Archive

  • Surgery start

    WEEKLY surgeries start again at Hood Manor Community Centre in Raikes Close on Saturday, May 8 between 10am to noon. Among those attending will be councillors, police officers and representatives from the Citizens' Advice Bureau.WEEKLY surgeries start

  • Claire hoping to help at orphanage

    A STUDENT is planning to spend three months looking after orphans in Romania - but needs £2,000 to fund the trip. Claire McDermott, aged 21, of Brook Drive in Great Sankey, hopes to spend her summer working at two orphanages with around 300 children living

  • Yellow peril row brews at station

    MOTORISTS parking on double yellow lines outside Sankey Station are driving people potty. Vehicles pulling up outside the shops along Station Road, and sometimes mounting the pavement, are causing annoyance to other drivers and pedestrians alike. Rail

  • Campaign counts cost of unused medicine

    UNUSED medicines are costing Warrington Primary Care Trust more than £1 million per year, according to statistics released this week as part of a new campaign. The north west wastage campaign claims that more than 2.5 million prescription medicines are

  • Offenders experience life in the world of work

    INMATES at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute are getting experience of the working world to benefit them on their release. Great Sankey-based water company United Utilities is offering work placements to prisoners at the Appleton Thorn institute.

  • Project aims to bring generations together

    A UNIQUE youth project, which aims to research and celebrate Muslim and Sikh cultural heritage in Warrington, was launched last week. The Back Home initiative, which opened at Whitecross Community Centre on Saturday, was started in a bid to shed light

  • On with the dance

    DANCING kings and queens will be strutting their stuff this weekend in a charity dance show at an Orford School. Northern Starr School of Dance pupils from across the town will be showing off their moves at William Beamont High School on Saturday and

  • Man, 21 grew cannabis in his bedroom

    A LATCHFORD man was sentenced to two years community service after he pleaded guilty to cultivating and possessing cannabis and abstracting electricity. John Chomiak- Palmer, aged 21, of Barrymore Avenue, Latchford, pleaded guilty to the offences at Warrington

  • High-level talks ahead of Ofsted inspections

    EDUCATION figureheads in Warrington and Cheshire held a summit yesterday, Wednesday, to discuss upcoming Ofsted inspections. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Connexions, and the Cheshire and Warrington local education authorities hosted the event

  • Jockeying to honour comedian at races

    GEORGE Formby will be honoured like a king when Haydock Race Park dedicates a race day in his name. George's journey through the sport of kings wasn't exactly illustrious, ending prematurely when he grew too tall for the sport. But his short-lived career

  • How comic enjoyed fruits of success

    FORMER Warrington market traders Fred and Jessie Bailey played a key part in George Formby's life. The couple, who have since died, had a fruit and vegetable stall on Warrington market when it stood in Market Gate. George and his wife Beryl regularly

  • Formby fan club in talks over George statue bid

    THE campaign to get a statue erected in George Formby's honour in Warrington went up a gear this week as the comedy star's fan club debated the issue. Tony Thornton, editor of the George Formby Society magazine, The Vellum, contacted the Warrington Guardian

  • Stalwart who campaigned for the blind dies, aged 93

    A FORMER Warrington councillor and campaigner for the town's blind community died last week. William Roberts passed away last Wednesday, aged 93, due to heart failure. In 1981, he received an MBE for his work as the chairman of the Warrington District

  • Residents lose fight over the Birchdale

    BULLDOZERS will move in to demolish the Birchdale Hotel after residents in Appleton lost a hard-fought planning row to keep it standing. Last week, a Government inspector gave the green light for blueprints to raze the hotel to the ground and build 24

  • Planning boss quits Labour to stand as an independent

    PLANNING boss Clr Gary Cross has officially resigned from the Labour party, but the Westbrook councillor has vowed to win his seat back in June's elections Clr Cross, who is chairman of the borough council's development control committee, said he made

  • what's on

    Band on the Wall, Manchester, Soulution, Kinetic Poetry, Thursda, April 22, Nucleus Roots, Friday, April 23, Live Music, Saturday, April 24, A Celebration Of The Life Of John Gill, Sunday, April 25, DJ Woody, Thursday, April 29, Scratch DJ, Friday April

  • JAILHOUSE SHOCK

    VILLAGERS living near Thorn Cross Young Offenders' Institution have condemned proposals to bring adult inmates into the jail. Insiders at the Appleton Thorn prison have revealed that juvenile prisoners, aged 16-18, could be swapped for more hardened criminals

  • theatre

    JENNI CARROLL WILLY Russell's smash hit musical Blood Brothers returns to Stoke's Regent Theatre from Monday, April 26. Starring Linda Nolan, Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by

  • MRS JOYCE THORNTON

    Mrs Joyce Thornton died of cancer on March 20, aged 79. Mrs Thornton, of Cavendish Close, Old Hall, formerly of Knowsley, was born in Shipley, West Yorkshire. She was employed in the weaving sheds during and after the Second World War in Baildon and Shipley

  • MRS DOREEN MAY BALMER

    Mrs Doreen May Balmer, wife of the late Mr Peter Balmer, died of complications following surgery on March 17. She was 78. Mrs Balmer, of Stocks Lane, Penketh, formerly of Ramsgate, and West Derby, Croxteth Park, was born in Ramsgate, Kent. She was a farmer's

  • MR ALBERT HARRISON

    Mr Albert Frederick Harrison, husband of the late Mrs Vera Harrison, died on March 19, aged 88. Mr Harrison, of Goose Lane, Hatton, was born in Lancaster and had lived in Hatton all his life. He was a butcher in Stockton Heath until retirement, and during

  • MRS EDITH MASON

    Mrs Edith Mason, wife of the late Mr Ernie Mason, died on March 19, aged 88. Mrs Mason, of Orford, lived in Warrington all her life. She was employed as a nurse in Warrington for 45 years. Mrs Mason enjoyed playing bingo, day trips, holidays, socialising

  • MRS LILY CROMPTON

    Mrs Lily Crompton, wife of the late Mr Vincent Walmsley Crompton, died on January 29 at Meadow View nursing home, aged 93. Mrs Crompton, of Penketh, formerly of Cronton, lived in Cronton most of her life. She was employed for many years at Cronton post

  • MR JOHN THUMWOOD AND MRS JOAN THUMWOOD

    Mrs Joan Thumwood died on March 8, aged 80, and her husband, Mr John E Thumwood, died on March 13, aged 79. Mr and Mrs Thumwood, of West Drive, Great Sankey, lived in Great Sankey for 44 years. Mr Thumwood was born in Shamley Green, Surrey, and his wife

  • MR FRANK SKELLAND

    Mr Frank Skelland, husband of Mrs Agnes Skelland, died of bronchial carcinoma on March 14, aged 86. Mr Skelland, of Festival Avenue, Orford, lived in Warrington all his life. He was employed as a steel worker at Robertson Steel Works. Mr Skelland won

  • MR THOMAS JOSEPH WOOD

    Mr Thomas Joseph Wood, husband of the late Mrs Eleanor Wood, died on March 19, aged 87. Mr Wood, of Boyle Avenue, Orford, lived in Warrington all his life. He was employed as a driver at Metro-Cutanit in Grappenhall for 20 years. Mr Wood was a lifetime

  • MR RAMON McGREGOR

    Mr Ramon McGregor, husband of Mrs Carole McGregor, died of a heart attack on March 1. He was 69. Mr McGregor, of Polperro Close, Penketh, was born in Liverpool and lived in Penketh for 37 years. He was last employed at British Aluminium for 25 years,

  • MRS PATRICIA ANNE COX

    Mrs Patricia Anne Cox, wife of Mr William J Cox, died on February 14, aged 60. Mrs Cox, of Dover Road, Latchford, lived in Warrington all her life. She was last employed as a secretary and director of Goldrig Ltd, her husband's local steel works business

  • MRS AGNES HOLLAND

    Mrs Agnes Holland, wife of the late Mr Robert Holland, died on January 21, aged 84. Mrs Holland, of Hall Road, Woolston, was born in Martinscroft and lived in Warrington all her life. She was first employed on leaving school as a basket-maker, then trained

  • Girl In The Other Room,

    Diana Krall GARETH DUNNING WHATEVER you think about Diana Krall's music, one thing is undeniable. The woman has style. And while this album may have moved slightly away from the jazz that characterised her earlier work, it remains a sumptuous sound that

  • Anastacia, Anastacia

    NICOLA PRIEST SHADY lady Anastacia is back after two years with this great new album - her third. The blonde with the big voice and the shades has just hit the top of the album charts with this excellent selection of songs featuring her latest single

  • Master and Commander: Far Side of the World, (12A)

    MELANIE MOORE EVERYBODY'S favourite 'actor with attitude' Russell Crowe sails his superstar charisma on to the big screen in this swashbuckling adventure about life on board HMS Surprise during the 19th century nautical struggles with the auld enemy.

  • Matrix Revolutions, (15)

    STEVEN HALLMARK NEO turns to the Oracle and asks: "Where is this going? Where does it end?" By the time he asks this question I was past caring. It should have only needed one word to convince the Wachowski brothers not to make the two Matrix sequels.

  • A tough nut to crack!

    SAINTS duo Martin Gleeson and Sean Long are available for selection in Sunday's Challenge Cup semi-final with Huddersfield Giants despite an ongoing investigation into betting allegations. But both may still miss the game at Warrington's Halliwell Jones

  • Rainbow fans in for a treat

    THE UK's number one tribute to Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow is in town next week. Rainbow Rising hit the Limelight on Friday, April 30. No disrespect to die-hard fans but arguably Rainbow's greatest hits are now probably more well known than the band itself

  • Living up to a guitar legend

    THINK of the world's greatest guitarists and Jimi Hendrix probably tops the list. Unquestionably one of music's most influential figures, his legacy lives on. Are You Experienced? carry the mantle on the tribute circuit and one hell of a show is guaranteed

  • Cosey blues

    LOCAL favourites Big Blue House are back in the borough to play their first gig in Haslington's Cosey Club, next Friday. After recently rocking the mega successful eighth Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival, the revamped trio are set to finish their UK Blues

  • Burglar nailed by fingerprint from old crime

    POLICE have warned criminals they will continue to investigate long-standing crimes. The warning comes following the jailing of a 33-year-old man for a burglary dating back almost three years. During the break-in a handbag was snatched from under the

  • Keeping alive a hero's memory

    VC MEMORIAL campaigner Roy Eardley is hoping a bronze statue to his father will become a well-known landmark. Mr Eardley was speaking after the unveiling of a £20,000 statue in memory of Congleton's only holder of the Victoria Cross. The late Sgt George

  • Free home safety checks

    HOME safety checks for young and old are being offered by St Helens Council. A safety co-ordinator has been employed to advise on food and child safety issues and to check electrical equipment and carbon monoxide emissions levels. The co-ordinator, Eric

  • Tenants can give views on equality

    A QUESTIONNAIRE to decide the future of council housing is being sent to all Wigan tenants. It is in response to the Government's Best Value Inspection of 2002, which said that Wigan and Leigh Housing should improve the information it held on individual

  • Council aims for a rapid response to anti-social youths

    A HUNDRED thousand pounds to tackle anti-social behaviour is to be spent by St Helens Council. The council is setting up a rapid response team to stamp out the problem after three anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) were slapped on youths in the borough

  • Multi-million pound grant for homes

    COUNCIL homes in Wigan and Leigh have won millions of pounds' worth of Government funding. An extra £79 million is to be made available in the next two years, in addition to the £58 million already invested over the last two years - which has seen tenants

  • Man attacked by vandal with hammer

    A MAN was hit with a hammer after telling off vandals in Newton. The 35-year-old man saw a group of teenagers with a man aged 18 to 23 about to damage houses on Clarence Street. He confronted them but the older vandal pulled a hammer from behind his back

  • £43m sports village approved

    PEOPLE wanting to get into shape will be able to take advantage of Leigh's new sports village, after multi-million pound plans were approved on Friday. The £43m plan to transform sporting and leisure facilities in Leigh will create more than 2,000 jobs

  • Cleaner streets mean more cash

    GOLBORNE is officially getting tidier, putting the local authority in line for an extra £600,000 in Government funding, says the council. Forty per cent more litter is being removed from the borough's streets since the launch of the council's 'cleaner

  • Terra Diablo and Roller arrive at WA1 Club

    TWO of the country's top upcoming bands, previously on the road supporting some of the UK's top acts, come to Warrington this weekend. Scottish rockers Terra Diablo play WA1, tonight, Thursday, after building an impressive live reputation on tour with

  • I guess that's why they call it the blues

    WARRINGTON'S very own blues club is expecting a wild weekend as it welcomes some class rhythm and blues acts to the town. Topping the bill at the Loushers Lane club tomorrow, Friday, is Sugarland Slim - a band inspired by the sound of the 1930s 'bluesman

  • The vinyl frontier

    MUSIC mad Wesley Harding, 20, is hoping to launch a record breaking community project. He wants to set up a sound studio and record label to give talented musicians a chance to make their own records. "I'll be able to show people how to use the equipment

  • Golborne begin with losing draw

    GOLBORNE Cricket Club began their 2004 league campaign with a creditable draw at Blackrod. They restricted the home side to 240 runs for the loss of six wickets. Golborne's best bowler was new professional Shah, who took three wickets for 79 runs. Golborne

  • Vulcan lift soccer title

    VULCAN manager Paul Tolan has paid tribute to the players who this week lifted the first title in more than 20 years for the soccer club. He said: "Each player has done themselves and this club proud. I am ecstatic as it is what each player deserved."

  • Don't

    look this gift horse in the mouth ALISON KLABACHER LORD of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen swaps hobbits for horses in this action-adventure movie based on the life of cowboy Frank T Hopkins. Hopkins was a dispatch rider for the US cavalry who, in the

  • Yummy mummy Uma gets sweet revenge

    PAUL KEAVENY THE second instalment of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill saga will hit the big screen this week - and it will have to pack a mighty punch to live up to volume one. The epic tale stars the lovely Uma Thurman as a former assassin out to seek

  • On yer bikes!

    EXCITING! That's how enthusiasts describe the thrill of riding a Lambretta or Vespa. Around 400 scooters are expected to attend a family fun day, from noon to 5pm, on Sunday, April 25 at the Eight Towers pub in Weates Close. The event is being organised

  • Diabetes charity walk

    THREE local diabetes groups have organised a charity walk in the park. The Diabetes UK branches from St Helens and Knowsley, Warrington and Halton are walking on June 20 in Sherdley Park, St Helens, from 12.30pm. If you would like to take part call Sally

  • Market site discussions

    SITES in Stockton Heath, including Victoria Square in the village centre, are being considered for farmers' markets. Parish councillors asked about a market being held on Mill Lane but Warrington Borough Council bosses have dismissed the idea. They say

  • Calls to lock park's gates

    PARISH councillors are calling for the gates to Alexander Park bowling greens to be locked at night, preventing trespassing vehicles. Villagers were shocked in January when joyriding youths cut up the well-kept lawn by driving cars onto the greens. This

  • Party plans steam ahead

    FINAL arrangements for next month's annual Stockton Heath Steam Party are nearing completion. Organisers say that the rally, on May 8, is expected to be bigger and better than ever with a host of entertainment for villagers. The fire service has agreed

  • Parking problems on the rise

    COUNCILLORS in Stockton Heath say parking problems are mounting following pay and display charges on The Forge. The new car parking system in the village is forcing visiting motorists to leave their vehicles in surrounding streets. The trend is causing

  • Mother Courage, Liverpool Playhouse Theatre

    LIZ CUMMINS IF you eat with the devil, bring a fire extinguisher advised Mother Courage in Liverpool Playhouse's updated Brecht, running until April 24. In this imaginative reworking of the original, Nigeria's music and rhythmic language combined with

  • In cold blood

    BRIDGEWATER Players stage Cold Blood this week, a thriller by Ian Hornby. When Chris finds her husband, Allan, is having a torrid affair with her best friend Joanna, she sets about planning his demise and her apparent guilt with cold blood expertise as

  • Done and dusted as Sean forces two early stoppages

    CREWE ABC'S Sean Done made an explosive debut with two stoppage wins in little over a week. It's been some start to the young middleweight's competitive career as he dominated bouts in Shrewsbury and Hanley, this month. At 5ft 7ins, Done looked to be

  • Loss of disipline cost Crewe

    CREWE FC boss Ian O'Reilly bemoaned his side's lack of discipline as they were held 1-1 at home to lowly Styal FC, last Saturday. Steve Parker saw red in an incident-ridden game as the home side lost their cool with, realistically, three points there

  • Supprt shows for trio of local authorities

    AN opinion poll on the planned shake-up of local Government has found almost half of those consulted in Cheshire favour three new separate authorities. Should people vote in favour of a regional assembly for the North West in this autumn's referendum

  • 'Minimum wage is an insult to our intelligence'

    By GEORGINA KNOWLES IT is when you work a million hours for pennies that you start to feel used by the company that you're working for. As students, we are not paid for attending school; instead we earn an education. As young adults, we enter the world

  • St George's Day

    By CARRI-ANN TAYLOR TOMORROW, Friday, sees the celebration of England's patron St George who, for hundreds of years, has been celebrated for his bravery and courage. However, this year, England's patron saint day will probably pass without the recognition

  • A sacrifice I wasn't prepared to make

    With regard to the letter from David Birch of Howley (Guardian, April 8). Could Mr Birch take off his primrose and blue tinted glasses for just one minute and allow a view of the wider world in. As a local councillor, I represented local constituents

  • Speed bumps are the bane of so many lives

    ONCE again the anti-speed lobby are shooting their mouths off with comments way wide of the mark. Janice 'makes mine boil' Blood stated in last week's Warrington Guardian that slowing down saves petrol - bunkum! The speed at which fuel is burned most

  • Great for community

    I WAS very disappointed when I read an article in the Warrington Guardian about the cancellation of this year's Penketh Fun Run. I have been waiting for this popular event for many weeks now and then to my surprise it was cancelled. I have been participating

  • Knock it down and start again

    In answer to what needs to be done with the Parr Hall, my simple solution, I know shared by many, is to knock it down and start again. It is a total waste of time and money, as it is not a theatre and never will be, no matter how much you do with it.

  • Ignored and not enforced

    SO we are not to have speed bumps in Smith Drive and Withers Avenue as reported in the Warrington Guardian (March 25.) Why doesn't the borough council just remove the restricted access signs also as these are totally ignored and ineffectually enforced

  • Live in my street and experience our traffic problems

    WHY may I ask is Mr McKie so interested if Smith Drive (Guardian, April 15) gets speed bumps installed or not? Is this so it does not cause any damage to his car when he is driving down here like so many other members of the public? I for one support

  • Franz Ferdinand, Liverpool Carling Academy

    CHRISTIAN EWEN BEFORE we get to the main event, a special mention goes out to the support act Fiery Furnaces, a fascinating sonic mess akin to Patti Smith careering headlong with The Inspiral Carpets after a seriously bad night on acid. Although a worrying

  • Angling for success

    THE Dallam and District Angling Group held its first youth competition with the aid of cash from the Department of Education and Skills. The group received more than £1,500 earlier this year from the department's community champions fund. It used the

  • Council pays dog bin costs

    EMPTYING dog bins costs Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council £879.84. The council authorised payment of the cheque to Warrington Borough Council at its March meeting.

  • Streetlights reported

    BROKEN streetlights have been reported to Warrington Borough Council by Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council. Clr Garry Cross said that several streetlights were out in Callands Road and Westbrook Crescent as well as lamppost number one in St David's

  • Bollards are on their way

    CAST iron bollards are to be put outside the Callands centre to stop cars mounting the pavement. The parish council feared that cars were making people's lives a misery by cracking the walking surface after rotting timber bollards were removed in August

  • Were you a rose queen?

    A CHURCH in Bewsey, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, is looking for former rose queens and parishioners to help commemorate its special landmark. St Barnabas Church, on Lovely Lane, is 125 on October 18, and this summer a series of events

  • Foy he's a jolly good fellow

    A DEDICATED son whose dad is battling bowel cancer is calling for a Tour de Force from the public when gets on his bike for charity. Fitness instructor John Foy has arranged a sponsored bike ride from Halton Stadium to his beloved Goodison Park. John,

  • Training college sets up base at Runcorn's Heath

    THE Vocational College, one of the UK's leading training providers, has launched a national base at the Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn. The college - formerly know as Taurus Training - provides a wide range of training services, with programmes

  • Academy side make grade

    London Broncos 16 Warrington Wolves 36 A MUCH improved performance by Warrington Wolves under 18s Academy team gave them a grading phase victory on Saturday. Wolves scored eight tries, with only two conversions, and never looked in danger of losing the

  • First post-war semi in town

    ON Sunday Warrington will play host to a Challenge Cup semi-final for the first time in 67 years. St Helens and Huddersfield Giants will go into battle at The Halliwell Jones Stadium at 3.15pm for the right to play Wigan Warriors in the final at Cardiff's

  • Gregory predicts another top six finish

    MIKE Gregory still has a 'soft spot' for Warrington despite sinking them to reach the Challenge Cup final as head coach of Wigan. Gregory was the skipper of Warrington against Wigan in their last Challenge Cup final appearance in 1990 and he is Warrington's

  • David's in the spotlight

    A TALENTED 10-year-old is aiming to become the next Will Young after scooping first prize in a holiday pop competition. Potential pop idol David Edgar of Palacefields, Runcorn wowed judges and with his rendition of Light My Fire and Leave Right Now while

  • Alex hold firm for a vital point

    Reading...1 Crewe...1 ANOTHER Kenny Lunt special secured the Alex what could yet be the crucial point in their battle to avoid relegation. There is often a touch of class to the 24-year-old's goals and this was one of his best as he curled a 20-yard free-kick

  • Higgy hopes to get more involved in the run-in

    ALEX legend Craig Hignett is staying on to see his former club finish the job of securing First Division survival. And he wants to help get it done on the pitch. One of the fans all-time favourites during Dario Gradi's near 21-year reign, Hignett has

  • Group meeting

    STATHAM Residents Association holds its annual general meeting next Tuesday at Statham Lodge. The event starts at 8pm and everyone is welcome.

  • Juniors shine in Wilmslow event

    LYMM Rugby Football Club's junior sides gave a good account of themselves in the Wilmslow Festival. Their under eights team were beaten finalists and their under 11s and under nines sides reached the semi-finals stage. Lymm under eights scored 18 tries

  • Junior Rugby League latest

    Rylands u7 36 West Bank u7 32 RYLANDS recorded a deserved win and Nathan Harrop and Alex Stott made impressive debuts. The try scorers for Rylands were Callum Leonard, three, Matthew Horne, Theo Holt, three and Joe Oakes, two. Their player of the match

  • Soap short of a point

    Crosfields 12 Wigan St Judes 36 CROSFIELDS went down in their last home match of the Arriva Trains Conference Division One to already promoted Wigan St Judes. It leaves only one game, at unbeaten Wath Brow, to gain the league point required for survival

  • Crude vandals attack shelter

    BUS travellers in Thelwall are being prevented from using a shelter in the village - because it continues to be mysteriously doused in oil. Clr Ted Lafferty said that even though the oil is cleaned up, it keeps on returning and stopping people from using

  • Grange girls pipped at the post in semi-final thriller

    Warrington Grange 3 Preston North End 4 WARRINGTON Grange women's soccer side fell at the last hurdle in their bid to reach the final of the North West Women's League Cup. They gave themselves an uphill task in their semi-final thriller with Preston North

  • Penalties decide the destiny of Red Lion trophy

    THERE was high drama in Warrington Sunday Soccer League's Red Lion Cup final before Turf and Feather emerged as the winners. A penalty shoot-out was needed after Turf and Callands were unable to add to their 3-3 scoreline in extra time. Both teams missed

  • Fisher rescues point

    Warrington Town Res 1 Curzon Ashton 1 WARRINGTON TOWN Reserves fought back from being a goal behind to earn a deserved point against Curzon Ashton on Saturday. Their goal scoring hero in the Mid-Cheshire Soccer League clash was Ben Fisher, who netted

  • Town's promotion push dented by sloppy defending

    Curzon Ashton 3 Warrington Town 2 WITH only three games left to play Warrington Town face a nail-biting finish to the season. Their bid to clinch promotion to the UniBond League was not helped on Saturday when their 12-match unbeaten North West Counties

  • Promise of an improved service to anglers

    WARRINGTON Anglers' Association members will be interested to learn of some changes that occurred at the weekend. At the National Federation of Anglers' 99th annual conference, my old friend Terry Fell was voted in as president for three years and John

  • Will domination continue?

    CAN any team end the dominance of King and Queen A or St Oswalds A in this year's Warrington and North Cheshire Bowls Association campaign? The new Friday League season kicks off tomorrow, Friday and the Monday League term starts three days later. King

  • Leading cricket clubs make shrewd signings and raise the bar

    THE town's two leading cricket clubs go into the start of the new season determined not to get dragged into another relegation battle. Grappenhall and Warrington escaped the dreaded drop by the skin of their teeth in the previous campaign but they have

  • Proud dad tips Natasha for professional honours

    APPLETON golfer Natasha Podmore pulled off a tremendous treble this week to convince her dad that she has what it takes to achieve professional status. The 16-year-old secured back-to-back victories in the Royal St Davids Open Junior Championships, the

  • 'Matt' finish

    WARRINGTON'S Mark 'The Diamond' Matthews is hoping to get the chance to lead England to further Thai boxing glory. An England versus Germany event is being negotiated to take place at the Parr Hall in September following Sunday's glory night when Matthews

  • Newcomer Hague fast off the mark

    WARRINGTON'S Malcolm Hague is leading the BTRDA National Rally Championship despite being a relative newcomer to the sport and driving a car that rolled off the production line nearly 30 years ago. The 48-year-old from Thelwall stormed to victory in the

  • Alsager end season with victory

    ALSAGER Town ended the season on a winning note with a 3-1 victory at sixth from bottom Ramsbottom. The mid-week success saw Alsager end the season in ninth place, 20 points adrift of the top four. They had the best defence in Division One, conceding

  • Conkie sent off

    CONGLETON Town had to settle for a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night in an end to end last home match of the season. The Bears were held by lowly St Helens in an entertaining clash following a defeat on Saturday. Congleton went down 4-1 at title contenders Clitheroe

  • Schools hope for safer crossings

    ALSAGER schoolchildren are in line for action to help them enjoy a safer journey to school. Parents of children at Cranberry Junior and Infant Schools and Pikemere Primary School have asked for improved crossing facilities. In the case of the Cranberry

  • Runners make a marathon effort

    HEART patients and children with life-threatening illnesses will be just some of the people to benefit from cash collected by marathon runners from Warrington. Dedicated fundraisers completed this year's Flora London Marathon, which covers more than 26

  • Saints hit out at calls to ban under-fire stars for cup clash

    SAINTS chairman Eamonn McManus has slammed Huddersfield Giants for trying to have two of their star players banned for Sunday's Challenge Cup semi-final against Huddersfield. Great Britain internationals Sean Long and Martin Gleeson stand accused of attempting

  • Tell us if our care homes are to close

    CONFUSION about the shake-up of care for older people in St Helens is still worrying relatives, who have started a petition. The council wants to change the use of three care homes and close three but so far has refused to release exact details, saying

  • Saying a Big Thank You

    VOLUNTEERS and community groups in Golborne and Lowton will get a pat on the back at a special thank you celebration on April 27. The event to celebrate their dedicated work for the community, dubbed The Big Thank You and which is being held at Lowton

  • Ooh la la in Lowton

    IT'S un, deux, trois go for Lowton youngsters who have taken up after-school French lessons. Last term the school ran six sessions for six to eight year olds, which proved so popular they may be re-run for that age group and were launched for the eight

  • It's a love thing

    IAN FREEMAN A MANCHESTER supergroup fronted by the lead singer of the Inspiral Carpets is set to play Warrington. Tom Hingley's new band - The Lovers - is to bring their spiky garage pop to the WA1 club next week. As well as the Madchester legend on vocals

  • Bishop and Burke show their class with a pole

    BILLY Bishop and Mick Burke were the star performers in the latest Newton Anglers' Association matches to be held on the upper pound stretch of the Sankey St Helens Canal. Bishop won a 22-strong Sunday Open Sweepstake using a caster and long pole method

  • New batsmen inspire victory

    EARLESTOWN'S newcomer batsmen helped the club to start the new cricket season in winning fashion at home. Alex Wright scored 49 on his debut and Andy McClaren, on his return to the club, struck 37 in an impressive Sandhurst Shield victory over New Victoria

  • Newton suffer heavy defeat in season's opener

    NEWTON Cricket Club were soundly beaten in their season's opener with promotion hopefuls Colwyn Bay. Ian Walkden's side struggled with the bat in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition first division clash. They were bowled out for a pitiful total

  • Exciting debuts

    CHAMPION amateur Rugby League team Golborne Parkside finished their league programme in style. Golborne, the North West Counties Division Four title winners, defeated third-placed Higginshaw 42-6 at home on Saturday. With the silverware already being

  • Town may be kiing-makers

    ALTHOUGH out of the promotion race themselves, Nantwich Town could still have a big say on affairs at the top of the North West Counties League. Gutted to be missing out on this season's golden opportunity of extended promotion places due to non-league

  • Somewhere between the Matrix and Laurel and Hardy

    Zatoichi, cert 18 JOEL SAWYER ZATOICHI is the best thing in crazy subtitled Japanese movies since sliced bread. Based on a cult action anti-hero, Zatoichi follows the adventures of a blind master swordsman as he saves a village from the clutches of the

  • Iris vows to carry on God's work

    CRUSADING Salvation Army gran Iris Adams, 84, has vowed to continue her caring ministry despite losing her town centre charity shop - because she is too old. Evangelist envoy Iris was looking forward to moving back into her newly refurbished Albert Road

  • TEALE WALKS

    SHAUN Teale has become Northwich Victoria's third managerial casualty of the season. The former Villa star, who had been in charge of Vics since early December, resigned following his side's 1-0 win over Telford United. After the match, only Vic's fourth

  • Club hopes bright idea will get the green light

    RUGBY bosses in Moore have received a boost after receiving a £27,000 grant to fund new floodlights at the village club. Officials at Moore Rugby Union Football Club have scooped the cash award and are calling for the club to become a community facility

  • On guard!

    IF you like EastEnders, then you shouldn't miss Warrington Light Orchestra's Tudor version of Yeomen of the Guard. Set in the Tower of London the show is an unforgettable Tudor soap opera. This year marks the group's first show in the Barrow Hall Theatre

  • Play Without Words,

    The Lowry Jenni Carroll 'SEXUAL intercourse', wrote Philip Larkin in his Annus Mirabilis, 'began In nineteen sixty-three'. But while it may have been too late for Mr Larkin there were plenty of people enjoying the sexual revolution - just ask John Profumo

  • Youth games brings Halton out in Olympic fever

    OLYMPIC fever hit Halton as schools from around the borough competed in the Youth Games Athletics Trials at Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes. Primary school pupils battled it out in a variety of track and field events including sprints, long jump and javelin

  • You're in good hands

    I WAS recently admitted to the Daresbury ward of Warrington Hospital for a knee replacement. I was very impressed with the consultant Mr Stewart's quiet confidence and caring manner. I was amazed how busy the wards were and I found all the staff so professional

  • Betrayed by Blair

    THE soldiers and civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan have been exposed to internal radioactive contamination from depleted uranium use. America says '70 tons of this material was used'. It is hardly surprising that both the British and American Governments

  • Back Home aims to 'build a better cultural understanding'

    By SEHREEN SHAFAAT MEMBERS of Speakout were on hand on Saturday at the launch of the Back Home project. The initiative will provide an opportunity for the young people to research South Asian cultural heritage and to also share and highlight the contributions

  • Camera to deter thugs

    I WAS parked in Walton Hall golf course car park from 4pm to 7.45pm and on my return I found my car broken into and my multi-changer CD stolen, causing damage to the total of £375. There has been a large fence erected, moving the car park entrance to

  • Animals don't belong in circuses

    CAN I urge readers not to visit the Robert Brothers Circus that is doing the rounds at the moment. This circus still uses animals as part of its entertainment and circuses are not the place for animals. In this day and age animals do not belong in circuses

  • Drug tests in school

    By NICOLA DUTTON A NEW plan has just emerged from Government, telling head teachers that drug tests should be brought into action in their school. The amount of drug abuse among young people has drastically risen in the past 10 years and scientists worry

  • What is happening to Labour?

    AFTER being a Labour Party supporter for many years and ex-shop steward, I am disgusted to read that Councillor David Keane has been deselected by our Labour Party. This is a young man with good ideas and a good education being wasted, or is it that he

  • Move forward to stop mindless minority

    I FEEL I must share with your readers a good news story at a time when we are constantly hearing about negative and self-centred behaviour. Following an increase in anti-social behaviour and vandalism I, as a borough councillor, along with my colleagues

  • It's just rubbish charging for removing these items

    WHEN Warrington Borough Council decided on a £20 fee to collect large items of household rubbish instead of operating a free service, I complained. I was assured that the council 'had done its homework' and there would be little or no extra fly-tipping

  • Radio holds super draw

    RADIO Halton held a super prize draw. Runcorn Asda promotions manager Judith Loftus drew the prizes at Halton Hospital last Thursday. Asda donated a DVD player as a prize, while other prizes were a month's free membership for two people at Fitness First

  • Please can you offer kids a loving home?

    LOVING homes are desperately needed for children whose parents are unable to look after them. Foster parents and couples who have adopted youngsters are now being encouraged to recommend friends or relatives to follow their example. The 'refer a friend

  • MAN IN COURT ON ARSON CHARGES

    A MAN has appeared at Northwich Magistrates' Court today, Thursday, charged in connection with a fire at Morrisons supermarket in Winsford on Tuesday. Raymond Cartwright, 36 , of Alexandra Square, Winsford, was charged with two separate counts of arson

  • Johnny's on the spot

    PUPILS from Hill View Primary School, Runcorn, were treated to a brilliant day of gymnastics coaching from an expert trainer thanks to classmate Johnny MacGugan. Johnny won coaching sessions for her school when she was crowned regional prize winner in

  • Cup kings again

    'HANDS off it's ours' was the message from a Halton college football team as they retained the Cheshire Colleges Cup for a second successive year. Widnes & Runcorn Sixth Form U19s rallied round after going a goal down against Mid-Cheshire college

  • Opinion poll points to three local authorites

    AN opinion poll on the planned shake-up of local Government has found almost half of those consulted in Cheshire favour three new separate authorities. Should people vote in favour of a regional assembly for the North West in this autumn's referendum

  • Woman drowned after a vision of her dead parents

    THE naked body of a Sandbach woman was discovered in a canal, hours after she claimed to have seen a vision of her dead parents. Linda Carter, aged 49, of Ettiley Avenue, was discovered drowned in the Trent and Mersey Canal off Elton Road on November

  • Young Roots

    YOUNG and old were brought together in a celebration of Halton's past at the launch of the 'Young Roots' Intergenerational History Project at Grangeway community centre, Runcorn. Children and teenagers community group, HITS, and older persons charity

  • Old Boys service

    THE Boteler Grammar School Old Boys Union took part in its 479th Founders Day Service at St Elphin's Church, Howley. Rev Andrew Welsby, who was an old boy from 1972 until 1979, held the ecumenical service on Thursday, and was assisted by the Rev Michael

  • Teenage burglar was caught thanks to community effort

    A 16-year-old from Haslington stole goods totalling tens of thousands of pounds from nearby homes, including a horde of china figurines. Matthew Hill, of Crewe Green Avenue, pleaded guilty to two charges of burglary which involved theft of electrical

  • A recipe for bad feelings

    ANGRY residents in Callands have hit out over the level of council consultation into plans to turn a nearby industrial unit into a restaurant. Some people living on Fairbourne Close received letters from the council on April 7 but neighbouring houses

  • Priory blossoms for judges

    ANCIENT Norton Priory Museum blossomed in magnificent sunshine as judges made their final deliberation for the UK's largest arts accolade. Halton's trailblazing tourist attraction has just 20 days to wait before the winner of the £100,000 Gulbenkian Prize

  • It's a grand old team to support

    EVERTONIAN Michael Gavin achieved a lifetime's ambition on Good Friday by scoring at the Gwladys Street end in front of nearly 40,000 fans. It was half time in Everton's 3-1 win over Tottenham when Michael, from Brookvale, Runcorn, took place in the club's

  • War veteran battles to save charity

    A WAR veteran is fighting to save a precious lifeline for victims of conflict and their families. Joe Darlington, president of Runcorn & Weston Royal British Legion (BL) fears his charity could close if he can't recruit new members. Runcorn's annual

  • Chance of glory thrown away

    Wigan Warriors 30 Warrington Wolves 18 WARRINGTON Wolves may well have had some of their lethal weapons missing but the chance to appear in the 2004 Powergen Challenge Cup final was thrown away on Sunday. Wolves were keen in defence, dominated territorially

  • Church will sing for life

    CHRIST Church Padgate's choral group will hold a Singing for Life event on April 28 at 7.30pm in the church to raise cash for the Anthony Nolan Trust. The group will be attempting to sing 50 hymns or verses, or verses from hymns, and is looking for sponsors

  • Dedicated followers of past fashions

    CHILDREN and staff at Longbarn Primary were a little confused last week as they stepped back into history for the day. With help from parents and carers, pupils came to school kitted out in costumes from just about every era of the twentieth century.

  • Pupils wax lyrical for charity appeal

    BUDDING poets at St Peter's Primary School in Woolston got into the spirit of things last week when they held a poetry recital evening. Parents, carers and grandparents were invited to watch as each group of reception class children recited poems they

  • Call to 'take Wigan on' not executed

    DARREN Burns is determined to bury memories of a lost opportunity in the Challenge Cup while there are four Super League points up for grabs this week. He said: "After losing our last two Super League games over the Easter period we've got to get back

  • A church's prayers are answered

    A WOOLSTON church has been given the green light to proceed with essential modernisation works after it struck gold with a cash boost courtesy of the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. St Martins Church, off Gig Lane, has been awarded a total of £29,200 to put

  • Braveheart

    Briers takes on the fight WOLVES are so hungry to return to winning ways that captain Lee Briers will be 'risked' against Salford despite having a broken finger. Wolves lost the two Easter Super League matches in which Briers did not play and the side

  • Move with the times

    HOMEOWNERS in Halton are being urged to move with the times - even though home insurance has done anything but that! A survey has found that insurance has risen by just 11p in real terms over 70 years with the cost per £100-worth of property being just

  • Firm looks into barriers to women

    AN agency managed by women has formed a unique partnership with Business Link Cheshire and Warrington to research the barriers women face in the workplace. Westbrook based Viv'id will be carrying out four market research projects in the Cheshire area

  • 'Draw was fair - it's another step to safety'

    A DRAW was a fair reward for Alex boss Dario Gradi as his side took another step to First Division safety at Reading. Kenny Lunt's 38th minute free-kick secured a point that keeps them five clear of the dreaded third spot with three to play. "We were

  • Prove how good you are

    CREWE boss Dario Gradi wants an unbeaten end to the season as the Alex look to retain their First Division status in style. Five points clear of the drop with three to play, Crewe will look to start that task with in-form Crystal Palace the visitors on

  • 'Awards put us on map'

    WINNERS of last year's Warrington Business Awards Innovation and Development prize, Caldwells Group, also scooped the Business of the Year award. And chief executive Ben Caldwell believes it was this victory that put his company on the map. He said: "

  • Search for missing teenager resumes

    POLICE officers, using dogs and a helicopter, resumed their search today (Thursday) for missing 21-year-old David Plunkett. David, from Halifax, went missing on Saturday after becoming separated from a friend at the Budweiser Music Event at Trafford Park's

  • Have your say on policing

    SUPT Julie Clayton will be attending a public meeting at the Village Hall on Mustard Lane, Croft, on Tuesday, May 4. All residents are invited to the 7pm meeting to talk to Supt Clayton about any police matter, whether it's crime, speed of vehicles or

  • Get your dance tickets

    THE North West Springer Spaniel Rescue is holding a fundraising barn dance on Saturday, May 1, at Newchurch Parish Hall, Culcheth. Doors open at 7pm and tickets, which must be bought in advance, are available by calling 850307. They cost £7, which includes

  • Tan plan scanned

    COUNCIL planners will have to decide if a greengrocers on Barley Road in Thelwall can become a solarium and beauty salon.

  • Glance guide to sport

    Bowls Warrington and North Cheshire Bowls Association's Warwick Lowe Trophy second round matches to be played on Sunday, 11am start: Brooklands B or Grapes v Farmers B at Tetley, Smithys v Cadishead Cons at Eagle Sports, King and Queen B v Rylands B at

  • Rewards reaped for solid defence

    WARRINGTON Rugby Union Football Club's under 11s side were runners-up in the Blackpool Rugby Classic. They conceded only one try in three days of qualifying matches against teams from across the country. Their solid defence earned them a final appearance

  • Appeal fails

    A PLANNING inspector has dismissed an appeal against the refusal of security gates at Brook House Court in Lymm. The application to install the gates on Lakeside Road was turned down in October and the inspector agreed that it would produce a fortress

  • Rover and out

    Woolston Rovers 28 Rylands 22 WOOLSTON Rovers offered their neighbours no favours in Saturday's 'derby' at Bennett's Recreation Ground. Champions Rovers rounded off their North West Counties Amateur Rugby League Division One programme with a victory that

  • Team hopes to keep street scene clean

    THE streets and surroundings of Lymm should be kept cleaner in future, thanks to a new initiative launched by the borough council. That's the hope of members of Lymm Parish Council who spoke to the new street scene team at last week's meeting. The team

  • Family goes to great lengths for charity

    A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy proved himself a true hero when he swam 50 lengths in a swimathon to raise money for Macmillan nurses. Nathan Gorzko, of Pennant Close, Birchwood, had only ever done two lengths without a break before his mammoth 50-length effort. The

  • Villagers let down by post office plans

    CROFT residents feel that they have been let down by plans to turn the former village post office into a residential property. The post office closed in December 2001 and the postmaster was suspended following an audit. An investigation was launched into

  • Spartak skipper seals cup glory with last-gasp strike

    SPARTAK produced the biggest shock in years to claim Warrington Soccer League's Depot Cup in sensational fashion. Playing in the first final in their history, Spartak were widely considered to be the under dogs against General Chemicals but they produced

  • Chairman catches 15 tench in single session

    THE National Federation of Anglers' 99th conference took place in Wakefield this week. When membership services manager Bob Clark left the federation last September many member clubs, including Lymm Angling Club, were concerned that Bob's four-year plans

  • Youngsters flock to Orford Park greens

    THE 2004 Estellevillas.com Youth and Junior Bowls League got off to a terrific start in its new format on Saturday with the town's up and coming stars flocking to the Orford Park greens. This year's competition is for individuals, rather than teams, across

  • Grange confident

    GRANGE Cricket Club seek to start their season for a second time on Saturday. They have joined the Cheshire Alliance League for the first time and both the first and second teams will play in Division Three. The first team, captained by Mike Antwoon,

  • Sponsor hope

    PICNIC tables, sports equipment and storage sheds are just some of the things needed to give Great Sankey Primary School's playgrounds a boost. The school's parents and friends association (PFA) has already raised £6,000 but wants to match that figure

  • BIRDIES AND BEIRUT SAVE EASTER VIEWING

    WHATEVER happened to Easter on the box this year? Only the surfeit of annoying ads for DIY and furniture stores hinted at the fact that there was a four-day holiday. With a captive audience - let's face it, the weather is more likely than not to turn

  • I KNEW IT WAS TRITE

    THEY really moved fast in the old days. Within five minutes of the start of Sunday's new BBC1 period drama 'He Knew He Was Right', English gentleman Louis Trevelyan had met beautiful wife-to-be Emily Rowley in the Mandarin Islands, whisked her and her

  • Fight to save Youth Action

    THE leader of a pioneering youth project in Warrington, which could fold due to lack of funds, is not giving up his fight to save the scheme. Warrington Youth Action (WYA) was set up to give young people the chance to boost their own confidence by playing

  • Scouts host beer festival

    SCOUTS in Stockton Heath are holding a beer festival on Saturday to raise more money for a hall refurbishment. The 4th Warrington Scouts are hosting the evening at the Parkgate Road centre from 7pm until 11.45pm with Purple Toad providing musical accompaniment

  • Young Irish footballers kick off Peace Centre tournament

    YOUNG Irish footballers helped to kick off the third annual Warrington Peace Festival Football Tournament. Members of Greenisland Boys FC, from Belfast, played soccer, visited the Town Hall and enjoyed themselves at a social evening during their five

  • Ethnic teams show off their skills at soccer tournament

    FOOTBALLERS from a variety of backgrounds came together for Warrington's third ethnic football tournament on Sunday. The event, at Great Sankey Leisure Centre, welcomed a host of guests, including councillors and leaders of all the faith communities in

  • Council bosses to get bigger salaries

    A MAJOR shake-up of working practices at Warrington Town Hall could see key heads of service picking up a £7,250 pay rise. But current directors will have to re-apply for their jobs under proposals to be discussed at Monday's executive board meeting.

  • I'm sick of these medical mix-ups

    A BLUNDER with medical records because of a case of mistaken identity is proving to be a real pain for a Birchwood woman who has been forced to prove she hasn't left town. Jennifer Mulcahy, aged 29, of Goldfinch Lane, contacted Birchwood Medical Centre

  • Three's a crowd for cramped youngsters

    A WOMAN whose three children have to share a small bedroom is battling to be re-housed after nine years on the waiting list. Warrington Borough Council said last April that it wanted to resolve the problem 'as soon as possible'. But 12 months on, the

  • Baseball bat men hunted

    POLICE are hunting a gang who burst into a man's home and attacked him with baseball bats. A 56-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries after the assault inside his flat on Grasmere Avenue, Orford. The incident happened at 8.15pm on April 4.

  • Boy appears on attempted rape charge

    A 17-YEAR-OLD boy appeared before magistrates last week charged with attempting to rape a girl who was aged under 16. On Thursday the youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attended Warrington Youth Court to face two charges of attempted rape and

  • Robbery foiled

    A BALACLAVA-wearing gang left a garage forecourt empty handed after trying to steal an automated cash machine. Around four or five men fled the scene, at the BP garage in Culcheth, when a member of the public disturbed them. Police are investigating the

  • Mum feeling flush after Pyper-Jai's appearance

    A PREGNANT mum from Bewsey got more than she bargained for when a trip to the toilet ended with her giving birth to her fourth child. Stacey Monks, aged 24, of Molyneux Avenue, gave birth to a baby girl at 12.05am on Wednesday - five days later than planned

  • Death of son who 'brightened up lives'

    A DISTRAUGHT couple spoke of their anguish this week as they struggle to come to terms with the death of their 25-year-old son following a freak accident at work. John Rowland (pictured right), of Lovely Lane, was nearing the end of his shift at Tibbet

  • 'Satan made me do it' claims teen who butchered father

    A FORMER Warrington schoolboy, who was bullied after moving to Scotland, killed his father in a crazed attack with two samurai swords, a court has heard. Daniel Leather, aged 17, told his mother that Satan had made him do it and that he had stabbed his

  • REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

    A DISAPPOINTING weekend in the capital brought Widnes Vikings back down to earth with a bump after hopes of a revival had soared over Easter. Defeat to fellow strugglers London Broncos leaves Widnes with a must-win fixture against basement-boys Castleford

  • MR JAMES FLETCHER

    Mr James Fletcher, husband of Mrs Susan Fletcher, died of a heart attack on February 14. He was 48. Mr Fletcher, of Keswick Avenue, Orford, lived in Warrington all his life. He was employed as a quality controller at Carrington Wire for 29 years. Mr Fletcher

  • MRS FLORENCE MABEL SUTTON

    Mrs Florence Mabel Sutton, wife of the late Mr John Rimmer Sutton, died of pneumonia on February 23. She was 97. Mrs Sutton, of Westminster House nursing home, Old Hall, formerly of Venns Road, Orford, was born in Great Yarmouth and had lived in Warrington

  • MRS KATHLEEN PERKINS

    Mrs Kathleen Perkins, wife of the late Mr Roy Perkins, died of a stroke on February 15. She was 87. Mrs Perkins, of Woodleigh care home, and Riverbank nursing home, lived in Warrington all her life. She worked at Orford Tanning Company and later at Joseph

  • Touching the Void, (15)

    LUKE TRAYNOR IN my youth, I was forced to participate in steep mountain climbs in the Lake District and Wales in the interests of fun. This usually involved around four hours heavy toil up varying degrees of slopes and a 20-minute respite on the summit

  • Spun, (18)

    MICK MIDDLES Teetering on the edge of breakdown, Spun is a twitchy, disjointed and, mercifully, hilarious cycle of drug delirium and high anxiety. At last we find a film that makes Human Traffic seem like Last of the Summer Wine. It begins in claustrophobic

  • Scully's class helps to ease terrace tension

    Saints 40 Salford City Reds 4 AMID the controversy that engulfed Knowsley Road on Friday skipper Paul Sculthorpe led from the front to ensure Saints' awful week ended on a positive note. Sculthorpe's first half hat-trick and brilliant orchestration of