Teenager arrested on
suspicion of rape
by David Skentelbery
AN 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape at Warrington.
Detectives are questioning the man, following the incident last weekend when a man entered a house at Orford, threatened a 19-year-old woman with a knife and raped her in her own bed.
The attack sparked off a huge police hunt in the town and warnings were issued to women not to go out alone at night.
Householders were also warned not to leave doors or windows open during the current spell of hot weather as it was possible the rapist got into the house through an insecure window.
The woman was badly shaken by the attack and suffered minor injuries as a result of the knife being pressed against her throat.
She was able to describe her attacker, however, as being in his 20s, about 5ft 11 inches tall, of slim build and with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark coloured track suit and spoke with a local accent.
Police mounted extra patrol in the area after the incident but still advised people to make sure their homes were secure.
Model student is
face of college
by Gary Skentelbery
MODEL student Dan Buchanan is enjoying “celebrity status” after becoming the face of a college’s recruitment campaign.
Described as a “model student” by his college Prinicpal, 20-year-old Dan is now hoping his new part-time career as a male model will help to fund his time at university as he studies to become a police officer.
Vice-President of the Student Union at Warrington Collegiate, Dan is catching the eyes of passers-by as part of the college’s “A Breakthrough in Education” campaign, with his image appearing all over his home town in a series of billboard advertisements.
Dan, from Orford, warrington, who has just achieved a merit pass in a National Diploma in Public Services, agreed to be the face of the Collegiate after going down a storm earlier this year when he appeared on the cover of the Collegiate’s part time prospectus, Life.
His latest image features Dan breaking through paper, which has been used to illustrate the strap line of the campaign. He can also be seen breaking through the side of the Collegiate’s Winwick Road Campus’s main tower block on a huge banner.
As a result of his modelling work for the college, Dan has already been asked to model for a local hairdressing company. Now he is open to other offers to help fund his time at Central Lancashire University, where he will be studying for a degree in police and criminal investigation.
Dan said: “I couldn’t believe it when the posters went up. I can’t go anywhere without someone reconginising me. I have been getting a lot of stick from my mates – but if I can get some more modelling work which helps pay for my time at university, it will be worth it.
Principal Paul Hafren said: “As Vice President of the Student Association, Dan has already proved himself to be a model student. Along with the President, Vicky Thorpe, he has spent the year being a voice for students, as well as completing his studies and working part time.
“He gave up his free time to take part in the photo shoot, which reflects how eager and proactive he is to promote the Collegiate.”
Test pilot recalls
amazing escape
by David Skentelbery
A FORMER test pilot and his wife will soon celebrate the 50th anniversary of his remarkable escape from death – and even more remarkable recovery after suffering grievous injuries in an air crash.
Malcolm Muir and his wife Jean now live in retirement in Crouchley Lane, Lymm near Warrington – but if it had not been for his amazing escape they would not have enjoyed a retirement together at all.
In October 1954, a Venom 1 jet fighter flown by Malcolm, then a 25-year-old De Havilland test pilot, suffered electrical/instrument failure in cloud.
Out of control at 1500 ft and 500 mph, Malcolm had no option but to eject.
The aircraft crashed near Ellesmere Port and Malcolm, severely injured, landed by parachute several miles away. In those days, the early ejection seats did not restrain the pilot’s limbs and limb flailing at the high speed dislocated both his knees, rupturing the ligaments and causing a compound fracture of the upper arm. The explosive force of the ejection caused a compression fracture of the lower spine.
Jean recalls: “The surgeon at Chester Royal Infirmary came one day with good news and bad news for Malcolm. Bad news – that he would never walk again without a stick. Good news – that he had landed just OUTSIDE the lion’s den at Chester Zoo.
“In fact, he was not only walking without a stick but flying again within six months and continued his career as a test pilot with De Havillands and later as deputy chief test pilot of Rolls-Royce Aero Engines.” He retired from test flying due to his injuries in 1967 and finished his career as Chief Engineer – Flight Operations for Rolls-Royce, where he was involved in the development of the Lockheed Tristar, Boeing B757 and B747.
In all, Malcolm flew more than 80 types of aircraft – from the last of the beloved Spitfires in 1951, to fast jets such as Venom, Vampire, Meteor, Javelin, Hunter, Canberra, Sea Vixen, Lightning, Buccaneer 2, V-bombers Vulcan and Victor 2 and Wessex helicopter.
His highest flights were to 75,000 ft and highest speeds, Mach 2.1 at 36,000 ft and Mach 1.3 at 250 ft over the sea – all in Lightnings, including the P1B prototype. He retired in 1987.
Elderly to have a say
on serve development
by John Hendon
OLDER people in Warrington are needed to help shape the future development of local services.
Anyone aged 55 or over is invited to attend a free information/action planning day organised by Warrington Primary Care Trust and Warrington Borough Council Social Services in partnership with local voluntary groups.
They will have an opportunity to learn more about local developments and also get involved in making comments and suggestions about local services for older people. They will also be able to meet key workers from health and social services.
Jackie Hodgkinson, Warrington PCT’s intermediate care manager, said: “Our idea is to give older people the opportunity to meet together with key figures in health and social care, so that ideas can be shared and actively contribute to the planning of services in Warrington.
“We will then be holding another event a few months later to tell people how their views are helping to make a difference.”
Jean Stringer, 71, from Orford, said: “I have a keen interest in local health and social services and I welcome this opportunity to share with others our concerns for now and the future. Your input and ideas are needed, so I look forward to seeing you at the conference.”
PCT chief executive Jonathan Smith will be opening the event while borough council will be outlining current local developments. In addition, a range of workers from within older people’s services will be available to offer support and advice throughout the day.
The event is to be held on September 20 at the Village Hotel, Centre Park, Warrington from 9.30am to 4pm. Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided.
Those who would like to attend are asked to call intermediate care managers Jackie Hodgkinson on 01925 843809 or Helen Taylor on 01925 843816, or email [email protected]
Halle musicians to
give charity concert
by staff reporter
MEMBERS of the Halle Orchestra and friends will be performing an evening of classical music at Culcheth Sports Club, in Charnock Road at the Roy Harrison Memorial Concert. The concert, organised by the Rotary Club of Newton and District Jubilee, in memory of member Roy Harrison who died last year from cancer. Roy organised an annual concert by Halle players, assisted by David Hill, and they had started making arrangements for the next c
oncert when he became ill. It was members’ wish that the concerts should continue and should be named The Roy Harrison Memorial Concert in future. More than ?1,100 has already been raised for Claire House hospice in Roy’s name and the proceeds of the concert, on October 25, will go to Rotary charity work. Tickets are ?10 each and are available from Culcheth Sports Club or by calling 01925 764370.
Firm opens learning
centre to public
by staff reporter
A WARRINGTON food company has opened its learning centre to members of the public – giving a major boost to local education opportunities.
Local people, employers and employees now have access to advice and guidance on personal and professional development at the learning centre at Woolston-based Hazelwood Chilled Meals.
The centre centre is run by a partnership between TUC Learning Services North West, Warrington Collegiate, Cheshire and Warrington Learning and Skills Council and the TGWU.
Dave Eva, TUC Learning Services regional co-ordinator, said: “Hazelwood has been a great example of a partnership between union, employer and college, that has engaged new learners by providing learning opportunities that really meet the needs of individuals and the business.”
Courses available at Hazelwood’s learning centre include Skills for Life, English as a Second Language, Information Technology and Learndirect.
The partnership is working towards establishing a flexible e-learning programme with broadband internet connections to other workplaces around the region. Hazelwood Chilled Meals is a key player in one of the fastest growing sectors of the food market.
