Parr Hall: another
feasibility report
is requested
by David Skentelbery
TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington have decided to confirm controversial recommendations affecting the future of the town’s premier concert venue, the Parr Hall.
Members of the executive board will ask the full council to agree at its next meeting to a policy of “responding reactively” to repairs and updating requirements as they arrive, maintaining existing budgets and funding levels in the short term.
But they also want to carry out a further feasibility assessment looking at the role the Parr Hall could play in future in competition with other local and sub-regional facilities and also options for meeting the requirements of performers and audiences at the hall.
They also want to consider opportunities for improving evening car-parking arrangements for the hall.
Opposition Liberal Democrat councillors have already expressed concern that the “responding reactively” policy could lead to the hall deteriorating and eventually closing.
They say the policy amounts to “sitting back and doing only essential repairs.”
The future of the Parr Hall has been under review for some two years and eventually came up with the “respond reactively” recommendation.
According to the latest report considered by the executive board, the gross cost of running the Parr Hall is an estimated ?712,000, with an estimated income of ?296,000 leaving a net annual cost of ?416,000.
A feasibility study looking at management options has already been agreed but the proposed new study would relate to wider issues and not duplicate the one already agreed.
The Parr Hall was given to Warrington in 1895 by the founder of Parr’s Bank, Mr J.C. Parr.
Magnificient seven
win employment awards
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON based charity SPARC, which supports adults with learning disabilities into meaningful employment, held a special a wards ceremony celebrating the hard work and commitment members have made in finding work.
Lord Hoyle of Warrington and Colin Daniels, Patrons of SPARC, (Supporting People Achieving Real Choice) joined the team to present the awards ceremony hosted by Project Manager Fran Sixsmith at St Oswald’s Club, Padgate.
There were seven awards presented during the evening.
The Most Effective Team Member award was presented by Lesley Prashar a parent on the Management Committee and was won by 25-year-old Shelley Read from Latchford. Shelley works at Tesco as a Staff Canteen Assistant.
Naveen Prashar, 25, from Westbrook, won the award for Personal Development. Naveen also works at Tesco as a Customer Services Assistant. This award was presented by Jane Raven, Secretary of SPARC.
Gary Edmunds 33, from Bruche won the award for the Most Effective Workwise Member presented by Catherine Mannion.
Matthew Judson 21, from Penketh won the award for the Most Developed Independent Traveller presented by Alan Bentley SPARC’s Administrator.
The Most Improved Member, presented by Jim Cannon, SPARC Job Coach, was awarded to Leanne Vincent 20 years of age from Callands. Leanne works at Matalan as a Customer Services Assistant.
The Rob Woods Award for the Most Progressive SPARC Member was awarded to Lisa Park 26 years old from Orford. This award was presented by Lord Hoyle, Patron of SPARC. Lisa works at Jessica’s Nursery in Penketh. This award was for outstanding levels of achievement on both a personal and work level beyond that expected of members.
The Phil Callaghan Award for the Most Supportive Employer was awarded to Tesco. This award is in recognition for the commitment to providing training and employment opportunities for SPARC Members. The award was presented to customer service managers Kim Monks and Martin Squire, by Colin Daniels, Patron of SPARC and Chief Executive of Chambers of Commerce.
Fran Sixsmith said: “On behalf of the Management Committee and the SPARC Team I would like to thank all employers for providing work opportunities to SPARC Members.” SPARC is funded by The Big Lottery and continues to seek employment opportunities for our members. Potential employers who are interested in receiving further details please call Fran Sixsmith at SPARC on 01925 494423.
Concert in memory
of tragic Shannon
by John Hendon
THE Shannon Bradshaw Trust – the charity set up in memory of the tragic seven-year-old Warrington girl who died from a rare bone marrow condition two years ago – is to stage its biggest fund-raising event yet.
Talented singers, dancers, musicians and entertainers will take part in The Shannon Bradshaw Variety Concert at the Parr Hall, Warrington on Friday, January 28.
All monies raised will be distributed to families who have children with life threatening or terminal illnesses across the North West.
The concert programme has been designed to appeal to audiences aged 16 and upwards and there will be a variety of raffle prizes to be won on the night.
Shannon’s fight to survive the rare aplastic anaemia captured the hearts of thousands of people. Thousands of people in Warrington and Manchester turned out to be tested to find a suitable bone marrow donor.
A perfect match was finally found – but by then, in the cruellest twist of fate, Shannon was too ill to undergo surgery and it was not possible to save her.
But during the campaign, thousands of people signed up to the Anthony Nolan Trust bone marrow register giving hope to other youngsters in need of transplants.
The concert will be hosted by disc jockey Pete Pinnington. Taking part will be boy band Jabb, dance group Independance, girl bands Jedemic and Bitter Sweet, vocalists Dave Williams, Heath and Joe, guitarist Sam, comedienne Hazel Nutt and Bov/Dancers.
Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington Coun and Mrs Ted Lafferty will be present and the evening will close with a “thank you” speech from Shannon’s parents, Alan and Patti Bradshaw.
Anyone interested should call Dianne Lamb on 07818 628821.
Exhibition honours
town’s first VC
by staff reporter
THIS Sunday, December 19, marks the 150th anniversary of an incident during the Crimean War for which a Warrington man, William Norman, was awarded the Victoria Cross.
He was the first Warringtonian to be given the highly prestigious honour.
A display marking the anniversary and commemorating William Norman and his deeds has opened at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery and will run until March 26.
It consists of photographs, maps, equipment and weapons relating to both William Norman and the Crimean War.
Items have been loaned by the Royal Fusiliers Museum and the Museum of the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, as well as several private individuals. Objects from the collections of Warrington Museum and Art Gallery also feature in the display.
Born in Bank Quay, Warrington, in 1832, Norman joined the local militia in February 1853.
In May 1854, after the outbreak of the Crimean War he transferred into the Royal Fusiliers. A posting to the Sebastapol Front on the Russian Crimea Peninsula found him having to endure the severe Russian winter weather conditions.
On December 19, 1854, Private Norman was on duty alone in a remote ravine when he was confronted by three Russian soldiers, who took him prisoner. However, he managed to turn the tables on them, killing one and capturing two, and as a result was nominated for a gallantry award.
This award was the newly created decoration for valour, The Victoria Cross.
On June 26, 1857, in Hyde Park, William Norman and several other recipients received the Victoria Cross from Queen Victoria in what was the first ever such award ceremony.
William Norman continued his army career for nearly 11 years, and served as a Corporal in India during the time of the Indian Mutiny.
On returning to Warrington, he worked as a carter, but retained his military connections by joining the 1st Volunteer Ba
ttalion of the South Lancashire Regiment.
In later life, he moved to the Salford area where he died on March 13 1896.
William Norman was important not only as Warrington’s first Victoria Cross winner, but also the first in his regiment.
Woman dies after
road collision
by John Hendon
AN elderly woman has died in hospital at Warrington after being struck by a car while crossing the road.
The accident happened at the Sankey Green island in Liverpool Road.
A Ford Focus was in collision with the woman as she tried to cross the road. She was taken to Warrington Hospital by ambulance but died soon afterwards.
A police spokesman said witnesses were being sought. Anyone who could help should call the Warrington Road Policing Unit on 01244 350222.
Barking dogs seized
after complaints
by staff reporter
ENVIRONMENTAL Health officers at Warrington swung into action after receiving complaints from residents about two barking Alsatian dogs.
They seized the two dogs after a series of complaints from local residents in the Great Sankey area and repeated warnings to the dog’s owners.
A legal notice was served on the dogs’ owners in October but, despite further warnings, the barking continued.
Warrington Magistrates granted a warrant to enter the home of the owners and the two dogs were seized and taken to council kennels.
The dogs will be returned to the owner provided that the owner agrees to ensure they no longer cause a nuisance and the kennelling fees are paid. The council also has the option to prosecute the owners, however, as yet, no decision has been taken to do so.
Coun Mike Hannon, the council’s executive member for Community and Well Being, said: “The seizing of these dogs demonstrates the council’s commitment to dealing with anti-social behaviour and providing peaceful environments throughout our communities.”
Environmental Protection and Waste Manager Phil Woods added: ” We support responsible dog ownership but we will take action to deal with unacceptable levels of noise.”
Elderly man
trapped in car
by staff reporter
AN elderly man had to be cut free from his wrecked car after a collision at the M56/M6 interchange at Lymm, near Warrington.
The crash involved a Nissan Micra saloon and a heavy lorry and the car driver was trapped for some time while fire crews used heavy cutting gear to release him.
He was taken to Warrington Hospital by ambulance.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “He was very luck not to have been more seriously hurt.”
[ 17.12.2004, 11:36: Message edited by: DS ]
