Archive

SMALL businesses in Winsford and Middlewich are being offered help to beat the clock as the problems of the millennium bug draw near. A series of workshops across the north west will offer free practical advice on how to tackle the bug. The workshops

WHEN I was elected by the people of Middlewich to be a town and borough councillor, I did not know what lay ahead. The first meeting which I attended was the full council meeting at which the new mayor of the borough was elected. This was a straightforward

ONCE again I write to the Winsford and Middlewich Guardian to ask if any councillors, county and local, ever travel along Delamere Street to see the state of its road signs. Still the humped crossing sign is the wrong way round. No, actually it is at

ARTHRITIS is the biggest cause of physical disability in the UK today. There are more than 200 types of arthritis affecting an estimated eight million people. This includes more than 14,500 children and one million under the age of 45. Forty-one per cent

Mid Cheshire Senior Cup Northwich Vics 6 Winsford United 1 AFTER having the cheek to walk away from their ground with the cup last year, Vics decided that Winsford needed to be put in their place - and how! Northwich's form has been the sharpest of double-edged

Came eyes summer as Blues lose Winsford United 1 Stalybridge Celtic 2 UniBond Premier By Nick Smith IT'S no wonder Mark Came can't wait for next season. This could be because he's enthusiastic about his first full campaign in charge at Winsford United

HAVE you lost your confidence and self-esteem since being divorced or separated? Then why not try to get it back at New Life New Challenge - a course organised by Relate. It will be held over six weeks at the Dingle Centre, Winsford, starting on Thursday

PLANNING applications recently received at Congleton Borough Council included one for a single-storey lounge extension and rear two-storey extension at 2, Swancoe Close, Middlewich, for Mr and Mrs Hitchen. Other applications included: Extension and proposed

WINSFORD soldier Gunner William Wray is one of more than 4,000 British troops who have been sent to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to be ready to move into Kosovo, should NATO decide on this course of action. William, aged 20, is serving with

CHIPS, burgers and stodgy puddings are getting the red light at two schools in Winsford and Middlewich this week. Greenfields County Primary School and Cledford County Junior School have been chosen to test Cheshire School Meals Service's new healthy

A PATIENT was killed as he ran from the entrance of Leighton Hospital in Crewe and was struck by a car. Maurice Cookson, of Middlewich Road, Winsford, was being treated in Leighton at the time of the accident. The 52-year-old was knocked down by a Vauxhall

ARE the residents of Northwich, Davenham, Moulton, Winsford and Middlewich aware of the proposal that the Salt Union (joint venture Minosus) are planning to inflict on our area. Their planning application 4/34566 intends the worked out areas of the Salt

RECENTLY there was some doubt expressed by one of your regular correspondents as to whether voting in local elections made any difference to policy decisions made by the borough or county councils. Nothing could be further from the truth - everyone entitled

THOU shall not criticise; thou shallst believe every word we utter - so sayeth the gospel according to Councillor Debbie Dalby (Guardian Letters, April 21). If I am so inaccurate, Councillor Dalby should prove it. She could begin by placing in Northwich

FOLLOWING on from Malc Holland's letter last week (Stop All That Whingeing) I say, what are our councillors doing? The ghost town effect is a very serious problem, and if not tackled we could see Northwich becoming like the Southern Welsh towns, where

TRAFFIC light colours - red, amber and green - are helping school children get to grips with healthy eating. The colours are being used in a 'good food guide' which highlights healthy dishes on school dinner menus. Red - means food to be eaten occasionally

NORTHWICH VICS 1 CHELTENNAM 0 Nationwide Conference. NORTHWICH Vics became the first team to do the double over champions Cheltenham thanks to Paul Tait's 50th minute winner. Tait was quickest to react when Neil Illman's flicked on corner sat up in the

TWO Northwich racers are aiming to put disappointing performances behind them and roar back into championship contention. Motorcyclist Tim Poole is in top form ahead of the next rounds of the British Production Championship while Daniel Buxton looks set

RICK Johnson doesn't know the meaning of the word rest. Seven days after completing the London Marathon in a personal best two hours and 43 minutes, the Vale Royal AC runner was the second club member home in the Whitley 10km, in 36 minutes 29 seconds

HARESFINCH 30 RANGERS 22 North West Counties Division Three THE two qualities which earned Weaverham Rangers three straight titles were missing on Saturday as they crashed to defeat after an inept performance. And with the final of the Tetley Walker Cup

RAIN wrecked the start of a league season for the second week running. This time it was the turn of the Meller Braggins Cheshire League to suffer, with Oakmere the only Mid Cheshire side to beat the weather. Fortunately both 1st and 2nd XIs beat Prestbury

NORTHWICH VICS 6 WINSFORD UNITED 1 Mid Cheshire Senior Cup NORTHWICH Vics made sure they had something to show for another encouraging season after wrestling the Mid Cheshire Cup from their neighbours in emphatic fashion on Thursday night, writes Nick

NORTHWICH VICS 1 YEOVIL 2 Nationwide Conference, April 24. A FAILURE to turn first half dominance into goals proved costly for Northwich Vics on Saturday, writes Christian Hills. They restricted their high-flying visitors to just two chances in the opening

STOCKSBRIDGE PS 2 WITTON 1 A CARBON copy of the Roy Keane goal which started Manchester United's comeback in Turin was the highlight of a dour match played in rather different surroundings. Gary Hurlstone glanced a near post cross into the far corner

Mid Cheshire Sunday League. THATCHED Tavern may end the season without winning a cup, but they should take the Mid Cheshire Sunday League title. A goal from Platt was good enough to give Egerton a 1-0 win against Thatch in Sunday's League Cup final at

MARK Gardiner has underlined his commitment to Northwich Vics' youth policy by handing England Schools striker Gary Fletcher his first team debut. The 17-year-old won a place on the bench for last night's Conference clash against champions Cheltenham

A MASSIVE campaign has been launched by police to reduce the number of road accidents along a 35-mile stretch of road. During the past 10 years, 33 lives have been lost on the A530 Griffiths Road, Lostock, from its junction with the A559 through King

ENGLAND'S patron saint would be very proud of Norley's Sally Fox. The ex-BBC producer led Manchester's St George's Day Parade over the weekend - and even slew a dragon. The parade took a comical turn when a giant inflatable dragon, designed especially

PEOPLE involved in Local Agenda 21 met last week to update each other on the scheme's progress. More than 100 people attended the event at Winnington Hall, including representatives of Vale Royal Borough Council, Groundwork Macclesfield and Vale Royal

CROWTON villagers cracked open the champagne this week after winning a £19,000 Lottery grant which will help them create a Millennium Green. The good news capped some hard work by the whole village, which voted to make the Lottery bid in February. By

NORTHWICH'S leading Methodist minister is set to take a step into the unknown. Reverend Mike Dye, who is the superintendent for the Northwich churches, is joining the RSPB's first adventure challenge, entitled Where Eagles Soar. His route will take him

HUNDREDS of mourners gathered at Weaverham Church last Wednesday, to pay their final tributes to 13-year-old Ian McPherson. Ian collapsed and died two weeks ago, following some kind of massive brain trauma. Last week, his family, and friends from Manchester

This is extremely sad. I much preferred the previous plan which included the bistro. Why have our elected representatives pushed ahead with the second plan, despite no public opposition to a bistro. The irony is that if we campaign to return the original

The TV presenter (right) worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the 'syndrome' after she found her four-month-old son Sebastian dead in his cot. But despite her campaign, doctors can still only advise mums on how to reduce the risk of a syndrome which

Sarah Lewis (9), Harry Ingram (6) and Fiona Lewis (6) set up a stall in the street to sell their unwanted toys and books - and their mums' unused ornaments and cosmetics. "We wanted to do something to help the poor children in Kosovo," said Sarah. "We

Train operators EWS want to put an eight - not four - wheeled wagon in the middle of the train to try to break the pattern of tremors. It is hoped this will lessen vibrations described by residents living near the line as 'an earthquake.' "Everybody at

Knutsford Town Council has spent £115 on the mayoral airfare to visit twin town Montmorency. But the name on the plane ticket will have to stay blank until after the elections on Thursday May 6. "We don't know yet who the official mayor will be," said

At a closed meeting last week town councillors voted to keep a map, showing Mr Brooks' land, secret. The Knutsford Guardian believes only three of eight councillors voted for the map to be revealed to the public. "We had a thorough and open discussion

He just tells them to look out for the huge lamp post and big box that mysteriously appeared in front of his house just over a week ago. "I suppose it's good for any visitors because it stands out," said Bill, 78. "But it would have been nice if there

Hundreds of readers have donated hygiene kits, blankets and clothes to send to refugees trapped on the Albanian and Macedonian borders. "We have been overwhelmed by the response," said Guardian editor Sue Briggs. "I think it shows just how much the plight

But now the elderly residents of Mallory Court have said enough is enough. For they've been without the goggle-box for almost three weeks. "We were all suffering from television withdrawl syndrome," said Maud Lofthouse, 78, who has been trying to keep

POLICE are still looking for a breakthrough in their investigation into the murder of a Hale man gunned down at a Speke industrial complex on Friday morning. Anthony Sinnott, of Arklow Drive, was shot dead on open ground near to the MTL bus depot at Shaw

A MAN was jailed for two years at Warrington Crown Court on Friday for indecently assaulting a drunken 15-year-old girl as she was walking home. Michael Martley, 21, of Kershaw Street, Widnes, admitted indecent Assault and was ordered to sign the Sex

WOMEN are being sought for a new netball evening at Norton Recreation Centre. It is on Thursday evenings, starting at 6.30pm. All standards are welcome. Contact Julie on 01928 563 562. Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting

Mond Rangers 0 Heswall 3 HESWALL dominated the opening period forcing Mond to defend against constant pressure and took the lead when a mistake by Wood allowed Pepper time to shoot low past Harris. Mond came to life and were unfortunate to have a goal

THE Runcorn Jets rookie baseball team played the Halton Polecats at their home ground on Saturday morning, April 24, for the first game of the season. A game in which both teams gave an excellent display of how youth baseball should be played, with the

CLIFTON Horse and Pony Club has announced the dates for its shows this Summer. They run at Clifton Farm on May 23, June 20, July 18 (BHS qualifier), August 22 (Trophy Show) and September 19. Further details Julie Aldred 01928 563 562. Converted for the

South Wirral Premier League Rangers Breaks 1 Halfway 3 THE sun came out on Saturday and it shone for Dave Whitfield who scored a hat-trick to beat off the Wirral opponents. Whitfield scored his first after five minutes when Wulff and Prime combined well

Runcorn Greenall Darts League JOLLY BREWER, the team who for so long had been knocking on the door, finally made the breakthrough when they lifted the League's Carlsberg Tetley Cup in dramatic fashion at the RAOB Club last Friday night. The competition

HALTON YMCA had to be evacuated after a bedsit went on fire. It is believed the blaze was caused on Saturday when young tenants were cooking beans on toast. An electric cooker was left unattended and a quantity of fat in the grill ignited. Sixty people

A TERRIFIED tenant was trapped on the balcony of his smoke-logged flat after vandals set fire to rubbish, blocking the communal stairs. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had to break down the front door and fight their way through dense black smoke

A JILTED CLERK'S RAILWAY THEFT A CLERK at Runcorn railway station, depressed after splitting with his girl, stole more than £3,000 from the station safe and disappeared for two weeks. Darren Hughes, 25, travelled to Ireland where he spent Christmas and

NEARLY a fifth of employers in Halton do not employ people from the borough, a new survey has shown. And plans to tackle this rather shocking statistic were unveiled at Shopping City last week. Realising the Benefits is a £10.5 million project hoping

A CASH crisis is looming for ICI which could find itself up to £600 million worse off by the end of the next decade as a result of changes which could threaten the long-term future of the Runcorn site. A complete revamp of chlorine production technology

A QUICK-THINKING plumber was hailed a hero this week after saving the lives of an elderly couple in a freak accident. Michael Topping was installing a shower in the bathroom of a bungalow in Stratton Close, Brookvale when he was suddenly engulfed in a

THE redundancy total at Halton College has been cut from 177 to 139. But the college scandal, which has cost more than £750,000 to date, may reach still further as it emerged this week that acting principal John Bolton has been asked to investigate the

PLANS to build a truck manufacturing plant in Middlewich have been held in abeyance by lorry maker ERF. The application, due to go before planners at Congleton Borough Council on Monday night, was put on hold by the company. But Colin Sharp, senior planning

TOWN councillors are recommending that plans to build eight retail shop units, eight mews houses and 20 flats in Middlewich town centre should be thrown out. The mixed residential and commercial application for The Tannery, Wheelock Street, was discussed

IT'S nearly May, time to put our little cross to vote for the local council. They march on your door promising all sorts, with their fingers crossed, hoping to convert you to vote for them. Well this year think! Will they do anything to make your life

THIS week I will conclude my account of Percy Yardley's memories of the High Street of old, and the various businessmen who plied their trade. I well remember in the 1970s walking up the length of the road, with its boarded-up shops, casting my mind back

COLIN Jenkinson is a man who enjoys a challenge - and he is currently preparing for his most gruelling test to date. In October, Colin, of Blenheim Gardens, Winsford, will be leaving the English autumn far behind and heading out to Africa to tackle a

Warrington Borough 1 Middlewich Town 1 Mid-Cheshire League MIDDLEWICH collected their seventh point from their third away game on the run, and it was thanks to an individual effort by man of the moment Les Miranda. Town's goal came on the half hour when

MANAGER Dave Twite has received a boost from his Middlewich Town squad as they prepare to complete their first season in the Mid-Cheshire League this weekend. Twite feels he has persuaded most of his first team squad to stay at Seddon Street to push for

Bollington Athletic 1 Middlewich Town 4 Mid-Cheshire League Wednesday, April 21 MIDDLEWICH started this difficult away fixture at a terrific pace. They were 2-0 up within the first ten minutes, with a superb solo effort by man of the match Les Miranda

THE Shopmobility scheme which has proved such a hit in Northwich may soon be extended to Winsford - provided that enough cash can be raised to run it. Vale Royal's Shopmobility co-ordinator Jackie Hesketh spoke about the scheme's success when she met

MORE than 20 gypsy caravans have moved on to land at Midpoint 18 business and industrial park in Middlewich. They arrived on Monday morning, creating concern for residents living nearby at Holmes Chapel Road. Last year, a huge influx of gypsies in Winsford

A MAJOR scheme to reconstruct the A54 between the Over and Oakmere roundabouts in Winsford begins for five weeks on Tuesday, May 4. The work has become necessary because of the failure of the underlying road foundation which, if left untreated, would

A WINSFORD man is to be the first name on a prestigious roll of honour which recognises stalwarts in the community. Alan Ravenscroft, of Station Road, has been named as the first winner of the Vale Royal Mayor's Award for Endeavour in the Community. The

A RECREATION centre for the elderly is dangerous following unfinished refurbishments, a Winsford woman has claimed. The woman has an elderly relative who uses the centre in High Street, Winsford, and is worried that pensioners have been allowed to move

THROUGH the pages of the Northwich Guardian I would like to thank all the friends and supporters of Mark, my son, who ran in the London Marathon. For many of you, your memories of Mark will be as a rather chubby teenager - and especially for his portrayal

I WOULD like to respond to the children who recently asked for my support in getting Vale Royal Borough Council to allow them to play ball games on land surrounded by Boundary Lane North and South, and Manor Road. No council would condone ball games on

THE Holford Brinefield plays a crucial part in British industry today - but few people know what goes on there. And as the company which owns it, Chlor-Chemicals, prepares for a time of change, reporter NICK HALLISSEY went along in search of buried brine

WITTON 5 GRETNA 1 Unibond Division 1. WITTON rounded off their home programme with a real five star show. They were two up by half-time thanks to headers from Richard Carter and Eddie Bishop, on target in the league for the first time this season. Albion

WITTON ABLBION 1 LINCOLN UNITED 3 WITTON Albion went to finishing school on Saturday. They had more chances than their hosts and looked more fluent in their approach play. But they lacked composure in front of goal and were ultimately punished by the

VALE Royal Borough Council has appointed its new Chief Executive. John William Page, currently the council's Director of Corporate Services, will take over from Bill Woods, who is set to retire at the end of July. Mr Page, 54, said: "I am absolutely delighted

WHEELCHAIR-BOUND youngsters from the Russett School in Weaverham can't go horse riding anymore. In fact they can't get out at all. For the school's E-reg minibus cannot cope with the youngsters' growing needs. Teenagers have to be pushed up a ramp and

VALE Royal's mayor Keith Musgrave ended his charity appeal on a high this week - after his Civic Ball raised £1,800. At the ball, which was held at Vale Royal Abbey in Whitegate, Clr Musgrave was joined by 180 guests, including Northwich MP Mike Hall,

WHEN it comes to fish and chip shops Harry Georgio has the best 'plaice' in town. Harry's Fish Bar, on Albert Place, was recently voted the best fish and chip shop, in Northwich, by Guardian readers. Owner Harry Georgio has been in the fish and chips

LITTLE Suzy Mackay was desperately disappointed when she couldn't play in her new summer house. The five-year-old wanted to help mum Lesley decorate it at their Rudheath home . . but now it has gone. For Lesley, of Shipbrook Road, claims the structure

MARTIN Bell has paid tribute to Jill Dando, the BBC presenter who was murdered outside her London home on Monday. Mr Bell, who worked with Jill during his days as a BBC journalist, described her as "a genuinely nice person." He also described the last

County Clr Nora Stopford, who believes Marbury Lane should remain open, was also encouraged by the news that the county council was expected to delay its decision. She said: "The fact the decision is going to be deferred shows the county council are considering

MARBURY Lane could be reopened - thanks to an eleventh hour cash offer. In a dramatic gesture, Vale Royal Borough Council has pledged money to help pay for short term repairs which would make the lane safe for cars. Cheshire County Council, which is responsible

Of this, £108,758.52p will be sent on to Cheshire County Council. In view of the county council's wish to 'save' £60,000 by closing Ashley School - if they eventually actually do this - will they tell us how much of this £108,758.52p they intend to spend

I would like to suggest that the traders who were so vociferous against the scheme should walk down the street with my three-year-old, disabled and very independent grandson. It is hair-raising, trying to make sure he does not over-balance off the edge

The people of Mobberley can be grateful the aircraft took off over the fields instead of over the village, as they usually do. The aircraft was at about 250ft as it passed over the field on Smith Lane. Once again it looks as though Manchester International

Let Knutsford residents be in no doubt whatsoever about the very real danger we were all in when that struggling Peruvian Tristar fought desperately to clear the rooftops of our town. I have lived in Tabley Road for a number of years and I have never

But for the past few years May Queens have carried a slightly lighter task - on their heads. In the1980s when everything in fashion from stilettos to shoulder pads was big, so was the May Queen's crown. "When my daughter was May Queen in 1982 the crowns

But the little boy never reached his first birthday. He died at three months. "We got up in the morning and went to his cot and he wasn't breathing," said mum Pat. "He just looked like he'd gone to sleep and never woken up again." Christopher had been

Railtrack don't plan to revamp the station - leased to North Western Trains - until April 2000. In the meantime the firm, which owns the station and is responsible for the line, has promised to make short-term improvements to tidy it up. "We are currently

The director of Monckton Properties wants to flatten garages behind Tatton Street and Minshull Street and build the offices instead. Planners refused similar plans for Red Cow Yard twice last year. Borough councillors then rejected the proposals because

In a Commons' debate on Monday, Mr Bell told the Government that air strikes alone would not stop President Milosevic's murderous regime. "Circumstances on the ground can only be altered by boots on the ground," he said. In the second full Commons debate

I find Mr Wrench's letters relevant and as a resident of Knutsford for many years, support his canditure, regardless of his origins. I hope this Concerned reader will take issue with the Guardian editor with regards to the selection of letters. A WELSH

True? Knutsford Guardian chief reporter Rob Cave isn't so sure if the actions of the three councils who govern Knutsford are anything to go by. Here he tries to make sense of some recent decisions made on your behalf K kilrie ? K library K ILRIE Children's

A 40-year-old Liverpool man was arrested. Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.

PEOPLE in Widnes are being conned by unscrupulous traders claiming to be raising cash for Barnardo's. Con men and women are going into pubs in the town to sell roses, claiming to be collecting the money in aid of the child care charity. "This is really

A MAN was knocked unconscious after being mugged by a gang of thugs. The incident happened shortly after midnight on Friday as the victim walked along Warrington Road near to the junction with Page Lane in Halton View, Widnes. He was set upon by four

Runcorn 2 Accrington Stanley 2 RUNCORN played out another home draw at the weekend when relegated Accrington Stanley twice came from behind to salvage a point. The final home game ended as the first one back in August had, with points dropped. A busy

HALTON Polecats pony league baseball team played the Bolton Knights in an away game played at Norton due to the unavailability of the Bolton field. It was a complicated and well contested game, generally controlled by fine pitching from both teams but

THERE was only one game played in the Plettac NSG Runcorn Sunday League Premier Division where a goal from Tracey was not enough as Cherry Sutton defeated St Andrews 1-5. Not good preparation for next week's final for the home side. In the First Division

Halton Borough Girls u12s 4 Crosby u12s 0 A FINE team performance coupled with some outstanding individual displays was the catalyst for an emphatic win for the Halton side. Solid at the back were Vicky Jones and Kali Whitbread who were determined, confident

THE HALTON District Cricket League XI enjoyed the 16 overs game against Widnes Cricket Club last Thursday. A friendly opener with which to start the League's 50 years celebrations. There were three late changes to the League Selection as Brian Tobin (

A TELESALES operator for a cable television shopping channel used the credit card details of customers to steal more than £1,000-worth of goods from her employers. Liverpool Crown Court heard that Christine Clegg worked for the Liverpool-based QVC and

A ROYAL visitor came to Halton this week to dedicate the Auto Quest Stadium to the community. The Duke of Kent unveiled a plaque on Tuesday after touring the new west stand, funded by a multi-million pound lottery grant. It will seat 3,023 and incorporate

A FAMILY have had their holiday dreams burst like a beach ball after being barred from a prize trip they had just won. Dean and Susan Lowe, of Hitchens Close, Murdishaw, Runcorn, were phoned by Warrington timeshare company GoldStar Promotions on Wednesday

ACTING vice-principal at Halton College Peter Cavanagh said the staff inspection planned for next week had now been postponed. He said: "Having listened to concerns of staff we don't want to increase the tension any more than is necessary." Mr Cavanagh