Doctor?s “gift of sight” for needy Sri lankens
by Terry Johnson
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A WARRINGTON doctor is seeking help to take ‘the gift of sight’ to hundreds of his Sri Lankan countrymen.
Dr Sri Kumaraswamy, a GP in Warrington for more than 20 years, wants townspeople to donate unwanted spectacles so they can be shipped to Colombo, then taken to remote Sella Kataragama, on the southern tip of the island.
There are no opticians in this part of Sri Lanka and people have to pay up-front for their medication – so glasses discarded here can make a huge difference to visually-impaired villagers.
The Sri Lankan-born GP has been taking used glasses to his homeland for the past five years – mostly at his own expense – and has restored the fading sight of hundreds of people.
The last time he visited the country he distributed 273 pairs of glasses. He also provides walking aids and medical advice to Buddhist villagers.
Some people have donated money to help the project and this has been used to buy medicines and food for residents of an old people’s home.
Dr Kumaraswamy, who practices at the Bold Street Medical Centre, Warrington, travels to Sri Lanka in July.
He is collecting glasses and donations to pay for a teacher to give lessons in English and computer studies once a week – for a salary of just ?60-a-year.
“Children are generally only educated to primary school level. They can’t afford to go to secondary school, which is a bus ride away”, said the GP.
He added: “Their families also need them to help in the fields. If we can get just one child to university, it will have been worth it.”
Donations, including reading glasses and walking aids, can be made to the medical centre at 25, Bold St., Warrington.
Hospital Friends join memorial tree scheme
by David Skentelbery
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THE League of Friends of Warrington Hospital has been chosen as one of a number of charities to take part in a scheme to plant trees in memory of loved ones at beauty spots across the country.
Under the “Life for a Life” scheme, medium sized trees will be planted on land given by United Utilities.
In Warrington, two areas of meadow land – St Rocco’s Meadow and Mersey Meadow – have been made available by the utilities giant New sites are being prepared all the time.
All money raised by the Friends through the scheme will be given to Warrington Hospital.
Being chosen for the scheme is an important boost for the League of Friends who are currently struggling after being forced to suspend their money spinning lottery for almost a month because of claims that it causes a fire hazard in the hospital.
Although the lottery has resumed operation, sales of tickets have fallen by about a third as a result .
Friends’ chairman Alan Woodward said: “We feel this is a great opportunity to help others and provide a fitting memorial for families.
“Members of the public may also wish to have a tree planted for a special occasions such as weddings, wedding anniversaries or the birth of a child or grandchild.”
The League is prepared to take interested people on a tour of the Mersey Meadows site.
Woodland benches can also be purchased under the scheme.
The sites have been selected because of their natural beauty and in front of each new tree planted a commemorative plaque is placed with an inscription of up to 20 words.
Families or individuals are invited to scatter ashes onto the roots of the tree during planting – and later can visit the trees at any time.
Anyone interested in donating a tree to the scheme should call Mr Woodward on 01925 or deputy chairman Peter Wroe on 01925 635911, extension 2418, for further details.
College end-of-year art exhibtion
by John Hendon
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PRIESTLEY College’s art and design department showcased its work with an end-of-school-year exhibition.
The Warrington college’s caf?-bar was the venue for the creations of students who have completed their Foundation degree at the college.
Art projects from other areas, including evening class students, were shown in the Arts Centre.
Spokeswoman Carolyn Felton said: “The exhibition was a fitting testament to students’ hard work.”
The exhibition featured a range of subjects, from paintings to sculptures.
Picture: Clare Orchard, aged 17, displays her work.
TV star to help celebrate success
by Terry Johnson
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TV soap star, Dean Sullivan, is to visit Warrington on Tuesday(June 22) to help children celebrate success in unique ‘classrooms for peace’.
Known to millions as ‘Brookside’s’ Jimmy Corkhill, Dean and the Warrington Peace Centre’s Colin Parry will present awards to schoolchildren who have completed the Open College Network’s ‘full on’ programme.
This has been researched, developed and written by the Tim Parry, Johnathan Ball Trust, set up in the wake of the Warrington town-centre bombing, which claimed two young lives.
The unique programme, which covers areas like anger management, anti-bullying, conflict resolution and citizenship, is aimed at improving community relationships, overcoming barriers to exclusion and honing job skills.
Since the Peace Centre opened four years ago, over 7,000 young people have taken part in education programmes there.
Of these, some 2,392 children have worked through the Open College Network’s ‘full on’ accredited programme.
Bike ride will aid “comfort fund” ”
by staff reporter
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WARRINGTON’S Gorse Covert Day Services will get much-needed funds from the annual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
A team of riders will be taking part in the ride on July 18 to raise money for the service and for the Leigh and Wigan Hospice.
Gorse Covert Day Services support adults with learning disabilities and will be adding the money raised to their ‘Comfort Fund’ which will help to buy computer equipment including interactive programmes and touch screen items designed to engage people in art work.
Last year this event raised more than ?36,000 thanks to the support and effort made by the riders, helpers, supporters and sponsors.
Participants can expect to be fed and watered all day and a ‘back up support’ team will be available to mend any bikes that can’t take the strain. A ‘Get Together Buffet’ for all involved will follow the ride.
For those who can’t wait until then – Gorse Covert Day Services will be holding a Fun Day, on Saturday 3rd July, to give people the opportunity to visit the centre, and join in the fun with stalls and entertainment for the whole family! The fun begins at 12noon until 3pm.
To register interest in taking part in this event or for further details call 01925 525566.
