HEAD to Penketh and Great Sankey Heritage Group's next meeting for an evening filled with the adventures of a Victorian millionaire.

Speaker Ritchie the Ranger will be in full Victorian dress and presenting himself in the character of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Henry Yates Thompson on March 3.

The founder of Thompsons Publishing House was also a great benefactor and founder of the parks movement in Liverpool with his favourite being Sefton Park in which he built the Palm House.

He was also involved in the building of the Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park.

For more information on the historical evening in the theatre at Penketh High School from 7pm, contact group secretary Peter Rutherford on 722801 or e-mail tigbob.bud1@virginmedia.com

Cash boost

THE search is on for young volunteers who can show possible future employers what they have to offer.

Warrington Youth Club, based at the Peace Centre, want 60 recruits from the area to join its 'Loud and clear' project, a series of 12-week courses which arms volunteers with vital skills and experience.

The scheme is backed by Cheshire Community Foundation which has awarded a £9,728 grant in recognition of the Great Sankey club's work.

Dave McNicholl, chief executive of Warrington Youth Club, said: "We get a wide mix of youngsters on our Loud and Clear programme, some of whom lack confidence and self esteem. 

"Our aim is to help them become volunteers and at the same time gear them up to work in different environments, whether that's with children, adults or the elderly. The grant from the Foundation helps us enormously with support costs to deliver this programme."

Warrington Guardian: An Irish evening will be held at Warrington Town next month to raise money Warrington Youth Club

New homes for newts

CONSTRUCTING new habitats for Great Crested Newts was the challenge set for schoolchildren as part of the Fiddler’s Ferry Education Resource Centre (ERC) programme of outdoor activity. 

Essential maintenance work at the ERC building, part of the power station’s site in Cuerdley, meant pupils from the surrounding area could instead explore outside and get involved in creating ‘hibernacula’.

The structures consisted of stone, logs, soil and grass where newts on the nature reserve adjacent to the power station can go to hibernate.

Warrington Guardian: palmate newts

Mini bus appeal

A GREAT Sankey-based sports club for people with disabilities are appealing for help finding sponsors of their minibus. 

The Warrington Sports and Recreation Club, which meet on Wednesday evenings at Great Sankey Leisure Centre, helps members with a range of disabilities take part in a variety of sports including swimming, football, cricket, rounders and new age curling. 

Last year their minibus was deemed beyond 'economical repair' and the group had to pay out more than £4,000 which has used up a huge chunk of the charity's funds. 

They are now looking for companies who may be interested in becoming sponsors with the businesses' name or logo displayed on the minibus in return.

Charity secretary Bernard Groom said: "Many of our members, particularly those with learning disabilities, find difficulty in travelling outside their local home environment. 

"They do not qualify for Mobility Allowance and rely on family and friends to take them to events and activities further afield. 

"With transport available, this club gives them another experience, both active and social.

"Any help with driving, or financially, is always welcome and will be gratefully acknowledged."

Volunteers are also needed on club nights.

For more details, e-mail bernardmcgroom@gmail.com

Warrington Guardian:

Marina Avenue still a priority

CSOS are continuing to make Marina Avenue in Great Sankey a priority this month due to ongoing problems with cars using the road as a shortcut. 

A successful campaign last month saw a number of drivers stopped who had been using the access only road. 

But officers will repeat visits to the area throughout the next month to 'continue enforcement'.

Warrington Guardian: Push for stop sign at 'dangerous' junction to cut accidents