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FORMER Halifax Town striker Terry MacPhillips is the latest target of Middlewich Town manager Dave Twite. He will be contacting the experienced striker to try and secure his services after a recommendation from Town midfielder Paul Bennett. However, Twite

WINSFORD United have already lost giant centre back Simon Turpin through injury, days after signing him from Leigh last week. Boss Kevin Tully's injury nightmare continued as he still searches for the wins that will put his side back in contention to

MIDDLEWICH'S Youth Forum - the Wich? Zone - met last week with other forums from across Congleton Borough to find the key to success. The Wich? Zone was set up in a joint venture between Congleton Borough Council and Cheshire County Council with the aim

Report by STUART DYE AN ex-chairman of Cheshire County Council will challenge Middlewich MP Ann Winterton for her seat at the next election. Congleton's Liberal Democrats this week named David Lloyd-Griffiths as the man who will fight for the seat in

Special report by MHARI KELLY BONFIRE night celebrations can quickly turn to tragedy, firefighters have warned. In just two days' time, the skies will be lit up by November 5 festivities but it's also a prime time for accidents. In Winsford there have

MEDITATION for the millennium comes to Winsford with the aim of giving people 'a deep happiness and contentment' in time for the year 2000. The course starts on Wednesday November 10, and runs for five weeks. Each session lasts two hours from 7.30pm at

Report by STUART DYE A WINSFORD woman has returned home after a fundraising bike ride - across Northern India. Karen Wray, of Buckingham Drive, Winsford, undertook the challenge of a 341km journey in aid of Whizz Kids, a UK charity that helps children

Report by STUART DYE CALLING all budding Whitney Houstons or Liam Gallaghers - book your place now in the grand Mid-Cheshire Karaoke Competition. The search is on to find the king or queen of karaoke. So if you like stepping up to the microphone and grabbing

A WINSFORD footpath may be added to the definitive map of Rights of Way, giving the public a legal right to use it. The footpath runs from Lodge Drive to Station Road and will be added to the definitive map if it is diverted in line with a planning application

MIDDLEWICH'S Round Table group will be giving pensioners a helping hand to get their Christmas shopping done this month. The group will be taking elderly people - who would otherwise have difficulty getting out to find presents and gifts - to a late-night

Report by STUART DYE TELEVISION'S laziest lay-abouts have agreed to put in some overtime in Winsford - when they illuminate the shopping centre with a spectacular Christmas lights switch on. Coronation Street's Les Battersby, alias Bruce Jones, will team

EXCLUSIVE By STUART DYE A HOLIDAY in Turkey turned into a nightmare for Nicola Burgess - when an earthquake struck. Nicola was with her boyfriend Marcus Lewis when the earthquake shook their Turkish resort of Marmaris at 4am. Hundreds of holiday-makers

THERE are many people now wondering what all the fuss is about regarding what is being called the millennium. There is no doubt that the year 2000 is the last year of the present millennium, but if we are to believe the newspapers in general, and of course

IT has been brought to my attention that Manweb are proposing to construct a line of pylons across the Cheshire countryside from Lostock Gralam to Lymm via Marston, Great Budworth, Arley and High Legh. I should like to register my objection to this project

I WAS very surprised to read the Guardian letters on October 27, that some/all Kingsmead residents were unaware of the road plans, before they signed their contracts; the plans were well publicised. When the Kingsmead development was originally proposed

MR Hall, as pastor of the Northwich Christian Fellowship, I feel very strong about current attitudes with the people of Vale Royal regarding the October 31 festivities, ie Hallowe'en. Do the people realise that this very dangerous practice has its origins

IN response to the letter submitted by Mr Watt. Watson's Fruit Shops would like to assure their valued customers, especially the elderly, that they will always be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Mr Watt should be aware of the fact that

INSTEAD of ranting about the actions of our 'friends' across the channel we should be thanking them once again for putting another nail in the coffin of that shambles, the European Union. So much for the claim by Mr Blair that to be a member of this proposed

WE are all suffering the inconvenience caused by the road and bridge works on the Northwich bypass, but I can't help but feel that the design of the diversion system has not been properly thought out. The speed restrictions, undoubtedly necessary, are

THE revelations by the unnamed serving police officer in last week's Guardian makes interesting, if not alarming, reading. Are we really expected to believe that, on average, on any 10 hour shift, that there are only two officers on duty to cover the

THE arrival of the meningitis vaccination has been welcomed by headteachers in Northwich, who say it will put many parents' minds at rest. Weaverham High School's George Studd is pleased that the inoculation is at last being offered in schools and is

Woking 1 Northwich Vics 1 Nationwide Conference Saturday, October 30 SWIRLING wind and torrential rain was always likely to make this rearranged game a scrappy affair - and the weather didn't let anyone down. In fact, the whole day had something of a

Broughton Park 5 Winnington Park 22 WINNINGTON took the opportunity of a free weekend in their league campaign to have their second friendly of the year against Broughton Park. A solid first-half performance put Winnington on the way to victory, and they

STEWART Colclough, of Pockets D, notched an impressive break of 83 - the highest of the season so far in the Mid Cheshire Snooker League - as his team beat Castle A 6-1. The win allowed Pockets D to close the gap on Premier Division leaders United Services

YVETTE Saunders netted twice as Winnington Park ladies' hockey team secured a battling 3-2 league win away to Leyland on Saturday. Winnington showed plenty of character and fighting spirit, twice battling back after going behind. Leyland opened the scoring

SANDIWAY golfer Elaine Ratcliffe has been named Rookie of the Year on her first season on the Ladies' European Tour. The 26-year-old got into the swing of professional golf straight away, earning £12,145 and finishing 66th on the money list. She turned

A MIKE Heverin goal 15 minutes from time gave Northwich Vics Reserves a vital 1-0 win in Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against leaders Southport. Both sides tried to play expressive football, but chances were few and far between in a battling first

Witton Albion 3 Ossett Town 2 UniBond Division One Saturday, October 30 A HOME win and a three-point lead at the top of the table isn't a bad thing when you've just turned in your worst performance of the season. That was the verdict of manager Nigel

Report by NICK SMITH MICHAEL Oakes is looking forward to a new challenge after bringing down the curtain on his nine-year Aston Villa career last week. The Davenham-based goalkeeper has expressed his delight in signing for First Division side Wolverhampton

Report by NICK SMITH GIRLS are being called to the crease in an attempt to make Cheshire an even more potent cricket force. Only Lancashire and Yorkshire finished above the county's junior girls in the 1999 season, which was only their second in a competitive

FULL-BACK Dave Lilley and flanker Andy Stanley scored a try apiece as Northwich 2nds notched a fine 18-11 win against Holmes Chapel's first team on Saturday. In spite of atrocious conditions and the World Cup semi-final between Australia and South Africa

BARNTON have come unstuck at Poynton's tight little ground in the past but it couldn't squeeze anything out of them on Saturday. A good first-half performance laid the foundation for the champions to build up their lead at the top to five points with

Report by NICK SMITH MARK Gardiner's striking options are set to be tested to the limit again as Vics prepare for their Conference trip to Hayes this Saturday. Latest casualty Gary Fletcher came off with a knee injury at Woking on Saturday and Gardiner

A MUCH-LOVED Cuddington councillor, who gave half his life to serving the village, has died at his home. Leslie Povall died suddenly last Saturday, preparing for his next parish council meeting, and for the village's Remembrance Day ceremony. He was aged

Special report by MHARI KELLY BONFIRE night celebrations can quickly turn to tragedy, firefighters have warned. In just two days' time, the skies will be lit up by November 5 festivities but it's also a prime time for accidents. In Northwich and Winsford

Report by MHARI KELLY A PENSIONER died on the roof of his house while carrying out some repair work - and was not discovered until the next day. John Ulton, 73, had been working at his home in Chapel Lane, Moulton, last Friday when he became ill and died

FAMILIES fear that plans for a pub on Kingsmead may attract drunken louts and stir up a whole lot of trouble. They are protesting against proposals for the premises, even though a planning application has not yet been submitted. Tony Leigh, of Buckingham

ARMISTICE day will be honoured by Northwich and District British Legion on Thursday, November 11. There will be a service at the commemorative stone near Northwich Memorial Hall at 11am and wreaths will be laid. A REMEMBRANCE Sunday parade will leave

Report by MHARI KELLY KINGSMEAD could undergo a radical facelift if a bumper pack of plans is approved for the estate. Plans for a new development - to include a nursery, pub, chemist, mini-supermarket, video store, doctor's surgery and take-aways - are

GATES open at 5.30pm to Verdin Park's annual bonfire spectacular on Friday, November 5. The popular display, organised jointly by Northwich Round Table and Rotary, draws in the crowds every year. A total of £4,000 has been spent on fireworks for the event

I thought your headline was rather sympathetic: Pensioner faces a 15-mile hike at 3am' All I can say is that he is old enough to know better. The question was also asked what if it had been an old lady? All I can say is thank goodness he was not at the

The Lord Eldon on Canute Square was the one watering hole that came up to scratch for the meticulous muts. When their owners say "I'm taking the dog for a walk" the playful pooches take the lead knowing it will mean doggy biscuits a stretch by the fire

After a course in assertiveness organised by the National Women's Register the words flow effortlessly and with confidence. But it was not always the case for the two married mothers from Knutsford. "It was a bit intimidating at first. People were having

TATTON weren't disgraced in this fiercely competitive game against a good first division side. They started sluggishly and were made to pay as Hartford scored after five minutes. Despite the setback Tatton coped well with an agile Hartford front line,

AT half time Knutsford were leading 9-7, but Warrington made some team changes and fought back winning by five goals. Player of the match was Molly O'Brien. Knutsford 3rd 18 Penketh 18 KNUTSFORD dominated the first half and most of the second, but due

HOLMES Chapel's second team continued their unbeaten run to the season with another comfortable victory on Saturday. The scoring hero was Oliver Scopes who stole two goals in his usual predatory fashion. Architect of the strikes was Dave Laxton who seems

EGERTON met Florance for the second time this season in the first round of the league cup on Sunday. Egerton improved on their 4-0 league win, this time scoring seven. Neil Kendrick opened the scoring with a strike that curled into the top corner and

Ambulancemen said a third man, who had been driving a Land Rover Discovery, had a miraculous escape. "If he had been driving an ordinary car, the lorry would have gone over the top of him," said operations manager Mike Moore. The accident happened during

Prison staff found Frank Grimes hanging in his cell by a belt just after 6am. He was pronounced dead 40 minutes later. Yesterday (Tuesday) his widow Debbie said they had been expecting their appeal against his conviction to be heard within weeks. "Last

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer gave RPR Cricket Club an ultimatum to either share a pitch with Holmes Chapel Rugby Club or play somewhere else. But yesterday (Tuesday) cricket club chairman Mike Edge said the offer was a polite way of saying: You're out. At a meeting

Winsford Utd 1 Worksop Town 3 UniBond Premier Saturday, October 30 SEASONS are often summed up in a matter of minutes and it was the 64th of this match which provided the latest page in Winsford's catalogue of disaster. If new boy Simon Turpin had headed

Garswood Utd 2 Middlewich Town 0 Green Mid Cheshire One Saturday, October 30 MIDDLEWICH went to second-placed Garswood aiming to overtake them in the league, but two costly errors saw them go away empty-handed. Middlewich started very brightly with Chris

PHIL Taylor, seven-times world darts champion is set to come to Winsford to take on the town's top throwers. He will be taking part in a series on one-leg play-offs at the Denbigh pub on Saturday, December 4. Taylor will take on all 32 finalists from

WHARTON Cons bowler Alan Robinson pulled off a shock result to record his biggest ever win on Sunday. Robinson, of Tarn Close, Winsford, picked up the £1,000 first prize for landing the 2000 Kingston Communications Classic at the Tetley Walker Club, Warrington

Report by News Editor NICK HALLISSEY IT will be a brief glimpse of Middlewich for Dave Roberts - but one that is very worthwhile indeed. Next Sunday, November 13, Dave and friends from the Middlewich Rail Link Campaign will be making a train journey.

A HALLOWE'EN Fancy Dress Competition and disco held at New Images, Nixon Drive, has raised £140 for Children's Party 2000. Prize winners in the over 10s category were Michael Kearnan, Jamie Pollit and Megan Venter. In the under 10s winners included Jack

Report by MHARI KELLY A PENSIONER died on the roof of his house while carrying out some repair work - and was not discovered until the next day. John Ulton, 73, had been working at his home in Chapel Lane, Moulton, last Friday when he became ill and died

CONGLETON Borough MP Ann Winterton has asked Parliament to give the police power to clamp down on people who drive whilst under the influence of drugs. In the House of Commons last week, Mrs Winterton launched an appeal to the Department of the Environment

Report by STUART DYE ARSONISTS are being blamed for a fire that ripped through a Winsford office - causing £5,000 damage. Fire crews were called out to the blaze in an old timber office building at Joseph Finney, in Grange Lane, last Thursday, October

NEWSREADER Nigel Jay, from BBC North West, has been helping promote a new information technology company in Winsford. He spoke to representatives from 60 businesses at a champagne launch held by the Rare.IT company. Rare.IT, based on Winsford's industrial

I WAS interested to read the letter from Mr Watt asking why "old people" shop on Saturdays. May I suggest that he considers the following possible reasons? They require fresh food for the weekend. They wish to visit stalls in the market which are not

I WAS interested and alarmed to read in last week's Guardian about the increase in crime against birds. I feel that for too long the law has been too lenient on people who harm birds or other animals. Perhaps if these people knew that they faced tougher

WITH regard to my letter on October 27, what I said was speeds of 60 and 70mph were commonplace on Manchester Road, but in the early mornings and evenings. I've lived in Lostock Gralam all my life and I can't remember ever seeing a police officer with

RECENTLY, my wife and I attended a meeting at Hartford High School to discuss children's safety while travelling to and from school on the school buses. In attendance were the head and the deputy head of the school, the chair of governors and a representative

IN reply to the letter from Mr Watt regarding the old shoppers: Watt this man needs is to be told There is no shame in growing old Watt a difference this man will find If while out to the old he is kind Watt he wants when rushing about Are no old people

WHAT a pity Mr Watt has nothing better to do with his life than pick on pensioners. What a sad attitude to want to put yourself before someone who probably suffers with bad eyesight, rheumatism and all the numerous infirmities that unfortunately come

I WAS offended by Mr Watt's letter printed in the Guardian, headlined Shopping Moan. It seems obvious that the writer is a person without any principles, patience or respect for the elderly. Senior citizens have every right to shop as and when they wish

I READ with interest the article in the Guardian concerning the letter written by the Tory candidate for Tatton, George Osbourne, asking for a ban on all French meat in our schools. I assume from his stance on the matter, that he backs the Tory party

THE latest bloodsports attempt to justify behaving like prehistoric man hunting animals is to keep 600 people, ie two employees for each of the 300 hunts, in a job. They will receive no pity from me when hunting deer, hare and foxes is made a criminal

IN reply to Mr Watt's letter - these elderly people, to whom you refer, are somebody's mum and dad, maybe even yours. Remember when you are old - and one day you will be, if you are lucky - don't ever go out on a Saturday. In fact somebody with your uncaring

AFTER reading Mr Everitt's response to Mrs Laws' letter, I would like to draw his attention to the Highway Code, page 35, section 147. When approaching road works "use your mirrors and get into the correct lane in good time. Do not switch lanes to overtake

WHAT a frank and open letter the serving police officer from Northwich has written. Perhaps unwittingly, this brave officer has, out of frustration or dedication to their job, given us what we have wanted to hear - but from their superintendent and especially

Report by MHARI KELLY THOUSANDS of school children are to be offered protection from a deadly strain of meningitis when a new vaccination programme starts this month. Letters will be sent out to parents across Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich within

WITTON Albion are hoping to raid their nearest UniBond Division One rivals by securing the services of Tony Carroll. The Radcliffe Borough striker has been made available by the club, who lie second behind Albion, as they struggle to meet financial constraints

THE National Youth Championships for the GP14 class of sailing dinghy was hosted by Budworth Sailing Club over the weekend. The event attracted an excellent entry of 33 boats from 14 sailing clubs as far afield as Northern Ireland, Northumberland, Kent

WEAVERHAM Rangers RLFC continued to climb their league table with a 30-10 win away to Parr Hare & Hounds on Saturday - their third win in four games. Rangers' superiority was apparent from the off, with the forwards - led by man of the match Roger

MEMBERS of the Cheshire Penguins disabled swimming team celebrated another successful year at their annual presentation evening last week. The swimmers, based at Sir John Deane's College pool, held the awards ceremony at the RAOB Club in Northwich. Winners

GOALS from Paul Lightfoot and Jamiey Ball allowed Lostock to beat Poynton 2-1 despite a below-par performance on Saturday. The game was played in appalling conditions and Lostock's display deteriorated with the weather. Lostock started brightly enough

WINNINGTON Park have had to forfeit their place in the NPI Cup to Northwich, despite beating their local rivals in the first round. Winnington won 21-6 at Northwich on October 16, but last week they received notification from Twickenham that one player

A FIGHT against forecourt crime at petrol stations has been taken on by Northwich police and the British Oil Security Syndicate. They have teamed up to tackle the problem, using crime prevention and victim support. Mark Antrobus, of Cheshire Police, said

NORTHWICH is fast becoming a town of pet lovers as a veterinary hospital in Hartford has proved. The Willows Veterinary Hospital, in Chester Road, is to double in size to cope with increasing demand. "There's so much more that vets can do these days and

MEET the woman who has lived in two centuries and is heading for a third. Millicent Whitlow celebrated her 105th birthday at Redwalls Retirement Home, in Cuddington, last Friday. She has already lived in the 19th and 20th centuries and is now looking

TV star Anthea Turner made a special visit to Leighton Hospital this week - to celebrate the opening of a new children's outpatient unit. On Monday, she joined retired consultant paediatrician Dr Krishnan Chandran in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark

YOUTH workers in Northwich have proved they are streets ahead when it comes to getting out into the community. They will be in the villages over the next few months meeting youngsters who congregate outside. The project, which is being managed by youth

Report by News Editor NICK HALLISSEY IT'S the end of an era for Whitegate and Marton Parish Council, as its clerk of 10 years steps down with honours. Brian Gray, 64, retired from the post on Monday night, with the hearty congratulations of the council

A DISUSED church and school in Wincham could soon be bulldozed to make way for two new bungalows. Lostock Gralam Church Council is asking for permission to demolish St Andrew's Church and school room in Church Street and build two single storey detached

IT'S been the test of a lifetime for famous cricketer Ian Botham. He set himself the mammoth task of walking from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund. And on Saturday he passed through Weaverham before arriving at

Report by STUART DYE STUDENTS will suffer a huge loss if plans to close Vale Royal Magistrates' Court go ahead. Over the last five years scores of school pupils have learned about how courts work - thanks to a special project run from the Northwich courthouse

REPORT By VIVIEN KANDEL CALLS are being made for work to stop immediately at Sandiway's toxic waste tip. Villagers want excavation work to be halted - after concerns that a foul stench coming from the tip could pose a risk to health. Now there are fears

Two weeks ago a letter to your sister paper, the Northwich Guardian, from someone complaining about his/her shopping being delayed by slow old people got seven indignant replies. I will be interested to see how many the Knutsford Guardian gets to Ms Trenell's

The number of times I have trodden in dog muck is now beyond a joke. I have even had it deposited in my driveway. I have complained about it to the police, but they say they have much more important things to do. But if the police are going to be unhelpful

At the end of the day, the police have got enough to do and it was this man's own choice not to ring any of his friends. If he had no money, I am sure he could have reversed the charges. Besides, the time spent running the man home would have detained

HOLMES Chapel first team got into the groove last Saturday, looking much more like the team that nearly got promoted from this division last year against a team that had beaten them twice last year. Holmes Chapel cruised to a deserved victory which sets

EGERTON struggled against a strong Junior Blues team. They trailed 3-0 at half time thanks to three well taken goals by Junior Blues. The second half saw Egerton step up a gear and Alex Green scored from 15 yards. But Junior Blues added a fourth goal

z A CLOSE match saw some great defending by Jack Bowyer. But Eagles went behind at the start of the second half and despite a few good efforts from striker Luke Towsworth they couldn't level. Egerton Lions U8s 2 Hartford 0 LIONS dominated this match and

EGERTON'S good form continued against Vale on Sunday as they cruised to an impressive 6-2 win. Philip Cartner opened the scoring early in the first half and Egerton could have had a hatful by the time Chris Hardman added a second. Just before half time

EGERTON continued their winning ways in the league with a convincing victory over Hayes, at Mereheath Lane. In muddy conditions the home side took the lead 20 minutes into the first half. A sweeping move involving Jamie Wright, Nathan Barratt and Tom

Instead he stood on the petrol-doused street, clutched his umbrella and prayed he would not be engulfed in flames. The powerful image was captured by Fred McDowell's Lebanese friend, Joe Sassine, during 16 years of conflict in Lebanon. "It is inspirational

The NatWest revealed yesterday (Tuesday) that it had offered the newly-formed group an 'undisclosed donation' - far more than the annual subscription. "If we can support the energy and enthusiasm of the Knutsford Business Enterprise, this will assist

The King Street premises - formerly The Kitchen Range and Margaret-Anne Interiors - have been empty since the early summer. But on Monday Patrick Franks, of Wrather and Co, agents for owners Centerlease, said both had now been let. "We feel the new tenants

In January Smallbone of Devizes, which sells hand-made bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens, will open in the same King Street they left five years ago. "Knutsford and its surrounding district has a concentration of interesting and quality properties," said

The Northwich commuter told how he had recently been 40 minutes late when two trains failed to arrive on time. "I am worried about losing my job if I carry on turning up after 9am," he said. "Some of the passengers got talking and everyone agreed they

Members of the Knutsford and district branch of the Royal British Legion will lead the tribute at Booths supermarket at 11am on Thursday next week. "Every year is special but it is a poignant way to close the second millennium and start the third," said

Inspector John Barnes confirmed this week that chevron signs would be introduced to warn motorists about driving too close to other cars. Speed checks and a 30-minute rule for the removal of broken down vehicles have also been introduced on the motorway