Choir launches
global campaign
EXCLUSIVE by Gary Skentelbery
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WARRINGTON Male Voice Choir is going global with an international sponsorship campaign.
Warringtonian?s have re-settled throughout the world and together with the mass wartime influx of United States Servicemen at Burtonwood Air Base, means the town is still fondly remembered throughout the world.
Earlier this year, the Choir launched its F.O.C.U.S scheme (Friends Of the Choir United in Song) which is aimed at corporate sponsorship, with financial support funding the Choir?s charitable efforts on behalf of a wide portfolio of charities throughout the U.K and Europe.
These include regular work for the Peace Movement on both sides of the political and and geographical divide in Ireland.
The Choir, in response to a host of enquiries, now feels that many ex-pats, would like to be associated with these award-winning efforts and is launching it?s appeal, aimed at all ex-Warringtonians together with individual local friends of the Choir.
This extension to the F.O.C.U.S scheme, which asks for an individual sponsorship of ?20 per annum, will give the Choir the financial support it requires to enable it to continue it?s good works.
Further details of the Choir?s activities can be found on www.warringtonchoir.org.uk and donations can be forwarded to Pete Gilberts, WMVC FOCUS Scheme, c/o 6. Ferguson Drive, Orford, WARRINGTON, WA2 8EQ.
Toxic chemicals to
be stored near canal
by John Hendon
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HIGHLY toxic chemicals can be stored in a warehouse alongside the Manchester Ship Canal near Warrington, planners have decided.
Members of the borough’s development control committee have granted permission to TDG European Chemicals to store 150 tonnes of “very toxic” materials and a further 500 tonnes of toxic substances at the Acton Grange distribution centre in Birchwood Lane, Moore.
The scheme was opposed by members of Penketh Parish Council, who were concerned about the potential for fire and flooding events.
But there were no objections from the Environment Agency, nor from Moore or Walton parish councils.
Hazardous chemicals have been stored on the site since the 1960s. But the new proposals involve larger quantities.
A planning department spokesman said a large proportion of the hazardous materials stored at the site would be pesticides with a toxic component within them.
He added: “The flammable materials present comprise industrial paints and varnishes. All products are stored in approved containers of varying sizes and there will be no processing of materials on site.”
Goods are received at the site from all over the world and are stored and distributed to customers. The warehouse complex has 24-hour, 365-day security.
MP backs campaign to
end abuse and violence
by Terry Johnson
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MP Helen Southworth is backing a campaign to change the culture of abuse and violence by youngsters involved in the under-age purchasing of drink and cigarettes.
The Warrington South MP attended a conference with police, retailers and crime prevention experts at Warrington-based North West Development Agency – and said she was shocked to hear of 1,298 incidents nation-wide in just seven days.
These cases involved verbal abuse, threats, violence, sexual harassment and racial abuse.
“The main trigger for these incidents is refusal by staff to sell alcohol and tobacco to under-age children”, said Helen.
Retailers and their staff had a critical role to play in stopping children from getting hold of alcohol and tobacco. A survey by USDAW, the shopworkers’ union, showed what could happen to staff who challenged under-age purchasers.
“We all have to protect and support those who enforce the law on age-restricted sales at the sharp end”, declared Helen.
“It is deplorable that people simply going to work suffer this behaviour. We have to make it clear this will not be tolerated”.
Helen has distributed a guide to responsible retailing across Warrington shops.
Her message is supported by the Association of Convenience Stores, which represents 30,000 outlets.
Helen Southworth is pictured at the conference with police officers, retailers, etc.
Tutor aims to show
life begins at 40!
by Terry Johnson
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COLLEGE tutor, Peter Butterfield, faces an Olympic distance triathlon tomorrow (Sunday)…to prove that life really does begin at forty!
Peter shrugs off the gruelling challenge as part of his ‘mid-life crisis’.
He will swim 1,500m, cycle 40 km and run 10km at Salford Quays to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.
It is a charity close to the heart of Peter, a computers teacher at Priestley College, Warrington – for Macmillan nurses are caring for his uncle, who is battling cancer.
Peter said: “Fund-raising for the Triathlon is going well with around ?250 already pledged. But I would like others to help the cause.”
His involvement in endurance events includes the Ribble Valley CRC 25, the BUPA Greater Manchester Run and the Cheshire Sprint Marathon.
School and college in
sports partnership
by David Skentelbery
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TOWN Hall bosses at Warrington are to be asked to approve a partnership between a college and a high school to provide new sports facilities.
The deal will involve Warrington Collegiate and the adjoining William Beamont High School – a specialist sports college – in Long Lane.
Members of the borough council’s executive board will be recommended to approve the arrangement next week.
The college has secured ?1 million to develop sports provision, including a sports hall and all-weather pitch, as part of a wider expansion of facilities.
Beamont is developing a range of specialist facilities and courses promoting PE and sports and is already working closely with the college on academic and vocational sports courses for young people in the 14-19 age group, at both the school and the college.
A report to be presented to the executive board on Monday says the development of sports provision in a partnership between the school and the college will enhance the existing partnership. Wider developments will also take place at Orford Park.
The new sports hall will be built onto the existing one at the school at no cost to the school nor the borough council, but giving the school access to the new facilities.
The all-weather pitch is dependent on successful grant applications so will not proceed until this funding has been secured.
Police tributes
to tragic officer
by John Hendon
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POLICE chiefs have paid tribute to the Warrington police officer who died in a tragic road crash earlier in the week.
PC Mark Leach, 38, from Fearnhead, died when his motor cycle was involved in a three-vehicle collision at Cliffe Lane, Lymm.
He was travelling home from work at Knutsford at the time.
Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “Mark joined the Cheshire Constabulary in March 2001, after serving in the Staffordshire Force. His impact was immediately felt, as his enthusiasm and professionalism was infectious and inspirational.
“I met Mark during one of my visits to Knutsford and found him to be an extremely personable individual, a dedicated family man and police officer, who was not afraid to challenge or question decisions being taken within the Force.
“The loss of Mark is being felt throughout the police family and we will miss him.
“The pain felt by the Constabulary can not begin to reflect the sadness and feeling of loss that Debbie and the children
are experiencing, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Divisional Commander for Macclesfield, Supt Richard Strachan said: “Mark Leach was a hard working and very enthusiastic officer who loved his work and was committed to serving the community. He will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the Cheshire Constabulary, and our thoughts are with all his family, and especially his wife and children, at this traumatic time.”
PC Leach’s death was reported in Warrington-Worldwide on Wednesday.
News in brief
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Annual meeting
THE annual meeting of the Orford Neighbourhood Project takes place at Orford Church Hall, Orford, Warrington on Tuesday (August 27) at 7pm followed by cheese and wine.
Rowing Regatta
WARRINGTON Rowing Club’s annual regatta on the Mersey takes place on Saturday, July 31.
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 5, 7, 10 and 11. The jackpot was ?200 but there was no winner so next week’s top prize will be ?350. The ?25 consolation prize went to Mr Robinson.
Restaurant plan
PLANS to convert a farm yard and barns at Walnut Tree Farm, Stretton Road, Appleton Cross, Warrington into a restaurant with car park have been submitted to the borough’s planning department.
Dental practice
A DENTIST is seeking planning consent to open a practice in a portable building adjoining the day nursery at Culcheth Primary School, near Warrington.
