk down the Wirral contribution will help the RNLI.
Way did not provide the stiffest of tests for Other events in 2010 included Fire
any map reader or mountaineer). Walking, visit to the greyhound stadium
The team began the challenge scaling in Manchester, brewery tours as well as
Ben Nevis within their time limit, it was helping Father Christmas visit the children
then a mad dash past Loch Lomond of the Wirral on his sleigh.
for the 5am assault on Scafell Pike. For further details of the table and dates,
Successfully completed, it was again a please go to www.hoylake.roundtable.
hectic drive down the M6 in their speed co.uk
limited minibus. Despite traffic delays

Never take a job where winter winds can blow up your pants - Geraldo Rivera
 West Coast magazine January 2011 7

HealtHier, Fitter, Happier

New Year’s Resolutions are You can choose to train at
easy to make, but harder to your own home, in a local gym
keep. Many people vow to get or in an outdoors environ-
in shape following the ex- ment, be that the beach at
cesses of Christmas, but if you west Kirby or the countryside
are really serious, then talk to around your village.
Living Fit.
Jamie has a wide experi-
Jamie Leighton and his team ence, ranging from helping
of personal trainers those who wish to lose a
will create a per- few pounds, through to
sonal fitness plan, training a Rowing world
tailored to your own Champion.
specific require-
So, if you are really seri-
ments. The beauty of this is
ous about making a difference
that we help you to meet your
to your life this year, then talk
goals, however modest or am-
to Living Fit and be healthier,
bitious, in your own time and
fitter and happier.
as quickly as possible.

Feel healthier, fitter and happier in 2011

Personal training and

conditioning consultant
Call Jamie on 0797 147 8786
W www.living-fit.co.uk E info@living-fit.co.uk

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

School joins Rotary family

Hilbre High School Humanities College has recently become the latest addition to
the ever-expanding Family of Rotary.
The school’s Student Council made the decision at the beginning of the school term
to create a Rotary Interact Club, a club that is linked to and helped by, but independent
from the local club, Hoylake and West Kirby (HAWK). The club is founded upon all the
same principles as Rotary, to fundraise for charities and causes locally, nationally and
internationally, to connect with other Rotarians throughout the country and around the
world and to have fun and make friends at the same time.
Hilbre’s Interact club was officially inaugurated on 3rd December at an event which
saw the school’s club members joined by members of the local Rotary Family including
the President of HAWK, Barbara Sinclair and the District Governor, Gwyn Dryhurst-
Dodd.
The event was a great success and all involved, both in Rotary and
within the school community, are excited to see the
club develop and grow.

Top: The Interact Club (Arran Broad,

Antony Furlani, Lauren Cross and
Holly Broad) along with Miss. J.
Levenson, Headteacher of Hilbre,
Mr. P. Lloyd, Assistant Headteacher,
Barbara Sinclair President of HAWK,
Gwyn Dryhurst-Dodd District
Governor of District 1180 and
various other local Rotarians.

Right: President of Hilbre Interact

Arran Broad receiving the club’s
charter from Gwyn Dryhurst-Dodd.

If they hadn’t scored, we would’ve won - Howard Wilkinson

 Ally Interiors
West Coast magazine January 2011 9

“To Infinity and Beyond”-

Buzz Lightyear
Interior design thoughts with Ally MacDermot,
Best Superhero quote I could find- apologies
from Your Choice Interiors to Spiderman, Superman, Batman

Rip up the rule book

and go for it
There’s a partial solar eclipse beginning of January. The
United Nations has designated 2011 the International Year
of Forests and International Year of Chemistry Jupiter and
Uranus are in conjunction for the first time in 14 years.
This is all meaning, take some chances. Do something
unconventional , different, colourful even.
I love and read books. My house is stuffed full of books
from ruskin to Dr seuss. I could happily live in a library. I
love the way this arrangement works. New architecture but
with the clients passion in mind. Get rid of clutter and put
the good stuff on show.
I also love this mural, saves ripping the front pages of
your favourite comics.
Do something bold and different this year, rip up the rule book and just go for it.
Fabric from Linwood

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 increase in your contributions of
save towards our own retirement 67%. Higher rate tax payers need to
and be less dependant on the be especially careful to make sure
they reclaim the overpayment as
state by way of incentives in
HMRC will not automatically pay
the way of pension tax relief it back.
There are restrictions on the
Some large companies run
amount you can benefit and schemes known as ‘Salary Sacri-
this has changed on numer- fice’ where employees can give
ous occasions over the up some of their wages to make
years and is due to change additional payments to their
again next April. pension scheme. This is a very tax
The way relief is granted efficient way of increasing your
depends on how you pay pension savings as in addition to
your pension. If you are a the tax relief you can also save
member of an employer on National Insurance pay-
scheme at work any pension ments. Small companies can run
contribution is usually taken similar schemes for employees or
from your salary before you Directors and if you have an op-
pay tax and National Insur- portunity to consider this option
ance which means that the or would wish to set a pension
amount of your taxable pay is scheme up for your own busi-
reduced by the level of contribu- ness you would be well advised
tion you have paid. to look at a ‘Salary Sacrifice’ scheme.
If you have no company pension Tax relief is one of the few ways we can get free
scheme or are self employed you money from the state and it is well worth taking
will usually have a personal pension plan and tax re- full advantage of this benefit. For example saving
lief is provided by a top up to your contributions. For £300 per month to a pension with 20% tax relief
example if you are personally paying £100 per month would mean that over 25 years you would have saved
by direct debit the amount that would be credited to £112,500 at a cost of £90,000.
your pension scheme would be £125. Interest or growth on this additional sum over 25
If you are a higher rate tax payer then you could years can boost the saving even further and make the
claim another £25 of tax relief by way of a refund difference between a comfortable retirement and a
from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) 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 Winteron 01285 123
comes, can456, by email
Spring Michael.edwards@sjpp.co.uk
be far behind? - Percy Bysshe or visit www.michaeledwards.co.uk
Shelley
 West Coast magazine January 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
,
e
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

Esther McVey with Debbie Moore (1st female to set up a PLC) Lisa Pover
(Yachtswoman) Gilliam McDonald (1st female whisky distiller) Rona Cant
(explorer) Louise Greenhalgh (1st female Bomb disposal officer) and school girls
in Westminster Hall

MP seeks to inspire young women

LOCAL MP Esther – which is exactly what reached by conventional
McVey has launched this ‘bookazine’ aims to careers advice.
the inspirational career address. ‘Over the last 2 years I
‘bookazine’ for teenage The book is comprised of met with over 300 school
girls called ‘If Chloe Can’. a wide variety of female girls and asked them what
It is an inspirational ‘firsts’ who have all been sort of book or magazine
careers book created high achievers in their they would enjoy reading,
and written by Esther, respective fields. All of who and what sort of
which is to be distributed whom, have overcome people they’d like featured
for free across Wirral difficulties and hardships as well as what questions
and Merseyside, aimed to become the best in the they’d like answered,
at 11-13 year olds and world; their talents and the result was ‘If Chloe
then hopefully extended expertise range from; Can’, an all inclusive
nationwide. Statistics science to finance, law to magazine, distributed for
show women are still politics, fashion and arts. free to school girls across
not achieving their full Esther, who lives in West Merseyside, so reaching
potential in the work Kirby, said ‘The aim of the out to all girls, from all
place, which is evident book is that it will be read backgrounds, with the
in the lack of visible and by children, who would message ‘If Chloe Can’,
professional role models not otherwise be easily You can too.’

In summer winter rain or sun, it’s good to be on horseback - Mike Oldfield

 West Coast magazine January 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 Traetment
-----------------------
Babor Firming Algae Wrap
Aromatherapy Cellulite Wrap
Cleopatra Milk Wrap
-----------------------
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

Special New Years Price

GELeration
£75.00 mon-thurs by Jessica Nails
Long lasting Manicure
£85.00 fri-sun Discover the strength of Jessica with
the beauty of a gel polish
valid 28/02/2011

For all enquires please call 01244 335262 or email File and gel polish from £20.00
Manicure with gel polish from £35.00
thespa@rowtonhallhotelandspa.co.uk

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

In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer - Albert Camus
 14 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

S.M.C. PAVING

Don't slip up this winter

Beat the freeze!
Local ROCK SALT/
GRITTING SERVICE:
Paths
Drives
Patio's
Road clearance
Business premises
ALL CLEARED OF
SNOW & GRITTED
CALL STEVE:
TEL: 0151 356 5396
MOBILE: 07867 802208 (24HRS)

If history is going to repeat itself I should think we can expect the same thing again - Terry Venables
 West Coast magazine October 2010 15

If you can’t stand the heat in the dressing room, get out of the kitchen - Terry Venables
‘January brings the snow, makes
our feet and fingers glow’

The icy conditions last month were treacherous

under foot but the snow blanket made for some good
photographs at Caldy Golf Club and theAshton Park pond

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn - Hal Borland

 West Coast magazine January 2011 17

QUALITY EDUCATION AT THE QUEEN’S SCHOOL

The Queen’s School’s values are founded on
respect, community and happiness.
We are proud of our reputation for our students’
academic success, as they achieve both excellent
public examination results and top university
offers.
Queen’s girls are happy and positive, engaging
and articulate. Academically they question and
challenge, explore and innovate; there are no
gender stereotypes here! Our staff have expertise
in the teaching of girls and our community is an
encouraging and supportive one.
We have a full extra-curricular programme out of the 100 top prep schools in the country
including a wide variety of sports and and is the top school in the North West in the
adventurous activities such as treks and survey published by The Sunday Times Parent
expeditions. In addition, music and the arts Power survey, November 2010.
flourish in an atmosphere that encourages self-
Monday 17th January 2011, entrance
expression and confidence. assessments for 11+ entry, Reception and
It’s official, The Lower School was placed 14th
Junior entry.
School Wirral mini bus service available

The ueen’s Lower School The ueen’s Senior School

Come and join us

Taster sessions and individual visits now available
THE QUEEN’S SCHOOL
Please contact Mrs Jane Taylor on 01244 312078 or email jtaylor@queens.cheshire.sch.uk
www.queens.cheshire.sch.u k

People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy - Anton Chekhov
 18 To advertise call 01244 350398 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

Throwing money
out of the window
A Wirral business owner has welcomed an – because shutters, blinds and curtains are
alarming new report which has highlighted natural barriers which prevent heat loss.
how much money householders are throwing “I don’t know anyone who couldn’t do with
out of the window. saving some cash right now and given that
Marc McQuilliam from Apollo Blinds was energy prices are rising again, it’s the right time
gobsmacked by the findings of the research to do something about it.”
which used thermal imaging cameras in Marc can see why interior plantation shutters
Edinburgh to show just how much heat is lost are grabbing all the headlines as they are the
through windows of homes in the city. hottest trend in interior décor. As well as being
Simply drawing curtains, shutters or blinds gorgeous, stylish and incredibly functional
to stop heat escaping could be as effective as they do come into their own during the winter
fitting double glazing, according the report’s months providing privacy and excellent energy-
authors – particularly for older properties. It’s a saving properties.
view which is echoed by Marc who owns Apollo He also points to Duette® blinds, which are the
Blinds Wirral. rising stars of the interiors industry, as they can
“The findings should be a wake-up call to reduce the amount of heat that escapes through
householders in Wirral because the thermal windows by a third during the winter.
images that were used as part of the report are “Duette® is a modern take on pleated blinds
very powerful in demonstrating how much heat and have a patented double-walled honeycomb
is lost through windows,” said Marc. design which allows them to form air pockets
“It highlights how very simple measures can be that give them energy-saving properties,” said
taken to significantly reduce energy expenditure Marc.

God is day and night, winter and summer, war and peace, surfeit and hunger - Heraclitus
 West Coast magazine January 2011 19

20% OFF
SHUTTERS

0151 203 6160

wirral@apollo-blinds.co.uk
www.apollo-blinds.co.uk

I had slumps that lasted into the winter - Bob Uecker

20 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

BOOK REVIEWS:
NEW YEAR TREATS
BY REBECCA CURRIE, FROM LINGHAM’S BOOKSTORE, WEST KIRBY

Fiction: House Rules- Jodie Picoult

When Emma Hunt’s teenage son is diagnosed with Asperger’s she knows she will
do anything to help him. Jacob Hunt is brilliant at maths, has a wicked sense of
humour, is extraordinarily organized but hopeless at reading social cues. He is locked
in his own world – aware of the world outside, and wanting to make a connection,
trying to be like everyone else without knowing how. His mother expects other people
not to understand, she expects stares and whispers, she even expects trouble with
the police. But when his tutor is found dead, all the hallmark behaviours of Jacob’s
syndrome – not looking someone in the eye, odd movements, inappropriate actions
– start looking a lot like guilt to the police. And Jacob’s mother must ask herself the
hardest question in the world: is her child capable of murder?
Jodie Picoult fans will love this book with its usual mix of topical controversy and rare
insight into the workings of a family. Newly out in paperback, this is a great novel in
which to lose yourself over the long dark January evenings.

Travel Biography: Return to the Olive Farm- Carol Drinkwater

And if those dark winter evenings are getting you down, where better to spend them
than in the sunny South of France? After sixteen months of travelling round the
Mediterranean in search of the ancient secrets of the olive tree, Carol returns to her
husband Michel and his growing family. However, the homecoming celebrations are
overshadowed by disturbing discoveries. The plight of the honey bee has become
an international crisis and Carol is faced with unsettling news about the hives on her
own olive farm. While the multinational companies are pushing for ‘bigger, better,
bumper’ crops, a small band of farmers and ecologists are calling for a halt to many
of the modern farming malpractices that are endangering the planet. Carol is amongst
them. But it puts her own farm, her idyll, under threat. This is the story of how Carol
and Michel struggle with some difficult choices, and how they decide to deal with the
unavoidable disappointments and inevitable responsibilities that come with running an
organic farm.
Sixth in the ‘Olive Farm’ series, a beautifully written, well researched, warm and
humane book that passionately confronts issues to do with farming in Provence
today.

Health and Beauty: Lorraine on Looking great- Lorraine Kelly

Start 2011 as you mean to go on with wonderful guide to a new you. The 4 sections of
this attractively produced book are entitled ‘Healthy Eating’, ‘Exercise’,
‘Looking Great’ and ‘Staying Healthy’. There are loads of illustrations
and diagrams and the whole thing is highly accessible, with lots of
great tips for improving health and wellbeing without unrealistic
pressure to look like a supermodel. And judging by the photographs,
Lorraine herself is a marvellous advert for the efficacy of her
methods. A great one for all you West Kirby Yummy Mummies!

Thou hast no sorrow in thy song, no winter in thy year - John A. Logan
 West Coast magazine January 2011 21

ST BRIDGET’S COMMUNITY
CENTRE APPEAL EVENTS
29th January
Burns Night, St Bridget’s Primary School Hall
Traditional Burns Night Supper with piper, 5 course meal including haggis, neaps
and tatties. Vegetarian option available bookable in advance. Bring your own drinks
and whisky sauce. Listen to some of the bard’s music and poems. An evening of
entertainment and fun! If you have never been to a Burns Night supper, here is your
opportunity! If you have you know what fun they are! Reserve a table for the evening
and bring your friends. Ticket only event. Tickets £17 from Pipedreams, Banks Road or
Paul Burgess on 625-3696. Great value!
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.

We need to drive like hell and get to the hills before the winter sets in - Steven Squyres
 22 01244 512251 / 07801 506538 E info@westkirbylocal.com W www.westkirbylocal.com

West Wirral Car Club

Old Seadog Learns New Tricks

in Spitfire
Triumph introduced the
popular little Herald saloon
car in 1959 and it was one
of only a few cars then
still being built with a
separate chassis. This
was a cunning move
by Triumph because it
enabled the company
to put a number of very
different body types
onto the same running
gear. One variation that
proved immensely popular
was the Spitfire which was made
from1962 until 1981.
This month we take a look at the 1978 Spitfire 1500
which belongs to Ray and Bettine Fields, in our picture.
These cars are very easy to work on and maintain, which is just as well because when
Ray acquired it in 1991 it had just been written off by the insurers. Its previous owner,
having allowed his enthusiasm for driving it to get a bit out of hand, had made a major
modification to the front by allowing a tree to impede his progress.
Ray had just recently retired from a lifetime of working with ships around the world
and was looking for something new to occupy him, so when he heard about the damaged
Spitfire he snapped it up for the princely sum of £150. Ray then spent the next two years
on a full restoration which went much further than was necessary just to repair the
accident damage.
Ray and Bettine then became enthusiastic members of two Triumph car clubs, first they
joined the national Triumph Sports Six Club and for the last decade they have also been
keen members of the Wirral group Triumph Appreciation. For the former, Ray has been a
regular contributor to their magazine and for the latter he is the much valued editor of our
regular newsletter. Rarely missing opportunities to join in events they love to go to shows,
long runs, camping weekends and local outings to country pubs in the car. They even
drove to Le Mans on one occasion.
ENTERTAINMENT

Such was the excellence of Ray’s restoration that the car won them several cups in the
early days and has never failed to get them back home in all the 40,000 miles they have
covered. The car is fitted with the desirable overdrive (5th gear) and regularly returns
38 - 40 mpg. Now both in their 80s, neither owners (nor car) are showing any signs yet of
loosing their enthusiasm for the fun and friendships their retirement hobby has provided.
Dave Evenett
devennett@hotmail.com
22

Winter is not a season, it’s an occupation - Sinclair Lewis

 West Coast magazine January 2011 23

WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY
Saturday 8th January
A Woodland Walk in Royden Park, 1pm – 2.30pm. An in depth look at Royden Park’s
woodland, its beauty, uses and wildlife. Meet Ranger’s Office, Royden Park. No need
to book. Tel: 0151 677 7594.

Sunday 9th January

Winter West Wirral Walk, 10.15am - 3.30pm. Join the Ranger on a 5-7 mile march
around West Wirral to burn off extra calories from festive food or to help toward New
Year Resolutions! Booking essential, contact Tel 0151 648 4371.

Friday 21st January

Classical chamber music at Westbourne Hall, Westbourne
Road, West Kirby, organised by Hoylake Chamber Concert
Society. The Henschel Quartet from Germany are one
of the world’s greatest string quartets. Their concert will
include works by Mozart, Schulhoff and Schubert. Concert
commences at 7.30pm - doors open at 7pm. Tickets £8
include interval refreshments.

Sunday 23rd January

Winter Bird Walk, 10.30am – 12.30pm. A short stroll within Royden Park & Thurstaston
Common to discover our winter resident birds. Meet: Ranger’s Office, Royden Park.
Sorry no dogs. No need to book. Tel: 0151 677 7594.

Wednesday 26thJanuary
Help this Heathland-Thurstaston Common,10.30am – 3.30pm. Come and help clear
invading scrub on this important heath land site. Meet: Thurstaston Hill car park off
Telegraph Road. Gloves and tools provided. Bring a packed lunch. No need to book.
Tel: 0151 677 7594.

Thursday 27th January

Wirral Bird Club: Val MacFarland is giving an illustrated talk on “Kamchatka and the
Ring of Fire”. The Club meet every fourth Thursday of the month (except August and
December) at 8pm prompt at Kingsmead School, Bertram Drive, Hoylake. Also we
make about twelve Field Trips a year. This friendly Club is for anyone with an interest in
birds, even if you can’t tell a kite from a coot. Ring 625 8809 for more information.
ENTERTAINMENT

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).

23
Winter lingered so long in the lap of Spring that it occasioned a great deal of talk - Bill Nye
 Useful numbers and info
Churches Leisure Centre
Church of the Resurrection and All West Kirby Concourse, includes 25m pool,
Saints, Caldy; St Bridget’s Church sports hall, fitness suite, aerobics studio,
Tel 0151 625 5229. function rooms and crèche. Tel 929 7801
www.stbridgetschurch.org.uk Pharmacies
Riverway Christian Fellowship Wilsons Chemist, 17 The Crescent, West
86 Grange Rd.West Kirby.Tel. 0151 605 Kirby. Tel: 625 6115
1872. www.riverway.org.uk Police
St Agnes RC Church 999 Emergency. If you wish to contact
16 Darmon’s Green, WK, 0151 625 6367 Merseyside Police regarding any other non
St Andrew’s Church emergency issue please Telephone - 709
Graham Road, West Kirby 632 4728. 6010 or visit www.merseyside.police.uk
www.achurchnearyou.com Tourist
St. Michael & All Angels Parish Church, West Kirby Marine Lake
Frankby Road, Newton, West Kirby. Tel. 625 Tel 625 2510
8517. www.stmichaelsnewton.org.uk
Wirral Country Park
West Kirby Methodist Church Thurstaston. Tel 648 4371
Westbourne Road, West Kirby. Tel 632 2776
Vets
West Kirby United Reformed Church Acorn Veterinary Centre
Meols Drive, West Kirby. Tel 632 6921 15-17-Acacia Grove, West Kirby.
Community Centres Tel 625 9916
Hoylake Community Centre, 2 Hoyle Wirral Council
Road, Hoylake, CH47 3AG. Tel 632 2889 General Enquiries (Switchboard): 0151 606
Email: hoylakeparade@btinternet.com 2000 or visit www.wirral.gov.uk
W: www.hoylakecommunitycentre.org
Politics
Dentists MP
Banks House Dental Practice Esther McVey (Conservative)
143 Banks Road, West Kirby. Tel 625 6829. The Parade, Hoylake Community Centre
Health Hoyle Road, Hoylake. Tel 632 4348
West Kirby Health Centre Local Councillors
The Concourse, Grange Road, West Kirby. Cllr David M Elderton
Tel: 625 9171 www.wkhcwirral.nhs.uk (Conservative, West Kirby and Thurstaston)
Sandstone Medical Centre Tel: 632 3195. Email: davidelderton@wirral.
USEFUL NUMBERS

161 Banks Road, West Kirby. gov.uk

Tel : 625 6128 Cllr Jeff Green
www.sandstonemedicalcentre.co.uk (Conservative, West Kirby and Thurstaston)
Arrowe Park Hospital Tel: 648 5913 / Mobile: 07766 725 125.
Arrowe Park Road, Upton. Tel 678 5111 Email: jeffgreen@wirral.gov.uk
Hoylake Cottage Residential Home Cllr Geoffrey Watt
Birkenhead Road, Hoylake. Tel 632 3381 (Con, West Kirby and Thurstaston)
24 Tel: 625 3941. E: geoffreywatt@wirral.gov.uk

You can’t get too much winter in the winter - Robert Frost
 Schools Hoylake Flower Club
Black Horse Hill Infant School Meet at Melrose Hall, Hoylake on the 3rd
Saughall Massie Road West Kirby, 625 5238, Tuesday of the month. Doors open 7.15pm.
E-mail: schooloffice@blackhorsehill-infant.wirral.sch.uk Demonstrations by NAFAS demonstrators.
Black Horse Hill Junior School Hoylake Lawn Tennis Club
Saughall Massie Road. West Kirby, 625 8446 Eddisbury Road, West Kirby. Tel 632 3491
E-mail: schooloffice@blackhorsehill-junior.wirral.sch.uk Lions Club of West Kirby
Calday Grange Grammar School, Grammar westkirbyuk.lionwap.org
School Lane, West Kirby. Tel 625 2727 Grange Probus Club (West Wirral)
Email: theschool@calday.wirral.sch.uk
We meet monthly, on the first Wednesday of
Hilbre High School Humanities College each month, for Lunch at Heatherlands and
Frankby Road, West Kirby. Tel 625 5996 run day and short break trips. New Members
West Kirby Primary School & Nursery welcome. Contact Peter Bale on 334-3965.
Anglesey Road, West Kirby. Tel 625 5561 or Probus Club of West Kirby
visit www.westkirby-primary.wirral.sch.uk The club for former professional and
West Kirby Grammar School business people. Call 648 6141.
Graham Road, West Kirby. Tel 632 3449. Visit Rotary Club of Hoylake & West Kirby
www.westkirby-grammar.wirral.sch.uk/ Tel 625 3484
St. Bridgets School Senior Swimmers
St. Bridgets Lane, West Kirby. Tel 625 7652. Open to anyone over 50, for “serious “ or
E-mail - schooloffice@stbridgets.wirral.sch.uk light exercise, at Calday Grange Swimming
Pool every Friday morning Tel. 342 3703
Clubs and Societies
Soroptimist International of Hoylake and
AC Hoylake Junior Football Club
West Kirby Tel 632 4602
Over 200 players aged 6-15. Call Paul
Williams on 0781 7684682. www.achoylake.com West Kirby Football Club
Greenbank Road, West Kirby.
Caldy Cricket Club
Visit www.westkirbyfc.org
Paton Field, Telegraph Road, Thurstaston. Tel
6258043. E-mail: info@caldycricketclub.co.uk West Kirby Sailing Club
Sandy Lane, West Kirby. Tel 625 5579 or visit
Calday Grange Swimming Pool Trust
www.wksc.net
Tel Jean Robb / Hillary 625 2619
West Kirby Wasps Junior FC
Caldy Rugby Club
www.westkirbywasps.com
Tel: 0151 625 8043 www.caldyrugby.co.uk
West Kirby Panthers Junior FC
Girlguiding Newton District
USEFUL NUMBERS

Calday Grange Grammar School,

Rainbows (5+), Brownies (7+), Guides (10+),
www.westkirbypanthers.com Tel 625 0116
Young Leaders (14+) and Adult volunteers
(18+). Meetings on various nights in term Wirral Embroiderers’ Guild
time. e-mail: newtonguides@yahoo.co.uk, or The guild meet in the Birkenhead Art
phone 625 5602 Gallery, Slatey Road, Birkenhead, on the third
Thursday in the Month at 7.15pm. Everyone
Gymnastics Club
welcome www.embroiderersguild.com
(West Kirby). Tel 670 0694 or visit
www.westkirbygymnastics.co.uk
25

While I relish our warm months, winter forms our character and brings out our best - Tom Allen
 To advertise in this section
West Coast Directory for as little as £16 a month
call 01244 350398

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Decorating / Painting

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30
The cost of bringing up a child in the UK is £180,000
 To advertise in this section
West Coast Directory for as little as £16 a month
e-mail info@westkirbylocal.com

Glazing Plastering Tarmac

Glaze-rite: Misted units

replaced, all glazing work,
CALDY TARMAC
(R. EATON & SONS)
lead repairs, UPVC fitted
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www.glaze-rite.com Tel 342 6299
Handyman
The Depot,
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Services
l Plumbing & Tiling
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Service your mower
For quality and reliability
call Bill on before the rush
GAS l PLUMBING l DRAINAGE
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Central Heating Installation
Free estimates Renewable energy & solar Tel 0151 342 3366
Guttering & Drainage
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For an affordable quote Free Estimates & Advice
please call Steve on
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SMC PAVING
07923 123986 www.touchwoodtreesurgery.co.uk
info@touchwoodtreesurgery.co.uk 27

Research has revealed that 65 million presents are unwanted at Christmas in the UK