THE funeral took place recently of Charles Oswald Garton, husband of Rosemarie Garton, of Barnton, who died on January 25, aged 81. Charles was born in Brumby, Lincs and lived in Barnton for 30 years. He was latterly employed as a Counter Clerk at the
THE funeral took place recently of Edward Kelly of Barnton, who died on January 24, at Halton Hospital, aged 81. Eddie was born in Bootle and had lived in Barnton for 53 years. He was a foreman dairyman at Express Dairies for over 20 years. He served
THE funeral took place recently of Catherine Davies, wife of the late Leonard Davies of Rudheath, who died on January 24, aged 89. Catherine was born and lived in Northwich all her life. She was employed as a bakery assistant at Broadhurst for many years
THE funeral took place recently of Jack Buckley, husband of the late Enid Buckley of Station Road, Winsford, who died on January 27, aged 82. Jack was the father of Karen and grandfather of Joseph. He was born in Keele, Staffordshire and has lived the
A ROCK night is being staged by a residents' association in a bid to create community spirit. St Basil's Parish Club will see four acts play on February 22, including the notorious Pond Dwellers, the highly regarded Greg Oldfield, the bruised blues of
PLANS to make the Murray Smith Cheshire County Cricket League professional have been blocked for the fourth successive year. Clubs rejected a proposal to drop the word amateur from the league's constitution and thereby allow payments to be made to players
WEAVER Valley Cycling Club wheeled in the old and the new at their 40th annual dinner and champions night. It took place on Saturday at Wincham Hall, where cycling journalist Tony Bell entertained members from the past and present. They were attending
KRIS Hinde recorded his first double victory of the season in the single and double sculls at the Head of the Mersey. Although the quality of entries was not up to the usual standard at Warrington last Sunday, the Hartford rower still recorded impressive
ANDREW Buckley snatched the Vale Royal Millennium Junior Golf Club Winter Series Order of Merit from Lewis Jackson in the final round. The 12-year-old came second in the 12th event of the series as long-time leader Jackson, 10, was playing at the club's
health centre launched A PIONEERING 'walk in' health centre is being launched. It will be situated beside Asda in Hale Road and open to all Widnes residents. The Halebank Primary Care Centre opens on Monday, March 3. It will be available from Monday to
IRRESPONSIBLE youths who jumped on to the back of a fire engine were blasted this week for putting peoples' lives at risk. A gang of around 15 youngsters climbed on to the pump after its crew was dealing with an arson attack on a wheely bin in West Bank
Lostock Gralam 0 Middlewich Town Reserves 1 Mid Cheshire FA Saturday Cup semi-final LOSTOCK were dumped out of the cup on Saturday as their miserable home form continued, while Middlewich kept up their dream of meeting their first team in the final. It
MIDDLEWICH Town are looking to change the date of their postponed Mid Cheshire FA Saturday Cup semi-final with Barnton. The original tie was scheduled for Saturday but was called off at 9.30am because of a frozen Townfield Lane pitch. But because Barnton
Winwick Res 2 Parklands Res 6 PARKLANDS continue to sit proudly atop reserve division three with another display of character. Without a regular keeper, the side had to draw straws resulting in the smallest man in the squad, Kev Roberts, being the chosen
FOOTBALL - Widnes Mini League NEW leaders in group one, Magpies, take over from Crows by three points, winning 2-0 against Owls and 1-0 against Robins. Crows lost 2-1 to Eagles, with the latter also winning 1-0 against Kestrels to move to joint third
The Widnes Pool League has set up a new division for teams waiting to join the league. It comes after a meeting between teams from the Majors, Commercial, Bradley, Grosvenor, with league secretary, Paul Campbell. The aim of the league means all new teams
Heworth 44 Widnes St Maries 14 THE Maries gifted their York hosts with an easy double last weekend by conceding 22 points in as many minutes. Pacey fullback Gavin Grant opened the account after only two minutes, quickly followed by a brace from hard running
A WIDNES karate kid has been celebrating her success after finishing runner up in a national contest, writes Craig McIntosh. Kay Jacks, aged 12, just missed out in claiming top place in the SKU National Kata Championships on Sunday, February 9. The Sts
A WILLASTON mum has lost her fight for life after she was involved in a car smash on a country road in Wardle near Nantwich. Dawn Barnard's family paid tribute to the 35-year-old care worker who they described as 'jolly and loving'. Dawn was a loving
Vocal pop band The Magnets play on Merseyside for the first time on Friday, March 14 at the Pacific Road Arts Centre. The band uses no instruments to make their music, creating a full pop sound a cappella, using only voices - including the drums and bass
AS we have a lot of bad drivers travelling through Halton, I am delighted that at least one agency is doing something. The bridge markings were altered to alleviate the problem of last-minute lane changing; Daresbury dual carriageway was altered because
DO you work for a local council? If so, do you feel you are paid enough and valued for what you do? A Local Government Pay Commission has been set up to examine the pay and conditions of council workers. UNISON - the biggest trade union in local government
READING in the World, February 12, about how Runcorn Old Town is full of surprises, it sure is because we have got nothing. I have lived in Runcorn all my life and it has slowly gone down hill. Regent Street, Church Street, High Street and even Bridge
WHO'S sorry now for voting unitary status? What a bunch of con artists Halton Council are! I didn't have much confidence in our council when they wanted to leave Cheshire and now this tax hike has just proved to me how right I was. We are paying good
WINSFORD Swimming Club's relentless run of victories at the 2003 North Midlands Championships continued last week with three more gold medal-winning performances. Leading the way was Middlewich swimmer Ashley Walton in the 12 years age group 200m individual
MIDDLEWICH mum Laura Newton is the latest England international to suffer defeat at the hands of the Aussies. But it wasn't before the cricketer produced her best test bowling performance in the women's Ashes series in Brisbane, and took Australia's prize
Atherton LR 1 Winsford United 2 North West Counties League Division One Tuesday, February 11 THIS was a game that Gary Thomas described as the toughest test so far, but also the best performance by the Blues since his arrival as manager. Goalkeeper Andy
A GOVERNMENT inspector's report on whether a £70 million gas plant should be built in Byley will be finished in April. Action group Residents Against the Plant told the Guardian last week that Bob Lyons should finish writing his report on the public inquiry
PAUL Cullen is sure the benefits of competition for places at Wilderspool will shine through in preparation for the Huddersfield Giants Super League game on Saturday. Warrington Wolves players who missed out on selection for the Bradford Bulls Challenge
GARY Thomas can't wait to get stuck in to Ramsbottom United again this Saturday. The Winsford United manager is looking for an immediate improvement from his players, who were humbled 3-1 by the Lancashire side at Barton Stadium on Saturday. But the return
CONGLETON MP Ann Winterton is to face fresh opposition in the future after the Liberal Democrats announced a new prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency. Paul Jones, Congleton Borough Councillor for Alsager Central Ward, has taken over
AS the year moves ever closer to the summer months, thoughts in Middlewich are turning to the Folk and Boat Festival, which this year promises to be biggest and best yet. Last year's event was surrounded by a huge amount of optimism and excitement, being
MIDDLEWICH'S streets have never been cleaner and much of the credit for the current condition of the town should go to a new team of litter vigilantes. Janet Chisholm, a newsagent who has been campaigning for many years to have Middlewich cleaned up,
A NEW secondary school for Middlewich, possibly including provision for a sixth form, could be in the pipeline if a series of meetings are successful. Borough councillors Dave Sutton and Bill Morris are spearheading the campaign to improve the quality
HALTON has forged even stronger friendships with its twin town in Tongling, by establishing another twinning link with local schools in both areas. Tongling City, in the People's Republic of China, is the most recent of Halton's partner towns. Four secondary
AN ANCIENT oriental art is helping people keep fit and healthy. A new weekly Tai Chi class has kicked off to give adults over 50 the chance to become more active. It is held at St Michael's parish centre, in St Michael's Road, Ditton, every Wednesday,
better! HALTON Council is 'tackling identified weaknesses' following a one-star rating of its social services. The Audit Commission found several key weaknesses last year but now the assistant review director, Anne Bretheton, says 'good progress has been
And although Labour councillor Tony Hooton fears that there could be education cutbacks, the effect on schools should not be as severe as originally feared. Clr Hooton is also angry that attempts to increase youth funding have been rejected by the county
AN emergency operator put the phone down on a Widnes man - when he called to say a pervert had just asked his granddaughter: "Can I rape you?" A Merseyside Police operator disconnected the call after the Ditton resident's 999 calls were put through to
THE Halton Bayer Cricket League's AGM will take place on Wednesday, March 5, at the Parklands Club, Widnes, starting at 8pm. Any clubs, pubs or local companies interested in joining the league can contact the league secretary on 07890 118528 for more
SIMON York and Antoinette Ashley, of Lulworth Close, had a lucky Valentine's Day thanks to her work colleagues. Antoinette said: "I'd gone out and bought Simon a ring from Asda - where I work - as a Valentine's gift last Monday and kept it in my handbag
PEOPLE in Winsford are being given the chance to make a real difference in the community by becoming a member of Cheshire Volunteer Police Reserve. The reserve wants to encourage residents to join the service as special constables - unpaid volunteers
COUNCIL Tax payers in Cheshire will face a 9.9 per cent Council Tax rise, which was agreed by 26 votes to 19 after an unprecedented six hour debate. Cheshire County Council settled on a council tax rise of 9.9 per cent at a meeting last week which equates
PROTESTERS fighting plans to dump chemical waste in Winsford Salt Mine believe a new development offers a last-gasp chance to defeat the controversial project. Mine owner Salt Union Ltd has applied to the county council to get two conditions removed from
NEW roadworks will begin on Friday which are likely to cause delays for motorists until May. As part of Halton's Local Transport Plan, the £700,000 road scheme will improve the section of the A562 Speke Road between Everite Road and Ditton roundabout
FOR the third week on the run, Avon notched up five goals with two in reply. General Chemicals bossed the first half and were two goals ahead at the break. But it was certianly a game of two halves on the day. The sun got lower in the sky and caused all
A FORMER pizza delivery man conned Halton Council in an elaborate multi-million pound scam, a court has heard. In less than 12 months, Stephen Atkinson, went from ferrying fast food to making fraudulent grant applications as a council Economic Development
I HAVE read your articles about the Crewe & Nantwich garden waste disposal scheme and have read the leaflet issued by the council. I can understand the need for such a scheme but I see the £20 annual fee as a potential source of trouble. Many people
ATTENDING school every day and arriving on time is the key message of a pioneering new initiative. A Good Start is the name of an innovative book distributed to pupils at 15 Runcorn schools. It is has been specially designed to reduce the number of children
A 50% cut in a county council budget for community work, has been slammed as letting down deprived areas of Crewe and Nantwich. Councillor Maureen Grant said she was filled with 'disappointment and dismay' when she heard Cheshire County Council was slashing
A CREWE charity that helps children with metabolic diseases has been awarded a lottery grant of more than a quarter of a million pounds. Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases (Climb), whose headquarters are in Nantwich Road, successfully gained
SOUTH Cheshire is to get more bobbies on the front line in a crime-fighting boost to be paid for by council taxpayers. The Cheshire force is to receive an extra 160 officers and support staff to address concerns about the lack of police on the street.
HARD work has paid off for two Vale Royal schools - as they have successfully achieved specialist status in their chosen subjects. Helsby High school is to become a specialist science college from September 2003 and St Nicholas High School in Hartford
FIREFIGHTERS have said that the fires in Crewe over the weekend could have cost lives if the Government's modernisation plans had been in place. Fire Brigade Union bosses said the plans to slash fire cover at night would leave people vulnerable to fires
AN expanding chain of sex shops is set to bring jobs to Crewe, making it home to one of the world's biggest adult stores. Simply Pleasure has plans for a new supermarket-style store and a warehousing and distribution centre in the town. The company confirmed
A NAUTICAL Northwich woman is preparing to set sail later this year to complete a personal mission in a landmark boat race around the British Isles. Sue Bryant, aged 53, will be taking to the high seas in the next few months to compete in the Round Britain
A WOMAN was held at knifepoint and threatened that her throat would be cut as she was robbed in a terrifying episode in Northwich last week. The incident happened on Saturday night in Chapel Street, Wincham, as the woman was walking alone along the canal
I SUPPOSE that I should have reacted with amazement and disbelief when I read the lead story in the Guardian on January 6, regarding the importation of sandstone and granite from China to help landscape the large plot of land adjacent to the Town Bridge
A TRIAL scheme for repairing street lights, which council chiefs claim will save thousands of pounds - is going on trial in Bewsey. Under the scheme, being tested in Rixton Avenue, new lighting columns are 'slipped' over faulty or damaged lamp posts.
FIRE crews are on stand by at Arpley Sidings today, Wednesday, as railway workers tried to separate two tankers containing highly flammable chemicals. One tanker collided with another during shunting, just after 1am this morning, but when firefighters
must fight to save England TATTON MP George Osborne is taking to the streets to stop England being carved up into regions. Next week he will tell students at Liverpool's John Moores University why creating a North West Regional Assembly would be a shameful
repairs affect traders' takings TRADERS in King Street last week blamed road works for a significant drop in business. Barry Dunne, who runs the Casa Pilinca restaurant, said regular customers were staying away as workmen resurfaced the road. "We're well
GOAL machine Rob Hulse believes maximum points from the next two games can give the Alex a sniff of the Division Two title. Crewe's leading scorer with an impressive tally of 24 to his name says the team is focused on three points at Chesterfield to tee
This long awaited offering from Massive Attack has failed to convince many fans of the band's earlier work, partly due to the group's new structure. 100th Window is the most concise Massive Attack offering to date but in effect it is a solo project. Band
JUST to remind you, Tatu are the Russian pop duo, apparently lesbians, who caused outrage when they appeared in their video, snogging. They even had Richard and Judy calling for the single to be banned as claims flew round that they were an 'underage
SHE'D probably be able to have Girls Aloud in a fight, (well, maybe if someone distracted Cheryl 'Are you lookin' at me' Tweedy for long enough) and by rights she should have knocked spots off 'rival' David Sneddon in Fame Academy. Quirky, feisty and
needs traffic WHILE trying to take a positive view on most of the opinions expressed in your letters' page I feel I have to respond to Mary Gracie who seems to miss the point. In her letter she compares shopping in King Street to a more pleasant experience
TOWNSFOLK are again being given the chance to have their say at the next meeting of St Helens Council which takes place on Wednesday, February 26 at 6.15pm in the Town Hall. The Council is keen to hear your news and views as part of its modernisation
THERE was pandemonium among shoppers at a supermarket when a car burst into flames on its busy car park. Worried shoppers scrambled to shift their cars away from the flaming vehicle after the Morrisons store on Boundary Road store announced a car was
DOG Soldiers is a beast of a horror flick that proudly robs from the tombs of its classic Hammer Horror predecessors. It tells the tale of a six-man squad of soldiers taking part in a routine exercise in the middle of a thick, foreboding forest. Things
GET ready for the unmissable love story of the year. Pop sensation Mandy Moore and Hollywood heart-throb Shane West star in the unforgettable romance A Walk to Remember which is released on video and DVD on March 31. In high school you're either 'in'
WIDNES Vikings this week brought to an end weeks of speculation by calling off their ambitious chase for cross-code star Henry Paul. The club, who had been accused of making the bid as a publicity stunt, announced yesterday (Tuesday) it would not be following
HARRY Hill brings his new live show, Wild Horses to Stoke-on-Trent's Victoria Hall on Monday 17 February at 8pm. Hot-on-the-heels of his critically acclaimed debut ITV1 series, Harry Hill's TV Burp, Wild Horses will follow the success of a string of highly
IT'S a case of two's company and three's a crowd in the irresistible comedy Love and Marriage starring Adam Faith at The Regent Theatre, Stoke from Monday, March 3 until Saturday, March 8. Bill is just one of those guys. Women adore him. Men are jealous
KNUTSFORD'S Scouting community turned out in force this week for the annual Gang Show and true to form this was an event to stand up against the best that local theatre in the area can offer The upbeat opening number Come On feel The Noise set the tempo
THE Harlequin Players never miss a trick when it comes to authentic set design. Imagine the scene, a ladies' hair salon, complete in every detail. Hair driers, mirrors and hot running water. Moreover, the setting brilliantly re-created a sunny small-town
Tricorn 2 General Chemicals 3 THIS Runcorn Saturday Cup semi-final fixture started, as expected, with some hard tackling from both sides, being a local derby it was not for the faint hearted. Tricorn battled well with Lunt playing well in midfield and
WANTAWAY Linnets midfielder, Gary Lunt, this week completed a move from his hometown club, writes Craig McIntosh. The 20-year-old ended a two-year stint with the club after agreeing a free transfer to Kidsgrove Rovers, of Stoke. The attacker joined Runcorn
WITTON Albion Reserves have received a massive boost in their bid to win the Crewe and District League at the first time of asking. Albion won their appeal to the Cheshire FA against the league's decision to dock them three points for failing to fulfil
Farsley Celtic 0 Witton Albion 1 UniBond Division One Saturday, February 15 WITTON are seeing some reward for their promotion form, as victory at Farsley took them within one place of a play-off spot. It's now eight games unbeaten for Benny Phillips,
ACCLAIMED writer Kay Mellor's A Passionate Woman begins its month-long run at Chester's Gateway Theatre this evening. The charming comedy, which took the West End by storm after its premiere ten years ago, introduces Betty, dressed to the nines and down
DESCRIBED as Tarantino meets Father Ted, the dark and hilarious Lonesome West kicks of at the New Vic Theatre tomorrow night. The drama, from acclaimed playwright Martin McDonagh, begins a month-long run. Part of the author's Leeane-set trilogy, the play
GLAM rock fans can get it on at the Limelight in Crewe this Saturday night with a show from top tribute band T.Rextasy. Described as the 'definitive tribute', the band features front man Danielz, both a look and sound-alike of the original rock and roll
A SPECTACULAR new tour of the epic musical Fiddler on the Roof stops at Hanley's Regent Theatre from Monday. Described as 'exhilarating, joyous and inspiring', the drama runs at the venue all next week. The performance features screen star Paul Nicholas
THE funeral was held recently at Davenham Parish Church for John Rutter who died on January 23, aged 85. John was born in Middlewich to Arthur and Mary Rutter. He was one of a family of seven children, with brothers Arthur, Jim and Ernest and sisters
THE funeral took place recently of George Boden, formerly of Greenbank and Castle, Northwich who died on January 20, aged 88. A well loved uncle and great uncle, George was cremated at Altrincham Crematorium, where his immediate family and friends attended
THE funeral was held recently for Gwendoline Gleave who died on January 22, aged 96. Gwen was born in Northwich to parents Edward and Jane Wilding. They had three boys and Gwen was the eldest of their four daughters. She was brought up in Northwich and
The funeral was held recently for Sarah (Sally) Gregory who died on January 23, aged 74. Sally was one of nine children born to parents Ernest and Sarah Whalley. She was brought up in Moulton where she attended school. In 1950 she married Richard Gregory
THE funeral was held recently of Alice Pickering who died on February 1, aged 89. Alice had lived at the same address in Manchester Road, Northwich for 87 of her 89 years prior to her brief but happy stay at Daneside Mews. On leaving school Alice served
THE funeral took place recently of Edward Basil Murphy (Baz), husband of Ann Murphy of Barnton, who died on January 25, aged 72. Edward was born in Church Walk and lived in Barnton for 37 years. He was employed as a computer services manager at ICI for
THE funeral took place recently of Norman Sumner, husband of Lucy Sumner, of Mount Pleasant Road, Davenham, who died on January 24, aged 75. Norman was born and lived in Northwich area all his life. He worked for many years for Cheshire County Council
THE funeral was held recently for Audrey Bowyer who died on January 23, aged 78. Audrey Bowyer ne Hughes was born in Castle, one of four children. She lived there until her marriage to Joseph Bowyer when they moved to Rudheath. After 26 years of married
THE funeral took place recently of Anthony (Tony) Franchitti, of Greenbank, who died on January 24 aged 83. Tony was born in Northwich in 1919 to parents Anthony and Liza, he had two brothers Joe and Francis and two sisters Eileen and Mary. He leaves
A DEBT collector stole more than £2,000 to pay off drug debts to criminals, a court has heard. Gareth Roberts stole the money from Shopachecks within two weeks of joining the company. He joined the firm last year, and when he handed in the cash he collected
Winnington Park 4 Macclesfield 3 WINNINGTON picked up three precious points by beating their relegation rivals Macclesfield on Saturday, although they are still four points adrift at the foot of the table. Park opened the scoring after five minutes when
WINNINGTON Park 1sts gave Didsbury Greys a run for their money on Saturday, and despite losing 2-1 produced an excellent team performance that will boost their confidence for the remainder of the season. Chris Davies opened the scoring for Park with a
NORTHWICH RUFC return to first team action in RFU Powergen South Lancashire Cheshire Division One on Saturday. They take on Leigh in a re-arranged game at Moss Farm (2.30pm), where Northwich 2nds will take on Holmes Chapel 2nds. On Saturday they lost
WINNINGTON Park RUFC 2nds flew the flag for the club on Saturday with a 48-8 triumph over Congleton 1sts. Dave Hill converted his own try to give Park a 7-3 half-time lead but this well-balanced game was tipped on its head in the second half. Mark Patterson
SATURDAY saw the top and middle cisterns at Anderton frozen over, so it was touch and go as to whether the third round of the Amanda Lester Cup would go ahead for Barnton and Frodsham anglers. However, the Sunday match was staged, as the wind had lifted
Saturday Yankee February 15, code 3853 not won, next week's top prize £700. Five winning trebles each receive £80. They are: 3053 D Whelan, Northwich; 3253 J Bentley, Leftwich; 3850 B Dean, Wincham; 3854 M Thomas, Rudheath; 3855 D Dignum, Rudheath. RACES
TWO of Nantwich Town's hottest young talents are in line for trials with Football League clubs. Top goalscorer Wes Wilkinson could hook up with Crewe while teenage sensation Ashley Lawton is due at First Division strugglers Stoke City. Player-boss Nigel
Northwich Victoria 2 Hereford United 2 Nationwide Conference Saturday, February 15 ALL the grumbling about Vics sharing Wincham Park this season has been justified in terms of their poor results, but there was little to complain about on Saturday. The
FULL OF HOPE JIMMY Quinn is hoping to make it third time lucky at Yeovil - although fortune hasn't been smiling on him so far this week. The build-up to Saturday's fifth round FA Trophy clash has been blighted by injuries and suspensions, which will stretch
Parklands FC 9 Burtonwood Albion 3 PARKLANDS bounced back from their 6-1 defeat at Orford FC with this one-sided affair; the opposition only scoring from two set pieces and a fluke goal. Man of the match, Clive Tillett, who claimed a deserved hat-trick
RAMPANT Widnes swept away the opposition with tearaway forward Street gaining the man of the match award, with Duffy coming a close second. Burtonwood could not live with the pace of Riley and the craft of Glover. A try down the right flank by Doran started
Preston Grashoppers 63 Widnes RUFC 14 WIDNES travelled to Lightfoot Green to play a side from three leagues above them in the first round of the Lancashire Cup. The home side showed respect for the visitors though by picking 14 first choice players. Widnes
Widnes Albion Bulls 36 Pilkingtons 8 THE Albion returned to winning ways after last week's mauling at Ince Rose Bridge but not without a bit of doubt being put into their supporters' minds. The first 15 minutes they looked a bit shell-shocked as they
A DOUBLE strike from Andrew Ashworth kept Crewe Vagrants 2nd XI flying high on Saturday. With the first team's fixture against Bebbington off, all attention was focused on the in-form second team who delivered a decent 2-1 victory at UMIST. The visitors
CREWE and Nantwich RUFC need maximum points out of five consecutive home games to keep their promotion dream alive. Recent stutters in their South Lancs and Cheshire Division Two campaign have seen the third-placed side lose ground with their rivals capitalising
LATEST results by all leading teams in the Darts Divisions of the Carlsberg-Tetley Open League enhanced their title chances. Premier Darts pacemakers RAOB A had a bye, but still lead by two points after 5-3 wins by main challengers Lady A and Vine A did
CREWE FC booked a cup final date with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Sandbach Town, last Saturday. That makes it a second successive appearance in the Crewe Cup Final, some consolation after this month's League Cup exit with an agonising 4-3 extra-time
NANTWICH'S Brine Pool has narrowly lost out on its bid to have a sliding roof constructed after not being deemed a high enough priority by the borough council. It was hoped that the £500,000 sliding roof would help reduce an 18-month wait for children's
NANTWICH mum Laura Newton is the latest England international to suffer defeat at the hands of the Aussies. But it wasn't before the cricketer produced her best test bowling figures in the women's Ashes series in Brisbane, and took Australia's prize scalp
I SEE that Halton Council is being economical with the truth when they state using military crews during the fire dispute must come out of the council tax. They don't have to pay the firemen their salary when they are on strike. Service personnel are
I HAVE just returned from what I thought was going to be a nice walk through Murdishaw valley. I had invited a friend up from Liverpool to stay the weekend and I thought the valley would be a safe bet for a walk. The part of Murdishaw where I live is
I FIND it very strange that Halton Council would like to increase the council tax by 17 per cent when they have just destroyed Norton Rec to make room for more houses. This would increase the income of council tax to the borough and then investing half
Lostock Gralam 0 Middlewich Town Reserves 1 Mid Cheshire FA Saturday Cup semi-final LOSTOCK were dumped out of the cup on Saturday as their miserable home form continued, while Middlewich kept up their dream of meeting their first team in the final. It
SANDIWAY Primary School is looking towards a greener future - as it strives to become an ECO-school this year. ECO-Schools is a Europe wide initiative that aims to raise children's awareness of environmental issues through their school lessons. Pupils
MIDDLEWICH Town are looking to change the date of their postponed Mid Cheshire Saturday Cup semi-final with Barnton. The original tie was scheduled for Saturday but was called off at 9.30am because of a frozen Townfield Lane pitch. But because Barnton
Winsford United 1 Ramsbottom United 3 North West Counties One Saturday, February 15 WITH Ray Beer and Rob Morris missing, the Winsford defence looked a mere shadow of the back four that had performed so well in the previous three games. It didn't help
A RESIDENTS' association that may be forced to close has been given a welcome boost in the form of Middlewich First. The group, which was set up to be a new voice in the fight to get the best for Middlewich, has lent its support to Middlewich Residents
TICKETS are selling fast for an entertaining evening at Middlewich British Legion - with The Family Mahone. Dave Thompson, director of Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival said: "It will be a lively night. "Family Mahone at Middlewich Legion - what a combination
MIDDLEWICH once again became a diversion route last Tuesday, February 11, when an heavy goods wagon overturned on the M6 at junction 18. A section of the motorway was closed as a result of gravel being spread across the whole of the northbound carriageway
recycling collections RECYCLING in Middlewich is set to take off over the next few months as the borough council pilots its kerb side collection scheme. The idea behind the scheme is that households in the town can separate their rubbish into items that
AS the debate over the impending war with Iraq rumbles on St Michael and All Angels Church is offering everyone the chance to offer a protest against the conflict. Following on from marches across the world, which saw more than six million people take
MARAUDING Winsford youths are causing sleepless nights for a family living near the Greenfields Estate. Although she wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, one married mother of two felt compelled to share her experience of anti-social behaviour
FOOTBALL - Warrington and District League IN the Depot Cup third round, Croft enjoyed their away tie at Village Social making light of the pitch to claim their semi-final place courtesy of a 3-1 victory. Meanwhile, in the Frontrunner premier division,
a true glass act A SCIENTIFIC glassblower is jetting off to Germany and America after scooping a prestigious scholarship. Philip Murray, 22, has won a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship, awarded as a living tribute to Sir Winston Churchill. It means
GOLF - Frodsham Golf Club THE midweek medal was played in very damp conditions but it did not dampen some of the scoring; two of the better rounds coming from club president, Derek Speed, who finished top of division two with a net score of 65, and junior
A GROUP of residents are fuming after road works resulted in a traffic island springing up outside their houses. Cheshire County Council had started works to improve conditions on busy Swanlow Lane by creating a system of pedestrian refuges or traffic
Cardiff Schools 0 EIGHT boys from Widnes rugby teams helped the side to a historic first victory in this annual fixture. Back rowers Alan Carr, Kevin Farrow and Andy White formed the most dynamic unit, supported by props Liam Morton and Chris McLoughlin
FANS and parents associated with junior football in and around Runcorn may have noticed a rise in standards this year. This, in part, is down to special junior team manager training given to clubs during the summer of 2002, covering tactics to child protection
massive tax hike A GIGANTIC rise in Halton's council tax is imminent, the council has confirmed. As exclusively revealed in the World, the biggest increase ever imposed, is likely, following huge cuts from the Government. Figures are set to rocket by
OFF LICENCE Bargain Booze is offering a £200 reward to people who give information leading to the conviction of adults who buy alcohol for those under the age of 18. The company, which has off licences in Lostock Gralam, Davenham and Weaverham, is working
POP-UP Polly was tickled pink to help launch Britain's latest digital TV channel, BBC 3. She is the only female clown chosen from more than 100 applicants to appear in a pioneering docu soap. TV cameras followed her every move as she joined four male
A SPECIAL funding deal between Sandbach School and education bosses has secured the future of the 300-year-old school until 2040. The all-boys school faced a serious shortfall following changes in the way the Government hands out funding for education
FEARS have emerged that the public's chance of having its say in running courthouses such as Northwich Magistrates Court could be lost to central Government, if modernisation plans go ahead. A Government Bill is currently working its way through Parliament
A NORTHWICH woman who attended Saturday's massive peace demonstration in London thinks the march could make a real difference in stopping a war in Iraq. The Guardian reported last week how Valerie Jones, from Moss Road, felt so strongly about the possibility
CONCERNS over the increase in tuition fees have grown with the news that the cap will have to be lifted within a few years of their introduction. That was the message last week from Roderick Floud, president of the Universities UK who told MP's that the
THE Highways Agency is awaiting the result of a police investigation into the horrific crash on the Weaver Viaduct in Frodsham that claimed the life of a petrol tanker driver last week. Father-of-three Sean Hewitt, from Wythenshawe, pictured below, was
A BUS driver could have been killed after a brick hurled through the windscreen struck him on the head, police have claimed. Yobs threw the missile from a footbridge over Gooseberry Lane, as the busway passes through Windmill Hill. The driver was shaken
COUNCIL Tax payers in Cheshire will face a 9.9 per cent Council Tax rise, which was agreed by 26 votes to 19 after an unprecedented six hour debate. Cheshire County Council settled on a council tax rise of 9.9 per cent at a meeting last week which equates
A WOMAN put her life at risk - to rescue her pet animals, firefighters have claimed. The 27-year-old lady suffered serious smoke inhalation and was detained in Halton Hospital overnight. She delayed escaping from her burning home to wrap her gerbil and
A NORTHWICH man died in an early morning car accident in the town on Tuesday. The fatal road accident happened on the A533 bypass at Davenham, near the Peckmill roundabout shortly after 6am. Emergency vehicles sped to the scene of the accident, which
I WAS very surprised to read the article concerning the possible relocation of the Beach Tennis Club. With so much of our village built up we need to conserve for future generations any green field sites that remain. I take a keen interest in the wildlife
THERE is nothing else to be said but well done to Donal McKenna who wrote the excellent letter regarding the firemen, who sleep in their own beds when on call. If they want a pay rise for that then, why can't kitchen porters, pub managers etc have one
TAKING a break from rehearsal for a charity performance of Handel's Messiah in Chester Cathedral, I was unfortunate to have my handbag stolen from the refectory. I am writing to warn your readers to take care of valuables when visiting this wonderful
I WAS intrigued to read the report in the Guardian on January 22 'Problems calling police look to be solved with new centre'. If my own experience is anything to go by the problem is/was a lot worse than admitted by the police. I suffered two thefts last
MORE than 1,000 jobs have been secured after a deal was signed to sell under-fire Warrington off licence chain Cellar 5. Receivers have confirmed that the company has been bought by the Manchester-based Maryland Securities Group for an undisclosed sum
over raid at garage TWO men were last week jailed for robbing an assistant at a petrol station in Knutsford. Adrian Lyttle, 28, was sentenced to eight years for the attack on the Esso garage in Toft Road more than five months ago. His co-accused, Kevin
CREWE boss Dario Gradi believes all the signs are good as his squad gear up to go flat out to secure automatic promotion. He feels his side is set to improve even further as they enter this critical phase of the season, targeting a top two finish and
THIS debut album features Smashing Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan, and comes two years after his band of gothic rockers hung up their instruments. Produced by Billy the album, which could be seen as a tribute to the Pumpkins' anthemic rock sound, features
of time YOU ASK for readers' comments on plans for a regional assembly in the North West. If the performance of the existing NWRA in respect of motorway planning is anything to go by, it will be a disaster. I understand that no decision on the MIDMAN
TWO hundred jobs are expected to be created after a houseware company struck a deal to buy the former Ravenhead Glass site. Speke based firm, the Rayware Group, will use the Nutall Street factory, for storage. But the deal will not involve production
Widnes Vikings' fans who plan to travel across to Headingley for Sunday's Super League VIII opener against Leeds Rhinos will be expected to pay £11 for ground (conc £5), £18 for the stand (conc £12) and £15 for the paddock (conc £9). Junior season ticket
PUPILS from Woodford Lodge High School, Darnhall Primary and The Grange Primary all took part in performances at the first Cheshire Study Support Conference last Thursday. The event took place at the Woodford Lodge Professional Centre, with 100 delegates
Runcorn RJM Darts League TAVERNERS edged closer to the section one championship of the Runcorn RJM Darts League for the first time when they came from 4/2 down to beat opponents Albion 5/4, with their anchorman Kevin Jones leading the way with an 18-dart
KATIE Hewitt, from Runcorn, has qualified to compete in showjumping's prestigious Blue Chip Championships, at Solihull Riding Club, in Four Ashes Road, from Tuesday, April 8, until the following Sunday.
Capenhurst 3 Mond Rangers 1 THE shock dismissal of Michael Thompson after 18 minutes reduced Mond to 10 men. The Capenhurst officials were as amazed Mond were at the referee's decision to give a foul against the visitors' forward. Thompson felt he had
LINNETS captain, Mike Tomlinson, last week saw his dream come true when he pulled on an England shirt for the first time. The 22-year-old, who was a late call up to Paul Fairclough's National Game XI squad, made an impressive debut in the red, white and
WAFC Development Fund January winners - £200, 222 Mr Lath, Whaley Bridge; £50, 89 Mrs Riley, Wincham. Next draw, Thursday, February 21. To join call in at the club office between 10am and 3pm or ring 01606 43008. NEXT WITTON MATCH AT THE GMB STADIUM l
Witton Albion 0 Leek Town 0 UniBond Division One WITTON blew the chance to go fourth, and into the coveted play-off spots, at a freezing Wincham Park last night, but their first goalless draw of the season stretched their unbeaten run to nine games. They
SPRIGHTLY Ethel Parr loves to swim, still drives and is looking forward to starting a new life - at the tender age of 87! She always enjoys a challenge and gained a degree - on her 70th birthday! She has lived in the town all her life and is now moving
ONE of the UK's top musical theatre companies returns to Hanley's Victoria Hall tomorrow night by popular demand. Beyond the Barricade features the best of West End and Broadway shows and stars past principal performers from legendary musical Les Misrables
YOUNGSTERS are being offered an extra treat for the half term holidays with A Day At Old MacDonalds Farm. On stage at Hanley's Victoria Hall, Old MacDonald is preparing for the harvest and keeping up with his farmyard duties. But these animals seem more
A POWERFUL hat trick of opera springs to life at Hanley's Regent Theatre this evening. With their only English dates, the acclaimed Scottish Opera performs Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice tomorrow night, flanked by Verdi's magnificent Rigoletto tonight and
THE funeral took place recently of Mr David Ronald Fleet, of School Road, Meadowbank, who died on January 25, aged 57. David was the father of Joanne, dearest son of Nancy, brother of Christine and a dear uncle. Family, relatives and friends attended
THE funeral took place recently of Margaret Lunt, of Wharton Road, Winsford, who died on January 28, aged 92. Margaret was the widow of the late John Lunt. Family, relatives and friends attended the service at Crewe Crematorium, prior to cremation there
THE funeral has taken place of Mary Winifred Korta who died on January 6, aged 82. Mary was born in Castle, one of five children, to parents Annie and George Brocklehurst. Mary attended St Wilfrid's RC Primary School and Church, her faith always important
THE funeral has been held for Donald Ditchfield, who died on December 22, aged 73. Don was born in Great Budworth to parents Arthur and Martha Ditchfield (ne Harrison). He was one of three children. He attended school in Great Budworth, Lostock and later
(Pictured) THE funeral took place recently of Geoffrey Webb, of Woodpecker Drive, Leftwich, who died on January 22, aged 68. Geoffrey was the husband of Irene Webb and a dearly loved dad and granddad. He was born in Castle and attended Darwin Street School
