Archive

  • Happy birthday!

    February 19 Rosemary Crawshaw Jack Marriott February 20 Chelsea Stokes Ben Jerram Courtney Jade Wailes February 21 Thomas Joseph Woods Nicole Cassidy Charlotte Taylor Ben J Maung Shannon Cragg Nicholas Sanders February 22 Daniel Williams Daniel Dobson

  • Wilson-Cunningham on target as Vics score away victories

    BIDDULPH Vics made it three wins in a row on Saturday with two excellent away victories in four days. The Vics came from behind at Stafford Town on Saturday to score a 3-2 victory on the back of some fine defending. The victory followed a 2-1 success

  • New boy Hurley is an instant hit for Alsager

    NEW striker Will Hurley had an instant impact in his first full game for Alsager Town on Saturday. Hurley scored twice in a comfortable 2-0 home win for Alsager over bottom side Atherton Collieries. Hurley played for Barnton, and was signed by Alsager

  • Drop in for some support

    A VICTIM support drop in session is held every Tuesday and Thursday at Newton library from 1.30pm until 4pm.

  • Pupils help to buy minibus

    GENEROUS pupils from Burtonwood Primary School have done themselves proud by raising cash for a neighbouring Newton school. Burtonwood's young fundraisers got together to raise £150 for Mill Green School to help them pay for a new minibus. The children

  • 20 years of clunk clicking echoed

    MERSEYSIDE Police are echoing Transport Secretary Alistair Darling's reminder to road users to 'belt up in the back' on the 20th anniversary of mandatory seatbelt wearing. It is estimated that 2,500 lives have been saved in the north west since mandatory

  • Youth workers try to organise a special reunion

    A NEWTON couple who have devoted more than 40 years to youth work are appealing for help in their attempt to organise a founders' reunion of Newton Boys' club, now known as the Young People's Club. Bob and Sheila Selby, each have 40 year long service

  • Let's go surfin' now, everybody's learning how

    PEOPLE across Newton and Haydock, who have never had the chance to surf the net, can broaden their horizons thanks to the launch of two new initiatives. The People's Network, which connects all borough libraries to the Internet as part of the Government's

  • Secret weapon on crime

    TRAFFIC wardens in Newton are set to take on a new role in the fight against crime this week when they take to the streets on new 'Be Streetsafe' yellow scooters. The new service gives the wardens direct access to neighbourhood policing teams and greater

  • Finally seeing the wood and the trees

    LOWTON and Golborne residents turned out in force to learn more about plans to create a new community woodland on former farmland at Byrom Hall. Forestry Commission representatives outlined their plans for the 28-hectare site to a packed audience at Lowton

  • Mark's skyfall leads to charity windfall

    THE sky's the limit for a daredevil Newton firefighter who saw his dream come true when he embarked on a charity parachute jump. But the raffle prize of a tandem parachute jump didn't originally belong to Mark Winstanley - he won the challenge by default

  • Let's make a splash

    SWIMATHON organiser Ken Shuttleworth is hoping for a repeat of last year's record-breaker at the 2003 fund-raiser. The 11 swimathons organised by Congleton Rotary Club have raised a massive £138,000 for numerous charities. Last year's event broke all

  • Spy cams will catch criminals on film

    CRIMINALS are to be caught on camera in a high-tech crime-busting initiative in Biddulph. Eight CCTV cameras have been installed across the town in a bid to deter and catch criminals and reduce fear of crime. The cameras will relay images to a surveillance

  • Bloody Roar - Primal Fury

    GameCube BLOODY Roar is the kind of game that looks like it was created by a bunch of spotty teenage boys with no girlfriends. After all, who needs a real girl when you've got the kind of women on view that this game offers? There certainly seems to have

  • The Eye

    Cert: 15 THE Eye is the latest movie by the acclaimed Pang brothers, current darlings of the Cantonese, Mandarin and Thai film worlds. It's the story of Mun, who went blind at the age of two, but after 18 years of darkness gets the chance to see with

  • The Count of Monte Cristo

    Cert:: PG DUMAS' classic tale of the Count of Monte Cristo has been told many times before but, following recent Hollywood trends, the powers that be have decided to cash in once again. Luckily, the story is strong enough to withstand another retelling

  • School gets kitted out

    WADE Deacon u14's football squad have been celebrating the arrival of a smart new kit, courtesy of O'Connor Transport. The traditional red and black shirts sport the C'Connor logo, which sits alongside the more traditional school emblem. Carlton Bramwell

  • Dare you to see these men in tights?

    Daredevil Cert: 15 By PETER MAGILL YOU always take a chance when putting your faith in superheroes . . . Will their big screen exploits tingle the spine in gothic blockbuster style, like the first and second Batman films? Or will they prove to be profoundly

  • Rocket men

    WARRINGTON pop-rockers The Tin Can Rockets have returned to the local live circuit this month after taking care of business with a management company in London. The four-piece have performed at Stamps Wine Bar in Crosby, the town's very own Barley Mow

  • They could have danced all night ... on glass

    PROMISING indie upstarts Star Bodixa have completed recording their debut album, And They Danced On Glass at Liverpool's 'Hug' recording studio. The studio belongs to scouse Britpop has-beens Space, who had memorable hits with Female Of The Species and

  • Chips give other fast food a battering in popularity stakes

    WHETHER they're eaten with fish, burgers or pies, or simply on their own with some salt and vinegar, chips are always on the menu. And in honour of the fried potato, the British Potato Council has declared this week as National Chip Week. One in four

  • - Clr Mike Hughes

    THE leader of Warrington Borough Council says war on Iraq can only be contemplated if the world unites. Clr Mike Hughes said that conflict would be "unthinkable" without a joint UN resolution. He added: "We have made a resolution at council that there

  • Boogie wonderland

    GROOVING, hip bopping and moving paid off for staff at Flares in Warrington when they took second place in a national Battle of the Boogie dance competition. Staff just missed out on the top spot winning the Enthusiasm Award with an inspired performance

  • Talks can work if we put aside national pride

    - Colin Parry THE man who led the drive for peace in Warrington, Colin Parry, says talks can work to solve the crisis in Iraq. Mr Parry, who lost his son Tim to the IRA, said that although he accepts Saddam Hussein is an evil dictator, there has not been

  • You can have your say

    THE Guardian has set up an Internet poll for you to vote on what you think about the possibility of war with Iraq. There are five options available on our website. They are: l Yes, Britain and America should go it alone l Yes, but only with UN backing

  • Protestors battle on to prevent war

    THE protest against military action in Iraq has been gathering pace across Warrington this week with demonstrations likely to grow in size as decision day looms. Another peace vigil was held at Market Gate in the town centre on Saturday and more are planned

  • Low move

    PLANNING bosses will consider moves to deposit material from ditches to low-lying land on Hatton Farm, Appleton Thorn. The Stretton Road farm wants to raise the level of the land.

  • Send in the hawks!

    NIGHT flying hawks could soon be soaring into Stockton Heath to kill the growing number of pigeons that are circling the village. An expert from Cheshire Falconry was commissioned to investigate the ongoing pigeon mess dilemma and, following an inspection

  • Glenn Miller's flying visit

    GLENN Miller's Burtonwood connection has been picked up on by reader Owen Taylor following a query as to whether the famous band-leader made his last appearance at the airbase before a plane carrying him across the sea mysteriously disappeared. Legends

  • Boozy baffler!

    Boozy baffler! BOOZY baffler from reader Tommy Clisham who merely wants to know which pub in St Helens had two off-sales areas rather than the usual one?

  • What became of relief road?

    IN response to last week's story about the Latchford facelift, I have been watching with interest the recent builders that have invaded various empty shops and properties in the village. As a former employee of The Trophy Shop, now under refurbishment

  • Isn't it time leaders updated our rail stations?

    I HAVE to reply to Steven Broomhead's letter defending the steam train enthusiasts' convention at the Town Hall, and specifically the quote: "Warrington has a long history with the railway network and we were honoured to be chosen for this event." If

  • Take us for fools?

    NOT HAVING allegiance to any political party, I find myself in the unique position in politics to be totally unbiased in my opinion. Unlike Dr Brian Axcell in last week's Guardian. This letter was mere propaganda! Does he feel that desperate to gain extra

  • Get your votes in

    THE by-election to fill a vacancy on Winwick Parish Council takes place today, Thursday. Independent candidates Pam Barrow and Ian Chadwick are in the running, along with Liberal Democrat Mark Hooper. The voting takes place at Winwick Leisure Centre,

  • Just the ticket!

    FRIDAY'S big Super League kick-off will see the launch of a new bus service to transport Saints fans from Sutton and the town-centre to Knowsley Road. Three buses will run between Lea Green Station and Dunriding Lane before and after Saints' clash with

  • Saints crushed by Aussie champions

    Saints 0 Sydney Roosters 38 SAINTS' hopes of regaining the World title they won two years ago were left in tatters on Friday night after meeting a fired up Roosters side, who came up with the complete performance. Any belief that Reebok Stadium's sub-zero

  • Dramatic appeal

    BURTONWOOD Amateur Music and Drama Society is looking for new stars - both on stage and behind the scenes - for its forthcoming production. The group has just finished a successful run of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and there are already plans for

  • Heaven is a good book at St Paul's

    LITTLE bookworms at a Burtonwood primary school have been reading about God as part of the school's religious education inspection. St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School, on Milnthorpe Road, was named in the country's top 600 schools last week

  • Mick's award is just champion!

    THREE cheers for community champion Mike Curran who has been recognised for his groundbreaking and inspirational efforts with a prestigious regional award. But modest Mick, of Lisbon Close, Cinnamon Brow, says he is slightly overawed by the announcement

  • Take a lock at this!

    LANDSCAPERS have unearthed a hidden piece of Woolston's history - evoking memories of a time when you could catch a Mersey boat from the New Cut Canal to Salford. Obscured by 12-foot high brambles the canal lock at the top of Weir Lane, like the waterway

  • Carol service cash donated

    ST Elphin's Fairfield CE Primary School has helped to raise important cash for the Children's Society by donating the money it raised from its Christmas carol service. The collection raised nearly £160 and went towards a grand total of £751.65 when it

  • Hip, hip hooray for brave little Samah

    AN elderly woman from Wilderspool has praised the "brave little girl" who called for help and comforted her when she fell down and broke her hip. Samah Hamam, aged seven, was visiting Mrs Renee Woodcock, who lives on Wilderspool Causeway, when she slipped

  • Firebug fear

    THE latest arson attack in Crewe destroyed three companies leaving police desperate to talk to a couple seen on the forecourt prior to the incident. It was the fourth arson attack in the space of a week after three premises were targeted last weekend

  • Time for police to take interest

    I TOTALLY agree with your correspondent 'Observer' (Star letters, February 13) concerning the motorists at the Windle Island lights who, to avoid the standing line of traffic in the direction of St Helens/Manchester from Rainford/Ormskirk, use the Liverpool

  • My question was simple enough!

    THE response by Dave Watts to my letter, concerning the punitive raid on occupational and private pensions, was noticeable for its avoidance of the question posed. My question was quite simple. In view of the fall in the value of pension fund forecasts

  • They've got the power

    WITH reference to Star Letters (February 6) from Dave Watts MP Pensioners and St Helens MPs please note. The present Government have the power to rescind the Tories decision to stop linking annual pension increases to average salaries, so why won't they

  • Happy birthday!

    February 19 Rosemary Crawshaw Jack Marriott February 20 Chelsea Stokes Ben Jerram Courtney Jade Wailes February 21 Thomas Joseph Woods Nicole Cassidy Charlotte Taylor Ben J Maung Shannon Cragg Nicholas Sanders February 22 Daniel Williams Daniel Dobson

  • Novel way to help burglars come clean

    AS a regular walker I sympathise with P Savage (Star letters, February 6) when he talks about fly-tipping in our countryside. Together with the litter louts who blight our streets, fly-tippers are the lowest of the low. The real problem, if it is to be

  • Fan power

    WARRINGTON Wolves supporters are continuing to get behind young talent in the town. At last night's, Wednesday's, Squadbuilder meeting, fans elected to sponsor the contracts of rising stars Jamie Durbin and Nick Owen this year. Scrum half Durbin and full

  • Public urged to get involved in debate

    PUBLIC involvement in the debate on the proposal of an elected regional assembly is being encouraged by Cheshire County Council With the deadline for opinions fast approaching, March 3, the county council is strongly urging the public to find out more

  • Willing to work

    ONE of Warrington Wolves' key strengths in Tetley's Super League VIII will be their versatility. That was shown when the side comfortably coped with losing two backs to injury inside the opening 15 minutes of the Powergen Challenge Cup fourth round tie

  • Injuries force changes

    WARRINGTON Wolves will open Tetley's Super League VIII against a strong kicking team while probably without a first choice winger and full back. Wolves' head coach Paul Cullen has highlighted the strengths of Huddersfield Giants' Steve McNamara with the

  • Lofty plans for company

    BOOM times in the loft insulation industry have resulted in a leading Manchester firm opening up a Warrington outpost. Middleton-based Wattgroup has increased its vehicle fleet by 30 per cent as a result of its new depot in Rufford Court, Hardwick Grange

  • Julie joins Wolves' pack for new challenge

    WARRINGTON Wolves has appointed a new member of staff with a former Guardian employee becoming commercial manager. Julie Cleave joins the club from her role as sales manager at the Village Hotel and has a wide range of experience in corporate hospitality

  • Surveyor

    warns of wrong path A CHARTERED surveyor last week tore a strip off Cheshire County Council for seemingly making Knutsford's pavements even narrower. Robert Newton, 53, claimed contractors, who are currently resurfacing King Street, had left some parts

  • Campaign

    exposes town's 'weakest link' FOOTBALL fans stuck in match-day tailbacks on the A556 beeped their horns on Saturday in support of a new motorway being built through Knutsford's countryside. Many Manchester United and Arsenal supporters said it was about

  • A 27-year-old man died in an horrific car crash last week.

    Scott Blake, of Mobberley, was killed when his Jaguar XJR left the road and hit a tree. "It looked as though his car had completely split in two," said one resident who saw the crash scene. The passenger in the car - a 38-year-old man from Tabley who

  • Volunteers in action

    MIDWEEK volunteer groups will be undertaking work with rangers at Woolston Park on Friday, February 21; at Birchwood Forest Park on Tuesday, February 25; and with Groundwork Mersey Valley at Woolston New Cut on Wednesday, February 26.

  • Our feathered friends get a helping hand

    FARMERS in the Warrington area have been taking part in National Nest Box Week. The event, taking place this week, aims to encourage organisations and individuals to provide homes for birds and help to stop the decline in population that is being caused

  • Event will signal end of peace enterprise

    THE 10th anniversary of the terrorist bombing will see some prominent peace figures saying farewell to a decade of remembrance in Warrington. Warrington Ireland Reconciliation Enterprise, which formed in the aftermath of the town's bombing, is splitting

  • Poignant tribute planned for 10th anniversary

    AN emotional day has been planned in the town centre to mark the symbolic 10th anniversary of the Warrington IRA bombing. Based on three separate themes - Remembrance, Thanksgiving and Commitment - a moving tribute will unravel throughout March 20, with

  • Glance guide to sport

    Bowls Warrington Indoor Bowls League results: Sec A: Grange A 13 Monk B 0, Viaduct A 9 Viaduct B 4, Pad Comm B 13 Monk E 0, Viaduct B 4 Monk B 9, Viaduct A 9 Croft A 4, Monk B 6 Golborne Spts A 7, Monk E 4 Viaduct A 9, Croft A 11 Viaduct B 2. Sec B: Monk

  • Young are crime victims

    ONE in four young people, aged between 12 and 16, has been a victim of crime in the last 12 months. The research, which has been carried out by Victim Support, marks the start of a campaign by the charity to introduce support services for all young people

  • Man who informed on paedophile faces sack

    A WHISTLEBLOWER who spoke out against a man who sexually abused a Warrington youngster could be facing the sack. This week Stephen Rutherford, aged 49, was jailed for two years for sexually abusing the youngster, when she was aged between four and 12-

  • Juniors lead the way

    WARRINGTON Rowing Club hosted their annual winter time trial at the River Mersey on Saturday with clubs attending from all over the north west. Success for Warrington came mainly from their strong junior section. Three crews from Lymm High School led

  • 'Aisle love you' say street mates

    STAFF and shoppers were looking for love in the aisles on Valentine's Day as Asda Westbrook held their own version of Street Mate. Colleagues and customers were invited to take part in the supermarket game show on Friday evening in a bid to find love

  • Holywell taken by storm

    A GROUP of 45 Warriors of Warrington swimmers took Holywell by storm at the weekend. They swept to victory in the Holywell Open Valentine Meet with a total of 83 top six places - including 23 wins and five meet records. Anthony Walker, James Miller and

  • Taxi plan approved

    A CONTROVERSIAL new plan to open up Bridge Street to taxis, private hire cars and bicycles was given the green light by the borough council's traffic committee on Monday. The main objection came from the Warrington Taxi Drivers' Association, which thinks

  • Train strikes

    STRIKES are planned next week by rail conductors after they rejected what they called "an incredible shrinking pay offer" by their employers. More misery is expected for Warrington commuters after the RMT rail union revealed it was unhappy with a new

  • Event to honour Shannon

    A SPECIAL fundraising evening takes place later this month to raise money for aplastic anaemia sufferers in memory of Shannon Bradshaw. The event will take place at St Benedict's Social Club on Rhodes Street, off Orford Lane, on Friday, February 28 starting

  • Struck-off optometrist is allowed to regain licence

    AN optometrist struck off after failing to spot a serious eye condition in a patient has been allowed to return to work. The General Optical Council accepted yesterday, Wednesday, that Hazel Jean Rosenburgh had undertaken sufficient retraining since the

  • Call centre cannot handle 999 volume

    POLICE officers cannot handle the huge number of telephone calls that flood into their call-handling centre every day - according to new Chief Constable Peter Fahy. Cheshire Police is speaking to huge communication firms like BT to attempt to ease the

  • Blood in river costs firm £100,000 fine

    CLOSE checks are being made on a firm dealing with Warrington Hospital's clinical waste after it was fined £100,000 for dumping blood and bodily fluids into the River Dee at Wrexham. Newcastle-based Eurocare was sentenced at Chester Crown Court after

  • Three men jailed for town centre attacks

    THREE men who went on a random rampage through Warrington town centre, leaving a teenager with a four-inch stab wound to the neck, have been jailed at the town's Crown Court. Richard Antrobus, aged 24, of Fearnhead Lane, Fearnhead; Stuart Bamford, aged

  • Swan appeal turned down

    COUNCILLORS have been vindicated after a planning appeal victory over the former Swan garage site in Hollins Green. Because it was felt proposals for four homes with garages would be 'too oppressive' for the site, at The Weint, the borough council's development

  • Police parade

    POLICE are appealing to members of the public to step forward for their involvement in a string of upcoming identity parades. The first line-up takes place at 6pm, March 5, and requires men aged 29-years-old, 5ft 2ins, slim and with a shaved head. The

  • Residents say no to scheme

    CONTROVERSY has erupted over proposals for a new three-storey sheltered housing scheme on the edge of the common in Culcheth which villagers claim will spoil the skyline. Planning chiefs have received 30 letters castigating the package, drawn up by McCarthy

  • Support for devolution

    GOVERNMENT buildings across the north west were the subject of a region-wide demonstration of support for devolution yesterday. A declaration of support for devolution, signed by more than 100 prominent people, was posted on the doors of five government

  • Homes plan

    PLANS to build two houses on a garden plot to the side of 24, Station Road in Penketh have been submitted to the borough council.

  • Train carrying chemicals derails

    FIRE crews were on standby yesterday, Wednesday, after a train containing highly flammable chemicals was derailed at Arpley sidings. Railway workers spent most of the day trying to separate two tankers, which contained acrylonitrile and ammonium nitrate

  • Alford A hanging on by a thread after shock defeat

    ALFORD A are hanging on to their lead by a thread at the top of Warrington Snookers Centre Snooker League Division Two after suffering a thumping 6-1 defeat at the hands of Alliance B. The result opened the door for Rylands B to move within a single point

  • Stacey is feeling so Good-ison

    A YOUNG football fan from Penketh saw her dream come true when she took on the official role as mascot for Everton. Stacey Upham, aged 10, from Ditchfield Road, won the chance to represent the team at an auction, and stepped out onto the field with her

  • Dominic chub be proud

    WARRINGTON Anglers' Association's eight-year-old Dominic Nunn caught a cracking chub weighing in at around 4lbs from the River Dane at Holmes Chapel. The fish was taken on quiver-tipped maggot feeder, presenting a hair-rigged piece of luncheon meat on

  • MRS ELIZABETH MATHER

    Mrs Elizabeth (Betty) Mather, wife of Mr James Mather, died on January 14, aged 77. Mrs Mather, of Lovely Lane, lived in Warrington all her life. She attended St Barnabas Primary School and Bewsey Secondary School. Mrs Mather last worked for many years

  • Impressive comeback win

    DATEN came from behind to win at Chester 3-1 in Cheshire Women's Hockey League Division Four. Poor marking left a two-on-one situation with Daten goalkeeper Jackson standing no chance of stopping Chester's first shot at goal. After a plethera of short

  • MRS JOAN GREGSON

    Mrs Joan Gregson, wife of the late Mr Thomas Gregson, died on January 15 of bronchopneumonia. She was 76. Mrs Gregson lived in Warrington all her life, except for a break in South Africa for five years, when she lived with her daughter. She was last employed

  • Hockey side prove their worth with spirited performance

    LOWLY Warrington women's hockey team proved that they are worthy of their Cheshire Division Three place with a convincing 2-0 win against Crewe Vagrants on Saturday. Warrington's defence stood firm against a team that had scored three goals against them

  • MRS MAUREEN BROCKLEHURST

    Mrs Maureen Brocklehurst, wife of the late Mr Harry Brocklehurst, died on December 29 of acute congestive cardiac failure. She was 60. Mrs Brocklehurst, of Slater Street, Latchford, was born in Lymm and lived in Warrington all her life. She was employed

  • Some pride restored

    WARRINGTON lost a close men's Northern Counties Hockey League Premier Division clash with Sheffield Hallam 5-4 after having three players sent off. Though defeated it was good to see the Warrington side battle and dominate enough to have won and it was

  • Athletes excel in Cheshire league

    THERE were a host of outstanding performances put in by Warrington Athletics Club members in the Cheshire Cross Country League at Woodbark Park in Stockport. The club's under 11s boys team secured gold medal glory thanks to fine running by Matt Ainsworth

  • MR WILFRED THOMPSON

    Mr Wilfred Thompson, husband of Mrs Nellie Thompson, died on January 18 of pneumonia. He was 91. Mr Thompson, of Scarborough, formerly of Billington Avenue, Newton, had lived in Newton for 89 years. He was a crane driver at Vulcan Foundry all his working

  • Controversy surrounds cup defeat

    Fleetwood RUFC 20 Warrington RUFC 0 WARRINGTON crashed out of the Thwaites Lancashire Cup in a controversial game at Fleetwood. They lost the services of Peter Holce on 10 minutes. He was sent off after the intervention of a touch judge, who later confessed

  • Homes locked

    TEN new homes will be built on Locks Service Station on Thelwall New Road in Grappenhall. Council planning officers gave the go-ahead for the scheme.

  • Planting an idea

    LYMM Parish Council has agreed to provide planters on the signs marking the entry point to the village. They will have to pay the borough council £150 for a licence.

  • Be a chi whizz

    TASTER classes in Chinese Physical Culture are being run at Lymm Leisure Centre every Tuesday from 7.30pm until 9pm. The classes are aimed at improving fitness and health. For more details contact John Garland on 0113 2751765.

  • In-form Lymm cruise to victory

    LYMM'S impressive winning streak continued on Saturday with a dominant display against Broughton Park in Rugby Football Union Powergen North Two West. It puts Lymm in bouyant mood for their massive Powergen Intermediate Cup quarter-final showdown with

  • Sports digests

    Beechfield appeal BEECHFIELD Junior Soccer Club's under eights team are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper. The club are also looking for players so that they can set up a girls team for five to six-year-olds. Anyone interested should contact John on

  • May queen and rose bud chosen

    THIS year's Lymm May queen has been chosen and will be Amy Glover, aged 12, who goes to Lymm High School. The decision was made at a meeting at Lymm Village Hall last week where Charisma Mitra, aged eight, who goes to Cherrytree School, was named as the

  • Latchford lose their grip

    Latchford Albion 10 Oldham St. Annes 16 LATCHFORD Albion looked totally in command of their North West Counties Amateur Rugby League Division Two clash with Oldham St. Annes in the first half. They were playing some great rugby both in attack and defence

  • Council plans to offer home help

    LYMM Parish Council is considering a unique plan that could offer hope to young people being driven out of the village by the high property prices. A survey last month showed that average house prices in the picturesque village were nearly £250,000 and

  • Good cause for optimism

    Leigh Miners Rangers 25 Woolston Rovers 14 WOOLSTON Rovers entertain basement side East Leeds on Saturday and will be wanting to make the most of the opportunity to pick up winning points. Rovers, fifth from bottom, are only two wins away from the top

  • Making amends

    CHRIS Hamman had good reason to be happy with his 82nd minute goal against Cheadle Heath in Mid-Cheshire Soccer League Division One. His thunder bolt header from a Jeffery cross was Rylands' matchwinner and made up for scoring in his own net from 18 yards

  • Shot-shy Town shoot themselves in the foot

    Warrington Town 1 Salford FC 1 WARRINGTON Town shot themselves in the foot on Saturday after they looked certain to pile more misery on Salford FC. The visitors came into the game on the back of releasing eight players in the space of two weeks due to

  • Blair lays down the gauntlet

    WARRINGTON Town manager Alan Blair has laid the gauntlet down to Paul Hives to become his side's new driving force after it was revealed that Dave Tickle will miss the rest of the season with a broken ankle. Blair admits that Tickle's injury is a major

  • Sports digests

    Bates clinches her first sweep success WARRINGTON Public Parks' Bowls League will be holding a winter sweep at Bank Park on Sunday with a 9.15am draw for a 9.30am start. To enter contact Brenda on 816475. Sunday's sweep winner was Sue Bates, who defeated

  • Ballet at the Empire next week

    Ronald Hynd's charming production of Copplia returns to the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, next Tuesday to open English National Ballet's Spring Tour 2003. One of the Company's most popular ballets, Coppelia's 352 performances since 1985 have delighted literally

  • Take a chance on Abba

    A TOTALLY new Abba show comes to the Philharmonic Hall next week when Sing-a-long-a Abba, the new live event from the producers of the hugely successful Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music, arrives on Tuesday. Sing-a-long-a Abba is like no other tribute band

  • Regent plays host to Scottish Opera's only English dates

    THIS weekend sees the Regent Theatre play host to the highly acclaimed Scottish Opera with their only English date and two magnificent productions; Verdi's Rigoletto (Thursday and Saturday) and Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice tomorrow, Friday. English audiences

  • T.A.T.U. - 200KM/H In The Wrong Lane (Interscope)

    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

  • Cathryn brings Nashviille sound

    COUNTRY singer Cathryn Craig and songwriter Brian Willoughby make a welcome return to Biddulph Folk Club next week. "Cathryn is a country singer from Nashville, and has a great voice," said club organiser Eric Cox. "Brian is an outstanding guitarist and

  • A chance to see a Tarzan dance

    BUGSY Malone rubs shoulders with Tarzan and Swan Lake at a dance spectacular next week. A cast of 120 young people will be showing off their dance steps over three nights at the Daneside Theatre in Congleton. The show is the third staged by Jo-Anne Bayley

  • Paul's making a real name for himself

    IN the far-flung reaches of a New Zealand city live an ex-pat family from Windle whose son is beginning to take his first steps towards stardom by appearing as an extra in the blockbuster Lord of the Rings epic. The Adamson family have lived in Upper

  • Pushing back the barriers!

    MORE youngsters than ever before are being helped to overcome barriers that prevent them from progressing at school thanks to a successful mentoring scheme. The town's mentoring initiative has gone from strength to strength and has now placed 45 learning

  • Another exotic animal spotted

    RATHER like the giant rat seen stalking the streets of our town centre, another tale of an exotic animal has proved to be more than just an urban myth. Many townsfolk claim to have seen an albino blackbird in Taylor Park and until now, it was dismissed

  • 'Struck off' tots probe

    A PROBE is underway which will investigate a complaint made by a mother whose baby girl and four-year-old son were struck off a GPs' register. Kath Highcock and her children, Siobhan and Matthew (four) were axed from the list of Dr Bansal and Dr Kenny's

  • Now we can all be really well-connected!

    TOWNSFOLK will be able to make some smart connections for themselves by accessing the Internet and boosting their skills thanks to the launch of two big new initiatives. The People's Network, which connects all borough libraries to the Internet as part

  • Vandal rampage

    TEN cars were damaged following a vandalism spree in Thatto Heath, on Monday night. Several of the vehicles, which were parked along Elephant Lane, had windows smashed. Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information can contact them on

  • I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER HELEN

    A TRAGIC mother whose daughter was murdered in mysterious circumstances 15 years ago is urging families who suffered similar heartbreak to gather for a special remembrance event. Marie McCourt's 22-year-old daughter Helen was killed on a stormy February

  • THE REDS RETURN

    Padgate St Oswalds 0 Knutsford 4 KNUTSFORD FC showed no sympathy for struggling Padgate on Saturday. The Reds inflicted a 4-0 defeat on the team who have dropped to second bottom in the league. The win put them level on points and goal difference with

  • Town take

    share of points Altrincham and District Amateur League Division One Wellgreen FC 0 Knutsford FC A 0 THIS tough draw was a fair result against a team fighting for survival at the lower end of the table. Although there were no goals to show for their troubles

  • Saints 0

    Sydney Roosters 38 The complete performance SAINTS' hopes of regaining the World title they won two years ago were left in tatters on Friday night after meeting a fired up Roosters side that came up with the complete performance. Any belief that Reebok

  • Tickets selling like hot cakes

    SAINTS' Super League opener against Bradford is heading for a sell-out. Saints had sold more than 7,500 tickets, at the time of the last announcement, for Friday night's game at Knowsley Road and a huge rush was expected throughout the week. The game,

  • The ultimate grudge match

    SAINTS have no time to lick their wounds sustained in the Sydney Roosters defeat - because heading to town on Friday night are a Bradford Bulls side with one word on their lips...revenge! The Bulls are still sore at being pipped in last year's Grand Final

  • Bulls' revenge mission

    SAINTS have no time to lick their wounds sustained in the Sydney Roosters defeat - because heading to town on Friday night are a Bradford Bulls side with one word on their lips...revenge! The Bulls are still sore at being pipped in last year's Grand Final

  • Darts and dominoes

    Carlsberg-Tetley Haydock Darts and Dominoes League IN the Jack Anderton Trophy final held at sponsors Huntsman Hotel, Sprayhurst proved too strong for Haydock Social. Social started strong with a three leg win for Ste Jones and Norman Davig in the darts

  • St Helens Combination

    STAR Premiership leaders, Penlake, certainly had a game on their hands when they faced fellow Premier side Stars FC in a D H Griffiths Section Three cup tie. Although they ran out narrow 4-3 winners, they had to battle all the way for that success, Gareth

  • Frost bites into Town's hopes

    DESPITE subsequent bright afternoon sunshine Town's game at Knowsley Road on Saturday against Fleetwood was called off due to frost in certain areas of the pitch. Unfortunately the low southerly arc of the winter sun fails to take it above Knowsley Road's

  • Finch's seconds can't stop the champs

    Cadishead 22 Haresfinch A 4 EVEN bolstered by the inclusion of the permitted four first teamers, Finch second string were unable to stop Cadishead clinching the Division Six title. The home side had first use of the slope and used it to good effect building

  • Hounds bounce back

    Hare & Hounds 40 Widnes Tigers 18 HOUNDS bounced back to winning ways to complete a league double over Tigers - but not before suffering a mid-game wobble. The home men started off in impressive fashion, racing into a 24-0 lead inside the first quarter

  • Unlucky Vine pay for missed chances

    Hindley 18 St Helens Vine 6 HINDLEY secured two vital points against second placed Vine. Vine dominated throughout but at times were unable to convert pressure into points against a Hindley side who were well looked after by the referee. All of the early

  • Bold keep up promotion Bid

    Bold Miners 46 Shaw Rhinos 4 BOLD kept their promotion hopes alive with this great win against Shaw after getting off to a great start. Bold scored in the first minute when Lee Bolton broke away to send winger Carl Anders in at the corner. From the restart

  • Graham a cut above the rest

    KENNY Graham was a cut above the rest at Newton Anglers' Association's latest Over 60s and Disabled Sweepstake to be fished on the lower pound of the Sankey St. Helens Canal. Seventeen other anglers braved the bitter cold conditions to fish the match

  • Poor finishing proves costly

    Vulcan Reserves 2 Sidac 4 WITH Vulcan's first team fixture postponed the reserves were able to select from a full pool of players for their Warrington Soccer League Reg Oliver Cup first round tie and drew first blood. A break from Henshaw fed player boss

  • Golborne cruise to victory

    Golborne Sports FC 4 Barnton Reserves 0 GOLBORNE barely had to break sweat to hit top spot in the Mid-Cheshire Soccer League on Saturday. Barnton offered little resistance against Golborne's attack-minded play and the game was over as a contest by half-time

  • Boxing - Tyson - The End?

    It's on, it's off, it's on again. I ain't singing Status Quo, Mike Tyson's big comeback against Clifford Etienne is go, at least for the moment. Scheduled to take place in Memphis on Saturday, apparently flu and a stomach illness forced the 36 year-old

  • A breath of fresh air

    THE Millstone mean machine keeps on rolling in Earlestown Darts League Division Two. This week they hammered high flying St. Davids 7-2 and are in with a shout of winning the race for the title in their debut season. The star performers for Millstone,

  • Are you out there Keith?

    I AM trying to get in touch with Keith Tunstall, a St Helens resident who I shared a flat with in the 1970's whilst I lived in the UK. He had worked for Pilkingtons and would be about 50 years old. The last time I saw Keith was in 1979 and I would very

  • Perils of parking

    I AM writing about parking in Earlestown. The problem is on certain roads in the town centre, the corner of Bridge Street and Haydock Street opposite the Post Office. Cars are parked on double yellow lines, they park on both sides of Haydock Street, they

  • Time to make our voices heard

    APPARENTLY the inhabitants of Haydock want another supermarket, petrol station and fast food outlet. This is what the developers are saying who have purchased the land off Church Road known as Central Works, opposite the Iceland exit. Were you consulted

  • Please take action over these idiots on motorbikes!

    I HAVE just returned from walking my dog on the regenerated Bold Colliery area and was disgusted to see some idiots riding their motorbikes at high speeds there. We moved onto the Newbold Green development recently and enjoy walking on the network of

  • Under 21s start season at home to Wakefield

    WARRINGTON Wolves will start their Senior Academy Under 21s Championship at home to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Wednesday and some Super League squad men are expected to be on show. Half backs Jamie Durbin and Gary Hulse, prop forward Mike Callan and

  • Scorcher Burns

    WARRINGTON Wolves head coach Paul Cullen was highly impressed with the start to the season made by Australian back row forward Darren Burns. He scored Warrington's only try against Bradford Bulls in the Powergen Challenge Cup fourth round tie at Wilderspool

  • Big night for Huddersfield on their return to Super League

    BEWARE Warrington Wolves - Huddersfield Giants are out to get you! That was the message from the Giants head coach Tony Smith on the eve of one of the most important games of his career. Since leading his troops to promotion from the Northern Ford Premiership

  • Taxing chances

    MANCHESTER-based tax firm Bentley Jennison is putting its faith in Warrington expertise to develop its tax consultancy service. With 13 years in the business, David Waddington's appointment as tax director is part of a raft of measures to expand the city

  • Buck House trip

    BOSSES at award-winning Fearnhead technology firm EXi Telecoms have enjoyed a Buckingham Palace reception for their performance overseas. The Crab Lane outfit was one of seven recipients, in the international trade section of the Queen's Award for Enterprise

  • Cellar Five jobs safe

    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

  • Waste and recycling initiatives planned

    MORE cash could be pumped into community waste reduction schemes in Warrington. The borough council's executive board, considering budget and council tax for 2003/2004, agreed to recommend to full council extra investment into a series of initiatives

  • Costa Rica, here we come!

    A GROUP of students from Priestley College have been hit by fundraising fever to help them on their way to Costa Rica. Six teenagers took part in a bag pack at Morrisons supermarket in Stockton Heath, and a sponsored car wash at the college for staff

  • Town centre traffic restrictions

    THE borough council has given notice that it intends to make the current traffic restrictions in the town centre permanent. The restrictions were initiated when the town centre public art and landscaping works were introduced, resulting in restricted

  • Vole army goes to war in woods

    ACTION is being taken in a bid to stop an army of greedy voles from devouring trees in an Oughtrington wood. And there are so many of the small rodents at work in Spud Wood that even kestrels are unable to eat enough of them to keep the population in

  • We've had enough, say angry traders

    COUNCILLORS held talks with police this week in a bid to stop the ongoing spate of burglaries and incidents of disorder on Burtonwood Industrial Estate. Traders continue to suffer from criminal activity on Phipps Lane and say that police are not clamping

  • Surgeon jailed for fraud after man dies in drugs run smash

    A SURGEON who loaned his sports car to a friend so he could go on a drugs run - then denied he had done so when the man crashed the vehicle and died - was jailed for nine months this week. Former Warrington Hospital surgeon Dr Mark Anderton was at a drunken

  • Experts get hip ideas through the keyhole

    A WORLD first in hip replacement surgery will be brought into the UK from down under thanks to a medical consultant from Appleton. Francis Egan, aged 28, of Bernard Avenue, is working with his Australian-based cousin, Michael, who has developed specially-designed

  • Motorway campaigners take battle up a gear

    CAMPAIGNERS fighting for a new M6 bypass - instead of an upgraded motorway junction at Lymm - have stepped up their fight. Supporters of a new A556 (M) relief road, linking the M6 and M56 at Mere, claim the alternative solution would be to construct a

  • The power to keep you out!

    HEAD teachers have new powers to prevent vandals and other criminals from entering school grounds. And Warrington education chiefs are hoping that the new ruling will help prevent school buildings from becoming targets for crime. Previous rules meant

  • Ancient art

    BOOKINGS are being taken for a new Tai Chi class which is starting at a Culcheth centre. The ancient Chinese art will be coming to Mee Brow's community centre, on Churchill Avenue, from next Tuesday, between 10.30am and 11.30am. Places are limited, so

  • Police seeking witnesses to armed robbery

    POLICE have launched a fresh witness appeal as they hunt for the offenders involved in an armed robbery at the Lloyds TSB bank in Culcheth. Terrified members of staff had a gun pointed at them when at least two raiders burst into the bank, on Warrington

  • Guide us to the carnival

    A DOUBLE plea has been made by Oakwood Rainbows, Brownies and Guides as they make early preparations for Birchwood Carnival. Old uniforms, for either of the three age ranges, are wanted by the 1st Oakwood group for its carnival display. Firms able to

  • 'Violent bully' admits to shooting boy in the head

    A TOP Warrington police officer has praised the public for helping to bring a 'violent bully' to justice, after a youth was left with air pistol pellets embedded in his head. A 16-year-old boy from Culcheth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, fired

  • It's a handy way to work

    HANDYMEN who keep the Birchwood area ticking over have been given top-level backing by Warrington North's MP. Helen Jones has seen for herself the range of jobs being carried out by maintenance men working for Birchwood, from landscaping and removing

  • Pension fears are unfounded say bosses

    BOSSES at the former Crosfields factory say fears that pension payouts for workers would be linked to stock market performance are unfounded. Management at the Bank Quay firm, now known as Ineos Silicas, have issued a statement insisting that the business

  • Welcome to the future

    A glimpse into the future of the Warrington Deaf Centre has been provided by an artist's impression that shows the potential the building has if further cash can be raised to revamp it. Backers of the venture are hoping the plans will be given the nod

  • Farmland set for facelift

    FORMER farmland near Glazebury is set to be the latest green expanse to benefit from a new community woodland project. Rangers from the Forestry Commission are formulating the final blueprints for Windy Bank Farm, off Warrington Road, which will straddle

  • Club plans put on hold

    CONTROVERSIAL plans to allow a new three-storey nightclub to be created in Warrington town centre have been put on hold. Last night councillors decided to postpone a decision on plans to convert the former Co-op printing works, in Barbauld Street, into

  • Congestion charging No thanks!

    Congestion charging No thanks! CONGESTION charging is being considered by 36 towns across the country, pending a successful outcome in London, but the message from Warrington's transport chiefs is clear - no thanks. Both the chief executive of the borough

  • Track trek

    WILDLIFE enthusiasts will be putting their detective skills into practice when they go out in search of animal tracks and signs at Sankey Valley Park. The event takes place on Sunday, March 2 between 10am and noon. For more details contact the rangers

  • Taking Mickey

    A GROUP of Penketh High School pupils, studying French, journeyed to Disneyland Paris to take in the sights and practise their language skills. The year nine, 10 and 11 students took in the theme park, filled out booklets and spoke to cast members as

  • Police to stop, look, listen

    POLICE have been asked to monitor activity in Warrington Road following worries from residents about pedestrians' safety. At a meeting of Penketh Parish Council, concerns were raised about pedestrians disregarding the traffic light-controlled crossing

  • Splash out with private cash pool

    PRIVATE cash should be provided to build a new town centre swimming pool ,according to Warrington's Liberal Democrats. A motion to be discussed at Monday's full council meeting urges the Labour executive at the Town Hall to begin immediate discussions

  • Let us owl prey

    AN OWL night, with Steve and Carol Davidson from Talons Bird of Prey Centre is taking place at Penketh Youth Club on Thursday, February 27. All youngsters are invited to the event, which starts at 7.15pm and costs 50p.

  • Council finds extra ten grand to coax 'best person'

    COUNCIL leader Mike Hughes has defended the £10,000-plus rise for whoever takes the top job at Warrington Borough Council. Adverts for the vacant post of chief executive have been placed in the national press this week with the salary at £120,000 - a

  • 'We're not ashamed to name and shame'

    A SHOPLIFTER who was named and shamed by a Warrington shop owner was jailed for five months last Friday but police say this should not encourage other shopkeepers to do the same. Philip Crockett, 34, of no fixed address, who pleaded guilty to two other

  • Canal Society meets next week

    PENKETH and Great Sankey residents are being invited to the February meeting of the Sankey Canal Restoration Society. The event takes place at St Mary's Club, Blackbrook on February 27 and begins at 7.30pm, when there will be a talk by Walter Carney on

  • Penketh's game goes off without a 'Hitch'

    BRITISH Rail hit the buffers at Richmonds with Carl Hughes leading the way for the Friday Division One side in the Warrington Independent Darts League. Hughes was Richmonds' top winner in a 7-1 annihilation. However, the best throwing of the night came

  • 'Rest' assured - Tatlock has nerves of steel

    STEVE Tatlock was the hero of the hour as The Rest of the league defeated Lymm Select in a Grappenhall Darts League charity match for the Imperial Cancer Research fund. He held his nerve to beat Norman Jackson in the deciding leg of a high quality contest

  • Sad farewell for nursery

    A PLAYSCHOOL that has provided a vital service to children in Penketh for nearly 40 years has closed its doors for the last time. Penketh Playschool, based at the Methodist church hall in Chapel Road, has been forced to shut down due to the introduction

  • Bill gets his just desserts

    LYMM Angling Club member Bill Bailey was not deterred from fishing on Founders Pool at the back end of last week despite the formation of ice. Luckily the ice was all at one end of the pool and Bill tackled up his feeder rod and commenced to fish well

  • MISS ELIZABETH RILEY

    Miss Elizabeth Riley died on January 3, aged 88. Miss Riley, of Woodleigh Residential Nursing Home, and formerly of Troutbeck Avenue, Bewsey, lived in Warrington for most of her life. She worked in her family's fish and chip shop for many years, and later

  • MR FRANK DONNELLY

    Mr John Francis (Frank) Donnelly, husband of Mrs Lilian Donnelly, died on January 7, aged 78. Mr Donnelly, of Great Sankey, was born in Armagh, Northern Ireland, and had lived in England since 1945. He was last employed as a glazier for T A Anders, of

  • Sports digests

    Singles cup final at British Rail THE final of Warrington Independent Darts League's Committee Singles Cup Championship will take place tomorrow, Friday at British Rail and all players involved must be present for the draw at 7.45pm for an 8pm start.

  • MRS ELSIE LAKE

    Mrs Elsie Lake died on January 17 of cardiac failure. She was 93. Mrs Lake, of Lymm, lived in the Lymm area all her life. She was employed as a machinist in Lymm until retirement. Mrs Lake enjoyed spending time with her family. She leaves two daughters

  • MR JAMES LORD

    Mr James Lord, husband of Mrs Margaret Lord, died on January 16, aged 75. Mr Lord, of Parkdale Road, Paddington, was born in Lymm and lived in Paddington for 46 years. He was last employed at Thames Board Mills for 43 years, and during the war he served

  • Youngsters rise to the challenge

    Warrington RUFC 2nds 14 Moore RUFC 37 AN experimental Moore side rose to the challenge against Warrington's second string in a high-tempo friendly played in good spirit. With Moore having a break from their league campaign, they took the opportunity to

  • Telling you a story

    A STORYTELLING evening takes place at Warburton Parish Rooms on Friday, February 28 at 7.30pm. Held by Honor Giles and Nick Johnson it will include a hot pot dinner and tickets are priced £5 and are £4 for concessions.

  • Yellow line peril

    DOUBLE yellow lines on Eagle Brow in Lymm are set to be repainted following the intervention of the parish council. The work will be carried out at some stage during the next six weeks and is designed to ensure vehicles do not park in dangerous positions

  • Students make sweet music

    STUDENTS at Lymm High have been hitting all the right notes for their That's Entertainment performance. More than 100 pupils from the performing arts department took part in the extravaganza which featured a wide variety of music, dance and drama. A packed

  • Junior Rugby

    League round-up Burtonwood Bulldogs u11 34 Folly Lane u11 48 COMPLACENCY cost Bulldogs this game after having recently scored 50 points against the same opposition. Burtonwood spilled possession to gift Folly Lane two early tries. Some fine attacking

  • Gardens target for big clean-up

    THE Sunken Gardens are to be targeted by Lymm Parish Council in the village centre for a clean-up operation. Clr Ian Marks said he had received complaints that the area, behind the lower dam, was badly lit, often had rubbish surrounding it and that the

  • Rovers given a run for their money

    Warrington Grange 1 Tranmere Rovers 3 WARRINGTON Grange women's soccer side gave Tranmere a real run for their money in the semi-finals of the Cheshire Cup on Sunday. Three divisions separate the two sides but Grange were fired up for the game and they

  • Good Golly - Matthiola suffer title bid setback

    RYFIELDS turned the formbook on its head to pick up their first points of the season in Warrington Sunday Soccer League Division Two. They thrashed Culcheth 5-1 away from home. Causeway took a share of the spoils with Monk Sports courtesy of goals by

  • Eagle hang on for dear life

    WARRINGTON Soccer League's Guardian Cup semi-finals line-up became a little clearer after two cracking quarter-final ties on Saturday. Eagle Sports appeared to be coasting through against St. Albans Bank Quay after scoring two goals in the first seven

  • Players' safety put at risk

    Warrington Town 1 St. Helens Town 0 (Abandoned after 33 minutes) SAFETY of the players should be paramount in any sporting event but the Cantilever Park pitch on Tuesday night was only deemed too dangerous for play after a head injury was suffered. The

  • Hey misses medal

    FEARNHEAD karate queen Michelle Hey did her country proud at the weekend. The 19-year-old gave her all at the Junior European Kata Championships in Poland but her bid to win a medal ended in disappointment. After wiping the floor with the cream of the

  • Every show has a solid silver lining

    The Liverpool Empire Theatre will host the return of the UK's most original 60's show The Solid Silver 60s Show next month. The show featuring The Searchers, Wayne Fortana, The Dakotas and Barry Ryan and out of the 18 Solid Silver 60s tours, is set to

  • Diary dates

    Saturday February 22 lCongleton Library - 1st Mossley Scouts coffee morning. Sunday February 23 l Alsager Town Centre - Patchworkers and Quilters day trip to the Fabric Guild in Leicester and Heart of the Country Craft Centre. Booking required. Tel 01270

  • Goose boost for Rosie

    WOULD-BE teacher Rosie Marshall is playing a lead role in a show raising funds for her trip of a lifetime. Rosie, 18, of Cavendish Crescent, Alsager, is a sixth former at Alsager School. She is due to fly out to the Dominican Republic in Central America

  • The Polyphonic Spree Light and Day (Good Records)

    Upbeat and uplifting, Light and Day is the third single to be released from the Spree's album 'The Beginning Stages Of.' which was easily a contender for last year's most unusual album. The band has 25 members, an 11 piece choir and a 14 piece orchestra

  • Steph vows to speak up for youth

    A ST HELENS girl is taking the first steps on a path which could see her sitting in The House of Commons. Stephanie White from Haydock has been elected as the St Helens representative on the national Youth Parliament. More than 50 local young people voted

  • Top Class!

    ST CUTHBERT'S Catholic High School has become one of only a handful of schools in the country to again be included in a prestigious list of improving schools. The school, in Berrys Lane on the Sutton-Parr border, has been named as one of the top 100 fastest-improving

  • Just the job in a crisis!

    A POTENTIALLY lifesaving credit sized card containing personal and medical details is to be introduced with the aim of trying to alleviate non-essential 999 calls. Also a 24-hour free phone crisis centre will provide advice varying from financial, to

  • 'We love St Helens' chirp French visitors

    WE love St Helens... that was the unanimous verdict on our town from a visiting party of French students. The teenagers from Northern France were staying in St Helens as they spent a week as guests of Cowley Language College, thanks to a pioneering project

  • Fireworks put Lassie in a lather

    A BLIND man whose guide dog was turned into "quivering wreck" by the horrendous boom of bangers and air bombs is backing proposed new laws restricting sales of fireworks. Robert Hinde has been loyally served for the past three years by four-year-old Lassie

  • Just the job!

    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

  • Night attack

    A TEENAGER suffered cuts and bruising to his chest when he was beaten up in the town-centre. Paramedics were called to Duke Street, near the YMCA gym, in the early hours of Saturday morning, February 15, following reports of a fight. The 16-year-old was

  • Emma's fears for race dogs

    BEN the greyhound has had a traumatic existence. Rescued from a life of scavenging and certain death on the streets of the town centre, his good health today is a testament to his kind-hearted rescuer Emma Burke. Emma, a Project Manager with Helena Housing

  • Hammer thugs' bus rampage

    TWO hammer-wielding thugs shattered 11 windows during a terrifying attack on a bus last Friday night. The duo went on the rampage after getting off the 10A bus on Prescot Road, when they began smashing the windows with the emergency hammer stolen from

  • Loss adds to park pressure

    West Park 23 Chester 33 THIS was a vital game for both clubs, Chester because of their still strong promotion hopes and Park because of their proximity to the relegation zone. After missing an early drop goal, Chester took the lead with a try by full

  • Bad defeat for LSH

    Broadstreet 24 LSH 18 LSH continued their roller coaster season with a bad defeat at Midlands side Broadstreet in a game that, at times, both sides did their best to lose. With an already rearranged three-quarter line featuring Simon Worsley at scrum

  • Titan Snooker League

    Results Wednesday, February 12 Division One: Rainford Ex-Services 8 Sutton CC (1) 1, St Teresas 8 Windleshaw (1) 1, Sprayhurst (1) 6 Haresfinch Social (2) 3, Parr Labour 6 Windle Labour 3, Unison (1) 3 Scala Snooker (1) 6. Division Two: Peasley Cross

  • Lions double up

    Eccleston Lions 32 Adlington Rangers A 0 LIONS completed a comfortable league double over Rangers to move up the table for the third week in succession. The home side led 22-0 at the break with tries by David Ball, Ian Winstanley (2) and Martin Blake,

  • Clinical Albion are too strong for Recs

    Widnes Albion 36 Pilkington Recs 8 RECS flattered to deceive in the first quarter of this contest as they took an early 8-0 lead for 20 minutes. The well drilled title chasing Albion however gradually overhauled Recs and took control of the game. The

  • Amateur Rugby League fixtures and results

    Fixtures, Saturday February 22 National Conference League Division One: Askam v. Thatto Heath Crusaders NWCL Premiership Cup: Halton Simms Cross v Haydock, Blackbrook v Widnes Albion, Ince Rose Bridge v Pilkingtons. NW Counties Challenge Cup: Haydock

  • Labour slip up at Stubshaw

    EARLESTOWN Town Snooker League leaders Bryn Labour suffered only their second defeat of the season this week. They were beaten 4-2 at Stubshaw Cross Labour after losing four of the first five games. Des Myler, Sid Siddall, Alan Whalley and Dave Fairclough

  • Cricket World Cup - England - Make or Break?

    ENGLAND have got the easy part over with to set up a crunch day-night game against Pakistan on Saturday, just. Things got a little bit too tense against the minnows, Namibia, at one stage yesterday. A horrendous upset looked on the cards for the competition's

  • Ealestown hit top spot

    EARLESTOWN Cons Club moved into pole position in Earlestown Dominoes League Division One with a storming 5-0 annihilation of Blue Bell. The victory put Earlestown three points clear of Newton Social and a further half a point ahead of third-placed Swan

  • Title race hotting up

    GRIFFIN emerged victorious from a ding-dong relegation battle with Sunbeam in Earlestown Darts League Division One. Lee Wood kick started Griffin's return to form with a good 21-dart win against Ste Hearn. Les McClymont pulled a game back for Sunbeam

  • Let there be peas on Earth

    Fast food fans beware... schools may ban the burger! IT is official, schools in Scotland have changed what dinners they serve to children and burgers and hotdogs will only be allowed once a week. There will be chips just twice a week, and fizzy drinks

  • Triton cruise to 4-1 victory

    TRITON hockey men maintained their outside chance of promotion on Saturday with a comfortable 4-1 home win. The victory leaves them 10 points behind second-placed Plas Coch, with five games left to play. Plas Coch need two more wins to ensure they cannot

  • Disputed spot kick seals win

    CONGLETON Town maintained their push for a top six finish with a fine victory on Friday night. The Bears beat Nantwich Town 3-1 in front of a 220-strong home crowd, their biggest of the season. The Bears took the lead on 14 minutes when Riley latched

  • Final dream goes up in smoke

    Trafford MV RUFC 11 Newton RUFC 5 NEWTON were supremely confident of clinching a place in the final of the Lancashire Plate on Saturday but unfortunately Trafford had not read the same script. The home side made better use of their chances and Newton

  • Fire in block of flats

    NEWTON firefighters were called to a derelict block of first floor flats on Kendal Drive, Clinkham Wood, on Sunday, February 16, at 10pm. Two appliances attended, one from Newton, the other from Eccleston to tackle the blaze in two first floor rooms and

  • Don't mention the Scottish play!

    MORE than 200 pupils at St Aelred's Catholic Technology College took to the stage last week, daring to perform Shakespeare's 'Scottish Play'. Students laid aside their superstitions to soak up some culture and take on the parts of Macbeth, his manipulative

  • Woman burned

    A NEWTON-le-Willows woman has been taken to hospital with serious burns following a horrific incident last night, Wednesday. The 38-year-old woman, whose family runs the newsagents in Earle Street, is believed to have accidentally set herself on fire,

  • After a part in Cold Feet, little Kirsty lands job in Doctors

    A YOUNG shooting star from Newton has landed a top role on a BBC drama at the tender age of six. Talented tot Kirsty Rimmer, from Hillside Avenue, was plucked from thousands of kids who attended an audition in Birmingham to appear in the daytime TV soap

  • Music to their ears

    MUSICIANS from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will be bringing live music to Wargrave CE Primary School in March. The First Notes project is being delivered through St Helens Council's family learning and arts team and aims to boost learning

  • Legion's success earns award

    BRITISH Legion members are celebrating an award to mark their outstanding success in reviving their group's fortunes. The Alsager branch of the RBL was on its knees four years ago with a handful of members, and looked set to fold. However it was saved

  • MP wants action on asylum seekers

    CONGLETON MP Ann Winterton claims that local people do not know who is walking the streets of their town. Mrs Winterton's comment came as she called for radical changes to the asylum system in the UK. She urged the government to take action to secure

  • Waste dump to be extended

    ALSAGER'S household waste site is earmarked for a major revamp to cater for its increasing use by the public. The centre is the busiest of the four serving the Congleton district, and the amount of waste it deals with is rising by two per cent a year.

  • Nothing ever lasts forever ...

    ECHO And The Bunnymen frontman Ian 'Mac' McCulloch has been roped in by indie pals Coldplay to support them on their forthcoming UK arena tour. The big-haired, overcoat wearing icon became close friends with the band while they were recording their globe

  • True 'genie-us'

    THE newly formed St Benedict's Drama Group has staged three performances of Aladdin this week at the social centre on Rhodes Street. This is the group's first production and members of the cast are hoping to stage other shows later this year. MBX18203

  • Fantastic fame!

    Fame Liverpool Empire By LUKE TRAYNOR YOUNG stage starlets were putting on their dancing shoes when the world-renowned Fame academy arrived in Liverpool. Based on the Jose Fernandez and the subsequent smash TV series, budding hopefuls excelled in dance

  • Brit Awards 2003

    Various ITS that time of year again, yes the Brit Awards 2003 will be hitting our screens tonight, Thursday, and as usual the nominated artists feature on a two disc awards album. Featuring artists such as punk girl, Avril Lavigne, mellow rockers Coldplay

  • Michael Jackson

    Greatest Hits History Volume 1 FORGET the nose jobs and the bleached skin. Get over the fact that he lives in a fantasy world which sometimes crosses the barrier between taste and the downright weird and it's easy to see why Wacko Jacko is dubbed the

  • The Driller Killer

    Cert: 18 BACK in the early 1980s, this country's film censors rather foolishly chose to outlaw a number of movies featuring scenes of extreme violence. Around 70 films were banned in total, on the back of some outrageous media over-reaction, and thus

  • What's your flavour?

    IN honour of National Chip Week, the Guardian is launching a competition to find Warrington's favourite chippy. Does your local chip shop provide excellent service, value for money and the best chips? Or are their portions the biggest in the town? To

  • Merry men

    The Merry Wives of Windsor RSC at Birchwood Leisure Centre By GARETH DUNNING IT is rare that you get the chance to see the Royal Shakespeare Company outside of Stratford and judging by the packed houses at Birchwood last week it is a popular move. The

  • Chip, chip hooray!

    IF you still don't believe that chips can be healthy as well as popular, then look at these facts: l 100g of oven chips contains 12mg of vitamin C and four times less fat than a tuna mayonnaise sandwich l Thick chips absorb less oil than thin ones because

  • It's a burning issue

    COOKING chips can often be dangerous, particularly if you use a deep fat fryer or chip pan on top of your cooker. But they can be safe if you follow a few guidelines. Here are some handy hints for how to deal with a chip pan fire - but remember to call

  • Is military action the only way forward?

    The Guardian took to the streets to find out your views about the prospect of conflict in Iraq: Stephen Mather, aged 42, a sales engineer, from Croft, said: "I am against war under any circumstances. "But for this war in particular I think the majority

  • Steel surround

    A GALVANISED steel perimeter fence could soon surround the Appleton Thorn Trading Estate, if approved by planning bosses. A 2.4-metres boundary is proposed for Units A, B and C, on Lyncastle Way, while the Treetops, Cann Lane North, is applying for a

  • Paint a picture

    ADULTS are invited to paint pictures this month when a watercolour workshop gets underway in Stockton Heath. Beginners and improving painters are welcome to join a 15-week course at the Sandy Lane community centre. Enrolment begins on February 27, at

  • Rat trap

    A GROWING vermin problem at a popular nature spot in Stockton Heath could be solved following a large-scale rat purge in the village. Residents have reported that rats appear to be increasing at Ackers Pits and they could increase further with the end

  • Prize guy is off to the seaside

    A Cub Scout has beaten off nationwide competition in an exclusive prize giveaway. Steven London, aged nine, is a member of the 1st Moore Scout Group based in Moss Lane. The competition, organised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, asked Cubs across

  • Avoid bridge

    DAMAGE to Walton Bridge will mean motorists must avoid a section of Warrington Road during its temporary closure. The road restriction stretches south of the junction with Old Chester Road. The alternative route will be via Old Chester Road, Chester Road