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Stories for 9 January 2003
Congleton News
Familes have a say in park's rejuvenation
CHILDREN and their parents are being invited to help plan a revamp for a community park. more...
Kirsty mounts charity ride
TEENAGE horse lover Kirsty Hassell will be riding through Congleton next weekend to support a cash-strapped hospice. more...
Gary's ready to hit the road in marathon effort
MARATHON man Gary Blackburn is hoping to raise thousands of pounds in memory of his mother-in-law. more...
Congleton Sport
Bears sunk by injury time goals
CONGLETON Town felt hard done to by a crucial refereeing decision as they crashed out of the Worthington Cup on Saturday. more...
Alsager hang on for victory
ALSAGER Town bounced back from two Christmas defeats with a welcome new year victory on Saturday. more...
Vics out of luck at highfliers Rushall
BIDDULPH Vics were out of luck on Saturday as they went down 2-1 at second-placed Rushall Olympic. more...
1st XV crushed 58-0 by leaders
CONGLETON 1st XV went down to a 58-0 thrashing on Saturday against leaders Newton le Willows to welcome in the new year. more...
Congleton Whatson
Actors wanted
WOULD-BE actors are being sought for an open air show to be staged in Biddulph town centre this summer. more...
Diary dates
Saturday January 11 more...
Crewe News
Motel plan is driven through
CREWE'S new motel will see the town move one step closer to becoming the nation's leading transport centre, according to Councillor Donald Potter. more...
Newton Saints
Busy bee Saints
ST. HELENS players returned to base for the start of pre-season training this week. more...
Newton Sport
Five-point cushion
BRYN Labour stormed five points clear at the top of Earlestown Snooker League courtesy of a 5-1 victory over Haydock Reading Room B. more...
The 'Brain' behind the operation
EARLESTOWN Darts League Division One championship contenders Bridge turned out their strongest team to overcome luckless Sunbeam. more...
Rams Head ace keeps his composure in deciding leg
JEFF Pierce held his nerve in the deciding leg to ensure that Rams Head gained a valuable 5-4 win against BRSA A in Earlestown Darts League Division Two. more...
Dominoes League update
GRIFFIN came out on top with a 4-1 defeat of BRSA B in the latest round of Earlestown Dominoes League results. more...
McClymont makes his Mark on peg 66
THE bags of fish at Newton Anglers' Association's National Team Open were impressive for this time of year. more...
Northwich News
High school bid for specialist status
LEFTWICH High School wants people to get involved with its bid to become Cheshire's first school to secure specialist status in media arts. more...
Look after elderly neighbours
LOOK after your elderly neighbours is the latest message from Cheshire Fire Service. more...
Runcorn News
Digital aid free for Runcorn
RUNCORN residents with hearing problems will be able to have digital hearing aids fitted free on the NHS from March. more...
St Helens News
Crusader cash tonic
TWENTY-two St Helens based community groups for children and young people are about to benefit from a share of a £103,000 cash payout from a major Government grant scheme. more...
Warrington Business
Hungary for more
A SANKEY Bridges man who went east for his career has turned his attentions to the stock exchange after helping to launch Tesco in Hungary. more...
Firm brightens up Chancellor's party
TV celebrities, football stars and a company from Warrington joined the Chancellor of the Exchequer to throw a Christmas party for deaf children at No. 11 Downing Street. more...
Search is on for town's hot young business stars
COULD you be Warrington's hottest business property? Young people across Cheshire have the opportunity to win huge cash prizes in the Shell LiveWIRE 2003 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Business Start-Up competition. more...
Xperts win national prize
EXPERTS by name can also be experts by nature. That is the verdict on Warrington business Xpert Systems Ltd which has received national recognition for its Teaching Company System (TCS) programme. more...
Booze Busters bids for buyer
HOPES are high that a buyer could soon be secured for the bulk of a beleaguered Warrington off-licence chain. more...
Biffa branches out of landfill
WOODLAND the size of 300 football pitches in The Mersey Forest has been transformed thanks to a grant of £350,000. more...
AquAid aids African Aids
A LATCHFORD-based water cooler company is supporting HIV and Aida orphans living in poverty in Africa. more...
New hand at BNFL helm
LAWRIE Haynes has been appointed chief executive of BNFL's newly formed government services business group, based at Risley. more...
Top marks
A WARRINGTON-based multi-utility agency has been named as one of Britain's most admired companies. more...
Town's workers ask bosses for more time and not money
WOULD you rather have more time with your family or a bigger pay cheque? more...
Apple award for Appleton firm
A WARRINGTON company has won an award in a national campaign to find Britain's greenest companies. more...
Supermarket gives Longford jobs boost
THE arrival of a new Safeway mini-supermarket and BP forecourt has handed a boost to Longford with the creation of 35 new jobs. more...
Companies make list of 'shame'
BRITAIN'S General Union (GMB) has published a "list of shame" which identifies Cheshire employers that have closed their final salary pension funds. more...
Warrington Entertainment
So long Steve
A WARRINGTON comedian missed out on The Weakest Link top spot this Christmas because of a rather suspect case of celebrity collusion. more...
Padgate man's towering task
A PADGATE sculptor is contributing towards the massive success story of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in New Zealand. more...
Teen poppers are no dirtbags
BLESSED with three supremely talented songwriters, it's a real shame that Scottish power poppers Teenage Fanclub never achieved the commercial success they so thoroughly deserved during the British guitar rock revival in the 90's. more...
Feeder set to find their feet again
JANUARY promises to be a poignant month for Feeder since it's the first anniversary of the death of drummer Jon Lee who committed suicide last year. more...
There's no place like home and the video recorder
A CHIC New York fashion designer returns to her rural Southern roots and revisits her past in this dull romantic movie that should have gone straight to the video shelves. more...
HEART OF THE MATTER
David Almond's Secret Heart more...
The Royal
Tenenbaums more...
Sex, Lies And
The Simpsons more...
The Water Road
Paul Gogarty (Robson Books) more...
Star Wars Jedi
Outcast - Jedi Knight 2 more...
Dirty Vegas
Dirty Vegas more...
Fame Academy (CD)
Warrington Letters
System does not let down foster carers
I WISH to refer to your report 'Foster mum slams council' (Guardian Midweek, December 10). more...
Outraged by Hughes and Jones at the new Wolves stadium
I HAVE to agree with Dean Reid in last week's Guardian. more...
Move Bevan statue to new site
AFTER supporting the Warrington rugby team for some 70 years, I feel with respect to everyone that there is only one place for the Brian Bevan statue, and that is outside our new stadium. more...
Thief stole my Christmas, but thanks to good Samaritan
THIS is just to say thank you to the lovely lady passing by the phone boxes opposite Yates's Wine Lodge on Sunday, December 22, at roughly 2.45pm. more...
Time to listen to common man on traffic issues
EVERY week, without fail, there is a report in the Guardian about traffic chaos of some kind in the borough. more...
Junction 8 joy!
THE new junction 8 of the M62 has taken the headache out of travelling to Gemini and Westbrook side of town from Stretton for me. About time, too! more...
Warrington News
Witnesses still sought for drive-by shooting
POLICE hunting the attackers responsible for the drive-by shooting of a man in Burtonwood say they are receiving substantial help from the public. more...
Stoning man awaits appeal outcome
AN Iranian refugee who has lived and worked in Warrington for over three years is awaiting the outcome of a last-ditch appeal that could save him from the death penalty in Iran. more...
Government "failing the NHS" claims GP
A WARRINGTON GP has accused Tony Blair's Government of failing the NHS following the release of official figures, which show that there are more administration staff than hospital beds in the health service. more...
Teenager suffers broken jaw during town centre attack
POLICE are on the lookout for two attackers after a teenager was left with a broken jaw following a town centre attack. more...
Speak Week is talk of the town
PEOPLE who know a thing or two about talking are getting together in Warrington next Tuesday to celebrate National Speak Week. more...
Fire crews called to hydrochloric acid leak at railway sidings
FIRE crews were called to Arpley railway sidings on Tuesday morning following a chemical leak. more...
Hospital's waiting list figures are improving...but at a price
A 'DEFINITE improvement' can be seen in Warrington Hospital's waiting lists figures. more...
Village leaders tell of 'panic, dismay and fear' caused by shooting
COUNCILLORS and community leaders in Burtonwood say that residents are shocked and distressed that a villager has been injured in a drive-by shooting. more...
Wreaths laid in memory of county's road crash victims
CHESHIRE'S top policeman has made it his personal mission to curb the tragic death toll on the county's roads - where 20 lives were claimed in December alone. more...
Welcome to the world . . .
WHILE champagne corks were popping across town on New Year's Day, there were celebrations of another kind at Warrington Hospital as some new people came into the world. more...
Rugby widow dies, aged 75
THE widow of Warrington rugby star Brian Bevan has died while on holiday in Spain. more...
Jury considers indecent assault verdict
A PENKETH man has appeared at Warrington Crown Court this week charged with indecently assaulting a nine-year-old girl. more...
French say 'oui' to rail network plans
BLUEPRINTS which could see a rail freight terminal built near the Warrington-Newton-le-Willows border have been given the support of the French Government. more...
N-ice weather for ducks - but Jack Frost causes misery for pedestrians
THIS week's cold snap has caused renewed concern about gritting in Warrington. more...
Contractors given new gritting deal
THE company responsible for gritting Warrington's roads has been given a £1.4m contract extension despite the festive farce that gripped the town last winter. more...
One goal-excellence
THE acting head teacher at a school that reached crisis point nine months ago has praised staff and pupils for their determination and hard work - after a positive first term report. more...
Warning after home break-in
HOMEOWNERS in Oakwood are being warned to be on their guard against sneak thieves using modern technology to break into properties. more...
Court jails man for five months
AN Orford man was jailed for five months after pleading guilty to motoring and theft offences in November. more...
Supermarket fined for selling old food to Warrington shoppers
FOOD past its use by date, including cottage cheese, was on sale in Kwik Save stores in Warrington, a court heard on Tuesday. more...
Police claim festive drink drive win
POLICE are disappointed with new statistics that show that drivers in Warrington are failing to respond to the festive drink drive message. more...
Welfare plan
A BLUEPRINT for the future of independent care services in Warrington has been given the thumbs up by leading councillors. As reported in last week's Guardian the commissioning strategy for social services in the borough shows how services will be developed to cope with the increasing numbers of people requiring care. The report was formally ratified at Monday's meeting of the executive board. Call 444147 to get a copy of the strategy more...
Ex-Hollins Park nurse is struck off national register
A NURSE, who formerly worked at Hollins Park Hospital, has been struck off the national nursing register after verbally abusing a patient and failing to turn up at work because he was hungover. more...
Labour Party under fire over suspension
ANGRY residents have backed their local Labour councillor after he was suspended for questioning the party's socialist ideals in Warrington. more...
Arson attack on home
POLICE are appealing for information after a home in Sankey Bridges was the subject of an arson attack in the early hours of Christmas Day. more...
Town Hall opts for e-buying
A PIONEERING initiative, which could save Warrington Borough Council lots of money, has been welcomed by the council's executive board. more...
Education experts in town for 100th annual conference
EDUCATION chiefs from across the north of England were in Warrington this week for the centenary annual education conference. more...
Man dies in police vehicle collision
A MALE pedestrian was killed in Cuerdley on Monday evening following a collision with a police recovery vehicle driven by a civilian employee. more...
£1.6 million to be spent on Chester Road safety scheme
A PROJECT to make Chester Road safer has been given the go-ahead by councillors. more...
Dial M for memory loss!
A FLEDGLING phone watchdog set up in Warrington has vowed to bounce back after an opening day 'blip' - which saw officials forget to list its own number with directory enquiries! more...
Goodbye Lord, you'll be missed
TRIBUTES were paid this week following the death of a central figure in one of the most memorable chapters of Warrington's political history. more...
The biggest brainbox in the land
ONE of the most powerful computers in the world has clicked into action at Daresbury Laboratory. more...
Hospitals benefit from Christmas kindness
FRIENDS and family of Shannon Bradshaw were determined to bring Christmas cheer to youngsters in Warrington - so they enlisted the help of Santa and visited children in hospital over the festive period. more...
Soap bosses deny viaduct rumours
RUMOURS that Coronation Street serial killer Richard Hillman has struck again - this time on the Thelwall Viaduct - have been quashed. more...
No puppy love as owners say 'auf wiedersehen pets'
UNWANTED pets bought as Christmas presents have once again made it a busy holiday period for animal centres across Warrington. more...
Don't get caught cold this winter, MP tells pensioners
WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is urging pensioners to claim their winter fuel payments before the March 31 deadline. more...
Stores weigh in for charity
CUSTOMERS and staff at Asda stores in Warrington are being asked to gain pounds by losing pounds for charity. more...
Sing when you are winning?
A HOTELIER had cleaned up premises which were once frequented by prostitutes and drug addicts, it was claimed on Tuesday. more...
Town's sex disease rates in steep rise
EXTRA clinic sessions are to be introduced following news that rates of gonorrhoea are soaring in the town. more...
Bunnies are given the cold shoulder
RABBITS are over-running the RSPCA which has appealed to the public for help this week as it struggles to cope with a bunny crisis. more...
Art classes
NEW courses will be starting next week at St Elphin's Community Centre for people wanting to learn more about watercolour and calligraphy. more...
Dinner savers
WARRINGTON'S school dinner service will be subject to market testing to see if savings of £250,000 can be made. more...
Eyes down
THERE will be a prize bingo night at St Michael and All Angels parish hall in Burtonwood on Monday, January 20. more...
Nature walk
JOIN wardens at Moore Nature Reserve for a gentle stroll around the green haven this Saturday from 11am. Meet on Lapwing Lane at 10am for the morning meander. more...
Crisis card could save your life
POTENTIALLY lifesaving cards that were the brainchild of a Warrington man are being given out tomorrow, Friday, at the Cockhedge Centre. more...
Football contest promises to be a striking success
WARRINGTON'S first football tournament for ethnic minorities will take place this weekend - and everyone is welcome to show off their fancy footwork on the ball. more...
Council tenant left without heating in big freeze
AN ORFORD tenant was left without heating in freezing temperatures for almost a day after her council house gas fire broke down at the weekend. more...
Warrington Obituaries
MR EDWARD FITZGIBBON
Mr Edward 'Gerry' Fitzgibbon, husband of the late Susan Fitzgibbon, died on December 6, aged 79. more...
MISS SYLVIA MOFFATT
Miss Sylvia Moffatt, mother of Mrs Wendy Hatton, died on November 9. She was 76. more...
Warrington Speakout
New Year's honours were a bit confusing
EVERY New Year the Queen announces her honours list. more...
Chance for you to have your say
SPEAK Out has raised many issues over the past 12 months, including celebrity news such as Posh and Becks' NSPCC party and Kylie Minogue's bottom. more...
Shop opens it doors to hand out advice
ON December 21 the Youth Advice Shop opened its doors for a very special occasion - its 10-year anniversary. more...
Success at the Games
TONY Blair's New Year message to the nation included, among dire warnings, a widely debated topic - the euro. more...
Seminars are just right for us mature adults
OUR college has been visited by people at Fix Up Seminars and their purpose is to motivate students to do better in their exams, by becoming more motivated towards their school work. more...
Warrington Sport
Summer loving Rovers
AMBITIOUS amateur Rugby League giants Woolston Rovers are expanding into summer rugby in an exciting move but they are also about to lose their coach. more...
Warrington athletes excel
WARRINGTON Athletics Club had a highly successful day at the Cheshire Cross Country Championships at Ellesmere Port on Sunday. more...
Jones shows phenomenal festive form
ENDURANCE king Nick Jones looks to be getting back to his brilliant best after a Christmas period that most athletes would die for. more...
Sidac Social rediscover their golden touch
ON Saturday Sidac Social rediscovered the sort of form that saw them storm to Warrington Soccer League Guardian Cup glory last season. more...
Glut of 7-2 scorelines
REFLECTA Miss-fits began the New Year in style with an impressive 7-2 victory over Bulldogs in the MD International Indoor Bowls League. more...
Sports digests
Miller Sevens RL tournament more...
Galloping up the ranks
WHITLEY rider Eve Staveley continues to go from strength to strength at a fast rate in her persuit to become a professional show jumper and hopes to rise to even higher levels in 2003. more...
Warrington 'nil' arch-rivals
Warrington RUFC 20 more...
Lymm cut to shreds
Vale of Lune RUFC 49 more...
Eagle give their all
Eagle RUFC 12 more...
Bulls prove their worth
Bank Quay 54 more...
Relegation fears eased
Leigh Harriers 31 more...
Rylands come up short
Rylands 6 more...
Mini League returning
MINI League rugby training sessions for five to 11-year-olds start again on Sunday. more...
Massive thaw needed
UNLESS there is a sudden massive thaw Warrington Anglers' Association members will be restricted to river fishing this week. more...
Stealthy approach a must
FROSTS have put paid to the majority of still water fishing on Lymm Angling Club's waters this week. more...
Irish Club A spurn golden chance to close the gap
BRITISH Rail B made sure that they began the New Year as leaders of Warrington Snookers Centre Snooker League Division Three thanks to a 5-2 triumph at Monk D. more...
Sports digests
Smith triumphs in close encounter more...
Glance guide to sport
Badminton more...
Warrington Weddings
MR M J FARRELL and
MISS M WALDRON more...
CPL M J WAILES and
L CPL N J THIBEAULT-LUTON more...
MR J A HAKNER and MISS C M PASSMORE
The wedding has taken place at Hotel Maritim, Mauritius, of Mr John Antony Hakner, youngest son of Mr and Mrs G Hakner of Driffield, East Yorkshire and Miss Catherine Mary Passmore, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs W Passmore, of Crow Lane East, Newton-le-Willows. more...
MR A CAMERON and Miss L F SHARP
The wedding has taken place at St Giles Church, West Bridgford between 28-year-old Mr Andrew Cameron, only son of Heather and the late Richard Cameron of Boreham Wood Herts, and 28-year-old Miss Lynn Frances Sharp, only daughter of Dave and Frances Sharp of Rushmore Grove, Paddington. Best man was Mr Toby Kelly and matron of honour was Miss Louise Shipgood. The bridegroom is a chartered accountant at Capital One Bank, Nottingham, and the bride teaches French at Walton Girls High, Grantham. more...
MR S A LEAH and MISS K L RODGERS
The wedding has taken place at All Saints Church, Newton-le-Willows of Mr Shaun Leah eldest son of Malcolm and Susan Leah of Selkirk Avenue, Latchford and Miss Kate Rodgers youngest daughter of Caroline and Dave Rodgers, Newton-le-Willows. The Rev Dennis Hall officiated. more...
MR K BURGESS and MISS E NORRIS
The wedding has taken place at St Mary's Church, West Bank, Widnes, of 27-year-old Mr Kevin Burgess, eldest son of Mr Thomas Burgess, of Weymouth Road, Burtonwood and 27-year-old Miss Emma Norris, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs K Norris, of Home Farm Cottages, Hall Lane, Bold. more...
MR D R SHAW and MISS C L ALLEN
The wedding has taken place at St Elphin's Parish Church, Warrington of 26-year-old Mr David Robert Shaw, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Shaw, formerly of Dundee Close, Cinnamon Brow, now living in Spain, and 30-year-old Miss Claire Louise Allen, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs David Allen, of Berkshire Drive, Woolston. The Rev Michael Finlay officiated. more...
Mr S D SMITH and Miss E H EMBLING
The wedding has taken place at St Margaret and All Hallows' Church of 32-year-old Mr Sean D Smith, eldest son of Mr and Mrs D Smith of Burton Road, Orford, and 25-year-old Miss Eve H Embling, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs G Embling also of Burton Road, Orford. more...
MR B S COOPER and MISS K M G JENKINGS
The wedding has taken place at St Alban's RC Church of 29 year old Mr Brian Saron Cooper, only son of Mr and Mrs B Cooper of Rolleston Street, Warrington and Miss Keri Maria Goretti Jenkins, daughter of Mr and Mrs M Jenkins, of Dallam, Warrington. more...
MR M G DOWD and MISS C J BELCHER
The wedding has taken place at St Nicholas's Church, Sutton, St Helens of 28-year-old Mr Mark Gary Dowd, eldest son of Jean and Alan Dowd of Rostherne Close, Sankey Bridges, and 23-year-old Miss Claire Jayne Belcher, only daughter of Mrs Jane Belcher and the late Mr Tom Belcher of Garwood Close Westbrook. The Rev Ruth Byworth officiated. more...
MR A H RALPHSON and MISS C L PERCIVAL
The wedding has taken place at Christ Church, Padgate, of 27-year-old Mr Austin Henry Ralphson, only son of Mr and Mrs H Ralphson, of Meadow Lane, Fearnhead and 28-year-old Miss Clair Louise Percival, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs L Percival, of Corbylands Road, Sidcup, Kent. The Rev Stephen Attwater officiated. more...
MR D N BROWN and
MISS JAYNE L SMITH more...
MR J SINGLETON and
MISS C E TATLOCK more...
Warrington Whatson
Especially for you ...
ESPECIALLY for you, Jason Donovan drops into Warrington next week to perform at the recently opened Chicago Rock Café. more...
Bands are behind bars at the Pyramid
A MUSICAL showcase is on at the Pyramid tomorrow, Friday, involving five up and coming bands from across Warrington. more...
Pantomine season kicks off at the Parr Hall this weekend when Aladdin unveils his magic lamp on Satu
Following on from previous successes, Cinderella and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, the Parr Hall welcomes back British stage productions and their fantastic cast and crew. more...
Jack's back
A SPECIAL pantomime takes place this weekend at St Thomas's Church Hall in Stockton Heath. more...
Once upon a time ... in Padgate
YOUNGSTERS are rehearsing for their all-singing all-dancing pantomime Once Upon A Pantotime in Padgate. more...
Nothing compares to Sinead O'Connor at the Bridgewater
Irish singing legend, Sinead O'Connor goes back to her roots when she performs at The Bridgewater Hall next Wednesday. more...
Madame Masterpiece set to spread its wings
Continuing its commitment to excellence and diversity, the Liverpool Phil presents one of the world's best loved operas, by one of Russia's most dynamic opera companies. more...
Hob-nobbing with the Hobbit
FOLLOWING three hugely successful national tours and two acclaimed capacity seasons at the Queen's Theatre in London's West End, the incredible magic of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit arrives at the Liverpool Empire for one week only from next Tuesday. more...
Comedy, Rawhide style is back on the menu this spring
SPRING is traditionally a time for hangovers and credit card bills, but Rawhide has a great new season to wash away your worries and put a smile back on your face. With seven Rawhide debutantes and a number of familiar faces coming back to make us laugh, there really is no better place to be for the next few months. more...
Quest for Fame goes on
Fame: The Musical, directed by Karen Bruce, began its latest major UK tour in Brighton in January 2002 and due to huge demand will now run until May 2003. more...
Warrington Wolves
Grose looking forward to Wilderspool's atmosphere
BRENT Grose's Warrington Wolves career is expected to start in the centres against Leigh Centurions at Wilderspool on Sunday. more...
Wood to miss Challenge Cup
WARRINGTON Wolves will be without their first choice scrum half Nathan Wood as they start their TXU Energi Challenge Cup campaign in February. more...
Smyth praised for knuckling down
ROB Smyth's hard work this winter has been rewarded with selection for Mike Gregory's England team in February's World Sevens in Sydney and Jerome Guisset looks likely to be playing for France. more...
Wolves' debts revealed
WARRINGTON Wolves' need for a new stadium with revenue-spinning activities was confirmed again this week with the release of the club's latest financial report. more...
Cullen looking to try unorthodox approach
WARRINGTON Wolves are likely to use more than the orthodox 17 players against Leigh on Sunday. more...
Prop Idol contenders to play against Wolves
PROP Idol contenders will be playing against Warrington Wolves on February 2. more...
Widnes News
Dead man named
THE man killed after being in a collision with a police transporter vehicle in Cuerdley has been named as 47-year-old John Bramwell of Toxteth in Liverpool. more...
Winsford News
Bold plans for industrial estate
AMBITIOUS plans to regenerate Winsford Industrial Estate could become a reality if a bold new master plan works out. more...
Club's efforts to stop silting continue
A Sailing club's attempts to preserve Winsford Flash by preventing it from eventually silting up are continuing. more...
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