Schools “among the
best in the country”
by David Skentelbery
TWO of Warrington’s primary schools have been awarded ?top marks? by Government Inspectors.
Ofsted inspectors have praised Woolston CE Primary School and Cinnamon Brow CE Primary School in Fearnhead as among the most successful schools in the country.
They are included in a list of “particularly successful schools” published by David Bell, HM Chief Inspector of Schools.
Schools make it onto the list after their Ofsted inspection shows them to be “very or extremely effective in providing high quality education and ensuring that their pupils achieve very well.”
Only 421 schools from the whole of England and Wales have made it onto the list.
The borough council?s executive member for Children’s Services, Coun Colin Froggatt, (pictured)said: “This is a remarkable achievement and we are delighted to see two of Warrington’s schools appearing on this list. It is a real tribute to the dedication of the staff and the efforts of the pupils and I would like to offer them all my heartfelt congratulations.”
Gareth Jones, head of Woolston Primary,said: “We’re obviously thrilled with the news. It’s a tribute to the hard work of the governors, all the staff at the school and of course the pupils.”
Mrs Lesley Sweeney, head of Cinnamon Brow Primary said: “We are very proud of all our achievements. The Ofsted report reflects the hard work and dedication of the children, staff, parents and governors at our school. After being in post for just over a year, my priority is to ensure that the school continues to move forward and meet the needs of the local community.”
Both schools have been invited to celebrate their success at a reception at The Lowry in Salford on 25 January.
Surprise party for
“temporary” organist
by David Skentelbery
IT was 48 years ago when 22-year-old William Grimshaw was asked to take over as organist and choirmaster at Newchurch Parish Church – on a temporary basis.
He agreed to stand in until a permanent replacement was found – and clearly they are being very choosey because they haven’t found one yet!
Mr Grimshaw has just celebrated his 70th birthday – and after morning service on the Sunday after his birthday the whole congregation attended a special celebration party at the parish hall.
The party came as a complete surprise to him. The penny didn’t even drop when, from his seat at the organ, he saw an array of former rectors in the congregation. The Rev Donald Pankhurst, the Rev Bob Lewis and the Rev Alan Litton were there, along with present incumbent the Rev Chris Stafford.
Afterwards, Mr Grimshaw, of Great Stone Farm, Culcheth, said: “I wondered what they were all doing there and decided it must be because it was the first Sunday in Advent.”
But he soon found out differently – when the Culcheth High School swing bang struck up in the parish hall!
Mr Grimshaw has played for almost every wedding, every funeral and every Sunday service since 1958. He has also trained the choir – meeting his wife, Jean, in the process! – and also done a lot of voluntary work helping to keep the churchyard spic-and-span, etc.
Daughter Linda and daughter-in-law Kelly did the catering and sons Philip and James were also part of the conspiracy.
Linda said: “We managed to keep it a complete secret from Dad. The look on his face had to be seen to be believed. He just couldn’t take it all in.
“There were 205 guests at the party including many old friends – and everyone had a great time.”
Older people want to be
involved in community
by Lesley Wilkinson
A CONFERENCE looking at the factors affecting people as they grow older in Warrington was attended by more than 50 members of the public, all over 55.
The event, organised by Warrington Older People?s Engagement Group, in partnership with Warrington Borough Council, Warrington Primary Care Trust and other agencies, was held at Alford Hall Sports and Social Club.
The key theme of the day was “Nothing about us without us.”
Presentations and discussions focused on issues affecting people growing older in Warrington, and how they might be addressed by working together. Also taking part were representatives from Newcastle Elder Council and Knowsley Voice for Older People, who spoke on the positive impact that older people can have on decision making.
Coun Pat Wright, the council’s executive member for community services, said: “The conference focused on how we move forward in Warrington and how older people wish to be engaged at every step of the way, The event was successful in forging links between professionals and members of the public.”
Police make 205
arrests in a week
by staff reporter
POLICE arrested 205 offenders in Warrington last week ? the highest weekly total since the pre-Christmas ?crackdown on crime? started five weeks ago.
This brings the total to 949 since campaign began.
This week people were arrested for a variety of offences including aggravated burglary, drink driving, shoplifting, assault and affray.
The initiative is aimed at putting more criminals behind bars. A number of proactive operations are taking place to target offenders in Warrington and elsewhere.
Vehicle bodybuilders
move into town
by Lesley Wilkinson
A ?10,000 grant has enabled commercial vehicle bodybuilder Bespoke Bodies to move to Warrington Central Trading Estate from Wigan as part of a major expansion.
The move to upgraded premises means the company can now satisfy a growing order book that includes Grampian Country Food Group, Towers Thompson, The Welsh Pantry, Ferrari’s and Waterfields bakeries.
The grant was given by the North West Automotive Alliance, which has appointed The Institute of Manufacturing to help the company streamline its production processes.
Managing director John Sturt said: “As well as giving us the extra room we need for growth, the move to Warrington signals a new phase of development for Bespoke Bodies, where we will be seeking to further expand our customer base.
“Against the backdrop of the grant award, it’s an exciting time for all stakeholders in the business, and one which represents an important step-change in our development,” he added.
Bespoke Bodies specialises in the construction and repair of refrigerated and dry freight vehicle bodies, tailor-made to the customer’s exact requirements. Examples include chilled and frozen food delivery vehicles, chick carriers for the poultry industry and ice cream delivery vehicles.
[ 16.12.2005, 16:39: Message edited by: DS ]
