Archive

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Foul up and you're fired

DOG owners who let their pets foul in public places could be issued with fixed penalties from the New Year. From then on, Halton Council officers will be able to issue fixed penalties of £50 to anyone who allows their dog to foul in a public place. More

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Arson probe

A FLAT was set on fire in an early morning arson attack at the weekend. A living room in Avondale Drive was well alight when crews arrived shortly after 2am on Saturday. "There was a lot of smoke damage to the rest of the property," said Sub Officer Ian

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Concert band comeback for Pyramid performance

THE hugely popular North Cheshire Concert Band is back! They'll be performing an evening of musical melody at Pyramid in Warrington on Saturday, November 20. They are supported by Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats. Performing songs like Take the Train, Chelsea

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Widnes Albion

Widnes Albion 14 Barrow Island 20 ANOTHER narrow defeat for the Albion. After four minutes an Alex William break and offload saw Chris Holme take the ball and round his opposite full back for a try, converted by Craig Yates. Excellent defence by the Albion

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Call this justice?

CHECK this out for British justice. In April this year, a creature and its friends (or should that be fiends) were drunkenly driving a stolen car down Fairfield Road and ploughed into another car with five sober occupants, all of whom were seriously injured

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Nightclub too close to centre

I AM most concerned about the proposed two storey nightclub to be built on the car park at Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes. The leisure centre will lose parking for 40 vehicles. There is insufficient space to park now without the loss, especially in

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Don't knock it assist it

HALTON Brook, a place where you can't go out after dark, get real! I was born and brought up on the estate and although I now live in a dearer part of the town, it's not necessarily a nicer place. I have family living on the estate that are decent and

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Disgusted by grave decision

I TOO am disgusted at the decision by our council not to allow people to grieve in their own way, if that way means memorials to their loved ones. What is the problem Halton Council? As long as the memorials are kept within the boundary of the individual

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My symapathy to Robinson family

I WOULD also like to offer my condolences and support to the Robinson family with regard to lights on their son's graveside. I would think that this is so they don't feel that their son is left alone and in the dark, which is fully understandable at this

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Owner seeks Milly the missing Moggy

Owner seeks Milly the missing Moggy A DISTRESSED Middlewich resident is trying to find her pet cat that went missing at the beginning of the month. Alison Parry, of Westlands Road, has been trying to find her six-year-old black, short haired cat Milly

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MP backs bypass call

A MIDDLEWICH MP has supported residents' calls for the completion of the town's eastern bypass after a pensioner invited her to see the traffic problems in the town. Ann Winterton met with William Blunn on Friday afternoon to view the volume of traffic

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Trees fir and wide

CHRIST Church in Eaton is staging a Christmas tree festival from December 10 to 12. All the trees which will feature in the festival are being sponsored by local firms and organisations, and a programme of musical events is being put together for the

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Cruella de Christmas

A FUN FILLED Christmas show full of spotty dogs promises lots of laughter and entertainment for children at Chester Gateway. The 101 Dalmatians opens on December 3 and runs until January 7. Follow a family of dogs as they battle to outwit Cruella de Vil

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It's Jez the ticket

BIDDULPH Folk Club favourite Jez Lowe returns on Thursday, November 18, with a show at the Biddulph Arms. Jez, pictured above, has spent the last 25 years taking his songs of his native north east to audiences around the world. His songs have been recorded

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New learning area

PUPILS at Cledford Infant and Nursery School will have a new outside learning area once building work is completed this week. Pictured is Jack Hamilton showing his friends Alexander Tyrer-Jones and Shannon Coe, all aged five, and his teacher Mrs Lister

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Centre takes to streets to help youths

A PROJECT has been launched at the Winsford Centre that will offer friendship and advice to young people who spend their evenings on the streets. Volunteers from the centre on Cheviot Square will go out and meet with young people in Winsford and talk

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Police appeal after post snatch

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a thief stole redeemable vouchers from a postman's bag as he conducted his round in Winsford. The incident happened between 8.40am and 8.45am on Wednesday last week, near to the Top House pub on Wharton Road. The

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Crackdown is a success

WINSFORD Community Action Team (CAT) is celebrating its success in stamping out bad behaviour on Bonfire Night. The long term operation to ensure the safety of members of the public has been hailed as a huge success. Police officers and community support

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FAULTY WATCH STOPPED US PAYING RESPECT

DOZENS of people missed the chance to pay their respects to those who died in wars - because organisers of a service got the time wrong. Those who turned out at Winsford war memorial on Armistice Day were staggered to discover they missed the service,

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Village waits to see what the future holds for its residents

MONTHS of hard work, planning and research are about to reach fruition as Moulton Parish Council prepares to launch the village's parish plan. The village's residents have a week to wait before they can see what lies in store for Moulton when the document

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Top pianist shows off his roots

WORLD class pianist Martin Roscoe is returning to his roots to perform at The Brindley at 7.30pm on Friday, November 26. He will be reunited with his Runcorn piano teacher, Mrs Mabel Johnson, 93, who will be in the audience. Renowned musician Martin will

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Site helps clients to compare

COMPANIES in Northwich will be open to inspection by members of the public thanks to a new EU website. The European polluting emission register (EPER) will allow residents to find out more than ever about businesses by providing up to date details of

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Crewe in the 20th century

LOCAL historian Howard Curran takes a look at the ups and downs of the town over the last 100 years. CREWE has always been known as a railway town and indeed it was down to that industry that the town was born, when a small stop was built on the Warrington

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Pex Hill Aztecs 14 Beechwood Blades 1

THE Aztecs bounced back after dropping a couple of points last week. It was the Blades who took an early lead but it wasn't long before the floodgates opened for the Aztecs. The deadly finishing of Adam Donohue led to an equaliser after neat work from

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Brains and brawn

BRIGHT enough to go to a top university with enough spark to make it in rugby league? Why not do both by applying to Oxford University's rugby league scholarship programme? Two places worth £1,000-a-year are up for grabs at the prestigious university,

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Widnes Vets

Wrexham RUFC 36 Widnes Vets RUFC 26 WIDNES Vets slipped to their first defeat of the season losing 36-26 at Wrexham. The visitors had three terrific tries on the board inside the first 20 minutes, one by Dave Cafferty and two from Geoff Owen. With three

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Beechwood

Dragons FC U8s 0 Beechwood Celtic U8s 8 Best Sports U8s League LEAGUE leaders Celtic won with four goals from Tom Turkington and one each from Ben Armstrong, Daniel Newby, Jake Peacock and Jordan Smith. James Pye was man of the match. JFC Pavilions U9s

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Widnes Tigers

Blackbrook A 44 Widnes Tigers 20 North West Counties Division Four THE Tigers were 2-0 up after two minutes with an Adam Gill penalty. Minutes later wingman Mick Abbott crossed the line for the first Tigers try, Gill unable to convert. Despite some ferocious

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Widnes RUFC 1st XV

Lymm RUFC 1st XV 39 Widnes RUFC 1st XV 5 A DEPRESSING performance by the Wids against a team who had won only one league game so far this season. The early season form has now deserted the Heath Road outfit and this visit to Crouchley Lane highlighted

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Runcorn FC Halton 2 Kettering 0

ALVIN McDonald secured his first league win as manager after Runcorn scored a goal in each half to topple high-flyers Kettering Town at Halton Stadium, writes Wendy Osborne. Despite an increasing casualty list, plus two new signings on the pitch, this

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New ground on Linnets' fans wish LIST

A FANS' push for a new ground for Runcorn FC will be given new momentum at the inaugural meeting of the Linnets Independent Supporters Trust (LIST). LIST believes relocating the club could boost flagging attendances. "This Trust is the only way the new

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Sparks fly on a busy night

HIS fingers looked like barbequed sausages, so it wasn't surprising Noel Smith's eyes were watering with pain. A casualty of bonfire night, he'd lost more than just the sensation in his fingers after four sparklers exploded in his hand. "I lost my wedding

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It's business as usual say college chiefs

IT'S BUSINESS as usual despite the suspension of principal Graham Hilton, Halton College chiefs reassured their 450 staff and 9,000 students this week. An internal investigation is being carried out after Mr Hilton was sent home on full pay on Friday,

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Widnes Albion

Widnes Albion 14 Barrow Island 20 ANOTHER narrow defeat for the Albion. After four minutes an Alex William break and offload saw Chris Holme take the ball and round his opposite full back for a try, converted by Craig Yates. Excellent defence by the Albion

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Widnes U11 schools

Oldham U11s Schools 10 Widnes U11s Schools 36 North West Counties Schools Rugby League THIS was a fine performance from the Widnes boys, sponsored by the Widnes Past Players Association. It was the speed of the play-the-ball by the Widnes town team that

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Trio jailed for vicious attack on 64-year-old

THREE men have been jailed for a 'disgraceful' attack on a 64-year-old. The trio beat David Harrison as he slept in his car in Astmoor Industrial Estate. They shook and kicked his vehicle and when he opened the door, he was punched in the face, kicked

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Widnes St Maries

Waterhead U15s 10 Widnes St Marie's U15s 26 AGAINST a far bigger and stronger pack Widnes dominated. The game began with strong defensive work, which lead to Waterhead spilling the ball. Great hands by Pennington, Myler and Headen sent Winstanley charging

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Rolls Royce

Another of Crewe's claims to fame is as the former home of the world's best motor car, Rolls-Royce. The company Rolls Royce Limited was the result of the merging of two businesses: Royce Limited owned by Sir Henry Royce, and C.S. Rolls and Company, organised

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Service of thanksgiving

A THANKSGIVING service has been held to celebrate the life of a former primary school headteacher. Ray Sharp MBE, the former headteacher of Hartford Manor Primary School, died in September from leukaemia. Ray, who was born in Cumbria in 1934, taught mathematics

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LEVY 'CROSS THE MERSEY

TOLLING on both bridges is likely to be the only way a second Mersey crossing can be built, a council report has revealed. If no charge is levied, building a new bridge could soar to £750m, a figure the Government is "highly unlikely" to approve, councillors

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The Domesday Book

In the years after the Norman Conquest in 1066, the county of Cheshire was an important defensive centre for William I, as the main gateway to the North West. Despite its importance in the defence against incursions by the Welsh and the Irish, William

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The Crewe family name

THE family name 'Crewe' dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, and it has its roots in Cheshire. As time passed the family grew and prospered, becoming a distinguished family of England, eventually giving their name to the hamlet of Coppenhall. Sir Ranulph

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Concert band comeback for Pyramid performance

THE hugely popular North Cheshire Concert Band is back! They'll be performing an evening of musical melody at Pyramid in Warrington on Saturday, November 20. They are supported by Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats. Performing songs like Take the Train, Chelsea

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The impact of the railway

Crewe was a small agricultural hamlet until the 1830s. Then in 1837 the Grand Junction Railway Company laid a line passing close by Crewe Hall. The Company decided to move their manufacturing works three years later, and chose Crewe as their new base.

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Friends rally round for the love of Niki

FRIENDS of a popular groom, who was involved in a serious car accident leaving her critically ill, are raising money to help with her rehabilitation. Niki Cumberland, 24, who worked at Arley Moss Farm, was brain damaged in the crash, which happened close

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Over Probus Group

OCTOBER meetings of the Over Probus Group, at the Red Lion in Little Budworth, were dominated by references to the continent of South America. On October 11, the group welcomed Ellen Matthews, who explained how she found herself trekking 65 miles through

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Pickmere and District WI

PRESIDENT Joan Webb opened the October meeting of Pickmere and District WI. The recently held hot pot supper and beetle drive was a huge success both socially and financially. Those members who attended the WI group meeting at Hartford High School enjoyed

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Bus problem

HAS the situation regarding public transport and the Whitegate Way been resolved? In other words, is there a bus stop in both directions by the steps down from the A556 Chester-Northwich Road in Oakmere? Cheshire County Council exhorts people to use public

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Answer this

A SIMPLE challenge to the councillors who seem to be in favour of building an incinerator in mid Cheshire. I will get all the people who are against to come to the Memorial Hall in Northwich a week on Sunday at 7pm and we will count them. The ones in

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Superb show

I WOULD like to thank the Round Table for a fantastic display of fireworks at Verdin Park on November 5. It was a very good display with bangers that rocked your body and set off plenty of car alarms. Hats off to all who helped to get it together and

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Where does money go?

REGARDING the letter in the November 3 edition from Clr Barrie Hardern on wearing your poppy with pride, I'm sure we all support our service men and woman and are very proud of the work that they do. However, could someone please tell me what percentage

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I HAVE worked all over the north west during my career and have had to deal with local authorities o

Local politics interests me, partly out of interest, partly because part of my job brings me into contact with them and partly because of the money I have to pay in Council Tax. I always believed that the current system employed in this area was the best

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Aim for zero waste, not more incinerators

I WOULD like to make a connection to two linked articles in the Northwich Guardian of November 3. On the one hand, Vale Royal has been nominated for an award for its recycling rate and on the other a health professional, together with a Vale Royal borough

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Dad's town hall protest over son's grave

A GRIEVING dad has staged a dramatic protest at Runcorn town hall. Peter Robinson is angry with Halton Council for ordering him to remove solar lights from his son Sean's grave. To pour salt in their wounds, Mr Robinson and his wife, Jeana, this week

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What a waste

AFTER all the hoo-ha in the press about the Lion Salt Works proposing to raise £5million to save the buildings, a letter from Outsider last week, although short, summed up what myself and countless others think...what a waste of money. Thousands have

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Upset over death of dog

THIS letter is addressed to the driver on the by-pass by Leftwich, A556, who ran over my beloved pet dog, Jess, a large black labrador. The accident happened on November 4 around tea time. Accidents do happen but why didn't you have the decency to stop

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Caught on camera ...

TV PRODUCTION students from Warrington have made a special video to encourage youngsters with learning difficulties to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Rachael Turner, 19, from Oakwood, Dawn Cundy, 20, from Great Sankey, Kimmo Ohtonen,

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Where there's a will ... there's aid

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is urging the public to take part in Will Aid month, which encourages people to make a will and raise vital funds for charity at the same time. A 2004 Will Aid survey by Lightspeed Research revealed that out of 34,000 adults

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The Old Hall Hotel, Sandbach

DATING back from 1656, the Old Hall Hotel has been rated one of the most haunted buildings in Britain. The hotel, in Sandbach, Cheshire, stands on the site of a manor house that burnt down. Several psychic groups have spent time at the hotel and it has

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Stop off at little theatre for night of fun

Anthony Newley was just 30 when he co-wrote the musical Stop The World I Want To Get Off with Leslie Bricusse. But watching the show from a packed auditorium at Knutsford Little Theatre on Monday night you would never have known. For his bold and powerful

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That's a poor show

THERE is a theatre, cinema, art gallery, library, 1000-acre park, heritage centre and a brass band in Knutsford. But that still could not stop Macclesfield borough being rated the least cultured place in Britain last week. The area finished bottom in

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Dedicated force comes to town

Knutsford will have a team of police officers next year solely dedicated to dealing with town centre problems. An inspector will also be permanently based at the police station in Toft Road. "It is an attempt to become more community focused," said Sergeant

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My God! What is the world coming to?

OFFICIALS have cordoned off the front row of a church balcony amid fears that someone might fall off. Vicar Nigel Atkinson said members were concerned that Knutsford Parish Church could be sued under health and safety laws. "It's never happened in hundreds

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Simple solution to problem

KNUTSFORD town centre is currently in a deplorable state with road works, the Royal George (that was) being revamped, and the subsequent loss of car parking spaces. Beyond the town, cars are being parked alongside roads - even the conservation area roads

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New kit is launched

WIDNES Vikings have launched their new kit for 2005. Orders are now being taken for replica shirts, pictured right, which the club hopes will be delivered before Christmas. The new home shirt features a fashionable loop plaquet collar and is predominantly

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Paul's strong arm

IT WAS back down to earth with a bump for Knutsford Hockey Club 1st XI after last week's success with an inept display against Timperley. Despite a promising first 10 minutes when Knutsford bossed the game, they failed to make the breakthrough, thanks

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VIKINGS STEP UP SCRUMHALF SEARCH

DESPITE being linked with a new name every week, Widnes Vikings have begun pre-season training without a specialist scrum-half in the squad. After three days of fitness tests and weight training, assistant coach Stuart Spruce has described the mood in

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Bridge Timber 5 YKK 3

THE current holders of the Runcorn Sunday cup scraped through to round three against YKK. Dave Tierney tested the YKK 'keeper on five minutes before Jay O'Brien brought a fine save from the youngster. Richie Jones should have done better with a free header

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Runcorn FC Halton 2 Kettering 0

ALVIN McDonald secured his first league win as manager after Runcorn scored a goal in each half to topple high-flyers Kettering Town at Halton Stadium, writes Wendy Osborne. Despite an increasing casualty list, plus two new signings on the pitch, this

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New ground on Linnets' fans wish LIST

A FANS' push for a new ground for Runcorn FC will be given new momentum at the inaugural meeting of the Linnets Independent Supporters Trust (LIST). LIST believes relocating the club could boost flagging attendances. "This Trust is the only way the new

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Hat fund

Pirate Lennon Titterton, five, watches his friend and head chef Jayden Beethan, five, tuck into a sandwich during an event at the Grange Primary School in Winsford. Pupils were allowed to ditch their uniforms for the day and wear wacky outfits to raise

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Cruella de Christmas

A FUN FILLED Christmas show full of spotty dogs promises lots of laughter and entertainment for children at Chester Gateway. The 101 Dalmatians opens on December 3 and runs until January 7. Follow a family of dogs as they battle to outwit Cruella de Vil

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Do nothing and you'll get incinerator

OPPONENTS of plans to introduce an incinerator in Cheshire are warning members of the public that time is running out for them to object to the proposals. The group CHAIN (Cheshire Anti-Incinerator Network) is urging people to take part in Cheshire County

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by the Rev David Ottley,

Priest-in-charge, St Luke's, Goostrey ARE you biased? I ask this mindful of Alan, a former colleague of mine. As well as being a priest he was also a teacher. He was an intelligent and thoughtful sort of bloke. Alan was reliable and honest, not prone

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Adventure is over

BARNTON'S European adventure has come to a end despite winning their final game in the second group stage of the UEFA Regions Cup. Sadly a 1-0 win over San Marino wasn't enough to send through the Mid Cheshire side who, earlier in the week lost 4-2 against

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Widnes Moorfield

Widnes Moorfield U14s 8 West Bank Bears U14s 0 WIDNES Moorfield were off to a great start when Rob Conroy fed Chris Lunt who made inroads into the Bears defence. From the play, Danny Nelson put in a perfectly timed kick which Danny Gatcliff hacked on

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Rita goes that extra Golden Mile

SHE'S more than a manager - she is a tower of strength! Rita Schwenn has been put forward for a national award run by the bosses at Blackpool Tower. Her selfless work in Victoria Court sheltered accommodation in Mottershead Close, Widnes, saw her nominated

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ATTENTION

LANCE Corporal Patrick Chambers, 25, has just spent the last month on a rigorous training exercise in Warcop in the north of England. Patrick, a former SS Peter & Paul pupil from Widnes who is married to Natalie, is a royal engineer attached to the

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The Lyceum Theatre, Crewe

STANDING on the site of a Roman Catholic Church and its graveyard, there are three ghosts that haunt the Lyceum Theatre. When the Roman Catholics left the church for bigger premises in the 19th century, the site was converted into the theatre and opened

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SUPER SPONGERS

Gym staff at JJB in Widnes swapped healthy people for dirty cars in a sponsored car wash for Children In Need on Monday. Activities are going on at the gym all week, including a gruelling 8-hour cross-trainer challenge - in fancy dress! Call Gemma on

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Keystone cops

MISSING people, car crashes and AWOL soldiers - helpdesk staff see it all. To help them deal with these inquiries better, a bigger reception room has been built at Widnes police station. They think it will speed up customer service and free up 'blue light

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Bus driver 'distraught'

THE bus driver involved in a collision in which eight-year-old Dylan Lines died is too 'upset and distraught' to go back to work his boss has said. Halton Transport's managing director, David Cunningham, said: "He is still off sick and very upset and

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Steve shows naked ambition

A FRODSHAM man has dared to bare all for charity in scenes reminiscent of British comedy film Calendar Girls. Steve Jennings, of Chester Road, jumped at the chance of appearing in his company calendar even though the photo shoot required him to pose in

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Bus service is an early Christmas present

RESIDENTS on a Weaverham estate have been given an early Christmas present with the introduction of a new bus service into Northwich. The Hefferston Grange estate residents have been calling for the service for more than two years. Now Cheshire County

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Widnes Vets

Wrexham RUFC 36 Widnes Vets RUFC 26 WIDNES Vets slipped to their first defeat of the season losing 36-26 at Wrexham. The visitors had three terrific tries on the board inside the first 20 minutes, one by Dave Cafferty and two from Geoff Owen. With three

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Widnes Tigers

Blackbrook A 44 Widnes Tigers 20 North West Counties Division Four THE Tigers were 2-0 up after two minutes with an Adam Gill penalty. Minutes later wingman Mick Abbott crossed the line for the first Tigers try, Gill unable to convert. Despite some ferocious

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Widnes RUFC 1st XV

Lymm RUFC 1st XV 39 Widnes RUFC 1st XV 5 A DEPRESSING performance by the Wids against a team who had won only one league game so far this season. The early season form has now deserted the Heath Road outfit and this visit to Crouchley Lane highlighted

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Grounds for appeal?

WINCHAM Park may have seen its last Northwich Vics home game. The agreement between Vics and Witton, allowing Northwich to play at Wincham Park expired on Novmember 6. And Albion chairman Mike Worthington has revealed that a new agreement has yet to be

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Egerton prove their strength in depth

CuddingtonU16 0 EGERTON U16 3 This first-round District Cup match reflected the strength in-depth enjoyed by Egerton this season. With several players injured and Stubbs on trumpet duty at the Remembrance Day service, it needed Dave Barrow to rise from

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What's more important?

SUNNYBANK 1971, home to redpolls, reed buntings, yellow buntings, a number of natural wild flowers, barn owls and kestrels, hunting shrews in the margins of this perfect piece of heath. What's on there now? Footpaths, dog muck and inexperienced twitchers

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Bullies deserve a good hiding

TODAY I've been speaking to an 84-year-old man who told me that he was walking up Peelhouse Lane recently after shopping in town. He reached Mount Pleasant and three youths approached him from behind. One knocked his cap off, knocked his walking stick

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Touching

I WAS very touched to hear about a nurse in ward A3 of Halton Hospital giving up her lunch break to give a cancer patient a hair do. She gently led this frail old lady into the bathroom, washed and dried her hair, set it in rollers and brushed it out.

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Grave mistake

I FEEL sorry for the woman who had her purse stolen from her car as she tended a grave, but the message is do not take anything of value to the graveside. Name and address supplied

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Halton Brook hosts CAT walk

CHESHIRE Police would like to respond to a letter, published in the World last week entitled 'Not nice to me'. Runcorn Community Action Team (CAT) is committed to improving the quality of life for Halton Brook's residents and making them feel safer. As

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Give tax payers what we want

SINCE playing amateur rugby at Leigh Rec in the early 1980s and now watching my own son play on those same fields, I am totally disgusted in the state of facilities, or rather lack of them, in that area. The changing rooms and showers are something I

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Don't call time on men like me

AFTER spending nearly every evening and weekend since 1976 at the bar of a public house as a thinking man's drunk, it saddened me to the point of making features that would bend an RSJ. People are staying in the house and drinking cheap beer. Not only

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Pupils' manners are rubbish

EVERY day after lunch I have to go out and pick up litter the pupils of Ss Peter & Paul school deposit at the front of my home. I have spoken to the head teacher regarding this problem but nothing is resolved. They use the chip shop in Lower House

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Film is taste of Roman history

THE Middlewich Roman Festival is to be preserved in celluloid history with the launch of a commemorative film. James Balme, a filmmaker from Glazebrook, was commissioned by Middlewich Town Council to make a film about the festivals that took place in

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Town crossings must be safer

CHESHIRE County Council is failing to provide safe crossing points in Middlewich say councillors who have reiterated concerns about dangerous roads in the town. Town Mayor Jim Basford said Middlewich First is worried about the risks faced by pedestrians

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Young get place to meet

YOUNG Middlewich residents could soon benefit from a youth shelter following discussions between the Congleton Community Action team and town and borough councillors. Town Councillor Paul Edwards said the aim of the shelter is to provide a space for teenagers

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Vital route waits for start date

AMBITIOUS plans for an £11million bypass aimed at solving Middlewich's traffic headaches are awaiting a start date, town councillors have been told. County council officials are to lodge a bid for planning permission for the completion of the route from

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Stop using our town as a dumping ground

A MIDDLEWICH residents' group has voiced objections to the possibility of a transient traveller site being set up in the town. The group, called CW10residents, agrees there is a need for site in Congleton borough, but they are fiercely opposed to one

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PATIENTS FACE LONG TREK TO BE TREATED

DOCTORS' hopes of providing treatment for minor injuries at a surgery in Middlewich have been scuppered. A Cheshire health authority has decided not to commission enhanced services, which would allow them to offer the service at the surgery. Although

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Donation is good news

BOOKWORMS at Hartford Primary School are celebrating after having a complete restock of new up-to-date books - thanks to an £8,000 donation from parents. The parents belong to the school's award scheme, where they contribute so much per month to raise

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Poet provides inspiration

BUDDING writers at Barnton Primary School were given some inspiration with the visit of a freelance children's poet. Former teacher David Horner visited the school last week and held poetry workshops with classes throughout the school. Pictured, from

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Pupils help saltworks fund

THOUGHTFUL pupils from Comberbach Primary School have been putting their heads together to come up with fundraising ideas to save a piece of history. Prefects from Year Six offered to help the Lion Salt Works Trust when they heard that its buildings needed

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Hat fund

Pirate Lennon Titterton, five, watches his friend and head chef Jayden Beethan, five, tuck into a sandwich during an event at the Grange Primary School in Winsford. Pupils were allowed to ditch their uniforms for the day and wear wacky outfits to raise

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Original creations

MORE than 300 original works feature in Congleton Art Society's annual exhibition. The works have been produced in watercolour, oils, pastel, ceramics and mixed media by society members and are being exhibited for the first time. This year's show features

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Creative skills

YOUNGSTERS at Wimboldsley Primary School showed their creative skills when they took part in two work shops with professional artist Sarah Gallagher last week. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed constructing their cat and canine sculptures during the course of

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Misery's fearful spell

I SAT on the edge of my seat, hidden behind my press pack whilst watching Misery. It was a frightful portrayal of Steven King's gothic horror in which a psychopathic woman is determined to keep a tight hold of her beloved without remorse. There are only

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Tax claims warning after conman uses mum's name

A WINSFORD mother who believes someone is using her personal details to claim tax credit is warning other people to be on their guard. Carole Payton, 44, has a young child and is entitled to tax credit but her claim has been rejected because someone is

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Mine waste protesters prepare for court

A HIGH Court challenge against controversial plans to store hazardous waste at Winsford Rock Salt Mine will begin on Monday. Minosus, the company behind the work, has been given the go ahead by the Environment Agency to start the process of storing hazardous

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Guest finds firm's not Poles apart

A NORTHWICH based IT consultancy firm has played host to a visitor from Poland who wants to learn more about the industry. PL Consultancy, an IT services and products supplier to the pharmaceutical industry, has opened a branch in Poland to serve eastern

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The future's bright

FOR the first time in more than a decade Moulton residents will enjoy a colourful spectacle in the village after plans to erect a Christmas tree on the village green won the go-ahead. Mark Green, chairman of Moulton Parish Council, has confirmed that

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Centre sets standard for the continent

A MID Cheshire call centre is proud to be the most culturally advanced in Europe after scooping a prestigious award. Barclays' Gadbrook Park call centre won the best call centre culture trophy at the European Call Centre of the Year Awards. The honour

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Ideal for the home

INSPIRATIONAL ideas to decorate your home with fresh flowers at Christmas will be given at an exciting festive show. Top national demonstrator Kevin Gunnell presents To Dream In Gold And Silver at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 9 at Farnworth Methodist

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Borough's sex education is booming

SEXUAL health training for teachers, doctors and youth workers has been working well in Widnes. They've been learning how to help young people cope with their concerns around pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Like the rest of the north west

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And the spiritualists said... let there be light

A CONGREGATION at a spiritualist church in Widnes have finally seen the light thanks to brand new windows! Sunlight now floods in through the tall windows and high skylights onto freshly painted walls - a transformation unthinkable after being targeted

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Let's eat healthy

SIGN up to our food charter - it could save lives and improve your business! That's the message from campaign group Heart of Mersey. They want food sellers in Halton to sign their charter to promote healthy eating and cut the risk of heart disease. Modi

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Residents pick up tab as councillors cleared

TAXPAYERS will have to pay up to £24,000 following the investigation of complaints against members of the same parish council. Rudheath Parish Council is concerned about the cost to local taxpayers of looking into the complaints. The Standards Board received

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Halton Farnworth Hornets

Halton Farnworth Hornets U8s 28 Mayfield U8s 20 HORNETS got off to a great start with a bursting run and try from Stephen Fenney. Even though there was some good defensive work from Jamie Steadman, Andrew Mason, Patrick Worsley, and Nathan Lyon, Mayfield

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Runcorn Boys U14s 1 Rivacre U14s 0

TOP of the league Rivacre were the visitors to Runcorn Boys who had seven players unavailable due to illness and injuries. The game started at a furious pace with the home side bringing the best out of the visiting goalkeeper. After 20 minutes, Runcorn

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West Bank Bears

St Cuthbert's U11s 30 West Bank Bears U11s 8 ALTHOUGH West Bank defended well St Cuthbert's found the gap and went over to score The Bears found it really hard to keep defending on their own try line. But after some very good defensive work, Jordan Campbell

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Wids Kids

THE Wids U7s played in the Banbury tournament last Sunday. They lost the first 20-15 to the hosts who were an experienced and well-disciplined side. The Wids had three tries disallowed in the first half and it is to their credit they kept their heads

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Moorfield U13s 10 Eccles/Salford 6

A HARD earned win for Moorfield against Salford. Great defensive teamwork restricted Salford's ability to create any chances. After some sustained pressure from Moorfield, Liam Duggan scooted over for the first try. Patrick Naughton's kicking game caused

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Bridge Timber 5 YKK 3

THE current holders of the Runcorn Sunday cup scraped through to round three against YKK. Dave Tierney tested the YKK 'keeper on five minutes before Jay O'Brien brought a fine save from the youngster. Richie Jones should have done better with a free header

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Warrington & District

MOORFIELD enjoyed a 4-1 home win against Beeches. Cronton Villa are top of the Grange Valley Amusement sponsored first division after a 7-4 win over Halton Borough. Avon Athletic beat previous leaders Blackbrook to go second. A goal by Sean Farrell and

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Burglaries at lowest since 1980

BURGLARIES have plumetted in the past 12 months. Cheshire police say that 1,000 less break-ins have been committed compared to this time last year. Burglaries are now at their lowest level since 1980. The force is putting the success down to its Safer

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LINNETS' BOSS TARGETS PLAY OFFS

WE'RE gunning for the play-offs! That's the defiant message from Runcorn boss, Alvin McDonald, who saw his injury-hit side blow away Kettering for his first league win in charge. "It was smashing to get that first home win," the 52-year-old said. "It

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New kit is launched

WIDNES Vikings have launched their new kit for 2005. Orders are now being taken for replica shirts, pictured right, which the club hopes will be delivered before Christmas. The new home shirt features a fashionable loop plaquet collar and is predominantly

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Smoke ban in the pipeline

A SMOKING ban for pubs is being discussed by Halton Council, ahead of the proposed national ban announced this week. The council has already signed a letter supporting Liverpool's efforts to outlaw smoking in bars and restaurants. And council leader Tony

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Council tax is value for money

TAXPAYERS in the area are receiving good value for money from a key Cheshire County Council service, says a leading representative. And a Northwich primary school is among the projects being hailed by the Government as an example of 21st century design

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Halton remembers

ICY winds cut through bare branches as hundreds of people silently paid tribute to Halton's courageous war heroes. Heads bowed in respect and standards gracefully lowered as The Last Post rang out. "They shall not grow old as we that are left to grow

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Horses die in stable inferno

THREE horses died, stables were torched and a stolen car was involved in a road collision after a suspected teenage gang struck in Helsby. The act of destruction has been condemned after the shock attack in broad daylight - and a special appeal has been

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Fight to save regiment

THE fight to save the 315-year-old Cheshire Regiment was taken to Downing Street this week. Cheshire County Councillor Eveleigh Moore Dutton handed in a petition containing thousands of names and called on the Prime Minister to give supporters an early

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Crewe Hall

Crewe Hall stands a few miles from the town of Crewe. The earliest record of the site is dated from 1170. It became Crewe Hall when Sir Ranulph Crewe bought the mansion in 1608. He demolished the decayed building in 1615 and took 21 years to rebuild it

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The steel industry

Crewe was home to a plant which used the revolutionary Bessemer process for manufacturing steel. The Bessemer process, named after Sir Henry Bessemer who patented the process in 1856, meant that steel could be mass-produced quickly and easily in a reliable

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There's no good reason for substation

VALE Royal Borough Council's planning department has recommended refusing planning permission for a substation near Acton Bridge - much to the delight of campaigners in the area. Planning officers concluded that the plans to build the substation and trackside

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Business in Crewe

Today, developments by the Borough Council such as the Crewe Gates Industrial Estate and Crewe Business Park have encouraged businesses and industries to move into the town. Crewe's main industries are engineering and agriculture. Mornflake Oats, which

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Heads should roll for this...

A TAXI firm owner from Northwich is furious with traffic management in Northwich town centre and is demanding council heads should roll. He claims the way traffic has been 'mishandled' for nine months is a disgrace. Eddie Bath, of Richard Street, alleges

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Fireworks scare at pool

SWIMMERS were evacuated from Sir John Deane's Leisure Centre on Saturday afternoon after fireworks were set off in the pool changing rooms. Fortunately, nobody was injured and there was only minor damage to tiles in the changing rooms. Police arrested

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Home Office chagne of heart brings joy for sister

SMILES have replaced tears for a Northwich couple after a court ordered immigration authorities to grant an Indian woman a holiday visa. Ben and Maggie Lowther are desperate for Maggie's sister Sandra Fernandes, 22, to come to Northwich on compassionate

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Law will need longer arms

A LEADING solicitor is asking questions over the future of legal procedures in and around Northwich amid continuing speculation about the future of the town's magistrates' court. Chris Johnson, of Northwich and Winsford-based firm Moss and Haselhurst,

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Change means more bobbies on beat

A DRAMATIC restructure of policing across Vale Royal is set to see more bobbies on the beat in a bid to boost public confidence in the force. Under fresh Cheshire Police Authority proposals which would mean the biggest-ever shake-up of law and order in

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INQUIRY PLEA OVER BABY LUKE'S DEATH

THE heartbroken family of a 10-month-old baby who died on Friday have demanded an inquiry into the circumstances of his death. Luke Winston-Jones was terminally ill with heart and breathing problems and died at Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool. His mother

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Crowton WI

THE November meeting of Crowton WI took place on November 2 in the village hall. The president, Kathy Baldwin, welcomed three new members and two guests from Norley WI to act as tellers at the annual meeting. No ballot for the new committee was held as

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Warmingham and District WI

THE November meeting was the annual meeting, which ended with a mystery entertainment crafted by members and drawing on the Wombles and local events. At the meeting, members reflected on the year and elected committee members to arrange another exciting

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Whitley WI

REPORTING on the outing to view the Japanese Garden at Tatton Park in October, the president Helen Carey said at the November meeting of Whitley WI that it included a slide show and was a huge success. This year's winner of The Adelaide Hough Bowls Shield

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Northwich Inner Wheel Club

PRESIDENT Judy Hubball welcomed everyone to the October meeting of the Inner Wheel Club of Northwich, especially district chairman, Doreen de Belder. Judy had received a letter from Maria Lea and the Mobility Trust asking for a contribution to the cost

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Hartford WI

PRESIDENT Barbara Smith led members through the usual monthly business before retiring from the post, after serving for three years. The secretary and several other committee members also retired having served their three years. The annual general meeting

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Super slim Sharon kicks grub for grubber kicks

KICKING on in her battle against the bulge, super slimmer Sharon Harrogate has realised her goal of playing top flight rugby once again. In a remarkable turn around, the 36-year-old mum has been head hunted by county-level officials after her impressive

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What a waste

AFTER all the hoo-ha in the press about the Lion Salt Works proposing to raise £5million to save the buildings, a letter from Outsider last week, although short, summed up what myself and countless others think...what a waste of money. Thousands have

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How much?

PETER Nurse, chairman of Cheshire Police Authority says pressure on budgets would threaten front line police services this year. Last year £31.3 million was raised through council tax. This money is supposed to pay for services. Now we learn that a staggering

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Upset over death of dog

THIS letter is addressed to the driver on the by-pass by Leftwich, A556, who ran over my beloved pet dog, Jess, a large black labrador. The accident happened on November 4 around tea time. Accidents do happen but why didn't you have the decency to stop

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Centre needs work

I FEEL the controversy over the re-siting of the War Memorial has overshadowed the real problem, and that is that Crewe needs more than a revamped square to entice people into the town. The town centre is outdated and disjointed with the 'big name' shops

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Start listening!

I AM disgusted with the Crewe council voting to move the War Memorial to one of the noisiest traffic polluted locations in the town. The armed forces and Crewe residents do not want this move to take place. As a senior citizen I remember when the council

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Searching for Joan 50 years on

YEARS ago, in 1951/2 to be exact, I was in the RAF stationed at Hack Green. My friend and I spent many happy hours in the Wilbraham Arms in the company of a couple of young ladies by the name of Joan Malam of No 1, Manor Road, Nantwich and her friend,

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Wonder wall

A GRAFFITI wall has been created in Brookvale. The 7ft high wall is supposed to encourage young graffiti artists to enjoy their art without facing public areas. The project was organised by Arena Housing with the help of the police, Halton Council and

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Bin plague is making our streets more unsightly

I UNDERSTAND that we have got to be more environmentally friendly. We have an allotment, so we compost everything. I don't understand where David Marren is coming from in his letter in last week's Guardian. All his technical wording as a council officer

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Warmingham and District WI

THE November meeting was the annual meeting, which ended with a mystery entertainment crafted by members and drawing on the Wombles and local events. At the meeting, members reflected on the year and elected committee members to arrange another exciting

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Power line worry for society

VALE Royal Borough Council's planning officers have made no objection to plans to set up overhead power lines in Budworth Heath. The application by Manweb is to realign a 740-metre stretch of the power line from Carrington to Lostock Gralam on land north

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Group therapy on offer at centre

REFLEXOLOGY, Indian head massage and reiki are just some of the complementary therapies being offered by a Warrington-based charity. ARC, which supports people affected by abusive relationships, is holding an open day today, Tuesday, at the Gateway in

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Jenny wins a glittering prize...

Diamonds are a girl's best friend - just ask Jenny Readman, of Warrington Carers Centre, who couldn't believe her luck when she won a diamond necklace at a charity bash. Jenny, aged 54, was attending a dinner and fashion show in aid of The Princess Royal

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We'll help the elderly more, says Lib Dem

THE man who wants to win the Warrington South seat for the Liberal Democrats at the next General Election says his party will help the elderly more than the Tories and Labour. Speaking after a meeting of the Warrington Branch of the North West Pensioners

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Keeping the wolf at the store

TESCO is to continue sponsoring Warrington Wolves mascot Wolfie. The company helped pay for the Wolves' Halliwell Jones stadium next to the Tesco Extra store on Winwick Road. Store manager Steve Humphries said: "Sponsoring Wolfie for a second year is

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Shortage of council homes 'at crisis point'

A SHORTAGE of council houses in Warrington means half of the people on the waiting list may never be housed. This is the view of the organisation responsible for providing council homes with the local authority. Demand for council houses is reaching an

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Egerton grapple with their rivals

Grappenhall U8 6 EGERTON U8 2 THE first half was a tightly fought game where Paul Butler made some excellent tackles. Barney Wynne was outstanding in defence, constantly being aware of his position and the ball and making a couple of important saves.

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Grappenhall U8 1

Egerton U8 1 GRAPPENHALL were quickly ahead in the game through a penalty. Bradley Berry led the midfield with Jack Edwards, attacking the defence constantly. Will Dunkerley passed well to Charlie Sheldon who had a couple of near misses. Josh Wates and

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VIKINGS STEP UP SCRUMHALF SEARCH

DESPITE being linked with a new name every week, Widnes Vikings have begun pre-season training without a specialist scrum-half in the squad. After three days of fitness tests and weight training, assistant coach Stuart Spruce has described the mood in

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Shop stays open for Santa

A Knutsford shop will stay open until 6.30pm on Wednesday next week so youngsters can meet Father Christmas For £2.50 little ones will be able to visit Santa at The Children's Adventure Farm Shop in Canute Square. There will also be an opportunity for

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Firemen cut gold ring from woman's finger

FIREMEN yesterday helped a woman after her gold ring got stuck on her finger. The 25-year-old woman went to Knutsford Fire Station at about 2pm after contacting her doctor. Her skin had begun to swell and blister near the gold ring. "We get about half

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Where are we heading

YOUR readers may be interested in an encounter I had on Thursday while selling poppies at the Knutsford M6 services. A young man walked past me several times before asking for help. In halting English, with a German accent, he told me he was lost and

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McGuinness kicks sale into touch

Knutsford...28 Sale...22 KNUTSFORD Rugby Club travelled to Haywood Road for a fascinating contest against Sale. Perfect weather and pitch conditions enabled Knutsford to make the most of their talented and speedy back line. Gruelling Knutsford had virtually

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Tatton's return to action

TATTON U11 1 Witton Villa U11 1 TATTON returned to league action on Saturday morning at Egerton Youth Club after a two-week break for the weather and County Cup matches. They were slow to start and inevitably presented their opponents with the lead within

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Final minutes cost villagers

HOLMES CHAPEL RUFC 22 Helsby RUFC 30 HOLMES Chapel travelled away to Helsby on Saturday, but lost in the final minutes for the fourth time this season. Chapel's handling errors in the backs were confounded when they were caught offside to give the home

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LINNETS' BOSS TARGETS PLAY OFFS

WE'RE gunning for the play-offs! That's the defiant message from Runcorn boss, Alvin McDonald, who saw his injury-hit side blow away Kettering for his first league win in charge. "It was smashing to get that first home win," the 52-year-old said. "It

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Misery's fearful spell

I SAT on the edge of my seat, hidden behind my press pack whilst watching Misery. It was a frightful portrayal of Steven King's gothic horror in which a psychopathic woman is determined to keep a tight hold of her beloved without remorse. There are only

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OGDEN REFUSAL SPARKS SEARCH

THE hunt for a new manager at Witton Albion is ongoing after Leek boss Paul Ogden turned down the chance to take over the reins at Wincham Park. Ogden had been in line to replace John Davison, but on Sunday, decided to stay at Leek and rejected Witton's

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Brammer kicks first XV to victory

JIM Brammer kicked Congleton 2nd XV to victory at Hankinson's Field on Saturday against Knutsford. Brammer kicked two penalties early on before Knutsford fought back with two of their own to make it 6-6 at the interval. Congleton regained the lead on

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Meeting the stars

MOTORCYCLING fan Martin Shelley met Hawk Kawasaki British Superbike stars Glen Richards and Dean Thomas after winning the chance to ride his bike around Mallory Park. "It was an absolutely superb day, and a real once in a lifetime opportunity," said Martin

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Triton return to winning days with away day success

TRITON Hockey Club men's first team returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 2-0 victory at Bebbington. They dominated the first half, with good passing and movement, and excellent goalkeeping and inaccurate finishing keeping the game goalless. They