Archive

  • A BLAZING SUCCESS

    HUNDREDS of visitors enjoyed an action-packed fun day at Widnes fire station at the weekend. They were able to step back in time and see all sorts of vintage appliances, portable pumps and hose reels. A selection of the very latest hi-tech devices were

  • VIKINGS CONQUER WOLVES

    WIDNES Vikings defeated Warrington Wolves to lift the 1999 Newsquest Challenge Cup. The two Rugby League outfits and their supporters clashed on the St. Michaels Golf Club course in Widnes on Wednesday, for a competition backed by Newsquest - a Gannett

  • WIDS ROUND-UP

    Widnes u14s 10 Mold u14s 11 IN true Welsh fashion, penalty goals gave victory to the visitors despite a two to one home try advantage. Loughnane got the first of the season, plunging through from a lineout while Critchley showed his class in the second-half

  • WIDS MISERY

    DISAPPOINTMENT for the Wids on their first away outing of the season as they went down 29-0 to Wigton. Being in the game at half-time only 5-0 down, their lack of set-piece ball in scrums and lines deprived Widnes any chance of getting back into the game

  • PARTY TIME

    THE Auto Quest Stadium plays host to the Northern Ford Premiership celebration dinner on Monday (September 20) at 7.30pm. All clubs will be represented at the event - the first ever of its kind. Among the awards to be given out are Northern Ford Premiership

  • HORNETS ROUND-UP

    Wigan St Pats u15s 16 Halton Hornets u15s 30 THIS was a stop, start game in which Hornets were always in control but as in the previous week, some careless handling stopped them from winning by a far bigger margin. They did have a legitimate try wrongly

  • BALL ON A ROLL

    Halton Scaffolding Pool League THE FINAL'S day of the summer season was played on Sunday, September 12 at the Royal British Legion, with all the cream of the league present. It promised to be a great finale to the season In the semis with Moorfield v

  • WE'LL FIGHT THE RL ALL THE WAY

    VIKINGS chairman Tony Chambers has pledged he will get to the bottom of the Rugby League's controversial last-minute rule-change to allow Hunslet to play at home in Sunday's crunch clash. Widnes are taking legal advice because before the two clubs met

  • CUSTOMS RAID WEST BANK PUB

    CUSTOMS officers raided a pub and two houses in West Bank, netting a large quantity of beers, wines, spirits, cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco and red diesel. Two vehicles were also seized. Two women and one man were arrested in connection with excise

  • YOBS WILL BE KICKED INTO TOUCH

    RUGBY yobs who brought shame to Widnes on Sunday will be banned from attending matches for life when they are caught. The Vikings have launched an immediate inquiry after trouble flared during the weekend's vital play-off clash against Dewsbury. Up to

  • CRODA JOBS JOY

    A NEW plant and warehouse is to be built at Croda Colloids and will bring more than 30 new jobs to the area. The company has been granted planning permission for a gelatine production building at its Foundry Lane site in Widnes. Originally, demineralised

  • CHILD ATTACK MAN JAILED

    A MAN twice slapped and butted a six-year-old child in a drunken rage, Warrington Crown Court heard on Friday. Nigel Manning, 31, of Blackburne Avenue, admitted the assault and was jailed for six months. Steven Hulahan, prosecuting, said Manning had drunk

  • BERYL'S BINGO BONANZA

    THE SKY'S the limit for Beryl Roberts after staff at Gala Bingo in Widnes presented her with a cheque for a massive £21,500. And it will certainly be a full house when she cashes it. Beryl has played the game with her daughter Tracy for the past 10 years

  • RAMS GET WHAT'S DEW

    Linnets on a flyer Captain Paul McNally THE LINNETS recorded their third win a row on Saturday with a 0-2 victory away to Barrow. After a dismal start to the season, the Runcorn club have now scored 10 goals in their last three matches, keeping as many

  • MOORE MISS OUT AT MARPLE

    Marple 18 Moore 13 MARPLE took an early lead with a penalty, but Moore drew level and then took a 3-6 lead with two penalties from Williamson. In the second-half Moore increased their lead when Stephenson anticipated a Marple attack to intercept deep

  • THANK JEVONS FOR SMALL MERCIES

    Everton Reserves 1 Blackburn Rovers 0 EVERTON fielded a youthful side with only Alex Cleland as a recognised first teamer. Blackburn fielded Irish international goalkeeper Alan Fettis, ex-Newcastle centre-half Darren Peacock and Welsh international Nathan

  • CRIME CRACKING

    A £1.8 million security scheme to improve car parks at Halton Lea shopping centre has won an top award. Police Superintendent Helen King presented the Secured Car Park award to facilities manager Kath Redshaw. Fordgate Midland Property has invested the

  • BUMP SCHEME GIVEN THUMBS-UP

    OK SPEED bumps are being installed on Palacefields Avenue to reduce accidents. The road safety scheme has been welcomed by local residents. In a major consultation exercise, 538 voted in favour with only 96 against. Halton Council planning chairman Rob

  • Henkel lands top awards

    A WINSFORD firm has been given innovation awards for two of its DIY products. Henkel was rewarded by the Design Council for No More Nails and No More Cracks, both given the distinction of being Millennium Products. Both have been named such for their

  • School ready for 21st Century

    WOODFORD Lodge celebrated its prize night in style last week - with Euro MP Brian Simpson as guest of honour. Mr Simpson told a packed audience in the main school hall that young people had more opportunities than ever before. And he said Woodford Lodge

  • The long Armani of the law at Oulton Park

    POLICE chief Ian Johns is used to making statements - but not fashion statements. Nevertheless, avid cricketer Ian was quizzed last week on his dress sense while he was watching the thwack of willow on wood at Oulton Park Cricket Club. It was all part

  • Air Cadet squadron aiming to fly high

    WINSFORD Air Cadets are about to launch their biggest recruitment drive yet to get themselves flying high again. The 202 Squadron is looking for more cadets to join it this autumn because, as training officer Tony Woods points out, there may be those

  • WCC show Styal with tie

    Winsford CC 1st XI Styal CC 1st XI WINSFORD Cricket Club came close to a third consecutive win on Saturday, but in an exciting finish they ended with a tie. Winsford amassed 194-2 with useful contributions from Mark Skellon (38) and Barry Crellin (36

  • Late winner gives Middlewich shock derby win

    Middlewich Town 1 Barnton 0 Green Mid-Cheshire League A SUPERB performance from Middlewich at Seddon Street on Saturday saw them beat champions Barnton thanks to a fantastic 35-yard strike from Darren Ingham. This derby started like a house on fire, with

  • Came hits out

    A SHOCKED Mark Came feels he should have been given longer to turn Winsford United's fortunes around. The manager was dismissed on Wednesday after only 19 games in charge of the Blues. But just two points from eight games this season left them bottom

  • Campaign to crack down on truants

    A CAMPAIGN to target truancy in primary schools has been launched by Cheshire County Council. The Welfare Service announced on Monday that it hopes to cut the number of youngsters skiving off by 20 per cent. In the county, an average of 240 pupils are

  • Human error was to blame for train crash

    Report by MHARI KELLY HUMAN error caused the train crash at Winsford on June 23, it has been revealed. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has found that the horrific collision - between a Virgin express with 132 people on board

  • Praise be - couple are TV stars on Sunday

    A MUSICAL couple from Middlewich have appeared on the famous BBC TV programme Songs of Praise. Conductor Raymond Lomas and his opera-singer wife Judith starred as Victorian mill-workers from Glossop on the religious programme, which was broadcast to millions

  • Garden is a stinker of a problem

    Report by MHARI KELLY A PENSIONER has kicked up a stink with the borough council over a river of raw sewage which has been running through his garden. John Edwards, aged 76, has been complaining for the past four months about the excrement which has plagued

  • Council to spice up sports in borough

    ON your marks, get set - the Congleton Borough Sports Council is ready to run. The council has teamed up with sports enthusiasts and organisations across the borough to relaunch a Sports Council after 17 years. An executive team has been set up, comprising

  • Last services at old building

    MIDDLEWICH Methodist Church is holding its last services in its old building. The Harvest Festival services are on Sunday, September 26. The family service is at 10.30am and the evening worship at 6.30pm. Both services will be led by Rev Derek Bowker.

  • Scooter scheme comes to town

    STEPS have been taken by Vale Royal Borough Council to enable the Shopmobility scheme - which has been a big success in Northwich - to be extended to Winsford. The scheme will provide scooters for elderly and disabled shoppers to use around the town.

  • Teenagers injured in car crash

    FOUR teenagers were injured when a Ford Fiesta ploughed into the side of a building in New Road, Winsford. The accident happened at 12.20pm on Sunday when a car veered off the road and overturned before colliding with a warehouse, Winsford Pallets. The

  • Volunteers needed at Glebe Green

    TWO independent members are needed to make up the 12-strong sub-committee which will manage Winsford's Glebe Green estate. The Glebe Green divisional committee needs volunteers to act on behalf of residents when the transfer from Vale Royal Borough Council

  • Fire brigade targets more ethnic and female staff

    FIREFIGHTERS from ethnic groups are being targeted in the latest recruitment drive by Cheshire Fire Brigade. The move is part of an initiative to ensure that the brigade reflects the society it serves. "This might not seem to be a dramatic change for

  • Hospital donation shows that Harold has a heart of gold

    A RETIRED Middlewich GP has marked the second anniversary of his heart transplant operation with a birthday gift to the hospital which saved his life. Dr Harold Pomfrett handed over a £1,000 donation to the New Heart-New Start Appeal at Wythenshawe Hospital

  • Boy, 10, remains in critical condition

    A 10-YEAR-OLD boy is still critically ill in hospital after a road accident last Monday. The child, who has not been named, was playing on his skateboard in Pulford Road, Winsford, when he came on to the carriageway and was in collision with a blue Peugeot

  • Brownie pack facing closure unless helpers can be found

    A BROWN Owl may have to pull the plug on her pack if she cannot find some helpers. Rosemary Warham is desperate to find some extra leaders to help run Winsford 3rd Trinity Church Brownies. But if she doesn't, the pack may have to close. A spokeswoman

  • Bonfire has had its chips

    FIREFIGHTERS were called to a house in Middlewich on Sunday night - because a man was roasting some potatoes on a bonfire. Worried neighbours in St Anne's Road thought there was a blaze at the house and called Middlewich firefighters. A crew arrived at

  • Centre to host Alpha meetings

    MIDDLEWICH Christian Centre has joined a national initiative which aims to make people aware of the real meaning of the millennium. The centre will be staging a series of Alpha Initiative meetings where people will have the chance to learn more about

  • Coining it in with Roman treasure

    Report by MHARI KELLY HIDDEN treasures were unearthed by a BT telephone engineer who went to fix lines on a Middlewich building site. While working at the Fairclough development in King Street, David Stubbs asked for permission to check the land with

  • The whole thing just stinks

    I CAME to live in Cuddington 49 years ago - why was the tip abandoned, when it had served its purpose? In my opinion, it should have been filled in then, not left for all and sundry to deposit household rubbish, old mattresses etc. One person, in missing

  • Body piercing rules welcome

    I WRITE with reference to your article on new bylaws affecting body piercing and tattooing in Northwich. As proprietor of Northwich's longest established Body Piercing Studio, I would like to say how pleased I am to see this introduced - as I have been

  • Exams are not vital

    AS a retired primary school teacher and a mother, I was absolutely appalled to hear of yet another student who had committed suicide, presumably because he failed to get the A Level grades he wanted. Are we then, teaching our children that there is no

  • Chief concern

    IN response to Superintendent Ian Johns' letter in the August 18 edition of the Guardian. I would like to do his job and I can tell you I wouldn't pussy-foot around wondering if I could use section this that and the other. I hope he realises that Jack

  • Not just a bog standard loo

    MY husband and I go to Shakerley Mere once or twice to walk our little dog, and I feel that something should be brought to notice - ie the toilets at the Mere. They are beautiful, spotlessly clean, and I feel some recognition should be given to the person

  • It's showcase time at SJD's

    Report by News Editor NICK HALLISSEY SIR John Deane's College said farewell in style to its departing Upper Sixth last week. The college's Presentation Evening showcased some of the terrific accomplishments of its students, both individually and as a

  • VALE ROYAL SHOW '99 The results in full

    Floral art A Night at the Theatre - An exhibit: 1 Elizabeth Cross; 2 Mrs P Barker; 3 Mrs J Moores. The Art Gallery - An exhibit incorporating a picture frame: Mrs P Barker; 2 Mrs J Moores; 3 Terri Washburn. Sculpture - A modern exhibit: 1 Mrs P Barker

  • Great growers 'veg out' in style

    DESPITE the downpours over the weekend, gardeners and growers came from far and wide with their prize fruit and vegetables to compete in this year's Vale Royal Show. More than 150 people took part in the competition, with some exhibitors coming from neighbouring

  • Getting in the swing

    FORMER Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club manager Andrew Thorp is hoping to revolutionise the way beginners are taught golf. Andrew, a former PGA and Ryder Cup referee, has launched Startgolf!, a 'total tuition' course that he believes is the first of its kind

  • Juniors roll with it

    MID CHESHIRE'S juniors are simply unstoppable. The cream of the county's young bowlers have won the British Parks Super Premier Inter County Cup with a tight victory against Shropshire on Sunday. Despite some atrocious conditions at Castle Private BC,

  • Final ball defeat at Poynton ends solid season for Oulton

    OULTON'S first season in Division One ended with a thrilling match at Poynton. The Little Budworth team found the low slow bounce of Poynton's track a completely new experience as they relied on Steve Yates and Mike Johns to score the runs. Yates hit

  • Record breaking Oakmere win second title at Winsford

    OAKMERE seconds ended their record breaking season in style with an impressive win at neighbours Winsford. The six-wicket victory saw the champions elect retain the championship with a record number of points. Ian Morgan's unbeaten 98 also put him into

  • Interval "stick" boosts Winnington Park ladies

    A STERN half-time talking to was enough to get Winnington Park Ladies Hockey team back on track in their friendly fixture against Northern Ormskirk. After a poor first half, Park began to play and took the lead from a well worked lobbed goal from Sonia

  • Lostock let points slip in last minute

    IT WAS a case of two points dropped rather than one point gained as Lostock failed to convert a host of chances in their 2-2 draw with unbeaten Malpas. After good early saves by Lostock 'keeper Paul Fallows, forward Paul Lightfoot failed to find the net

  • Late winner consigns Barnton to derby day defeat

    GALE-FORCE winds blew Barnton's game out of the window as they slipped to a shock defeat against Middlewich. The league leaders went down 1-0 at Seddon Street when Darren Ingham's speculative long-range shot flew over Derrick Fortune and into the top

  • Up for the cup

    NORTHWICH Victoria face a tough opening hurdle in their quest for FA Cup glory. Vics have been drawn against former giant-killer's Hednesford Town at The Drill Field on October 11 in the Fourth Qualifying Round. Although it may be the tie of the round

  • Graham and Margaret move to 'pastors new' in Hartford village

    p HARTFORD'S new Methodist minister says he and his wife are settling in nicely. Reverend Graham Patrick officially began his ministry in the village on September 1, because all Methodist appointments start from that date each year. He took over from

  • Judge refuses to lift driving ban after appeal by mum-to-be

    Report by News Editor NICK HALLISSEY A WOMAN whose car hit a group of five teenagers in Rudheath has lost her fight to win back her driving licence. Julie Ann Southern, 26, of 75 Royle Street in Northwich, was banned from driving for six months - after

  • Farmers muck in to get rid of gypsies

    Report by MHARI KELLY ANGRY farmers chased gypsies off a field by threatening to spray their caravans with 30 tonnes of slurry and cow dung. The travellers were illegally camped on a field near Peckmill roundabout in Davenham. And when police refused

  • Family's tribute to tragic Bethany

    A WOMAN who 'lived for her job helping physically and mentally handicapped young adults' has died in a horrific car crash. Former Sir John Deane's Sixth Form student Bethany Stanbridge, 20, died when her Austin Metro collided with a lorry on the A49.

  • How 5,200 pints brought

    a £7,000 tonic for charity Report by NICK HALLISSEY THE sixth Northwich Beer Festival has been hailed by the organisers as the biggest and best ever. More than 1,500 people turned out for the three sessions, guzzling 650 gallons of fine ale and raising

  • NEVER MIND THE PRICE...

    THANKS to all of you for your kind messages and flowers this week as I finally left Magic 1548. It was a very emotional farewell - 30 staff turned up at 12.45am as I finished by show to say goodbye. It was really moving. I finished up with more than 600

  • WEST BANK ROUND-UP

    West Bank 20 West Sutton Dragons 16 THE BANK gained their first league win of the season at the expense of a poor West Sutton side who have not yet reproduced their top form in the higher division. The Dragons took the lead after five minutes with a penalty

  • THATTO'S THE WAY TO DO IT

    Widnes Tigers 20 Thatto Heath 22 THE home side was the first to score with a well-taken try by 17-year-old Baker. Within 10 minutes the Thatto side had scored two tries in the corner, both converted. Poor defence and indiscipline cost the Tigers dear

  • ST MIKE'S BURIED

    Leigh Miner Rangers u13s 14 Widnes St Michael's u13s 32 FIRST match of the season and St Mike's couldn't have got more tougher opponents than Leigh Miners away. This was always going to be a tough match and Leigh tried to break Widnes down with some tough

  • ST MARIES UNLUCKY

    WIDNES St Maries can hold their heads up after going down to last year's Premier League winners Thatto Heath, in a game dominated by the Maries. The referee decided to play more of a starring role sin-binning two Marie's players in the final 10 minutes

  • BULLS TEAR THROUGH LEIGH

    Widnes Albion Bulls 34 Leigh Miners 4 A COMFORTABLE enough victory for the Bulls winning their third successive game without ever hitting the heights of which they are capable. The first-half saw them score four tries amazingly all by the same player.

  • ATTACK APPEAL

    AN appeal for witnesses was made by Widnes CID following an attack on a man in Widnes town centre. The 32-year-old man was walking along Widnes Road towards Victoria Square with his girlfriend when he was suddenly set upon by a man in his early 20s. The

  • HERO BLAZE MUM

    A WEST Bank mum was hailed a heroine after saving the lives of her six children. Teresa Johnson and her family were fast asleep at their home in Mersey Road when a blaze suddenly started at 4am on Thursday morning. Their electric shower had short circuited

  • BASEBALL VICTORIES

    Halton Polecats Baseball Club THE Bronco League team took centre stage at last Saturday's game to mark the opening of the Orrell Chipper's new baseball diamond at the Adam Guest School near Wigan. In the main event the Halton team took on the Trafford

  • FOUR-STAR MOND BOOK PLACE IN QUARTER FINAL

    Mond Rangers 4 Newton 1 (aet) Pyke Cup First Round MOND Took the lead from the corner, Flaherty's centre being headed on by Williams and Simon Burton coming in on the far post scored a simple goal. The second-half saw Mond press but despite many chances

  • HALTON'S MERSEY JOY

    Halton Girls 2 Liverpool 1 SATURDAY wasn't a good day for Liverpool's football teams. But while their Premier League counterparts can count themselves unfortunate, the u12s can have no complaints at the outcome of their encounter with Halton. Indeed lady

  • ALBION'S CLEAN SWEEP

    THE 1999 Summer League reached its conclusion last Thursday night when the grand finals and presentations took place at the War Memorial Club. The first final to be staged was in the Doubles Competition with Mark Smith and Tom Humphries (Roundhouse B)

  • BOXING BOYS ARE A REAL KNOCKOUT

    IT's gumshields in and gloves at the ready at Runcorn Boys Club as they prepare for the start of their new boxing season. The Boston Avenue-based club re-opened this week, and as well as training the more experienced members for competitions, coach John

  • MUM'S THE WORD!

    KEEP-fit enthusiast Louise Wakefield is bubbling with life and energy. It's hard to believe exactly a year ago this week she underwent a kidney transplant. She made an excellent recovery, returned to work in April and is taking part in an aerobathon this

  • ICI ACCUSED OF TOXIC DUMPING

    CHEMICAL giant ICI was this week accused of dumping toxic waste at two "hotspots" in Runcorn by environmentalist campaigners Greenpeace. They claim a global survey has revealed some of the most dangerous chemicals known to science are being released at

  • Factory finished

    MIDDLEWICH building firm Pochin has just completed a multi-million pound contract to create state-of-the-art production facilities for industrial plant manufacturer JCB. The firm constructed a 24,000 square metre factory including offices in Cheadle,

  • 200-job target within

    reach for window firm Report by NICK SMITH WEATHERSEAL Windows is well on the way to hitting its target of 200 new jobs at its Winsford operation. The scheme, the biggest single job creation in the area for many years, was announced last month and 118

  • Workers concerned over Foden transfer

    THE closure of production at the Foden truck plant in Sandbach has shocked many Middlewich workers, who are still uncertain about their future with the company. Foden, which employees 415 people, has announced that only 15O of its staff will remain at

  • Peak performance as Phil raises a mountain of money

    Report by MHARI KELLY AN adventurous Middlewich man had a taste of the high life when he climbed five peaks in Wales and walked 220 miles. Phil Jones' peak performance took him a total of 13 days and raised more than £1,000 for charity. The 31-year-old

  • Show blooms as entries soar

    Report by MHARI KELLY FROM humble beginnings around 75 years ago, Middlewich Horticultural Society's annual show has blossomed into a massive event for growers across the county. On Saturday a total of 340 entries were received, making it a record year

  • Court plans are a failure,

    say our local magistrates By NICK HALLISSEY AS they stand, the plans to close Northwich courthouse have NO justification at all. That's the reaction of Vale Royal's magistrates, following an outline of the plans in last week's edition. In an exclusive

  • Young Town boys notch impressive win

    A NEWLY promoted Middlewich Town under-11s began their league campaign with a 3-1 win over Macc Boys. They took the lead through Matthew Vincent, but Macc equalized before half-time with a cross-cum-shot which sailed over Alexander Cann in goal. In the

  • Tully takes on challenge

    KEVIN Tully has been given the job of rescuing Winsford United. The ex-Witton Albion boss became the new Blues manager this week and faces the task of raising them from the bottom of the UniBond Premier. Previous boss Mark Came was sacked two weeks ago

  • Town top champs

    MIDDLEWICH Town produced the shock result of the day on Saturday as they inflicted upon champions Barnton their first defeat of the season. The Mid-Cheshire League Division One leaders were beaten by a spectacular goal from Darren Ingham just minutes

  • Blues' Cup crash

    Gateshead 3 Winsford Utd 0 FA Cup 2nd qualifying round ON a painful afternoon, Winsford crashed out of the FA Cup with what can only be described as one of their worst performances for many years. Gateshead were in fine form and the better side all the

  • Winsford 2nd XI 157-8 Styal 2nd XI 128 all out

    ON an overcast Saturday afternoon at Knights Grange, Winsford continued their late season form with a 29-run win against Styal. Winsford were able to compensate for the loss of the Sergeant duo, by the return of leading wicket-taker Dave Johnson. After

  • Denbigh fail to hurdle Gate in Sunday derby

    Gate 2 Denbigh 1 THE information on the street was that Denbigh were title contenders, but their sources foolishly forgot to mention Gate. The game started as expected, at a fast and furious pace. The Denbigh goalkeeper denied Williams twice with two

  • Day break for Blues

    Winsford United 1 Emley 2 UniBond Premier Saturday, September 11 THE theory that a change of manager might bring a change of luck looked quite good until the last minute of this tight UniBond Premier fixture. Tony Jones had made it 1-1 with a 25-yard

  • Town dumped ahead of barnton invasion

    Poynton 1 Middlewich Town 0 MIDDLEWICH crashed out of the Mid-Chehshire League Division One Cup, despite starting this encounter very brightly. Les Miranda and Ian Woan tested the keeper with early strikes on goal and with Darren Ingham in excellent form

  • Gary gets geared up to

    tackle cycle challenge By MHARI KELLY ONE major problem faced Gary Zimmer when he was chosen to take part in a 250-mile cycle ride in South Africa - he had to learn how to ride a bike. The 37-year-old dad of two from Middlewich hadn't been near a bike

  • Magnifique! Lucy is top French student

    Report by MHARI KELLY FIVE grade As at A-level were not enough for talented teenager Lucy Ball. Because the 18-year-old from Winsford has also been named as the top A-level candidate in French throughout the country by the AQA Examination Board. Lucy

  • Survey on housing needs

    A SURVEY is to be carried out by Congleton Borough Council over the next few weeks to assess present and future housing needs in the borough. It will help the council to decide the type, quantity and location of housing needed in the borough's towns,

  • Find out about The Salt Exchange

    MID Cheshire's only bartering system - The Salt Exchange - will be holding a new members' evening at Winnington Park Recreation Club in Northwich next week. The evening will be a mix of fun and facts, when new members and current ones can meet and greet

  • Safety team launches crackdown on killer stretch of Booth Lane

    ACCIDENT investigators have spent five months looking into how to prevent further tragedies on a treacherous road in Middlewich. The safety investigation - carried out on Booth Lane by highways officers from Congleton borough and County Hall - has involved

  • Group's helping hand for mums and dads

    Report by NICK SMITH DEALING with a moody child or a temperamental teenager is, primarily, a job for a parent. But like any full-time occupation, training, advice and guidance are needed - as mums and dads in Winsford are soon to find out. A series of

  • Market sets out its stall to make a move

    Report by MHARI KELLY MIDDLEWICH market could soon be moved from Somerfield car park and relocated next to the war memorial in the Bull Ring. Discussions are under way between the mayor of Middlewich, Clr Ben Hart and Congleton Borough Council over the

  • Bungalows plan gets approval

    PLANS have been approved for a residential development of four detached bungalows in Middlewich, despite objections from nearby residents. Permission has been granted for the bungalows to be built on land adjoining the Manor Park estate at Nantwich Road

  • Family's tribute to tragic Bethany

    A WOMAN who 'lived for her job helping physically and mentally handicapped young adults' in Winsford has died in a horrific car crash. Former Sir John Deane's Sixth Form student Bethany Stanbridge, 20, died when her Austin Metro collided with a lorry

  • Boy, 10, seriously hurt in collision with car

    A 10-YEAR-OLD Winsford boy is fighting for his life after a road traffic accident on Monday afternoon. Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which happened on Pulford Road at 4.25pm. A blue Peugeot 306 car, which was was heading in the direction

  • BUS DRIVER HURT IN VICIOUS ATTACK

    REPORT By MHARI KELLY A WINSFORD bus driver claims he was attacked and spat at by children during a school run. Kenneth Burke says he was pushed from his double decker bus on to the roadside, where he was kicked and punched all over by pupils. The 55-

  • Just tough luck

    I WAS appalled after I read the front page article in the Guardian on September 1 on the "plight" of Emma Clarke and her Hungarian boyfriend Istran Kaplan. They say that they want his £6,000 university fees paid for because they can't afford it, well,

  • New register needs to be set up quickly

    AFTER reading the article Extra Controls on the Way for Body Piercers, I feel I must write and congratulate Vale Royal Borough Council on ensuring young and not-so-young people's trust in body piercers and tattooists is not abused by cowboys operators

  • Parking charges are just the last straw for town shopkeepers

    WE read with dismay the headline from September 8 edition of the Guardian 'Shoppers to face parking charges'. As traders in the town, Ichthus Christian Books we, like the majority of other traders be they large or small, have noticed a decrease in trade

  • Lucky to be alive

    I SOMETIMES observe this planet earth from a distance. I see endless periods of violence, loss of life by wars, one human attacking another. People whose main desire in their lifetime to live in complete serenity, including myself, do not deserve this

  • Menopause misery - at the age of 36

    Special report by VIVIEN KANDEL IT was a devastating blow when Caroline Hawkridge had her menopause through surgery - at the age of just 36. For it meant that Caroline, who lives in Northwich, knew finally that she couldn't have children. At 22, she had

  • So why become a governor?

    IT'S a labour of love for Ian Lewsey, who is a parent governor at Woodford Lodge High School in Winsford. He has been there for three years, his daughter Gemma is in the Lower Sixth, and his son Robin, a former pupil, is now in his final year of university

  • Governors have a vital role to play in schools

    SCHOOL governors were this week given important new rights to have a say on Cheshire County Council. But what exactly does a governor do? How much influence do they have on the life of a school? And how do you become one? Reporter VIVIEN KANDEL went back

  • Pupils celebrate at annual prize night

    THE Grange School, in Hartford, held its prize night at the school last Thursday. Guest of honour was pentathlete Dr Mary Peters, an Olympic gold medalist, who presented the prizes. Prizewinners included: The Ritchie Cup for Art, Laura Ferry; The Anderton

  • Triple biathlalon success as local girls reach national finals

    A TRIO of junior athletes scored biathalon success at the North West regional qualifiers in Preston on Saturday. Rachel Law and sisters Kate and Gemma Lievesley, who are both Vale Royal AC athletes, qualified for the national finals to be held at the

  • Sunday best for Jones

    TREVOR Jones topped the individual list from peg 197 on the Weaver in Barnton and Frodsham AC's latest Sunday morning match. Fishing the Little Wood length above Vale Royal Locks, Jones's haul of skimmers weighing up to a pound helped him stay ahead of

  • Drivers' mixed fortunes at Silverstone finale

    THE FAMOUS Silverstone circuit provided the last outing of the season for many of the borough's motor racing drivers. Joanna Clarke put in the performance of the day to take second in the Slick 50 First Division race and an overall 21st position. Joanna

  • Attack seals Oakmere win

    EXCELLENT bowling from Oakmere's attack pinned Winsford back as they collected the double over their neighbours in the Vale Royal derby at Knights Grange. The home side were dismissed for a meagre 108 as Guy Groves (4-22), Chris Jacques (3-7) and Andy

  • Vics denied by Dover

    Northwich Vics 1 Dover Athletic 1 Nationwide Conference Saturday, September 18 AN INABILITY to breakdown Dover Athletic's defence saw Northwich Victoria share the points in a disappointing game at The Drill Field. With the gusty weather conditions the

  • Witton rise to top

    Witton Albion 2 Whitley Bay 0 UniBond Division One Saturday, September 18 WITTON Albion bounced to the top of the UniBond First Division with a 2-0 win against strugglers Whitley Bay. The Wincham Park men were always on top but their reluctance to find

  • Bullseye for Simon with national win

    SIMON Abbott was on target despite horrendous conditions at Bewdley to win first place in the national field archery championships. South Cheshire archer Simon, 15, of Gorstage Lane, kept the Under 16 barebow title at the club for the second year running

  • Still a long way to go

    WITTON Albion manager Nigel Gleghorn is not letting himself get carried away with the club's table-topping position in the UniBond First Division. Gleghorn is still looking for his side to find their killer instinct despite winning five out of their eight

  • Tanker scare over boat club's plans

    WATERWAYS chiefs are denying that plans to establish a school rowing club on a stretch of the river Weaver used by commercial ships could be hazardous to young rowers. British Waterways says a collision between a party of school rowers and a tanker or

  • Don't be spooked - it's only the grandparents

    A CLAIRVOYANT believes she has solved the mystery of a spooky presence at a young mum's home in Rudheath. Barnton medium Christine Hamlett stepped in after unexplained goings on at Delene Hall's home in St John's Close. It was a month ago that the Northwich

  • What's it all about Alpha?

    A CHANCE to explore the meaning of life is on offer next week at Sandiway Full Gospel Church and Bethel Evangelical Church, Northwich. Alpha courses will be starting at the two venues, running for 11 weeks. This is a chance for anyone to explore the Christian

  • Gang beat up man after night out

    A GANG of thugs carried out a violent attack on a Northwich man as he walked home from a nightclub on Saturday. The 23-year-old victim had left the Witton Club and was making his way along Chapel Street, Wincham at about 11.15pm when around five men jumped

  • Farcical footpath is driving us up the wall

    Report by TOM PARMENTER & NICK HALLISSEY A COUPLE of dog walkers say that they are quite literally being driven up the wall in Wincham. John and Clare Dockney were strolling through fields last week when the footpath on which they were walking led

  • Confusion over use of 999

    Report by VIVIEN KANDEL NORTHWICH chief police inspector Paul Moore has admitted that police response time in answering the telephone for non emergency calls is very poor. He was responding to criticism from town councillors who claim that residents are

  • BUS DRIVER HURT IN VICIOUS ATTACK

    REPORT By MHARI KELLY A BUS driver claims he was attacked and spat at by children during a school run. Kenneth Burke says he was pushed from his double decker bus on to the roadside, where he was kicked and punched all over by pupils. The 55-year-old