Pre-historic finds could
be most exciting yet!
EXCLUSIVE by Gary Skentelbery
AMAZING evidence of an ancient stone-age encampment dating back as far as 8000 BC has been uncovered at Lymm near Warrington.
Local archaeologist James Balme has discovered an area once occupied by Hunter Gathers from the late Mesolithic and throughout the Neolithic period of prehistory.
He has unearthed flint tools and weapons found while researching an area of previously un-searched farmland in Heatley.
The new finds follow hot on the heels of his previous success in locating and excavating the ancient settlement of Warburton including a rare Early Bronze Age axe and later a Roman fortlet – all as a result of his metal detecting hobby!
Now experts believe the discovery of yet another previously unknown ancient site could be one of James’ most exciting finds to date.
He said: ” To find one ancient site is very exciting but to find yet another, possibly dating back as far as 8000BC is just unbelievable.
“After showing all of these artefacts to experts there is no doubt whatsoever that we have evidence of a rare stone-age encampment and I can confidentially predict that many more artefacts will be recovered over the next few months.”
Dr Michael Nevell Director of archaeology at the University of Manchester said: ” The prehistoric story of the North West started with the end of the last Ice Age around 8000BC. The nearest site around this early date to the Heatley area is a group of flint tools from a sandstone cave in the central Cheshire ridge near Beeston Castle, which are believed to be Upper Palaeolithic in date circa 8000 BC.
” The 4000 years between 8000 BC and 4000 BC are known as the Mesolithic and are characterised by the colonisation of the British Isles by bands of nomadic hunter-gatherers who roamed the newly established forests hunting wildfowl and following the migration of such animals as deer.”
James who is now studying the flint implements in close detail added: “I will now be continuing my work at the site in conjunction with Dr Nevell and also with the co-operation of Derek Pierce, Chairman of South Trafford Archaeological Group.
“It is vitally important to record these finds and the exact location of the site. I am pleased to have added yet another piece to the historical jigsaw of the area.”
Dr Nevell added ” These ancient people lived in temporary, seasonal camp sites, which have left very little evidence in the archaeological record beyond a scattering of a few stone tools, stake holes, and the remainder of camp fires. Initially, this influence was restricted to the occasional forest clearance, but with the introduction of farming around 4000 BC these clearances became widespread and extensive, altering the natural landscape forever.”
Now James is making a new documentary which he will be releasing on video and DVD during November.
Entitled ‘Echoes of our Ancestors it tells the story of stone-age man and his influence on the landscape and includes many of the ancient artefacts he has recovered recently.”
Historic Media Productions is currently accepting bookings for Echoes of our Ancestors and for more information on how to reserve your copy simply e-mail [email protected]
Huge rise in
police complaints
by Terry Johnson
A huge rise in complaints against Cheshire police officers and staff has been revealed in a report.
Complaints by the public shot up by 93 per cent between April-June – though a report to Cheshire Police Authority says ‘the rise is not unexpected’.
The Authority has been told that it is linked to a better understanding by officers and staff of complaint recording, greater awareness by the public of how to complain and ‘easier procedures’.
Police Authority chairman, Peter Nurse, said: “If more people have the confidence to report their concerns about police action because they believe something will be done, complaints are bound to rise in the short term.
“We shall monitor the trends carefully to make sure that everyone gets better at resolving issues when they arise”.
Complaints against the police are registered under 20 categories – ranging from serious issues to alleged incivility or neglect of duty.
In most cases they are resolved at local level with the complainant.
Chief Supt. Helen King, who presented the report, said: “Local resolutions are a very efficient way of quickly responding to people’s concerns.
“Most people feel satisfied and reassured that the police take their concerns seriously and are open to explaining their actions – and, where appropriate, putting things right.”
In April the Independent Police Complaints Commission was formed. It extended the complaints system from just police officers to include police staff and ‘specials’, making all aspects of policing accountable.
Now the public can complain personally, electronically or through a third party, like the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
Cup of cheer
by John Hendon
Warrington South MP, Helen Southworth, has promised her support to the world’s biggest coffee morning next Friday, September 24.
She will be joining Stockton Heath villagers for coffee at St. Thomas’ Church Hall – one of manylocal events pledged to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief.
Helen said: “I am supporting Macmillan because of the wonderful work they do for people living with cancer.
“My coffee morning, from 10.00-11.30am, will help Macmillan support people with cancer in this community.”
The world-wide fund-raising will provide vital information and counselling centres, specialist Macmillan medical staff, buildings for cancer treatment and care and grants for people with cancer who also have financial difficulties.
Scouts reach
new neights
Warrington Scouts are promoting a fund-raising lecture by mountain conquerer, Doug Scott.
The high challenge event at Parr Hall on October 19 feature’s veteran Scott’s ‘Sacred Summits’ – the South-West Face of Everest, North Ridge of Kangchenjunga, East Pillar of Shivling and New Guinea’s Carstenz.
Local scouts hope the lecture will be a major fund-raiser for delegates attending next year’s European Scout Jamboree at Chemsford, Essex, with 46 countries and 20,000 scouts taking part.
Warrington Scouts have just returned from a series of international events, including the World Scout Moot in Taiwan, a 10-day expedition in Malaysia, an explorer trip to Canada’s Prince Edward Island and events in Switzerland and France.
A Culcheth scout joined the National Scout and Guide Orchestra’s concert tour of Estonia.
Tickets for the Parr Hall event – adults, ?8, senior citizens, students and under-18’s, ?6 – from 01925-442345.
Young chef nearly
tastes success
A country pub chef inspired ‘by mum’s great home cooking’ came within a whisker of winning the North-West Young Chef of the Year competition.
Joe Wright,23, who works at the Chetwode Arms in south Warrington, built on his mum’s expertise with a mouth-watering presentation which included spiced trout sausage with Morecambe Bay Salsa, pan-fried venison from the Duke of Westminster Estate with Cheshire Smokehouse Pancetta, finished with a trio of Cheshire apple desserts.
Joe came second in the prestigious contest, judged by master chefs.
Part of his prize will be to visit London’s famous Borough Market and restaurants that include Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’ and Gordon Ramsay’s eatery at Claridges.
Competition organiser, Sandra Allwood, of North West Fine Foods,said: “Joe demonstrated huge talent under considerable pressure. He made exquisite use of local produce”.
News in brief
Supporting art
Warrington councillors are supporting a celebration of Cheshire’s diverse arts and crafts.
Thirty-seven professional artists open their studios and workshops to the public over four week-en
ds, this month and next. Talents showcased include paintings, ceramics, glassware, textile, photography and art installations.
The open studios offer the chance for people to meet artists and see how and where they produce their work. A taster of the creative talent can be seen at Chester’s Grosvenor Museum, Grosvenor Street, until November 4.
Top of the class
Construction engineers at Warrington-based United Utilities have gained Uni-qualifications believed unique in the UK.
Nine engineers are awarded the Certificate in Utilities Management from the University of Central Lancashire, Preston.
UU is the first company to sponsor employees on the pioneering course. The successful engineers supervise a combined ?3 billion of contracts in the North-West.
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 7,8,11 and 12. The ?556 jackpot went unclaimed and the consolation prize was won by B Chambers. Next week’s jackpot will be about ?800.
